Dedicate this Women’s month to your own health and well-being

Dedicate this Women’s month to your own health and well-being

18 August 2018
A woman’s health is her total well-being and can be affected by factors such as workload, nutrition and stress. Women play a critical role in maintaining the health and well-being of their families but hardly have time for themselves. The health of communities and families are tied to the health of women which is why it is important for women to put their health first.

Below are some diseases that women are prone to:

Breast Cancer:  Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women.  Symptoms include a lump or thickening of the breast and changes to the nipple or skin tone.  Some breast lumps are not cancerous but any woman who notices a lump or change in their breast should see a doctor.  The risk factors for breast cancer can be genetic but some lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet as well as alcohol intake make it more likely to occur.

Cervical Cancer:  Cervical cancer affects the entrance to the womb which is the entrance to the uterus which could lead to infertility.  In the early stages of cervical cancer, a person might not experience any symptoms at all.  This is why women need to go for regular cervical smear tests.  These tests are preventative as they not only detect cancer but also reveal cell changes that show that cancer might develop.

Ovarian Cancer:  Ovarian cancer may cause several signs and symptoms.  Women are more likely to experience symptoms if the disease has spread.  The most common symptoms include:

  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
  • Urinary symptoms, always felling like you have to go

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – (PCOS):  PCOS is a condition where there is an imbalance in the level of hormones for women.  This imbalance in hormones has the ability to cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin problems, small cysts in the ovaries as well as other health-related problems.  With PCOS, the eggs that are stored in the follicles do not mature and are not released from the ovaries.  This causes small cysts in the ovary.  Symptoms of PCOS include:

  • Absent or irregular periods
  • High blood pressure
  • Changes in the menstrual cycle
  • Weight gain

Gert Coetzee, Pharmacist and Diet pioneer who founded The Diet Everyone Talks About believes that women’s health needs are important as they are not only important for women but for their families as well.  Below he lists some hints and tips on how women can make sure that their health and well-being is maintained.

  • Manage your stress levels:  Reducing your stress levels is vital for maintaining your overall health.  It helps improve your mood, promote longevity and allows you to be more productive.  Stress has a strong impact on your health and well-being and if you allow it to get the best of you then you put yourself at risk of developing a range of diseases.
  • Exercise:  Not only will be physically active help control and manage your weight, it will also leave you feeling better about yourself.  Exercising will also keep your heart healthy as it elevates your breathing which makes your heart healthier.
  • Regular doctor visits:  Women aged 21 and above are advised to make regular visits to their doctors for a pap smear.  This test is necessary as it can help detect cancer and other health concerns.  Breast exams should also be done regularly to avoid any health complications.
  • Have some ‘me’ time and relax:  Being able to relax is important as this helps manage stress and anxiety.  Whether it’s reading a book, going for a massage or a yoga session or just going for a walk, it is important to make your relaxation time a priority.  Relaxation keeps your heart healthier, reduces muscle tension, boosts your immune system =, improves your brain functionality and helps you avoid depression.
  • Have a healthy diet:  Good nutrition is an important part of having a healthy lifestyle.  This can help you reduce your risk of chronic diseases, promote overall health and help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.  Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is very beneficial for one’s health and remember to drink lots of water.

 

Speaking of a healthy diet, here is a tasty, healthy recipe for a Beef Fillet to treat yourself to:

Portions:  4
Prep time:  1 hour 40 min
CHD:  9 g per portion
kJ:  660 kJ

Ingredients:
800 g – 1 kg:  Beef fillet, cut lengthwise (but not cut through)

Fill fillet with:
125 g:  Bacon, chopped and fried (but not crispy)
1:  Onion, finely chopped
To taste:  Freshly ground black pepper
2:  Garlic cloves, chopped (fry with onion in bacon juices)
250 ml:  Fresh cream (add to the above)
To taste:  Salt, pepper, chopped parsley

Method:

  1.  Simmer filling until two-thirds of the mixture if left.
  2. Cool down to room temperature.  (Keep the liquid apart as serving sauce).  Fill the fillet with the filling.
  3. Fold the fillet over and tie up with twine over regular intervals.
  4. Place fillet in a casserole on an oven rack and oven roast 15 – 20 minutes per 500 plus another 15 minutes for rare meat, or 20 – 25 minutes per 500 g plus another 20 minutes for medium-rare meat.
  5. Baste meat continuously with basting sauce (50 ml canola oil and 25 ml lemon juice).
  6. Leave to rest for 10 minutes.  Carve.
  7. Place 200 g of Feta cheese, crumbled, on top and grill in oven until cheese is browned.
  8. Serve with serving sauce and a tossed salad.

 

For more information about The Diet Everyone Talks About, and where it is offered in your area:
Tel:(016) 362 4890