Teaching is a stressful work. As school nurses, we cater to these professionals who are mostly women and we need to provide the best health care possible for them. Women’s health concerns slightly differs from men. To look, feel, and function best, smart lifestyle and health choices is essential.
There are many ways to stay fit and healthy. One is eating healthy. Natural is and will always be the best food diet you should choose. Natural diet means a variety of vegetables and fresh fruits. This also means few or no processed foods. Whole grains and high fiber foods are also essential parts of this diet as well as lean meat, fish, and poultry. As for fat dairy products, between 80 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium is needed to help prevent osteoporosis which is common among women. Calories, sugar, salt, and fat in foods and beverages should be avoided.
A good diet can help in maintaining your ideal weight. This helps prevent different kinds of illnesses. It can also make a person feel good and have lots of energy to do and finish daily tasks. For teachers with so many things to juggle in their hands, this is very important.
Snacking can be healthy. Choose vegetables and fruits as snacks instead of chips and burgers. Munch on carrots, celery, broccoli, apples, banana, oranges, and other delicious fruits and vegetables. These kinds of food help cleanse your colon and give your skin rosy glow.
Exercise can keep your heart healthy. Among women, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week can help. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, and bicycling are recommendable.
Avoid cigarettes and keep away from people who are smoking. It has been found out that second hand smoke is actually more dangerous than first hand smoke. So, even if you are not smoking but is in constant exposure to cigarette, this may pose serious dangers to your health. For alcoholic beverages, red wine is good for your heart. If you do not drink at all, this is better. However, it is good to note that one drink a day keeps you on a safe zone.
As much as possible, avoid the harmful rays of the sun. Avoid going out to the sun and if you really need to, make sure you have umbrella to protect your skin and wear sun protection factor (SPF). If you have any skin discoloration or pigments, red it is better to consult doctor at once.
Finally, breast cancer is one of your biggest enemy. Make sure you religiously do Self Breast Examination (SBE). . Be aware of any changes in your breast and immediately report your concerns to a doctor. Women aged 40 and above should get an annual mammogram as this is the most effective way of detecting cancer in its earliest stages.
Women’s health needs change with her age but the basic things can help her stay healthy all throughout her life. Choose to be healthy at all times so you can enjoy lifelong benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
References:
Spiers, Mary V.; Geller, Pamela A.; Kloss, Jacqueline D., eds. (2013). Women’s Health Psychology. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.ISBN9781118415511.
Action Plan for Women’s Health. US Public Health Service Office on Women’s Health. 2004. ISBN9780788117893.
Gahagan, Jacqueline; Gray, Kimberly; Whynacht, Ardath (2015). “Sex and gender matter in health research: addressing health inequities in health research reporting”.International Journal for Equity in Health.
By: Mary Edwina R. Paguio | Nurse II | DepEd- Schools Division Office of Bataan
