Top tips for women's health
Studies show women are better than men at keeping healthy – and keeping tabs on their health and wellness. And while our doctors and natural therapists are the experts when it comes to health advice, knowing and tuning into your own body is essential.
Here are 4 top tips to help you – and the special women in your life – keep healthy
Get checked
Regular health checks are an important part of preventing serious health conditions and complications as we age. Be sure to schedule tests and checks for cholesterol, blood pressure, breast cancer, colon and bowel cancer, hormone levels, as well as vitamins and minerals. Ask your health professional about any other tests for your age and lifestyle.
Reduce your stress
Stress seems to be a part of modern life. But it doesn’t have to be! Many of us are overwhelmed by all our responsibilities and simply don’t have the time to do it all. Speak to a life coach or counsellor, or work by yourself to reduce your obligations. Part of this is learning how to say no to the things that aren’t important to you.
Once you’ve alleviated the pressure, take time out every day to tune in to your self and tune out the world. This can be a short morning meditation, a yoga class, craft, mindful colouring, listening to music, taking a bath, walking in nature…whatever helps you unwind and chill out. Stress is linked to anxiety, heart disease, depression, and many more preventable problems.
Combine cardio and weights
We’re not suggesting you join an expensive gym and turn into a bodybuilder (although you can if you want!) Instead, start combining some resistance exercises into your workout schedule. Let’s say you already walk and swim a few days a week. Add another 2 or more sessions each week that focus on building your strength – pilates, mat work, a group fitness class, or lifting weights at home are all easy and inexpensive.
Combining cardio with resistance will help ward off chronic diseases and keep your body fit and fab as you age – as well as enhance your overall wellness and self-esteem.
Sleep well
When we’re busy, our sleep suffers. And if we don’t get enough z’s each night, we put ourselves at risk of serious health problems – not to mention problems with focus and concentration during the day.
If sleep is a serious struggle, speak to a health professional who can propose some natural remedies. Learning meditation (or listening to a sleep meditation app) and breathing techniques is also a popular option.
