This world is brimming and bustling with work, family, and personal commitments- which means our health frequently gets pushed down the priority list.
Women over 40 often hear advice about self-care, but it’s more than just words; it’s essential. As we navigate this stage of life, we must become our own health advocates, tuning into the signals our bodies send. This path is both individual and shared, reflecting the journeys of countless women managing the complexities of aging.
Understanding the Importance of Advocacy
Every woman knows the challenges of juggling health, family, and career. Too often, we place our needs last, thinking our well-being can take a backseat.
Careers, households, relationships, and maybe families to manage, it is no wonder that it can be easy to put your health or self care on the back burner. Dismissing nagging feelings-physical or mental leads to a build up of these symptoms and can cause big time damage.
This is why advocating for our health is critical. We know our bodies better than anyone else. No matter how fit you are, or perhaps on the opposite unwell- we as women each are very in tune to how we are feeling physically and mentally any given moment.
As women over 40, we undergo significant changes—such as a 5-10% decline in metabolism and hormonal shifts like decreased estrogen levels—which can affect our overall health and increase the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
Advocating for ourselves means asking questions during doctor visits, seeking second opinions, and being persistent until we get clear answers. We are not just patients; we are informed individuals with valuable knowledge about our own bodies.
Listening to Your Body: The First Step in Wellness
Listening to our bodies is one of our greatest assets on the path to wellness. What does this entail? It involves acknowledging feelings of fatigue, stress, or pain. It requires trusting our instincts and responding to changes, no matter how minor they may seem.
If you know me personally or have been following me for any length of time, you know that I take great care in what I put into my body (while still living life!), how I move my body, and how important I know it is to pay attention to our health. I spent too many years as a caregiver for both of my terminally ill parents to just sit back and let myself be a victim blaming health on genetics alone. I have been taking charge of my health for a very long time.
That's why when I had a nagging pain in my abdomen that persisted and got worse through the day I knew I had to take action. That's also not to say that my inner Super Mom didn't kick in for a bit and I waited until after my 6th grader's choir concert to go to the ER- see we all have weakness ;)
Once I was taken into the ER I knew I was in the right place and had done the right thing. I was analyzing the blood work before I had even been called back and I knew I was going to be admitted.
My white blood cell count was through the roof and it was obvious that my body had some kind of infection going on.
My CT scan showed a small mass in my colon as well as major inflammation.
In hindsight, the nagging pain had actually been there for at least a week prior but less aggravating and would come and go. I wish I had been listening harder, sooner. I thought it was my appendix, obviously it was not.
After consulting with GI specialists, I went though a colonoscopy where a polyp and inflamed tissue were removed, as well as the main cause of the infection- an old "poo ball" that had gotten stuck and created a massive pocket- diverticulitis.
Many women over 40 brush off persistent fatigue or localized pain as "just aging."
Obviously I am not the only woman to brush off feelings of being unwell.
For instance, consider the case of a woman who felt unusually tired at work. After finally seeking medical advice, she discovered that she was dealing with an underactive thyroid—a condition that can affect about 10% of women in this age group.
Recognizing these symptoms and consulting healthcare professionals can lead to meaningful changes in our health journey.
The Reality of Health Issues: Even the Careful Are Not Immune
Despite our best efforts to lead healthy lives, many women face unexpected health challenges. For me, an unforeseen diagnosis disrupted what seemed to be a healthy routine filled with nutritious meals and regular exercise.
Reality hitting me in the face urged me to lean into my advocacy skills. I started researching options, discussing treatment paths with my healthcare team, and demanding a voice in my own care.
Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of our health is a crucial step toward empowerment. This experience cultivates resilience, wisdom, and a sense of community support.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: Be Your Own Health Advocate
Knowledge significantly enhances our advocacy. Understanding our medical history, recognizing standard health metrics, and staying updated on wellness information are all empowering.
For example, learning about the effects of menopause can help us make more informed decisions regarding hormone replacement therapy and its potential benefits or risks.
Additionally, connecting with other women can offer valuable insights. Through discussions, we can share coping strategies and discover we are not alone in our struggles.
Challenges We Face: Emotional and Mental Health
For women over 40, mental and emotional health is equally vital as we juggle various life transitions— like caring for children & / or aging parents, maybe managing empty nests, navigating menopause- you name it. The emotional challenges can impact our physical well-being, and we often overlook their connection.
Prioritizing mental wellness should go hand in hand with physical health. Activities like mindfulness meditation, attending therapy, and spending time with friends can help alleviate feelings of anxiety or depression. Remembering that asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness, can lead to positive changes.
The Power of Routine: Building Healthy Habits
Establishing a routine is essential for mastering self-care. By committing to our health every day—through balanced meals, regular activity, or quiet moments of reflection—we show our bodies the respect they deserve.
For instance, dedicating Sundays for meal prep can help ensure healthy options are always available throughout the week. Joining fitness classes or community groups tailored to women can enhance our physical fitness while encouraging social connections. Engaging in daily meditation can foster a calmer mindset, contributing to emotional well-being.
A Journey of Continuous Advocacy
Our health is a lifelong journey requiring consistent advocacy, attention, and care. As women over 40, we enter a transformative stage filled with wisdom and experience. We need to listen to our bodies, stand up for our health, and support one another, to establish a powerful network of resilience and strength.
Take Care of YOU!
Xo
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