How to Manage Women's Health at 40

Some like to say that 40 is the new 30 for women of today, and that age is just a number. In many ways this is true, a woman is as old as she allows herself to feel. However, putting all the fuzzy feelgood aside, it is also evident that, in order for women at 40 to feel young, to feel healthy and to be healthy, they need to take control of their wellness. This will involve learning to manage different factors related to their health. So, in order to feel 30 again, get ready to manage your health at 40.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Reevaluate your method of birth control. A woman at 40 should definitely visit with her gynecologist to discuss other methods of birth control that are available. Don't use birth control pills if you are over 40 because they are considered to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart disease. Instead, use an IUD, diaphragm or condom.
2. Learn to identify symptoms of menopause. It is important to get all the facts and findings related to menopause, because it will better prepare you to handle it. Put together a plan of action with your doctor before actual symptoms begin. This may include knowing if hormone therapy is a good choice for you.
3. Schedule a mammogram. Mammogram screenings for breast cancer begin at age 40. It is important to continue to do monthly self-breast exams and have a mammogram. Early detection for breast cancer is essential to beating the disease.
4. Screen for diabetes. Diabetes, another serious medical condition, is generally screened for when a woman is 45.
5. Monitor and watch calcium and vitamin D intake to take care of bone health. Conditions like osteoporosis seem to go hand-in-hand with menopause and women in their forties. Make sure you are getting enough dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D, and if necessary, you should take a supplement. Also, discuss with your doctor whether it is in your best interest to have a bone density screening done. This test will scan the bones to detect early signs of osteoporosis.
6. Be conscious of physical activity. Being overweight or carrying a bit of a spare tire around the midsection has been linked to placing a woman at risk for serious health conditions. Include some moderate physical activities into the weekly routine.
7. Implement an eating-for-health diet. This type of diet will include heart health fibers and grains, and a well balanced diet full of healthily prepared meals. It is also a good way to prevent conditions like high cholesterol and hypertension, which commonly set in at 40.
8. Learn to manage stress. Stress at any age is never good, but stress at 40 can predispose you to health problems. So, manage stress through counseling, fitness program or meditation. Discuss with your doctors ways that you might be able to manage and eliminate stress.