How to improve women’s health?

The central role of women in the making and breaking of nations in human history cannot be denied.

Leaders are brought up in their arms, in whose mind-set, character formation they play a fundamental role, and through their training, great scholars, mujahids, scientists, reformers of the world are prepared, and for all this, women It is very important to be healthy. But the fact is that neither the society as a whole is appreciating this special status of women, nor does the woman herself fully understand its importance.

According to a survey of 2021, the number of women who died in the stages related to motherhood in Pakistan is 186 out of one lakh, while motherhood is a normal natural process. In developed countries this ratio is 2, 3, 5 or at most 10. This is a moment of concern for all of us.

Health is a state of balance, which includes physical, mental, social (and spiritual) health. Body, mind, spirit and society are interconnected and the health of one part affects the other.

Women have some unique health issues and needs based on their specific body composition, emotions, feelings, social status, which are important to know and understand. From birth to old age, women’s nutritional needs, emotional states change at different stages of life and this can be felt above all by other women.

During puberty, pregnancy, lactation and old age, women’s health needs special attention. (300 to 500 extra calories are needed during pregnancy and lactation which are fulfilled by fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, eggs i.e. a balanced diet.)

There are many reasons for the prevalence of health problems in women. For example:

1. Carelessness on the part of women towards their own health. However, other responsibilities can be fulfilled along with health. Over the years, the disease progresses and when it becomes complicated, treatment becomes difficult, while early treatment, but also prevention, can prevent the disease and early recovery is also possible. (By Allah’s permission)

2. Neglect of other family members: Women’s health, not giving importance to treatment.

3. Women’s laziness or hesitation to take the time to go to the hospital because it will cost money, have to wait, with whom to go? Where to leave the children?

4. Making time for working women. Not getting leave, from job or housewife. However, taking care of the health of the shadow employees is also the responsibility of the institutions and also of the families.

5. Hospitals are far away. Time and fare issues. (It has also been seen that old mothers are suffering from various ailments, but sons, daughters-in-law are not being taken to hospital or taking medicine. In such cases, some good neighbors earn a reward by contributing to their service.)

Most of the diseases of women are related to diet.

An unbalanced diet can cause many problems.

*Non-supply of proper food. under-naturation

Excess of certain nutrients

Unbalanced diet. un-balanced diet

The rate of people living below the poverty line in Pakistan is very high. Most women suffer from malnutrition, especially protein deficiency and iron deficiency.

During pregnancy and lactation, additional nutrients are needed, and the lack of them increases the deficiency. Fatigue, weakness, birth of weak children, complicated pregnancy, can also cause irritability. A healthy mother can play an important role in the health and education of her children.

The unequal distribution of wealth in society is also embedded within families. Such problems can be solved with a strong family system and kindness.

Along with this, the nutritional needs of women are given less importance even within a household. If we believe that according to the hadith, a pregnant woman is like a mujahid guarding the borders and a nursing woman is like a person who gives life to someone, then we should value them and reward them by providing them with extra food. Consider the cause. Women themselves should avoid unnecessary expenses and spend the household income on food and education for themselves and their families.

Milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, wheat flour, barley porridge and other such natural foods should be used in the diet, market foods, sugar and excess fat should be avoided, which can cause sugar, blood pressure, heart diseases. , can cause stomach acidity and cancer.

exercise

With proper nutrition, every joint of the body deserves proper exercise and if this is not the case, there is often a complaint of low muscle strength, joint and bone pain.

At least twice a week, exercise that involves every joint from head to toe, stretching muscles at each joint and rebration, loosening as a rule, strengthens the muscles. Keeping the correct posture while standing, sitting, and walking also strengthens the muscles.

Walking for at least 150 minutes a week is very important. It benefits physical, mental health. If weight or BMI is above normal range, 300 minutes of walking or alternative activity per week is essential.

Mental health

This is an aspect that is usually neglected.

Some problems are inherent. Some problems can be caused by the negative attitudes of the society, unnecessary criticism. In some, both elements become the cause.

Sometimes minor psychological problems that can get better with timely treatment lead to many more serious problems. A doctor’s advice, counseling and treatment can save many lives. Many houses can be spared from collapse/shattering.

Social health

Various factors affect the social status of women in our society, such as religious understanding, knowledge and understanding, educational, economic status of women and other family members, employment, customs and traditions, area and place of residence.

(According to a survey of women who die between the ages of 15 and 49, 633% are uneducated).

The most important aspects are religious knowledge and understanding, piety and a sense of accountability in the Hereafter. If every individual tries to excel in the path of the Lord’s pleasure, in paying the rights of others, then they will be seen in love, mercy, and loving homes where economic and other problems will not be an obstacle.

According to the hadith, if they like for each other what they like for themselves, then everyone will get respect and protection in the society. Those hearts that are full of love, clean and benevolent for every relationship and relationship are also calm. live and their environment too.

The fact is that the materialistic race in the world has weakened relationships, if one’s own needs exceed the limit, the needs of others are stolen. Otherwise, where the reward is merciful, if it is difficult for one person, the whole family will take care of it.

Controlling unnecessary expenses, avoiding unnecessary rituals, avoiding exposure, prioritizing health and education can solve many problems. Promoting positive attitudes, encouraging, expressing love, caring for the sick, serving the elderly, have a positive impact on the health of society.

Men should understand the responsibility of being ‘Qawam’ and the wife should be given a peaceful environment at home, which is necessary for raising children, serving the elders and paying for other things. In light, to build our homes. In a house where all people seek the pleasure of Allah, where the ways of action are determined in the light of religious knowledge, minor problems cannot arise.

No matter how much we thank Allah for the status and privileges our religion gives us as women, it is less. For education, health and employment for women in the society as well. Needs such as day care centers should be arranged everywhere, so that women can play their role in building an Islamic welfare state with satisfaction.

(Dr. Falzah Afaq is a medical doctor by profession. He has done MPhil in community medicine and has also done teaching services in community medicine department of Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore. He is the former central president of Pakistan Islamic Medical Association. She is a recent member of the Central Executive Council and is playing an active role in the areas of medical relief and public awareness.