In recent decades, medical scientists have begun to recognize that diseases can affect women differently than men. As a result, ongoing studies are examining those differences in an effort to improve the diagnosis and treatment of life-altering and life-threatening health conditions.
Surprisingly, the single biggest health threat for women today is heart disease, which claims the lives of more women in the United States than the next five leading causes of death combined.
To protect your well-being, a wise first step is to stay current with information available about the health problems that threaten women - and to consult regularly with your physician about appropriate exams and screenings.
See how well you score on the subject of women's health by taking this short test.
Breast cancer kills more women than any other illness.
TrueFalseIncorrect. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women -- killing more individuals than all types of cancer put together.
Correct! Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women -- killing more individuals than all types of cancer put together.
Weight loss surgery always involves large incisions.
TrueFalseIncorrect. At Cedars-Sinai, experts have been highly instrumental in pioneering minimally invasive techniques now in use for bariatric surgeries.
Correct! At Cedars-Sinai, experts have been highly instrumental in pioneering minimally invasive techniques now in use for bariatric surgeries.
With assisted reproductive techniques, more than half of couples seeking treatment are successful in conceiving a child.
TrueFalseCorrect! Advancements in medication, microsurgery and in vitro fertilization make pregnancy possible for couples having difficulty conceiving.
Incorrect. Advancements in medication, microsurgery and in vitro fertilization make pregnancy possible for couples having difficulty conceiving.
Two of every three women have a least one risk factor that increases their chances of heart disease.
TrueFalseCorrect! Risk factors include aging, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.
Incorrect. Risk factors include aging, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.
More women than men are affected by Alzheimer's disease.
TrueFalseCorrect! However, aging remains the biggest risk factor.
Incorrect. However, aging remains the biggest risk factor.
Getting out daily for long runs is good for your feet and ankles.
TrueFalseIncorrect. Extensive running, exercise or training can overstress feet and ankles and increase the risk of injuries.
Correct! Extensive running, exercise or training can overstress feet and ankles and increase the risk of injuries.
Without treatment, a person with osteoporosis is likely to have bone fractures.
TrueFalseCorrect! Fractures most often occur in the spine or hips -- even without a fall or an injury.
Incorrect. Fractures most often occur in the spine or hips -- even without a fall or an injury.
Women are two to three times more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
TrueFalseCorrect! However, gender is not the most important factor. It is age and it occurs most often in people between the ages of 25 and 50.
Incorrect. However, gender is not the most important factor. It is age and it occurs most often in people between the ages of 25 and 50.
Some cervical cancers are preventable.
TrueFalseCorrect! A vaccine is available that protects against 70 percent of cervical cancers caused by four different human papillomavirus (HPV) types. The vaccine, given in three doses over a period of six months, is targeted for females ages nine through 26 and before the onset of sexual activity.
Incorrect. A vaccine is available that protects against 70 percent of cervical cancers caused by four different human papillomavirus (HPV) types. The vaccine, given in three doses over a period of six months, is targeted for females ages nine through 26 and before the onset of sexual activity.
There is little help for skin damaged by sun, stress and pollution.
TrueFalseIncorrect. Remarkable advancements in dermatology techniques offer individuals more options for achieving more youthful appearing skin.
Correct! Remarkable advancements in dermatology techniques offer individuals more options for achieving more youthful appearing skin.
