Preventing the top 10 causes of death in women

Death may be inevitable, but it can be prevented. Regular check-ups and reporting any new symptoms to your doctor are important in detecting disease and assessing risk factors. Simple lifestyle choices can make a huge difference in ensuring a healthier and fuller life.

Heart disease

Death rate per year: 22.3%

Heart disease—the leading cause of death in both men and women—can come in many shapes and forms, and may even have no obvious symptoms at all. Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

Prevention: A heart-healthy lifestyle includes regular cardiovascular exercise, a diet low in salt and saturated fat, and stress reduction. Don't smoke, avoid processed meats and sugary drinks, and make room for beans, fruits, and vegetables.

Cancer

Death rate per year: 21.6%

A group of diseases characterized by the growth of malignant cells in one or more parts of the body, cancer ranks second only to heart disease. Cancer research continues to advance, offering new hope even for those with terminal diagnoses, but cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Prevention: Early detection is one of the most important ways to beat this deadly disease. Knowing your genetic risk factors and ensuring appropriate screening at home and in a medical facility is key to identifying cancer early. But there are also lifestyle choices that can help prevent the disease: Don’t smoke; eat a plant-based diet; drink alcohol in moderation; get vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV; use sunscreen; and avoid the midday sun.

Lower respiratory tract disease

Annual mortality rate: 6.0%

This group includes diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The main symptoms of these diseases include shortness of breath, cough, and excessive mucus production.

Prevention: Most importantly, avoid smoking and air pollutants. Smoking is the main cause of COPD – the deadliest disease in this group. Smokers are 12 times more likely to die from the disease than non-smokers; others should avoid breathing in secondhand smoke and irritants such as air pollution and chemical fumes. Breathing exercises and chest expansion can also help keep the lungs and surrounding organs in good condition.

Stroke

Annual mortality rate: 6.0%

Although often mistaken for a heart attack, a stroke is a deadly medical condition in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Brain cells can be permanently damaged if they are deprived of oxygen for a long period of time, sometimes leading to death.

Prevention: Keeping cholesterol and blood pressure within recommended levels are two key ways to reduce your chances of having a stroke. Harvard Medical School experts also recommend regular exercise, not smoking, and maintaining a diet based on whole grains, fish, and vegetables, low in cholesterol and salt. This diet can also prevent high blood sugar, another major contributor to stroke. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is also key to getting immediate emergency care, which can save lives.

Alzheimer's disease

Annual mortality rate: 5.0%

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating disease that affects many people, especially women. The cause of the disease is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of factors including health and lifestyle, genetics, and environmental toxins. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, which usually starts slowly and gradually worsens, causing memory loss, disorientation, mood swings, and other cognitive problems.

Prevention: While not all cases of Alzheimer’s can be prevented, the risk of developing the disease increases when other aspects of health are out of balance. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can protect against the disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, maintaining strong social connections as you age and avoiding head injuries also tend to reduce risk.

Accident and injury

Death rate per year: 3.9%

Accidents happen to anyone at any age, and sometimes they are fatal. Older adults are especially vulnerable to injury because common tasks become more difficult to perform.

Prevention: Being cautious whenever possible is an easy way to avoid some accidents. Some things are just unpredictable, and all we can do is pay attention and try to stay out of harm's way. Following basic safety guidelines like wearing a seat belt and not using your phone while driving will help. Implementing some inexpensive safety measures around the house will also reduce the risk of injury.

Diabetes

Death rate per year: 2.7%

There are different types of diabetes that pose different threats. When not treated or managed properly, the negative effects can spread to all areas of health and lead to death. These metabolic diseases are characterized by long-term blood sugar levels.

Prevention: Some types of diabetes can be prevented by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, while others require medication along with a healthy lifestyle. Staying active and eating a high-fiber, low-glycemic diet can help keep your body healthy and reduce your risk of complications from diabetes. Overweight people and those with a family history of diabetes are at higher risk, although they can still take preventative measures by losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating better.

Flu and pneumonia

Annual death rate: 2.2%

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria, most of which are preventable by vaccines. These common illnesses are life-threatening mainly to people with weakened immune systems, children, and the elderly.

Prevention: Getting a flu shot is a good idea for anyone at high risk of serious illness or death from the flu or pneumonia. The CDC also recommends keeping up with your measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough vaccinations and avoiding infections by coughing into your elbow, frequently cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and washing your hands often. Keeping your immune system strong with natural supplements like ginger and garlic can also help keep your body healthy.

Kidney disease

Death rate per year: 1.8%

The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood, a job that is essential to maintaining good health. Although patients with kidney disease can sustain their lives with the help of dialysis, it is only a temporary solution for treatment.

Prevention: Fortunately, for most people, there are many ways to ensure healthy kidneys. Keeping alcohol and sugar intake to a minimum, drinking enough water, and maintaining a healthy weight are all things you can do to support kidney function and health.

Sepsis

Annual death rate: 1.6%

Sepsis is a blood poisoning caused by bacteria that can lead to shock and death.

Prevention: Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The best way to prevent this condition from becoming fatal is to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an infection or if you have signs of an infection developing.

According to Dantri