Women health issues should be taken seriously, say Experts

New Delhi: Leading women healthcare specialists participated in the 4th edition of the We Women Want event 2024, organised by ITV Network. In the session “Women in Healthcare,” Dr. Aruna Kalra, Director of OBGYN at CKB Hospital; Dr. Gita Prakash, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Max Healthcare; Dr. Anjali Hooda, MD in Internal Medicine; and Gunjan Goela, Celebrity Chef and Author, shared insights on women’s health issues. The panel covered topics such as body shaming, reproductive health, and breast and cervical cancer, while also highlighting the importance of dietary habits in maintaining women’s well-being.
Dr. Aruna Kalra highlighted the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases like PCOD and PCOS among women, emphasising the importance of healthy habits—regular exercise, avoiding junk food, reducing screen time, and maintaining proper sleep. She warned that neglecting these can lead to serious issues like diabetes, hypertension, and infertility. She also noted that women over 35 may face fertility complications due to lifestyle-related factors.
Dr. Gita Prakash stressed the importance of cervical cancer vaccination for girls and urged parents to be mindful of their children’s physical changes. She recommended discussing these topics with children aged 10 to 12, encouraging parental or teacher involvement instead of relying on peers. She also advised parents to reassure their children about menstruation and ensure they receive both doses of the cancer vaccine before age 18.
Dr. Anjali Hooda highlighted common health issues among women, including fatigue, hair loss, heavy periods, depression, and frequent UTIs, indicating a need for medical attention. She emphasised that menopause-related symptoms like aches, mood changes, and hot flashes can be managed through lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Hooda advised peri-menopausal women to consult their gynaecologist, check hormone levels, and consider a DEXA scan.
Gunjan Goela urged women to listen to their bodies and embrace natural, seasonal foods, emphasising the need for balance, including healthy fats, for proper nutrient absorption. She stressed that personal happiness is more important than minor weight changes and advised against relying solely on pills. Goela recommended incorporating nutrient-rich foods like milk and avocados, highlighting their benefits, particularly for magnesium intake.