Archive for the ‘Preconception’ Category

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.

We here at NCPPC have already told you about the importance of taking Folic Acid before you become pregnant (please refer to our January posts for more folic acid information). Another important step to take before you become pregnant is to get in shape. Believe it or not, exercise may actually help improve your chances of getting pregnant by reducing the risk of one of the most common causes of infertility (when someone is unable to have children).

Exercising regularly, along with having low body fat and avoiding large amounts of alcoholic or caffeinated drinks can reduce you chances of having Endometriosis. Endo what? Well, if you have never heard of Endometriosis before, it is a common health problem that affects more than 5 million women in the U.S. Endometriosis causes the lining of the Uterus or womb, the Endometrium, to grow outside of the uterus. This growth can be very painful and can make it more difficult for you to get pregnant.

Common places for Endometriosis to occur include:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian Tubes
• Tissues that hold the Uterus in place
• Outer surface of the Uterus
• Lining of the Pelvic Cavity

If you have, or had Endometriosis, you may be experiencing feelings of fear, anger or uncertainty, but remember you’re not alone. 

I have a family member who had surgery last year for Endometriosis. Surgery is the one treatment that can boost your chances for getting pregnant. Now, she and her husband are on the road to recovery and hopefully the road to parenthood (I’m keeping my fingers crossed). Have you or someone close to you had Endometriosis? As par of National Endometriosis Awareness Month, would you like to share your story to serve as inspiration for others? Please post your story or opinion in our comment section. 

If you would like more information about this disease, visit one of the websites below or talk to your doctor.

Sources:

National Women’s Health Center

Endometriosos Research Center