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Top Tips for Women's Health
From breast health to bone health and post-menopausal health — there is a ton of medical information out there that women need to keep track of. But how do you know what to get checked and when? Elizabeth Stein, a women's health expert and head of the New York City practice 'Ask Your Midwife,' has some tips every women should know
- Tip #1: Well Women Gynecology Women should see their midwife or physician routinely for a Pap smear, pelvic exam, pelvic sonogram, breast exam, STD screening, pregnancy planning and birth control. In addition, blood pressure and weight should be recorded at each visit. For many women, their gynecology provider is also their primary care provider. This visit should include a complete interval history, which is the history from previous visits to the current visit. This includes medical problems, medications including over-the-counter medications and herbs, sexual activity and lifestyle, which includes smoking, drinking, drugs and exercise.read moreiStockShare
- Tip #3: Cervical and STD Screening These screenings may not be standard, but they are still very important. So remember to get an HPV test, which should be done in combination with the Pap smear. STD cultures include gonorrhea, Chlamydia and trichomonas. Other cultures include bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast and group B strep. STD blood screenings include HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and herpes 1 and 2.read moreiStockShare
- Tip #4: Heart Health It's true: Heart disease is the number one cause of death among older women in the United States. Blood pressure, weight, nutrition, activity level, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL) and diabetes screening are all factors that affect heart health and should be discussed regularly. Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. As a result, some women may want to consider taking a baby aspirin (81 mg) daily to decrease their risk of heart attack and stroke.read moreiStockShare
- Tip #6: Bone Health Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bone deterioration and mainly affects women. Women should have a bone density test near the onset of menopause. Also, try to incorporate weight-bearing exercises into your daily routine and eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, which will help to keep your bones strong and healthy.read moreiStockShare
- Tip # 7: Perimenopause Health The transition into menopause can last anywhere from two to eight years. Menstrual history should be reviewed because the first symptoms of menopause are often changes in the menstrual cycle followed by hot flashes. Hormone tests can also determine if a woman has entered perimenopause and include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen and thyroid levels. Tip #8: Postmenopausal Health The average age for menopause is 51+ years. The average lifespan for women is nearly 80 years old. Women may want to discuss a wellness plan with their provider as most will live another 25 to 30 years in the postmenopausal period.read moreiStockShare
- Tip #11 Be Proactive Do your research and be informed! Review all results and make a health care plan with your provider. About Elizabeth Stein Elizabeth Stein, CNM, MSN, MPH, is a well known midwife. Through her practice, Ask Your Midwife, PC, Elizabeth works closely with her patients to educate, encourage, and empower them to make choices that enhance their overall health, pregnancy experience and strengthens their family. She combines current medical knowledge and modern technology with the caring inherent in midwifery. Click here to read more about Elizabeth Stein on her website.read moreiStockShare
- Published10 Images
Top Tips for Women's Health
From breast health to bone health and post-menopausal health — there is a ton of medical information out there that women need to keep track of. But how do you know what to get checked and when? Elizabeth Stein, a women's health expert and head of the New York City practice 'Ask Your Midwife,' has some tips every women should know
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