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Fitness July 22, 2024

Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Treatment

Do you have enough knowledge about breast cancer: symptoms and treatment ? Many women are suffering because of it across the globe. Severe health issues can cause life-threatening experiences hence we believe that all ladies should be aware of Breast cancer along with its symptoms and treatment.

Through the blog, we will let you know what breast cancer is. Also, we will get to know the symptoms and treatment of breast cancer.

What is breast cancer?

Uncontrollable expansion or growth of cells in the breast causes breast cancer. If lumps are forming or you feeling it in your breast, there is the highest possibility of breast cancer

Being your healthcare partner, we always hope for your good health but God forbid if such a situation comes, knowing symptoms will be helpful. Also, by identifying the signals at the earliest, you can save a life.

Breast Self-Exam

We know cancer is a threatening word and it is just like a nightmare. In this section, we have explained the ways through which women can self-examine their breasts. Also, ladies keep searching for how to check breast cancer at home. Following are some specific ways you can identify the presence of tumors or lumps in your breast.

Go in front of your mirror with uncovered breasts and keep your arms down. Now you need to monitor your breasts in terms of puckering, redness, swelling, rashes, dimpling, etc.
- In the same position, now stretch your hands in an upward direction. Again, you need to monitor your beasts if they are getting changed.
Also, while taking a bath, ladies can self-examine their breasts. We know, that at this time skin gets soft and we can easily feel the masses or tumor in the breasts if present. Use your left hand to check the right breast and your left hand for the right breast. During the process, use soapy hands to press the breast. We recommend using a circular motion to experience something different.
Furthermore, while standing one can do self-examination for breasts at home. Remove your upper wear and raise your right hand. With light pressure put 3 middle fingers on the left breast. Also, you can move your fingers in a circular direction to feel something unique. Repeat the process with the left hand to check the right breast.
When you are lying on your bed you can check your breast tissues. Firstly, make yourself comfortable and put a pillow below your left shoulder with your left hand on your head. How using the 3 middle fingers of the right hand try to feel the presence of lumps. Now you can repeat the process to check the other breast.

Breast Cancer: Symptoms

Lump formation: Doctors recommend women keep analyzing their breasts at regular intervals. If you have any doubt about lumps in your breast, immediately speak to your doctor. Lumps are basically a collection mass in an irregular shape. Usually, they are hard and painless. Moreover, some lumps can be soft, rounded, and tender.

Disturbance in the Breast shape and size: You should be serious if your breast is changing its shape and size. Moreover, women should not ignore the swelling of their breasts.

Unbearable Upper Back Pain: The initial symptom of breast cancer can be serious pain in the upper back portion. We know, the pain can be because of any other health problem but in the case of breast cancer, the pain becomes unbearable.

Moreover, if you are feeling the pain because of heavy exercise, gym, physiotherapy, or stretching, it is not a breast cancer sign.

Sharp pain in the Breast: A woman feels pain in her breast at any point of life and during the menstrual cycle, the pain is quite normal. The problem becomes serious if the pain is continuous, sharp, and unbearable. You haven’t felt such pain before. If any such thing happens, one should consult their healthcare professionals.

Diagnosis Methods for The Confirmation Of Breast Cancer

The availability of the above-mentioned symptoms in your body is an alarming situation and victims should undergo a diagnosis to get final confirmation. There are various methods through which breast cancer is diagnosed and they are as mentioned below:

Mammography: The earlier detection of breast cancer is done through Mammography. It detects minute tumors that are hard to feel. The X-ray of the breast is taken for detailed analysis.
Ultrasound: As the name suggests, the examination methods follow sound waves to identify the images taken. Also, it clearly distinguishes sold masses & fluid-filled cysts.
MRI: MRI is conducted to get a detailed report of the breast. It includes internal images of the portion based on which doctors decide the futuristic steps.
Biopsy: Another method of diagnosis includes a Biopsy in which a breast tissue sample is taken. After that, it is sent for lab testing. Also, this is considered an accurate way of breast cancer diagnosis.
Genetic Testing: If the family history involves breast cancer, genetic testing is performed. The method identifies mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Best Possible Treatment for Breast Cancer

Conquering breast cancer is not everyone’s cup of tea. Simply by hearing the word “Cancer”, people lose hope and it is quite obvious. This is the most serious type of health problem but the majority of people fight back and start living a happy life.

So here we are sharing the possible and best treatment for breast cancer:

Surgery: This is the most suitable and ensured way of treatment because doctors remove the entire tumor from the breast of the patient. Surgeries can be of various types:

Lumpectomy: In this method of surgery, the tumor along with the boundary line of the tissues removed.
Mastectomy: The entire breast is removed under this mode. The high-risk patients need to undergo double Mastectomy and both of their breasts are removed.
Sentinel Node Biopsy: In this treatment process medical experts remove a few lymph nodes where they assure to stop the further growth of the cancer.
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Doctors remove additional lymph nodes in the armpit under this dissection method of breast cancer treatment.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy includes the insertion of high-energy rays into the patient’s body. The main objective of the therapy is to kill the cancerous cells. This method is used post-surgery just to reduce the risk factors related to cell expansion.
Chemotherapy: The process includes drugs that are given to patients to kill the cancer cells from the entire body. Generally, the method is applied before the surgery just to shrink the tumors. Also, after surgery, chemotherapy is performed to kill the cancer cells that are left by chance.

Final Thoughts

To all the lovely ladies! We wish you a healthy life but if you come across such a situation, unfortunately, never lose hope. A woman is a born fighter and if your mental health is strong, you can conquer anything.

We have mentioned all the possible details related to breast cancer, its symptoms, and treatment. Still, if you have any queries, feel free to connect.

Fitness June 14, 2024

Lean PCOD & PCOS: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Management

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) are the two common health issues with which the majority of women are getting affected. Through this blog, we are spreading awareness about lean PCOS & PCOD including their symptoms, causes, and effective management.

Before going in deep, firstly let’s understand PCOS and PCOD. What is the difference between PCOS and PCOD? Many times, people get confused with PCOS and PCOD. They use the term interchangeably but there are significant differences between them.

We know both problems somehow occur because of hormonal disbalance but they are different and hence we must understand them individually and precisely.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women in their reproductive age. Women facing PCOS problems deal with infrequent menstrual cycles that later on reduce the chances of getting pregnant. Moreover, in this problem ovaries don’t produce eggs because of follicles (small collections of fluid).

Symptoms of PCOS

Some symptoms may reflect if you have a PCOS problem. If you are consistently noticing such symptoms, you must take the opinion of your healthcare expert. Also, you can track your period using Aarogyaone if you forget dates, etc.

Irregular Menstrual Cycle: A common symptom of PCOS is infrequent periods that include unexpected heavy blood flow, missed periods, and delayed periods.
Increased level of Androgens: During PCOS, androgens (male hormones) increase and you will have excess hair on your face & body along with severe acne.
Increased Weight: Ladies put on excess weight if they have PCOS problems. Reducing weight becomes very challenging for them.
Polycystic Ovaries: In some cases of PCOS, the ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. Further, it creates issues to conceive.

We strongly recommend to visit your doctor if you find anything serious.

What are the causes of PCOS?

The exact reasons or causes for PCOS are still not known but some factors may contribute. Furthermore, the causes include Genetic, Hormonal, and Environmental factors:

Family History: Women with a mother or grandmother having PCOS problems, may have the issue.
Insulin Resistance: Many women are insulin-resistant with PCOS. It means their body does not consume insulin effectively as a result of which androgen (male hormones) increases because of more insulin in the blood.
Diet & Lifestyle: The current lifestyle is very disturbed. Women with poor diets and sedentary lifestyles gain weight and further face PCOS.

What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) refers to a health condition for women where the ovaries contain many immature or partially mature eggs. Further, these eggs can become cysts over time. The symptoms of PCOD are somehow the same as PCOS.

Symptoms of PCOD

Irregular Period Cycle: Women having PCOD face irregular or missed periods.

Increased Level Androgens: Same as PCOS, PCOD can cause excess hair growth on the face & body along with acne, and male-pattern baldness.

Obesity: Like PCOD, weight gain and difficulty losing weight are often associated with PCOD.

Infertility: PCOD does not let you conceive. It makes conceiving challenging because of irregular ovulation or anovulation.

Causes of PCOD

The causes of PCOD are also similar to those of PCOS, involving genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors.

Family History: If your mother, sister, or grandmother is dealing with PCOD, the chance for you is quite high.
Insulin Resistance: Women with PCOD and insulin-resistant are at higher risk. When the body does not consume insulin effectively it results in a higher level of androgens.
Diet & Lifestyle: Women with imbalanced diets and fancy lifestyles gain weight and further face PCOD.

Understanding Lean PCOD and PCOS

Sometimes, women don’t gain weight during PCOS & PCOD but they have the problem. It is called lean PCOD & PCOS.

Lean women with PCOS or PCOD experience hormonal imbalances and related symptoms, but their condition can sometimes be overlooked or misdiagnosed because they do not present with the typical weight gain.

Along with weight, one should track the other symptoms as well. Overlooking may create serious problems in the future.

What are the symptoms of lean PCOS and PCOD?

The symptoms are quite similar as we have mentioned above. Only you need to exclude Weight Gain/Obesity.

Menstrual Irregularities
Excess Androgens
Ovulatory Dysfunction
Insulin Resistance

Causes of Lean PCOD and PCOS

The causes for lean PCOD and PCOS are similar to those in non-lean cases:

Family history
Hormonal Imbalances
Lifestyle Factors

Effective Management of PCOD and PCOS

Managing PCOD and PCOS requires a multifaceted approach that includes lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgical interventions. The primary goals of treatment are to regulate menstrual cycles, manage symptoms like hirsutism and acne, and address any associated conditions such as insulin resistance or infertility.

Lifestyle Changes

Proper Diet: To deal with PCOD & PCOS one should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in their diet. It helps to manage insulin levels. Moreover, you should avoid processed foods.

Physical Activity: Doing exercise should be an integrated part of your routine. It improves overall health along with PCOS and PCOD management.

Weight Management: Keep track of your weight. Once your weight is controlled, the problem starts.

Stress Reduction: Stress is inversely proportional to happiness. Less stress, more happiness. It further keeps you healthy and eliminates the problem of PCOS & PCOD.

Lean PCOD & PCOS Management

Proper Diet: Maintain your diet including green vegetables, fruits, and other nutritional values.

Physical Activity: Keep doing some physical activities including running, walking, meditation, etc.

Stress Reduction: Don’t take stress. Try and keep yourself happy. You can’t control everything.

Conclusion

We know, that a large volume of women community are facing the problem of either PCOS or PCOD. We hope, that now you have a clear understanding of PCOS and PCOD along with symptoms, causes, and effective management.

Moreover, the problem is quite serious in lean women because diagnosis becomes challenging. Hence, we have covered that section as well. Despite obesity keep your focus on other factors as well.

With a healthy lifestyle, medical approach, and stress management, women with PCOD and PCOS can manage their well-being effectively.

If you find or have PCOD or PCOS, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Ref

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10042521/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443

Women Care November 9, 2023

Postpartum Wellness: New Moms! Take Care Of Yourself

Hey! New Mothers, Congratulations! Your little angel is now arrived in this universe. How is your Postpartum Wellness?

The rollercoaster ride of the pregnancy journey has come to the beautiful destination but please remember it is not yet completed. Now you are in your postpartum period and you must take very good care of yourself. Here, we will get to know about the ways that you should follow in order to stay healthy even after the delivery.

Postpartum Wellness

Proper Rest:

We understand the level of excitement that you feel after seeing your baby and spending time with him/her is your ultimate wish. But at the same time, you should rest properly to recover fast. You have just performed a miracle and now give time to your body as well. The 9-month period is too long and the body needs time and rest in order to come back to its natural position.

Sometimes, ladies think normal delivery doesn’t demand rest but it is a myth. Whether you have normal delivery or C-Section, you need rest. With proper sleep, you will recover fast and be able to spend more time with your kid in the coming time.

Don’t Hesitate To Ask:

Seeking help during the postpartum period is completely fine and there is no need to shy. Your family members are there to help you only. Whenever there are needs related to the baby or yourself, speak out fearlessly. Along with a full sleep cycle, keep taking short naps as it keeps you calm and satisfied.

Stay Healthy & Hydrated

We have seen so many expecting mothers who take proper diet during pregnancy and after delivery, they completely get inclined towards the baby only. On a very serious note, here you are making the blunder. Furthermore, we understand, that becoming a mother is the most beautiful feeling in the universe but at the same, you need to be healthy for your baby for lifelong. And it is only possible when you take care of yourself.

Also, along with diet, you need to make sure to drink water regularly in order to keep yourself hydrated. Moreover, if you are breastfeeding, you need to have a healthy diet that includes vegetables, lean proteins, grains, etc.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-being:

The postpartum period brings millions of emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and exhaustion. Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to the development of postpartum blues or even postpartum depression.

At this stage, mental and emotional health, are at stake and both need dedication. Taking breaks, seeking support from loved ones, and engaging in activities that bring you joy can help alleviate stress and improve your overall well-being. If you’re experiencing prolonged feelings of sadness or anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance and support.

Do Regular Exercise:

After the baby, getting time is one of the biggest challenges. It happens with everybody because a new phase has just begun and you are not used to it. Hence things take time to become normal. But you need to perform a little bit of exercise and physical movements in order to keep yourself active.

Additionally, don’t do rigorous exercises, keep it simple and comfortable. You should start with Yoga and a morning/evening walk. The activities shall energies your body and also maintain your mental well-being.

You can also get help from the experts because they will prescribe exercises depending on your body condition.

Follow Your Medication

From conception to delivery, women’s body experiences lots of up-downs because of hormonal changes. This is the reason; medication goes on for months even after the delivery. Hence they should take all their medicines on time without mistakes.

Moreover, one or two times you should go for a routine check-up in order to confirm that there is no complication after the delivery whether it is normal or C-Section. Maintain all your medications and reports using Aarogya.One Application because it is your constant companion where you can track your health record.

Conclusion:

Taking care of the baby and yourself, both are equally important hence ladies should pay attention to both things. If you rest, maintain a proper diet, take care of your mental well-being, and do exercise, then you will recover rapidly and your postpartum will also be the happiest time.

Further, your health will not be compromised in the future as well. Apart from that, we are sharing one more important thing i.e. Not every pregnancy is the same and every mother has her own experience hence never make a comparison between two expecting mothers.

Always follow your instinct and body condition. Give priority to postpartum wellness and spend some time with yourself along with a little bundle of joy. Following the processes you can make your journey even more beautiful.

Moreover, if you have concerns or doubts feel free to get connected.

Women Care November 8, 2023

Balance between Cultural Values, Babies Health & Modern Lifestyle

A balance between Cultural Values, babies’ health, and modern lifestyle is challenging in the present era. Despite having all the resources we become unable to balance them.

The pregnancy journey is filled with anticipation, joy, excitement, and numerous questions. Taking care of yourself and your child becomes your responsibility. Your diet is one key factor that you should pay attention to at this time. We will dig deeper into the intriguing relationship between ancient meals, their effects on infant’s health, and the influence of contemporary lifestyle.

A Nutritional Treasure Trove with a Traditional Approach

Traditional societies have long emphasized the value of a healthy diet during pregnancy. These culturally based diets often incorporate a large variety of food that is rich in nutrition. Traditional diets include a wide range of nutrients that promote overall health, including fermented foods, herbal medicines, and ancient grains, fruits, vegetables

The past was also full of cultural customs that honored and supported expecting mothers. These customs differed between countries and civilizations, but they often included particular behaviors like wearing amulets or talismans, avoiding particular food or activities, and taking part in ceremonies. By developing a sense of belongingness to ancestral wisdom, these practices attempted to protect both the mother and the unborn child.

Many traditional diets emphasize whole foods and avoiding refined and processed food items. The growth of a baby’s bones, brain, and immune system depends majorly on nutrient-rich diets that are usually abundant in vitamins, fibers, and minerals. Additionally, traditional diets often include foods that are thought to improve fertility and support a healthy pregnancy, such as oily fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Babies’ Health: foundation for a healthy future

According to research, a mother’s nutrition during pregnancy has a significant impact on her child’s long-term health. A diet high in nutrients can help lower the risk of issues including gestational diabetes and preterm birth. In addition, it can aid in the formation of a strong immune system and avoid several birth abnormalities.

According to studies, a nutritious diet during this period is crucial for the mother as it is going to have a long-term effect on the baby’s health. In the future, it might reduce the risk of Cardiovascular Disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. In general, the food choices made by the expecting mothers play a significant role in shaping their child’s health in the future.

Current Lifestyle: Understanding the Current Dietary Landscape

We have a wide variety of food options to choose from in our hectic lives, some of which are nutritious as well. Even though traditional food items offer us insightful information it is essential to modify them to match our contemporary lifestyle and nutritional standards.

For an expectant mother, modern nutritional advice puts a strong emphasis on the value of a balanced diet. The prenatal plate’s base should be composed of healthy fats, lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Any dietary deficit can be filled in by including prenatal supplements like iron and folic acid.

Nevertheless, it is necessary not to worry about every single food decision. Your baby’s health would not be derailed by occasional indulgences. While prioritizing the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, give yourself some flexibility.

Dietary Advice for Expectant Mother

1. Choosing a balanced diet:

Your body transforms into a protective home for your maturing baby during pregnancy. It is crucial to provide your baby with all the nutrients they require for healthy growth. While there are different dietary needs for each trimester, a balanced diet is always important during the entire pregnancy journey

Expectant mothers must consume a wide variety of food items that give their bodies enough energy to function properly. It consists of seasonally available fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats, fiber, carbs, juice, etc. Balanced meals will support your baby’s growth and provide you with energy. Aim to provide yourself and your baby with high-quality nutrition rather than trying to eat for two in terms of quantity.

2. Prenatal supplements: a dietary insurance policy

It might be difficult to fulfill all your nutritional needs with food alone, even with the best diet plans. Prenatal supplements can help in this situation. By assuring that you and your child get the essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and folic acid, these supplements offer an additional safety net.

Before taking any supplement you must consult your gynaecologist. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage and suggest supplements that are suitable for individual requirements.

3. Nutritious snacking and hydration

Hydration is crucial in general, but expectant mothers need to stay hydrated always. Drinking enough water supports the body’s natural cooling process, maintains amniotic fluid levels in the body, and avoids constipation. If you are physically active or living in a hot climate, aim to consume at least 8-10 cups of water each day.

Pregnancy can occasionally cause an increase in desire and appetite. Choose foods that are nutritious and wholesome, such as nuts, fruits, yogurt, whole grain snacks, etc. These options will help you stay full while giving you the vital nutrients you need.

4. Be aware of the No-Nos

While taking care of your diet and including all the nutritious items, you must be aware of the food items that you should strictly avoid during pregnancy. Avoid consuming raw or uncooked meats, certain fish that are high in mercury, unpasteurized dairy products, and too much caffeine. You must consult your gynecologist for a complete list of food items that you should avoid during pregnancy.

Conclusion:

While it is undeniable that modern science has revolutionized prenatal care, it is intriguing to look into old traditions and observe how women used to take care of themselves and their dietary habits earlier. The ancient practices, ranging from healthy food to natural treatment and emotional support, remind us of the inherent strength and knowledge of women throughout history.

Exploring these old customs may also encourage us to apply traditional knowledge to our modern pregnancy, even though it is not necessary in today’s world. After all, the process of creating new life is an eternal effort that unites us all.

Additionally, aiming for a balanced, nutrient-rich diet will support not only your overall health throughout this transformative period but also the health of your baby.