The 5 Main Health Risks for Women (in the UK)

The 5 Main Health Risks for Women Heart Disease Heart disease tends to be under-diagnosed in women. Unfortunately, this often means that once the condition is discovered, it can be tricky to treat. Symptoms of heart disease: • Breathlessness. • Chest pains. • Feeling of nausea. • Vomiting. There are around 500,000 women in the Risk factors: UK who have • High cholesterol levels. • Blood pressure. • Diabetes. • Physical inactivity. • High stress levels. • Smoking - 20% of women in the UK smoke. suffered a heart attack. Lifestyle changes that may help: • Eat a healthy diet,high in fibre and low in saturated fats. • Exercise regularly. • Limit alcohol consumption. • Quit smoking if necessary. • Reduce stress levels as much as possible. Cancer Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Symptoms of breast cancer: OA lump on the breast. OSwelling around the breast, collarbone or armpit. Risk factors: 9 out of 10 lumps OThe ageing process. are harmless non- OExcessive alcohol consumption. OPoor lifestyle habits. OObesity. OFamily history. cancerous growths, but it is essential to have them checked by a doctor. Lifestyle changes that may help: O Eat at least 5 portions of antioxidant fruits and vegetables per day. - Goji berries are a powerful antioxidant; they contain almost 30 times the antioxidant level of oranges. OProtect your skin against UV damage from the sun with clothing or sun screen. O Examine yourself regularly. Osteoporosis Back pain can affect women of all ages. However, if you are post-menopausal and you notice unexplained back pain, it could indicate the onset of osteoporosis. Thinning bones remain hidden inside the body, which means that many women are not aware of osteoporosis until they have a fracture. Symptoms of osteoporosis: O Hunched back. O Fragility. • Loss of balance. 1 in2 women in the UK will suffer from a bone fracture due to Risk factors: osteoporosis each year. • Thinning of bones in the body, common after the menopause. • Low calcium and vitamin D intake. O Limited exposure to sunlight. O Some prescription medications. Lifestyle changes that may help preventorreduce onset: O Keep active and include weight bearing and resistance exercises. • Maintain a healthy diet. • Consume adequate levels of vitamin D and calcium to support bone health. Stroke A stroke can strike quickly and without warning. 150,000 people each year suffer from a stroke in the UK. Symptoms of a stroke: O Dizziness. OLoss of balance. O Blurred or double vision. O Numbness in your face, arm or leg. Risk factors: O Age. O Family history. O Smoking. • Diabetes. • Lack of exercise. • High cholesterol. • High blood pressure. O Poor diet. 75% of all strokes occur in people who are aged over 65. Lifestyle changes that may help: O Limit the amount of alcohol you consume and eat a healthy and nutritious diet. O Try to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day, foods high in fibre, and limit salt intake. O Exercise is also important to improve blood flow around the body. O Men and women over the age of 50 should get regular health checks to establish if they are at increased risk of strokes. Vaginal Infections It is not uncommon for women to experience vaginal problems from time to time. These can be caused by natural changes to the body, or through use of some products that can provoke a reaction. Symptoms of vaginal infections: O Changes in discharge. O Vaginal cramps. O Sharp pains. O Pain during intercourse. OVaginal dryness. Around 50% of women aged 51-60 are affected by vaginal dryness. Risk factors: O Menstrual cycles. O Sex. OReactions caused by products or clothing. O Birth control methods. OThe ageing process. O Sexually transmitted diseases. O Menopause - the average age for a woman to go through the menopause is 52. Lifestyle changes that may help: O Try wearing cotton underwear. O Avoid using products that could cause irritation. O Consult with a health care professional if symptoms persist. Supplements that can help to maintain women's health SimplyBestTM Vitafem Plus: A combination of over 30 essential nutrients including iron, folic acid, and cranberry extract, this exclusive multivitamin has been formulated to meet the health needs of women and can help to fill any gaps that may be missing in the diet. Omega 3, 6 & 9: The essential fatty acids found in omega fish oils help to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. This Omega 3, 6 &9 combination provides beneficial levels of the essential fatty acids EPA, DHA and ALA. Evening Primrose Oil: This popular oil is a valuable source of essential fatty acids, in particular GLA. This omega 6 fatty acid is involved in the production of prostaglandins, which studies suggest may help to regulate hormonal balance. Sources: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/osteoporosis/could-you-be-at-risk-osteoporosis/ | http://w ww.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/en/FemaleSexualHealthSelfCare/VaginalDryness | http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/Pages/Introduction.asp x | http://www.bhf.org.uk/default.aspx?page=15229 | http://www.bhf.org.uk/media/news-from-the-bhf/bhf-facts.aspx | SimplySupplements www.simplysupplements.co.uk Healthy living made simpler!