On the occasion of Mother's Day, the Lebanese Health Ministry released a list of guidelines for all Lebanese mothers in order to promote a healthy and nurturing society:
1. Re-evaluate your diet to maintain a healthy weight: All mothers must re-evaluate their calorie intake and adjust it to their daily physical activities. Make sure you are eating nutritious meals that are low in sodium and avoid sugary drinks as much as possible.
2. Get your daily intake of calcium and vitamin D: You can either eat foods that are rich in these nutrients or take them in the form of dietary supplements after consulting your doctor. Calcium and vitamin D will help you prevent osteoporosis, which is a very common condition that affects most women, especially those over the age of 40.
3. Exercise regularly: Simple physical activities, such as walking, do not require a gym membership. This type of activities will help you relieve stress and mood swings, maintain a normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, prevent cardiovascular diseases and maintain a healthy weight.
4. Quit smoking (including Hookah) and alcohol drinks: The time has come for you to quit smoking and drinking once and for all. These bad habits will negatively affect your body, both on the inside and the outside. They are also associated with increased signs of aging and heart disease, as well as many types of cancer.
5. Don't neglect your periodic examinations: The following tests must be done annually even if you are not showing symptoms of serious illness: Blood tests, mammography (ages 40 and older), tests to detect the risk of heart disease and arteries, diabetes test (ages 45 and older), Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) to prevent colon cancer (ages 50 and older) and cervical screening test.
6. Consult your doctor when needed: If you feel any type of uneasiness, do not take over-the-counter medicines, especially antibiotics and drugs that affect the nervous system, instead, you must immediately consult your trusted doctor.
7. Put your own interests above anything else because you are the heart and soul of your entire family. Mothers tend to care for their families before thinking about their personal needs, which is completely wrong. The Health Ministry urges all mothers to take care of their health first. As any other human being, you must take a break from your busy life and relax. Once you do this, your positivity and well-being will reflect on your whole family.
As for women who are pregnant or are planning to, please read the following tips:
- You should take dietary supplements that contain folic acid and multi-vitamins at least once a month before trying to conceive and until the end of your pregnancy.
- Get your daily iron intake during pregnancy.
- Quit smoking and alcoholic drinks.
For women who will get married soon:
- You must undertake mandatory laboratory tests before marriage (at least two months before your wedding day) because they will help you build a healthy life for you and your future family.
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