What is women check up, health screening all women should have

Remember that old saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Getting checked early can stop diseases like cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis in the very beginning when they are easier to treat. Screening tests can spot illnesses even before you have symptoms. Which tests you need depends on your age, family history, your own health, and other factors. For Women Checkup and health screening  BEST MATERNITY CARE IN CHANDIGARH. The screening tests change as you age. Women should have regular screening and important screening tests are listed below:

1)                Screening for breast cancer- Chances of cure are better if breast cancer is detected early during screening. Breast cancers are less likely to spread to lymph nodes and vital organs like lungs and brain.

Mammogram: These are low dose x-rays that can often find a lump, before you even feel it. Some experts recommend that while you are in your 40s, you should have a mammogram every year. Then from 50 year onwards, you can do every other year. Your doctor can tell u how often to have mammogram if age is younger than 50. For women above 75, there is no recommendation, because not enough research has been done in this age group.

Breast examination: Starting in your 40s, your doctor will perform yearly breast examination. He or she will visually or manually check your breasts for differences in size and shape, rashes and clumping and lumps. You can check fluid from the nipple. You should see your breast yourself and tell your physician.

2)                Physical examination- You should have two physical examinations during your 20s. At each examination your doctor should do careful assessment of height, weight, BMI. He may ask you some questions about depression, alcohol and drug use, smoking, diet and exercise, vaccination history.

3)                Diabetes screening- If you are at high risk for diabetes, you may need to be screened for pre-diabetes every three years starting in your 40s. If your blood pressure is over 135/80 or you have high cholesterol level, your doctor may screen you for type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors are-

§  Physical inactivity

§  Severe obesity

§  Having a first degree relative with diabetes mellitus

§  Being African American, Mexican American, American Indian, Pacific Islander and Asian American.

Starting from the age of 40, you should go for diabetes screening every three years. But if you have family history of DM, obesity or other risk factors, then it is to be done yearly or more often. Diabetes can cause heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, blindness, and other serious problems. You can control diabetes with diet, exercise and weight loss and medication.

4)                Cervical cancer screening- For this screening you have to first of all do pelvic examination. This is important as one can find out any cervicitis and erosion and can tell the patient for regular check-ups and screening with regular PAP’s smear. Cervical cancer is easy to prevent. The cervix is a narrow passage between the uterus and the vagina. PAPs smear fluid can detect abnormal cells on the cervix which can be removed before they even turn into cancer. The main cause of cervical cancer is Human Papilloma Virus, a type of STD. In PAP’s smear, your doctor scraps some of the cells from the cervix and sends them to the lab. Your doctor will tell you whether you need a PAP’s test alone or with HPV testing. Your doctor will tell you how often it should be tested. If you are sexually active, you would need Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing also every year.

HPV vaccine can protect women under 26 from sexual strains of HPV. The vaccine don’t doesn’t protect against all the cancer causing strains of HPV, so routine cervical screening is important.

5)                Osteoporosis- It is a state when person’s bones are weak and fragile. After menopause, women start to lose more bone mass, but men get osteoporosis too. First symptom is often a painful break even after a minor fall, blow or twist. But one can prevent and treat osteoporosis.

6)                Screening: A special type of X-ray can measure bone strength and detect osteoporosis before fracture happens. This is called as Dexa scan. In this low dose x-ray machine captures the images of bones. This is started at the age of 65, but those with risk factors should be screened earlier. Frequency of the screening depends upon bone density and other risk factors.

Colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer. Most colon cancers come from polyps. These are abnormal masses that grow on the lining of the large intestines. Polyps may not be cancerous, but if they are they can spread to other parts of the body. Removing polyps early can prevent the disease.

Screening: It should be done at the age of 50, tests are-

§  Yearly stool tests

§  Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

§  Colonoscopy every 5 years

§  Barium enema with contrast

§  Computed tomographic colonoscopy

You may need screening frequently. If you are at high risk of colon cancer, you should be screened till 75years of age.

Screening for high BP

As you get older, your blood pressure increases especially if you are overweight or have certain bad health habits. High blood pressure can cause life threatening heart attacks and strokes without any warning. So working with your doctor to control it can save your life. Lowering your BP can prevent heart disease and kidney failure.

Cholesterol screening

High cholesterol level can cause plaque to clog your arteries. Plaque can build up for many years without symptoms and suddenly can cause heart attack or stroke. High BP, diabetes, smoking can cause plaque to build up too. It is called atherosclerosis. Life style changes and medications can lower the risk. To check your cholesterol, you may need to fast 9 to 12 hours. Then you go for a blood test that measures LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol) and triglycerides.

Skin cancer

There are several types of skin cancer. Early treatment is effective in treatment but the most dangerous is melanoma. The risk of skin cancer increases with over exposure to sun. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are non-melanoma cancers. Watch for any changes in your skin markings, including moles and freckles. Pay attention to changes in their shape, color, and size. If gross changes are there, then consult your doctor. Besides this screening for STD and hearing test and eye exam are also required.

Immunization

1.        You should get a flu vaccine every year, especially if you are over the age of 65 or have risk factor.

2.        You should get one tetanus diphtheria booster every 10 years starting after age 19.

3.        You should get HPV vaccine. It is recommended from the age of 9-45 years.

4.        If you have never had chicken pox, you should get the varicella vaccine.

Keep your brain to be sure in light of the fact that what you think and feel plays a significant impact on the little life you're bearing inside you. For best maternity care in Chandigarh, you can contact to DR. S.K. GAMBHIR. She is well-reputed gynecologist in Chandigarh.

IMPORTANCE OF BREAST MILK

Breast milk is the natural, unequaled high balance of carbohydrate, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals that are easier to digest and absorb by your baby. Colostrum, the breast milk produced immediately after delivery is the perfect first food for your baby as it is filled with antibodies and immunoglobulin A (IgA). Thus, breast milk boosts immunity. The chances of infection like diarrhea, cholera is higher in bottle-fed babies as compared to breastfeed ones. Breast milk also ensures lesser chances of diabetes in children by as much as 30%, reduces the risk of childhood cancers and heart disease later in life. If you are looking for BEST MATERNITY CARE IN CHANDIGARH then we will help you.

Breastfeeding also contributes to the health and well-being of the mother. It helps space children and reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding women recover faster and easier from childbirth as hormones such as Oxytocin helps the uterus to return to normalcy quicker and reduce postpartum bleeding. The benefits also extend to effortlessly losing weight gain during pregnancy.

While breastfeeding is a natural act but it is also a learned behavior. Motivation and right way of feeding baby so as to give support to the mother for establishing and sustaining the best breastfeeding practices is important.

Guide to Breastfeeding

Just like adults, babies too have their own individual eating patterns. Most babies fall into the routine of feeding once every 2 hours. “Watch the baby and not the clock”. Feed your baby on demand. One way to look whether your baby is feeding enough is to observe their output i.e. 5-6 wet diapers and 2 – 3 stools per day is an indicator of a healthy baby. Also, better your child is latched on to your nipple, longer and adequately he or she will feed.

Breast Milk Vs Formula Milk

Avoid modern formula milk as it superficially contains the same amount of nutrition as breast milk. This is because breast milk is produced directly in the mother’s body, caters specifically to the requirements of the baby and contains antibodies that protect the new-born. Formula milk, on the other hand, contains no living cells, enzymes, antibodies, and hormones, which are essential for the all-round development of the child and for boosting his or her immunity.

The breast milk is easy to digest and absorb as compared to formula feed, so frequent feedings are required. This is absolutely normal for your baby to feed frequently in the beginning because their stomach capacity is very less at birth. For More Details Visit Dr. S.K Gambhir Website.

What Happens if I Stop Taking the Birth Control Pill and my Period doesn’t Come Back?

Birth control pills come in 21 days of packaging of active hormone oils and for 7 days of placebo pills. By taking placebo pills menstrual period like bleeding occurs. Some extended cycle pill treatments have active hormone pills every day for 3 months, which follows by a week of low dose estrogen pills or placebo pills. Top Gynaecologist in Tricity . During the last week you will experience menstrual bleeding.

What happens when you take the pills?

If you don’t get period for several months then you might be suffering from post pill amenorrhea. The pill prevents your body from producing hormones which are involved in menstruation and ovulation. When you stop taking pills, then it takes some time for the body to bounce back to normal production of these hormones.

What happens when you stop taking the pills?

Your period will return back within three months once you stop taking the birth control pill, but also depend on you and what cycle are you in. In some cases women who take pills to balance their menstrual cycles may not have a period for several months. This happens because the pill contains hormones that stop egg (ovulation) release each month. If the period does not occur for 3 months then you should take the pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant and you should see your doctor.

What are the factors that can influence your Menstrual Cycles ?

Stress, weight, health, exercise and medical condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also influence you period cycle. The first period after stopping pill is known as withdrawal bleed. The natural period occurs after that.

If you want to get pregnant then it is best to wait until you have your first natural period. This gives you time to make sure you are in your best physical condition for pregnancy. It also helps to detect your doctor to predict your due date more accurately. Birth control pills do not cause fertility problem but it can mask the underlying problem like irregular periods. Top Gynaecologist in Tricity for irregular periods for more details visit  Dr. S.K.Gambhir website.

Intermittent Preventive Treatment Of Malaria (Iptp)

Malarial infection during pregnancy is a major public health problem with substantial risks for the mother, her fetus and the neonate. Pregnant women are especially at high risk for malaria because of their change in the immune system during pregnancy and the presence of a new organ (placenta). With new places for the parasite to bind, pregnant women lose their immunity. Anti-malarial drugs have been used in various ways to prevent malaria in the resident population of endemic areas for nearly 100 years.

Chemoprophylaxis is highly effective in reducing mortality and morbidity from malaria in young children and pregnant women living in endemic areas. Malaria during pregnancy is a major cause of anemia and neonatal death and one of the main causes of low birth weight. Best  Maternity Care in Chandigarh. The unique treatment of malaria in pregnancy was first described 75 years ago.

 Several chemoprophylaxis has been used for decades. The IPTp was first tested in 1995. WHO recommends IPTp with sulfadoxine (500mg)-pyrimethamine (25mg) (IPTp-SP) in all areas with moderate to high malaria transmission?

Malaria infection during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both mother and fetus including maternal anemia, fetal loss, premature delivery, intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight infants. It is a particular problem for women in their pregnancy and for women in their first and second pregnancy and HIV positive women. In Africa, malaria infection in pregnancy is a major threat to the lives of all the mothers and fetuses and mothers.

Main points in preventive treatment according to WHO recommendations are-

Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine is given to all pregnant women starting as early as possible in the second trimester. The women should receive at least 3 doses of SP during her pregnancy, with each dose being given at least 1 month apart – SP can safely be administered up until the time of delivery.

IPTp in pregnancy is a full therapeutic course of anti-malarial medicine given to pregnant women at routine antenatal care visits, regardless the women are infected with malaria or not. The symptoms and complications of malaria in pregnancy vary according to malaria transmission intensity in the given geographical area- stable (high) or unstable (low) transmission.

Recommended Interventions

§          Use of insecticide-treated bed nets.

§          Intermittent preventive treatment for women in high transmission areas.

§          Effective case management.

§         Women should also receive iron-folate supplementation to protect against anemia, a commonoccurrence among all pregnant women. However high doses of folic acid counteract the effect of SP, therefore it is preferred that women take the only 0.4mg daily recommended dose of folic acid. Sometimes it is recommended to withhold folic acid supplementation for 2 weeks.

§        Duration for post-treatment prophylaxis is likely to be an important determinant of the benefit of IPTp.

§        More effective anti-malarial drugs need to be evaluated for IPtp in both low and high transmission areas.

For Malarial infection during pregnancy Treatment Best Maternity Care in Chandigarh For More Details Visit Dr.S.K Gambhir Website.

What Drug Is In An Epidural? Do Epidurals Slow Down Labor?

Epidural anesthesia is the most popular method of pain relief during labor. 50% of women giving birth use epidural anesthesia. It is the pain-relieving shot that some pregnant women get when they are giving birth. But it has other uses too. It is an injection that goes into your epidural space which is right outside the membrane that protects your spinal cord. Best Gynaecologist in Mohali Doctors use epidural injections to relieve pain during and after surgery, as well as managing labor pain. It requires a low dose of medicine and has fewer side effects.

How is an epidural useful?

Epidural may give you longer lasting pain relief. You stay more alert and mobile during the epidural. This is the most common analgesia in which doctor block the spinal nerves and prevent pain signals from traveling to your brain begins to work in 10 to 20 minutes. You would get a nerve block through a small flexible tube called a catheter that goes near your spine at the back and discharges the medicine, so you will not feel any pain.

How does an epidural work?

All epidural target the nerves that carry pain signals. So you are still able to feel foul and pressure. You will be able to walk as and with some help for their reasons doctors usually recommend the used an epidural nerve block when a woman chooses to get anesthesia during childbirth. Epidural medications fall into a class of drugs called local anesthetics such as bupivacaine, chloroprocaine or lidocaine. They are often delivered in combination with opioids or narcotics such as fentanyl etc. to decrease the dose of local anesthetic.

How is an epidural given to a pregnant woman?

Intravenous fluid is started before active labor begins and prior to the procedure of placing the epidural. Anesthetist will administer your epidural, you will be asked to arch your back and remain still which lying on left side or sitting up. An antiseptic solution is used to wipe the area of your mid back. A small area on your back will be injected with the local anesthetic to numb it. A needle is inserted into the numb area surrounding the spinal cord. After that a small tube or catheter is inserted through the needle into epidural space. The needle is then carefully removed leaving the catheter in place to provide medication either through periodic injection or continuous injection. The catheter is tapped to the back to prevent it from slipping.

There are two types of epidural:

Regular Epidural: A combination of narcotic and anesthesia is administered either by a pump or by periodic injections into epidural space.

Combines Spinal Epidural: an initial dose of narcotic, anesthetic or a combination of the two is injected beneath the outermost of the spinal cord and inward of the epidural space. This is the intrathecal area. The anesthetist will put the needle back into the epidural space thread the catheter through the needle, then withdraw the needle and leave the catheter in place. This allows more freedom to move and greater ability to change position with assistance with the catheter in place you can request an epidural at any time. Best Gynaecologist in MohaliFor More Details Visit Dr. Sk Gambhir  Website.

15 Things Your Mother’s Health Says About You

Yours mother body may be an indication of your own future heath. Here is how and what you can do about it. Genetics play a big part in health conditions; so looking at your mom’s health can give you’re a clue of what can happen with you. Best MaternityCare in Chandigarh is especially true of complications that affect women more than men. These are as follows:

·         Osteoporosis: A recent research has found genetic variants predisposing some people to the disease. There is an evidence for an increased risk of osteoporosis if your mother has it or parental history of hip fracture. So take enough of calcium and vitamin D and live a healthy life style.

·         Wrinkles: If you are getting wrinkles, then ask your mom when did she begin having wrinkles. Looking at her and her pictures can help you understand the things that are needed to deal with it. Daily sunscreen lotion and an anti-aging serum with retinol, vitamin C and vitamin E application can help. If skin is fairer, chances of skin cancer is more.

·         Mental health: Stress and depression are twice more common in women than men. This is due to the hormonal fluctuations in women and due to reaction of women to stress and trauma. Female experience depression more often than men and it is genetically linked. Certain genetic mutations associated with depression occur only in women. So if your mother had depression and you have mild symptoms, get timely treatment.

·         Migraines: Women are more likely than men to have migraines, because of hormonal fluctuations. One of the main factor for migraine is family history. If your mother has migraine, you are likely to develop.

·         Alzheimer’s disease: Nearly two-third of those with Alzheimer’s are women. There are genetic markers that have been identified that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. If your mother and father have genetic mutation of early onset of Alzheimer’s, there is 50% chance that your will inherit it. You can reduce your risk by exercising, eating a healthy diet, maintaining social ties and staying mentally active.

·         Heart disease and diabetes: If you have a genetic similarity of weight and body shape, you and your mother also have a similar risk of heart disease, the no. one killer of women as well as type 2 diabetes. American Society of Human Genetics found that maternally inherited gene variants of how women store fat can affect their risk of Type 2 DM. There is evidence that if your mother has heart disease and type 2 DM, you are at higher risk of developing them.

·         Pregnancy: If you want to know what will be your pregnancy experience, then ask your mother. If you have family history of diabetes, you are at increased risk for gestational diabetes. Pre-eclampsia is also more common in women who have had high B.P. and high B.P. is inherited. Severe morning sickness is also inherited.

·         Breast cancer: Breast cancer has genetic pre-disposition. If you have family history of breast cancer, then you have increased chance of getting it. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk. If your mom or other female relative have breast cancer, consider a genetic counselor for genetic testing. The gene mutation which is to be tested is BRCA 1.

·         Ovarian cancer: The same is with ovarian cancer. The gene mutation which is associated with hereditary ovarian cancer is BRCA 2 gene mutation.

·         Post-partum depression (PPD): Studies show that post-partum depression is genetically linked. Your risk for PPD increases if your mother or another family member for eg. sister, aunt had PPD. So ask your mother about her post-partum experiences. This will give you a clue about risk factors for you.

·         Eye issues: Women are more likely to have the eye condition called glaucoma and are more likely to be visually impaired or blind from it says the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Women are more likely to have dry eye syndrome. If your mom or dad has glaucoma, then you should screen for it regularly.

·         Menopause: Studies have shown that the age at which your mother went through menopause will be partly responsible for which you will have if your mother went through menopause early or premature ovarian failure before 40. It can be caused by number of conditions in which some of the conditions are inherited.

·         Fertility: Regarding getting pregnant, causes of infertility and miscarriage are not genetic. But there are certain conditions like endometriosis; there is increased risk in first-degree relative. Some women with recurrent miscarriage can have inherited chromosomes and genetic testing can be done. In some other conditions like PCOD, it is not clear yet whether genetics are at play.

·         Weight and body shape: The condition of your body is partly genetic and partly environmental. So if your mother has a certain body type or weight, you may be more likely to have the same one. But this is not genetic. If you grow up eating the same way as your mother, you develop a similar body. Like-wise the fitness level you achieve is partly hereditary and partly lifestyle. If your mom is over-weight, you can help avoid the same by eating healthy and exercising.

·         Rare genetic disorders: A few disorders like Huntington’s disease are very strongly genetically linked. If one of your parents has the mutated genes that cause this neuron-degenerative disease, you have 50% chances of inheriting that gene. If you have, you will develop Huntington’s 100%. You may be born with a genetic predisposition to certain disorders but that does not mean you will develop it. Genetic predisposition is the loaded gun and lifestyle factor can pull the trigger. So some of the things we can control and some we can’t. so if your mom had certain conditions, you can try to avoid them. Best Maternity Care in Chandigarh is especially true of complications that affect women more than men. For More details visit Dr. S.K.Gambhir  Website.

Ladies Specialist Doctor in Chandigarh

You may experience changes in your skin and hair as your pregnancy progresses. Some women develop dark patches on the face or their skin may feel darker due to hormonal changes. If you are experiencing the same, it is best that you consult a gynecologists or a dermatologist at the earliest. Early and timely attention can help you improve your skin. During pregnancy women consult Best Ladies Specialist Doctor in Chandigarh.

Few Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy Are:

Acne: After the child birth many women lose their pregnancy glow and gain unwanted acne. This occurs due to increased level of estrogens and progesterone which trigger oily skin and clogs the pores. You should consult your doctor about acne treatment.

The Linea Nigra: Often pregnant woman experience skin discoloration near stomach during pregnancy, this is commonly known as lineal nigra. The skin discoloration disappears shortly after the delivery.

Dry Skin: Dry skin is common in pregnant females who have low thyroid levels during pregnancy. Dry skin can be avoided by the use of quality moisturizer and simultaneous your skin improves with time.

Spider and Varicose Veins: Spider and varicose veins appear by weakened valves in veins. Due to increased blood flow during pregnancy, the unwanted marks like this tend to occur. Many treatment options are available, but it is important to understand the severity of varicose veins.

Facial discoloration: During pregnancy and after giving birth, many women encounter dark patches of skin on their face. This condition of facial discoloration is known as chiliasm and sometimes it is called as the mask of pregnancy. As your reproductive hormones rises there is increase in the melanin which further increases hyper pigmentation of skin. When your hormones start to balance themselves, then your skin patches start to fade by it.

Stretch marks: As your belly size increase so does stretch marks. Use good moisturize which help to maintain stretch marks. Also by maintain healthy weight also helps to wave of stretch marks.

Skin tags, warts or moles: Warts and skin tags appear after dramatic weight loss. If your mole enlarges and changes its color, you should contact your doctor. During pregnancy women consult Best Ladies Specialist Doctor in Chandigarh For More Details visit Dr. S.K. Gambhir Website.