Healthy from Head to Toe

Busy women often overlook their own health while taking care of everyone around them.  How well are you taking care of yourself?

Screenings & Check Ups
HealthFinder.gov is an interactive site sponsored by the National Health Information Center. Use the My Health Finder tool to enter your personal information to print out a list of screenings and checkups to take with you to your next doctor's appointment. Get out your calendar and download our list of health checkups to make your appointments today!

Eating Well
You are what you eat! Choosing foods that are closest to their natural state as possible is a great guideline to live by - whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of water.  Check out the list of the "Dirty Dozen" fruits and vegetables that you should try to buy organic.  

Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov for an interactive tool that lets you look up nutrition information and make side-by-side comparisons.  You can also track the foods you eat and see how you measure up to your nutritional goals.

Physical Activity 
Move it or lose it! Your body is an amazing machine and it needs upkeep and maintenance to keep it running in optimal condition. Develop a regular routine that incorporates aerobics, muscle-strengthening and stretching. Vary your workouts so that you don't get bored and make it a family affair or get a workout buddy to help you stay motivated.  Challenge yourself to come up with new ways everyday to move move - at home (plant and tend a small garden), at work (walk around the block twice a day) and at play (tennis with a friend once a week).

Mental/Spiritual Health
Your overall health starts with you mind - for there is where all other decisions flow.  Numerous studies have shown the benefits of meditation; use the Mayo Clinic's Meditation Primer to incorporate this powerful practice into your life.  Become conscious of the stresses in your life and work to minimize those while expanding on joyful experiences like time laughing with friends or volunteering.  Bring your attention to your breath throughout the day; deepening your breath during challenges has profound psychological and physical effects.  An emphasis on "a life well-lived" is a commonality among all religious traditions; how are you doing?