A woman’s body goes through a number of changes during her lifetime. It’s a complex mechanism, and in order for it to function properly, it is important to maintain optimal health. Now, this is something that’s easier said than done given the fast pace of a modern woman’s lifestyle.

Still, the choices you make today will reflect in your future self’s health, and your lifestyle habits will determine whether you’ll be dealing with medical conditions or welcome your golden years in good health. Below, we highlight the importance of preventive health care while also offering valuable tips for women’s health age 35-50.

Keep up with regular health screenings

As much as women tend to delay them, regular health screenings are a must. Not only are they vital for maintaining women’s health at any age, but they also help detect anything unusual. Depending on your age and your family’s medical history, you might be at a higher risk of developing certain conditions. This is why it’s important that you go for particular screenings once you reach a particular age.

For instance, once you turn 40, you might want to get tested for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, especially if you’re overweight. 45 is the ideal time for colorectal cancer screening, while breast and lung cancer screenings are vital once you reach 50. Around the age of 65, scheduling osteoporosis screening will help you identify potential issues and address the loss of bone mass through treatment.

Schedule a wellness visit with your gynecologist

Another major factor for ensuring overall wellness and optimal health in women, gynecologist visits are an important part of adding years to your lifespan. Aside from getting regular PAP smears – every three years – you should also schedule mammograms once you reach 40.

Your 40s are also the time you might begin experiencing perimenopausal symptoms such as vaginal discomfort that eventually lead to menopause. You’re also more likely to experience urinary incontinence somewhere between the ages of 30 and 60. According to Dr Krinsky gynecology and women’s wellness expert, vaginal rejuvenation laser therapy can help relieve these unpleasant symptoms. It helps stimulate vaginal mucosa, which then rejuvenates and regenerates. Combined with regular screenings, it can be the step in the right direction when it comes to keeping your reproductive health thriving.

Focus on healthy diet and exercise

Prevention is key to maintaining optimal health. Along with making regular health screenings a priority, you might also want to work on building healthy habits. A healthy diet, along with exercise, can help relieve perimenopause symptoms. It can also ward off any potential weight gain menopausal women are prone to.

Start by taking a look at your usual diet. Are you getting the recommended amount of nutrients and calories? If so, is there something you can change to further optimize your diet? What about exercise – are you getting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week? If not, consider the activities you enjoy that will motivate you to stick with your exercise plan.

Make time for self-care

Contrary to popular belief, including some sort of self-care into your daily routine is not selfish. While taking care of your family and household may be your top priority, making those few hours just about you is vital. Mid-life can be hectic at times, and prioritizing your wellness and well-being can help you stay on track.

For starters, think about how you cope with stress. Do you tend to reach for something sweet, write in your journal, or go for a walk? Developing healthy coping strategies is important regardless of your age, so always try to improve them. Sleep is another area of your life you can be proactive about and implement healthy strategies. The numerous hormonal changes in a woman’s body can wreak havoc on her sleep schedule, and it can be due to everything from menstrual cycle to pregnancy discomfort to menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. Work on optimizing your sleep environment, avoid caffeine before bedtime, and you’ll boost your chances of getting enough shut-eye each night.

Being proactive about your health starts with preventive health care

With so many to-dos on your list, it often feels like there’s no time to focus on your health musts. Still, taking care of your health should be at the top of the list, even more so as you age. By being proactive about your well-being, you’ll add years to your lifespan and navigate through them with much more ease.