Many women fall into the habit of taking care of the health and wellness needs of other people before they take care of their own. But the fact is women are actually in a better position to provide care for the people most important to them when they make their own health care a top priority.
So, what is women's health anyway? Women's Health is a branch of medicine that focuses on the unique health care needs associated with the female sex. It hones in on the treatment and diagnosis of diseases and conditions that affect a woman's physical and emotional well-being and target women's exclusive health concerns such as: pregnancy, menopause and conditions of the female organs.
An important aspect of women's health is preventative health care for the unique anatomy and physiology of the female sex and the risks that brings for certain diseases.
While both men and women contract various conditions, some health issues affect women differently and more commonly. Furthermore, many women's health conditions go undiagnosed, and most drug trials do not include female test subjects. Even so, women bear unique health concerns, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, menopause and pregnancy.
Women suffer higher heart attack deaths compared to men. Depression and anxiety exhibit more frequently among female patients. Urinary tract conditions present more often in females, and sexually transmitted diseases can cause more harm to women. Some of the conditions that present most frequently in women are heart disease, breast cancer, depression and anxiety.
In the United States, heart disease causes one in every four deaths among women. Although the public considers heart disease a common issue among men, the condition affects males and females nearly equally. Yet, only 54 percent of women realize heart disease is the top health condition threatening their sex. In the United States, 49 percent of patients suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoke -- factors that contribute to heart disease.
Breast cancer, which typically originates in the lining of the milk ducts, can spread to other organs and is the most aggressive cancer affecting the global female population. This condition presents more often among female populations in developed nations due to their extended life spans.
Initially, women afflicted with breast cancer may develop breast lumps. Though most breast lumps are nonthreatening, it is important for women to have each one checked by a care provider.
Natural hormonal fluctuations can lead to depression or anxiety. Premenstrual syndrome (also known as PMS) occurs commonly among women, while premenstrual dysmorphic disorder presents similar, but greatly intensified, symptoms.
Shortly after birth, many mothers acquire a form of depression called the "baby blues," but perinatal depression causes similar -- but much stronger -- concerns, emotional shifts, sadness and tiredness. Perimenopause, the shift into menopause, can also cause depression. No matter how intense the symptoms, care providers can provide relief with prescription or therapeutic treatments.
Throughout life, a physical activity regimen that includes 20-30 minutes of daily cardiac activity (such as walking, running, swimming, hiking or biking) is recommended for heart health, weight management and stress reduction. Particularly as women get older, it may be beneficial to supplement an exercise routine with weightlifting or other strength training activities that help prevent loss of bone density and muscle mass.
Top 5 tips for maintaining your health at home
Stay on top of annual wellness checks. Keep the healthy, healthy. And find the issue fast. See a primary care provider every year. Even those who feel fine should have regular wellness checks and health screenings to increase chances of early detection of problems.
Rest! Don't skimp on sleep. Besides fighting the signs of aging, regular sleep promotes mental alertness and helps regulate hormone levels.
Protect the skin you're in. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. When outside, though, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher, and don't forget to reapply.
Be physically active. Even 20 minutes of exercise per day, as a lifelong habit of regular activity, provides benefits to a healthy heart, supports bone health and helps to stay on top of weight and stress levels.
Eat right. Avoid crash diets or over-indulgence in favor of a realistic diet that can be developed as a lifestyle.
Stop smoking! Quitting smoking will greatly reduce the chance of developing lung and heart disease.
Women represent the cornerstone of a family's overall health. Ensuring women have access to quality care can lead to improved health for children and families. The health of families and communities are, no doubt, tied to the health of women.
Amanda Vickers, DO, is a board-certified family medicine physician with SSM Health Medical Group. SSM Health Medical Group, located at 2511 W. Edgewood Dr., has several primary care providers who are accepting new patients. To become established with a PCP at SSM Health Medical Group, please call 573-761-0458.