Staying healthy is it high on your priority list? What could be more important than a healthy mind and body? Some women ignore their health when they're young, assuming they'll always have it, but it's in your best interest to lay the foundation now for good health later on. Make sure it's a solid one.

THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING HEALTHY DURING YOUR CHILDBEARING YEARS

It's never too early to begin taking care of health, especially if you plan on starting a family later on. Not cultivating healthy lifestyle habits prior to pregnancy may put you at greater risk for pregnancy-related complications. Healthy lifestyle habits make a difference - not smoking, using alcohol only in moderation, exercising, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight - all increase your chance of having healthy children. They also reduce your risk for health problems later on. Be proactive about your health!

PROBIOTICS AND WOMEN'S HEALTH

There are certain health concerns that, anatomically, only women have to deal with. Particularly, yeast infections with the fungus Candida albicans is another common cause of discomfort, itching, redness and irritation in the pelvic area.  It's been estimated that 75% of women of childbearing age will have at least one episode of a yeast infection and it is a nuisance for many, causing irritability, frustration and unhappiness. 

Can probiotics help? Probiotics are "good" bacteria and studies have shown that they may help maintain a healthy balance inside your vaginal tract. Strains of lactobacillus, a type of probiotic bacteria, produce natural acids that may block the growth of undesirable bacteria and yeast.  Hydrogen peroxide is naturally produced by "friendly, desirable bacteria" in a healthy vagina and may reduce undesirable bacteria. Natren formulated the dual-action probiotic supplement GY-NA•TREN. This first ever unique multi-level approach is designed to help maintain

balance inside a woman's vaginal tract and provide complete vaginal health. Each kit contains two bottles (with pink and yellow labels) of 14-day capsules for a dual-action approach to vaginal health. The pink label bottle contains an oral probiotic supplement to balance the health of the intestinal, vaginal and urinary tracts.* The yellow label capsule is a homeopathic vaginal capsule containing the active ingredient boric acid for antiseptic preparation. Boric acid is a white, crystalline chemical substance that has both antifungal and antiviral properties. This should not be used during pregnancy however. The oral probiotic supplement contains 5 billion cfu Lactobacillus acidophilus, NAS super strain, which can support hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production.* Shouldn't all aspects of your life and health be balanced?

DIET AND EXERCISE GUIDELINES

When your days are filled up with activities and obligations, the last thing you want to think about is exercise. Still, it's one of the most important things you can do for your health. How much exercise do you need? You can get the benefits with as little as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily. Jogging, a brisk walk, cycling, kickboxing, jumping rope, working out on an elliptical machine or treadmill at the gym are all forms of exercise that can help you stay aerobically fit. If you're having trouble finding time, exercise first thing in the morning. You can even use exercise DVDs at home to get your daily workout.Don't forget about resistance training! Resistance-training using weights or resistance bands is important for preserving muscle, strength and bone density.

How about diet? Skip the processed, packaged, fast food and soft drinks.These foods are high in sodium, sugar and unhealthy types of fat. Plus, they're low in fiber. Research shows people of all ages aren't getting enough fiber in their diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts helps you meet your fiber requirements and supplies your antioxidant needs as well. Instead of reaching for a bag of potato chips, eat a handful of nuts. They're a good source of heart-healthy fats, protein and fiber. Choose lean sources of protein and add more fatty fish like wild-caught salmon and vegetarian sources of protein to your diet for balance. If you have PMS symptoms, cut back on sodium, caffeine and sugar to help get them under control.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH

A healthy diet, exercise balanced with rest and recovery time and the proper probiotic supplementation for vaginal health are all simple steps you can take to stay healthy during your childbearing years. Get a healthy start now and it'll pay off now and well into the future.