Support The Fight Against Heart Disease

February 1, 2008 | 2 Comments

Photo by Antennae
Join the movement and help raise awareness by wearing your favorite red.

The Go Red For Women Movement is women banding together in an effort to wipe out heart disease and stroke. You can support the fight against heart disease by wearing red on National Wear Red Day on February 1, 2008. By wearing red and making a donation, you’ll support the American Heart Association in its ongoing research and education about women and heart disease.

Other ways to take part on National Wear Red Day.

1. Get a heart checkup.
2. Start a daily healthy exercise routine, if you haven’t already.
3. Start eating healthier. Go Red For Women provides healthy recipes to help you get started.

Do it for your own health!

Technorati Tags: National Wear Red Day, Go Red For Women Movement, heart disease, stroke, American Heart Association

Posted by Julie Alexander | Filed Under Blog, Health, Women's Health

Lybrel: Freedom From The Dreaded Curse?

January 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Photo by Dusdin
Some women feel menstrual suppression liberates women. Others feel it is a threat to womanhood.

In July 2007, Lybrel entered the market as the first oral contraceptive designed not only to prevent pregnancy, but also to eliminate periods. And with this new pill, many women yelled, “freedom!”

The use of oral contraception to prevent menstruation has been around for a long time. But in the past it was kept quiet and only recommended to women who had unbearable menstrual pain or other health issues. But according to Natural Resources Magazine, doctors are saying that they are receiving Lybrel inquiries from young women with reasons ranging from camping trips to being sexually active. So, have we entered the era of no periods?

Some women see menstruation as a sign of good health and an important part of womanhood. It is natural and it shouldn’t be messed with. But others see it very differently. In fact, it is quite the controversy and women seem to be divided on the issue. We now have TV ads implying that periods are bad, disabling, and most importantly, unnecessary unless you are planning to have a baby. We are told not to worry though as we can stop them and finally be freed from the dreaded curse, thanks to Lybrel.

Things every woman should know before taking Lybrel.

First, I’ll state the benefits Lybrel provides. Lybrel prevents unwanted pregnancies and it stops menstruation which can be quite painful for some and simply quite bothersome for others. Women can take Lybrel for the sake of convenience when vacations and honeymoons are being planned. And I cannot leave out that taking contraceptive pills, even the conventional kind, decreases the risk of ovarian cancer by 40 percent.

But it is just as important to know the risks as it is to know the benefits. The risks which we know about are the ones that come with all birth control pills. Mainly, estrogen levels in contraceptive pills can be four times higher than the levels during a regular menstrual cycle. And research shows that as a result of these higher levels, women taking the pill double their risk for strokes and heart attacks. The pill has also been linked to depression and cervical cancer.

There could be long-term risks that we do not yet know about.

With continual-use pills, such as Lybrel, being on the rise, there is the possibility that we will start seeing an increase in risks. Leading concerns include,

Women taking these new pills may have significant bone loss compared to women not taking the pills.
There may be more estrogen than the breast tissue can handle.
Some doctors feel that bleeding cleanses a woman’s body of harmful elements. Menstrual suppression may prevent the cleansing of precancerous cells in the uterine lining.

Only time will tell, of course. And whether research proves that menstrual suppression is safe or dangerous, either way, Lybrel is bound to teach us more about the health benefits of a menstrual cycle.

Technorati Tags: Lybrel, menstrual suppression, dangers of oral contraception, the pill

Posted by Julie Alexander | Filed Under Blog, Most Popular Articles, Wellness, Women's Health

5 Top Reasons Why Women Don’t Get Mammograms

January 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Photo by Brian U
What do wine, women, and mammograms equal?

A midnight mammogram soiree! And in some areas, midnight parties of wine, cheese, and mammograms are exactly what doctors are resorting to in an effort to entice women to get their mammograms. This is great and it can make the process of getting a mammogram a lot more fun, but you shouldn’t wait for an invitation to a party before getting a mammogram.

Mammograms save lives. Some studies show that mammograms decrease breast cancer mortality by 25 to 50 percent. Yet, even though many women know the risk, they don’t make time to get their yearly mammogram. The American Cancer Society reported that by 2005, mammography rates had decreased by four percent nationwide. The researchers couldn’t say why women aren’t getting mammograms, but here are some of the most common excuses:

It’s too uncomfortable. True, but the entire process only lasts twenty minutes.
It’s too expensive and my insurance doesn’t pay. Mammograms generally costs between $200 and $250 and part of the cost is usually covered by health insurance or Medicare. If you lack either of those options, call Susan G. Komen’s Cure’s Breast Care Helpline at 1-800-I’M AWARE (1-800-462-9273) for information on finding a low-cost mammogram.
My schedule doesn’t allow the time. Early detection may result in fewer surgeries later.
The radiation exposure may increase my risk of getting cancer. Radiation exposure from mammography equipment has been reduced by as much as 50 percent in recent years.
I’m afraid of the results. Yes, but it could mean the difference between life and death.

Questions to ask.

Mammography is the best method of detecting breast cancer at its early stages, which means a higher chance of survival. Women 40 and over should have a mammograph once a year. Women who are a high risk for cancer should start sooner. And if you have concerns, here are some questions to ask when you schedule your next mammogram (or midnight wine party):

Does your radiologist have training in mammography? Training is essential for obtaining the best images with the least possible radiation and for properly reading those images.
Do you use “dedicated” mammography equipment? This means the equipment is designed specifically for mammography and provides the best mammographs with as little radiation as possible.
How often is your mammography equipment inspected? It should be annually.

Technorati Tags: mammogram, breast cancer

Posted by Julie Alexander | Filed Under Breast Cancer, Women's Health

Proper Weight Gain For Expectant Mothers

October 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Department of Agriculture last week launched an interactive online tool called “MyPyramid For Moms” which helps expectant mothers know what and how much they should eat and thereby better control their weight gain. Too much weight gain during pregnancy can be hard to lose, and too little weight gain during pregnancy may put you at a higher risk for premature delivery. According to MyPyramid.gov, expectant mothers should gradually gain weight during their pregnancy, with most of the weight being gained in the last three months. You should discuss your weight gain with your doctor, but many doctors suggest 2-4 pounds total during the first trimester and 3-4 pounds per monthfor the second and third trimesters. The total amount of weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy weight, but women who weighed in at a healthy range before getting pregnant should gain between 25-35 pounds during their pregnancy.

MyPyramid For Moms

What will MyPyramid For Moms tell me?

MyPyramid for Moms will tell you how much from each food group you should consume, how to make healthy food choices, and how much physical activity you should strive for daily. To use this tool, you first set up your own Plan as an expectant mother by entering information such as your age, due date, pre-pregnancy weight, and physical activity. After you set up your own Plan, your Plan will show you the foods and amounts that are right for you, plus it will provide many more tips.

This tool is designed to assist breast feeding mothers as well. Keep in mind that breast feeding is also recommended for weight loss post-pregnancy, so consider using this tool after baby is born.

Technorati Tags: pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy

Posted by Julie Alexander | Filed Under Pregnancy, Women's Health