Gender and power are important in global health. Women comprise nearly half of the world's population and significantly impact the well-being of their family members, societies, and economies. Even though there is a global disparity in women's health care, and amidst best intentions, prevalent gender bias persists.
As the entire world celebrates International Women's Day on March 8th,' it is time to turn our attention to the greater needs of women, which include safeguarding their lives and income. With women being the focus of everyone's attention, the most pressing question remains, "Do women consider their own safety and lives as much as their male counterparts?" Statistics from various insurance companies clearly suggest that men are much more proactive when it comes to spending on insurance plans, indicating the need to educate women on the importance of securing their lives. It is important to raise consciousness in women about available health plans and the protection they provide against unforeseen events.
Health issues that disproportionately affect women more than men
Women, on average, are more susceptible to various health-related disorders than men. It doesn't mean that men cannot suffer from these conditions, but some, such as the risk of breast cancer and post-menopausal depression, are more common in women. Here is the list of a few health issues that disproportionately affect women:
Breast and Cervix Cancer:
Cancer has become increasingly common in Indian women. According to a recent World Health Organization report, one in every twelve women will develop cancer at some point in their lives. Breast cancer is identified as one of the major cancer in women. It happens due to the formation of malignant cell masses in the form of lumps, which then extend to surrounding tissues. Although advances in medical science have improved diagnosis and treatment rates, the procedure involved is very intricate and extensive.
Maternal Health:
In India, where maternal care is only now gaining traction, the risks of infection and complication during and after pregnancy are high. While the international community is committed to eliminating preventable maternal deaths, there are still concerns about best achieving this goal. Although notable progress has been made in recent years, far too many women suffer complications in childbirth from preventable causes. Sustainable financing is required to maintain maternal health progress, and countries are working to mobilize domestic resources and enhance the quality of care services to meet this goal.
PCOD & PCOS:
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a hormonal disorder that affects about 5- 10% of women of childbearing age (12 to 45-years). While the prevalence of PCOD varies, it affects approximately 9% to 22% of Indian women. Women who suffer from PCOS produce more male hormones than usual. This hormonal imbalance causes their bodies to skip menstrual periods, making it more difficult for them to conceive. It causes various symptoms, including ovulation failure, irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty conceiving, weight gain, acne, and hirsutism. If untreated, PCOD, also known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), can lead to additional health complications such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol.
UTIs:
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. UTI is an infection that affects any portion of your urinary system, including your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. These are microscopic organisms that cannot be seen without a microscope. The majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria, but fungi and viruses can also cause them. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common illnesses in women. If you doubt having a urinary tract infection, visit your doctor to diagnose and treat.
Anxiety & Depression:
Depression isn't merely a feeling of sadness or anxiety for a short time. It's a significant mood illness that can harm your day-to-day life. It's also not always straightforward to spot or treat. It's possible that you won't recognize you're depressed until you've been experiencing symptoms for a long time. Women suffer from depression approximately twice the rate of males, even though illness can affect anyone. Women are also more probable than men to suffer depression in various ways. Women might become depressed for several reasons, including hormonal and psychological factors and significant life events like pregnancy and childbirth.
The social inclusion of women will be limited as long as they are excluded from healthcare coverage. So, to safeguard their well-being and prosperity, let us work toward the goal of ensuring health insurance this Woman's Day. Care Health Insurance offers a variety of health insurance plans intended to protect your financial reserves in the event of a medical emergency.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
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