Women's health is important for a variety of reasons. One reason is that women are often the caregivers for their families. They take care of their children, spouses, elderly parents and other family members. This can be physically and emotionally demanding, and it is important for women to make sure they are taking care of themselves as well.
Another reason why women's health is important is that certain health issues disproportionately affect women. According to the Australian government, dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is the number one killer of Australian women, accounting for 12% of deaths. It is followed by coronary heart disease, which is responsible for 9% of deaths among women despite being thought of as a man's disease. Osteoporosis is also a major health issue for women, and it can lead to debilitating fractures later in life.
Common Health Concerns That Affect Women
While both men and women are susceptible to a variety of health conditions like cardiovascular disease, mental health issues and a wide range of infectious diseases, there are certain risk factors that make women more prone to poor health.
The risk of breast cancer is high in 80 percent of middle-aged women, with several factors potentially contributing to it. Other common health concerns that women face include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, anxiety-related conditions and affective disorders. These conditions can have a serious impact on a woman's quality of life, so it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to avoid developing them.
There are also a number of common problems with the female reproductive system that can affect women's health. These include menstrual cramps, PMS, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cervical cancer and ovarian cysts. If you or the women in your life are experiencing any of these issues, it is extremely crucial that you seek treatment from a qualified healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Different Factors Affecting Women's Health
A woman's health can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. Her age and stage of life are other determinants of health. For example, a pregnant woman's dietary allowance for folic acid is higher than that of non-pregnant women to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Premature birth and stillbirth are not uncommon incidents that many women experience as a result of inadequate prenatal care and nutrition. On the other hand, elderly and middle-aged women may need to adjust their diet and physical activity to avoid chronic conditions and injuries that can lead to fractured bones or death.
Unlike genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors are things that women have control over. They can reduce their risk of heart disease, human papillomavirus, inflammatory disease or other infectious diseases by avoiding common health risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and promiscuous sexual activities, among others.
Source: cdc.gov
How to Prevent Disease in Women of All Ages
Providing women access to quality health care is key to protecting them from developing or dying from long-term health conditions. Women's health should not be attended to only once they start manifesting symptoms; their health should be a top priority. Here are some simple steps all women out there can take to identify potential health risks and protect themselves:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a balanced diet
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol excessively
- Undergo a pelvic exam annually if you're between the ages of 21 and 65
- Stay hydrated
- Wear sunscreen when outdoors
- See your doctor for regular check-ups
Women's health is unique and complex, so it's important to be aware of all the factors that can influence it. By understanding the various things that can affect your health, you can take steps to improve your wellbeing and reduce your risk of disease.
