[View the story "6 Tips for Busy Girls to Stay Healthy" on Storify ]6 Tips for Busy Girls to Stay Healthy May 10-16 was 2015 National Women's Health Week. To celebrate the occasion, Dr. Pam Peeke joined us for a discussion during #HERchat and shared her top six ways to stay healthy when you're "too busy." Storified by #HERchat · Fri, May 15 2015 22:06:28
Your health is the most important thing you have. Without it, you couldn't be there for your kids, you couldn't help your parents as they age, and you certainly could not achieve all of the goals you've set for yourself. Trust us, finding yourself dealing with a serious health condition or ending up in the hospital, doesn't come with benefits.
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Tip 1: Manage your stress to avoid issues with mental illness, sleep disorders, heart conditions, and more. Here are a few ways to combat your stress:
@EmpowHER @sevenseasaway Balance is everything & remembering to live in the now. "The present moment is a powerful goddess" Goethe #HERchatNicki B. Durlester
@EmpowHER A2 easy - taking one step at a time and setting reasonable priorities. Green tea helps too! #herchat #healthy #stressMilly Somewhere
@EmpowHER A2. Doing prayerful meditation in stillness & in gratitude every morning prior of starting any type of work. #herchatI AM TAKING CHARGE
A2 Remembering to breathe! Prioritize what needs to happen and then move forward, one thing at a time! #HERchat #NWHWKathy Birkett RDN
A2 Journaling, physical activity, spending time with son and husband. #herchatDr. Joy
Hiking in nature is a great stress relief, adds perspective! #HERchatThe Litchfield Fund
Tip 2: Fitness must be part of your everyday routine. At the very least, you must at least get the recommended 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity each week. Here are some ways to incorporate fitness into your life:
@EmpowHER @PamPeekeMD Yes! Being sedentary does not help the body & mind to be at their best performance. Need to exercise heart! #herchatI AM TAKING CHARGE
We also recommend to clients to find a friend/partner to #workout w.-helps keep commitment. #NWHW #herchatCapitalHealthCoach
A3 Successful people always have the time, it is deciding which activity is most important. #herchatKathy Birkett RDN
A3) We are going to make fitness part of our day at the @EmpowHER office by using our treadmill desk more often! #herchatShana O'Connor
A3 I #exercise 1st thing in the AM after Quiet time. I ❤️ Cardio & 2 run. Doing @FocusT25 at home because I have control over when #HerchatDr. Sylvia Bollie
@EmpowHER a3 i love doing #trx - i can do a 30 min workout outdoors while my doggy's doing her business :) #herchatMilly Somewhere
Tip 3: Getting not only the right nutrition, but also enough nutrition is essential to any healthy woman. You have so many things to worry about, including heart disease and osteoporosis. So, get your nutrition on track with these ideas:
A4 As a foodie, this is my weakness. Planning my meals & asking "Why?" before I eat helps prevent #emotionaleating #HerchatDr. Sylvia Bollie
@LitchfieldFund There's a reason why WALNUTS look like a BRAIN. Almonds are awesome. While you're chopping, have a few! #herchatDr. Pamela Peeke
@EmpowHER yes!I always have celery,carrots & cucumber for some veggie sticks if i need a snack!Apples, pineapple & kiwis work too! #herchatMilly Somewhere
A4 Eating right takes planning it doesn't just happen! Fresh fruits and veggies plus lean protein at all meals! #herchatKathy Birkett RDN
A4: I don't play when it comes to food. My family likes home cooked-minimally processed #food. #herchatMojdeh Cox
Tip 4: Make your annual physical exams a priority! Even better, make them mandatory. Missing your annual exam could mean missing something major, like knowing if your cholesterol is high or if you're pre-diabetic. Here are a few ways you can make a doctor appointment first on your list:
@EmpowHER A5: at least 1x a year #HERchatLarissa B, MS
If you're a #millennial, these are the checkups you need: http://t.co/wgjcI8u4H5 @erinskennedy #herchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER In addition, it's important for people to include dental check ups in their wellbeing profile. Dental health is important #herchatI AM TAKING CHARGE
A5. Are you over 50? Ok, you don't have to admit it, but at least get these #health checkups: http://t.co/l2A2t7JPcL #HERchatEmpowHER
Tip 5: Seeing an OB/GYN for your reproductive health is necessary for your health. Get routine pap smears, pelvic exams, and mammograms. Don't just do it for yourself. Do it for those who love you.
A6 If they have #primarycare: Women 21-29 shld see ob/gyn minimum every 2-3 years; 30-65 min 3-5yrs for Pap; >65 as needed #NWHW #HerchatDr. Sylvia Bollie
@EmpowHER A6. Yes, October is that time
We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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