Health tips for women above 40 We have all grown up believing and being made to believe in many myths about being a woman and our role as mothers. From the all-sacrificing one to the subservient other,its but a conjured image of a largely patriarchal system. Yes,while some of this may come out of an inherent nature to nurture and care,much of it has been a hand-me-down from generations. To be followed without question. Sati and Sita are revered for the same sacrifice and subservience,and our mythology cites many such examples of a woman putting others before self,even in the wake of a need otherwise. This emotion is now so deeply ingrained in us that when the airlines tell us to put on our oxygen mask before helping others,it seems like a cruel joke. But all you women out there.I urge you to rethink this. Rethink it before you starve yourself to feed others. Rethink it before you save money to provide for others needs and wants. And rethink it before it is too late. We sacrifice so much for our family that we forget that our health is so important to this care that we provide. I searched for any report that may lead me to how many women in India go for regular check-ups and not surprisingly,I found none. Its a reflection of the lack of interest in this topic. Yes,of course,the internet is flooded with hospital reports of the million tests a woman must do and how the best of this is available with them. Basic health check-up for a woman is a necessity and not a luxury as many tend to believe. Putting it off in the blind hope that disaster is not for me is careless and irresponsible. If you are over 40,here are some basic tests that must be conducted every year to ensure you are able to detect early signs of any physical ailment. Consult your GP for an ideal list of tests. If you have been visiting your GP too often lately for other problems,take a second opinion as a regular GP tends to take many things for granted. Get the following annual tests done a) Lipid profile,to check levels of good and bad cholesterol b) Complete blood count (CBC) c) Blood sugar d) Liver function test e) Thyroid function test. Its a myth that thyroid malfunction leads to obesity. It may,but in some cases,it may not. Being slim is no indication of its absence. f) Pap smear. This is a very crucial test to detect cervical cancer and takes only a few seconds. g) Routine checks of urine,stool and chest X-ray h) Mammogram,to detect breast cancer i) ECG or electrocardiogram,for heart and lung functions j) Ultra sonography of the abdomen and pelvis,to detect ovarian tumours k) Bone density check,to detect osteoporosis,a condition that many Indian women are prone to; it causes acute suffering all through life and only worsens with age. Menopause tends to aggravate the condition but dont wait for menopause to find out. If detected early,it can be managed much better. Also,check out Vitamin D,D3 and B12 levels. l) HIV screening. Women with multiple sex partners or those having unprotected sex must get themselves checked as also those who may have received blood transfusion. The most important of all is the post-diagnosis treatment. Just knowing a condition is not enough. Often,women forgo treatment due to the cost involved or misplaced priorities byuing that expensive toy for the child,car for the husband,or a plain I am too busy excuse. Nothing. Absolutely nothing should take precedence over this. Exercise for an hour at least thrice or four times a week. A brisk walk for an hour is important. Yet another myth Indian women revel in is doing all the household work is as good as exercise. It isnt. Many ailments and conditions can be treated and managed well if detected early and we have only ourselves to blame for letting go of good health so easily. Its crucial because so many lives depend on us for care,love and nurturing. This is the true test of a woman.
