warning! this could be graphic.....=) j/k

I debated writing this blog for a while before actually talking myself into it. I'm 100% certain that other women have experienced my....uhh, experience before, but it's always different when it happens to you. As most of you know (especially you girls out there) it is recommended to go to the Gynecologist around the age of 18 for yearly pap smears and breast examinations, just to make sure everything is on track.

After going to my yearly check-up in December I was confident with my visit and thought nothing else of it until I got a call last week saying that my pap smear had come back abnormal.

Abnormal? What? So...something's wrong with me?

Of course it upset me and stuck in my head for the rest of the week until I went back for another pap smear and a biopsy. I won't be too graphic, but the tests weren't comfortable, to say the least.

After talking with my doctor I felt a little more at ease with my situation, because it was such a mild abnormality. However, there was still that little voice in the back of my head screaming "abnormal...abnormal...abnormal."

I wanted so badly to talk with another woman who had experienced my situation, but knew that going to the Gynecologist is utterly embarrassing for every woman, and is even treated like some sort of scandal.

I think that's absurd. And I'm speaking even to myself when I say this.

Yes, it's embarassing, and yes it's a bit disgusting. But how can taking good care of yourself ever be looked at as shameful and make women so hesitant to talk about their past experiences?

I got a phone call saying that my tests had come back all normal and negative today, and luckily I can breathe a huge sigh of relief. For some women though, things don't come back normal and okay...and that sigh of relief never comes.

I wrote this blog to educate both men and women on the importance of taking good care of yourself, and to also say that I'm not ashamed to be a woman who is smart enough to go to the gynecologist for that ever lovely pap smear every year.

Stay Well,

Julie :)

The beginning of the never ending...

With school just starting back, there's a lot of unwanted stress that can be flung upon you without you ever really knowing. Your body may seem like it's healthy, but could be in need of some serious relaxation. As college students it's hard to eat right, sleep right and manage your time the way you should. However, here's some tips that may help...because without making time for your health, you won't have time for your other priorities.

1. I try to not study while sitting on my bed. This habit can lead to difficulty falling asleep and a chaotic resting place. Your bed should be for only sleeping and other bed appropriate activities.

2. Eating fast food is so much easier than cooking, and some of us don't have the equipment necessary for cooking. But you can make your snacks healthier. So, I try to buy fruit cups that I can grab and eat while on the run. Also, sun dried fruits are delicious and aren't messy.

3. Manage your time wisely. I always say that I'll do this...but then end up watching a Rock of Love marathon for 6 hours. Set aside time for work and then reward yourself with play.

4. Organize your clutter. Staying organized makes everything easier.

5. Try your best to sleep as much as possible. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability and weakening of the immune system. Power naps during the day are helpful if you have time.

While these tips aren't much and for the most part are common sense, they can help keep you feeling good and at your fullest potential.

While this semester may be the beginning of the never ending work and stress, don't let it take control of your health and well being!

stay strong,

Julie