During 2017, approximately 810 women died daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Between 2000 and 2017, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR), the number of maternal deaths per 100 000 live births, dropped by about 38% worldwide. 94% of all maternal deaths occur in low and lower-middle-income countries. (Trends in maternal mortality: 2000 to 2017: estimates by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group and the United Nations Population Division. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019).: Monitoring the situation of children and women : Monitoring the situation of children and women. maternal mortality used to be widely acknowledged as a general indicator of the overall health of a population, of the status of women in society, and of the functioning of the health system (Reproductive Health Indicators: Guidelines for their generation, interpretation, and analysis for global monitoring. WHO: 2006). The author decided to review the major causes of illnesses contributing to mortality, in order to highlight the prevention of disease amongst women.
According to the literature, the biggest threats to women’s health are often preventable. Here is what one needs to know to live a longer, healthier life. Many of the leading threats to women’s health can be prevented if you know how. The top causes of death amongst adult women in the U.S. include heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and unintentional injuries, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research).
HIV/AIDS
Women, especially young women, are largely affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. According to the United Nations’ latest statistics, roughly 4 100 00 women are living with HIV in South Africa. Women, as well as men, are encouraged to take regular HIV tests and to practice safe sex.
Other leading causes of death are diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular accidents, hypertension, and cancer.
Prevent diseases and facilitate healthy lifestyles
Manage stress
Stress can have significant health consequences, from infertility to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Find the stress-reduction method that works for you and stick with it.
Stop dieting
Eating healthy does not mean you have to forgo your favourite glass of wine or a piece of chocolate cake now and then. The key is moderation. Get a mix of lean proteins, healthy fats, smart carbohydrates, and fibre.
Too much-absorbed calcium
This can increase the risk of kidney stones and may even increase the risk of heart disease. If you are under 50, shoot for 1 000 milligrams per day, while over-50 women should be getting 1 200 milligrams per day mainly through diet – about three servings of calcium-rich foods such as milk, salmon, and almonds
Do more than cardio
Women need a mix of cardio and resistance or weight-bearing exercise at least three to five times a week to help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Exercise also promotes a good self-image, which is really important to a woman’s mental health.
Appreciate birth control
Birth control gets a bad rap, but not only can it keep you from getting pregnant before you’re ready, but studies also show it can lower the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer as well as regulate your cycle.
See your doctor every year
Make sure you get a Pap test to check for cervical cancer every 3 years if you are 21 or older. If you are 30-65, you can get both a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years.
Have good sex
Sex reduces stress and may lower the risk of chronic disease.
Get more sleep
Sleep needs differ, but if you have trouble getting out of bed, tire easily, or have trouble concentrating, you likely are not getting enough. Recent studies suggest this can put you at greater risk of heart disease and psychological problems.
Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.
Hippocrates
