Wellness Wednesday: The Cost of Ignoring Women’s Health and How to Change the Future
As a women’s health coach, I have seen firsthand how preventable conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity lead to heart attacks, strokes, loss of mobility, and a diminished quality of life. I’ve watched family members and clients struggle with these issues—some losing their independence, others losing their lives too soon.
Women are natural caretakers. We prioritize our families, our careers, and our communities, often at the expense of our own well-being. But here’s the truth: when we neglect our health, we don’t just suffer—we place a heavy burden on those we love.
Imagine walking into a room filled with 100 women of all ages. Based on current health statistics, many of them will face serious illnesses that impact not only their longevity but their ability to enjoy the life they’ve worked so hard to build.
Poor health isn’t just a personal burden—it’s a crisis that affects families, finances, and independence. The good news? We have the power to change our future.
If 100 Women Were in a Room, Here’s What the Statistics Say About Health & Financial Cost
90 of them will develop high blood pressure by age 75. Hypertension is called the “silent killer” because it often goes unnoticed until it leads to heart attacks or strokes. Women who develop high blood pressure in midlife are at greater risk of dementia in later years.
1 in 3 will die of heart disease. Despite the common belief that heart disease is a “man’s issue,” it remains the number one killer of women. The cost of heart disease treatment can exceed $18,000 per year, and recovering from a major cardiac event can mean permanent lifestyle changes and financial hardship.
80 will experience menopause-related health issues. From bone loss to muscle deterioration and metabolic slowdown, menopause can increase the risk of osteoporosis, weight gain, and cardiovascular disease. Women who strength train regularly are less likely to experience severe symptoms or long-term health consequences.
50 will develop osteoporosis or suffer a fracture due to weak bones. One in two women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The cost of treating a hip fracture can exceed $40,000, not including rehabilitation and potential loss of independence.
39 will be classified as obese. Obesity significantly increases the risk of diabetes, joint pain, and mobility issues. The annual medical costs for obesity-related conditions are approximately $1,429 higher per person compared to those at a healthy weight.
20 will develop Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes management, including medications and lifestyle interventions, can cost upwards of $10,000 per year, and complications like neuropathy and vision loss can drastically reduce quality of life.
Black Women’s Health: A Disproportionate Burden
If those 100 women in the room were all Black, the numbers would be even more concerning:
Heart disease kills Black women at higher rates than any other group, often due to late diagnoses.
1 in 2 Black women will develop high blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke.
Black women are 2.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
Breast cancer mortality is 40% higher in Black women, despite similar diagnosis rates.
Addressing racial disparities in healthcare through better access, early intervention, and community health initiatives is crucial for changing these numbers.
Latina Women’s Health: Unique Challenges and Barriers
For Latina women, health disparities also pose significant challenges:
Latina women are more likely to be uninsured, leading to lower rates of preventive care.
1 in 3 Latina women will develop diabetes, with higher complications due to lack of management.
Latinas have higher obesity rates, increasing the risk of metabolic disease.
Cervical cancer mortality is higher among Latinas, despite it being preventable with screening and vaccination.
Language barriers, cultural stigmas, and economic constraints make healthcare access more difficult, underscoring the need for education, advocacy, and community-based solutions.
The Economic Burden on Women and Families
Many women skip doctor visits, bone scans, and routine check-ups, believing they are “too busy” or that symptoms are just a normal part of aging. But delaying care can be financially and physically devastating. When women become sick or disabled, it doesn’t just affect them—it impacts their families’ financial stability. Many women serve as primary caregivers for children and elderly relatives, and when they fall ill, the burden on the family grows exponentially.
Skipping a $200 wellness exam could mean missing early signs of hypertension, leading to a $30,000 hospital stay for a stroke.
Ignoring bone health and not investing in a $30/month strength training routine could lead to osteoporosis and a $40,000+ hip replacement.
Avoiding a $50 mammogram could result in late-stage breast cancer, where treatment costs can exceed $150,000.
A 52-year-old mother and primary earner develops breast cancer. With medical bills exceeding $100,000, her family struggles to keep up with mortgage payments and daily expenses.
A 60-year-old grandmother suffers a stroke due to unmanaged high blood pressure. The $200,000+ in rehabilitation and home care costs drains the family’s savings.
A 45-year-old single mother with Type 2 diabetes requires an amputation. Unable to work, she faces $500,000 in lifetime medical expenses and loses her financial independence.
The cost of ignoring women’s health is astronomical, but the good news is that we can change these statistics.
How We Can Change the Statistics for Women’s Health
1. Prioritize Regular Check-Ups and Screenings
Women often skip preventive care due to busy schedules, cost concerns, or fear of bad news. However, early detection saves lives and reduces long-term costs.
Annual wellness exams: Essential for catching high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and early signs of disease.
Mammograms (40+ years old): Detects breast cancer early when treatment is most effective.
Pap smears and HPV tests: Prevent cervical cancer by identifying precancerous changes.
Bone density tests (50+ years old): Helps prevent osteoporosis-related fractures.
Diabetes screenings: Identifies early signs before complications develop.
A $200 check-up today could save hundreds of thousands in future medical costs.
2. Lifestyle Interventions: The Best Investment in Long-Term Health
Strength training 3 times a week: Prevents osteoporosis, maintains mobility, and reduces the risk of chronic disease.
Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods: Lowers the risk of obesity, diabetes, and inflammation-related diseases.
Daily movement (7,000+ steps per day): Reduces heart disease risk by up to 50%.
Limiting processed foods and sugar: Prevents metabolic disorders and reduces the need for expensive medications.
3. Mental Health Advocacy: Protecting Our Minds and Futures
Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression and anxiety. Poor mental health increases the risk of chronic disease, financial instability, and strained relationships.
Seek therapy or counseling: Reduces stress-related illnesses and improves quality of life.
Prioritize self-care and rest: Prevents burnout and stress-related health issues.
Community support and social connection: Reduces isolation and improves overall well-being.
Be the Woman Who Defies the Statistics
We have a choice. We can become another statistic—or we can take control of our health, our finances, and our future.
Investing in your health isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better, staying independent, and protecting your family from unnecessary financial hardship.
You are the backbone of your family. The stronger you are, the stronger they will be.
Your health is worth the investment. Your family is worth the fight. Let’s change these numbers together.
