Four Health Tips for Women

Denver Health would like to congratulate the USA Women's National Soccer Team for securing their fourth Women's World Cup title on Sunday! In honor of the team's fourth World Cup and for the women we all love in our lives, here are four tips for women who want to stay healthy:

1. Keep moving! Move like a champion! One in four women in the United States dies from heart disease and exercise is one of the best ways to prevent it. 30 minutes of jogging, walking, dancing or swimming at least four days a week is a good goal. Cardio alone isn't enough for optimal fitness. Strength training builds muscle, boosts metabolism and helps you maintain stronger bones. Denver Health holds several Walk with a Doc events throughout the year, where you can get some exercise and discuss a popular health topic with one of our doctors. See the schedule of upcoming walks.
2. Prioritize self-care and take time to relax! Too much stress in your life can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, back pain and trouble sleeping. Put down your phone and make time for mindfulness. You can manage stress through meditation, yoga or exercise. Talking about your stress with a trusted friend or family member or a therapist can help as well. Find out more about Denver Health's behavioral health therapists and programs.
3. Remember to get checked! Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in American women. Most women should start having mammograms by age 50, but those with a family history of breast cancer may be advised to start earlier. Screenings take 5-15 minutes and can detect any breast changes or breast cancer. The screenings should be done every 1-2 years. Cervical cancer screenings are for women ages 21-65:
   • Women aged 21–29 years should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing is not recommended.
   • Women aged 30–65 years should have a Pap test and an HPV test (co-testing) every 5 years (preferred). It also is acceptable to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.

   Denver Health's Women's Mobile Clinic provides both breast and cervical cancer exams and travels to locations that are convenient to where you live or work. See the latest Mobile Clinic Schedule and make an appointment today. 

4. Get your yearly check-up! Staying on top of your general health is just as important as breast and gynecological exams. You should schedule regular check-ups with your doctor (at least once a year) to make sure everything is okay. A primary care visit can include blood work, taking your vital signs (including blood pressure and weight) and ordering any tests to make sure you catch any potential problems before they become serious. Current patients can schedule an appointment using MyChart; new patients can find a doctor using open scheduling.