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Women’s Health

Staying healthy and well is one of the most important things women can do for themselves and for their loved ones, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some ways women can put their health first:

 

Stay Active

Regular exercise can help women boost their mood, maintain a healthy weight, and improve sleep. It also lowers risk for heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Women should speak with their doctor about what type of exercise is right for them.

Eat Healthy
Eating healthy can help women improve their health and prevent diseases. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Avoid having too much sodium, sugar, cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats.
Get Regular Checkups
Regular checkups and wellness exams help women increase their chances of living a longer, healthier life. Women should check with their primary care provider about the care and screenings they need, and whether they should schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.

Follow Recommended Screenings
Maintain Healthy Levels
A well-rounded diet and regular exercise can help keep women’s blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at healthy levels. Women should talk to their primary care provider or heart specialist about safely reducing their risk and setting goals for a healthier heart.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking or using tobacco products greatly increases women’s risk of heart disease. Women who want to quit should speak to their primary care provider for help and to see if there are medications or nicotine replacement products that are right for them. Non-smokers who have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol also have a greater risk of developing heart disease when they’re exposed to secondhand smoke.

More on Women's Health


March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month
3/1/2024 • Posted by Dr. Thomas Raskauskas, OB/GYN and Fidelis Care Senior Medical Director

National Endometriosis Month

Endometriosis is a disease in which cells normally seen lining the uterus (womb) grow outside the uterus. It can cause inflammation, scar tissue, and pain, especially during menstrual periods. Endometriosis may also cause reproductive health issues like infertility.

Who Can Have Endometriosis?

Anyone with an active uterus can be affected by endometriosis. About 10% of women, mostly in their 30s and 40s, are affected by endometriosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

  • Pain during menstrual periods, sex, bowel movements, and/or urination
  • Serious menstrual cramps
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Too much bleeding in between menstrual periods
  • Scarring around the internal female reproductive organs, which can lead to infertility
  • Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea
  • Feeling tired

Be aware of the symptoms. If you have them, talk to your provider. Depending on how serious your symptoms are and your current health situation, your provider will help decide if treatment is needed. Treatment may include pain medications and/or hormone therapy.

How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Your provider or obstetrician–gynecologist (OB/GYN) may first do a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Your provider may also suggest a procedure, called a laparoscopy, to look inside your pelvis with a camera. Sometimes, a small amount of tissue is removed and tested in a lab.

If you have questions about endometriosis, talk to your provider. Read more about endometriosis here.


Sources

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometriosis#:~:text=Endometriosis%20affects%20an%20estimated%202,ages%20of%2025%20and%2040.&text=Symptoms%20of%20endometriosis%20may%20include,flow%20and%20pain%20during%20intercourse.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis

Additional Resources:

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