September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Sadly, ovarian cancer is one of the five leading causes of death among American women. It’s important to understand that a routine PAP test detects cervical cancer but NOT ovarian cancer which can be discovered by a pelvic exam usually combined with an ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test. Women with a family history of someone with ovarian, breast, or colon cancer should be particularly vigilant.
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) occurs in only 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age. For those women, however, the disease can affect their menstrual cycles, their appearance, and even their ability to have children. PCOS shows itself in irregular periods, abnormal bleeding, hormone disruptions, or infertility. Women with PCOS are also more likely to develop gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications.
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Plantar fasciitis is fairly common in people who run, but this painful foot problem can happen to almost anyone. The condition takes its name from the plantar fascia, a thick tissue band running across the entire bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. When it becomes inflamed, the pain can be severe and debilitating.
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If your normally nutritious diet has taken a hit this summer, you’re not alone. The season’s diet of beach parties, grilled food, cotton candy on the boardwalk, and road trip food can cause havoc in almost anyone’s digestive system. For people with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), that is, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease, new research is showing a link between summer heat and disease flares.
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Sweet sodas are among the most heavily advertised and consumed products on US store shelves. For decades, consumers powered the growth of flavors and sizes until sweet, fizzy drinks dominated an entire supermarket aisle. As their popularity grew, so did our waistlines. In the 1970s, a small “gourmet” product called Perrier Sparkling Natural Mineral Water appeared and gradually began to turn the tide.
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Summer brings a change in routine for many of us, along with the chance to enjoy warm days and outdoor recreation. People with diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2, have special challenges when the temperatures soar. High temps can change the way your body uses insulin and because the disease can damage blood vessels and nerves, your sweat glands may not function as well as they used to. Here are a few tips for staying well this summer:
• Stay hydrated with water and other permitted, caffeine-free liquids. Avoid alcohol.
We do hate to mention it, but statistics say that more than 2/3 of American adults are overweight, with more than 35% being obese. To be clear about it, being overweight refers to an excess of body weight (muscles, organs, bones, fat, and fluid). Obesity refers to an excess of body fat measured by Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 30+ is considered obese.
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