This year, National Women’s Health Week is May 12-18. WebMD reports that the top five health conditions women face include heart disease, breast cancer, depression, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases. Read on to find out more about a few of these health concerns, ways you can avoid them, ways to combat them, and fun events surrounding these issues that are taking place near you.

Heart Disease
Statistics show that heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women. The Center for Disease Control reports that in women specifically, heart disease is responsible for about 29% of deaths. Women are usually underdiagnosed for this disease aand its symptoms, which include nausea, chest pain, vomiting, shortness of breath and joint pain. These symptoms tend to be ignored or written off as “just another part of getting old.” According to Gregory Bruke, MD, professor and chairman of the department of public health sciences at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, “The earlier folks adapt healthier behaviors, the lower their overall risk for heart disease or stroke outcomes.” Burke continued to say that people can reduce their risk of contracting heart disease by modifying their lifestyle to include a well-balanced diet and a daily exercise plan. Wear Red Day for heart disease awarenewss officially takes place on the first Friday in February, but you can organize a Wear Red Day at your church, school or workplace any day of the year to support the fight against heart disease in women.

Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is second only to lung cancer as the deadliest form of cancer for women. Breastcancer.org states that about 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Scheduling screenings with your doctor regularly is important to your health and well-being. If you do have breast cancer, the earlier your doctor catches it, the better the chances are at fighting it. Many women are afraid of scheduling these screenings due to the fear of finding out they have breast cancer. As soon as this fear starts, try to think about how much more treatable breast cancer will be the earlier it is detected. The American Cancer Society’s 2013 Relay For Life is an overnight event that unifies communities across the nation to celebrate survivorship, commemorate those who have lost their lives to cancer, and raise money for the ongoing fight against cancer. Localy, this event is taking place on June 14-15 at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar. For more information, visit cancer.org.

Depression
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that about 12 million women are affected by a depressive disorder each year. Risk factors for depression include marital problems, substance abuse, family history of depression, and more. Countless psychologists recommend thinking positive thoughts, seeking nurturing relationships, finding a personal hobby, reaching out to one’s community, and finding a reason to wake up in the morning as methods of overcoming depression. However, consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist that will offer their services and advice may be necessary. Healing For the Nations is a non-profit Christian organization that offers help to adults who desire a Christ centered approach to situations including destructive behaviors, marriage and relationship problems, and out of balance living. HFN’s Intensive Retreats and conferences take place all over the U.S. If you want to learn more about Healing for the Nations and their unique approach to depression, visit: healingforthenations.org.

As National Women’s Health Week approaches, you can look for related events online by visiting southflorida.com/events and events.southflorida.com.
As National Women’s Health Week approaches, celebrate your God-given health, encourage others as they face health challenges, and look for new opportunities to deal with your health issues.