Women have fought a lot of adversity since the dawn of time and there are still more things that we can do to balance out our disadvantages. One of the biggest things that we need to shed light on is women’s health issues that affect millions of women. Issues that does not only affect their health, but their families and finances.
Women have longer life expectancy than men, but more women are vulnerable to contracting diseases. There is also less material to help address women’s health issues and the fact that most countries have inferior health care for women. If this worries you to know that one day you may acquire one or more of these health issues and not have the means to protect yourself, it’s right for you to worry. Getting the knowledge and understanding these problems is a huge step in helping you with these heath issues. Read on to find out what are the biggest health issues women around the world are facing, what you can do to prevent it and how you can make a difference.
Mental Health
Mental health is one of the biggest health issues women face all over the world from depression to chronic low self-esteem. This issue isn’t as talked about or handled since it is an “invisible” problem. It does not show physically as much as other diseases, but thousands of women can die from these. Women that were under an abusive relationship or had a traumatic experience do not have enough resources to treat themselves or have access to proper health care. Women are more likely to acquire mental health problems than men, and more likely to live through their disease their whole life or when they lose their life from it. You can help others by being aware of the mental health services that is provided and sharing it with the people you know. Look through charities that caters to these problems. You can help yourself by understanding the early symptoms of mental health problems and addressing them early on. Mental health can be treated a lot easier when it is still beginning, then further along in time. Look up medication, treatment and therapy that can be used.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a health problem that affects billions of people around the world. This highly affects women, particularly vitamin deficiencies. This problem can cause women to have difficulties in their health and can even cause death during childbirth. Half of the women population in developing countries suffer from malnutrition and anemia. This has caused thousands of deaths during childbirth every year. In many cultures, women are required to cut down or have no access to proper supplements, medication and healthy food. Malnutrition can also occur in first world countries. This can often occur due to unhealthy eating, obesity and eating disorders. You can make sure that it doesn’t happen by getting regular checkups and getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals in your diet. You can help women around the world by donating in feeding programs or organizations that fight hunger.
Heart Problems
Heart disease is one of the biggest health risks in both men in women. Heart problems are responsible for 29% of death in women the past year. One of the biggest problems is the lack of health care and disability that women have to handle this problem. More men are affected by heart problems, but most women go through it undiagnosed until it’s too late. Be aware of the symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, high cholesterol level and so on. Get regular checkups, even if you do not feel anything. It can be a silent killer that can come suddenly without any warning. Be aware of all the cardiovascular health programs in your locality and get involved.
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is one of the most lethal cancer that affect women. It can affect women of different ages. It is steadily increasing among women in developing countries. Most women are often diagnosed late and are unable to receive medical treatment. You can help prevent this by regularly doing self- checkups and getting yearly mammograms. You can help women around the world by looking into programs that support breast cancer research and treatment.
There are a lot more health problems that women face every day. Learning to protect yourself and getting the right test and frequent checkups can prevent these. You can help others by learning about local or international organization that help with women’s health issues and find out different ways you can assist them. Simply spreading their word and advocacies can help these organizations to help women around the world. Protect yourself and women – your health should be top of your priorities.
