National Seminar on Menopause and Health

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 06^th February:- To create awareness among OBG experts on health issues of menopausal women a "National seminar on Orientation training of Obstetrics and Gynaecology experts for adopting health promotion and de-medicalization approach in OPDs for addressing health issues of menopausal women" was organized in PGI. Dr Neelam Aggarwal (Associate Professor-Obstetrics and Gyanecology Department), Dr. Amarjeet Singh (Professor) and Dr. Purnima Kaushal (Research Associate) from School of Public Health were the Organising Secretary, Convener and Co-convener to the seminar respectively. Dr. Purnima, Dr. Ruchi and Dr. Nehacoordinated the seminar activities.

Dr. L.K Dhaliwal (Head-OBG) inaugurated the seminar. She highlighted the importance of MPBT room approach of the DBT PROJECT. Dr Neelam Aggarwal spoke about the importance of using prevention approach in managingmenopausal symptoms. Dr. Amarjeet Singh shared his experiences of 5 IMS international conferences. Commercialization of menopausal symptoms by the pharmaceutical industry was highlighted by him. He also emphasized upon the malignancy risk of HRT, i.e. ovarian cancer, uterine cancer etc. Dr. Madan Gulati (AYUSH) enlightened the audience about the role of Ayurveda in managing the phase of menopause. He told about the diet and lifestyle to be adopted by menopausal women. He also clarified the concept of meditation to the audience.  Dr. Balwinder Acharaya (Associate Professor, Govt College of Yoga, Chandigarh) demonstrated the role of yoga in helping menopausal women to manage the problems faced by them. He also showed some yogic asanas practically to the audience. Dr. Navneet Takkar (Associate Professor, GMCH-32) and Dr Sukhwinder Kaur (NINE, PGIMER) also addressed the audience. Dr. Purnima and Dr. Ruchi told about the importance of MPBT room in managing the problems faced by women in the phase of menopause.There was also a quiz organised by Dr. Neha from School of Public Health. Approximately, 100 participants from OBG department, School of Public Health, NINE and Govt. Medical College and Hospital-32 attended the seminar.

 This seminar is expected to reorient OBG experts to adopt the approach of health promotion and de-medicalization approach towards the menopausal women.

 Many a times, some simple changes in lifestyle can give good results in providing relief from menopausal symptoms. Menopause signals a change in the hormone levels. It heralds changes in the reproductive system of a woman. Hence, this phase of 'change' needs to be tackled through 'changes' in lifestyle.  Listening is the key role to counselling. Healthy lifestyle, that is why changing few things in core daily routine makes menopause related problems and symptoms less severe. Other changes in life style like including protein rich diet, simple yoga and light weight exercises can give much relief from the symptoms. But just the approach of positive thinking should be there in patients mind. Patient needs somebody to listen to her. Patient satisfaction is important in any health care system.Keeping this in mind this seminar was organized in PGI.