BALTIMORE — On a weekday afternoon, there are several moms playing with their children. WMAR-2 News caught up with one of them, Mariska Lee.
She was playing with her three-year-old daughter and her six-year-old son, who you can tell keep her very busy. Sometimes so much, she forgets to take care of herself.
"They obviously come first, especially with little ones they don't understand that mommy needs a break," said Lee.
A break to get a quick workout in or to cook her own meal. Lee admitted she ate some leftover pizza crust but no lunch of her own on Wednesday. She said she typically will workout at home since it's easier or go to a gym with a daycare option.
Doctor Jennifer Uy, a doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at GBMC, recommends all women get 150 minutes of exercise a week, which could be as simple as walking 30 minutes a day.
"I think it's very important to take a step back and make sure we take time to take care of our own health, especially as you get older in age," said Uy.
She stressed when women get older "they're at an they're at an increased risk for medical problems, heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis especially once they get through that menopause period."
She said the best way to help with that is daily movement, a healthy diet and regular check ups for preventative care. Cervical cancer screenings start for young women, mammograms start at 40 and osteoporosis in your 60s. Her best advice is to talk with your doctor.
"Starting with the discussion with a primary doctor is helpful to be up to date with the most recent guidelines and most recent studies in regards to whats recommended for their health," Uy said.
After talking with Lee on Wednesday she said she's going to book an appointment and be a little more conscious.
"I won’t have healthy and happy children if I’m not healthy and happy and so that’s what I try to remind myself but also giving myself grace because every day is not going to work out the way it’s supposed to and beating yourself up that effects your mental health. Balance!" Lee said.
The biggest take away is to just do something, no matter how small.
