OhioHealth HOOFit & 10TV: Making Time for Self-Care

When it comes to the health of those in your family, where does your own health fit into the equation?

If you have children, the answer is probably pretty far down the list.  But doctors say that is the wrong way to go about it, and there are things you can do right now to make sure your own health is a priority.

Laura Welsh is a working mother, she has had her fair share of health challenges including high blood pressure, and heart issues.  But months ago, she decided that her own health wasn't going to be an afterthought, she was going to turn things around.

"It's hard.   When you're younger, you think you're invincible. Nothing's going to happen. Then you slack off and gain some weight,” Welsh said to 10TV. “That really plays a huge part in your overall health."

Welsh started to exercise more, drink more water, and watch what she was eating. Since making that lifestyle change, she is already seeing better results. OhioHealth physician Dr. Jayme Rock-Willoughby, who is Laura's doctor, says these types of changes are just what the doctor ordered.

"You're not going to be any good to anybody else if you don't take care of yourself," Dr. Jayme Rock-Willoughby said to 10TV.

A big part of taking care of yourself is the ripple effect it can have on your kids and other members of your family. Your good choices will be looked at and copied by those around you.

"Kids are watching. And if you're taking time to exercise, if you're taking time to eat better, if you're making sure you're getting adequate sleep, your kids are watching and they're going to follow those healthier habits too," Dr. Rock-Willoughby said to 10TV.

Of course a big part of overall health in exercise. And what better way to get your steps in than with the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium/OhioHealth HOOFit program.

The first walk is set for 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 8th. You can get hundreds, and even thousands of steps with these physician-led walks each month.

For a full list of dates, topics, and more, click here.

To see more about taking care of yourself, and creating your own health journey, click the 10TV logo.