Keeping Women Healthy in Their 40’s

By Dr. S. Hardy

As we age, we begin to notice subtle changes in our appearance and physical/mental abilities. It seems that all of a sudden, one day, out of nowhere, we realize that we can’t stay up all night and function the next day. We can’t run a marathon during the day and go out on the town that same night. We can’t seem to remember things as well as previously. Though our bodies change physically and mentally, there are things that we can do to optimize our health and live life to the fullest, even beyond our 30’s.

It is very important for us to do basic things when it comes to health maintenance. I will discuss a variety of things that are necessary to help maintain vitality and strength as women age gracefully. There are some things we cannot change due to genetics, but the things we can change should be made a priority.

Mammograms: With breast cancer being prevalent in our society, it is imperative that women over 40 get yearly mammograms to detect any abnormalities in the breasts early on. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your mammograms would start even sooner. Before you turn 40, every female who has menstrual cycles should know how to perform a self breast exam at home. Oftentimes, you are the first person to detect a problem from a simple home breast exam. After all, you know your own body better than anyone else.

Pelvic exams: This is also a part of a woman’s annual physical (or checkup). The pap smear takes cells from your cervix to help detect abnormal (cancerous or precancerous) cells. Since cervical cancer can occur in women in their 20’s, it is very important that women have this test done regularly. In addition, please ask your doctor to include an HPV (human papilloma virus) test with your pap smear since this is the primary cause of cervical cancer, it is not automatically done in all offices. Early detection is the key to avoiding an untimely death from a cancer that is preventable.

Blood Pressure: With the prevalence of obesity in our society, it is very important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if there is a strong family history of hypertension. It is possible to have a normal blood pressure for years and suddenly, it becomes elevated to a level which requires medication. A diet low in salt and daily exercise are important factors in maintaining a normal blood pressure and weight. A systolic pressure above 140 and a diastolic pressure above 90 defines hypertension.

Blood Cholesterol: As a contributing factor to hypertension, cholesterol levels are also an important part of your health maintenance exam. This test is presently done in children also due to the overwhelming levels of obesity in our society. It is important to know what your total cholesterol, LDL level (bad cholesterol), and HDL (good cholesterol) levels are. Again, a diet low in saturated fats and exercise are primary ways to avoid an unhealthy cholesterol level. Sometimes, medications are needed to reduce overall cholesterol levels when conservative measures are not effective.

Blood Sugar: A large number of persons living in the United States are afflicted with diabetes. It is, therefore, imperative to have a fasting blood sugar level done at your routine health check, especially if there is a strong family history of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes generally develops in childhood and occurs because the body does not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugars in a normal range. Type 2 diabetes is usually seen in adults who have obesity, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol. However, we are seeing an increase in type 2 diabetes in children as they are developing adult type medical problems due to childhood obesity. There is also something called “pre-diabetes” which means that you don’t have diabetes but you are at a high risk of developing it. The frequency at which your blood sugars are checked is determined by your doctor based on your individual risk factors.

Thyroid screens: If you suspect problems with your metabolism, then it is a good idea to have a thyroid screen done. An over or under active thyroid can cause multiple symptoms and can be a medical cause of your weight problems, mood changes, or bowel problems.

These above listed screens are important areas that must be addressed in women as they enter their 40’s and beyond. Although, there are additional tests/procedures needed based on individual health problems, these screens are necessary for most people as they strive to maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle. As you can see, diet and exercise are both important in preventing a multitude of health problems. Although, it is not always fun to exercise or eat healthy, it is a vital part of health maintenance and prevention. There are many health problems that we can’t avoid no matter what we do, but for the ones we can, let’s take an active approach in prevention and get moving to a healthy life!

Be blessed and live long!
Seneta Hardy, M.D.
Atlanta, Georgia