The Essential Checklist for Healthy Moms

Being a mom means doing whatever it takes to make sure your kids lead a healthy and happy life. Work, church, along with days filled to the brim with family activities and to-do lists a mile long, make it challenging if not impossible for you to take time out for yourself. It is important that you remain healthy for yourself as well as your family. One way to make sure you will be able to keep up with your kids is to target all aspects of your health and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle every day.

Here is a checklist that you can refer to for improving your health or just keeping your good health in check.

Annual Checkups

Making a trip once or twice a year to visit your family doctor for a bad cold or your annual flu shot does not qualify as a routine checkup. Making an annual appointment to see your doctor for a physical or well-visit is essential at detecting health problems that may otherwise go undetected.

Did you know that over 7 million people in the U.S. have diabetes but don’t even know it? According to the American Diabetes Association, symptoms of diabetes such as tiredness and numbness in hands and feet can be so subtle that most women won’t go to the doctor to get tested. Getting annual screenings for diabetes can help detect it early and possibly prevent having to take insulin in the future.

High blood pressure can also be detected through an annual check-up. Your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend changes in your diet and exercise routine in order to get your blood pressure in a healthy range. Blood work and physical exams are important for early detection and can help prevent serious and potentially deadly health consequences in the future.

Timeout

Just as important as being physically healthy and mentally stable, you should also take time out for yourself. Spending time by yourself engaging in activities you enjoy will help refresh your peace of mind. A favorite hobby such as scrapbooking, bike riding or jewelry making can help you feel accomplished and rejuvenated. Making time for yourself can allow you to re-energize so you can tackle tough life issues as well as be completely present for your kids when they need you. Setting aside a date night for you and your spouse can help keep your relationship alive and help you stay connected.

Networking

Networking with other parents or moms is a great way to stay active and healthy. Create a support group for moms who are able to carpool or babysit throughout the week. It will help alleviate unwanted stress and give you more time throughout the day to focus on other things.

A dinner swap is also a great networking idea. Creating large healthy meals once a week for two families and then swapping dinner days will help reduce cooking times throughout the week and give you a night off without being tied up in the kitchen.

Forming an exercise group is also a great networking tool. This allows you to meet up with other moms and parents who are interested in being physically active. The USDA recommends getting between 30 and 60 minutes of physical exercise each day. When you have a buddy system in place, it is easier to be held accountable for your fitness goals.

Asking for help when it comes to your mental and physical help is the only way you will remain healthy for years to come. You can’t do it all alone. Surround yourself with other parents who also want to stay healthy for their kids and employ strong Christian values into their lives. Create your own health checklist that fits into your lifestyle. Don’t forget to share with your loved ones and friends what your short and long-term health goals are.