Summer is coming to a close and we are all going to be busy with work, children, school, holidays, you name it. So it is time to take stock and think about what is really important.

How many of us (women) really take care of ourselves? If you ask most women, they will tell you their priorities are the following: number one is our children, then our spouse, family members such as parents and siblings, our house, our pets and then….ourselves! Self-sacrifice is part of our genetic make-up as nurturers. However, if we do not take care of ourselves, we will not be able to care for anyone else! Let me suggest the following for both women and men:

• Find a physician or nurse practitioner who can be your partner in health. Sit down with this person and find ways that you can optimize your health and healing.

• If you are taking supplements, talk to your provider about them. It is possible that you may be taking some that interfere with your regular medicines or that you are taking way too much of a certain herb or vitamin.

• If you are opposed to taking a lot of medications, find ways to improve your health without them. A healthy diet and exercise can go a very long way.

• Sometimes, complementary therapy such as acupuncture and massage can help with painful conditions as well if not better than medication.

• Attitude is everything. Our mind is very powerful. Harnessing your power through therapies such as guided imagery can help with general health, pain, sleep, and can act as a powerful adjunct to cancer treatment.

• Laughter and fun is very therapeutic. It is important to honor that part of yourself. When I ask patients to name three things that they do for fun or that they enjoy and they cannot name them, it is very telling. Finding things to do for fun doesn’t have to cost money. It could be just sitting outside and enjoying a beautiful day or watching a funny movie.

• Nurture your spirit. It could be through prayer or meditation, or something as simple as taking a nature walk.

Don’t you think it is time to put yourself first on the list? If not now, then when?