Do any of the following statements ring true for you?

• I’m always tired.
• I am constantly experiencing some form of stress. Some days are better than others, but it is almost always there.
• I don’t eat as well as I should.
• I hardly have time to exercise, and if I do, exercise is the last thing on my mind.
• I am carrying a bit more weight than I would like.
• Sometimes I am concerned about my mental health.
• I can’t remember the last time I went to the doctor for an annual physical exam.
• I have not gotten into the practice of getting my gynae check-ups annually.

If you answered yes to any one of these statements, you are not alone. Life is tough. In addition to managing all of the external situations, relationships and responsibilities in your life, somehow, you are still expected to take care of yourself, mind, body and spirit.

Truthfully, there just does not seem to be enough hours in the day; and just speaking for myself, I really don’t always have the energy to be disciplined and vigilant about my physical, mental and emotional health. However, I am mindful that with illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes running in both sides of my family, it is important that I make good lifestyle choices to keep these illnesses at bay for as long as I can. So I do try not to let things get too out of hand, and when they are at risk of doing so, I work on reeling them back in. But of course, life overtakes me, I get tired, things start to slide, and the cycle begins again.

However, I must admit that I am always surprised and concerned when sistas, be they older or younger than me, seems to have no idea about the state of their health. Yes, they might see a specialist physician when they absolutely have to, such as if they are pregnant or grappling with something for which medical intervention might be needed. However, they’ve never had an annual physical, do not make a habit of getting a gynae check-up and annual pap smear (which is even more important for black women and women of colour), and only go to the dentist when they fear they have a toothache. As a result and all too often, by the time they finally go to the doctor, their issue is more difficult and expensive to treat.

 

Investing in your health

Without a doubt, matters related to your physical health and wellness can be intimidating. Sometimes it can feel as if your body is betraying you, and you have no idea what is going on. Also, while you will ensure that your children, family and friends stay healthy and well, and badger them if you need to, you are quick to dismiss the discomfort you might be feeling, and may not even recognise the early signs your body has been giving you that a situation is emerging that needs your attention.

To be fair, we are fighting battles on many fronts, including the impact of our environment on our physical, mental and emotional health, our hormones, and just getting older. It is a lot to consider and manage, and sometime ignorance can seem bliss. But when all is said and done, our health is all we have, and according to Thomas Fuller, the 17^th century scholar, preacher, and author said, “Health is not valued till sickness comes”.

There are quite a few good health-related resources online, but perhaps like me, you’re not sure whether as a woman or as a woman of colour you can fully relate to the information that is being communicated. Also, it can be a lot of information to wade through, and who has the time these days?

Notwithstanding, we need to be proactive. Furthermore, and with all of the medical advancements that have been made, we are likely to live longer, but to a considerable degree, the quality of life we enjoy in our later years is shaped by the consistent investments in our physical, mental and emotional health we make when we are younger.

At Journey To Growth, we want to address topical women’s health and wellness issues and those that might be particularly relevant to women of colour. More importantly, we welcome women’s self-care or health and wellness-related questions and concerns you would like us to address. Get in touch with us.

You are not alone.

 

 

Image: Jon Flobrant, UnSplash