Putting herself first: Easy tips to help women to focus on their own health

(BPT) - As the caretaker of the family, sometimes Mom is so busy watching over her spouse and children, she forgets to take care of herself. This is the perfect time of year for women to focus on their own health, especially as schedules slow down for the summer months.

Taking a moment to pause and think about ways to improve her overall health is the best way to make certain a woman has the strength and energy to also care for her family, says Kim Raver, mother and actress on FOX’s hit show, “24.” Plus, concentrating on health can help women achieve a beautiful look, looking her best at all times of the year.

Raver has the following three tips to help women improve their overall health:

1. Schedule those doctor appointments. During the busy school year, it’s easy to forget about visiting the dermatologist, general practitioner, gynecologist, dentist and eye doctor. Even if you don’t have a medical concern, scheduling a general checkup might discover a health issue that doesn’t have any symptoms.

2. Keep your skin looking healthy with sunscreen. The sun’s rays can cause early signs of aging and even melanoma. Give your skin the protection it needs while still enjoying the outdoors by using a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15. Be sure to apply the sunscreen frequently if you’re planning to be outside for an extended period of time. And if you want to look tanned, consider using a tanning lotion or spray instead. Raver recommends keeping the sunscreen in your makeup bag or drawer as a reminder to apply it every morning before applying makeup.

3. Use products that address health and beauty. Smiling has been found to help lower the heart rate and can reduce the body’s reaction in stressful situations, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas. A healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy body. Colgate Total Advanced Whitening toothpaste gives women a whiter and healthier smile. You’ll find yourself smiling often just to show off how beautiful it is, which can also give your health a boost. Showing off your healthy smile with the Colgate Total Advanced Whitening toothpaste may even boost your confidence.

Adding these three simple steps to your routine this summer won’t be a big disruption to your already busy mom schedule. Plus, they can help you improve your healthy lifestyle so you can handle the stress and hectic happenings of the upcoming school year with a smile on your face.