Women's Mid-Life Health Program / HEALTH ISSUES

Health Issues

The following are health issues you might be experiencing. Click on the health issue below to view more information and look for new topics to be added in the future.

Healthy Bones

Vitamin D and Bone Health

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps the body to absorb calcium in order to maintain and protect healthy bones.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This leads to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture (broken bones), particularly of the hip, spine and wrist.

Choosing a Calcium Supplement

Adding a calcium supplement into your diet helps ensure that you are meeting your daily intake requirements. There are so many different options and formulations of calcium available on the market; choosing the right one may be difficult.

Tips for taking Calcium Suppliments

Keep in mind that calcium supplements may interfere with some of the prescription medications which you may be taking. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any possible interactions with your medication.

Helpful Resources for Information on Osteoporosis

Here you will find a list of organizations and their websites with a wealth of information.

Physical Activity and Bone Health

Physical activity at any age has many proven benefits such as building strong bones, muscles, and increasing bone mass.

Men and Osteoporosis

At least 1 in 8 men over the age of 50 is affected by it. Once thought of as primarily a ‘woman’s disease’; certain risk factors and lifestyle habits are known to put men at risk for developing osteoporosis.

Heart Healthy

Heart Disease: Reducing the Risk

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation more women die from heart disease and stroke in Canada each year than all forms of cancer combined. There are different risk factors associated with heart disease, some which you can control and others which you can not.

High Blood Pressure

Every time your heart beats it pushes blood carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. As the blood travel it puts pressure on the arteries. This is known as blood pressure.

Cholesterol Testing

Cholesterol is essential to help the body to create and maintain healthy cells and some hormones. About 80% of cholesterol is made by the liver, and the other 20 % comes from the food you eat.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that significantly raises a person’s chance for developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Abdominal obesity has been linked as the warning sign for metabolic syndrome.

Measuring Waist Circumference

Measuring the waist circumference can tell a person how much fat is located around their abdomen. Several studies have linked extra fat around the waist to an increased risk for developing metabolic syndrome, hypertension (high blood pressure), dyslipidaemia (high blood cholesterol), and type 2 diabetes.

Breast Health

A lot of information about breast cancer, including how to keep your breasts healthy, is readily available through the internet, clinics, and public health institutions.

Skin and Hair

Take Care of Your Beautiful Skin

As we continue to age, so does our skin. Our skin is the largest organ of our body and it is important to treat it with care.

Adult Acne

Unfortunately, acne can begin in adulthood too, and three quarters of adult acne occurs in women. Hormone fluctuations are usually responsible, which is why women may suffer “cyclical acne” ..

Skin Cancers

After the age of 50, our risk for skin cancers increases significantly. Therefore, it is important to perform thorough skin assessments and check for any change or new development of moles.

Cosmetic Products and Treatments

Proper skin care is probably one of the best ways you can maintain your skin. This includes washing your skin both morning and night with a cleanser, and perhaps a toner, moisturizer, and eye cream.

Eyelashes

Some women are also affected by hair loss of the eyebrows or eyelashes. This may be related to the reasons mentioned above but also due to adverse affects of previous cosmetic or aesthetic treatments, as well as general aging, as our lashes tend to become thinner over time.

Tatoos

Because a tattoo affects the dermis (inner layer) of your skin, it is important to take special considerations for the health and overall well being of yourself and your skin.

Veins

Spider Veins: Are tiny blood vessels that are apparent on the skin’s surface, they are often found on the face or legs Their appearance is usually red, blue or purple in color; they look like a spider web or tree branch.

Hirsutism in Women or Where is all this Hair Coming From?

Are you developing hairs on your chest or chin? It may be a sign of an underlying illness.

Other Mid-Life Health Issues

Arthritis

Do you wake up in the morning feeling stiff and sore, achy and creaky? This may be one of the many symptoms of menopause.

Andropause - male menopause

If the man in your life is over 40 and has decreased libido, depression or fatigue, you might want to read this.

Bowel Health

Men's Cancer
link to Canadian Cancer Society resource page..click here

Women's Cancer
link to Canadian Cancer Society resource page..click here

Menopause Changes
see Frequently Asked Questions page.. click here

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