Being a woman, you face a lot more challenges than the average man. From safety to health, there is a lot to be concerned about and it’s best to be as proactive as possible. As we kick off Women’s Health Week, here are some tips/ideas to remind you to stay as proactive as possible.
- Visit your doctor regularly
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Visiting your doctor/gynecologist regularly may help prevent or catch anything (hopefully) as early as possible. Along with that, make sure that you are getting tested regularily if you are sexually active.
- Protect Yourself
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When it comes to sex, it is best to be safe than sorry. Always use contraceptives and make sure that you are communicating with your partner. Whether you are in a long-term relationship or exploring for one night, be sure that you are communicating so everyone knows their boundaries.
- Take a self-defense class
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Most people can say that they have taken at least one self-defense class but it is always good to brush up on your skills. Every class is different and having the ability to recall how to react in different situations could really help you one day.
- Never Travel Alone
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Make sure that someone always knows where you are and where you are headed. It is unrealistic to always travel with someone everywhere you go. I suggest sharing your location with a family member, roommate, significant other and/or friend. There are also apps you can download that will connect you with those friends if you don’t share the same type of phone!
- Talk to someone
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In your own time, it might be best to talk to someone whether it be about how you are feeling that day or something weighing on your chest. If you are in college, reach out to your university’s counseling center or peer leaders. Schools typically have multiple mental health resources that you can talk to. They will also know how to lead you to resources that will best equip you with the help that you might need.
- Know the safety tips
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There are so many different things to be aware of as a woman. We face a lot of unsafe situations every day and it’s best to be aware of your surroundings. Here are a few links to some good articles that give great tips on how to stay safe:
8 Safety Tips for Women, from a Woman Cop
21 Potentially Life-Saving Safety Tips That Every Woman Should Know
I hope that you were well aware of everything that I discussed on this list above; however, hopefully, it will spark a reminder to actively follow through and take these steps to be proactive.