Welcome to Women’s Health Week 2024!  Recent events pertaining to women’s wellness bring a new optimism that we are finally headed in the right direction!  Due to the tireless work of many influential women, and health practitioners, Federal funds have been allocated for more female specific research studies!  

So much of how we have been treated in the past came from male based studies.  Basically treating women as “smaller” versions of men.  Of course, we now know how intricately different we are, both in how symptoms present, and how we respond to treatments! 

To empower themselves with knowledge, and speak confidently with their healthcare providers about any issues that may occur.  Thankfully, there are more and more experts sharing important information through all the social media channels, as well as publishing books on women-specific topics.  

We need to be proactive in learning all that we can, to live a lifestyle that promotes health and well being, reducing the need for prescriptions, and medical intervention!  Look for the most reputable experts in functional medicine, and women’s health, and be sure that the studies that you review are “peer reviewed.”  This will ensure the accuracy of the information.

Whether you are in your reproductive years, perimenopausal, menopausal, or postmenopausal, there are keys to living your healthiest life.

Nutrition

Eating the best quality, organic fruits and vegetables that you can afford, along with good amounts of high quality protein. Amounts will vary for your individual needs and goals of course. Clean filtered water for adequate hydration and elimination!

Supplementation

First, you need to have your bloodwork evaluated, to determine if you are deficient in anything. (Most of us are!)  Then you can look for high quality, third party tested supplements specific to your needs.  This will prevent wasting money, blindly hoping that they are “working.”

Movement

The best exercise is the one that you will do consistently! Walking, pilates, yoga, sports participation are all good choices, BUT strength training is MISSION CRITICAL for ALL age groups!  The sooner you start, the better, but it’s never too late!  Muscle is the organ of longevity! Muscle corrects body composition, prevents high blood sugar and high cholesterol, decreases age-related cognitive impairment, and helps maintain the activities of a life well lived!

Rest

Sleep hygiene is the latest term to describe having a consistent routine of when you go to bed, and when you wake up, aiming for at least 8 hours of sleep per night.  Everything from room temperature, when to cut off screen time, and having your most comfortable bedding and pajamas all play a role.  Sleep is when all of the important bodily restoration processes occur, so is extremely important!

Anti-inflammatory Lifestyle

Lastly, living a healthy, anti-inflammatory lifestyle, supports your best mental health as well.  Anxiety, depression, lack of confidence, can be improved dramatically when you practice making your health a priority! Make time for family, friends, and fun! Community is a blessing!

Here’s to living our best, strongest, healthy, and long life!