A woman is always described as the nurturer. Nature has bestowed them with the gift of bringing a new life into this world. But while taking care of others they tend to forget about themselves and neglect their own health. According to WHO, women and girls in the society are majorly discriminated based on the socio-cultural factors. While poverty is an important factor in a developing country like India, it tends to yield a higher burden on a woman’s health due to the cultural norms. They are sexually exploited and possess a highly derogatory position in the socio-cultural spectrum in many societies. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development particular issues are mainly observed in the female race rather than male, such as:
- The death ratio of women is much higher than men followed by a heart attack.
- Women show higher signs of depression and anxiety than men
- The effects of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be more serious in women.
- Osteoarthritis affects more women than men because of their diet and hormonal regulatory mechanism.
- Women are more likely to have urinary tract issues like urinary tract infections (UTI), abnormal yeast infection, etc.
- Hormonal problems like thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland) or hypothyroidism (less activity) is common in women than men.
Other than that it is likely to be seen that women are suffering from eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa , orthorexia nervosa, etc. In few scientific observations, it is seen that women having waist measurement more than 35 inches (89 cm), are more likely to develop chronic degenerative diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. So it is important to maintain the optimum weight according to the age and physical parameters.
After menopause, a woman's body produces less oestrogen and progesterone which in turn causes osteoporosis and low bone mineral density. Other than this women are susceptible to develop cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, etc.
Another typical form of cancer which is caused by viral infection is cervical cancer, which is generally caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. New researches have found that this category of cancer can be prevented through timely vaccinations meaning before a girl or woman is exposed to the virus through sexual intimation. Additionally, this vaccine can prevent vaginal and vulvar cancer.
To conclude from the nutrition point of view we have to be careful while checking for the food quantity and quality. In general condition, women are deprived of proper nutrition, but at the same time they are also overfed to reduce the wastage. As it is wisely said that prevention is better than cure, always adopt preventive and protective measures like personal hygiene, vaccination, balanced diet instead of neglecting oneself and prioritising others.
Women are the half of the population, they deserve equal importance and a healthy life. Let us work together for a better world!
Healthy Women! Healthy World!