The Top 10 Health Risks for Women Over 50 You Need to Know - Part 2

By Maxine Nelson

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The Steps You Can Take 

The AHRQ, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality have five steps you can take for a healthy life ahead at age 50 and beyond.

1.) Be Tobacco Free - Call the National Quitline at 1-800-QUITNOW.

2.) Be Physically Active - Walk briskly, mow the lawn, swim, dance, do anything to keep you active.

3.) Eat a Healthy Diet - Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat or fat-free milk.

4.) Stay at a Healthy Weight - Balance the calories you take in and burn them off with your physical activities.

5.) If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation - Have no more than one drink a day.

Important Screening Information

1.) Heart Disease - Get your blood pressure checked every two years and your cholesterol checked regularly.

2.) Breast Cancer - Schedule a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.

3.) Colorectal Cancer - Your doctor can decide what test is right for you.

4.) Cervical Cancer - Have a Pap Smear every 1 to 3 years.

5.) Depression - Talk to your doctor about being screened for depression if you suddently feel overwhelming sadness or hopeless.

6.) Diabetes - Get a blood test for diabetes, especially if you have high blood pressure.

7.) Obesity - Have your body mass index (BMI) calculated and screened for obesity.

8.) Osteoporosis - The ages from 50 to 64 talk to your doctor about being tested.

Francis Bacon was quoted as saying "knowledge is power". That is so very true, because at your fingertips is a wealth of knowledge on having excellent health throughout the rest of your life for women over 50.

Sources: http://voices.yahoo.com