Most often women’s health gets priority solely throughout phases like maternity or childbearing. After this, the health of ladies isn’t is not given enough priority either by the partner or by the lady herself. Due to this negligence, women suffer more emotionally , receive less preventive care and ultimately have poor medical conditions particularly in their middle age .
Middle age, is the life phase after the age of forty five years, after which you are neither young nor old. It’s expected that in the next few years overtwenty million individuals would have specific Health Care requirments that are targeted to the refered cohort. Here, am going to discuss the difficulties wthin the identification and delivery of correct treatments of females within their 40’s.
As per the World Health Organization, it’s a given fact that women outlive men because of biological differences and hence the’re at an additional risk of catching lifestyle diseases .Common problems like heart disease, Stroke , Renal Disease, respiratory disorder, and trauma are the leading causes of death in women worldwide. Mental welfare is another huge condition, for women , particularly due to their behavioral differences and activities as compared to men. They’re usually more concerned in multitasking, household chores, upbringing of kids, and more of daily chores which take lot of mental bandwidth. However, this article will cover more of physiological conditions.
Common issues in women’ health
Menopause
Menopause usually occurs between 46 to 48 years of age .Women going through Menopause can suffer from the subsequent problems
- Hot flashes and sweat
- Weight Gain
- Loss of Libido/Dry Vagina
- Depression
- Brittle Bones due to osteoporosis
- Increase in female cancers
Women go through lot of emotional ups and downs during this phase and it is important for the family to be supportive at this time. A person might feel edgy and restless without reason.
Cancer
The incidence of female cancers specially breast ,cervix and ovaries is higher once they cross the age of 40 and requires attention in terms of suitable and timely detection. Breast cancer is now the most common cancer worldwide surpassing cervical cancer which until recently was the most common one.
Urinary infections
This can be a recurrent problem for some women and will need specialist care in order to find the cause and treat it. Medicines provide a temporary relief , however chances of recurrence will always remain. If it happens frequently , it is important to monitor your sugar levels tested as well, in conjunction with proper hygeine. Easy measures like intake of adequate water, frequent emptying of the bladder and basic hygiene will facilitate to reduce the chances.
Diabetes and hypertension
Diabetes was historically more common in men, but until recently it has found to be more prevelant in women. Both these diseases if discovered late or left untreated can have extensive consequences. It’s far famed that the incidence of heart attack in women with diabetes is quarter mile over than men and incidence of stroke is twenty seven percent more than men. Also, an uncontrolled form of diabetes and hypertension, usually ends up in more severe cases which can lead to kidney diseases.
Obesity
Obesity is an issue quite common amongst both male and females, specially within the urban areas . The factors that have contributed to the present are lack of exercise, higher consumption of high calorific food and junk food and high income. Continuous abuse of these habits, ends up in slowing metabolism ,and increases the chances of heart disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems, and it’s never too late to deal with them.
Depression
Being unhappy could be a traditional reaction to tough times in life. However, typically, the disappointment and sadness goes away with a little time. Depression is different—it could be a mood disorder that will cause severe symptoms that may have an effect on how you are feeling, thinking, and handling daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working. Depression is far more common among women than men, seemingly due to certain biological, hormonal, and social factors that are distinctive to women.
However ,certain biological conditions like changes in the hormone levels specially before periods, throughout and post childbirth and Menopause in the late 40’s, all of them will increase the likelihood of depression.
Measures to prevent health issues..
It’s vital for women to not neglect their health at the sake of family and take charge of awareness in terms of various health issues, opening up about them, and participating in forums to learn more . Below are some measures that go a long way in coping up with health issues.
Healthy homemade Diet
Consuming a healthy homemade diet is very vital and cannot be emphasizes anymore. Especially , women in the late 40s, ought to pay explicit attention to increase intake of calcium, iron, seasonal fruits and vegetables and ample amount of water per day. This helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and urinary tract infections. Avoid processed and junk foods as much as possible. Interesting concept of rainbow plate is gaining popularity these days, the guidelines are shown in the chart below.
Table of foods rich in iron calcium protein and vitamins is given below
Exercise
Regular exercise aids in maintaining a healthy weight and boosts metabolism . It will also drastically cut down the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, obesity and osteoporosis .
Exercise also helps improve body balance and concentration, reduces the chance of depression by releasing endorphins( the happy hormone) and improves mental skills that tends to plateau with age. Some of the forms of exercise that can be used are brisk walking, swimming, cycling, hiking, dancing, aerobics, yoga, gardening, household work etc. A minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity ought to be performed throughout the week. For women in their late 30s, it is vital to take up some form of strength and conditioning such as lifting weights, resistance training, power yoga etc, for at least twice a week.
In case you are wondering where to start, I have even collated small workout guides (Click on image below) ranging from under 10 minutes to 30 minutes, for you .You can choose the form based on the fitness level and time available. These exercises can be done at home, during the lockdown, with no equipment. For, regular alerts and updates you can subscribe for the newsletter.
For me personally, I could heal myself from PCOD , by working out regularly and I have never had period problems again . It not only regulated my weight ,but also helped me in improving my overall immunity
See more about my transformation journey here…
Smoking / Alcohol
Quitting smoking ,chewing of tobacco , cutting the alcohol can facilitate in reducing the risks of cancer and lung diseases. Also smoking leads to dull skin and wrinkles on the face , too soon and makes you look much older at an early age.
Regular health check
Regular health checkups for basics diseases like diabetes , anemia, thyroid, cholesterol and hypertension at least once a year is recommended , even if you have no symptoms towards them.
Cancer Screening
Screening for breast and cervical cancer regularly helps in detecting any early stages of cancer through tests like mammography and pap smear respectively. Women with family history of breast ovarian or cancer should take extra caution to do it on a regular basis.
Following a Healthy lifestyle with adequate stress on diet and exercise can go a long way in reducing the risk of disease and health issues .
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