Women's Health

Taking responsibility for your health can be a daunting task. There’s so much information about what is and is not good for you, and a lot of it is conflicting. Here are 6 simple things every woman can do to feel her best in the new year:

[1.] Get vaccinations in order
    Flu shots are not just for the elderly, the very young or sick. The flu can zap your energy, and some flu strains can linger for weeks. To prevent the debilitating effects of chills, fever, sneezing, coughing and fatigue, get your flu shot before the season starts.

    Sometime in your life, you probably received a tetanus shot. But has it been 10 years or more? Ask your healthcare provider if you’re due for a booster.

[2.] Get plenty of winks
    Too often, moms don’t get enough sleep. They’re the first ones up in the morning to make their children’s breakfast and get them off to school, and they’re the last ones to bed at night, always finding something to do after heads have hit the pillow. The truth is, the dishes and the laundry can wait until tomorrow. You need to take care of yourself, first.

    If you are sleep-deprived, your immune system suffers, which makes you more vulnerable to colds, flu and fatigue. Moms who don’t get enough sleep are also more irritable and have trouble concentrating.

[3.] More veggies and fruits, please
    Aim for 8 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. This will keep your GI tract functioning optimally and your cholesterol in a healthy range. You’ll also be getting plenty of antioxidants to help your immune system stay in top form.
    And if you’re attempting to lose a few pounds, increasing your fiber intake through fruits, veggies and bran should do the trick. If you’re eating 8 servings a day and drinking plenty of water, you’ll be too full to sneak a donut.

[4.] Exercise need not be a chore
    Spending an hour on a treadmill or lifting weights isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. If it’s not your cup of tea, don’t buy a gym membership. Try something else.

    Have you always wanted to rumba? Take dance lessons. Do you want to spend more time doing things your kids love doing? Why not learn to rollerskate, skateboard or surf?

    If you choose something you enjoy doing or have always wanted to do, you’re much more likely to stick with it.

[5.] See your dentist regularly
    Although mothers may take their children to the dentist every 6 months without fail, they often neglect their own oral health. Regular teeth cleanings, however, do more than make your smile prettier. Gingivitis and gum disease, which can be spotted by your hygienist, are persistent sub-acute infections that may lead to more serious problems.

[6.] Make time just for you
    Before you schedule anything else, block out a few hours every week for yourself. Too often, women do not take time to treat themselves. A manicure or massage may be your special weekly event, but it’s not necessary to spend money during your “emotional well-being hours.” You might want to garden, read a book or take a stroll, photographing as you go. Relax and recharge yourself, and you will be able to better handle the demands of your life.

    By taking these 6 simple steps, you can ensure your health for many years to come – which is good for you and your family. m

    Susanne Phillips is a board-certified nurse practitioner in family medicine at UC Irvine Healthcare’s Gottschalk Medical Plaza, and an associate clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine with UC Irvine School of Medicine. Information: 877.UCI.DOCS or ucihealth.com.