9 March 2021 – Failing to have a general check-up or ignoring symptoms could lead to more difficulties in treating illnesses in the future. Upon hitting 30, women usually focus on career, marriage, family, pregnancy and children. They may be unaware of the health issues arising.

“Choose to Challenge” is this year’s theme of the International Women’s Day (IWD) annually marks on every 8 of March. In support of the International Day, The Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) hosted a health talk yesterday for Bureau Veritas Brunei Management and Staff. In attendance from Bureau Veritas was the Country Chief Executive, Tuan Md Rizan Bin Haji Abdul Latif and Puan Zauyah binti Md Tarmizi, Chief Operating Officer of JPMC. The event also marks a call to action ensuring good health towards better lifestyle, from challenge to change, as women’s achievements.

The event highlighted two main topics on women’s general health and common cancer that usually develop in women. Both topics were presented by Dr. Chitra Karat, Head of Department & Consultant of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine Unit of JPMC and Dr Siti Khadijah Ismail, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of JPMC, respectively.

Dr Chitra Karat had emphasized the value of taking healthy well-b​alanced food, daily moderate exercise and taking care of emotional health such as depression, anxiety, stress and obesity. By ensuring the correct way to plan your healthy lifestyle, you may have chances for living a longer, better healthier life.

Moreover, Dr. Siti Khadijah Ismail accentuates the common cancer that have developed among women in Brunei. According to a recent report by the WHO (World Health Organization), 1 in 12 women are at the risk of developing cancer at some or the other point in their life. The commonest types of cancer in women are breast cancer and cervical cancer. An early detection with a women health check-up and breast screening is the best way for preventive measures. Dr Siti addressed the attributing factors to reduce the risk of female cancers by cessation of tobacco, maintaining healthy weight, breastfeed when feasible and be physically active.

The event concluded with hands-on learning which gave the audience the chance to reflect what they’ve learnt.