Written by Team Optimity
(3 min read)
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International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th. It is a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women and raising awareness of the challenges they still face. In honor of this day, we have compiled 10 interesting facts about women’s health that you may not know.
1. Women live longer than men
On average, women live five years longer than men. This is due in part to women’s biological advantage, including lower levels of heart disease, stroke, and cancer, as well as healthier lifestyle habits.
2. Women have stronger immune systems
Women have stronger immune systems than men, which makes them more resistant to illnesses and infections. This is due to genetic structural differences.
3. Women have better emotional health
Women tend to have better emotional health than men, and they are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. This is partly due to women’s ability to communicate their feelings and seek emotional support when they need it.
4. Women have lower rates of heart disease
Women have lower rates of heart disease than men, although it is still the leading cause of death for women. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
5. Women are less likely to develop certain types of cancer
Women are less likely to develop certain types of cancer, including lung, bladder, and colon cancer. However, women are more likely to develop breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer.
6. Women have better bone health
Women have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, but they also have better bone health than men. Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and engaging in weight-bearing exercise can help maintain strong bones.
7. Women are more likely to seek healthcare
Women are more likely to seek healthcare than men, which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of health issues. Regular check-ups and screenings can help prevent or detect health problems early.
8. Women are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors
Women are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
9. Women have higher levels of empathy
Women have higher levels of empathy than men, which makes them more likely to care for others and take care of their own health and well-being.
10. Women need more sleep than men.
Studies have shown that women need more sleep than men, with women needing an average of 20 minutes more sleep per night than men. Hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and menopause may all contribute to the higher sleep needs of women.
In addition to the health facts outlined above, it’s important to also recognize the tremendous achievements that women have made in the field of healthcare. Women have played pivotal roles in advancing medical research, developing new treatments and technologies, and improving healthcare access for people around the world.
For example, Mary-Claire King is a geneticist known for her work in discovering the BRCA1 gene, which has been linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Her research has had significant implications for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and she has been a vocal advocate for increasing access to genetic testing and counselling for women at risk for these cancers.
Other notable women who have made significant contributions to healthcare and medicine include Gertrude Elion, who developed life-saving drugs for the treatment of leukemia, malaria, and HIV, and Susan Love, a breast cancer surgeon and researcher who has been a leading advocate for patient-centered approaches to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
These women, and many others like them, have left an indelible mark on the field of healthcare, and their contributions continue to inspire new generations of women to pursue careers in science, medicine, and public health.
International Women’s Day serves as an important reminder of the progress that has been made in advancing women’s health and well-being. Also, these health facts can inspire us to take steps towards better health and well-being. By taking care of ourselves, we can live longer, healthier lives and continue to make positive contributions to our families and communities.
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Join the conversation: Know of other tremendous achievements that women have made? Comment and let us know below👇
Optimal Living 