Men and women have different body types and biological needs that give rise to specific health concerns that are more bothersome for women than men. For example, women are more prone to breast cancer, osteoporosis and depression, although men can get them too. Here are few medical conditions that are of great concern to women:
Heart Disease
Many people think of heart disease as a man's problem, but it is also a major women's health threat. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability among women in their 60s. Women develop heart problems 7-8 years later in life than men. Although more men die of heart disease than women, women are less likely to survive heart attacks than men. This may be because women are more likely to delay seeking treatment as they don't recognize the symptoms of a heart attack, which can be different from the symptoms that men experience. Women are more likely to experience symptoms like unusual fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, indigestion and anxiety.
To reduce your risk of heart disease:
- Don't smoke. Also avoid exposure to secondhand smoke (passive smoke).
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol level.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Keep your blood sugar under control, if you have diabetes.
- Eat a balanced diet low in salt, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and refined sugars. Fruits, raw vegetables, whole grains, and lean cuts of fresh fish all promote a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak, brittle and may break easily. It occurs in both genders, but is more common in women. One in three women and one in eight men in India suffer from osteoporosis. Peak bone mass is reached at the age of around 30. After this age, bone mass starts to decrease at a rate of one percent per year. Before menopause, women lose bone at a rate comparable to men (rate of one percent per year). After menopause, women lose bone two to six times faster than premenopausal women due to the loss of estrogen, female sex hormone (the rate returns to one percent 10 years after menopause). Therefore, it is important to maximize bone building when young and slow down age-related bone loss after the age of 30.
It is never too late to keep bones strong and avoid fractures. The best way is to protect your bones by eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and indulging in weight-bearing exercises such as running, walking and lifting weights.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and affects approximately one million women worldwide. Though the cause of breast cancer is unknown, genetic and/or hormonal factors are considered as the primary causes for breast cancer. Age, family history of breast cancer, reproductive and menstrual history, being overweight or obese after menopause, drinking alcohol are some risk factors for breast cancer.
To reduce your risk of breast cancer:
- Avoid alcohol or minimize its consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity, like brisk walking, five days a week.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Some vegetables for breast cancer protection include dark leafy greens (like spinach, kale), cruciferous vegetables (like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli), tomatoes and carrots. Avoid high-fat foods.
- Do not take prescription estrogens unless medically indicated.
Depression
Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression. Although the exact reason for this difference is not known, but hormonal and psychosocial factors unique to women may be related to depression. For example: hormonal changes particularly after pregnancy (postpartum) or around menopause can lead to depression. The symptoms of depression include: feeling sad, depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, feeling guilty, unintended weight loss or gain, loss of appetite, lack of energy and fatigue.
Women of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to develop depression as they are more likely to struggle with financial problems, discrimination, issues of unemployment or underemployment, and lack of education. Other risk factors include past sexual or physical abuse and marital conflict.
The key to depression recovery is to start small and ask for help. Although you may feel like being alone, but it is important to reach out to others as isolation fuels depression. Let your family and friends know what you are going through and how they can support you. Lifestyle changes can also have a bog impact on depression. Some of the strategies that can be very effective include practicing relaxation techniques (like meditation), managing stress, getting regular exercise and sleep.
I agree that women are very much prone to these diseases. Best way to avoid these diseases is to workout atleast 3/week for 40 min. THere are lots of benefits of exercising.