Showing posts with label Women's Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Women's Health. Show all posts

How To Reduce Risks of Breast Cancer in Women

It May be a new reason for physical education classes in schools and a new engine for women to reach the gym. New research has shown that physical activity helps reduce the risk of breast cancer among women. The researchers found that women between the ages of 12 and 35 who exercised regularly may reduce their risk of the disease by 23%.

A prospective study, funded by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, was conducted involving approximately 65000 pre-menopausal women, a nurse Health Study II. The survey focused on researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Harvard University in Boston. For the survey, women explained their physical activities carried out from 12 years now. The survey results revealed that women who walked 13 hours per week or 3.25 lasted hours have 23 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer before menopause than women who were less active. Five hundred and fifty women and about 65000 enrolled in the investigation developed breast cancer before menopause within six years.

There are many factors that increase women's chances of developing breast cancer and many of those, like early onset of menses, when menopause occurs and family history are uncontrollable. However, there are several factors that can be controlled and can help prevent breast cancer, such as exercise, alcohol consumption, body weight, and taking hormones.

Breast cancer deaths have declined nationally during recent years, perhaps because of early detection and diagnosis. It is still the second leading cause of death among women (after lung cancer in the number one spot). All the risk of cancer increases with age. At 30 years, women over a period of 10 years has a 1 in 234 chance to develop breast cancer, but at 60 this opportunity has increased by 1 to 28.

The exercise! It contributes not only to your physical well-being, it has also been found to help ward off breast cancer. Studies have shown that even if you were a books increasingly, it is never too late to start exercising. A researcher has found that two hours of walking per day prevented quarter cases of breast cancer. Walk to the mailbox, walk to your neighbor rather than driving, do not park in the parking spot closest, and take the stairs whenever possible. Find ways to walk or exercise during your normal daily activities. It might help you in more ways than you realize.

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Breast Cancer in Younger Women

Beware: Breast Cancer May Be More Aggressive in Younger Women

Breast cancer! The words tend to spread fear in the heart of most women. They are, in short, scary, although usually spoken or heard the conversation on the news. The latest news, with the permission of Norwegian researchers, is that the rate of breast cancer develops varies and tends to have a growth rate faster among young women, which offers little solace.

The scientists used a new mathematical model that enabled them to estimate the number of breast cancers that are detected by mammography. The principal researcher Harald Weedon-Fekjr, Department of etiological research, Cancer Registry of Norway, said: "We found that mammography test sensitivity of the screen increases with the size of tumors has increased, as Not surprisingly. detection rate is only 26% for a 5 millimeter tumor, but increase to 91% once a tumor is 10 mm in size. "

Researchers model was tested by mammography results of the age of 50 to 69 in a study of 395188 women. A complex formula was used to determine the size of tumors were when they were detected; surgically removed tumors were measured, as well as other data have been compiled in the study. Researchers say these findings May aid in the evaluation and planning of screening programs, and other studies and clinical trials. "There are enormous implications for the sensitivity of breast cancer screening programmes," Weedon-Fekjr added.

The growth rate of tumors showed a significant difference between patients. About one in 20 tumors doubled in size-10-to 20 millimetres in just over a month, yet in other cases, the same number of tumours took over six years to double in size. The research team believes it takes an average of 1.7 years for tumors to double in size depending on their results. And tumor growth seems to be fastest among young women and slowed as older women. The research team's report reads as follows: "tumour growth seems to vary considerably between tumors, with higher growth rates among young women."

How many times a woman must obtain a mammogram? Some studies have reported evidence to support mammography and whether or not it saves lives. All experts agree that if the cancer is detected early, it is much easier to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. At the global level, in 2007 it is estimated that 465000 women died of breast cancer and 1.3 million new cases were diagnosed.

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Go Red For Women

The new movement, Go Red for Women, is the celebration of energy, passion, and power we have as women to band together and eliminate heart disease and stroke. Thanks to the millions who participated across America, the color red and the red dress now stand for the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live longer, stronger lives. Today, the American Heart Association short-term goal is nothing less than 25% reduction in the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease by the year 2010. Like everyone else working on this goal, the American Heart Association is working hard to change the perception that heart disease is just a "man's disease," and it is beginning to work. By teaching more women how to talk to their doctors about heart disease, we can save thousands of lives each year. Because the good news is that we can often prevent heart disease.

If you hear about heart disease for the first time and wonder what it is, here's a little information:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) are diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Most heart and blood vessel complications develop over time and occur when your arteries develop atherosclerosis, a process that may begin in childhood and is a progressive accumulation of plaque in arteries.

The plate contains fat, cholesterol and other substances, and it can grow so large that it will reduce the blood flow through the artery. Most damage occurs when plaque become so fragile it breaks. The plaque rupture can cause blood clots from forming and training they can block the flow of blood to the rupture site, or it may break off and travel through the artery to other parts of the body. If any of these situations occur and blocks an artery that feeds the brain or the heart, it can cause a stroke or a heart attack.

(For Heart Attack and Stroke Warning Signs, read: here)

As doctors have learned more about cardiovascular disease, they have also discovered some steps that you can take to help keep your heart healthy. It is easy to learn how to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. You can begin with engaging in regular physical activity, then move to eating healthy, and that leads to reducing stress. You will not only keep your heart happy, it will also put a smile on your face too.

Does all of this sound like you will have to change your whole life? here's some fun ways you can add heart healthy habits into your daily routine.
  • For physical activity, you can try walking, jogging, or even dancing with someone you love.
  • For a healthy diet, you can eat more whole grains and fruits delicious.
  • To reduce stress, you can take time to work on your hobby.
  • If you smoke, you can also consider quitting. You can think this way, the money you save you may want to spend on a family trip instead of a pack of cigarettes and you are improving your health.

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Go Green With Feminine Hygiene

As the world becomes increasingly aware of environmental concerns, many people have found ways to integrate "green" alternatives in their daily lives. Women can play a role in these recycling and conservation of time if they consider that the products they use per month during menstruation. There are many products currently on the market which serve as a reasonable, if not better, alternatives to traditional ones.

Although these alternative products such as tampons and pads, lining fabric, and reusable menstrual cups are not for everyone, those who went to these eco-options are generally satisfied with the results. In addition, many of the products will cost less than major brands, and the reusable products can save a great deal of money for female consumers in the long run.

Disposable Products

Several brands have recently entered the market, which offer security and chlorine-free tampons and pads for those who seek to continue to use the types of products to which they have become accustomed. The advantage of using new products is that they are free of chemicals and 100% natural, organic cotton.

Natracare is the most common brand, which manufactures and sells tampons and pads that are disposable but free of chemicals. The product line was conceived as a response to health and environmental concerns on the use of radiation, dioxin pollution caused by chlorine bleaching, and widespread use of pesticides on most cotton. Dioxin has also been linked to cancer and other health problems, so as to reduce exposure to dioxins has been an important factor in the creation of buffer, and certified organic cotton was the answer.

Other brands that meet the eco-consumer include organic essential and Seventh Generation, both of which use certified organic cotton and are free of dioxin and bleach. Stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's carrying some natural products, but they can also be ordered online at Amazon or private companies that specialize in "green" products.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cup are small, bell-shaped cups inserted into the vagina to catch the menstrual flow. Although there are disposable cups, the most popular environmentally friendly type is the type reusable because they last up to ten years. Most are made of rubber or silicone.

The Keeper is a common brand that is made of natural rubber gum, but for women with latex allergies, DivaCup is preferred, as it is made of silicone. Both products can be raised from 6 to 12 hours at a time, depending on flows, and then gutted, cleaned and reinserted. They are also in two sizes - one for those who have children born, and one for those who have not. Women seem to appreciate the convenience of a single product, which comes with a cloth bag, and the absence of any need for back-up pad protection.

Pads reusable

A few years ago, it was common for women to use cloth diapers for babies, and in the light of developments become environmentally friendly, many parents are iron. The same goes for women and menstrual pads. Considering the large amount of waste disposable pads, reusable fabric products are increasingly popular with women. Clothes can be washed and reused, and while the cruise line and owners are not exactly cheap, quite a bit of money is saved in time due to the recycling of all products concerned.

There are many brands available, including GladRags and LunaPads that are made in different sizes, colors and styles and can be accessorized with carrying cases and containers soaking. What many women as on clothing reusable is their softness and comfort, all are made of cotton - the most organic cotton - and free of chemicals and other materials found in disposable plates. Some brands, like organic Sorella Luna platelets are all-in-one products that do not require the holder of another line and be purchased.

In principle, after use, platelets are stored in a container filled with water to soak, which helps prevent stains, until the garments can be washed. Some people let it dry, then soak in cold water before washing, but May stains will not come so easily. Despite this, the process is simple and prevents waste and discomfort that most women find a store, disposable pads.

Stamps reusable

It does not seem the most obvious point of reuse, but it can be done with the proper equipment. Wednesday sponge tampons are actually extracted from the ocean floor and are about as natural as one can get. There is no applicator, only that the sponge is flushed out every few hours and reinserted. At the end of the menstrual cycle, it must be cleaned and dried in the air, care and allow the buffer to be reused for about six months.

There are several companies that manufacture sea sponges to this end, sea pearls and Jade and Pearl. Considering that a woman typically uses 11000 tampons - a widely accepted estimate - in its rules, be able to buy two sponges for $ 10 or $ 12 and use them for a whole year makes it very economically and environmentally.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy: Pill or Patch?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is regularly prescribed to women for the relief of hot flushes, night sweats and other symptoms of menopause. Currently, about 1 million women taking Hormone replacement therapy, with an estimated three out of four using the pill. Previous studies have shown HRT to be associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, breast cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE), a potentially fatal blood clot in the veins. Although these studies has prompted millions of women to abandon HRT drugs, they did not access the benefit / risk to women or if the risk varies depending on the type of treatment.

However, French researchers recently completed an investigation into the risk of blood clots from two different forms of HRT, the pill and patch. Dr. Pierre-Yves Scarabin, research director at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research and his colleagues examined data from eight studies observation and nine randomized controlled trials on HRT and VDTs and found that Women taking oral HRT had double the risk of blood clots compared to women who use skin patches, and 2.5 times the risk for women not taking estrogen. They also found the risk to be significantly higher during the first year of treatment and women who were overweight or prone to develop blood clots. The increased risk translates into another group of 11 cases per 10000 women each year based on a combination HRT, in both cases by 10000 for estrogen only HRT, according to the study authors. Women who stopped taking HRT risks have seen their return to normalcy.

The researchers said that the reason for this difference in risk between oral, and the patch may be due to how estrogen is absorbed into the bloodstream. When taken orally, estrogen entering the digestive system and is processed by the liver. This process could undermine the balance between clotting and the fight against clotting factors in the blood. The authors added that, like most data came from observing trials, the results should be interpreted with caution.

Other experts, like Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of women and heart disease at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, agrees. "It is observation and very interesting, but it is clear that more studies should be made. Perhaps this opens the door to a way of giving hormones to more safely to those in need, "she said.

Dr. John Stevenson, president of Women's Health Concern, which provides advice to women in menopause, said that the increased risk of VTE for HRT users is well recognized. "It is linked to estrogen and is dose-dependent, so that the risk can be reduced by using lower doses or non-oral such as patches."

Still others see the study as flawed. The International Menopause Society (IMS) issued a statement just days before the French study was published in the online edition of the British Medical Journal indicating that for women in their 50, HRT was safe and effective and not not increase the risk of heart disease. The group also concluded that HRT had a "minimal" impact on the risk of breast cancer. "The SSI Group of Experts concluded that the only residual risk of HRT in the age group 50-59 years was that of an event thromboembolic a blood clot," said Dr. David Sturdee, British gynaecologist and President of IMS. "This very slight increased risk of a blood clot should not discourage healthy women using HRT if it is needed."

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Lung Cancer

What you should know about Lung Cancer
The first warning of lung cancer is usually a spot on a chest X-ray, which revealed a tumor in the lungs and ends up as a place on a chest X-ray. Like all cancers, the disease is the result of the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Normal cells divide in a planned way, creating more cells only when needed. Cancerous cells grow and divide without control or order, often making excess tissue that becomes a tumor. The cells become cancerous in May nearby healthy tissue, or May break with the tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other body parts, such as liver, bone, or the brain.

Signs / Symptoms of Lung Cancer
At the beginning of lung cancer are usually no symptoms. Later, signs include:
Difficulty breathing
Constant coughing
Achy, non-localized pain in the chest
Cold frequent
Sifflante
Expectorations bloody
The cough a lot of spat
Fatigue
Weakness
Weight loss
If the cancer has spread, May you also have other problems.


Lung Cancer Risks
Without treatment, the cancer eventually spread. Almost all forms of cancer, have unpleasant side effects, and May fail to halt its spread. However, treatment especially when performed early enough are generally improves your chances.

Lung Cancer Causes
Scientists do not know why one person develops cancer while another is not. However, factors that increase the chances of lung cancer are well known:
Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer. The more you have smoked cigarettes and more that you smoke each day, the greater your risk. Constant exposure to secondhand smoke increases the chances.
Some industrial chemicals, if they are present in the air in your workplace, are also known culprits. Among them are asbestos, arsenic, chromium, beryllium, and radioactive materials.

Lung Cancer Care
To find out what stage the cancer is, your doctor will measure the size, check if the cancer has spread, and perform tests such as bone and lung scans, and tissue or bone biopsies. Test results will help you and your doctor decide on a treatment plan. There are many ways to treat cancer. Often, doctors use two or more types of treatment. For example, you get May medicine and radiation therapy or medicine and surgery. The main options for lung cancer are:

Biological Therapy (also known as biotherapy or immunotherapy). This approach uses special IV medicine to strengthen the body's ability to fight against the growth of cancer cells. The drug also May cancer cells weaker and easier to kill. Salaries May give you flu-like symptoms.

Chemotherapy Often called "chemotherapy", this type of therapy uses drugs to kill tumor cells or reduce new lymph nodes that contain cancer cells. Once the tumor is smaller, you May surgery to remove the remaining cancer. Some forms of cancer may be completely cured by medicines alone.
Many chemo drugs are available. May they be regarded as a pill, a shot or one IV. You'll probably need frequent blood tests to determine how your body is fact and how much you need chemotherapy. The drugs can produce many side effects, and you leave May susceptible to infection for some time.

Radiation: X-rays or gamma rays can kill cancer and help prevent its spread. They can also be effective in reducing pain, control bleeding, and shrinking cancerous tumors. The doctors also use this type of treatment on cancerous lymph nodes. Radiation and chemotherapy are often used at the same time. Radiation is also used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that were missed May.

Surgery
: depending on the stage of your lung cancer, you May need surgery to remove all or a portion of the lung. May You also need to have lymph nodes taken to help prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of your body.
Thoracentesis (Lucidity-uh-sen-Tee-SIS): If the air or fluid is trapped between the chest wall and outside of the lung, May you have difficulty breathing. To alleviate the problem, the doctor may drain the region with a needle inserted between the two coasts. You'll have numbness coup before the procedure.

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Health care for female military veteran lags

Healthcare for women military veterans lags behind the care offered to men veterinary many VA facilities, an internal agency report said, even as women are serving on the frontlines at historical levels. There are clearly needs more doctors trained to care for women and more equipment to meet their health needs. He did add that progress is being made, such as the creation of mammography services on site and setting up clinics women in most VA medical centers. The department is also seeking to recruit more doctors who care training women.

For now, veterans do not receive the same quality of ambulatory care than men in about one third of the VA of 139 facilities that offer, according to the report. This seems to validate the complaints from lawyers and some members of Congress who have said more emphasis should be placed on women's health.

Women represent about 5 percent of the VA of the population, but is expected to almost double in the next two years.

Among other conclusions in the report include:
Senior Citizens and young veterans seem to receive the same quality of care;
About 86 percent of homeless veterans seen by VA received primary care, mental health and/ or addiction;
Approximately 98 per cent of commitments have been completed within 30 days in primary care clinics and about 97 percent were completed during this period, specialty clinics;
Overall quality of care seems to be good when examined under commonly accepted health care reference;
Minority veterans interviewed were generally less satisfied with inpatient and outpatient care than white veterans, but it was unclear if the quality of care is different. A more comprehensive care to veterans minority should be completed this summer.

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