Triple talaq judgement may relieve stress in women

Triple talaq judgement may relieve stress in women Dr KK Aggarwal Our Vedas tell us that every thought in our mind arises from the silent potential web of energized information or consciousness. This thought from the mind is then analyzed by the intellect and the personalized by the ego. It then leads to an action. Every action leads to a memory, which in turn leads to a desire and with this a cycle of action, memory and desire is set into motion. If the desire is fulfilled, it leads to action again and then desire again. Repeated fulfillment of desires leads to habit formation, addictions and development of a particular personality. Unfulfilled desires, on the other hand, lead to irritability and then to anger. Anger destroys peace of mind. It hampers the powers of discriminating between good and bad. Anger distorts intellect and fosters negative emotions. Loss of intellect leads to animal-like behavior and ultimately self-destruction. Anger can be expressive anger or suppressive anger. Expressive anger or anger outbursts manifest as aggressive behavior, violence, hostility and cynicism. Emotionally stressful events, including anger, may trigger the onset of acute heart attack, asthma, anxiety. Cynical hostility has been recognized as major risk factor for coronary artery disease. While, suppressed anger or chronic anger in due course of time may cause depression, despondency, behavioral changes, anxiety, acidity and diarrhea. However, anger is not always bad. Righteous or spiritual anger is a type of anger with good intentions. The classical example of righteous anger is when you become angry in a situation where you see a person doing something wrong to check that person. Righteous anger can make people stand up for their rights and fight against what is wrong. The story of a young Muslim woman who allegedly committed suicide after her son had been taken away from her, two weeks after being divorced through triple talaq was published earlier this year. Depression was reported to be the factor leading to this extreme step. (April 12, 2017. http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/apr/12/muslim-woman-divorced-through-triple-talaq-hangs-self-after-two-weeks-1592609.html). Many such women in the country are living in a similar chronic stage of fear and apprehension of being discarded by their husbands. They are vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and various psychomotor disorders. The historic verdict of the Supreme Court of India, abolishing the practice of triple talaq, will liberate women from such fears. Empowering them and giving women equal right in marriage will reduce the prevalence of acute and chronic mental disorders in them, most commonly depression. Stressful events such as psychological trauma, etc. may also trigger development of depression. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. More than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015. A person with depression is typically depicted as sad, lonely, having no interest in activities that they earlier enjoyed, too much or too little sleep, low self-esteem, hopelessness. But, depression can also present as anger, irritability, addictions, eating too much or not eating enough, persistent aches and pains, memory problems, fatigue, or other behavioral changes. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this write up are entirely my own.

Increase intake of fluids to avoid kidney stones

Increase intake of fluids to avoid kidney stones Those with kidney stones have more chances of developing a chronic kidney disease New Delhi, 22 August 2017: Statistics reveal that the lifetime prevalence of kidney stones is approximately 13% in men and 7% in women. Without treatment, approximately 35% to 50% of those with kidney stones will experience recurrence within 5 years from the first stone. As per the IMA, increased fluid intake spread throughout the day can decrease stone recurrence by at least half with virtually no side effects. Kidney stones are formed due to the accumulation of dissolved minerals on the inner lining of the kidneys. There are several types of kidney stones: calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones and cysteine stones. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common. People with kidney stones are at a significantly higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Lack of water in the body is the primary cause of kidney stones. In the absence of enough water to dilute uric acid (a component of urine), the urine becomes more acidic. This acidic environment is conducive for the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones can grow as large as a golf ball and have a sharp, crystalline structure. Small stones can pass without pain. Larger stones, on the other hand, can obstruct urine flow. This can be very painful.” Some of the common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the groin and/or side and back below the ribs, colicky pain, blood in urine, nausea and vomiting, pain on urination, burning sensation during urination, constant urge to urinate and fever and chills (in case of an infection). Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Certain medications can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Long-term use of vitamin D and calcium supplements cause high calcium levels. Family history, dehydration, high protein, sugar, sodium diet, obesity and some disease conditions such as hyperparathyroidism are also risk factors. A previous history of kidney stone increases the risk of developing subsequent stones.” The following tips can help prevent kidney stones. Stay hydrated: This is the best way to avoid kidney stones. When one consumes less water, their urine output decreases making it more concentrated and less likely to dissolve urine salts that cause stones. Consume calcium in right amounts: Eat a moderate amount of foods with calcium, such as milk, cheese and other dairy food. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone, hence, people believe that they should avoid eating calcium. Reduce dietary sodium: Increased salt in urine prevents calcium from being reabsorbed from the urine to the blood. This causes high urine calcium, leading to kidney stones. Limit foods rich in oxalate: Dietary oxalate is typically found in spinach, chocolate, beets, nuts, rhubarb, strawberries, tea and wheat bran. Eat less animal protein: Foods high in animal protein are acidic and increase uric acid. High uric acid levels may cause both uric acid and calcium oxalate kidney stones. Maintain a healthy body weight through diet and exercise.

Cerebral venous thrombosis is more common in women

Cerebral venous thrombosis is more common in women This condition can be cured in 80% of the patients, says IMA New Delhi, 08 August 2017: Cerebral (brain) venous thrombosis is an uncommon disorder and going by available statistics, it occurs in 1 per lakh of population. About 5% of those who suffer from this condition die of acute illness and 10% die over time. This condition is also more common in women than men. As per the IMA, complete recovery is possible in about 80% of the patients, and the rate of recurrence is about 2% to 4%. Cerebral venous thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the brain’s venous sinuses. This prevents blood from draining out of the brain. This leads to breaking of blood cells and blood leaking into the brain tissues, forming a hemorrhage. The onset can be acute, subacute, or chronic. The mean age of onset of this condition in adults is 39 years. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Thrombosis of cerebral veins or dural sinus leads to increased venous and capillary pressure, which in turn leads to brain swelling, venous hemorrhage, and/or ischemia with cytotoxic edema. Occlusion of dural sinus causes decreased brain cerebrospinal fluid absorption and elevated brain pressure. Although it is possible to cure majority of those diagnosed with this condition, a certain percentage may die, the reason for which is brain herniation. One of the most common symptoms in which occurs in about 25% of the cases is headache.” Some of the risk factors of this condition are hypercoagulable states, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, cancer, infection, and head injury.Symptoms may include focal neurologic deficits, focal or generalized fits, altered mental status, stupor, or coma. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “For diagnosis, doctors take a medical history and a physical examination. Description of the symptoms may help to a certain extent, particularly if the person who has had a stroke is unconscious. The final diagnosis is done basis how the blood is flowing in the brain. This is done through imaging tests that show areas of blood flow. Some such tests include MRI and CT scan, Venography, Angiography, Ultrasound, and Blood tests. There are few things that people can do to prevent this condition from occurring. • Consume a healthy diet It is good to follow a diet that is low in fat. Include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables in your meal plan. • Get enough physical activity Exercising for about 30 minutes every day is not only beneficial in preventing this condition but also in keeping the body healthy overall. • Quit smoking Smoking increases the chances of cancer, which is one of the risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis. • Keep chronic conditions under control It is important to keep conditions like diabetes under control by regulating daily lifestyle. This will help keep associated risks at bay.

PCOS a major cause of infertility among Indian women

PCOS a major cause of infertility among Indian women Study finds about 25% of Indian women to be suffering from this condition, excess weight being a major contributing factor New Delhi 23 May 2017: According to a study by the PCOS Society, 1 in every 10 women in India suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Out of every 10 women diagnosed with this condition, 6 are teenage girls. PCOS is a common endocrinal system disorder among women of reproductive age. Additionally, about 20% to 25% of the women in India who are in the childbearing age suffer from PCOS, shows a study conducted by the department of endocrinology and metabolism, AIIMS. Those with PCOS have been found to have higher than normal insulin levels. Such an increase in the level of insulin can make the ovaries produce more androgens such as testosterone. Such women therefore struggle with weight issues, complicating the disorder further. If left unchecked or undiagnosed, PCOS can lead to infertility and a host of other long-term health concerns. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "PCOS can lead to the development of cysts as the ovaries are unable to release eggs on time. As a result of this, the follicles keep growing and form multiple cysts, which appear like 'a string of pearls'. Women are more likely to develop PCOS if their mother or sister also have this condition. The symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, fatigue, unwanted hair growth, thinning hair, infertility, acne, pelvic pain, headaches, sleep problems, and mood changes. Symptoms can begin shortly after puberty and reach into early adulthood. Young girls with PCOS tend to have irregular periods or amenorrhea, and heavy or scanty bleeding during menses. PCOS can also make women vulnerable to other health complications like hypertension, high cholesterol, anxiety and depression, sleep apnea, heart attack, diabetes and endometrial, ovarian and breast cancer." Though PCOS cannot be cured, it can be managed by bringing about certain lifestyle changes such as losing up to 5% to 10% of body weight. It is also important to maintain an active routine and eat healthy. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "PCOS, particularly among young girls, is an urgent public health problem requiring careful assessment, timely intervention, and appropriate treatment. The best possible way to manage this condition is exercise and a healthy diet which in turn will regulate the menstrual cycle and lower blood glucose levels." Additionally, the following tips can help manage PCOS better. • Consume foods that are high in fibre such as broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach; nuts like almonds and walnuts; and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. • Have five small meals instead of three big meals as this will help in metabolizing food and maintaining weight. • Indulge in physical activity for about 30 minutes a day, five days a week to reduce or maintain a reasonable weight.

Can women get heart disease before pre- menopause?

Can women get heart disease before pre- menopause? New Delhi, September 28, 2016: Older women have been at a higher risk end for developing cardiovascular diseases. It is reported that more than 75 percent of women aged 40 to 60 have one or more risk factors for CVD. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women over age 40, especially after menopause. Up until now the notion had been that menopause is the only phase during a woman’s life cycle during which she is prone to increased risk of CVD, but now the idea is being challenged by increasing incidences of coronary heart diseases in pre- menopausal women. Recently, evidence has emerged that even the pre- menopause phase in a woman’s life cycle is prone to developing cardiovascular complications because of exacerbated risk factors.
Complex hormonal and physiological changes take place during the transitory phase to menopause, the perimenopause. Estrogen and progesterone imbalance starts to set in, body fat starts getting redistributed, there are global changes in cholesterol levels and blood pressure starts to show a rise before menopause hits. It is seen that the risk factors associated with stroke and CVD increase more rapidly in the years leading up to menopause rather than afterwards. This is a result of a variety of physiological changes collectively known as the metabolic syndrome. The risk factors that together constitute the metabolic syndrome are a large waistline, high levels of blood fat (triglycerides), low levels of good cholesterol, high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar
These changes are associated risk factors for CVD and if left unchecked, have the potential to develop into serious cardiovascular complications. This paradigm shift in the ‘at-risk’ population for heart disease is due to modern lifestyle. In today’s age of technology and modernization, there are a plethora of comforts available, but the cost of every comfort is some or the other form of compromised health.
According to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, the major risk factors associated with modern lifestyle are smoking, high body mass index, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet
“Lifestyle-related factors that increase the risk of heart disease are becoming increasingly common among girls, teenagers, and young adults. Physical activity drops sharply as girls approach teenage years and is significantly reduced by young-adulthood. Higher or lower than normal body mass index is an important determining factor for the course of cardiac complications in high risk individuals. The good news is that these hormonal and physiological changes during the pre-menopause period are reversible or in some cases, modifiable. Appropriate lifestyle changes can be incorporated to minimize the risk of developing heart disease during this period, ”said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India & National President Elect IMA.
“The notion that young adult women need not worry about heart health until they are ‘old enough’, needs to be abolished. Women approaching menopause need to be more proactive about following a heart-healthy lifestyle in order to minimize the effect of these associated risk factors. Your lifestyle is not only your best defense against cardiovascular diseases, it's also your responsibility towards yourself and your loved ones”, Dr KK Aggarwal added.
Follow these tips to reduce the toxic burden of these risk factors:
• Avoid active and passive smoking and alcohol, they are the most prominent risk factors associated with CVD. • Include about 80-160 minutes of exercise per week, may it be light workout or vigorous cardio routines. Simple exercises like dancing, walking, swimming and cycling are also sufficient if done regularly. • Follow a healthy balanced diet comprised of generous amounts of green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains. • Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help ward off heart disease, eat plenty of fish products for this purpose. • Keep stress at bay and laugh out loud in your daily life, not just the social media. • Reduce salt intake, it will lower the chances of developing hypertension which can translate into CHD. • Manage pre- exiting medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension etc. • Avoid foods with added sugars and preservatives. • Get screened regularly for cholesterol and lipid profile. • Maintain a healthy blood pressure and body mass index

Women more at risk of heart disease today

Women more at risk of heart disease today

Heart disease is no longer exclusive to men as we now know. Women, especially urban women, are more at risk of developing heart disease today. And, a heart attack is usually more severe in women than in men.

An increasingly unhealthy lifestyle with a predominantly high trans fat, sugar and salt diet, more and more sitting, stress/depression, smoking, alcohol and cigarettes are some of the factors that have contributed to this rise in heart disease. Differences in the clinical presentation also make it difficult to establish a diagnosis in women.

·         Women generally present a decade later than men and with greater risk factor burden. They are less likely than men to have typical angina. Women with new onset of chest pain are approached and diagnosed less aggressively than man in the emergency department.

·         Established risk factors in women are: Presence of history of heart blockages; age over 55 years; high LDL (bad) or low HDL (good) cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease or family history of heart disease.

·         Risk factors, which are more potent in women than in men are: Smoking is associated with 50% of all coronary events in women; diabetes confers more prognostic information in women than in men.

·         Symptoms of heart attack in women differ from those in men. Women may not know recognize these symptoms as due to a heart attack. Rather than the classical presentation of chest pain, women are more likely to have extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, lightheadedness, nausea/vomiting, shortness of breathwith or without chest discomfort, indigestion, pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

·         Treadmill test in women has a higher false positive rate.

·         Small vessel disease is more common in women than in men.

Heart Disease is the most common cause of death and disability in urban women

Heart Disease is the most common cause of death and disability in urban women New Delhi, September 24, 2016: In India, urban women are more at risk of heart disease today than they were three years ago. The reasons for this include an unhealthy lifestyle characterized by a predominantly high trans fat, sugar and salt diet, inadequate physical exercise, increased stress levels, dependence on addictive and extremely harmful substances like alcohol and cigarettes amongst others. The largest group of women at risk of CVD are aged 35-44. CVD risk is as high amongst housewives as it is amongst working professionals. As far as risk factors for CVD are concerned, low HDL and high BMI are the two most common contributors to CVD risk setting in as early as 35 years for women. “Important differences between women and men in the presentation of heart disease make it more difficult to establish a diagnosis in women. For instance heart disease in women generally presents 10 years later than men and with greater risk factor burden. Women are also less likely than men to have typical angina and have a higher false positive rate in the tredmill test. The symptops women face are also different than those faced by men”, said Padma Shri Awardee, Dr. KK Aggarwal, President HCFI & President Elect IMA. It is a fact that women are more likely to present initially with chest pain than a more clearly defined event such as heart attack. Many cases of heart attack in women also go unrecognized. In addition to this small vessel disease is more common in women than in men. The established risk factors of heart disease in women include the presence of history of heart blockages; age over 55 years; high LDL (bad cholestol) or low HDL (good cholestrol) , diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease or family history of heart disease. Risk factors, which are more potent in women than in men include regular consumption of tabocco which causes 50% of all coronary events in women; obesity and diabetes. Following are the ways in which women can prevent future heart disease Moderate intensity physical activity for at least 30 minutes and for 60 to 90 minutes for weight management on most days of the week Avoidance and cessation of cigarette smoking and passive smoking Keep waist circumference less than 35 inches Consume a heart-friendly diet Presence of high triglyceride levels. One should add Omega 3 fatty acids to diet. Control cholesterol level, high blood pressure and diabetes Women who smoke should avoid oral contraceptive pills. Aspirin 80 mg in more than 65 years of age should be added Treat underlying depression.

Postmenopausal women should get their insulin levels checked

Postmenopausal women should get their insulin levels checked New Delhi, July 18, 2016: "All postmenopausal women should try to keep insulin at normal levels through weight loss, regular exercise, and other methods," said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. Postmenopausal women with elevated insulin levels are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. As per a report published in the International Journal of Cancer from Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in New York City, there is a strong association between elevated insulin levels in the blood and increased risk of breast cancer. The researchers examined data gathered from 5,450 women who took part in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) and found that women with insulin levels in the highest third were twice as likely to develop breast cancer as women in the bottom third. The link between elevated insulin levels and breast cancer was stronger for thin women than for obese women, as they tend to have higher insulin levels. This finding is potentially important because it indicates that in postmenopausal women, insulin may be a risk factor for breast cancer that is independent of obesity.

Postmenopausal women should get their insulin levels checked

Postmenopausal women should get their insulin levels checked New Delhi, July 18, 2016: "All postmenopausal women should try to keep insulin at normal levels through weight loss, regular exercise, and other methods," said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. Postmenopausal women with elevated insulin levels are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. As per a report published in the International Journal of Cancer from Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in New York City, there is a strong association between elevated insulin levels in the blood and increased risk of breast cancer. The researchers examined data gathered from 5,450 women who took part in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) and found that women with insulin levels in the highest third were twice as likely to develop breast cancer as women in the bottom third. The link between elevated insulin levels and breast cancer was stronger for thin women than for obese women, as they tend to have higher insulin levels. This finding is potentially important because it indicates that in postmenopausal women, insulin may be a risk factor for breast cancer that is independent of obesity.