In a world that pushes a certain beauty standard onto Women quite forcefully, growing older feels almost like a punishment. They would have you believe that unless you’re a bright, perky twenty-year-old, you’ve got nothing going for you, but that’s little more than a ridiculous lie. Do women such as Halle Berry, Monica Bellucci, Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts strike you as ugly, bland women? None of them are even close to twenty anymore, and yet they are some of the sexiest women alive. Older women are mature, confident and gorgeous, but in order to stay that way, we need to pay more attention to our health. It’s never a good idea to neglect your checkups, and there are a few issues that you need to be especially mindful of, now that you’re in your forties.
Breast Health
The older we are, the more chance we have of developing breast Cancer. Luckily, it’s one of the easier cancers to diagnose, and it can be treated quite successfully if it’s caught on time. Your forties are the time when you really need to go on regular checkups and schedule mammograms once a year. Some factors, like your genetics, can’t be influenced. It’s thought that about 5-10% of all breast cancers are a consequence of abnormal genes passed on by our parents, but there are other risk factors that you can influence. Smoking, drinking and being overweight can increase the chances of you developing cancer significantly, so leading a healthy lifestyle is essential. Be mindful of the symptoms of breast cancer and learn how to do a self-exam for that period between your checkups.
Pre-menopause and Skin Changes
In our forties, estrogen levels take a significant dip as we enter the pre-menopausal phase and our skin starts becoming loose and dull. Flaws, such as wrinkles, capillaries, and broken blood vessels, are more visible, not to mention old acne scars, age spots, as well as solar and hormone pigmentation. Fortunately, there are methods to deal with it, from skin pigmentation treatments at laser clinics to simple prevention and supplementation. The time for carelessness has long passed and we need to make sure we have a proper skincare routine. No more going to bed without taking your makeup off. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and incorporate a good skin serum and a moisturizer that will keep your face hydrated. Anti-aging creams can help you retain the elasticity and smooth out small wrinkles, but you need to use them consistently for them to have any effect. Keep tabs on your period, and if it becomes irregular, speak to your gynecologist. This could be a symptom of an early menopause, and you’ll want to get some medication and advice to help you deal with things like hot flashes and mood swings.
Osteoporosis
Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men are, so this should be a concern for every lady out there. When your bones become brittle and thin, you’re in constant danger of fractures that take a long time to heal and can disable you for months. Pre-menopausal women go through a lot of hormone shifts and changes, and this increases the risk of developing the disease. Smoking, low activity levels, and a bad diet can also put you at risk, so you should really consider doing regular exercises. Working out is tremendously helpful and can save you from having to deal with many problems later in life. If you have a history of osteoporosis in your family, then definitely consider taking vitamin D3 and calcium citrate supplements.
Heart Disease
While men are more at risk of heart disease, after a certain age, women need to start paying attention as well. This is still a leading cause of death for women in the US and if you have a history of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, then you must do regular screening tests. It’s becoming repetitive to say that exercise is essential, but frankly, it’s probably one of the best things you can do for yourself. Staying active is the best way to keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check, but you should also see your doctor frequently and consult them about any issues you may have. They can prescribe medication and give you Lifestyle Tips, and if you’re careful any condition can be kept under control.
Women, especially those who are mothers, tend to put the needs of their families ahead of their own. But you can’t help anyone if you become sick, so keep own well-being in mind and do your best to well and work out so you can stay happy, healthy and strong.
Special thanks to our guest blogger, Mia Taylor. Mia is a fashion and beauty enthusiast from Sydney and writer for www.highstylife.com. She loves writing about her life experiences. Traveling and enjoying other cultures and their food with her husband is a big part of her life. She is always on a lookout for new trends in fashion and beauty, and considers herself an expert when it comes to lifestyle tips.
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