The Medical journal of Australia
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Significant health benefits are associated with moderate-intensity physical activity. Only half of the women in Australia are adequately active. Strategies aimed at promoting physical activity among women should provide suitable activities and take into account the dominant barriers faced by women at different life stages.
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Many Australian women over 40 years consume insufficient zinc, calcium and fibre. Greater consumption of foods rich in vitamins A, C and E and fibre is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Concentrated supplements of A, C and E have no effect on breast cancer risk when dietary intake is adequate, but vitamin A supplementation in women whose dietary intake of vitamin A is inadequate appears to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol consumption by women has been associated with a linear increase in breast cancer risk.
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Weight gain in midlife is common among women. Weight gain is associated with age, not menopause. Decreasing physical activity and smoking cessation are major factors in weight gain with age.
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There are currently insufficient data to recommend the consumption of isolated supplements for prevention of cardiovascular disease. Consumption of diverse and balanced diets, rich in foods containing many nutrients, including antioxidants and phytoestrogens, can be safely recommended.