From diet to breast health – it’s Women’s Health Week

Savannah, Georgia (WSAV) – National Women’s Health Week begins every year on Mother’s Day. This week is to encourage women and girls to prioritize their health by staying active and healthy.

Some of the ways the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says can improve women’s health include eating an active, healthy and balanced diet and practicing good habits. It will be.

Pamela S. Hoffstetter, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), said: I think it’s as important as a diet. I usually work on physical activity first. ”

She continued. “People don’t have to be triathletes. They can just walk. If they are in pain to walk, there is certainly another thing they can do. They are tied to a chair. You can exercise. Exercise is very important for keeping your cardiovascular system healthy. It keeps your heart strong. “

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries dietary guidelines for Americans state that for most people, regardless of age or health, they need to change their food and drink choices to achieve a healthy dietary pattern. increase. Some of these changes can be achieved with simple replacements, but other changes require more effort.

Those who want to start with a simple change may consider drinking more water instead of sugar or fructose-sweetened drinks.

“Drink water, stop drinking bottled water. Get a reusable container like a stainless steel container. Drink from stainless steel, glass, or pottery. Stay away from pet bottles that contain chemicals that are. This is one of the best changes people can make, “says Hoffstetter.

According to the CDC, a healthy diet includes many things, including support for a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and a reduced risk of some cancers. There are advantages.

“There are really three foods to avoid. For sodium, phosphate, high levels of fat, usually high levels of carbs and simpler carbs, thanks to the additives, they are a convenient first processed. It’s a hood, “Hoffstetter explained. “For women, about 2-3 ounces of certain meats, fish, eggs, chicken, etc. contain at least one plant-based protein meal per day.”

The American Diabetes Society is not only an appetizing food, but also rich in vitamins, minerals, fibers and phytochemicals, so for good health, at least 3-5 servings of starch per day. It is recommended to eat no vegetables.

“You only need to consume one tablespoon of fat in a single meal. This is a teaspoon of oil, butter, and mayonnaise. Also, animal fats such as butter and lard can be used to lower cholesterol levels. To help, try replacing it with vegetable fats such as olives, canola, and peanut oil, “says Hoffsetter.

She also offers advice on snacks. “Keep away from the nutritious junk food that’s always thrown on your face in commercials. Take your time each week, preferably buy fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Nuts are okay, but calories. The food is so thick that I always advise patients to limit their calories to about 100 calories in snacks. “

Another good health habit for women to practice is breast health. Adult women of all ages are encouraged to have a breast self-examination at least once a month. According to the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, a breast self-examination can help you understand the look and feel of your breasts, so you can warn your healthcare provider if there are any changes. However, breast self-examination is not recommended as the only screening tool for cancer. Adult women of all ages can choose to have a breast self-examination. Mammograms help detect cancer before you feel a lump.

While mammograms help detect cancer before you feel a lump, breast self-examination can help you get used to the look and feel of the breast and warn medical professionals if there are changes. increase.

Women may also encourage each other to do a monthly breast self-examination Buddy check 3.. To see how it works, simply find a companion (family, friend, or colleague), mark the calendar on the 3rd of every month, call the companion on that day, and do a chest self-examination with each other. It’s a reminder. If you find a lump or other suspicious sign, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Also look for thickening from the nipples, bleeding or secretions, changes in the shape or contour of the breast, pits or wrinkles in the skin, or an inflamed reddish appearance of the breast.

According to the American Cancer Society, clinical breast tests should be done every 3 years for women aged 20-40 years and annually for women aged 40 years and older. The annual mammogram should start at age 40.

To order Buddy Check 3 packets, St. Call Joseph’s-Candler (912-819-5704).

For more information on National Women’s Health Week, please visit: National Women’s Health Week-Women’s Health-CDC..

Pamela S. Hoffstetter, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, can contact you at the following address: [email protected] Or call 912-507-2645.

Information about the American Diabetes Association can be found at the following URL: American Diabetes Association | Research, Education, Advocacy

Breast test information can be found at Breast Examination: Johns Hopkins Skin Mel Cancer Center (hopkinsmedicine.org)

The American Cancer Society’s recommendations for early detection of breast cancer can be found at: ACS Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines