Latest news with #PCOS
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
A misogynistic social construct
Can one imagine belonging to a community that feels suffocated from both inside and outside? If one were born into such a community, how long would the individual survive? Yes, I do not only belong to one such community but also dare to survive — the women's community. This community once had a strong say in socio-political spaces, but the position has depleted at a fast pace and continues to do so. Extreme social standards are leading to mass mental and physical exploitation. Women community is one for whom even the demeanour is socially constructed. Deep-rooted divides thrive from birth and last till the very last breath. The way one shall laugh, sit, walk, and talk is all socially decided. This 'body shaming' is rapidly shifting to 'mental shaming'. Here, one is not only judged from the outside but is also often given a character certificate based on one's behavioural traits. This is no less than mental bullying, as it takes a huge toll on the mental health of the individual who is repeatedly lashed by the stick of judgments just because she biologically belongs to a certain sex. Remember the incident in which a 10th standard topper was trolled for 'hair on her face'? Well, how does it matter? This socially constructed gender overshadowed her intelligence. Medical conditions such as PCOD and PCOS are beyond the social construct. How can it be difficult to understand that a female's body goes through significant hormonal changes every second? No matter how scientifically backed a fact is, society thinks beyond it. It is a matter of realisation that our true self is throttled each time we are reminded of belonging to a particular gender. We often forget to cherish and celebrate each other's differences. To pass through the sieve of social parameters is hectic. Human life is meant for a higher purpose, as also mentioned in many of the holy texts, and is much beyond the realm of socially designed 'gender'. The removal of the concept of 'gender' from the social fabric requires empowered voices. The reduction in cruel social stereotypes would foster a safe and free-spirited society, creating a happy place for all. There is an urgent need for open discussions among the members of this society, and here comes the vital role of the youth, the torch-bearers of change. A trend continues to grow till the time people choose to follow it; breaking the chain of this trend of gender stereotypes is in our hands. It is vital to understand that it is high time to move beyond such stereotypes and focus on the substantial issues existing in society. Often, people forget to work on the inside while pretending to be perfect on the outside. shambhvi2018@
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Why buying health insurance now is a smart move
Most financially aware professionals do all the right things when it comes to saving and investing. Yet, health insurance often takes the back burner. Not because it is unimportant, but because it does not feel urgent. Thoughts like 'I'm healthy for now' or 'My office policy is enough' convince many to delay it. Putting it off means missing out on long-term benefits available only to early buyers. This article explores how buying health insurance right now supports your financial planning and future security. But first, let's understand the illusions that steer you away. 'I'm young, I don't need it right now' mindset You eat well, stay active, and have no major family history. Maybe your parents bought insurance later and managed fine. So, why the rush? Because good health today doesn't ensure stability tomorrow. Lifestyle-related conditions such as hypertension, PCOS, thyroid disorders, and diabetes are now common among people in their 20s and 30s. Early-stage cancers and sleep disorders are also rising. Take a professional dealing with long hours, irregular meals, stress, and little exercise. This can lead to issues like acid reflux, high blood pressure, or gallstones. A sudden health episode may need scans, treatment, or hospitalisation. Without personal health insurance, you bear these costs from your own pocket. Buying early helps manage such surprises without financial strain. Yes, your office policy covers you! But still… Corporate Cover is a start, not a complete solution. Employer-provided group health insurance offers basic protection and is a good start. But it is usually limited in scope. Room rent caps are modest, family coverage is minimal, and benefits like maternity or outpatient care are often missing. The sum insured is often too low to meet rising healthcare costs. When you switch jobs, the cover ends A job change, sabbatical, or shift to freelancing can leave you without any cover. Corporate policies do not travel with you. For someone relying solely on their office plan, if a parent is hospitalised, the policy might cover part of the bill but exclude important care like post-op physiotherapy or home healthcare. If this happens during a job transition, the gap becomes even harder to manage. A personal policy offers long-term support A personal policy belongs to you, not your employer. It remains active regardless of where you work. It adds a dependable layer of protection that complements, but does not replace, your corporate plan. The perks of buying health insurance ASAP You lock in lower premiums Health insurance premiums are based on your entry age. The earlier you start, the less you pay. Some insurers like STAR Health let you freeze your age, so your premium remains tied to the age at which you first bought the plan, until your first claim. For instance , you buy the policy at 26. You keep paying the same amount (premium for 26) on policy renewal even as you get older(35, 36…), up until your first claim. You clear waiting periods in time Policies usually have waiting periods for maternity, fertility treatments, and congenital conditions. When you buy young, those periods pass in the background. Later, when you actually need the benefits, the cover is active. Say, a couple may take a policy in their late 20s with no immediate family plans. By the time they need maternity support, it is available with no delays or last-minute stress. You get support for recovery, too Hospitalisation isn't the only cost. Recovery may need equipment like oxygen support, mobility aids, or wound care items. Some plans offer optional coverage for the recovery equipment. In some cases, renting rehab equipment can cost more than the procedure itself. A good policy helps cover this, easing the recovery process. You're rewarded for staying healthy Many plans include wellness programmes that reward you for staying active and maintaining healthy habits. By tracking steps, sleep, or fitness goals, you can earn discounts on future premiums. This helps maintain a healthy lifestyle and saves money. Your policy grows with your life As your life evolves, your policy can adapt. You can add your spouse or newborn to most individual plans. Maternity and newborn illness cover is often included from the start. Some policies even support alternate reproductive treatments and cover treatment for oocyte donors in case of complications. This ensures emotional and financial stability during important life stages. You're prepared for healthcare inflation Medical costs in India are rising steadily, estimated at 15 per cent each year according to media sources. A treatment that costs ₹5 lakh today could cost 1.5 lakh more in just two years. This is where having health insurance early on helps. There are policies that offer cumulative bonuses for claim-free years, which increase your sum insured without increasing your premium. Over time, this becomes a strong buffer against future expenses. You get tax benefits from day one Premiums paid towards health insurance are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D. You can claim up to ₹25,000 for yourself and up to ₹50,000 if your parents are senior citizens. This benefit starts when you buy your policy and adds to your savings. The right time to buy health insurance is now You need not know exactly when something will go wrong. You just need to be prepared if it does. Health insurance offers that preparedness. That preparedness brings peace of mind with an insurer registered with IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India). These insurers follow well-defined, consumer-first guidelines. They ensure your policy is fair, transparent, and designed to keep up with changing healthcare needs. This National Insurance Awareness Day is a reminder to reflect on your priorities. Savings and investments help you build wealth. Health insurance protects it. That's why buying health insurance right now, without any delay, is the smartest move. You can choose a plan from experienced providers like STAR Health, trusted by millions for over 19 years, offering wellness rewards, maternity cover, and financial security at every stage.
Powys County Times
16 hours ago
- Health
- Powys County Times
'Little miracle' Oliver Mason has a date for first surgery
PARENTS of a Powys baby have been given a date for his heart operation, which will take place early next month. The plight of seven-month-old Oliver Mason was highlighted last month when parents Alice and Toby spoke about how their world had been turned upside down after doctors discovered heart complications just hours after he came into the world. Oliver was rushed to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where he spent two weeks – Alice didn't couldn't spend the first two days of her baby son's life with him, because she had to wait to be discharged. Oliver was diagnosed with Pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) – a congenital heart condition where the pulmonary artery is completely blocked, as well as a large hole between the two main pumping chambers. It was also discovered he had MAPCAs, or Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries, abnormal connections between the aorta and the pulmonary vascular system. After finally returning home, they then spent Christmas in the care of doctors and nurses after he contracted a virus – with surgery required eventually. Now, Alice and Toby have been told that the first surgery for their 'little miracle' is booked for July 4. 'We are both feeling very overwhelmed,' said Alice, 33. 'We knew the surgery would be soon but now we have a date it's very realistic. We know this is what's right for Oliver and the operation will start the proceedings of fixing his heart.' Alice said the couple, who live in Llanwrthwl, between Rhayader and Newbridge-on-Wye, have also been blown away by the response to their original story. 'The response to the story has been amazing,' she added. 'The fundraiser is going well and we hope that people can still keep donating what they can, ready for the trip in two weeks' time (to the hospital).' Alice revealed that while they wanted to raise awareness of Oliver's condition, they had also hoped for a little help financially, as self-employed Toby was no longer working due to tending to Oliver, while credit card debt had started to mount due to hotel stays during previous hospital visits. 'Some of the donations received are from people we know, but some of them are from people we don't know personally,' she said. 'One unknown donation came through for £200 which we were shocked and very moved by. Overall, all donations have been gratefully received.' Alice had been told she could not have children due to suffering with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. So they couple were 'over the moon' when they discovered they were pregnant. Oliver was born weighing a healthy 7lb 13oz, with Alice describing him as 'absolute perfection', but they soon had to face the challenges of their baby's rare condition.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
NHS weight loss jabs might 'not be suitable' for these 5 groups
GPs will be prescribing Mounjaro to a select few people as the rollout begins, but others may need to avoid the jabs completely GPs can now prescribe Mounjaro, but only to a select group of patients who meet stringent criteria, such as having a BMI over 40 and being diagnosed with four out of five qualifying conditions. But people with other pre-existing conditions may not be able to access this weight loss drug at all. Dr Crystal Willie from ZAVA clarified that weight loss drugs "may be unsafe depending on medications you are taking or pre-existing medical conditions". This includes three specific conditions: Pancreatic disorders like pancreatitis History of thyroid cancer History of gallbladder disease Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to do either might also be advised to avoid the medication. The same goes for people on certain medications like insulin or immunosuppressants. Dr Willie told the Mirror: "You should speak to your doctor about any conditions or medications before taking any weight loss injection. Mounjaro weight loss injections can lower your blood sugar levels too much if taken in combination with sulfonylurea or insulin (other diabetes treatments). "You shouldn't take Mounjaro alongside other weight loss injections, such as Saxenda or Wegovy. This could increase the risk of serious health risks and side effects." The doctor also revealed that weight loss medication might actually not do what people think, as research from ZAVA found up to 20% of people using the GLP-1 drugs don't see the expected results or hit a weight loss plateau. There are a variety of reasons for this, including: Incorrect dosage Missing doses Not improving your diet and an inactive lifestyle Not keeping hydrated Excessive alcohol consumption Persistent stress Having a poor sleep routine Other health conditions may interfere with the effectiveness of weight loss drugs, like diabetes, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and PCOS. Medications like antidepressants or steroids may also cause weight gain or hinder fat loss. Dr Wyllie added: "While Mounjaro is an effective medication for weight loss, it's normal to encounter a plateau at some point. To enhance your results, it's important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and aim to reach the appropriate maintenance dose, as higher doses are generally associated with greater benefits. "Beyond medication, factors like maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, managing stress, and getting enough sleep play a crucial role in supporting your weight loss journey. If progress stalls despite these efforts, consulting your healthcare provider is essential to evaluate your plan and make necessary adjustments."
News18
a day ago
- Health
- News18
Weight Loss Tips For PCOS Sufferers That Are Gentle, Sustainable, And Realistic
For people dealing with PCOS, including a variety of healthy fats in the diet can one feel fuller after meals and prevent mid-meal snacking. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder that has been affecting women globally. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is believed to affect 6–13 per cent of women in this demographic, with up to 70 per cent of cases being untreated. PCOS often causes hormonal imbalances and irregular periods. It is widely known that women suffering from PCOS tend to gain weight faster. Moreover, the struggle to lose excess calories is quite a tough one. Strict lifestyle changes and dedication are vital when it comes to weight management related to PCOS. Regular Exercise Among other lifestyle measures, exercising consistently is a crucial step. Adults should engage in at least 30 minutes of workouts per day. Physical activity is beneficial to your overall health and well-being, including weight management. While weight loss may be gradual, exercise offers overall benefits that can alleviate many PCOS symptoms. Increase Healthy Fats Including a variety of healthy fats in the diet can help one feel fuller after meals and prevent mid-meal snacking. Some foods with healthful fats include avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, and nut butter. Cut Back On Carbs Eating fewer carbohydrates can help patients with PCOS lose weight and improve their metabolism. But it does not mean eliminating carbs from your diet completely. In addition to adding protein and vegetables to your meal, switch to whole-wheat breads, which are high in dietary fibre and other minerals. Processed foods and added sugar products can elevate blood sugar levels and also increase weight significantly. Cakes, pastries, sweets, and fast meals include a lot of added sugar and refined carbohydrates. Manage Stress Stress may be a risk factor for weight gain. Stress raises levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. Chronically elevated cortisol levels are associated with insulin resistance and weight gain. Try meditation for some time daily, and make sure to get the proper amount of sleep to maintain cortisol levels. First Published:
