The Katz Institute for Women’s Health (KIWH), the only network of experts devoted to every aspect of women’s care, is putting women first. KIWH will be partnering with Able News to provide health and wellness updates. The below content was originally published in its entirety on the Katz Institute for Women’s Health’s website and exemplifies its commitment to raise health for all women.
When you take charge of your health, you have a better understanding of what your body is going through at all stages and can be better empowered to advocate for yourself.
In your 20s & 30s:
- Know your family history. Let your doctor know if you have relatives who died young or from diseases that can run in families, including heart disease and breast or colon cancers. This will help determine if you need preventive screenings earlier than your peers.
- Keep tabs on your mental health. Mental illness can emerge in your 20s and 30s, especially with stressors such as transitioning to adulthood or becoming a parent. Ask your doctor about mental health screenings (especially if you’re postpartum).
- Prioritize your annual checkup. Routine bloodwork, check-ins about your overall well-being, and plans for preventive screenings are all critical for mitigating the risk of chronic conditions.
- Get in the habit of keeping your medical records. You have a right to all of your medical records and keeping them in one easy-to-access place will make it easier for you to spot patterns and answer questions about your health down the line.
- Don’t be afraid to push back when you’re not taken seriously. If you find yourself in a situation where your pain feels dismissed, ask questions like, “You don’t seem concerned about this symptom. Why is that?” If you think that your problems still aren’t taken seriously, seek care elsewhere.
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are crucial for keeping your bones strong and preventing osteoporosis.
In your 40s:
- Start your screenings. Many cancer screenings start around 40 or 45, though this can change based on your family history and other conditions. Talk with your physician about preventive measures like colonoscopies, mammograms, and screenings for diabetes, high cholesterol, and blood pressure.
- Recognize your stressors. Every decade has its stressors, but your 40s can feel like a pile on with more intense career demands, parenting getting more complex, and potentially having to care for aging loved ones. Ask your physician about screenings for depression and anxiety and do your best to take time for yourself and ask for help when possible.
- Incorporate more healthy habits. If you’re not already following a heart-healthy diet and getting adequate exercise it’s a good time to experiment with the meals and exercise routines that can work for you in the long run.
In your 50s:
- Learn what to expect from menopause. Menopause is a big adjustment, and you may find yourself needing to change your diet or lifestyle to manage some symptoms. You may also have changes in cholesterol or blood pressure. Talk to your physician about all the differences you notice in your body at this time, even seemingly small ones.
- Take care of your heart. Heart disease is the top killer of women, and its symptoms aren’t always easy to spot. Ask your physician about a heart-disease evaluation and warning signs to know.
- Prepare for the future. This is a great age to start talking about an advanced directive, or how you envision care at the end of your life. Your wishes can change over time, but starting the tough conversations now gives you time to consider all options.
In your 60s and beyond:
- Don’t be offended by new questions from your doctor. At this age, providers start to look for subtle, early warning signs of cognitive decline, since early intervention can be key to correcting it.
- Don’t compare yourself to your peers. There will start to be bigger health disparities between you and other people your age. It’s important to focus on your body—what you can do with it, what choices help you feel your best, and what your doctor recommends for you to stay healthy.
- Evaluate your need for screenings. As you age, preventive screenings become more dependent on your overall health. Talk with your physician about what screenings you should keep up with.
- Build your support system. The isolation that can come with aging can lead to depression and worsening physical health. Talk to your physician if you find your network isn’t giving you what you need. We can point you toward resources such as community centers where you can connect with people who understand your challenges.
When you take steps to keep your mind and body healthy at every stage of your life, you’ll be able to enjoy all the exciting, new things that come your way through every chapter.