What Do You Want to Know About Women’s Health?
Healthy habits are the best way to avoid disease, prolong your life, and live more happily. But in the chaos of a woman’s daily life, healthy living may take back seat to chores, work, busy schedules, and more. Take these simple steps toward a longer, healthier life.
Protecting Your Skin From the Sun
Many people enjoy being outside. It’s fun to go to the park, work in the yard, or exercise outside. While those are all good things, make sure you keep your skin sun safe while you’re outside.
Get moving
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. In the United States, 1 in 4 womenTrusted Source dies from heart disease. Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease and keep your ticker strong. It’s also beneficial for your mental and bone health.
Aim for 30 minutes of movement at least four days per week. Aerobic, or cardio, exercise is best. This includes:
- walking
- jogging
- dancing
- swimming
Eat a balanced diet
A nourishing diet is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Beyond weight loss and maintenance, eating a balanced diet is crucial to a woman’s overall health. Good foods provide vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are important for growth, well-being, and development.
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- whole-grain products, such as brown rice and breads
- fiber-rich foods such as beans and leafy greens
- fresh fish
- lean cuts of meat and poultry, such as skinless chicken breast and lean ground beef
- healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil
Women’s vitamins
You can take a daily multivitamin but eating vitamin-rich foods serves up the extra benefits of healthy fiber and minerals. Eat a variety of foods in a variety of colors and you should meet your vitamin, mineral, and fiber requirements without the need for a supplement.
A healthy sex life
Sexual health is a lifelong issue for women. A woman’s sexual health needs span decades and encompass a variety of issues, from preventing unintended pregnancy to boosting a sagging libido.
In the beginning of your sexually active years, the emphasis of sexual health falls primarily into these categories:
- protecting against sexually transmitted infections
- finding a birth control or family planning method that works for you
- having regular STI screenings, Pap smears, and pelvic exams
Breast health
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in American women. If you have a family or personal history of breast cancer, your risk for developing this condition is higher.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women of average risk have a mammogram screening every two years between the ages of 50 and 74. They also recommend women with an average risk of developing the cancer have their first screening in their 40s.