Did you know that women live longer than men by an average of 6 to 8 years?
While no one knows exactly why this is the case, it’s partly due to the fact that women are at a lower risk of engaging in harmful behaviors like smoking and drinking.
However, even though they tend to outlive men, women still have a variety of health concerns to worry about. What should you watch out for as a woman?
Check out this guide to learn about the top health problems women face.
1. Heart Disease
Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in women for a long time. In fact, one in three women in the US suffers from some form of heart disease or cardiovascular disease.
Luckily, heart disease is 100 percent preventable with the right diet and exercise routine. Avoiding smoking can also help lower your risk of developing heart or cardiovascular disease.
2. Cancer
Cancer is another serious health problem that many women face. When most of us think of women and cancer, we think breast cancer.
While breast cancer is very serious and prevalent, skin cancer is actually more common in women. Additionally, lung, uterine, and colon cancers combined account for almost as many cancer cases as breast cancer.
To detect breast cancer early, make sure you keep up with your mammogram appointments. Also, you should perform self-exams every month in the shower. To prevent skin cancer, the best thing you can do is stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen.
You also want to make sure you choose a healthcare provider that covers treatment for the cancers for which you’re at most risk of developing. You can check out this women’s healthcare guide to learn about choosing the right provider.
3. Strokes
Someone suffers from a stroke every 40 seconds in the US. And every four minutes, someone in the US dies from a stroke.
Luckily, there’s a lot that you can do as a woman to reduce your risk of suffering from a stroke, including:
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding alcohol consumption
- Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes
- Exercising
- Treating obstructive sleep apnea
It’s also important to understand the warning signs of a stroke, as quick action can prevent serious long-term complications. The signs that you’re having a stroke include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face or arm, especially on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden confusion
- Trouble seeing
- Dizziness or sudden trouble walking
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If you notice any of these symptoms, you should call an ambulance immediately.
4. Obesity and Diabetes
Many women also struggle with obesity and obesity-related illnesses, such as diabetes.
In fact, Type 2 diabetes affects 34 million Americans, making it an epidemic. Luckily obesity and obesity-related illnesses like Type 2 diabetes are 100 percent preventable.
The best thing you can do is to eat a balanced diet and exercise.
Health Problems Women Face: Are You Ready to Improve Your Health?
Now that you know about the main health problems women face, you’ll be better equipped when it comes to managing your own health. Also, remember to always discuss your individual health concerns with your doctor.
And, be sure to peruse our blog for more healthy living tips for women!