Today is International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme speaks to “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” Women are generally disproportionately affected whether it is in the workplace, society or in healthcare. According to the World Health Organisation, the health of women and girls is of particular concern because, in many societies, they are disadvantaged by discrimination rooted in sociocultural factors. For example, women and girls face increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, while poverty is an important barrier to positive health outcomes for both men and women, poverty tends to yield a higher burden on women and girls’ health due to, for example, feeding practices (malnutrition) and use of unsafe cooking fuels (COPD).
“The health of women in our society is of paramount importance as it is linked to the health of our families and communities at large. During the month of March, we celebrate International Women’s Day where we place extra attention on the reminder to celebrate and honour yourselves as women by making your health a priority!” – Dr Nabeela Kajee, East Rand Physicians.
Below reminds us of the importance of a few specific health checks that women of all ages to adhere to consistently and annually:
1. Mammograms
Statistics show that one in 28 women in South Africa may develop breast cancer in their life, representing 25% of all cancers in all women.
Mammograms (a special x-ray to detect lumps in the breast), do not prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives by finding breast cancer as early as possible. (CANSA) Women from the age of 40 should go for an annual mammogram, for purposes of non-symptomatic breast screening. Women 55 years and older, should have a mammogram every two years – or if they choose, continue with an annual mammogram. Women, who have other risk factors such as mutated BRCA1 /2 gene, should be referred for an annual mammogram.
2.Pap smears (Cervical cancer screening)
Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among South African women.
It is mainly caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), that spreads through bodily fluids, skin to skin contact as well as sexual intercourse. The South African HPV Advisory Board recommends that women have a pap smear from when they become sexually active or turn 21, every three years. HPV vaccinations further reduce the risk for cervical cancers.
3. Bone density
In South Africa, 1 in 3 women will possibly develop this disease within their lifetime – which means potentially between 4 and 6 million South Africans suffer from Osteoporosis. (NOFSA)
An annual physical exam will allow your doctor to examine your entire body, which will include a densitometry or DEXA scan which measures your “bone mass” and determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk for osteoporosis.
4. Full blood count
At your annual health check, your doctor will conduct a full-blood count to pick up any abnormalities.
Lifestyle diseases I.e. diabetes, hypertension, obesity and chronic backache are also notably more prevalent in woman, particularly those who are working outside the home. Often it is difficult to attain the ideal work- life – family balance and as a result, unfortunately health is neglected because of this. Depression and anxiety have become more prevalent as well, especially over the last two years during the Pandemic, with a significant increase in reported admissions particularly amongst women. Regular health checks are an important way in which you can identify problems in the body, before you’ve even presented with any signs or symptoms.
“Women have many unique health concerns; menstrual cycles, menopause, pregnancy, peri-conception care and reproductive tract malignancies. These should be regularly screened for and even the smallest of changes should never be overlooked. Promotion of self-breast examinations as well as timely Pap smears are regularly promoted at our practice, for early detection and to enable the most effective treatment for patients,” continues Dr. Kajee.
Dr Kajee’s tips for a healthier lifestyle?
– Stay active! 30 minutes of physical activity 5 times a week is bound to get those endorphins going! Take your kids along on a walk, or forget the lift, always take the stairs!
– Eat well! A healthy, well- balanced diet focusing on nutritional meals with low caloric density is a good start. Eat The Rainbow!
– Sleep! This is essential for optimal mental health, attention span and productivity – lack of sleep affects everything. You’ll notice yourself eating badly, being more irritable and finding yourself unable to concentrate effectively
– Don’t forget that SUNSCREEN! Sunscreen not only prevents aging, but decreases your risk of skin cancers
Remember, ‘take care of your body, it’s the only place that you have to live!’ (Jim Rohn)
