Medical Care Made Simple: What Busy Moms Need to Know

Moms are the heartbeat of the home—and often the last to schedule their own checkups. Dr. Cindy says it plainly: we’re wired to nurture. That’s a gift—but it becomes a problem when we swing to the extreme and neglect ourselves.

The Biggest Hurdles (and Real Fixes)

1) Time: School runs, sports, work, worship, family time—it’s a lot.
Fix: Put your appointments on the same family calendar you use for the kids.

2) Access: Appointments don’t always align with your windows.
Fix: Ask to be placed on cancellation lists, request Saturday/evening slots, or consider Direct Primary Care/Concierge models for more flexible access.

3) Guilt: That tug that says “I should be doing something else…”
Fix: Oxygen-mask rule: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Loving your family includes taking care of you.

Warning Signs Moms Should Never Ignore

• Chest pain—especially with activity or pressure-like sensation

• Any new breast lump or persistent change you notice in the shower

• Unexpected vaginal bleeding after menopause

• New, unexplained or worsening symptoms you’re tempted to “wait out”

Don’t pray instead of seeking care—do both. Faith and medicine are teammates.

Streamline Your Health Routine (So It’s Not Overwhelming)

• Batch it: When you book the kids’ physicals, book yours too.

• Birthday health month: Make your birthday (or birth month) your annual wellness anchor—labs, screenings, dental, vision.

• Group tasks: Aim to complete labs and routine screenings within a 2–3 week window.

• Use waitlists: Tell the office, “Call me for any cancellations.”

• Advocate for Yourself (without the stress)

  • Find your fit: Choose a clinician you feel comfortable with. Comfort varies, and that’s okay.

  • Prepare a simple note: Top 3 concerns, when they started, what makes them better/worse, current meds/supplements. Bring it.

  • Say what matters most: “My goal today is ______.” (energy, sleep, headaches, menstrual changes, mood, weight, etc.)

  • If you feel dismissed: It’s not normal. You deserve to be heard. Seek a better fit.

    How Family Can Help Mom

    • Be the cheer squad: Kids can be great “appointment captains”—let them remind and celebrate mom’s wins.

    • Share the load: Spouses/partners, cover childcare or a school run so mom can keep appointments—no guilt trips.

    • Normalize the habit: Treat mom’s checkups like soccer practice: non-negotiable and on the calendar.

      The Non-Negotiable Habit

      Me Time.
      Five minutes or a full morning—prayer, quiet, worship, a book, a solo walk. No guilt. This is how you refill the cup you pour from.

      A Simple “Busy Mom” Health Checklist

      • Annual wellness visit scheduled (and kept)

      • Screenings based on age/history (Pap, mammogram, colon, skin, etc.)

      • Dental & vision up to date

      • Medication & supplement list reviewed yearly

      • Mental health check-in (mood, sleep, stress)

      • Movement plan (what’s realistic this season?)

      • Hydration & food that fuels (aim for at least one fruit + one veg per meal)

      • Family plan for sick days (who covers what if mom needs rest?)

        Final Encouragement

        One of the most loving things you can do for your family is take care of yourself. Put your name on the calendar. Ask for what you need. Receive grace. You’ve got this.