‘Know your numbers’- women urged to keep track of health status

Women make up roughly about 70 per cent of the health workforce and despite achievements in the field of medicine, women’s health is still being neglected around the world.

And, according to the Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, it is important for women to know their numbers when it comes to their health.

“Know your numbers…we cannot continue to journey through life in an oblivious way pretending that the numbers don’t matter…At every stage of your life, there are numbers that you are supposed to know. If you don’t know the numbers then you cannot really say what is your health status,” Dr Hamilton urged.

She was at the time delivering the feature address on Wednesday at the launch of the government’s Women’s Health Village in observation of International Women’s Day which is being celebrated this year under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.”

The event, which was hosted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, is providing persons with the opportunity to get free medical checkups throughout the day at the Officers’ Training Centre on Camp Road, Georgetown.

The numbers she referred to include the readings of medical tests such as blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and complete blood count.

According to Dr Hamilton, a person should not only visit a medical practitioner after falling sick but should rather have frequent medical checkups to prevent sickness at an early stage.

“Why not look at your health from the perspective of staying healthy instead of only looking at it from the perspective of something that has already started? Prevention is better than cure,” she said.

The health sector continues to develop, and according to Dr Hamilton, more innovative technological equipment and services are being made available.

Meanwhile, in her remarks, Judy Hung, Medical Superintendent of the West Demerara Regional Hospital, said access to healthcare and trained healthcare professionals is “crucial” in ensuring “good” health outcomes for women.

“Women face numerous health challenges throughout their life starting from menstrual health, maternal health, reproductive health, menopause and beyond…we must educate women on the importance of regular checkups, screening and preventative measures. Women must be empowered to take charge of their health and not hesitate to seek medical help when needed,” Hung said.

According to Hung, globally, women’s health has always been a topic of concern.

“Women should have access to comprehensive health services that address their unique needs; this includes access to maternal health services, family planning health services and reproductive health,” she said.

Equally important, Hung said is that the social determinants that affect women’s health should be addressed.

“Gender quality, lack of education and poverty are just a few factors that impact women’s health. By addressing these issues, we can improve the overall health of women and reduce health disparities.

“By investing in women’s health, we are investing in a future in our communities and in the world,” Hung added.