Women have sure come a long way but they are still at a disadvantage in many spheres of life, including health. They may have a longer life expectancy than men in most countries, but that doesn't necessarily imply that they get to enjoy healthier lives. They experience unique health issues and conditions, and the ones that affect both men and women can affect women differently. And these health issues, besides affecting their own body, have ramifications on every other area of their lives, from their families to their finances.
So ladies, as we rejoice your accomplishments around the world this International Women's Day, let’s take a minute to recall the many struggles that remain. Because the first step to ensure health is knowing what you're up against, and then taking the necessary precautions to reduce your risk.
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- HIV
- Reproductive health
- Autoimmune diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Mental health
Heart disease accounts for 29 percent of all female deaths (as per CDC) and kills more women in the United States than all forms of cancer combined, i.e., nearly 500,000 women annually.
Among females, lung cancer claims the most lives each year, followed by breast cancer. The other deadly one for women is cervical cancer.
Early detection of these cancers is key to ensure health. The majority of deaths occur in low and middle-income countries where screening, prevention, and treatment are almost non-existent.
Almost three decades into the AIDS epidemic, it is young women who bear the brunt of new HIV infections. Too many young women still struggle to protect themselves against sexual transmission of HIV and to get the treatment they require.
Sexual and reproductive health problems are responsible for one-third of health issues for women between the ages of 15 and 44 years. Unsafe sex is a major risk factor – particularly among females in developing countries.
You may like: PCOS: A Mysterious DisorderAmerican Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) says that about 75% of autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, thyroid, occur in women. They might be uncommon individually, but as a group, these disorders make up the fourth-largest cause of disability among American women.
While this disease can affect both men and women, it disproportionately threatens the health of females. Out of 44 million threatened Americans, 68% are women, reports the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Largely preventable, osteoporosis affects the strength and resiliency of the bones, which can lead to fractures and bone breaks later on in life. Risk factors include age, ethnicity (Caucasian and Asians have the highest risk of developing the disease), low intake of calcium or vitamin D, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Women are more prone than men to experience stress and depression. Suicide is a leading cause of death for women under 60. Alzheimer's disease kills 4 percent of all females in the United States each year.
