Columbus Dispatch: First-Aid Kit to Keep Women Healthy

A woman is often the primary caregiver in a household – making sure her partner and/or children are healthy. If a woman neglects her own health and wellbeing, it can lead to the downturn of an entire family’s health.

In a recent Columbus Dispatch article, Ngozi Osuagwu, MD, an Ob/Gyn with OhioHealth Obstetrics and Gynecology in Hilliard, describes women as the “driving force” for healthcare in families. She compiled a list of items women should keep on hand to build their immune systems and stay healthy.

Dr. Osuagwu speaks from personal experience and includes how she includes these must-have items into her daily life. She said she includes a tablespoon of cinnamon, which is a spice good for helping with glycemic control, in her morning oatmeal. In addition, she uses a stainless steel tongue scraper to help with digestion and bad breath, because dental problems have been associated with heart disease and preterm deliveries.

Dr. Osuagwu not only suggests items to keep in the house, but she tells women where to keep them. She said keeping a basket of fruit on the counter or at eye-level in the refrigerator will encourage women to grab those items first. The fruits she recommends are blueberries, which are high in antioxidants; apples, which can help with blood pressure; and bananas, which have a lot of fiber.

Not all of Dr. Osuagwu’s suggestions are food-related. She said having a resistance band can help women get the most out of exercise. According to her, a workout should include four aspects: aerobics, strength training, flexibility and balance.

To read all of Dr. Osuagwu’s suggestions, click on the Columbus Dispatch logo.