6 Health Concerns for Women
Modern women lead busy lives. They are successful business people, mothers, leaders, innovators, nurturers, and so much more. It’s easy to forget to take care of your body when you are so busy running the world. Here are six issues to keep in mind.
1. Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women. It comes in a variety of forms, including heart attack, irregular heartbeat, congenital heart disease, heart murmurs, congestive heart failure, and many more. Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are leading factors in heart disease. Exercise, quitting smoking, and a healthy diet are doctor prescribed ways to avert the onset of heart disease.
2. Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a common disease that affects women all over the world. The earliest signs of breast cancer are abnormal lumps in the breast and chest area or an abnormal mammogram. It is important for women to check themselves regularly, and to see a doctor for checkups. When caught early, breast cancer is treatable. According to WebMD, one in eight women will get the disease during their lifetime.
3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the thinning of the bones. This is especially common in women due to low calcium levels. People with osteoporosis are more prone to bone breakage and fracture, back problems, and a stooped posture. Women with low body weight, who smoke, or have gone through menopause are at high risk. The best preventions are regular exercise, vitamin D, and calcium.
4. Depression
The majority of people who suffer from depression are women. Women are twice as likely to develop clinical depression as men. Symptoms can range from persistent negative moods to loss of interest or energy. Some experience suicidal thoughts. The constant hormone changes in women’s bodies, such as during PMS and pregnancy, could be the cause of the high depression rates in women. The best way to deal with depression is to seek professional help.
5. Reproductive Health
Women face a variety of reproductive health issues. Endometriosis, ovarian cancer, STDs, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are just a few of these diseases. Some, like endometriosis, affect pregnant women. Others, like STDs, are common but no less dangerous. When it comes to reproductive health, women need to be aware of their own bodies.
6. Alzheimer's Disease
Recently, Alzheimer’s has been linked to menopause. This disease manifests itself in short term memory loss, trouble focusing, mood swings, getting lost easily, or being disoriented and easily overwhelmed. The two biggest factors in Alzheimer’s is family history and being over the age of 65. Not much is known about this disease at the moment, but experts recommend keeping the mind as active as the body as you age.