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While most of us are young and fit, the thought of contracting or suffering from a life changing or destroying illness feels pretty much impossible.
However no matter who you are or how invincible you feel, it’s always important to be aware of what’s out there and how to best protect yourself. We bring you five illnesses you’ve probably never thought about and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy against them…  Cervical Cancer“It just won’t happen – I’m sure!” The truth: In NZ around 160 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and a staggering 60 women die from this disease. Although it rarely occurs in women under the age of 25, prevention is always better than cure as the cancer is usually slow to develop. What it is: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus responsible for cervical cancer. It is easily spread through sexual contact. Other factors such as smoking and Diethylstilbestrol (DES) can also come into play. What to look out for: During the early stages of cervical cancer there are often no symptoms, but the most common is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms may include unusual vaginal discharge, pain in the pelvic area, excessive tiredness, swollen legs and backache. Prevention is better than cure: Because cervical cancer is usually slow to develop it is super to important to take steps to protect yourself. Regular cervical smears are recommended for all women between the ages of 20 and 70 who have ever been sexually active to detect any abnormal changes early. There is also a free vaccine that can help protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV), and it is expected in the long term to save around 30 lives a year! Girls and young women aged 12 to 18 are eligible for the free vaccine through their school or from their doctor of health care provider. As with any healthcare choice it's important to thoroughly research each option to decide whether or not it is right for you.
 Arthritis“Only old men get arthritis” The truth: More than half a million people in NZ are affected by arthritis during their lifetime, women are more likely to develop arthritis than men and even children can suffer from the disease.
What it is: The term arthritis encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions involving damage to the joints. It’s important to be aware of rheumatoid arthritis which usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 55. If not treated properly rheumatoid inflammation can severely damage joins and cause joint deformities and it can also affect the overall health of your body.
Look out for: Sore, stiff or inflamed joints, overall aching of the body, fatigue and muscle weakness. Prevention is better than cure: Look to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly to keep your muscles and joints in shape and eat well. Do your best to practice good posture at all times and make sure you warm up and cool down after exercise.  Diabetes“Only fat people get diabetes” The truth: Er…no! 270,000 kiwis have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes – it is an epidemic. What it is: In short, diabetes is the result of the body not creating enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels in the normal range. It cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. There are three main types of diabetes, type 1 (people who do not make any insulin naturally), type 2 (usually triggered by lifestyle factors) and Gestational diabetes (occurs in pregnant women). Look out for: Frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, strange weight loss, tiredness, irritability, blurry vision, itchy skin and yeast infections. Prevention is better than cure: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with lots of nutritious food and exercise is important. If you don’t yet have type 2 diabetes you can prevent it by figuring out if you are at high risk of developing diabetes here and having your blood glucose levels tested every year.  Meningitis“Only kids get it”
The truth: Although it is most common in children under five, don't think you’re safe just because you’re out of nappies! Meningitis is a deadly disease that can strike at any age and can also cause permanent disability such as deafness or disfigurement. What it is: A serious infection of the membranes that cover the brain. Look out for: Symptoms may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, sleepiness, a stiff neck, joint and muscle pains and rashes. Prevention is better than cure: Bactria is spread through contact with respiratory secretions such as coughing, sneezing and kissing. Basic steps like covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and washing and drying hands can help reduce the spreading of bacteria that can lead to meningitis. Be as informed as you can, and research the Meningococcal B Immunisation Programme. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome “Poly -what?” The truth: If you’ve never heard of PCOS now is the time to get clued up girlfriend! This common health issues affects a staggering 5-10% of women, with a whopping number living with the disease undiagnosed or untreated. You could be one of them! What is it: PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can affect a women’s menstrual cycle, ability to have children, hormones, heart, blood, vessels and appearance. Women with PCOS typically have high levels of androgens or male hormones, missed or irregular periods and many small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in their ovaries.
Look out for: Irregular periods, infertility, facial hair (or hair growth on the chest, abdomen, thumbs and toes), acne or oil skin. Symptoms can also include weight gain. Prevention is better than cure: PCOS can not be prevented or cured, however it can be treated. Early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS helps prevent long-term complications such as infertility, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. If you’re concerned that you may have PCOS visit your GP now. The information in this article should not be used as a tool for self diagnosis. If you have any concerns about your health we advise that you visit your GP or health professional.
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