Pittwater Life February 2017 Issue

Women’s Health Special
KNOW YOUR BODY
Chronic diseases such as heart
disease, cancer and diabetes
are caused by a combination of
different factors called risk factors.
Some of these risk factors are out of your
control (your genes or your age) others
can be changed (smoking, your diet, your
weight), while some are still unknown.
Risk factors are cumulative – the more
risk factors you have, the higher your risk
of developing chronic diseases.
That is why it is important to know
about diseases and conditions and learn
what you can do to reduce your risks.
Its important to note
having risk factors
for certain diseases
does not mean you
will automatically get a
disease and there are
some people diagnosed
with health problems
who don’t have obvious
risk factors.
Be aware of signs and
symptoms that may
indicate a problem but
don’t worry yourself sick.
You know your body
better than anyone else,
if you notice any changes
or you are concerned see
your doctor. Speaking to
a doctor can help allay
any fears you may have.
HEART DISEASE
Heart disease is the leading cause of
death in Australian women. It is caused by
the gradual clogging of the arteries that
supply blood to the heart. This can lead
to heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
The good news is heart disease is largely
preventable – leading a healthy lifestyle
can greatly reduce your risk.
Risk factors include:
n Smoking
n High blood cholesterol
n Overweight/ Physical inactivity
n Diabetes
n High blood pressure
n Depression
n Increasing age, a family history of early
death from heart disease or being
postmenopausal
What you can do
High blood cholesterol and high blood
40
Trouble hearing?
Women between the ages of
15-30 are the most at risk
of developing Otosclerosis.
“Otosclerosis is an abnormal
bone growth in the middle ear
that can cause hearing loss
– this hearing loss can often
be treated with surgery,” says
Audiologist Emma van Wanrooy
of Pittwater Hearing in Avalon.
Hearing loss affects 40-50%
of women over the age of 60
years of age, says Emma.
Awareness and treatment of
hearing loss is important to
ensure you can participate in
all social situations.
pressure and type 2
diabetes rarely give
warning signs which is
why it is important to see
your doctor for regular
checks so you know your levels and what
this means for your health.
To improve blood cholesterol levels eat
a healthy diet that is low in saturated fats.
Some people may also need medication
to improve their cholesterol levels.
If your blood pressure is high, reduce
salt intake, go easy on the alcohol and
follow your doctor’s advice. Medication
may be required.
DIABETES
Diabetes is a condition where there is too
much glucose (sugar) in the blood.
The rise in glucose occurs because the
body can’t make enough insulin or the
insulin produced is not working properly.
Insulin is a hormone that moves glucose
from the blood stream into the cells of
the body where it is used for energy.
High blood glucose levels over a period
of time will cause damage to your blood
vessels and nerves. This can result in
FEBRUARY 2017
heart disease, stroke, eye problems,
kidney disease and other complications
such as infections and foot problems.
Risk factors include:
n A family history of type 2 diabetes
n Being older than 55 years of age
n A waist circumference greater than
80cm for women
n Gestational diabetes
n Polycystic ovary syndrome
n Poor diet
n Any of the following cultural
backgrounds: Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islands, Pacific Islands, Indian
subcontinent or Chinese
n High blood pressure and/or high blood
cholesterol and/or a history of heart
disease
What you can do
The only way to know your blood glucose
level (BGL) is through a blood test
organised by your doctor.
There’s no cure for type 2 diabetes, but
there’s plenty you can do to manage – or
prevent – the condition. Research shows
that up to 60 per cent of cases of type