Womens Health Concerns

2007-09-25T21:02:00.000-05:00

PREGNANCY AND EXERCISE

Used to be that women were supposed to be practically flat on their backs during pregnancy. Staying active is the norm now.

Knowing which type of exercise to do is also important. Low impact exercises such as walking, water aerobics and yoga are good.

Maintaining fitness while pregnant will help you to bounce back faster afterwards. It also can help reduce back and muscle aches. For tips on exercise routines and foods that can help keep you fit during pregnancy check out Fitness Designed for a Healthy Pregnancy

2007-09-24T19:41:00.000-05:00

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART BEFORE AND AFTER PROBLEMS

By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Sept. 24 (HealthDay News) -- People need to take care of their heart both before and after heart trouble starts, two new studies suggest.

In the first study, researchers said that to avoid heart failure when you're 70 or 80, you must begin by keeping your blood pressure and weight under control when you're 50.

"We tested the hypothesis that higher levels of blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) in midlife would be powerful determinants of heart failure risk in later life, and that the risk posed by preceding measurements would remain even after accounting for these risk factors measured later in life," said lead researcher Dr. Ramachandran S. Vasan.

"This is exactly what we found," added Vasan, a senior investigator with the Framingham Heart Study and a professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine.

An increase of about 20 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure at age 50 was associated with a 36 percent higher risk of heart failure up to 20 years later. Every 2.2 pound increase in BMI (a ratio of weight to height) at age 50 was associated with a 6 percent increase in the risk of heart failure, Vasan said.

"The study highlights the importance of maintaining an ideal BMI and blood pressure over the life course of individuals," Vasan said.

For the study, Vasan's team collected data on 3,362 people who were part of the Framingham Heart Study who had routine examinations between 1969 and 1994. During follow-up, 518 people developed heart failure.

"The prevention of heart failure should begin early in life and should include screening for elevated blood pressure and BMI," Vasan said. "Failure to identify or treat such modifiable risk factors in early and mid-adulthood may result in the loss of opportunities to reduce the incidence of heart failure in later life."

The findings are published in the November issue of the journal Hypertension.

Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, said he agrees that keeping both your weight and blood pressure down will help you avoid the ravages of heart failure.

"The lifetime risk for developing heart failure in both men and women is one in five," said Fonarow. "However, heart failure can be prevented, and there are a number of modifiable risk factors for heart failure, including hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.

"Maintaining a healthy blood pressure and body weight is essential to reduce the risk of heart failure," he said.

The second study found that fewer than 20 percent of patients seek cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack or coronary bypass surgery.

"It has been shown by many trials that cardiac rehabilitation reduced the risk for new coronary events, re-hospitalization and mortality. The main advantage of cardiac rehabilitation is to reduce mortality," said study leader Dr. Jose A. Suaya, a lecturer and scientist at the Brandeis University Schneider Institutes for Health Policy, Heller School, in Waltham, Mass.

Cardiac rehabilitation also improves functional capacity, Suaya said. "Patients can walk more without pain and improve their quality of life," he said.

For the study, Suaya's group collected data on 267,427 men and women, 65 and older, who had survived a heart attack or bypass surgery. The data were drawn from 1997 Medicare claims records.

In the year after hospital discharge, only 18.7 percent of the patients had at least one session of cardiac rehabilitation. Patients who underwent bypass surgery were more likely to seek rehabilitation -- 31 percent -- compared with heart attack patients -- 13.9 percent.

More men had cardiac rehabilitation (22.1 percent) than women (14.3 percent). Age also played a role -- patients 75 to 85 were less likely to go for rehabilitation, the researchers found.

In addition, patients with other medical conditions, such as diabetes, a previous stroke, congestive heart failure or cancer, were significantly less likely to seek cardiac rehabilitation, Suaya's group found.

The study results are published in the Oct. 9 issue of the journal Circulation.

There are many reasons why patients don't seek rehabilitation, the researchers said.

"Many doctors may be reluctant to refer patients to cardiac rehabilitation," said study co-author Donald S. Shepard, a research professor at Brandeis' Heller School. "In addition, patients may not know or ask about it."

Shepard also noted that many medical institutions don't promote the service, which typically includes exercise and advice on diet. "It's not glamorous and, from the data we have, it is not very profitable," he said.

It may also be difficult for people to get to rehabilitation centers, Shepard said. "One of the findings in the study was that the closer you are, the more likely you are to use the service," he said. "Travel time and travel expense are things that reduce the use of the service."

Fonarow said "more needs to be done to ensure that eligible patients are effectively enrolled in supervised cardiac rehabilitation. The American Heart Association's 'Get With The Guidelines Program' is one example of a highly successful initiative to improve referral to cardiac rehabilitation after hospitalization for cardiovascular event or surgery."

For more information on preventing heart disease click here.

2007-04-22T18:00:00.000-05:00

CANCER-CAUSING CHEMICAL FOUND IN CHILDREN'S BATH PRODUCTS

Women’s Shampoos and Body Wash also Contaminated

WASHINGTON — A hidden cancer-causing petrochemical has been found in dozens of children’s bath products and adults’ personal care products, in some cases at levels that are more than twice the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s lenient recommended maximum.

Laboratory tests released today revealed the presence of 1,4-Dioxane in products such as Hello Kitty Bubble Bath, Huggies Baby Wash , Johnson’s Baby Wash , Scooby-Doo Bubble Bath and Sesame Street Bubble Bath. The tests also found the carcinogen in Clairol Herbal Essences shampoo, Olay Complete Body Wash and many other personal care products.

1,4-Dioxane is a petroleum-derived contaminant considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a clear-cut animal carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. It is also on California ’s Proposition 65 list of chemicals known or suspected by the state to cause cancer or birth defects. Because it is a contaminant produced during manufacturing, the FDA does not require it to be listed as an ingredient on product labels.

The problem of 1,4-Dioxane contamination in personal care products is highlighted in a new book, “Safe Trip to Eden : Ten Steps to Save the Planet Earth from the Global Warming Meltdown,” by David Steinman. The laboratory results were released jointly today at the National Press Club by Steinman and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of U.S.-based health and environmental groups working to protect cosmetics consumers from toxic chemicals and hold companies accountable for the safety of their products.

“Regrettably, 1,4-Dioxane contamination is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Jeanne Rizzo, R.N., executive director of the Breast Cancer Fund, a founding member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. “Because the FDA does not require cosmetics products to be approved as safe before they are sold, companies can put unlimited amounts of toxic chemicals in cosmetics.”

Steinman said parents should be outraged that companies are willing to spend a significant amount of money on entertainment licensing agreements that entice children but won’t spend pennies to remove contaminants such as 1,4-Dioxane.

“Consumers who have young children, as I do, have the right to expect the highest purity in children’s products,” Steinman said. “I call on American consumers to say no to dangerous petrochemicals in their children’s cosmetic and personal care products.”

Contrary to what many consumers may believe, the FDA does not review or regulate cosmetics products or ingredients for safety before they are sold to the public and has no legal authority to require safety assessments of cosmetics.

Devra Lee Davis, professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, said that the usual regulatory approach of assessing risk one chemical at a time does not account for the combined effects of very low levels of hidden contaminants in personal care products and from other sources. “We must lower exposures to controllable agents that we know or suspect cause cancer,” she said.

The FDA has been measuring 1,4-Dioxane levels since 1979, but because the agency has little authority or enforcement capacity over the cosmetics industry, it has worked with manufacturers to reduce levels on a voluntary basis only. In 2000, the FDA recommended that cosmetic products should not contain 1,4-Dioxane at concentrations greater than 10 ppm (parts per million); yet some 15 percent of products tested exceeded even these lenient guidelines. This limit, however, also does not take into account that babies exposed to 1,4-Dioxane from baby shampoo may be exposed at the same time to 1,4-Dioxane from bubble bath, body wash and many other products.

More than two dozen products were tested at Steinman’s request by West Coast Analytical Service, an independent testing laboratory specializing in trace chemical analysis. Among the products tested:

Product *Baby & Children’s Consumer Products*	1,4-Dioxane concentration
Disney Clean as Can Bee Hair & Body Wash (Water Jel Technologies)	8.8 ppm
Disney Pixar Cars Piston Cup Bubble Bath (MZB Personal Care)	2.2 ppm
Gerber Grins & Giggles Gentle & Mild Aloe Vera Baby Shampoo	8.4 ppm
Hello Kitty Bubble Bath (Kid Care)	12 ppm*
Huggies Baby Wash Shea Butter	4.0 ppm
Huggies Natural Care Baby Wash Extra Gentle and Tear Free	4.2 ppm
Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Baby Wash (Johnson & Johnson)	5.3 ppm to 6.1 ppm
Johnson’s Kids Tigger Bath Bubbles (Johnson & Johnson)	5.6 ppm to 7.9 ppm
Johnson’s Kids Shampoo Watermelon Explosion (Johnson & Johnson)	10 ppm*
Lil’ Bratz Mild Bubble Bath (Kid Care)	3.7 ppm
L’Oreal Kids Orange Mango Smoothie Shampoo	2.0 ppm
Mr. Bubble Bubble Bath Gentle Formula with Aloe	1.5 ppm
Rite-Aid Tearless Baby Shampoo	4.3 ppm
Scooby-Doo Mild Bubble Bath (Kid Care)	3.0 ppm
Sesame Street Wet Wild Watermelon Bubble Bath (The Village Company)	7.4 ppm

Adult Consumer Products
Clairol Herbal Essences Rainforest Flowers Shampoo	23 ppm*
Olay Complete Body Wash with Vitamins (normal skin)	23 ppm*
Suave Naturals Passion Flower	2.0 ppm
_{*Product was at or above FDA maximum}

# # #

2007-04-20T07:58:00.000-05:00

BREAST-FEEDING REDUCES CANCER RISK

A study of over 9,000 women sponsored by the National Institute of Health called Contraception and Reproductive Experiences or CARE found that not only is breast-feeding beneficial for the infant by providing important antibodies through the mother's milk, but also that breast-feeding cancels out the effect of delaying childbirth past the age of 25. Breast-feeding protects again breast cancer no matter when you give birth. Even a most unfavorable type that is not promoted by hormones.

The new findings are particularly relevant to women who give birth after age 25 and eventually have three or more children. These women have double the risk of the aggressive and hard-to-treat hormone-negative breast cancers. This two-fold increased risk went away when they looked only at women who breast-fed. The women were no long at increased risk of breast cancer.

For more on the reasons why and other findings of this study go to:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9656285

2007-04-06T23:46:00.000-05:00

WHAT IS PMDD?

The other night I saw an ad on TV for a new medication that treats PMDD. I wondered how that differed from PMS, so I did some searching. On WebMD I found that PMDD is a severe form of PMS. The article that I read said that symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS but are severe enough to interfere with work, social activities, and relationships. Well, when I was menstruating I sure thought that my monthly symptoms were interfering with my work, social activities, and relationships!

So I read on, and I found out that PMDD occurs in up to 10% of menstruating women. Women who have a history of depression or postpartum depression are at greater risk. The exact cause is not known. The symptoms of PMDD can include any of the following:

Mood Swings
Depressed mood or feeling of hopelessness
Marked anger and/or increased interpersonal conflicts
Tension and anxiety
Irritability
Decreased interest in usual activities
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Change in Appetite
Feeling out of control or overwhelmed
Sleep problems
Physical problems, such as bloating

While these symptoms do not sound all that different from regular PMS, apparently the main difference is in the severity of the symptoms. If you have these symptoms, especially one the first four, you should contact your gynecologist for a thorough exam. A psychiatric evaluation may also be ordered. Before a diagnosis of PMDD is made, the doctor will rule out other emotional problems such as depression or panic disorder as the cause of the symptoms or other underlying medical conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, menopause or hormonal problems that could also be the cause of these symptoms.

“PMDD is diagnosed when at least five of the above listed symptoms (including at least one of the first four) occur for most of the time during the 7 days before menstruation and go away within a few days of the start of the menstrual period. If these symptoms are present every day and do not improve with menstruation, they are unlikely do to PMDD” from WebMD.

The course of treatment is much the same as you would treat PMS but with some modifications.

Eat Properly - limit or avoid your intake of sodium, caffeine, refined sugars and alchol. You might also want to explore the ancient Chinese methods. I found taking Black Cohosh and Soy to be beneficial.

Exercise – Swimming and aerobics seem to be most helpful.

Medications - To treat PMDD, SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can be taken orally every day, or only between the day you ovulate and your period (approx. 2 weeks). These would include Sarafern, Paxil CR, and Zoloft. Some over the counter analgesics may also help as might diuretics. Hormones may also be used.

Counseling - Therapy to help develop effective coping strategies as well as relaxation therapy, meditation, reflexology, and yoga.

If you are having severe problems during the time leading up to your menstrual cycle, and you are not of an age where you might be going into menopause, I would strongly recommend that you contact your doctor and discuss the possibility of PMDD.

2007-03-29T21:08:00.000-05:00

EAT THESE FOODS TO FIGHT FEMALE CANCERS

A recent study out of the University of North Carolina found a 45% lower breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women who had the highest intake of flavonols compared with those who had the lowest. The study was done on 2,900 women.

Rich-in-color vegetables, fruits wines and teas contain flavinol. Flavinol helps to neutralize oxidation which is caused by a chemical reaction that causes injury to cells thereby creating a natural form of damage control.

There is another flavonoid that appears to cut ovarian cancer risk. It is called kaempferol. Harvard University studied the diets of 66,000 women. The women who ate foods that were rich in kaempferol had a 38% lower ovarian cancer risk than women who ate the least.

These are the foods that are high in flavinoids:

Black Tea

Green Tea

Broccoli

Leeks

Kale

Yellow Onions

Red Cabbage

Red Apples

Red Grapes

Red Wine

Cancer is preventable. Research has proven that if you eat certain types of foods you can boost your immune system thereby enabling your body to do what it was designed to do. If you would like to learn more about cancer fighting foods as well as ways to increase your energy, lengthen your life span, and even help you to lose weight I would recommend that you check out the following book: Click Here!

2007-03-28T19:28:00.000-05:00

BREAST MRIs

The American Cancer Society released new guidelines today for women who have an unusually high risk of developing breast cancer. The ACS as well as a new study done at the University of Washington Medical Center are now recommending that women who fall into this category should get annual MRIs in addition to mammograms, and especially in the opposite breast if they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The MRI scan has the ability to detect cancers that are being missed by mammograms.

Who should get an MRI in addition to the mammogram? The guidelines are directed at symptomless women age 30 and older who have a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes; those who were treated for Hodgkin's disease; or those with a strong family history of the disease, such as women with two or more close relatives who had breast or ovarian cancer or who have a close relative who developed breast cancer before age 50.

MRI is not being recommended for the majority of women. The test’s error rate is too high to warrant this. Another reason is the proportionately high cost of the MRI test as opposed to a regular mammogram. Many insurers currently cover the cost of a MRI. The feeling is that those who do not will come around shortly because of the new cancer society guidelines. Whatever the difference in the cost, it would still be less expensive than the cost of treating someone for cancer.

2007-02-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAM (CTA or CT Angiogram)

Continuing with our theme of women's heart health in the month of February, I saw this story on the news yesterday.

The Computer Tomography Angiogram is a new, non-invasive test that can provide information about what is going on in your heart arteries - literally within seconds. In that time thousands of pictures of the heart combine and show if there are blockages or any amount of plaque build up in the arteries. An assessment of these pictures results in a cardiac score. Zero is best. Anything above that needs attention. The premise being that if you know what is going on in your heart you can make life style changes to rectify the situation. While zero is best, a score of 400 for example would indicate a significant risk of heart attack.

While the CTA machine itself looks like a MRI machine the results are much faster. Patients slide in, fully clothed, and seconds later slide back out. It is not the long, claustrophobic ordeal that one usually experiences with a regular MRI. Picture clarity is incredible.

More good news. Medicare groups and private insurance companies are starting to pick up the cost of this pro-active test.

2007-02-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

EGG DONORSHIP UP

Donorship is a relative term. In an AP article by Martha Irvine today on this subject Martha writes about how this once relatively rare practice is becoming more and more popular. These donor's aren't really donating, they are selling their eggs. The going recommended price is anywhere between $5000-$10,000 per donation.

As more and more older women are choosing to become pregnant, and perhaps are not fertile themselves, this is leading to other concerns. Are egg brokers carefully screening the donors for health and mental history. Read the full story here: http://kevxml2a.verizon.net/_1_2L2ITO1033M5T3H__vzn.isp/apnws/story.htm?kcfg=apart&sin=D8NCKOB01&qcat=health&ran=11272&passqi=&feed=ap&top=1

2007-02-19T12:42:00.000-05:00

RASH ISSUES RELATING TO LIPITOR AND PLAVIX

While not common, some people do have allergic reactions in the form of rashes as a result of using Lipitor or Plavix to address issues related to heart disease. If you have a rash that you cannot explain and have been using these medications, contact your doctor immediately.

2007-02-10T14:40:00.000-05:00

BE HEART SMART

During this month of February we are reminded frequently by the media that this is heart awareness month. Recent reports tell us that there has been a drop in the number of women who have died from heart disease - this is good news. Unfortunately, however, the decline in death rates seem to be coming not from a decline in new cases but from improvements in how women are being treated medically. Heart disease still remains the number one killer of both men and women.

One of the main keys of preventing a disease is making people aware of the causes. I feel that great strides have been made in this area, but I would venture to guess that still many more women are aware of the threat of breast cancer than of heart disease even though there are significantly more deaths annually from the latter.

Improved diagnostic testing that helps to identify blocked arteries and high blood pressure coupled with the use of statin drugs seems to be the main reason for the drop in deaths. Hospitals and doctors also are becoming more aware that the symptoms of heart disease or pending heart attack are different in women than in men. This awareness has lead to a significant drop in the percentage of women dying from a heart attack or heart disease while in a hospital

Obesity and smoking still seem to be the most significant factors standing in the way of genuine and long lasting improvements in the area of heart disease. More people are becoming savvy about the dangers of smoking and second hand smoke. Many communities are proposing a complete ban of smoking in all restaurants, bars and the workplace if they have not already done so. Personally, I applaud this move and feel that it is long overdue.

The other culprit is obesity. More than a third of U.S. women are considered overweight enought to be obese. Obesity leads to hypertension. Both are significant factors in heart disease. An easy way to reduce obesity is just to plan ahead a little bit and reduce or cut out completely the ingestion of fast or prepared foods. Reduce the use of sodium. Substitute Sea Salt instead. Reduce the amount of red meat that you eat. And finally, move. Park a little farther away from the door when shoppin; pick up the pace when you walk; turn off the TV, turn on the radio, and dance. All will exercise your heart muscle and help you to become more Heart Smart.

If you are interested in learning how to prevent, or even cure heart disease you may find this book helpful. Click Here!

2006-12-31T12:48:00.000-05:00

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY… IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE

It started in the spring of 2005. More accurately, it probably started at least several years before that. A change in employment, reduced wages, long term care and subsequent loss of my mother – in short, tons of stress. Couple this with bad eating habits, menopause, and less of the right kind of exercise you have a heart attack waiting to happen.

During that spring I noticed that I would easily get out of breath when climbing stairs. But, since I had put on almost 60 pounds since 1998, I figured that was the cause. I vowed, once again, to get serious about losing that weight. My doctor had expressed concern about this also on several occasions.

Soon I started noticing a mild tightness in my chest that accompanied the shortness of breath, but only during extended periods of fast walking or while climbing stairs. At this point I contacted my doctor. His in office examination didn’t show anything conclusive, but in his words “at your age it probably wouldn’t hurt to have a stress test”. It seems that I hear that “at your age…” line more and more lately! Oh well. His nurse scheduled the stress test for the following week.

As it turned out I didn’t even make it to that Monday before I ended up in the ER. As that week progressed the pains were coming more frequently and going away more slowly. During the night on Friday they were the worst. I did not go to the hospital, but probably should have since I was having some pain in my left arm. I ended up spending most of Saturday in the hospital. Three EKG’s and three sets of blood work later they finally determined that I had not had a heart attack, but my enzymes were elevated. Since I had the stress test scheduled for Monday morning they sent me home with a bottle of nitroglycerin and told me not to exert myself.

The stress test did not go well. I was sent home with the same instructions as before and waited for the test results. On Thursday morning I received the call. The cardiologist suspected at least one, if not two blockages. He could see me that afternoon and do the angiogram with a possible angioplasty the following morning. I could have made a dozen excuses for not following through that day, but in reality I knew that there was really only one decision to be made.

Interestingly enough, as I sat in the hospital room waiting to go down for the procedure, Katie Couric was on the television doing a segment on what was now the number one killer of women – heart disease. Among the problems mentioned, in addition to the fact that women are the caregivers so they tend to not take the time to take care of themselves, is that heart disease in women presents itself in a very different manner than it does in men. Oftentimes even if a woman does go to her doctor, or to the hospital complaining of chest pain she is sent home after being told that “it’s just gas”. Odds are, it’s not, and many of them die after being sent home.

I did, in fact, have two blockages. One was at 60%, the other was 90%. A stent was inserted. I was back in my room in about 90 minutes. They didn’t even use general anesthesia, just valium. And while you have to lay flat until the blood clots properly, that isn’t really a big deal when you consider the alternatives. I spent the night in the hospital and went home the next morning. After taking it easy over the weekend I was back at work on Monday morning. I did, however, take a slower pace that week.

A recent article by Dr. Richard N. Fogoros found at About.com reiterates much of what had been reported in Katie Couric’s segment that May 13, 2005. That most women do not even realize that heart disease is the number one killer of women, that our symptoms do not present the same as men, and that since 1984 more women then men have died annually from heart disease. Frequently it is not that crushing pain in your chest, but that tightness may be just as deadly. It is important to educate yourself as to what the symptoms may be. I will go one step further in saying that we, as a gender, have to start taking a more pro-active approach to our health. Not only do we have to take better care of ourselves and become more knowledgeable about our health issues, but also must be insistent with our health care providers that they follow through on our concerns. If you are having symptoms of a possible heart attach and feel that you are being put off, insist on a blood test that will include the markers for heart attack. Do as I did. Listen to your body; it may save your life.

2006-12-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

PEPPERMINT ALEVIATES MENSTRUAL CRAMPS AND MORNING SICKNESS

Peppermint has a wide variety of uses. Perhaps forgotten as a medicinal aide peppermint can be used to relieve a wide variety of digestive problems. These problems include intestinal colic, digestive pains caused by gas, menstrual cramps, as well as morning sickness and symptoms of the common cold.

Additionally, peppermint tea is good to drink during or after meals to aid digestion. In 1992, Georges-Louis Friedli found that the Menthol contained in peppermint was a high potent inducer of liver enzyme P450IIB1. The stimulation of this liver enzyme increases detoxification by the liver.

2006-11-23T10:43:00.001-05:00

THANKSGIVING

As we rush to prepare for the Thanksgiving meal as well as the hectic moments of the weeks to come, let us take a moment to reflect on the following words:

By Dr. Bob Hoffman Co-founder The Masters Circle

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million that will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a religious meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than 3 billion people in the world.
If you have a refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world.
If you have money in the bank or in your wallet and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold somebody's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed that over 2 billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
Have a great day, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed they are as well.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remind ourselves of all we have to be grateful for...our health, our families, our work, the freedoms we take for granted and the opportunity to make a difference in the world while we create a happy and fulfilling lifestyle for ourselves and others.
You live among the top few percent of all of the world's people. Feel your power and be thankful. Instead of stressing, see how good you already have it, and appreciate the unlimited potential you have to make it even better.
Choose to be grateful when life treats you well and graceful when it doesn't. Make this year's Thanksgiving a time for you to really feel blessed and then do whatever you can to become infectious and spread that blessing around. Remember that the purpose of this important holiday is to be thankful as compared to just being full.

Respectfully,
Elaine Flanigan

2006-11-19T10:41:00.000-05:00

First Generic Metronidazole Approved by FDA
The FDA has approved the first generic version of Metro-Gel-Vaginal. This vaginal gel is the most effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis, although other pharmaceutical treatments exist. The FDA expects the generic version called Metronidazole Vaginal Gel, 0.75 %, manufactured by QLT USA, Inc., to significantly lower the cost of treating bacterial vaginosis. The recommended dose of metronidazole vaginal gel is 5 grams, applied once daily for 5 days. Metronidazole is also available in an oral form; however, only the vaginal gel received generic approval. Side effects of metronidazole include a metallic taste and nausea.
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common type of vaginal infection, followed by vaginal yeast infection and trichomoniasis. Together, these three types of vaginitis account for about 90 percent of all vaginal infections. The most common symptom associated with bacterial vaginosis is a thin, grayish, vaginal discharge that has a “fishy” or foul odor.
Sources: FDA Press Release; Up to Date, Bacterial Vaginosis, accessed 11/09/06
More: Bacterial Vaginosis How to Apply Vaginal Cream or Gel
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2006-11-13T22:53:00.000-05:00

ONE IN THREE AMERICAN WOMEN WILL DIE FROM…

One in three American women will die from… a) Cancer, b) an accident in the home, or c) Heart Disease. If you chose a) Cancer, you are wrong. Potentially, you are dead wrong. Most women would choose a) Cancer, when in fact, since 1984, heart disease has killed more women than men in America.

According to public information from the National Institutes of Health one in three American women will die of heart disease. One in 14 women aged 45-64 has heart disease. This number increases to one in seven for women over the age of 65. Other surveys rate women’s death from heart disease as high as one in two. These are startling statistics for a disease that is largely preventable.

There are some things that you cannot control about your potential for getting heart disease; namely genetic disposition and age. Many of the other contributors to heart disease clearly come from choices that we make on a daily basis. Smoking, eating the wrong foods, and lack of the proper kind of exercise are potentially deadly life-style choices especially after menopause.

So why are we so ill informed about heart disease in women? Perhaps it just doesn’t get enough media attention. Perhaps women are too busy taking care of other people to take care of themselves. Perhaps we are just too lazy to educate ourselves about the causes of heart disease, or even worse, know the causes; yet rationalize our bad behaviors by saying things like “I’ll stop smoking when my stress level eases up”; “It’s too (cold, dangerous, early, late; insert whatever you like into here) to exercise today”; or “I don’t have time to make my own lunch, I’ll just pick up some fast food”

We, as a gender, really need to become more pro-active about tending to our own health. If you smoke – stop. If you don’t get enough of the right kind of exercise – start, slowly at first, but at least get started. Watch your diet. Reduce stress by learning how to manage it.

We need to see our health care professionals on a regular basis. We need to know enough about current health issues in women to be able to ask intelligent questions; and to question our health care professionals when we seem to be getting a stock answers. If you don’t like what you are hearing, seek out a different opinion. Most importantly, be in tune with your body and listen to what it is telling you.

2006-11-10T21:04:00.000-05:00

Welcome To Women's Health Concerns!

Hi Friends,

Welcome to the Women's Health Concern blog site. This site will be filled with many articles on Health Issues that are particular to Women. It is also my hope that this site will become a forum where women will come to share their experiences and suggestions on how to deal with some of our health concerns.

I am not a doctor, but I am a woman who has experienced many of the usual (and not so usual) maladies that women go through in a normal life time. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of these posts since they will be coming from many different sources. The articles in this forum are intended only as a springboard towards further knowledge. If you are experiencing problems and suspect that they are serious in nature, I urge you to find a professional with whom you can develop a good rapport to seek a solution.

Best regards,
Elaine Flanigan