Women are often busy taking care of everyone else, but it’s critically important that they take care of themselves, too. In honor of this month’s Women Business Leaders issue, I’ll address some of the most common physical and mental health issues that impact women, along with some guidance about what to do about them.
Common health concerns
Women are prone to bladder issues, especially as they become post-menopausal. As hormone levels drop, this causes a shift in physiology, which can lead to incontinence, more frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and pelvic floor dysfunction. Women are also prone to health issues such as thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, depression and anxiety.
What may surprise most women, however, is that they’re not alone in suffering these issues. They are quite common, and I spend a lot of time reassuring patients that many women deal with these very same medical concerns.
Given that fact, what are the first steps women should take towards starting a healthy regimen and developing healthy lifestyle behaviors? First, it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to start. An important first step is to meet with your primary care doctors such as an internist, OB-GYN, family practitioner, or nurse practitioner. Together, you can set intentions for a healthy, balanced life, which should include a healthy diet, 45 to 60 minutes of exercise four times a week, and adequate sleep.
It is important to remember that good mental and physical health are tied together. The mind-body connection is powerful, and if mental health is not addressed, you will begin to feel physical symptoms. These symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, poor sleep, weight gain, and body aches, to name a few.
Quiet brain time
Mental health symptoms may include increased signs of depression or anxiety, including a sense of worthless and/or hopelessness, racing thoughts, tearfulness, or thoughts of hurting yourself. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should immediately make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss how you’re feeling and begin receiving treatment to address these issues.
While diet, exercise and proper rest are essential for a healthy lifestyle, it’s equally important to build time in your day for what I call “quiet brain time.” This can be different for each person, but it should be an activity that takes your brain out of stress mode. Some examples include meditation, journaling, prayer, or reading.
Women are often taught to put others first and meet everyone else’s needs before meeting their own. But that isn’t always the right idea. Just as we’re directed before taking off on a flight, we do better when we “put your own facemask on first.” If we aren’t functioning at our best, we can’t be at our best for those we love. Don’t wait until your bucket is empty from filling everyone else’s first. Start by filling your own, so it can overflow to others.
Routine health screenings
As part of a healthy regimen, women should stay current on health screenings and tests. Stay up-to-date on cervical cancer screenings (or PAP smears), breast cancer screenings (an annual mammogram, depending on age) and routine blood work. The most important thing to do is make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss risk prevention that is appropriate for your age.
It is safer than ever to have in-person visits, both at the hospital, as well as in-clinic visits. As we continue to move through the pandemic, remember, that all healthcare providers practice mandatory mask-wearing and follow appropriate COVID protocols, so there’s no need to put off regular checkups and procedures.
Remember ladies, you are amazing, and you have to take care of yourself before you can begin taking care of others. Live wise!
For more information, visit cdc.gov.
Elizabeth H. Lowe, M.D., specializes in internal medicine and is board certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics. A graduate of Chicago Medical School, she completed her residency and internship at the Loyola University of Chicago. She is affiliated with the MarinHealth Medical Network and can be reached at (415) 795-7000.
