Mother is a combination of all superlatives for her child – the best, the smartest, the most beautiful, and so much more. A warrior who can vanquish all that is bad. An angel who can vanish pain with a hug and a kiss. A tower of strength providing shelter from all storms in life. For this superwoman to protect her children always, she should be healthy. But how many mothers prioritize their health? In a survey on health for working mothers, we found that three in four mothers neglect their health. Our experts offer some tips for these superwomen to manage their health better.
Why should mothers prioritize their health?
This is one question whose answer can span several books in a series. Here we will give some reasons:
- Every individual, including a mother, deserves the best of health.
- Children need their mothers the most during their growth years.
- A mother is the best role model for her children – they pattern their lives and habits on their mothers.
- Hidden risks – when a mother neglects her health checkups, she not only is in the dark about health conditions that can be cured, but also passes on this ignorance to her children.
Three in four mothers neglect their health
We asked some questions and found that three in four mothers neglect their health. Here are the top reasons:
Balancing motherhood with their careers
When it comes to achieving the perfect work-life equilibrium, many mothers cut corners in their health. These superwomen work extremely hard to have it all – a rising career, children, and an active social life. When it comes to health checkups, fitness, and diet, they go slack. “We work as hard as our male counterparts and then go home to do the chores there. Where is the time for health?” they ask.
Sacrifice and motherhood go hand-in-hand
In earlier times, women would eat last to ensure their family was well fed. A mother would take pains to ensure her family is healthy often neglecting her health, forgetting the fact that she is the core of the family. While times have changed, some trends haven’t. Today, many working mothers are filled with guilt for not spending a large chunk of their day with their babies.
Fear
One of the most common reasons to neglect health checkups is fear. There are many women who keep postponing the most vital of the health checks, forgetting the fact that they are likely to pass on these conditions to their children.
Health tips from our experts
We have some superwomen in our teams who balance their work, families, social life, and health perfectly. They also work hard towards motivating other working moms to focus on their health. This is what they have to say:
Nurture your support system
Identify your support system and nurture it – a partner who shares chores, a mother in law who is most willing to help or a “kaam wali bai” who is behind every successful woman. Delegate chores so that you have more time for yourself.
Watch what you eat
Your smartphone may have apps to deliver lip-smacking delicacies to your office, but there are also apps out there that can help you journal your food intake and count calories. Substitute loose crackers or Cheetos with a whole apple or an unpeeled orange. The vitamins and nutrients go a long way in keeping you healthy.
Start your day early
The old saying “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” holds true for women as well. Early in the morning, when there is no one demanding your time and attention, a few minutes of exercise, pranayam, and meditation can be a great start for the day.
Keep moving
When you keep moving, you keep fit. One expert recommends a minute of rest for the eyes after 30 minutes of looking into the screen. Another suggests, moving about the office once in an hour. There is one expert who claims that taking two 10-minute fitness breaks during the day when she goes up and down several flights of stairs keeps her fit.
Beat stress
Mothers may be experts at multitasking, but their stress levels are also high, which can lead to physical problems like hypertension and other problems like depression and anxiety. One expert says that a comfort group of like-minded friends is her mantra to bust stress. Others recommend “me-time” and meditation. One recommends Louise Hay’s positive affirmations.
Get regular health checks
Regular health checks are the key to prevent or early detect and treat many health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and more. So, the next time you think of skipping that Pap smear, think again.
Plan your health
A genetic test such as Genomepatri™, Gynaecmap™, or SugarGene™ can help you plan your health better. These tests help you prevent or delay the onset of disease, be fit, find the best medication, and even protect your family. A consultation with a genetic counsellor can help you understand health patterns in your family better, which can add years to your life and life to your years.
Conclusion
Our world begins with our mothers’ smiles. Let your children’s world remain bright with your smiles. Stay healthy. Stay fit. You are important to yourself and to your family. By focusing on your health, you add years to your life and life to your years. Talk to a genetic counsellor to understand health patterns in your family and the best course of action for you.
A mother’s health is her priority and responsibility. Talk to our experts today! Visit us at https://mapmygenome.in or write to info@mapmygenome.in or call 1800-102-4595.
