Modern ways to take care of women’s health

For most of the previous century, little attention was paid to women’s health. Fortunately, this is changing.

The field of women’s health is no longer limited to reproductive and sexual health. Our lifestyles are changing. The field of women’s health now also includes the effects of these changes on women’s health.

Women are dealing with stresses that affect their health

A significant percentage of women are greatly affected by the stress and anxiety they face in modern life. Women rank stress and anxiety as the top negative influences on their health. Life is busy, time is limited and there is often just not enough time to eat well, exercise and get enough sleep.

More and more women are having heart attacks or strokes, or are diagnosed with cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

The good news

Women are not only living longer, but are also healthier. To be well, it’s important to take care of your body and understand it so you can achieve better health.

Advancements in digital health technology mean there is readily available support in the form of:

• Medical advice through access to global information resources
• Services such as ordering medicine online any time at the click of a button
• Access to digital tools that allow you to understand your family history and health risks.

Taking charge

Go for regular screenings

Prevention remains better than cure. Detecting problems early drastically increases survival rate thanks to early intervention.

The following tests are essential:

• Mammograms to detect breast cancer
• Pap smears to check for cervical cancer
• Blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol measurements and calculating your body mass index tests to determine if you are at risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.

Remedi covers female members for one mammogram, as well as one Pap smear each year as long as you visit a preferred provider.

You also have cover to have each member of your family registered on the Scheme to have their health measurements taken at a preferred provider. For more information on which pharmacies you can visit to have the health check done, contact us on 0860 116 116.

Read up!

There is a lot of good information available about all aspects of women’s health, such as nutrition, exercise, how some kinds of medicine work differently in women and in men, and how symptoms for conditions (like a heart attack) are different for women than for men.

Nourish yourself with vitamins and minerals

Certain vitamins and minerals are necessary for optimal female health. These include folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and iron. A healthy diet should provide sufficient amounts of these, but if you think you’re not getting enough, you can discuss taking supplements with your healthcare provider.