Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. As such, it is crucial for women to understand the risk factors for heart disease in order to take proactive measures to protect their heart health. Some of the most common risk factors for heart disease in women include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, family history, obesity, and physical inactivity. By understanding these risk factors, women can take steps to reduce their risk of heart disease and improve their overall health and well-being.

High blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease in women. High blood pressure can damage the arteries and make the heart work harder, leading to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart-related problems. Women can help reduce their risk of high blood pressure by maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, reducing salt intake, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.

High cholesterol is another significant risk factor for heart disease in women. When too much cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can restrict blood flow to the heart and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Women can help reduce their risk of high cholesterol by eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber, as well as getting regular exercise and not smoking.

Smoking is another significant risk factor for heart disease in women. Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Women who smoke should quit as soon as possible to reduce their risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Finally, physical inactivity and obesity are also significant risk factors for heart disease in women. A sedentary lifestyle and excess body weight can increase blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of diabetes, all of which contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. Women can help reduce their risk of heart disease by getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and making healthy food choices.

Boosting progesterone levels naturally

One of the best ways to do this is through diet:

• B-complex vitamins
• Magnesium and zinc
• Focus on soluble fire
• Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake

Another is to increase your frequency of aerobic exercise and work on stress reduction techniques. Stress is one of the hardest hitting malefactors when it comes to hormonal balance; keeping a hand on the pulse of your stress is a signal way to maintaining control over your hormones.

How we help you regulate your hormones at Ahkami Medical Group

If you are experiencing weight gain in the abdomen and you think it may be due to hormonal imbalance, it is a good idea to chat with a doctor. Regular testing gives us insight into your hormonal flux, which helps us shape a plan for establishing balance despite the changes of age. If you are interested in finding hormonal balance, maintaining a healthy weight and living your best life, give our office in Passaic a call to schedule an appointment today.

One common fitness myth is that the more time you spend in the gym, the better your results will be. However, this is not necessarily true. While it’s important to exercise regularly and consistently, spending excessive amounts of time at the gym can actually be counterproductive. Overtraining can lead to injuries, burnout, and decreased performance. It’s important to find a balance between exercise and recovery in order to see optimal results.

Another factor to consider is the quality of your workouts, not just the quantity. It’s possible to get a highly effective workout in just 30 minutes, as long as you’re working at a high intensity and challenging yourself. It’s important to focus on exercises that target multiple muscle groups and increase your heart rate, such as squats, lunges, and burpees. This will help you maximize the efficiency of your workouts and see better results in less time.

Finally, it’s important to remember that fitness is not just about the gym. While going to the gym is a great way to get exercise, there are many other activities that can help you stay fit and healthy. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming are great ways to get cardiovascular exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Yoga and Pilates can help improve flexibility and core strength. And even household chores such as cleaning and gardening can help you stay active throughout the day. By finding activities you enjoy and incorporating them into your routine, you can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle without spending all your time in the gym.

What happens when you don’t get the sleep you need?

Part of this must be biological right? Yes- a woman’s biological clock is wired slightly differently in that her circadian rhythm is about 6 minutes shorter than that of a man’s. Women tend to sleep worse during their period due to factors such as cramps and hormonal changes. But no matter what the reason, sleeplessness in females causes a host of problems including:

• Stress (which contributes to fatigue and sleeplessness itself)
• Diabetes and weight gain
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease

How can we help at Ahkami Medical Group

Sleeplessness is associated with a lower quality of life. Not getting the sleep you need means that your body is unable to recharge its systems, cells cannot repair and rebuild; furthermore, you are less likely to prosper the following day with significantly decreased energy levels. If you are not getting the sleep you need, it is worth asking why? We can help you troubleshoot and provide you with the information you need to gain a grasp on your sleeplessness. From here, we can move forward with a multi-dimensional treatment plan that will help you fall and stay asleep.

Cervical cancer: what you need to know

Among the most common causes of cervical cancer is human papilloma virus or HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, certain strains of which lead to the development of cervical cancer. Lifestyle factors including smoking, certain types of birth control and plurality of sexual partners can increase your risk for cervical cancer as well. Women older than 21 should be regularly screened for HPV while it is recommended that women over the age of 30 also receive regular screenings for HPV.

Earlier detection means earlier treatment

Despite all this, the stats are also on your side: Pap testing has turned the tables on cervical cancer. In fact, early detection of cervical cancer and treatment for precancerous symptoms before they become cancerous has dramatically reduced the incidence of cervical cancer in our population. If you are interested in finding out how preventative medicine and regular screenings can help you avoid life-altering conditions such as cervical cancer, give our office a call to schedule an appointment today.

To keep energy levels high, move more

By you now, you may be so far gone on a coffee-a-day routine that your body doesn’t know how to function without a chemical stimulant. One of the best ways to break yourself out of this cycle is to make sure you get regular movement. How does it work?

• Movement=circulation. Oxygen, glucose and nutrients move to every cell, especially the ones in your brain.
• Movement relieves the muscular and structural fatigue of being sedentary. It helps your body feel alive as well as your brain. Even a quick stretch has the benefit of making you feel more awake.

All women can benefit from more movement

Movement is life; it is the most essential secret to a long life with a healthy body. If you are looking for ways to move more, or trying to overcome a condition that is preventing you from moving, give our office a call to schedule an appointment today.