Maybe, you think it’s indulgent. Probably,
more often you tell yourself you just don’t
have the time. Dr. Barbara Estes wants
to remind women that self-care is just
another name for taking care of yourself,
which is vital to your health and well-being.
Recently, we chatted with Dr. Estes of
CalvertHealth Obstetrics & Gynecology about
some positive and practical steps women can
take to have a healthy balance in their lives.
First, you need to ask yourself when was
your last well-woman exam, annual physical or
any doctor appointment. If you can’t remember,
she advises, the answer is probably that it was
too long ago.
“We saw a lot of people put off getting their
annual check-ups during the pandemic,” said
Dr. Estes, “but that time is past. We’ve been calling
our patients to remind them it is time to come in.”
Dr. Estes cautions against postponing cancer
screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies.
“Delaying these important checks can mean a
delay in diagnosis and treatment.”
Equally troublesome in her mind is
ignoring persistent symptoms of any kind or
failing to get follow-ups for a chronic condition.
She urges, “Don’t put it off, the best time to get
help is now.”
Unraveling Screening Guidelines
“I can understand why people get confused when
they hear about changes in the guidelines for
breast and cervical cancer screenings,” said Dr.
Estes. “When they read about it or see it on the
news, they’re left wondering how does this affect
me personally.”
The latest information on cancer screening
guidelines is posted on the CalvertHealth Medical
Center website. However, she advises, “There
could be risk factors that could mean some
women should be seen at an earlier age or more
often.” The bottom line: talk to your doctor about
your personal situation and your family history,
which could make a big difference.
Finding a Healthy Balance
“At the end of the day, it’s all about balance,” said Dr. Estes,
“and remembering that a healthy lifestyle includes making
time for you.” Her colleague, Dr. Maria-Novella Papino-
Higgs of CalvertHealth Primary Care in Solomons shares
her top tips for strengthening your body’s natural defenses
on page 14.
“I think it’s fair to say that healthy women have more
energy to get through the day,” said Dr. Estes. For moms,
living a healthier lifestyle and taking preventive measures
means they’ll be around longer for their families. Also, kids
tend to adopt their parents’ habits.
She went on to add, “A healthy weight is different
for everyone but it’s important to know what a healthy
weight is for you.” Overweight and obesity are areas of
overwhelming concern for Calvert County, as the percent of
adults who are obese is trending upward.
While good nutrition is an essential part of a healthy
lifestyle, physical activity is also critical. Exercise lowers
the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of
death for women. With Calvert’s aging population on the
rise, the incidence of heart disease skews higher as well,
higher than state and national rates.
Although moderate physical activity such as brisk
walking is safe for most people, health experts suggest you
talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program.
The key is finding a routine to fit your needs based on your
age, stage of life and abilities.
As a working mother herself Dr. Estes understands
the struggles women face trying to find “me time” in
their hectic schedules. “For me, the answer was making
sure I had a short commute. I live two and a half miles
from the hospital.
“For others, maybe it means asking a friend to
watch the kids for a few hours,” she added. “You can’t do
everything. You have to shove something off your plate to
have the time to take care of you.”