When I say “MULTI-TASKER,” whose image flashes in your mind? It would be either your mom, wife or any other woman related to you in most cases. Yes, women are the best suitors for this tag. But, the sad part is, it takes a lot away from our beloved ladies and has a bad impact on their health. The Ohio University, in research, stated that in three decades, working women developed triple the risk of various medical conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, and arthritis, with an average of 60 hours of work per week. In the United States, about half of the mothers with young children work, which was one-third in the 1970s. Today, women are working not only for career satisfaction but also for their family's income for survival. They perform multiple roles, including home-making, taking care of the children and the family, and the job duties at the workplace. These different and equally challenging roles affect their physical and mental health, leaving them drained and stressed. As a result, women are more prone to get stressed easily.
According to a British survey, over 60% of working mothers feel that they vent out their stress on their families. Nearly eight of ten working mothers would quit their jobs if they could. Center for Labor Research at Adelaide University conducted a study on 150 working women who lack sexual intimacy. A study shows that men were not nearly as affected by long working hours. They had a higher risk of arthritis, though, but none of the other chronic diseases. Men who worked 41-50 hours/week had a lower risk of heart disease, lung disease, and depression than those who worked less than 40 hours.
Now, this is an unusual but interesting fact. As per Society for Women’s Health Research, women make more health care decisions for their families, but when it comes to their health, they avoid seeing a doctor. With age, this neglect upsurges the medical problems, and lack of calcium from the bones is just one example.
Things that can help
- Scheduled check-ups – Routine check-ups are essential.
- Take small but steady steps towards a healthy life – Take out some time for light exercises regularly. If you smoke, consider quitting right away.
- A healthy diet is the key to a healthy life.
- Make “health” a family objective – Introduce post-dinner strolls. Engage in chit-chat and bonding activities with the family.
- Overcome your guilt – Don’t be hard on yourself, or blame yourself for not being able to devote enough time towards a mother’s or wife’s duties, especially if your children develop health or psychological problems, disinterest in studies, or become withdrawn.
Remember, ladies; you are the pillars holding the family up and together. Love yourself if you love your family. Do the right thing at the right time. Stay healthy, live happily.
