Do you know what a blood clot is? (DVT, PE, VTE)
Do you know the signs and symptoms of a blood clot?
Do you know the health decisions that put women at unique risks for blood clots?
Are you aware of the helpful lifestyle habits for reducing your risks of blood clots or serving as the foundation of recovery?
“I don’t know” would have been my answer to those questions eight years ago when I survived my first pulmonary embolism.
Like many women, I was focused on taking care of all the things around me, that I put my health last.
I ignored symptoms until I had the time to see my primary doctor.
It almost cost me my life.
Taking care of all the things comes from a good place.
Especially in seasons that are non-negotiable like nurturing littles and care giving for family members and aging parents.
But women have to find ways to prioritize their health in the chaos.
Women Put Their Own Health Last on the List
A recent study by MDVIP, a website developed by primary care physicians, showed 94% of women who took a health IQ quiz failed.
Some of the findings included:
- 91% didn’t know heart, cardiovascular disease with the number one killer of women(cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third diagnosed cardiovascular event)
- 81% didn’t know pap test only screens for cervical cancer
- 69% didn’t realize that alcohol increased your risk for breast cancer (observational studies)
Another survey statistic focused on attitude when it came to seeing a doctor.
For older women, 44% said they waited until a health symptom became urgent before scheduling an appointment, but that number jumped to 62% for women aged 20-34.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES MAKE ABOUT 80% OF HEALTHCARE DECISIONS FOR THEIR FAMILIES.
Despite that overwhelming number, when it comes to a woman’s health, it often gets lost in priorities.
Dr. Nelly Aoun Hematology & Oncology
Women excel at living out that one verse of Philippians 4.
You probably have it on a coffee cup or t-shirt:
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
But we forget to live out the verse before that:
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”
Content – rest, quiet, at peace. Those things make space for self-care to happen.
We’ll share more on the blog on simple ways to prioritize self-care without self-guilt or critical self-talk, especially heading into menopause.
In the meantime, know the events, signs, and symptoms associated with the different types of blood clots – and more importantly, take action.
Knowing the signs and symptoms raises Isn’t enough – take the action that can save your life
Resources :
New Study Finds Alarming Gaps in Women’s Health Knowledge and Healthcare Experiences
Ignored And Underrepresented: The Impact Of Excluding Women In Healthcare Research
