Mental Health: WOMEN BE Encouraged AND KEEP Moving Forward H appy Month of May as we celebrate this wonderful Month! We all can celebrate this Month as we say HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the Mothers past, present and future. Anyone who ever came into this world came by way of a “Mother.” We recognize those who had anything to do with our upbringing be it “Grandma”, or “Aunt(s).” I am more than blessed to have my Mother, I’m so grateful to GOD Almighty. This month is also Mental Health Awareness and Women’s Health Care Month. As a Mental Health Care provider, I want to encourage everyone to take a moment to think about your mental health. In this month’s article I want to speak to all women, especially women of color. This article is dedicated especially to you. When I think about health care, I think about the whole gamut which includes physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and we can also include financial health. Being Women’s Health Care Awareness Month, let me be the first to give a Great Big Thank You for all you do as women, especially for those mothers who have sacrificed to raise your children on your own as a single parent. I know how difficult it is because I too was raised by a single mother, along with the help of my grandmother. If you haven’t heard it from someone yet, I say Thank You again. Please be encouraged, your labor is not in vain, and I pray you see the fruits of your labor in your children and that they will become all that God has planned for them. To my African-American sisters in particular, as many of you have had to fight through verbal, emotional, physical, mental, and sexual abuse, without getting any help or support. You’ve had to work your way up and fight to make ends meet. For some of you in the workforce, you were the last hired but the first fired. You’ve been treated far less than the Queen you are. In spite of it all, you continue to keep pushing through all the madness that comes your way. I want to encourage you in the LORD today, to stand strong. Being Mental Health Awareness month, I want you to ask yourself this question. How have I been taking time out for my own self-care? Some of you may be thinking you take time out by having an occasional cocktail drink, or a smoke (be it weed, vape, hookah, a cigarette) or eating sweet and salty and other “unhealthy foods”. No judgment here. What are some healthy ways to take care of your mental health, with a changing and challenging world? I want you to focus on healthy ways to care of yourself. Why? Because the world needs you, society needs you and most importantly your family needs you. I know society offers quick fixes that don’t last. However, the impact on your over all health be it mental, physical or your emotional wellbeing over time will suffer. Prevention and Intervention is the key. Act now! Here are some healthy alternatives to consider; rather than smoking, drinking or eating unhealthy foods. We all know that smoking of any kind is not good for your health, so let’s start there. It is very challenging for many to kick the habit. Why not talk to your doctor about smoking and what options are there. Options such as nicotine gum and patches. If you’ve fallen off the wagon, call Alcoholics Anonymous for supports groups near you. Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today. You are well worth living life to the fullest. Get a few friends and do a 2 to 5-mile walk, raise money for your neighborhood food pantry. Volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters to mentor those who would welcome you. Keep a food diary, keep a calendar for upcoming appointments and events so you don’t get stressed out (stress can make you gain weight as well as not let you lose any weight) be mindful of those things that cause stress for you. Park your car further away when you go shopping. Get a “fit bit” watch to count your steps, they are very cheap these days. The key is to get moving and move the extra steps. You feel better as the blood is circulating nicely, your body is
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