May is Women's Health Month
As women are often the caretakers of our families. Spouses, children, elderly, and sometimes family members depend on us to help them with their daily needs. Employers expect us to fulfill our job requirements. The demands made on us often leaves us with little time to look after our own needs. We become emotional stress and physically exhausted, and our health suffers as a result. We must be proactive in taking care of ourselves and our own emotional and physical health should be a priority. As women, we must educate ourselves about what we do to maintain our optimum well-being. Our attitudes and actions can determine if we fight for life or enjoy a vital, healthy and rewarding existence.Having regular medical provider in which you have confidence is an important first step, but an education on health issues that may affect you can alert you to early warning signs may need to be addressed before your annual checkup is due, or if you have an emotional crisis. Research health issues for women online, or through nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Bring research materials with you when you visit your doctor and be prepared to ask questions. And ask many questions! You may want to know about the prescriptions your doctor gives you: Is there a generic right? What side effects can you expect? Is there an alternative treatment that does not involve medication? You can ask about the course of treatment, length of recovery time can be expected, or other health issues. A physician quality will take time to explain the results of tests, procedures and treatment options thoroughly, and answer any questions you may have. Be proactive in health care involves more than having an annual physical check, and make healthy diet and lifestyle. We must take responsibility for our emotional health. Having a positive mental attitude and manage stress in a healthy manner has potent effects of aging on our bodies. Stress is a part of life that we can not help but be allowed to manifest with physical and emotional symptoms, or we can take control of the situation when people, events and situations require too much of us. Set realistic goals and determine if there is anything we can do to change the situation can prevent the stress take over our lives. Do not worry about little things, just let it go! Prioritize responsibilities rather than being overwhelmed with too many things to do, and not be afraid to say no when you already have a full schedule.Take few minutes each day to stress! Exercise is known to relieve stress. A simple stroll in the park will do, it is not necessary to run a marathon! Take a long hot soak in the tub with your favorite bath oil after the kids are in bed. Whatever it is that relaxes you, set aside some time each day where you can enjoy your favorite stress reliever pastime.Our soul, our inner essence, is unique for each of us and requires nurturing to stay healthy. It is our self-awareness, and defines the values we think, feel and live. Spiritual health is tapping a source of energy that brings love, hope, optimism and empowerment. Whatever the health of our religious beliefs, spirituality and physics are linked. A healthy spirit can reduce depression and self-destructive behavior (snuff, drugs and alcohol dependence and suicide for example), stimulating the immune system and create a more satisfying life.By be proactive about our physical, mental and spiritual health, we can create a healthier life and fulfillment for ourselves and can also inspire our family, especially our daughters, to adopt this attitude for themselves.
