5 Health Issues That Women Care About Most, And What You Can Do.
Women tend to be more health conscious than men, which is why it's important to know what they're most concerned about. Today, we'll discuss five of the most important health issues for women.
Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and arthritis are some of the concerns that women have when it comes to their own health. But there are many ways you can take care of yourself and your body. Here are some simple things you can do today to ensure good health for tomorrow.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with cardiovascular disease accounting for more than one million deaths each year.
A risk factor for heart disease includes high blood pressure, which can lead to strokes or heart attacks. There are many ways to manage your blood pressure, but you should always consult with your doctor before changing medications or dosages. A low-salt diet can also help lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the United States. It's a difficult disease that can be life-threatening and has long-term effects on quality of life.
While there is no such thing as a "miracle cure" for cancer, there are many ways you can minimize your risk of developing the illness.
Regular exercise and good nutrition will help reduce your risk of developing cancer by up to 30 percent. You should also avoid smoking, limit your alcohol consumption and maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risks of cancer.
It's important to make sure you're getting regular check-ups with your doctor as well as screenings for breast, cervical and colon cancers. Early detection is key when it comes to treating cancer before it becomes more complicated.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that causes the body to produce too much of the hormone insulin. Many women don't know if they have it until it's diagnosed, and this can lead to serious health complications.
The good news? It's easy to prevent or manage diabetes with a few lifestyle changes. If you're at risk for diabetes and notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor:
* Increased thirst
* Increased hunger
* Excessive urination
* Weight loss
* Blurred vision
* Dry mouth and skin
Osteoporosis
Every year, about 1.5 million people in the United States develop a bone fracture as a result of osteoporosis. This condition is caused by low bone density which results in brittle bones that are more likely to break from a fall or other injury.
Now, there's no cure for this disease and it can't be prevented, but there are many lifestyle changes and medicines you can take to reduce your risk of developing it.
One simple thing you can do is drink your milk! Studies show that people who consume three glasses of milk each day have a lower risk of developing osteoporosis than those who don't drink any milk at all. It's also important to maintain a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens or canned salmon with bones.
An easy way to increase your calcium intake is through supplements. You should talk to your doctor before taking any supplements because they may interact with medications you're already taking and certain vitamins and minerals may not be appropriate for you if you have other health conditions like kidney disease or diabetes. If you want to take supplements, the National Osteoporosis Foundation suggests calcium citrate as the best type of supplement for women over 50.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in women, and sadly, it's a condition that can be both painful and debilitating.
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints over time.
The symptoms of arthritis can include pain, stiffness or aching in the joints, joint stiffness and joint warmth.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms. For example, you may want to consider using iced packs for joint pain relief or wearing special braces to lessen joint strain.
It isn't just physical symptoms that need addressing too; arthritis sufferers often find themselves struggling with mental issues as well. Feelings of isolation, increased anxiety and depression are all common side effects of living with arthritis.
Conclusion
Women are often concerned about their health and it's important to be educated on what is going on with their own body. From the common cold to more serious conditions like arthritis, diabetes and heart disease, it's important to know what your options are.
Click through for more information on the most commonly discussed health issues facing women and what you can do to address them.
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