Meet Dr. Mom at the University of Texas
Where would be without the wisdom of women who have gone before us…been there, done that and probably wrote a couple of songs about it. Whether she was our mother, grandmother, TV mother, or like-a-mother those tidbits, nuggets, and pearls of wisdom she passed on were valuable in helping to shape the women we are.
I took a wonderful trip down memory lane recently when I asked a few women about their most memorable mom sayings; and found myself smiling from ear my ear as I recounted the many times I myself had heard “Loose lips sink ships”; “Beauty is as beauty does”; ”What happens in this house – stays in this house”; “Because I’m the mama that’s why”; “What you do in the dark, will come to the light”; “If Anthony jumps off a bridge, are you going to jump too”; “The only thing out after midnight is trouble”;”Keep your dress down and your panties up”; “Don’t do as I do, do as I say do”; “If you can’t think of something nice to say, don’t say anything at all”; “It’s no use crying over spilt milk”; “Misery loves company”; “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free”; “I hope you have 5 just like you”; “You’ll understand when you’re older” and; “No matter what, your mother is going to always love you.”
Boy, how we promised ourselves we’d never say these things. But, some promises are meant to be broken and we continue to pass the wisdom from generation to generation.
Somehow mom was never short on advice and shared it openly whether we wanted it or not. Often we just dismissed her ranting’s as “old fashioned” nonsense. It’s not like she was a doctor or anything but she was always dispensing medical advice, like, “Don’t eat that off the floor!” “Go wash your hands!” and “You’re going to eat those vegetables, they’re good for you!” But, turns our mom was right.
She said, “If you have your health, you have everything,” and she knew it was better to try to stave off sickness and disease than to treat it on the back end. Unfortunately, too many of us find ways, NOT to take action….
We don’t like to have our blood drawn, and none of us is a fan of the mammogram. We’re fearful of what those results might be and hide behind things mama said like “What you don’t know won’t hurt you.” Some of us are even walking around here that “It won’t happen to me” way of thinking.
And ooooh the things we do, to avoid getting on that doctor office scale! We convince ourselves we’re way too busy. We “Pooh-Pooh” the symptom, with “Oh, it’s not that serious.” And then we get online and self-diagnose to avoid discussing “embarrassing” topics. But like mom said, “knowledge is power” and so addressing these topics head on allows your physician the opportunity to empower you with causes, treatments and simple lifestyle modifications.
Listen, “Silence is golden” sometimes, but never when it comes to your health. It’s time to put your big girl panties on. Be your own advocate. Remember when mom said “There are no foolish questions!” Ask questions, and if you don’t like the first opinion, ask for a second one!
Action is power!! The day you decide to take action is the day you gain control of your body AND the manageable aspects of your body’s health and well-being.
Namaste!
