October/November - Coulee Region Women's Magazine

Kristina Olson
exercise and being with family and friends
take priority. It’s things like running errands
or cooking that can be a challenge.”
What do relationships offer Happiness.
“God, my family, grandparents, boyfriend,
friends and co-workers are all very important
to me,” Micek says. “They are there for me
when I need support. They keep me laughing
and smiling, and to me, that’s a
huge part of being healthy.”
What is a key issue for women
your age Birth control.
“There’s a lot of information and
education available,” Micek says,
“but I’ve seen young women who
are aware, but don’t do anything to
protect themselves—like they think
nothing will happen to them.”
Kristina—mothering
Kristina Olson describes her daily
schedule with enthusiasm. Her four
children (ages 2 to 11), husband,
jobs and her newest passion—
photography—keep her spinning.
What is your primary health
concern Stress.
“I work three long days a week
at a dental office in Onalaska, I
clean offices two nights a week,
plus I just started a photography
business,” Olson says. “Our kids
are involved in activities, and their
school is in the opposite direction
from my hour-long commute. My
husband teaches school and has
several extra jobs. Our families
are both in the area, and we
are active at our church. Just
keeping it all straight is challenging!”
What are your friends’ concerns
Stress, cancer.
“Other people at work also have four kids,
and we talk about how hard it is to keep up
with their needs, especially in this economy,”
Olson shares. “It’s nice to know you are not
alone, that the way I feel is normal. My
friends and I also talk about women our age
getting breast cancer.”
Olson also expresses concern about skin
cancer. “We live in the country, between
De Soto and Viroqua,” she says. “I am an
outdoors girl, and I know that I have exposed
my skin to dangerous levels of sun. Plus, one
of my grandparents had melanoma.”
How do you stay active Walking,
running, swimming.
“It’s very hard for me to find the time to
exercise on a daily basis,” Olson says, “but
when I do, it really helps.”
What is your main stressor Fast pace of
life and money.
“As the kids get older, they are involved
in more activities, requiring fees, equipment
and transportation. It seems like we never
catch up.”
What do relationships offer Fun and
support.
“My husband and I want our kids to
know that it is important to be part of happy
relationships and to enjoy life,” Olson says.
“We work as a team to make every day fun,
even when it feels nonstop.” She adds that life
is too short to stay around people who bring
you down. She prefers to be with people
who make her laugh, who compliment and
encourage each other. She appreciates support
from her “girls’ night out” friends.
What is a key issue for women your age
Breast health.
Olson faithfully keeps up on her monthly
breast self-exams. “Many women have so
much on their plates that they don’t take time
to take care of themselves,” she adds.
The expert opinion: Joann Fouts, D.O.,
of Vernon Memorial Healthcare–Bland
Clinic, Westby, says, “I see a lot of otherwise
healthy women, particularly those who are
working and have children, who are dealing
with stress and anxiety. As a working mother
myself, I can tell you this is an important issue
for women. We are nurturers, and working
outside the home away from our children
is stressful.” This stress, and the depression
that can follow, must be taken seriously. “I
usually recommend counseling either as
a sole treatment or in conjunction with
antidepressant medication.” Dr. Fouts adds
that reducing stress with support groups,
yoga or other relaxation techniques, exercise
and assistance with child care responsibilities
and housework can also help.
14 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 www.crwmagazine.com