GETTING TO GRIPS WITH WOMEN ’ S HEALTH
August was Women ’ s Month , so we decided to focus on key health issues facing South African women .
Cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular disease does not only affect men – women are at a high risk too . Heart disease and strokes cause a third of all deaths in women worldwide .
• 3.4 million women die of ischemic heart disease each year
• 3 million women die from strokes each year
Sometimes the symptoms present differently for women . However , the most common symptoms are shortness of breath ; pain or discomfort in the arms , back , neck , jaw or stomach ; breaking out in a cold sweat ; nausea and lightheadedness .
Obesity South Africa has the highest obesity rate in Sub-Saharan Africa . 7 out of 10 South African women are overweight and 42 % are obese . Obese and overweight individuals have an increased risk of diabetes , heart disease , stroke , cancer , osteoarthritis and kidney disease . Obesity in women also causes menstrual abnormalities , infertility and miscarriage . Obese , pregnant women are at an increased risk of infections , hypertension and gestational diabetes .
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 3 | 2021
9