Girls begin their journey into womanhood at puberty, when their bodies change and their menstrual cycles begin. The physical changes are often accompanied by emotional turmoil, as teens feel pressured to do well in school, be accepted socially and dress and act like their friends. For some teens, these stresses can result in depression, unhealthy body image or risky behavior such as drinking, smoking or unprotected sex.

It’s important for teens to receive support from their parents, clergy, teachers, coaches, doctors or other trusted adults who can help them make positive choices and address any mental health concerns if needed. It’s also important for teens to learn about wellness, receive regular physical check-ups and and learn how to do breast self-exams. They should also begin developing good exercise, eating and other habits that will set the stage for a healthy life moving forward.

Women in their 20s typically juggle education, career and relationship decisions. Learning healthy ways to handle stress is important as they try to balance school, new jobs, friends and possibly marriage and children. Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, doing monthly breast self-exams and keeping up with other routine health screenings will help women maintain good emotional and physical health during these years.

Women in their 20s should learn about their family health history and identify possible health risks to watch out for. They should avoid smoking or get help stopping, get regular Pap tests, clinical breast exams, high blood pressure and skin cancer screenings, and consider STD screenings. These are the years in which women should make taking care of themselves a priority, a habit that should last the rest of their lives.

For women who have waited until their 30s to have children, it’s more important than ever to not smoke, be in good health and get early prenatal care; the chance of miscarriage, birth defects and other pregnancy-related problems increases after age 35. Women balancing work, household and parenting also need time to nurture their physical and mental health during this busy time of life.

They should continue to get regular health screenings and try to keep their blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight within healthy ranges. Eating healthy, exercising, engaging in fun activities and nurturing important relationships all promote relaxation and help manage stress.

By now most women are achieving their goals, enjoying success and feeling confident and comfortable. But they may also be experiencing the stress of taking care of children and aging parents while making career choices, preparing financially for retirement and navigating the tumult of peri-menopause or menopause.

It becomes even more important during these years for women to make time for themselves and maintain friendships and social connections. Making good health choices and keeping up with health screenings is vital, as the risks of chronic disease increase during these years. Good health habits can also help manage the mood swings, hot flashes and trouble sleeping that may accompany menopause. Women who smoke should make it a priority to get the help they need to stop.

Strength-building exercises will help counteract the effects of bone loss and help maintain lean muscle mass as women’s’ metabolisms slow. Maintaining a healthy weight will decrease the risks of developing diabetes and heart disease. Women should ask their doctor when mammograms, skin cancer checks, colorectal exams and osteoporosis screenings should be added to their health check-ups.

Today, many women stay healthy and active through their 60s, 70s and beyond. Their children are grown, they’ve survived menopause and are focusing on activities they enjoy. At this time, closely monitoring health becomes more important than ever.

Older women should know their recommended cholesterol, blood pressure, triglyceride and blood glucose levels and control them with good diet, exercise and medication if needed. Strength training will support strong bones and help maintain lean muscle. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heart attack in women (which are different from those in men) and stroke. And it’s not too late to stop smoking. Women in their later years should keep up with all recommended screenings, especially those for cancer and osteoporosis; when found early, these diseases are still treatable. Staying active and engaged with other people provides multiple physical and mental health benefits. Studies show that happiness increases from the early 50s on, with most older adults consistently happy and satisfied with their lives.