Women Health and Environment

Heart disease, breast cancer and osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) are the leading health issues facing women in America. Deaths from heart attack in men have been decreasing for 15 years, but have remained steady for women. Most women are aware of the risk factors of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, cigarette smoking, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that has been linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots. Researchers from Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston found that high blood levels of homocysteine increase the risk of hip fractures in older adults. Women with high homocysteine concentrations had a nearly 200 percent greater chance of sustaining a hip fracture than those with lower levels. Consuming adequate amounts of folic acid is the best way to lower homocysteine. Folate is a vital nutrient for women. Good food source include asparagus, avocado, beans, beets, broccoli, liver, cereals, corn, peanut butter, peas, spinach and tofu.