Top Ten Preventative Health Care Tips for Women

It is of the utmost importance, especially as we get older, for women to take certain measures in order to maintain good health. This is a list of the top ten preventative measures women can take in order to stay healthy and happy.

1. Mammogram

Mammograms are incredibly important in preventing breast cancer. Though it's vital for women to get one every year once they reach their forties, all women should regularly check their breasts themselves for changes such as lumps, swelling, and redness.

2. Gynecologist

Visits to the gynecologist are a must for all women once they reach their teens. These visits, for pelvic exams and pap smears, are necessary in order to prevent and detect cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and other diseases and abnormalities.

3. Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy, especially for women who are post-menopausal, is not always necessary, but can be incredibly important in preventing breast cancer, osteoporosis, and even treating hot flashes. While some hormone supplements are available over the counter, it's best to check with one's doctor for the proper dosage.

4. Exercise

At least two hours of exercise a week is vital in preventing several diseases and staying healthy. Exercise prevents the bone loss that leads to osteoporosis, helps one lose weight, can prevent heart disease and breast cancer, and helps fight against type two diabetes.

5. Diet

A healthy and balanced diet is one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent diseases. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and limited in fat intake is ideal in regard to losing weight and preventing breast cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. A generous calcium intake is also necessary in preventing osteoporosis.

6. Healthy Habits

Two incredibly important things to give up (or not even start at all) are smoking and drinking. Though an occasional glass of red wine has been shown to prevent heart disease and is therefore helpful, most alcohol is the opposite. A dependence on alcohol can even lead to organ failure. Smoking causes heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and decreased lung capacity.

7. Sunscreen

Even if one isn't going to be lounging by the pool, it's still important to wear sunscreen anytime you're outside. Increased exposure to the sun, even in small doses, can lead to skin cancer, which is the deadliest form of cancer.

8. Sleep

Though perhaps it could go without staying, sleep is a vital part of life. The body repairs and restores itself when asleep and going without sleep causes stress and decreased immunity.

9. Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, "the silent killer", can cause heart attacks, heart disease, kidney disease, and a myriad of other problems. Therefore, it is important for everyone to have their blood pressure checked regularly, which they can do at home, and can be controlled with diet and exercise.

10. Cholesterol

Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol can also lead to heart disease and kidney disease. Therefore, especially if one has a family history of high cholesterol, to have it checked regularly and regulate it with proper diet and exercise.