Georgia health e-update, 2010 May

May 2010 Newsletter
Practicing Good Health for a Lifetime
Whether she's 20 years old or over 60, it's important that women of all ages practice healthy habits to ensure a long, productive life. Support the women in your circle by taking an active role in their physical health. Encourage them to visit their doctor regularly and keep their girlish figure by eating nutritious foods and staying active. Become a partner in creating a better her, and you may begin to see positive results in your own health as you practice what you preach.
To hear how you can help the women in your life get on the road to good health, listen to the May edition of the Georgia Wellcast and learn about Women's Health Month. Click on the Wellcast icon to the right.
May is Women's Health Month
The month of May is a celebration of women and their contributions to our lives and society. As we all prepare for Mother's Day, let's remember to focus on the health and wellbeing of the women in our lives, and encourage them to practice good health for a lifetime.
Today's Woman Due to great advances in technology and medicine, women are living far longer than their early-20th century counterpart. The major causes of death for women at the beginning of the century were infectious diseases. By the end of the century, the major causes of death were chronic illnesses. While much changed in women's health during the 20th century, one important factor did not: the major causes of death and disease remained largely preventable.
In 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the leading causes of death for females of all ages and races were heart disease, cancer and stroke. While many of the leading threats to women's health can be prevented, you have to know how. Below is a list of the top five threats to women's health compiled from statistics provided by the CDC, Mayo Clinic and other organizations. Review the list and then take steps to promote women's health.
No. 1 -- Heart disease Heart disease isn't just a man's disease. Heart disease is also a major women's health threat. To prevent heart disease:



Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke



Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fiber and fish. Cut back on

foods high in saturated fat and sodium



If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment

recommendations



Include physical activity in your daily routine



Maintain a healthy weight



If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Too much alcohol can raise

blood pressure



If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control



Manage stress

No. 2 -- Cancer The most common cause of cancer deaths among women is lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer and colorectal cancer also pose major women's health threats. To reduce your risk of cancer:



Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke



Include physical activity in your daily routine



Maintain a healthy weight



Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods



Limit your sun exposure. When you're outdoors, use sunscreen



If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation



Consult your doctor for regular cancer screenings



Reduce exposure to cancer-causing substances (carcinogens), such as radon,

asbestos, radiation and air pollution



Breastfeed, if you can

No. 3 -- Stroke You can't control some stroke risk factors, such as age, family history, sex or race. But you can take these steps to reduce your risk of stroke:



Don't smoke



If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment

recommendations



Limit the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. Try to avoid trans fat

entirely



Maintain a healthy weight



Include physical activity in your daily routine



If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control



If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation

No. 4 -- COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung conditions, including bronchitis and emphysema. To prevent COPD:



Don't smoke. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke



Minimize exposure to chemicals and air pollution

No. 5 -- Alzheimer's disease There's no proven way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, but consider taking these steps:



Take care of your heart. High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high

cholesterol may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's



Avoid head injuries. There appears to be a link between head injury and future risk of

Alzheimer's



Maintain a healthy weight



Include physical activity in your daily routine



Avoid tobacco



If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation



Stay socially active



Maintain mental fitness. Practice mental exercises, and take steps to learn new things

To learn more about these diseases, log onto georgiahealthinfo.gov.