Due to biological and gender-related differences, impact on health can differ for men and women. Below, we share five of the key issues that women should pay attention to stay healthier.
- Anaemia: Anaemia is a condition where haemoglobin concentration in the red blood cell is below acceptable values, limiting oxygen supply from the lungs to the rest of the body. Due to blood loss during (heavy periods), increased need due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, women are at increased risk of anaemia. If you are in any of this condition, we recommend you speak with your health professional for early detection and treatment. We also recommend eating varied diet rich in iron, folate, copper, Vitamins A, B2, B6 B12, C, D, E etc.
- Breast cancer: Breast cancer is among the cancers that cause the most deaths and have the most reported cases. The burden of breast cancers among women is more than any other type of cancer. Being a woman is the highest risk factor of breast cancer. Other risk factors include, increasing age, obesity, unsafe use of alcohol, tobacco use, exposure to radiation etc. family history, age of first pregnancy or onset menstruation, and postmenopausal hormone therapy. Our recommendation is for women to maintain a healthy weight, avoid the harmful use of alcohol, avoid use of tobacco, stay active, avoid prolonged use of hormones, avoid exposure to air pollution and radiation. We also recommend early detection e.g., taking advantage of screening exercises and early treatment.
- Cervical cancer: This is the fourth most common cancer for women. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of cervical cases are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), which is an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. This therefore makes cervical cancer preventable (safe sexual contact and vaccination) and treatable especially when diagnosed early.
- Unhealthy weight: Globally, women are under increased pressure to have a certain weight mostly resulting in underweight or overweight/obesity. Overweight/obesity is among the risk factors for diabetes, hypertension, some cancers, heart diseases etc. Underweight is also associated with poor health putting one at risk of infections, anaemia etc. Our recommendation is for women to seek maintaining a healthy weight, eat healthy diets and stay active.
- Depression: This is the most common women’s mental health problem and may be more persistent in women than men. Caring duties, physical and sexual abuse, pregnancy, menopause, negative life experiences and events among others can contribute to depression and anxiety. Having a social network, seeking professional health etc. can help you to manage depression.
Go ahead, have a girls’ day out to share your success and challenges, to laugh and dance together etc. You might leave less anxious and less depressed and encouraged to get tested for any of the issues discussed here. Let’s help you organise a girl’s trip filled with fun and good health.
Written and reviewed by: Irene Danquah, ANutr
Last page review: 23/12/2021
Next page review: 31/12/2024