Women’s Health: Balancing Life and Health
Women’s Health: BalancingTransitioning from your 20s to your 30s can be a big change for many women. While the 20s can be a period of self-discovery and exploration, the 30s often mean more stability – and responsibility. Many women in their 30s become mothers, climb the career ladder, and have added financial responsibilities, such as home ownership. There is no doubt that this is a stressful time in a woman’s life, yet it is one of the most exciting and memorable.
In between juggling the responsibilities of family, home life, and work, it is important that women in their 30s make time to take care of their own health. Annual visits to your doctor should be a priority.
Below are some guidelines for women ages 30 to 39 on how to stay healthy.
HEALTH RISKS TO BE AWARE OF
- Cervical Cancer
You can take steps to help prevent these changes that lead to cervical cancer. By avoiding HPV infections, practicing safe sex, and getting vaccinated, you can begin to protect yourself. Additionally, with regular screening tests, the changes can be found and treated before cervical cancer develops. - Breast Cancer
Finding breast cancer early gives you the best chance of successful treatment. That is why it is so important to get to know how your breasts normally look and feel. Between 29 and 39, women should have a Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) done by a healthcare provider every 1 to 3 years. - Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition. Managing your diabetes means making some changes that may be difficult, such as maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity. Work with your healthcare provider to prevent diabetes-related complications.
SCREENINGS AND EXAMS YOU MAY NEED
Monthly
- Breast Self-Exam
Annually
- Yearly physical exam that includes:
- Clinical breast exam
- Blood pressure check,
- Blood test
- Pelvic exam
Every 3 Years
- Pap smear
- HPV screening
Every 2 to 5 Years
- Glucose test
- Cholesterol test (more often if overweight)
If Needed
- Fertility tests
Tell your doctor when you start trying to conceive. If you are unable to conceive after a year of trying, talk to your physician about your options. - Mammogram/genetic counseling
YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
- Maintain a work-life balance
Years of working long hours may help you climb the career ladder, but those hours may take a steep toll on your health — and that’s especially true for women. Studies show that those long hours may lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. - Sleep is important at every stage of a woman’s life
A woman goes through many stages during her lifetime. During the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, motherhood, and menopause, physical and emotional changes take place. While these changes can affect sleep, learn how you can improve your sleep and overall health. - Minimize stress and maximize well-being
Many women face difficult challenges and responsibilities that may cause stress that can affect their health. Stress can come from difficulties at home, in relationships, and in the workplace. Apart from affecting your health, stress has secondary effects on those around you. Managing stress is easier if you take good care of yourself.