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Mothers Shape The World
by Marcia Davis Taylor
Sixteen years ago when I became a mother for the first time, my thoughts
focused almost solely on the wondrous little being whom God had blessed us
with. Who would he resemble, what kind of temperament would he have, what
kind of man would he grow up to be? This
scenario was repeated two more times with two more baby boys.
What do I think about now? I
think about my legacy I am leaving my children, not necessarily what you
might expect, though. Among other
things, I want to leave my children a legacy of physical and emotional
health – for themselves, for their families and for society in general.
The best way to achieve that is to be a role model.
Making healthy lifestyle choices is a gift to myself and to my
children.
First and foremost, I want to live long enough to see my children grow
into adulthood. That means I have had to face the hard truth and then take
responsibility for improving my health, doing everything possible and within
my power to decrease stress, lower blood pressure and blood sugar and shed
excess weight. Time for myself
is a non-negotiable element of my daily routine.
As a family, we keep regular appointments with healthcare professionals.
I prepare healthful foods for the entire family.
I have an increasingly consistent exercise regimen and during the
summer the boys and I take walks together at least three times a week.
Last week, my husband and I played basketball with the boys, and
believe me, I am no basketball player. I
am doing this for myself, but at the same for my children and their future.
Recent news reports indicate that the number of overweight children and
men continues to rise, while the rates for women have leveled off. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 16% of
children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight.
Overweight, unhealthy children lead to overweight, unhealthy adults.
Sixty six percent of adults are overweight or obese.
Heart disease, diabetes and other health conditions are directly
related to being overweight. Undiagnosed or untreated conditions such as these lead to a decline
in health and a poor quality of life. Generally
speaking, these health challenges can be prevented by healthy lifestyle
choices.
Motherhood is extremely rewarding, but it is often an emotional and
stressful undertaking even under the most ideal circumstances.
It is critical to take time to rest, de-stress and rejuvenate on a
regular basis. Stress has been proven
to depress the immune system and contribute to premature aging and disease.
Parental stress can negatively impact the social and emotional growth
and development of children.
Children learn what they live, and their mothers shape what they live.
Will the legacy you leave your children be one of physical and
emotional health?
National Women’s Health Week is May 14 – 20, with National
Women’s Checkup Day observed on Monday, May 15.
The entire month of May is National Mental Health Month.
Give yourself a special Mother’s Day gift by investing in you.
This May, schedule (and keep) appointments with your
healthcare professionals. Take stock
of your health and take action to improve your health and quality of life.
Visit the following websites for more information:
"When you educate a
woman, you educate the world."
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Marcia Davis Taylor is a South Carolina-based human
development consultant, specializing in addressing the needs of women.
She is a married mom of three, and has been a working mom for 16
years. Her experiences in the
field of maternal and child health, and as an independent consultant for
Warm Spirit, a health and wellness company, have given Marcia a unique
perspective on helping women achieve optimal levels of spiritual, mental and
physical health.
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