As a woman, we often tend to put ourselves last. We take care of spouses, children, jobs, volunteer activities and friends and often don’t put a lot of thought into our own needs until it is too late. However, it’s important to realize that if we don’t take care of ourselves, it makes it more difficult or even impossible for us to take care of others. By putting our own health first, we can ensure that we will be happy, energetic and healthy for the busy lives we have created.
Of course, there are a number of issues that can affect a woman’s health. According to Molly Snow, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Women’s Clinic of Lincoln PC, “Some of the most important things to take into consideration are exercise, especially cardio since it’s so good for the heart and bones, and getting enough calcium and Vitamin D. Women can begin experiencing bone loss as early as age 35 and exercise as well as vitamins can help prevent that.”
Exercise and nutrition are often neglected parts of a women’s overall health as she thinks taking the time to exercise means taking time away from her family or other obligations and when she’s running around town all day it’s easier to run through the drive-through than prepare a healthy meal. However, taking the time out of the day to focus on these two very important issues means you are a better, healthier person and better able to tackle the challenge of helping others in your life. Getting up an hour earlier or taking an hour to yourself after dinner to get in some exercise does not mean you are more important than others, it means you care enough about them to get or stay fit. And demonstrating healthy eating habits is a wonderful way to get your family on board with eating better.
If you need help with an exercise or eating program, there are a number of sources readily available. Consider visiting a nutritionist at your local grocery store or joining a fitness facility. You can also get coaching or advice online and there are more options than ever for a healthy workout program right in your own home.
Most women know that annual gynecology visits are important to their overall health. However, Dr. Gene Stohs of Gynecological Surgeons and Obstetricians PC points out, “The annual gynecology office visit is more than just a Pap smear test. It should include a discussion on a variety of topics not limited to menstrual cycles such as weight changes, diet, thyroid health, exercise programs, breast exam (including scheduling mammograms), fertility, contraception, blood pressure, calcium and Vitamin D supplements. Other topics that could be discussed are premenstrual symptoms, migraine headaches, pelvic pain, urinary frequency or incontinence and hormone replacement therapy for a wide variety of peri- and post-menopausal concerns.”
Annual gynecologic visits are a great opportunity to not only review a women’s gynecologic history but also discuss mental health, medication review, and preventative options for many years to come. However, it’s important that during these visits, you are open and honest with your health care provider. Talking about things such as vaginal pain, incontinence and other conditions can be embarrassing and you may feel like you might be the only person with this problem or you feel like everyone has this problem and you should just live with it. The truth is, pain is never normal and your healthcare provider can’t help you if you don’t tell them there is a problem.
When you bring the subject up, be honest. Tell him or her that you are embarrassed about the topic, but you really want help. Tell your provider you are having pain or problems doing things you used to be able to do. This includes sexual relations. There is no need to be shy about talking about something that is a normal part of life.
Don’t be afraid to ask about your options. Some providers routinely prescribe medications or make referrals to specialists or order tests. Before embarking upon any one treatment plan, ask for all your options, then do some research. Find out as much as you can about your condition and its treatment, but be careful about your sources. The Internet, especially, is a wonderful tool for education, but be sure you are looking at sites that are credible.
Remember, it’s your body and your health. If your provider doesn’t ask about your condition, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring it up.
Depending on your condition, it’s likely you might be referred to a specialist, such as a physical therapist. Physical therapists are not just for sports injuries or rehabilitation from an illness. They can also help with pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, pain during pregnancy, constipation, and postural changes associated with osteoporosis among other issues.
According to Michelle Spicka of Husker Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, “Staying active is a key element in preventing health problems and the benefits of exercise have been well documented and researched. Another important thing is to not be afraid to talk to your health care provider about problems you might be having. Don’t just assume they will get better on their own. For example, the majority of women wait four years before talking to their physician about incontinence they might be having. There are multiple treatment options available, including physical therapy for muscle strengthening, that can help within a short period of time.”
Another specialist you might want to consider is a chiropractor like Healthy Start Chiropractic & Wellness, PC. Chiropractors specialize in gentle, non-invasive adjustments that help remove interference in the nerves of the spine that can cause a number of health problems including headaches, back pain, incontinence and other issues. By visiting a chiropractor, you can get evaluated to see if your spinal alignment is an issue and then develop a treatment plan that may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months or more to help fix the problem.
Taking care of our own health ensures that we will be healthy enough to take care of the ones we love for years to come. Remember to develop a relationship with your health care provider so you are comfortable talking to him or her about anything and consider seeing a specialist if your condition warrants.