Celebrate National Women’s Health Month

Monday, May 1, 2023

Happy, smiling women.

SouthCoast Health Celebrates National Women’s Health Week. Learn some tips and body changes women should discuss with their health care providers for each decade of their lives.

Women in their 20s: Have a yearly conversation through your 40s about plans to have children in the next year or the right birth control for you. Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases and women under the age of 26 should get vaccinated for HPV. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Devote some of this time to strength training. Establishing a high bone mass in your 20s and 30s helps lower your risk of osteoporosis in later years.

Women in their 30s: Maintain a healthy weight, which is important at any age. However, there is a trend of an increase on the scale due to the metabolism beginning to slow down in your early 30s. Be aware that there is an increase in depression. According to NAMI, the median age of onset of depression is 32, due to the pressures of home and on the job. Conduct a self-monthly breast exam & follow-up with physicians on issues. Mammogram screening may start at age 35, if a woman has a first degree relative with breast cancer.

Women in their 40s: Try to avoid the “adult onset” diabetes that statistically jumps out at age 40-60. Your body does see an increase in blood sugar and blood pressure in your 40s. Work with your healthcare provider on prevention & treatment of these conditions with diet, exercise, and medication. Monitor your body for symptoms of perimenopause. This is the period of 6 to 13 years leading to menopause where a woman's hormones can dramatically fluctuate. Discuss adding a mammogram to your yearly health testing with your healthcare providers between 40-45. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Women in their 50s: Be aware of the effects of menopause. As your estrogen levels fall at this time, you may experience hot flashes and night sweats. A physicians can treat them for comfort and prevention. Schedule a colonoscopy screening around your 50th birthday. It plays an important role in colorectal cancer prevention. More than 90% of colorectal cancer cases occur after 50. Start testing for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). After 50, the thyroid gland begins to function less effectivetly, particularly more for women. You may start seeing signs of hyperparathyroidism (too little hormone) or hyperthyroidism (too much hormone). Both have treatment options to help with the symptoms ranging from fatigue to hyperactivity.

Women in their 60s: Choose fiber-rich foods to soften stools and combat digestive health issues that increase for women in their 60s, such as constipation and diverticulosis. Stay engaged and sharp. Exercising your mind is important in your 60s as we see an increase in retirement from professional careers during this age range. Try new hobbies and learn new skillsets. Talk to your doctor to see if you need a bone density test. In general, this testing is recommended for women 65 and older.

Women in their 70s: Set-up a fall-proof home. While some accidents are unavoidable, identifying steps, cords, rugs, or furniture of concern around the house can help prevent an injury forma fall. As a woman’s bones become more fragile in her older age, injuries from broken or sprained bones take longer to heal. Get your hearing tested and be aware that more than half of people in their 70s experience hearing loss. If needed, investing in hearing aids will improve your hearing quality and cognitive skills. Women in their 70s should start thinking about who will make healthcare decisions if they are not able to. Family members, friends, trusted healthcare providers or clergy of your religious organizations are good candidates to consider.

Women in their 80s: Do not neglect your health screenings, personal hygiene, and adequate nutrition. They may require assistance from others to accomplish now, but don't be afraid to ask for help. Keeping up with these daily routines will help continue your longevity. Know the differences between normal “old age memory issues” versus conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s. These conditions are very serious and those who sugger from them need to have a care plan in place. Invest in mobility equipment such as canes, walkers, and handrails in your home if you need assistance to move around. Regardless of your current pace, getting your body to move is very important.

Women in their 90s: The average human life expectancy continues to rise and statistically women often outlive men. Continue to exercise your mind and your body as much as possible to keep you going. Make sure that you live in a safe place and have adequate caregivers in your life to assist you with day to day activities, appointments, and financial decisions. Share your wisdom. You have lived through so many moments in history and experienced quality time with people across a wide span of generations from the past and the present. There is so much the younger generations can learn from you!

SouthCoast Health wants all of our patients to achieve Total Wellness for Life with yearly check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and advocating for themselves with questions or concerns about their health.

To celebrate National Women’s Health Month, SouthCoast Health is sharing some tips and body changes women should discuss with their health care providers for each decade of their lives. While no two women are exactly the same, it’s important to be aware of how the body changes for each stage of a woman’s life.

If you have any questions about information above or want to schedule your next annual check-up, give us a call at 912.691.3600 today!

Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.

Celebrate National Women’s Health Month

Archive

Total Wellness
Starts Right Here

Celebrate National Women’s Health Month

Archive

Total WellnessStarts Right Here

Total Wellness
Starts Right Here