Staying healthy at any age begins with eating a balanced diet, maintaining proper weight, and a regular schedule of physical fitness. In 1996, a report from the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention concluded that 50 percent of all cancer risks could be reduced by following a modified diet that contains low-fat, high fiber, and little or no red meat, as well as, through increased exercise, limiting alcohol use, and quitting smoking. Regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet can also significantly reduce a woman's risk of heart disease.

One of the most important things that women can do to maintain optimum health is to visit their gynecologist for annual physical examinations that include a Pap smear for all women beginning at the age of 18 or younger if sexually active. The Pap smear is the only screening tool for cancer that has resulted in a significant decrease in the cervical cancer rate. There is debate about the age women should begin annual mammograms, however it is generally sometime between the ages of forty and fifty. Breast self-exam should begin as soon girls reach puberty so that it becomes a habit by the time girls reach maturity. Women from 25 to 64 should have basic screens annually that include height, weight, blood pressure, and after the age of 50 all women should be tested for colorectal cancer.

Tips for Healthy Living

* Practice safe sex by always using a condom, unless you are in a long-term monogamous relationship to prevent HPV (the most common cause of cervical cancer) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

* Calcium is important for women of all ages - recent studies suggest that calcium supplementation may prevent up to 50 per cent of all PMS symptoms including cramps, and daily calcium supplementation is a critical factor in the prevention of osteoporosis after menopause.

* Folic acid supplementation significantly reduces the risk of birth defects and should be used by all women considering pregnancy.

* Vitamin E 400-800 mg per day is recommended to help menopausal women reduce hot flushes and night sweats, and helps protect the cardiovascular and immune systems.

* If you smoke-quit!

* Stress plays a major role in many illnesses and finding ways to reduce stress may add years to your life.

* The importance of hormonal balance increases for women after the age of 30 and may require the use of natural hormone replacement therapy.

* Visit your dentist regularly to maintain a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth.

* Find ways to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule. If you do not have time for a gym - take a walk or take stairs instead of elevators, garden or do yard work, park your car far from the door, ect.

* Drink at least 8 ounce glasses of water everyday to help flush impurities from your body and maintain proper hydration.

* Always use sunscreen and/ or wear a hat when you are in the sun to protect your skin from possible future skin cancer.

* Follow your physician's recommendations for diet, exercise, and nutrition, as well as his recommendations for routine preventative health care.

Sites Of Interest

Your Links Library - Shopping and Gifts

Health and Beauty

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