Q's Health News

Often, women are more concerned about taking care of others than taking care of themselves. I know I do – I do my best to make sure my daughter has clean clothes, food she’ll eat, things to do. Now that she’s a tween, she is pretty good at taking care of herself.

But there always seems to be something or someone else to be concerned about.

But, to properly care for others, we women must make ourselves our number one priority! If we fall ill or get hurt, who will take care of the house, the kids, our significant other, our work? The list goes on.

Anyone, not just women, can follow the basics of getting and staying healthy. Being physically active is one of the most critical steps to take to get and stay healthy. Women of all ages and abilities benefit from physical activity. If you are new to exercise or restarting after a long break, start small, but as your physical endurance improves, aim for 30 minutes per day of physical activity. While being active around your house, like gardening, is beneficial, physical activity that gets your heart beating faster for an extended period will improve your physical stamina. Get out for a 30-minute walk, but be sure to walk fast enough. You should not be breathless, but you should not be able to have a full-on conversation with a friend.

Strength training is also essential because, during the aging process, we lose muscle and bone mass. Improving your muscle strength can be done with your body weight, like doing push-ups or squats. However, when you are ready to add more resistance, invest in a couple of different sets of dumbbells to keep at home. There are numerous online tutorials and videos to improve strength, as well as exercise videos for those days when you can’t get outside for a walk.

Choosing healthy foods and limiting processed, sweet, and junk food also helps improve one’s health. Getting enough sleep, minimizing stress, drinking alcohol in moderation, quitting tobacco, and caring for your mental health are also things everyone can do to improve their overall health.

Women do have tests and procedures that need to be done to help you live a healthy life. Depending on your age, women need a PAP smear, mammogram, colonoscopy, bone density scan, lab tests, vaccinations, etc. It is a necessity to take time at least once a year to schedule a well-woman exam with your primary care provider to discuss what tactics and preventative measures you can do to improve your health. If you live near Carter County and don’t have a primary care provider, call Dahl Memorial Clinic at 406-775-8738 to make an appointment to establish care.

Since the restrictions related to COVID-19 caused the annual health fair to be canceled, Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association is providing the health fair lab draws now. Call DMHA, at 406-775-8730, to speak with laboratory personnel to schedule an appointment to get your blood drawn.

Remember, to care for others well, we must care for ourselves first! To learn more on women’s health, go to https://www.womenshealth.gov/

Thanks for joining me! If you have questions or comments, you can reach me at the Carter County Public Health Department by calling 406-775-6332 or email me at [email protected].