In honor of National Women’s Health Week, we are taking a look at five things women can do to improve their overall health and well-being. These simple, actionable steps will help prioritize your health journey and empower you to take a more proactive approach to self-care and well-being. As your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, we are here to support you every step of the way.
1 - Say No to Smoking!
Did you know that giving up smoking can add ten or more years to your life expectancy? It also has a wide range of health benefits. Saying goodbye to the habit is going to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and will also lower the chance of you getting cancer. Even your skin, hair, and teeth will be healthier once you stub out your last cigarette! It is a difficult habit to break, but you will find plenty of support at your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, both in terms of advice and smoking cessation products to help with nicotine withdrawal.
2 - Get 30 Minutes of Daily Excercise
One of the best things you can do to promote good health is to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you are not a particularly active person, don’t worry too much about pumping iron at the gym! You can start out simple with more gentle activities such as walking or swimming. The important thing is to get your heart rate elevated and to make a habit of getting in your daily dose of exercise.
3 - Take Care of Your Skin
Many women see skincare as a beauty-based activity rather than a health-related one. However, the skin is the largest organ in the human body and is the first line of defense against bacteria and infections. That is why it is important to take proper care of it. An appropriate skincare regimen will help remove bacteria and irritants from your skin and stop your pores from getting blocked. It is also important to be diligent about applying SPF to your skin to protect it from harmful UV rays, which are known to cause several types of skin cancer. You will find a range of sunscreens and skincare products at your local pharmacy in Powell, TN.
4 - Don’t Skip Important Health Screenings
When it comes to health issues, prevention is often better than a cure! It is important to stay on top of health screenings, especially as you get older, so that you can catch any abnormalities early and seek treatment as soon as possible. Sometimes, screening tests will pick up on an illness before you even have any noticeable symptoms, so just because you feel ‘fine,’ there is no reason to skip putting on the tests! Some of the important screenings that women need to have include the following:
- Breast Cancer - You can perform regular breast exams at home by yourself, but once you turn 40, annual mammography is also recommended, especially if you have a family history or other risk factors.
- Cervical Cancer - Cervical cancer is one of the most easily preventable cancers as long as it is caught early. Pap Smears and HPV testing can be uncomfortable, but it is important to keep these appointments. Women under the age of 26 may also be offered HPV vaccines to protect against the human papillomavirus, which is a known cause of cervical cancer.
- Osteoporosis - After menopause, women start to lose bone mass, resulting in osteoporosis. This accounts for almost half of all broken bones and fractures in women. All women over 65 should have regular DEXA scans to measure bone density.
5 - Support Your Health With the Right Supplements
If you want to maintain your optimal health, it is important to ensure your body gets the proper nutrients and vitamins. The best way to do this is by eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods. However, for a variety of reasons, there are some gaps. The good news is these are easy to fill with over-the-counter supplements from your local pharmacy in Powell, TN. Some of the supplements you might find helpful include:
- Antioxidants - Vitamin A, Retinol, Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E- are valuable antioxidants that can slow the aging process and boost your immune system.
- B Vitamins - Many B vitamins are great for your body, but for women, some of the most important ones are B6, B12, and Folic Acid. They help support a healthy metabolism and prevent anemia.
- Vitamin D - Despite its name, Vitamin D actually works more like a hormone, and it plays an important role in keeping your bones strong and healthy. It also contributes to muscle function, brain cell activity, immune health, and inflammation reduction. It can be tricky to absorb enough through food, so you may want to pick up a supplement from your local pharmacy in Powell, TN.
- Vitamin K - Another vitamin that helps keep your bones strong is Vitamin K. It is also an important factor in helping blood to clot for older women.
These are just a few of the steps women of all ages can take in order to achieve their best health. Talk to your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, if you need additional support with any of these steps or if you have another health concern that you need to discuss. You’ll always find a pharmacist at the Vaughn Pharmacy counter and be greeted with a smile!
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581