The Importance of Women's Health Information and the Impact of Myths
In modern society, there is a growing focus on women's health issues, but many misconceptions are still deeply rooted in people's minds. These myths can not only affect the quality of life of a woman, but even cause health hazards. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Health Bureau, more than 60% of women delay seeking treatment or engage in inappropriate health behaviors due to misconceptions about women's health. Also, specialists often come across cases when patients misunderstand folk remedies, and their condition worsens. Therefore, establishing the correct concept of women's health and obtaining information through professional channels is an important key to protecting women's health.
Myth 1: Can't you wash your hair or exercise if you have a period?
Many women are instilled from an early age with the idea that they cannot wash their hair or exercise during menstruation, believing that it leads to increased menstrual pain and irregular bleeding. However, this is actually a myth that lacks a scientific basis. The Hong Kong Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology points out that washing your hair during menstruation will not harm your body as long as you pay attention to the moderate water temperature and dry your hair in time. When it comes to exercise, moderate activity can help promote circulation and relieve menstrual discomfort. Here are some things to pay attention to during menstruation:
- When washing your hair, use lukewarm water so that cold water does not irritate the scalp
- Choose gentle activities like yoga or walking
- Prevent cold abdomen and take care to keep warm
If the discomfort of menstruation is severe, it is better not to blindly follow traditional myths, but to seek the help of a specialist.
Myth 2: Can't you eat ice or drink coffee while pregnant?
Taboo eating during pregnancy is always a hot topic, and the phrase "no ice or coffee" is the most common. A study from the University of Hong Kong School of Medicine has shown that moderate caffeine intake (no more than 200 mg per day) has no negative effects on the fetus. As for ice products, as long as you pay attention to hygiene and moderation, they will not directly cause labor pains or affect the health of the fetus. Here are some recommendations on what to eat during pregnancy:婦科檢查醫院
| Food Categories | Recommended intake |
|---|---|
| coffee | No more than 1 cup (about 200 ml) per day |
| ice cream | Dosage to avoid overstimulation of the stomach |
Each pregnant woman has a different physique, so if you have any concerns, you should consult a specialist doctor and make an individual diet plan.
Myth 3: Do I have to go to confinement after giving birth?
Confinement is a traditional practice in Chinese society, but it may be necessary to adjust the concept of "strict adherence to the norms of confinement". A survey by the Hong Kong Centre for Maternal and Child Health found that about 45% of women had mental health impacts due to excessive compliance with the taboo of confinement. Modern medicine believes that postpartum recovery should focus on scientific care, rather than blindly following tradition. Recommendations for postpartum recovery include:
- Get plenty of rest, but you don't have to be completely bedridden
- Eat a balanced diet without excessive supplements
- Moderate activity according to physical condition
A comprehensive examination should be carried out 6 weeks postpartum to assess recovery and obtain professional advice.
Myth 4: Do you need contraception after menopause?
Many women mistakenly believe that they will not get pregnant after menopause and will neglect contraception. According to the data by the Hong Kong Family Planning Guidance Association, about 3% of women aged 45 and over have an unplanned pregnancy each year due to pregnancy without contraceptives. The medical definition is that pregnancy is possible within one year after menopause, so contraception should be used continuously. Recommendations for menopausal contraceptives include:
- Contraception is required for 1 year after menopause
- Non-hormonal therapies such as condoms and uterine rings are available
- Consult a specialist and choose the appropriate method
Regular gynecological check-ups to track your physiological changes are an important aspect of menopausal health management.妇健
How to get the right information about women's health
In the face of dazzling health information, it's important to know how to distinguish between authenticity and falsehood. Here's how to get the right information about women's health.
- Implementation of regular health checkups and consultations
- Refer to information published by public institutions such as the Ministry of Health and the Department of Hospital Administration
- Read medical books written by experts
- Avoid trusting online remedies and unsubstantiated rumors
There are many professional services in Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital and the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, which are reliable sources of accurate information.
Establish the correct concept of women's health and protect your health!
Women's health is a lifelong issue, with different health priorities at each stage from puberty to menopause. Only by dispelling myths and establishing the right concepts can we make the most beneficial choices for our health. It is recommended that all women do the following:
- conduct regular gynecological examinations,
- Take the initiative to learn correct knowledge about women's health
- Maintain good communication with specialists
Health is the most valuable asset, let's protect women's health with a scientific attitude and the right concept!