Single moms survive medical issues with help from others

Hey Swarm Moms

Did you read the latest news about surviving illnesses? Apparently, if you are married you will have better survival rates than if you are not.  You will also have better medical treatment and ... the odds favor the married woman for early discovery of disease.   Wow!!! Is this crazy or really sad? or both?

We as the single mom community should pay attention to why the writers have determined this to be true.  The fact that there is an early discovery of a disease could be the result of having a loving partner who will notice changes in their loved one that a stressed and rushed single mom may ignore in herself. Some diseases may have obvious disease manifestations such as lumps, observable tiredness, puffy bellies, and mood swings that a single mom may attribute to other issues.  Having a loving partner prod or gently push her to see a physician in a timely manner may make all the difference in the world.

The better care that a married woman receives could be a direct result of having an involved partner helping to research care and treatment.  Just by the very presence of an involved man could tip the attention to the married woman.  Also, I don't know if any other single moms have experienced this but, I have had many instances where I am invisible when I show up without a partner.  On the other hand, if I am getting my car repaired, I receive attention and care above and beyond what me or my car need. Always to the tune of big bucks.  But, back to the medical disparity between married women and others.  Having a caring and concerned loved one who is attentive to your needs during times of illness is probably the biggest reason that married women have better results than others.

Let's face it ... surrounding yourself with people who love you and want the best for you is going to be the ultimate scale tipper when a woman or a man is ill.  If you have someone in your life who will help research treatments, doctors, hospitals and recoveries you will fare better than if you travel the road alone.  These loved ones will also help by being a presence in your life when you are feeling sad, depressed and/or challenged, which means they will be the ultimate stress busters.

SO... the lesson here for all single moms is:
1) pay attention to your body and your symptoms
2) be proactive in your healthcare
3) surround yourself with people who love and care about you
4) learn how to de-stress
5) get yourself a health care provider who you feel is competent and trustworthy
6) friends and family are relationships that must be nurtured in good times and bad, but weed out people now who do not have your best interest at heart
7) **ORGANIZE your medical records and have them at the ready should any issue arise that you need to access them

**Like how I tied this post to the organization focus   :)