Women’s Health Month: Tips for Women Over 50
Women’s Health Month is a time to celebrate women’s health and focus on the needs of women over 50. This age group is the fastest growing in the United States, and women are now outliving men by an average of six years. That means there are more older women out there than ever before. They need help taking care of their health, and Queen City Elder Care wants to talk about it!
Staying Active: One of the most important things that you can do to maintain your health is to see your doctor regularly. This is especially important as you age; regular visits mean early detection, which can make a big difference in terms of treatment options and prognosis. Most women over 50 should plan to have an annual checkup that includes a cancer screening, Pap smear, mammogram, blood tests to assess cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels, and osteoporosis screening. Talk with your doctor about other tests he or she may recommend based on your unique risk factors.
Eating Well: Whether you’re a woman and want to take control of your health or you just want to eat healthily, there are some key rules to follow:
- Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
- Eat lean meat, fish, beans, and nuts
- Avoid refined sugar and processed foods
- Aim for whole grains rich in fiber
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, preferably plain water with lemon or lime added.
Nurture Your Emotional Health: It’s hard to hit your health goals if you are not getting enough sleep. In fact, a study published in the journal Sleep shows that people who try to catch up on sleep on weekends don’t function any better than they would have if they hadn’t tried at all. The key here is making sure you get seven or eight hours per night. Here are some other ways to nurture your emotional health.
- Make time for yourself and the things that make you happy
- Get outside and enjoy nature
- Meditate or write in a journal to focus on gratitude and your goals
- Exercise regularly
- Connect with a friend or loved one on a regular basis
Important Health Screenings for Women Over 50: Because many diseases are most prevalent during the later stages of life, women in this age group are encouraged to make sure they can check themselves regularly for any health issues. Screenings not only offer early detection and treatment, but also help prevent serious illnesses related to lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol use, and poor diet. Covered by most insurance plans, these screenings cost very little or nothing at all.
Follow these guidelines to make sure that you can continue to age in place safely and comfortably with greater independence. If you or your loved one needs additional caregiving help at home in the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area, give Queen City Elder Care a call!
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Elder Care Services in Indian Hill OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today at (513) 510-4410.
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