Women need to look after themselves
International Women's Day (8 March) is a good opportunity to concentrate on women's health and educate them about aspects of healthcare that they may not realise applies to them, says Dr Sonia Davison, endocrinologist at the Jean Hailes Foundation.
She says key issues for women right now include heart disease, breast cancer, contraception, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, osteoporosis, chronic pelvic pain/endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and sexual health.
"This is very individual specific, but women are more aware in general about health, and are worried about their own health issues, but may indeed put their own health issues and wellbeing 'last'," says Dr Davison.
"Often a trigger may motivate women into 'action' with regard to their health (such as having their bone density measured if a sibling or parent has been diagnosed with a fracture or osteoporosis, having a mammogram if a friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer).
"Women are often juggling the running of a home, work and the care of children or ageing parents, hence their energy and time is often consumed by other responsibilities, rather than health.
"Community pharmacy has an extremely important role in women's health, being easily accessible, being a place that women often visit, and having a variety of health related products relevant for women throughout the ages.
"Often women will consult a pharmacist first line for health advice, so it is important that pharmacy staff are aware of current women's health issues and also where to refer women to if they are looking for further advice."
Dr Davison says the most important health message for all women is that exercise is fundamental to good health.
"Regular exercise can assist with weight maintenance; or in conjunction with a healthy diet, can help with weight loss, [which can] benefit heart and bone health, and is also very important for general wellbeing. We all need to move more!"
More information: www.internationalwomensday.com
Reproduced from AJP on Friday 21/2/14
