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Women's Health Month
The month of May is a celebration of women and their contributions to our lives and society. This month, let's remember to focus on the health and wellbeing of the women in our lives, and encourage them to practice good health for a lifetime.
Today's Woman
Due to great advances in technology and medicine, women are living far longer than their early-20th century counterpart. The major causes of death for women at the beginning of the century were infectious diseases. By the end of the century, the major causes of death were chronic illnesses. While much changed in women's health during the 20th century, one important factor did not: the major causes of death and disease remained largely preventable.
In 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the leading causes of death for females of all ages and races were heart disease, cancer and stroke. While many of the leading threats to women's health can be prevented, you have to know how.
Below is a list of the top five threats to women's health compiled from statistics provided by the CDC, Mayo Clinic and other organizations. Review the list and then take steps to promote women's health.
No. 1 -- Heart disease
Heart disease isn't just a man's disease. Heart disease is also a major women's health threat. To prevent heart disease:
• Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fiber and fish. Cut back on foods high in saturated fat and sodium
• If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations
• Include physical activity in your daily routine
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control
• Manage stress
No. 2 -- Cancer
The most common cause of cancer deaths among women is lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer and colorectal cancer also pose major women's health threats. To reduce your risk of cancer:
• Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• Include physical activity in your daily routine
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods
• Limit your sun exposure. When you're outdoors, use sunscreen
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation
• Consult your doctor for regular cancer screenings
• Reduce exposure to cancer-causing substances (carcinogens), such as radon, asbestos, radiation and air pollution
• Breastfeed, if you can
No. 3 -- Stroke
You can't control some stroke risk factors, such as age, family history, sex or race. But you can take these steps to reduce your risk of stroke:
• Don't smoke
• If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations
• Limit the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. Try to avoid trans fat entirely
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Include physical activity in your daily routine
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation
No. 4 -- COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung conditions, including bronchitis and emphysema. To prevent COPD:
• Don't smoke. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• Minimize exposure to chemicals and air pollution
No. 5 -- Alzheimer's disease
There's no proven way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, but consider taking these steps:
• Take care of your heart. High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's
• Avoid head injuries. There appears to be a link between head injury and future risk of Alzheimer's
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Include physical activity in your daily routine
• Avoid tobacco
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation
• Stay socially active
• Maintain mental fitness. Practice mental exercises, and take steps to learn new things
To learn more about these diseases, log onto georgiahealthinfo.gov .