Listening to Women is Bad for Your Health

Ten years ago, I was always in pain from some very serious headaches. After having a headache every day for weeks, my mother diagnosed me with sinus headaches. Within one month I was completely blind.

Now, I don't blame my mother for her diagnosis. She was doing what comes naturally. All mothers think they know what they're talking about and they never think the worse. I blame myself because I was a grown ass woman. I knew better. I knew it was something more than my sinuses.

Lately, I've been having some health issues. Nothing serious. I just want to sleep more than I ever want to be awake. I thought it was depression. My doctor said I probably have sleep apnea, but scheduled me for every blood test possible. My blood is fine, but I found out I have asthma and a thyroid problem.

So, last week, I was talking to a friend about my upcoming acupuncture appointment. She seemed a little surprised, which I thought was odd because I had told her about everything that was going on. She's my emergency contact, for God's sake. I told her, "Girl, I'm fucked up right now. I'm taking three medications, looking forward to my sleep apnea test, seeing an acupuncturist once a week and taking liquified herbs" She said, "It's probably just low iron". I told her I had already been tested for anemia. As I left her apartment I realized women can be bad for your health.

You know who dies of heart disease more. WOMEN. You know why? Because we say our chest hurts or we feel run down and some girlfriend or mother says, "Oh you're probably just running around too much" or "Are you taking your vitamins?".

Ladies, deep down inside we know when something is truly wrong with us. Listen to your body. And if a friend tells you to just slow down or take a vitamin, smile politely and call your doctor. Nobody knows you better than you.

There it is! Now, I need to go take a nap.