4 Ways to Prevent the Most Common Women's Health Problem
4 Ways to Prevent the Number One Womens Health Problem
by Julie Lenz
What disease kills more American women than any other?
If you answered anything except heart disease then you must read
this article. According to the American Heart Association heart
disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of women. They
are two of the many cardiovascular diseases that kill nearly 500,000
women each year. Thats more than the next seven causes of death
combined, including all forms of cancer. But there are steps you
can take to protect yourself.
1. Get your cholesterol tested every year. Many women dont know
they have high cholesterol. They assume that heart disease is
a mans problem. Even many doctors dont realize the risk that
women have of heart disease so they fail to suggest testing.
2. Increase your weekly exercise. We now know that as little as
10 minutes of exercise three times a week can greatly reduce the
risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Take the stairs instead
of the elevator. Walk the dog a little bit longer each day. Get
your heart pumping by dancing to your favorite music
while you clean the house. Walk during your lunch hour instead
of eating at your desk.
3. Eat more fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables are low
in fat and high in fiber. They contain heart healthy nutrients.
Leafy greens are particularly healthy. Orange juice is high in
folic acid, a nutrient known to protect the heart and prevent
birth defects. Add one vegetable or fruit to every meal and you
will likely double your current intake. You can make it easier
by keeping prepared vegetables in the refrigerator to throw into
a salad or munch on for snacks.
4. Learn about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS affects
as many as 5-10% of all women. It is one of the most common endocrine
disorders and is one of the most common causes of infertility.
PCOS is a cluster of symptoms that can include: unexplained weight
gain or difficulty losing weight, depression or mood swings, painful
or irregular periods, absent periods, acne, hair loss, unexpected
hair growth (face, arms, stomach, etc.), infertility, high cholesterol,
high blood pressure and more. Untreated PCOS can lead to serious
health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and endometrial
cancer. Protecting your heart is easier than you might think and
it will reward you every moment of every day. Take care of yourself.
You are worth it!
Julie Lenz is a life coach who helps professional women cope with
the effects of chronic illness. She writes the weekly e-newsletter
"PCOS Success!" She is also the author of "A PCOS Daybook: Daily
Meditations for Coping With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome" to be released
May 2004. You can learn more at: www.pcoscoach.com
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