Asserting that lifestyle diseases pose threat to both men and women, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group Preetha Reddy, speaking on the eve on International Women's Day, said that myths about women's health are 'dangerous untruths'.
She said that International Women's Day plays an important role in dispelling myths, adding that it ought to be used as a platform to shatter baseless untruths about women.
"We have used the platform to shatter baseless untruths like women are not strong, women are less suited to high pressure jobs or that women prefer to be dependent on others.
The time has come to shatter some new myths; these are myths about women's health and they are very dangerous untruths.
She said that women are as prone to lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer, as men are.
"Heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer are not men's diseases. The fact of matter is that they are just as likely to affect women as men. Lifestyle diseases do not discriminate by sex, they attack whenever indiscipline and sedentary lifestyles leave a chink in the armor - for both men and women. Emancipation, opportunity and recognition, all lose their sheen when health falters. So, get active, exercise regularly, eat right, and make time for health checks. It will transform your life," she added.
She said that Women's Day was not just about honouring women achievers, but about honoring the role of women - in the home and in the workforce.
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Reddy also thanked her father for her upbringing, saying that she was never discrimanet for being a girl during her childhood
"This year, the theme of Women's Day is parity- equality of gender, opportunity and dignity. I was fortunate that my father never treated us as girls- we were his children. He didn't give us concessions for being women, instead gave us the opportunity to serve as part of the Apollo workforce," she said.
"It's unfortunate that in many parts of the world, discrimination and inequities persist and it is these aspects that prevent nations from realizing the potential of an equitable, peaceful, prosperous world. If we walk the talk on taking a pledge for parity, and take the bold steps to better the lives of women, we will be taking bold steps to better the lives of families and future generations," she added.