Importance Of Regular Check-Ups And Screenings

Author: Dt. Arti Singh MSc – Nutritional Science
Consultant:  Nutritionist & Dietician at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar, Mumbai 

Diagnosing diseases early through regular screening tests is the best defence for treating the disease. It can be hard to keep up with the demands of everyday life, especially if you feel pulled in numerous directions. But the one place you shouldn’t cut corners involves your preventive care. Regular health checks keep potential health issues at bay and nip any developing problems in the bud. In some cases, they can even save lives since issues such as breast cancer can be treated early, and preventive measures can be taken. 

It is essential to see your doctor for regular health checks. The checks can pick up early signs of disease or illness so that you will get treatment earlier. A general check-up is recommended once a year. If you are at higher risk of a disease or condition, you may need to get checked more often.

Health screening monitors your well-being

Unlike scheduling an appointment because of a cold or flu, you must have health screenings to monitor your overall health and wellness. 

These screenings vary based on your age and individual needs, but they always focus on the following:

  • Screening for medical issues 
  • Establishing a baseline for your general health 
  • Assessing your risk of future medical issues 
  • Encouraging a healthy lifestyle 
  • Updating vaccinations
  • Building a trusted relationship with your provider

Health screening checks for many things 

These screenings focus on your unique healthcare needs, especially your gynaecological health. The health checks are tailored to your age and lifestyle but always capture vital signs, such as weight, height, pulse, and blood pressure. These measurements help give general insights into your overall health. 

Based on your age and sexual activity, the following also need to be performed: 

  •  A physical exam 
  • Internal and external genital exam
  • HIV and Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing
  • Preventive screenings for cervical cancer or breast cancer

These health screenings also allow you to share any concerns about your health. These conversations can also help you build a relationship with your doctor.

Health screenings evolve along with you

Not only can health exams detect serious problems – such as cervical cancer – before you may notice any symptoms, but they can help you feel your best at every stage of life. That’s because your health screenings evolve with your unique needs. For example, you may have questions about your period or body changes when you start puberty. This can also be a good time to get the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which can protect you from STDs. Once you become sexually active, your health screenings will become a safe place to discuss healthy sexual relationships, birth control methods, and STD prevention and testing. And, as you prepare for pregnancy, these appointments can focus on having a healthy pregnancy. And, if you no longer want to have children, you can discuss more permanent birth control options. Finally, your health screenings will evolve as you move out of your reproductive years, from perimenopause to menopause and beyond. 

Preventive health checks

Screening for ultrasound, Pap smear, and a mammogram is an important part of preventive healthcare for women. It can detect potential health issues early, prevent the development of certain health conditions, assess an individual’s risk, and provide education and empowerment for individuals to take control of their health. 

Make health screening a priority
It’s easy to make excuses to skip your check-up. However, it would help if you considered this visit a nonnegotiable meeting you cannot miss. Your health should be your number one priority. Start treating it that way and schedule your visits.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best woman care in Whitefield, Bangalore. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do make an appointment with the best woman care hospital in Whitefield, Bangalore at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Nirmala M, , please book your appointment here.

how-technology-affects-womens-health

Author: Dr. Nirmala M MBBS, MS
Consultant:  Obstetrician, Gynecologist & Fertility Specialist at Motherhood Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

There is a rainbow of fruits and vegetables that offer several health benefits! Fruits and vegetables get their colours from phytochemicals and may help to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. 

Additionally, the colours of the fruits and vegetables we eat can hint at their nutritional value. For example, dark leafy greens are a good source of folate. At the same time, red and orange fruits and vegetables are often a good source of Vitamin A. Eating a rainbow of colourful fruits and vegetables can help provide vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed for a healthy, well-balanced diet such as antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. 

Following are some factors that can affect your blood sugar levels. Include as many plant-based colours in your meals and snacks as possible to get started. Each colour provides various health benefits, and no colour is superior to another, so a balance of all colours is most important. Getting the most phytonutrients also means eating colourful skins, the richest sources of phytonutrients, and paler flesh. 

Avoid peeling foods like apples, peaches and eggplant, lest you lose their most concentrated source of beneficial chemicals. When we eat plant foods, phytonutrients protect us from chronic diseases. Phytonutrients have potentanti-cancer and anti-heart disease effects. And epidemiological research suggests that food patterns that include fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, and may be protective against certain types of cancers. Listed below are some examples of fruits and vegetables that fall into the five main colour groups: 

Red: Strawberries, blood oranges, grapefruit, cranberries, watermelon, red apples, raspberries, cherries, tomatoes, pomegranate, red grapes, beets, red peppers, radishes, red onions, tomatoes, rhubarb. 

Yellow/Orange: Lemon, pineapples, mangoes, corn, oranges, persimmons, nectarines, tangerines, apricots, papayas, cantaloupe, peaches, carrots, butternut squash, pumpkin, yellow summer squash, sweet potatoes, and yams.

White: White nectarines, white peaches, bananas, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, potatoes, turnips and white corn. 

Green: Pears, green apples, limes, avocados, honeydew, kiwis, green grapes, broccoli, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, brussels sprouts, green beans, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, lettuce, green onions, okra, peas, green peppers, snow peas, spinach, and zucchini.

Blue/Purple: Purple grapes, blackberries, plums, blueberries, boysenberries, raisins, eggplant, and purple cabbage. 

Get closer to eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables by trying something new from the suggested list in your next meal or snack. 

Although many experts differ on what food is the most nutritious or has the most antioxidants and disease-fighting capabilities, eating a well-balanced diet with various fruits and vegetables is essential. Regular exercise, portion control, and getting your daily dose of these ‘superfoods’ can help keep you in tip-top shape and ready for the warm weather that lies ahead.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Kharghar,Mumbai. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do make an appointment with the best maternity hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dt. Arti Singh, please book your appointment here.

Strengthening The Harmony And Balance In Mind, Body And Soul

Author: Dr. Sonal Singhal MBBS, MD
Consultant:  Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Gurgaon

People usually neglect and ignore their inner self. When it comes to holistic fitness of a being, people are no more “interconnected between mind, body and soul”. The phrase “mind, body, and soul” refers to the connection and relationship between these three aspects of yourself.

Mind. Your mind is your thinking mind (both conscious and unconscious) that is responsible for your beliefs, thoughts, and actions.

Body. Your body is the physical aspect of yourself that carries you through life and allows you to experience the world through your five senses.

Soul. Your soul or spirit is that intangible part of you that you might refer to as your essence.

You have probably heard of the mind-body-soul connection, but might not be sure what it means and how it affects your wellbeing. Mind-body-soul means that our wellness comes not just from physical health, but from mental health and spiritual health as well. To be “healthy,” we must pay attention to all three aspects of our nature. 

Here are a few tips to help balance your mind, body and soul.

  • Exercise: Find an exercise that you enjoy. Exercise boosts mood by pumping oxygen into the brain and releasing feel good endorphins.

  • Feeling grateful: Start appreciating the things you have in your life. The health benefits of gratitude and the very simple act of it can help relieve stress, strengthen social relationships and more.

  • Sleep well: Sleep helps regenerate your body. The more you sleep, the better you are the next day.

  • Deep breathing: Develop the habit of deep breaths throughout the day. Deep breathing helps in stress relief, lower blood pressure and more focus.

  • Yoga: One exercise which is good for mind and body. Yoga is a perfect one to bring harmony and balance in mind, body and soul.

  • Smile more: Smiling helps you feel great and make you feel happier and stress free.

  • Chase your passions: Doing what you love the most can help you bring in a perfect harmony to your own self. It keeps you occupied and stress free.

  • Meditate: This is the time when you need to rest your mind. Start with a small duration and make it a regular practice.

  • Spend time with nature: Getting out in green space can help lower your risk of developing certain neurological conditions and also maintain a stress-free life.

  • Eat plenty of greens: Dark, leafy greens are rich in vitamins and minerals. Consuming these will help you tone down your body and keep it healthy.

A holistic approach to wellbeing involves bringing these three aspects of the self into balance to create harmony and health.As we become balanced and harmonious, the unavoidable pressures of life have less impact on us. We respond to situations more consciously, and our interactions with people & situations become more purposeful, calm and relaxed. We feel union and 

harmony everywhere, whether it’s an office meeting, a small talk with our kids, or a social affair. Our outer world reflects the same perspective that we feel in our harmonious inner world. Live up, connect the elements of your existence and find more meaning from life.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best woman care in Gurgaon. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do make an appointment with the best woman care hospital in Gurgaon at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Sonal Singhal, please book your appointment here.

Healthy Eating And Women

Author: Dr. Archana Dubey MBBS, MS (OBG)
Consultant: Gynecologist, Infertility and Laparoscopy at Motherhood Hospital Indore

Choosing healthy foods and drinks more often can help prevent or manage many health problems that affect women. Women have unique nutritional needs. By eating well at every stage of life, you can control cravings, manage your weight, boost your energy, and look and feel your best. A balanced eating pattern is a cornerstone of health. Women should enjoy a variety of healthful foods from all of the food groups, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, low-fat or fat free dairy and lean protein. But women also have special nutrient needs, and, during each stage of a woman’s life, these needs change.

Eating right

Nutrient-rich foods provide energy for women’s busy lives and help to reduce the risk of disease. A healthy eating plan regularly includes: 

  •  At least three ounce equivalents of whole grains such as whole grain bread, wholewheat cereal flakes, whole-wheat pasta, bulgur, quinoa, brown rice or oats.
  • Three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products including milk, yoghurt or cheese; or calcium fortified soy milk. 
  • Five to five-and-a-half ounce-equivalents of protein foods such as lean meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts and seeds.
  • One-and-a-half to two cups of fresh fruits without added sugars.
  • Two to two-and-a-half cups of fresh colourful vegetables without added salt.

The nutritional needs of a woman 

The nutritional requirements for boys and girls as children are similar. But when puberty begins, women start to develop unique nutritional requirements. And as we age and our bodies go through more physical and hormonal changes, our nutritional needs continue to evolve, making it important that our diets evolve to meet these changing needs. To ensure you get all the nutrients you need from the food you eat, try to aim for a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, quality protein, healthy fats, and low in processed, fried, and sugary foods. 

Most health experts recommend that you eat a balanced, healthy diet to maintain or to lose weight. But exactly what is a healthy diet? 

  • Protein (found in fish, meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, nuts, and beans) 
  • Fat (found in animal and dairy products, nuts, and oils)
  • Carbohydrates (found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans and other legumes)
  • Vitamins (such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K)
  • Minerals (such as calcium, potassium, and iron)
  • Water (both in what you drink, and what’s naturally in foods) 

Balancing calories with activity

Since women typically have less muscle, more body fat and are smaller than men, they need fewer calories to maintain a healthy body weight and activity level. Women who are more physically active may require more calories. Physical activity is an important part of a woman’s health. Regular physical activity helps with muscle strength, balance, flexibility and stress management.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best nutritionists in Banashankari, Bangalore. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

 Do make an appointment with the best woman care hospital in Banashankari, Bangalore at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dt. Divya Gopal, please book your appointment here.

Balancing Hormones With Exercise

Author: Dr. Archana Dubey MBBS, MS (OBG)
Consultant: Gynecologist, Infertility and Laparoscopy at Motherhood Hospital Indore

The goal of your endocrine system is to maintain balance, which means female hormonal health is more than reproductive health, it is whole body health.

Hormones control heart rate, sleep cycles, sexual function, and reproduction. The metabolism, appetite, mood, stress, and body temperatures are all affected by hormones which largely affect a woman’s function of life.

Hormones, the chemical messengers, are responsible for our weight, mood, appearance, energy, anxiety levels and even fertility. Even a slight imbalance in our hormones can wreck our well-being and hence, it is important that they remain balanced. Physical activity strongly influences hormonal health. Apart from improving blood flow to your muscles, exercise increases hormone receptors.

Will exercise help in maintaining hormonal balance? 

Absolutely, as the amount of movement and physical activity we do daily makes a huge impact on the hormonal responses of the body. Our heart rate and the activation of our nervous system also cause our brain to release various hormones, which ultimately control how our peripheral organs respond. It is pretty amazing how every part of our body works together to ultimately carry out a mission. Exercise has a powerful effect on balancing, suppressing, and increasing certain hormones. Excess oestrogen, insulin, and cortisol are the hormones responsible for weight gain, while HGH, testosterone, and progesterone are the ones responsible for keeping us lean. Leptin is another hormone, which, when too low, signals your body to store fat. 

Which hormones are impacted by exercise?

Epinephrine/Norepinephrine: Responds to stress, either physical or psychological. Insulin: Made by the pancreas on the arrival of glucose into the bloodstream, it rises and falls according to what you eat. 

Cortisol: Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, low blood sugar and exercise. 

Oestrogen: A wonderful hormone in the right amount, it makes conception and pregnancy possible. It’s also a natural mood lifter.

Human Growth Hormone: Quite simply one of the most powerful hormones. It’s a fat burner, which forces your body to draw energy from your fat reserves first.

Testosterone: It’s vitally important for women as it builds muscle, burns fat, increases energy and sex drive, and strengthens bones.

Progesterone: A hormone that regulates menstrual function and pregnancy.

Serotonin: Physical activity releases serotonin, which promotes a good night’s rest. Increasing your serotonin levels can boost mood, appetite, digestion, memory, and sexual drive. 

Splitting your workouts between cardio, resistance, high intensity exercise and yoga will ensure you’re balancing all of the major male and female hormones, cortisol and insulin. Cardio, for example, is helpful in balancing oestrogen, the primary female sex hormone. When levels of oestrogen are too high or low, it can lead to bloating or water retention, menstrual cycle issues and mood swings. A lack of oestrogen can also put women at more risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Indore. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do make an appointment with the best maternity hospital in Indore at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Archana Dubey, please book your appointment here.

Being a First Time Mom

Author: Dr. Sanjay Wazir MBBS, MD – Pediatrics, DM – Neonatology
Consultant: Medical Director (NCR)- Neonatology at Motherhood Hospital, Gurgaon

Becoming a parent can be a bit overwhelming and being a first-time mom has its own set of challenges as you get introduced to a lot of new things, ranging from breastfeeding to soothing a crying baby. Most first-time moms go into motherhood with expectations. What they’ll be like as a mom, how they’ll feel and even what the baby will be like. But your idea of parenthood and the reality of being a parent will likely be two very different things. 

The truth is in the first few weeks, you’ll learn a lot about yourself and being a parent. As your little one depends on you for everything, your responsibility increases. You may be quite anxious about the situation. It is alright to worry, just remember not to allow it to overpower you. Some of the common situations that most moms face are:

Why is my baby crying frequently? 

In the initial months, you will notice your baby crying frequently. Instead of stressing on the eating and sleeping habits or what could be wrong with the child, find ways of soothing your child and get him / her to adapt to the people and surroundings.

  • Am I feeding the child right?
    Breastfeeding is a new challenge which most moms experience during their initial days of childbirth. Some babies do not suck properly or reject the breast milk. Instead of thinking of alternatives, it is always advisable to reach out to your doctor who will provide you with the right solution.
  • Handling the newborn
    It can be an overwhelming experience to get through the child’s routine. Be it giving the child a bath, feeding or clipping the nails. These routine things can make you feel nervous. But, nevertheless, following your maternal instincts will help you cater to all the needs of your baby confidently.
  • Bowel movement 
    The bowel movement of your child is not constant. It could be too frequent or no bowel movement for days. An irregular routine can upset you. If you notice any abnormal change in the bowel movement or color, reach out to the doctor instead of panicking and you will get the right solution.

Spitting milk after a breastfeed or during burping

It is absolutely normal for a baby to spit up some milk immediately after a breastfeed or during burping. This should not be a cause of concern. If the baby is regularly spitting or throwing up and not gaining weight, then it is the time to consult a doctor.

  • Changing diapers
    Changing diapers is another important thing as your child diapers get soiled almost after every feed during the initial days. Not changing the diapers will not only make the child uncomfortable but will also be prone to infections. These are a few guidelines and there are numerous things that you need to take care of for your newborn. However, remember this experience of a lifetime which you will always cherish .

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Kharadi, Pune. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do make an appointment with the best maternity hospital in Kharadi, Pune at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Preethika Shetty, please book your appointment here.

Early Puberty: Should You Be Concerned?

Author: Dr. Sanjay Wazir MBBS, MD – Pediatrics, DM – Neonatology
Consultant: Medical Director (NCR)- Neonatology at Motherhood Hospital, Gurgaon

With puberty starting earlier these days, we see a growing area of concern for many mothers.

Many parents don’t want their children to grow up too fast. We can only hope that they can remain the way they are for as long as possible. However, these days there is a growing concern regarding early or precocious puberty, particularly for young girls. This results in a plethora of medical and social hurdles, so it is essential to know how this condition will affect their health, and how we can help them through what can be a confusing time in their lives. 

Signs And Causes Of Early Puberty

Puberty is a period of growth and development for girls as they mature into young women. This typically begins at around 10-11 years old, but some girls may start at 8 or 9. Any younger than this and your child might have early puberty. As of today, we are not entirely sure what exactly causes early puberty. Often, it can simply be hereditary and sometimes there could be an underlying problem, such as:

  • Damage to the brain or a tumour
  • Issues related to the ovaries or thyroid gland
  • A genetic disorder

There are tell-tale physical signs for a young girl with this condition. These signs include:

  • Sudden underarm or pubic hair
  • Breast development
  • Vaginal discharge or bleeding
  • Having body odour
  • Facial or body acne

Furthermore, the end of puberty marks the end of a young girl’s growth height-wise. While many girls with early puberty will experience growth spurts at first, they often do not reach their full height potential as their growth stops earlier as well. Parents should also keep in mind that it is possible to display some of these signs and not others. For instance, some girls may have breast development or underarm hair without indicating any of the other physical changes.

Treatment And Help At Home 

Early puberty can be treated by addressing the underlying cause, if there is one, or using prescribed medication to regulate hormone levels and halt sexual development. Medication, on the other hand, is used only if your child is experiencing emotional or physical distress as a result of her condition. It is best to talk to your doctor if you notice something, so that you and your child can get clarity on what is the best way forward.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Paediatricians in Gurgaon that consists of a team of paediatric specialists that cater to all the needs of children, across age groups, and provide the best care for your child’s development.

Do take an appointment with the best child care hospital in Gurgaon at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr.Sanjay Wazir, please book your appointment here.

Introducing Vaccines to Children

Author: Dr. Nitin M MBBS, DM (Neonatology), MD (Paediatrics)
Consultant:  Paediatrician & Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital Electronic City, Bangalore

Navigating through multiple avenues of information to understand what’s really good for your child. March 2020 brought significant amounts of change to our lives. Numbers, myths, tips and reports were thrown in our faces every day. So did the information on what’s healthy, what’s not, and what really boosts our immunity. In this post-pandemic era, the credibility of data has increasingly become the need of the hour. While parents and paediatricians all over the world have taken quite a cautious stance on inoculating the young ones, it is crucial to understand how much is too much.

Why Do We Need Vaccines?

Despite tremendous progress, infectious diseases continue to contribute to a significant proportion of child mortality and morbidity in India. According to WHO, 1.5 million deaths could be avoided globally, only if children were vaccinated. More than half of the world’s most vulnerable children still miss out on the essential vaccines that they need to live healthy lives. It is important for parents to be aware of the various vaccinations their child will receive, to immunise them against certain diseases.

Some Common Vaccines For Young Children 

  • Polio
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Meningitis
  • Chicken Pox
  • Tuberculosis
  • Whooping cough
  • Measles
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Rotavirus
  • Diphtheria
  • Tetanus

Government Initiatives

All countries in the world have an immunization programme to deliver selected vaccines to the targeted beneficiaries, especially focusing on pregnant  women, infants and children, who are at a high risk of diseases preventable by vaccines. In India, the Universal Immunization Program (UIP) is one of the largest public health programmes targeting nearly 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually. The Government of India also frequently collaborates with international bodies like the WHO on issues related to vaccinations and viral health.

Discover our expert healthcare from the comfort of your home

Motherhood Hospitals is offering a range of services to make you healthier and happier.

Vaccinations for children

Protecting your children is essential to be able to provide them with a healthy and fulfilling life. The road to good health begins with boosting your child’s immunity and by vaccinating them to protect them from a variety of ailments. Our remote home-monitoring services by experts in children’s health are here to help you nurse your child back to health.

Flu Vaccinations at your doorstep
The pandemic has disrupted the world, or what we knew of it. Since the COVID vaccine has not yet been tested for kids, we believe a flu vaccine is the next best way to protect your child. We, at Motherhood, recognise that the most vulnerable during the third wave of the pandemic may be children, so the need of the hour is to protect them as much as we can.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Paediatricians in Electronic City, Bangalore that consists of a team of paediatric specialists that cater to all the needs of children, across age groups, and provide the best care for your child’s development.

Do take an appointment with the best child care hospital in Electronic City, Bangalore at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr.Nitin M, please book your appointment here.

The “New Normal” For Women Over 45

Author: Dr. Tanveer Aujla MBBS, MD
Consultant: Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Noida

The top five health concerns to watch out for, as you approach your mid-forties.

The female body is an ever-evolving piece of art. Like art, for the female body, ageing is inevitable. Every woman experiences it in distinct ways, especially through her midlife years. There are a bunch of changes that occur during this period. These may include a mix of sexual changes, menopause or the expected wrinkles and cellulite due to ageing. A great diet and regular exercise may help you to stay above the curve, but it does not do away with health issues that come with age.
Here are some prevalent medical conditions that women over the age of 45 should be watchful 

Breast Cancer 

The most common form of cancer in women starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. Breast cancer cells form a tumour that can be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. It is important to note here that breast lumps can also be benign, and not all of them are cancerous. Typically, breast cancer begins in the lactation glands. Common symptoms include small lumps on the breast, swelling, an inverted nipple, soreness, fluid discharge, or swelling around the collarbone and shoulder.

Osteoporosis
Literally means “porous bone” since the bone is the living tissue that constantly gets renewed. Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses too much bone, or when the creation of new bone isn’t aligned with the loss of old bone. With age, the body naturally has a harder time keeping up. This leads to weak and brittle bones that are at a greater risk of breaking. Symptoms may include poor posture, bones that break more easily than expected, OSTEOPOROSIS a smaller frame, back pain, or genetic tendencies.

Diabetes 
Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to process sugar into energy, causing high blood glucose levels. This acts as a precursor to multiple health concerns such as obesity, kidney damage, and cardiovascular disease. Symptoms may include extreme hunger, increased urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Mental Health Disorders 
As women age, they witness struggles with mental health, especially depression. This can be attributed to losing a sense of purpose and coming to terms with getting older. Symptoms may include feeling constantly sad, insomnia or excessive sleeping, changes in appetite, loss of energy, feeling guilty, along with trouble concentrating, or making decisions. In such cases, one must communicate with their loved ones, and seek professional help. 

Arthritis 
A condition that is often overlooked, arthritis, is a disease that causes inflammation in the joints, especially the knees, ankles, elbows, and finger joints. Stiffness, pain, swelling, redness, and a decreased range of motion are commonly witnessed symptoms. The most common types of arthritis that women suffer from are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout.

The good news is that many of these conditions can be managed by making healthy lifestyle choices and getting treatment on time. Exercising caution and care can go a long way when you hit the big four-oh.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Noida. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do make an appointment with the best menopause hospital in Noida at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dr.Tanveer Aujla, please book your appointment here.

The Road to Recovery

Author: Dr. Kavya Krishna Kumar MBBS, FMAS, MS
Consultant: Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Chennai

The impact and implications of society in a post-pandemic world for new mothers, working mothers, and other primary caregivers.

The one thing in common between being a caregiver and living through the COVID-19 pandemic is that your life will never be the same again. Wading through life’s tussles with a crying baby in your arms is no easy task; ask anyone and they will agree. Dealing with postnatal anxiety, breastfeeding issues, potential sickness, the fear of running out of resources, and other such uncertainties, are part and parcel of the journey of motherhood. As we acclimatise to the new normal, here are a few things to help get you going.

Acknowledge your feelings

At a time when everything is opening up, children could be looking forward to returning to school and reconnecting with their friends and teachers. They could be excited or anxious about sports and performance arts, or as a working mom, you may feel similar jitters of nervousness about going back to work, or yet, starting out at a new workplace. Accept that all these feelings are valid, and that there are no right or wrong answers. Help your family members name their feelings that they might be feeling, truly hear them out and try to understand their point of view, so that they feel safe and validated.

Prioritize your health 

Whether you are working from home or are a homemaker, ensure that you and your family are getting the right nutrition, exercise, and timely vaccinations for immunization. On days when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed emotionally, reach out to your loved ones for support and do not hesitate to seek the right professional help. Even something as abstract as a sense of sudden emptiness for empty nesters could lead to a legitimate health concern, if left unattended. 

Postpartum depression for new mothers
Postpartum depression is the dark side of pregnancy for a lot of newly-turned moms. If you are unable to connect with the baby, the last thing you should do is blame yourself. Seeking the support of your partner, friends and family members can help you process your emotions better. If symptoms like irritability, uncontrolled crying, change in appetite, mood swings and troubled sleep show up and persist, it’s a good idea to consult a counsellor.

Rethinking what you value
If the pandemic has reminded us anything at all, it is how interdependent we all are. We’ve learnt plenty about what matters to us, who really cares about us, what’s our idea of a home, or a support system, the kind of healthcare we need, or what’s our idea of comfort. It’s now time to put all this to good use and prioritize our tasks, relationships, and goals. Better clarity on your priorities will help you to focus and be more productive in everything that you do.

Last but not the least, self-care

Hailed as the epitome of sacrifice, the quintessential Indian woman has often neglected her own needs to prioritize those of her family. However, now that we are talking about the new normal in practically every aspect of our lives, it would not hurt if women learnt to take better care of themselves without feeling apologetic about it. Whether you’re a new mom, or entering your forties, or close to retirement, there’s no better time to focus on your physical and mental health, as we usher in an era of a ‘new kind of normal’.

The good news is that many of these conditions can be managed by making healthy lifestyle choices and getting treatment on time. Exercising caution and care can go a long way when you hit the big four-oh.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Chennai. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do make an appointment with the best womancare hospital in Chennai at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dr.Kavya Krishna Kumar, please book your appointment here.