By the time our forties hit, we’ve pretty much learned how to prioritize family, friends, relationships and our own wellness. But one issue that gets a little less attention is our health. In fact, our forties are a perfect time to reset and take stock of our health. Here are some issues to think about.
1. Get a good night’s sleep
Human beings will spend about 1/3 of their lives sleeping. So it’s amazing that so little attention is paid to it. A Harvard scientist notes how sleep affects our overall health, including our hormones and immune system. The background processes that occur during sleep also have a profound impact on brain health, and as a result, they influence our mood, energy level, and cognitive fitness. Getting a good night’s sleep, especially as we get older cannot be overstated.
2. Book your well-woman exam
Be sure to schedule a routine well-woman exam if you haven’t had one recently. These exams are a good opportunity to check in with your doctor and make sure your gynecological and breast health are on track. It’s a preventative exam, meaning the goal is to help spot problems before they start.
3. Bone health
Most people reach their peak bone mass around age 30. Peak bone mass is the point where bones have reached their maximum strength and density. Once the peak is reached, the body begins to lose slightly more bone mass every year than it gains.
Bone health is an underappreciated part of our health but as we get older it certainly makes its presence felt in the form of falls or fractures. Here are steps you can take to help maintain good bone mass for as long as possible:
- Calcium & Vitamin D -Be sure to get enough of these nutrients in your daily diet.
- Weight-bearing exercises – Balance bone loss by doing weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging or aerobics.
4. Health screening tests to take
As with many health issues, the best type of health is preventative health. It’s taking proactive steps today to avoid health problems tomorrow. Some of the following are screenings or health tests that should be carried out on a regular basis. Speak to your doctor to find out which ones apply to you.
- Pap smears (testing for cervical cancer). Should be done approximately every 2-3 years.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). Especially for those with multiple sexual partners.
- Mammograms or breast exams (Speak to your doctor about your risk profile to see if these tests apply to you).
- Other screening tests to look out for: Diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure.
5. Heart health
Your heart is a muscle. So like any muscle in the body it needs to be taken care of, used lightly when necessary and receive plenty of ‘exercise’. The risk of heart disease in women goes up with age. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death in women over age 40, especially after menopause. Much of this is down to lifestyle.
Therefore if not done already, get into the habit of doing things that take care of your heart. Eat healthily and build physical activity into your daily life.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/bone-health/art-20045060
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/aging-and-sleep-making-changes-for-brain-health-2019031116147