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Women's reproductive health significantly affects their general well-being and quality of life, so it's important to understand and take care of it. Women are better able to make decisions about their health when they are aware of crucial factors like menstrual cycles, contraceptive options, and warning signs of possible problems. Frequent screenings and check-ups can assist in early disease detection, ensuring prompt treatment, and lowering the risk of complications. Prioritizing reproductive health helps prevent cancers of the reproductive system and promotes healthy pregnancies. By taking the initiative in this area, women can live happy, healthy lives, supporting long-term health and confidence.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Krishnaveni Nayini, a laparoscopic surgeon at the Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine (UK) and Sr. Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, discussed the five most important things women should be aware of regarding their reproductive health.

According to Dr. Krishnaveni Nayini, many women fall into the habit of taking care of others' health and wellness needs before their own. However, the fact is that you’re in a better position to provide care for those most important to you when you make your own healthcare a top priority. No matter your age or overall health status, these six health tips can help you increase your chances of better health throughout your life:

  1. Stop smoking. Doing so will greatly reduce your chances of developing lung and heart disease.
  2. Stay on top of your annual wellness checks. This habit can increase the chances of early detection of disease or chronic conditions, which in turn increases your chances of addressing any health problems you develop.
  3. Don’t skimp on sleep. Besides fighting the signs of aging, regular sleep promotes mental alertness and helps keep your stress levels in check.
  4. See your doctor every year. Even if you are feeling fine, regular wellness checks and health screenings can increase your chances of early detection of problems.
  5. Make physical activity an important part of your life. Even if you only have time for 20 minutes of exercise a day, a lifelong habit of regular activity benefits your heart and helps you manage your weight and stress levels.
  6. Make good nutrition a priority. Avoid crash diets or overindulgence in favor of a realistic diet that features plenty of fruits and vegetables.

More About Nutrition:

Regardless of a woman’s age, nutrition experts generally recommend a diet focused on fruits, vegetables, fiber, and protein. Your physician can direct you to appropriate resources, such as choosemyplate.gov, to help you tailor a diet that best supports lifelong health.

Women of childbearing age also need foods with folic acid (like leafy green vegetables, beans, and citrus fruits) to help prevent birth defects.

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For women who have gone through menopause, it’s recommended to increase the intake of foods with calcium and vitamin D (such as seafood, fruit, low-fat dairy, and egg yolks) to prevent bone disease.

More About Physical Activity:

Throughout your life, a physical activity regimen that includes 20–30 minutes of daily cardiovascular activity (such as walking, running, swimming, hiking, or biking) is recommended for heart health, weight management, and stress reduction. Particularly as you get older, it may be beneficial to supplement your exercise routine with weightlifting or other strength training activities to prevent loss of bone density and muscle mass.

The good news about exercise is that it’s never too late to start. Even if you’re past 50 and don’t have much of a history of physical fitness, you can still “start small” and work your way into a regular routine of exercise that helps improve your overall health.

More About Recommended Screenings:

Cholesterol And Blood Pressure: Women ages 20 and up should consider annual cholesterol tests and blood pressure checks a part of their regular healthcare routine. Your physician may recommend a more frequent schedule if you have a family history of problems in these areas or other risk factors.

Pelvic Exams And Pap Smears: Women ages 21–65 should have annual pelvic exams and a Pap smear at least every three years. These screenings may be performed by your family medicine doctor or your OB-GYN.

Breast Exams And Mammograms: Generally, all women should receive a breast exam every year, beginning at age 20. Most healthcare providers recommend annual mammograms from age 40–50 and every-other-year mammograms after that point. Also, you should get into the habit of doing monthly self-exams of your breasts. Your physician can show you the correct way to perform them.

Osteoporosis Screenings: Women 65 and older are at greater risk for problems with their bones, which is why most doctors recommend annual bone density screenings beginning at age 65.

Colorectal Screenings: Once you turn 50, ask your physician about recommended screenings (such as colonoscopies) for colorectal cancers and other potential problems.

Skin Cancer: Women of all ages should develop the habit of paying attention to changes in the skin or changes in moles and birthmarks. Be sure to report anything that seems different during annual wellness checks. If you have risk factors for skin cancer, such as a family history, fair skin, or a history of childhood sunburns, you should ask your physician if he or she recommends regular screenings.

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Diabetes: Besides knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes and managing your risk factors, you may need regular screenings from age 40 onward, depending on your family history and risk factors. Ask your physician for advice.