Author: Dr. Beena Muktesh MBBS, MD, KGMC, PGPN
Consultant: MBBS, MS – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Motherhood Hospital, Gurgaon 

There is an increasing trend of alcohol and tobacco misuse among women leading to serious health concerns. While alcohol misuse by anyone presents serious public health concerns, women who drink have a higher risk of certain alcohol-related problems compared to men.

On average, women weigh less than men. Also, alcohol resides predominantly in body water, and pound for pound, women have less water in their bodies than men. This means that after a woman and a man of the same weight drink the same amount of alcohol, the woman’s blood alcohol concentration (the amount of alcohol in the blood) will tend to be higher, putting her at greater risk for harm. 

Health Risks

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): This is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.

Liver damage: Women who regularly misuse alcohol are more likely to develop alcohol-associated hepatitis, a potentially fatal alcohol-related liver condition, than men who drink the same amount. This pattern of drinking can also lead to cirrhosis (permanent liver scarring)

Heart disease: Long-term alcohol misuse is a leading cause of heart disease. Women are more susceptible to alcohol-related heart disease than men, even though they may consume less alcohol over their lifetime than men.

Brain damage: Research suggests that alcohol misuse produces brain damage more quickly in women than in men. In addition, a growing body of evidence shows that alcohol can disrupt normal brain development during adolescence, and there may be differences in the impact of alcohol on the brains of teenagers who drink.

Individuals should try to avoid alcohol completely, particularly those who experience facial flushing and dizziness when drinking alcohol. Also in this category are older adults, anyone planning to drive a vehicle or operate machinery, and individuals who participate in activities that require skill, coordination, and alertness.

Smoking And Women’s Health 

Women who smoke are more likely to have specific health issues and get certain diseases than those who don’t smoke. While some health issues are immediate, others develop over time. Below are some harmful health effects of smoking that are especially important for women to be aware of.

Reproductive Issues 

• More irregular or painful periods.
• Low estrogen levels
• Menopause at a younger age
• Trouble getting pregnant.

Respiratory Issue 

Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to get chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This disease makes it hard to breathe, and it gets worse over time. There is no cure for COPD.

Cardiovascular (Heart) Issue 

People who smoke have an increased risk of heart disease, the number one cause of death for both women and men in the United States. For people under the age of 50, most cases of heart disease are related to smoking.

Cancer

People who smoke have an increased risk of many cancers, such as lung, pancreatic, kidney, liver, throat, bladder, and colorectal cancers. Below is more information about the link between smoking and cancer, specifically women.

Other Complications 

Women smokers over 35 have a slightly greater risk of dying from heart disease than men who smoke.

When you become smoke-free, your mind and body will begin to heal immediately. Quitting smoking can improve your mood and give you more energy to do the things you love. It also lowers your risk of getting certain diseases in the future. It’s never too late to gain the benefits from quitting.

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

Do make an appointment with the best women 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.Beena Muktesh, please book your appointment here.

Author: Dr. Premalatha Balachandran MBBS, MRCOG (UK), DGO
Consultant:  Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Chennai

Getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health. In fact, it’s just as important as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising. Though sleep needs vary from person to person, most adults require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Yet, up to 35% of adults don’t get enough sleep.

Sleep deprivation can put your health and safety at risk, so you must prioritize and protect your sleep daily. Sleep affects your mental and physical health. Good sleep helps boost your mind and mood and can help prevent health problems. Women are more likely than men to have insomnia and other sleep problems. Changing hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can affect how well a woman sleeps. But there are steps you can take to get the rest you need.

Women may be more likely to have sleep problems because women experience hormonal changes during certain times and events that are unique to women. These include: 

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) 
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) 
• Pregnancy 
• Perimenopause 

Your mind and body are healthier when you sleep well. Your body needs time every day to rest and heal. Some sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, make it harder to fall or stay asleep. This can lead to daytime sleepiness and make it more challenging to maintain good mental health.

It is observed that sleep deprivation can cause physiological changes like decreased insulin sensitivity, increased inflammation, and hunger hormone changes, as well as behavioural changes like poor decision-making and greater food intake — all of which increase diabetes risk.

A sleep problem can also trigger a mental health condition or worsen current mental health conditions. Also, mental health conditions or treatments can sometimes cause sleep problems. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night to feel refreshed, although pregnant women may need more and older adults may average less. 

Short sleep duration is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity and weight gain. Sleep deprivation may increase your appetite and cause you to eat more calories. You’re more likely to eat foods high in sugar and fat. 

Sleep loss reduces your ability to regulate emotions and interact socially. When we’re tired, we have a harder time controlling emotional outbursts and behaviours in front of others. Tiredness may also affect our ability to respond to humour and show empathy. Plus, chronically sleep-deprived people are more likely to withdraw from social events and experience loneliness.

Prioritizing sleep may be a key way to improve your relationships with others and help you become more social. If you deal with loneliness or emotional outbursts, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, family member, or healthcare professional to get support.

Along with nutrition and exercise, taking care of your sleep is one of the pillars of health. Lack of sleep is associated with many negative health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease, depression, weight gain, inflammation, and sickness. Though individual needs vary, most research suggests that you should get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Just like you prioritize your diet and physical activity, it’s time to give sleep the attention it  deserves .

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. Premalatha Balachandran, please book your appointment here.

 

Author: Dr. Priyanka Rohit Gupta  MBBS, MD (OBGY)Fellow Infertility
Consultant:  Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Lullanagar Pune

Ergonomics focuses on the work environment – considering the design and function of tools, lighting, controls, displays, and workstations to fit the physical requirements of the employee. Unfortunately, although numerous studies have proven how helpful ergonomics can be,many  workers and employers still don’t understand how a lack of ergonomics negatively impacts health.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are illnesses or injuries to the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, arms, legs, neck, or lower back. MSDs are caused or made worse by muscular force for a long time, repetitious movement, constant vibration, and contact stress. Ergonomics tries to find solutions to solve MSDs, and these solutions usually involve changing tools, equipment, materials, work methods, or the work environment. The number of women is growing fast in the workforce, but unfortunately, women have a higher chance of getting MSDs than men. This higher rate is due to job and physical differences between men and women.

According to a report, a woman’s hand is approximately 2 cm shorter than a man which can lead to uncomfortable usage and inappropriate placement of hand tools. Looking a little lower down the body, the joint angle of the knee is wider in women due to broader hips. This can cause more strain on knees in women than men in instances involving standing for long periods. 

Many ergonomics-related injuries can happen gradually – over a long period of time, and often in a manner that means you don’t notice them until the discomfort has grown to a significant level. Various disorders arise from the impact of numerous small stresses and injuries to the body – referred to as CTDs, or Cumulative Trauma Disorders. These particular issues are most common within the electronic work environment of today – wherein most people spend several hours a day hunched over a keyboard or working at a computer. Poor posture and ergonomics are the leading cause of CTDs, but it’s also worth noting that there are several factors that can also speed up their development, including personal risk factors, inadequate recovery time, excessive force, repetitive motion, and contact stressors.

Those suffering from CTDs can experience various symptoms within the affected area of their body, including pain, aching, numbness, swelling and tingling.

In general, the workstation should be adjustable to reduce awkward postures and accommodate the woman’s body. Women in jobs where they sit a lot may develop low back pain, which may be relieved with a proper chair with a supporting lumbar backrest and a footrest. The workstation should be adjustable so that women may work either sitting or standing to allow frequent changes in posture. 

Prolonged sitting or standing are leading risk factors for problems in the back. Walking causes the leg veins to pump blood upward from the feet and helps prevent minor swelling of the ankles. Pressure from the firm edge of seat pans that can obstruct leg veins when sitting should be avoided because it may cause blood clots.

How Can You Protect Yourself ?
It’s easy to see that poor ergonomics can have a huge impact on your lifestyle and well-being. Fortunately, setting up your workstation doesn’t have to be a difficult task. The idea is to set up an adjustable station, allowing workers to change their posture according to their needs. Ergonomic offices should include adjustable display screens, flexible copyholders, proper lighting, adjustable and detachable keyboards, and the right ergonomic furniture .

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Lullanagar, Pune. 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 Lullanagar, 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. Priyanka Rohit Gupta, please book your appointment here.

Author: Dr. Shweta Wazir MD, DGO, MBBS
Consultant:  Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Gurgaon

Modern advances make our lives easier, but they’ve led many of us to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle. Much of our lives require us to stop moving. Moving less and sitting more is linked to several health conditions and is believed to be a significant cause of the obesity epidemic.

Take a second to see how your day looks. If it’s working at a desk or in one place, followed by home, then dinner, TV and bed, is it any wonder you can’t fit in any exercise? 

The risks posed by a sedentary lifestyle have made people more aware of how to prevent them. We become more active in finding ways to work more efficiently and perform tasks more conveniently. Today’s trends at work and home are demanding. That’s why it is crucial to find ways to prevent the adverse effects of sedentary living. 

Tips you Should Consider To Avoid A Sedentary Lifestyle 
Keeping an active lifestyle is one of the major ways to keep yourself away from the perils of a sedentary lifestyle. Check the following tips and apply them in your daily living to achieve an active and healthier way of living.

• Choose to stay healthy and fit. Be aware of how to keep your body fit and healthy. Choose healthy foods and drinks. Have regular exercise to keep yourself feeling active. 
• Take a walk or go cycling when going to your work. If you can reach your workplace in a matter of minutes, take a walk instead of riding in a vehicle. Cycling can also help to keep you moving. This will also help you avoid being stagnant and keep moving.
• Do some types of stretching. You can do it while you’re at your desk or while at home before doing some chores. By doing some stretching, you can keep good circulation throughout the body. 
• Gain the benefits of standing desks, converters, or sit-stand desks. More and more companies are getting on the benefits of applying ergonomics in the workplace. This includes utilising ergonomic equipment such as wobble chairs, standing desks, and converters. They are proven to lessen the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
• Instead of calling or sending an email, you can do it by delivering the message to your colleagues. If you have something to tell your workmates about work, you can walk around the office and tell them. This can be another technique to keep yourself moving. 
• Try not to have lunch while working at your desk. Do not miss your lunch to keep you physically and mentally active the whole day.
• Take a break for 5-10 minutes. A job can be overwhelming throughout the day due to deadlines and tedious tasks to be completed. It is imperative to take a 10-minute break to avoid too much strain.
• Have a standing meeting. Usually, meetings can last for several hours; thus, sitting can be for hours, too. This is the reason why standing during meetings is also promoted. 
• Take the stairs instead. Using the stairs instead of the elevators is smarter to keep you more active. You can make it a habit, so this can be a simple yet effective health routine. 

Keeping yourself away from a sedentary lifestyle can be both a daunting and exciting experience. Be responsible and consistent in doing things that will help you avoid the adverse effects of being sedentary. Make sure to get updated on the current trends and innovations, so you’ll not miss the strategies on how to stay comfortable and healthy at work and at home.

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Gurgaon. 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 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. Shweta Wazir, please book your appointment here.

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.