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.
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!
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.
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!
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:
Perinatal: During pregnancy
Postpartum: After childbirth
RISK FACTORS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Circumstances that could make one vulnerable include:
Postpartum depression affects around 7-10% of pregnant women in Singapore. It can affect the parent’s ability to bond with his/her child.
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!