Consumer Health: Women’s health — live a longer, healthier life

The biggest threats to women's health include heart disease, stroke, cancer and unintentional injuries. The good news is that with a few lifestyle changes, these health threats often are preventable.

It's important to know that there are sometimes differences in risk factors and symptoms between women and men. For example, women are more vulnerable than men to lung damage from inhaled smoke and pollutants, which puts women at increased risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. And some heart disease symptoms in women can differ from those in men.

Don't feel overwhelmed, though. Take control by talking with your health care provider about your health situation. Then get serious about reducing your risk.

Here's what you need to know to live a longer, healthier life.