This May marks Women’s Health Month(opens in a new tab), a time to empower women to make their health a priority and understand the steps they can take to improve it. Many women may not be familiar with all of their health options, so it’s important to get the right information from a qualified source. This Women’s Health Month, we want to provide some helpful tips from your gynecologists here in Pittsburgh. Whether you have a specific health concern or you are looking for ways to improve your health and wellbeing, we've got you covered with four tips from the gynecologists at Genesis Medical Associates.
1 - Keep a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential to a woman's general health. Eating plenty of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients provided by balanced meals can ensure that you stay on top of your health and well-being.
The best way to keep a healthy diet is to avoid eating unhealthy foods in excess. Packaged and processed foods often contain high amounts of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and calories. While you can have everything in moderation, for the majority of your daily life you should try to opt for healthy, clean foods such as:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains.
- Fiber-rich foods such as beans and leafy greens.
- Fresh fish.
- Lean cuts of meat and poultry.
- Healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
- Low-fat dairy.
What you eat has a big impact on your gynecological health as well. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce your risk of gynecological cancers and other conditions like endometriosis. Consult your doctor on what diet and lifestyle choices are best for you.
2 - Exercise Regularly
In addition to a healthy diet, exercise is another important part of maintaining your gynecological health. Exercise can help reduce your risk of conditions like obesity and type II diabetes, which can, in turn, lead to other gynecological problems. Regular exercise can also help reduce the symptoms of conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and menopause.
There are many different ways to exercise, so find an activity that you enjoy and stick with it. Some fun things you could try include:
- Joining a group exercise class.
- Taking up a new sport.
- Going on outdoor walks with friends or your dog.
- Going swimming.
- Dancing.
Regular exercise can help to regulate your menstrual cycle, reduce PMS symptoms, and improve your pelvic floor muscle tone. If you’re not sure where to start, speak with your gynecologist or primary care physician about what kinds of exercise would be best for you.
3 - Manage Stress
Stress can take a toll on your mental, gynecological, and overall health. It can worsen the symptoms of conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, and it can also lead to other problems like anxiety and depression. That’s why it’s important to find ways to manage stress in your life. This looks different for everyone, but some stress-management techniques include:
- Yoga.
- Meditation.
- Exercise.
- Deep breathing exercises.
- Journaling.
- Spending time in nature.
- Self-care or self-pampering.
- Seeing a therapist.
If you’re struggling to manage your stress, talk to your doctor. They can help you find resources, counseling, and support to get your stress under control.
4 - See Your Gynecologist Regularly
Visiting your gynecologist often is one of the most important things a woman can do for their health. Your gynecologist can help you with everything from family planning to managing menopause symptoms. If you have any concerns or questions, they are a great resource for a wide range of issues from regulating menstrual cycles and choosing birth control methods to diagnosing reproductive diseases.
Not only can they assist you with current issues, but they can also help to prevent problems from arising or spot them early on. As you grow older, you may need to visit your gynecologist more often for things like breast cancer screenings or menopause assistance. It is best to visit your OB/GYN consistently and stay on top of your health rather than react to health issues after they occur. If it’s time for you to pay a visit to the gynecologist, look no further than Genesis Medical Associates. Our women’s health & gynecology department is dedicated to addressing all of your concerns and keeping you in good health.
Genesis Medical Associates is dedicated to providing families with access to primary care and improving the overall health and wellness of our patients. We offer a variety of services including primary care, women’s health, mental health counseling, cardiology, telemedicine, and more. Visit one of our many Pittsburgh, PA locations or schedule an appointment online today.
