Where would we be without our moms?  From enduring the rigors of pregnancy and pain of childbirth, to the long years of raising us right to letting us go out into the world on our own, we owe her quite a bit. 

It’s always nice to give mom flowers, take her out to eat and spend time with her.  But don’t forget one other thing you can do to show her how much you love and want her around for a very long time – make sure she is making her health a priority. 

As the years go by, it’s not uncommon for moms to be taking care of everyone else except themselves.  This is where we can step in to remind her how valuable she is and doing what it takes to keep herself healthy.  Here are healthful reminders all moms should be doing:

1.      Getting annual health screenings

The only way to find out if everything is ok or not, is to get screened regularly.  A screening is just that – screening for any potential problems that could turn into a much bigger issue.  The sooner anything is found out of the ordinary, the greater the likelihood of correcting the problem.  Annual health screenings all women should have include the following:

·         Clinical breast exam or mammogram

·         Pap smear and pelvic exam

·         Blood glucose test

·         Blood pressure screening

·         Cholesterol check

·         Bone density screen by at least age 65

·         Colon cancer screening starting by age 50

·         Skin examination for skin cancer

·         Body mass index

·         Dental check-up twice a year

2.      Exercising regularly

We all know mom is the one left behind doing the dishes, cleaning or picking up the house, doing laundry while the rest of us get to do what we want.  Make sure mom is setting aside time each day to get in physical activity.  Her health and well-being depend on it.  Encourage her to find an exercise style suiting her and one she’ll stick with.  It could be walking, jogging, playing tennis, hiking, swimming or whatever she enjoys doing.  Have her aim for at least 30 minutes a day five or more days a week.  Small bursts of activity (climbing stairs, stretching) can all be included as important movements to get in each day.

3.      Sufficient sleep

Who got up during the middle of the night to comfort you or take care of you when you were sick?  Who stayed up late making sure you returned home safely from a late night out?  Mom did.  That meant less sleep for her and to this day, moms tend to have trouble falling or staying asleep.  Ask mom how her sleep is.  Does she look extra tired or mention a lack of energy?  If so, she may need to see a sleep specialist to help her get the vital sleep she needs.  Make sure she has a good sleep routine and sleep habits to help her achieve adequate sleep.

4.      Healthy eating

Eating a healthy diet is important for all of us.  Is your mom eating three meals a day or does she skip any meals?  Does she have fresh fruits and veggies in the house and is she consuming at least 5 or more servings of them daily?  What kinds of food are in the refrigerator and pantry?  Excessive intakes of sugary drinks, fast food, processed foods and salt will not do your mom a favor.  Stock her kitchen with healthy foods such as whole grains, fibrous fruits and veggies, lean meat, nuts, and low-fat dairy. 

5.      Give her a day off

Sometimes the thing most moms want is simply time to herself.  Feeling relaxed and refreshed is essential for mom’s health and peace of mind.  Scheduling regular massages, manicures or just a day alone can be all it takes to remind mom how special she is and how we want her to feel the same way about herself.