Women’s Health Week: Tips for Improved Health

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Women's Health Week: Tips for Improved Health

In March, we celebrated women’s history and International Women’s Day. Now, it is time to celebrate and focus on women’s health with National Women’s Health Week. This week serves as a reminder to encourage women to engage in healthy behaviors.

In this post, we will discuss the importance of making your health a priority and will offer health tips for women.

What Is National Women’s Health Week?

National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong observance during the month of May. This time period is a reminder to women and girls to take care of themselves and to make their health a priority. Especially now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all women, regardless of age or underlying condition, should take control of their health.

Top Health Tips for Women

During these unprecedented times, self-care and protecting your health are more important than ever. To protect yourself from COVID-19, follow the CDC’s recommendations on masks, social distancing, testing, and vaccinations. For your general health and well-being, consider the following tips:

1. Drink Water

Water is essential for good health. Although recommendations may differ based on your activity level, location, and health condition, you need water to survive. Adequate water consumption helps:

  • Flush waste and toxins from your body
  • Moderate your temperature
  • Lubricate and cushion your joints
  • Protect your tissues

A lack of water leads to dehydration which can drain your energy, make you tired, and leave your skin looking dull.

The general rule of 8 glasses per day is easy to remember and is fitting. While some people may need more, some may need less, 8 glasses of water is a good baseline. You can modify as needed based on your lifestyle.

2. Eat Healthy

Consuming a healthy diet helps prevent malnutrition and protects your body from diseases. The CDC recommends eating a variety of healthy foods in an array of colors. Your eating plan should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods.

Your body reflects what you put in it. 

The benefits of eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet include:

  • Reducing your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Improving your mood and memory
  • Keeping your gut healthy
  • Strengthening your teeth and bones

3. Do More Cardio

We all hear about the benefits of regular exercise. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of heart-pumping activity each week. Exercise improves your mood, beats stress, and helps you sleep better

Cardio also helps control your weight and lessens the risk of certain diseases.

If you are struggling to add cardio activity to your routine, you are not alone. 

  • Spread out your workouts throughout the week so they are in smaller, more manageable chunks. 
  • Find a physical activity you enjoy as you will be more likely to continue it. 
  • Start small and work your way up into longer workout segments.

4. Get Quality Sleep

Sleep is an essential function for your health! It allows your body to rest and recharge. More importantly, it lowers your risk of disease, helps your brain perform at optimal levels, and helps you focus. 

Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

To improve your nightly sleep, consider the following tips:

  • Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it.
  • Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature setting.
  • Lower the lights in the room and consider a screen ban.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and large meals right before bedtime.

5. Relieve Your Stress

Our lives are busy. Between work, home, and general life responsibilities, it is easy to get overwhelmed. By managing your stress, you help protect your physical and mental health and maintain a healthier life. 

To do this, you must set aside time each day to unwind. Find the strategy that works best for you to relax and let go of your stress.

  • Exercise
  • Practice deep breathing
  • Stretch
  • Get a massage
  • Slow down
  • Practice yoga or meditation
  • Find a hobby

6. Get the Right Amount of Calcium

Calcium is necessary for good health as it keeps our bones and teeth healthy. It also helps our organs and muscles function properly. Good sources of calcium include green leafy vegetables, soybeans, oranges, seafood, dairy products, and fortified foods. 

While the previous recommendation was to get 1000-1200mg of calcium per day, the new recommendation is 500-700mg. Too much calcium has also been linked to increased kidney stones and a higher risk of heart attacks. It is important to find the right balance.

Consult your physician to understand your calcium needs.

7. Understand the Many Benefits of Birth Control

While birth control helps prevent unwanted pregnancies, it has numerous benefits beyond that.

  • Regulates monthly periods and can make them less painful.
  • Decreases the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers. 
  • Reduces the risk of ovarian cysts.
  • Relieves PMS symptoms.
  • Helps clear your skin and get rid of hormonal acne.
  • Manages endometriosis.
  • Reduces your risk of anemia.

8. See Your Family Doctor

Whether you notice a change in your health or simply need a routine physical, visiting your physician is important for your overall wellness. By scheduling routine appointments, you establish a healthy relationship with your doctor. 

Your primary care physician in Mooresville, NC can help you establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle. With regular medical care, you stay up-to-date on routine vaccinations, screening tests, and care of your existing conditions. This helps to ensure that changes in your health are diagnosed and treated early.

Contact Blue Skies Family Medicine

This Women’s Health Week, make the resolution to prioritize your health. At Blue Skies Family Medicine, we offer women’s healthcare in Mooresville, NC. Get unrushed, high-quality medical care with Dr. Katherine Weeks

Schedule an appointment today!

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