Problems of healthy women

Women and men share many similar health problems, but women also have their own health issues, which deserve special consideration. Women’s lives have changed over the centuries. Historically, life was particularly difficult for most women. Aside from the numerous dangers and diseases, women became wives and mothers often when they were just emerging from their own childhood. Many women had a multitude of pregnancies which may or may not have been wanted. In the past, childbirth itself was risky and not infrequently, led to the death of the mother. Most women in the past did not live long enough to be concerned about menopause or old age.

In 1900, a woman's life span was about 50 years. Now, in the new millennium, life expectancy for American women is 82 years of age, and continuing to rise. Not only are women living longer, but they also have the possibility of enjoying a better quality of life throughout their span of years. But to do this, it is essential that women take charge of their own bodies and comprehend how they can maximize their health and fitness. It is also helpful that men understand and are supportive of the health concerns of the women. Gynecology is the primary branch of medical science concerned with women's health issues. The word "gynecology" is a word consisting of "gyneco," meaning "woman," and "logic," meaning "knowledge." Taken together, it is "woman knowledge."

It is important that every woman has access to knowledge related to the spectrum of women's health issues, not only about her reproductive system, but about all aspects of her body.

Women's general health and wellness:

There is credible information available to women not only on such problems as eating disorders, stress, alcoholism, addictions, and depression, but also on basic topics such as good nutrition, heart health, and exercise. For example, it is beneficial that a woman maintain her optimum weight. If a woman's waist size measures more than 35 inches (89 cm), she is more likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Eating sensible meals, eliminating after- dinner snacks, and making physical activity a part of daily life are significant ways to help control weight and lower the risk of a long list of health problems.

Smoking is detrimental to a anyone's health and to the health of those around them. Unfortunately, women continue to smoke despite the known health risks. Even though the number of women smoking is declining, still about 16% of women in the U.S. are smokers. Women are smoking in spite of the well-publicized risks of lung disease including cancer, heart disease, and innumerable other health problems now linked to smoking.

Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol is also harmful to health. Although women typically begin drinking at a later age than men and tend to drink somewhat less, lower doses of alcohol are required for women to develop alcohol-related medical problems including alcohol toxicity, cirrhosis, and hepatitis. Women should be aware that they metabolize a number of drugs differently than men. In some cases and for some medications, the rate of metabolism may be slower, and in other cases, faster. It is, therefore, essential that women are well informed about the kinds and correct dosages of drugs they are taking.

Up to date insight on women's health issues and the latest women's health research from Harvard Medical School

Women’s health concerns cover a wide spectrum. While many health conditions affect both men and women, a number of health issues affect only women and some are more prevalent in women. In addition, a number of medical conditions may cause different symptoms in women, affect women differently than men, and may require different treatment or prevention protocols.

Besides conditions such as menopause, ovarian and cervical cancer, and pregnancy, which are unique to women, other medical conditions play a large role in women’s health. Breast cancer and osteoporosis are thought of as women’s health concerns, although they occur in men. Heart disease in a serious concern to both men and women, but risk factors and preventive strategies may differ in women, and women may experience different symptoms of an impending heart attack than men. Women may have greater concerns over aging, care giving, emotional health issues, and skin care.

Harvard Health Publications and the faculty of Harvard Medical School have created Harvard Women's Health Watch, a monthly newsletter focusing on women's health issues, along with in-depth special health reports that cover a wide range of women's health research topics. From chronic medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid and lung diseases, to foot care, sleep disturbances, urinary tract problems, and sexuality, you'll find credible, reliable information on women's health issues from the experts at Harvard Medical School. From preventive care and screenings, symptoms and diagnosis, to treatment strategies, medications and resources, you'll get all the women's health research you need to make educated decisions and take charge of your health.

The biggest threats to women's health are often preventable. Here's what you need to know to live a longer, healthier life. By Mayo Clinic Staff Many of the leading threats to women's health can be prevented - if you know how. The top causes of death among adult women in the U.S. include heart disease, stroke, cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Take the first step to protect yourself by talking with your doctor about your risk factors for these conditions. Then get serious about reducing your risk.

Manage chronic conditions and get recommended screenings

If you have health problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, that increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. Also be sure to consult your doctor about when you should have mammograms and other cancer screenings.

Adopt a healthier lifestyle:

While you can't eliminate risk factors such as family history, you can control many other risk factors for heart disease, stroke and cancer. For example:

If you smoke or use other tobacco products, asks your doctor to help you quit. It's also important to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat, added sugar and sodium. Losing excess pounds - and keeping them off can lower your risk of heart disease as well as various types of cancer. Include physical activity in your daily routine. You know exercise can help you control your weight and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. But did you know that it may also lower your risk of certain types of cancer? Choose activities you enjoy, from brisk walking to ballroom dancing. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. For women that means no more than one drink a day. The risk of various types of cancer -including breast and liver - appears to increase with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you've been drinking regularly. If you feel constantly on edge or under assault, your lifestyle habits may suffer - and so might your immune system. Take steps to reduce stress - or learn to deal with stress in healthy ways.