Collin County Living Well Magazine September/October 2017 | Page 49

Menopause. You may not be a candidate for hormone
therapy, but alternative therapies are also effective in treat-
ing menopausal symptoms.
Nutrition. Poor diet is related to high blood pressure, dia-
betes, and heart disease. Can’t find time to make healthy
meals? A dietitian can give you simple ideas for eating well
on the go.
Osteoporosis. Weak bones are a major cause of death
as we age. Take care of your bones by exercising and tak-
ing calcium and vitamin D. And stop smoking.
Pap tests. Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular
Pap tests. Get screened every three to five years or as rec-
ommended by your provider.
Quit smoking. Pick a stop date and commit. Ask your
doctor about resources and treatment options.
Risk calculators. Knowing your risk of osteoporosis and
breast cancer can help determine your screening needs.
Search online for the FRAX tool and the Gail model to as-
sess your risk.
Sunscreen. Use SPF 30 or greater. Apply 15 minutes pri-
or to sun exposure and reapply every two hours.
Take your vitamins. Women in childbearing years—
regardless of whether they plan to get pregnant— should
take a prenatal vitamin daily.
Unplug at night. Turn off your computer, smartphone,
tablet, and TV before enter ing the bedroom for a better
night’s sleep.
Vaccines. They are effective and safe. Ask your provider if
you are on schedule. The HPV vaccine is indicated for boys
and girls younger than 26 to help prevent cervical cancer.
Weight. Ask your doctor to calcu-
late your body mass index. If your
BMI is high, talk to your provider
about weight management.
X-ray. A DEXA scan (X-ray) is usu-
ally recommended for women at age
65 to check bone health. You may
need a scan earlier if you meet cer-
tain criteria.
Yearly mammograms. In gener-
al, mammograms are recommended
every year beginning at age 40.
Some women with risk factors may
need to begin screening earlier.
ZZZs. Most people need at least
eight hours of sleep. If you or your
partner snores loudly, it could be a
sign of sleep apnea and may be in-
dicative of other health problems.
At Baylor Scott & White Health, you’ve got a women’s health partner for life. Learn about our full range of women’s
health services. Visit BSWHealth.com/Women today.
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