Women choose to lead healthier lifestyles

A woman is more likely to pick up a health-related publication than a man. It's been said that women are concerned about their own health and that of their families more than men. This is because women are (most often) the decision makers in a home.

A woman needs to look after her own health first before she can look after her family's. She needs to look into the health of her body, mind and soul. Only if she is healthy and strong will she be able to provide her family with the best nourishment possible.Every woman should go for regular health checks (at least once a year).

A woman of child-bearing age should also go for routine gynecological checks with her doctor. Choosing to ignore this will warrant unwanted complications later in life.

Be aware of your own breasts

Start routine breast self-examinations as early as 20 years of age - especially if you have a family history of breast cancer (grandmother, mother, aunt, sister). You need to examine your breasts two to three days after the end of your period every month.

Look out for:
• Lumps or any change in breast size or shape
• Swelling, redness and warmth or dimpling of the skin
• Nipple discharge
• Pain that isn't related to your menstrual cycle


Choosing a doctor whom you are comfortable with

Women must see their family doctor or gynecologist regularly, at least once a year for the all-important PAP smear and breast examination. Early detection of gynecological related cancers can save your life. The choice of a male or female doctor is entirely up to you - most importantly, he or she must make you feel comfortable.

When you do visit your doctor be sure to enquire about which tests you should do (depending on your age, risk factors, family history etc).

But for ladies out there. Please go and check!!

Menstrual Pain

can be caused by conditions of the reproductive tract, such as the following:
- Endometriosis - Uterine tissue that appears outside the uterus
- Fibroids and adenomyosis - Harmless (benign) growths in the uterus
- Infections in the reproductive organs
- Abnormal pregnancy, such as an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tubes, outside the uterus)
- IUD (intra-uterine device) used for birth control
- Ovarian cyst
- Narrow cervix

Prevention
Prevent painful menstrual cramps with these techniques:
- Maintain a normal body weight.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not drink excessively.
- Exercise regularly.