Ludhiana, August 14
Each woman undergoes three phases in life — premenopausal phase, menopausal climax phase and post-menopausal phase. Each phase needs to be dealt with differently.

These observations were made by Dr Anjali Somani, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, SPS Apollo Hospitals, here during a workshop at the VLCC, Sarabha Nagar, recently.

Dr Somani said during the pre-menopausal phase, females gain weight each year for 10 years. Thin women have more hot flashes and an altogether more difficult menopause than heavier women. Fat cells produce estrone, a kind of estrogen. “If you will not let yourself gain weight, at least stop trying to lose weight. Dieting decreases bone mass and weakens the heart.”

She said the age at which menopausal changes begin varies considerably from woman to woman, the norm being 45, with a normal range of 35 to 55. During these premenopausal years, menstrual periods may become noticeably different (closer together, farther apart, scantier, more profuse). Night sweats or hot flashes come, if at all, occasionally and are usually blamed on too many blankets or a rich meal.

According to Dr Somani, during pre-menopausal years, one must increase the number and amount of calcium-rich food. High levels of calcium in diet protect from osteoporosis, heart disease and emotional swings. Women ought to maintain regular menses, find some regular physical activity to maintain peak bone mass and strengthen cardiovascular system, which also ensures deep sleep.

“During the menopausal climax years, which include the year or two before and a year or more after very last menstruation, bones refuse to take in calcium and bone scans will show growing osteoporosis, flashes, flushes and night sweats, commonly associated with frequent palpitations, emotional sensitivity and sleeplessness. Depending on the individual woman and her circumstances, other physical and emotional changes may come with the change or women may experience next to nothing.”

Similarly, the post-menopausal years symbolically begin on the 14th new moon after the final menstruation. Hot flashes, aching joints, heart disease, incontinence, vaginal atrophy, and broken hips may diminish the quality and quantity of these years.

“Eat vegetables, fruit and grains instead of meat or fat. Move, dance, walk, stretch and keep active. The essence of vitality is change. Now that you’ve been through the change, don’t stop, keep changing. Break the rules and the taboos. Become an expert on pelvic floor exercises. Take up belly dancing. Pump iron, wear purple and nourish yourself with every bite.”

“Aging increases the need for many nutrients while reducing the digestive ability. The women should discover new ways to serve themselves calcium-rich foods at every meal. Fibre-rich whole grains and whole grain products. At the same time, drink vitamin and mineral-rich herbal infusions instead of mineral-depleting coffee, tea and soft drinks. Try yogurt and fresh fruit instead of ice cream for stronger bones and fewer vaginal infections,” she added.

After the lecture, all women present were given individual counselling by Dr Somani.

Ludhiana, August 14
Jalandhar demolished Gurdaspur 9-0 to secure a berth in the semifinals of the Miri Piri Punjab State Sub-Junior Hockey Championship being organised by the Ludhiana District Hockey Association under the aegis of the Punjab Hockey Association with the help of Namdhari Seeds at the Satguru Partap Singh Astro-turf stadium, Bhaini Sahib, near here, today. Teams of Ropar and Faridkot too won their respective matches and advanced into the last eight stage.

The match between Jalandhar and Gurdaspur turned out be a one-sided affair with the former dictating the terms throughout. Jalandhar lads established 6-0 lead at the breather before wrapping up the issue quite comfortably (9-0).

Amartoj struck twice while Sukhcharan singh, Manpreet Singh, Satbir Singh, Barkat Singh, Harjinder Singh and Sukhjinder Singh found the target once.

In another match, Narinder Singh scored the first hat-trick of the tournament and helped Ropar district to thrash Tarn Taran B by 7-0. Other scorers were Gurinder Singh, Akshay Kumar, Talwinder Singh and Gurpreet Singh. With this win, Ropar lads qualified for the quarter finals.

In the third match of the day, Faridkot beat Nawanshahr to record second consecutive win and entered the last eight stage. Ramandeep Singh scored a brace while Abhinav Singh, Shamsher Singh and Parminder Singh contributed one goal each to complete the rout.

In a match played last evening, Ludhiana boys drubbed Moga 11-0 to begin their title hunt in a style.

Ludhiana, August 14
Bharat Malhotra scored 47 runs and Lalit Malhotra took 3 wickets for 14 runs as Kundan Vidya Mandir School, Civil Lines, registered 15-run win over Sanatan Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in the Schools Zonal Cricket Tournament (PAU Zone) for boys (u-19) being played at the Government Model Senior Secondary School, Punjab Agricultural University ground, here today. With this victory, KVM School entered the semifinals.

Batting first, Kundan Vidya Mandir School made 139 for the loss of three wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Bharat Malhotra was the top scorer with 47 runs. Other notable scorers were Varun Chitkara ( 29 n.o), Sanchit (25) and Lalit Malhotra (21 n.o). For SVM Senior Secondary School, Nakul Sharma grabbed two wickets for 26 runs while Deepak took one for 33 runs.

In reply, Sanatan Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School were all out 124 runs after 19.2 overs. Suraj scored 39 runs, followed by Sumit Bhalla (12) and Sahil (14). For KVM School, Lalit Malhotra was the pick of bowlers claiming three wickets for 14 runs. Tarun Bawa scalped two victims for 26 runs while Keshav, Jasbir Sehgal and Bharat Malhotra took one wicket each.