CTMC Hill Country Health - Spring 2011 - (Page 5)

Three generations of Ingram women gathered over the winter holidays and discussed healthy living Hill Country style. From left to right: Sue IngramBushong, Gloria Ingram, Sue’s daughter Lindsey, Lauren Tuttle and her mother, Liz Ingram-Tuttle. Lindsey and Lauren are students at Texas A&M University. Sue and Liz were raised in San Marcos and both raised their families here. YOUR MOM: Was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30s or 40s. Why it’s good to know: When it occurs at such a young age, breast cancer tends to be more aggressive, Strickland explains. It means you could be at high risk. What you can do: Start clinical breast exams early and begin mammograms sooner than the typically recommended age of 40. Strickland also advocates monthly breast self-exams and a low-fat, healthy diet. YOUR MOM: Experienced complications during pregnancy such as premature delivery, high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Why it’s good to know: “There can certainly be some links between mother and daughter as to how their pregnancies go,” Strickland says. What you can do: Plan your pregnancy by talking to your doctor before conception. Ensure the healthiest possible pregnancy with preparation, including taking folic acid supplements, exercising and being at the right weight for your body. YOUR MOM: Prepared balanced meals and maintained her girlish ﬁgure. Why it’s good: You probably developed a taste for good-foryou foods and know how to stick to an exercise routine. What you can do: Keep ﬁlling your plate with a colorful mix of vegetables. Eat plenty of ﬁber and go easy on meat products. Watch your weight, but don’t let it be an obsession. Eating disorders are serious and often hereditary. If your mother dieted to extremes, or if you feel “fat” even at a ﬁt and appropriate weight, talk to your doctor. YOUR MOM: Has osteoporosis. Why it’s good to know: Osteoporosis has a hereditary component, so you are at increased risk. What you can do: Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D and exercise regularly for good bone health. Be aware that certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors for stomach problems, antidepressants and steroid drugs, weaken bones, so ask your doctor about them. Ultimately, you’re going to inherit both the good and the bad from your mother and your father. “You can’t pick your parents,” Strickland says, “but knowledge is power.” p a quiz” to help teach her about checkups, ﬁtness and nutrition. (tips for keeping your daughter healthy) Visit girlshealth.gov with your daughter or granddaughter and click “take www.ctmc.org 5 http://www.girlshealth.gov http://www.ctmc.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CTMC Hill Country Health - Spring 2011

CTMC Hill Country Health - Spring 2011
Eat This, Get That
Is There A Baby In Your Future?
Don't Miss Health Check 25

CTMC Hill Country Health - Spring 2011