Ten health tips for every woman to make a healthy living

Each woman should know these ten things to keep her body healthy. So here comes your checklist.

• Meeting Your Gynecologist – It is the first step that will help you to identify your health goals according to your age. Each individual is different so get your customized plan based on your past and family history.
• General Health– It includes blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screening to rule out risk factors of stroke and heart disease. Drinking alcohol and smoking should also be avoided.
• Breast Examination – It should be regularly by yourself daily and by your Gynecologist once a year should be done. Try being familiar with your breasts, so that you can tell your doctor if anything feels abnormal.
• Dental Checkups –They are important for cleaning and to check your oral hygiene is recommended once or twice every year (NIH recommendation). Your dentist will guide you accordingly for further visits.
• Preconception Councelling– It is meant to improve the pregnancy and newborn outcome through information, education and counseling about biomedical, social and behavioral risk factors.
• Pap Smear and Pelvic Examination– It is recommended every three years from age 21 onwards in sexually active women. Ask your doctor about the HPV Vaccine if you are less than 26 years.
• Healthy Eating– It should include lot of green vegetables, salads, fruits and whole grains along with water. This will help you maintain a normal BMI (Body Mass Index)
• Regular Exercise– This is important for 30 minutes, 4 to 5 times a week is the best thing you can do for your body. Exercise lowers the risk of early death, stroke, heart disease, type2 diabetes and depression along with anxiety. It also elevates mood and improves sleep.
• Heart Health– It is considered that heart disease is a “man’s disease”but actually affects more women than men. Women between 18 to 45 years should get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked every 2 years (NIH recommendation).
• Bone Health –It can be improved by adequate intake of calcium, regular exercise and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.