Supporting Women’s Health at Every Age

Women’s Health & Wellness Tips

As women continue to age, their health needs change. Although there are health concerns that affect all older adults, there are a unique set of health risks that are different for women than those that affect men

In light of Women's Health Week, the health experts at Parrish Healthcare are here to share some tips to help to support women's health throughout each stage of life.

Keep Your Stress Levels Under Control

Although it’s normal for everyone to experience heightened levels of stress every now and then, too much stress can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health. When you’re constantly exposed to your body’s stress response, hormones like cortisol are continuously pumped into your body, increasing your risk for the following::

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trouble regulating your emotions
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal system
• Muscle spasms in the bowels

Try some of the following tips to help keep your stress levels under control:

• Get better quality rest each night.
• Lead an active lifestyle.
• Keep a journal.
• Find hobbies that you enjoy.
• Spend time with friends and family.

Introduce Strength Training into Your Fitness Routine

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become porous and weak, leaving them more prone to breaks and fractures. As women get older, there is a lowered production of the hormone estrogen, which plays an important role in building up and maintaining bone density.

One way to combat osteoporosis from happening is to not only lead an active lifestyle, but introduce strength training into your routine. This helps to build healthy bones and your supportive muscles.

Continuing Well Woman Visits

Although menopause is a reality for many older women, you can still benefit from having routine visits with your OB/GYN. While women over the age of 65 no longer need cervical cancer screenings as the risk of cervical cancer goes down with age, you are still at risk for the following cancers:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer

Some of the most common ways to screen for these types of cancers include:

• CA-125 blood testing
• Mammograms
• Rectovaginal pelvic exams
• Transvaginal ultrasounds

If you have additional health concerns, it is important that you reach out to your primary care doctor to discuss your individual health risks and possible courses of prevention and treatment.

Primary Care in Titusville

When it comes to supporting your health, it is important to find a family care doctor you can trust. The family doctors at Parrish Medical Group Family Medicine treat patients throughout all stages of your life, providing you with the insight, resources, and preventative care you need to live happily and healthily.

Whether you’re in need of a regular check-up or you have a health concern, contact Parrish Medical Group Family Medicine at 321-268-6111 to schedule your next visit.