WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | May 14th, 2018
This past Saturday, I received my yearly Mother’s Day card from my Mother. In the card she wrote the following “Focus on your ability, talents and gifts from God then you will be able to manage your weaknesses”. I smiled because recently, I have been taking my mother’s advice to heart. I am realizing more and more how wise she is – that was not the case when I was younger.
This is National Women’s Health Week. This week is a reminder for all women to take care of themselves and make their health a priority. This year’s theme is What I Wish I’d Known. We are challenged to share what we wish we had known at different ages and stages in our lives. What health advice would you share with your younger self? Once you have come up with the answer, share it with others so that they can improve their health. You can share it on social media with the #WhatIWishIdknown.
What I wish I had known when I was younger is how important it is to listen to your mother or any adult that functions in that role for you. They have been through so much in their lifetime and they want to make sure that you do not make the same mistakes. I now spend extra time reading the notes that my mother sends.
There are additional resources available in making sure you get the most out of this week. We are reminded to do the following:
- Schedule our well woman visit and preventive screenings if it has been over a year. Click here for what screening tests are needed at different ages.
- Be active
- Eat healthy
- Pay attention to our mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
- Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.
