Table of Contents

Foreword by CNN's International Journalist, Jill Dougherty .......................8
Introduction ..........................................................................................................10
Heart Disease.......................................................................................................15
  Understanding risk factors of this number one killer of women, as well as heart attack signs, common tests, treatments, and living with heart disease.
Stroke......................................................................................................................37
  Recognizing the signs of stroke, as well as understanding the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke.
Cancer.....................................................................................................................51
  Understanding risk factors, symptoms, important screening tests, and treatment of cancers affecting women.
Type 2 Diabetes.....................................................................................................69 
  Knowing the signs of type 2 Diabetes and how to manage, prevent, and delay the condition.
Autoimmune Diseases.........................................................................................83
  Recognizing symptoms of autoimmune diseases more common in women, dealing with diagnosis, and understanding special pregnancy concerns.
Blood Disorders....................................................................................................103
  Learning how blood works, and recognizing symptoms of bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, and anemia.
Sexually Transmitted Infections......................................................................119
  Lowering risk of sexually transmitted infections, symptoms to look out for, understanding treatment, and dealing with diagnosis.
HIV/AIDS.................................................................................................................139
  Preventing HIV, understanding the importance of testing, recognizing AIDS-related infections, and living with HIV.
Reproductive Health ...........................................................................................153
  Caring for your reproductive health, understanding reproductive and gynecological disorders, and understanding your birth control options.
Pregnancy..............................................................................................................169
  Preparing your body for pregnancy and delivery, understanding body changes, and learning about the stages of pregnancy.
Breastfeeding .......................................................................................................189
  Learning how to breastfeed your baby, with practical tips and suggestions for getting your baby to latch, expressing milk, and caring for your breasts.
Mental Health.........................................................................................................209
  Learning how to care for your overall mental health, understanding mental health disorders, and finding out how to get help.
Healthy Aging.........................................................................................................223
  Dealing with menopause, understanding common signs of aging, and living with chronic health conditions.
Violence against Women....................................................................................237
  Understanding the impact of violence against women in the U.S., recognizing dangerous relationships, and learning practical ways to get help.
Urologic and Kidney Health.................................................................................251
  Learning how the urinary system works, and recognizing, preventing, and treating common urologic and kidney health problems.
Digestive Health.....................................................................................................265
  Learning how the digestive system works, dealing with digestive health problems during pregnancy, and understanding how to keep your digestive system healthy.
Respiratory Health................................................................................................279
  Understanding how the respiratory health system works, dealing with common respiratory conditions, and recognizing symptoms.
Oral Health..............................................................................................................293
  Caring for your oral health, understanding oral health issues specific to women, and learning how to recognize oral health problems.
Skin and Hair Health.............................................................................................307
  Caring for your skin and hair, understanding the link between hair and skin and overall health, and dealing with common skin and hair problems.
Nutrition....................................................................................................................319
  Learning about healthy eating, including practical tips for making healthy food choices.
Fitness.....................................................................................................................339
  Learning about the importance of physical activity, including practical tips for leading an active lifestyle.
Women and Pain...................................................................................................353
  Understanding the impact of chronic pain and painful conditions among women, and learning about treatment options.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine.........................................................369
  Learning about the use of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States, and the state of research on specific types of alternative medicines, and important safety tips.
Appendix.....................................................................................................................384
  Additional Health Information and Tips..............................................................387
  Important Screenings and Tests.........................................................................413
  Health Resources for Women and Family.........................................................423
Glossary.......................................................................................................................436
Bolded terms included
Bibliography................................................................................................................462
Index.............................................................................................................................510