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Healthy Aging: Physical Changes in Women
Healthy Aging: Physical Changes in WomenAs you age your body goes through changes.Menopause is one way a woman experiences these changes.It occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing estrogen and menstruation ceases.For some people hormone replacement therapy can help.Hormone replacement therapy has risks and isn’t recommended for some people, or for a long period of time.Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy.A condition called osteoporosis is another way that your body can change as you age. This is a heightened risk of theloss of bone mass or density, which in turn can increase the odds of serious injuries such as hip fractures.The good news is that weight training, nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D and, when needed, medications willhelp keep a woman’s bones strong.As women age, the lifelong wear and tear on weight-bearing joints, particularly the hips and knees, may result inpainful arthritis.One tip for women with arthritis to consider: trade in your high heels for a sensible pair of walking shoes. Women alsoshould know that the long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications can irritate the stomach and eventually causeulcers.Your eyes, ears, teeth, and skin are also affected by aging.You should get regular eye exams to check for glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.Our ears also undergo changes, most commonly a gradual hearing loss seen in older adults but more severe inwomen who were exposed to loud noises earlier in life.And women shouldn’t overlook their need for dental care as they get older.“Remember to floss. Because, believe it or not, in us humans, a large part of inflammation is caused by guminflammation and you can prevent that by flossing and seeing a dental professional twice a year.”Your skin is the most noticeable part of the body and usually the first to show signs of aging.The keys to healthy skin are keeping it clean and moist. Women also should consider the weekly use of an exfoliant toremove skin cells.Watch your skin and look for any changes you notice, such as a mole. Get these checked out by your health careprovider.Aging also leads to changes in the gastrointestinal tract.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER58814B EN HealthyAgingPhysicalChangesinWomen.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Healthy Aging: Physical Changes in WomenThese changes can hinder absorption of vitamin B12, which the body needs to make red blood cells and maintain ahealthy nervous system.More than half of adults have experienced hemorrhoids by the time they reach age 50.Talk to your healthcare provider about self-care measures that can manage the mild pain and inflammation fromhemorrhoids.One aspect of aging that many women fear involves the involuntary leakage of urine, otherwise known as urinaryincontinence.Aging alone typically won’t lead to incontinence unless there is another problem.Urine leakage is never normal and should always be evaluated. Fortunately, the problem usually can be resolved.As you age your body continues to change. Keep up to date with your healthcare provider.Talk to them about what you are experiencing and work together to help limit some of changes that life brings us.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER58814B EN HealthyAgingPhysicalChangesinWomen.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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