The week is all about supporting women, girls and gender-diverse people to make informed decisions about their health with information that’s easy to understand.
During Women’s Health Week, everyone is encouraged to take their health seriously and step out of their comfort zone, have conversations, and see your GP if you feel the need.
Women face diverse and unique health concerns across their lifespan, which may affect their overall health and wellness.
Maintaining women’s health and wellbeing involves a combination of physical, mental and emotional care.
Here are some tips to help keep women’s health in check:
Regular health check-ups: Schedule routine visits to your healthcare provider for check-ups, screenings and vaccinations. These can help detect and prevent health issues early on.
Healthy diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine and alcohol intake.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support bodily functions, skin health and overall wellbeing.
Physical activity: Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, boost cardiovascular health and improve mood.
Adequate sleep: Prioritise getting seven to nione hours of sleep each night. Sleep is crucial for physical and mental restoration.
Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga or mindfulness. Chronic stress can negatively impact both physical and mental health.
Regular screenings: Follow recommended guidelines for screenings such as mammograms, pap smears and bone density tests. These screenings help detect potential health issues early.
Maintain mental health: Pay attention to your mental and emotional wellbeing. Seek professional help if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns.
Build supportive relationships: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who uplift and empower you. Strong social connections can contribute to overall happiness.
Practice safe sex: If sexually active, use protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Regular gynaecological exams are also important.
Bone health: Consume adequate calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements to maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Heart health: Be aware of heart health risks. Maintain a healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels and avoid smoking.
Breast health: Perform regular breast self-exams and be vigilant about any changes in your breasts. Discuss mammograms and other screenings with your healthcare provider.
Gynecological health: Understand your menstrual cycle, and if you experience irregularities, pain or other issues, consult a healthcare professional.
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can have detrimental effects on health. Limit or avoid these habits.
Hygiene and infections: Practice proper hygiene, especially during menstruation, to prevent infections.
Everyone’s health journey is unique, so it’s essential to have regular communication with healthcare professionals for personalised guidance and care.