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Top eight causes
of death for
women
|
Cause of
death |
Percentage
of females |
1. Heart
disease |
27.2 percent |
| 2. Cancer |
22.0 percent |
| 3. Stroke |
7.5 percent |
4. Chronic
lower
respiratory diseases |
5.2 percent |
| 5. Alzheimer's disease |
3.9 percent |
| 6. Unintentional injuries |
3.3 percent |
| 7. Diabetes |
3.1 percent |
8. Influenza
and
pneumonia |
2.7 percent |
Source: Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention |
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 Women’s health series, part 1: Prevent threats to your health
You likely want to protect your health and take steps toward a long, healthy life. But, you may not know where to begin. Try starting with eight health conditions that are responsible for three-fourths of all female deaths in this country. Our three-part series will help you understand how you may be able to prevent or control these threats. This installment focuses on conditions that affect the lungs.
Seasonal flu and pneumonia
You may be surprised to know that these contagious illnesses are among the top eight threats to your health. In fact, each year an average of 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Pneumonia was to blame for more than 55,000 deaths in 2006.
Any strain of flu can hit hard, leaving you miserable and out of commission. Most people recover in a week or two. But, some feel weak long after symptoms have disappeared. The flu also can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia or even death.
Fortunately, vaccines may help prevent these infections and protect your health.
The flu virus changes from year to year, so the flu vaccine is updated annually. That’s why it’s important to get an annual flu shot. Almost anyone can be vaccinated, but it is especially important for:
- Children ages 6 months up to their 19th birthday
- Pregnant women
- Adults ages 50 and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- Those who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who visit, live with or care for those at high risk of complications from the flu. This includes health care workers and those who care for children less than age 6 months, who are too young to be vaccinated.
The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from the H1N1 flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a separate vaccination, expected to be available this fall, for protection from H1N1. For more information about H1N1 flu symptoms, treatment and prevention, see the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Frequently Asked Questions at www.uhc.com/news_room/swine_flu_advisory/swine_flu_faq.htm. Or, visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
Pneumonia vaccines also are available. They’re recommended for anyone ages 65 and older. These vaccines also are important for those with chronic diseases, such as asthma or COPD. Most people need only a single shot in their lifetime.
Talk with your doctor to ensure all your vaccines are up-to-date.
Chronic lung disease
This major cause of death includes asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Unlike the flu and pneumonia, these are long-term diseases.
Asthma, which occurs more often in women than men, is a condition in which the airways leading to the lungs are very sensitive. Irritants can cause them to become inflamed and filled with mucus, which can make it hard to breathe. These irritants — also called triggers — can include pet dander, dust mites or pollen. Strong odors or viral infections can trigger asthma attacks, too.
Asthma can’t be cured. But, it can be controlled. Talk with your doctor about developing an asthma action plan. A typical plan may include:
- Long-term control medicine to prevent asthma attacks
- Quick-relief medicine to open airways during an attack
- Tips for identifying and avoiding triggers
Asthma control is especially important during pregnancy. Asthma attacks can impair the flow of oxygen to the fetus. This can lead to serious health issues, such as low birthweight.
COPD is a disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is a condition in which damage to the air sacs in the lungs reduces the ability of oxygen to get into the blood. Chronic bronchitis causes swollen airways and mucus buildup. Smoking drastically increases your risk of both conditions.
The best prevention: Don’t smoke. If you have COPD, medicine can help make breathing easier. Some treatments are similar to those for asthma. It’s also important to see your doctor at the first sign of a respiratory infection, such as the flu or pneumonia.
COPD and asthma can’t be cured. But, it’s important to take any prescriptions regularly, even if you feel well.
Watch for part two of this series in your e-mail in-box next month. Healthy Mind Healthy Body will examine some the biggest health threats to women: heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
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Fit, female and fabulous
Learn more about being a healthy woman by visiting the Women’s Health Center at myuhc.com.
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