Women In their 40’s have a few things to pay attention to. The years of being young begins to catch up with us. We aren’t too old to go out on the town and kick up our heels, but we aren’t young like we used to be. Below I’ve listed some health risks that stand out the most, with the highest risks for women. Keep in mind, every risk listed can be minimized with a good diet, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques.
Heart disease/ Stroke
Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for men and women, claiming one million lives in the U.S. annually. That’s more than AIDS and all cancers combined. Many contributing factors make heart disease prominent, and women are prone to many of these factors in comparison to men. Here are some factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, bad diet, stress, smoking, excessive drinking. These would normally be included as top health risks, however since they are linked to heart disease, I included them. Understand that they are each in themselves equally as serious as heart disease itself.
Diabetes
High blood pressure, as well as unhealthy eating habits contribute to this disease. Weight plays a large role in the onset of diabetes. Women, as we all know, have declining hormone levels once we reach our 40’s, altering the distribution of fat around the buttocks, thighs, and abdomen. It doesn’t have to be a problem if you lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
Cancer
Although all cancers are concerning, breast and ovarian cancer are two among the highest risk factors for women. Early detection is the key, see your physician to discuss what the best screenings are for you. In our younger years many of us laid out in the sun to get that golden tan. Now, we may suffer the consequences of that sun exposure. Be aware of any new moles or skin changes and discuss them with your doctor immediately. Melanoma can be treated successfully with early diagnosis.
Osteoporosis
Women have lower bone mass than men. As we age, our hormone levels drop and that begins to thin our bones. This is why bone fractures are prominent in our 40’s and beyond. 200 million women worldwide have low bone density? It is wise to get a bone density screening in your 40’s in order to get an early diagnosis, as this is a treatable condition.
Stress/anxiety
As we hit our 40’s, we have extremely busy schedules. Caring for our children, husbands, and in many cases, elderly parents. Include a full time job, and your exhausted. It’s also probable that you aren’t getting enough sleep or eating a proper diet. Stress can raise your blood pressure, leading to other diseases. These components are a recipe for disaster. Stress can change your biochemistry, creating illness. If this sounds like your life, learn to balance it out. Set aside time to practice relaxation and meditation. Find ways to disconnect from the stress, even if only 10 min a day.
cited by:
www.theheartfoundation.org
www.netdoctor.co.uk
