Every Woman

Every Woman is a health education initiative for women of the Upstate provided by Greenville Hospital System. Through this effort, we want to encourage you to embrace a fit and healthy lifestyle-the key to reducing risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and other illnesses.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers the following 10 steps you can take to help live longer, live better, and live happier:

1. Be informed. Learn about health promotion and disease prevention and ask your physician for specific information regarding your needs.
2. Be good to your bones. For healthy bones, be sure to replenish your stock of calcium ever day with plenty calcium-rich foods, such as milk, and dairy products, tofu, leafy green vegetables, canned salmon or sardines, and calcium fortified juices for breads. Speak with your physician about calcium supplements.
3. Avoid illegal drugs and alcohol. For women, the definition of moderate drinking stops at one glass. Where illicit drugs are concerned, there is no such thing as "moderate" use.
4. Take medicine wisely. Read the labels, follow the instructions carefully, and remind your physician or pharmacist about any other medications or supplements you might be taking that could interact with your medications. If you have any questions about possible side effects, call your physician or pharmacist.
5. Play it safe. Avoid injuries. Buckle up. Wear a bike helmet. Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Wear sunscreen and UV-protected sunglasses. Use street smarts and common sense. Practice safe sex.
6. Get checked. Get regular checkups, prevention examinations, and immunizations. Do not forget self-examinations, too. Do not be afraid to ask your physician questions, including when you need the consulting services or other medical specialists.
7. Do not smoke. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in our country.
8. Eat smart. It is the secret to good health. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Enjoy a variety of foods, balance foods from each food group, and eat in moderation.
9. Get moving. The other secret to good health: Just 30 minutes of physical activity, accumulated over the course of each day, can radically improve the way you look and feel, both physically and mentally.
10. Be Happy. Take time for yourself. Get connected with family, friends, and community. Do things you enjoy!