Women's Healthcare Guidelines
“Women tend to take responsibility for the health of their whole family, which can include their spouse and children, as well as parents,” says Nina Hooshvar MD, OB/Gyn at PIH Health. “Sometimes they’re so busy caring for others that they don’t attend to their own health.”
The National Women's Health Information Center offers the following 10 tips you can do to help you live longer, live better, and live happier:
- Be informed. Learn about health promotion and disease prevention and ask your healthcare provider for specific information regarding your needs.
- Be good to your bones. For healthy bones, be sure to replenish your stock of calcium every day with plenty of foods such as milk and other dairy products, tofu, leafy green vegetables, canned salmon or sardines, and calcium-fortified juices or breads. Speak with your healthcare provider about calcium supplements.
- Don't use illegal drugs and limit alcohol. For women, the definition of moderate drinking stops at one drink a day. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines a drink as one 5-ounce glass of wine, one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. Remember that the alcohol content of each type of drink can vary widely. Where illicit drugs are concerned, there is no such thing as "safe" or "moderate" use.
- Take medicine wisely. Read the labels, follow the instructions carefully, and remind your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any other medicines or supplements you might be taking that could interact with your medicines. For your safety – to lower your risk for adverse side effects or medicine interactions, you should also let your healthcare provider know if you use any illicit or "recreational" drugs. If you have any questions about possible side effects, call your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
- Play it safe. Avoid injuries. Buckle up. Wear motorcycle and bicycle helmets. Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Wear sunscreen and UV protected sunglasses. Use street smarts and common sense. Practice safe sex by using condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Get checked. Get regular checkups, preventive exams, and immunizations. Don't forget self-exams, too. These include skin, oral, and breast self-checks.
- Don't smoke. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the US.
- Eat smart. It is the secret to good health. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Enjoy a variety of foods, balance foods from each food group, and exercise in moderation.
- Get moving. The other secret to good health: just 30 minutes of physical activity, accumulated over the course of each day, can radically improve the way you look and feel, both physically and mentally.
- Be happy. Take time for yourself. Get connected with family, friends, and community. Do things you enjoy!
“Women are pulled in so many directions,” says Dr. Hooshvar. “I talk with my patients in depth to get an idea of their responsibilities to make sure they are current on their check-ups and screenings.”
Talk with your doctor to make sure you are current with your check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. To find a doctor go to PIHHealth.org/Doctors.
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