While each and every person on the planet is unique in many different ways, there is one thing we all have in common with everyone else, and with everyone who has ever lived – we all had a mother. As millions of Americans gear up for the annual day we celebrate and honor our mothers, we thought it would be a good time to look at the health issues that face woman over 50.

On the average, women can expect to live longer than their grandmothers, great-grandmothers and their husbands. This is because women today are more likely to take charge of their own health and wellbeing. They see their doctors on a regular basis, seek out and follow the information provided by health providers, and live a more health conscious lifestyle. But, with this longer life span come increased health problems, chronic illness and diseases associated with aging, such as dementia and osteoporosis. That is why a major focus in today’s healthcare discussion surrounds the health issues that face women over the age of 50 – the fastest growing segment of American society.

Recent statistics show that approximately eight out of 10 women over the age of 65 suffer from certain women’s health concerns and problems. That means making a commitment to health is one of the most important resolutions a woman can make – for herself and her family. Making a commitment to your health includes taking the time to schedule regular medical examinations and health screenings. Doing this not only helps to safeguard your health today, but will also help to improve your quality of life in the years to come.

The following are common health issues and screening recommendations that women should discuss with their physician so that they can partner together to develop a personalized preventive plan for health and wellness.

HEART HEALTH

When it comes to heart health, many people look to their family history to gauge the likelihood that they will suffer cardiovascular disease. However, according to Hoag Hospital-affiliated cardiologist Mahnaz Behboodikhah, M.D., it’s important to look beyond the risk factors you can’t change, and focus on those you can.

“There is a tendency for patients to feel somewhat helpless if there is a strong family history of heart disease. It’s important to understand that – despite family history, advancing age and gender – there are a number of things within their control that can keep them from developing heart disease and suffering a subsequent heart attack.”

Awareness and lifestyle modification are keys to helping improve and maintain heart health. Therefore, it’s important for women (and men) to understand that there are many positive steps they can take to ensure a healthy heart, including:

• Know Your Numbers – As cholesterol in the blood increases, so does your risk for coronary heart disease. Therefore, the first step to preventing a heart attack is understanding your cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels.

• Take Charge of Your Diet – Healthy eating habits can help you reduce three of the major risk factors for heart disease – abnormal lipid profile (e.g., high cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, low HDL), high blood pressure and excess body weight. Following a heart-healthy eating plan will help you achieve and maintain a healthy eating pattern. For more about heart-healthy dietary guidelines, visit The American Heart Association Web site.

• Exercise – Just as important to your heart as eating a healthy diet, is using up more calories (energy) than you consume each day. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, which translates to 30 to 45 minutes a day, five times a week. This is key because regular physical activity helps lower the risk of heart disease.

• Stop Smoking – If you smoke, quit! Smoking has been proven to contribute to atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty substances in the arteries). In fact, many studies have shown evidence that cigarette smoking is a major cause of coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight – Find out what your ideal weight should be based on your height and body structure, and make a commitment to achieving and maintaining that weight. Eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly are key factors in maintaining a healthy weight, all of which will translate to a healthier heart.

GYNECOLOGIC HEALTH

In addition to cardiovascular conditions, there are many other health issues that can arise as women age, particularly those related to gynecologic health. That’s why it’s important for women to obtain annual gynecologic examinations from their physician.

A typical exam includes a pelvic exam, breast exam, Pap smear and comprehensive health and family history. During this visit, referrals for other important health screenings are provided, such as mammography, colonoscopy, bone density testing and others. This is also a prime opportunity for women to discuss any unusual symptoms or changes in health with their physician, such as irregular bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, or other health concerns.

Since risk for gynecologic cancer, as well as other medical conditions, increases with age, it’s important for women to continue to obtain annual gynecologic exams, even after menopause.

“Maintaining your gynecological health is important because early detection of any disease can prevent a more serious health threat later,” explains Allyson Brooks, M.D., acting executive medical director of Hoag Women’s Health Institute. “By obtaining regular examinations and reporting any unusual symptoms, women help their physician to identify any potential health risks in the earliest stages.”

BREAST HEALTH

In addition to regular gynecologic health exams, every woman should consider routine screening mammography as an important part of her overall approach to health and wellness. Although breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that occurs in women, it is also one of the most detectable and curable thanks to early detection.

While there are some lifestyle options that may reduce a woman’s risk for breast cancer, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising, there is no proven method for it. However, through routine screening mammography, breast cancer can be identified at its earliest, most curable stage.

“It’s not only important for women 40 and older to receive an annual screening mammogram, but to obtain their breast care from a quality breast center – one that provides advanced diagnostic and treatment options through a multidisciplinary team of highly-trained experts,” states Gary Levine, M.D., director of breast imaging at Hoag Breast Care Center, a Certified Quality Breast Center.

By obtaining yearly mammograms at a comprehensive breast center, women improve the opportunity for early detection. And if found and treated early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer approaches 97 to 98 percent. Additionally, when breast cancer is detected early, breast-conserving surgery is generally possible.

BONE HEALTH

Osteoporosis and low bone mass are major health threats for an estimated 44 million Americans over the age of 50. In fact, women over 50 are more likely to get osteoporosis than heart disease or breast cancer.

“The best way to detect osteoporosis is by utilizing a medical test that measures bone mineral density, such as the densitometer test,” explains Dr. Brooks. “This test is preferred over less sophisticated screening tools such as ultrasound, because of its higher accuracy in determining bone density.”

By obtaining a bone mineral density test, physicians can determine if a woman’s BMD is low - a condition referred to as osteopenia - or if a woman has osteoporosis. This information is important, since risk of fracture increases with low bone mass and other risk factors.

Since certain individuals are more likely to develop osteopenia and osteoporosis than others, it’s important for women to speak with their physician about bone mineral density testing, particularly postmenopausal women under age 65 with risk factors, and all women age 65 and older.

PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH

Another common health concern for women is pelvic floor health. As women age, especially if they have given birth vaginally, the pelvic floor can weaken, resulting most commonly in urinary incontinence. Problems with incontinence can include difficulty with urine control and frequency and leakage, in addition to pain.

Although often embarrassing, incontinence is actually a common issue among both men and women, with an estimated 13 million Americans affected. And the good news is there is no reason to live with incontinence in light of the many advances in treatment.

According to Hoag-affiliated urogynecologist Matthew Cox, M.D., “There are many new treatments available today to help and even cure incontinence and other pelvic floor issues, such as pelvic organ prolapse. Progressive treatment options include new medication therapies, as well as minimally-invasive laparoscopic options that help to restore pelvic floor function.”

So rather than suffer in silence, it’s important for women to openly discuss their pelvic floor health concerns with their physician, so they can receive proper treatment.

Recognizing the special health care needs of women throughout their lifetime, Hoag Women's Health Institute delivers care to women of all ages. The Sue and Bill Gross Women’s Pavilion contains a spectrum of women’s health services, including expert gynecologic care and progressive breast care through Hoag Breast Care Center, one of only six certified breast care centers in the nation. For questions about women's health services call (800) 701-4624.