International Women’s Day 2021 – Who’s looking after your health?
The 2021 International Women’s Day theme is #ChooseToChallenge. Research shows that 62% of women say they don’t have time to find out about their health! You probably look after the health of everyone else in your family before you take a breather and think about your own health. This International Women’s Day, choose to challenge yourself by putting your own health first:
Be aware of your body and your health
In perimenopause it’s normal to feel like everything is “out of order” and changing rapidly. Are you bleeding more than usual? Is fatigue preventing you from doing all the things you used to? Can’t sleep because of night sweats? Does sex hurt so you’re avoiding it? If it doesn’t feel right, check it out. Give me a complimentary Discovery Call. I don’t push drugs (I’m a pharmacist but I don’t like medications myself) and if I cannot help you then I’ll refer you to another specialist who can.
Engage in lifestyle interventions that will improve your physical, mental, and emotional health
Eat nutritiously, sleep properly (avoiding alcohol may improve your sleep), stay positive, take breaks throughout the day to relax and breath slowly, intentionally, and mindfully, and move as much and as often as you can (take a meeting on the phone while walking inside or outside). Learn to manage stress if you can’t avoid it. It’s a vicious cycle: stress and anxiety increase hot flashes and hot flashes are stressful. If you have a hot flash, try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)—not CBD! Remember that although it may be uncomfortable for a few minutes, it won’t kill you and it too shall pass.
Respect, love, appreciate, and be kind to yourself
Self-care is as important as caring for others. Do something you enjoy at least once a day (screen time doesn’t qualify as self-care). Down-time is as essential for health as keeping up with your chores is to running a household, and you can’t outsource it. Allow yourself to sit down (no screens) and daydream. Dreaming is free and while you’re dreaming you’re not worrying about the uncertainty you’re living in.
Be present—in the moment—not in the past or in the future
Do not multitask. Do one activity at a time and be present in it. Be present when you brush your teeth rather than thinking about your To Do List or something else. Be present when you’re cleaning and cooking. Being in the moment is good for your mental wellness, but multitasking is poison for your brain and worsens menopausal brain fog.
Remember that you are not alone
Millions of women are celebrating International Women’s Day, #IWD2021, while going through the changes of menopause. Each woman will experience menopause in her own unique way, but as the saying goes we are all in this together. If you’re not sure that what you’re experiencing is part of the midlife change then reach out. I’m here to help you navigate the changes of menopause.
Look after your health, do not miss (even during COVID) your
- Mammogram – annually if you have dense breasts. Don’t know if you have dense breasts? Ask your doctor
- Pap smear/cervical cancer screening at least every three years
- Diabetes testing every three years after age 45
- Lipid (cholesterol) profile (blood test) every three years
- Colonoscopy at age 50
- Blood pressure check (free at the drugstore every time you shop there)
Teresa Isabel Dias is a pharmacist and Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP) who provides education and support on symptom management for women at work and at home so they’ll feel like themselves again and enjoy a vibrant and productive life.
Grab a quick guide and subscribe to the MenopausED Newsletter on the MenopausED home page.
If would like to know how Teresa can improve your menopause transition then schedule a complimentary Discovery Call at MenopausED.org.