A Woman's Guide To Wellness

By Natasha Ryan, ND, Regional Wellness Manager

Knowles Apothecary Wellness

. http://www.knowleswellness.com/

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A Woman's Guide To Wellness

When a woman is healthy, there is a better chance that everyone else in her family will be healthier. For this reason alone, it is vital that women learn to make health and wellness a priority in their lives. Wellness can be defined as the condition of good physical and mental health, especially when maintained by proper diet, and exercise.

Many women neglect their own wellness because they are busy taking care of their families or others in their communities. This sense of giving is one thing that makes women special, however, I'll give women the same instructions they give you on the airplane put on your air mask first, before you put it on others. If you can't breath, no one else that you take care of will breath either metaphorically speaking of course. Make some time for wellness by actually putting it in your schedule.

The following are some things for women to think about when reflecting on wellness

Healthy Body Weight If you are overweight, it's time to take action. Just being ten pounds overweight increases risk factors for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and more. Choose healthy foods and participate in physical fitness activities like walking, fun activities like dancing-salsa, tango, or popular classes such as zumba. In addition to helping to keep your weight healthy, these things can also help with stress management as well.

Breast Health According to the Centers For Disease Control, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S. When possible, know your family history, maintain a healthy body weight, avoid excess exogenous estrogens in plastics, cutt down on charred or processed meats, and manage stress. Ask your doctor how you can be screened for breast cancer today.

Mental Health According to the NIH nearly ten million people a year are affected by major depression and almost twice as many of those people are women. Everyone feels down sometimes, but if you are going for months and months feeling like you are “in a funk”, it's time to consult your healthcare provider. Supplement with fish oils, watch funny movies, exercise, communicate with family and friends and seek professional help.

Bone Health Osteoporosis, also known as brittle bone disease can lead a declined quality of life due to fractures or curves in the spine. Women who are 60 years of age should have this exam, however if a family history of osteoporosis is present, the exam should be done earlier. To prevent osteoporosis include weight bearing exercise in your workouts, eat lots of dark green leafy vegetables, which are high in minerals like calcium and magnesium, and consider supplementing with the minerals mentioned before and add vitamin D as well.

Sexual Health Sex is an important part of adult relationships. Women often go through times when they experience low libido or a lack of desire. This could be a reflection of high stress levels, changes in hormone levels, poor circulation in the pelvic areas or other conditions. Talk to your health care provider for more information. Some things you can do to improve sexual health-yoga, exercise, and communicate with your partner.

Remember, women need to be well. It is important to be an active participant in your healthcare. Take some time today to create a wellness plan for yourself and your family.