You’ve had so many appointments during your pregnancy that going to another one is the last thing you want to do. But now that the baby is here, you’ll need all the energy and strength you can muster. You can’t take care of anyone unless you take care of yourself first. Luckily, you can try these easy ways to practice preventive health care.
See Your General Practitioner
Spend a day scheduling appointments and setting reminders as they get closer. When the reminders appear, you can arrange for child care or get ready to bring them with you. Don’t miss yearly checkups. They can screen for all kinds of things and catch them in time to treat them. Among these tests:
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- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol
- Colon cancer
- Depression
- Genetic testing for breast or ovarian cancer
- Mammogram
- Osteoporosis
- Pap smear
If you notice other symptoms that seem to linger too long, get them checked out as soon as you can.
See a Therapist
Having a long talk with your oldest friend or your mother can prove incredibly therapeutic. But they aren’t trained professionals who can provide expert advice. When you’re raising kids, you may feel overwhelmed and alone. Your insurance plan may cover weekly visits to a mental health specialist. Take advantage of it. Even if you don’t have specific complaints or problems, a therapist knows how to listen for developing issues.
See a Chiropractor
Don’t take your spine for granted. After all, you ask a lot of it: you often pick up children, breastfeed, work long hours at a computer, or fall asleep with your neck in a weird position. Don’t wait to make an appointment until you’re in pain. A chiropractor can make small adjustments to ensure your spine stays aligned. They might also help with headaches or other aches and pains.
See a Dietician
Don’t feel like cooking? It’s easy to slip into bad habits like eating empty calories or forgoing meals. But you still need the nutrients you were so careful to ingest during pregnancy. Check in with an expert who can help you put together a manageable and balanced meal plan. It’s an easy way to practice preventive health care that will keep you on track and remind you that your child isn’t the only one who deserves to thrive.
Author Bio
Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.
