Women Should Always Monitor Their Health

It is never a bad time to have various health tests performed and women of any age can greatly benefit when checking for the deadliest health risks. There are many ailments and diseases that are more important to the health of women because of their higher risks of vitamin loss during pregnancy and hormonal fluctuation yet it is important  to the health of all women to monitor their well being and be aware of the hazards that can quickly become life threatening illnesses.

The top 5 health risks that can be easily tested and prevented are:

1. Glaucoma - Degenerative Eye Disease

2. Skin Cancer - Issues of Skin and Protective Tissues and Membranes

3. Depression - An Emotional and Threatening Disease

4. Oral Cancer - Cancers of the Mouth and Gums

5 Peripheral Heart Disease - Hardening of the Arteries

The top 5 health risks to women can be easily overlooked and yet they are the deadliest of health issues if ignored and not checked. The best act of good health and survival of any disease or cancer is early detection. Having regular checkups and tests performed on a regular schedule can deter these illnesses and stop them from becoming a life threatening matter.

1. Glaucoma: The number one cause of blindness and is preventable. A Tonometry is a test for detecting glaucoma. Having this test done periodically will assist in monitoring the optic nerves of the eye and the ability to detect any damage that could cause glaucoma. Eyedrops are used to numb the eye and measurements of the intraocular pressure is recorded to perform this test. Glaucoma can affect anyone and those that are more at risk will have genetic trait and suffer from nearsightedness.

2. Skin Cancer: A growing concern of skin cancer issues have risen over the past few years and prevention is possible. Tests for skin cancer will start with self-screenings and visits to a dermatologist on a regular basis. The most deadly skin cancer is Melanoma and there is a checklist termed the ABCDE’s of Melanoma. This self-test refers to markings, warts or skin lesions and signs or patches of abnormal skin tissues. Skin changes and sudden spot formations should be checked immediately.

A - Asymmetry: One half of a skin spot is different than the other.

B - Border: Edges of spots are irregular, ragged, blurred or notched.

C - Color: Uneven colors and may include varying shades.

D - Diameter: Spot on skin is greater than 6 millimeters across.

E - Evolution: Check if a spot changes any of the above over time.

3. Depression: An emotional disease that can cause several outlying health issues. It is easy for those suffering from depression to also act in riskier and addictive behaviors such as drug use and alchoholism that can also trigger health risks. It is common for those suffering from depression to not notice the signs and online questionnaires can be found if one is wondering if they may be developing or have symptoms of depression. Talking with your family doctor about feelings of depression will be the first step in seeking help and treatment. Left untreated, depression can be very debilitating.

4. Oral Cancer: A deadly cancer of the mouth and throat that can spread very quickly. It is important to always be aware of the health of gums and lining of the mouth, tongue and throat. Small lesions, white spots or sores that do not heal quickly should be checked as soon as possible. Not all dentists will regularly check for cancer or notice areas of concern unless directed by the patient. Oral cancer if detected early can help in improving survival which this cancer has the lowest survival rate of all cancers. It is important for women especially to monitor teeth and gum health which can suffer greatly especially during pregnancy.

5. Peripheral Heart Disease: Hardening of the arteries and heart wall that can greatly increase the risk of heart-attack and stroke. Women are more prone to leave heart issues untreated because the symptoms are very similar to stomach issues and a large percentage of women will notice heart issues as back pain and not chest pain. The test for this disease is the Ankle-Brachial Index. This test is used in preventative cardiology measures and uses a Doppler device to compare the pulse in the ankles to the upper arm near the heart. When the pressures do not match and the ankle pulse is higher it signals that there could be plaque build up in the legs.

All of these tests are easily scheduled and self-screening is a definite must in maintaining optimum health. Any concerns involving health should be checked with your physician or doctor to remain safe and free of deadly issues. If for any reason one does not feel that they are not being checked properly or receiving helpful information it is necessary to have a second opinion or to seek a specialist.