Health Promotion Recommendations For Women

In addition to your regular GYN care of annual physicals, history, cholesterol screening, pap smear and other recommended screening tests, we are providing you with these health recommendations. Incorporating these practices into your daily activities may improve your overall health. Please ask if you have any questions or need additional information.

Diet and Exercise:

Limit fat and cholesterol; emphasize fruits, grains, and vegetables.
8-10 glasses of water daily.
A high fiber diet may improve weight management, reduce constipation, and may decrease the risk of colon cancer.
Exercise for 30 minutes at least five times a week. Include aerobics and weight training in your workouts.
Maintain a healthy weight, as indicated by Body Mass Index. Obesity increases your risk for a number of diseases and conditions.

Dental Health:

Schedule regular visits to the dentist.
Floss and brush with fluoride toothpaste daily.

Immunizations:

A tetanus/diphtheria booster shot is recommended every 10 years.
Influenza vaccine is recommended yearly for pregnant women, women over 50, or at any age based on medical history and risks.
HPV vaccine is recommended for females ages 9-45 years to protect against four types of HPV known to cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
A measles – mumps – rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for women born after 1956 unless there is documentation of previous immunization or proof of immunity.
Adults susceptible to varicella (never had chicken pox or childhood vaccine) should be vaccinated.
Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine is indicated once for women age 65 and older.
Hepatitis A and/or B vaccines are recommended for high-risk individuals.

Sexual Behavior:

You should not feel pressured to engage in sexual behavior. If you are in a relationship where you feel threatened or unsafe, help is available. Please discuss your situation with us or call the
Domestic Violence Project, Inc at 330-453-7233.
Be sure to use contraception if pregnancy is not desired.
Regular use of condoms helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Consider HIV testing if you:

• Had more than one sexual partner.
• Had any sexually transmitted diseases.
• Used intravenous drugs.
• A sexual partner with these risk factors.
• A sexual partner who has had male homosexual exposure.
• Received a blood transfusion during 1978-1985.

Substance Abuse:

Do not smoke or use other tobacco products.
Avoid alcohol use when driving, boating, swimming, or operating other machinery. Safe intake of alcohol is considered 1 drink or less each day for women.
Recreational drug use (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) is dangerous and can be habit-forming.

Osteoporosis Prevention:

Osteoporosis is preventable, and prevention should be a part of every woman’s health habit, regardless of age.
Engage in regular weight-bearing or resistance exercise.
Consume 3 servings of calcium-rich foods daily (milk, yogurt, cheese, or leafy green vegetables) or use calcium supplements of 500-600 mg two to three times daily, depending on your age and hormone status. Vitamin D intake of 800 IU per day is necessary for calcium absorption. Bone Density Screening (DEXA Scan) should be performed at age 65, or once in menopause with risk factors for osteoporosis, or in all women with risk factors for osteoporosis.

Breast Health:

Breast self-awareness is recommended. If you notice any changes in your breasts that are concerning, please notify your provider. A mammogram should be done each year beginning at the age of 40, or earlier if you have a strong family history of breast cancer.

Colon Cancer Surveillance:

Screening is recommended for colon cancer beginning at age 45, with annual stool occult blood testing and/or a sigmoidoscopy every three to five years, or colonoscopy every ten years. Earlier or more frequent testing may be advised based on risk factors or family history.

Injury Prevention:

Seat/lap belts should be worn at all times, even during short trips.
Wear a helmet when using motorcycles, bicycles, roller blades, ATV’s, or skiing.
Place smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide detector in your house and replace the batteries twice a year.
Store guns and firearms unloaded, in a locked area.
Consider CPR training for household members.
Remove loose rugs and clutter to prevent falls and broken bones.

Health Care Proxy:

All adults should have a health care proxy, which is a legal document that designates another person to make health care decisions for you in case you are unable to do so.