Women's Health

Women and men have many of the same health problems, but they can affect women differently. For example, women may have different symptoms of heart disease. Some diseases or conditions are more common in women, such as osteoarthritis, obesity and depression. And some conditions, such as menopause and pregnancy, are unique to women.

Women sometimes neglect their own health and focus instead on their partner's and their children's. Take care of yourself first:

  • Plan for pregnancies and see your healthcare provider regularly while you are pregnant
  • Have regular mammograms
  • Get regular checkups and screenings. Early detection is important for treating breast, cervical, uterine and ovarian cancer.

Making good lifestyle choices is the best thing you can do to stay healthy. The choices you make can help you feel better now and prevent health problems later.

You should see your doctor regularly for preventive health care. This can help find problems early or prevent health problems before they occur. Preventive health care includes exams and screening tests that look for problems even before you are sick. It also includes immunizations, which help to prevent some diseases.

There are some problems that are more likely to cause sickness at certain times of your life. For this reason, preventive care is based on a person's age and risk factors.

You and your doctor can work together to plan how you can have a healthy lifestyle, decrease your risk factors, and prevent disease. Together, you can watch for signs of problems that are common in women in your age group. If problems are found early, they may be easier to treat and less likely to pose serious risks to your health.

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Screening

Screening detects health problems in people who do not have symptoms. Questions about your health, a physical exam, and certain tests are all part of routine screening to look for problems that often occur in your age group.

During your visit, your doctor may ask you questions about your lifestyle and health:

  • Health history
  • Family's health history
  • Diet
  • Exercise habits
  • Use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs
  • Sexual habits
  • Prescribed or over-the-counter medications

It is important to tell your doctor about all aspects of your lifestyle and health. Complete and honest answers help your doctor give the best advice for your health needs.

During the physical exam, your doctor may check your height, weight, and blood pressure. He or she also may perform a breast and a pelvic exam.

If you are 21 years of age or older, you should have a Pap test. It is done to check for abnormal cells in the cervix. If you are younger than 21 years, a Pap test should be done about 3 years after you first had sex.

There are also other tests that your doctor may suggest. Some tests are recommended for all women. Others are suggested for women in certain age groups. Where you live, your lifestyle, and your personal and family medical history also play a role in the type of health care you may need.

Immunizations

Immunizations, or vaccines, can offer protection against diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. Some are a routine part of preventive care and others are offered to those at risk.

In some cases, a woman may be at risk because of a personal or family health history. This means that she may need vaccines other than those that are recommendd routinely. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/) or talk to your doctor to find out which additional vaccines, if any, you may need.

Health Tips

Once your doctor has talked with you and completed any exams or tests that were needed, he or she may suggest changes in your lifestyle. Good lifestyle choices and habits promote good health for years to come. Here are some basics:

  • Eat a well-balanced diet.
  • Lower the amount of fat and cholesterol in your diet.
  • Keep your weight at a level that is good for your height.
  • Exercise for at least 30–60 minutes on most or all days of the week.
  • Do not smoke cigarettes.
  • Do not use drugs.
  • If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
  • Wear sunscreen and avoid excess sun exposure to help prevent skin cancer.
  • Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a vehicle.
  • Use a form of birth control if you are able to become pregnant but do not want to become pregnant.
  • Use a latex condom every time you have sex to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
  • Talk to your doctor about any over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, or supplements you may take.
  • Do a breast self-exam once a month (see box).
  • Seek help if you feel sadness that affects your daily life.
  • If you do not feel safe or have ever been harmed by someone close to you, ask for help from someone you trust—a close friend, family member, doctor or nurse, counselor, or clergy member. You also can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
  • See a dentist regularly to be sure your teeth are healthy.
  • Have regular vision exams.

If you have any health concerns, talk to your doctor about them. In many cases there are treatments that can help.

Preventative & General Health Maintenance

Consider taking a supplement to help strengthen the core of your body, like a probiotic or AMP supplement.

Finally...

It is up to you to make healthy choices. Work with your doctor to ensure you have all the tests and immunizations that are needed for your age group and risk factors. Practicing preventive care now can help keep you healthy for years to come.

 

Women's Health Data

(Data for the U.S. only)

Population

  • Number of residents (all ages): 153.0 million (2007)

Health status

  • Percent of women 18 years and over in fair or poor health: 14%

Health risk factors

  • Percent of women 18 years and over who engaged in regular leisure-time physical activity: 32%
  • Percent of women 18 years and over who currently smoke: 18%
  • Percent of women 18 years and over who had 5 or more drinks in 1 day at least once in the past year: 14%
  • Percent of women 20 years and over who are obese: 35% (2003-2006)
  • Percent of women 20 years and over with hypertension: 33% (2003-2006)

Health insurance coverage

  • Percent of females under 65 years without health insurance coverage: 16%

Preventive care

  • Percent of women 40 years and over who had a mammogram within the past 2 years: 68% (2008)
  • Percent of women 18 years and over who had a Pap smear within the past 3 years: 75% (2008)

Mortality

  • Number of deaths (all ages): 1,219,744
  • Deaths per 100,000 population: 797.4
  • Leading causes of death
    • Heart disease
    • Cancer
    • Stroke

 

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