You deserve to be at your very best.
Lifestyle, diet, exercise, medical and dental care are all important to your overall well-being.
It’s also helpful to have a good idea of what is normal for you, from how you look (such as your skin, hair and nails) to how you function and feel every day (such as energy levels and moods). This way, it’s easier to talk to your doctor about any changes.
Medical and Dental Care
- Even if you feel well, be sure to visit your doctor or health care provider regularly for checkups, exams and care as needed. This includes getting regular physicals, pelvic exam and pap smear, vaccinations, as well as vision and hearing. Talk to your doctor about how often you should visit. If you don’t have a doctor or health insurance, you can get quality care at a nearby health center.
- If you’re sexually active, be sure to practice safe sex and use condoms. Free condoms are available. You can also get tested for any infections at a free confidential testing center near you.
- For birth control answers, see your doctor or call (888) – 321 – 0383 for free birth control information. For abortion answers and help, call (800) – 772 – 9100. For help finding safe and quality abortion providers near you, call (877) – 257 – 0012.
- If you’re pregnant, it’s important to also get prenatal care from the very beginning of your pregnancy to protect both you and your unborn child’s health. Find prenatal care services and support programs near you.
- Don’t forget about your dental health. See your dentist regularly (at least once or twice a year) for checkups, exams and professional cleanings. If you don’t have a dentist or insurance, check out your options at the US Department of Health and Human Services: “Where can I find low-cost dental care?“
Food and Diet Help
- It’s important to eat and drink healthy for better health. This includes getting enough water, fruit, grains, vegetables and protein.
- On a tight budget? Don’t worry, you can still eat healthy and save with these easy tips. Also see Recipes and Tips for Healthy, Thrifty Meals.
- If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have children, call (800) – 311 – BABY (2229) or find your local WIC office for free help with breastfeeding and food for you and your family.
- Need help finding food? Find your local food bank or call WhyHunger hotline at (800) – 5 – HUNGRY (548 – 6479) for more help finding food pantries, soup kitchens, summer meals sites, government nutrition programs, grassroots organizations and nutritional support services.
- Need help with an eating problem? Call the National Eating Disorders Helpline at (800) – 931 – 2237 for caring help and support.
Physical Activity and Fitness Help
- It’s important to get enough exercise and physical activity each week in order to help your body function properly. Remember to talk to your doctor or health care provider before starting any fitness routine or program.
- Join a fitness support group in your area. It helps to be around other people who may have the same fitness goals and enjoy the same activities as you do.
Lifestyle and Relationship Help
- Unhealthy relationships, drugs and too much alcohol can really make life a lot harder to deal with, but there are people who really care and want to help you no matter what you’re going through. Don’t lose hope. Things can get better.
- For help with relationship violence and abuse, call (800) – 799 – SAFE (7233) for 24/7 caring help near you.
- For help with quitting smoking, call (800) – QUIT – NOW (784 – 8669) for caring help in your state.
- For help with alcohol or drugs, call (800) – 662 – HELP (4357) for 24/7 caring support and information about treatment options and referrals to local rehab centers for any drug or alcohol problem.
- For help dealing with difficult emotions and feelings, call (800) – 273 – TALK (8255) for 24/7 caring support.
Guides: The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages, How to Talk to Your Doctor or Nurse, Screening Tests for Women and My Family Health Portrait
Keep in mind that it’s important to see your doctor and dentist for regular checkups, and if you are pregnant, it’s also important to get prenatal care from the very beginning of your pregnancy to protect both you and your unborn child’s health.
Talk to your doctor or health care provider for more information.
If you don’t have a doctor, find a health center near you and pregnancy services near you.
Call (800) – 273 – TALK (8255) for 24/7 caring support and help with difficult emotions.
Call (800) – 799 – SAFE (7233) for 24/7 caring help with relationship violence and abuse.
Call (800) – 662 – HELP (4357) for 24/7 caring support and help with alcohol or drugs.
Call (800) – 931 – 2237 for caring help and support with eating disorders.
Call (800) – 994 – 9662 for more women’s health information, including help with breastfeeding.
Source:
– Health screening — women– ages 18 to 39. US National Library of Medicine – MedlinePlus web site. http://1.usa.gov/1NvVXrx. Accessed May 16, 2016.