6/7/2008
Karachi
The well-being of women is not solely determined by reproduction and biological factors but must be understood within a broader framework of social determinants such as stress, role responsibilities, and workload, consultant physiologist at the Aga Khan University (AKU), Dr Nargis Asad said on Friday. She was speaking at a seminar in connection with the International Day of Action on Women’s Health. The event was organised by the Aga Khan University (AKU). Other speakers at the event also called for a holistic approach towards women’s health.
Women run a greater risk of mental disorders, Dr Asad said, adding that women’s health is traditionally discussed only under the umbrella of maternal health. This often excludes mental, spiritual and social well-being.
“As many as 10 to 15 percent of couples in the world are infertile. A number of them can, however, be helped with different methods,” said Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Fauzia Haq Nawaz. Male infertility is the cause of 40 percent of all cases, she said. Dr Nawaz advised couples to see a specialist if the woman was unable to conceive after trying for a year. She discussed several treatment options, and pointed out that a woman’s age was the most important factor in the success of a treatment.
The International Day of Action on Women’s Health has been celebrated since 1987 to put a special focus on women’s health problems. During the AKU programme on Friday, experts discussed a range of issues specific to women. These included jaundice during pregnancy, infertility, women’s mental health, osteoporosis, and physical fitness for new mothers.
Jaundice, yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin, may be the first or only sign of liver disease and evaluating it is of critical importance, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Lumaan Sheikh said, adding that during a pregnancy, jaundice may be coincidental or caused by the pregnancy itself. Jaundice not related to a pregnancy may be caused by viral hepatitis, gall stone complications, or drug reactions.
Consultant Rheumatologist Dr Kamran Hameed discussed the rising incidence of osteoporosis in the developing world. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become fragile and can fracture easily. Older women are more prone to it.
“The problem is already massive in the developed world and is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually in the US, a number which alone cost their health services US$13.8 billion,” Dr Hameed said. Osteoporosis can be prevented through the intake of sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin-D, he said, adding that as life expectancy increases in the developing world, more osteoporosis-related fractures will be seen in our population. He advised women to encourage their children to take adequate calcium and vitamin-D from an early age and to get themselves tested if they have the risk factors or are post-menopausal. Dr Hameed also advised women and to take appropriate treatment once the diagnosis is established. “Try and reduce the risk of falling by using non-slip flooring and proper footwear,” he said.
Another important aspect of women’s health is their fitness after having a baby. This includes lots of things, including loss of sleep, and dealing with weight gained during pregnancy as mothers settle into a new routine.
AKU Staff Physiotherapist Naheed Tariq discussed physical fitness for new mothers, and said that pregnancy results in a gradual change of the body shape and function. “Exercise may seem like the last thing you feel like doing after delivery. But being active now is more important than ever because it helps to raise your metabolism, shed extra weight, provide much-needed energy and reduce stress and tension,” she said. Abdominal muscles need the most attention. Similarly, pelvic floor exercises after delivery help to tighten the pelvic muscles and prevent incontinence, Tariq said.
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