There’s nothing more important than tending to your health-- both physically and mentally. On National Women’s Health and Fitness Day, Williamson Forward got in touch with some local women in healthcare to get their input on a few important things women should keep in mind.
Eating Healthy
Jessica D. Browning, a Physician Assistant-Certified at Logan Regional Medical Center, says it’s important for women to keep in mind the ways their nutritional needs can change through different stages of life. She stresses the importance of a balanced diet which includes whole grains, fruits and veggies, healthy fats, lean protein, and low fat or fat free dairy. Jessica also recommends that women keep an eye on their iron, vitamin D, and calcium intake as all three are incredibly important to women’s health. If you're worried about your ability to get the necessary nutrients from diet alone, Jessica suggests taking a multivitamin.
Practicing Mindfulness
Heather Wolford, a certified yoga teacher who graduated from Yoga Power, LLC in Charleston, West Virginia recently, describes the importance of yoga to women’s health. Yoga can help to ease difficulties caused by the natural hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life, she says. Additionally, it’s an important mindfulness technique that can improve mental as well as physical health. “Science has shown yoga to be beneficial in its ability to increase mind-body awareness, promote physical movement, and cultivate acceptance of one’s internal experience of emotions, thoughts,and sensations,” she says. Heather plans to open Downtown Yoga:Transformation of Body and Mind in Williamson later this fall.
Checkups
There are also other ways to keep an eye on your health. Be sure to keep up with regular checkups with your doctor. Find out which preventative tests are recommended for your age group and get those scheduled. Enjoy some physical activity regularly. If you’re interested in enjoying nature while taking care of your health, check out the Hiking For Health guided hiking program starting on October 3rd.
Don’t forget about your mental health. Many experts recommend keeping a journal or engaging in meditation to stay aware of what you are feeling on a day-to-day basis. Remember to try keeping your stress levels low. That can be a difficult task some days, but it’s extremely important for your health to lower your stress levels. Finally, take care of YOU on this National Women’s Health and Fitness Day.
Comments