*This is a sponsored post and giveaway. All my opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.*
This Mother’s Day kicks off the 16th Annual National Women’s Health Week. I think that’s a great thing. Living healthy can be challenging for anyone, but it’s even more challenging for moms because we always put the needs of our family ahead of our own. It’s noble, but it can backfire on us.
Living Healthy is Easier Than You Think
It’s great to make sure the hubby and kids are tended to, but if we don’t make a point of living healthy, we might find ourselves in the role of being cared for rather than caring for others. Nobody wants to be in that boat! That’s why it’s so important to really strive to live a healthy lifestyle. Living healthy means a longer life and more time with our husbands, kids, and grandkids.
1: Regular Checkups
One of the biggest keys to living healthy is getting routine checkups. And, yes, that includes mammograms for the girls and a trip to your OBGYN. I know it’s time consuming and a pain in the butt, but it’s got to be done. I’m guilty of not taking the time to get to the doctor for regular checkups myself, but I’m working on it. Regular checkups can ensure your continued good health by finding problems in their early stages when they’re easy to treat, rather than after they’ve had time to become severe.
2. Take Time for Yourself
It’s so important to your mental health. It can be tempting to go, go, go until you drop, but that’s definitely not a help when it comes to living healthy. As moms and wives, we need a chance to recharge our mental batteries. A little down time can help rejuvenate us for the challenges of the day to come. So always make a little quiet time for yourself to just be.
3: Relax
Relaxation is another important factor in living healthy. Stress is a killer. Literally. Studies have shown that continued stress can reduce your lifespan by years! If you want to be around to see those grandchildren and great grandchildren, RELAX! Read a book, take a bubble bath, go watch a movie. Do whatever makes you feel calm and relaxed and stress-free. It’s important to your health and longevity.
4: Exercise
Ah, the dreaded E word. Exercise. I know what you’re thinking. Who wants to exercise before or after a long day of work, kids, dinner, and whatever else happens to be on your plate? It’s an important part of living healthy, though. Exercise strengthens your body and mind, improves your mental attitude and acuity, and can help stave off diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
5: Pamper Yourself
How does that fit into healthy living? It fits in because healthy living is both a mind and body thing. If you give yourself just a little pampering, it can improve your mood and your outlook. Some studies have shown that positive people tend to live longer than sour pusses, so do whatever you can to improve that mood.
6: Eat a Healthy Diet
This is actually a lot easier than you might think. All you really need to do to start down a road to eating better and living healthy is change a few minor things to start. Switch out brown rice for white rice, multi-grain bread for white bread, whole grain pasta for regular pasta, and if you drink pop, ditch it. Those changes alone can help you dramatically. It only take s a few minor changes to start living healthy today.
7: Take Care of Your Mouth
As a dentist, this one is near and dear to my heart. The state of your mouth can drastically affect your overall health. Did you know that an infected mouth can release germs into the bloodstream which can affect your heart, liver, and kidneys? It’s a proven fact. It’s also a proven fact that people with a bad smile tend to have lower self-esteem, which works on their mental state.
To keep my mouth in order, I use the Colgate Total regimen. Colgate has been THE name in oral care for as long as I can remember, and there’s a reason for that. They have wonderful oral care products. I use Colgate Total Advanced Whitening toothpaste, Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield mouthwash, my Total Advanced Power Toothbrush, and i floss to keep my gums healthy and my chompers chomping.
Always make healthy living a high priority in your life so you can be around for all the great moments we as moms look forward to, and don’t forget your mouth!
Giveaway: One winner will receive a $60 Healthy Kit package. This giveaway is run via rafflecopter so click read more to see the actual giveaway. The only mandatory entry is to visit Colgate Total and tell me what you learned. Please put all comments in comment section proceeding the post. While the other entries are optional, I highly suggest filling it out to increase your chances of winning. US only. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Anna says
I learned that colgate total advance whitening toothpaste removes 80% of surface stains.
jim zahorian says
me too.
Liz says
I forgot you’re a dentist 🙂 hence your Twitter handle! I learned that Colgate Total fights germs for 12 hours.
Rebekah says
I learned that the toothpaste removes stains and improves mouth health.
Patty says
You can 12hour protection even after eating and drinking
Jenna Wood says
Not sure if my comment went through, it crashed during submission 🙁 I learned that diabetes puts you at bigger risk for gum disease.
Fee Roberts says
It brightens 30% better that other toothpastes.
LaTanya says
Bleeding gums when you brush or floss. This bleeding is not normal. Even if your gums don’t hurt, get them checked.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I remember the first time I heard about the germs. It was when my youngest had to get special clearance for dental work because he has a heart defect. Scary stuff!
Kari Wagoner says
I learned Colgate total protects for 12 hours
heather s says
Plaque is the main cause of cavities and gingivitis and can harden into tartar if not removed daily.
Debra says
Thanks for the great reminders….you are so right. As moms, we tend to take care of everyone else first. But like the flight attendants say (with the oxygen mask) – take care of yourself first, then the child. 🙂
Seyma Shabbir says
I am diabetic so I found the The Diabetes & Oral Health Link to be very useful. Sugar levels have a direct influence on teeth and healing.
Carlee C says
It is so true that mom is the one who forgets to stop and take care of herself. It’s important to slow down and get those check ups and do a little pampering.
Brittney House says
It brightens 30% whiter than other brands.
Shelley Zurek says
Stress is a killer, I can attest to the fact that I feel lots of stress and my health seems to be suffering.
Leela says
You can 12hour protection.
Nicole says
I found ALL the information regarding the links between diabetes & oral health, very interesting.
denise says
I learned that Kelly Ripa uses Colgate.
susan says
I learned that you can have a healthier mouth and a brighter mile… This can brighten up to 30 percent.
Pam says
I think we often forget to pamper ourselves! We deserve it and we should try to pamper ourselves often to deal with stress.
Jenn says
I think it is so important to pamper yourself. I forget to do this too often. Hmmm, maybe a bubble bath today.
vickie Couturier says
I learned:
mouthwash for gum health
Fights plaque between teeth and along the gum line
Sandy Klocinski says
The Colgate Total line is unusual in that one of the ingredients is Triclosan, which kills bacteria that can cause gum disease. Colgate is my family’s favorite toothpaste. I like the tartar control – I am convinced tartar control keeps my teeth clean and tartar-free between dental cleanings
Tracee says
I learned that there is a link between diabetes and gum disease
Robert Brown says
I learned that it brightens 30%more than other toothpastes.
Holly Thomas says
The Diabetes & Oral Health Link was something I was not aware of.
janetfaye says
I learned that Colgate Total has 12-hour protection against germs even after drinking and eating.
Lauren says
I learned there is a link between Diabetes and oral health.
Klydra Pugh says
I learned they make a whitening mouthwash.
Thanks for the chance.
steve weber says
I learned that it brightens 30%more than other toothpastes.
Denise C says
Red wine can stain your teeth? I’ve never heard that before.
ellen schull says
It brightens 30% more than other brands of toothpaste.
Devon F says
I learned that you can print colgate coupons online
denice p says
I learned that people with diabetes are up to 2x more likely to get gum disease.
Susan Christy says
Colgate Total® is specially formulated to help prevent gingivitis, an early form of gum disease
Dawn Ganey says
I learned diabetes is linked to oral health.
Stephanie Phelps says
I learned that Colgate removes more surface stains and whitens 30 % more!
D Schmidt says
Visited and learned Colgate Total® is specially formulated to help prevent gingivitis, an early form of gum disease
xty cruz says
I didn’t know that plaque is the major cause of cavity.
courtney b says
I learned Kelly Ripa is one of their spokespeople!!!
thank you !:) xoxoxo
ken ohl says
love that it whitens 30 percent better than other brands
Alona Y says
I learned that Colgate Total removes surface stains on your teeth and help keep new ones from forming.
Abigail says
Colgate total toothpaste can actually strengthen enamel
Alona Y says
I entered 3 or more giveaways: $60 UMI SHOES, Rock N Learn DVDs, KURA and Cuisinart Blender. Hit enter on accident and can’t edit!
sandra davis says
I learned that people with diabetes, are 2X more likely to develop gum disease
jill rivera says
People with diabetes, are 2X more likely to develop gum disease.
Trisha Burgess says
I learned the clean deep toothbrush cleans 4 times deeper between teeth and the gum line!!
Michelle S. says
I learned that I would like to try the Colgate Total Mouthwash for Gum Health. I like that there is no burn of alcohol and I like that it provides 12 hour protection so it seems very long lasting!
Lisa Coomer Queen says
I learned that mouth diseases and conditions affect your whole body.
Soo says
I learned that a buildup of plaque bacteria can weaken tooth enamel.
Angelica says
I learned that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop gum disease.
pu ye says
I learned that the toothpaste removes stains and improves mouth health.
Lisa says
I learned that there is no burn of alcohol with this mouthwash.
Kimberly O says
I learned that diabetics are at a higher risk for gum disease. Thanks.
diane says
For stronger, healthier gums, try New Colgate Total® Mouthwash for Gum Health
Melissa says
I had another reminder to try and counteract the effects of stress
Sharon Kaminski says
I learned that diabetes makes the body more susceptible to bacterial infection, so people with diabetes have a decreased ability to fight germs that invade the gums.
Chris D says
I learned that Colgate total can protect up to 12 hours.
Petra Huffmire says
I learned that Plus, Colgate Total® toothpaste fights germs for 12 hours**, in 24 hours starts to fortify enamel and in 4 weeks helps improve gum health.
Robin M says
I learned that you can print their coupons.
Kelly Nicholson says
i learned Kills 99% of germs on contact..thanks
Daniel Thornton says
Colgate total helps prevent tooth decay
KJ Skib says
I learned that Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which left untreated, may develop into periodontitis.
stephanie macdonald says
mouth issues can affect your WHOLE body wow
Bo Simms says
I learned that colgate brightens 30% whiter than other brands.
ELIZABETH C. says
I learned that People with diabetes are more likely to get gum disease.
john says
I learned that people with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, and that can lead to gum infections.
linda w. says
I love that it helps protect for 12 hours.
Darlene Carbajal says
I learned that it fights germs for 12 hours.
Tanya White says
I learned that One of the keys to a healthy mouth is to establish an oral health care routine twice a day.
Juana Esparza says
I learned that Colgate Total® is specially formulated to help prevent gingivitis.
Jackie says
I learned that Colgate Total Mouthwash for Gum Health helps to fight plaque between teeth and along the gum line and kills 99% of germs on contact.
Thank you!
angela bauer says
Helps fight bacteria so your teeth stay healthy and strong
sandra says
I learned gingivitis is an early form of gum disease
velder dixon says
brightens 30% more than other toothpaste
FRANK says
Colgate Total toothpaste has an advanced gentle care formula to strengthen and care for tooth enamel.
bn100 says
learned Colgate Total® Advanced Pro-Shield™ Mouthwash gives you 12 hour protection against germs
elizabeth marie says
I learned that there is a mouthwash that and help with gum care as well as fresh breath
wen budro says
I learned that there is a significant link between diabetes and oral health.
Elevia Monroe says
I learned that it keeps breath fresh for 12 hours. ^^
melody hodge says
You can have a beautiful smile and a healthier mouth.
Jillian DeMarco says
The mouth wash has no burn of alcohol.
Annamarie V says
12 hours of protection even after eating and drinking, helps prevent gingivitis.
hannah Harris says
I learned that diabetes is connected to oral health
Christie says
Diabetes puts you at a bigger risk for gum disease 🙁
doug gerard says
Colgate is toothpaste that removes plaque
Nancy says
I learned they have an FAQ section on their site.
Lana Bradstream says
I learned Colgate Total protects against cavities.
Julie Waldron says
I learned the mouthwash kills 99% of germs on contact
Angela W says
Colgate Total toothpaste fights germs for 12 hours, in 24 hours starts to fortify enamel and in 4 weeks helps improve gum health.
Robin Abrams says
I learned that diabetes puts you at bigger risk for gum disease.
Jessica Medley says
Colgate fights longer for a healthier mouth and whiter smile! ♥:-)
Sara Zielinski says
I learned that colgate is a great, affordable toothpaste.
Lynda Del says
I learned that using Colgate can give you 12-hour protection.
Tara says
I learned that a Colgate toothbrush has a 4x deeper reach.
Denise S says
Gingivitis, or bleeding gums, is the first stage of gum disease, which left untreated, may develop into periodontitis.
Natalie Brown says
I learned that when their toothpaste, mouth wash, and 4xdeeper reach toothbrush are used, in 24 hours they start to fortify enamel and in 4 week helps to improve gum health. Nice!
melissa austin says
doesn’t have the burning sensation like most mouthwashes have
michelle k. says
I like that the mouthwash protects even after eating for 13 hours
The Happy Wife/Danielle Garcia says
I learned that Colgate Total works for 12 hours.
Heather K says
I learned that when you use Colgate Total toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash together, you can help improve your mouth health in 2 weeks.
Deana Honeycutt says
Colgate works for 12 hours and Kelly Ripa (who I love) uses it.
Sandra Watts says
I learned that Colgate Total can actually help improve your gum health in about 4 weeks. I only use Colgate Total and have for more than 15 years.
Erica B. says
I didn’t realize diabetes and gum disease were related.
Maria B says
I learned that the Cologate total mouthwash lasts 12 hours fighting off germs.
Michelle H. says
I learned that these products promote mouth health and overall health.
K Johnson says
Colgate total products last for up to 12 hours!
K Davis says
I learned that I’m doing a better job than I thought. I use Colgate products already.
laurie murley says
I learned that it fights plaque between teeth and along the gum line
Nicole Michelle says
Brushing and flossing regularly helps fight gingivitis 😉
eguiver Yol says
I learned about how to reduce gingivitis
Theresa Smith says
I learned that if your gums are bleeding this is not normal and you should do something about it. I already use Colgate products, they are the best!
Susan Smith says
I learned it brightens 30% better that other toothpastes
EMMA L HORTON says
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF…NOBODY LIKES YOU LIKE YOU LIKE YOURSELF (MOST PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE THIS)
Stephanie Larison says
I learned it can take away 80% of surface stains from the teeth.
Rose Santuci-Sofranko says
The comments don’t “proceed” the post? But, I learned that there is a connection between Diabetes and Oral Health..I’m a diabetic, so this is important. Thanks and God bless!
brittani adams says
I learned that COlgate mouthwash kills 99 percent of all germs immediately. Awesome
Leah Shumack says
I learned that the mouthwash will kill 99% of germs!
Denise Donaldson says
I learned that mouthwash kills 99 percent of the germs
Jennifer R says
I learned that as women and moms we need to take the time to take care of ourselves. Also, that Colgate is a complete oral health company providing multiple types of products to help us care for our mouth.
Francine Anchondo says
brightens 30% better that other toothpastes.
michelle r says
Bleeding gums when you brush or floss. This bleeding is not normal. Even if your gums don’t hurt, get them checked.
jules m. says
i learned that people with diabetes, are 2X more likely to develop gum disease
Breanne says
People with diabetes are 2x more likely to develop gum disease.
Jeanna W says
I learned Colgate total protects for 12 hours.
Trisha McKee says
Colgate Total provides protection for up to twelve hours.
Laurie Emerson says
I learned that there is a link between diabetes and gum disease.