We’ve pushed the importance of regular health checks since we launched our business over a decade ago. Booking in your routine tests is the 15-minute task that headlines our online program, our book, I Don’t Have Time, radio interviews, even our TV appearance on the Today Show Extra …

Thankfully, we practice what we preach.

A few weeks ago, despite it being inconvenient timing, in the midst of a lot of activity on the work and family fronts, and without any symptoms to worry about, Audrey kept her appointment for a routine mammogram. As a result of that test, she underwent breast-conserving surgery to remove malignant tissue and will shortly begin a course of radiotherapy.

The prognosis is excellent. In hindsight, the timing was critical. It mattered that Audrey had the test right then. Not later, when things were less hectic or stressful. Not when the school year finishes. Or when a project is done. Or after Christmas. Right now. Had she pushed the tests out for a time that seemed easier, the story could have been very different. Like Emma’s story, about her husband’s important ‘to do’ list, which had everything written on it except the angiogram that might have saved his life …

This is a message we will never stop sharing.

Our reason for writing today is two-fold.

First, we hope Audrey’s story will encourage you to stop what you’re doing, right now, and book in any overdue health tests. Don’t tell yourself you’ll do it later. Please stop and do it right this minute.