The Importance of Women’s Health
We are Gods handiwork, and His word declares that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” He has prepared this living mind and body, as A temple which the Lord himself has fitted, for the indwelling of the holy spirit. This physical organism should have special care, so that the powers of the mind and body may be developed to their full extent in every thing we do, as we honor our Lord and Savior physically, mentally, and most of all spiritually.
It is imperative for women to be healthy as they play a very vital role in maintaining the health of their family and the community as well. Statistics shows that 14 percent of women aged 18 years or older are in fair or poor health- 62 percent of women aged 20 years or older are overweight- 33 percent of women aged 20 years or older have hypertension, Heart Disease, diabetes, and strokes are among the top causes of death among women.
The six leading health problems for women are Breast cancer, Heart complications, osteoporosis, depression, colon/rectal cancer, and alcohol abuse. All woman should begin a health program, dedicated to improving diet, exercise, sleep, water intake and regular checkups.
BREAST CANCER: Based on current breast cancer incidence rates, experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life.
The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman’s risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. Due to the increased use of mammography, most women in the United States are diagnosed at an early stage of breast cancer, before symptoms appear. However, not all breast cancers are found through mammography. The most common symptoms of breast cancer are a change in the look or feel of the breast, a change in the look or feel of the nipple and nipple discharge. “What’s my risk of breast cancer?” is a question many women ask their doctors. Doctors have tools to help estimate a woman’s personal risk. Most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors besides age. Many women with one or more risk factors never get breast cancer. So it’s impossible to know who will actually get breast cancer.
Factors that affect a woman’s risk of breast cancer include:
1. Age. The strongest risk factor is age. Risk goes up as a woman gets older. Most women who get breast cancer are older than 50.
2. Personal history of breast cancer. Women who have had breast cancer in one breast are more likely to get it in the other breast.
3. Family history. Having a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer increases a woman’s risk. The risk is higher if her family member got breast cancer before age 40. A woman’s risk also is increased if more than one family member on either her mother’s or father’s side of the family has had breast cancer.
What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer?
1. Lifestyle changes have been shown in studies to decrease breast cancer risk even in high-risk women. The following are steps you can take to lower your risk:
2. Limit alcohol.
3. Don’t smoke. Accumulating evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. In addition, not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
4. Control your weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
5. Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
6. Breast-feed. Breast-feeding may play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
7. Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you’re taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you.
8. Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation, which have been linked with breast cancer risk. Reduce your exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and exposure to the chemicals found in some workplaces, gasoline fumes and vehicle exhaust.
Heart: More difficult to diagnose in women, heart disease is now number one health risk.
Women have smaller arteries less likely to show on standard tests and angiograms. Blocked and clogged blood vessels cause the heart muscle to die. Indigestion and heartburn may be ignored signs of heart problems. Women are more likely to suffer a second heart attack if prevention measures are not implemented
At Risk: Women with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.
Prevention: Diet, exercise, check-ups, also you need to watch caffeine, alcohol intake, and don’t start smoking smoking.
Osteoporosis: Bone deterioration is more common. Lack of calcium and vitamin D contribute to lower levels of bone density. Bones become porous, allowing fractures or breakage. Calcium and vitamin D improve structure, strengthen and rebuild bone loss.
At Risk: Elderly, women more than men, sedentary lifestylers with no exercise and have other health factors (diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure and cholesterol)
Prevention: Add calcium and vitamin D to diet. Begin vitamin routine early, Vitamin stores like a reserve supply as you age. Exercise. Healthy diet. Yearly A bone density test.
Colon/Rectal Cancer: A leading death cause in women is colon-rectal cancer. Doctors recommend a colonoscopy and results dictate how often you repeat, usually three to five years. Any change in bowel habits warrants visits to family doctor or gastroenterologists. African and Asian women are in high-risk groups, along with family history of colon or intestinal polyps. At Risk: Poor diets, obesity, lack of exercise, African and Asian women, alcohol, smoking, and family history.
Prevention: Plenty of exercise, plenty of water, green vegetables, high fiber foods, limit sugar and alcohol, eight hours sleep, yearly check-up.
Depression: One in four women suffers from depression. Causes associated with hormonal changes, menopause, pregnancy, post-partum, substance abuse and daily and family stress factors. To “feel better”, women turn to substance abuse and alcohol to relieve the underlying cause of depression. See your doctor immediately;
At Risks: Unhealthy women. Depression may exacerbate existing health issues as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity, and heart disease.
Prevention: Healthy nutrition, fitness programs, sleep. Visit doctor. Deep
breathing exercises. Relax time. Schedule activities for idle time.
Alcoholism: High alcohol levels show higher cancer risks. Alcohol abuse links with esophageal cancer, colon, rectal, pancreatic and liver. Alcohol slowly eats away cells and their ability to fight back. The liver is the body’s filter. Alcohol is depression drug of choice. Some medical experts say women are unhappier than any time in modern day history.
At Risk: Depressed women, poor diets, no exercise, sleep disorders,
Prevention: No alcohol, acquire better diet habits, plan time to exercise, get plenty of sleep and lots of water.
We also ask that if you are experiencing any of these conditions, that you do speak with your doctor and discuss what your treatment options may be in order to correct them.