As Mother’s Day approaches on May 11, Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital is encouraging women to take a moment amid the celebrations to prioritize their own health.
Dr. Kelly Kennedy, an obstetrician/gynecologist at the hospital and a mother to a 5-year-old, knows firsthand the challenges of balancing motherhood with personal well-being. She’s urging moms and future moms to make self-care a priority with a practical list of health-focused actions.
Dr. Kennedy’s “Top 11 Things Women Should Do for THEIR Health on Mother’s Day” offers simple, actionable steps to kickstart a healthier routine:
- Dedicate five minutes daily to mental health, whether through meditation, journaling, or quiet reflection.
- Go to bed 30 minutes earlier to improve rest and recovery.
- Download a fitness app to track activity and health goals.
- Incorporate a new fruit or vegetable into meals for better nutrition.
- Drink an extra bottle of water to stay hydrated.
- Spend 10 minutes in the sun for a natural dose of vitamin D.
- Start taking a multivitamin to support overall health.
- Perform a breast self-exam to stay proactive about breast health.
- Schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor or OB/GYN for a checkup.
- Verify prescription renewal dates to ensure uninterrupted care.
- Check the dates of your last mammogram and pap smear, scheduling them if it’s been over a year.
Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital, part of a not-for-profit healthcare system with over a century of service, emphasizes the importance of preventive care for women.
The system, which includes hospitals, physician practices, and urgent care facilities across Florida, Alabama, and Puerto Rico, provided nearly $1.7 billion in community impact in 2023 through programs, services, and investments.
