GET SCREENED GALS!

We know January is a busy month. There's resolutions to keep, a whole new year to plan for and plenty of exciting events in the calendar (rodeo season is coming up real soon...) and it can be easy to get swept away in the new year excitement and forget about taking care of yourself. But if there's only resolution you stick to this year, please make it going for your annual Well Woman visit!

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and it's important that you (and every gal you know aged 21 and above) get screened. More than 11,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, but luckily it's one of the easiest cancers to cure - so long as it's detected early. We know there are members of our Wolf Pack who are survivors of the disease and some who are currently fighting it, so believe us when we say it really can happen to anyone. Booking your screening today could save your life!

Pap tests can seem daunting if you haven't had one before (or in a couple years) so we just want to remind you of some key pap points!

• There's nothing special you need to do before you go in. Just your regular morning shower and you're good to go

• The test won't be painful, but some women do sometimes feel slight pressure which can occasionally be uncomfortable. This is completely normal.

• If you're particularly worried about being uncomfy make sure to head to the restroom before your appointment. You can also pop an aspirin or two an hour before you head in - we find this really helps!

• That time of the month? No problem. Doctors can still do the test no matter what stage of your cycle you're in, so don't let that stop you from turning up to your appointment.

A few minutes of inconvenience could save your life, so please please schedule your screening today! And don't forget to remind all your friends. The work ones, the school ones, the ones at your bible study or nail salon. Sometimes a little reminder and some kind reassurance that it's not so scary is all it takes to push someone to make that all important appointment.