Top Five Diseases That Affect Women’s Health

1. Top Five Diseases That Affect Women’s Health
As women race through their days, many don’t stop to focus on their own health and well-being. For
this reason, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health has
designated as Women’s Health. This marks the 17th time the week has been recognized in an effort to
encourage women to take ownership of their health.
While women’s health concerns may change as they age, five of the top health concerns faced by
women include:
Heart disease. Heart disease accounts for more than 22 percent of female deaths according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are multiple contributing factors to heart disease:
high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Exercise and other healthy lifestyle choices can help
reduce your risk of heart disease.
Cancer. The Susan G. Komen foundation shares that one in eight women who lives to the age of 85 is
at risk for breast cancer. Fortunately, with early detection, survival rates can be quite high. To protect
themselves, women regularly should be completing self-breast exams, scheduling routine
mammograms and seeking testing to see if they have any markers that could signify malignant tumors
in any area of the body.
Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases. This is often more recognizable as chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) and includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. While pollutants and
chemical toxins may contribute to the development of these diseases, smokers get COPD nearly 12
times as frequently as non-smokers.
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2. Stroke. Strokes are caused by blood clots that prevent blood from reaching the brain. According to
Harvard Medical School, high blood pressure is the No. 1 risk factor for developing blood clots. Be
sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you are a smoker or using oral
contraception. In addition, having a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking, can help reduce the
chance of developing a blood clot.
Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, women are twice as likely to be
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Age, family history and heredity are the most common risk factors. While
there is still much to learn about the disease, scientists are looking at the impact of exercise, diet and
brain-engaging activities as potential ways to help keep the disease at bay.
So, ladies, celebrate Women’s Health Week by becoming more informed about the state of your own
health, working with a doctor to address any issues and making lifestyle changes that will help you live
your healthiest life yet!
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