Preventive health care for women involves taking control of your health so that you can stave off health concerns, as well as scheduling periodic screening tests that can help indicate if you have cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure or other health issues. As part of a preventive lifestyle, you should also eat nutritional foods, increase your physical activity and decrease health risks such as smoking and excessive drinking. Proactive health care can protect you from future---or additional---harm.
Mammograms
Getting regularly scheduled mammograms is important for obtaining a diagnosis of breast cancer. If caught in time, many forms of breast cancer can be treated effectively. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that women have mammograms done annually after the age of 40.
Pap Smears
Another useful preventive health-care measure for women involves having a test for cervical cancer known as a pap smear. It is recommended to have a pap smear done every one to three years if you are between the ages of 21 and 65 and/or have ever been sexually active. This recommendation is part of guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for women's health (see "References").
Blood Work
According to the American Heart Association, you need to know your "numbers" for your doctor to ascertain if there are any underlying health concerns that need to be addressed. Blood work will reveal whether your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high. Elevated levels are a leading indicator for heart disease and stroke. High blood-sugar levels could reveal a predisposition to diabetes. Low blood sugar would indicate hypoglycemia and require different treatment.
Healthy Lifestyle
Finally, an essential part of preventive health care involves living a healthy lifestyle. The American Health Association and USDA recommend eating a healthy diet that is not only high in fiber and antioxidants, but also low in fat and cholesterol. It's important to eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and other legumes, low-fat protein sources such as fish and chicken, and olive and other "heart healthy" oils. Limit your intake of processed and fried foods.
Exercise is an essential component, as it can help you maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a leading risk factor for poor health. The benefits of exercise also include decreasing "bad" cholesterol (HDL) levels, reducing stress, and lowering the risk of various health ailments such as heart disease and high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, exercise does not have to be strenuous, and can involve gardening and even household chores. Optimally, however, strive for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, five times per week.
Other proactive steps you can take involve quitting smoking and limiting the excessive consumption of alcohol.
Tags: According American, According American Heart, American Heart, American Heart Association, blood pressure, breast cancer, Department Health
