The Health Benefits of Yoga for Women
Affinity Health, a leading high-quality health cover provider, highlights health issues for every woman.
Did you know? Your biological makeup influences your susceptibility to various health issues.
What are the Most Common Health Issues in Women?
Cardiac Disease
Heart disease is one of the most common causes of early death and disability of women in South Africa. Heart attack symptoms include chest pain, loss of breath, and arm weakness. But women might miss or overlook heart attack symptoms and think it is chest pain or heartburn.
General Stroke
Stroke strikes 55 000 more women than men every year. There are two types of stroke:
- Haemorrhagic (brain haemorrhage)
- Ischemic (blood vessel occlusion resulting in reduced blood flow)
Symptoms may vary based on the following underlying causes:
- Speech difficulties
- Numbness of the extremities
Stroke During Pregnancy
There may also be a relationship between pregnancy and stroke. Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy is called Preeclampsia. That can raise the risk of stroke.
Hypercoagulation or excessive blood clotting can also occur during pregnancy. That increases the likelihood of neurologic problems involving blood clot formation. These clots can then impede the blood supply to the brain.
Diabetes
Although diabetes is not unique to women, it does increase the risk of heart disease by a factor of four in females. Additionally, women are more susceptible to the following problems associated with diabetes:
- Blindness
- Renal disease
- Depression
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs when the glucose level rises during pregnancy. This condition affects at least three out of every 100 women.
Treatment options include:
- Careful diet
- Exercise
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Insulin injections
- Oral medicine
Diabetes can also cause pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage and birth abnormalities. Monitoring diabetic pregnant women is necessary.
To prevent type 2 diabetes, do the following:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Engage in regular exercise
- Quit smoking
Maternal Health Concerns
From iron-deficiency anaemia to high blood pressure, pregnancy affects women. According to Murray Hewlett, Affinity Health CEO, prenatal care is crucial.
“Women with diabetes or high blood pressure should have symptoms under optimal management. High-risk diseases, like cardiac and neurological disorders, need review. Moreover, women should not become pregnant shortly after weight loss surgery,” says Hewlett.
During pregnancy, Hewlett recommends that women receive proper nutrition. You may continue to exercise as usual, but if you have any questions, please visit your physician.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections happen when there is the multiplication of bacteria in the urethra. Women have shorter urethras than men. So, urethral prolapses are more common in women.
That reduces the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder. Frequent urination, painful urination and opaque urine are UTI symptoms. Even though a UTI might resolve itself, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Sexual Wellness
There are around 30 forms of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). The HPV vaccine Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is one of the most prevalent STIs. HPV infection in approximately 80% of sexually active men and women is inevitable.
HPV is very prevalent. More than 100 varieties relate to cancer. In South Africa, types 16 and 18 of cervical cancer be dangerous.
“Cervical cancer was one of the leading causes of mortality in women. Now, with the invention of the Pap smear, doctors can detect precancerous cells. They can also administer treatment to eradicate them. That leads to a huge decrease in the incidence of cervical cancer,” adds Hewlett.
Breast Cancer
One in 26 South African women is at risk of developing breast cancer.8 Monthly breast self-examinations can help you notice any breast changes. Women should also have an annual mammogram from the age of 40. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising, can prevent breast cancer.
Learn More: How to Do a Breast Cancer Self-Examination
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that increases bone fragility. So, it increases the risk of fractures. Postmenopausal women are at a greater risk for osteoporosis-related fractures.
Other risk factors include:
- Specific drugs
- Early menopause
- Low body mass index (BMI)
- Treatment for cancer
- Genetics
You can mitigate these risks by doing the following:
- Increasing your calcium intake
- Exercising with weight-bearing workouts
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of brain degeneration. It is the formation of aberrant particles known as neurofibrillary tangles and plaques. These damage healthy brain cells.
A healthy lifestyle, including physical activity and nutritious food, can promote optimal health. Did you know that yoga can be very beneficial for women?
What are the Health Benefits of Yoga for Women?
Yoga can become a potential catalyst for quick recovery.
Here are the Health Benefits of Yoga for women:
- Improved strength
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Back pain relief
- Eased arthritis symptoms
- Heart health benefits
- Better sleep
- More energy
- Balanced moods
- Coping skills
- Support from community
- Enhanced self-care
Many studies show benefits in:
- Arthritis
- Osteopenia
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is the leading provider of affordable medical insurance in South Africa. Members enjoy access to a network of healthcare providers. We have designed healthcare products to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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