Women’s Day Special: Women’s health – Give it a second thought!

A woman is the one who nurtures, cares and loves everyone usually at the expense of her own health. The  “Humare pas time hi kahan hai (I hardly get the time)” statement is used by our homemakers the world more often than not consider themselves last in priority order.

A woman faces lot of changes throughout her life leading to several health concerns for varying age groups. As a teenager, they are susceptible to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, eating disorders and behavioural changes. As a woman reaches her 20’s to 30’s, health issues like fertility, weight related issues, migraine, premenstrual syndrome and the likes comes in picture. Once in menopause, changes in hormone levels lead to osteoporosis, cancer, heart ailments arthritis, pigmentation, etc.

To face the challenges in life while maintaining perfect health, any woman can live long and happy by following these simple health tips.

1. Water Intake:

Our body comprises 70% water. Intake of one glass every hour helps our body to stay hydrated and helps in absorption of nutrients in a better way. Staying hydrated leads to healthy functioning of mind, body and soul. To avoid dehydration, it is best to carry a water bottle as a reminder. Hydrating yourself is also crucial to lose weight too because it not only reduces the feeling of hunger but also helps you eat less during mealtimes.

2. Movement:

This is an important key to good health. A woman is no doubt active throughout the day but retro walking (backward walk) for twenty minutes every day is very beneficial. It balances your nervous system and keeps you calm the whole day. Variety is the spice of life so do include a mix of cardio, resistance bands  and weight-bearing exercises at least three to five times a week to prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

3. Say No to Dieting

You heard me! To all women out there, always remember that you are beautiful as you are. You do not need a diet to validate yourself to the world. What you need is to be healthy and fit. You should always have a well-balanced diet to achieve a fit body which is free from diseases rather than opting for any diet fad. Our aahar (diet) needs to be a well-balanced meal which should comprise of macronutrients and micronutrients in a proportionate way.

Macronutrients are protein (10-35%), carbohydrates (45-65%), fat (20-35%). Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals present in our diet. Eat well to glow more and live long; enjoy every morsel of food you put in your system.

4. Say No to Stress

“I’m in depression” “I’m stressed due to work from home” “I’m over stressed due to work pressure” are examples of negative statements that we commonly hear nowadays. Do you know this stress can lead to many physical ailments too like infertility, heart ailments, diabetes, hypertension and much more?

The solution out here is not to suppress your feelings. Rather express it out then and there. Learn to live in a world of imperfections as you are not meant to handle it all. Don’t swallow hurt and keep overthinking rather speak your mind and set yourself free. You will find yourself in a more stressless life.

5. Say No to excess Calcium

The latest trend for all women is to keep popping calcium supplements without even asking their physician. But do you know that an overdose of calcium can be harmful too? Excess calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones and may even increase the risk of heart disease. If you’re under 50, 1,000 milligrams per day is the basic requirement while 50+ women need 1,200 milligrams per day.

Calcium-rich foods such as milk, almonds, spinach, broccoli, sesame seeds and other natural substitutes can be a real source of pure calcium. If you still wish to pop a pill due to your hurried life, then do check your calcium levels and consume it only if you are deficient in this mineral and when your doctor advises you to.

6. Say Yes to Sleep

Netflix can wait but sleep cannot. Sleeping on time balances your circadian rhythm thereby balancing your hormones and preventing major diseases like depression, heart disorders and thyroid fluctuations. To get a good night sleep avoid long naps during the day, limit your caffeine (especially that green tea, black coffee after 6 pm). Avoid alcohol and nicotine intake. Engage in regular exercise and follow a consistent sleep schedule. Make your bedroom cool and dark and you may play soft music to go into deep sleep faster.

7. Say Yes to Screening

It is not necessary to fall sick and then only get your tests done. Prevention is better than cure so it’s a request to all the women out there to get a regular check-up done as a prerogative so that any disease can be  detected early and necessary measures can be taken on time.

Health matters and you matter. Make yourself a priority and love yourself ardently. It’s not being selfish if you think of yourself first… It is celebrating your being and loving yourself totally.

Finally, my answer to all the caring women of the world who give the reason that they do not get time to care for their health is “Time nikalo isse pehle ki time nikal jaye (Take your time off before you run out of time)”.

Stay Fit. Stay Happy.

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in The Brew View – our opinion section – are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TheBrew.ae, the company, or any of its members.