Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
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I’d say that most women agree that it pays to look after your health regularly. Any extra time between health screenings and check-ups can leave you open for major women’s health concerns. For this reason, it’s imperative for all women to get the recommended screenings and health work-ups for their particular age group. I’ve compiled a list of 4 things that can strike any woman at any time. Take a look and continue to research how you can better serve your health in the future.
Major Women’s Health Concerns #1: Heart Disease
According to the American Heart Association, “Cardiovascular diseases and stroke cause 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. An estimated 44 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases. 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke.”
These statistics might surprise you, as they do many. The fact that heart disease is so common among women is reason enough for you to take this information seriously. You need to know how to identify symptoms and how to prevent it.
First of all, it’s important to know the main risk factors contributing to heart disease in women. Some of them are unavoidable, such as age and heredity. But some are things that are completely in your control with lifestyle changes and/or medical intervention. These things include smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, high cholesterol, obesity, poor diet, little to no exercise, and high level of stress. Talk to your doctor about how you can lower your risk of heart disease…do it soon.
Symptoms of Potential Heart Issues in Women
- Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pain in one or both arms.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sweating.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Unusual fatigue.
Major Women’s Health Concerns #2: Breast Cancer
It’s important that you educate yourself on the various forms of breast cancer. Spotting early signs can literally save your life in some cases. Unfortunately, there are some things that are out of your control where your risk is concerned. Some experts believe that heredity and environmental conditions play a large role in whether a woman will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. And, though, this may be true, don’t feel like you can’t do something to prevent or, at least, minimize your risk.
Obviously, you can do what you can to have a healthy lifestyle, including physical and mental health. Practices that you should do consistently are monthly self-exams of your breast and underarm area, annual breast exam by a physician, regular mammography or thermography of your breasts. Your doctor can also advise you on any other tests or preventative measures you can take. Furthermore, should you find any unusual lump, tenderness, dimpling, or breast discharge, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Major Women’s Health Concerns #3: Varicose Veins
Although not as serious as heart disease or cancer, 33% of women will develop varicose veins in their lifetime. This is 16% higher than the percentage of men who have the condition. It is a common disease that affects the quality of life in both sexes. “In fact, more people are unable to work due to vein disorders than due to arterial disease,” according to the Vascular Disease Foundation.
Varicose veins can be embarrassing, and at their worst even painful, so it is helpful to know what you can do. Fortunately, there are a vein treatment options that most insurance companies cover. One particularly popular treatment option is endovenous laser ablation, which can effectively help destroy the affected tissue. Consult your doctor if you think you are developing varicose veins. He or she can advise you on what your best treatment options are for your condition.
Major Women’s Health Concerns #4: Autoimmune Diseases
I happen to know a thing or two about autoimmune disease because I’ve lived with it. I also know that many of the AI conditions have similar symptoms that are not always easy to classify as one condition over another. Furthermore, “specialists are generally unaware of interrelationships among the different autoimmune diseases or advances in treatment outside their own specialty area.” (AARDA website)
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc., “autoimmune disease is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in female children and women in all age groups up to 64 years of age.” That’s a damn good reason to pay attention to your health and any new symptoms that occur. Should you find yourself with an autoimmune diagnosis, I strongly encourage you to do thorough research about all types of treatment options, lifestyle changes, and various support organizations. Knowledge is empowering, and you deserve the best and most effective care possible.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
