Key ingredients for women’s wellness

Daily habits can improve mental and physical health. Just as important? Asking for help.

“Water, simple healthy food, oxygen and sunlight (don’t forget sunscreen) are essentially all that we need,” says Dr. Dimple Sahay, a family medicine physician at Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) Renton.

Of course, sometimes our health gets more complicated than that. Which is why Dr. Sahay’s next piece of advice is so important: “Reach out and seek help when you need it.”

Daily habits for better women’s health

• Balanced diet
• Daily exercise
• Quality sleep
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
• Practice safe sex
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or yoga
• Regular doctor’s visits to screen for common health issues

“Some of the most common health issues among female patients are cancer (particularly breast and cervical cancer), cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, maternal and reproductive issues, osteoporosis and other bone and joint diseases,” Dr. Sahay says. “Strong collaboration between doctors, patients and their families can help with disease awareness and promote good health practices.”

Dr. Sahay believes preventive medicine is a stepping-stone to achieving a healthy lifestyle and focuses on building trust with her patients to provide the best care.

Mental health and the pandemic

“It’s natural to feel stressed, anxious, depressed and emotional with the loss of loved ones and social isolation,” Dr. Sahay says. “The best advice I can give is to be proactive and seek support to boost your mental health.”

Some suggestions:

• Participate in outdoor activities you enjoy and find ways to exercise every day
• Stay busy with indoor activities and stay connected to loved ones
• Develop new interests or hobbies to engage your mind in new ways
• Stay positive and patient, and try not to let stress get in the way of your goals
• Maintain your physical health with good nutrition, sleep and exercise

Dr. Sahay is fluent in English, Urdu and Hindi, and is accepting new patients at PacMed Renton, 601 S. Carr Rd., Suite 100.

“I like seeing patients of all ages. I enjoy taking care of newborns and watching them grow up, and I love taking care of my elderly patients and listening to the fun stories and life experiences that they share with me,” she says.