In today’s fast-paced world, women often find themselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. From managing careers and relationships to caring for children and aging parents, it’s no wonder that self-care often takes a backseat. However, it is essential for women to recognize and harness the power of self-care in order to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Self-care is more than just indulging in occasional pampering or treating oneself to a spa day. It is a deliberate and ongoing practice of nurturing oneself on multiple levels. Here’s why self-care holds immense power for women:

Physical Health:

Women are often the caretakers and nurturers in their families, but it’s important to remember that they need care as well. Prioritizing self-care means taking steps to maintain good physical health. This includes eating nutritious meals, engaging in regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and attending to medical check-ups. When women prioritize their physical health, they not only have more energy and vitality, but they also set an example for those around them.

Mental and Emotional Well-being:

Women often carry the weight of emotional labor, whether it’s managing household tasks, resolving conflicts, or providing emotional support to others. Self-care allows women to recharge and replenish their mental and emotional resources. It can involve engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, such as pursuing hobbies, reading, journaling, or practicing mindfulness and meditation. Taking time for oneself helps alleviate stress, reduces the risk of burnout, and enhances overall mental well-being.

Self-Worth and Empowerment:

Self-care is an act of self-love and self-respect. When women prioritize their own well-being, they send a powerful message to themselves and others that their needs matter. It is not selfish to take care of oneself; it is a fundamental right. By investing time and energy in self-care, women build a stronger sense of self-worth and empowerment. This, in turn, enables them to set healthy boundaries, make confident decisions, and advocate for themselves in various aspects of life.

Resilience and Fulfillment:

Life is full of challenges, and women often face unique pressures and expectations. Self-care equips women with the tools to navigate these challenges with greater resilience. By nurturing their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, women are better able to bounce back from setbacks, overcome obstacles, and maintain a positive outlook. Moreover, when women prioritize their own happiness and fulfillment, they are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to their families, careers, and communities.

Role Modeling and Impact:

Women are often influential figures in their families, workplaces, and communities. When women practice self-care, they become powerful role models for others, particularly for their children and younger generations. By showing that self-care is not only necessary but also an act of strength and empowerment, women inspire those around them to prioritize their own well-being. This has a ripple effect, creating a culture of self-care and well-being in society as a whole.

In conclusion, the power of self-care for women cannot be underestimated. It is an essential practice that allows women to nurture themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Remember to take the yearly health check up. TFPL offers preventive Women Health Packages at economical rates. Visit our website or call 8745026888 for more. By prioritizing self-care, women enhance their overall well-being, strengthen their self-worth, and inspire others. So, ladies, remember to carve out time for yourselves, indulge in self-care guilt-free, and embrace the transformative power it brings to your life.

Author:
Dr Vibha Tomar
Consultant Pathologist
Tomar Foundation Pathology Lab

Women health

Women’s health is an essential component of overall health and well-being of a society. It encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects that influence a woman’s quality of life. From puberty to menopause, women’s bodies undergo significant changes, and it’s crucial to take care of them to prevent or manage health conditions. This article explores some of the key aspects of women’s health and provides tips on how to maintain optimal health.

Reproductive Health

Reproductive health is a crucial aspect of women’s health that involves the reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and breasts. Reproductive health issues can affect a woman’s ability to conceive, carry a pregnancy to term, or have a healthy baby. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize reproductive health throughout a woman’s life.

One of the most important ways to maintain reproductive health is by scheduling regular gynecological exams. These exams can help detect early signs of reproductive health issues such as cervical cancer, fibroids, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s also important to practice safe sex by using condoms or other barrier methods to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies.

Mental Health

Mental health is a critical component of overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, women are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues than men. Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are common mental health issues that affect women. Hormonal changes, stress, and societal expectations can contribute to mental health issues in women.

It’s essential to prioritize mental health by seeking help when needed. Talking to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can provide tools and strategies for managing mental health issues. Additionally, practicing self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly, can also promote mental health.

Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular health refers to the health of the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize cardiovascular health to reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

One of the most important ways to promote cardiovascular health is by maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular conditions. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and promote cardiovascular health.

Breast Health

Breast health is a critical aspect of women’s health, as breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. It’s essential to prioritize breast health by performing regular breast self-exams and scheduling regular mammograms.

Breast self-exams involve checking the breasts for any changes, such as lumps, bumps, or changes in size or shape. Mammograms are x-ray images of the breast that can detect early signs of breast cancer. Women should begin getting regular mammograms at age 40 or earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer.

Bone Health

Bone health is crucial for women, as women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures.

To maintain bone health, it’s essential to consume enough calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is essential for building strong bones, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Additionally, weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running, or weightlifting can also promote bone health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, women’s health is a multifaceted issue that requires attention to various aspects of health and well-being. Reproductive health, mental health, cardiovascular health, breast health, and bone health are crucial components of women’s health. Prioritizing these areas through regular medical  exams and preventive health check ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking help when needed can help promote good health in women.
We are ,Tomar Foundation Pathology Lab, are dedicated to providing preventive health check ups at discounted prices to promote good health in women.

Let us not forget, A healthy woman is the back bone of a healthy society.

Author:
Dr Vibha Tomar
Consultant Pathologist
Tomar Foundation Pathology Lab

Tips to look after Elderly in COVID times

As the world nudges towards normalcy, it is imperative that the elderly continue to practice lockdown norms. The year 2020 has been particularly harsh to them. Not only are they more vulnerable to serious infection due to Covid 19, their lifestyle and social pillars have been disrupted by the newer norms of living , dictated by the virus. Leaders from all over the world have expressed concern about the welfare of the elderly.

Why are the seniors more vulnerable?

The elderly account for more than 50 percent of the total COVID deaths. Seniors in UK, USA and Italy have also borne the major brunt of the disease. Let us try and understand why old people are more prone to infection by SARS COV 2. The explanation of the generally heightened risk of the geriatric population lies in a growing understanding of “Immunoscence”. Older people are not as good at reacting to micro-organisms they have not encountered before. When faced with a new virus like SARS COV2 , they are not able to produce virus fighting chemicals due to depletion of naive T cells. Naive T cells are cells which mount a specific response against a ‘never before seen microbe’. The specific response of the body to the virus is thus too little and too late. This allows the initial non-specific response of the body to remain in overdrive producing a cytokine storm. The body immune response is thus ineffective and produces great ancillary damage in the lungs causing Acute respiratory distress syndrome, the commonest cause of death in COVID.

Challenges faced by the elderly

The seniors find themselves particularly susceptible during this COVID era. They find almost every aspect of their existence threatened and challenged. Physically, not only are they in greater peril of succumbing to the disease, the structure of house help and care givers that they had put in place for their convenience is shattered. Also, prior to the COVID era, Senior citizens in India led an active social life. They kept in regular touch with extended family and friends. They took active part in satsangs, religious activities, festivals and social programs. Such meetings were frequent and provided recreation and solace to the old-timers. They looked forward to such occasions as they added value and meaning to their life. All these activities stand disrupted in the new era leading to social isolation, frustration and bleakness. Depression, loneliness and anxiety are the new companions. Instances of violence against the aged are also showing a rising trend. The fact that the end appears nowhere in sight is only adding to their dilemma.

Practical tips for Seniors to look after themselves

• Sanitizing, masking and distancing remain the mool mantra for protection.
• Practise physical distancing not social distancing. Keep in touch with your friends and extended families via telephones and digital platforms. Continue to share and care, but digitally.
• Group activities which involve talking, singing or eating together are best avoided in person. Such activities can be arranged digitally. Use watts app group chats or zoom meets to organise such meets and remain in touch with your satsang groups or breakfast club.
• Social activities like group exercises can be promoted as long as you maintain at least six feet distance at all times. Schedule them in open spaces. Yoga or such fitness exercises where people remain restricted to their mats can be organised. Keep group size small. Maintain social distance at all times.
• Wear mask and face shield when you venture out of the house.
• If you travel by car, keep the windows open. Wear a mask and face shield during the ride.
• Avoid travel, hotels and that visit to the market.
• Avoid talking to unmasked people.
• Avoid meetings in closed spaces.
• Eat simple nutritious diet. Immune-boosters like Chywanprash, amla, tulsi, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and ginger should be a part of your daily diet. Avoid excess salt, sugar and oil.
• Exercise daily. Practise meditation or yoga daily. Watch your weight.
• Take your medications regularly. Add supplements of Vitamin D, Vitamin C and zinc.
• Get your immunity status assessed at regular intervals. Keep in contact with your doctor.

Precautions while hiring Care-givers

Restrict the number of care givers. It is better if the care giver is exclusively working for you. It is important that the care giver takes all precautions which are relevant in today’s scenario. SMS is the golden rule. According to a recent study, one in four individuals may have developed immunity to COVID. It is a Good Practice to hire care givers who have developed specific immunity (IgG antibodies to COVID). You could get their immunity profiles checked to see if they are safe for you and your family.

What can we do to ease their pain- Tips for family and friends

Just like a herd protects the vulnerable by keeping them well sheltered in the centre, keep your seniors well cocooned. Be a buffer in between the elderly and the outside world for some more time. Teach and encourage the old folks to use chat platforms to remain in touch with friends and family to uplift their spirits. Keep them involved in family discussions and projects. Ask for advice or that recipe you always wanted. Connect with your elderly Aunts, Uncles and well wishers regularly. Just call in to say ‘I care.”

Author:
Dr Vibha Tomar
Consultant Pathologist
Tomar Foundation Pathology Lab

2019 Novel Corona Virus Outbreak was first detected in Wuhan , China, and soon spread to other major countries globally including USA, UK, UAE , Hongkong, Australia among other countries. Over sixty thousand cases have been detected up-to-date. India has also reported three confirmed cases.

It is caused by a new strain of Corona Virus called COVID -19 which is a Beta corona virus. Corona virus are a group of zoonotic viruses that cause disease in animals such as camels, cats and bats. Rarely these viruses can infect humans. Early cases of this disease in China had some link to a large seafood and live animal market suggestive of animal to human spread. Person to person spread has been reported in countries outside China.

Transmission of this virus from person to person is via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the droplets land on the mouth or nasal mucosa of people who are nearby. It is currently unclear whether a person can get COVID -19 by touching a surface or object that has virus on it .

People who have been in China within past two weeks, caretakers of patients with established COVID-19 infection and health professionals involved in the care of such patients are at serious risk. The incubation period is 2-14 days after exposure. Most patients show symptoms within 5- 6 days.

Patients typically develop mild to severe respiratory illness. Warning symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In most severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure and even death.

WHO analysis shows that while 82 percent of cases are mild, about 15 percent progress to severe and 3 percent are critical. Most of the fatal cases were in senior citizens and people with underlying conditions like Diabetes and Hypertension. Lab diagnosis is based on Serological tests and Viral culture. Treatment is largely symptomatic.

As there is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection,the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. General public has been issued a list of recommendation by CDC to prevent the spread of infection. Here is the list of do’s and don’ts.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes , nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay Home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Discard tissue in trash.

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.

If soap and water are not available ,you may use alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Use of face mask [ CDC guideline ] –

People who are well do not need to wear masks.

People with symptoms of 2019 Novel Corona virus and care takers need to wear mask.