I can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Mother Theresa
Women, did you know that YOU make 85 percent of the healthcare decisions in the home? The decisions women make regarding health pave the way to longevity and wellness – not only in your own lives, but also in the lives of those you love. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most caregivers are middle-aged, and 61 percent are women. As women, caretakers and healthcare decision-makers, we should all take a moment to plan steps to embrace health, wellness and prevention. Let’s show those we love that their health is our priority!
One step is to use time spent with those you love as an opportunity to aim for better health for all of you. Spending quality time with those we love not only soothes the soul but also cultivates our health and well-being. Below are some suggestions on how we can enjoy those special moments in life with those we love most by encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Girlfriends: Find health in numbers. Use your friendships to motivate a healthy lifestyle.
- Choose feel-good alternatives at your girls’ night out. This can be as simple as munching on a veggie platter rather than chips.
- Keep up with each other by planning weekly group “walk and talks” keeping active while catching up!
- For higher intensity workout, find a Zumba or Salsa class to burn those calories away while enjoying some laughs with those who know you best.
- Schedule annual check—ups together and make a day out of it with lunch, shopping and a toast to good health!
- On a girls’ day out, take your BFF to her annual mammogram exam. Afterwards, celebrate by going on a fun-packed afternoon – pamper yourselves with good food, manicures, pedicures and some retail therapy!
Significant others: Show your love for your significant other by planning activities you can enjoy and get healthier from.
- Take cooking classes together to experience the deceptively delicious flavors of lean recipes that can be recreated at home.
- Get active by finding outdoor pursuits that will appeal to both of you. Hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and rock climbing. With so many options, you’ll never get bored.
- Go with your partner to their annual check-ups. Show encouragement and support and then treat them to a romantic evening for two and rejoice in life, love and good health….cheers!
Children: Lead by example and children will certainly follow.
- While cooking, get your kids involved in healthful choices. Not only will you have extra help, you’ll also be teaching them about the benefits of healthy eating, which will last a lifetime.
- Work hard…and play harder. Challenge your kids to an impromptu game in whichever sport they like the most and show them that sport is not just for spectators, it’s a lifestyle!
- Kid’s immunizations may not always be the most enjoyable outings, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be! Make the dreaded vaccination visit a mini field trip to the zoo or the park and give your kids something to look forward to when they put their health first!
Stop 1: Physician’s office
Stop 2: A more enjoyable place for both the kids and yourself (i.e. ice cream parlor, beach, park, bookstore)
Parents: Demonstrate your love, gratitude and appreciation for your Mom and Dad.
- Take the time to check in with them about their health. Do you know what screenings and check ups they should be getting at their age?
- Make it a surprise by showing up an hour before their doctor appointments to accompany and spend the time with them.
- Spend some quality time rekindling your relationship and reiterating how important their life and comfort is to you!
Life is a gift and good health is a choice. National Women’s Health Week is May 8 – 14. The theme for 2011 is “It’s Your Time.” National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. Partner with your health care provider today to channel your creativity into a healthy new lifestyle for yourself and everyone you love! Remember: Live well. Love wholesomely. Indulge creatively!
The Women’s Health Task Force of Clearfield County (WHTF) meets the first Thursday of each month at noon. The next meeting will be held on May 5 at Comfort Keepers, 1814A Dorey Street in Clearfield, (near Rainbow Car Wash). All interested persons are invited to attend. Participate in the WHTF’s 3rd Annual Wellness Walk, Saturday, May 14, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, beginning at the Curwensville Civic Center. Additional information is available from Andrea Bressler at Penn State Extension, 765-7878; or at awb1@psu.edu. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.
Lori Rancik, RN, BSN, Case Manager, DRMC Women’s Health Center