There's a Lot to Know About Being a Woman
Information supplied by Waukesha Memorial Hospital
Everyone knows that dramatic body changes occur in a woman's teen years.
But our bodies are changing throughout our lives. Knowing the facts
about what you can do for your total health at any age––in terms of
preventive healthcare, understanding examinations and tests, and
addressing emotional health––is a lifelong commitment that pays off with
dividends of good health.
Between ages 40 and 60, regular medical check-ups with your personal
physician are important for diagnosing disease early, when it is most
treatable. Women in this age group should consider many health facts,
including the following:
Heart disease is the number one killer of American women. After
menopause, women are just as likely as men to have heart attacks. While
you may not have taken preventive steps in your younger years, now is the
time to get the facts on heart disease predictors and prevention,
including family history, blood pressure, cholesterol, hormone
replacement therapy, and a heart healthy lifestyle.
Osteoporosis affects half of all women over 50 years old. If you have
risk factors for osteoporosis (including a family history of the disease,
taking certain medications, a history of smoking) a bone density test can
measure the strength and density of your bones and help you decide the
best way to prevent osteoporosis.
While a woman's body continues to change after age 60, she is likely to
continue to enjoy good health provided she follows healthy habits and
pays attention to early warning signs of disease. Among common concerns
in this age group are the following.
Depression, which is often undiagnosed in older women. Fatigue, sleeping
difficulties, irritability, and poor appetite are some of the symptoms of
this common but serious illness. Depression is diagnosed twice as often
in women as in men.
Incontinence, which often is linked to declining estrogen levels. This
condition can cause women to limit their social or physical activities.
However, treatment can successfully manage the condition. Discuss these
topics with your physician at your next office visit.
Information supplied by Waukesha Memorial Hospital.
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