Women’s health requires attention, not neglect. A gynaecologist explains the habits every woman should adopt to live a long, healthy life.
Women tend to take their health for granted until a crisis strikes. Let’s change that! While people are still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has led to the neglect of other aspects of health. There are key aspects of women’s health that require attention year-round for optimal well-being.
Healthy Habits for Women Who Want to Live a Long Life
If you’re wondering how to improve women’s health, here are some healthy habits you should follow.
1. Fitness and Nutrition
This combination is essential for women’s health and longevity. The definition of fitness varies from person to person. Some prioritise intense exercise and fat-burning strategies, while others focus solely on healthy eating. Both are equally important for weight management and overall well-being. Most women focus on only one of these aspects, often neglecting the other due to lack of time. The best solution is to balance this with proper time management. A balanced, nutritious diet, combined with even exercise, will not only help with weight management but also help prevent diseases.
2. Eliminate Toxins and Bad Habits
There is no magic formula for achieving your health goals. It takes persistence and willpower to resist all the temptations that come in various forms. Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs are toxins that only provide short-term pleasure. They can cause serious long-term health problems. Excessive sugar and junk food are also considered bad habits. Therefore, it’s essential to be mindful of what you eat and drink. Ovarian health is one of the most important factors for women’s health. These toxins have been shown to affect ovarian health negatively, in addition to their effects on overall health. Learn about the side effects of alcohol on women.
3. There is no health without well-being
Women, in particular, are often taught that they must look a certain way to fit in with societal norms. Therefore, the focus is placed on physical health and appearance, neglecting a holistic view of life. Psychological, mental, and emotional health have a tremendous impact on overall health. Consequently, we cannot sacrifice one for the other. Good health is not just physical health; it is a combination of physical, psychological, mental, and emotional well-being. A holistic approach to all these elements contributes to a healthy body, mind, and spirit. It’s time to stop focusing solely on physical activity and to incorporate mental health and wellness programs, yoga, and meditation as integral parts of good health.
These elements should not be separated or ignored if you want to enjoy optimal health. Furthermore, our fast-paced lifestyle is an open invitation to stress, so we need to balance all these factors to achieve our health goals.
4. Take Preventive Measures
Early diagnosis and vaccinations are essential. We are fortunate to have been born in an era of advanced medical science. So why not take advantage of this situation and use it to improve our health? It is always more strategic to prevent than to treat and manage health complications. Women should pay attention to any warning signs or symptoms, such as irregular periods, breast lumps, or any unusual discharge. Unfortunately, annual gynaecological visits are underestimated and ignored, even though they can actually prevent many problems related to diseases of the reproductive system. It is also recommended to have an ultrasound, a breast exam, and a Pap smear annually, which will help in the early detection of cancer. Regular checkups and blood tests to monitor iron levels, haemoglobin, thyroid hormones, and vitamin levels are also crucial.
Vaccines, once considered a measure reserved for children, are now recognised as an essential element of women’s health throughout their lives. Lifelong vaccination not only benefits individuals but also demonstrates the sustainability of a healthcare system. Vaccines such as those for HPV, hepatitis, rubella, influenza, tetanus, and now COVID-19 should be part of your vaccination schedule. Take the time to review your vaccination needs for the different stages of your life.
5. Be aware, stay informed, and educate yourself about your health.
You are the sole owner of your body and mind, and the only guardian of your health. Dedicating time to understanding your body and mind, and investing in expanding your knowledge of women’s health, can have a significant long-term impact. Just as in the financial world, timely and appropriate actions generate cumulative benefits in life; the same applies to health.