by Susan Giove
The Channing Laboratory affiliated with Harvard Medical College has conducted a long range (over twenty years) study of womens health problems by targeting nurses throughout the United States. Thousands of participants (including myself) have contributed to this landmark study. Why is this research important? The key findings are applicable to the general female population. This column is the first in a series specifically addressing womens health issues, affecting both straight and lesbian women. Highlights from the first twenty years of the study have identified the following as paramount factors in the maintenance of or demise of health.
First and foremost, smoking has been identified as the dominant cause of lung cancer and heart disease in women. Smoking has also been linked with cataracts, stroke, pancreatic cancer and possibly colon cancer. However, if you have smoked in the past but not any longer, after 10 years of being smoke-free, your risk of death approaches that of women who never smoked.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has received great medical and general social attention over the past ten years. The amount of scientific evidence regarding the benefits of HRT has increased significantly. HRT reduces the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. However, women who take estrogen therapy for five years or more have a modest increase in the risk of breast cancer. In deciding whether or not to begin HRT, consider your risk factors for breast cancer or heart disease by looking at your family history for either one of these diseases.
Alcohol intakeeven a couple of drinks a dayincreases the risk of breast cancer, but it cuts in half the risk of heart disease. So the dilemma: to drink or not to drink. But if your pleasure comes in a cup of java, enjoy! Coffee does not appear to increase the risk of heart disease. Drinking coffee in moderation, about two cups daily, has been associated with lesser risk of suicidea finding that suggests coffee may have a beneficial effect on mood.
Contrary to rumor, hair dye does not cause cancer as once suspectedthats excellent news to those of us who tend to use highlights or complete dye jobs to maintain our "natural" color. And good news for Drexel, Leo, Robert, Lee, Fern and all of our favorite "hair burners" (only kidding guys).
Dietary habits play a big role in staying healthy. Eating red meat has most definitely been linked to colon cancer. Trans-fatty acids found in most margarines and vegetable shortening, and usually found in store-bought baked goods, actually raise the risk of heart disease. To reduce your trans-fatty acid intake, avoid partially hydrogenated fat and do not eat deep fried foods. Although fat intake was once thought to be related to increased risk of breast cancer, no association has been found. Monounsaturated fat, such as that found in olive oil, appears to slightly decrease the risk of breast cancer. Diets high in fruits and vegetables protect against heart disease and stroke and may actually reduce the risk of breast cancer. So no matter how old you are, you never outgrow the need for fruits and veggies.
Talking about diet naturally brings us to the subject of weight gain. Even moderate weight gains of 15 to 20 pounds by mid-life increase the chance of premature death. Women who are 30% or more above their recommended weight are four times more likely to die from heart disease, and they face twice the risk of death from cancer. Obesity is the leading risk factor for adult onset diabetes, hypertension and heart disease and is also associated with gallstones. Obesity is such a serious health problem for womenand menthat a future column will be entirely devoted to it.
Finally, regular physical activity protects against diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and colon cancer, helps to keep weight down and protects against a wide array of diseases.
As the Nurses Health Study continues, the Harvard researchers will monitor the participants as they age and continue their examination of these and other life-threatening illnesses to determine their cause. When we understand the cause, we can find ways to prevent disease. Meantime, do a mental inventory of your lifestyle. Ask yourself if you are eating right and exercising enough to keep you healthy. If the answer is no, this is as good a time as any to start.
Susan Giove is an Associate Professor at Wilmington College and a certified adult nurse practitioner. If you have questions, contact CAMP Nurse, in care of CAMP Rehoboth.
[ Previous Story | Back to Top | Next Story ]
8/8/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.