Ladies, Take Care of Your Health! Tips for Women’s Health

Did you know that each year, women provide hours of care for family members and friends—valued at more than $140 billion?!

The vast majority of family caregivers are women, and while it’s important that they take care of the ones they’re responsible for, it’s also important that they take care of themselves.

That’s why our team at Qualicare wants to share some details about women’s health concerns—and tips for staying healthy.

Steps to Take Toward Good Health

As women age, they are more likely than men to be diagnosed with:

• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Stroke
• Cognitive conditions

That’s why it’s vitally important for caregivers—and all women—to take good care of their health.

First, make sure you get yearly checkups with a medical provider. During this checkup, your doctor can gauge where your health stands and where it can improve.

An annual physical also provides an opportunity for your doctor to recommend age-appropriate screenings(like mammograms or colonoscopies) and vaccinations (like an annual flu vaccine and the shingles vaccine).

If you have a chronic medical condition or take prescribed medications, you may need more frequent checkups. Talk with your doctor about how often you should be seen.

Second, as the weather warms up and you’re spending more time outdoors, be sure to take steps to protect your skin. Did you know that you can actually keep your skin from showing signs of aging by wearing sunscreen?

Apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours while outdoors. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can also protect your skin.

Finally, you want to make sure you are eating “the rainbow.” Fruits and vegetables are extremely important as you age, since they contain essential nutrients and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system. Fill half your plate with these healthy foods, then add to it with a small portion of lean protein and some whole grains.

Does your loved one need additional caregiving while you are at work or running errands? Give Qualicare a call today to learn how our in-home caregivers can lend a helping hand to both you and your loved one!