Health Issues Impacting Women Across The Globe

Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women. – Michelle Obama

Women experience a wide range of health issues & conditions ranging from pregnancy, menopause, PCOD due to metabolic, endocrine & other reasons. Certain health issues, if detected early can be faced more easily & with better control. Thus it is important for all women to stay in tune with their bodies & detect warning signs of major health conditions. These don't just effect their bodies, they have ramifications that effect every other area of their lives, from their families to their finances.

In general, women have a longer life expectancy than men but it doesn't mean that they get to enjoy healthier lives. As per a World Health Organization (WHO) 2009 study, millions of women suffer from health issues each year throughout the world, health issues that would not have affected them had they been men. Women are more vulnerable to contracting HIV, less likely to be screened for heart disease, and according to the British medical journal BMJ, women throughout the world are likely to have received inferior health care compared to their male counterparts from birth onwards.

Read on to find out more about the biggest health challenges faced by women across the world.

Malnutrition:

Nutrition plays a major role in and individual’s overall health, psychological and physical health status is often dramatically impacted by the presence of malnutrition.?

While malnutrition impacts two billion people worldwide, it hits women particularly hard. Women with vitamin deficiencies are more likely to die during childbirth & since half of all pregnant women in the developing world have anemia, malnutrition is the culprit behind 110,000 deaths during childbirth each year. In many cultures, women also the first to cut back on their food when famine and drought hit, meaning that women are often struck particularly hard by foot shortages.

India has one of the highest rates of malnourished women among developing countries. However, it is seen that the rate of malnutrition increases for women as they enter adulthood. Maternal malnutrition has been associated with an increased risk of maternal mortality and also child birth defects. Addressing the issues of malnutrition would have a beneficial outcomes for women and children.

Lack of Maternal Care:

India contributes to nearly 20 % of all maternal deaths worldwide between 1992 & 2006. The primary reasons for the high levels of maternal mortality are directly related to disparities of economic conditions and cultural constraints limiting access to care.

Poor maternal health not only affects a child’s health in adverse ways but also decreases a woman’s ability to participate in economic activities. Therefore, national health programs in India such as the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) & the Family Welfare Program have been created to address the maternal health care needs of women across India. Although India has witnessed dramatic growth over the last two decades, maternal mortality still remains high as in comparison to many developing nations.

Mental Health:

Mental health conditions like depression when when compared to the state of women's health may be "invisible", but even though we can't see them, they have real consequences. Women are more likely to develop depression & anxiety disorders than men in general, are more likely to live through an event or experience that gives them PTSD, such as a violent civil conflict, a disaster, or an incident of domestic violence.

Suicide is a major problem in India. The suicide rate in India is 5 times higher than that of the developed world. It has been found to be higher in women as compared to men in India.

The most common reasons for women's suicide is directly related to:

Depression, anxiety, gender discrimination, domestic violence

The suicide rate is particularly high among female sex workers in India, who face numerous forms of discrimination for their gender & line of work.

Cancer:

Breast, ovarian, endometrial &cervical cancers are the leading cause of death among women worldwide. The most lethal cancer for women ages 20-59 throughout the world, breast cancer is increasing among women in developing countries, where it is often diagnosed at too late a stage to receive effective medical treatment.

Cardiovascular Disease:

Though many of you may think of cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease as a men's issue, it is actually one of the major cause of death for women worldwide. It is often undetected or undiagnosed in women.?

They tend to live with symptoms like breathlessness, tiredness, fatigue & end up in emergency long after the heart has suffered significant damages. Women in lower income nations are more likely to die from it.

Gynecological Ailments:

Women face many gynecological health issues ie: menstrual problems (heavy bleeding, cramps, pain, nausea, fatigue, urinary tract infections (UTI), Fertility related issues such as PCOD, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, pregnancy related issues ie: miscarriage, preterm labor, stillbirth, premature birth. Pregnancies in rural areas of India are still handled by non medical personnel without the relevant knowledge or skill sets.?

Osteoporosis/ Osteoarthritis:

Osteoporosis is the leading cause of fractures in post menopausal women across the globe. Hip fracture risks are equal to the combined risk of breast & ovarian cancer in women above 45.?During menopause, the estrogen hormone levels reduce causing weakening & loss of bones & consequent stress fractures.?

Menopause is also a trigger for osteoarthritis among women above 45. It occurs when the cartilage tissue cushioning the ends of the bones wears out causing them to rub against each other resulting in severe pain. It usually affects the knees & hips though it may also affect the hands, spine & wrists. Across the world more number of women seek joint replacements than men.

Sexual/ Domestic Violence:

Sexual violence is a term that covers rape & sexual assault, coerced marriage, & other forms of sexual. Though specific statistics are hard to establish because sexual crimes are frequently under-reported, a UN survey found that millions of women are the victims of sexual violence each year.?

Domestic violence is defined as acts of physical, psychological & sexual violence against women is found across the world and is currently viewed as a hidden epidemic by the World Health Organization. As per reports of India National Family Health Survey III (2005-2006), 31 % of all women reported having been the victims of physical violence. However, the actual number of victims may be much higher. The study found that the poorest women faired worst among middle and high-income women.

At least 35 % of women around the world have been victims of domestic violence. Experiencing domestic violence puts victims at further risk for depression, unintended pregnancy, HIV infection, alcohol abuse, suicide, long term physical injury & death at the hands of their partner, 38 % of all murdered women were killed by their partner.

Gestational Diabetes:

It is a condition in which women develop diabetes (high blood sugar) during pregnancy. Initially, it may not cause any symptoms. Excessive thirst, sweating and frequent urination may be noticed as it progresses. It is a major public health problem in India with prevalence rates reported to be about 4 million women affected at any given point of time.?

It not only influences immediate maternal (preeclampsia, stillbirths, macrosomia, and need for cesarean section) and neonatal outcomes (hypoglycemia, respiratory distress), but also increases the risk of future Type 2 diabetes in mother as well as the baby.

Medical Tests for Women between 20-30 years:

Checking your Weight - One should weigh regularly, as too much of it may puts you at high risk for developing a number of diseases later in life. Blood Pressure. It's simple, it's cheap and it's quick.

Get your Cholesterol Profile -

You should also have a cholesterol test. Everyone age 20 & over should know their cholesterol numbers, and get them checked at least once every five years.

Get a Breast Exam, Pelvic Exam & Pap Test -?

A clinical breast exam and 10 minutes of mild discomfort from the pelvic exam pays big dividends in protecting from cancer and diseases that can cause infertility.?

If you've had abnormal Pap's in the past, be sure to get a new Pap smear as often as your doctor recommends. For those with no history of an abnormal Pap, a Pap smear can be done every 3 years, rather than annually.

Protect your Eyes -?

You may not have considered this, but at some point before you're 40, visit an eye care provider for an exam.

Check our Immunizations -?

Update any immunizations that you might need.

Medical Tests for Women > 40 years:

Blood sugar - Decades of eating the wrong food (like coffee, hot dogs, fries can get the picture) plus weight gain (often due to hormonal changes) may have overworked the pancreas. At 45, be sure to get a fasting blood sugar test, and then again at least once every 3 years.

Breast exam and mammogram - One might be regularly checking breasts at home but still doctor should do an exam annually, but most experts recommend having a mammogram test done after age 40.

Blood pressure - Blood pressure may rise with the increasing age that's common. Fortunately, one can lower his/her blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication.

Check your weight - Taking care of your weight is another factor as being overweight can put you at high risk for developing a number of diseases, including diabetes & heart disease.

Pelvic Exam & Pap Test - A women should get this test done especially if she is sexually active.?

Lookout for Moles - Unusual moles or skin changes can leads to cancer but these are curable. if diagnosed at an early stage.

Get an eye checkup done - Having trouble reading or working at the computer? It's not unusual. After 40 make sure to get eyes examined regularly every two years until age 60?to check for common problems like presbyopia, glaucoma and many more.

Check for Immunizations - Ask your doctor if you need a tetanus booster shot, flu shot, or pneumonia vaccine.

Health Tips for Working Women

• Stay active throughout the day.
• Consume lots of water to stay hydrated day long.
• Have a handy amount of healthy snacks with you.
• Maintain an effective exercise routine.
• Reduce your carbs intake.
• Do not overdo anything.
• Most important, Be Happy.

While it's true that women around the world are suffering from avoidable health problems, it's also true that there are tons of nonprofits, charities, and projects devoted to helping sick women get the care they need, and creating a culture where women are less likely to become sick in the first place.

For more such important articles related to health, fitness & wellness, Do Visit Us At:

Health Saarthi BLOG Series

Disclaimer: This information should not be construed as a medical advice. Reader discretion is recommended.