The Gender Gap: Know Your Risks
The Singapore Women's Weekly|June/July 2020
Being a woman makes you more likely to be diagnosed with certain health issues, such as depression, insomnia and migraines. We find out why – and look at how you can beat the odds
Tan Gin Yee
The Gender Gap: Know Your Risks

There’s a real, tangible “gender gap” with some diseases and we don’t mean obvious ones, such as breast cancer, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. The reality is that women are more at risk of a few common health issues, such as depression, insomnia and migraines. The question is why, and what can you do about it? Here’s what you need to know about six health problems you’re more at risk of, just because you’re a woman.

Migraine

THE STATS A research conducted by the Duke-NUS Medical School and Novartis found that migraines tend to be more common in adult women than in men. According to the Migraine Research Foundation in New York, women tend to suffer from migraine three times as often as men.

WHY Monthly hormonal fluctuations are thought to play a role – more than 50 per cent of migraines that occur in women strike just before, during or after a monthly period. But lab-based research also suggests that women’s brains may have a faster trigger than men’s for activating the waves of activity responsible for migraines.

FIGHT BACK BY Making sure your diet is full of folate-rich foods, such as spinach, citrus fruits, legumes and eggs. Folate, a B-vitamin, can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, by lowering levels of a headache-triggering protein called homocysteine.

Stroke

Denne historien er fra June/July 2020-utgaven av The Singapore Women's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra June/July 2020-utgaven av The Singapore Women's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE SINGAPORE WOMEN'S WEEKLYSe alt
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Ready To Zoom

Glow up and put your best face forward on video calls

time-read
1 min  |
August/September 2020
Caramel Eclairs
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Caramel Eclairs

Choux pastry is a French classic that transforms in the oven into airy puffs with a crisp exterior, ready to be filled and iced. It may seem a little daunting to make, but it’s easy with our step-by-step guide

time-read
2 mins  |
August/September 2020
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Clear The Air

The quality of the air you breathe inside your home has a significant impact on your health. Here’s a look at managing indoor pollution

time-read
3 mins  |
August/September 2020
How To Show More Compassion
The Singapore Women's Weekly

How To Show More Compassion

It’s an unhealthy habit that we often don’t realise we are doing. Ahead, some tips on how to show more compassion

time-read
1 min  |
August/September 2020
Resolving Conflicts
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Resolving Conflicts

Living in a digital age means that many of our social interactions are done online. However, reaching out and connecting with those around us is paramount, and even more so, with tough conversations. Ahead, experts share insights to help us navigate

time-read
7 mins  |
August/September 2020
Mood For Mango
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Mood For Mango

Mango makes refreshing and satisfying sweet treats – perfect for relaxed entertaining

time-read
2 mins  |
August/September 2020
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Dealing With The Unknown

If you’ve endured a few bumps and detours in the game of life, don’t be disheartened – these events might just make all the difference

time-read
7 mins  |
August/September 2020
Our Different Butterflies
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Our Different Butterflies

Artist and art educator Saharra discusses the importance of art education as coping strategies for our young ones during these unprecedented times

time-read
3 mins  |
August/September 2020
And Breathe
The Singapore Women's Weekly

And Breathe

The simple processes of inhaling and exhaling can aid sleep, beat cravings and reduce stress. A breathing expert explains how

time-read
5 mins  |
August/September 2020
Great Women Of Our Time
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Great Women Of Our Time

Every year, we shine a light on 18 distinguished and powerful women in the Great Women Of Our Time Awards. They are women who are changing their field of work, and doing their best to improve life in Singapore – and the world.

time-read
10+ mins  |
August/September 2020