National Women's Health Week

National Women's Health Week is here!   What have you done to participate? Honestly all these reminders keep me thinking about my last OB/Gyn and Well-Woman visits which were unfortunately a while ago. Time for me to get on the phone and start calling...


There is so much going on- sports and other lessons, meetings, family vacations, bills, groceries, date night, meetings with friends, etc, etc, etc... As the caretaker of the family, it's super easy to get caught up in the calendar reminders for everyone other than yourself... Not cool.  A little scheduled maintenance goes a long way. It's important that moms take a second and assess their own health. Don't put it off. "Not having time to go" is not a plausible excuse.

Here is a quick checklist for mom: 

1. Well-Woman visit: Go get everything checked out, especially your heart.  According to the CDC, heart disease was the leading cause of death for women in 2009. Your ticker keeps your engine running. Make sure you pay attention to any signs of heart attack and irregular heartbeat. Read more: http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_women_heart.htm  
   
2. OB/Gyn visit: The OB/Gyn isn't just your friend during prenatal care, your OB/Gyn is your vagina's best friend. Go get checked. While you're there get checked for STDs. You may trust your partner but it's still important to know, 'cause you never know.  
   
3. Dental visit: Oral health is an important portion to overall  well being. Make sure you visit your dentist twice a year. It's annoying and gross and can be stressful but your elderly self will thank you later. After having children, essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients are stolen from you. Teeth can weaken, so it's important that you are diligent about your dental care. Read more: http://www.m.webmd.com/oral-health/features/what-dentist-knows-about-your-health  
   
4. Mental visit: Sometimes mental well being is considered a luxury... It's not. Your mental and emotional health will affect your children if you are not careful. True we all lose it every-once-in-awhile but if you notice this becoming more regular or if you feel depressed or suicidal- get help. I recommend moms talk to someone if not monthly, quarterly or bi annually at least. It's hard to keep a family running smoothly and keep everyone happy and sometimes it's good to get the frustration out of your system. If you don't feel like talking, take a mental health day. Your mind needs a break too.
   

Things you should do regularly:

• Eat well
  
• Get exercise
  
• Pay attention to your body
  
• Self exams
  
• Brush and floss 
  
• Communicate your needs  
  

Moms we run ourselves into the ground sometimes in order to make people happy and get everything accomplished.  Sometimes you've got to stop and assess your health. Look in the mirror and be honest with yourself.  How are you right now? Sadly your family can't read your mind, so if you need something... say it! It's your responsibility to take care of your body.  
Don't die on me ladies!