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Last month the Department of Health featured an article which encouraged businesses to promote women’s health both for the well-being of individual employees and as a means to protect one of the most important contributors to a business’s success: a vital and productive workforce. This article is a follow-up which provides a list of women’s health issues across the lifespan.

Bone Health — The teens and twenties are crucial years in building bone mass to help prevent osteoporosis later in life. Optimum calcium intake and weight-bearing exercise are the main factors required for healthy bones.

Establish a Pattern for Lifelong Cervical, Ovarian, and Breast Cancer Screenings — Women should ask their healthcare provider about screening for cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer at adequate intervals across the lifespan. In addition to receiving clinical breast and pelvic exams at recommended intervals, women should learn proper techniques for performing self breast exams.

Skin Cancer Prevention — Ninety percent of skin cancer-causing sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. All women should wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 daily, and avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Annual skin cancer examinations are also recommended.

Major Health Concerns for Women in Their Forties

Mammography — Women should receive a baseline mammogram around age 40. They should then discuss the recommended frequency for mammograms with their healthcare provider based upon their family and personal health history.

Major Health Concerns for Women in Their Fifties, Sixties, and Beyond

Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening — At age 50, women should be screened for colon and rectal cancer.

Bone Health — Women age 65 and over should be screened routinely for osteoporosis.

Important Health Concerns for Women of All Ages

Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention — Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are chronic conditions that can have a profound impact on women’s health. Women should discuss their individual risks for these conditions with their healthcare provider.

Depression — According to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, the largest proportion of people that live with depression are women between the ages of 18 and 45. Women who think they may be suffering from depression should discuss their symptoms with their healthcare provider. For more information about depression, visit http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/ depressionmenu.cfm

Visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/family/ for more information about women’s health.