Women Love Health

Nishanth Reddy asked:


Why is Hair Removal Essential?

Apart from cosmetic reasons, there can be other compelling reasons why people want to remove hair; for example medical reasons.

This is required when due to some hormonal imbalance women start sprouting hair at places where they are not supposed to, e.g., facial hair. Also, before surgery a patient’s hair requires removal in order to reduce chances of infection. This is done by a simple temporary method like shaving.

Social and cultural reasons dictate hair removal at times. Would you look better at the workplace clean-shaven or with stubble or would you like to flaunt hairy legs on a date? These are things like that make up social and cultural reasons. Many religions across the world also involve some kind of hair removal ritual.

Types of Hair Removal

There are basically two types of hair removal temporary and permanent hair removal processes. Before we discuss the different methods available for hair removal it is essential to know that hair growth starts from beneath the skin’s surface.

If you want to remove hair above the skin’s surface then that is most likely a temporary method, also called depilation. Shaving, trimming, using creams or powders that dissolve hair or using rough surfaces to rub off hair are temporary methods.

Permanent hair removal, also called epilation, involves removing hair not just from the surface but removing it entirely along with the root. Methods like tweezing, waxing, sugaring, threading, etc. are depilation methods. Then there are the more sophisticated depilation methods such as electrolysis and laser hair removal.

Permanent Hair Removal System

If you are looking for a type of permanent hair removal system, you can rest assured in knowing that there are many options available to you, and so depending on your budget, available time, and personal preference, you should be able to narrow down between the available options and decide on the one that is right for you.

Some of the most popular permanent hair removal system processes include:

Electrolysis hair removal

Epilators

Hair growth inhibitors

Hair removal creams and depilatories

Ingrown hair treatments

Sugaring

Waxing

Laser Hair Removal System

There are different types of laser hair removal systems that are available for you to choose, when you are looking for a laser hair removal system.

Each laser hair removal system is different in at least some way from the next, and this is why it is so incredibly important that you truly make yourself knowledgeable on all of the different options, so that you will be sure to make the decision that is right and best for you in the end.

The Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is considered extremely safe if performed properly and by qualified specialists.

A majority of clients have reported long lasting results and even permanent hair removal.

A laser hair removal treatment can be carried out on large areas such as the chest, back, and legs in one session.

If there is re-growth after laser hair removal this will be much lighter and finer in texture than before.

It can be virtually painless when compared with waxing and electrolysis as a means of body hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal Side Effects

Laser hair removal is an incredibly significant and important matter, and in fact a large majority of the people in the world has had it done.

However, in the case of something like this, it seems that there would of course have to be some types of side effects, and this is what begs the questions of what the possible laser hair removal side effects are.

In regards to the matter of the possible laser hair removal side effects, if you are one of those people who is worried about the safety of this practice, it is important for you to know that laser hair removal side effects are in fact quite rare, and, in most other cases, completely temporary.

Hyper Pigmentation

The most common side effects would include something such as hyper pigmentation, meaning the appearance of dark or white spots, of which would appear on the skin and then disappear in a few months.

This usually happens more often to those who have extremely sensitive skin, and more sensitive skins may also become slightly crusty, but again it is important to recognize and remember that all of these symptoms are only temporary.

Exposure to Sun

Basically, in regards to the side effects from such a treatment as this, they are closely related with exposure to sun or otherwise photo-sensitizing medications.

For instance, people who go to tanning beds regularly may not be an excellent candidate for this laser hair removal procedure, or they should at least refrain from going to the beds for a significant period of time both before and after they plan on having the procedure done.

Laser Hair Removal Risks

There are particular laser hair removal risks that are involved with a laser hair removal treatment or procedure just like any other type of procedure. It is significant for anyone who is planning to have a procedure like this done to understand the possible laser hair removal risks, so that they are well informed on the matter as a whole before having it done.

Skin Burns

The laser hair removal risks may include things such as a burning of the skin, or a discoloring on darker skin due to the use of the laser. This is particularly more likely if the doctor that is performing the procedure is not qualified or experienced enough, and so this is why you will want to make extra sure that the staff of the location you are going to is extremely qualified and deserving of your business and your trust.

Redness or Swelling

As well, after the procedure, no medications or bandages are essential however you are likely to notice some redness and swelling on the skin for a relative time after it is completed.

Crusting of the Skin

As well, stinging may occur for the first couple of days, and some people may even experience a slight crusting of the skin; if this crusting occurs in your case, you should make sure to keep the whole area moist, for example with Vaseline, which is the most recommended option for this.

In regards to the possible laser hair removal risks, there are few, but these still must be considered as critical to learn and understand about.

Seeking Out the Help of Professional Surgeon

There are many options in terms of laser hair removal that you can think about. One option is to seek out a professional surgeon that can complete the quick procedure in their office with little time or cost involved.

It is this type of thing that can end up being the best method to go about it because you trust a professional and you have them to hold accountable for having proper working laser hair removal equipment and a knowledgeable staff.

Without this, you may be looking at a much less confident procedure that could end up removing parts that you do not want removed.



Kansieo.com

devika asked:


Reference: HealthOnclick

Health and physical activity tips including information on mens and womens health and wellness including advanced nutritional products for the immune system, joint health, weight loss and general health. All five components of fitness and health: strength training, weight management, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, and flexibility training are discussed in the Online Muscle Fitness section of the site.

Nine specific Total Health Fitness Tips:

Dont Smoke – One of the main reasons why people decide not to give up smoking, and sadly, the reason why some people take it up is the effect smoking supposedly has on weight gain or loss. It is true that smoking has been associated with an increase in metabolism it is a drug!! However it is a dangerous, addictive drug and surely the tiny effect it has on your metabolism is outweighed by the huge risk of dying from lung cancer.

Drink More Water – You can live three weeks without food, However you can only live for three days without fluid, just think 3 days and its all over, one could suggest that water is fairly important.Your body is anywhere between 60 and 70 percent fluid. The fluid in your body is responsible for helping to keep every system of your body in good working order, including all of your metabolic processes. De-hydrate and everything slows down. The fluid in your body will also ensure that you can move well and be active. If you start to dehydrate, your body’s ability to do basic activities will slow down and your ability to exercise effectively or even enjoy exercise will be reduced. You will feel tired, lethargic and will probably get a headache.

Eat A Variety Of Foods – For protection from the majority of illnesses such as heart disease and cancer you need a variety of foods that deliver that mix of nutrients and minerals. Aim to eat different colored fruits and vegetables. Try to eat a different food each month. Eat an apple a day as the apple pectin cleanses the body’s digestive system by removing toxins and therefore preventing degenerative health problems such as cancer.

Relax For 20 Minutes a Day – Relaxing for at least 20 minutes a day will go a long way to reduce blood pressure and your reactions to stress. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable, Breathe slowly in and out of the nostrils breathing deeply into your abdomen. Say HAM as you inhale and SA as you exhale. These suggestions are charged with positive energy and will help you control your emotions. Try once a day for fantastic results.

Floss Every Day – Flossing your teeth every day is the best way to prevent gum disease and protect your heart. Gum disease, which is left untreated, can lead to inflammatory reactions in the body that can trigger heart disease and stroke.

Drink More Tea – Try drinking more tea instead of coffee to help protect your body from damaging effects of free radicals. Tea is a rich source of antioxidants that play a big role in protecting against some cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Get Active – Aerobic activity not only burns calories but also increases your metabolism and can keep it elevated for several hours after a workout. You don’t need to spend hours each day on the treadmill or bike to reap the benefits. Exercising aerobically for as little as 20 minutes, three to five days a week will make a big difference. Extra movement throughout the day is also essential, take the stairs instead of the lift, lose the remote and move at every opportunity you can.

Get More Sleep – Lack of sleep changes your hormone levels and capacity to metabolize carbohydrates so less sleep = slower metabolism. Studies have revealed that deep sleep causes cell repair and cell growth, which will speed up the metabolism and burn calories. So aim to get at least eight hours sleep a night.

Eat More Protein – Protein stimulates the major brain chemical dopamine which keeps us alert, try chicken or tuna salads for lunch. Go for complex carbohydrates rather than white flour and sugar, as they will provide a sustained energy source as opposed to a quick hit. Another reason to leave simple carbohydrate out of the diet is that they have a negative effect on your skin and how it ages. The more sugar that is in the body the more you force a chemical reaction causing sugars to attach to proteins and this is very detrimental to your skin.



Kansieo.com

Victoria Jugoman asked:


Even though the Internet is filled with women’s E-zines, websites, blogs, and communities, nothing compares to the real magazines.  Magazine subscriptions are at an all time high, and for a good reason: women enjoy laying back and reading them.  Women enjoy reading magazines while in waiting rooms, or when waiting on food at a restaurant.  Nothing beats receiving new magazines in the mail every week or month.

If you’re thinking about subscribing to a magazine or two, here are some of the best women’s magazine subscriptions for you to take into consideration:

• VOGUE is without a doubt the leading magazine when it comes to women’s fashion.  Featuring well written articles, professional photography, and interesting editorials, Vogue is a must read for any woman interested in fashion and style.

• Harper’s BAZAAR is often referred to as “the most exquisite” of women’s fashion magazines.  BAZAAR features fashions that are less mainstream than what is found in other magazines.  This magazine is for women who are interested in cutting edge fashion, the latest celebrity news, and updates about the top models and fashion designers. 

• For women who are interested in fitness, weight loss, mental health, nutrition, and diet, SHAPE magazine is a must have.  SHAPE magazine features journal entries and articles about health issues written by well known journalists.  Each issue is a must read, especially for those interested in having a healthy lifestyle.  There is well written advice for women interested in losing weight, becoming fit, and improving their overall mental and physical health.

Other best women’s magazine subscriptions include O, Woman’s Day, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Lucky, In Style, and more.  These magazines feature issues that are important to all women.  Health, relationships, financial success, entertainment, style, beauty, etc… all of these subjects, and more, can be found in all of the best women’s magazines.  Subscriptions for these magazines are very affordable and are worth every dime.



Create a video blog

Jennifer Henrie asked:


Many women and men are interested in laser hair removal, and rightly so! It feels great to have silky smooth skin and know you will never have to shave or wax again. Unlike some cosmetic surgery, with laser hair removal there is very little recovery and downtime required.

Unfortunately, laser hair removal can be a budget-buster for some potential clients, leading them to seek out laser centers offering cheap rates. Is this a good idea? Let’s talk truthfully about affordable laser hair removal.

As with any cosmetic procedure, for laser hair removal you want to find a balance between high quality and low price. You don’t want to sacrifice your health and safety to save a few bucks, but you don’t want to pay extra for unnecessary “prestige.” Your best bet is to find a laser hair removal center that meets a handful of important safeguards AND offers affordable pricing. Here’s what to look for in a quality laser hair removal clinic.

Trained and Certified Laser Hair Removal Staff

Depending on the requirements of your state, laser hair removal technicians can be doctors, nurses or other certified and trained personnel. Some clinics are staffed with nurses, and a medical doctor as director. Other clinics are entirely staffed with doctors. It is up to you to select the level of medical experience and training you desire in your laser hair removal technician.

Bear in mind that an MD with additional training in dermatology is probably going to cost more than an RN. If your hair removal needs are simple and straightforward, you may be able to save money by selecting a clinic staffed by nurses.

Safe, Modern Laser Hair Removal Equipment

Some laser hair removal clinics advertise state-of-the-art equipment as a way to attract clients. New laser technology is great, but the slightly older technology can be just as effective. Most clinics will let you know what kind of laser they use, and you can quickly find information about it on the Internet.

You will need to determine if a newer or more specialized laser is going to make a big difference in your laser hair removal outcome. If a specialized laser is not required, it may net you some savings.

Proven Laser Hair Removal Track Record

These days laser hair removal is popping up in all kinds of places, from hair salons to tanning centers to day spas, or even at your doctor’s office. Technicians have to be certified, but you may also want a professional with additional training and experience. The better laser hair removal centers will show you recent before-and-after pictures. Find an experienced laser hair removal technician at a clinic that offers fair prices.

Laser Hair Removal Treatment Guarantee

Quality laser hair removal is permanent, but it may take several sessions to completely shut down hair production on your selected area of the body. Once the full course of treatment is complete, you should not experience any hair re-growth.

A quality laser hair removal technician should be able to offer some kind of guarantee. Ask your technician about his or her pledge to customer satisfaction. If you can find a clinic offering some guarantee, you can feel good about their quality of service.

Affordable Laser Hair Removal Options — Package Deals and Other Discounts



Caffeinated Content

Art Gib asked:


Laser hair removal is big. Real big. In fact, laser hair removal is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in dermatologist’s offices today.

Dr. Friedman, former assistant professor of dermatology at Brown University and presently chief of laser surgery at the Jerusalem Medical Center, when asked if laser hair removal was a popular procedure in his office answered, “No question. In my practice, for every one resurfacing procedure that I do, I’ll do 100 hair removals.”

This makes laser hair removal training a lucrative choice, as there is obviously a large market for the services.

For people who pluck wayward eyebrows or shave areas other than the face every day, or are constantly ridiculed for their abundant hair, permanent hair removal is a quality-of-life issue. Others are just tired of the inconvenience and pain of shaving, waxing or electrolysis.

There is a danger inherent with laser hair removal regarding the amount of energy used. It’s necessary to use high enough energy to destroy the hair follicle, without permanently damaging the skin.

Two approaches taught in proper laser hair removal training have helped to correct the potential scarring problem.

Longer pulse durations increase the time that the laser is on. Skin is a smaller structure than the hair follicle and, therefore, has the ability to lose heat faster. Longer pulse durations give the skin time to lose heat.

The second approach, using a cooling mechanism, allows laser hair removal technicians to use higher energies because the skin is protected. “Never buy or use a laser without a cooling option,” Dr. Friedman said in his laser hair removal training.

Other aspects of laser hair removal training include: the benefits of varying laser wavelength, speed, and spot size. Spot sizes run from 5 mm to 18 mm.

“I like to see spot sizes at least 10 or 12 mm. If it’s too small, the laser will not penetrate sufficiently. The larger it is, the faster the treatment will be. However, realize that when you go higher on the spot size, there is often less energy because the energy has to be divided over a larger area,” Dr. Friedman said.

Lasers hair removal training teaches technicians to deal with the different treatments for various skin types. The ruby laser, which is an excellent option for people with dark hair and white skin, gives dermatologists the least options.

“As the skin type gets higher, the ruby is less effective and is more dangerous. With dark skin, the alexandrite is better than the ruby. The diode can be better than the alexandrite with dark skin. With light skin, most of the lasers will do a good job,” he said.

Laser hair removal training teaches technicians about the possible side effects from laser hair removal, including temporary redness. Hyperpigmentation is possible in patients with dark skin. Patients with very dark skin can experience hypopigmentation. Pigmentary changes sometimes last years, especially when they are associated with scarring. Acne sometimes gets worse after laser hair removal, though it is usually a temporary problem.

Because the most common areas of laser hair removal on women are: face, armpits, bikini line, under the belly button, around the breasts, legs, arms, and lower back, and on men are between the eyes, above the beard line, around the ears, and on the back these are the areas that laser hair removal training focuses on.



Caffeinated Content

Ramaiah Bheenaveni asked:


Beliefs and Practices in Women Health

• Ramaiah Bheenaveni *

Rural women’s health is an infinitely broad topic. Many Indian women have come from circumstances in which women have limited access to healthcare. Traditionally, there has been discrimination towards women in decision-making; access to resources such as food, education and health care; job opportunities; and in child-rearing and parenting. However, women’s health in rural areas affects everything in their environment from their families to their economies and vice versa. A woman’s health, especially among the poor and illiterate, is often neglected not just by her family but by the woman herself. She is taught not to complain and if she does then she is directed either to use condiments in the kitchen or try faith healing.

Man is unique in that he has a distinct cultural environment of his own. This includes all the conditions in which men are born, brought up, live, work, procreate and perish. Culture as an environment is deeply related to the health of humans. It includes patterns of social organizations designed to regulate a particular society; one can understand the behaviour of people belonging to various sections and predict how an individual of a particular section will react in a given situation. With our knowledge of health, the treatment of diseases among ignorant peoples appears to be strange since they frequently follow practices of praying, wearing of amulets or consulting an exorcist who recites certain verbal formula. Hence, we can say that beliefs and cultural practices are predominately playing significant roles in the human health more peculiarly in the health of women.

Many rural people did not know about the services set up for them at sub-centres and PHC by the government because they did not see any evidence of these services being provided for them. As a part of the awareness programmes, the health workers (ANM) have been organizing to several exposure trips at the villages. It was there that the women were informed about the specifics of various services supposed to be made available to them. This encouraged some of them to ask questions and report on the situation in their PHC. They explained that though a nurse did visit their village it was not a daily visit, nor did she go beyond a certain point in the village, and certainly did not take a round of the village. They made a show of doing their duty by providing nominal services.

A variety of factors, including an older population, a limited supply of health care providers, and further distances from health care resources may contribute to special health concerns for people in non-metropolitan areas. Access to health care and social services are critical issues for rural women.

Belief is the psychological state in which an individual is convinced of the truth of a proposition. Like the related concepts truth, knowledge, and wisdom, there is no precise definition of belief on which scholars agree, but rather numerous theories and continued debate about the nature of belief 1.

The cultural phenomenon of social organization, according to Giger and Davidhizar (2004), includes groups in the social environment that influence cultural development and identification. The family, an important aspect of the social organization phenomenon, strongly influences cultural behavior through a process of socialization or enculturation of children and group members (Giger & Davidhizar; Niska, 1999). These learned cultural behaviors guide individuals through life situations, events and health practices. Understanding family from a cultural perspective is a significant element in providing nursing care to Mexican-Americans since Giger and Davidhizar identify the family as being most values in this culture.

Environmental control is defined by Giger and Davidhizar (2004) as the ability of persons within a particular cultural heritage to plan activities that control their environment as well as their perception of one’s ability to direct factors in the environment. Kuipers’ (1999) discussion of this model, in relation to Mexican-American culture, emphasized the construct of environmental control with a focus on locus-of-control, health beliefs, and folk medicine. Locus-of-control explains the way in which individuals, within their cultural environment, perceive their ability to control what happens to them and to their health. Health may be viewed as being dependent on outside forces or their own actions (Bundek et al., 1993). Beliefs about health and illness, which are components of environmental control, affect health practices, use of health resources, and a person’s response to experiences of both health and illness (Giger & Davidhizer, 2004; Northam, 1996). A third component of environmental control, folk medicine, includes alternative therapies such as using herbs and teas or visiting a cultural folk healer.

Objectives:

1. Exploration of women beliefs on health, risk and their relationship to lifestyles;

2. Elicitation of their views across a range of health-related behaviours and practices, especially puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and child rearing, and assessment of the potential for the positive promotion of women health in these and other areas of her sexual health.

3. Identification of the sources of information and influences on the development of health beliefs amongst women, particularly with respect to common elements in attitudes to risk-taking across a number of health beliefs and practices.

4. To focus on what women themselves know and want to know, including the salience of health, and the relevance of health-related knowledge in their lives

Hypothesis:

1. There is a positive relationship between social beliefs and cultural practices of a given society

2. Positive relationship may be observed among the social beliefs and cultural practices and various other factors such as caste, religion, social and traditional customs in society

3. The explanation for the persistence of belief systems is that people remain committed to them, but for this commitment to last long, the belief system must be validated

Research Design:

A quantitative and qualitative study, building on our previous work in this area, concerning the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of female children and young women to health, risk and lifestyles. A guiding methodological principle underpinning the study was the development of a sensitive research design for rather than on women: a study grounded not simply in what women know or need to know, but also in what they want to know and feel to be important in the context of their everyday lives. The methods enabling these principles to be taken forward are described below.

a) Area of the Study:

The Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh consists of ten districts namely Hyderabad, Ranagareddy, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda, and Khammam. From this region, the village Ramchandrapur in Koheda Mandal of Karimnagar district has been randomly selected as an area of the study.

b) Universe & Sampling:

According to 2001 census, the village Ramchandrapur has an approximate population of 1840 who from nearly 550 families. This village has a primary health centre (PHC), but lacks a major hospital within a range of 35 kms. And this village has been selected as universe for this study.

So for this study, the researcher adopted stratified-proportionate random method of sampling based on caste composition of the villagers and selected the respondents from the families mentioned in the habitation list of Ramchandrapur. This village population data was collected from Supraja Seva Samithi, a voluntary organization, which is working in the region for the last 10 years in the fields of health, education and environmental protection. The list consists of various caste grouping and from which proportionate stratified samples were selected. Then a list of about 181 respondents was prepared for data collection. Therefore, it is obvious that an attempt has been made to present a general picture of community data and on the basis of which, views and attitudes of the respondents were taken into consideration.

C) Tools of Data Collection:

As the research is qualitative and quantitative, non-participant observation and interview schedule was adopted for the collection of primary data. The aspects that will cover in the interview schedule were defined under two parts, one is for socio-economic and cultural status of respondents such as name, sex, age, social status, education, religion, income, nature and type of the house, etc. and the other for socio-cultural beliefs and practice patterns in health and the related treatment of the villagers.

D) Analysis and interpretation of data:

After arranging the collected data through tabulation and classification, they were analyzed and interpreted in the socio-cultural context so as to give a scientific basis to the study. Although statistical methods like frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, t-test, chi-squire and ANOVA have been used in the study, they were applied in a relevant way.

Findings:

Socio-Economic Profile:

During the field work, observed that 22 castes were appeared and most of the respondent belongs to the BC castes like Yadava, Gouda, Munnuru Kapu, Vishwa Brahmin, Mudiraj and a insignificant number of people belongs to services caste like Mangali, Chakali, Mera and so on. A considerable amount of people belongs to SC community i.e. Mala and Madigas. Only a few respondents belong to ST (Erukala) community. Out of the 181 respondents, 55 percent are male and 45 percent female,. This research is carried out with almost all the equal four fold age groups of respondents. Thus, it is noted that age group is scattered in this study. More number of respondents i.e. 91% belongs to Hindu religion and 5% are Muslim. Nearly 4% of the respondents belong to Christianity. It is also proved that common phenomena of religion composition in India.

In this village, a majority of the respondents i.e. 82 (45%) are illiterates. The next more number of respondents have studied up to primary and secondary level i.e. 24 (13%). There are 21 (12%) of the respondents can read and write. A significant number of respondents i.e. 18 (10%) claimed to have studied up to college level while the small number of people who have studied up to professional level, technical level and others stands at 7 (4%), 3 (2%) and 2 (1%) respectively. The findings reveal that more number of the respondents i.e. 55 (30.4%) are labourers and one-fourths of the respondents i.e. 45 (24.9%) are engaging in the farming. On the whole 38(21%) are continuing their caste occupation while 20 (11%) and 17 (9.4%) respondents are doing other occupation and brought up into the service sector respectively. Only a few of the respondents i.e. 6 (3.3%) are carrying out business.

It is also noted that a majority of the respondents i.e. 84.21% are living under the tiled houses and a significant number of the respondents i.e. 15.79% posses R.C.C houses. A substantial number of the BC community respondents i.e. 75% owned the tiled house and rest of them i.e. 14.29% have R.C.C. houses and 8.04% own asbestos roofed houses. Most of the SC respondents i.e. 91.49% are residing under the tiled houses while only 8.51% consist R.C.C. houses. Among the ST respondents, 33.33% have R.C.C., tiled house and thatched house equally. Regarding the income, less than 24% of the respondents earn Rs. 1501 – 2000 per month. Almost equal number i.e. 22.7 and 21.5 % of the respondents earn below Rs. 500 and between Rs. 1001 and 1500 respectively. A significant number of respondents i.e. 20 % obtaining monthly income is in the range of Rs. 501 – 1000 while only 12.7% claimed their income was over Rs. 2000.

This village consist very good fertile lands, There is just below half of the respondents i.e. 84 (46.4%) have not possess any land on their own. There are 35 (19.3%) of the respondents possess land between 1- 2.19 acres. A significant number of respondents i.e. 28 (15.5%) and 20 (11.04%) are having land between 2.20 – 4.39 acres and 5 – 9.39 acres respectively. A considerable number of respondents i.e. 14 (7.7%) are owned land 10 and above acres.

Social Dogmatism on Menstruation

Patriarchal societies have tended to control women by first announcing menarche (the onset of menstrual cycle in a young girl) to the world in an apparently celebratory fashion while thereafter attempting to control the implied fertility and sexual power by monthly rites of pollution, restriction and isolation of the menstruating woman.

The various names for menstruation or ‘periods’ point to its polluting quality. For instance in Telugu, it is called samurta or peddamanshi meaning attaining maturity. Menstrual blood is believed to be polluting. There are varying restrictions put on a girl due to this belief such as not touching people or hanging washed clothes out to dry; not touching certain flowering plants lest they die or not fruit; sleeping on a jute bag or woollen blanket away from others. A woman cannot touch her child during menstruation. If she has to, the child must first be unclothed completely or made to wear silken clothes. Visiting or touching images of gods, temples, religious scriptures is also prohibited. A fear is inculcated in the adolescent that she will sin if she breaks these taboos. Restrictions are also placed on diet. These pollution taboos result in many women getting an enforced rest for at least these three days of the month since they are barred from carrying out their normal activities.

Not only is menstrual blood supposed to be dirty, but evil too. A menstruating girl should not let her shadow fall on a child with measles lest the child turn blind. The used menstrual cloth also possesses an evil quality. If men see the cloth, dry or otherwise, they could go blind. If a cow were to swallow the cloth she would curse the girl with infertility. In villages in A.P., women do not throw their menstrual cloth-they either burn it or bury it.

There seem to be some similarities between Hindus and Muslims regarding the practice of some of these rituals. Among Muslims, the menstruating woman should not touch holy books lest they become impure. Converted Christians follow, although to a lesser degree, the rituals of their original castes. The taboos and rituals clearly devalue. Women’s reproductive powers. The notion of women being polluted and unclean can be ascribed to patriarchal control of women’s reproductive powers. While the woman fulfils a vital social role of giving birth to progeny through her biological reproductive capacity, she is, at the same time, isolated during menstruation.

Cultural Practices of Puberty

Most women do not know about the physiology of menstruation and therefore the first experience of menstruation is filled with fear, shame and disgust. In some areas such as in rural areas of A.P. the girl is sometimes told to dub three or four dots of menstrual blood or mustard oil on the wall and draw a line between the second and third or third and fourth; it is believed that she will finish her menstruation within two and a half or three and a half days in all subsequent periods.

Elaborate rituals are performed in south Indian states-as well as in many parts of north India-at the onset of menstruation. The onset of puberty is traditionally viewed in terms of the girl’s emergent sexuality and prospective motherhood. The pubescent girl is given an elaborate ritual bath, after a massage with turmeric and vermillion. The Mudiraj communities in A.P. isolate the pubescent girl for 21 days within the house, away from the male gaze. The room in which she is secluded is separated with an iron rod and a fire is kept constantly burning during this period. Fire signifies purity and also keeps away daiyyam or witches and evil spirits. The girl is polluted and hence prohibited from touching people and other people are not allowed to touch her. In case of default, a bath is essential for ritual purification.

The Impact of the Food Habits on Women Health:

Although women are more or less marginalized and neglected in relation to the quality and quantity of food, certain occasions in a woman’s life are celebrated with the offering of a variety of nutritious foods specially prepared for her. Almost every community has the practice of feeding a girl on her first menstruation with delicious and nutritive foods, with the time of seclusion for the period ranging between nine to 21 days. In parts of A.P., sweets made of jaggery, groundnuts, sesame, fenugreek, wheat flour and sorgum are given to the girl. Menstruation for the first time in the house of one’s in-laws is also considered very auspicious in all regions of A.P. and is celebrated with gaiety.. The idea seems to be to give the girl ‘rich’, that is, strength-giving foods as well as both ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ foods.

Certain ‘hot’ foods (like jaggery) and ‘cold’ foods (like tamarind and lemons) are taboo as it is believed that the girl will suffer from menstrual pain. ‘Hot’ foods may cause heavy bleeding and ‘cold’ foods may cause severe menstrual pain. Special foods are understood to compensate for the loss of blood, regularise the menstrual cycle and flow, strengthen her reproductive organs and generally contribute to her fertility.

Work Prohibition of Pregnant Women:

It is also observed during the fieldwork that almost all the respondents have revealed that prohibition of work is compulsory while a women pregnancy but this notion is varies to one community to another. The higher social status communities are not allowed to perform the works even domestic works also from the early months to after late months of maternity. Whereas weaker section women perform the daily domestic actives some of them perform field activates but it is only in the early months. They should also take rest in the late months of pregnancy and early months of maternity.

Encourage and Disencourage Food Items During the Pregnancy of Women:

During pregnancy and lactation, many traditional communities across the country restrict a woman’s food intake. It is believed that if a pregnant woman eats too much, the foetus will not have room to move. The abdomen is supposed to contain both the food and the foetus and the latter’s space needs should be given greater priority. Another reason for controlling a pregnant woman’s food consumption is perhaps that excess weight would reduce the productivity of her work in the fields and around the house. A widely prevalent practice all over India is shrimanta. In the seventh month of pregnancy special rituals are performed and different types of sweets are prepared and given to the parents-to-be. The purpose is to give moral support and encouragement to the pregnant woman and celebrate her achievement of having reached near full-term. The sweets are generally made of wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, fenugreek and dry fruits. In the final stages of pregnancy, the pregnant woman is supposed to cat these foods custom every day. This is a good custom because it provides the calories and protein needed for the rapidly growing foetus in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Food Items Encourage % Disencourage %

1.Milk 173 95.5 8 4.4

2.Green leafs 148 81.7 33 18.2

3.Toddy 80 44.1 101 55.8

4.Non-Veg 132 72.9 49 27

5.Papaya — — 181 100

6.Potato 49 27 132 72.9

7.Brinjal 50 27.6 131 72.3

The above table explains the villager’s perceptions on encourage and disencourage food items during the pregnancy of women. The data shows that there are 173 (95.5%) of the respondents have stated that they are encouraging milk and its related food items and only insignificant number of respondents i.e.8 (4.4%) are not encouraging the food items of milk. As many as 148 (81.7%) of them revealed that they are encouraging green leafs and rest of the significant number of respondents i.e. 33 (18.2%) are not interested to give the green leafs to the pregnants. Interestingly the data depicts that more than half of the respondents i.e. 101 (55.8%) have said that they are encouraging toddy and 80 (44.1%) of them are not giving taking toddy. A substantial number of the respondents i.e. 132 (72.9%) have expressed that they are encouraging the consummation of non-vegetarian foods like mutton, chicken and egg. The total number of respondents is practicing the prohibition of papaya consummation during the pregnancy. All most all equal number of respondents i.e. 49 (27%) and 50 (27.6%) have revealed that Potato and Brinjal are encouraged food items and as similar 132 (72.9%) and 131 (72.3%) of them are not encouraging the food items of Potato and Brinjal.

The data regarding Caring of Pregnant Women among the Villagers clarifies the pursuance of the opinion of several communities respondents such as Yadava 14 (7.7%), Gouda 3 (1.7%), Munurukapu 11 (6.1%), Oddera 6 (3.3%), Vishwa Brahmin 5 (2.8%), Mala 25 (13.8%), Madiga 21 (11.6%), Padmashali 7 (3.9%), each 3 (1.7%) of Mangali, Dudekula and Erukala, Kumari 2 (1.1%) and each 1 (0.6%) of Pusala, Mera, Chindi and Dakkali have stated that family and their kins are taking care of their pregnant women. In this category the total numbers of SC and ST communities are appeared because of less financial status and peer group pressure. A majority number of working caste like Yadava, Munnurukapu, Oddera, Padmashali, Dudekula and Kummari are appeared. However, these communities’ people are visiting either government or private hospital for check up their health conditions during early pregnant hood as well as before delivery. One more interesting thing that the caste Mangali itself is traditional birth attendant community in this village so we may consider them in response to this query that they are taking care about pregnant as a traditional birth attendant and as a family. On the whole 3 (1.7 %) of Yadava, 2 (1.1 %) Gouda, 1 (0.6 %) of Munnurukapu and Kummari, 8 (4.4 %) of Chakali, 5 (2.7%) of Dudekula and the total number of Mudiraj 7 (4%) community respondent have expressed that traditional birth attendant are taking care about pregnant of their communities. It is important to note that previous these caste people took care about pregnant but at presently they are seeking the help of traditional birth attendant by reason of saving of time. These kind of villagers always busy in their routine work if they involve in the caring process they should be lost more time in order to money also. The data also describes that all most all the respondents of Deshmukh 3 (1.6%), Vysya 4 (2.2%) and Vaisnava 5 (2.7%) communities have revealed that health workers or ANMs are looking after the pregnant women. It may due to the higher awareness regarding health and personal bias or prejudices of health workers or ANMs who are interested to associate with the higher social status communities.

On account of preferable birthplace; the responses of majority respondents i.e. 112 (62%) is that birth at the traditional birth attendant is more preferable. As many as number of respondent i.e. 36 (20%) have revealed that they prepared birthplace is Government Hospitals and the reaming respondents i.e. 32 (18%) have expressed their perception that Private Hospital are preferable to give the birth. The cluster analysis of data also provides the social status wise explanation that there are 7 (4%) of OC respondents, 19 (10.5%) of BCs and 10 (5.5%) of SCs are interested to go to the government hospitals. There are 10 (5.5%) of OCs and 23 (12.7%) of BCs were interested on Privates hospitals. Among the reaming of categories, the more number of BC respondents i.e. 70 (38.5%), 37 (20.5%) and the total number of ST community respondents i.e. 3 (1.7%) and only few {2(1.1%)} of OC respondent are still interested to give birth under the observation or treatment of traditional birth attendant.

Practices after Delivery:

Women underfed themselves during pregnancy and strove for a small baby to ensure easy delivery. Babies were not to be breast fed on first three days and baby-clothes were not used till a ceremony (purudu/Naming) on 9th day to 21st day. Mothers could not leave the delivery room till that day. To minimize the toilet needs, they severely restricted their intake of fluids and food during first week after delivery. Mothers did not wash hands properly; their clothes and linen were often dirty. Newborn babies, even if sick, were not moved out of home. The usual explanations for the sicknesses in neonates were ‘evil eye’, ‘witch craft’, or ill effects of foods eaten by mother.

The practice of breast-feeding female children for shorter periods of time reflects the strong desire for sons. If women are particularly anxious to have a male child, they may deliberately try to become pregnant again as soon as possible after a female is born. Conversely, women may consciously seek to avoid another pregnancy after the birth of a male child in order to give maximum attention to the new son

Summary and Conclusions:

Due to the orthodoxical and traditional dogma, majority numbers of respondent are not possess proper notion on Women’s health. In addition to supernatural beliefs about what brings on disease, women also have some beliefs about the non-physical causes of ill-health. The most commonly found syndrome was ‘weakness’ which consists of fatigue, body ache, ghabrahat (a generic term used for anxiety, fear, restlessness, trepidation, etc.), pallor, low backache and burning of palms and feet. Thus poverty, illiteracy and social backwardness complete the subordination of women. In reality, therefore, most women carry a tremendous degree of mental anguish and agony due to the improper beliefs and practices.

However, practices existed to over come or to tune with the problems, which may be physical, psychological, cultural and environmental. Subsequently practices are to be strengthen in order to persisting as the beliefs. Once, belief is to be got its own identity; the existence of practice should automatically come by the deeds of the victims or followers. Sometimes belief might be deteriorate due to the business, cost effective and the rationalism should also vanish the irrational beliefs so that we can eventually conclude beliefs exist by the practices which may takes place to over come the problems or to adjust with the nature.

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belief

2. Giger, J.N., & Davidhizar, R. E. (2004): “Transcultural nursing: Assessment and intervention” (4th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby publication.

3. Spector, R. E. (2004): “Cultural diversity in health & illness” (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall Health publication..

4. Bundek, N. I., Marks, G., & Richardson, J. I. (1993): “Role of health locus of control beliefs in cancer screening of elderly Hispanic women”. Health Psychology, 12(3), 193-1999.

5. Pachter, L. M. (1994) “Culture and clinical care: Folk illness beliefs and behaviors and their implications for health care delivery”. Journal of the American Medical Association, 271(9), 690-694.

6. Roberson, M. H. (1987): “Folk health beliefs of health professional”. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 9(2), 257-263.

7. Treistman, J. (1988): “Health beliefs in socio-cultural perspective”. In G. Caliandro & B. L. Judkins (Ed.), Primary nursing practice (pp. 119-133). Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Company.



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Pailamod Paila asked:


The standards for soft and smooth skin has long been set as moisturized, without scar, discoloration or hair. Thus women all over the world for centuries have devised and discovered countless ways of removing unwanted hair in armpits, arms, legs, back area and even the face, ranging from literally pulling your hair out manually or waxing to the modern day use of laser hair removal technologies.

There has been a wide range of hair removal techniques some costlier than others. The more traditional methods such as plucking or tweezing as well as threading, while they may be cheap, they tend to be fussy, painful and requiring so much work. It keeps the area free from hair for weeks but hair is bound to grow back.

Shaving which is not as painful as plucking is also not that expensive. It is best done on wet skin, during or after a bath. However, the usual danger of having tiny cuts and nicks after the procedure is always there. Hair growth which tends to be coarse or even darker can immediately be observed after a few days.

Waxing on the other hand involves the application of wax on the affected area. A strip of cloth is placed over the wax which in turn is pulled off. The wax takes with it the hair, including its roots, leaving the skin smooth. This lasts for as long as six weeks but can be extremely uncomfortable especially during the procedure.

Another alternative is the use of depilatory creams. These removes hair from the skin’s surface by dissolving the hair’s protein structure until what’s left can be washed or wiped away. Applying depilatories though can be very messy. Allergic reactions may also occur for those with sensitive skin causing rashes or inflammation.

Fast becoming popular in the cosmetic industry is the removal of unwanted hair through laser technology. Touted to be fast, less painful and less fussy than the usual shaving, waxing, using depilatory creams and even tweezing, practitioners boast that laser hair removal may also end up to be less costly that the traditional hair removing methods which needs to be done over and over again.

During the procedure, a diode laser emits pulses of light energy which are absorbed by the pigment or melanin of the hair follicle. This targets the roots of the hair root keeping it from growing new hair. Those who have availed of the treatment claim that it is virtually painless compared to waxing, feeling only a stinging sensation during the treatment. For permanent hair removal, an average of six to eight sessions are needed.

But just like any other medical or cosmetic treatment, laser hair removal can have it side effects such as swelling, redness, blistering or burns. These can of course be avoided when done by a competent professional and can all be treated with topical ointments. Occasionally hyperpigmentation may occur, wherein dark spots may develop around the treated areas. It takes a while before the discoloration disappears but it usually resolved without requiring any treatment.

As technology develops, more and more cosmetic techniques will ultimately be discovered and the quest for beauty will continue. In the end, the hair removal method that will suit you is ultimately your choice.



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Juliet Cohen asked:


Laser hair removal is the most recent technology ‘conquest’ concerning unwanted hair removal. The ideal epidemical type for this kind of treatment is the lighter one with darker hair. Laser hair removal works by using a laser to get rid of the hair at the roots so that it discontinues to grow. Laser hair removal is used for people who want to remove unwanted body hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and bikini line. People get this done so that they have smooth skin each and every time they wake up. No longer do they have to run their fingers over their face, underarms and legs and and uncomfortable stubble.

With laser hair removal, they are left free dryer, just like a newborn. Laser Hair removal is so popular because nobody really likes to shave. Laser Hair Removal, on the other hand, is painless and lasts much longer than other methods of hair removal. Laser Hair removal is effective only on the courts, their hair visible. Two to three days before surgery, shaving the area to be treated, and enable it to grow at a stubble. Avoid waxing or picking hair and electrolysis three weeks before treatment. There are several types of systems used for hair removal including alexandrite, diode and ND / YAG systems, as well as intense pulsed light.

There are several ways to remove hair, including shaving, plucking, electronic tweezers, radiofrequency tweezers, waxing, depilatories (creams), and electrolysis (inserting a needle into each hair follicle one at a time, followed by an electrical spark to burn the follicle). Most of these methods, however, are temporary. A topical cream called eflornithine can be applied to slow the growth of hair on the face of women, but should be used on a permanent basis. Lasers offer the only method for the permanent reduction of hair. Temporary hair removal is accomplished with conventional treatments such as shaving, and hair epilation.

Another method is the use of selective photolysis, which is that light energy is generated by the laser, and is for pigment in the hair. Electrolysis is another hair removal method. Laser Hair Removal can be mild to moderately uncomfortable. Each hair follicle is surrounded by nerve endings. While some patients may be able to indulge the procedure without the use of an anesthetic, others may find the application of an anesthetic cream (such as EMLA) helpful. A generous layer of anesthetic cream is applied for 30-60 minutes before the procedure and can provide adequate relief from discomfort during the procedure.



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Kelly Johnson asked:


Type in a couple of womens health fitness keywords into Google or any one of the many search engines and what do you get? You get some great sites related to womens health fitness and more

There are tons of womens health fitness websites some are little more than advertisements but many others provide a terrific supply of information relating to womens issues. Scientific research, data from studies, health conditions, nutrition, and fitness, as well as prevention and treatment information.

It’s important for women to get accurate information about issues that directly relate to their health and that includes the latest on womens health fitness. What was thought the best advice only a year or so ago has now been improved.

For example today it is a well known fact that women suffer heart attacks at the same rate as men but they often present differently to emergency wards to many go undiagnosed. It has also bee shown that womens health fitness is critical to keeping women healthier especially after menopause when their natural protection dwindles.

Studies have also shown that women health fitness can make a big difference in a womens ability to maintain here weight. It seems after 40 women get the privilege of a few extra pounds suddenly appearing around the waste line and so with some proper exercise routines you can better defy mother nature.

Womens health fitness is finally getting the same attention that mens has for decades. Suddenly we realize that besides helping to keep the pounds off women also need to make sure that they are taking care of their cardio workouts.

This brings us to another subject – weight loss. For many women this is an ongoing battle that’s not easy to resolve. Many would love to convince you that you need all kinds of diet pills to lose those pounds when really what you need is much simpler. You need to ensure that the calories you are burning exceed the calories you are taking in.

There are plenty of excellent health fitness resource sites for women and there are just as many terrific magazines that are full of helpful exercise tips, nutritional tips, and all kinds of tips to have you looking and feeling great. And isn’t that what all women want? To look and feel their best?

Women may a great deal more attention to how they look and feel then men do. In general women are much more in tune to the signals their bodies are sending them and they are also much more interested in health fitness and how it affects their overall well being.

Men are more interested in fitness to great a buff, polished look although slowly they are beginning to recognize and understand the value of a cardio workout. Women on the other hand have long understood how their health fitness and their overall well being were directly related. And for one to have a terrific overall well being they needed to have a good health fitness ethic.

So the only question that remains is which type of health fitness program best suits your own personal lifestyle and goals.



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Toronto Web Services asked:


Laser Services offered by Baywood Clinic in Toronto includes Laser Hair Removal, Acne, Acne Scarring, IPL Laser, Facial Rejuvenation, Laser Resurfacing Rosacea, Tattoo Removal, Micropeels, Micro-dermabrasion, Smoothbeam Laser.

Cosmetic Services offered by Baywood Clinic includes Skin Rejuvenation, Chemical Peels, Botox, Restylane Brown Spots, Varicose Veins, Spider veins

Baywood Clinic lasers are the fastest and safest available, and our expertise ensures that you will have the best results possible. In Laser Hair Removal, we undertake a scientific process and ensure that things are done in the best possible manner so that the person undergoing treatment returns to normal in the minimum possible time.

Through the Laser Hair Removal treatment, unwanted body hair are removed safely & permanently without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer. The degree of discomfort usually varies from person to person. Over 90% of patients tolerate the procedure without the aid of any anesthetic in Laser Hair Removal. The resultant is a smooth, soft, supple skin for you to flaunt and everyone else to admire or envy as the case may be!

The Baywood Clinic is a full-service Laser, Vein and Cosmetic Medicine Clinic. We are regularly featured in the media: such as The Toronto Star, The National Post, CBC Radio, and The Life Network. Our physicians are Board Certified in Laser Medicine and use only the state-of-the-art medical laser equipment.The clinic is open some evenings and Saturdays.

The practice philosophy of The Baywood Clinic is to provide comprehensive Laser & Cosmetic Medicinefor men and women, and to establish close personal relationships with our patients, in order to provide the best possible care. Cosmetic and Laser Medicine are serious medical treatments – you can trust our experience and count on our commitment to caring for you as your physicians.

Visit us and see why thousands of patients choose the Baywood Clinic Doctors in Toronto for their Laser Hair Removal. Our Laser Hair Removal clinic is very conveniently located in downtown Toronto. So what are you thinking of? Stop dreaming, Start feeling… Yes! because its that easy. Just Call 416 515-0007 today, for a free laser hair removal consultation with the doctor!

Toronto Web Services

25 Dunblaine Avenue

Toronto, Ontario

Canada – M5M 2R6

Tel: 416 826 0660

Email : torontowebservices.com@gmail.com

Website : http://www.torontowebservices.com/cosmetic_medicine/index.php



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