Once you've interviewed and put into place the professionals who will be the backbone of your security system, it's time to think about the ones who help maintain your physical well-being. To begin, make a list of the examinations basic to your health — e.g., Pap test, gynecological exam, dental checkup, mammogram, echogram, annual physical checkup, eye exam. Next to each examination, write the doctor's name, address and phone number, and then write the date of your most recent examination — and the date of the next one! Make two copies. Tape one list in your medicine cabinet, where you'll see it often, and put the other in your address book. Giving a third copy to your folks is an option that could be either added security or an invitation to nagging.

If you don't want to bother making a list, simply write each appointment date on your calendar, which should be checked on the Sunday of each week.

Every time you keep a medical appointment, ask the receptionist to write the date and time of your next appointment. (Some offices do this routinely; others leave it up to the patient.) Be a smart cookie and always ask for an appointment card.

You do all you can to keep up with your children's examinations, so be sure to do the same for yourself! Scheduling (and keeping!) every health-related appointment is nurturing the self you and I are working so diligently to strengthen.

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