Without a doubt, the three most important ingredients for health before, during and after menopause are proper diet, exercise and good habits. Diet can do a great deal to prevent age-related ailments like heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains, and low in fat, salt and sugar is key. If your eating habits are not perfect, it is highly suggested you take a daily multivitamin. Exercise is important to improve mood and overall well-being. Weight bearing aerobic activities like walking, dancing, running or cycling are most beneficial. Good habits are important to reduce the risk of elevated symptoms during menopause. Hot flashes can often be controlled by quitting smoking and limited intake of alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods.

Women's Health Tip #2 - Morning Sickness Defense

Avoid smells that commonly trigger nausea like coffee, perfume or cologne, garbage, pet foods etc. Don't watch food commericials on television. Be wary of public transportation and driving in stop-and-go traffic as jerky motion can add to nausea. Avoid visual motion such as fast paced music videos. Drink at least 10 cups of water or liquid or eat foods with high water content as adequate hydration greatly reduces nausea.

Women's Health Tip #3 - Better Ovarian Cancer Detection

Ovarian cancer has been known as a "silent" killer- a disease that can progress without warning. However, research shows that nearly all ovarian cancer patients have some symptoms in the disease's early stages such as bloating, increased abdominal size, fatigue, bladder problems (including frequent urination) and pain in the stomach and pelvic area. If you experience any of these symptoms for more than three weeks, see your doctor and ask for a pelvic exam, which may include a pelvic ultrasound.

Women's Health Tip #4 -Beware of Diagnosing your own Yeast Infections

In a recent finding, only about half the women treating themselves with over-the-counter remedies actually had vaginal yeast infections. The rest of the women had either another type of infection or no infection at all. If left untreated, certain types of vaginal infections, such as trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis, can lead to infertility and make women more susceptable to AIDS. Women experiencing vaginal itching, burning or irritation should consult their physicians.

Women's Health Tip #5 - Easy Relief for Hot Flashes

Try eating more soy if you have frequent hot flashes. In a recent study, menopausal women who added 20 grams of soy powder a day to their diets reported reduced severity of hot flashes and night sweats. Soy contains isoflavones, compounds that mimic the beneficial effects of estrogen without the risks. Soy protein powder is can be found at most health food store and can be added to juice, cereals and other foods.

Women's Health Tip #6 - Carrots Combat Ovarian Cancer

In a new finding, women who ate just four carrot sticks at least five times per week halved their risk for ovarian cancer. The theory is that beta carotene, the nutrient found in carrots that gives them their orance color, helps prevent cancer with its potent antioxidant properties. Other orange colored foods; including apricots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, butternut squash and pumpkin, are also high in beta carotene.