Why do more women get these four diseases?

 

Why do more women get these four diseases

Owing to her unique anatomy, hormones, family history, and lifestyle, a woman at some point in her life will undergo tests to rule out, confirm, or monitor diseases related to her gynecological and reproductive health: from cancers of the breast, cervix, and ovaries to polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and urinary tract infection.

But such factors also make women more vulnerable to certain conditions that men can have too. For example, the natural changes a woman goes through following menopause—less production of estrogen, increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels—put her at risk for heart attack and stroke.

Sheryll Cornejo, MD, an internal medicine consultant of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), identifies four other health conditions that affect more women than men, and what they can do to reduce their risks.

Osteoporosis, or the weakening of bones, is a result of decreased estrogen production from menopause, which contributes to bone loss. “Anatomically, women also have smaller, thinner bones than men, putting them at risk for fracture,” points out Dr. Cornejo.

Fortify your bones before they become brittle and break by maintaining a diet rich in calcium (dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fish whose bones you can eat are excellent sources) and vitamin D (get it from early morning sun exposure). Also, engage regularly in strength-training and weight-bearing exercises, and avoid alcohol and smoking, which have a negative impact on bone health.

Thyroid cancer, or a malignant growth visible and palpable from the base of the neck, is more common among women in their reproductive years. Because thyroid tissue contains estrogen receptors, fluctuations in female hormones can sometimes promote the growth of these cells, which helps explain the gender gap. Other possible causes are a family history of cancer, faulty genes, radiation exposure, a lack of iodine in the diet, and obesity.

“While you cannot completely prevent sporadic thyroid cancer, keeping a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, limiting radiation exposure, and being aware of your family history can minimize your risks,” says Dr. Cornejo. “More importantly, performing regular neck self-examinations help you catch it early and begin treatment as soon as possible.” The prognosis for thyroid cancer among women is good and marked by high survival rates.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the lining of the joints. Females are two to three times more prone to developing RA. Because women have two X chromosomes – which carry many immune-related genes – they naturally mount stronger immune responses, making them more vulnerable to autoimmune misfires. Furthermore, fluctuating estrogen levels, particularly the sudden drops following pregnancy or during menopause, can trigger the disorder. Others posit that it’s caused by a combination of genetics, smoking, obesity, and environmental factors.

Lifestyle changes, explains Dr. Cornejo, can help manage your risk and reduce severe flare-ups if you are genetically predisposed. “Consume a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Stick to your ideal weight and exercise regularly. Crucially, quit smoking – a major documented trigger for RA – and learn to manage stress.”

Alzheimer’s disease, or the degeneration of the brain due to the accumulation of plaque that destroys healthy brain cells, is diagnosed among more women than men, presumably because women live longer. However, people with the disease are more likely to have hypertension and diabetes, consume cigarettes and alcohol in excess, live a sedentary life, and have limited social interaction.

“Modifying these risk factors can delay, if not prevent, Alzheimer’s disease from developing,” says Dr. Cornejo. “Staying physically and mentally active as well as socializing with family and friends do wonders in keeping the brain stimulated, healthy, and happy.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

MakatiMed shares perplexing yet very real ghost-related disorders

 

Who’s afraid of the Ghost Month? Apparently, many are. In many Eastern and Southeast Asian countries, the seventh lunar month, which often falls within August, is the time when the souls of our dearly departed leave the gates of hell to pay us a visit. During this period (for 2025, it starts on August 23 and ends September 21), we are advised to put off making major decisions like starting a business, buying a house, postponing medical treatments, or getting married to avoid upsetting restless spirits.

But what if the “ghosts” aren’t supernatural entities but conditions that manifest in real, yet often misunderstood, ways? In a different vein, people diagnosed with “ghostly” conditions face numerous challenges as they live with their unusual (but real!) disorders. 

Jon Edward B. Jurilla, MD from top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) enumerates four “ghost”-related conditions and how they are treated.

Phasmophobia is defined as the extreme and irrational fear of ghosts. Pop star Lady Gaga, who reportedly had phasmophobia, was said to have spent $50,000 on a device that detects ghosts in a room. Those with this condition manifest the disorder through an elevated hear trate and blood pressure, intense anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. “In fact, some fear darkness and nighttime. Being alone or sleeping alone is a frightening thought,” reveals Dr. Jurilla. Behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques are effective in addressing this phobia.

Ghost sickness supposedly happens when the spirit of a recently deceased loved one supposedly attaches itself to a member of the living, thus sucking the life out of them or causing them harm. A common belief among Polynesians and Native Americans, this disorder presents itself through lethargy, nightmares, hallucinations, nausea, and a loss of appetite.

“Medications can ease the symptoms, but not the ‘ghost sickness’ itself, or the belief that a ghost is behind the symptoms,” explains Dr. Jurilla. “For us in the field of medicine, lethargy and loss of appetite, especially following the loss of a loved one, may be due to intense grief and sadness, and not necessarily caused by a ghost.”

A person suffering from Capgras delusion is convinced that a family member or close friend is an impostor. “The patient becomes agitated and aggressive in the presence of the ‘impostor’ and refuses to believe they are anything but,” shares Dr. Jurilla. Caused either by a brain injury (which imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI can confirm), mental health disorder (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), or neurological condition (Alzheimer’s disease, dementia), Capgras delusion is treated with anti-psychotic medication.

Hypochondriasis and Illness Anxiety Disorder are other terms for hypochondria—the persistent worry that one has an undiagnosed life-threatening disease. “They’ll keep checking their vital signs, insist that they undergo unnecessary or repeat diagnostic tests, research obsessively about their perceived illness, and jump to conclusions with the slightest symptoms,” says Dr. Jurilla. “Hypochondriasis is more a mental condition than a physical one, so solutions range from psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy to antidepressants.”

As people navigate the traditional superstitions of Ghost Month with prayers and appeasement, Dr. Jurilla also hopes to bring awareness to real-life “ghostly” disorders and their impact on people.

“They may be rare or unusual, but they also present significant challenges for those affected. The best support we can offer them is understanding, empathy, and evidence-based medical approaches that can help them manage the symptoms and ultimately live a life free of ghosts—that may include stigma, isolation, and the debilitating impact of their condition.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

How to Prepare for the Late Stages of Dementia

 

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide. While the early and middle stages of dementia can be managed with strategies for maintaining independence, the late stages require additional preparation to ensure comfort, safety, and dignity. Here’s how you can prepare for the late stages of dementia, whether for yourself or a loved one.

1. Understand the Progression of Dementia

The late stages of dementia are characterized by severe cognitive decline, loss of physical abilities, and increased dependency on caregivers. During this stage, individuals may lose the ability to communicate effectively, recognize loved ones, or perform basic tasks like eating and walking. Understanding these changes can help you anticipate needs and prepare for challenges. For example, swallowing difficulties are common in late-stage dementia, so consulting a speech therapist or dietitian for recommendations on food textures and feeding techniques is essential for proper nutrition and hydration.

2. Plan for Advanced Care Needs

Late-stage dementia often requires comprehensive care. Creating a care plan in collaboration with healthcare professionals ensures medical, emotional, and physical needs are addressed. It is important to decide whether care will be provided at home, in a specialized care facility, or through hospice services, as each option has unique benefits and considerations. If you choose to move into a care home, select one like the East Street Care Home serving South Molton, as they specialize in dementia care, meaning you will get the best possible experts helping day to day. 

3. Ensure Comfort and Safety

Creating a comfortable and safe environment is essential. If you choose to stay at home, adapting the living space by removing tripping hazards, adding padding to furniture edges, and ensuring wheelchair accessibility can reduce risks. However, if you don’t want to do this, your best option is to move into accommodation that already caters to this.

4. Communicate with Compassion

While verbal communication may decline, emotional connections remain important. Non-verbal communication methods, such as gentle touches, eye contact, and a soothing tone, can convey love and reassurance. Patience is key when engaging with individuals, allowing time for responses and avoiding overwhelming them with too much information, so if you are helping a loved one through this, this is the one thing you should remember. 

5. Address Legal and Financial Matters

It is crucial to address legal and financial issues early to avoid complications later. Establishing power of attorney sooner rather than later ensures a trusted individual is authorized to make healthcare and financial decisions on behalf of the person with dementia. Reviewing advance directives and confirming that documents like living wills and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders reflect the individual’s wishes is essential. Researching available benefits, such as Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or veteran’s assistance programs, can help cover care expenses.

6. Support Caregivers

Caring for someone in the late stages of dementia is emotionally and physically demanding. Caregivers should seek respite care to take breaks and recharge through services or family support. Connecting with others through support groups can provide emotional relief and practical advice. 

7. Consider End-of-Life Care

As dementia progresses, end-of-life care becomes an important consideration. Hospice or palliative care services provide comfort-focused care, emphasizing dignity and quality of life during the final stages. Discussing these options with the healthcare team ensures the individual’s needs are met and their wishes respected.

Conclusion

Preparing for the late stages of dementia requires a combination of practical planning, emotional resilience, and compassionate care. By understanding the progression of the condition, addressing advanced care needs, and supporting both the individual and caregivers, navigating this challenging journey can be done with grace and empathy. While the path may be difficult, prioritizing comfort and dignity ensures that the final stages of life are met with respect and love.