Page 11 - Scene Magazine 46-04 April 2021

Health
To learn more about health concerns for women in 2021 visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov.
s 1. Heart disease is still at the top of the list for death in women according
to the CDC. Common, controllable risks factors include unhealthy eating, stressed lifestyle, lack of exercise, smoking, and diabetes. Today, symp- toms of fatigue, shortness of breath, vomiting, and arm pain can be mis- taken for the flu or normal body aches rather than heart attack because they are different from the well-know symp- tom of chest pain and pressure. Act fast and call 9-1-1 when these symp- toms appear in an unusual way. Refer to the article Heart Attack Symptoms for Women in Scene Magazine, 46-03, to read more about the impact today. Additional cardiovascular concerns in- clude stroke, which is the fourth lead- ing cause of death. Use FAST to help you determine to take action. F-face, check for a smile; A-arms, ask them to bring arms together out in front of their body; S-speech, ask them to repeat a short sentence; and T-time, make note of the time the changes began. Be sure to notice if one side of the body is impacted.
2. Breast cancer risk increases with age. Regular self-exams for any changes are important along with a scheduled mammogram program to identify concerns. Treatment can be more successful when caught early. With new medications and directed radiation options fewer mastectomies may be necessary to achieve suc- cessful recovery. Cancer collectively, is the second leading cause of death according to 2017 CDC data.
3. Diabetes becomes a greater risk for women over 40. It stands as the sixth leading cause of death for women
aged 45-54, but is the seventh leading cause of death overall. Repeated studies, however, point out that a healthy diet and regular exercise
can positively impact the effects of prediabetes. Turning it around before diabetes becomes a life-changing chronic condition is a great benefit to long-term health.
4. Osteoporosis becomes more diligent after menopause. Bone loss comes with age, but movement and diet can help delay deterioration. While not a leading cause of death, bone loss can lead to injuries that can be a major factor in disability and premature death later on. Keep those bones strong and healthy.
5. Alzheimer’s disease and related de- mentias are a large cause for concern for aging adults and is identified as
a leading cause of death now for wom- en. It is likely that the women living with some form of dementia are also expe- riencing issues with at least one of the concerns presented. Women may not exhibit symptoms until much later in life but the actions of a healthy lifestyle today can significantly reduce risk.
Chronic lower respiratory diseases, influenza, and pneumonia are also in the top ten but have recently been consid- ered alongside COVID concerns.
COVID-19 challenges have impacted physical, mental, and spiritual health. The resulting isolation, especially for
the elderly, has resulted in devastating consequences. Resources needed to stay connected for aging adults may not be available, which means the responsi- bility falls to adult children and agencies designed to meet the needs of seniors. We are still waiting for final numbers to
determine the ultimate impact. But you can continue to be aggressive at devel- oping a healthy immune system through diet and exercise and reducing your risk of exposure. We are hopefully past the midpoint for the COVID pandemic, espe- cially with the vaccine being rolled out so successfully.
Also new to the conversation is adult-onset asthma, which becomes a greater risk due to hormonal fluctuations with perimenopause and menopause. Asthma is treatable when diagnosed. Fear, however, may prevent someone from seeking care as many of the symp- toms may cause concern for COVID. If you experience a nagging, persistent cough, get winded more easily, find it difficult to catch your breath after activity, or experience frequent wheezing than it really may be asthma and your doctor can help.
Other common conditions to be aware of as women age include blood clots, overactive bladder, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, back pain, depression, and anemia. Furthermore, vitamin and mineral deficiency becomes a greater concern with age. It can be linked to other health concerns such as depression and seasonal affective disorder, or even bone loss.
Now might be the best time for the annual check up that you’ve been putting off. Ignoring symptoms can actually make treatment far more challenging later on. Your body will send signals when some- thing is out of order and other systems are trying to pick up the slack. Your job is to educate yourself, pay attention to what your body is saying, and to take action so that you can live healthfully for many years to come.
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