Guest Author - Kelli Deister

May 14 - 20, 2006, is National Women’s Health Week while May 15, 2006, is National Women's Check-Up Day.

Women typically care for others before caring for themselves. Our society has engrained in our women that their first priority is never themselves. Because of this, we have many women that are experiencing health issues due to the insurmountable stressors they face each day. Most women will push aside their own needs, whether they be material, physical, mental, or emotional and care for the needs of their loved ones first.

Many women do the majority of the housecleaning, caring for the children, cooking the meals, and washing the laundry while also working a full-time job. Their days begin very early and end very late. When they begin to think of doing something special just for them, the thought is quickly laid aside and they focus once again on those in their lives that demand a great deal of attention from them. This has to change.

I am currently learning a different point of view to this issue. Something that is a new concept for me is that it is not selfish for a woman to yearn to practice healthy self-care. I've been told that it is not selfish for a woman to find herself in need of a time out. Perhaps one of the best things a woman can do for herself is to focus primarily on her own health and needs. In other words, she should schedule her dentist appointments, doctor’s appointments for physicals, shop for new clothes, start a new regimen at the gym, take a vacation etc.

Another perspective I am becoming more aware of is that perhaps if a woman does not properly tend to her own needs, she will eventually be unable to care for the needs of her family. I am currently learning this very valuable piece of truth in my own life. On May 15, 2006, many health care professionals will have special services available to women in all communities across the United States. I encourage each of you to access these resources and get some health screenings done to take care of your health. It’s time to focus on us, women!