Some of the biggest health concerns for women in the US involve a wide range of physical and mental health issues. Today we'll discuss several of the most significant ones and then highlight some crucial and preventative aspects over the next few articles.
Heart Disease: The leading cause of death in women in the US is heart disease. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease.
Cancers: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Regular screenings and examinations are important for early detection. Lung Cancer: This is mainly caused by smoking, but is also a health risk for non-smokers due to secondhand smoke and environmental factors. Gynecological Cancers: This includes ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers. Regular screenings like Pap smears help in early detection.
3. Reproductive Health: Issues such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and complications during pregnancy can significantly affect women's health. In addition to proper care by OBGYN physicians, regular access to direct primary care has huge advantages.
4. Mental Health: Women are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. There are multiple contributing factors including biologic.
5. Osteoporosis: Women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis, which is a condition that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. This can be due to decreased estrogen levels, small body stature and lack of resistance exercise.
6. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis are more common in women. These diseases can affect various parts of the body and have a significant impact on quality of life.
7. Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is prevalent among women, with risk factors including obesity and diet , family history, and physical inactivity. Gestational diabetes is also a concern during pregnancy, with a higher diabetes risk after childbirth.
8. Obesity: Obesity is a significant risk factor for many other health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. It is a growing concern due to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits.
9. Sexual Health: Conditions such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, disproportionately affect women. Access to education and healthcare services are crucial for prevention and treatment.
10. Alzheimer’s Disease: Women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer’s disease, which is a leading cause of dementia. How much of this is lifestyle related is not often addressed by mainstream media.
Helping to prevent these health concerns includes regular medical checkups & preventive care, diet and lifestyle modifications, and access to early detection.
In addition to comprehensive Direct Primary Care, the best way to manage these health concerns is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, regular exercise, regular care by a Physician team with lifestyle visits, avoiding smoking (anything!), minimizing alcohol and substance usage, reducing avoidable stress, and personalized prevention strategies.
For all our female readers, In my opinion and experience, having a physician trained in lifestyle medicine at your side is the smartest health care choice you can make. Membership in our Direct Primary Care Practice allows you to achieve all of these things, and so much more.
Starting with a diagnostic baseline, then carefully outlining what could be impacting you the most, together we can help you formulate an actual plan, and help keep you accountable to yourself and your family. Unlike traditional healthcare, in our practice you can be seen monthly or more frequently if necessary. In fact, our healthiest patients are doing just this.
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