There is always at least one one happy-go-lucky woman in our surroundings, who always seems happy, her eyes appear bright, mood unfailingly optimistic and having a fit body. What is her secret? Is it lucky? May be she is having some good habits which improve both your physical and mental well-being. Here are few things, which women must do for a healthy living. Before things go wrong, women need to pay attention on some things.

Mark your period
Women are doing hectic jobs and following strict schedule, but it is recommended to find some time and consult a gynaecologist, if the periods are not regular. They should not tolerate the beginning signs.Dr Bandita Sinha, consultant gynaecologist and fertility specialist, said that, "a woman completely ignores her health while balancing her career and household responsibilities. She delays her appointment, opts for a home remedy or finds a quick fix on Google. But an irregularity in your menstrual cycle can signify anything from a hormonal imbalance to a pelvic infection or even ovarian or cervical cancer."

According to a consulting gynaecologist and infertility specialist, Dr Geeta Vaidya, fibroids or PCOS can cause heavy bleeding, which may lead to severe anaemia. she stresses, "In the long run, this can lead to low haemoglobin, low bone density, premature ageing, osteoporosis as well as subclinical hypothyroidism.”Dr Ranjana Dhanu, consultant gynaecologist, Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, said that, almost every other woman is suffering from PCOS. She added that, "visible symptoms of PCOS include infrequent periods, thicker hair growth, weight gain and acne. Many girls tend to first hit the gym and consult a dietician instead of visiting a gynaec."

Consult doctor, not ask Google:
Woman should know that, when they should book an appointment with their doctors instead of looking for symptoms on websites. Dr Pai, said that, "websites can present views that oppose each other and this will only leave you confused."

"It is surprising how urban men and women are still influenced by self-proclaimed gurus. They advise women to stop eating non-vegetarian food, stop exercising and refrain from visiting a gynaecologist till the third trimester. Such women come to me in their seventh month with severe iron and calcium deficiencies. The fear of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy or intrauterine growth restriction cannot be ruled out in such cases," Dr Vaidya said.

Use the pill wisely:
When it comes to contraceptive pills, there are several myths about these pills including they lead to weight gain and they render you infertile, but experts disagree with such myths. Dr Rishma Dhillon Pai, consultant gynaecologist at Lilavati and Jaslok Hospital, said that, "there are many options in the market. The prescription, however, differs from person to person. In India, most medicines are available over the counter and this leads to misuse." Dr Vaidya said that, " they need to be taken only in the case of a genuine emergency, like when a condom breaks."

Address the tinkle trouble:
Urinary incontinence is a common issue among women who have had children. It affects women of all ages. Dr Dhanu said that, "stress incontinence typically occurs when physical movements like laughing, sneezing and coughing put pressure on the muscles that control your ability to hold urine, thereby causing an uncontrollable leakage of urine. Women are unaware that this disorder can be treated and thus, wear pads."

Hygiene matters:
Experts recommend that, women should always take off their sweaty clothes immediately and bath. The yeast multiplies fast in a damp environment, which can lead to infection. Dr Dhanu said that, "personal hygiene is extremely important, especially among corporate women who spend a lot of time outdoors. Women must protect themselves from staph infections." She also suggests washing the private area thoroughly with a mild cleanser. "patients have called me at six in the morning, saying that they can't find their tampon. I advise them to avoid wearing a tampon overnight and to switch to a sanitary pad instead," she added.

Nandini