Sunday, March 16, 2014

Health Problems That Affect Women Differently Than Men


When discussing women’s health, it is important to remember that women and men are different in both how they show symptoms and in how they are affected by certain diseases and health problems.  While the list notes five health problems, this post will focus on two. 

According to NIH, the following health problems affect women differently than men:

·      Women are more likely to die following a heart attack than men.
·      Women are more likely to show signs of depression and anxiety than men.
·      The effects of sexually transmitted diseases can be more serious in women.
·      Osteoarthritis affects more women than men.
·      Women are more likely to have urinary tract problems.
                                    (NIH:  National Institute of Child Health & Human Development)

Heart Disease/Stroke:

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.  However, women tend to have a delay in treatment for their disease.

There are certain stroke risk factors that are unique to women:  birth control pills, pregnancy, HRT, frequent migraines, waist circumference greater than 35.2”, and high triglycerides.  Diabetes also increases the risk of stroke for women, possibly due to the loss of estrogen through menopause.

Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis includes joint pain, joint stiffness, and joint swelling, and is the most common form of arthritis.  However, women tend to be recommended for joint replacement and treatment less than their male counter parts.  The risk factors that are unique to women include:

·      Biology:  a woman’s joints move more due to looser tendons and wider hips.
·      Genetic Predisposition
·      Hormones:  estrogen protects cartilage from inflammation, and a woman’s estrogen levels drop during menopause.  Also, giving birth, HRT, and early puberty (≤11 years of age) increases the risk of osteoarthritis.
·      Obesity:  more women than men are obese—every extra pound a woman weighs puts 3 extra pounds of pressure on the knees and 6 extra pounds of pressure on the hips.
                                    (everydayhealth.com/osteoarthritis)

The long and short of it is women need to be proactive about their health.  Women need to realize that they are different than their male counterparts and need to advocate for their health issues.  If a woman has one or more risk factor for a disease or health problem, it is important to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

About the Author:

Victoria Gravini is the owner of Alignment Studio, LLC and has spent the greater part of 35 years studying the human body and nutrition.  She is a Nutrition and Wellness Specialist, NASM CPT FNS, and MELT Hand and Foot Instructor.  She specializes in nutrition, stress reduction, and pain reduction.  She can be found at Tenley Sport and Health or online at www.alignment-studio.com

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