Women's health encompasses many important aspects: reproductive health, quality of life during pregnancy, and prevention and treatment of many diseases, including cancer. In this regard, access to quality medical care and health information aimed at ensuring a full life for women of all age groups is important.
Therefore, our article is devoted to considering the following issues:
- Why is it so important to establish effective communication with your doctor?
- Is it possible to prevent or reduce the risk of developing diseases?
- What regular checkups do you need to undergo?
Effective communication with your doctor involves a detailed analysis of your complaints, symptoms and medical history. It is necessary to make the right decision regarding diagnosis and treatment, recommendations for prevention. Understanding medical prescriptions contributes to your involvement in the treatment process. Ask your doctor for details, discuss possible side effects and alternative treatment methods.
And now in more detail about the importance of the condition of the mammary glands and internal genital organs for you, as a woman. Statistical data indicate: breast cancer (BC) and cervical cancer (CRC) are the most common oncological diseases among women. In Ukraine, as of 2022, there were registered more than 12 thousand new cases of breast cancer and 3 thousand - cervical cancer. How dangerous are these diseases?
In the case of breast cancer, abnormal breast cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. If this process is not diagnosed and treated promptly, cancer cells spread beyond the breast through the bloodstream and lymph nodes, leading to negative side effects. consequences. Early detection of breast cancer contributes to effective treatment and a successful prognosis for recovery. To do this, you need to regularly undergo:
– clinical examination of the mammary glands (MZ)
– ultrasound examination of the MH
– mammography – screening for breast cancer, taking into account age and risk factors.
Cervical cancer is characterized by slow development. Initially, cervical dysplasia is formed, which later turns into cancer. The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted sexually. Usually, the human immune system «neutralizes» this virus, but in some circumstances the virus survives and is located in the body for years. You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by:
– HPV vaccination
– pelvic examination
– human papillomavirus test
– PAP test – cytological screening of the cervical cancer.
We emphasize once again: breast cancer and cervical cancer can be detected at an early stage. Your doctor will inform you in more detail about the examinations you need to undergo, their frequency and number.
In addition to timely detection of diseases, it is important to prevent their occurrence. Healthy habits will help in this - they should occupy an important place in the daily chaos of a busy work schedule and household chores. Therefore:
– Be physically active. A common recommendation today is to regularly perform at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise moderate intensity throughout the week. Let's just say that the exercises don't have to be difficult or long. Choose the ones you enjoy. For example:
– swimming
– dancing
– walking
– cycling (on a flat surface)
– work in the house and yard, etc.
If you want to get even more benefits for your health, gradually increase the time of the above activities to 300 minutes per week. Be sure to add strength training to such exercises: at least 2 times a week (yoga, gymnastics, Pilates, etc.), which strengthen muscles and maintain bone strength. Involve your friends and loved ones in joint activities, create a daily training schedule.
– Choose healthy food. It is impossible to talk about a healthy lifestyle without a balanced food and avoiding "unhealthy" foods (smoked foods, confectionery, fast food) that contain trans fats, a lot of sugar and/or salt (daily salt intake is not > 1 teaspoon). Include in your diet:
– fruits and colorful vegetables (400-600 g per day) – as a source of folate, prevent cholesterol buildup and improve the condition of blood vessels
– berries are a powerful source of antioxidants that protect body cells from damage
– sea fish (salmon, mackerel), which contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart and blood vessels
– nuts and seeds – a source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that lower cholesterol levels and improve the condition of blood vessels
– proteins (lean meat, poultry, legumes, fish, eggs) – building material for cells throughout the body
– whole grain products (pasta made from durum wheat, unpolished rice, buckwheat)
– sufficient amount of drinking water.
– Give up the use of tobacco and nicotine products, and alcohol. Because tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, and cancer. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemical compounds, at least 250 of which are toxic. Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that is addictive and leads to damage to vital organs and systems body. Primary care providers can help you quit smoking and alcohol. Learn about effective ways to quit smoking at website.
Don't forget to monitor the following conditions and indicators:
– Blood pressure. An important risk factor that needs to be kept under control. If necessary, take antihypertensive drugs prescribed by a doctor, be sure to keep a diary of measurements. What is important to know about arterial hypertension - in the initial stages it is asymptomatic, which is why concludes her cunning.
– Cholesterol level. Excess cholesterol provokes the formation of plaques that narrow the lumen of blood vessels and reduce blood supply to vital organs, which can later lead to a heart attack or stroke.
– Blood sugar level. If your blood sugar level increases, get tested, take medication regularly if necessary, and follow an appropriate diet.
– Osteoporosis. It is characterized by a decrease in bone strength and calcium content, leading to fractures. Recall that the best prevention of osteoporosis is a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Remember that taking care of your health is important for both you and your family and friends. Therefore, schedule an examination with your doctor now - timely detection of diseases increases the chances of successful treatment and a full healthy life.