Medical Group commander advises women to take their health seriously Published Nov. 6, 2015 By April McDonald Editor TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Own your health. That's the advice of 72nd Medical Group Commander Col. Jeannine Ryder. "I am challenging you to maximize you -- for yourself, your family, your work and your friends -- by being the best you can be physically, emotionally and mentally," the colonel said. "Ensure that your health is a top priority." The top five health concerns for women are: · Heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading killer for both men and women, and it accounts for 29 percent of deaths of women. The colonel said many times heart disease in women goes underdiagnosed or it's too late for them to get the help they need once it's discovered. "You need to know your risk factors, family history for heart disease and cholesterol level, and be acutely aware of chest pain and shortness of breath," she advised. · Osteoporosis. This disease affects 44 million Americans, with 68 percent being women. "I am going to be the first person to tell you, I do not like milk," Ryder said. "I'm also going to tell you I was vitamin D deficient by the time I was 40. Now I take my calcium supplement every day, and yogurt is my friend." · Auto immune diseases. Seventy-five percent of the people diagnosed with auto immune diseases are women. There are more than 80 serious chronic illnesses in this category, including lupus, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Ryder said symptoms can be very non-specific, which results in diagnosis taking a long time. "You need to know your body, be able to communicate your symptoms and let people know how it is affecting your quality of life," she said. · Depression. The National Institute of Mental Health reports 12 million women are affected by depressive disorder each year, which is double the number of men. The colonel stressed that those who feel hopeless or helpless should ask for help. For those around someone who is struggling, "reach out to them," Ryder said. "Be that wingman who helps them through their challenge. Do not let them feel alone." · Breast cancer. Statistics show that one in eight individuals will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life. An estimated 220,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,000 die annually. Though it's rare, 2,100 men are diagnosed every year and 410 are fatal cases. The colonel said some say the fear of breast cancer can sometimes stop women from going to their doctors for screening. "I encourage everyone to know their own prevention plan," she said, adding that it is better to know than to stay in continual fear of the unknown. "Breast cancer awareness is not one month a year," she said. "It is truly every day." So how does one own their health? The colonel offers this advice: Be your best advocate. Know your symptoms, know your family history and know what works best for you for treatments. "When you do not feel like you're being heard, make someone listen to you," she said. "Be educated on resources and ask for help when you are not sure. Be loud, be persistent and be strong." Be accountable. Be educated in preventative measures to ensure any illness is detected at its earliest onset. Ryder said people keep track of their budgets to the dime, but how do they keep track of their health status? "What do you have invested in your health?" she asked. "You need to be compliant to the regimen your provider recommends. If you do not agree, get a second opinion. And WebMD does not always have the answers. Once you agree, when you collaborate on a plan, stick with it. You only have one body. This is all you've got." Be an example of a healthy lifestyle. Are you eating in moderation? Do you have enough fruits and vegetables? Do you have good portion control? Do you smoke? Do you get 150 minutes of exercise every week? Do you get enough rest? The colonel advises people to find supporting agencies or an accountability partner to help them get on a healthier life path. "Health is not a quick fix," she said. "It's a marathon. It is easier to have partnership to meet your goals." Be a priority. After figuring out what priority you are, where does your health fall? "I can tell you like most people, I go, go, go, and then there's an acute issue," she said. "If I put my health first, I would physically feel better and I believe that would have a direct correlation to feeling better mentally and emotionally. I want to run until I'm 80 and live to see my great grandkids." Ryder said people need to be selfish when it comes to their own health. "I want you to live life to the fullest," she said. "I don't want it to be lived around doctor's appointments or treatments."