Caring for Everyone Starts with Caring for You

You keep everyone else healthy. What about you? 

If you’re a mom, a caregiver or the person your family always turns to when someone is sick, you’re not alone. You’re also not alone in putting your own health last.

Between school physicals, late-night fevers, grocery lists, work schedules and managing appointments for everyone else, your own care often gets pushed aside.

But your health matters just as much as your loved ones’ health, and preventive care isn’t optional. It’s what helps you stay strong for the long run. This Mother’s Day, take a moment to make sure you’re caring for yourself the same way you care for others.

The Care You Deserve

Here are key health screenings and check-ins that many moms and caregivers often delay, but shouldn’t:

Annual Wellness Visit

• Blood pressure check
• Weight and metabolic screening
• Review of family history and risk factors
• Mental health screening (stress, anxiety, depression)

Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)

• Typically recommended starting at age 40 (or earlier if high risk)
• Helps detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable

Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear / HPV Test)

• Recommended starting at age 21
• Helps prevent cervical cancer through early detection

Heart Health Screening

• Cholesterol checks
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Diabetes screening if risk factors are present

Colon Cancer Screening

• Typically begins at age 45
• Can detect precancerous changes early

Mental Health Check-In

• Chronic stress, burnout and anxiety are common for caregivers
• Support is available and it matters just as much as physical health

What You Can Do Today

If it's been awhile since your last check-up, consider scheduling:

• A primary care visit
• Any overdue screenings
• A mental health check-in if you've been feeling overwhelmed

Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your family.

When you stay healthy:

• You have more energy
• You catch issues early
• You're present for the moments that matter most
• You model healthy habits for your children

If you're not sure what screenings you're due for, AtlantiCare can help get you started. Visit AtlantiCare.org to learn more.