Career women, beware of these health traps

Iron, vitamin and protein deficiency along with stress can lead to serious health concerns for career women. But there is a way out!

In this fast-paced world, work stress, deadlines and family and social pressures result in a majority of working women ignoring their health and suffering from health conditions which can easily be avoided.

The most common problems faced by career women pertain to nutritional deficiencies and stress-related illnesses.

Listed below are few health disorders that women tend to be prone to and how avoiding them requires a conscious albeit doable change in diet combined with a regular fitness regime.

1. Anaemia because of iron deficiency

Common manifestations

Symptoms are vague and include weakness, lethargy, low appetite, giddiness, breathlessness on walking and irritability.

Causes:

• Less intake of fruits, vegetables and salads
• Excessive menstrual blood loss

Remedy:

• Eat dates, apples, bananas and green leafy vegetables.
• Periodic checks by a gynaecologist

Dr Lalitha Sekhar is Director of Medicine and Geriatrics, at Medanta Hospital.

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2. Calcium and Vitamin D3 deficiency

Common manifestation

• Lethargy
• Body aches
• Low work output

Cause

Poor dietary habits/ dietary neglect

Remedy

Diet should include intake of 300 ml of milk, cheese (50-100g), 5-6 almonds, 2 walnuts and 2 cups of curd every day.

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3. Protein deficiency (vegetarians are more prone to encounter this)

Common manifestation

• Weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Swelling of legs

Cause

Poor dietary habits/ dietary neglect

Remedy

• Use protein supplements like soya milk
• Eat dry fruits such as walnuts, almonds and makhana
• Ensure that your diet contains paneer/cheese (supplemented by eggs/ meat for non-vegetarians) and a bowl of lentils or sprouts.

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4. Stress

Common manifestation

• Poor performance at work
• Lack of concentration
• Headaches
• Frequent absenteeism
• Forgetfulness

Cause

Leaving behind children with maids at home leading to constant worry and poor eating habits.

Remedy

Provision of creches at or near work place and health food outlets near or at work.

To sum up, a compulsory workout or yoga programme for 30 minutes daily in the morning/evening will do a lot of good to restore energy levels.

Meditation classes could do wonders for stress management. So go hit the gym or just start practicing deep breathing.

In addition, organisations should facilitate periodic health checks for all women employees provided by a visiting doctor at the workplace.