SW_Lady_ZC_042519

4 | April 25, 2019 | 22nd Century Media Lady
22ndcenturymedia.com
DuPage Medical Group
gives tips on health
screenings through the
ages for women
In today’s busy world,
it’s more important than
ever for women of all
ages to take control of
their health. Preventive
care starts with understanding
potential health
risks and ensuring any
recommended screenings
at each stage in life are
being met.
Being in their 20s can
be a fun time for women.
It’s when most women are
at or near their physical
peak. Building healthy
habits during this time
will help set a path for
better health long-term.
Although there may not
have be major health concerns
right now, it’s still
important to have regular
check-ups to establish a
health history. Monthly
self-breast exams, an annual
physical and vision
screenings are all exams
or screenings that women
should have in your
20s. Pelvic exams, pap
smears, blood sugar and
cholesterol testing are
also important to have
every 2-3 years.
Women in their 30s
may not feel or look much
different than they did in
their 20s; however, the
body is, in fact, changing.
The risk of developing
type 2 diabetes, cervical
cancer and breast cancer
is now higher, so it is even
more important to continue
preventive screenings.
Some women may notice
that their metabolism is
slowing down, and that’s
normal. Cleaning up eating
habits now can help
avoid health problems in
future years. Women may
also notice that seeking
balance in their lives is
becoming increasingly
difficult. Women should
remember to make time
for themselves. Even a
few minutes of yoga or
reading can help relieve
stress.
A woman’s 40s are
a major time of transition.
She may begin to
experience symptoms of
perimenopause – or the
transition to menopause –
such as hot flashes, vaginal
dryness and trouble
sleeping. Those women
experiencing any of these
symptoms should be sure
to talk with their primary
care physician or gynecologist.
They also may
notice that they’re beginning
to lose muscle mass,
but don’t worry. By adding
weight training to
their workouts, women
can help prevent muscle
loss and osteoporosis.
When they reach their
50s and beyond, women
need to devote even
more attention to their
health. During this phase
of their lives, the risk of
developing heart disease,
stroke and osteoporosis
continues to increase. In
addition to monthly and
annual exams, a primary
care provider may recommend
bone density or
blood sugar testing and/
or a colonoscopy. Women
can also try to seek fun,
low impact fitness activities,
such as tennis, golf
or yoga, and aim for at
least seven-nine hours of
sleep a night. Remember
that to age gracefully, it
is important for women
to love their bodies.
No matter what phase
of life a woman is in,
there are always measures
she can take to
maintain her health. With
more than 20 family and
internal medicine, obstetrics,
and gynecology
and pediatric locations,
DuPage Medical Group
offers the care a family
needs, close to home. Du-
Page Medical Group has
south suburban locations
in Blue Island, Chicago
Ridge, Evergreen Park,
Hazel Crest, Homer Glen,
Joliet, Mokena, New
Lenox, Oak Lawn, Palos
Heights and Tinley Park.
Submitted by DuPage
Medical Group. For more
information, visit dupage
medicalgroup.com.