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Health tips just for women

Health tips just for women

Women often juggle many responsibilities, making it a challenge to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Yet, small daily habits play a significant role in sustaining health and strength. Here are five tips from Vecino’s women’s care team to promote good health at every age.

Health Tip: prioritize sleep

Health tip #1: prioritize sleep

Women need at least seven hours of sleep each night to feel rested. Not getting enough sleep can significantly impact your overall health, mood, and energy levels. To improve your sleep, consider these tips:

    • Avoid caffeine after 2 p.m.
    • Establish a consistent sleep schedule
    • Keep screens out of the bedroom
    • Avoid heavy meals before bedtime
Health tip: Get a well-woman exam every year

Health tip #2: Get a well-woman exam every year

Well-woman exams, or women’s wellness visits, are preventive medical checkups for women. Unlike a doctor’s appointment when you are sick, these visits focus on evaluating your whole-body health to catch health issues early before they become a bigger problem. Well-woman exams usually include a physical evaluation, a pelvic and breast exam, and a conversation with your doctor or nurse about any health concerns you may have. 

Women’s health services are available at Airline Children & Women’s Health Center and Denver Harbor Family Health Center

Health tip: Eat a balanced diet

Health tip #3: Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet is the foundation of a healthy life, regardless of size. So, instead of categorizing food as “healthy” or “unhealthy,” focus on nourishing your body with foods that provide lots of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. 

There’s no need to deprive yourself of your favorite foods to maintain a nutritious diet. Try adding nutritious elements to your meals, like a salad before dinner or a piece of fruit with your breakfast. 

Canned, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables are just as healthy as fresh produce – opt for ones with little or no added sugar and salt.

Health tip: Move your body every day

Health tip #4: Move your body every day

Physically active women tend to have a lower risk of developing chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

.Even if you only have ten minutes, make it a point to move your body daily. Take the stairs as often as possible, play with your kids, or go for an early morning or evening walk around the block. Regular physical activity will go a long way toward supporting your physical and mental health now and in the future

Health tip: Take care of your mental health

Health tip #5: Take care of your mental health

Mental health is just as vital as physical health for women. Neglecting it can lead to sleep problems, high blood pressure, stomach troubles, and more. Seek help and support when needed, especially if you are overwhelmed or need help managing a stressful life situation.

Vecino offers behavioral health services at Airline Children & Women’s Health Center and Denver Harbor Family Health Center, providing individual, group, family, and couples therapy in English or Spanish.

It’s never too late to make health a priority

Good health isn’t just for you; it’s a gift to your family and friends! By integrating these healthy habits into your life, you can enjoy improved physical and mental well-being, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced vitality. 

Vecino Health Centers supports women at every stage of life, helping your health shine every day. Your well-being matters to us, and we’re committed to providing the care and resources you need to thrive. 

New patients are always welcome.

Help children cope by taking care of yourself

COVID stress management

Children’s exposure to violence

Sadly, hardly a day goes by without news of violent acts involving children. As a parent, you may be struggling with how to help your child feel safe. One of the most important things you can do for your child is to first take care of yourself.

You are your child’s primary source of safety

It is important to remember that children look to their parents and other trusted adults to make them feel safe. They turn to us for assurance that they are secure as well as for information, comfort, and support. 

If you feel like stress is getting in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row, the licensed professionals on Vecino’s counseling staff can help.

Call 713-674-3326

Ask for a telehealth counseling appointment. New patients are welcome!

Take care of yourself first so you can be there for your child

Feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry about the safety of self and others are natural responses. In order to be effective and present for your children, it is imperative that you find the means and tools to take care of yourself emotionally, as well as physically.

Once you are able to harness your own feelings of safety within yourself, you are more easily able to transmit those feelings of safety to your children. 

What does taking care of yourself mean?

  • Talk to other trusted adults who can be sensitive to your needs and help you regain your feelings of safety. Counting on the support of relatives, family, and community helpers can make difficult times more manageable. 
  • Talk to a counselor if you need it. They can serve as a non-judgmental sounding board and can provide you with useful skills to help reduce your feelings of overwhelm.
  • Engage in self-care activities, such as going for walks, enjoying your favorite yoga class, and other activities that bring calm and normalcy back into your days. 
  • Do your best to drink plenty of water, eat regularly, and get enough sleep and exercise. Avoid alcohol and other mood-altering substances as these can make matters worse.
  • Give yourself a break. Take time to find fun and do the things that you like to do.

    Unemployed or uninsured?

    Don’t worry. Vecino Health Centers offers financial assistance so everyone in your family can get the medical, counseling, and dental services they need. You may even qualify for other benefits, we’ll help you understand your options.

    Just ask about our Get Care program

    Treatment for women with abnormal pap results available in Denver Harbor

    Treatment for women with abnormal pap results available in Denver Harbor

    Learning that you have an abnormal pap test result can be scary.

    What other tests will I have to go through? Will I need treatment?

    As if these worries weren’t enough, women with abnormal pap smears are usually sent to a specialist across town for inconvenient and time-consuming appointments.

    Now, treatment is available on site at Vecino’s Denver Harbor Family Health Center.

    Doctors from Houston Methodist’s OB/GYN department will staff a weekly clinic that lets women with abnormal pap results can see a specialist in their primary care home.

    If the test shows that your cervical cells don’t look normal, your doctor will tell you that you have an “abnormal pap smear.” This might turn out to be nothing, but it also might be a sign of infection or cervical cancer. You will probably need to have more tests to find out.

    What is a pap smear?

    A pap smear is a routine test that doctors use to make sure the cells on your cervix look normal. It only takes a few minutes and can be done right in a doctor’s office.

    Is it time to schedule your routine pap smear?

    Having a pap smear only takes a few minutes, and it’s well worth the time.

    Women with a low risk of cervical cancer should get routine pap smears on the schedule listed below. Depending on your medical or family history, your doctor might ask you to take more frequent tests.

    Pap smear schedule
    • Ages 21-29: Every 3 years
    • Ages 30-65: Every 3-5 years, depending on other tests and factors

    If you are due for a pap smear, or need to talk with a doctor about your risk level, call Vecino to schedule an appointment. New patients are welcome.

    Call for an appointment:  (713) 674-3326

     

    Schedule today

    Call 713-674-3326