Category: Woman

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Health Lite Blogs Woman

Alert! Women More Prone To Diabetes

Bengaluru: People busy buying fruits from a street-side vendor during complete lockdown imposed in 560 districts in 32 states and union territories across the country as precautionary measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, at Basavanagudi in Bengaluru on Mach 24, 2020. (Photo: IANS)
Exrecise

Traditionally, women play the role of caregivers in India when it comes to families and their health. More often than not, this means that they prioritise the health of their loved ones over their own. When it comes to diabetes in women, a new study shows higher incidence of diabetes in women – as compared to men…writes Siddhi Jain.

A study by BeatO, a digital health platform for diabetes management, indicates that women tend to have higher blood sugar levels or poorer control than men, by almost eight percent. As per the platform, this can be attributed to gender roles in a household, inequitable access to resources and even lack of time to cater to their wellbeing.

While Type 2 diabetes is more frequently diagnosed at a younger age and lower body mass index in men; the most prominent risk factor is obesity, which is more common in women. BeatO’s study shows that women (especially above 40 years of age) on their platform tend to have higher BMI, with average BMI for women being 27.5, versus that of men being 26.

Lack of sleep linked to diabetes, says expert.

The study also indicates that for women above the age of 40 years, almost 67 per cent of the population is obese and overweight, whereas, for men, this number is 59 per cent. Healthcare experts suggest that reduced physical activity and obesity fasten the onset of diabetes in genetically predisposed people.

It is also interesting to note that while there is awareness amongst women about diabetes and the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on their health, there is a minimalistic effort into the management of the condition.

The current study states that women tend to ignore regular monitoring and self-management, (they monitor approximately 25 per cent lesser than men). It is also noticed that participation of women on health platforms like BeatO, which enable self-management of the condition – is only 26 per cent compared to men (74 per cent).

Uncontrolled diabetes also poses risks for other complications including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and neuropathy. Although both genders are at-risk for heart disease, it has a greater impact on women’s heart health than men.

Dr Minal Mohit Vohra, Consultant Endocrinologist on the platform, shared: “While the occurrence of diabetes in both men and women do not have any clear disparities, factors such as obesity, lifestyle, high blood pressure and even hormonal changes contribute to the onset of diabetes. Women are more susceptible to complications arising from uncontrolled blood-sugar levels, especially when it comes to cardiac health. Further, women are also more prone to unique complications of uncontrolled sugar levels, such as vaginal and oral yeast infections along with the increased risk of urinary tract infection. Women in menopause also face high blood sugar and weight given, due to changes in hormones.”

(Photo: IANS)

Studies also show that more than half of women with PCOS develop Type 2 diabetes by the age of 40. This is because PCOS may cause insulin resistance that results in elevated blood sugar levels and increases the risk of developing diabetes.
This brings forth the burgeoning need for women to earnestly manage their health regularly, especially when evidence suggests that that lifestyle conditions affect women more strongly than men. A conscientious decision by them to better manage their lifestyle with balanced food and exercise can be key to controlling diabetes.

Also Read-How Rejections Into Opportunities

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Health Lite Blogs Woman

Think Of Your Reproductive Health

AMH Test: Have you left it too late to have a baby.
Explaining time-sensitiveness of assisted reproduction.

Modern lifestyle, related stress at work and personal front especially in the urban set up have been deterrents for delayed family planning…writes Puja Gupta.

Recent studies have shown that the average age of planning the first births amongst new mothers is 31 years and it is 3-4 years more for their male counterparts. The bottom line is that millennial couples plan their pregnancy as per their career stability, which might result in a complex outcome and success rates of conceiving naturally or through assisted reproduction if required, says Dr. Aindri Sanyal, Clinical Director, Nova IVF Fertility.

“These potential intricacies can cause overwhelming emotional stress and anxiety for couples planning for parenthood at their later stages of lives. Lack of awareness and social stigma associated with fertility issues just adds up to further delay. Therefore, considering the present fast-paced life, it is important to know where to halt and respond to your biological clock, which can also help in chalking out assisted reproduction plans in case of any criticality,” she says.

It will always be advantageous to identify the fertile state of women on time to avoid any delay in conceiving. It is time for people to be aware about the various fertility tests and procedures so they can make a more informed decision. Nevertheless, the question remains how to identify the fertility stage on time amongst women? The answer lies within having an AMH test done, says Dr Sanyal. It is one of most simple, useful and non-invasive tests that women are still quite unaware about, she adds.

The expert explains it all about AMH, its benefits and the process.

AMH Test: Have you left it too late to have a baby.

What is AMH and how does it indicate your fertility?

AMH (Anti Mullerian Hormone) also known as Mullerian inhibiting hormone, which secretes from ovarian follicles. The level of AMH indicates the ovarian reserve of the woman (how many eggs she has) and is often a good estimator of the number of reproductive years she is left with.

Benefits of AMH Test for women who are planning or trying to conceive

An AMH Test is a simple blood test that can be done at any time of the menstrual cycle. Getting a test done will give women a clear picture of their reproductive health. Here are few of the reasons for considering the same:

To determine fertility treatments: If a couple is having problems in conceiving, cross-checking the AMH level is part of initial fertility tests conducted. AMH Scans when combined with other tests like Ultrasound of ovaries, semen analysis and other hormonal tests can help fertility clinics decide on the best treatment suited.

To plan the timeline of conceiving: Even if one is not having problems in conceiving, getting an AMH tested can still be useful as it helps in identifying one’s reproductive window. AMH indicates the ovarian reserve and understanding this can help in making choices about your reproductive goals and stay ahead of your biological clock.

To estimate response to IVF: According to several studies there is a positive correlation between AMH levels and the number of oocytes that are retrieved from women undergoing IVF treatments. Thus, AMH level can give insights to how a woman would respond to ovarian stimulation in IVF.

Sperm. (File Photo: IANS)

It is important to remember that an AMH test alone is not enough to determine your chances of getting pregnant, but it is a good indicator of your ovarian reserve. Keeping track of your AMH levels helps you know the cards you are holding with regards to your fertility. However, it is equally important to get the testes done from a good fertility clinic with a lab that adheres to clinical standards for this test.

If you have abnormal levels of AMH, do not get discouraged, you can still conceive with appropriate treatment from your doctor who can properly interpret the results and also provide required the guidance and support. Fertility issues and treatments are time sensitive that is the harsh reality. So, the earlier you check your AMH levels and ovarian reserve, the more time you will have to plan and decide. Making yourself aware about such different tests and options available is the first step towards good reproductive health and motherhood.

Also Read-One in 10 in world may have had Covid 19: WHO

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Fashion Lite Blogs Woman

Crafting Pieces Into Modern Heirlooms

Collection By Designer Anju Modi @ FDCI ICW 2020.
Collection By Designer Anju Modi @ FDCI ICW 2020.

Designer Anju Modi’s latest couture collection titled ‘Sindoori’ ‘celebrates the beauty and complexities of a bride’ and the ceremony of getting ready for the occasion. Beginning with Haldi and ending with Sindoor (vermilion), it is a tribute to the solemn occasion and marks the festivities in the run up to the nuptials.

Collection By Designer Anju Modi @ FDCI ICW 2020.

The collection was launched on Wednesday through a fashion film, streamed online on the final day of the digital India Couture Week, by the Fashion Design Council of India.

Modi said the collection is inspired by the “unprecedented time” the world is facing today. Speaking about it, the couturier said: “This is an unprecedented kind of time which we all are facing and enduring. It has brought a whole new perspective and my inspiration comes from here. Very intimate weddings are happening (at present). So of course, the girls are in a state of anxiety. ‘How will I look, what should look the best on me?’ I suggest they opt for reds, the ‘Sindoori’ (vermilion) is my inspirational colour…”

Collection By Designer Anju Modi @ FDCI ICW 2020.

Modi has taken cues from the artworks of Raja Ravi Varma and the miniature painting tradition to create a line-up that comprises anarkali, lehengas and sarees. Giving a contemporary twist to archival textiles and heritage embroideries, she crafts pieces into modern heirlooms.

Collection By Designer Anju Modi @ FDCI ICW 2020.

The ensembles feature mashru, brocades, jamdani and pashminas, zardozi with dabka and mukaish and foil print to create the bridal ensembles. The colours of the outfits are inspired by various traditional items used in an Indian wedding– ‘haldi’ (turmeric), and deep wet ‘mehendi’ (henna) among others. There are hues of soft, creamy ivories and muted marble tones, culminating in red and purple.

Also Read-“Vaishnav Jan to” in Kashmiri language

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Fashion Lite Blogs Woman

Reynu Draws Inspiration From Indian Brides

Reynu Taandon's twist to traditional wedding weaves.
Reynu Taandon’s twist to traditional wedding weaves.

Designer Reynu Taandon’s latest couture collection “Surkh” draws inspiration from contemporary Indian brides who like to mix modern and minimalistic designs with old world charm…writes Puja Gupta

The designer held a virtual launch of wedding wear on Monday (Day 4) of the ongoing digital India Couture Week (ICW), organised by the Fashion Design Council of India.

“I want my brides to look elegant and maintain the old world wedding charm in a contemporary way and thus I have named my collection,Surkh’,” says Taandon.

Reynu Taandon’s twist to traditional wedding weaves.

She adds: “Surkh is an expression of keeping your values in this contemporary world, where every bride wants, the collection comprises tone-on-tone lehengas, anarkalis, sarees, sharara and gharara in hand-woven chanderi fabric, heavily embellished with zari, block printing, gota patti, patch and zardozi work in floral and geometrical motifs that give it all the bling required for traditional evening celebrations. The colour palate ranged between baby pinks, fuchsia to reds.

Reynu Taandon’s twist to traditional wedding weaves.

“The collection is a mix of four ever merging yet distinct colours. They have been selected keeping in mind every part of the day and how best it would suit the bride in these wedding times be it a morning, sundowner or an evening wedding,” she says.

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India News Woman

Cops Forcibly Cremated Hathras Gang Rape Victim

Rape. (File Photo: IANS)

The mortal remains of a 19-year-old Dalit woman from Hathras, who died in a Delhi hospital after sustaining serious injuries during an alleged gang rape, was cremated early Wednesday in her village amid tight security.

The victim, who was paralyzed after being allegedly dragged on the field by her attackers on September 14, died at the Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday after battling for life for a fortnight.

Her mortal remains reached the Boolgarhi village around midnight and the cremation was done at 3 a.m.

“The police have forcibly taken the dead body, and my father along with them for cremation. When my father reached Hathras, he was immediately taken (to the crematorium) by the police,” the victim’s brother told the media.

There was tension as the victim’s mortal remains reached the village and people tried to block the ambulance from moving ahead.

Rape. (File Photo: IANS)

Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikrant Veer denied any ‘urgency’ by the police in holding the cremation at night even though cremations do not normally take place after sunset.

He added that the cremation was done by the family as usual after the body reached Boolgarhi village. The SP claimed that the situation is calm in the village, but heavy police force has been deployed.

The woman was allegedly raped in a Hathras village by four men, who were later taken into custody. Initially she was rushed to the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital in Aligarh, but on Monday night had to be shifted to the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi after her condition deteriorated.

She was in a critical condition and on ventilator support.

The police claimed that the post-mortem report did not confirm any sexual assault.

The brutality against the teenager sparked outrage across the country with several political leaders, Bollywood actors and activists demanding justice for her.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted that it was a matter of concern that the victim’s family was denied the right to perform her last rites. “This is unjust and unfair,” he said.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also tweeted: “Government has snatched away the family’s right to perform the cremation of the victim. The government did not provide her security and timely treatment and now they have denied her dignity in death.”

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Books Lite Blogs Woman

Self-Exploring Through Writing

How writing became a tool for self-discovery, empowerment for these women.

Being a female author can come with its own set of challenges, especially when one is trying to juggle a career in the demanding field along with a personal life. From burning the midnight oil to pursue writing to managing multiple roles, budding authors share how they used writing as a tool for empowerment.

‘Four Dances of the Moon’ author Shikha Rinchin Tiku explains how every journey is different and so are the challenges. “I got my inspiration for writing from my father, who wrote poetry in his spare time. I wrote my first poem when I was just eight. It was only last year when I was about to become a mother, I felt this urge of fulfilling my goal of becoming a published author, and I embarked on the journey of publishing my first ever poetry book. As they say, it’s never too late. There were a few challenges that I had to overcome during my publishing journey.

“Writing a book requires immense discipline and time management. I am a full time working professional, so setting time aside to create and edit my work was a task. I spent all my weekends working on the book, so that I could get it published by the target date. It was the time when Covid-19 had just hit us, so keeping myself composed was also something that I had to do. I kept myself emotionally resilient to keep at it. I was soon going to be a mother, so managing work, my health, and my book was a challenge. But when you have a burning desire to fulfill your goals, you always find a way,” she told.

There has been an interesting rise in the number of young and empowered women authors who are using the power of their mind and pen to put their thoughts out in the world.

For some authors the journey is more important than the destination. Author Subhashini Prasad, who wrote ‘Not Really Indian’ has this story to tell: “Three years ago, I sat in my office in a commercial bank, running through financial analysis and numbers, when I thought: ‘Is this what I want to do for the rest of my life?’ The answer as you see today was obvious. Since I was 11, I wanted to be an author. Days of reading Enid Blyton and Harry Potter inspired me to create stories of my own. When I was at the crossroads of choosing between a stable job and writing, I chose the latter. I decided that if I don’t act on my passion now, I will always regret it. That was the kickstart to my writing journey and has led to my debut book: Not Really Indian. I have also written my first kids book, titled Hoo and Hau, on Storyweaver.”

Challenges, according to Prasad, of becoming an author were aplenty. “Self-doubt and learning to view failures as stepping stones have been the toughest challenges. As women, we have it tougher than the rest. Society expects more out of us and we expect the impossible out of ourselves. So, when I first decided to pursue writing, I always thought I was not good enough to be an author. As a mother of two, I also feel torn between spending time with the kids and finding no-distraction time to write. But as I read other women writers, I realized believing in one’s work is of utmost importance and key to success. And that it is always possible to find time for doing what you love.”

Tanya Walia, Author of ‘Forever’ shares that she had that “writer’s bone” in her from the word go. “I used to keep a journal and I used to write plays for class projects, one time I wrote a poem for someone else and he was appreciated. But I never pursued it from the fear of people’s opinions. Then at 23, I read “The Diary Of A Young Girl’ by Anne Frank and it blew me away how in such a situation she had dreams and hopes of becoming a writer,” she told.
“When I started, I was preparing for a government job and there was a lot of pressure, managing both wasn’t easy. But I think the biggest challenge for me was finding the right publisher because I was new and I didn’t have anyone to guide me. Don’t let the pressure around you break your spirit. If you are happy write and if you are sad write more. Start finding the right publisher from the beginning and not when the book is complete. It can save you a lot of time.”

Young author Anamika Mishra, a motivational speaker and author of ‘For The Sake Of Love” says she was obsessed with stories and storytelling since childhood, and has been writing from school days.

“I remember once when I was a kid, after completing a novel (‘David Copperfield’ by Charles Dickens), I was so inspired by it that I immediately told my mom that I want to write books. I think this kept on hitting my mind. I read more, I wrote more – poems, stories, articles, shayaris.”

Spurred on by her parents to pursue writing as a career, Anamika finds inspiration to be an author in their words even if they’re not here anymore.

As the writers conclude, authors are rarely made overnight, so be patient and persistent until hard work bears fruit.