Women’s Health: Top Concerns and What to do About Them
Being a woman carries a number of health risks. Some are shared with men, but even then they usually have a unique impact on women. Below we share a list of top women’s health concerns and insights on how to address them.
Before we offer that list, though, we first should acknowledge a risk to women’s health that isn’t health related: medical professionals’ views of women’s health concerns.
A 2019 Today Show story noted that women’s concerns often are dismissed, in part because women are viewed as being more anxious than men. “The evidence shows that being male or female has profound effects on your health,” said Dr. Janine Austin Clayton, director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health.
With that as context, it seems the most important action a woman can take for her health would be to advocate for herself, ensuring that her concerns are taken seriously – especially when addressing the following health issues.
Heart disease. The No. 1 cause of death among women, heart disease has many causes, from diet to genetics to unrelated medical issues. The best defense? Healthy living, for one, but also regular screenings that allow for early detection and treatment. Learn more.
Stroke. Strokes affect thousands more women than men each year. Fortunately, 80% of strokes are avoidable through healthy living and timely reactions to early warning signs. Learn more.
Breast cancer. The most common cancer among women, breast cancer kills thousands of people each year. By the same token, millions of breast cancer survivors are alive today thanks to advances in detection and treatment. The bottom line: Self-checks and mammograms save lives every day. Learn more.
Maternal health issues. An unacceptably high number of American women die each year as a result of issues related to childbirth. Better preconception care and healthcare during pregnancy, especially for women of color, would make a big difference. Learn more.
Mental health issues. Untreated depression and anxiety can absolutely wreck a woman’s life, physically, socially, emotionally, and more. While some symptoms and issues can be managed personally, it’s essential that women seek professional help if typical stress or sadness becomes too much to handle. Learn more.
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a risk for nearly 30 million women, threatening to leave them frail, hunched over, and in pain. Fortunately, it often can be avoided through healthy choices, most notably diet and exercise. Learn more.
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Tags: health, Healthy Choices, women's health