An article from Rebecca J. Hulem, RN, RNP, Certified Menopause Clinician…

A QUICK HEALTH CHECKLIST FOR WOMEN IN MIDLIFE

"Long term health is not about making long term decisions; it is about understanding the consequences of today's decisions"
Gary Ryan Blair

Did you know that the most significant health issues facing a woman in midlife are heart disease, osteoporosis, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes and cancer? Did you know that, in the long run, preventing diseases is much easier than treating disease? It's common sense, really. So prevent disease now. Become an active participant. Take responsibility for your own health -it's the first step in living a long and healthy life.

Now, by answering the following questions, you will identify areas of your health that may need more attention:

LONG TERM HEALTH CHECKLIST

• Do you perform 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week?
• Have you had your blood pressure and cholesterol levels measured within the last five years?
• Do you get 1000 to 1500 milligrams of calcium in your diet or by supplement each day?
• If you are over the age of 50, have you had a bone mineral density test performed (DEXA scan)?
• Have you had your thyroid level measured within the last five years?
• Have you had your blood glucose level measured within the last five years?
• Do you perform self breast exams each month?
• Have you had a routine gynecology exam that included: a pap smear, clinical breast exam, pelvic exam, rectal exam and screening for fecal occult blood within the past year?
• If you are over the age of 50, have you had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer?
• Does your diet include a variety of healthy nutrients from fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins?

Are any of the boxes unchecked, that is, was your answer "no"? Then it's time to be proactive about your health. So put your own healthy checklist together, and take charge of your life!

Rebecca J. Hulem has 28 years experience in the medical community and is the author of Feelin' Hot and contributing author to two additional books. To sign up for her free menopause newsletter or for further information, please refer to her website at http://themenopauseexpert.com.

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