10 Health Tips for Women

1. Pay attention to your well-being.

Sure, you have a lot of responsibilities—but it's important to take care of your health too! Do your best to eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. Try to set aside some time for doing things you enjoy and staying in touch with those who mean the most to you.

2. Let go of stereotypes.

Although women's rights have come a long way over the years, many women continue to face obstacles related to their gender. From stereotypes and inequality to discrimination, abuse and violence, women's issues persist today— at home, in the workplace, and in society—even in progressive areas of the world.

3. Take care of your mental and physical health.

Talk to your health care provider about stress, anxiety, and depression, and about the health effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism—which can be more serious in women. Follow recommendations for routine health care—including regular exams and immunizations, prenatal care, and vision, hearing, and dental care.

4. Watch for health issues that are more common in women.

Women are more likely than men to experience medical conditions like urinary tract problems—UTIs, overactive bladder, incontinence—joint pain and osteoarthritis, migraine headaches, and others. Know your family history, and contact your health care provider if you develop any new symptoms or experience chronic pain

5. Don't smoke.

According to the American Lung Association, more women are affected by smoking-related conditions than in the past, and smoking is now the largest preventable cause of death among women (and men). Quitting is the best way to improve your health and avoid exposing your family to dangerous secondhand smoke.

6. Know your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women (and men) in the United States; however, women are more likely to die following a heart attack. Women also have a higher risk of—and additional risk factors for—stroke. Talk to your health care provider about your heart health.

7. Maintain a healthy weight.

Women typically have less muscle and more fat than men, and are usually smaller. Therefore, they need fewer calories to maintain a healthy body weight and activity level. Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet, get regular exercise and physical activity, and keep your BMI within a healthy range.


8. Take care of your reproductive health.

Sexual health is an important part of overall health. Reproductive concerns include menstruation, contraception, infertility, breast health, female cancers, pregnancy and breastfeeding, menopause, etc. Talk to your health care provider about safer sex, STD prevention, and screening procedures you need to stay healthy.

9. Take steps to keep your bones healthy.

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease characterized by low bone density, bone fragility, and susceptibility to hip, spine, and wrist fractures. Did you know that eighty percent of people with osteoporosis are women? Be sure to get enough calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise—and don’t smoke—to reduce your risk.

10. Get enough iron and folic acid.

Iron and folic acid (or folate) help promote good health and energy levels and decrease the risk of birth defects. Iron-rich foods include meat, fish, kale, spinach, beans, lentils and fortified breads and cereals. Folic acid is found in fortified foods, dietary supplements, citrus fruits, leafy greens, beans, and peas.

Sources by: http://www.healthcommunities.com/healthy-living-guides/index.shtml/10-health-tips-for-women_120

51-Year-Old Mom Says Her Secret To Looking Decades Younger Is Eating This One Thing

Anjula Devi looks like she's in her 30s, right? Well, it turns out this Indian food champion chef and mom-of-two is actually 51 years old. Yes, really.

Even though Anjula is busy raising two children and running her own cooking and catering business, she still manages to appear completely wrinkle-free. How, you ask? According to Anjula, the secret to looking young is not very complicated at all—that is, if you are a big fan of veggies.

"I love cooking fresh vegetables and greens and am careful not to use artificial colors and preservatives," she told The Daily Mail. 

But using fresh ingredients is only one part of it. Anjula says it's also about spicing up your disheswith cumin, coriander, brown mustard seeds, Kashmiri chillies, turmeric, cassia bark, and green cardamom. Anjula tries to incorporate these seven things into her meals as much as possible. And, as you can see, it seems to be working. 

"I guess the biggest telling sign is that these spices do keep you young and I'm living proof of it," says Anjula. 

While it may be a bit too far-fetched to believe that these herbs will solve all your anti-aging problems,research has found that there are many health benefits to eating spicy foods. A study from Oxford University, Harvard, and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences found that people who ate spicy food every one or two days had a lower risk of dying from cancer and heart disease. Plus, spices are loaded with antioxidants, which can only mean good things for your skin. 

Sources by: http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/womens-health/a51894/anjula-devi-anti-aging-secret-spicy-food/

6 Secrets of Women Who Never Get Sick

1 Have a Set Bedtime

Research shows that those who sleep 8 hours or more per night are three times less likely to develop a cold compared to people who snooze for less than 7 hours. One reason why: At night your body repairs itself and regulates stress hormones that can make you more susceptible to infection.

"I instituted a strict sleep/wake schedule in my house that applies on weekdays and weekends. At a recent doctor's appointment for physicals, he said that we hadn't been there for sick visits in over a year—quite a feat for a mom and three kids ages 5 to 16!" —Mikita Burton, Lenexa, KS

2 Eat Colors

Filling up on antioxidant-rich foods like sweet potatoes (beta-carotene), citrus and bell peppers (vitamin C), almonds (vitamin E), and red grapes or red wine (resveratrol) replenishes the cells that are damaged in the fight against germs and bacteria.

"I used to get bad sinus infections regularly, but I cleaned up my diet— eating more whole foods like fruits, veggies, nuts and lean protein—and I haven't been sick in two years." —Susan Robertson, Knoxville, TN

3 Shape Up Your Gut

You bring the outside world into your mouth every day, and though most bacteria and germs are harmless, some can make you sick. That's where your gut gets in on the action. Good bacteria can enhance your immune system, so you may want to consider taking a probiotic supplement—which contains helpful bacteria—during cold and flu season. Try a multi-strain formula (find in your local health-food market or grocery store). If you want to skip supplements, eat more fermented foods, like sauerkraut.

"My kids were constantly ill when we moved to a new town a few years ago and we decided to give probiotics a go. Almost immediately, my family's health improved. So long, sick days!" —Alison Schoonover, Columbus, WI

4 Wash at Key Times

You don't have to go crazy with hand washing. You can reduce illness by 15% to 50% if you remember to wash your hands before eating, before and after prepping food, post-bathroom and after sneezing or coughing. Soap and water is preferred (scrub for 20 seconds), but keep hand sanitizer around to degerm on the go, too. Look for one formulated with at least 60% alcohol.

"I was a massage therapist for 10 years and I rarely got sick. I attribute that to consistent and strategic hand washing." —Jennifer Muth, Washington, DC

5 Hug It Out

Make a date to get together with a friend—especially if you're dealing with problems at home or work, suggests research in the journal Psychological Science. People with the most "social support" when faced with a stressful situation were less likely to get ill if exposed to a cold virus—and hugging enhanced the immunity benefit.

"Each week, I find a workout I can do with friends, I make sure my husband and I have at least one 'date' and I call my grandma. These connections energize me and keep me healthier." —Kamden Hoffmann, Morrisville, NC

6 Say Om

One study found that gentle yoga (plus breathing exercises) strengthens immune function and the boost happens within 2 hours after the start of class, according to research in the journal PLOS ONE. Try classes that combine light yoga with deep breathing and meditation, like restorative yoga.

"My regular yoga practice has helped me avoid sickness, but it also calms me. I go to class once a week and do about three at-home sessions per week." —Sarah Boyce, Brooklyn, NY

Sources by: http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/g1896/6-secrets-from-women-who-never-get-sick/

Seven Things You May Not Know about Women's Health

Lesser-known conditions and diseases affect the health or safety of millions of women or girls each year. Learn about some of them and what you can do.

1. Asthma occurs more often in women than men. Older adults, women, and African Americans are more likely to die due to asthma.

Women with asthma should always try to avoid asthma triggers.
Known asthma triggers include pollen, mold and tobacco smoke.
Know your triggers and learn how to avoid them.
Work with your doctor to develop an Asthma Action Plan that will help you take your medications correctly and avoid your asthma triggers.
2. Heavy menstrual bleeding, lasting more than seven days or very heavy, affects more than 10 million American women each year. That is about one out of every five women.

A bleeding disorder may be the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have heavy menstrual bleeding to determine if you need testing.
Learn about possible causes, including the signs and symptoms of a bleeding disorder .
3. About 27 million women in the U.S. have a disability, a condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult to do certain activities and interact with the world around them.

More than 50% of women older than 65 are living with a disability. The most common cause of disability for women is arthritis or rheumatism.
Women with disabilities need the same general health care as women without disabilities, and they may also need additional care to address their specific needs. However, research shows that many women with disabilities may not receive regular health screenings, like mammograms or a Pap test, as recommended.
Learn about tools and health information for women with disabilities.
4. Infertility affects about 6% of married women ages 15-44.

Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex.
Several things increase a woman's risk of infertility, including age, smoking, excessive alcohol use, extreme weight gain or loss, or excessive physical or emotional stress that results in the absence of a menstrual period.
Infertility may be treated medically, surgically, or using assisted reproductive technology depending on the underlying cause.
Assisted Reproductive Technology, also known as ART, includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled.
Resources are available for patients preparing for infertility treatment and pregnancy.
5. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44.

BV is an infection caused when too much of certain bacteria change the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. In the United States an estimated 21.2 million (29.2%) women ages 14–49 have BV.
The cause of BV is unknown. BV is linked to an imbalance of "good" and "harmful" bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina.
Basic prevention steps that may help to lower your risk of developing BV include not having sex, limiting the number of sex partners you have, and not douching.
6. Sex Trafficking is a serious public health problem that affects the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The majority of victims are women and girls.

Sex trafficking is defined as "the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act" by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000.
Consequences can be immediate and long term, including physical problems and relationship problems, psychological concerns, and chronic health outcomes.
Learn about what communities and groups can do to prevent trafficking.
7. About 19 women die every day as a result of drug overdoses involving prescription opioids.

Women are more likely to have chronic pain, be prescribed opioid pain relievers, and use them for longer time periods than men.
Addiction to prescription opioids is the strongest risk factor for heroin addiction, and heroin use has increased among women.
Women should discuss all medications they are taking with their doctor and use prescriptions only as directed. Get help for substance abuse problems (1-800- 662-HELP); call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) for questions about medicines, or see your pharmacist.

Sources by: http://www.cdc.gov/features/7things-womens-health/

5 Tips for Managing Emotional Wellness

Keeping your emotional well-being balanced is no easy task. Feelings can be hard to figure out and they might appear to be out of your control. Being able to manage your emotions and have healthy relationships with others is vital to your emotional wellness. Keeping these five tips in mind can help you achieve emotional balance in your daily life.

1. Awareness of Thoughts and Feelings

Sometimes it’s difficult to understand what causes negative emotions to spring up. It might feel like emotions or moods come and go with no rhyme or reason. Taking time to become aware of certain thoughts or environmental triggers that cause these negative emotions will allow you to understand and manage your emotional health better. If emotional awareness and management is an area you feel you need to improve, there are activities you can do to help you understand your emotional-self better. For example, talk therapy with a qualified professional, guided meditation, mindfulness apps on your smart phone, journaling or even spending time alone to really get to know yourself without any distractions or others interfering.

2. Staying Positive

While we all get in a bad mood once in awhile and there is nothing abnormal about that, constantly maintaining a negative attitude will only eat away at your internal happiness. If you keep this mind-frame long enough, nothing will ever seem like a good situation when you only focus on the bad.  Noticing how often you think or say negative things is the first step towards having a positive attitude. Then, work on limiting the amount of negative thoughts and speech you use every day. If you need help with this, try keeping a journal or asking a friend or family member to point out when you are being a “Negative Nancy”.

3. Ask for Help

If you are suffering from emotional distress, it’s okay to ask for help.  There are no prizes handed out for who can bury their emotions the most. It doesn’t make you stoic or strong to keep the emotional turmoil all to yourself. Talking to someone you trust can be enough to ease the negative emotions brought on by a bad day. If more help is needed, seeking the advice of a mental health professional doesn’t mean you are weak, it means you are strong enough to to take care of your mental health.

4. Keeping Boundaries

Establishing boundaries with people in your life will contribute to your mental well-being. While it’s best to be nice to others in your life, there will be times when they cross the line and it’s up to you to tell them what is and isn’t acceptable for you. For example, it doesn’t make you a bad person to tell your neighbors that they should give you a call or a text instead of coming over unannounced. Advocating for yourself and your emotional needs will keep you from feeling overwhelmed by other people’s expectations and behaviors.

5. Self-Acceptance

Sometimes the expectations you set for yourself are more than the expectations others have for you. It’s okay to give yourself a break and let the self-judgment and self-doubt go. You won’t ever feel at ease in the world or with yourself if you are constantly talking negatively about yourself. If you wouldn’t let a stranger call you “stupid”, “ugly”or “not good enough” then you shouldn’t let yourself say those things. Just like with negative thoughts in general, becoming aware and then learning how to manage negative self talk is key to learning how to accept yourself.

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health resources, please contact one of our Resource Specialists:

Sources by: http://www.rtor.org/2015/06/30/emotional-wellness/

Top 10 Health Tips for Women

Want a cheat sheet for healthy living? Our expert serves up her pointers.

By Colleen Oakley
WebMD Magazine - Feature

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

Let's face it, ladies: Doctor visits are short. And they're getting shorter. What if your doctor had more time? She might tell you the same things that OB-GYN Alyssa Dweck, MD, co-author of V Is for Vagina, wants you to know.

Consider Dweck's tips your prescription for a lifetime of wellness.

1. Zap your stress.

"The biggest issue I see in most of my patients is that they have too much on their plates and want to juggle it all. Stress can have significant health consequences, from infertility to higher risks of depression,anxiety, and heart disease. Find the stress-reduction method that works for you and stick with it."

2. Stop dieting.

"Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to forgo your favorite glass of wine or a piece of chocolate cake now and then. The key is moderation. Get a mix of lean proteins, healthy fats, smart carbs, and fiber."

3. Don't “OD” on calcium.

"Too much absorbed calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones and may even increase the risk of heart disease. If you're under 50, shoot for 1,000 milligrams per day, while over-50 women should be getting 1,200 milligrams per day mainly through diet -- about three servings of calcium-rich foods such as milk, salmon, and almonds."

4. Do more than cardio.

"Women need a mix of cardio and resistance or weight-bearing exercise at least three to five times a week to help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Exercise also promotes good self-image, which is really important to a woman'smental health."

5. Think about fertility.

"While many women have no problem getting pregnant in their late 30s and even into their early 40s, a woman's fertility may start to decline as early as 32. So if you want to have kids, talk to your doctor about options, like freezing your eggs."

6. Appreciate birth control.

"Birth control gets a bad rap, but not only can it keep you from getting pregnant before you're ready, studies show it can lower the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer as well as regulate your cycle."

7. See your doctor every year.

"New recommendations suggest that healthy women now only need Pap smears every 3 years instead of annually starting at age 21. But don't skip your yearly checkup. Your doctor needs to annually assess many other issues such as potential infection, your need forcontraception, and sexual complaints."

8. Have good sex.

"Sex reduces stress and may lower the risk of chronic disease -- but only if you enjoy it. If anything prevents you from sexual fulfillment, such as dryness or pain, talk to your doctor to find a solution."

9. Get more sleep.

"Sleep needs differ, but if you have trouble getting out of bed, tire easily, or have trouble concentrating, you likely aren't getting enough. Recent studies suggest this can put you at greater risk of heart disease and psychological problems."

10. Consider genetic testing.

"Doctors can now screen people with a family history of breast cancer,ovarian cancer, and chronic diseases to assess their risk -- and then consider preventive measures. Talk to your doctor."

Find more articles, browse back issues, and read the current issue of "WebMD Magazine."

Source by: http://www.webmd.com/women/features/women-top-health-tips