People often joke that women and men are from different planets. While the differences between the sexes might not be that great, the way doctors approach men’s versus women’s health care is quite different—and for good reason. The female body has unique needs. Find out what every woman should know about staying fit and healthy.

5 Health Tips Every Woman Should Know

1. Avoid Excess Calcium

Women are frequently warned about osteoporosis and turn to calcium—which is renowned for helping to build strong bones—as a preventative measure. In fact, it’s possible to “overdose” on the nutrient, increasing your risk of kidney stones. Women under 50 should not exceed 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. Those over 50 can increase their daily intake to 1,200.

2. Don’t Limit Yourself to Cardio

Many women stick strictly to cardio at the gym, aiming primarily to burn calories. However, it’s important to add weight lifting as well. Weight-bearing exercises help build strong bones and maintain bone density, combatting osteoporosis.

3. Monitor Reproductive Health & Fertility

A woman’s fertility starts to decline in the late 20s to early 30s. While many women now have babies into their 40s, it never hurts to plan ahead—especially if menses are irregular.

4. Watch Your Mental Health

Women love to multi-task, juggling family, friends, work, and personal projects. Beware of overloading yourself to the point that you get stressed out, however. Stress negatively impacts health in many ways. It can cause everything from high blood pressure to fertility issues.

5. See a Women’s Health Doctor Annually

Find a local physician with knowledge of women’s health issues for your annual physical. They will be able to advise you on everything from birth control to diet.

For all of your women’s health needs in Fairbanks, AK, trust the Mayer Clinic. Known for their compassionate and trustworthy patient care, these doctors have been serving the community for over a decade. Their team includes a physician dealing with women’s health and family medicine. You can find out more about their practice online, and request an appointment by calling (907) 457-5050.