Nutrition

Have You Checked UR Mom’s Reports?

Cholesterol & Blood Pressure screening:

If her test results are normal, the test can be repeated after a year. If significant lifestyle changes occur and the results aren’t good or borderline, it’s advised to screen more frequently. If UR mom has an existing condition like diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues or other medical conditions, she needs to be monitored more closely.

Stress has a huge correlation to elevated BP or cholesterol. Stress may be ignored by a lot of moms, but it’s something that needs to be addressed. Stress is an underlying cause for most lifestyle diseases. A good way to relieve stress is to stay active and meditate. 10k steps a day and 15 min of any kind of meditation should do the job. Please do not confuse prayer/ chanting for meditation, they are two separate activities with different healing powers.

Diabetes & Obesity Screening:

If UR mom’s BP is higher than 140/80 mm Hg or your family history suggests diabetes, you should definitely get her tested. An easy test to see if UR mom is in good shape is to give her a tight hug. If UR hands don’t go around her waist comfortably, you know she needs to lose weight. Removing processed and polished foods like white rice, maida, sugar, canned juices etc. can be the first step.

Get UR mom to meet a nutritionist and set a healthy menu for the whole family. This one-off exercise will change UR healthcare spend as well as manage UR monthly grocery expenses. There are abundant success stories of how people have controlled/ reversed diabetes by transforming their kitchens and fridges. It takes a bit of effort, every self-respecting successful adult is doing it. Keep track of Mom’s BMI and weight, it can be nagging but will pay off big time in future, i.e. if she listens. If Mom is over 20Kg above her ideal weight, there are loads of medical options available for her to get back in shape. Consult with a good gastroenterologist or obesity specialist.

A Smile Screening:

UR mom’s smile brings u a lot of happiness, but did you know when she last enhanced her smile? Visiting UR dentist twice a year is a must for oral hygiene. Tooth issues can be very painful if ignored. For all those who just love their mom’s smile a bit too much, suggest a bit of filler/botox to boost her mood and make her feel forever young.

ENT & Chest Exam:

If Mom is dealing with diabetes or any vision issues, get an eye examination every year. Make sure she invests in a good pair of sunglasses that have UV protection and cover a large part of the face. Keeping a few pairs of reading glasses handy would make life easier for her. Sinus and snoring can be small issues that can lead to nagging headaches and loss of quality sleep. Get it checked and nip the problem in the bud. As women age, their voice also starts to change. Some women lose their voices, or it becomes more hoarse. Regular chanting and yoga can help keep their voice intact. If Mom has asthma, make sure she has a backup of inhalers at home. Sticking a glow in the dark sticker on it makes it easier to find at night. Encourage mom to stay hydrated and consume warm water with cinnamon regularly.

Vaccination:

Get mom a flu shot every year. A tetanus-diphtheria booster once every 10 years is beneficial. Two doses of varicella vaccine is a must if she has never had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine. With the COVID-19 pandemic shocking us, it’s better to keep mom at home if she’s over 60. Get the right protocols implemented and keep masks and sanitizer handy at home. Try to maintain a very hygienic environment at home.

Woman Screening

Mammogram:

If UR family medical history suggests breast cancer, consider yearly mammograms over the age of 35. For mom’s under 35, do regular self-breast examinations or opt for a breast ultrasound. Keep a check on mom’s skin for abnormal signs.

Pelvic Exam And Pap Smear:

These are must for mom every 3 years to check for cervical cancer. If mom’s Pap smear and HPV test are normal, she needs to repeat the test only every 5 years.

Colorectal Cancer Screening:

If mom is above 50, get a faecal occult blood test every year. For every 5yrs, get a Flexible sigmoidoscopy and a colonoscopy every 10 years.
Osteoporosis screening: If mom has a fractured bone post the age of 50, make sure to get a bone density test.

Gynaecologist

Women find it invasive to meet a gynaecologist. With age encourage UR gynaecologist to become UR mom’s best friend. Help mom to choose a gynaecologist she can confide in and trust.
Few most common issues women deal with are menstrual abnormalities, menopause, pregnancy-related problems, ovary health, vaginal discharge, itchiness, bleeding and cancer. Consult a gynaecologist and follow up with the entire course of treatment. Don’t feel shy. UR moms health is as stake. Addressing women’s issues are no more a taboo, we’re living in 2020.

The most common health-related issues women face are due to an unhealthy lifestyle. PCOD, late childbearing, fibroids, cysts, endometriosis (presence of Endometrial Tissue – the lining of the uterus, outside the uterus in the pelvic cavity), adenomyosis, pelvic infections, breast and uterus cancer in younger patients, infertility, etc. could be avoided by making minor lifestyle changes gradually.

U R in this together as a family. You can choose to bake her a cake full of sugar or teach her to start living healthy. The choice is URs. Make UR mother’s day act meaningful or else don’t do it at all.