Letter to the Editor: Follow State Sen. Serino's Example

To the editor:

For months, we all stayed home to keep Putnam County safe and healthy during the coronavirus pandemic. Our efforts worked, we helped contain the spread of the virus.

Now that the infection rate is low, it’s a good time to schedule a visit with your doctor for wellness checks and any other care you may have skipped.

State Sen. Sue Serino gave us a brave reminder of how important preventative care is when she announced this month that a recent mammogram found that she had early stage breast cancer.

“Like many women, I was a person who routinely rescheduled my mammograms, never thinking twice about putting my work or family schedule ahead of my health,” Serino said in a press release. “When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I was looking for any excuse to reschedule this last one, but that nagging voice in my head told me to keep it, and thank God I did.”

I was so glad to hear that Sen. Serino’s cancer was found early and is considered non-invasive. I am also really proud of the senator for being so forthright about her diagnosis. Her personal story will resonate with many women in her 41st Senate district and beyond. Who knows how many lives her openness might help save?

I, for one, followed her example and scheduled my mammogram right away, and I urge all of you to schedule routine physicals, colonoscopies, prostate exams and other important wellness checks.

While we continue to take care of our community by wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands, don’t forget to also take care of yourself.

Sincerely,

MaryEllen Odell

Putnam County Executive