As a mom, it's my pleasure to remind you that it's Mothers' Day this Sunday, so please call your mom --or even better, go visit.  But this time, when you ask Mom how she's doing, really listen and don't just settle for "Oh fine." This is the woman who took you for all your vaccines, lost sleep when you were ill, and lost even more sleep when she wasn't sure.  But when was the last time you sincerely asked your mom about her health?

For starters, when was the last time your mother had a general check-up?  Many women neglect their annual Pap smears and pelvic exams after they've finished having children or gone through "the change"; is your mom one of them?  May is also Osteoporosis Prevention Month. Has your mom been tested for this condition that puts women at greatly increased risk of fractures? 

Most women fear breast cancer more than any other disease, yet neglect to have their annual mammograms after age 50. When was the last time your mom had hers?  And while breast cancer is the most feared disease for women, colon cancer is actually responsible for many more deaths in women per year.  Even moms who are up-to-date on their mammograms may not realize that they should be screened for colon cancer on a regular basis as well.

Heart disease is the number one killer of all women in our country and there are many risk factors.  Do you know when your mom last had her blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol checked?  Has she had a cardiogram recently?  Do you know if she's discussed preventive strategies with her doctor?

Tell your mom you want to know about her health status because you care. . .and because you want her around for many more Mothers' Days.

Click here for related information.

Created: 5/11/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.