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Cervical cancer is associated with genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by certain types of HPV. To help lower your risk for cervical cancer:

* Get the HPV vaccine if you are a female aged 11-26.
* Get regular Pap tests to look for cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
* Ask your doctor or nurse if the HPV test is right for you.
* Abstain from sexual activity.
* If you choose to be sexually active, be in a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Use condoms all the time and the right way. Condoms may not fully protect against HPV, but they can lower your risk for developing HPV-related diseases.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and men. You can lower your risk for heart disease by:

* Preventing and controlling high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes
* Avoiding smoking
* Limiting alcohol
* Keeping a healthy weight
* Being active
* Eating healthy
* Getting check-ups

Group B strep is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns, but in most cases it can be prevented. Pregnant women should be tested for group B strep in their vagina and rectum when they are 35 to 37 weeks pregnant. The test is simple and does not hurt. Pregnant women who carry group B strep should be given antibiotics (medicine) through the vein (IV) at the time of labor or when their water breaks to prevent group B strep bacteria from being passed to their newborn.

Women generally have more work-related cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis compared to men. Further research is needed to determine the factors that place women at greater risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Research will examine if physical differences between men and women or the differences in the jobs they hold contribute to this increased risk for women. Periodic rest breaks throughout the work shift can help reduce musculoskeletal discomfort. Ergonomics interventions that fit workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers can help prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Like all violence, intimate partner violence is a learned behavior that can be changed or prevented. Recognize early warning signs for physical violence such as a partner's extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, verbal threats, history of violent tendencies or abusing others, and verbal or emotional abuse. Know what services are available for victims and perpetrators of intimate partner violence and their children in case you or someone you know needs help.

Overweight and obese individuals (BMI of 25 and above) are at an increased risk for many diseases and conditions, including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon), high blood pressure, abnormal menses, infertility, and other problems. To help keep a healthy weight:

* Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
* Limit portion sizes.
* Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
* Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles.

Risk to a developing fetus from vaccination of the mother during pregnancy is primarily theoretical. No evidence exists of risk from vaccinating pregnant women with inactivated virus or bacterial vaccines or toxoids. The benefits of vaccinating pregnant women usually outweigh potential risks when the likelihood of disease exposure is high, when infection would pose a risk to the mother or fetus, and when the vaccine is unlikely to cause harm. For example, because of the increased risk for complications of influenza, women who are or might be pregnant during the influenza season should be vaccinated with the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine.

Generally, pregnant women should avoid live virus vaccines (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and yellow fever). Women should also avoid becoming pregnant within 1 month of having received one of these vaccines because of theoretical risk of transmission of vaccine virus to the fetus. However, no harm to the fetus has been reported from the accidental administration of these vaccines during pregnancy.

The prevalence of asthma is higher in females than in males. If you have asthma, you can reduce your risk for getting an attack by avoiding triggers, such as second-hand smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroaches, pets, and mold. Make an asthma management plan with your health care provider. Know the warning signs of an attack and what to do when it happens, including taking any medications your health care provider may prescribe.

In addition to lung cancer, heart disease, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and other problems, smoking increases the risk for infertility, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and low birth weight. Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term benefits for you and your loved ones. Talk to your health care provider or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) for help.