As a mom, you may be used to putting yourself last — between juggling family responsibilities, work, and daily tasks, your well-being can sometimes feel like an afterthought. But as the old airplane adage goes, you must put on your own oxygen mask first before helping someone else. Here’s the truth: Your health matters just as much as everyone else’s in your family, and it’s essential to take care of yourself so you can keep doing all the amazing things you do for them!
Nzinga Tafari, MD, a family physician with Baptist Primary Care in St. Augustine, echoes this sentiment — after all, she sees it all the time in her profession.
“Moms put themselves on the back burner because we prioritize the needs of those around us,” Dr. Tafari says. “Many times, we are selfless and do not realize that we need to also prioritize our needs. If you do not care for yourself, you cannot care for those around you.”
One way to ensure you are prioritizing your own health is to make a few key appointments on an annual basis. This proactive approach ensures that you’re addressing the most important aspects of your physical and mental well-being, and it provides you with a roadmap to make regular appointments and screenings a part of your routine.
Schedule an annual physical with your primary care doctor
You can tackle many health concerns easily in just one appointment: your annual physical. Even if you feel healthy and don’t have any questions or issues you are aware of — don’t bypass these important wellness visits.
Many primary care doctors can also address any mental health concerns, either by providing a screening and prescribing medication if needed or referring patients to a psychiatrist.
“Moms should ensure they are visiting with their primary care provider once a year. Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can catch issues early,” Dr. Tafari shares. “Every woman should be screened for anxiety and depression. Unmanaged anxiety or depression severely disrupts one’s quality of life.”
Schedule any necessary screenings and tests
There are certain tests and screenings that every woman should get regularly, depending on age, risk factors, and medical history. Adds Dr. Tafari, “Mammograms and pap smears are vital for detecting breast and cervical cancer.”
- Mammograms: Women over 40 should start getting mammograms annually to screen for breast cancer — and sometimes more frequently or at a younger age, depending on risk factors and genetics.
- Pap smears and pelvic exams: For women over 21, a Pap smear every three years helps detect cervical cancer or any abnormal cells that could increase risk. Depending on your health history, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings.
- Skin checks: Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and this Florida life can lead to frequent sun exposure. An annual skin exam by a dermatologist is a great way to check for any irregularities or changing moles and detect any signs of skin cancer early.
Make time for movement
Your health isn’t just about doctor visits; it’s about making healthy choices when you can — because progress, not perfection. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, get plenty of sleep, and don’t forget to drink enough water. And prioritize exercise, even if it’s taking a 30-minute walk once a day.
“Moms should ensure they are setting aside at least 30 minutes for exercise three times per week,” Dr. Tafari says. “Moving your body on a regular basis and getting adequate sleep is critical for physical and mental health.”
These simple habits can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases and keep you feeling your best.
Dr. Tafari reiterates the importance of making annual appointments — it doesn’t take much time, and it can make a world of difference: “As moms, we are juggling so much, and it’s hard to make time for ourselves. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Set aside at least one day of the year to see your primary care provider. I enjoy seeing the whole family. You can make it a family affair.”
Don’t have a family physician or primary care doctor? To find a Baptist Health provider for you and your family, call 904.202.4YOU (4968) or fill out the appointment request form. Many of the Baptist primary care clinics also offer same-day urgent care for established patients.
