Supermoms – Staying Fantastic at 40

‘Super Woman’, ‘Yummy Mummy’, ‘Ice Queen’, ‘Stay-at-home Mum’, ‘Dragon Lady’, ‘Awesome Aunt’ are just few labels we like to hang onto the modern woman. If this is indicative of anything, the modern woman has a lot to live up to. Serving to nurture a family, holding the fort at work, entertaining her friends, being an educator or mediating tough situations; the modern woman is more than just a label. She is a pillar of society.

She jumps to treat the slightest sniffle from her child but she powers on through her headache in order to meet the job deadline tomorrow. She cares for everyone and everything, yet, she chooses to care for herself on another day – if that other day ever comes.

“Women tend to have a habit of caring for everyone else but themselves. A simple question that I like to ask women to help them put things into perspective is – what happens if you can’t care for your family or work anymore, because you didn’t take care of yourself?” said Dr. Choong Bee Li, Medical Officer and Acting Head of the Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC).At 40, women have established their legacy at work, at home and within their communities. Around that time, they also begin to see more changes to their bodies as their hormones begin to shift.

As women can still achieve so much at 40, it is important to stay in tip-top shape to continue her role as a pillar of society.

SCREEN TODAY FOR TOMORROW

Women have the ability to influence the future more than they allow themselves to believe. When women make a point to take care of themselves, they set an example for their children and their loved ones to do the same.

“Many women today are better educated and more accomplished than ever before. However, they are not taking good care of themselves because they feel like they have to put others first. If a mother doesn’t take her personal health seriously, what kind of message is she giving her children? Women must be accountable for taking care of their own health for the people that depend on them – if not for themselves,” explains Dr. Choong.

BEGIN AT HOME

Screening often detects any underlying condition before it has a chance to manifest into a major health problem. On top of annual medical screenings women are also advised to be aware of their own bodies and any changes that they may experience.

“First, look at yourself in the mirror. Does anything look out of ordinary to you? When was the last time you examined your breasts for lumps? Are your clothes suddenly tighter or looser? Have you been eating properly? Have you had any symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks? Speak openly to your doctor about your concerns. Being aware of your body is your own responsibility,” advises Dr. Choong.

TOP 5 AT 40 – WHERE SHOULD I HEAD TO?

Ideally, health screening with a medical physician should take place every year. Many healthcare centres like Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur and the ACC have comprehensive health screening packages for women of all ages. These packages are designed to provide an extensive insight of your health and early detection for potential health conditions that may be developing within.

At 40, these tests should be included into any annual health screening packages that you choose to ensure that you have a bare minimum understanding about your general wellbeing.

GENERAL BLOOD SCREENING

Blood makes up for about 7% of your body weight. Delivering nutrients and oxygen to ensure that your body functions well, you will find clues to your health through your blood sample.

A comprehensive blood screening gives you an extensive list of markers to acts as a snapshot of your health. It is always important to stay within the recommended levels of each marker. However, the two key things that Malaysian women in their 40s should pay attention to are;Fasting blood sugars to check for diabetes – The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that up to 46% of diabetes cases are undiagnosed. Malaysia has the highest number of incidence of diabetes in the Asean region with 3.6 million adults affected by diabetes in their lifetime. Diabetes can lead to kidney problems and failure later on in life. Lipid profile to check for cholesterol levels – High cholesterol can increase risks of heart disease and stroke. Coronary heart disease is the number one killer in Malaysia, accounting for 22% of total deaths in the country.

“Our lifestyle choices have led us to becoming the 6th most obese nation in Asia in 2010. Our intake of sugar, salt and bad cholesterol is the main cause of this. Women can lower their risk of heart and kidney disease by staying vigilant of their blood sugar levels and fat count,” advises Dr. Choong. MAMMOGRAMBreast cancer is the number one cancer killer of Malaysian women today. It is estimated that 1:20 Malaysian women will run a risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. From the age of 40, women are advised to get mammograms annually to reduce their risk of the devastating effects of breast cancer later on.

“It is also important to remember that monthly self-exams are important. The mammogram shows you what you cannot see, but if you feel lumps in your breast, you must speak to a doctor,” says Dr. Choong.

PAP SMEAR

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting Malaysian women today. It is estimated that every day, 6 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 2 will die from this disease. Like most forms of cancer, early detection is key to survival.

A pap smear is a painless procedure that takes less than two minutes to complete. Typically, a pap smear is done 10 days after the last day of menstruation and women are advised against having sexual intercourse and douching prior to a pap smear.

PELVIC & ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND

An ultrasound gives insight on any organ abnormalities in your abdominal and pelvic region. Typically the test will be able to show you any blockages, stones, tumour or fibroid growths in your organs such as your liver, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, ovaries and uterus.

Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasounds do not use radiation and studies have shown no health risks linked to ultrasound tests.

BONE MINERAL DENSITOMETRY

Often known as the “silent disease”, osteoporosis is a progressive medical condition that decreases density of bone with advancing age. Asian women are more likely to begin developing osteoporosis around menopause. A bone mineral densitometry test measures how much calcium and other minerals there are in an area of your bone. This typically can predict your risk of fractures as you age and is advised to be conducted every two years once a woman hits the age of 40.

DON’T INHIBIT YOURSELF FROM GOOD HEALTH

Many people find the experience of going for health screening a scary and intimidating one. Between anticipating to find out something that they do not wish to know and being prodded in the most intimate areas of their body, many try to avoid doing regular health screenings altogether.

“I have seen patients who refuse to do a breast exam or pap smear because they are too scared or embarrassed by the experience. Women need to realise that they shouldn’t let their inhibitions prevent them from maintaining good health. Doctors are trained to look at a human body objectively. But if it helps you overcome your fear, try looking for a female doctor and tell her about your concerns,” advised Dr. Choong.  At 40, women are just beginning to see the legacy that they have put so much effort into building over the years. Life has only just begun for many and there is no time to be struck down by any ailment that can be detected and remedied early. By taking care of themselves, women are in turn influencing their children’s attitudes to good health and wellbeing, leading to a future generation of a healthier nation.

Screen today to make sure that you can continue building your legacy tomorrow.

---

GKL is home to one of the most advanced health screening centres in Malaysia. With a variety of packages to cater for your family, GKL’s health screening centre provides a peace of mind in delivering comprehensive reports on your health and wellbeing. For more information on health screening packages at Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur, please call 03-4141 3000 or email at inquiry@gleneagleskl.com.my.