Women are the caregivers in every family. They take care of their loved ones when they’re sick and ensure everyone gets the nutrition and exercise they need to stay healthy.
Women’s health is often put on the back burner because they’re so busy caring for everyone else. However, it’s essential to make their health a priority too. Here are five of the most common diseases for women and how to prevent them.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Heart disease happens when plaque builds up in your arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through them. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke, both of which are deadly. Here are ways you can prevent heart disease:
Exercise
This is the most important thing you can do to prevent heart disease. Staying active has many benefits for your heart health, including preventing clogged arteries. Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet is crucial for preventing heart disease. Here are some great diet plans to avoid heart disease:
- Paleo: This diet revolves around eating whole, unprocessed foods.
- Mediterranean: This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
- DASH: This diet is designed to lower blood pressure.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer. It’s the most common cancer among women, but men can get it too. Breast cancer happens when cells in your breast begin to grow out of control. You’re more likely to get breast cancer if you have a family history, are over 50, or have certain genetic mutations. However, there are things you can do to lower your risk:
Get screened regularly
Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when it’s most treatable. Talk to your doctor about how often you should get one.
Limit alcohol
Drinking alcohol raises your risk of breast cancer. This is because alcohol can damage the DNA in your cells and lead to cancer. If you drink alcohol, limit it to one drink a day.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It’s often called the “silent disease” because there are usually no symptoms until a bone is broken. Women are especially at risk for osteoporosis because they have smaller, thinner bones than men. Here are ways to prevent this from happening:
Increase Calcium Intake
Calcium is connected to stronger bones. The recommended calcium for women over 50 is 1200 mg per day. You can get calcium from dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and supplements.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. You can get vitamin D from sunshine, certain foods, and supplements.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children and is also on the rise in adults. Tooth decay happens when plaque builds up on teeth and attacks the enamel. This can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Additionally, since women experience more hormone imbalances than men, their dental health is also affected. Here are ways you can prevent tooth decay:
Get Braces
If your teeth are misaligned, you’re more likely to get cavities. Getting braces can help prevent this by making brushing and flossing your teeth easier. If you don’t want something too obvious, consider getting Invisalign retainers. These kinds of braces are clear and nearly invisible. It’s great if you want to straighten your teeth without people knowing.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay. It’s often added to water supplies and toothpaste. You can also get fluoride treatments at the dentist.
Brush Twice a Day
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. This will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. However, don’t brush overzealously, as this can damage your enamel.
Depression
One in eight women will experience depression at some point in their lives. Depression is more than just feeling sad or down; it’s an actual medical condition that can affect every aspect of your life. If you’re experiencing depression, here are some options to treat it:
Talk to Your Doctor
Your doctor can help you determine if you’re experiencing depression. He or she can also prescribe medication or refer you to a therapist.
Therapy
If you’re dealing with depression, therapy can be beneficial. A therapist can help you understand your thoughts and feelings and develop coping mechanisms.
Exercise
Doing some physical activities releases a hormone called endorphins, which can help improve your mood. Even a moderate amount of exercise can make a big difference.
Women are susceptible to a lot of different diseases and conditions. However, there are ways to prevent or treat them. By being aware of these risks and taking steps to stay healthy, you can live a long and happy life.
