Today’s blog post is a shout out to Nurse Practitioners everywhere (last week was National Nurse Practitioners’ Week) and to reproductive health and birth control! Yep, you heard me right – birth control. Yes, this is a bit different from my norm and probably even stranger coming from a menopausal mom of six! But hey, as a mom to six I know how important birth control is!
Ok, check – I only gave birth to three of the six as we are a blended family – the modern day Brady Bunch. My three pregnancies resulted in three amazing and beautiful little babies that have now grown into being wonderful young adults! Looking at all six children – they all fall within the generation that is being called millennials – people born between the years 1982 to 2004. That is a pretty big range if you ask me. I think of the older four as being millennials. That would be the two out of college and the two still in college. Of these four, three of them are women.
I am impressed (every single day) by how these four young adults are managing their lives. They are balancing starting careers or going to school with great dedication, drive, and discipline. They all have amazing work ethics and they all work to make a positive impact on our world. Yes, I am one proud momma!
Getting established in one’s career takes work and planning. Statistics show that a lot of millennials tend to put off health care. A recent survey conducted by the National Business Group on Health and The Futures Company, found thirty-nine percent of millennials believe preventative care is important to staying healthy, compared to 49% of Generation X and 69% of baby boomers. So while millennials are busy planning, working, and balancing their lives – many are not placing importance on preventative care.
While young women are taking control and being more proactive in making decisions that work best for their lifestyle, it is still imperative for them to have important discussions about health related matters, including reproductive health, with their doctors/nurse practitioners. Birth control options have changed over the past years, and this is a personal decision that women need to be informed about.
So while I said this is a shout out to birth control – it really is about women getting accurate information from their doctor or nurse practitioner regarding their health, including reproductive health. That is much larger than birth control alone. This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Nurse Practitioner Week, and I had an opportunity to chat with Nurse Barb.
Barb Dehn, R.N., M.S., N.P., FAANP, NCMP, also known as Nurse Barb, is a practicing Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, an award-winning author, dynamic television personality and a nationally recognized health expert. Her vast knowledge of women’s health issues, sex and health prevention, along with her unique sense of adventure and charming personality, has made her one of the most in-demand medical consultants and speakers in the United States.
So take the five minutes and watch Nurse Barb share with us why talking about your health is crucial, and the questions millennials women should be asking when it comes to health.
Like Nurse Barb, I believe that that all women should have access to safe and effective birth control. For more information check out CoverHer.org and Skyla-us.com. For more from Nurse Barb check out her Daily Dose – a place where you will find smart, straight-forward advice regarding all areas of health.
Thank you to Skyla for making this interview possible.
Sexual Health: Prescription Drugs VS Herbs
I completely agree that birth control should be made available for all women!
Health is so important. It shocks me how many people just ignore it. We only have one body, mind as well take good care of it right?
Heck yes! It is so important for all of us – women especially to talk about our health. We also need to get over the stigma that there’s anything to be ashamed of in talking about birth control.
We all need to take care of our health and take preventative measures. It’s great you’re speaking directly to the millennials. They need to know they’re not invincible.
Yes! I think youth often feel invincible.
I just learned something new. I’ve been hearing about millennial-this and millennial-that…and had no idea what they were talking about. I missed that classification by four years, and yes, that is a wide range.
So glad you lean red something! I think of millennials as twenty/early thirty somethings – but I guess it is a bit larger.
Staying on top of health care is so important! I try to go at least every year so that I have some base ranges to check against if anything does ever go wrong. I make sure my kids are up current with everything and feel that it’s important for us as adults to do the same.
I have a hard time paying attention to my own health because I’m so focused on keeping my husband and son healthy. I need to be better about it.
Janet, that is so true for me too! It seems that as mom and wife we are concerned with the well fare of our loved ones! And that often overshadows our own health concerns. I hope you hubby and son are doing well!
As a fitness professional I definitely applaud anyone speaking up for women’s health. And nurses are so underpaid and under-rated!
Fitness is so important! It goes hand in hand with good health!
Lots of great information! It’s so easy to forget how important it is to have well-visits and be preventative when it comes to our own health. And the advancements in birth control just in the past 10 years or so has come a long way…there are so many more options now!
So true! I am amazed at the advancements.
Yes, health is so incredibly important. We can’t see what’s happening inside of our bodies. And sometimes we don’t feel the impact that certain things have on our bodies. It’s so good to know your options and make the decision that best suits your life 🙂
LifeAsLex
YEs! Information is golden. And choices in reproductive health is perfect for personal decision.
To be able to take care of our family, we should take care of ourselves first.
thanks for sharing. It’s so important for any woman to take care of themselves as it could prevent something major from happening!
Great topic you only have one body and you should take care of it!!!
So true! We have the gift of one of us! Body, mind and spirit!
I have been obsessing over health related information lately. I definitely think it is so important to stay informed and have regular check-ups and screenings.
Then the timing of this is perfect. Be sure to check out Nurse Barb’s page.
What an important topic! Thank you for sharing!
Your welcome! Sometimes we just need to carve out the time to take care of ourselves.
Information is power. It’s critical for all women to make informed decisions about their healthcare, all aspects of their healthcare. You are the only one responsible for your healthcare and you need to take care of yourself.
So true! It is up to us to take car of us!
Information is power and women need to inform themselves and take care of their health, all aspects of their healthcare. You are the only one responsible for yourself.
Reproductive health is beyond important. Everyone should invest in good healthcare for this exact reason!
You are right – it is an investment! An investment in yourself.
Thanks so much for sharing this. Womens health is so important
You are welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
This is definitely a conversation more women, especially millennials should be having. When you ask questions and seek out information you gain knowledge which allows you to make better informed decisions.
Getting the correct and complete information is golden!
What a great post and the links you shared go to sites that have so much information. My daughter is not always the best at taking care of herself – I will have to pass this video and these links on to her. Thanks so much for a wealth of information.
Thanks for passing this on, Cynthia! I know my daughters all need to be aware as well.
Well said. I couldn’t agree more. Reproductive health is so important in your 20’s and 30’s!
Yes. It’s important to find the time to take care of yourself and get the information needed.
A big fan of Nurse Practitioners over here–I prefer to see them over the doctor in most cases as I always feel they’re less harried and actually take time to look at my chart or, hey, even remember who I am! This is my first time hearing about Nurse Barb, though, thanks for the introduction 🙂
Jen, I agree with you regarding the nurse practitioners. It also seems so smart to see them for routine procedures. They are very knowledgable! When you get a chance check out Nurse Barb’s page (f you haven’t already) – so much great info!
Yes yes yes. Staying up to date on your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself!
Yes, it is so important – sometimes it seems hard to find the time. We need to change that!
Great post. It’s so important to be educated on this topic to make the right decisions for your health and happiness.
Exactly! It is a personal choice and I am glad that choices are available!
I so agree with you, this is a great discussion to have. Education is power and knowing the facts help to make good choices.
Thanks for reading, Monica! The info changes all the time – it is important to stay informed.