6 Health Problems to Keep an Eye Out For

The unknown can be scary, and nobody wants to find themselves facing serious health ailments at any point in their life. However, there are a number of health problems that women face which are worth noting so that all women can keep an eye out for the symptoms. Chat with your doctor if you believe you have any of the following: 

1. Heart Disease

Out of all the diseases that a person can possible contract or develop, heart disease is among the most common. Currently, 44% of women in the United States live with heart disease to some degree, with roughly one in five female deaths being caused by the disease. Signs of this ailment can include consistent chest pain or tightness, a shortness of breath, pain or numbness in the legs or arms, and pain in the neck, jaw, or throat. 

2. Urinary Tract Infections

Women are more at risk than men to develop a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is why understanding what it is and the symptoms it causes is important. A UTI is simply any infection of the urinary system and can be caused by an infection of the bladder or urethra, with women being at a higher risk due to the female anatomy. Signs of a UTI include a strong urge to urinate that does not dissipate, strong or abnormal smelling urine, cloudy urine, and a burning feeling when urinating. 

3. Maternal Health Problems 

Carrying a baby to term is a wonderful experience for many women, but it’s not without its dangers. Some of the most common health problems that occur include reproductive tract infections, eclampsia, obstructed labor, postpartum hemorrhages, and more. If you believe you are having a complication, don’t hesitate to reach out to a women’s healthcare provider in Houston as soon as possible. 

4. Sexual Health Problems

Similar to UTIs, STDs and STIs are extremely common in women around the world with millions of new women being diagnosed with one or more STIs on a yearly basis. However, these can sometimes result in more serious health problems in women than with men, specifically related to fertility, which is why seeking treatment as soon as possible is so important. 

5. Breast Cancer

Second to only skin cancer in terms of how common it is, breast cancer is an extreme danger to women all around the world. Accounting for nearly 30% of new cancer diagnosis’s, learning the signs is quite important. Most notably, watch for a new lump in the breast or underarm, irritation in the breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the breast area, or a pulling sensation in the nipple or surrounding area. 

6. Mental Health Concerns

Depression and anxiety are two mental health disorders that affect millions of people around the world daily. Nowadays, there are a wide variety of new risk factors that can cause a person to potentially develop these mental health disorders. If you are experiencing the signs of these two, or other, mental health conditions, contact a doctor right away. 

General Tips for Healthier Living

While you can’t stop all health issues in their tracks, simply living a healthier lifestyle can help reduce the risk of facing many problems. As a general rule of thumb, use some of the following tips to enhance your lifestyle today:

• Make smarter choices with food and aim to cut out unhealthy fats and carbs

• Exercise regularly and stay physically active 

• Drink plenty of water on a daily basis to ensure you’re hydrated

• Reduce the amount of time you spend sitting in front of a screen

• Take breaks from consuming drugs such as alcohol or caffeine

• Take multivitamin supplements to keep yourself fit 

• Get plenty of sleep on a nightly basis

The Bottom Line

There are a number of health issues that can pop up throughout your life, so understanding some of the more common ones can help you stay better prepared. Take care of your yearly check-ups on-time and speak with your doctor(s) about any concerns that you may have regarding your health. It’s never a bad thing to be watchful over your health, especially if you have a feeling that something may be awry.