(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) With the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases, cancers, and lifestyle diseases among women in the Middle East, periodic health assessments and screenings are important tools to identify and minimise potential health risks.
Experts highlight that these assessments are especially important for women above the age of 40 because at that age, chronic diseases and cancers are most prevalent.
Dr Fayza Naser, specialist physician, family medicine at Shaikh Khalifa Medical City, will be presenting a paper on 'Healthcare for women above 40' as one of the important topics featured at the Family Medicine Conference at this year's Abu Dhabi Medical Congress and Exhibition, which will be held from October 27-29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).
Dr Naser highlights that, as adults, biological factors related to gender can influence health, well-being outcomes and treatment choices. Women's health is about all health issues that affect women, encompassing all functions related to their mental and physical wellness from puberty through old age.
"Health issues in Middle Eastern women such as diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension (high blood pressure), and cervical cancer must be given consideration from an early age. However, that concern should particularly continue when women are in their forties. They should proactively seek immunisations against infectious diseases, such as influenza vaccine, and get regular pap smears. The encouragement of healthy lifestyles including proper nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, mental health and well-being should be community-wide endeavours," Dr Naser said.
Furthermore, other health issues that are important to consider after the age of 40 involve screening for breast cancer (unless there is a family history of breast cancer, in which case the physician will decide on what's the best time to start screening), screening for colon cancer and menopause.
"An example of a disease that could be screened for and prevented if monitored early would be osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency is very common amongst young women in the UAE. Earlier detection of vitamin D deficiency, screening for risk factors for osteoporosis and emphasis on lifestyle modification (sun exposure, adequate calcium intake and vitamin D supplementation if needed, and exercise) will help in maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis at a later age."
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.