Top Ways to Focus on Women's Health at Any Age

May is Women’s Health Month. Prioritizing women's health is crucial across all stages of life, from adolescence to the golden years. Despite advancements in healthcare, women often face unique challenges and disparities in accessing preventive care. Cultivating a proactive approach alongside improving your health literacy can significantly impact your overall wellbeing and longevity.

Here are several key strategies for women to focus on their health at different ages.

How Can Women Prioritize Their Health?

Preventive Care in Your 20s

Understand your menstrual cycle. Knowing what's expected can help identify irregularities or potential health concerns, such as endometriosis and PCOS.  

Establish a routine of an annual physical with bloodwork. Use this time to familiarize yourself with your average BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol to understand your base levels.  

Build a foundation of healthy habits. Maintain a balanced diet, stay physically active, and prioritize mental health through stress management and self-care routines. Consider implementing integrative health practices, a system that aims to treat the whole person, address physical symptoms, and consider mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of wellbeing.

Schedule routine gynecological exams. Regular visits to a healthcare provider can address reproductive health concerns and ensure early detection of conditions like cervical cancer.

Preventive Care in Your 30s and 40s

Screen for breast cancer. Discuss mammogram recommendations with your healthcare provider based on family history and personal risk factors.

Monitor reproductive health. Stay vigilant about fertility, family planning, and any changes in menstrual patterns.  
Did you know that globally, it takes an average of seven to nine years for women to be diagnosed with reproductive issues like endometriosis? Monitoring your symptoms helps you advocate for your health.  

Introduce strength training into your routine. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 1 in 2 women will be diagnosed with osteoporosis. However, strength training can help improve bone density and lower your risk of developing osteoporosis.  
Click here to learn more about the best exercises to improve bone density.  

Prioritize heart health. Assess blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and lifestyle factors to prevent cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women.

Stay up-to-date on vaccinations. From flu shots to HPV vaccines, immunizations play a vital role in protecting against preventable diseases.

Preventive Care in Your 50s and Beyond

Screen for osteoporosis. Bone density scans can help detect signs of bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.

Address menopausal symptoms. Seek guidance on hormone therapy and lifestyle modifications and continue preventive measures for conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.

Focus on mental health. Menopause and aging can bring unique psychological challenges, making it essential to prioritize emotional well-being and seek support when needed.

Embrace preventive screenings. Continue routine check-ups, from colonoscopies to pelvic exams, to detect and address potential health issues early.

Promoting Women's Health Awareness and Advocacy

Encouraging open dialogue about women's health and advocating for gender-sensitive healthcare policies are crucial in addressing disparities and ensuring equitable access to preventive care. Empowering the women in your life to prioritize their health and seek proactive medical attention can foster a culture of wellness and resilience across generations.

Are you interested in implementing women's health initiatives or preventive care programs? Wellworks For You offers age and gender-preventive care initiatives. Contact Us to explore how our tailored solutions can support your organization's health and wellness goals.

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