With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I want to devote this month’s posts to talk about women’s health.
PREGNANCY
One of the most significant life events many women experience is pregnancy. There are a lot of factors that go into having a healthy pregnancy including vitamin supplements, healthy eating, safe food handling practices, appropriate weight gain, and being physically active.
Click here and here to read my previous posts on pregnancy and be sure to speak with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.
PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where a woman makes too much testosterone. This leads to irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, excess body or facial hair, acne, and difficulty managing blood sugars, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight. Those with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and anxiety.
The best way to control PCOS symptoms is to maintain a healthy weight through healthy eating and physical activity. Speak to a dietitian to learn more about the steps you can take to develop a healthy eating pattern.
NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK
May 10th is not only devoted to celebrating Mother’s Day but it also marks the beginning of the 21st annual National Women’s Health Week.
Women’s Health Week serves as a reminder to women to make their health a priority and encourages them to build positive health habits for life. Some examples of steps you can take to improve your health include getting screened, being physically active, eating well, fostering mental health, and engaging in other safe behaviours such as smoking cessation, STI protection, stress management, and good sleep habits.
Take some time this week to think about what your health goals are, what motivates you, and what is holding you back from being your healthiest version of you.
BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING
Regular screening tests are an important part of cancer prevention and management. In addition to helping find certain types of cancer before symptoms appear, screening tests can also reassure you about your health status, help prevent cancer, detect cancer early and before it has spread when treatment is easier, reduce treatment severity and recovery time, and improve survivability.
Women that are sexually active or over the age of 21 should have a Pap test every three years to screen for cervical cancer. Breast cancer screens use mammography and should be done every 2 years for women between 50-74 years old.
Talk to your doctor to find out which screening tests are right for you and when to do them.
MENOPAUSE
Menopause occurs due to a decline in reproductive hormones as you age which leads to various physical and emotional changes such as irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, weight gain, fatigue, and mood changes. It occurs when a woman reaches their late 40’s or early 50’s and lasts on average for seven years.
Healthy lifestyle behaviours have been shown to help moderate symptoms:
Eat a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
Limit spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol to reduce severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats
Exercise regularly to provide physical and emotional benefits
Ensure good sleep, stress management, smoking cessation, support, and self-care
Comments