7 health tips every woman should take seriously

 7 health tips every woman should take seriously

Many women gain a habit of paying attention to the health and wellness needs of others before taking care of their own.

But the truth is that you are actually in a better position to take care of the people who are most important to you when you make your health a priority.

No matter your age or general health, these seven health tips can help increase your chances of having better health throughout your life:

1.) Quit smoking.

                                              

 This will greatly reduce the chances of developing heart and lung disease.

2.) Stay up to date with your annual checkups

 This habit can increase your chances of spotting a chronic disease or condition early, which increases your chances of doing something about any health problem that you develop.

3.) Don't skimp on sleep

In addition to fighting the signs of aging, regular sleep promotes mental alertness and helps control stress levels.

4.) Avoid the sun for 10 hours. p.m. and 2 p.m

 When you should be outside, use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

5.) See your doctor every year

 Even if you feel better, regular checkups and medical exams can increase your chances of spotting problems early.

6.) Make physical activity an important part of your life

 Even if you only have 20 minutes of exercise a day, regular activity throughout your life benefits your heart health and helps you manage your weight and stress levels.

7.) Make good nutrition a priority

 Avoid extreme diets or overeating in favor of a realistic diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Learn more about nutrition:

Regardless of a woman's age, nutritionists generally recommend a diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables, fiber, and protein. Your doctor can refer you to appropriate resources, such as choosemyplate.gov, to help you design a diet that promotes better health for life.

                      

Women of childbearing age also need foods that contain folic acid (such as green leafy vegetables, beans, and citrus fruits) to help prevent birth defects.

For postmenopausal women, it is recommended to increase the intake of foods containing calcium and vitamin D (such as seafood, fruits, low-fat dairy products, and egg yolks) to prevent bone disease.

Learn more about physical activity:

Throughout your life, a physical activity regimen that includes 20-30 minutes of daily cardio activity (such as walking, running, swimming, walking or cycling) is recommended for heart health, heart and weight management, and stress reduction. . Particularly as you age, it may be beneficial to supplement your exercise program with weight lifting or other strength training activities that help prevent loss of bone density and muscle mass.

The good news about exercise is that it's never too late to start. Even if you are over 50 and have no physical history, you can still "start small" and work your way up to a regular exercise routine that helps improve your overall health.

Learn more about recommended tests:

Cholesterol and blood pressure: Women age 20 or older should consider having an annual cholesterol and blood pressure test as part of their health care routine. Your doctor may recommend a more frequent schedule if you have a family history of problems in these areas or other risk factors.

Pelvic exams and Pap smears: Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should have pelvic exams and Pap smears at least every three years. These tests can be done by your GP or obstetrician.

Breast exams and mammograms: In general, all women should have a breast exam every year starting in their twenties. Most health care professionals recommend annual mammograms between ages 40 and 50 and mammograms every two years after that. In addition, you should get in the habit of doing a monthly breast self-examination. Your doctor can show you the correct way to do it.

Screening for osteoporosis: Women age 65 or older have a higher risk of developing bone problems, which is why most doctors recommend annual bone density screenings starting at age 65.