Your Self-Care First

Ladies, nurses, this visit to your gynecologist is sometimes not very pleasant, but it is an essential part of self-care and should be annual or as needed. Your Primary care physician (PCP) may expect you to have this done before you go for your yearly checkup. I know this because it's usually the first question my PCP asks when I go for mine. The exam is not long.  If you are sexually active, this is very necessary. 

Dental health is essential, while you are making appointments for those other checkups, do not overlook dental exams. Did you know that poor dental hygiene can cause infections that can be detrimental to your heart? It’s not only your heart that can be affected. We all want to keep the beautiful smile and color to our teeth. As nurses, we work so closely with patients, and poor dental hygiene can lead to bad breath. And finally, we all want to keep our natural teeth if for a long time if possible. Just go and visit the dentist, it's part of your self-care. 

Just like the pap smear, I think a lot of men do not like to have this test done. Although these tests are basic, they can sometimes tell a lot about your prostate health and other bigger problems that may be lurking. A digital rectal exam and a blood test known as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) are the two common screening tests done. CDC recommends discussions with your physician on when and how often to have these tests done. 

Just like the pap smear, I think a lot of men do not like to have this test done. Although these tests are basic, they can sometimes tell a lot about your prostate health and other bigger problems that may be lurking. A digital rectal exam and a blood test known as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) are the two common screening tests done. CDC recommends discussions with your physician on when and how often to have these tests done. 

This is a thorn in my flesh! I am not talking about exercising to lose weight. “Sitting is the new smoking” this statement has been floating around lately, and I think it is true. A brisk walk, dancing, running, for about 30 minutes is beneficial for good health. Taking stairs instead of the elevator can check this box. Easier said than done, can you leave that parking spot close to the store for the next person and park further so you can walk some distance?

This is a thorn in my flesh! I am not talking about exercising to lose weight. “Sitting is the new smoking” this statement has been floating around lately, and I think it is true. A brisk walk, dancing, running, for about 30 minutes is beneficial for good health. Taking stairs instead of the elevator can check this box. Easier said than done, can you leave that parking spot close to the store for the next person and park further so you can walk some distance?

Create time for the special girls/women in your life. There is something special when girlfriends meet and share the happenings in their lives. Sometimes it's not even to get an answer, sometimes it's just to have a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or some joys to spread. Make it happen!

Guys need their night out too. They also need time with good friends to talk, share and let it out. It is not just a  girl thing.

Nurses are some of the busiest people around. Please take time and spend some time with your better half/other half/loved one. Plan date nights, ditch the scrubs and paint the town pretty

When was the last time you watched a movie? Forget the ones that you sit and watch at home. I am talking about going to a movie theater, getting overflowing popcorn, some soda, and sitting through half an hour of previews. And oh the fantastic sound effects, that kind of movie. Take your family, friends, or for heaven's sake, go alone!

I do not have first-hand information about this, but I have talked to countless people who do. I have never had a massage. A massage is a must for all nurses. It is not a luxury. I have nurse friends who have it scheduled every so often religiously, and they say it is a lifesaver.  

The massage chair and the warm pillow around the neck are worth the amount of money you pay for a basic pedicure. Competition between nail salons has dramatically improved the ambiance and services they provide. Massage chairs, warm pillows, candles, music, and sometimes even wine make can it a nano vacation. They do make you feel good. You get great looking nails and me time. Please go!