The Health | MARCH, 2019
women
24
5 ways women can
protect their health
Purple your world for
International Women’s Day
Friday, March 8, marks International Women’s
Day, and with women at a greater risk of certain condi-
tions than men, now is a good time for females around
the world to take charge of their own health.
Here are some ways women can reduce their risk
of conditions like high blood pressure, cardiovascular
disease and cancer.
1
. Maintain a healthy weight
A European study found that although being over-
weight or obese increases the chance of suffering
from heart disease or cancer for both sexes, the risk is
even greater for women. When compared to women
of normal weight, obese women were five times more
likely to suffer cardiovascular disease, and 12 times
more likely to develop cancer, while overweight women
had twice the risk of heart disease and four times the
risk of cancer.
The good news is that even small weight reductions
can bring huge health benefits according to the team,
potentially reducing a woman’s risk of cardiovascular
disease and cancer by 20 percent.
Better
the
balance,
better
the
world
2
. Get chest pains checked out
Research suggested that chest pain in women
could be a warning sign for heart attack, even
if tests show that the women don’t have blockages in
major heart arteries, a primary cause of heart attacks in
men. The study found that in women who complained
of chest pain but had no coronary artery blockages,
tests showed that 8 percent had myocardial scar, indi-
cating that they had experienced a heart attack.
However, one-third of these women were never
diagnosed. The team advise women to take note of chest
pain and seek advice, and note that “women need to be
taken seriously when they complain of chest pain, even
if they don’t have the typical symptoms we see in men.”
3
. Look after your bones
With women at a higher risk of developing osteo-
porosis than men, it is especially important for
females to look after their bone health. Getting enough
exercise throughout life, and also post-menopause, can
be particularly beneficial, with walking a good option
for those looking for something low-impact.
A study found that hopping carefully for two min-
utes a day could strengthen hip bones. Research also
recommends a good intake of calcium, found in yogurt,
cheese, broccoli, spinach, and dried fruit and nuts, and
vitamin D (sardines, mackerel, eggs, cod liver oil).
This year’s International
Women’s Day 2019 celebrates
balance and equality.
4
. Drink plenty of water
Urinary tract infections (or UTI), which are
infections in kidney, ureters, bladder, or urethra
usually caused by bacteria, are more common in women.
A study found that by drinking an additional 1.42 litres
of water a day, women prone to UTIs could help keep
infections at bay, reducing the risk by 48 percent. This
means that these women could also reduce the amount
of antibiotics they take to help combat infections.
By Reenassri Sekaran
M
5
. Keeping cervical cancer at bay
Cervical cancer, caused mainly by infection
with human papilloma virus (HPV), is the second
most common female cancer in Malaysia, affecting
about 15 in every 100,000 women. Cervical cancer
develops slowly, so can often be easily treated if caught
early.
Now thanks to ROSE (Removing Obstacles to Cer-
vical Screening), the world’s first cervical screening
programme featuring self-sampling by women rather
than a Pap smear diagnostic test, women will be able to
detect cervical cancer in its early stages.
ark those calendars everyone!
International Women’s Day
(IWD) is coming up on Friday,
March 8. It’s a day to not only
commemorate the incredible
contributions and strengths of
women all over the globe, but to speak up about
the work we still have left to do in the fight for
women’s rights and total gender equality.
This year, the theme for International Women’s
Day is #BalanceforBetter. “The future is exciting.
Let’s build a gender-balanced world,” explained the
official IWD website. “From grassroots activism
to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting
period of history where the world expects balance.
We notice its absence and celebrate its presence.
Balance drives a better working world. Let’s all
help create a #BalanceforBetter.” By supporting
fellow women and using your voice on March 8
(and every day, for that matter) you help society
work toward that gender balance.
If you’re feeling fired up and motivated to make
a difference, we have got you covered. Grab your
girlfriends, partners, daughters, sisters, moms,
or coworkers and celebrate the day with these five
progress focused ways and make a difference.
So, what can you do
as a woman or a man?
Teach your children about International
Women’s Day
Educate the next generation of feminists and
With International Women’s Day
coming up on March 8th, there are so
many ways to get involved, and one of
the easiest is to wear purple along with
thousands of other women across the
globe who will be doing the same.
Why do people wear purple on
International Women’s Day? It’s not just
because it’s a pretty color (although it
definitely is).
In 2018 Pantone announced ultra-
violet as the 2018 colour of the year,
and International Women’s Day (IWD)
is running with it, since it’s supposed to
represent “visionary thinking.” The IWD
organizers say that purple is the colour of
the future, and as it happens, the colour
has always symbolized the exact kind of
gender equality that we’re still fighting for
today.
The colour purple was chosen,
because it symbolises dignity and justice,
which are the two important goals which
IWD aims to achieve for all women in all
parts of the world. It can be hard to figure
out exactly how to help continue pushing
for progress for women, but wearing
purple is a very easy place to start.
It can be anything, a bracelet, an
outfit or a simple pair of gorgeous purple
earrings. Let’s be honest — who doesn’t
look good in purple?
activists by getting them involved in IWD activi-
ties. Explain to your kids why the day is celebrated,
and how important it is for women and men to be
treated equally. Read about remarkable women,
watch an inspiring girl power movie, or volunteer
together.
Donate to a local women’s shelter.
Do something today to support the struggling,
marginalized women in your community. If you
are financially able, give a monetary donation to
a women’s shelter or another nonprofit helping
local women. Round up clothes you don’t wear
anymore or toys your children no longer play with,
and drop them off at a shelter. Call or stop in and
inquire about volunteer opportunities. Find a way
to offer support to the women in your community
who need it most.
Speak up.
It’s up to each and every one of us to ensure all
voices are heard and that all people are given equal
representation and respect. In the end, your voice
is the most valuable thing you have, and March 8 is
the perfect day to use it. Honor your experiences,
your goals, your hopes, and your thoughts about
International Women’s Day, and inspire others to
do the same.
Invest in the next generation of women.
One of the most powerful, impactful things you
can do is to empower the next generation of
women. Write a letter to your daughter about
all the ways she makes you proud, gift your niece
with an inspiring new book, or run in Malaysia’s
Women Marathon! No matter how big or small,
your actions can have profound effects on young
girls.
Finally and most importantly….
Thank a woman (or women!) who inspires you
International Women’s Day is the perfect time to
show your gratitude toward a woman who inspires
you. Send your wife, mom or grandma a bouquet
and thank them for everything they’ve taught you.
Surprise your best friend with a thoughtful letter.
Reach out to a female leader in your community
and thank them for their work. It may be a small
gesture for you, but it will be incredibly meaningful
for them.
Even when International Women’s Day is over,
that doesn’t mean we just stop our efforts. Every
day is a day to celebrate the amazing women all
around us and that includes you. — The Health