Deployed on COVID-19 duty, women doctors and nurses in PPE kit bear extreme discomfort during menstruation

Coming up with more methods to aid these women in executing their immense and valuable duties would also facilitate the healthcare system in battling COVID-19.

Myupchar|Jul 01, 2020, 13:57:32 IST

Wearing an entire PPE kit for eight-hour-long shifts while treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is already a tough job. The situation is made even more difficult for female doctors and nurses during menstruation. In this video, Linda Rose Sinni, a staff nurse at Fortis Hospital in New Delhi's Shalimar Bagh, shares her experience of doing her duties while also managing her period.Being prepared mentally to manage patients and personal hygiene goes a long way in easing menstrual issues, but the practical considerations remain. Every woman’s body temperature is elevated during menstruation, which makes the sweating inside PPE worse and exacerbates issues like dry mouth. Linda shares with us how conditions like dysmenorrhea (painful periods) can be handled with medications, and heavy flow can be managed with extra-large sanitary pads. Shorter shifts can sometimes help nurses and doctors cope with menstrual symptoms, and so can taking a bath and drinking plenty of water and fluids soon after their shift ends. Coming up with more methods to aid these women in executing their immense and valuable duties would also facilitate the healthcare system in battling COVID-19.

10,000 steps a day is not enough: Top doctor explains the role of timing

Walking 10,000 steps a day is beneficial, but experts say timing matters. Short walks after meals and breaking up long periods of sitting may be more effective for blood sugar control and overall metabolic health

3 min read

What happens when you stop drinking tea for 30 days? Doctor explains the effects

Thinking of quitting tea for a month? Experts explain how cutting out caffeine can affect your body, from withdrawal symptoms in the first week to better sleep and improved iron absorption over time.

2 min read

Stroke is rising among young adults. Doctor explains why it's happening and what you must do

Stroke is increasingly affecting adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Experts say unhealthy lifestyles, undiagnosed high blood pressure and delayed treatment are driving the rise in younger stroke cases

3 min read

Stroke in young adults, silent symptoms and late diagnosis: India's growing brain health challenge

Neurologists warn that stroke is increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s, while many brain disorders progress silently before symptoms appear. They say early diagnosis, timely referrals and healthier lifestyles are key to reducing India's growing neurological disease burden.

5 min read

Brain tumours aren't always fatal, but delayed diagnosis can be: Experts explain the key warning signs

Brain tumours are frequently mistaken for common headaches, stress or age-related cognitive changes. Doctors say recognising warning signs early and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term neurological complications.