International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of March. It’s a time both to celebrate women and to focus on issues concerning women, like the problem of gender-based violence, gender equality and women’s health issues.
Bloom Financial Services wishes to take this opportunity to highlight some of the major health concerns affecting women in our country and throughout the world.
10 Most Common Women’s Health Issues
1. Breast cancer
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in South Africa.
> Conduct self-examinations to check for irregular lumps in your breast and have a mammogram screening every two years from the age of 40-50, depending on your health history.
2. Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer affecting women in the country.
> Start having a regular pap smear screening every two to three years from the age of 21 until about 65 years, or as recommended by your healthcare provider.
3. HIV/AIDS
In South Africa, HIV prevalence is four times greater amongst women than it is amongst men. It is estimated that more than 120,000 women in the age group 15-24 years become HIV positive each year.
> An early diagnosis will assist you in boosting your immune system and managing your treatment plan. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication is provided in accordance with the Momentum Health4Me Gold Health Insurance Plan’s prescribed HIV medication formulary. Antiretroviral medication is also provided through the Momentum Health4Me Gold Health Insurance Plan’s HIV medication formulary.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition where your blood sugar levels become elevated due to impaired utilisation of insulin.
> An annual blood-glucose test is used to test for Type II Diabetes.
5. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone and, as a result, the bones become brittle. This makes one susceptible to bone breaks or fractures.
> In order to reduce your risk, it’s recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle by sticking to a varied diet and doing regular weight-bearing exercises.
6. Mental Health
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group estimates that approximately 17 million South Africans suffer from mental health problems. Women are particularly susceptible to developing depression or anxiety due to the natural hormonal fluctuations they experience.
> The Momentum Health4Me Gold health insurance plan helps cover the cost of up to 2 visits to a specialist psychiatrist who can assist in treating mental health issues.
7. Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death after HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Women have a unique set of risk factors that can predispose them to CVD, like a heart or stroke. Some of these include taking hormone replacement therapy for menopause, gestational diabetes, and taking oral contraceptives.
> Keep healthy and aware with an annual heart awareness assessment.
8. Pregnancy Complications
The World Health Organisation estimates that about 830 women die from pregnancy or childbirth complications every day. Pre-existing conditions, like asthma or diabetes, can worsen during pregnancy, putting the mother and child’s life at risk.
> Visit your gynaecologist on a regular basis to ensure you are made aware of any issues that could lead to pregnancy complications.
9. Fertility Issues
Many women struggle to conceive naturally. In South Africa, it’s estimated that infertility affects 15-20% of the population. Women can undergo various types of infertility treatment, which includes taking medication, having surgery or reproductive assistance.
> Visit your gynaecologist on a regular basis to ensure you are made aware of any issues that could lead to fertility issues.
10. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune disease is a condition whereby the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. The most common types of autoimmune disease affecting women include psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid conditions.
> The symptoms and severity of the disease do vary from patient to patient and treatment plans include taking chronic medication to manage the condition.
Many of these diseases or conditions can be managed with the right treatment plans and ongoing care. Having the appropriate health coverage in place ensures that you’re protected when it matters most. For helpful advice on finding a suitable health insurance option, Bloom’s specialists are available to guide you through your choices based on your needs.
This post was sponsored by Bloom Financial Services.
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