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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


What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
4/4/2024 • Posted by Fidelis Care



Anyone can get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) by being sexually active. Not all STIs have symptoms. Screening is important because you may not know that you're infected. If you have an STI, get treatment right away. It can help to prevent harmful long-term effects. You may also prevent giving the STI to others.

How Are STIs Transmitted?

STIs are most commonly transmitted through sexual activity. Transmission can also occur through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Without treatment, STIs can cause serious health problems like not being able to get pregnant (infertility), permanent brain damage, heart disease, cancer, and even death. If you think you have been exposed to an STI, you and your sex partner(s) should visit a health clinic, hospital, or primary care provider (PCP) for testing and treatment.

What Are Symptoms of STIs?

Not everyone with an STI will have symptoms, especially in the early stages of infection. Symptoms can vary. Symptoms may include:

  • Sores or bumps on the genitals
  • Painful or burning urination
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Pain during sex

Diagnosis

Tests can find the cause of STI symptoms. They can also find STIs without symptoms. Ask your PCP about:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine samples
  • Fluid samples

To find an STI provider, please visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Provider Directory. Find additional resources from NYSDOH here.

Treatment

Talk to your PCP about treatment for STIs. Depending on your condition, your PCP might recommend:

  • Antibiotics, which can cure STIs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis
  • Antiviral drugs, which can prevent a viral infection (like herpes or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from getting worse

Always follow your PCP’s directions when taking medications.

Click here to learn more about STIs.


Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019

Additional Resources:

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