Female Care

Vaginal dryness is typically a topic that is taboo around the water cooler. No one wants to talk about their vagina or how wet or dry it is. However, vaginal dryness effects millions of women. It is a very common problem that can be fairly uncomfortable. If you are wondering why you were once adequately lubricated down below, and no longer are, there can be several reasons. Vaginal dryness can be caused by a number of different factors.

Medications that Cause Vaginal Dryness

There are millions of people who suffer from vaginal dryness. Many of these people have symptoms because of certain medications they take. Certain over-the-counter medications such as cold and allergy medicines work to dry out mucous membranes. This may help your cold symptoms, but they also dry out the mucous membranes of your vagina. Also, antidepressant medications have been known to cause vaginal dryness as well.

Vaginal Dryness Due to Lower Estrogen Levels

Decreased estrogen levels is a major cause of vaginal dryness. Most people know that menopause decreases estrogen levels, but there are so many other times during a women’s life when estrogen is lower. Breast feeding, childbirth, cancer treatments, cigarette smoking, and immune disorders can all adversely effect the levels of a woman’s estrogen.

Vaginal Dryness From Douching

Douching was very popular 20 years ago. It was thought to cleanse the vagina thoroughly after a menstrual period. Research has shown that douching actually is no better, and is even worse than letting the vagina clean itself naturally. The chemicals in the douche effect the natural balance of the vagina. Vaginitis is caused by douching and can also cause vaginal dryness.

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Breast cancer survivors who are obese have an increased risk of lymphedema according to a study by the University of Missouri. In a news release dated December 16, 2008, the MU researcher reported that the risk of lymphedema is 40 to 60 percent higher in women with a body mass index, or BMI, that is classified as overweight or obese.

Worldwide, there are 10 million breast cancer survivors who have a lifetime risk of developing lymphedema. The chronic condition is the swelling of limbs. In the case of a breast cancer survivor the swelling would most likely affect the arms.

The abnormal swelling of the limbs is an emotionally upsetting side effect of cancer treatment. Lymph glands carry fluids throughout the system. Surgery and radiation damages the lymph system, so that the fluid is not carried through the system as it should be. This causes an abnormal swelling in the extremities

Any woman can get lymphedema, but women who are overweight are at a higher risk of the uncomfortable condition. According to information on the Sinclair School of Nursing website, as estimated two million women in the US are at risk of developing the abnormal swelling. This new report indicates that women who are obese have a much higher risk of lymphedema compared two women of normal weight.

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By Christine Bude

Osteoporosis is a progressive condition in which bones become brittle and weak. Osteoporosis literally means “porous bones”. Bones can become so brittle that even a mild stress on the bone can cause a fracture. Fractures are painful injuries that can cause disability.

Bones are the important support structure of the body. Many people, especially young people, tend to take their bone health for granted.

In most cases the bones are weakened when the levels of minerals in the bones are low. Important bone minerals include calcium, phosphorus and other minerals. Osteoporosis can also result from endocrine disorders and excessive use of certain drugs, such as corticosteroids.

People with signs of bone loss can take steps to reverse the damage with some lifestyle changes such as taking calcium, Vitamin D and by weight bearing exercise.

Osteoporosis commonly results in fractures, or broken bones. The fractures are often in the spine, hip or wrist. Osteoporosis is considered a woman’s disease, but also affects men.

Bone loss, in early stages, does not usually cause pain or symptoms. As bone loss progresses, symptoms may include back pain, loss of height and fractures of the vertebrae, wrists, hips or other bones.

We tend to think of bone as unchanging, but that is not the case. Bones are a living part of the body that changes constantly. When bones do not have enough minerals, they lose strength and density. In young people, bone is constantly breaking down and making new bone. As the body ages, the process of making new bone is slower. Estrogen production decreases and bone loss increases dramatically.

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If you’re a ‘depressed housewife’, and are determined to fight this disease and regain the happy life that you once had, then try making these ten easy changes and feel the difference!

1)    Bright Colours – Keeping up with the latest design trends can not only be stressful, but with a lot of neutrals becoming the popular choice, you can end up waking up in a dungeon everyday without even realizing it. It’s time to do away with those dark, drab colours and spice it up a bit! Go to your paint store and pick out the brightest colours you can find in shades that you love! Try replacing brown shades with peach, dark green with a bright citrus green, and steer clear of greys, burgundies, and any other drab colour you may be inclined to choose. Sometimes depressed women will automatically be drawn to depressing colours, so it may be a good idea to take someone along with you who will step in if you start slipping into this habit.

2)    Lively Plants – Get rid of any fake plants or plants that are half dead. You need to breathe new life into your home! Find yourself some tropical trees and plants. Throw in some colourful flowers to make it fresh. Maybe you’re like me and have a problem forgetting to water your plants, but have no fear! Most tropical plants and trees do not need a lot of watering or attention…so there are no excuses!

3)    Heavy Drapes – Heavy drapes and curtains can be overwhelming. Lighten up your home by choosing bright sheers. Long, sheer, white panels can make any window look brighter and bigger. Make sure you open your curtains everyday no matter how tempting it is to keep them closed…let the sunshine in!

• Anti-Depression medications

• Stress Gum

• Stress Relief Therapy CD

• Himalaya Stress Tea

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By Jane Dee

A urinary tract infection (UTI), and particularly one that recurs, can be the bane of a woman’s life. The symptoms are often acutely painful, and if your infection is one that recurs only a short while after you’ve managed to clear it up, it can also be frustratingly annoying! There are no home remedies that will effectively treat a UTI; only a course of antibiotics from your doctor will do that. However, there are a number of simple steps a woman can take to help prevent infection recurring.

Urinary tract infection usually occurs when bacteria enter the opening of the urethra and then multiply in the urinary tract. Women are more prone to UTI because we have shorter urethras and therefore it’s easier for bacteria to enter. Some symptoms of UTI are back pain, blood in the urine, pain on urination, and an inability to urinate despite a persistent urge.

In order to help prevent bacteria from entering the urethra, it’s important to keep scrupulously clean and to wipe from front to back. Emptying the bladder after sex will also help flush out any bacteria that might have managed to enter the urethra during intercourse. Studies have shown that women who use a diaphragm or whose partners use a condom with spermicidal lubricant are more at risk of developing a UTI than those women who use other forms of birth control.

Cranberry juice has taken on almost legendary status where the prevention of UTI is concerned, and not without good reason. Eighty-five percent of UTIs are caused as a result of E. coli bacteria. Cranberry juice produces hippuric acid in the urine which acidifies the urine and inhibits the adherence of E. coli cells to the lining of the bladder, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Look for 100 percent cranberry juice which is usually sold in health shops; the regular cranberry juice sold in supermarkets isn’t concentrated enough and contains a lot of sugar. Cranberry juice won’t clear up a UTI but it’s a good preventative measure if you suffer from repeated attacks.

Drinking water will also help flush out any impurities in the bladder so keep up your water intake at all times—before, during, and after a UTI.

Women are notorious for looking after everyone except themselves. It is a dangerous habit to fall into, since many health problems are completely preventable or at least treatable when caught early enough. Since women often avoid the doctor and don’t seek medical help until their symptoms are a real problem, it is often too late for a good prognosis.

Going in for regular exams is vital to staying healthy, for women around the world. So is getting the recommended tests and exams such as a mammogram or Pap smear. These are valuable tools that can help save lives, yet too many women don’t have them done because they feel uncomfortable with the procedure. It might be a good idea to remember that a little discomfort is nothing compared to months of radiation or chemotherapy!

Finding the Right Doctor is Key

One of the most common issues with health problems for women is the old-fashioned approach of many doctors. It was taught, not so long ago, in medical schools, that the majority of women’s “health issues” were really all in the head. Many doctors still feel this way and are more likely to dismiss potentially risky symptoms in women than they would in men.

To avoid being short-changed in the health department, look for a doctor that will listen to you and take you seriously. If you aren’t comfortable talking with your general practitioner or gynecologist, find a new one. When you are comfortable with your doctor, you are more likely to see her for any concerns, instead of waiting until the problem gets worse.

A good doctor will listen to you without jumping to conclusions or rushing you. If you feel that your gynecologist is only interested in getting you out the door so her next patient can come in and she can earn a bit more, start looking for a new doctor. Talk to friends about doctors they trust and don’t feel bad about going in for a checkup, just to meet the doctor and see if you like him.

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By Susan M. Keenan

Digital mammography is more successful than traditional film mammography in detecting breast cancer. Initially, digital mammography was only more effective in detecting breast cancer in women with smaller size breasts. However, advances in its technology have made it possible for digital mammography to be just as effective with breasts of all sizes.

No longer are hospitals forced to use both types of screening due to variations in breast sizes. The initial digital imaging machines contained image receptors that were too small to be effective in capturing a full image of large size breasts. Large breasts for this discussion are classified as any breast that reaches a “D” cup or larger.

The superior diagnostic techniques that are needed to detect breast cancer in its earlier stages are now provided with the advanced digital imaging capabilities of digital mammography. Original mammography methods were much slower since film had to be developed before any diagnosis could be made.

With this newer process, the images of breasts are captured electronically. This leads to faster results and quicker diagnosis. Additionally, this type of mammography provides an improved contrast between non-dense and dense areas of breast tissue.  This allows for a better diagnostic determination.

In fact, the digital images can be searched for signs of mass or calcifications using special software. If anything shows such as an abnormality, the area is marked for further consideration by the radiologist. One of the benefits for hospitals using digital mammography is that the results are easier to store and retrieve.

Introductory blurb: Fortunately, advances in technology have made it possible for hospitals to offer digital mammography to all women. This means a better opportunity to discover breast cancer sooner.

By Annetta Holmes

With the increasing downward spiral of food quality, vitamins and minerals that should be in your food are absent. Add to that processing and poor eating habits and this lack of sufficient nutrients show up in abnormalities of the body. The skin, our biggest organ, is the first line of defense against the microbes that lurk in the air and when changes for the worst occur in the skin it is time to re-assess our diet and to start thinking about supplementing with vitamins and minerals.

The body carries out it’s daily routines of which we are oblivious. However we become aware that all is not well when we start to see disease or deterioration. The body, to keep vital functions going – lungs repaired, heart beating rhythmically, correct pH levels of the blood – will strip less important parts of their nutrients in order to keep you alive. If a nutrient is required to keep your lungs in good repair and the nutrient is not being supplied through your diet then your body will start breaking down healthy cells just to retrieve the correct vitamin or mineral. This puts an added burden on your body. Cells once constructed usually have a certain length of life before they are broken down and new cells made. By depriving your body of its required vitamins you force it to work harder recycling itself. The more deficient your food, the harder the body works which has a knock-on effect as extra nutrients are used up in the break down, re-construct cycle.

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Alternative Names: Cold sore; Fever blister; Herpes simplex – oral; Oral herpes simplex

Definition of Herpes labialis

Herpes labialis is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It leads to the development of  small and usually painful blisters on the skin of the lips, mouth, gums, or lip area. These blisters  are commonly called cold sores or fever blisters.

Symptoms

Warning symptoms of itching, burning, increased sensitivity, or tingling sensation may occur about 2 days before lesions appear.

* Skin lesions or rash around the lips, mouth, and gums
* Small blisters (vesicles) filled with clear yellowish fluid
-Blisters on a raised, red, painful skin area
- Blisters that form, break, and ooze
- Yellow crusts that slough to reveal pink, healing skin
- Several smaller blisters that merge to form a larger blister
* Mild fever (may occur)

Treatment

Untreated, the symptoms will generally go away in 1 to 2 weeks. Antiviral medications taken by mouth may shorten the course of the symptoms and decrease pain.

Herpes sores often come back again and again. The antiviral medicines work best if you take them when the virus is just starting to come back – before you see any sores. If the virus returns frequently, your doctor may recommend that you take the medicines all the time.

Wash blisters gently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus to other areas of skin. An antiseptic soap may be recommended. Applying ice or warmth to the area may reduce pain.

Also, your provider may recommend a drying agent to help oozing sore, or antiviral cream. If your recurrences are frequent and severe, your provider may prescribe oral antiviral medication, e.g. acyclovir, which has been shown to decrease the size and severity of herpes outbreaks. These medications have no effect on host cells. Other medication: Zovirax, Valtrex, Famvir, Bactroban, Neurontin

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There’s recently been a LOT in the weight loss news concerning green tea.
Green tea’s weight loss effects have been causing more and more people to start sipping the ancient Japanese brew.
But just how does green tea help you lose weight? And does it really work or is it all just hype? This article gives you the real facts about drinking green tea to lose weight.
Advantages of Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss:
1) Green tea revs up your metabolism
A study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a metabolism ‘boost’).
The researchers also concluded that that over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%. These effects are probably due to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols found in green tea. These work to help intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories).
2) Green tea inhibits fat absorption and helps glucose regulation
Experts tell us that the catechins in green tea help to inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells. Green tea may also act as al glucose regulator. It helps to slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal. This prevents high insulin spikes (lots of insulin promotes fat storage) and the subsequent fat storage.
3) Green tea may help reduce appetite
Scientists at the University of Chicago found that green tea caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight. Rats injected with a green tea extract lost their appetites and consumed up to 60 percent less food after seven days of daily injections. This may have something to do with the blood sugar regulating effects of green tea.
4) Green tea can help you save calories on your morning brew.
We are a nation hooked on our java. Be it the regular double-cream, double-sugar standard or that mocha,
dappa, frappucinno, the calories we ingest just to get our morning caffeine is wreaking havoc on our waistlines.

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