Women, more often than not, are juggling numerous responsibilities in and outside the home and often put their needs last leading to an increased risk of developing health-related issues that may remain undetected too.

As we’ve learnt from the pandemic, mental health and emotional well-being are critical to maintaining overall health. There is a noted rise in reported cases of depression, anxiety and chronic stress among women which often remains unnoticed.  

What contributes to health problems in women?

Health problems can arise due to various reasons but timely diagnosis and preventive care can often reduce the severity of illness and contribute to better disease management in the long run. Women often play the role of providers taking on a larger share of household responsibilities and elderly care causing them to neglect their own health issues. These may include heart diseases, diabetes, PCOD, stress, depression and anxiety which are not diagnosed in a timely manner many times.

Stress is a major contributor. Remember, you can learn to manage your stress better by doing light yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises.

Women aged more than 40 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so as it’ll help in early diagnosis and can treat 90% of all breast cancer.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Tips to ensure optimal health for women

Here are some tips to ensure optimal health for women.

Make time for a moderate-intensity exercise routine

Exercise regularly for at least 15-20 minutes every day. Exercising helps keep your heart health in check, is a great stress buster and promotes good quality sleep. It is also known to improve your mood as it releases endorphins, a hormone known to make you feel good.

Appropriate is very essential for women. Well-nourished women are better able to provide for themselves, their children, and their families. Well-nourished mothers are more likely to have infants with healthy birth weights, and such children are less likely to ever suffer from malnutrition.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Avoid long breaks between meals

Breakfast gives you the energy to power through your day. After 7-8 hours of fasting while you sleep, your body needs enough nutrition to carry out your day-to-day activities. And it is ever so crucial for women as they are always on their toes! 

Also Read: Foods for Vaginal Health: Science-Backed Dietary Recommendations

Get good quality sleep

Caught up with social obligations and household responsibilities, women ignore the signs of fatigue due to lack of sleep. 

At least 7-9 hours of good quality sleep is crucial for optimum health. While it keeps you energized and refreshed, it also helps improve your mood and prevents the risk of diabetes and heart-related problems. Therefore, establishing a good sleep routine should be a priority.

It’s important for women to include foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and iron in their diet to maintain bone health and prevent anemia and other nutritional deficiencies.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Regular health checkups

Make sure you get your health checkup once or twice a year at a minimum. A health checkup can help with early diagnosis and put you on track for healthy disease management.

Lupin’s Shakti Program raises awareness of cardiovascular diseases in women and encourages women to get tested for cardiovascular diseases regularly to ensure early detection and disease management if required.

Osteoporosis, urinary problems, heart disease, depression, weight gain and hot flushes are just a few issues menopausal women face. Regular check-ups with your gynaecologist would go a long way in helping you prepare for what’s to come.

Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For Vaginal Dryness

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Our diets define us – cutting down on sugar intake, refined carbs and junk food will go a long way in helping you maintain optimal health. Instead, opt for a diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats and a moderate amount of carbs and fibre.  

Women who are trying to conceive are recommended to include foods rich in folic acid. On the other hand, menopausal women are advised to include a Calcium and Vitamin D-rich diet to keep their bone health in check.

Also Read: Benefits of CoQ10 for Women: Insights from Scientific Research

Takeaway

Lifestyle-induced women’s health risks could be easily prevented or controlled through healthy choices. Implementing these healthy choices early with an element of discipline can make a big difference! Remember, you deserve just as much as you give to others!

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.