Keeping up with regular preventive screenings and making simple lifestyle changes can help you stay healthy and feel good. We have compiled the top health tips, just for women, to help you improve and maintain your health starting now.
Learn your family history. It can be a risk factor for diabetes, cancer and other diseases.
Schedule regular check-ups. Your primary care doctor can help monitor general health changes and your gynecologist can help monitor breast and pelvic changes.
Stay on top of preventive care. Talk to your doctor about when and how often to have screenings such as a Pap smear for cervical cancer, mammogram for breast cancer and bone density screening for osteoporosis based on your specific risk factors, family history and age. Learn more about important screenings for women:
- If you’re between 18 and 39, click here.
- If you’re between 40 and 64, click here.
- If you’re 65 or older, click here.
Perform breast self-exams. Beginning in their 20s, women should perform self-examinations. Not sure how to do this? Just follow these steps.
Take care of your heart. Women are at an increased risk for heart disease. Every 80 seconds a woman dies from heart disease, but about 80 percent of these deaths are preventable through education and action. Your doctor can help you monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors, and discuss heart-healthy lifestyle habits.
Exercise regularly. Strive for both resistance training at least 2 days per week and cardio activities at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.
Eat balanced meals. Follow this simple rule: Make half your plate fruits and vegetables, one quarter protein, and one quarter grains at each meal.
Limit alcohol and quit tobacco. Women who have more than one drink daily are at higher risk for certain diseases, such as cancer. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States.
Protect your skin from the sun. Using sunscreen should be a daily part of your routine to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays while spending time outside.
Practice self-care. It’s important to find ways to recharge your battery so you can put your best self forward and reduce any stress or exhaustion you may be feeling. Need some simple self-care tips? Check out this blog post.
Strive for good sleep. Aim to get at least 7 hours per night.
Taking care of yourself is vital! Stay on top of your health to feel your best physically and improve your overall well-being.
