Leading Causes of Death in Women

As I learned in my health program this year, most of the leading causes of death in the United States are preventable! So what are those leading causes of death? And how can we prevent each of those? Because everyone wants to!
So here are the leading causes of death in the US according to a 2011 report by the CDC:
1. Heart Disease. 
Believe it or not, women suffer from heart disease more frequently than men do in the United States.  There are many ways to prevent heart disease, but the best way to prevent heart disease that everyone can do regardless of monetary barriers is to exercise 3 times a week at least! Taking a vigorous walk three times a week decreases risk of developing heart disease and if cardiac event, such as a heart attack, has already been had, increasing the amount of exercise one gets will decrease the likelihood of having a second event!
2. Cancer 
While many people unfortunately do have a genetic predisposition for developing cancer, a wonderful way to prevent the development is not smoking! Additionally, keeping the amount of fat necessary to its absolute minimum has also been linked to decreased risk of developing cancer.  Using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing when outside in the sun for long periods of time can also help decrease the likelihood of developing cancers, such as skin cancer. Early screening and noticing lumps on the breast or pain within reproductive organs or irregular periods will also decrease the likelihood of developing cancers.
3. Stoke
Avoiding a stroke is as simple as avoiding heart disease!
4. Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease
This can be mainly avoided by not smoking an avoiding asbestos if possible.
5. Alzheimer's
There has not been much research done on Alzheimer's, but with the population of people growing older, there will be.
6. Unintentional Injuries
While there is not much one can do to avoid accidents, it is important to be safe in as many situations as possible. For example, ensure to wear a seat belt when driving as well as a helmet when riding a bicycle. Simple acts like looking both ways when crossing a street can save your life.
7. Diabetes
This accounts for only a few, about 2%, of deaths annually, but diabetes has been linked to stroke as well as heart disease as well. Not to mention that it does not allow wounds to heal as quickly as they otherwise would. The best way to avoid Type II diabetes is to ensure that enough exercise is being had and also that a healthy diet is available.
8. Influenza and pneumonia
This accounts for very few deaths in the United States. The majority of people who die from influenza and pneumonia have other diseases and the complications with those as well as the influenza or pneumonia will only worsen the situation. The best way to avoid both of these diseases is good hand washing! Washing hands vigorously for thirty seconds with soap and warm water is the best way to avoid many diseases causes by viruses. Keeping  hands away from the face is also helpful in keeping yourself health.
9. Kidney Disease 
Kidney disease is frequently developed due to poor diet. Having a diet that does not have excessive fat or salt can help avoiding kidney disease.
10. Sepsis
This is so rare and only occurs if you have had  surgery. It is almost nothing to worry about.

I hope you have learned a lot! Check back in next week for more information!