The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Embracing Your Fabulous 40s With Health, Wisdom and New Beginnings

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently featured Cedars-Sinai experts discussing women’s wellness during middle age. The newspaper’s coverage was based on a special report by the Cedars-Sinai Blog about How Women Can Strengthen Their Health at Any Age.

In the special report, Cedars-Sinai experts listed the necessary medical tests and predominant health concerns for each decade of life, starting in the teens and ending with women in their 70s, 80s and beyond.

For the 40-something decade—the focus of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution coverage—maternal-fetal medicine specialist Gabriela Dellapiana, MD, said proper nutrition is increasingly important because metabolism slows with age.

“Focus on nourishing foods and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes,” Dellapiana said.

Eynav Accortt, PhD, director of the hospital’s Reproductive Psychology Program, offered a tip for women experiencing perimenopause, the time around onset of menopause.

“Night sweats, mood changes and irritability are common, but they don’t have to disrupt your life,” Accortt said in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution article. “Consult your gynecologist for strategies to manage these symptoms effectively.”

She also highlighted the importance of financial security, adding, “Now is a great time to think about saving for retirement or setting aside money for future health issues if you aren’t already doing so.”

Reproductive endocrinologist Jessica Chan, MD, and OB-GYN Natasha Schimmoeller, MD, explained why reproductive health remains important for women in their 40s.

“After 40, natural conception becomes challenging, but fertility treatments can open new possibilities,” Chan said in the article. Schimmoeller added that if women are still having a period, they should continue contraception until menopause to avoid pregnancy.  

Urogynecologist Brittni Boyd, MD, said that urinary incontinence can be common for women in their 40s.

“Don’t hesitate to discuss this with your doctor—effective treatments are available,” Boyd said.

Dermatologist Sravya Bhatia, MD, said that women in their 40s should also focus on hydrating their skin.

“Hormonal changes can lead to drier skin,” Bhatia said. “Embrace a moisturizing routine to keep your skin supple and radiant.”

Click here to read the complete article from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.