WOMEN SPECIAL ....................WOMEN HEALTH CARE - MORE POWER TO WOMEN

WOMEN HEALTH CARE - MORE POWER TO WOMEN





There are a few health precautions that a woman should take into account for her own wellbeing as well as that of her family

Today women comprise half of the world's population. New career opportunities have given a large number of women an opportunity to take part in social and economic development of our nation in different fields, including sports, armed forces, medical profession, research, education, IT, to name a few. Women are indeed at the forefront.

But in order to discharge their duties efficiently, they should be perfect in physical and mental health. And good health does not mean only absence of disease; physical and mental wellbeing is also impor tant. In the current times, we, as women face many challenges in our constant endeavour to be a good daughter, good wife, good daughter-in-law, loving mother, efficient homemaker while excelling in our profession, too.

Prevention is always better than cure. So both as a doctor and a woman, I would suggest that women take into account a few things for their wellbeing and that of their families. Read on to know more...

HEALTHY MOTHER HEALTHY CHILD

Plan your family according to your profession and economic condition so that your children get the best opportunity.Space the children well so that the woman's health is not affected. Use efficient family planning methods like oral pills, IUCD, etc.

Always register in a good hospital for preparation of delivery and take adequate supplements for your health.

Breast feeding should be promoted to increase immunity of the child and also nurture affection with baby.

PREVENTABLE DISEASES

Breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer will not have dangerous consequences if diagnosed early. So regular health check-ups, including abdominal pelvic ultra sonography, Pap smear and Mammography, should be done.

To avoid most common cervical cancer, we should vaccinate every woman in between menarche to menopause.

Above all, timely consultation with the doctor is a must.

LIFESTYLE DISORDER OBESITY:

In our busy schedule, we forget about a healthy diet and consume oily and junk food resulting in obesity which can lead to hypertension, diabetes, infertility, coronary diseases, etc. But it can be easily prevented by following a healthy diet and exercise programme like walking, jogging, gymming, etc.

PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS:

There can be different types of stress, including workplace-related stress, familyrelated stress, parenthood stress, financial stress, etc.Some stress needs adjustment and a healthy mind can lead to better tolerance of stress. This can be achieved by regular meditation, exercise and, if required, medical and psychological counselling in grave situations.

DISABLING SURGERIES

Even today, decision to undergo surgeries is still viewed as disability and disfigurement to womanhood.For example, mastectomy which is done to cure breast cancer but causes disfigurement, scares women to undergo treatment. However, partial mastectomy with chemotherapy hardly causes cosmetic hampering. And any minor disfigurement can be treated with implants.

Similarly Hysterectomy (surgical removal of uterus) can be performed laparoscopically without abdominal scars. And every woman can have a proper sex life post hysterectomy.

INFERTILITY

Inability to bear children or very late pregnancy are great psychological stress-causing factors within a family.Certain preventable diseases as PCOD, hormonal imbalance, genital tuberculosis, thyroid malfunction and obesity can be properly treated if counselled in time. If all modes of treatment fail to conceive, help can be taken from modern treatments such as IUI, IVF, ICSI, egg donation, sperm donation and surrogacy. Genital infection like candid infection, trichomonal infection, mixed infection, STD's, HIV, VDRL can be diagnosed and treated successfully. Most of these infections can be avoided by routine use of vaginal douche, condom and personal hygiene.

MENOPAUSE

Cessation of menses is a dreadful thought for most women. They generally feel that they will become less attractive and will have poor sexual life developing a general feeling of insecurity. It is rest assured that timely guidance with specialist can educate them to successfully manage this period of crisis in one's life. They should think of it as a beginning of new life with new opportunities.During menopause, women should take care for osteoporosis, heart diseases and hot flushing.

In conclusion, women have a very challenging role, both in the family and society. She has to balance between being an ideal daughter, ideal wife, ideal daughter-in-law, loving mother and successful professional. So it is all the more important for a woman to take care of her health as a healthy woman leads a healthy family.

TL12APR15