In the midst of back-to-school season, teachers should make sure and keep the most important lesson of all at the top of their own personal life curriculum. To be the best educator possible, it all begins with proper healthcare and wellness practices. Quite simply, you can’t properly help others until you’ve first taken care of yourself.
Rosa Gynecology providers recommend the following back-to-school health tips for teachers as a wellness checklist to help educators prioritize their well-being for the betterment of themselves and their students.
Schedule Your Annual Well‑Woman Exams
Annual women’s wellness exams remain essential for optimal health. The proactivity of wellness exams allows you and your healthcare providers the opportunity to keep tabs on possible early warnings signs of diseases or other issues. Having a preventative mindset rather than a reactive one typically promotes better outcomes as advanced health issues can be more difficult to treat.
It’s important to have these wellness visits with your primary care physician, dermatologist, eye doctor, and gynecologist. Each specialist can provide or suggest specific screenings or assessments. From a primary care doctor gauging a patient’s risk for diabetes and heart problems to a dermatologist looking for skin cancer concerns, these visits are invaluable to overall health. It’s also a great opportunity to stay up to date with vaccinations and immunizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of recommended vaccinations for adults.
According to a study published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), your annual gynecology visit continues to be one of the most important appointments you’ll have all year. This usually includes a Pap smear, breast examination, discussing birth control options, preparing for or managing menopause, and more. Rosa Gynecology offers thorough wellness visits with a personalized, holistic, patient-centered approach.
Prioritize Mental Health
The stressful, emotional demands of teaching can take their toll on an educator’s mental health. The National Institute of Mental Health offers an array of self-care suggestions with mental health benefits. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate hydration; proper sleep (7-9 hours nightly for adults), meditation or other relaxation techniques, practicing gratitude and positive thinking, and staying connected with friends and family.
Additionally, the National Institute of Mental Health suggests reaching for professional help, such as therapy, when severe or distressing symptoms take place for two weeks or longer. These symptoms can include trouble sleeping, issues with appetite or weight, difficulty getting out of bed due to mood, concentration problems, lack of interest in enjoyable activities, being unable to complete regular tasks, experiencing emotional irritability, restlessness, or frustration.
Practice Pelvic Floor and Core Health
Teaching often calls for being on your feet or sitting down for extended periods of time. Both can cause strain to the pelvic floor and core muscles. A group of muscles and ligaments resembling a sling, located at the base of the pelvis, make up the pelvic floor. They support the uterus, rectum, and bladder. The core muscles provide stability, and they consist of muscles in the abdomen, back, hip, and pelvis.
Regularly performing pelvic floor and core exercises can be beneficial to alleviate any potential strain. At Rosa Gynecology, we recommend gentle mat exercises such as toe taps, leg extensions, pelvic tilts, and cat-cow poses for women to strengthen their abdominal muscles and pelvic floor following pregnancy. These can be beneficial regardless of your pregnancy status.
Mays Cancer Center offers a list of detailed exercises they suggest strengthening the pelvic floor, complete with step-by-step instructions. These include Kegels, squats, and more.
Many studies suggest yoga practice can strengthen and boost pelvic floor health, and it most definitely serves the core muscles well. However, before undertaking an exercise program, make sure and consult with a physician.
Let Rosa Gynecology Help You Manage Your Wellness Checklist
At Rosa Gynecology, we specialize in the breadth of gynecology management. Our trusted providers are here to consult with you regarding your own personal back-to-school wellness checklist.
To talk with one of our expert providers, schedule an appointment online or call 770-487-9604.
