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Proactive Women’s Healthcare: How to Stay Healthier, Longer

Most women understand the importance of self-care—it’s just that caring for others usually comes first. Two words women need to hear and embrace: Preventative Care. It’s impossible to overstate the positive impact of being proactive about one’s health. Start simple: make time for things like annual exams, focus on day-to-day lifestyle choices, and don’t ignore or put health issues on the back burner. All these (and the tips below) will help you maintain lifelong health and wellness.

Preventative Care Is Unique For Women

Because of women’s biology and physiology, they require a distinct approach to Preventative Care. Reproductive health is a significant focus for women, requiring specific screenings at every stage of life. But there are also many ways outside of reproduction that women’s health diverges from men’s, including a higher risk of certain diseases and conditions.

Factors That Put Women at Risk

  • Unique cancer risks related to reproductive organs
  • More likely to get autoimmune diseases
  • Pregnancy-related risks like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia
  • Heart disease symptoms present differently and may be overlooked
  • Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can impact health
  • Higher risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures

 

Simple Ways Women Can Be More Proactive About
Their Health

There are many ways women can take charge of their health. Step one is getting an annual exam and lab work. The results, along with your age, medical history, and lifestyle, can help providers determine if further labs or screenings are needed.

Routine Check-Ups for Women

Getting a regular exam with a Primary Care provider is a must. It’s time to talk about your overall health, whether you’re considering starting a family or have concerns about menopause. Most crucially, these visits are essential for detecting potential health issues early, leading to more effective treatment and positive outcomes. A pulse-check on your mental wellness is also recommended: Mental Health providers can help with anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues before they become unmanageable.

Essential Health Tests for Women

While age determines what annual exams and labs you’ll need, a woman’s individual and family history, and lifestyle also factor into the equation. Your provider will take all this into account when deciding what tests make sense for you. Here are some general screening guidelines:

Early Adulthood (18-39)

For young adults, routine tests establish a health baseline. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose should be monitored to assess cardiovascular health and risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. HPV vaccinations are important to protect against cervical cancer, while Pap smears starting at age 21 are vital for detecting precancerous cells that can lead to the disease. STD tests may make sense for some. And skin cancer screenings are important, especially for those with a history of sunburns or tanning, new or changing moles, or a family history of skin cancer. Mental Health screenings are always a good idea.

Middle Age (40-59)

As women enter their 40s, breast cancer screening via mammogram is typically recommended every 1-2 years. Screening for colon cancer is also extremely important, as both colonoscopy and stool testing greatly reduce death from the disease. Bone-density tests, which help identify osteoporosis, are recommended for women after menopause, or earlier for those at risk for bone loss. Pelvic exams should continue, as should cardiovascular screening with routine blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood-glucose monitoring.

Older Adults (60-plus)

As women get older, screenings are even more crucial, with cardiovascular health becoming a prime concern. Regular blood pressure and cholesterol are key to monitoring heart health. Vaccinations like flu shots and shingles are also important. Cancer screenings and bone-density tests should continue. Hearing tests and screenings for eye disease like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma are also recommended. Regular cognitive health evaluations are also vital for detecting early signs of dementia.

Optimize Your Health with Holistic Lifestyle Habits

Every day, lifestyle choices play a huge role in a woman’s long-term health. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, getting consistent exercise, and developing skills to manage stress and calm the mind are fundamental to proactive care.

  • Nutrition and Diet: A balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential. Calcium and vitamin D are vital for bone health. Stay hydrated with lots of water, and limit consumption of alcohol, sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
  • Physical Activity: Moving your body with consistent exercise offers so many benefits. From helping with cardiovascular health and strengthening bones to managing weight and boosting mood (never underestimate the power of endorphins). Choose activities you enjoy like walking, running, swimming, or pickleball—but aim for some combo of aerobic exercise and strength training, which is particularly important as women age.
  • Sleep: Don’t underestimate the positive impact of consistent, quality sleep on overall well-being. Most adults need 7-9 hours a night to feel truly rested. Establish a calming bedtime routine where you turn in at the same time every night for optimal mental clarity, mood regulation, and immune function. Cutting out screen and scroll time before bed can also work wonders on sleep health.
  • Mental Health and Stress Management: Mental and physical health are undeniably connected. Practicing stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, and meditation are imperative for overall well-being. Spending time with people you love and engaging in hobbies you enjoy also helps build resilience. If you’re struggling with something more serious, like anxiety or depression, a Mental Health provider can help.

Make Preventative Care a part of your self-care routine. It will help you feel happier and stay healthier now and at every step of your lifelong health and wellness journey. Make an appointment with your Primary Care provider to come up with a personalized plan and/or connect with a Mental Health provider if you need support.