Important Aspects of Women’s Health and Wellness

Women are called on to fulfill any number of roles in our society. Whether she is a wife, mother, CEO, plumber, or teacher, a woman needs to take care of her own health in order to be effective in all aspects of her life.

1. Cancer Screening

Cancer screening is a process of preventative medicine. Before symptoms of the disease arise, screening helps to detect cellular abnormalities. Early detection of cancer means a distinct increase in the survival rate. Screening is important for women especially in the areas of breast, uterine, and cervical cancer.

2. Weight Management

Managing weight is a struggle many women are well acquainted with. But there is more to managing a healthy weight than simply decreasing in size. Healthy weight management includes many benefits such as a lower risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, some cancers, gallstones, and sleep apnea. Extreme dieting can be detrimental to a woman’s health. Severe fluctuations in calorie intake can create metabolic and hormonal issues. Women should avoid crash diets and learn to manage their weight in healthy and sustainable ways. By making healthy lifestyle choices, women can maintain an eating and exercise plan without causing damage.

3. Mental Health

Good mental health is important to achieve overall well-being. Recognizing and dealing with important women’s mental health issues is essential for a well-rounded healthy lifestyle. According to the Office on Women’s Health, more than 1 in 5 women experienced a mental health condition. More women experience mental health disorders such as bipolar, depression, or anxiety than do men. While most mental health conditions are incurable, they can be treated. With treatment, women can improve and live well. Signs of good mental health include the ability to cope with stress and accomplish daily goals.

4. Sleep

Getting quality sleep on a regular basis is important for good health. It can affect both mental and physical conditions. Good sleeping habits can boost moods, sharpen the mind, and prevent health problems. According to the Department of Health and Human Services Department, women are more likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Changing hormones in women from pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can negatively impact the quality of sleep. Some of the most common sleep disorders women experience are restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and sleep apnea. Proper sleep is important. Sleeping gives your body and mind a chance to heal and process the stresses and activities of the day.

5. Bone Health

Women in menopause may experience a dramatic decrease in bone density. This happens in response to a drop in estrogen levels. The increased risk of osteoporosis can also be caused by the prolonged absence of menstruation before menopause. Women tend to have smaller, thinner bones than men. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that of the 10 million Americans that suffer from osteoporosis, 80% of them are women. Bone density tests can inform women if they have osteoporosis. Some factors that contribute to bone health are:

• amount of calcium consumed
• physical activity
• tobacco and alcohol use
• age
• gender
• race and family history
• size
• eating disorders and other conditions
• medications
• hormone levels

In a day and age when women are expected to do it all, it is important not to neglect any of the aspects of good health and wellness.