Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
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Unfortunately, men and women aren’t created equally in a biological sense. And, as a result, there are some health conditions that affect women more than men. But, surprisingly, we women rarely speak to each other about these serious conditions. That all needs to change. By talking to each other about our health, we raise awareness. And then more and more women will know to get important tests and checkups, so they can catch potentially dangerous conditions early. So, which health conditions are women at most risk for? Here are some of the main ones.
Heart Disease
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the #1 killer of women. In fact, it causes one in every three deaths in the United States each year. Holy let’s each more oatmeal, ladies!
The scary thing is that heart problems don’t show up the same for women as they do for men. Symptoms can even vary from woman to woman. I recently had a blood pressure scare that really reminded me of how delicate we women can really be. My issue was more about a medication I was taking but still jolted me out of the land of complacency where my heart health is concerned. Do yourself a favor- no matter how old you are- and do some research about women and heart disease.
Osteoporosis
Women tend to have thinner bones than men, which puts them at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. But, according to Body Health Info, there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk. For instance, increasing your daily intake of vitamin D and calcium can greatly help. Getting plenty of exercise can help to strengthen bones and muscles, as well, which is a great way to combat the disease.
Mental Illness
Studies have proven that more women suffer from mental health conditions than men. Especially when it comes to anxiety and depression. One of the most common types of depression to affect women is postpartum. This occurs after the birth of a child. There are many symptoms of this disease that vary in each case. The main ones are a feeling of irritability, extreme emotions, and a loss of interest in the new baby. If you think you may be suffering from postnatal depression, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. He or she will be able to provide you with any necessary medication and treatment.
Stroke
It is important that all women know how to identify the symptoms of a stroke. More women have strokes than men. That is because some of the risk factors are completely unique to us ladies. They include pregnancy and using hormone replacement therapies. Symptoms of a stroke include a sudden numbness in the face, as well as sudden confusion. You can also experience difficulty speaking. Keep in mind that some of these symptoms can also be experienced during a complex migraine, so make sure you seek medical attention if you are not sure what is happening. It’s important to get help as soon as possible after a stroke to prevent potential serious and permanent damage to your brain.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infections seem to affect a lot more women than men. Thankfully, there are a few steps to prevent them. Drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to prevent a UTI. Emptying your bladder right after sex can help as well. If you do get a UTI, it should go away by itself after a few days. However, if it gets quite painful or won’t subside, you should visit your doctor. They can become serious and affect other parts of the urinary tract.
**** 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.
