The most dependable book on earth named “The Holy Quran” refers that the Universe or the Human World is the creation of one male and one female. Both are equal in the eyes of our creator but on various occasions the Quranic verses reveal that women are more generous, more respectable, more loving as compared to the male creation.
Hadees e Kisa which is the beginning point of any Shia gathering after the recitation of holy Quran, revealed that Allah selected Bibi Fatima (s.a.) as a source of introducing the unique and respectable personalities of Panjatan and family to the human world.
Islam pays due attention to the rights of women. The first known Islamic care centre was set up during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh). At the forefront of the initiative was Muslim women called Rufaida Al-Aslamia who made indisputable contributions to the field of science and medicine in early days of Islam. In 1620 ad Islamia was born into the Boni Aslem tribe of Kazraj tribe in Madina. She was the first to set up a tent outside the Prophet’s Mosque to treat people with wounds and diseases. The building at Agha Khan Nursing University in Pakistan is named after her.
So we can see that the Holy Quran in the Islamic traditions has special respect and status for women. Women’s health is an example of population health where health is defined by “ As a state of complete physical mental and social well-being and not merely absence of disease “
Women have unique health issues and some of the health issues that affect both men and women can affect women differently.
For example:
- Women are more likely to die following a heart attack than men.
- Women are more likely to show signs of depression and anxiety than men.
- The effects of sexually transmitted diseases can be more serious in women.
- OsteoArthritis affects more women.
- Women are more likely to get urinary tract infections.
- Depressions is the most common mental health problem for women and suicide a leading cause of death for women under 60 years.
- And lastly and the most important “ A woman’s ill health affects not only her as an individual but her family suffers too.”
FACTORS AFFECTING WOMEN’S HEALTH:
- Sexual and Reproductive health problems are responsible for one third of women health issues between 15yrs and 45 yrs of age.
- Maternal Health: Complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Cancer : Two most affecting women health are
a) Breast Cancer b) Cervical Cancer
- Sexually transmitted diseases: HIV, HPV, Gonorrhea , Chlamydia, Syphilis
- Violence against women
(a) Physical violence (b) Sexual violence (c) Domestic violence
- Mental health issues
- Non Communicable diseases
a) Alcohol abuse b) Drugs c) Tobacco intake
d) Obesity e) Road traffic accidents
- And lastly being young and old also has there set of health issues and combine with poverty have higher risk of abuse and generally Poor health
PREVENTION :
- Balanced diet
- Get adequate sleep on regular basis
- Decrease/ manage stress
- Stop smoking / alcohol intake
- Make physical activity and important part of your life
- Avoid sun during 10 a.m. and 2 noon
- See your doctor every year
- Immunization
- Screening tests
IMMUNIZATION :
- A) Yearly Influenza vaccine specially – Young kids ,Women above > 50years And those having : Recurrent chest infections, Bronchial Asthma, COPD
- B) HPV : Vaccine for prevention of Cervical cancer promoted by FOGSI after 11 years of age – given in 3 doses.
SCREENING :
- Get your blood pressure checked regularly
- Blood sugar test done regularly
- Women above 44 years of age should get their cholesterol levels checked after every three years
- Pelvic Exam and Pap test
Pap test – Should be done after every 2 years.
– If Pap smear is normal in first three reports then to do it in 3yrs
Pelvic exam to be done more often to check for any disease
- Breast Exam : Clinical breast examination for > 40 years every year and for 20-30 years every 3 years
- Bone Density : All women who have Menopause should do it regularly.
Do not ignore your complaints and symptoms
Meet the doctors for relief of your problem
Remember : “ EARLY DIAGNOSIS EARLY TREATMENT ”
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Dr. ANIS FATIMA
M.B.B.S., D.G.O. (ICMCH), M.D.,M.A.
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Mob : 9899393295
Fatima Clinic
F-11/73, Khirki Extn., Malviya Nagar, New Delhi – 110017