Health: Women, mind your health

Health screenings are a great way to insure early detection and treatment of health issues that affect women. There are numerous things ladies can do for themselves to improve health outcomes and be able to more fully enjoy living.
Early detection and treatment often prevent the progression of health issues that reduce one’s quality of life. Women sometimes delay their own health care while making sure family members are getting appropriate care.
Don’t be the patient who says, “The biggest regret I have is neglecting my health.”  
So what can we do? There are several recommended health screenings to guide women’s health care. Contact the Clark County Health Department at 744-4482 for a list of those screenings.
FACT:  Heart disease is 15 times more likely to cause a woman’s death than breast cancer.
FACT:  A woman is more likely to die from a heart attack or a stroke than a man.
FACT:  Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in women.
FACT:  Diabetes is more common in women and increases the chance of dying from heart disease.
FACT:  Smoking increases the chance of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, blood vessel disease, cancer of the mouth, throat, lung and cervix, and lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to have ear infections, as well as in increased risk of dying from SIDS (crib death).
Where do you begin? Learn about and seek your preventive health screenings.
Stay active to improve your health and mood.
Exercise is beneficial to both the body and mind by decreasing anxiety, controlling weight and blood pressure, boosts the immune system, elevates your mood, maintains bone health and increases strength and flexibility, improves sleep patterns, reduces arthritis pain, helps control blood sugar, and decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Research has proven that low to moderate physical activity, 30 minutes to one hour on most days per week can drastically improve your health. Examples of this exercise include brisk walking, swimming, yard work, dancing, bowling, gardening, tennis, bicycling and golfing. Always check with your health care provider before starting an exercise program.
A simple recipe for healthy living:
— Stop smoking and avoid  secondhand smoke (free Cooper Clayton classes are offered through the Clark County Health Department).
— Take a daily multivitamin.
— Exercise regularly.
— Maintain a normal weight, blood pressure, cholesterol an d blood sugar levels.
— Eat at least five fruits or vegetables every day, reduce fat and increase fiber in diet.
— Limit or avoid alcohol.
— Safe-proof your home to prevent accidents.
— Have a yearly physical exam.
— Have a dental cleaning and exam every six months.
— Always use a seatbelt.
— Follow your health care provider’s instructions.
— Set realistic goals for yourself and have some fun!

For more information, contact the Clark County Health Department at 859-744-4482, or visit on the web at http://www.clarkhealthdept.org.