Stress incontinence, for example, affects primarily women, and sneezing, coughing or lifting can cause the accidental loss of small amounts of urine due to changes in the tone of muscles in the pelvises of women who have had children. Various treatment options exist and physicians can work with women to determine which ones are best for them, says Dr. Zerr, co-director of the IU National Center for Excellence in Women's Health. Not smoking is the single most important thing a woman can do for her health, says Ann Zerr, M.D., clinical associate professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine and co-director of the IU National Center for Excellence in Women's Health. Smoking can cause lung cancer, head and neck cancers, emphysema and heart disease. Smoking while pregnant harms the health of both the mother and the developing baby.
Smoking also increases the risk of bone loss later in life.
Taking time for yourself is important to your health, advises Ann Zerr, M.D., clinical associate professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She recommends women set aside 15 to 30 minutes each day to devote to improving their health. This time might be used to exercise, read, meditate, pray or even soak in the bathtub.