Celebrate This Women’s Day with Some Extra Care
Most women fall into the habit of taking care of others and ensuring that everyone around them is well and healthy. That is why their health and wellness often come last. However, taking care of yourself is important because that is the only way you can make sure you have enough energy to care for others. As we celebrate Women’s day this year, take some time to care for your health and wellness, and here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Get Annual Wellness Checks
Most hospitals nowadays have women’s health care and wellness packages that are geared to help you know what is going on in your body. These wellness checks include a variety of assessments and tests from hormone balance to thyroid function.
They are comprehensive and they enable the doctor to determine your health status. While you are at it, get a pap smear test to check for the probability of cervical cancer. Remember that cervical cancer cases are on the rise and because it is a silent disease it can go unnoticed. Also, get a breast scan to check for any abnormal tissues.
It is easy for our doctor in Westchase to treat most diseases if they are detected early.
2. Focus on Your Nutrition
Eating a healthy diet is the sure way of maintaining your health. Consume nutrient-dense foods that provide the essential nutrients that women need. Some of the nutrients for women include folic acid, magnesium, iron, vitamin D, Calcium, vitamin E, B-vitamins, magnesium among others.
Healthy eating is also important for your weight. Maintaining your ideal body weight is crucial because it will prevent some of the lifestyle-related conditions.
3. Stay Away from Risky Behavior
Habits like smoking can put your health at risk. Smoking tobacco has been shown to affect sex hormones, especially estrogen. Habitual smoking increases the testosterone levels in the body and reduces the female ones. This will affect your fertility.
Furthermore, it also increases the risk of lung cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm delivery, and premature menopause.
4. Manage Stress
Women wear many hats and this can have profound effects on their stress levels. Short bursts of stress can cause insomnia, lack of energy, forgetfulness, and loss of interest. Long-term stress can further affect your body causing fertility and heart problems. It can also negatively affect your menstrual cycle.
It is, therefore, important to take steps in reducing stress. Meditation, exercise, proper sleep, and yoga can help lower stress levels. Also, establish a strong support system that can help you manage some of the life stresses.
5. Avoid Exposure to Sun
Overexposure to the sun rays can affect the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Avoid being outside in direct sunlight between 10 am and 2 pm. If you must go out, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. This will reduce the effects of UV light.
6. Get More Sleep
A good night’s sleep is not only a stress reliever but also helps to reduce signs of aging. According to the CDC, adults need at least seven hours of sleep every night to function properly. Lack of sleep can affect your circadian rhythm, body weight, blood pressure, and stress levels.
To improve your sleep, try going to bed at the same time every day to establish a routine. Also, sleep in a dark room and avoid using your phone in bed. The blue light from these devices can reduce the chances of you getting quality sleep.
7. Practice Daily Hygiene
Hygiene is important to women because it helps to prevent disease. Here is daily hygiene advice for women’s body:
- Clean and dry your undergarments
- Avoid using scented feminine products
- Practice safe sex
- Avoid wearing tight undergarments. Choose cotton ones since they are breathable and can absorb moisture.
Final Thoughts
Visit Dr. Hetal Gandhi of the Cross Pointe Medical Clinic for more information on the dos and don’ts of women healthcare and how you can attain optional health