Women are told constantly to take care of their health, to make
their health a priority, to be diligent about their health as they
get older. But all that good advice is pretty vague. What should we
do specifically? And when?
Therese Bevers, M.D., medical director of the MD Anderson Cancer Prevention Center, along
with other MD Anderson experts have created a list of all the
important things women should do to take care of their health at
every age.
“Practicing the healthy behaviors in our guide is important
for all women, regardless of age,” Bevers says. “So
take note of all of these tips -- even the ones directed toward
women older or younger than you.”
Your 20s: Avoid Tanning and HPV
Say "no" to tanning salons. Tanning bed use significantly ups a
woman’s odds of getting melanoma (the deadliest form of skin
cancer), according to research. Using tanning beds regularly before
age 30 increases a woman’s risk of skin cancer by 75%.
Reduce exposure to HPV. The human papilloma virus, or HPV, is most
common among young women in their late teens and early 20s.
High-risk strains of HPV are present in more than 99% of cervical
cancer cases.
A woman’s best bet to reduce the risk of HPV infection is
to:
Limit her number of sexual partners
Consistently practice protected sex
Get the HPV vaccine if she’s younger than age 26
Your 30s: Add Weights and Relaxation Time
Lift some weights. Most women begin to lose muscle mass after
age 30. Strength training can prevent muscle loss, build bone
density and increase the rate at which the body burns calories.
And, maintaining a healthy weight can help the body avoid diseases
like cancer.
Take time to unwind. Juggling all the responsibilities of being a
mom, wife, caretaker and employee often brings increased
stress.
Chronic stress affects almost every system in the body and wreaks
havoc on their functioning, making it harder to fight off diseases
like cancer. Curb stress by doing breathing exercises, yoga, and
other relaxation-type activities.
Your 40s: Stick to a Healthy Diet and Exercise
Maintain a healthy weight. As women get older, their metabolism
decreases. This is especially true after age 40, when women may
have a hard time maintaining the weight they had in their 20s and
30s.
Making healthy food choices and staying active every day can help
jumpstart the body’s metabolism and keep off unwanted
pounds.
Your 50s: Seek Healthy Hormone Options
Limit the use of hormone therapy. Taking hormones can increase a
woman’s chances of developing uterine cancer, breast cancer,
heart disease, blood clots and stroke.
Women should talk to their doctor about hormone therapy and ask
about healthier options to manage menopausal symptoms.
Your 60s and older: Stay Socially Active
Almost 10 million Americans older than age 65 live alone, according
to the U.S. Census Bureau. For many, living alone can lead to
loneliness and depression, which can harm a person’s overall
health.
Get involved in your community. Bevers encourages women who are
retired and lack social interaction to find volunteer opportunities
in their communities and get involved. It’ll keep them
active, engaged and sociable. Even better: it offers a chance to
help others.
Whatever Your Age: Get annual check-ups
“Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s or 60s, yearly
check-ups are a must,” Bevers says. “With the help of
your doctor, you can create a personalized health plan to help you
stay healthy for many years to come.”
