Women's Health: Preventing the top 7 Threats
Source : Pubdate : 2011/10/12 8:23:00 Author :
The biggest threats to women's health are often preventable. Here's what you need to know to live a longer, healthier life.
Many of the leading threats to women's health can be prevented — if you know how. Consider this top seven list of women's health threats, compiled from statistics provided by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading organizations. Then get serious about reducing your risks.
No. 1: Heart disease
Heart disease isn't just a man's disease — it's also a major women's health threat. Take charge of heart health by making healthier lifestyle choices. For example:
· Don't smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, asks your doctor to help you quit. It's also important to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
· Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fibre foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat and sodium.
· Manage chronic conditions. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
· Include physical activity in your daily routine. Choose sports or other activities you enjoy, from brisk walking to ballroom dancing.
· Maintain a healthy weight. Extra pounds increase the risk of heart disease.
· Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.
· Manage stress. If you feel constantly on edge or under assault, your lifestyle habits may suffer. Take steps to reduce stress — or learn to deal with stress in healthy ways.
No. 2: Cancer
Various types of cancer are of particular concern to women, including breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer and colorectal cancer. To reduce the risk of cancer, consider these general tips:
· Don't smoke. Using any type of tobacco puts you on a collision course with cancer. Avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke counts, too.
· Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess pounds — and keeping them off — may lower the risk of various types of cancer.
· Get moving. In addition to helping you control your weight, physical activity on its own may lower the risk of certain types of cancer.
· Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Although making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime can't guarantee cancer prevention, it may help reduce your risk.