National Women’s Health Week was May 12-18 this year.
Earlier this month, we focused on preventative health, by age, for women.
But a large percentage of women fall into a different type of health risk category–being a caregiver for a friend or family member.
Besides physical health, caregivers also need to focus on their mental and emotional health as well.
Women’s Health—Self-Care for Caregivers
Upwards of 75% of all caregivers are female. There is increased awareness to a new population at risk – caregivers. As the world’s aging population grows at an unprecedented rate, so do the number of caregivers. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, one-third of caregivers provide intensive care to their loved ones while suffering from ill health themselves. Emotional, physical and mental wear can cause a caregiver to develop a chronic condition. Many caregivers report poor eating habits, sleep deprivation, failure to exercise and postponement or failure to make medical appointments for themselves. Caregivers are more likely to have a chronic illness than are non-caregivers, namely high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a tendency to be overweight. In order to provide the best care to your loved one, you must acknowledge your own state of wellness.
Key Caregiver Wellness Tips
Accept help first and foremost. As a caregiver you may want to take on full responsibility without burdening others. However, sometimes it makes others close to you or the care receiver feel useful to get involved.
Seek support from other caregivers. Research local support groups for caregivers. Hearing from those in the same situation can make all the difference.
Sleep. A caregiver is often deprived of adequate sleep. Sleep is vital for overall health and well-being. The Sleep Foundation states that adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. To ease your mind before bed and promote quality sleep, try utilizing a meditation app such as headspace.
Exercise. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Exercise is essential for boosting clarity of mind and relieving depressive symptoms. Try a new fitness class or go for a brisk walk with a friend on a nice day.
Preventive Care. Stay on top of routine health checks with your healthcare professional. There are important health screenings at every age. See the detailed chart here.
Innovative’s Workplace Wellness
Innovative’s Workplace Wellness assists employers in creating a culture of health. Our skilled wellness team works hand-in-hand with organizations to design and implement customized wellness programs that improve your population health and ultimately lower claims costs. Workplace wellness is more than keeping your team physically healthy. It’s about empowering employees to be their best, creating a fully engaged staff and making them advocates of their health. We help employers focus on each individual employee, guiding your team to effectively manage their own mental, physical, and emotional energy so your employees and your business thrive. To learn more, visit here.
