As our bodies age, one area that’s extremely vulnerable to pain and sensitivity are our joints. Pain is most common in flexible joints that bear a lot of weight. While it can be tempting to run to the doctor every time some joint twinges, it’s important to understand what different types of pain are common, and what the different types of pain are trying to tell you.

Recent statistics demonstrate that joint pain is one of the most common ailments suffered by the American public. In fact, reports from recent years show that at least 14 million American adults suffer from some form of joint pain.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. It also causes many other troublesome symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, mood problems, and insomnia. Although fibromyalgia occurs in people of all ages, women are twice as likely to develop it than men. It’s generally a lifelong condition, and its symptoms can severely impact your daily life.

Gout is one of many extremely common health conditions throughout America right now. In fact, it’s been estimated that the rates of this disease are increasing due to other common health issues that increase the risk of developing gout. Recent statistics indicate that over eight million American adults suffer from gout, making up at least four percent of the population.

Being a woman comes with its own set of perks as well as its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to women’s health. Our intricate reproductive systems should be closely monitored for abnormalities as many women are unfamiliar with the signs that could indicate a possible health issue or condition. If one of your goals for this year is to take charge of your health, here are 18 issues specific to women that you should know about.