5 health problems faced by working women

International Women’s day 2023 on 8th March, is being celebrated with the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. Women today are in the forefront of all the major sectors of the Indian economy. But, when it comes to handling multiple chores involving personal and professional life, health issues take a side step and are often ignored by women. Today, we discuss and highlight some of the major health issues faced by working women.

5 health problems faced by working women

Physical health problems: Some of the important physical issues women face today include multiple muscle aches and pains, postural dysfunctions like a slouched posture, joint pain, arthritis, and lack of fitness leading to fatigue during routine daily activities.

Mental health problems: Not being able to maintain a healthy work-life balance, downgrading productivity at work, and lack of “me time” leads to anxiety, depression, lack of enthusiasm and feelings of loneliness. Research also points at work atmosphere and relationship with fellow colleagues as factors for psychological distress among married working women. Presence of children, ill family members and lack of a peer group heightens any existing mental health issues among working women.

Sleep disturbances: Sleep is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Lack of work-life balance and family responsibilities causes sleep disturbances like insomnia, higher time to fall asleep and wake up, daytime sleepiness and night anxiety. Sleep disturbances cause reduced efficiency and productivity at work. Lack of understanding from husband and in-laws adds to their woes.

Heart problems: Heart diseases among working women is on the rise. Researchers have found a convergence in the rate of heart diseases towards women, particularly the working women. Prominent causes for this convergence include stress and depression in working women. The most common heart disease affecting working women has been found to be Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. It’s an emergency situation where an artery supplying blood to the heart is torn causing heart attacks. Lack of fitness is another cause for heart ailments in women.

Gynaecological problems: Working women have been found to have issues pertaining their menses like painful menses, discomfort, heavy bleeding with the most common issue being Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS).

To add to these woes, working women are also prone to lifestyle disorders like Obesity, Thyroid issues, Anaemia, Vitamin D deficiency, Infertility, Diabetes and Blood Pressure issues.

To all the women out there: Pay attention to your health!

Multitasking not only brings in productivity but also a myriad of health problems listed above. Most women tend to ignore initial warning signs of any distress to their bodies leading to worsening of symptoms, absence from work, disputes within the family and lack of social interaction within the community. Research highlights the fact that very few women with physical and mental health issues seek medical attention.

As a woman, one must understand that rest and caring for oneself is equally important as is work. A healthy work-life balance will go a great way in improving one’s quality of life in the personal space as well as efficiency in the work space.

Do not ignore warning signs of health issues. Talk to our health experts today!