MODERN WOMEN | WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH THEME
Why is My Podiatrist Asking about My Mental Health?
combatting the mental health issues in society
My doctor walked into the exam room. After the basic review of my vitals and assorted aches or healings, she said she had a few new questions for me. I have a great rapport with her and wasn’t concerned that the blood work came back elevated. “She just has some questions for me,” I thought to myself as my heart rate picked up its pace. And then she loaded up a new page in the electronic medical record that she — and anyone else with access to that portal — could see.
The questions began with some basics:
How would you rate your overall mental health and well-being?
How many hours are you sleeping at night?
Are you getting adequate exercise?
I felt my blood pressure and heart rate coming down; these questions weren’t too bad. Don’t we all live with some not-very-well-being? And do you know many women who get that elusive 8 hours of consistent sleep at night? Uh…exercise? That’s kind of subjective these days, isn’t it? “Did you close your circles?” I hear iWatch friends ask each other. “Did I get my 10,000 steps in today?” I look at my doctor and ask her: “What do you really think I need to be doing for…
