Women's Day Special: Female Doctors Share How Women Can Ensure Good Health

On March 8 of every year, we celebrate International Women's Day, and this year, it is all about investing in women's health and well-being. For aeons, societal expectations have relegated women to positions of less power. As a result, women, whether in the form of a mother, a daughter, a sibling, or a partner, began seeing themselves in secondary roles, giving up on their own dreams and aspirations while tending to others’ needs.

But not anymore!

It is important to understand that self-care is as important as being kind and compassionate to others. Being healthy, both physically and mentally, is a basic human right that is only understood with awareness and access to information. In this Women’s Day special article, we bring women invaluable health insights from some of the leading female doctors in the country.

Also Read: Ladies, Aim At These 5 Objectives for Better Reproductive Health

Invest In Preventive Health

Rather than initiating a conversation around symptoms and treatment, let's start with discussions around preventive health.

Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi, says, "Prevention is better than cure," adding that this saying holds true at every stage of life.

She emphasises the importance of investing in preventive health, which includes:

• Going for regular age-appropriate screenings, including breast exams and pap smears
• Taking care of both physical and mental health
• Practising mindfulness to manage stress and seeking professional help if the need be
• Eating a healthy and nutritious diet coupled with regular exercise
• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
• Getting adequate sleep

As a fertility specialist, Dr Bajaj also recommends taking necessary supplements like folic acid before and during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of certain birth defects.

“Also, discuss preconception care with your healthcare provider to optimise your health and prepare your body for your bundle of joy, thereby increasing the chances of a positive outcome,” she adds.

Reproductive And Sexual Health Measures

Reportedly, sexual and reproductive ill-health accounts for one-third of the global burden of disease among women of reproductive age and one-fifth of the burden of disease among the overall population.

HIV/AIDS makes up 6% of the global burden of disease.

Over ten lakh STIs are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Additionally, severe bleeding, high blood pressure, pregnancy-related infections, complications from unsafe abortion, and underlying conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy, such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, are the leading causes of maternal deaths, a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) suggests.

Dr Mukti Harne Paithankar, Consultant-OBGY, Infertility Specialist, and Laproscopic Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, therefore, emphasises the importance of reproductive and sexual health in women, highlighting that they are an essential aspect of overall well-being.

She recommends getting regular reproductive health screenings and check-ups and educating yourself about sexual health, consent, and healthy relationships. Additionally, here are some key pieces of advice she shares:

• Practise safe sex by using condoms and getting tested regularly for STIs, especially if you have multiple sexual partners.
• Pay attention to your menstrual cycle and any changes in menstrual patterns, as they can indicate underlying health issues.
• Explore different contraceptive methods to find one that suits your lifestyle and reproductive goals.
• If you are planning a pregnancy, start prenatal care early to ensure a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
• As you approach menopause, discuss with your healthcare provider managing symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

"Breast And Cervical Cancer The Most Common Cancers In Women"

Let’s address the elephant in the room: cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

The good news is that between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths can be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors and implementing scientifically-proven prevention strategies, as per the WHO.

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Akila Ravikumar, General Physician and Consultant-Gynaecology, Neuberg Diagnostics, says that breast cancer and cervical cancer are among the most common cancers affecting women worldwide.

While breast cancer caused 6.85 lakh deaths globally in 2020, cervical cancer led to 3.5 lakh deaths in 2022. However, there are various ways to reduce their risk.

According to Ravikumar, to reduce the risk of breast cancer, women should engage in regular breast self-examinations, undergo mammography screenings, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid smoking. Being physically active and consuming a balanced diet rich in fibre and antioxidants can also prove beneficial.

On the other hand, for cervical cancer prevention, women need to undergo routine Pap tests and, when appropriate, receive the HPV vaccine to protect against high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a major risk factor for cervical cancer.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that up to 93% of cervical cancers are preventable.

“My advice to all women is to prioritise their regular physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management. Incorporating these pillars of health into your daily routine can help prevent chronic diseases, boost your immune system, enhance mental well-being, and promote longevity. Additionally, it's crucial to schedule regular check-ups with a healthcare provider for preventive screenings and promptly address any health concerns,” says Dr Ravikumar.

Also Read: Premature Menopause: Understanding Health Risks And Symptoms To Watch Out For

How Women Can Protect Their Hearts

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more women succumb to Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) than all forms of cancer combined. Still, only 44% of women recognise the alarming nature of CVD.

CVD also accounts for over one-third of maternal deaths and causes various complications in women experiencing menopause. In fact, a study presented at Heart Failure 2023, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology, found that women are more likely to die after a heart attack than men.

Dr Priti Shankar, General Physician, Apollo Clinic, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, suggests maintaining heart health is vital for women, particularly after menopause.

"Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, avoiding  excessive alcohol intake and smoking cessation are crucial," she advises, adding that routine check-ups with healthcare providers can help manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol that contribute to heart problems.

Young women, on the other hand, can take proactive steps to address cardiovascular issues and promote heart health.

Also Read: Heart Health: Symptoms Of Heart Attack Women Should Not Ignore

"With age on their side, younger women can concentrate on exercises that are more intensive and tailored to improving cardiovascular fitness, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, or aerobic dance classes," Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant and HOD - Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, tells the team of OnlyMyHealth.

She adds, "They can prepare their bodies to transition into healthier outcome by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats are essential, while avoiding processed foods and excessive intake of saturated fats and sodium."

Additionally, stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga can mitigate the impact on heart health in both young and older women.

While there is a way to predict the risk of CVD, certain measures can be taken to maintain heart health.

Dr Ravikumar advises undergoing regular blood pressure checks to monitor for hypertension or other cardiovascular risk factors.

Starting at age 20, the doctor also recommends women have their cholesterol levels checked periodically to assess cardiovascular health and determine the need for lifestyle modifications or medical interventions.

Conclusion

There are many aspects to a woman's health, each interconnected in a complex way. This is why focusing on your overall health and taking measures to determine your overall well-being is of utmost importance. Besides going for regular screening tests, it is also crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat regularly, but exercise portion control, limit the intake of processed, fatty foods, and replace them with nutrient-rich vegetables and whole grains. Moreover, keep active and steer clear of unhealthy habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. This Women’s Day, prioritise your health over everything else.