Women need to address specific health and fitness needs at the different stages of their lives. Adolescent, pregnant, menopausal, and senior women all face different health challenges, risks, and needs. To provide a truly effective health and fitness regime, each of these life stages needs to be understood and addressed by health professionals. However, there are some general lifestyle decisions that can help any women in her quest for a healthier, better life experience.
Exercise is one factor that can help improve the quality of life at all stages. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines on physical activities for adult women. According to the CDC, women can enjoy important health benefits with as little as 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, combined with strength-training activities on 2 or more days. Regular exercise also helps in reducing the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones) and heart disease that many women face after menopause due to the fall in levels of estrogen and progesterone. A fairly balanced diet also helps the body to maintain a strong immune system and reduces risks due to lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes and hypertension (blood pressure). A varied diet is recommended with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to provide essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. It is advisable to avoid simple carbohydrates and sugars and increase the protein content. Women also need to avoid smoking; in addition to the many health problems, smoking is associated with anti-oxidants that prematurely age and wrinkle the skin. In fact, a regular exercise regime and balanced diet can together help to maintain the natural glow of skin.
Stress management is also an important factor for women, since stress is something we all face on a daily basis. This is especially important for women suffering from hormonal changes at different life stages. These can affect the quality of women’s lives by causing mood swings, depression, and physical discomfort. Some experts advise a minimum of 20 minutes of relaxation every day to enjoy lifelong health benefits. In addition, women can also opt for meditation or yoga, which provide both physical and mental well-being. Many women prefer natural remedies for stress management, such as aromatherapy and scented oil baths. Women also benefit immensely from sharing healthy relationships, whether it is with a partner, friends, or family. It all comes down to maintaining a healthy outlook towards life while taking care of your body’s physical needs.