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The feel-well factor
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Beginning today, Metro Plus introduces a fortnightly column by leading gynaecologist Geeta Arjun. Issues relating to women's health will be discussed from a holistic point of view
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A healthy woman can play varied roles with ιlan
WELLNESS IS a state of physical, mental and emotional well-being. Most of us relegate our state of wellness to the far reaches of our consciousness. We tend to believe that health is just the absence of disease.
Srikumari loves her job. She also wants her children to be toppers in school. She makes sure that her husband can come home to a well kept and lovely home. She loves to cook delicious meals for her family and basks in their praise. She smiles as she takes her mother-in-law to the temple and does not mention the splitting headache she had when she escorted her father-in-law to his medical check-up. Srikumari sometimes feels that she could run away from home and find bliss! She just does not "feel well."
Living in the 21st Century is an exhilarating and energising experience. Women never had it so good. We are empowered in many ways. Educational avenues are opening up every day. Career opportunities have placed women on par with men in the employment arena.
Unfortunately, all this newfound independence comes with a price. In our spanking new roles, we still cannot shed the traditional role of a mother, a wife, a daughter, or a daughter-in-law. You may be a top executive in a company but your sick child will want only you by his side when he is ill. You may be a traditional housewife, focused on giving your children the best and, maybe, stressed with the need to help your child achieve his/her potential. In this brave new world, we juggle our roles. Most of the time we manage our different roles with aplomb, but all this does engender stress.
Women have an innate need to please their family. Society has also imposed on us some specific duties. Women also judge themselves with definite yardsticks. Keeping a neat and orderly home, pleasing husbands, bringing up the children well, taking care of old and sick parents and in-laws and still managing to look good is a utopia that often eludes us.
Indian women are at a high risk of developing hypertension, diabetes and obesity, which by themselves or in combination can result in heart disease. How long a woman can survive with some diseases, such as uterine cancer and breast cancer, is directly related to how early they are diagnosed. So what can we do to enhance women's wellness and at the same time try to avoid disease?
Srikumari must realise that the first thing she has to do is to create time for herself everyday. Moderate physical exercise, eating right and taking care of her emotional needs with stress-busters like yoga, pranayama, listening to music or just curling up with a good book will go a long way towards making her feel well again.
This column will address issues that Indian women encounter in their quest for wellness. We will deal with strategies to enhance and maintain good health.
* Sanjana from Porur writes: My energy levels seem to be low all the time. What can I do? My doctor says my blood tests are normal.
* What you need to do Sanjana, is to take a good look at your lifestyle. Make sure that you are getting a balanced diet, add an exercise routine to your life and give yourself at least 15 minutes in the day to recharge with yoga, listen to music or just spend some time with a friend.
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