October 2013

The Importance of Screening

As women, sisters, wives, friends, mothers, daughters, and grandmothers, we must make sure that we are doing everything in our power to be at the top of our health, always. We are depended upon to set the healthy example for family and friends around us. Breast cancer and cervical cancer is not something that we can completely prevent or predict on our own, but as women, we do face these two possibilities and it is worth our while to keep our health as updated as possible.

Announcing new Book on Oncofertility Communication: Sharing Information and Building Relationships across Disciplines

978-1-4614-8234-5 (1)Since the initiation of the “war on cancer” with the National Cancer Act in 1971, cancer survivorship has increased dramatically. As such survivors, especially young ones, frequently live many decades beyond their initial cancer diagnosis. With the escalating numbers of cancer survivors, comes the need to provide cancer treatment in a way that ensures a healthy and hopeful future.

Crohn’s disease and pregnancy

The obstetrical and gynecological manifestation of Crohn’s disease is particularly challenging for young women and demands special attention, according to an article in the International Journal of Women’s Health. Pregnant women with CD are considered high-risk patients due to associated complications. Some of the prevalent complications are premature birth, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies. To minimize the risk for adverse pregnancy/birth outcomes, it is recommended that remission of CD symptoms be achieved before conception.

Pricy Pregnancy

We all know that having children is expensive, but did you know that having your child in the United States can cost up to triple or quadruple the price as other developed countries? Pregnancy care and delivery costs have nearly tripled in the United States since 1996 and now range anywhere from $4,000 to $45,000.

Joint Relief with Estrogen

Hormone therapy can be used to ease the many symptoms of menopause, including night sweats, hot flashes, and mood swings. New research indicates that hormone therapy, specifically estrogen, can also be used towards joint pain.

Pregnancy After Early Menopause

When a woman goes through menopause before age 40, it’s considered early menopause. When this occurs naturally, due to genetics or chromosome defects, it is known as primary ovarian insufficiency and happens to about 1 in 100 women. Early menopause may also result from medical treatments, like chemotherapy or radiation. Researchers from the United States and Japan have recently reported on a new technique in which the ovaries of women who went through early menopause were successfully “reawakened.”

Flu shots recommended for pregnant and postpartum women

Because of the increased risk for serious illness and complications from influenza, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women who are pregnant or who might be pregnant in the upcoming influenza season receive the IIV vaccine. This vaccination can be administered at any time during pregnancy, before and during the influenza season.3

Celebrate and Advocate: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Screen shot 2013-10-10 at 2.31.33 PMAs I’m sure you already know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The nation is awash in the color pink and adorned with pink ribbons.  Everywhere we turn we see information about breast cancer signs and symptoms, early detection, and treatment options.  This alone is reason to celebrate.  Breast cancer is no longer something that is whispered about in secrecy but rather discussed in the open with friends and strangers alike.