Why Women’s Health Is Important

The latest numbers from 2022 show that women make up 50.5 percent of the US population. In a report published by Fortune magazine in 2021 it showed that women did three times as much child care as men. Women also do more of the housework and elder care. In addition to all these duties approximately 58-60% of the workforce is female. 

Many times women are so busy taking care of others that they put their physical and mental health on the back burner . Annual physicals, dental appointments , mammograms etc. all may be postponed  as the needs of the family take a higher priority.  Women may find that they have little time, energy and/or  finances left to address their own needs. I would really like to encourage women to give yourself a higher priority, you are needed as the best version of yourself!

Many women feel exhausted trying to juggle all these responsibilities and this results in high stress levels. This can manifest itself as depression, insomnia, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. 

Here are some of the most common health issues facing women.

*Heart Disease/Stroke

You might be surprised to learn that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.  Almost as many women as men die annually in the United States from heart disease, or about one in every five female deaths.  Blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity are all factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke. 

     *Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer. Monthly breast self -examination and yearly mammograms (check with your doctor regarding how often) can detect breast cancer before it potentially spreads.  

*Diabetes

 Some potential complications from diabetes include blindness, kidney disease and depression. Diabetes also raises the risk of heart disease. Having yearly physical and blood tests to access your A1C (blood sugar) level are important tools in catching this disease early enough to control and prevent serious complications..   

*Depression and Mental Health

Women experience depression almost twice as often as men. Struggling with depression can increase the challenges of family life and can add additional strains on relationships. Working with a therapist, and/or doctor are key to combating this underdiagnosed disorder. 

*Gynecological Health

Gynecological health includes the health of sexual and reproductive functions,  including pregnancy, ovarian and cervical cancer, pelvic infections, infertility, pelvic pain, reproductive issues, sexually transmitted disease, endometriosis, as well as  urological issues, menopause and sexual health, Menopausal issues also include Sexual health problems. Many women suffer from dyspareunia (pain with intercourse). This affects relationships and self-esteem. This is caused by the decrease in hormone estrogen. Helping women overcome dyspareunia includes possible options such as hormone replacement therapy, the use of sexual lubricants, and silicone vaginal dilators. Please discuss your issues with your gynecologist, urogynecologist, pelvic floor physical therapist or health care provider. 

I like the advice given by flight attendants as a plane is ready to take off. Put your own oxygen mask on first, before you can help others. Your family, community and world need you at your best!