Experts at symposium emphasize awareness of women’s physical, mental and reproductive health
KARACHI:
In order to empower women, it is necessary to raise awareness about their mental, physical and reproductive health. These views were expressed by medical professionals, psychologists, lifestyle experts and showbiz personalities at a symposium held at a local hotel.
Empower Her: Women’s Wellness Symposium was organized in collaboration with Seed Ventures and The Express Tribune. The first panel discussion focused on the theme of promoting well-being through nutrition, bone health and mental well-being, with Sidra Iqbal as moderator. Endocrinologist Professor Tasneem Ahsan said: “We grew up listening to the story of Cinderella.
No matter how capable and talented the girl was. Our society considers that her life is only complete when she has married a “good” boy.” Dr Tasneem highlighted the need to empower girls through better physical, sexual, reproductive and mental health. She said health screening, vaccination and maintaining work-life balance are imperative to keeping women healthy.
Shaista Ayesha, CEO, Seed Ventures, said, “There is a need to raise awareness about sexual health as raising awareness about it is the solution to many societal problems. » Nutritionist Dr Sidra Iqbal said during the panel discussion: “There are different stages in a woman’s life, including menstruation, sexual health and pregnancy, but each stage has its own effects.
It is important for women to eat a diet rich in nutrients, especially calcium and iron. Hematologist Dr Ashar Akhlaq Ahmad said 80 percent of patients in the hematology department are women. Actress Sanam Saeed said, “Through Pakistani dramas, we need to create awareness among women to pay attention to their health as well as their home.
Psychologist Sana Siddiqui said: “Global conditions indicate that stress will increase due to economic problems and we need to control them. » The theme of the second roundtable was “Motherhood: the journey from conception to postpartum”. Actress Sunita Marshall said, “In the past, after marriage and childbirth, actresses would quit their jobs.
I also rested for eight months after motherhood and then started working again. Fitness trainer Zarmina Faisal Salman said, “During pregnancy, you can do yoga and exercise with the guidance of a doctor, so that you can keep your body fit after delivery. It’s definitely a challenge but it’s possible with effort.
Psychologist Sana Siddiqui said, “Once girls become mothers, they take time to deal with the situation. » Gynecologist Dr Huma Haqqani said: “It is wrong to think that breast milk is toxic for a few days after delivery. According to medical experts, breast milk is the best way to keep the newborn healthy for 48 hours after birth.
Even after this, if the mother continues to breastfeed her child, it reduces the risk of breast cancer. Panel moderator Sidra Iqbal said most people described the condition of a woman suffering from postpartum depression as ungrateful. Psychologist Sana Siddiqui said: “Our society gets satisfaction by shaming people. Women who do not have children are often called infertile women. Such behavior harms women. But a woman cannot be sterile either since she has the option of adoption or virtual fertilization (IVF).
