Women's Health: A Priority for the New Year

As you think about your resolutions for the new year, don't forget to consider the very specific elements of your own health... especially if you're a woman in her 40s or 50s.

This is a very crucial time, as your health and lifestyle choices now will impact the rest of your life.

Dr. Tara Allmen, an expert in perimenopause, menopause and midlife women's health, joins Dr. Susanne to share some of the best strategies for this stage of your life.

One of the most important strategies involves lifestyle changes.

First up, exercise. You should be exercising a minimum of 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week for heart health. For weight loss or weight maintenance, you should be aiming for 60 minutes every day. 

Second, nutrition. Make sure you're getting plenty of vegetables, as well as important vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and calcium.

And third, absolutely quit smoking. 

Another issue for many women of this age is vaginal dryness.

Dr. Allmen advises using a vaginal moisturizer, which you can get over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. This will improve the moisture and pH of your vagina. You can also use a lubricant when you're going to have sex. 

Dr. Allmen actually gives her patients a weekly homework assignment: masturbation at least once a week, which keeps the blood flowing and the vagina healthy.

All of these strategies are easy, healthy and safe (and most of them at no cost to you).

Listen in as Dr. Allmen shares more strategies and tips for keeping your health in check.