It’s that time of the year again. The days are short, the nights are cold, and everyone is bemoaning just how much they ate over the Christmas holiday. And sure enough, as trash cans become filled with old Christmas trees, January brings about another fond holiday tradition: New Year’s Resolutions. It’s a guarantee, just like hearing a song about a reindeer with a red nose while grocery shopping in December, you are bound to find packed gyms come January.
The most common New Year’s resolution is to get healthier. For some that means starting a diet, losing weight or exercising more. However, it is important to know that there is much more to health than the numbers on a scale – especially if you are a woman. If you’re a woman who has the resolution to “get healthier” this year, there is more to it than dieting and exercising.
Let’s start with the doctors. It is important to have regular checkups with your primary care physician. Many people delay going to the doctor until they feel sick, this however is antithetical to the concept of being healthy. Regular visits to your primary care physician will help you keep on top of things like blood tests, vaccinations, checking for chronic illnesses, and looking for early signs of more serious complications. Talking with your primary care physician will also allow you to find out if you need to see a specialist. Be it an optometrist for vision issues, or an orthopedist for muscle and joint issues, your primary care physician is equipped with the knowledge and connections to recommend if you need to see another doctor.
Speaking of doctors, let’s not forget about seeing a Gynecologist. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that women see their Gynecologist once a year beginning in the early teenage years. Your Gynecologist will be able to help you answer questions about birth control, women’s health and family planning. There are many conditions such as endometriosis, vulvodynia, or vaginismus that your Gynecologist can help you diagnose. If for example, your Gynecologist determines you have vaginismus or the involuntary contracting of the vaginal muscles, they may recommend you begin vaginal dilation therapy or see a pelvic floor physical therapist.
No matter what you do to get healthier in 2023, be it dieting or exercise, it is important not to forget to schedule a visit to see your doctor.
Jane Silverstein is the owner of Soul Source Therapeutic Devices located in Los Angeles. She is committed to women’s health issues and to helping women worldwide regain and/ or maintain their sexual health. She is passionate about helping others and has always been involved in a multitude of charitable causes.
