WOMEN'S WELLNESS -- Women and mothers are often the primary caregivers for families. Many women are working outside the home as well as making sure meals get cooked, laundry gets washed and homework gets done.
As a result, doctors say too many women are not taking good enough care of themselves by not exercising enough or eating right. They suffer and their families suffer.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends exercising at least 2 1/2 hours per week. Sleep is important also; the average woman should get 7 to 9 hours per night.
Susan McCloud, a cardiac nurse and overseer of the Wellness Prevention Program at Kettering Heath Network, says she sees too many overworked, overstressed sick women taking too much care of others and not taking enough care of themselves.
McCloud says women need to take some time everyday for themselves doing something they enjoy, whether it's reading a good book, listening to music, meditating or simply getting outdoors and spending time with nature. Sunshine is a natural antidepressant. It also helps produce melatonin, which helps us sleep better and has been shown to fight cancer.
Other tips: Take a daily break from technology, avoid people who stress you out and learn how to say no. Taking on more than you can handle is a surefire recipe for stress.
And McCloud stresses that every woman should see her doctor once a year and get five lifesaving screenings: Cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, known as the silent killer. And she says you should also have an annual breast and pelvic exam.
And she says knowing your family history is so crucial.
As a result, doctors say too many women are not taking good enough care of themselves by not exercising enough or eating right. They suffer and their families suffer.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends exercising at least 2 1/2 hours per week. Sleep is important also; the average woman should get 7 to 9 hours per night.
Susan McCloud, a cardiac nurse and overseer of the Wellness Prevention Program at Kettering Heath Network, says she sees too many overworked, overstressed sick women taking too much care of others and not taking enough care of themselves.
McCloud says women need to take some time everyday for themselves doing something they enjoy, whether it's reading a good book, listening to music, meditating or simply getting outdoors and spending time with nature. Sunshine is a natural antidepressant. It also helps produce melatonin, which helps us sleep better and has been shown to fight cancer.
Other tips: Take a daily break from technology, avoid people who stress you out and learn how to say no. Taking on more than you can handle is a surefire recipe for stress.
And McCloud stresses that every woman should see her doctor once a year and get five lifesaving screenings: Cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, known as the silent killer. And she says you should also have an annual breast and pelvic exam.
And she says knowing your family history is so crucial.