Posts Tagged women’s health
Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Can You Help?
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on May 2, 2013
Did you know that the rate of teen pregnancies in 2010 was the lowest it’s been since 1946? Either teens are actually starting to pay attention or adults are getting involved and are willing to talk about it so they can make a difference. Either way, something is clicking with teens. The pregnancy rate dropped 37% between 1992 and 2005 and the birth rate dropped 33% in that same time period. These numbers, posted in a document developed by Advocates for Youth is helping to spread the word for National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM) which is going on right now, during the month of May.
Are you a teen? Are you at risk? Having unprotected sex and keeping your fingers crossed? According to statistics posted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, in the US 3 in 10 girls get pregnant by the time they are 20 years old. Although girls in the United States begin to explore and experiment with sex at the same age as their European counterparts, they are more likely to get pregnant. Girls who become pregnant during their teen years are less likely to complete high school or college and more likely to live in poverty. Using contraception and delaying the start of sexual intercourse has made a huge difference in our numbers and teen pregnancies are the lowest they’ve been in 40 years, but we still have quite a ways to go.
Are you a parent, a business person, a religious leader? Reaching out to the teens in your life, supporting movements like this and encouraging open communication about the risks of teen pregnancy and prevention could change someone’s life. Advocates for Youth supplies communities and organizations with materials to promote teen pregnancy prevention using the vision of the “3Rs”. Teens have the Right to information and healthcare necessary for proper sexual health care and pregnancy prevention. They deserve the Respect of involving them in the planning and development of programs that affect their reproductive health. Society has a Responsibility to provide teens with the tools they need to make the right decisions and protect their own reproductive health and futures. Teens deserve access to pregnancy and STD testing and information to choose the right prevention method for them, whether it be celibacy, condoms, or hormonal birth control. We owe it to our future generations to pay attention so that they can have the brightest future possible.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Heart Health Needs to Come First!
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on October 18, 2012
It’s hard not to notice all the pink around us right now…from scarfs and umbrellas to NFL socks and neon pink shoes. For many people who have been personally touched by cancer and specifically, breast cancer, these signs of support for the search for a cure are deeply meaningful. Unfortunately, for others who haven’t been affected the pink has become overwhelming. Are you aware that 
more women die of heart disease than all types of cancer combined? For those who are at a high risk of breast cancer either through genetics (mothers, aunts and sisters who have had it) or through lifestyle (obesity, smoking, lack of exercise) getting mammograms, self exams and possibly CA-125 tests can be critical.
For the rest of us, after we’ve taken the basic preventive steps and tests, there is all the rest of our lifestyle and genetics to look at. How many of us have had grandparents, parents and siblings with heart disease and are on statins to lower cholesterol? I have it coming at me from both sides of my family. Have you taken the first important step to have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked? Do you try to eat healthy or have you given up because losing weight and taking a walk is just too hard? If it matters to you, go ahead, wear pink. But do it while you’re having a salad or going to the gym or out for a walk. In the long run, this will save many more lives.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Would You Recognize the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on September 6, 2012
Ovarian cancer has been called the “silent killer” for years but this isn’t completely accurate. Do you know what to watch for? If you suspect a problem what should you do next? There is a lot of information out about breast cancer screening: mammograms, sonograms and self examination, but not much about ovarian cancer, which is the deadliest of gynecologic diseases and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women. The good news is that 90% of early ovarian cancer can be cured, but because women aren’t aware of the warning signs, it isn’t usually found until the cancer is at an advanced stage.
The Ovarian 
Cancer National Alliance has laid out guidelines for symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer. Although these symptoms aren’t definitive should be checked to rule out cancer. The symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
If you have any of the symptoms listed above and have had them for several weeks or are at a high risk of breast or ovarian cancer either through family history or the presence of the BRCA gene mutation you should definitely speak to your doctor. The CA 125 test (Cancer Antigen 125) can be a valuable tool for detecting ovarian cancer, but shouldn’t be used alone. This test, in conjunction with a transvaginal ultrasound, a vaginal exam and a discussion of symptoms with your doctor, should be the next step. An elevated level on the CA 125 test, with symptoms and the evidence from a transvaginal can help you and your doctor make a determination about whether a biopsy is needed. A definitive diagnosis can only be made with a biopsy.
If a biopsy and/or surgery is necessary, studies have shown the most successful results with a gynecologic oncologist performing it because they are more familiar with the process for reducing a cancerous tumor as much as possible and performing the multiple biopsies necessary to determine the correct stage of the disease to allow for the right treatment.
This month is ovarian cancer awareness month. The intention and the hope is that drawing awareness to the disease will save lives and put pressure on the medical community to come up with a better detection test, like the pap smear for cervical cancer or the mammogram for breast cancer. Be aware of your risk and the symptoms and take action if you suspect a problem as soon as possible. Don’t let this “silent killer” catch up with you. Pay attention to potential warning signs your body is trying to send you!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
CDC Offers Up Million Hearts to Heart Health Month
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on February 15, 2012
Have you been payting attention? Hopefully you’ve worn red to work and noticed the posters, flyers and promotions for Heart Health month by the American Heart Association. This well publicized program targets those of us, especially women, who need an extra push to pay attention to our own health. Come on, you know you’re 
more likely to be one of those people than not! The addition of the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Million Hearts program adds some simple guidelines that are easy to remember, even if we have a hard time following them.
The CDC recommends following your ABCS:
- Aspirin for people at risk – Ask your doctor is this makes sense for you.
- Blood pressure in check – If this is an issue, make sure you have a home BP cuff.
- Cholesterol management – Standard cholesterol tests and more advanced ones such as the VAP and PLAC tests can let you know how aggressive you need to be.
- Smoking cessation – There are so many ways to kick the habit. You just need to pick the right one for you.
These four major steps help to address cardiovascular disease, the leading of death in the United States. In addition, cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading cause of disability preventing people from leading full lives and enjoying time with their families.
Women are at a higher risk than many of us are aware of. Women are used to taking care of their families and putting their own health last. What we, as mothers and caretakers, may not realize is that putting our health at risk is a terrible way of taking care of our loved ones. What would they do if we weren’t around to take care of all the little things? Saving yourself is the most important thing you can do to be the best mother, partner, and daughter you can possibly be.
Take these American Heart Association and CDC messages to heart and take control of your health today!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
What You Should Really Be Worrying About…It’s Not Cancer
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on July 22, 2011
The Big “C” scares most of us. The horror stories abound and we’re always trying to figure out how to avoid it…cancer. But it is more likely that you’ll have a stroke or heart attack due to cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the number one killer in the US. Treatments once you’ve gotten the disease have improved significantly. Cardiac stents and pacemakers extend life and have radically 
altered cardiovascular medicine, but treatment is never as good as prevention. If you reduce your Body Mass Index (BMI), exercise and eat better your risk is reduced and long term health prospects much brighter.
A new AP-LifeGoesStrong.com survey shows that amazingly few people are worried about strokes! Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and death. Once you have a stroke you may no longer be independent, requiring a spouse or adult child to bear the burden of caring for you. Women specifically have a one on three chance of having a cardiac event as opposed to a one in eight chance of developing cancer. Monitoring your cholesterol level and stroke risk with a standard lipid test or a PLAC test can show you how much of a difference you will need to make in order to improve your health and avoid strokes and heart attacks. So yes, put on your sunblock to avoid skin cancer and eat your greens to prevent colon cancer, but watch your diet and your weight to protect your heart first.
Written by www. labtestingnow.com
Pregnant? Take the Right Precautions!
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on June 17, 2011
Syphilis is a disease of old-timers and not a problem any more, right? Horror stories from the past about people with nasty sores going blind and crazy in old age make the name itself scary. Unfortunately, the disease is alive and well, so to speak. People engaging in risky behavior, like unprotected sex with multiple partners, or even unprotected sex with one partner who may not be monogamous are at a high risk for this and other STDs including HIV, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. For pregnant women any of these STDs can cause severe health issues or death in their unborn children. Although it is recommended that pregnant women be tested for STDs early in the pregnancy, many health care workers do not follow through and recommend the screenings, or women don’t see the doctor early in pregnancy.
If it’s caught early, treatment with penicillin can halt the progression of syphilis and it’s many horrifying long term consequences. Syphilis is easily transmitted to unborn babies and can cause late abortions or stillborn babies, as well as congenital syphilis in the baby. Nearly half of babies infected with syphilis that passes through the mother’s placenta die shortly before or after birth. The number of cases of syphilis in pregnant women is rising and the children who survive can suffer blindness, deafness, facial deformities and nerve damage. Receiving treatment early in pregnancy can eliminate the disease in the expectant mother and greatly reduce the chances of congenital syphilis. A recent study showed that something as simple as training health care workers to urge women to get the screening when they find out they are pregnant can reduce the number of women still positive for syphilis at the birth of their child by almost 20%, saving many lives.
Many women aren’t even aware that they have contracted syphilis so standard testing is critical to preventing babies from suffering and dying. If you find out you are pregnant, I hope you don’t put off going to the doctor and getting these critical STD tests. Saving a baby’s life is worth a minor needle prick and some bad news, isn’t it?
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Photo by: Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net - http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2664
Go Ahead, Drink Your Milk!
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on May 25, 2011
Are you choking down huge, calcium horse pills? You may want to rethink your calcium strategy and osteoporosis prevention plan! New research conducted in Sweden shows that yes, calcium is critical to bone health, but too much may not be doing you any good. Taking in enough calcium over the long haul appears to be the best way to protect your bones. 
The study followed over 61,000 women born between 1914 and 1948. The researchers broke the women down into groups with those receiving less than 751 mg daily in one group, those receiving over 1,137 mg and the middle group who took in between 882 to 996 mg per day. The middle group was used as a reference group. Those in the lowest group based on amount of calcium ingested daily were more likely to suffer first fractures in general and hip fractures specfically. Those in the highest intake group didn’t show a marked difference overall, except for a slightly lower number of those with osteoporosis.
The researchers concluded that women shouldn’t toss out their calcium supplements yet, but should look to improve their calcium intake through foods first. For many of the risks of bone disease categories, getting over 750 mg didn’t improve women’s chances much. Looks like dairy, like carbs, are back on the “good for you” list as long as you eat or drink them in moderation. Get your vitamin levels tested so you know where you stand, but, a little of something is a good thing, but too much, again, is not good. Moderation is the key and unfortunately, it’s over a lifetime, not just later when you’re older and it’s too late. I just got up to check the amount of calcium in my daily vitamin supplement and, adding in the milk in my coffee and yogurt for breakfast, I’m still a little low. Maybe I’ll have a some ice cream for dessert instead of taking a calcium pill!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Are You Going Red?
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on February 3, 2011
Tomorrow, February 4th, is Go Red for Women or National Wear Red day. Will you be doing your part? 
Not just by wearing a red shirt, but knowing the risks of heart disease for women to protect yourself and the women in your life. The focus on overweight and obesity in the media lately is a major factor in heart disease, but many women aren’t aware of the other risk factors that could contribute to the disease and how high their risk really is. Heart disease has become the Number One killer of women in the United States, but most people still think of it as a man’s disease. It is critical to pay attention to factors that you can control, be aware of the ones you can’t that put you at greater risk and get the right tests to monitor your health.
There are quite a few factors that women can control or change to reduce their risk:
- Cholesterol
- Blood Pressure
- Smoking
- Physical Activity
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Birth Control
- Alcohol and Illegal Drugs
Your health is in your hands. No, you can’t control everything, such as your genetics and family history, but the actions you take now can make a real difference in your longevity and your quality of life. So, yes, wear a red shirt and help others become more aware of their risks, but take a walk in your red shirt and eat a healthy lunch. Don’t take heart disease sitting down!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Breast Implants: Still Dangerous After All These Years?
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on January 27, 2011
Hollywood, and now my neighborhood, is rife with breast implants and shapelier women than nature intended. For a time women became wary of silicone implants because the FDA took them off the market claiming that the manufacturers had not proven their safety. 
The fears of lupus and cancers steered women away from silicone toward saline implants or away from implants altogether. Silicone implants were put back on the market in 2006 because the FDA couldn’t find solid research linking the implants to disease.
Recent information links both types of implants to a rare lymphoma: anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Although only 60 cases have been identified worldwide out of all the women who have had breast implants, which number in the millions, doctors are being asked to report any cases. The cancer was found in women who came to doctors complaining of swelling, lumps, hardening or pain well after the implant surgery sites had healed. ALCL apparently begins in the scar tissue surrounding the surgery site.
In conjunction with research conducted at the University of Colorado and the University of Michigan that suggests rolling back new recommendations that women get mammograms only every other year after age 50, breast cancer is back on the front page. The new study claims that the old recommendations of annual mammograms beginning at age 40 may save as many as 65,000 women from breast cancer.
It’s unclear what could make it seem worthwhile to put yourself in such danger, either by getting implants to impress other people or by delaying mammograms based on one recommendation. No one is going to watch out for your health, or your breasts as well or as diligently as you. Know your risks and don’t add new ones!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Breast Cancer Drug Too Risky to Merit Use
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on December 20, 2010
The FDA is recommending that doctors no longer prescribe a popular drug used to treat metastic breast cancer, Avastin. Although many women feel that it is helping them, their opinions are not supported by laboratory evidence. According to the Federal Drug Administration, Avastin has too 
many risks to merit it’s use for delaying the cancer and recent evidence shows that it is not effective. The risks include severe high blood pressure, bleeding and hemorrage; the development of perforations in the body, and heart attack or heart failure. The women who have been taking it and feel that it is working are upset and the Wall Street Journal printed an editorial decrying the FDA’s decision saying that the high cost of the drug influenced the federal agency.
The evidence for the negative side effects of this medication is strong and the side effects are frightening. In light of information that it doesn’t actually prolong a woman’s life, why take the chance? Although many breast cancer patients may be willing to do nearly anything to live longer, they definitely need to take into consideration the safety of medications. Is it worth having a heart attack on top of breast cancer and chemotherapy treatments. The FDA is taking a logical stance on Avastin and women need to listen. The BT test and a Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel can help women get more information on both their potential for contracting cancer and the effectiveness of their treatment. Yes, take control of your health and be involved in your treatment, but pay attention to the risks. Is it really worth it?
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- MMWR: Regional Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Campaign -- Skokie, Illinois, October 16--December 31, 2009
- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update