Nutrition
- A Women's Issue?
By Anita Romaniw
While women are generally in charge of the
family's nutritional needs, they often jeopardize
their own health with poor eating habits.
North American women are uniquely at risk
for many nutrition-related diseases like heart
disease, certain cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis
and weight-related illnesses. Consider the
following statistics.
Heart
Disease
Prevention
Prevention
and early intervention are the most effective ways to deal
with the weight-related issues facing women. Even a modest
10% weight loss may improve heart related and diabetes health
risks.
Eating
more fruits, vegetables and whole grains can prove positive
action towards reducing breast and colon cancer rates. Such
a diet would be low in fat, high in fibre and would contain
ample amounts of anti-oxidants like vitamins A,C,E and beta
carotene.
Registered
Dieticians and Nutritionists are calling for increased health
promotion activities, health services, research and advocacy
on behalf of women. As it stands now, women may have a longer
life expectancy than men, but they do not necessarily lead
healthier lives.
Anita
Romaniw, B.A.Sc., R.D.N., is the Community
Nutritionist at the Upper Fraser Valley
Health Unit, Abbotsford, British Columbia.
She works mainly with women in her private
practice, "Power to Be".
Telephone: (604) 864-3400
