COVID-19 Facts For Women By Raven Gillus

View one of our most informative and educating articles centered around the recent outbreak of COVID-19.

Women’s health is always important, but in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we must take precautions to protect ourselves during this time. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) released data consistent with China and Italy, that those with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, are at increased risk of more serious complications due to COVID-19. These are some serious medical conditions that affect women disproportionately. We want to talk about some pre-existing conditions that affect many women and give some precautions to take to prevent our WOL bosses or anyone you know from contracting coronavirus. 

Anxiety/Depression

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Even if you do not have coronavirus, this crisis can exacerbate mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, in many people. Anxiety and depression often go hand and hand. 

• Stay on a schedule. Wake up at a set time and try to go to sleep at the same time every night. 

• Get outside. Although we need to keep at least 6ft away from others, stepping outside to get some fresh air and vitamin D is helpful. 

• Exercise 30 minutes a day. 

Breast Cancer and other cancers

According to the American Cancer Society, breast, lung and endometrial cancer (cancer of the inner lining of the uterus) affect women most often. Also, Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can weaken the immune system.

• Check your breasts for any abnormalities, such as lumps, redness, or pain. 

• Listen to your body, especially when something doesn’t seem normal. Take note of what you feel and when. 

• If you have cancer (currently in treatment or not) or have a cancer history, speak with your doctor to ensure you are taking the proper safety measures for your situation. 

Heart Disease

Fever is a symptom of coronavirus, which can put pressure on the body’s metabolism and can strain an already stressed heart. Also, inflammation and pneumonia can develop from the virus causing further complications to the heart. Initial data in China, shows COVID-19 patients are developing heart problems and dying due to heart failure. Patients who had heart disease before infected with coronavirus were much more likely to have heart damage. Some patients with no previous heart disease also showed signs of cardiac damage. 

• Exercise regularly 

• Eat healthy

• Stay up to date on vaccinations. Get a flu shot to prevent fever. 

High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure is associated with a higher risk of death from COVID-19. 

Hypertension is a form of cardiovascular disease. As previously stated, research shows coronavirus patients have been reported to have sometimes fatal heart damage. 

• Follow medical advice

• Manage stress

• Maintain a healthy diet

• Track your blood pressure. A blood pressure of 180/120 or greater is considered a hypertension crisis. 

Diabetes

Viruses can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate, which makes diabetes difficult to control, a report from the International Diabetes Federation found. Also, viruses can thrive in environments of elevated blood glucose. that viral infections cause fluctuations in blood glucose, making diabetes harder to control. And, viruses may thrive in environments of elevated blood glucose.

• Monitor your temperature. 

• Monitor blood glucose levels

• If you are on insulin, keep taking it as prescribed. 

Please speak with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms or for more information on the necessary precautions. If serious symptoms occur and you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911. 

WOMEN OF LYN wants to contribute to the solution in fighting this dangerous virus. In addition to these tips, we urge everyone to take basic safety measures, like social distancing, adequate handwashing, and wearing masks and gloves when making essential trips. Please stay safe and healthy WOL bosses, we will come out of this stronger!