Many women work hard to live healthier lives—eating better, exercising more, or quitting smoking. These are all positive steps. However, there are a few other important actions that can make an even bigger impact on long-term health.
#1: Know your numbers
Heart health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Despite this, many women are unaware of whether their blood pressure or cholesterol levels are within a healthy range. Knowing these numbers helps you have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider and take control of your heart health.
After receiving your blood test results, ask your doctor to explain what they mean. Find out whether your levels fall within the normal range, and if not, discuss lifestyle changes that may help lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Blood sugar and diabetes
Understanding your blood sugar levels or A1c is equally important. According to the American Diabetes Association, millions of Americans are living with prediabetes—a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Without intervention, prediabetes often progresses to type 2 diabetes.
The good news is that lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and weight management can significantly reduce this risk. Women with risk factors—including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a history of gestational diabetes, or a family history of diabetes—should consider regular A1c testing, which reflects average blood sugar levels over the past three months.
#2: Get creative with physical activity
Staying active doesn’t require spending hours at the gym. Many women balance careers, family responsibilities, and daily demands, often placing their own health last. Finding simple and realistic ways to move more throughout the day can lead to meaningful improvements over time.
Easy ways to add more movement include:
-
Parking farther from building entrances
-
Taking a 10–15 minute walk during lunch breaks
-
Choosing stairs over elevators
-
Walking while talking on the phone
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. If this feels overwhelming, start small by setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—to build consistency and confidence.
#3: Stay up to date with routine health screenings
Regular health screenings play a vital role in early detection and prevention. During your annual checkup, your healthcare provider will recommend screenings based on your age, personal health history, and risk factors. These may include Pap smears, mammograms, colon cancer screenings, and bone density tests.
Even if you feel healthy, annual exams are essential. Routine physicals and blood work can uncover potential issues early, allowing for timely treatment and better long-term outcomes. In addition to monitoring your numbers, staying consistent with preventive screenings is one of the most effective ways to protect your health.