 |
What It's About | Did You Know? | Learn More About | For More Info
MidLife
Healthy Midlife
Menopause signals a change in women's health needs. To address these changing needs, a woman needs to first understand the facts. Technically, menopause marks the time when the level of estrogen produced by a woman's body gradually declines. The symptoms of estrogen loss may include hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, urinary incontinence, and vaginal dryness. Over time, the loss of estrogen in the body can also lead to an increased risk of diseases such as osteoporosis.
During menopause, a woman's best health resource is her health care provider, who can not only describe the short and long-term health issues associated with estrogen loss, but more importantly can explain their health significance. A woman can work with her health care provider to learn more about how she can actively manage her health through this transition and beyond.
A partnership based on effective communication will ensure that she makes the best possible decisions she can about her health. A health care provider can help you understand the physical changes her body is going through and explain the impact of the short and long-term health implications. Together, you can decide what options are available to help manage your symptoms and protect your health for the long-term.
To ensure that you protect and promote your health during this stage of life, plan on the following:
- Schedule regular appointment with your health care provider get all recommended routine cancer screenings breast, cervix and colon.
- Know the warning signs for heart disease talk to your clinician about your risks
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar readings should be tested as recommended by your health care provider.
- Stop smoking!
- Drink alcoholic beverages in careful moderation if you wonder how much is too much, consult your health care provider.
- Be careful to control your weight. As we age, the muscle mass declines and our bodies burn calories at a slower rate. Gaining weight is easy, but losing it is hard. Eat healthy and limit yourself to smaller servings. Even a modest weight gain, increases your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, adult onset diabetes, and some types of cancer.
- Exercise regularly walking is great!
- Weigh the risks and benefits of estrogen replacement therapy discuss this with your health care provider.
- Be good to yourself youre mental health is as important as your physical health. Many women face difficult challenges and responsibilities that cause undo stress and impact their health. Emotional overload can lead to depression, anxiety, panic reactions, fatigue, increased chance of substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and other illnesses.
- Talk about your stressful situations with someone you trust. Sometimes just talking about your problems and concerns can help you put them into perspective and give you insights into ways to deal with them.
- Stay organized to help manage your time more efficiently.
- Its OK to ask for help when you need it.
- Use relaxation techniques to calm your mind and body.
|
