Lifestyle Diseases An Emerging Issue in Working Women
Overview A working woman has a race against time to maintain a healthy work-life balance. However, there are many times when this balance is off. Here’s when all the lifestyle diseases start to pop out.
Some Alarming Statistics 68% working women suffer from lifestyle diseases : ASSOCHAM
1 in 4 Indians above 30 years are at risks of dying due to lifestyle diseases: WHO
In 2005, 60% of deaths all over the world (35 million) resulted from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) of which 44% accounted for premature deaths.
In 2015, a jointly published report by the WHO and the World Economic Forum, Revealed that, India would account for a loss of $236.6 billion.
Risk Factors of a Lifestyle Diseases
Gender
Age
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
Heredity/Ethnicity
Physical Inactivity
Diet
Controllable Risks Factors
Unhealthy Habits
Chronic Backache
Obesity
Diabetes
Common Lifestyle Diseases in Women Depression/General Anxiety Disorder
Infertility
Cardiovascular Diseases
Obesity In a survey conducted by a health organization, following observations were made: 80 % of urban Indian working women in the age group 25-45 years were over weight; due to the sedentary lifestyle and changing food habits. Obesity is also known to affect the mind, and cause symptoms like depression, insomnia, and self-pity. Women in the IT sector spend 10-12 hours sitting at their workstations in a controlled environment resulting in weight gain. Struggling with the weight management a working woman may suffer from psychological problems These psychological problems in turn not only affect the eating habits (e.g. anorexia) but could eventually lead to depression.
Depression/General Anxiety Disorder 75% of working women are known to suffer from depression/general anxiety disorder as compared to women with lesser levels of psychological workplace demands. It has been predicted that by 2020, depression would be the 2nd major cause of disability worldwide. The root cause of this problem is associated with the long working hours and strict deadlines. Factors such as poor sleep, nutrition, lack of exercise,addiction to alcohol, and drug abuse also contribute to depression.
Chronic Backache The working women usually have a lower back pain as it bears our body weight. This is the most common chronic disease at work which is a result of: • Long hours of static posture at work. • Inappropriate/no back support. • Excessive and sudden weight gain by the sedentary lifestyle • An anxious mind tends to aggravate the back pain.
Infertility These sedentary lifestyle changes are known to be the cause of the increasing infertility rates. Infertility is a result of the following: • Age • Stress • Obesity caused by the long working hours with erratic timings • Lack of physical exercise • Changes in eating habits • Pre-existing conditions like diabetes.
Diabetes Healthcare experts say a combination of dietary pattern, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and genetic predisposition puts Indians at a unique risk of acquiring diabetes Rotating Night shift working may lead to diabetes in working women
Night Shift Working
Weight Gain
Diabetes
Cardiovascular Diseases There has been a rise seen in CVD among younger women due to changing lifestyle, drop in oestrogen hormone count. Lack of oestrogen hormone is among the top five reasons for younger women in the age group of 20-40 years developing CVD The stress has long been known to increase cardiovascular disease risk in women
Conclusion We can safely say that the prominent factors contributing to lifestyle diseases are: Bad food habits, Physical inactivity, Inappropriate body posture Disturbed biological clock. Hence, women's safety and health issues at work need to be addressed, diagnosed early and managed on priority. For this, we can opt for regular health checkups. You have to necessarily realize the importance of a healthy body and avoid all the risks factors that contribute to the lifestyle diseases.
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