This week (May 14 to May 20) is National Women’s Health Week. This week exists to remind women to take care of themselves and to make their health a priority. With busy lives caring for children, working full-time or multiple jobs, and generally trying to keep a household up and running, women often skip their self-care time and prioritize other members of their family over themselves. However, women have a responsibility to themselves to ensure they are healthy—both mentally and physically—so that they can continue living their lives and caring for their loved ones.
Below, you’ll find ways to take care of yourself, no matter your age.
If you are in your 20s
Your 20s are a great place to begin receiving annual physicals and preventative checkups with your doctor. At Community Access Network, we offer annual physicals and gynecological visits, so make an appointment with us today.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about:
- whether or not you plan to have children in the next year, or what type of birth control is right for you.
- your weight, diet and exercise level.
- your tobacco and alcohol use.
- any violence in your life.
- depression or any other mental health concerns.
- your family health history, especially cancer.
- protecting yourself from the sun.
Ask if you need the following tests, medicines or vaccines this year:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Flu
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- HIV
- HPV (26 and younger)
- Pap (21 and older)
- Sexually transmitted infections (including chlamydia and gonorrhea tests for women 24 and younger)
- Tuberculosis
If you are in your 30s
Be sure to talk with your doctor about:
- whether or not you plan to have children in the next year, or what type of birth control is right for you.
- your weight, diet and exercise level.
- your tobacco and alcohol use.
- any violence in your life.
- depression or any other mental health concerns.
- your family health history, especially cancer.
Ask if you need the following tests, medicines or vaccines this year:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Flu
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Pap
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Tuberculosis
If you are in your 40s
Be sure to talk with your doctor about:
- perimenopause symptoms.
- your weight, diet and exercise.
- your tobacco and alcohol use.
- any violence in your life.
- depression and any other mental health concerns.
- your family health history.
Ask if you need the following tests, medicines or vaccines this year:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Flu
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Pap
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Tuberculosis
If you are in your 50s
Be sure to talk with your doctor about:
- menopause symptoms
- your weight, diet and exercise level.
- your tobacco and alcohol use.
- any violence in your life.
- depression or any other mental health concerns.
- your family health history, especially cancer.
Ask if you need the following tests, medicines or vaccines this year:
- Low-dose aspirin
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Colorectal cancer
- Diabetes
- Flu
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Lung cancer (55 and older)
- Mammogram
- Pap
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Tuberculosis
If you are in your 60s
Be sure to talk with your doctor about:
- preventing falls with vitamin D and exercise (65 and older).
- who will make healthcare decisions if you are unable to.
- your weight, diet and exercise level.
- your tobacco and alcohol use.
- any violence in your life.
- depression or any other mental health concerns.
Ask if you need the following tests, medicines or vaccines this year:
- Low-dose aspirin
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Colorectal cancer
- Diabetes
- Flu
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Lung Cancer
- Mammogram
- Osteoporosis (65 and older)
- Pap (65 and younger)
- Pneumonia
- Shingles
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Tuberculosis
Great Health, No Matter Your Age
No matter your age, there are a few ways to care for your health as a woman. Commit to the following practices every single day to maintain overall sound health. As always, consult your doctor if you have any questions about the following, or want help integrating the following into your daily routine:
- Eat healthy
- Get at least 30 minutes of exercise
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight
- Get help to quit or don’t start smoking
- Limit alcohol use to one drink or less
- Don’t use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs
- Wear a seatbelt in cars
- Don’t text and drive
- Take 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid and a multivitamin daily
Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our providers.