Health

 A Conversation on Health Sunday was National Hydration Day, a timely reminder of how essential water is for life. Every system in our body depends on adequate hydration to function correctly, making it indispensable for our survival. But hydration isn’t just about keeping our bodies running; it’s about replenishing what we lose every day through sweating, urination, and even breathing. Staying hydrated is especially crucial for women, yet many of us find it challenging to drink enough water daily.  How Much Water Do You Need? The daily water intake requirement is at least 1.5 to 2 litres per day. This amount increases if you are exercising, sweating more than usual, living in a hotter climate, or breastfeeding. Meeting this requirement is essential for overall health and well-being. To help track your intake, use the same bottle so you can estimate how many litres you are drinking. A helpful tip is to sip water throughout the day to reach your target. This way, you won't even notice you're drinking that much water. Additionally, don't count extra drinks throughout the day, as people often overestimate their water intake because of them. Hydration and Menstrual Health. Staying hydrated is crucial for managing period pain and keeping your energy levels up. Proper hydration supports all bodily functions, including a healthy menstrual cycle, by reducing painful cramps and enhancing overall well-being. Ensuring you drink enough water is key to managing various period-related issues and irregularities. Here's a tip: kickstart your day with a glass of water, it's the first thing your body needs! Hydration and Menopause. Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life, bringing both physical and mental changes. Each woman experiences menopause differently; for some, it comes with severe and bothersome symptoms that can drastically affect the quality of life. However, good nutrition and hydration can play a critical role in alleviating some of these symptoms and reducing menopause-related health risks like cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis. During menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can trigger headaches, especially when coupled with inadequate water intake. The brain relies heavily on water to function optimally, and even slight dehydration can worsen symptoms like brain fog and irritability. Moreover, common menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats can further deplete hydration levels, underscoring the importance of increasing fluid intake to stay adequately hydrated. Also don’t forget that a good level of hydration will help combat vaginal dryness. Nutritional strategies are also essential in our lives and must be tailored to our age, environment, and individual physical needs. Let's explore key recommendations for different phases in a woman's life to ensure optimal health and well-being at every stage. Nutritional Strategies for Menopause Soy Isoflavones: research on soy isoflavones is mixed, but regular consumption of soy-based foods such as soy milk, tofu, tempeh, and edamame beans has been found to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flushes. Calcium and Vitamin D: as we age, we start to lose calcium from our bones. During menopause, lower oestrogen levels accelerate this loss. Post-menopausal women should aim to consume 2-3 servings of calcium-rich foods daily, such as dairy products, tofu, tempeh, fortified milks, and green leafy vegetables. Additionally, a vitamin D supplement is advisable for bone health. Balanced Diet: a healthy, balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fibre, healthy fats (nuts, seeds, fatty fish, cold-pressed oils, avocado), good quality protein, and complex carbohydrates is essential. Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake is also recommended. Nutritional Needs During Menstrual Cycles. Period pain is a common issue, and certain nutrients can help alleviate it. Ensuring adequate intake of the following nutrients is crucial: Vitamin D: Adults should supplement 10mcg of vitamin D during the months without sufficient sunlight (usually September to March). Omega-3:Consider an omega-3 supplement, especially if you're vegan or vegetarian. Magnesium: A magnesium salt bath can encourage relaxation and relieve menstrual and stomach cramps due to its muscle-relaxing properties. Calcium and Iron: calcium is essential for overall health, and iron is particularly important during menstruation due to blood loss, which can lead to fatigue. Hydration and nutrition play a pivotal role in women's health, particularly during menopause and menstrual cycles. By staying hydrated and consuming a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, women can manage symptoms more effectively and maintain a higher quality of life. Remember, taking care of your body through proper hydration and nutrition is an investment in your long-term health and well-being. As I conclude, know that you are not alone on this path to better health and wellness. Your journey is unique but together we form a community of strength and support. Let’s thrive together, Cristina x

We believe the journey of motherhood should be one of empowerment and joy, not marred by the debilitating consequences of childbirth injuries. By raising awareness and fostering a supportive community, we can help women affected by OASI reclaim their lives and break the silence surrounding this critical issue.

In essence, cervical screening is more than just a medical procedure, it’s an empowering act of self-care. By staying informed and proactive about your health, you can take control and make a significant difference in your well-being. 

As a society, we must advocate for comprehensive healthcare policies that ensure equitable access to quality care for all women, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. 

Various studies have shown that cognitive behavioural  psychotherapy and participation in support groups can reduce stress and mood symptoms while also potentially boosting fertility rates.

The study highlighted a lack of training on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) for psychiatrists and medical students, reflecting a broader trend in women's health education.

Can you believe it? Despite what many people think, abortion is still illegal in Britain, and incredibly, vulnerable women are still being criminalised for taking control of their own pregnancies.

A Conversation on Mind As the Director of Research and Information and co-founder of Agora, I'd like to celebrate different ways of thinking. This week, I will discuss the concept of neurodiversity and emphasise the significance of embracing diverse cognitive perspectives. Breaking Stigmas and Fostering Acceptance  Neurodiversity  emphasises the absence of a singular "correct" mode of brain operation and instead acknowledges a broad spectrum of perceptions and responses to the world, all of which merit recognition and celebration. The term "neurodiversity" emerged in the 1990s as a response to combat the stigma associated with conditions like autism, ADHD, and learning disorders such as dyslexia. Nowadays is a movement that advocates for the acceptance and support of neurodivergent individuals, those whose cognitive processes differ from the usual and emphasises the cultivation of their strengths and talents. Embracing Neurodiversity at Agora At Agora we enthusiastically embrace the principles of neurodiversity, aiming to foster a society where variations in neurological functioning are recognised and valued just as highly as any other aspect of human diversity. It is estimated that about 1 in 7 individuals (over 15% of the UK population) are neurodivergent, indicating that their brains function, learn, and process information in unique ways. Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in environments such as schools, university applications, and job searches, where systems are typically designed by the dominant population and may not adequately support their needs. As noted by Australian sociologist Judy Singer, neurodiversity ought to be viewed as a movement for social justice, aimed at fostering equality among individuals who belong to "neurological minorities" ,those whose brains function in non-traditional manners. The People of Determination Initiative In our society, there is still a stigma attached to individuals with neurological differences. However, during my travels in the Middle East, I was struck by the positive way in which neurodivergent individuals were referred to. In the UAE, there is a commitment to creating a world free from discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. They are officially recognised as "People of Determination" in acknowledgment of their accomplishments across various fields. Creating a More Inclusive Future. The journey toward equality may be lengthy, but even small acknowledgments and appreciations of diversity can foster tolerance and inclusion. These, in turn, contribute to enhance the well-being and mental health of countless individuals, thereby making our society and world better places to live in. With more people participating and collaborating towards progress and improvement, we can collectively create positive change. As I conclude, know that you are not alone on this path to better health and wellness. Your journey is unique but together we form a community of strength and support. Let’s thrive together, Cristina x

A Conversation on Health  In March, our attention is drawn to the systemic presence of health inequalities affecting women in our society. As we observe Ovarian Cancer Awareness month during this time, we are once again confronted with disconcerting data related to this particular women's health concern. Ovarian cancer can impact individuals with ovaries and fallopian tubes, encompassing women, transgender (trans) men, and people assigned female at birth . In the UK every two hours, a woman succumbs to ovarian cancer, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. Annually, approximately 7,400 women receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer . Notably, women aged 70 and above face a significantly lower likelihood of receiving any treatment compared to their younger counterparts. These are very alarming facts, underscoring the urgent need for improved healthcare access and support for older women facing this disease. Moreover, there is a noticeable disparity in the uptake of crucial genetic testing among patients from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, emphasising the need for more inclusive healthcare practices and targeted interventions to address these alarming disparities. There is a limited understanding of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, and this month, several charities are actively promoting awareness on this crucial aspect. One notable example is the Target Ovarian Cancer video, which I have selected to share with you. In an effort to combat healthcare disparities for women and improve the disproportionately low survival rates related to ovarian cancer, the women's health charity Ovarian Cancer Action initiated the Improve UK project. This project is centred on tackling pressing issues in specific areas of the UK. For instance, it is vital to highlight the imperative of introducing prehabilitation services for women. This step aims to enhance accessibility to critical surgeries, ultimately reducing the disparity in survival rates. Moreover, there is , as already mentioned, an urgent need to amplify the adoption of genetic testing, especially within BAME communities, and to diminish the delays from diagnosis to the initiation of treatment. If you wish to know more about ovarian cancer kindly refer to the provided links below. As I conclude, know that you are not alone on this path to better health and wellness. Your journey is unique but together we form a community of strength and support. Let’s thrive together, Cristina x https://ovarian.org.uk/ovarian-cancer/patient-hub/what-is-ovarian-cancer/ https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/what-ovarian-cancer https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/ovarian-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors-of-ovarian-cancer