Top lifestyle tips for women to stay healthy all year – Times of India
You should avoid having artificial sweeteners, additives, undercooked, contaminated foods and dairy (if lactose intolerant). Constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, colorectal cancer are conditions that can be managed by lifestyle changes and OTC medications and for even problems and treatments as a colostomy the use of a durable ostomy bag holder could really help being more comfortable in these situations. But in some cases, medical advice is needed. Fluids and high-fibre diet is essential.
Check cholesterol
Too much of cholesterol can clog blood vessels and deposit plaque. Over the years this narrows and hardens the vessels (atherosclerosis). Having low fat, low cholesterol diet, avoiding smoking and exercising daily can help.
Quit smoking
Smoking is a leading cause of death in women. Lung cancer causes more deaths than cervical and ovarian cancer. Also, heart disease in women smokers strikes at an earlier age than in non-smokers.
Avoid alcohol
Men weigh more than women and have more water in their bodies, so, the alcohol they drink gets diluted faster in their bodies than in that of a woman’s. Also a chemical that breaks down alcohol in the stomach is more active in men than in women. Hence alcohol related problems may progress quickly in women despite less alcohol intake.
Tackle depression
Depression during pregnancy can have an adverse effect on both the mother and the child. It can be treated by psychotherapy, antidepressants or both.
UTI infections
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common in all age groups. Prompt urine check, appropriate antibiotics and plenty of fluids can cure this problem.
Get a thyroid test
Thyroid problems should be diagnosed in time. Hypothyroidism can lead to menstrual problems, weight, skin hair and conception problems. Since the condition of hypothyroidism is common, and treatment with the thyroid hormone is effective, the condition should be checked for by a blood test every six months.
Sex education programs
These programs are informative for all age-groups because many aren’t aware of sexually transmitted infections, HIV prevention/ treatment issues. They talk of reproductive health risks, consequences of multiple partners, unhealthy sexual practices, contraceptives, unsafe abortions etc. Learn Kegel’s pelvic exercises. Get PAP smears done when you are in your 20-30s. Vaccines such as rubella and the new HPV prevents cervical cancer.
Reduce cancer risks
It’s important to get your sex hormone levels checked too. There are many causes of low progesterone that a woman should know about. Women should examine their breasts, vulva and skin for irregularities — to detect cancer early. A periodic cancer screening tests like mammography, pap smear and a colonoscopy procedure should be done.
Regular Gynec checks
A woman in 20-30s, may face menstrual problems — heavy/irregular menses, painful periods, severe PMS, difficulties in becoming pregnant, unplanned pregnancies, miscarriages etc. A regular gynecological exam can prevent and treat these. A sonography can diagnose fibroids, endometriosis or polycystic ovaries and treatment can be offered accordingly. Problems like PMS which causes bloating, breast pain, mood changes etc can be relieved by simple measures like reducing intake of salt, refined floor and caffeine and increasing intake of vitamin E and primrose oil supplements. Hormonal pills can be used in severe cases.