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Women’s Health

Staying healthy and well is one of the most important things women can do for themselves and for their loved ones, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some ways women can put their health first:

 

Stay Active

Regular exercise can help women boost their mood, maintain a healthy weight, and improve sleep. It also lowers risk for heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Women should speak with their doctor about what type of exercise is right for them.

Eat Healthy
Eating healthy can help women improve their health and prevent diseases. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Avoid having too much sodium, sugar, cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats.
Get Regular Checkups
Regular checkups and wellness exams help women increase their chances of living a longer, healthier life. Women should check with their primary care provider about the care and screenings they need, and whether they should schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.

Follow Recommended Screenings
Maintain Healthy Levels
A well-rounded diet and regular exercise can help keep women’s blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at healthy levels. Women should talk to their primary care provider or heart specialist about safely reducing their risk and setting goals for a healthier heart.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking or using tobacco products greatly increases women’s risk of heart disease. Women who want to quit should speak to their primary care provider for help and to see if there are medications or nicotine replacement products that are right for them. Non-smokers who have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol also have a greater risk of developing heart disease when they’re exposed to secondhand smoke.

More on Women's Health


May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
5/7/2024 • Posted by Dr. Lisa Moreno, Pediatrician and Medical Director at Fidelis Care

women and child with doctor

Allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases. They are caused by the immune system’s reaction to allergens. Allergy symptoms happen when a person with an allergy comes into contact with the allergen. This can happen through ingestion, touch, or inhalation.

The immune system tries to protect your body and fight off the allergen. This may cause symptoms like itchiness and rashes. In serious cases, allergic reactions can cause difficulty breathing, fainting, or even death.

What are some common allergens?

More than 100 million people in the United States have various types of allergies each year. Common allergens include:

  • “Hay fever” caused by environmental factors (such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds), dust mite, molds, and pet dander
  • Common food allergies in children include:
    • Cow’s milk
    • Eggs
    • Wheat
    • Soy
    • Fish
    • Shellfish
    • Peanuts
    • Tree nuts (almonds, pecans, and walnuts)
    • Sesame seeds
    • Insect venom from wasps, hornets, bees, or red ants
    • Medications (antibiotics or over the counter medications)

Some allergens can trigger asthma. Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs and makes it harder to breathe. Common allergens that can make asthma worse are dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, molds, animal allergens, and rodents.

How can I help prevent allergic reactions for myself or my child?

  • Identify and avoid allergens that you are concerned about.
  • Talk to your or your child’s provider about the right treatment. You may be referred to an allergy specialist to do allergy skin tests and/or blood work.
  • If you think you or your child may have environmental allergies, you should:
    • Keep windows closed during pollen season, especially on dry, windy days.
    • Keep the house clean and dry to reduce mold and dust mites.
    • Limit pet exposure in the home. Keep pets away from the bedroom. Air purifiers can help fight pet allergens.

Are there treatments for allergies?

Yes. Allergy treatment is based on your medical history, results of allergy tests, and how serious your symptoms are. Allergy treatment may include avoiding allergens, taking medications, and/or immunotherapy. Always talk to your provider before starting any treatments or medications.

Why does my child have allergies?

Allergies run in families. Your child has a higher risk of having allergies if immediate family members have allergies.

Learn more about allergies here.


Sources

https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2023/2023-05-03_asthma_allergy_awareness.htm

Additional Resources:

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