NEWS CORNER
Happy Mother’s Day! Hello National Women’s Health Week.
It’s that time of the year again. The time when Springtime shows its face, seeds and flowers bloom, and families all around the globe celebrate their mamas. What would May be like without 23andMe running another sale of their genetic tests under the clever slogan “We Love Mom Genes”, and pithy articles written by the New York Times on “What Mom Wants for Mother’s Day”?
Perhaps the recent addition of Archie Harrison Mountbatton-Windsor to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has also sparked Springtime motherhood-glad-tidings that warms us all around. Spring has sprung, and the memory of Winter is fading fast.
It is also not a coincidence that when the 12th of May peaks on the horizon, the 20th Annual National Women’s Health Week begins – and for the next six days, awareness for women’s health issues will be brought to attention at fundraisers, events, advertising, and of course, social media.
If you’re a mama, or a woman, here are some ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Make sure you’re taking the time to visit your doctor for regular check-ups and preventative screenings.
- Stay active. A recommended 30 minutes of physical activity a day will do you wonders.
- Sleep well. Make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Eat well. Avoid empty carbohydrates and sugary foods – focus on deep greens and healthy proteins!
- Practice self-care and take care of your mental health. Unhealthy behaviors such as drinking and driving, smoking, working obsessively and not taking time off to refresh and recharge will eventually take its toll.
- Learn. Staying informed about health risks and new preventative screenings and measures is so important! You can learn more at Women’s Health Gov.
If you’re lucky enough to have a good relationship with your mama, ask her about your family history this Mother’s Day. Ask her for stories about your Grandparents or that one Uncle who everyone says is the “crazy one.” While you’re at it, ask her about your family health history and take notes! If you have concerns about cancer and/or other possible genetic conditions that run in your family, we have a Family History Review service just for you!
If you are a mama, we wish you the happiest of Mother’s Days and hope you are celebrated for the champion that you are!
If you want to be a mama, consider educating yourself before pregnancy about the many genetic tests you will be offered during pregnancy. It’s also a good idea to start taking a prenatal vitamin before conceiving. Check the label to make sure it contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. This will help reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Consider scheduling a family planning consult with a genetic counselor to figure out your options and get your questions answered.
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