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Dr. Shilpa Choudhary

E-Journal Times Magazine

In all of the important Indian economic sectors today, women are leading the way. But, women tend to overlook or sidestep health difficulties when it comes to managing the many responsibilities of their home and professional lives. Women’s health isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a cornerstone of community strength.

Author Intro

“Women are the most disregarded even though they provide care both within and outside the home.“

— Dr. Shilpa Choudhary is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Life Sciences, Parishkar Group of Colleges, Jaipur. She has done her PhD work in the field of reproductive biology and teratology at IIS University, Jaipur. She has a great interest in research, particularly in reproductive biology and nano-sciences. She is an expert in Animal Physiology, Animal Behaviour, and Applied Zoology.

The author brings a multidisciplinary background and proven experience in areas critical to the success of the Women and Health project. With a strong academic foundation in public health, gender studies, and/or social sciences, the author has actively engaged in research, community outreach, and policy analysis related to women’s health. Past involvement in similar initiatives—whether through NGOs or academic institutions —has equipped the author with practical skills in health promotion, needs assessment, and culturally sensitive communication. Their familiarity with key issues such as maternal health, reproductive rights, gender-based violence, and access to healthcare ensures a nuanced and informed approach to the project.

Empowering Women, Enhancing Health: Strong Women, Stronger Communities

We talk about and highlight some of the most important health problems that working women encounter today. Women’s health refers to how women’s health is different in many special ways from men’s health. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” and women’s health is an example of population health.

Women‘s Health Scenario

Malnutrition: In 2019–21, 57% of women aged 15–49 were anemic, up from 53% in 2015–16. There is a link between maternal malnutrition and a higher chance of both maternal death and birth abnormalities.
Poor maternal health: Unhealthy mothers have a negative impact on a child’s development as well as a woman’s capacity to engage in the workforce.
Non-Communicable Diseases: Stereotypes and taboos surround common conditions, including endometriosis, breast cancer, and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). This paints a negative picture of the condition of women’s health in India today.
Adolescent girls’ health: Approximately 70% of these girls are anemic at this age, and many of their menstrual health and hygiene issues go untreated.
Adolescent Pregnancies: Girls who become pregnant at this age have a three times higher risk of dying. Women’s demands in terms of sexual and reproductive health are frequently disregarded.

Health issues faced by working women

Physical health issue

A number of women nowadays experience significant physical health issues, such as a variety of muscle aches and pains, postural dysfunctions such as slouched posture, joint discomfort, arthritis, and a lack of fitness that makes them tired during daily activities.

Mental health issues

Anxiety, despair, a lack of excitement, and feelings of loneliness are brought on by not being able to maintain a healthy work-life balance, decreasing productivity at work, and not having enough “me time.” Studies also indicate that relationships with coworkers and the work environment contribute to psychological suffering among married working women. For working women, having children, having sick family members, and not having a support system exacerbate any mental health problems already present.

Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety or despair may result from normal hormonal changes. Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD) exhibits symptoms that are comparable to those of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but they are significantly more intense in women. The “baby blues,” a type of depression that many new moms experience soon after giving birth, are not the same as perinatal depression, which results in comparable but far more severe worries, mood swings, fatigue, and melancholy.

Depression can also result from perimenopause or the transition into menopause. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, medical professionals can offer relief through therapy or pharmaceutical therapies.

Sleep disturbances

a frustrated woman trying to sleep — Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

Getting enough sleep is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Unbalanced work-life and family obligations lead to sleep disorders such as insomnia, delayed sleep onset and wakefulness, drowsiness during the day, and anxiety at night. Sleep disorders lower productivity and efficiency at work. Their problems are exacerbated by their husbands’ and in-laws’ lack of empathy.

Heart problems

The number of working women with heart disease is rising. Researchers have discovered a trend in the prevalence of heart disease that is specific to women, especially those who work. Stress and depression are two major factors that contribute to this convergence in working women. Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection has been identified as the most prevalent heart condition affecting working women. Women’s cardiac problems can also be caused by a lack of physical activity.

Gynecological problems

Menstrual problems, including painful and heavy periods, have been observed in working women. The most common cause of these problems is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Working women have additional challenges due to their increased risk of lifestyle conditions such as obesity, thyroid problems, anemia, vitamin D insufficiency, infertility, diabetes, and blood pressure problems.

Ovarian and Cervical Cancer

There are differences between cervical and ovarian cancer that many individuals are unaware of. Whereas ovarian cancer begins in the fallopian tubes, cervical cancer begins in the lower uterus. Although the pain from both disorders is comparable, cervical cancer also produces discharge and pain during sexual activity, whereas ovarian cancer has very ambiguous signs and is a very complicated condition.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most aggressive type of cancer affecting women worldwide. It usually starts in the lining of the milk ducts and can spread to other organs. Because women tend to live longer in industrialized countries, the disorder is more common in these populations. Breast lumps might initially appear in women with breast cancer. The majority of breast lumps are not dangerous, but it’s still vital for women to have a healthcare professional examine each one.

Women’s Health and Hygiene at Workplaces

While maintaining good cleanliness and health at home is simple, it’s crucial to exercise control over submission in settings such as offices. Women run serious health risks if they don’t receive the right care.

Maintaining excellent health at work can be greatly aided by women adopting a few simple behaviours-

Eating wholesome meals keeps the body content and healthy. A healthy, well-balanced meal is essential for maintaining energy levels and feeling active. It’s also crucial to drink adequate water each day. It aids in the body’s removal of toxins.
Exercise is especially important for women to keep aches & pains at bay. House work is not equivalent to exercise. Keeping the muscles strong can go a long way in ensuring good health even at an older age.
Being aware of one’s menstrual cycle helps one be ready, particularly at work. There are a ton of online tracking tools available these days.
To stay clean and fresh throughout your period, it’s crucial to eat healthily, drink lots of water, change frequently, and shower.

How can an office environment be made more comfortable for women?

• Sanitary napkin and tampon dispensers can be provide in workplaces.

• Provide a cleaning crew on a regular basis to make sure dry and clean closets are available.

• Dustbins with covers for disposing of garbage properly.

• Encourage organizations that deal with concerns unique to women’s safety and health.

• Arrange seminars to educate women about safety, cleanliness, and health precautions.

• Canteens can provide healthier alternatives to fast food.

• Spotlessly clean drinking water dispensers in handy places.

• Survey female employees to learn about their issues.

When it comes to hygiene and health, there should be no compromising. A sustainable lifestyle may benefit from adhering to these basic health habits. Because of unfavorable circumstances, lifestyle decisions, privacy concerns, a lack of facilities, etc., women are more likely to compromise their cleanliness and health. In order to guarantee that every workplace offers secure and hygienic circumstances for women employed, it is critical to increase awareness and work together.

Pay attention to your health!

Multitasking not only brings in productivity but also a myriad of health problems listed above. Most women tend to ignore initial warning signs of any distress to their bodies leading to worsening of symptoms, absence from work, disputes within the family and lack of social interaction within the community. Research highlights the fact that very few women with physical and mental health issues seek medical attention.

Having a balanced diet and managing stress are the key points to a healthy life for all, including working women. These healthy habits, if developed over time, will help an individual achieve a healthier self.

DIET

photo of bowl beside wooden chopping board — Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

Particularly during these trying times, maintaining our health and strengthening our immunity depends on eating a balanced diet. Making healthy dietary adjustments and adhering to certain fundamental guidelines can greatly improve our health. Here’s a few simple tips:

Never skip breakfast: Make sure that your morning meal is the largest of the day. It facilitates the body’s rapid metabolism. For optimal health, a healthy breakfast rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fruits is strongly advised.

Do not skip meals: Our busy schedules often lead us to skip meals. This is a bad habit because missing meals causes our metabolism to slow down, which can result in unhealthy weight gain. Thus, it is imperative that we always aim to eat at regular times.

Eat small but frequent meals: Meals should be eaten every 2.5 to 3 hours to promote even digestion and stop overindulging.

Drink plenty of water: About two-thirds of the weight of an adult human is made up of water, in addition to keeping us well hydrated, drinking two to three liters of water per day aids in the body’s detoxification process.

Don’t avoid fats in diet: Fats are necessary for our body’s ideal metabolism. Healthy fats can be found in nuts, flax seeds, olive oil, sesame oil, and other foods.

Include fruits and vegetables in your diet: The antioxidants our bodies receive from eating fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis also aid in stress relief. Nuts like almonds and walnuts, citrus fruits like amla and guava, oily fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and fresh veggies like lettuce, carrot, cucumber, and tomato are natural stress relievers.

Cut down your sugar intake: Our health is at risk when we consume foods high in sugar. Dieticians and nutritionists strongly advise limiting the consumption of foods and beverages high in sugar, such as cookies, pastries, cakes, colas, and health drinks.

Consume foods rich in proteins: Proteins are said to be the “building blocks” of life since they support the health of our tissues and bones. As a result, a regular diet should include foods high in protein, such as meat, fish, dairy, and dairy products, as well as pulses like dal, chana, beans, etc.

Manage Stress

woman meditating on rock — Photo by Felipe Borges on Pexels.com

Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress can improve our mood. Additionally, it may improve our health and lessen our susceptibility to sickness. Here are some useful strategies for reducing stress:

1. Regular practice of yoga and meditation can be very beneficial for stress relief. It also facilitates mental focus.

2. Regular exercise increases physical endurance. It is an excellent way to decompress.

3. One popular method of relaxation is breathing exercises. Novices might begin with basic deep breathing techniques.

4. Continue to have an optimistic outlook on life.

Why is women’s health so important?

Since women are the foundation of a family’s general health, it is important to ensure that they have access to high-quality treatment, which can also benefit the health of their families and children.

There is little question that the health of women affects the health of families and communities. The health of a woman’s offspring, family, and community are all significantly and profoundly impacted by her illness or death.

Women’s health is becoming more important in today’s world because of the realization that although many diseases affect women similarly to those that affect males, symptoms and treatments are not necessarily the same. Read more at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/basics/womens-health/hlv-20049411

Healthy Women, Healthy World

One famous slogan, “Healthy Women, Healthy World”, embodies the fact that as custodians of family health, women play a critical role in maintaining the health and overall well-being of their communities. However, because women have so many responsibilities, they frequently overlook their own needs in favor of taking care of their spouse or kids.

It is crucial that women make time for themselves to preserve excellent health as a result. In reality, by prioritizing adequate care for women, many illnesses that plague them can actually be averted. Also read another article by author at https://journals-times.com/2023/04/07/teratogens-find-out-what-is-best-for-mother-and-baby/