Safeguard Your Health As You Near Menopause
If menopause is on your horizon, you may already be anticipating the arrival of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and the disappearance of your menstrual cycle. However, there are several other side effectives to your health as you near menopause – many of which may make you more susceptible to osteoporosis, heart disease, and even cancer.
How Menopause Impacts Your Health
When a woman reaches menopause, her estrogen levels respond by dropping. Unfortunately, this sudden drop in the protective hormone also happens when the body is aging (the average woman achieves menopause at 51). This means that without proper safeguards, your body is suddenly more vulnerable to various diseases and conditions that could impair your quality of life.
Estrogen is vital for many activities within a woman’s body; yet one of the most surprising functions is that the hormone helps keep blood vessel walls flexible. As estrogen levels drop, those vessel walls begin stiffer, making it difficult for blood to freely flow. This diminished function can put women at risk for weight gain, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a host of other health problems.
Safeguard Your Health During Menopause
Fortunately, there are many steps women can take to safeguard their health as they approach menopause, including:
• Following a healthy diet: Make sure your plate is filled with plenty of greens, lean proteins, whole grains, and delicious fruits – all those vitamins and minerals are essential for keeping your body fit and healthy.
• Lose extra weight: If you’re overweight, try dropping a few pounds; studies have shown that weight loss can give your heart health a boost.
• Exercise on a regular basis: Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. A brisk walk, jog, or even a bike ride can help get your blood pumping.
• Talk to an experienced doctor: A doctor who understands women’s health and preventative medicine can help you set up the following strategies to cover common health issues:
o Cardiovascular risk assessment and assessing your risk for heart attack and stroke;
o Common cancer screenings, including breast, bowel, skin, and cervical cancer;
o Assessment of memory and emotional well-being, as depression is common in this age;
o Regular monitoring of vision to diagnose macular degeneration as early as possible; and
o Assessment for incontinence and patient education about pelvic floor exercise
At Wellcare Medical Centre in Kingston, our experienced team of doctors and nurses, including female doctors, will address all aspects of your health. Wellcare Medical Centre is home to the following clinicians:
• Expert male and female doctors
• Expert dermatology trained doctor
• Doctors with extensive experience dealing with aging populations
• Experienced nurses who specialize in chronic disease management
• Onsite dietician, exercise physiologist, and physiotherapist
Enjoy your optimal health during menopause – schedule a consultation with a women’s health GP at Wellcare Medical Centre in Kingston today. Call Us Today 07 3133 4483!