Making Women’s Health A Priority

There are many misconceptions surrounding women’s health, including which health issues impact women more than men. For example, heart disease is the #1 cause of death for women in the U.S. But with proper education, regular health check ups, prevention through screenings, and healthy habits, women can reduce their risk.

Heart Disease is the #1 cause of death for women in the U.S.

Over 60 million women are living with some form of heart disease. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is caused by plaque buildup in arterial walls and refers to conditions that include:

•Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

•Cerebrovascular disease

•Peripheral artery disease

•Aortic atherosclerotic

Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death for women in the U.S.

Lung cancer – The 2^nd most common cancer in women in the US and the leading cause of cancer death. Tobacco use is the leading cause of lung cancer, though not all people who get lung cancer use tobacco. Lung cancer screenings are recommended in those aged 50 or older who currently smoke or formerly smoked.

Breast cancer – The most common cancer in women in the U.S. and is the 2^nd leading cause of cancer death. Mammograms are key in early breast cancer detection and help decrease breast cancer deaths. A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breasts used to screen for breast cancer. It is the best screening test available today to find breast cancer in most women. A mammogram can find breast cancer in a person years before physical symptoms develop. Mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40.

Colorectal cancer – The 3^rd  most common cancer in women in the U.S. and is the 3^rd leading cause of cancer death.  Several lifestyle factors contribute to the development of colorectal cancer such as a high intake of processed meats and low intake of fruits and vegetables, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for everyone beginning at the age of 45 and until the age of 75. Several tests are available to screen for colon cancer including colonoscopies and Cologuard. Which test is used may depend on your preferences, medical conditions, personal or family history of colorectal cancer, genes, and resources you have available to you. Talk to your provider about which test is right for you

Cervical cancer – The 4th most common cancer in women in the U.S. The HPV vaccination protects against the types of HPV that cause 90% of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer screens are done through a pap test and should be done every three years in women aged 21 to 65 years of age

Stroke is the 3^rd leading cause of death for women in the U.S.

Stroke affects 1 in 5 women between the ages of 55 to 75 and the risk for stroke increases with age. The main risk factor for heart disease and stroke in women is high blood pressure. Aim for a blood pressure reading below 120/80.

Healthy lifestyle and prevention tips for daily practice

Prevention tips for women

•Do not use tobacco products

•Use sun protection when you are outside

•Maintain a healthy weight

•Stay physically active, moving at least 30 minutes on most days

•Get 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night

Create a healthy plate

•Choose lean proteins and low-fat dairy products

•Healthy fats like olive oil and avocados

•Fiber rich foods like whole grains (oats, barley) and legumes and beans (chickpeas, lentils)

•Phytonutrient-rich foods like whole fruits and veggies (skin on) that are a variety of colors in the rainbow

Limit or avoid processed foods

•Reduce highly processed, including fast food, packaged snack foods like chips, cookies, baked goods, and candy.

•Avoid sugary beverages such as sweetened coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcohol.

•Cut back on caffeine, try to drink more water.

Reach out to your provider to learn more.