Know Your Health Risks As A Woman

A woman is more likely to be diagnosed with health issues, such as depression, insomnia and migraines. Find out why

- Karen Fittall

There’s a real, tangible “gender gap” with some diseases – and we don’t mean obvious like breast cancer, endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. The reality is that women are more at risk of a few common health issues, such as depression, insomnia and migraines. The question is why, and what can you do about it?

Here’s what you need to know about six health problems you’re more at risk of, just because you’re a woman.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

The stats: At the age of 65, women have a one in six chance of developing Alzheimer’s, compared to a one in 11 chance for men.

Why? Women’s brains tend to accumulate more amyloid, a protein that forms the plaque that play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s. Researchers still aren’t sure why, but one theory is that carrying two X chromosomes increases the risk of inheriting a gene that bumps up the risk of disease.

Fight back by: Following the MIND diet, which can lower your Alzheimer’s risk by as much as 53 per cent, according to a 2015 study. In fact, even following the diet’s principles moderately well lowers your risk of Alzheimer’s by 35 per cent. The diet involves:

Eating:

Six serves of green leafy vegetables a week

Other vegetables at least once a day

Five serves of nuts a week

Two or more serves of berries a week

At least three serves of beans (pulses) a week

Three or more serves of wholegrain a day

Fish once a week

Lean poultry twice a week

Using:

Olive oil as your main cooking oil

Drinking:

One glass of wine a day

Avoiding:

Red meat

Butter or margarine

Cheese

Fried or fast foods

Pastries and sweets