Heart Health In Play, Women Slay!
NUHCS Women's Heart Health Campaign 2024
PULSE Issue 43 | July 2024
Commemorating International Women’s Day in the month of March, NUHCS launched its Women’s Heart Health Campaign championing cardiovascular health and wellness at several community outreach events, as part of this year’s overarching theme, #EmpowerHER! Kickstarting the month with a series of educational social media posts, this year’s slogan “Heart Health in Play, Women Slay” was chosen to bring women’s heart health to the forefront.
Keeping The Momentum, Inspiring Greater Awareness
In collaboration with United Overseas Bank (UOB), a tailored Women’s Heart Health corporate workshop “Heart Health in Play, Women Slay” was held for 48 of its staff, jointly presented by Adj A/Prof Low Ting Ting, Director of Women’s Heart Health Programme and Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, NUHCS, and Ms Janice Chen, Senior Occupational Therapist, Department of Rehabilitation, National University Hospital (NUH).
Delving further into the key differences between heart disease in men and women, Adj A/Prof Low Ting Ting shared insights into the subtle warning signs of women’s heart disease which are easier to miss, and equipped participants with a better understanding of the various subtleties in “feeling” a heart attack!
Discovering Mindfulness Through Art
To beat chronic stress, a cause of heart disease, art was introduced as a practical self-care tool. Ms Janice Chen led participants to unleash their creativity in a hands-on art wellness and relaxation session, which provided a creative outlet for stress relief and fostered a mindful approach in managing one’s mental health.
Fostering Stronger Heart Health In The Heartlands
Public health event “Take Charge of Your Health” at NUHCS @ Jurong Medical Centre (JMC) engaged residents in the Jurong Boon Lay community on the importance of heart health. Raising the alarm on the unique risk factors women faced throughout different phases in life, Dr Jeanne, Consultant, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NUHCS @ Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), unfolded the important link between menopause and heightened Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) risk due to the fall in oestrogen levels during the menopausal transition. Raising relevant concerns on women’s heart health during the short Q&A session following the talk, even male participants engaged in questions to prove how much they cared for the women in their lives!
Another heartland event, “EmpowerHER: A Celebration of Women’s Strength and Resilience”, held on 10 March 2024 at Yuhua Community Club offered complimentary medical screenings and health tips, with many drawn to the educational game play at the NUHCS booth – where they tested themselves on heart health awareness, carnival-style! Emphasising how one in three Singaporean women dies from cardiovascular disease (CVD), Dr Marie Houdmont, Senior Resident,
Department of Cardiology, NUHCS, shared insights into CVD in her “Heart-to-Heart” themed talk which dived into practical tips on exercise and eating right!
Championing heart health and well-being through a spectrum of community engagement and outreach initiatives, the NUHCS Women’s Heart Health Team looks
forward to sustaining our campaign efforts in the year ahead, to empower more women on their individual heart health journeys!
Find Light Through Maternal Depression
Despite being a time of joy, it is not uncommon to experience behavioural and emotional changes known as “postpartum blues” or “baby blues” after delivery. Unlike postpartum blues which lasts for about 2 weeks after delivery, postpartum depression can persist and show up in constant worry that disrupts sleep and daily life.
MENTAL WELLNESS & HEART HEALTH – THE INTRICATE LINK
Depression during pregnancy puts women at higher risk of developing Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in the two years following childbirth.
Pregnant individuals with perinatal depression have increased risks of developing:
- Cardiomyopathy (poor heart function)
- High blood pressure
- Ischemic heart disease (issues caused by poor blood flow to the heart usually from narrowing of blood vessels)
- Abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac arrest
Perinatal: During pregnancy
Postpartum: After childbirth
RISK FACTORS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Circumstances that could make one vulnerable include:
- Past history of depression or other psychiatric disorders
- Body image issues
- Pregnancy complications (e.g. severe nausea and vomiting)
- Traumatic birth
- Conceiving through Assisted Reproductive Techniques (e.g. In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF))
- Unwanted/unplanned pregnancy
- Experiencing stressful life events
- Lack of strong social support or relationship difficulties
Postpartum depression affects around 7-10% of pregnant women in Singapore. It can affect the parent’s ability to bond with his/her child.
Signs & Symptoms To Look Out For:
- Depressed mood
- Loss of interest, appetite or sleep
- Low in energy levels
- Change in appetite and weight
- Loss of confidence or self-esteem
- Excessive self-blame or feelings of worthlessness
- Poor concentration or attention span
- Change in psychomotor activity
- Thoughts of death and suicide
Postpartum depression can affect anyone and is no fault of the mother. It is important to seek help and prioritise self-care – making time for friendship, and the activities you enjoy, can make a big difference!
