By Dr. Lynsey Cox
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Add life to your years, not years to your life.” That is exactly the aim of preventive care. Prioritizing your health involves more than simply checking off the recommended screenings and vaccinations. It means creating a lifestyle that supports you for the long haul.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION IN YOUR 20S AND 30S
For many people, good health feels effortless in their younger years. The truth is that these decades set the stage for your long-term health. Developing sustainable habits now is the key to lifelong wellness.
- Prioritize a healthy diet, exercise, sleep and stress-management routines.
- Schedule annual wellness exams for early disease detection, including skin cancer checks, and discuss the benefits of vaccinations with your doctor or other healthcare provider.
- Screenings: Cervical screenings every three years and Pap smear plus HPV test every five years from age 30; sexually transmitted infection screenings if sexually active
- Vaccines: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), HPV and flu
THE PIVOT IN YOUR 40S AND 50S
As women transition into perimenopause and menopause, hormonal shifts and metabolic changes can significantly impact not only your health, but your quality of life. This is the time to shift from maintenance to optimization.
- Focus on muscle growth through dietary protein and resistance training to support metabolic health, strong bones and mobility.
- Seek support: Address hormonal changes and ensure that any chronic conditions are properly managed.
- Health checks: Continue wellness exams and cervical screenings.
- Begin mammogram screening at age 40 and colorectal-cancer screening from age 45, along with regular blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings.
- Vaccines: Tdap (every 10 years), flu and shingles (two doses from age 50), hepatitis B (recommended through age 59) and pneumococcal vaccination beginning at age 50
WISE WOMEN’S WELLNESS IN YOUR 60S AND BEYOND
“Healthy body, healthy mind” is the mantra for these years. Maintaining physical strength and preserving cognitive function are the secret to leading a thriving, independent life.
- Keep your independence through strength training, staying active and focused mobility work.
- Prioritize your mental health and social connectivity for health and happiness.
- Monitor cardiovascular and metabolic health with regular checkups.
- Screenings: Routine mammograms, bone density tests and colorectal cancer screenings
- Vaccines: Tdap, flu and pneumococcal vaccines for pneumonia.
While our health needs change over time, certain fundamentals are essential to wellbeing at every age. A balanced diet, hydration, regular exercise, quality sleep and stress management are important throughout every phase of life. By establishing these habits early (and sticking with them), you are giving yourself the best chance at a long, healthy and vibrant life.
Dr. Lynsey Cox practices gynecology at Ochsner Health Center – Hancock. Call (228) 220-5200 or visit ochsner.org/doctors/lynsey-cox to connect with her or learn more.