As a public health practitioner with substantial experience in clinical medicine and public health, I understand the health concerns women face today and the need to address them. Given women’s role in the family, community, and nation at large, it is essential to prioritize their health to ensure they lead fulfilling and healthy lives. Women often face unique health challenges, varying from reproductive health issues to mental well-being and non-communicable diseases.
In a global context, issues such as maternal mortality, breast cancer, mental health disorders, and cardiovascular diseases stand out as significant concerns for women’s health. In Nigeria specifically, factors like limited access to healthcare, cultural norms, and socioeconomic disparities contribute to health disparities among women. We will discuss these specific ‘Nigerian factors’ in a later post.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women globally, yet it often goes unrecognised and untreated. To improve heart health, women should prioritise regular exercise and physical activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, maintain a healthy diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, avoid smoking, and manage stress. Additionally, scheduling regular check-ups with healthcare providers for blood pressure and cholesterol screenings can help early detection and prevention of heart disease.
Another primary concern is cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer and cause of cancer deaths in women globally. Breast and cervical cancers remain the two most common cancers in Nigerian women, as found in a survey done over a 54-year period by the Medical Education Partnership Initiative in Nigeria (MEPIN) Project. Hence, it is important to emphasise the importance of regular screenings (such as breast self-examinations, breast ultrasounds, mammograms and Pap smears) and early detection.
Another crucial aspect of women’s health is mental health. Women are more likely to experience depression and anxiety compared to men. According to the National Library of Medicine’s research on the mental health of infertile women in Africa, the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity is 46.4% in infertile women. In comparison, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was 37.5% and 42.9%, respectively. To support mental well-being, women should prioritise self-care, seek social support from friends and family, practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation, and consider therapy or counselling if needed. It is essential to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and prioritise seeking help when necessary to maintain emotional balance and resilience.
In conclusion, it is imperative to take proactive steps to address and improve women’s health concerns through the simple yet effective steps highlighted above. Women can enhance their quality of life and reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions by focusing on issues such as cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and overall self-care. I urge all readers to prioritise their health, adopt healthy habits, practice self-care, seek regular check-ups, and stay informed about health-related topics and preventive measures to make informed decisions for a healthier, fulfilling and vibrant future. Stay connected for more valuable insights and tips on maintaining good health-seeking behaviour in upcoming posts on this blog. Let’s empower each other to prioritise our health and well-being! Remember, your health is your most valuable asset – nurture it with care and attention.
“Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.” – Michelle Obama