Promoting Women’s Wellness in March (& All Year)
When we talk about healthy aging and wellness, it is often generalized information. While this knowledge is useful for everyone, we know that there are health conditions and concerns more specific to women’s wellness.
Biological factors, social factors, and behavioral facts all play a role in our health. March 8 is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. In honor of this day, Uplands Village is prioritizing women’s wellness this month and all year long by sharing tips for promoting healthy aging for women.
Tip #1: Get Screened
Screenings are an essential way to manage your health, and they can be especially beneficial for promoting women’s wellness. For example, our risk of developing certain conditions increases as we age. By getting tested regularly, a health care professional can detect these issues early and treat them accordingly.
Talk with your doctor to discuss which screenings are recommended for you and your age group, as well as how often you should get these screenings done. Commonly suggested screenings for women include:
- Breast cancer or mammogram screenings every one to two years
- Routine pap exams every three years
- Osteoporosis and bone health screenings every two years
- Blood pressure checks at least once a year
- Hearing and vision tests every year
- Dental exam and cleaning every six months
- Cholesterol screenings as recommended by your physician
Tip #2: Visit Your Physician
Getting a yearly check-up from your doctor is a significant part of maintaining your health and wellness. Even if you feel healthy, it is still recommended that you schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor once a year for an overall health check-up.
This is a good way to make sure you do not have any new conditions, and allows you and your doctor to discuss any changes to your health, diet, lifestyle, etc. that may have happened since your last visit.
Tip #3: Understand Your Medications
As we age, it is common for our daily medications to increase, especially for women who are at a higher risk [than men] for several chronic conditions. This is why it is important to understand what medications you are taking and how they may interact.
Certain medications can cause side effects on their own, but when taken in conjunction with others, they can cause negative drug interactions. When your healthcare provider asks you for a list of what you are taking, this is for a good reason. Let your doctor know what you take on a daily and regular basis, including any vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter drugs, and prescriptions.
Additionally, there are certain vitamins and nutrients that women commonly have a deficiency in. When recommended by your doctor, supplements of these vitamins can help ensure your body gets enough. Commonly recommended supplements for older women include:
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin A
- Folate
- Biotin
- B Vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3s
- Probiotics
- Fiber
- Zinc
- Melatonin
Tip #4: Stay Physically Active
Even though this tip is more generalized for everyone’s health, staying physically active and getting plenty of exercise is an important part of women’s wellness.
Exercising just two and a half hours a week can go a long way in helping you manage your weight, improve your mood, and reduce symptoms of chronic health conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Our retirement living community in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, offers over 500 acres of activities that will keep you active. From connected hiking and walking trails to fishing, kayaking or canoeing, playing tennis or swimming, there are ample opportunies at Uplands Village to enjoy a more fit life.
Tip #5: Prioritize Your Mental Health
“Anxiety disorders affect nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States. Women are more than twice as likely as men to get an anxiety disorder in their lifetime (womenshealth.gov).” Women are often seen as the mothers and caregivers of others, but women also need to focus on their own wants and needs.
To protect your physical, emotional, and mental health, take time for yourself and find ways to clear your mind, reduce feelings of stress, and prioritize yourself. This could include:
- Keeping a gratitude journal
- Taking daily walks
- Saying “no”
- Focusing on getting enough sleep
- Practicing meditation
Implementing these tips in your life can make a big difference in helping you maintain your overall wellness. Deciding to move into a retirement living community can help with this too! If you would like to learn more about the services and amenities we offer, we invite you to visit our website or contact a member of the Uplands Village team.