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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%
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 percent
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
flashes
and
night
sweats,
and
helps
protect
the
cardiovascular
and
immune
systems.
-
If
you
smoke--quit!
-
Stress
plays
a key
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 thirty
and
may
require
the
use
of over-the-counter
or prescription
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
don't
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
eight,
eight
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
doctor's
recommendations
for
diet,
exercise,
and
nutrition,
as well
as his
recommendations
for
routine
preventative
health
care.
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