Mother’s Day kicks off National Women’s Health Week. This is a week designed to encourage women of all ages to check-in on their health and well-being. Women are known to be helpers and caregivers, but often not known for taking good care of themselves. Time to change that and squeeze in the essentials to make women better wives, mothers and sassy single ladies.

1. Know Your Numbers: Many women make sure every member of their family has routine check-ups and is as healthy as can be, but slack in doing that for themselves. It’s time to schedule an appointment and know your numbers. Have a full physical done to learn your lipid panel numbers, fasting blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure, vitamin D status, weight and waist circumference. Like it or not, ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your health so schedule your appointment today!
2. Be Boobilious: An OBGYN visit is never any woman’s favorite hour of life and probably shouldn’t be (haha). However, this appointment is essential for women’s health and to schedule a mammogram. As a 40-year-old woman, this is something I now have to do annually, and you should too! Don’t put off these important tests. Your family needs you and needs a healthy you!
3. The 3 R’s: Rest. Relax. Recover. These three things are, but often forgotten things that women need. Many women chase kids, careers and a to-do list non-stop, but try to schedule in some time for the 3 R’s to help your mental and physical well-being.
4. Set the alarm: Women will feed every person in their house and never eat a bite except the crumbs off all the plates. That is not good enough! You have to schedule meals and snacks, even if they are quick and on-the-go. The easiest way to do it is to set routine alarms on your phone or computer. Then if you are busy, you can hit snooze and do it 5, 10 or 15 minutes. Food is your fuel and energy for the day. Without it, you cannot be your best for your family and the people you love. So, set the alarm and schedule nutrient-rich snacks throughout the day.
5. Daily decisions: Many daily decisions affect your long term health. Do you smoke?  Quit or at least start the process. Do you wear sunscreen? Start! Avoid your risk for skin cancer. Are you stressed? Sleep more or take yoga or visit a therapist. Do you snap your seatbelt every time you get in the car? Make it a priority for your safety. All of these things can improve your mental health and long-term well being.