Our
mothers
are
the first
doctors
we have. Right from taking us
for
regular health
check-ups and vaccinations and watching out for symptoms, to nursing
us and making us feel better when we fall sick, she does everything
with immense love and dedication. But now that we have grown up
enough to take
care of ourselves and our moms have become older, it’s our turn to
take care of their health. So, today, on the occasion of Mother’s
Day, why not
decide to take
her for a health checkup rather than only
giving her some material gift?
Dr
Priyanka Barve, BAMS, an Ayurvedic physician,
says, “A mother is the main pillar of a household. She is the one
who looks after and takes care of everyone in the family. But in the
process, she often ends up ignoring her own health. Keeping this in
mind, there is no better gift you can give your mother than taking
her for a health checkup.” According to Dr Barve, although moms
usually neglect their health, they might still be ready to get
themselves checked, if they
are pursuaded to
do so by their kids. “That’s why, it’s the responsibility of
the
children to
ensure that their moms are taken to the
doctor every
once in
a while. If
you haven’t already started, this
would be the
perfect occasion to begin,” maintains Dr Barve.
Health
checkups and health insurance are most important,
especially for those who have crossed 40. Middle-aged women are
vulnerable to a number of ailments. “After 40, a woman’s body
goes through various changes. There is a change in skin texture and
body posture. There are hormonal changes as women are heading towards
menopausal phase. Metabolic action in body changes. That’s why,
blood tests for haemoglobin, diabetes, blood pressure check up,
sonography, tests like PAP smear should be carried out regularly and
doctor’s guidance must be sought,” adds Dr Barve. Regular
checking can help in prevention as well as early treatment of the
ailments, helping your moms to be fit and healthy.
Today,
even doctors and health care centres are taking initiatives in an
attempt to spread awareness among people to make them look at the
health problems of their mothers and grandmothers more seriously and
get them checked regularly. Dr Ameya Velingkar, orthopaedic and joint
surgeon of Bone and Joint Care, Margao,
who has
organised a free arthritis camp for women today as a part of the
Mother’s Day celebration, shares similar opinions. “Today’s
children don’t have a lot of time to spend with their parents. It’s
difficult for them to help their parents and look after them all the
time. So, taking them for regular health checkups is the best way to
ensure that they are physically fit,” suggests Dr Velingkar. Along
with checkups,
health insurance is another precious gift to give your mom. The
charges of health services are soaring with each passing day and
getting a health insurance, states Dr Velingkar, is the most sensible
thing to do as it will help you cope with the medical expenses.
Along
with children, it’s also the time for the mothers to take
responsibility of their own health and fitness. Mothers too should
make
an effort to
look after themselves. “Middle-aged and elderly women should try to
be as active as possible and keep themselves fit by exercising every
day.
Developing these habits will help you to enjoy even in later years of
your life. Also, even if you think you are healthy, you must still go
for regular checkups,”
concludes Dr Velingkar.
