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By DOROTHY HARDEE, East Orlando Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Administrator
The month of May, named for Greek goddess Maia, is a time for renewal, regrowth and a celebration of motherhood throughout the world. It is also National Women's Health month, the perfect time to focus on yourself or the special women in your life. Despite an entire month dedicated to women, why is it so difficult for women to put themselves first?
Rojke Hasseldine explained it as a "generational female history where women's needs have been deliberately silenced and denied" during what she describes as "The Culture of Female Service." The term covered a vast belief that females are "the nurturing gender" whose role was to care for the family and community with no need for reciprocal care. Breaking the cycle, putting yourself first can be difficult but as I found over time necessary to be my best self.
As a young mother, my husband and sons celebrated Mother's Day inviting our family over for a special dinner. While time spent with extended family was cherished, the pre- and post- preparations were often exhausting. After a decade, I pronounced that if the day was truly all about me, then I would do something just for myself, by myself for the weekend; so, I headed to the beach. After the shock and awe wore off, my family understood that giving me this moment in the sun allowed me to unplug, coming home with my sanity intact, aka "Happy wife, happy life."
Healthy Women contributor, Judy Freedman echoes the mantra of her yoga teacher, "We are all human beings and we should spend more time being, instead of constantly doing." She suggests a few ways to honor your commitment to yourself is by:
- Doing daily exercise;
- Eating your fruits and vegetables;
- Taking time to smell the roses;
- Talking or listening to your friends; and
- Sleeping more.
Healthy behaviors contribute to better physical and mental health but should not be absent of important preventive screenings and vaccines. The value in caring for yourself is that it keeps you healthy to continue supporting the health and well-being of your family. This was never so true as it was when a woman I met briefly, (caregiver for her three grandchildren) hesitated to get a mammogram, fearing the worst. Reminding her that these children needed her, she pushed her fear aside stepping into the mobile mammography van. Her results were clear and her mind at ease. Remember, if you don't do it for yourself, do it for those you love.
It is important to follow recommendations for cancer screening tests, giving you the best chance of finding cancer as early as possible. The American Cancer Society recommends:
- Staying away from tobacco
- Getting to and keeping a healthy weight
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week
- Eating healthy
- Limiting alcohol intake
In addition to cancer screenings, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an adult immunization schedule based on age and medical condition and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force offers an Electronic Preventive Services Selector offering evidence-based recommendations in the era of the Affordable Care Act based on age and gender.
Now that you know what screenings you should consider, where do you turn? Orlando Health makes preventive and wellness easy, offering a comprehensive and convenient range of services for women of all ages including preventive screenings, weight management, stress reduction, fitness classes and more.
AdventHealth embraces wellness at every age and stage offering wellness for the whole-person designed to fit you, from well-women care, imaging, diagnostics and testing, heart health, care network and so much more.
For Women Veterans, the Orlando VA Medical Center has you covered with their Whole Health System offering proactive and personalized healthcare, empowering women to achieve their greatest level of health and well-being.
In the heart of Lake Nona the UCF Health College of Medicine Practice offers Internal Medicine physicians trained in the art of diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases. They will evaluate your overall wellness, educating you on appropriate screenings and tests based on age, gender, family history and unique circumstances.
Your physical health is critical, but what constitutes a "Healthy Business?" A periodic business health assessment like your screenings, should be a staple of your ongoing business plan cycle. Assess your business honestly and accurately to determine the true picture. Take the time to determine where your deficiencies lie, whether it is chasing customer payments, spending time and resources on repair and maintenance and how you can improve your skills to manage your business better. It is the first step toward the "clean bill of business health."
Looking to connect and grow your business? Consider joining the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce (EOCC) family. With health benefits for members, targeted networking opportunities, concierge services and benefits you can count on, the EOCC is the place to call home. Give us a call at 407-277-5951 or visit our website at eocc.org for more information.
CHAMBER EVENTS
La Crema de Nona
Every Tuesday from 8:30 - 9:30 AM
Dickey's BBQ Pit
9368 Narcoossee Rd., #101
Orlando, FL 32827
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Ribbon Cutting: BellaNova at JubiLee Park Apartments
Thursday, May 9, 2019
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
7800 JubiLee Park Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32822
RSVP at eocc.org
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Chamber Luncheon Featuring Dwaine Stevens, Publix
"Public Culture, Vision & Future: Keeping up with an ever-changing shopping environment"
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
11:30 AM - 1:15 PM
The Pavilion at Avalon Park
13401 Tanja King Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32828
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Coffee Club Semoran at Bonefish Grill Orlando Gateway
Thursday, May 16, 2019
8:30 - 9:30 AM
5463 Orlando Gateway Vlg. Cir
Orlando, FL 32812
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EOCC Connect 4: Real Estate & Property Professional Networking
Thursday, May 16, 2019
4:30 - 6:00 PM
Bonefish Grill Lake Underhill
12301 Lake Underhill Rd.
Orlando, FL 32828
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Coffee Club Nona at Sam's Club Lake Nona
Thursday, May 23, 2019
8:30 - 9:30 AM
Sam's Club Lake Nona
11920 Narcoossee Road
Orlando, FL 32832
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UPCOMING LUNCHEONS:
June 19th - Ann Shortelle, Ph. D (SJRWMD) "Florida's Water Future"
July 17th - Orlando City Mayor Buddy Dyer
July 19th - OPTIC: Big Data - Advantages & Capabilities
August 21st - Dr. Sandy Shugart "Valencia College Public Safety Village"
September 18th - Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
