5 Health Tips for Women to Improve Wellness
Posted: May 12th, 2022 at 12:00AM
In a society that continues to glamorize hustle-culture and the "rise and grind" mindset, it can be a real challenge to find time for yourself as you constantly juggle many tasks and responsibilities. Between work, family, and other obligations, many women feel like they don't have a moment to spare, especially when it comes to their health.
Taking the time and energy to care for yourself is essential in ensuring a long and healthy life. For women, that could mean anything from getting regular screenings to making healthier lifestyle choices. While it may seem like there's not enough time in the day to focus on yourself, there are a few simple things you can do that can make a big difference to your health.
With these realistic and achievable health tips for women, you can feel your best at any age.
Top 5 Health Tips for Women
1. Stay on Top of Health Check-Ups And Screenings
Breast cancer is the second most common health concern in American women, following skin cancer. More than 280,000 cases of invasive breast cancer are detected in women throughout the United States each year — and over 40,000 die from the disease.
While these numbers are alarming, it's important to remember that breast cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early. That's why health experts recommend that women:
- Begin doing monthly breast self-exams by age 20.
- Get mammograms every year starting at age 40.
- Receive other screenings like pap smears and HPV tests, which help detect cervical cancer and other abnormalities. These should be on your radar regardless of your sexual history.
Even if you feel perfectly healthy, it's important to go for regular health screenings. Preventative healthcare is crucial as it can be life-saving to detect and avoid potential health concerns before they escalate into severe symptoms or evolve into serious illnesses.
It's also vital to consider other health screenings specific to your age group, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and colon cancer tests. If you're due for an annual well-being physical exam soon, or if one is long overdue, consider scheduling a same-day or next-day appointment so that you don't overlook it.
2. Check Your Hormones Regularly
As women age, their hormone levels start to decline naturally. This hormonal imbalance can cause a slew of symptoms, including weight loss, mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes, and night sweats. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor, as they may indicate a bigger health issue.
Your doctor can do a simple blood test to check your hormone levels and see if they are out of balance. If they are, there are several treatment options available that can help get your hormones back on track.
For example, hormone therapy is often an effective treatment for menopausal women who are struggling with symptoms of hormonal imbalance, but it's important to first discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits to see if it's the right option for you.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet and Exercise Regularly
It's no secret that eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise are two of the best things you can do for your health, no matter your age and sex. But it's crucial to understand that a healthy lifestyle is not a "one size fits all" matter. Avoid blindly following fads. Instead, talk to your doctor about the diet and exercise that will best suit your needs and lifestyle.
For example, women who menstruate are more likely to experience iron deficiency due to blood loss when on their period. So, it's critical to compensate for this nutrient loss by incorporating more iron into your diet. Iron is found in various foods like red meat, dark leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals — so there are plenty of options to choose from if you're looking to increase your intake. In addition to iron-rich foods, it's also necessary to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help keep your body healthy.
When it comes to exercise, there are endless benefits for women who make it a part of their routine. There is compelling research that supports the effectiveness of exercise against cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, several kinds of cancer, and stroke. In addition, regular exercise can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of falls — which is especially important for older women.
Find an exercise routine that works for you and fits into your lifestyle. Whether that means going for a run every morning or taking a yoga class once a week, anything that gets you moving is a step in the right direction.
4. Choose Your Supplements Wisely
As we grow older, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from our food. Health experts recommend that older adults take supplements to ensure they're getting the nutrients they need.
A daily multivitamin may be a good place to start, as it can help fill any gaps in your diet. For women, some of the beneficial nutrients to focus on are calcium and vitamin D, as these can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Fish oil supplements are also a great way to get omega 3 fatty acids, which are especially beneficial for the heart health of pregnant women and those at risk for cardiovascular disease.
If you decide to take supplements, talk to your doctor first, as they can help you determine which ones are right for you and your health needs.
5. Care for Your Mental Health
Apart from physical health, it's also important to focus on mental health. Women are more likely than men to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. One in five women in the US will experience depression at some point in their lives.
If you're feeling down, it's okay to reach out for help and wind down. Take some time for yourself to relax and do things you enjoy. Whether that means reading, taking a bath, or going for a walk, find what works for you and make it a part of your routine.
It's also important to talk to someone if you're feeling overwhelmed or you're struggling to cope with day-to-day life. Reach out to a friend, family member, therapist, or any other support system you may have. Many hotlines are available if you need to talk to someone outside your network.
Being a woman isn't always easy, and prioritizing your mental and physical well-being is vital to staying healthy. Ready to take action? e7 Health can help. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you.
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