A Message from Our Founder

Christine DeZarn,
Founder PCOSA

The headlines each day tell of economic crisis in the USA and beyond, around the world. The banks and markets may seem remote to those of us not engaged in the financial industry. But at home, this crisis translates to losses in our retirement savings, difficulties with credit, insecurities about our jobs, and in some cases we find ourselves and/or family members already out of work, facing foreclosure, or succumbing to the last option of bankruptcy. I am hearing of belt-tightening and in a few cases financial panic among friends, family members and co-workers. And for all of us, these factors can then lead to lack of high-quality sleep, high levels of cortisol and other stress hormones, depression, and junk-food laden "comfort eating" for some. Where does our health and our approach to PCOS fit into the picture? How do we achieve hormonal balance under stress, financial and otherwise?

As nurturers, many of us tend to put others' needs first, sacrificing our own needs in the process. But what happens to our families if we don't take care of our own health needs? Neglecting PCOS treatment is like neglecting maintenance to your car. You think you are saving money by not fixing something and letting it go. But then the problem is magnified by 20 and then becomes a crisis later on. Perhaps you can get rid of the car and ride the bus instead. Not so your body...it's the only one you get.

One thing is for sure. No matter what happens, we can not let our health and the health of our families take a backseat to the financial issues we face. To do so is the worst of evils. The last thing any of us needs is to add increased illness to the mix. But that's easier said than done. While we may decide it is wise to delay expensive fertility treatments until things stabilize, the same cannot be said about our overall health. Without our health, all the financial stability in the world becomes meaningless. And with our health intact, even an extreme financial crisis becomes bearable...when we put it all in perspective.

If you are in danger of losing your savings, your job, your home, or all of the above, remember that you will survive this. Breathe in, breathe out, and appreciate the gifts you have been given....friends, family, love. Financial and economic circumstances are external to you. The shelter that you reside in from time to time will come and go. Your vocation will evolve, and your bank balance will ebb and flow. But your body is your only permanent house on this earth for which there is no replacement. And your spirit transcends even beyond this.

Put it in perspective. Engage each day in taking care of you. Dedicate time and yes, scarce resources, to ensuring that you are well. Don't put your health on the back burner until the crisis passes...reverse the logic and remember that the crisis will pass either way. But your health may not be recoverable if you lose it. Walk, stretch, sleep peacefully, eat a healthy diet, invest in needed foods, medications and treatments to every extent that you can. Sacrifice other things, but don't let your health be one of them. Keep the faith.

Sincerely,
Christine DeZarn