Top Five Risk Factors for Women's Health

Risk factors for women are not as pronounced as men and are sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Heart
More difficult to diagnose in women, heart disease is now number one health risk.
Women have smaller arteries less likely to show on standard tests and angiograms. Blocked and clogged blood vessels cause the heart muscle to die. Indigestion and heartburn may be ignored signs of heart problems. Women are more likely to suffer a second heart attack if prevention measures are not implemented
At Risk: Women with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.
Prevention: Diet, exercise, check-ups, watch caffeine, alcohol intake, no smoking.

Osteoporosis
Bone deterioration is more common. Lack of calcium and vitamin D contribute to lower levels of bone density. Bones become porous, allowing fractures or breakage. Calcium and vitamin D improve structure, strengthen and rebuild bone loss.
At Risk: Elderly, women more than men, sedentary lifestylers with no exercise and have other health factors (diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure and cholesterol)
Prevention: Add calcium and vitamin D to diet. Begin vitamin routine early, Vitamin stores like a reserve supply as you age. Exercise. Healthy diet. Yearly bone density test/

Colon/Rectal Cancer
A leading death cause in women is colon-rectal cancer. Doctors recommend a colonoscopy and results dictate how often you repeat, usually three to five years. Any change in bowel habits warrants visits to family doctor or gastroenterologists. African and Asian women are in high-risk groups, along with family history of colon or intestinal polyps.
At Risk: Poor diets, obesity, lack of exercise, African and Asian women, alcohol, smoking, and family history.
Prevention: Plenty of exercise, plenty of water, green vegetables, high fiber foods, limit sugar and alcohol, eight hours sleep, check-up.

Depression
One in four women suffers from depression. Causes associated with hormonal changes, menopause, pregnancy, post-partum, substance abuse and daily and family stress factors. To "feel better", women turn to substance abuse and alcohol to relieve the underlying cause of depression. See your doctor immediately; only one out of five sees a doctor.
At Risks: Unhealthy women. Depression may exacerbate existing health issues as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity, and heart disease.
Prevention: Healthy nutrition, fitness programs, sleep. Visit doctor. Deep
breathing exercises. Relax time. Schedule activities for idle time.

Alcoholism
High alcohol levels show higher cancer risks. Alcohol abuse links with esophageal cancer, colon, rectal, pancreatic and liver. Alcohol slowly eats away cells and their ability to fight back. The liver is the body's filter. Alcohol is depression drug of choice. Some medical experts say women are unhappier than any time in modern day history.
At Risk: Depressed women, poor diets, no exercise, sleep disorders,
Prevention: Limit alcohol, acquire better diet habits, plan time to exercise, get plenty of sleep and lots of water.

Heart complications, osteoporosis, depression, colon/rectal cancer, and alcohol abuse are high-risk health factors for women. Begin a health program dedicated to improving diet, exercise, sleep, water intake and regular checkups.

Sources:

Health facts every woman should know.
Oct. 21: Dr. Roshini Raj talks about five health facts every woman should know, from the risk factors for heart disease, to the signs of osteoporosis.
http://www.healthination.com/About-Us/Medical-Advisory-Board/Roshini-Raj-MD

The World's Greatest Treasury of Health Secrets, Bottom Line Publications
https://www.bottomlinesecrets.com

Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments, from the Editiors of Bottom Line/Health https://www.bottomlinesecrets.com