Women's Health Blog

Incidence of back Ache:

Low back ache is a very common disorder affecting almost 80 % of the world population during their life span. Women are more common sufferers because of periodical changes in their pelvic cavity during menstruation, pregnancy and after child birth.

The fore most cause of low back ache is the mobility problem. After years of muscular inactivity, there is imbalance in the strength of localized muscles and abnormal wear and tear of musculo-skeltal structure of the region, more specifically the spine. Do you remember, how many times you have done bending, leaning and twisting exercises every day perhaps no is the answer.
Sedentary Lifestyle Routine Schedule:

It begins with waking up and getting out of bed after a bed tea and after finishing with toilet and bath routines, take breakfast hurriedly and begin commuting for work. While working sitting at the desk with short tea and lunch break.

Return to the desk after lunch again working till off time. Commuting back home and eating supper while positioned comfortably on sofa besides viewing television programs.  Finally calling off the day and going to bed.

This is the common routine of sedentary lifestyle of office going workers. This general style of activity is performed by majority of persons. On an average people spend most of their life in sitting mode, without an occasion for the body to make minimum movements to keep it in perfect condition. Such an immobility results into alarming muscular imbalanced posture.

One then goes to the gym and performs a number of exercises causing more worse a situation instead of producing beneficial effects making one more prone to back ache.

The remedy to get rid of back pain lies in identifying the affected muscle which is causing pull to the spine, bones, and joints is disposed off. Do the learning how to cause stretching effect on the tight muscle and at the same time strengthening of the weak muscle.
It is the post-rehabilitation professional specializing in personal fitness training, who has during his practice numerous patients suffering from back pain and other disorders like sciatic pain, bulge in discs, spine fusion etc. While working with such patients following facts are revealed responsible for their painful disorders:

Most of these patients are initially wrongly diagnosed and treated resulting in their no relief experiences.

The patients, who failed to show any positive response, to the conservative treatment with Physiotherapy in combination with various analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs even cortisone injections, do respond to the technique of exercises involving stretching a strong muscle and simultaneously strengthening the weak muscle.

It is amazing, majority of these patients were in a position to get complete relief of their back pain within a short period in comparison to their period of suffering from disease.

These Exercises are patient specific, which only a professional can advise after full assessment of the affected muscles responsible for the back pain.

Many of the patients treated had been suffering for many years with
presence of aching and stiffness in the muscles. These patients had to live inactive life due to their back pain.

Majority of the treatment received by these patients only was restricted to symptomatic and temporary relief only.

When a girl reaches her puberty stage, the breasts are the first noticeable features. You will notice that there is a gradual change on its size. Same thing goes for women who are in the pregnancy period. Their breasts will increased in size that are for the purpose of gestation. The breast is the most important part of a woman’s body. That is why there are several ways on how to take good care of your breast.

Using a bra support is a must for every woman. Because breast is made up of mammary gland and fats, there will come a time that it will become sagging as you get older. The collagen becomes thinner making the skin not firm. To prevent from having a sagging breast, it is recommended to practice wearing bra support at your early age or in puberty stage. Be sure to choose the right size of bra that fits you. There are a lot of kind of bras today that can be used that are suitable for any kind of dresses and occasions.

Some women are not satisfied with the size of their breast. That is why some are taking some breast enlargement pills to increase their breast size. These pills commonly have estrogen which allows the production of excessive genes that made some changes in breast size. But having oral pills is not recommended especially when it is taken without doctor’s prescription. Taking too much of estrogen may result on having breast cancer.

Doing a regular breast massage is definitely the best way to have a healthy breast. Thus, it could help the skin to be tighter and also helps to increase the size of your breast.

First thing to do is to relax your body by lying down on the bed. Place your left hand at the back of your head while placing your three fingers with your right hand on top of your left breast. Do it in a clockwise circular motion. Gently and slowly press down your breast by your fingers, rotating, starting from the nipple and massage until you reach your underarm area. Repeat the same procedure to your right breast with your left hand to massage.

This will help you not only to increase the size of your breast but also to know if there is some breast mass that are forming. It could be an early detection measure to prevent from having some breast problems.

Women within a certain age range throughout the world have one special thing in common: menstruation. This is the epitome of being a female and is part of the amazing process of reproduction. Menstruation, of course, carries with it the wonderful aspect of allowing for women to become pregnant and give birth to children. However, it also carries with it the uncomfortable and unwanted characteristics of causing pain, irritability and a messy situation.

Many a male has angered his female counterpart with references to the well-known PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which can bring on abdominal pain before and/or during one’s period. Women often experience abdominal cramps, pain in their lower back, sensitive or tender breasts, and headaches. These symptoms are caused by the changes in levels of hormones that take place during one’s period, as well as the physical process during this time as the body sheds the lining of the uterus. When shedding occurs, the uterus contracts and thereby causing discomfort in many women. Although such pain is more common in those who have only been experiencing a menstrual period for a few years, and often occurs in the first few days of one’s period, each woman is different. Some women may find their cramps subside as they grow older, yet some may experience severe cramps up until they reach menopause.

If you continue to experience severe pain during your periods, contact your gynecologist to make sure there is not some other health issue which is causing that type of pain. Certain conditions including endometriosis or fibroids can cause several abdominal pains which many might mistake for menstrual cramps. However, if it is determined that you are one of those lucky women whose periods come with horrendous cramps, there are some remedies to help make those days less uncomfortable.

You can help reduce the severity of your menstrual cramps by taking warm baths, applying a hot compress on your abdomen, or taking over the counter medicine (although it is wise to run by your doctor what you plan to take before running off to the pharmacy).

To most women’s chagrin, regular periods come once a month, which can certainly put a damper on many activities. It is even worse when you experience heavy bleeding. But like with most things, industry has developed ways to help women continue to enjoy their regular activities despite our monthly visitor. There are a wide variety of tampons and sanitary napkins, or pad, which can be used to help you get on with your daily activities during your period. The key is to be prepared and always carry some around with you.

As with pain, irritability or changes in mood can occur, both prior to the commencement of your period, as well as during your period. Due to the changes in hormones which occur during one’s period, you can feel irritable, sad, or lethargic. Although it seems difficult to fathom while you are experiencing pain and these mood swings, getting some exercise can help with both symptoms. A good attitude also helps. If you are aware that this time of the month typically affects your mood, you should plan to give yourself some extra pampering during this time to help alleviate the situation a little. It’s also a good idea not to make serious or major decisions while your hormones are on the fritz. Give it a week, when things are back to normal. Most, if not all, women dread their monthly visitor. But remember, this is also a symbol of what women are capable of doing: bringing a new life into the world.

Hysterectomy is a surgical operation to remove the uterus (womb). Most of the hysterectomies are not emergency operations hence there is time to think and discuss about other options and make decision. Consider the benefits, risks and alternatives to make final decision. After performance of hysterectomy, the woman can not bear Children and menstruation also ceases. The ovaries generally continue to produce hormones and the person remains normal otherwise in relation to its sexuality under the influence of continued hormones secretion.

Normal functions of the uterus and ovaries

Deciding whether to have a hysterectomy

Common reasons for recommending a hysterectomy or alternatives

Benefits and risks of each including common physical and emotional effects

Different types of hysterectomies

Hospitalization and recovery

Functions of Uterus:

The Uterus gets it prepared cyclically to receive fertilized ovum called Zygote, which gets implanted in the Uterus and thereafter the uterus provides nutrition to the fetus for its further development and growth till a full term Embryo is formed. At this stage the foetus is fully formed and ready for birth. Uterus helps in the delivery of the baby. It also produces the monthly menstrual flow, or period in situations, when conception in not in a position to take place.

Function of Ovaries:

The ovaries is responsible for Ovum production and secretion of Estrogen & Progesterone Hormones, Regulation of Menstrual cycle taking care of the health and well being of the Person including sexual well being.. The ovaries after puberty and up to menopause cyclically produce matured ovum cyclically on the 13^th day of the Menstrual Cycle under the influence of Estrogen. Once Ovum is released production of Hormone declines and Progesterone Hormone is produced to sustain the pregnancy if taken place.

To Undergo Hysterectomy or Not:

Hysterectomy forms a treatment for a number of diseases and conditions. If there is cancer of the uterus or ovaries or hemorrhage of the uterus, this operation may save your life.

In many cases hysterectomy is procedure of choice rather a necessity. The operation’s objective is to improve the quality of life and relieve unbearable pain, to stop heavy bleeding or other chronic conditions and discomfort with it.

There are other ways of treating or dealing with these problems the decision should be based on first attempting other available options. If the problem still continues only then a hysterectomy should be attempted.

Reasons for a Hysterectomy:

Reasons why hysterectomies may be recommended fall into three categories:

1. To save a  life;
2. To correct serious problems interfering normal functions;
3. To improve the quality of life.

The following describe the more common reasons for recommending hysterectomies.

Cancer of Uterus or Ovary:

In Cancerous situations organs and in some cases adjoining organs and structures are removed in order to stop the spread of this life-threatening disease.

Fibroids:

These are common non-cancerous tumors of the uterus and are the very common reason for performing a hysterectomy. Fibroids grow from the muscular wall of the uterus and made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. Many women after 35 years age get fibroids are asymptomatic.

In some women fibroids cause heavy bleeding, pelvic discomfort and pain and pressure on other organs. These symptoms require treatment as first priority. Hysterectomy is only to be considered after failure of the treatment.

Another alternative is surgical removal of the fibroid.  It is an abdominal surgery which removes the fibroid without removing the uterus

There are advanced new experimental drugs, which temporarily shrink the tumors. These drugs may have serious side effects and are very costly. These treatments may be sufficient or they may offer temporary relief and enable a woman to postpone having a hysterectomy, especially if she still has to bear children.

Some women choose to do nothing since fibroids will often shrink in size as a woman goes through menopause.

Other conditions requiring a hysterectomy include Endometriosis, prolapse of Uterus, Cancer of Cervix, Precancerous uterus, Pelvic adhesions in them.

Acne Introduction:

Acne perhaps the shortest name of any disease and affects the prime location, the face of young beautiful Girls and well groomed Boys when, they are in their transition phase of childhood to adolescence and they care to see the mirror and able to admire their attractive face they posses. They try to compare with the celebrity film stars they see on the screen, suddenly their face is occupied by most unwanted a number Pimples the condition called Acne.

Causes of Acne:

Acne appears as a consequence of secretion of sex hormones called Androgens in both Girls and Boys. They are responsible for triggering of appearance Secondary Sex Characters and their action starts on sebaceous glands and hair follicles, which have been dormant so far. There are numerous hair follicles and sebaceous glands on the skin of the face as compared with other parts of body.

The sebaceous glands produce sebum an oily substance. The sebaceous glands are connected with a canal called follicle through which sebum is excreted out. The follicle has a fine hair and the wall of the canal is lined with keratocytes. The Keratocyte and the hair may block the pore preventing sebum to come out. The bacteria present on the skin grows and blocked pore starts erupting on the surface of face skin in the form of lesion and the condition is called Acne.

Besides above there are other causes like oil in the skin cosmetics like moisturizers applied on the face or oil in the work environment like kitchen, environment irritants like pollution and humidity, squeezing out or pricking of blemishes, hard scrubbing of skin or mental stress.

Varieties of Acne lesions:

Acne lesion is simply a plugged follicle called Comedo. There are a number of varieties of lesions, which may appear on the face of the affected person as described below:

1. An unopened Comedo appears as white bump on the face skin is called white head.
2. A comedo, which reaches the skin surfaces, is called black head because of black coloration when it comes in contact with air there is change in color to black. White and black head remain on the skin for some time.
3. Papules are inflamed comedos looking as small pink colored a tender to touch.
4. Pustules are lesions filled with white or yellow pus and red color at its bottom.
5. Nodules these are solid lesions lying deep under the skin.
6. Cysts deep pus filled painful lesions can cause scarring to the skin.

Treatment of Acne:

Because the skin of face is affected a Dermatologist should be contacted for assessment of the condition and treatment to be given which aims at healing of the lesions, stop new lesion formation, prevention of scar formation and relieving the stress of the patient.

General Care of Acne:

Lot of Personal Hygiene care has to be taken to curb acne the recommended details are given below:

1. Avoid using Strong Soaps and Hard Scrubs on the face.
2. Shampoo your hair daily and see that the shampoo was trickles at the back instead of on the face.
3. Avoid touching or rubbing Acne lesions.
4. Do not squeeze or pick blemishes.
5. Avoid moving in bright Sun Light.
6. Choose Cosmetics Carefully, they should not be oily.
7. Topical application of advised antibiotic on the infected lesion.

Urinary Tract comprise of:

1. Kidney is a pair small organ located by the sides of spine in the waist area. They have a very important function of removes wastes from the body along with Excess water from the blood and excrete it as Urine.
2. Ureter is a tube like structure connected with Kidneys and the Urinary Bladder. The urine formed in the Kidneys is drained through the Ureter to the Bladder for collection.
3. Urinary Bladder is a Sac Like structure in which Urine is collected till it is filled to a certain level. The Bladder contracts to expel urine outside through Urethra.
4. Urethra is a small tube having muscular sphincter, which relaxes with simultaneous contraction of Bladder muscles, to evacuate urine out side the body.

Urinary Tract Infections:

Any part of the Urinary Tract can be infected. If the Urtethra is infected it is considered superficial infection, the deeper inside the location infection, the more serious are the complications associated with it.

The infections of the kidney and Ureter are called Upper Tract infections and they are usually Pyelonephritis of the Kidneys.

The Infections of the Lower Urinary Tract, are the infections of  Bladder, called Cystitis and Urethra infections are called Urethritis.

Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections:

Urinary infections are more common in adults than in Children.

Besides bed wetting, Urinary Tract Infection in Children is a very common Problem. If a Urinary Tract infection is found in children, it can take a very serious turn and should not be ignored.

Urinary Tract Infections are more in Girls and Women as compared with Boys and Men below the age of 50 years.

Looking at the statistics 50 % of women and 12 % men suffer from Urinary Tract Infections at one time or another in their life.

Types of Infections:

Simple Infections are found in healthy Urinary tract and can be easily treated with a mild medication and do not spread to other parts of body.

The Complicated Infections are the ones, where structural changes have also taken place and are more difficult to treat because they become resistant to common antibiotics.

Kidneys are the organs where blood is filtered. Urea present in the Blood is removed along with excess fluids in the body. The urine thus formed is moved through Ureters into the urinary Bladder, where it is collected till it is full and there is an urge to urinate and the urine is excreted out through the Urethera.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infections:

Normally Urine is sterile, infection occurs, when an infection enters into urine and starts its growth. The infection usually starts at the opening of the Urethra and moves upward into Urinary Tract. The most common Bacteria involved is E. coli, which are found in the  Bowel and anus and can move to the urethra. The most Common cause is poor Hygiene and sexual intercourse.

If the infection is minor, it is expelled out by passing of the urine, but if the infection is too much, uncontrolled infection  can spread to the Bladder, Ureters and Kidney causing Pyyelonephritis in the Kidney, which can cause damages to the kidney tissues and its functions.

Persons Susceptible to Urinary Tract Infections:

1. Persons having obstructions in Urinary Tract like kidney stone.
2. Persons suffering from conditions that cause incomplete Bladder Evacuation in case of a spinal injury or Bladder Decompensation as in menopause.
3. Persons with Suppressed Immune System like in Aids, Diabetes or persons taking immune suppressant medications.
4. Women who have frequent sexual intercourse, with each intercourse more number of bacteria also can reach the bladder and grow very rapidly to enormous numbers causing Urinary Tract Infections.
5. The pregnant women need to get their Urine sample examined for Urinary Tract infections and get proper treatment if it is present so that complications do not arise in the new born baby.
6. Men with Enlarged Prostrate Causing incomplete Evacuation of the bladder.

Following Category of Persons also have a High Risk of Urinary Tract infections:

1. Very young Children, where Bacteria can enter through Blood stream into Urinary Tract from other parts of body.
2. Young Children have difficulty in wiping themselves and washing their hands properly after bowl movement.
3. Poor Hygienic uncared conditions prevailing.
4. In partially blocked Urinary Tract condition the urine moves backwards causing spread of infection.
5. Patients hospitalized and having catheters inserted in the Urinary Tract have chance of getting infection in Urinary Tract.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections:

Following Symptoms are experienced in Lower Urinary Tract Infections:

1. Pain or burning sensation during urination.
2. More Frequent Urination.
3. Sensation of not being in a position to hold the Urine.
4. Cloudy Foul smelling urine.
5. Mild Fever.

Symptoms of Upper Urinary Tract Infections:

The Symptoms appear rapidly in Pylonephritis, with a High Fever, Nausea and Vomiting accompanied by back ache.

Treatment Guidelines:

If the Urinary Tract infection is suspected proper investigations and treatment as advised by the medical specialist should be carried out till the investigations confirm that the infection has been completely cured.

Structure of Breast:

Breast consists of two lobes containing mammary glands surrounded by fat tissue and situated in between the Chest skin each gland is called a lobule. There are 15 to 20 lobules in a lobe and produce milk during lactation period, which reaches nipple of the lobe by ducts of the lobules. There are blood vessels and lymph vessels. Lymph is a clear fluid, which is waste product and is drained in the lymph node. Lymph nodes are pea like structures, which filter the lymph. Most of the lymph nodes associated with the breast are in the axial of the arm.

Breast Tumor:

Normally the growth of cells is regulated for specified purposes like growth requirement, replacement of dead or damaged cells. The cells which start growing abnormally and form a bit hard Lump is called Tumor. The Tumors do not have the ability to spread to other parts of body hence are called benign Tumor. The Tumors, which have ability to spread to other organs of body by a process called Metastasis, are called malignant tumors. Malignant tumors are the precursors of Cancer.

The Breast Cancer:

All the tissues are capable of growing into a Cancer. In Breast Cancer it is the Ducts or the Glands which are responsible for Cancer formation and based on the source the Cancer is called ‘Invasive Ductal Carcinoma’ or ‘Invasive Glandular Carcinoma’. Breast Cancer leading to death of Patient takes Second Position the number One being Lung Cancer. Because of fatal prognosis early Diagnosis need of the situation should be stressed upon. Because of sensitive issue the patients do not come forward for a regular checkup and treatment in the early stages.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors:

There are multiple Risk Factors not within the control of a woman leading to incidence of Breast Cancer in women as per details given below:

1. Production of wrong Estrogen and Progesterone metabolites, which instead of excreting out circulate in the blood stream and cause increase in presence of these hormones in the body thus increasing the risk factor.
2. Genetic Mutations predominantly present in certain families increasing the breast Cancer Risk.
3. Use of exogenous hormones increases the Risk of Breast Cancer.
4. The Present age of the woman can also be a risk factor. Girls at the age of Puberty and Old age are more prone to Breast Cancer Risk.

Prevention of Breast Cancer:

Following preventive steps can be taken by the woman, which can considerably reduce the risk factors present in her life:

1. Avoid Taking Hormone Therapy for a long period.
2. Planning birth of her children before the age of 30.
3. Stop taking food containing Refined Sugars.
4. Include lot of Ommega-3 & Antixidants present in foods like Berries, Colorful Vegetables, Beans and Green Tea etc.
5. Avoid taking Alcoholic Drinks.
6. Arrest the weight gain tendencies.

Screening Tests for Breast Cancer:

Breast Self Examination, Cynical Breast examination and Mammography are the screening tests to rule out a cancer of breast, which should be conducted at least every year as a routine. A Mammography can detect a cancer which is small speck in early stages and cannot be felt unless it grows to a harmful stage. The patient is carrying a potential unexploded bomb, why not detect and defuse it in time. I am reminded of a saying ‘A Stitch in Time Saves Nine’. If cancer is detected, treatment should be started immediately,  in consultation with a Specialist.

Prophylactic Approach:

Before the Breast Cancer takes a full bloom status, the Precancerous cells in the Breast Glands and Ducts can be detected and treated. There are certain families, who have a history of breast cancer, and these are potential cases of developing cancer. Tests for mutations can be detected and if present, patient can opt for prophylactic mastectomy after certain rather suffer later on.

Treatment of Breast Cancer:

Treatment recommendations are beyond the scope of the article and advice is given that immediate treatment should be started in consultation with a Cancer Specialist and besides undergo advised investigation schedule to escape the torturous metastasis of cancer to other parts of body.

The Mechanism of Menstrual Cramp:

The woman reproductive organs after puberty are set into an automation mode by alternating action of female hormones to be ready for the basic functions of procreation. In the ovaries one egg is matured every month under the influence of estrogen and is released to meet sperm in the fallopian tube of uterus.

The uterus wall gets thickened with high vascular presence under the influence of progesterone for implantation of fertilized egg. When the uterus fails to receive fertilized egg under the second phase, progesterone levels fall and uterus wall degenerates and is ready to be expelled.

The Expulsion of Uterus wall comprises the menstrual flow. In young women this last phase of the cycle induces lot of discomfort and pain in lower abdomen and pelvic region called Menstrual Cramp.

Pain before Menstrual Onset:

More than 50 % teen aged and young women suffer every month, pain in the pelvic region just before on set of menstruation. It was a major problem not understood properly. It was considered as a minor temporary ailment having psychological origin and treatment was confined to administration of analgesics with tranquilizers only, which gets alright after cessation of menstrual flow.

Types of Menstrual Pain:

The women who have menstrual cramps have dys-menorrhea also. The condition is described primary dysmenorrhea because there is no abnormality of the reproductive organs. There is intense pain due to spasm in the muscles of the lower abdomen a day or two before the onset of menstruation lasting for about 3 days.

As the age advances the intensity is reduced and vanishes after first child birth. The pain felt is severe in 10 % of such women to the extent they have to keep them away from the schedule for 2 to 3 days. The condition can be so severe there is difficulty in normal walking. There is contraction of the muscles similar to child birth.

In some women there is undefined pain in the lower back region usually in older women having got many pregnancies.

The menstrual pain can be in some rare women due to presence of fibroids, because of a pathological abnormality it is termed Secondary dysmenorrhea accompanied pelvic inflammation, presence of uterine fibroids, uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.

Differential Symptoms:

In cases of primary dysmenorrheal there is sharp pain with back ache accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, bloating, weight gain, and breast tenderness.
Whereas Secondary dysmenorrhea include generalized pain in pelvic and back region, lower limbs, occurrence of spotting in between periods, frequent urination etc.

The pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea, are due to uterus contraction to push the menstrual blood having degenerated endometrial tissues. The cyclical hormonal changes taking place are responsible for the pain, which can make a worse situation if there is imbalance in the hormones secretion.

Presence of high levels of hormone like chemicals called prostaglandin, cause spasm of uterus, causing intense pain.

Presence of intra-uterine device a birth control implantation commonly called loop further increase the pain.
Treatment & Precautions:

Combination of simple analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents available at the medical store counter can be used during the period to relieve pain.

A warm bath is advised along with fomentation with hot water bottle over lower abdomen region.

Mild Exercises or an outdoor walk for 30 minutes morning and evening is helpful to cope with the situation better. If there is no relief consult your doctor:

Women & Food Choices

About half a century back many women preferred a non-vegetarian diet over vegetarian diet, which resulted in increased cardio-vascular diseases. With the evidences available regarding cardiovascular risks associated with non-vegetarian diets, most women have now switched over to vegetarian diet comprising of green vegetables, legumes and fruits.

There are some women who Milk & Vegetables and no Egg in their diets. Some add Eggs to their Vegetables and Milk regimen a few women still prefer fish & Chicken along with milk and vegetables routine.

There can be a number of reasons making a woman become vegetarian , mostly on religious grounds or following a medical advice. The thought of Cruelty associated with killing of animals, you becoming a party to it, pricks the mind and some women hate non-vegetarian food on this count. Many cultures profess to be vegetarian. Recently the promotion of better health and longer disease free living many women have become vegetarian converts.

The Advantages of Vegetarian Food:

Vegetarian food has very low contents of fat and negligible cholesterol as compared to non-vegetarian diet. Thus vegetarian diet reduces considerably risk of cardio-vascular disease. The studies conducted and reported indicate that consuming adequate quantity of fruits, green vegetables, and whole grain preparations help in lowering the risk to become obese, hypertension, diabetes, stomach cancer, pancreas cancer, cancer of the bladder, and cancer of lungs. Food consisting of broccoli, sprouts, and vegetables related to cabbage provide significant protection in respect of breast and colon cancer. Few studies advocate dark leafy green vegetables prevent macular degeneration, which is a common reason of going blind in post 60’s age group.

Planned Healthy Vegetarian Food:

For an adult woman having good health some planning of food choices have to be exercised to ensure the health does not deteriorate by making wrong choices of food considering tastes only ignoring nutritious food value. Growing young girls have varying nutritional needs and it is important to adequate care should be attended to by the parent. A pregnant woman or lactating mothers have increased nutritional needs, which must be taken care to maintain good health. Female children need a well balanced food of vegetarian meals made from green vegetables like legumes accompanied by milk both in the morning and evening and if the customs permit half boiled two eggs per day shall make available sufficient calories and nutrients to meet the growing needs.

Suggested Food Choices:

• The meal should include any of Bread, cereal preparation, rice boiled, with good pasta six servings in a day.

• Green Leafy Vegetables four servings in a day.

• Ripe Fruit or fruit juices 2 to 3 varieties in a day to provide sufficient quantity of anti-oxidants.

• Roasted Beans, nuts, seeds with boiled eggs or a mutton preparation if customs permit two times a day.

• Fresh boiled milk or Skimmed Milk if fat restrictions are necessary, yogurt, cheese preparation twice a day

Role of Food Supplements:

An exclusive vegetarian meal falls short to provide requirements of energy ensuring expected growth. In such cases food supplements need to taken to make available minimum daily requirements of Protein and micro nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

An account of Nutrients required Daily:

Calcium: It is very essential for sturdy bones, teeth and synthesis of enzymes and efficiently run the blood clotting mechanism in situations of an injury. Good sources are milk, dairy products, dark green vegetables orange juice etc.

Vitamin D: It helps in absorption of calcium. Sources are milk, egg yolk. Having sun bath in the morning, helps in Vitamin-D synthesis by the body.

Vitamin B-12: It is very essential for excellent performance of nervous system and blood cells. Sources are Dairy products, fermented cereals, and yeast cells.

Iron: It is required for healthy red blood cells formation. Sources of Iron are Dry fruits, fresh fruit juices, raisins, legumes whole grain preparations, soybeans, molasses. To enhance absorption of Iron the food should include vitamin C. It is advised to cook food in Raw Iron vessels instead of aluminum or stainless steel.

Zinc: It is mineral necessary for good tissues formation and used in synthesis of Insulin and hormone. Excellent source is wheat germ, cheeses, all kinds of nuts, and legumes.

The Need of Oral Contraceptive:

The Nineteenth Century and period before witnessed population explosion in the world, which if continued, our planet cannot sustain such an explosive invasion by the mankind by providing food, roofing, clothing such a massive apes population. This explosion took a serious dimension in developing countries and governments had to fight by taking stiff measures like vasectomies forces or willful putting in danger the existence of the Government itself on such a sensitive and logical issue.

Oral contraceptives came on the scene promising safe sex at the cost of acquiring dangerous disease like cancer.

Oral Contraceptives:

Commonly known as Birth control pills is widely accepted measure of birth control. About one third of the women world population use oral contraceptives. If administered properly it is 99 percent effective in suppressing ovulation and hence a birth control measure. By taking oral contraceptives the period duration is shorter, regular and scanty bleeding hence there is in built health care of a woman. Moreover Menstrual cramps get reduced.

Oral Contraceptives lower risks of uterus and ovary cancer, pelvic inflammation present in women. Taking Oral Contraceptive also helps bones to become strong and there is prevention of hot flushes, night sweating, mood swings and some other symptoms associated with onset of menopause.

Mode of Action of Oral Contraceptives:

Oral Contraceptives are synthetic estrogen and progesterone combination. A continuous low concentration of estrogen suspends ovulation and low progesterone blood level stops the growth of endometrium, which does not implant fertilized egg in the uterus. There is thickening of the mucus around cervix preventing sperm entry into the uterus.

Another Oral contraceptive is available comprising of progesterone only.  Its efficacy is only 95 % not very commonly taken. It is better alternative for women who do not tolerate the combination pill because of associated side effects.

Taking an Oral Contraceptive:

Before starting oral contraceptive you need to be examined by a Gynecologist and if it is safe for you to take pill she shall prescribe you with the guidelines. The doctors advice is to be followed and regular examination after intervals to determine the safety of the oral contraceptive you are taking.

How do I take the Pill?

The Oral contraceptive combination pill is available in packs of 21 or 28. Certain brands advise taking the pill in a particular order it releases varying amount of hormone on each day based on the normal pattern of cycle to ensure safe contraception.

The only Progesterone Contraceptive is available in a pack of 28 tablets and one tablet is to be taken daily at the same time of the day without a missing. If there is a gap between scheduled time and the time you are taking the tablet, you should take two tablets and you need to play safe for the next two days.

In case there is vomiting or diarrhea the possible is that the pill has not been absorbed properly and you need to take an extra precaution use an additional method of birth control. Few antibiotics or other drugs interfere with the oral contraceptive it is better to tell the doctor you are taking an oral contraceptive.

Forgetting the Pill:

In case of a missed pill take the moment you remember, you can safely take two pills in a day one pill you missed and the second pill which is due to be taken on schedule only effect can be a feeling of nausea which shall be relieved.  In case you missed two or more pills in continuation take the last pill you have missed and discontinue. Start it at the next cycle. In the mean time use another safe contraceptive method for next seven days. There can be blood spots or normal bleeding. If there is missing of period consult your doctor for advice for a pregnancy test.