United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Women Veterans Health

Women Staying Healthy

 

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY NETWORK 2 WOMEN VETERANS HEALTH CARE COUNCIL

GENERAL INFO

  • Low fat diet 
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get adequate sleep
  • Manage & reduce stress
  • Monthly self-breast exam
  • Avoid heavy drinking
  • Avoid too much sun
  • Maintain healthy weight

MENOPAUSE

Discuss treatment with provider for symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, emotional changes, and any changing in interest in sexual behavior

ANNUAL EXAMS INCLUDING:

  • Clinical Breast Exam
  • GYN Exam
  • PAP Smear
  • Mammography
  • Blood Pressure Check
  • Cholesterol Screening
  • Colorectal Screening
  • Patient Education

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SEXUAL TRAUMA

  • Are you a victim of abuse?
  • Physical or Emotional?
  • Get assistance & help from behavioral health & trained counselors
  • Take care of yourself

OSTEOPOROSIS RISK FACTORS

  • Family history
  • Thin/petite build
  • Caucasian/Asian descent
  • Certain medications (steroids, excessive thyroid hormone)
  • Smoking
  • Too much caffeine/alcohol
  • Decreased hormone levels
  • Lack of physical exercise
  • Inadequate calcium & vitamin D

REDUCE RISKS OF HEART DISEASE

  • Report symptoms of chest, left arm, shoulder,neck, or back pain/discomfort
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain/watch your weight
  • If you smoke, QUIT
  • Control blood pressure
  • Eat a low-fat diet
  • If diabetic, control blood sugar
  • Have cholesterol checked
  • Get routine check ups

SIGNS OF OSTEOPOROSIS

  • Loss of height over the years
  • Certain types of back pain
  • Curved upper back
  • Breaking a bone in hip, wrist, or spine from minimal trauma

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Eat a diet rich in calcium
  • Adequate calcium intake & vitamin D
  • Exercise and stay active