Women today are more concerned about other health than their own health. Globally, it has been proven that "women have less access to health care".

"Self-help is the best help" is a famous proverb that also suits for the aspect of health- "Self-health is the best health". Every woman should keep this in their mind and take a pause to look after her health.

Why it is important to take care of women health?

It is the right question at the right time. Women are at greater risk of acquiring certain diseases which men are not likely to acquire. Women don't even know what those diseases are, why they are caused only in women and how to prevent them. The answers to the above questions are clearly examined below.

Diseases that occur only in women

Cervical cancer

Breast cancer

Diabetes

Heart attack

Pregnancy issues

Osteoporosis

Autoimmune disease

Diseases and their preventive measures

Cervical cancer

Cervix is a narrow passage from the lower end of the uterus. Women of age group 21 to 65 are more likely to acquire cervical cancer. So, these women should take pap- smear test at least once a year in order to prevent the disease.

Prevention

Eat a variety of fruits including citrus fruits and vegetables mainly dark green and deep yellow coloured vegetables. Also, intake of high fibre foods like whole-grain bread and cereals help prevent this disease.

Statistics on Mortality Rates of Cancer in Women- Source: HRSA

Breast cancer

It is the most common cancer in women. When oestrogen level increases, then the woman is more likely to acquire breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Stages: Source: JordanBreastCancerProgram

Prevention

Breastfeeding up to one year after giving birth prevents breast cancer.

Exercise regularly and always stay active.

Body's oestrogen level can be maintained by eating broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms, whole grains.

Body's BMI should be maintained properly without reaching into the obese category.

Heart attack

More women die due to a heart attack than men. Diabetes is one of the major causes of heart attack in women.

Prevention

At least 30 minutes of walking, jogging, dancing, swimming or some aerobic exercises are needed to reduce the risk of heart attack. Also, cycling and some other cardio exercises reduces the risk of heart attack.

Physical Activity Pyramid- Source: DreamStime

Diabetes

It is caused in women due to lack of physical activity and abnormal secretion of insulin.

Prevention

Exercise regularly.

Control your carb intake as it alters the insulin level in your body.

Increase your fibre intake.

Drink water and stay hydrated.

Control stress levels.

Pregnancy issues

During pregnancy, asthma, diabetes and depression affects children as well as mother. In some cases, RBC count get reduced in mother causing anaemia.

Prevention

These food patterns and yoga promotes healthy pregnancy by reducing blood pressure.

Food Pattern- Source: FirstCryParenting

Autoimmune disease

Body cells that eliminate threats such as viruses, attack healthy cells. They usually rest in the stomach of most women.

Healing steps

Consume less sugar

Consume fewer fat substances

Reduce toxic intake

Six nutrients that women need the most

Six Nutrients- Source: Steemit

In what way do the preventive measure benefit women?

Cardio exercises reduce belly fat.

Consumption of less sugar reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack and many forms of cancer in women.

Refined carbs are highly processed to remove their fibre content. So, it harms the health when eaten in excess.

Artificial trans fats causes high inflammation and heart diseases in women.

Using plenty of herbs and spices increases anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potent in women due to which she could resist autoimmune diseases.

Eggs are the most nutritious food content in the world. Yolk contains all the essential nutrients that increases bone strength and ovarian follicles.

General preventive measures needed for women health

Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits to maintain proper healthy pregnancy.

Intake of olive oil reduces the risk of heart diseases in women.

Consume more protein and fibre to reduce obesity.

Drink plenty of water before eating that increases calories and increases weight loss in obese women.

Drink milk which has lots of calcium content. It strengthens bones and reduces the bone damage due to ageing in women.

Meditation prevents premature ageing and depression.

Sitting posture of women plays a vital role in damaging of spinal cord. Sitting straight prevents damage in the spinal cord.

Important screening tests for women

At 21, go for a pap smear test to detect cervical cancer.

If you are between 20 to 40 do a clinical breast exam in order to detect breast cancer.

If your BMI is greater or equal to 23, you must go for a diabetes test.

Cholesterol screening test is recommended for women between 20 to 45 years old.

Why are screening tests important?

It is better to treat a disease in its beginning stages rather than its later stages. It helps the further spread of disease and reduces mortality rates. That is why screening tests are important.

These diagnoses, preventive measures, screening tests help women to stay healthy.

The overall mortality rates of women also get reduced.