If the thought of “putting yourself first” makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s time to push those feelings aside and prioritize your own needs. Not only will this positively impact your own life — it will also have a positive effect on everyone around you.
Think about the last time you were on an airplane and the flight attendants’ instructions to put your oxygen mask on first before trying to help others. Now think about this as it applies to your health. As a mom of two kids, I know it often seems impossible to take care of myself when I’m busy making their needs my first priority.
Here are a few quick tips for putting your own health and well-being first:
1. Use your preventive health benefits
Many health insurance plans cover preventive care at 100 percent. This means you don’t have to pay out of pocket for an annual visit with your OB/GYN, a check-up with your primary care doctor, your flu shot, or other preventive care services.
Try scheduling your appointments in spring or around your birthday, so it’s easy to remember. Whatever you do, just get them on the calendar!
2. Keep track of your health on the member portal
I can barely remember what I ate for breakfast, let alone remember the results of my cholesterol screening or when I was vaccinated for tetanus. The good news is that as an IBX member, I don’t have to.
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The personal health record on the IBX member portal tracks a lot of my health information for me, plus it allows me to add test results or other details I need. When I’m filling out paperwork or visiting my doctor, I find it even easier to use the free IBX app on my phone. You can track your health information online or on paper, just make sure it’s handy when you need it.
3. Take advantage of wellness perks
Many health insurance plans offer valuable extras for being a member and it pays to find out what’s available to you. For example, I can save $150 on my gym membership or that weight-loss program I want to try.
I’m eligible for up to
six free nutrition counseling visits
a year with a registered dietitian so I can finally get my own eating
habits in order. I get access to money-saving coupons and discounts for
healthy foods and products — think workout gear, sunscreen, toothpaste, and
a blender for my green smoothie obsession.
My IBX membership even gets me deals on movie tickets, shopping, sporting events, amusement parks, museums, Broadway shows, and other attractions. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself (or your whole family)!
Whether you’re busy taking care of your partner, your kids, your parents, your pets, be sure to fit time in for yourself, ladies. You can’t help others if you’re not feeling your best, and your health and happiness are just as important.
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have, or suspect that you have, a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
This article was originally published on IBX Insights.
About Susan Rossman
Does writing count as exercise? Then my fingers are in great shape! As a senior copywriter at IBX, I've learned a lot about how health insurance works and how it can help me stay healthy. My goal is to share this knowledge with others in a fun and engaging way.