Archive for the ‘Exercise’ Category

I apologize for telling you all about how to recognize stress and why it is important to deal with your stress, without providing you with some healthy ways to cope. Hopefully, you had a relaxing holiday weekend.  Below you will find a few simple ways to cope with your stress; however, if you feel overwhelmed by stress, you should consult your health care provider ASAP!

1. Eat regularly and nutritiously and drink lots of water.
2. Rest when you can and when your body needs it.
3. Exercise (with your health care provider’s OK).  Exercise helps keep pregnant you fit, helps prevent some common discomforts of pregnancy (such as backache, fatigue and constipation) and relieves stress.
4. Resist any urges to drink alcohol, smoke or take herbal products or drugs (except those prescribed by your health care provider).
5. Stay away from stressful people and stressful situations, when possible.
6. Consider cutting back on unnecessary activities when you are uncomfortable.
7. Ask for and accept help from people who are close to you. Having a good support network, including your partner, extended family and friends can help relieve stress.
8. Go to all your prenatal care appointments. This will give you the reassurance that everything is okay with your baby or let your health care provider know about a problem while there is still time to do something about it. You’ll feel less stressed because you know you are doing the best for your baby.
9. Relax by meditating, listening to music, writing in a journal, or taking a prenatal yoga class.
10. Take a Childbirth Education class. Some classes teach relaxation techniques and help reduce anxiety by educating parents-to-be about what to expect during labor and delivery.

For a Healthy Pregnancy Class, Childbirth Preparation or Breastfeeding Class, call one of the following locations:

Canton-Potsdam Hospital: (315) 261-5965

Carthage Area Hospital: (315) 493-1005 ext. 2445

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center: (315) 393-5998

E.J. Noble Hospital: (315) 287-1000 ext. 273

Lewis County General Hospital: (315) 376-5602

Massena Memorial Hospital: (315) 769-4349

Samaritan Medical Center: (315) 785-4050

Do you have any healthy pregnancy tips for other moms-to- be? What worked, what didn’t, how did you make it through?

Source: “Stress,” March of Dimes, 2008  “Stress and Pregnancy,” March of Dimes, 2010

You may not know it, but you’re an “Everyday Hero” to all those around you. You’re probably always so busy worrying about or taking care of your partner, children, pets, family, friends, work, home, finances, etc. that you might not always stop to take care of yourself or your health. What is a life without health? Well think about this: you could have all of the money, possessions or loved ones in the world; without good health, you cannot enjoy them.

In honor of this year’s National Women’s Health Week, which was May 9-15, 2010, I would like to challenge you to get empowered! Take charge of your health! Make your mental, physical and social health number one! Here are a few simple steps to help you get started:

1. Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week
2. Eating a nutritious diet
3. Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings
4. Avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt
5. Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

For more information click on National Women’s Health Week

 Would you like to honor an Everyday Hero or are you an Everyday Hero? We’d love to hear all about what makes you or someone you know an Everyday Hero.