Dear Lovely Ladies:

Spring is the season at the end of winter, it is a period of transformation, marked by an explosion of blooms that signals renewal, rebirth, regrowth, and, for some, resurrection.  Your health and well-being are no different. How will YOU bloom this spring?  I would like to suggest a few considerations for your bloomin” list… neglected areas and non-negotiables. As you spring into this natural season… take a moment to think about what might give a little “spring” to your step and make a list of things that may need your attention… I encourage you, sister to sister, to pick 2 things to focus on this spring:

Neglected Areas (Pick at least one you need to elevate)

• Annual exam (check for thyroid, cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c, vaccines)
• Vision Screen (annual)
• Dental Screen (twice a year)
• Bone Health (DEXA scan at age 65 or earlier based on risk factors)
• Breast Cancer Screening (once a year at age 40 or earlier, based on family history)
• Cervical Cancer Screening (age 21-25 or after being sexually active)
• Pelvic Exam (age 65 or after a hysterectomy)
• Cardiovascular Health (check blood pressure and discuss risk factors with healthcare provider)
• Colon Cancer Screening (age 45 or earlier, based on family history) 
• Preconception Health (discuss with your healthcare provider if preventing or pursuing fertility)
• Mental Health (discuss with your healthcare provider if it impacts your quality of life)
• Menstrual Health (discuss with your healthcare provider if it impacts your quality of life)
• Menopausal Health (discuss with your healthcare provider if it impacts your quality of life)
• Reproductive Health (discuss with our healthcare provider if it impacts your quality of life)

Non-Negotiables (Pick at least one you need to establish)

• Nutrition: select a new food or supplement 
• Image: select a new haircut, hair color, nail color, lip color
• Activity: make a commitment to an activity “come hell or high water”
• Sleep: make a pact such as“in bed before midnight.”
• Hydration: make a contract with yourself about daily water/electrolyte intake
• Recovery: make a pact about time for relaxation and restoration
• Finances: make a pact to help yourself or get help to guide you
• Faith: Schedule time and connect with people who help to anchor your beliefs
• Flexibility: schedule activities that challenge you (yoga, pilates, elliptical) 
• Family: set and keep boundaries for the blood family and chosen family
• Friends: make a scheduled time for friends (text or talk)
• Fika: make a plan for intentional rest (can be 5 minutes or 50 minutes)
• Write your own:___________