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Knowledge Is Power – The Leading Health Issues for Women
An astonishing 13.4% of women over the age of 18 are considered in “fair or poor” health. So, how can we improve this statistic? The first step is knowing the leading health concerns for women and how to improve your existing state of wellness.
As your biological makeup has a lot to do with your health, so does your gender. 44% of women have an ongoing health condition. What are these conditions, and how can we prevent them?
Heart Disease
One in five female deaths are by heart disease — but only 56% of women recognize that this health issue is their top killer.
Cardiovascular diseases describe a wide range of conditions that may impact your heart: coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, congenital heart disease, and more.
Why are women at a greater risk for heart disease than men? Heart disease is initially considered more common in men; therefore, awareness of cardiovascular diseases is low in females.
Additionally, women experience less common symptoms of heart disease, such as pain in the neck, jaw, or shoulder, shortness of breath, discomfort in the abdomen, unusual fatigue, or heartburn.
Lastly, when our bodies go through menopausal changes, so do our fat distribution, lipids, and hormonal structure — which enhances the chance of cardiovascular disease.
Breast Cancer
Did you know that 287,850 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022?
Cancer of the breast is a disease in which breast cells grow uncontrollably. There are different types of breast cancer, and symptoms vary, but the most common include:
- Newly developed lumps in the breast, nipple, or armpit
- Irritation of the breast skin
- Change in shape/size of the breast
- Discharge coming from the nipple
- Bumps or rashes on the breast skin
The top ways to check for breast cancer are self-exams and annual mammograms.
To learn how to perform a self-breast exam, talk with your primary care provider or visit this PDF for instructions from the University of North Carolina. Additionally, women should begin annual mammograms between the ages of 40 and 44 unless otherwise noted by their medical provider.
Mental Health Issues
Women are twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder than men, and approximately 12 million women will experience clinical depression this year in the United States.
Women also experience specific mental health disorders unique to the female gender, such as postpartum depression and postmenopausal OCD.
Symptoms of mental health disorders are specific to the type but can generally include:
- Excessive fatigue
- Significant feelings of worry
- Withdrawal of social activities
- Extreme mood changes
- Reduced ability to concentrate
We can emphasize the most crucial thing if you are experiencing any of the above: you are NOT alone. Help is available to you, including therapy, medication, and treatment programs.
Tips to Improve and Maintain Wellness
Now that we have discussed some of the top leading medical conditions for women, let’s talk about how you can prevent, improve, and maintain your overall health.
Visit Your Primary Care Provider Routinely
When it comes time to care for your health, participating in routine medical appointments at least once a year is the most important thing. Physical check-ups can determine if you are at risk for certain illnesses, even when feeling healthy.
At PrimeHealth Asheville, your concierge health team consists of a practice manager, a chronic healthcare coach, and a medical assistant. Routine check-ups are essential for the early detection and prevention of any medical conditions.
Create a Personalized Wellness Plan
A wellness plan will help you create a plan of action to achieve your desired health and wellness goals. We highly recommend discussing your health and wellness goals with your physician and getting professional recommendations on obtaining them.
Whether you want to start exercising more, eat a more balanced diet, get more quality sleep, or maintain general health, a personalized wellness plan will help create a higher quality of life.
The process of a wellness plan may include a scheduled visit with your doctor, wellness assessments and tests, and then the creation of the actual program.
Engage in Lifestyle Counseling
The key to the general prevention of all medical problems is participating in physical and mental mindfulness. Women of all ages should consider the following to engage in an advantageous lifestyle:
- Refrain from or quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Eat a balanced diet
- Manage existing health conditions
Your provider may recommend that you participate in simple activities, such as deep breathing exercises, going on a walk, or reading a book. Lifestyle counseling can assist with making modifications to your diet, physical activities, and lifestyle choices to put you on the right path.
Your Concierge Primary Health Team at PrimeHealth Asheville
At PrimeHealth Asheville, your feminine health is our top priority. From lifestyle counseling and diabetes management to routine check-ups and personalized wellness plans — we promise to stay committed to you in the highest standards of quality medical care through every stage of life!
To learn more about becoming a being a member of PrimeHealth Asheville, call (828) 705-3520 or fill out a form online.
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