By the time a woman enters her 40s, she has learned how to feel good and stay healthy. To continue to feel her best, here are 10 important health risks women in this age group should try to avoid:

Cancer

The risk of cancer grows as we age. Yearly breast cancer screenings are essential. Even though cervical cancer is most prevalent among women between the ages of 30 and 39, it is still important to request a pap smear during your physical.

Obesity

Women often gain weight as they age. Research shows weight gain is not inevitable and is unrelated to menopause. Our metabolism slows down though and we burn less fat. Obesity is linked to cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. This is the time to start or continue daily exercise and maintain a healthy diet.

Hypertension

If you have high blood pressure, make sure it is controlled. High blood pressure can be lowered with exercise, losing weight and a healthy diet. Maintaining normal blood pressure helps prevent stroke. Also get your cholesterol levels checked regularly.

Heart disease

Our chances of heart disease increase as we age. Practice some type of an aerobic fitness routine at least 30 minutes a day.

Loss of muscle

Women in their 40s start losing muscle mass. Having less muscle means less endurance, strength, coordination and slower metabolism. Start doing progressive strength training at least twice a week.

Osteoporosis

As we age we also lose bone mass. Bones, like muscles, are living tissue. They respond well to weight bearing exercise such as: jogging, walking, dancing, hiking, climbing stairs or playing tennis. Add a diet rich in Calcium and Vitamin D.

Perimenopause

Hormone levels start to fluctuate. This may lead to irregular periods or heavy bleeding. Some menstrual changes may be due to other causes such as cancer or fibroids.

Type 2 Diabetes

Blood sugar screening should be done yearly to detect diabetes. Healthy lifestyle can prevent or at least slow down the progress of diabetes.

Eye Disease

Get your eyes checked once a year for age related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma.

Stress

In their 40s, women have unique stress factors. They may juggle work, children, aging parents and their own changing bodies. Yoga, meditation, and retreats with other women will help you stay mentally balanced.

Our 40s are a good time to focus on the importance of maintaining good health for the next chapter of our life. The good news is that most of the health risks in our 40's and beyond are preventable with a healthy lifestyle, which starts with a healthy nutrition plan and regular exercise.