Diseases that attack women and men differently (1)

Some say that women are very conscious of their bodies. We know we must go to the doctor for our annual physicals and Pap tests to rule out X, Y and Z. However, a recent health survey called the Women's College Hospital for X-Effects of Health Index shows that many women do not understand enough about how chronic illness and disease could affect them.

Disease gender gap
"When it comes to health, women and men are not the same," said Marilyn Emery, CEO of Women's College Hospital in Toronto. "[The study], we wanted to know how well they understand that Canadian women symptoms, diagnoses, treatments and medications may be different because of their gender."

The study revealed that women need access to more information about chronic illnesses and diseases so that they can take charge of your health and adjust their lifestyles accordingly.
Talk to your doctor
If only the head to the doctor when something is wrong, may be losing importance in health care. Dr. Danielle Martin, a family physician at Women's College Hospital, recommends participation in what doctors refer to as self-care and self-management. This means taking proactive steps to maximize their health between appointments. "The doctor is not just a place to go when you are sick, it's a place to go for a good lead," he says.

That is not to be bombarded with questions to your doctor about every major disease, but to understand their risk of disease depending on their age, family medical history and lifestyle. Then you can concentrate on getting answers that address their main concerns.

Women's Health Matters The site offers 10 questions that women should talk with their doctors on the basis of relevance to their lives.

How can I take charge of my health?
To improve your overall health, take measures to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes exercise, enough sleep and having a balanced diet. "Those kinds of things can go a long way," says Dr. Martin.

Dr. Martin proactive measures for women's health include:

-Regular screening and prevention of common diseases
-A mammogram every one or two years after the age of 50 years
The colon cancer screening every one to-two years after the age of 50 years
-Regular Pap tests
-Having adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D for osteoporosis
Vaccines-day


These are some of the diseases and illnesses that you may want to talk to your doctor if you feel you may be at risk.

Diabetes
Did you know? About half (48 percent) of women surveyed think men and women are experiencing the same increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Fact: Women between the ages of 20 and 50 are experiencing the greatest increase in the incidence of diabetes.

There are several risk factors that can determine whether a woman can get type 2 diabetes, including genetic factors and certain lifestyle choices. While nothing can be done about the genetic factors, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association, scientists believe that lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Examples of lifestyle changes include:
-Exercise and physical activity
-Maintain a healthy body weight
-Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in sugars and processed foods

Women who have had gestational diabetes are also at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.