Simple Ways to Support Women’s Health

Helping Women Live Healthy Lives

As women, we often focus on taking care of others before ourselves. We are the ones who usually make sure everyone in our lives is happy, safe and healthy. But what about our own health?

Additionally, women have unique medical conditions to consider, prevent and manage. In light of Women’s Health Month, here are a few simple ways women can support their health through every stage of life:

Focus on Your Mental Health

Women of all ages can struggle with their mental health—from teens to new moms and aging women. At every age, mental health also can impact your physical health.

Studies have found that poor mental health can lead to increased risk of heart disease, strokes, sleep disorders and respiratory conditions.

Here are a few ways you can focus on your emotional health:

• Keep a journal
• Start a new hobby
• Try meditation or yoga
• Get outside and spend time in nature
• Seek help from a professional

Read More: Sleep and Your Mental Health

Eat a Healthy Diet

What we eat has a significant impact on our health. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Additionally, limiting sugary drinks and processed foods can help keep our weight under control.

With busy work, home and social schedules, ensuring that you’re taking in enough nutrients can be challenging. Focus on adding the following to your diet:

Magnesium

Did you know that one in every three American women has heart disease and nearly one in ten has diabetes? Magnesium can help women prevent both conditions.

Folate

Folate is essential for all females of child-bearing age. Women need to have enough folate in their bodies to prevent birth defects during pregnancy.

Iodine

Another critical element for pregnant women is iodine, which makes thyroid hormone and regulates metabolism throughout your body. Pregnant women should discuss with their doctors the need for extra iodine for their developing babies.

Iron

It’s common for vegetarians, teens and women of child-bearing age to lack enough iron, causing them to be at a higher risk for anemia. Iron is a mineral that helps your body to produce hemoglobin. Your body also uses iron to produce hormones like hepcidin and erythroferrone.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important in every woman's diet because it helps the body combat free radical damage, infections and chronic disease. It also can support your skin health as you age.

Calcium

Calcium is one of the most important minerals in the body and can help women maintain strong bones. It also helps to support blood clotting, muscle contraction and nerve-signal transmission.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 supports healthy and efficient blood clotting. It also helps your body to develop brain and nerve cells.

Get Plenty of Exercise

Many women may consider exercising regularly to stay in shape but often forget the additional health benefits. Exercise helps improve our cardiovascular health, strengthens our bones and muscles and boosts our mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week.

Learn Your Risks and Family History

Some health conditions are more common in certain families, while others are a common part of aging. Knowing your family health history can help you and your provider be on the lookout for specific problems. If you have a family member with a chronic disease, you may be at higher risk of developing the same condition.

Many common genetic conditions only affect women or affect women at a high rate. These conditions significantly impact women’s health, but unfortunately, they are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. As a result, women can suffer for years without knowing that a genetic condition causes their health problems.

Chronic conditions such as heart disease, anemia, thyroid issues, arthritis, menorrhagia, diabetes, polysystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), breast cancer, cervical cancer and depression are major health concerns for women.

Steering clear of harmful habits such as smoking, drinking excessively and living a sedentary lifestyle can help lower your disease risks. Additionally, going over your health and family history with your provider can help you have a more complete picture of steps to take for disease prevention.

See Your Doctor Regularly

Preventive screening and diagnostic tests are essential for every woman to maintain overall health and well-being. This means going to your provider annually for a physical in addition to having routine screenings, including:

• Mammograms to help detect breast cancer
• Cervical cancer screenings
• Cholesterol tests

It’s also crucial for women to get their yearly influenza vaccine, periodic Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and discuss a COVID-19 vaccine. You always should always speak with your provider to see what exams, screenings and vaccinations are best for you.

Annual Well-Woman Visits

Attending your well-woman appointments might seem uncomfortable or embarrassing, but they are a vital part of your health. During an initial gynecological exam, young women should prepare for their provider to discuss their medical history, check vitals as well as be educated on a future PAP test and what is entailed in breast and pelvic exams, if the provider decides it is the optimal appointment for the topics. While this initial appointment is essential in establishing a healthy provider-patient relationship, continuing your well visits as you age is vital to catching early disease signs.

Know Your Options

Thanks to advancements in medicine and health care, there are many different health care options available to women. For one example, if you’re pregnant, you can formulate your own personal birth plan! And, on the other hand, if you’re considering birth control, there are more choices than ever before.

It’s important to do your research and talk to your provider to find the best options for you for optimal health management at any age.

Helping Women Live a Healthy Lifestyle at Any Age

Helping our patients lead healthy lives is important to us at Southwest General Medical Group, Inc. That’s why we encourage annual well-woman screenings for early detection and overall better wellness. Please visit our website today to learn more and schedule an appointment.