Denton County Living Well Magazine September/October 2017 | Page 48

A-to-Z
Guide to
Women’s Health
Courtesy Baylor Scott & White
Ladies, follow these 26 tips
Medical Center
to increase energy and live longer
I
ncorporate a few of these recommendations from Chris
Birkholz, MD, an OB-GYN on the medical staff at a Bay-
lor Scott & White Medical Center, and you’ll be on your
way to better health. Family history. Tell your health care provider about any
health conditions that run in your family. This information
may change the screening frequency for heart disease,
breast and colon cancers, and more.
Annual checkups. Schedule yours today. Yearly visits
are a good time to screen for conditions that can directly
affect your health, including high blood pressure, diabetes,
and breast and cervical cancers, as well as to review your
health history and vaccinations. Gastrointestinal attention. Colon cancer is a largely
preventable disease. Most adults should have a screening
colonoscopy by age 50.
Birth control. Not happy with the pill? There are many
alternatives, including some that are long-acting yet revers-
ible. And most are available at no cost to you.
Check your cycle. See your doctor anytime if menstrual
cycles are irregular, prolonged or abnormal. For post-meno-
pausal women, any uterine bleeding should be evaluated.
Don’t forget vitamin D (and calcium). These are two
of the most important supplements you can take. Women
younger than 50 should get 1,000 mg of calcium and 600
IU of vitamin D daily. Postmenopausal women and adoles-
cents need a slightly higher dose.
Exercise. For substantial health benefits, each week adults
need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or
75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise.
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DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
Hormones. Menopausal symptoms can improve with hor-
mone therapy. Discuss the benefits with your gynecologist.
Impact exercise. Low-impact exercises (walking, swim-
ming, cycling) are key to better health. Up your aerobic
activity for a healthier heart and add resistance training for
stronger muscles and bones.
Join a gym or health club. Most offer classes to fit your
schedule and level of experience. Use a personal trainer or
a mentor at first to get you on the right track.
Keep records. Providing your doctor with blood pressure
readings or a menstrual calendar, rather than relying on
memory, can help you both see the bigger picture.
Lipids. These are fats in your blood (like cholesterol and
triglycerides). A simple blood test can be used to evaluate
your heart health.