Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Womanly woes

Recently, while learning about another health issue affecting women of all ages out here—bone spurs—I wondered if one could only know how to prevent these conditions. While growing up one heard only about heart condition or diabetes (cancer too but rarely those days), maybe because men speak openly about their health issues. It is only now that even Menopause is getting the attention it deserves. 

Normally these are conditions affecting women older than 50, but now it seems to have no specific age. Thought I shall write about one of them since it affected me too. Nothing much has changed (in India at least) and even after so many years, since most are still having the same treatment. (hysterectomy)

Initially I removed only my uterus and retained my ovaries against my doctor's advice when he told me that I will return to him to remove the ovaries too!! His explanation was that I was prone to these ailments. What could be that and why? But did his prediction come true? Yes. Year or two after the operation I found that I had a cyst growing on one of the ovaries. I was advised to leave it thus and only to monitor its growth. Life got busy, and during my son's 12th-grade exams, its stem somehow twisted, causing me unbearable pain that no number of painkillers could relieve. I was asked to do an emergency surgery and was also called lucky since it did not bleed into my body. One more trip to India and another keyhole surgery so that I can return quickly to life and its demands.

While reading about the condition, I think one reason why I got this ailment could be my diet and Vitamin D deficiency? I was not obese, but stress too could have been a factor. Have read that it could be because my body was not getting rid of toxins as needed. My intake of water then was dismal. Some studies suggest that repeated pregnancies may help keep fibroids smaller over time, but they do not eliminate them completely.

Fibroids 

Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are made up of muscle and connective tissue and can vary in size—from tiny, undetectable nodules to large masses that can distort the uterus.

Fibroids come in different types, depending on their location in or on the uterus. Here are the main categories:

Types of Fibroids

  1. Intramural Fibroids – The most common type, these grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can expand and make the uterus larger.

  2. Subserosal Fibroids – These develop on the outer surface of the uterus and may grow large enough to make the uterus appear bigger on one side.

  3. Submucosal Fibroids – Found just beneath the inner lining of the uterus, these can protrude into the uterine cavity and often cause heavy menstrual bleeding.

  4. Pedunculated Fibroids – These are attached to the uterus by a stalk and can be either subserosal or submucosal.

  5. Cervical Fibroids – A rarer type, these grow on the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina

Each type can cause different symptoms, depending on its size and location.

Symptoms

Many people with fibroids experience no symptoms, but when they do, common signs include:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged periods

  • Pelvic pain or pressure

  • Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder

  • Constipation

  • Lower back pain

  • Pain during intercourse

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but several factors may contribute:

  • Hormonal changes: Estrogen and progesterone influence fibroid growth.

  • Genetics: A family history of fibroids increases the risk.

  • Age: More common in people over 30.

  • Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to fibroid development.

  • Vitamin D deficiency and high alcohol consumption may also play a role.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Fibroids can be diagnosed through ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy, or other imaging tests. Treatment depends on their size, location, and severity:

  • Medications: Hormonal therapy, pain relievers, or antifibrinolytics.

  • Minimally invasive procedures: Uterine artery embolization or endometrial ablation.

  • Surgery: Myomectomy (fibroid removal) or hysterectomy (uterus removal in severe cases)

Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing fibroids or manage their symptoms. Here are some key strategies:

Dietary Adjustments

  • Follow a Mediterranean diet – Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish while reducing red meat consumption.

  • Limit alcohol – Alcohol can increase hormone levels that contribute to fibroid growth.

  • Increase vitamin D intake – Vitamin D may help lower the risk of fibroids.

  • Reduce processed foods – Avoid high-fat dairy, processed meats, and sugary foods, as they may worsen fibroid symptoms.

Exercise & Weight Management

  • Stay active – Regular exercise (about 7 hours per week) has been linked to a lower risk of fibroids.

  • Maintain a healthy weight – Excess weight can contribute to hormonal imbalances that encourage fibroid growth.

Hormonal Balance & Stress Management

  • Manage estrogen levels – Losing excess weight and eating hormone-balancing foods can help.

  • Reduce stress – Regular movement, like walking, yoga, or strength training, helps regulate cortisol and boost mood.

  • Deep breathing – Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing can calm the nervous system.

  • Stretching – Gentle stretching relieves tension and supports hormonal balance.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Will the smokers face extinction?

Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has come out with yet another wonder, the ban on smoking in public.

As soon as the law came into effect, we saw the media well prepared to handle this fun with lines like,

Smoking ban goes up in smoke…..


The smokers puffing the law away .. etc etc.


I heard much explicit comments myself since I live with a smoker and knew in my heart that there is no way these smokers are going to be deterred.

Hubby never smokes inside the house or car and he always tries his best not to smoke in confined spaces too. And if his parents/brother or in-laws are around then it is very hard to find him or the place he chooses to smoke away. (The troubles these poor smokers have!) So in his case, the choice of a private place is very limited. It is not as though all smokers love their habit especially since they are now being treated as social outcasts in most workplaces too.

So like my children, I have just this question to ask. Instead of banning smoking when will the government ban the cigarette companies?

If the government continue to let the companies sell these cigarettes in public places since they need their taxes badly then this ban is only to laugh away. The smokers will try their best not to pay the fine, but they will continue to smoke. As for private and public places, does the government have any rules on those?

So I guess it is best to leave the veteran smokers alone. And since the government will not ban the cigarette companies, can they at least have stricter laws to deter the young smokers?

Can they have more awareness programmes to educate the younger generation (before they reach their teens) on the dangers in smoking?

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Our health....

“But it also makes sense. If you live longer, then you cost the health system more.”

Read this news a few days ago and ever since I have been thinking....

This reporter seems to be disturbed / frustrated that people are living longer. So now what? Will they let them smoke and do all those things as per research one was not supposed to do? One day it is drink coffee, the next day the research says don’t. And then back to tea and tomatoes while now it is all organic and Soya. But it seems to be costing someone dearly so I guess now a long life is only for the rich who can afford it.

This reminded me that our Grandparents did live a long and healthy life though I did not find them popping pills to keep that way. The only demand (occasionally) for both my grand mothers were the Kottakkal Aryavaidyashala products “Lehyam”, “Kashayam” and their favourite hair oil which makes them smell so heavenly. Wonder why I never used it though my mother does. I guess people may not come near me!

Arya Vaidya Sala uses more than 4000 tons of raw material (about 600 items) in a year to produce 530 formulations for the market. A rough estimate of annual consumption by Arya Vaidya Sala:

1. Milk - 13 lakh litre
2. Oil - 5 lakh litre
3. Ghee - 180 ton
4. Honey - 290 ton
5. Jaggery - 750 ton
6. Saffron - 856 kg
7. Cardamom - 14 ton
8. Tippali - 30 ton
9. Ativitayam - 12 ton
10. Kurumtotti - 480 ton

As for my Grand father (maternal) he ate whatever he liked until his death at 89. His favourite desert was curd with plantain and sugar! It tastes great but the minute I try to enjoy it, I keep thinking of the calories in the sugar and curd! I have already cut down on my sugar intake.. just for precaution sake. Sigh...

My grand mother (paternal) lived to 90 and lived all alone with just a lady to cook and keep her company at night. She refused to move in with any of her children. I think the secret of her health was her bath. She used to sit on a stool and rub “Taila / Kuzhampu (Oil based)” all over her and then stay thus while separating the “Incha”. Then a long warm bath followed.

Hubby’s grandma lived 100 years! She never took any medicines either and loved sweets until her death. She could do all her bodily needs all alone until her death. So what are we up to?

Whatever they did, none of them depended on medicines. But my father was diagnosed with BP and cholesterol in his early 40’s. He loved good food and he was big built so I guess he settled for the medicines instead of diet. But still mother banished poor coconut oil for gingelly oil and sometimes instead of meat she used to cook soya chunks. Ugh! As for my mother, she still refuses to take medicines. I think once you start taking medicines for BP, you are doomed to continue it, while one can still control it with diet and exercise.

As for our children, if any of them falls sick we are too quick to start antibiotics while many doctors advice us not to do so, but manage the fever for at least 3 days and then start antibiotics if still needed. But we don’t have the patience to do so. We need to send them to school and can’t take a day off too. One of our cousin’s son developed grey hair when he was in 2nd standard. The doctor said it was due t over usage of antibiotics. I have tried my best too, to keep myself away from this, whenever I can and my kids too.

Do we really need all these medicines?

Do we really need to listen all those research findings?

Our grandparents never did and they lived a long and healthy life.

And today I read this..

Israeli Arab says she's world's oldest person
Mariam Amash, who applied for a new identity card, says she's 120


Wow.. nd did the Israel government keep her that way or did she do it all alone. Beats me. and we have the Bible which tells us that people did live long... with no medicinces or modern hospitals.

I am not saying we dont need them but we should not depend upon them completely.

Anyway I hope now the researchers won’t find means to let us poor folks die early so that we are not a burden to the state. Or have they already?

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Yogurt Can Save Your Life

Take time to read what Sunny Sky has to offer in her blog. I am sure we have many of our own home remedies which we seldom use.

I remember during my childhood, mother never used any OTC medicines, but she always had her own home remedies and it always worked. This was more because we grew up in a remote area so before the medicines could be procured we were already on our way to recovery. My mother got so used to this concept that even now she has much difficulty in taking medicines.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Tales From Mouse Ward

Since many of you are working in the IT sector, thought I shall share this article.. if you havent read it already. I know it is stale news.. but still...some needs reminders!


Tales From Mouse Ward

Urban Indians are paying with their health the price of being in computer-intensive jobs

Nothing about Vijaykumar’s daily schedule suggested any kind of health risk. For a young man, still pushing 33, he seemed to have an impeccably balanced lifestyle. He woke in the morning to drive to the Bangalore offices of IT major Cisco, where he worked as a programmer. He spent eight or nine hours at his computer, steadily tapping out code. His was a serious workday, but not an oppressive one, compared to the 14-hour shifts call centre workers clocked in over on Bannerghata Road. When he had time, he swam a few laps in the pool, and headed home to spend time with his family.
In 2003, however, something changed.

"It was a numbness in the hand," he recalls. "Then a cold sensation from my shoulder to my palm, and sometimes my hand became paralysed." We’re all getting older, he thought, gritting his teeth, and this must be the beginning of the inevitable wear-and-tear. And so he swam more to stay limber, tried yoga, ointments and pranayam to ease the pain. He relaxed his pace of work, moved the mouse from his right hand to his left. But that only shifted the pain to different places. The orthopaedist he consulted told him not much else could be done.
The condition progressed. A year ago, Vijaykumar stopped driving his car. Then he discovered he could not lift his kids—one and three years old—and carry them in his arms. "Five months ago, people started telling me I looked thin and worn out," says Vijaykumar. "And I realised I was living with a lot of pain, and barely sleeping at night.


So, I had to take indefinite leave, and hoped the problem would die down." It wasn’t till he was home one afternoon, browsing the web, that he came across a website that described his symptoms perfectly, and he realised it was his computer doing the damage all along.


...It afflicts even those who are young, fit, starting their first computer-dependent job. Average age: 27.




In the computer-intensive sectors of the Indian economy, bad ergonomics and work habits are more the rule than the exception. Businesses operate out of rented spaces, pre-equipped with shoddily designed desks and flimsy chairs. Hands, elbows and torsos lock in crooked formations between monitors, keyboards and mouses. The glaring screens look like they were installed to kill flies.

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