1. health and fitness

women s
Summer 2010
health today
Postpregnancy
surprises
things you
need now
Gabrielle
Union
Learning from life
for a healthy
summer
Stay injury-free!
see page 10
How to play it safe
LAST CHANCE
to keep getting
your issues of
Women’s Health
Today!
We’re updating our mailing list.
Look inside to learn
how to continue your
subscription.
The Christ Hospital
2139 Auburn Avenue
Cincinnati OH 45219
non-profit org
us postage
Paid
cincinnati oh
Permit #5489
{And now I know heart attack signs for women are different.}
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency
Heart Attack Signs for Women
Chest pain and discomfort
Shortness of breath
Nausea/vomiting
Back or jaw pain
Fatigue
room visits. That’s why we’ve created the Chest Pain Center at
The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center — the first and only
center in Cincinnati to receive full accreditation from the Society
of Chest Pain Centers. A woman’s symptoms for a heart attack can
present differently from a man’s. Here, our team is specially trained
in evaluating women to quickly diagnose their source of pain and
deliver the best course of care.
To schedule a $99 Heart CT Scan to determine heart attack risk,
call 513.585.2668.
Caring Above All.SM
2139 Auburn Avenue | Cincinnati, OH 45219 | www.TheChristHospital.com/heartandvascular
in this issue...
summer 2010
>>
Features
3 What’s behind your
pelvic pain?
4
Women die
of heart
attacks, too
4 Women die of heart
attacks, too
16 Sweet talking
Tips for battling
bad breath
17 Top joint injuries
How can you prevent one?
and how to avoid them
5 Normal aging or
something else?
20 Hormone help
Keeping tabs on your
parents’ health
Balancing the scales
21 Summer essentials
4 warm-weather must-haves
8 Tough talks
How to tell your physician
about embarrassing problems
22 Postpartum problems?
Join the club!
10 Gabrielle’s guidelines
No-nonsense healthy living!
>> Departments
2 LETTER
FROM THE FOUNDER
6 HEALTH
HEADLINES
You’re never alone!
© istockphoto.com/John Krajewski/Javier Fontanella/Judy Picciotto
What’s making news
in women’s health
9 SEX
& GENDER MATTERS
Chickenpox isn’t just
for kids
Look out for shingles
14 HEALTHY
14
Exotic
harvest
21
Summer
essentials
BITES
Exotic harvest
Take a vacation from the
usual fruits and veggies
18 HEALTHY
MOVES
In fitness and in health
Double the pleasure and
shape up together
24 HEALTH
18
In fitness
and in health
SMARTS
Can you hear me now?
www.womenshealthexperience.com
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER
women s
health today
You’re never alone!
>>
Founders
If you’re a new mom and wonder why
you’re not feeling as joyous as those
women you see in magazines and on television, don’t fret. While more than 10 percent of
women struggle with postpartum depression, many
women also experience other somewhat troubling
post-pregnancy health problems. A national expert
offers his opinion on issues ranging from hair loss
Dr. Karram and his wife,
Mona, are the founders of the
Foundation for Female Health
Awareness, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to
improving women’s health by
supporting unbiased medical
research and educating women
about their health.
to wrist pain and more in “Postpartum problems?”
(page 22) to help set your worries to rest.
Enjoy the season!
Now that summer is upon us, get out there
and enjoy the great outdoors. But don’t forget to
be safe! Before you pick up that tennis racket or
golf club, read “Top joint injuries” on page 17 to
learn how to prevent knee, ankle, shoulder and
wrist injuries. Then, move on to page 18 for tips
on how you and your significant other can get or
Keep it
coming!
We’re updating our
mailing list and want
to ensure our loyal
readers continue
to receive Women’s
Health Today.
To continue your
complimentary subscription, visit www.
TheChristHospital.
com/women and
complete the online
form, or call us at
513-585-1000. (If
you’ve already called
or subscribed online,
there’s no need to
do so again.) We
look forward to
providing you with
important and timely
health information!
stay fit together (“In fitness and in health”).
As you prepare to enjoy the sun and fun, be
sure you’ve stocked up on the medicine-cabinet
must-haves in “Summer essentials” on page 21.
And, after you’ve worked up an appetite from
all your healthy activity, consult page 14’s “Exotic
harvest” for some ideas on new fruits and
vegetables to try.
In just those few pages, Women’s Health
Today can help you plan your safe summer day!
You’ll find more interesting and important health
topics throughout this issue. If there’s a topic
you’d like to read about that we haven’t covered
yet, let me know. I’d love to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Mickey M. Karram, MD
PRESIDENT AND Co-Founder
Foundation for Female Health Awareness
women’s
health
health
today
today
women’s
the magazine of
the foundation for female health awareness
Mickey M. Karram, MD / Mona Karram
National Advisory Board
Linda Brubaker, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Urogynecology Urology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School
of Medicine; Co-Director, Women’s Pelvic Medicine Center,
Loyola University Medical Center
Vivien K. Burt, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of
Clinical Psychiatry, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA;
Founder and Director, Women’s Life Center,
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital
Vivian M. Dickerson, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine;
Director, Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, UCI
Medical Center; Director of UCI’s Post Reproductive Women’s
Integrative Health Center
Tommaso Falcone, MD, Professor and Chairman, Department
of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation;
Co-Director, Center for Advanced Research in Human
Reproduction and Infertility
Sebastian Faro, MD, PhD, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Women’s Hospital of Texas
Nieca Goldberg, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine,
SUNY Health Science Center, Brooklyn, New York;
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, New York University
Thomas Herzog, MD, Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and
Surgeons; Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Columbia
University Medical Center, New York
Barbara Levy, MD, Medical Director, Women’s Health & Breast
Center, St. Francis Hospital, Federal Way, Washington; Assistant
Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Yale University
School of Medicine; Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine
Wendy l. wright, ARNP, FAANP, Adult/Family Nurse
Practitioner; Adjunct Faculty, Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing,
University of Wyoming
The Christ Hospital STAFF
President and CEO Susan Croushore
Chief Business Development Officer Victor DiPilla
Chief Hospital Officer Deborah Hayes
Chief Strategy and Mission Officer Heather Adkins
Chief Medical Officer Berc Gawne, MD
Editor Arin Kraemer
customer service
For more information about services at
The Christ Hospital, please contact Arin Kraemer at
[email protected] or 513-585-3945.
Women’s Health Today is published four times a year by
The Christ Hospital, 2139 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219,
in conjunction with the Foundation for Female Health Awareness,
PO Box 43028, Cincinnati, OH 45243. This is Volume 6, Issue 3.
© 2010 by The Christ Hospital and the Foundation for
Female Health Awareness. All rights reserved.
The information contained herein is not a
substitute for professional medical care
or advice. If you have medical concerns, seek the
guidance of a healthcare professional.
recycle-logo_2options_v2.ai
Women’s Health Today magazine is part of
Women’s Health Experience, the flagship program of the
Foundation for Female Health Awareness. Women’s Health
Experience is a unique initiative aimed at connecting women
with healthcare experts, as well as their local hospitals, to learn
about important issues that may affect their health. Through
Women’s Health Experience, Women’s Health Today magazine
and www.womenshealthexperience.com, you’ll get objective,
timely information.
You can also
sign up for free e-newsletters
Printed With Soy Ink
Printed With Soy Ink
containing health news and results of medical studies.
Sign up now at www.womenshealthexperience.com.
Please Recycle This Publication
Cover: Gabrielle Union
© 2010 Jack Chuck/CORBIS OUTLINE
Please Recycle This Publication
Printed With Soy Ink
Please Recycle This Publication
Printed With Soy Ink
Please Recycle This Publication
Fib
What’s
behind your
pelvic pain?
roi
ds
Endometriosis
Pelvic inflam
matory disea
se
By Kevin Fitzgerald, MD
>>
Pain is your body’s way of saying something
But when it comes to pelvic pain,
it can be hard to pin down exactly what’s wrong. And
because you may be accustomed to some monthly pelvic discomfort, you may not realize that your symptoms
aren’t what they used to be. When your pain changes,
worsens, affects your daily life or seems to come with new
symptoms, make an appointment with your physician.
Some common causes of pelvic pain include:
isn’t quite right.
© istockphoto.com/nasenmann
Endometriosis. When endometrial tissue grows
outside the uterus on your ovaries, fallopian tubes or
other pelvic structures, it may cause pain and cramping
and painful periods with heavy bleeding. You may also
have back or abdominal pain; pain with bowel movements or urination; or sharp, deep pelvic pain during
intercourse.
Fibroids. One in four women with these benign
uterine tumors experiences symptoms that may include
pelvic pressure or pain, heavy or prolonged periods,
spotting, frequent urination, constipation and back or
leg pain.
Ovarian cysts. You may feel a dull ache in your
lower back and thighs, heaviness in your abdomen
or pressure on your rectum or bladder. Most cysts
disappear within a few menstrual cycles. Sometimes,
Ovarian
cysts
Caring Above All for women!
The experts at The Christ Hospital Women’s Surgery Center
perform more minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries than
any other hospital in the region, including laparoscopic
surgery, minimally invasive and single-incision hysterectomy
and robotic-assisted surgery. We strive to always offer
women more—through our commitment to the newest
procedures, the latest technology and to Caring Above All.
To learn more about minimally invasive surgery and to
discuss your options with a physician, call 513-585-1000.
SM
though, one will continue to grow and may rupture or
twist—causing sudden, sharp or worsening pelvic or
abdominal pain.
Pelvic inflammatory disease. With this bacterial
infection, you may feel pain in your lower belly and
pain during a pelvic exam or intercourse. You may also
have a fever, irregular bleeding and unusual discharge.
See your physician for a thorough exam during
which he or she may also check for bladder or other
infections, pregnancy, irritable bowel syndrome or
nerve disorders. The sooner you seek treatment, the
sooner you’ll enjoy relief. WHT
>> Kevin Fitzgerald, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with The Christ Hospital.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
Women die of
heart attacks, too
How can you prevent one?
While women are typically
the nurturers in the family,
many forget to take care of
themselves.
That’s why for some
women, the first symptom of heart
disease is a heart attack.
Many women simply don’t
connect their risk factors and their
own chance of developing heart
disease. In addition, heart disease
looks and acts differently in women
than it does in men. Typical symptoms tend to be more vague and
may include:
• chest discomfort, pressure or
achiness instead of crushing chest
pain
• a burning sensation in the chest
or upper abdomen
• shortness of breath, irregular
heartbeat, nausea, jaw pain,
dizziness, sweating or fatigue
If you experience these
symptoms, it’s important to
call 911 immediately and be
sure to tell the paramedics
to take you to a “heart
hospital” or a hospital that
has experience in treating
heart attacks. The American
College of Cardiology and
American Heart Association
(ACC/AHA) guidelines recommend treatment within
We treat your heart here
The Christ Hospital has the only accredited Chest Pain Center in
Greater Cincinnati that specializes in chest pain and heart attack
treatment. We consistently treat heart attack patients at or below the
90-minute ACC/AHA guideline. To learn more and receive “A Woman’s
Signs of Heart Attack” magnet, call 513-585-1000.
women’s health today
Find out your risk for heart
disease today. Visit www.
TheChristHospital.com/
heartaware for a free risk
assessment and more.
90 minutes in order to alleviate
major heart muscle damage. That
means 90 minutes from the time
you get to the hospital to the time
the physician is able to open your
blocked artery in the cardiac
catheterization lab.
Be on guard
Don’t let a heart attack sneak
up on you. Take control of your
health:
• Make an appointment with your
healthcare provider to discuss
your personal risk factors such
as your family heart history, age,
smoking status, exercise habits,
weight, waist size, blood pressure,
cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Get screened. The Christ Hospital
also offers a $99 heart computed
tomography (CT) scan. Using a
low dose of radiation with a 64slice CT scanner, this quick, painless test can detect cholesterol
buildup in the arteries. These
tests are performed at The Christ
Hospital and The Christ Hospital
Imaging Center on Redbank Road.
Heart CT scans can be scheduled
by calling 513-585-2668. WHT
© istockphoto.com/John Krajewski
>>
Are you
at risk?
Normal aging
or something
else?
Keeping tabs on your
parents’ health
By Jason Graff, MD, and Robert Keyes, MD
>>
Perhaps you’ve noticed your mom has lost
weight, seems weaker and is a bit confused lately.
Although it could be part of normal aging, these symptoms can also be attributed to other medical causes. For
example, she may be suffering from depression. Perhaps
a medication side effect is causing her sudden confusion.
Memory issues
Some minor memory changes that don’t impair daily
activities or quality of life—such as taking longer to
recall a person’s name or finding the right word—can
be normal with age. But not remembering the right
road to take to the grocery store or not being aware
of a memory lapse can be a sign of another problem.
While getting older is inevitable, many changes and
declines we associate with aging may be the result of
treatable conditions.
What to discuss
When symptoms occur, begin discussing your
concerns with your parent and encourage him or her
to visit a primary care physician. Even insomnia and
frequent urination warrant a trip to the physician
because these problems are often not age-related. Your
mom may insist she’s fine, but consider otherwise if
you spot any of these warning signs:
• physical unsteadiness, shuffling steps, dizziness
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
muscle weakness
weight loss or gain
bruising
confusion
increased memory problems
social withdrawal
insomnia
incontinence
increased urination or other urinary problems
a struggle to perform tasks like taking medication,
paying bills or following a recipe
• poor judgment
• uncharacteristic behavior such as irritability, worry,
anger, agitation or suspicion
By taking action now, you can help your parent take
steps to prevent further disability and learn to recognize when he or she may benefit from a geriatrician,
a physician who specializes in caring for aging adults.
You, along with your parent’s geriatrician and care
team, can help your parent improve his or her function
and enjoy life. WHT
We can help you help them!
The new Center for Health and Aging at The Christ Hospital
can help by serving as a consultant or your parents’ sole
primary care provider. To learn more or to schedule an
appointment, call 513-272-8444.
>> Jason Graff, MD (left), and Robert Keyes, MD, are board-certified internists
and geriatricians with The Christ Hospital Center for Health and Aging.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
Health Headlines
>> what’s making news in women’s health
Besides being used as a
painkiller, aspirin is popular for
its cardiovascular benefits, helping to prevent heart attacks and
strokes in men and women.
Now aspirin may have another
use: reducing the risk of death
after breast cancer. Harvard
researchers found that of more
than 4,000 women diagnosed
women’s health today
with breast cancer from 1976
to 2002, those who took aspirin regularly—mostly to prevent
heart attacks and stroke—had
a 50 percent lower risk of dying
from breast cancer or having
the cancer spread than women
who weren’t taking aspirin. The
results suggest that nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs like
ibuprofen might have a similar
benefit. Researchers think it may
be due to the drugs’ ability to
reduce inflammation (chronic
inflammation can promote cancer growth). However, they note
that because of the side-effect
risks, aspirin shouldn’t be taken
without a doctor’s supervision
and it should be avoided if
you’re undergoing chemotherapy
or radiation. The research was
part of the Nurses’ Health
Study, an ongoing investigation
into many health conditions.
The message seems to be
everywhere: Heart disease is
the No. 1 killer of women. The
American Heart Association’s
(AHA’s) Go Red For Women
campaign focuses on educating
women and reducing heart disease and stroke. Despite these
and other efforts, almost 50 percent of all American women still
aren’t aware that heart disease is
their top cause of
death, reports
an AHA survey.
The survey
also found
that only half
of women could
identify heart
attack symptoms, and
slightly more than half would call
911 if they were experiencing
warning signs (nausea; jaw pain;
or pain, tightness or squeezing in
the chest). Researchers say heart
experts need to come up with
different ways to communicate
prevention messages—perhaps
through community programs
or social networking sites like
Facebook and Twitter. Women
also need to be proactive about
their heart health, making sure to
eat healthfully and exercise. And
if you think you may be having
a heart attack, don’t hesitate in
calling 911.
Images on pages 6 and 7 © istockphoto.com/Medobear/Kutay Tanir/Carrie Wendel/Rich Legg/VisualField
Aspirin benefits
breast cancer patients
Women aren’t
taking this
message to heart
Young women: Don’t
drink and drive!
Can running be
in your blood?
Have you always found it easy to run that 5K? There could be
a genetic reason for your talent. A small study of track-and-field
athletes found that those who did well in marathons and similar
activities had a variation in the NRF2 gene, which has been
shown to boost energy and lessen the effects of inflammation.
Researchers looked at 155 athletes and discovered that among
Olympic-level athletes, 80 percent of those who did well in
endurance sports had the variation, compared to 46 percent
of sprinters. More research is needed to determine specifically
what role the gene plays in your athletic performance.
While most drunk drivers
are men, women who have had
a few too many are still getting
behind the wheel. Researchers
at Yale University and other
institutions, using United States
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration data, found that the
number of female drivers involved
in fatal crashes increased between
1995 and 2007 for 19- to 20year-olds and 21- to 24-year-olds,
while men either experienced no
change or saw rates decrease.
Experts blame social pressures for
the increase, as women turn
to drugs and alcohol to
lose inhibitions and
feel like they’re
part of the crowd.
They recommend
drunk-driving
messages be
geared toward young
women—for example, stressing that
driving drunk puts
others in danger
and can lead to
prison time or result
in disfigurement or
other disabling injuries.
The number of female drivers involved
in fatal crashes increased between
1995 and 2007 for 19- to 20-year-olds
and 21- to 24-year-olds.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
Tough talks
How to tell your physician about embarrassing problems
>>
Talking with your health-
care provider about your sex
life, unusual bowel movements
or feelings of depression is
• Bring visual aids. If you’re having
trouble launching the conversation,
consider showing him or her an
article about your problem.
• Write down details and questions.
Whether it’s changes in bowel
movements, depression or sexual
dysfunction, describe what you’re
experiencing and when it started,
so you have a clear picture of
what’s going on and can answer
your physician’s questions. Listing
your own questions will help you
get the answers you’re seeking.
Revealing that you’re
the victim of domestic violence or
that you have a drinking problem
can be even tougher. Yet all relate
to your health and warrant medical
attention. Getting the proper treatment begins with an honest dialogue. The next time you have an
embarrassing question or problem,
remember these tips:
• Find an understanding healthcare provider. Some women
prefer talking to other
Describe
women; others just want
what you’re
a compassionate listener.
Remember, the physiexperiencing
cian should be there to
and when it
help you, not to judge or
started.
preach.
• Keep in mind that your physician
has heard it before. No matter
how upsetting a problem might
seem, your physician has most
likely dealt with it several times
before—especially if he or she has
been in practice for a while.
never easy.
Time to take action!
Now that you’re armed with these tough-talk tips,
it’s time to schedule your appointment. To find
the right primary care physician or specialist for
you, call The Christ Hospital physician referral line
at 513-585-1000.
women’s health today
• Use the right words. While you
don’t need to get too technical,
it can help if you describe your
problem with the right anatomical
terms and a good description of
your symptoms.
• Talk about the effects on your life.
How have changes in your bowel
patterns affected your life or the
lack of desire impacted your relationship? The answers will help
your physician assess the seriousness of your problem, which will
help determine treatment. WHT
Sex & Gender Matters
>> By Jennifer Wider, MD
The latest findings on women-specific health
from the Society for Women’s Health Research
Chickenpox
isn’t just
for kids
Look out for shingles
>>
Thought you were done with chickenpox as
Think again. Shingles, a disease caused by the
same virus as chickenpox, affects roughly 1 million
Americans each year. As people age, their risk of getting shingles increases, yet many people are completely
unaware of the disease.
After a person gets the chickenpox (most often
during childhood) the inactivated virus can live on
in certain nerve cells in the body. In healthy people,
the body’s immune system usually keeps the virus at
bay. As people age or their immune system becomes
compromised, the virus can reactivate and result in
shingles. Although seniors are at higher risk, shingles
can affect people of all ages.
a kid?
What to look for
The first signs of shingles may not be visually
noticeable. People often experience tingling, burning,
itching or pain and will break out in a rash. Some people experience post-herpetic neuralgia, long-term nerve
pain that can persist for months or even years after the
initial rash. The older a person gets, the more he or
she is at risk for post-herpetic neuralgia.
Shingles patients are often given analgesics along
with antiviral medications for treatment. Antiviral medicines for shingles may help speed up healing and reduce
pain in some patients. Treatment should begin within
72 hours of the onset of symptoms if possible. WHT
Caution for older women
While the disease affects the sexes equally, its greater
impact on older adults should capture the attention of
women. “Women make up almost 70 percent of the
population 85 years and older, so any condition that
is prone to strike older people is of special concern to
women,” says Phyllis Greenberger, MSW, president
and chief executive officer of the Society for Women’s
Health Research. “Older Americans should talk to their
healthcare providers about their risk for shingles.”
Learn more!
The Society for Women’s Health Research
(SWHR), a national nonprofit organization based
in Washington, D.C., is widely recognized as the
thought leader in research on sex differences and
is dedicated to improving women’s health through
advocacy, education and research. To find this
article and more, visit www.swhr.org.
>> Jennifer Wider, MD, is a medical advisor for the Society for Women’s Health Research in Washington, D.C.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
I like to look like
a woman and not
be reed thin. I like
to look like I have
a butt and hips.
10
women’s health today
No-nonsense healthy living!
By Bonnie Siegler
>>
At age 37, actress Gabrielle Union has
learned from her past experiences—some
good, some bad—and she’s always come
Case in point: She turned a
violent episode at age 19 into an opportunity
to use her celebrity as an advocate for rape
crisis centers throughout America.
And her family history of diabetes has
put Union on the fast track to healthy
eating. “A lot of my family illnesses stem
from obesity, and diabetes is rampant in my
family,” says the Neutrogena spokesperson
and co-star of ABC’s now-defunct sci-fi series
“FlashForward.” “That’s why I’m diligent
about working out and eating right. I’m aware
of my genetics. And nobody knows your body
better than you do, so if you know you have a
history of breast cancer [my aunt had stage 2],
diabetes, heart disease or whatever, you should
definitely take a proactive approach. I get
regular mammograms and I get my blood
checked for diabetes. You have to be your
own guideline.”
© Roberto D’Este/Corbis Outline
out a winner.
continued on page 12 >>
www.womenshealthexperience.com
11
continued from page 11
What a real woman eats
A reason to smile
Friends play an integral part in Union’s life. They
keep her grounded and “real” and give meaning to what
matters. “I’ve always had a large group of girlfriends,”
says the actress. “I never knew how lucky I was until I
started acting on location without easy access to friends.
I never felt lonelier. My friends are my lifeline; they’re
the oil and the gas that make me go and move forward.”
And she does—with her trademark smile, which came
after years of corrective braces.
“I love my smile,” Union says.
“After being tormented about my
buckteeth for years and getting the
braces off when I was 14, I’ve been
smiling ever since.” On the flip
side, Union says her biggest flaw
is that of so many other women.
“We stare in the mirror and look
at cellulite,” she laughs.
At 5 feet 8 inches, Union’s nutritional staples
include leafy greens, peanut butter, morning protein
shakes topped with flaxseed and an occasional calcium
supplement. “Always rice drink,”
she says with her gleaming dimpled smile. “I’ll have my granola
with that in the morning. No
coffee because I don’t do caffeine.
I always have organic fruits and
veggies around, but I have to
be honest …” she trails off and
then exclaims, “I refuse to give
up real butter or ground beef. So
there you have it! If you want to
switch to turkey, go ahead, but
Exercising her options
I can’t do it. If I want tacos or a
A former high school athlete
burger, I need ground beef.”
who played soccer, track, basAbout 10 years ago, Union
ketball and other sports, Union’s
says, her body stopped being
love of fitness and competitive
able to efficiently process dairy,
skills were sharpened at an early
so she’s done away with whole
age. “I love to work out,” she
milk. “I still have butter and
admits. “I do cardio on the
cheese but just deal with the side
elliptical about five days a week,
effects later on. And instead of
but my routine varies day to day.
I love my smile.
eating the whole tube of cookie
If I’m on my own, it’s usually 45
After ... getting the
dough, I might have a spoonminutes of cardio, alternating
braces off when I
ful. I’m not completely denying
between arm and leg exercises
was 14, I’ve been
myself. That’s not the way to
and at least 15 minutes of
smiling ever since.
live. I like to look like a woman
stretching at the end. If I’m
and not be reed thin. I like to
working out with my trainer, it’s
look like I have a butt and hips and if that size 2 dress
cardio intensive. Sometimes it’s kickboxing, sometimes
doesn’t fit because I’m a real adult woman in a size 6,
a track workout.”
that’s okay with me.”
While her sports-playing days are behind her,
Obsessing over weight just isn’t Union’s make-up.
Union credits their influence in giving her an edge
Her numbers on the scale go up and down. “It depends
in both her life and career. “Sports bring together all
upon my level of fitness at the time. I do like to be a
different kinds of people from different backgrounds.
size 28 jean but there are times I’m a 30 and there are
You need to find out how to work together for a
times I’m a 27. I try not to obsess over it. Being honest
common goal, and that skill set is always with you,”
about my size means I’m enjoying life. Sometimes that
she says. “I’ve learned how to deal with my competitive
involves a nice bottle of wine with some cheese and
nature in a positive way. It prepared me to deal with
good conversation with friends.”
rejection with class and dignity. WHT
12
women’s health today
© Jack Chuck/Corbis Outline
Does that mean she’s given up on sugar? “Absolutely
not! But I don’t have a lot of sugars in what I’m eating.
I don’t go overboard. I also don’t eat a lot of processed
foods, which have high sugar and sodium counts.”
YWouromen’
Update in
s Health
PRESENTED BY
TM
A biweekly radio program
Alternate Sundays, 8:30–9 a.m. on 101.9 FM
Hosted by Mickey Karram, MD
President and Co-Founder, Foundation for Female Health Awareness
Director of Urogynecology, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati
Join Dr. Karram and his guests from The Christ Hospital
as they explore a variety of topics essential to your health.
Check out new audio from recent programs—available
now at www.WomensHealthExperience.com.
healthy hearing
organ donation
Guest: Lisa D. Cahill, Phd, CCC-a,
Audiologist, The Christ Hospital
Guest: michael a. cardi, md, Medical
Director of Transplantation, The Christ Hospital
healthy vision
disorders of the digestive
system
Guest: michael e. daun, md,
Ophthalmologist, The Christ Hospital
building strong bones
and osteoporosis prevention
Guest: thomas j. redington, md,
Internal Medicine Specialist,
The Christ Hospital
female sexual dysfunction
Guest: ronald hirth, MD, Obstetrician/
Gynecologist, The Christ Hospital
pelvic floor/core rehabilitation
Guests: kathleen novicki, Physical
Therapist, Administrator, Center for Pelvic
Floor and Core Rehabilitation Services
lisa johnstone, Physical Therapist,
Center for Pelvic Floor and Core Rehabilitation
Services
SPONSORED BY
Guests: martha ferguson, md,
Colorectal Surgeon, The Christ Hospital
karen haberthier, MD, Gastroenterologist,
The Christ Hospital
managing menopause
Guests: kenneth e. palmer, MD,
Obstetrician/Gynecologist,
The Christ Hospital
donna m. cirasole, md, Obstetrician/
Gynecologist, The Christ Hospital
heart and circulatory system
disorders
Guests: peter engel, MD, Medical Director
of Pulmonary Hypertension, The Christ Hospital
eugene chung, md, Medical Director of
Outcomes, The Christ Hospital Heart and
Vascular Center
www.womenshealthexperience.com
IN CONJUNCTION WITH
13
HEALTHY BITES
Exotic harvest
Take a vacation from the usual fruits and veggies
>>
Apples, oranges, tomatoes and broccoli certainly offer plenty of vitamins,
So why not explore
some more exotic offerings? Make these simple substitutions the next time you’re food
shopping. If you can’t find them in your market, ask the produce manager to help you or
check a local ethnic market.
minerals and fiber, but eating them all the time can get boring.
> If you like
> If you like
> Try
Asian pears
> How they taste
crisp, juicy, slightly
sweet and tart
> What to look for
The most popular variety, the Japanese pear,
is round with smooth,
yellow skin. Pick the
most fragrant fruit that
feels firm, with few or no
brown spots.
14
women’s health today
pomegranates
> If you likE
cantaloupe
> Try
star fruit
> How they taste
like a mix of plums,
pineapples and lemons
> What to look for
Choose firm, evencolored fruit with shiny
skin and light brown rib
edges.
> Try
passion fruits
> How they taste
tangy, similar to guava,
with a strong aroma
> What to look for
Passion fruits are
egg-shaped, with
wrinkled purple-brown
skin and seeds and
orange pulp. Pick large,
heavy, firm fruit.
> If you likE
peaches
> Try
mangoes
> How they taste
like a mix of peach and
pineapple
> What to look for
Select firm, plump fruits
that give slightly to pressure. Ripe mangoes
have a fruity aroma at
the stem end; those with
a yellow tinge have the
best flavor.
Images aon pages 14 and 15 © istockphoto.com/Kelly Kline/RedHelga/
Javier Fontanella/Joan Kimball/Scott Harms/Jill Chen/Kae Horng Mau
apples
Bored with apples,
oranges and
tomatoes? Explore
some more exotic
fruit and vegetable
options instead.
> If you like
> If you like
green peppers
> Try
edible cactus
> How they taste
similar to a green
pepper
> What to look for
Purchase small, firm,
pale-green cacti with
fleshy, oval leaves and
no wrinkling. Skip limp
or dry ones.
summer squash
> If you like
tomatoes
> Try
tomatillos
> How they taste
slightly acidic, with a
hint of lemon
> What to look for
Tomatillos resemble
small, unripe green
tomatoes. Pick one with
an intact, tight-fitting
light brown husk.
> Try
chayote squash
> How they taste
Chayote squash doesn’t
have much taste, which
makes it perfect to mix
into most dishes.
> What to look for
This pale green vegetable is about the size
and shape of a large
pear with slight ridges
running lengthwise.
Select small, firm, heavy,
unblemished squash.
> If you like
carrots
> Try
jicama
> How they taste
similar to a pear; when
cooked, jicama takes
on the flavor of other
ingredients
> What to look for
Look for a firm tuber that
looks like a turnip or
radish with dry roots and
unblemished skin.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
15
Sweet talking >> Tips for battling bad breath
Help yourself to garlic chicken at dinner, and
you won’t wonder why your breath is less than,
And, of course, it’s nothing that a little
time and a good toothbrushing won’t remedy. But
chronic halitosis is another story.
Bad breath can be caused by anything from gum disease to postnasal drip to a rigorous exercise session to
diabetes. Another common trigger is dieting (in particular a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet), which causes
the body to burn fat and produce by-products that cause
well, fresh.
Brush up … and down.
Carry a toothbrush and
a small tube of toothpaste
with you and brush after
every meal. Don’t forget to
brush the roof of your mouth
as well as your tongue.
bad breath. Eating less also reduces saliva production;
this, in turn, contributes to halitosis because saliva is
necessary to flush bacteria from the mouth. (Ironically,
mouthwashes with a high alcohol content actually can
cause halitosis by drying the mouth.) Stress can bring
on foul breath by causing changes in body chemistry.
And some medications can be culprits.
What can you do to avoid this embarrassing problem? Besides avoiding spicy foods, garlic, onions and
alcohol, these strategies can help:
Quit smoking.
Stopping will bring
instant breathfreshening results.
See your dentist
regularly.
In addition to professional
cleanings, regular exams by
your dentist will ensure that
any tooth or gum problems
are detected and treated
promptly.
Floss.
Flossing removes
particles between
teeth that otherwise
decay and contribute
to halitosis.
What next?
Drink up.
Water works magic on the
body—and your breath.
Drinking at least eight
glasses a day can keep
your mouth moist and help
rid it of bacteria.
16
women’s health today
Bad breath that won’t go away
despite the steps described here
should be checked out by your
dentist or healthcare provider to
rule out any underlying causes.
© istockphoto.com/Jacob Wackerhausen
>>
Top joint
injuries
and how to avoid them
>>
Athletes aren’t the only people at risk for torn ligaments and
Everyday activities such as gardening and housecleaning
can cause strains, sprains and other injuries. Beware of these common
injuries and take steps to prevent them:
twisted ankles.
>> Knee injuries: To avoid ligament
and tendon injuries, meniscus tears,
bursitis and patellar injuries, choose
shoes that fit and are appropriate
for your activity. Use protective
gear such as cushions for gardening
or knee braces for hiking.
shoulder-width apart. Do a slow
push-up. Hold for a count of five.
Repeat five times.
• Shoulder press-ups—Sit in a chair
with armrests, feet on the floor.
Use your arms to slowly rise up
and off the chair. Hold for a count
of five. Repeat five times.
>> Twisted ankles: Approximately
25,000 people suffer a sprained
ankle every day, whether due to
stepping on an uneven surface or
playing sports. To protect your
ankles, warm up before activities,
pay attention to where you’re walking and be extra careful when you
walk in heels.
>> Shoulder injuries: Any activity
that involves repetitive, overhead
motions, such as washing windows,
can cause a shoulder injury. Sports
like swimming can also leave you
with problems such as shoulder
instability or dislocation or a
rotator cuff injury. To fend off
problems, try these exercises:
• Wall push-ups—Stand facing a
wall with your hands on it, feet
repetitive motions such as knitting,
golfing or typing.
To protect your wrists, be extra
careful when walking on slippery
or uneven surfaces. Limit the time
you spend on activities involving
the wrist or take frequent breaks.
>> Tennis elbow: Most people who
>> Wrist injuries: Two common
problems: sprains (often the
result of a fall) and carpal tunnel
syndrome, a repetitive motion
disorder. Sprains occur when the
ligaments connecting bones are
stretched. Carpal tunnel syndrome
occurs when tendons in the carpal
tunnel, a narrow channel that runs
through the wrist, swell and press
on the nerves. It’s often caused by
get tennis elbow—inflammation
of the tendons surrounding the
elbow—don’t even play tennis. You
can get it after doing repetitive
motions like raking or painting.
Guard against tennis elbow
with exercises that strengthen
the forearm and wrist. Warm up
before activity and take regular
breaks from your computer, sewing
machine or garden. WHT
Don’t let joint pain get you down!
If joint pain is impacting your quality of life, it may be time for you to
see a specialist. Orthopedists are physicians who specialize in surgical
and nonsurgical treatment of joint injuries. To find a Christ Hospital
orthopedist near you, call our physician referral line at 513-585-1000.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
17
HEALTHY MOVES
In
fitness
and in
health
Double the pleasure and shape up together
>>
It can help
you maintain a healthy weight; sleep better; improve
your strength, energy and endurance; relieve stress and
anxiety; and reduce your risk for heart disease, cancer
and osteoporosis. So, if exercise can do all that, why is
it that two out of three of us don’t get nearly enough
or any at all?
Lack of time, motivation and enjoyment are among
the top reasons people don’t exercise. One way to get
around those barriers is to recruit someone to work
out with you—someone to motivate you to make time
Exercise is like a magic cure-all.
Got kids?
You can either book a regular sitter for your
exercise time or make working out a family affair by
using some of these ideas. Better yet, do both.
• Join a gym that offers childcare, classes or
playtime for children.
• If your kids play organized sports, leave your lawn
chairs in the car and walk laps around
the soccer field during practices or
games.
• Bring little ones along for the ride.
Use a backpack carrier, a jogging stroller or a child seat or
trailer for your bike.
• Take family outings that keep
you moving, such as bike
rides, hikes or paddling
adventures.
18
women’s health today
in your schedule, cheer you through periods of
waning energy, challenge you to improve and, simply
put, make it fun! Studies show that people who have
the support of a fitness partner exercise more. You’d
think twice about skipping your early morning jog if
you knew someone was waiting for you at the park.
Socializing makes any activity more enjoyable, and a
buddy can make trying new things like joining a gym or
taking that kickboxing class less intimidating.
The couple that exercises together …
For many women, a natural choice is their spouse
or partner. Getting fit and healthy with your loved
one means you can spend more quality time together,
deepen your relationship and intimacy and help ensure
you really will grow old together.
Your first step is to sit down with your calendars
and determine when you can get together. It may not
be realistic to meet up for every workout, but schedule
a shared workout at least once or twice a week, even if
it’s just for a walk around the neighborhood. Next,
decide what you’re going to do. Joining a gym
or taking classes together is a great way to
get into the fitness habit. In your quest
to find activities you both like, keep an
open mind and explore each other’s
interests. Has your guy been trying to
get you to take up golf? Eager for him
to chill and try yoga? Encourage each
other and work as a team. Don’t push
When you’re both
beginners, it
eliminates the tension
that can arise
when one person
is the expert.
your other half beyond his capabilities or allow competitiveness to cause
a rift in your relationship.
Have fun!
Try some of these ideas to keep
you and your partner in shape:
• Plan an immediate reward. If you
can’t get your mate to start moving,
find local events to attend together
that make a perfect excuse to get out
for a walk, such as a music festival in
the park or a church carnival.
• Forgo passive Friday night dates. Instead of dinner
and a movie, head to the roller rink or dance hall and
boogie the night away.
• Team up. Many communities have adult coed recreation teams, such as volleyball, softball, bowling or
soccer. Find one you can both enjoy.
• Tap into your competitive edge. Enter competitions
together, such as road races and tennis, bowling or
golf tournaments. Many competitions have a couples
category.
• Book an adventurous vacation. Consider an invigorating getaway, such as skiing in the Rockies, sea
kayaking in Hawaii or trekking through the European
countryside.
• Double date. Find another couple to join you for a
weekly game of tennis or golf.
• Learn a new sport or activity together. When you’re
both beginners, it eliminates the tension that can arise
when one person is the expert and the other is the
novice who’s doing it wrong. Consider trying tae kwon
do, in-line skating or dancing.
• Dive into the water world. When you think of heading
to the beach, do you envision lying listless on the sand
for hours? Water sports can be quite vigorous and tons
more fun. Get off your towels and try surfing, snorkeling, windsurfing or sailing.
• Give the gift of fitness. Are you always at a loss for
what to give your man for holiday and birthday presents? Think of all the sports gear you could give like
hiking boots, in-line skates, a mountain bike, workout
wear and more.
• Set ultimate goals. Completing a marathon or
reaching the peak of a mountain might have seemed
far-fetched at one time, but when you’re both working
toward a common goal, anything is possible.
• Be charitable. Take part in fitness events for worthy
causes important to both of you, such as the March
of Dimes’ March for Babies or Relay For Life for the
American Cancer Society. WHT
www.womenshealthexperience.com
19
Hormone help >>
>>
Balancing the scales
Ease menopausal symptoms, prevent heart
disease, look younger, boost sex drive—what wasn’t to like? But ever since a large-scale federal study threw cold
water on some of these claims and linked HT to a range of health risks, making the right decision has been a
balancing act. Here’s what you need to know if you plan on discussing HT with your healthcare provider:
Could menopausal hormone therapy (HT) be right for you?
The good
When it comes to treating
the main symptoms of
menopause—hot flashes,
night sweats, vaginal
dryness—HT is the gold
standard. It also wards off
osteoporosis, improves
cholesterol and cuts
colon cancer risk.
The bad
Some HT (estrogen plus progestin)
actually raises the risk of heart
attack, blood clots and stroke. It also
increases your chances of developing
breast cancer and, if you’re 65 or
older, dementia. No evidence proves
that it reduces wrinkles or improves
sex drive. And, the evidence is still
out on estrogen alone.
Need help weighing the options?
Call The Christ Hospital physician referral line at 513-585-1000 to
find a gynecologist near you.
20
women’s health today
The murky
In the federal study, for every
10,000 women, HT (estrogen
plus progestin) led to seven
additional cases of heart disease,
eight cases of breast cancer and
stroke and 18 cases of blood
clots each year. That means that
while the risks are real, they’re
relatively low for any individual
woman. Another tough call: For
some women, improvement in
menopausal symptoms may be
offset by side effects like bloating,
bleeding or breast tenderness.
Age also matters: Heart risks
appear greater for women older
than age 60.
The upshot
There are no easy answers, and
what’s right for other women
may be wrong for you. Your
provider will help you weigh the
risks and benefits. If you have
heart disease, breast cancer
or a history of blood clots, you
should avoid HT, and if you have
a family history of these diseases,
the risks of HT might outweigh
the benefits. But if you’re at low
heart disease or cancer risk and
your menopause symptoms
are getting the better of you,
HT may be the way to go. If
you choose HT, work with your
healthcare provider to determine
the lowest possible dose to
relieve symptoms, and take it for
the shortest time necessary.
Summer
essentials
4 warm-weather must-haves
>>
It’s summertime and the living is easy—until
you end up with sunburn, bug bites, rashes or
The best way to counter them? Be prepared.
Stock up on these medicine-cabinet essentials:
cuts.
© istockphoto.com/Judy Picciotto/Christine Glade
MUST-HAVE
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
APPLY IT
1
Sunscreen
Choose sunscreen that’s water resistant,
has an SPF of at least 30 and is broad
spectrum. And don’t forget lip balm with
an SPF of 30 or higher.
Slather an ounce (about a shot-glass full) on sunexposed areas of the body 15 to 30 minutes before
heading out. Reapply every two hours or as soon as you
towel off from a swim or after heavy sweating.
2
Bug
repellent
If you’re spending more than three to
four hours outside or you’ll be in a spot
with plenty of insects, try a product with
20 percent to 50 percent of the chemical DEET. If you plan to spend less time
outdoors, look for repellents with less
than 20 percent DEET, lemon eucalyptus
oil or 7 percent picaridin.
Spray just enough to cover exposed skin and clothing.
Don’t wear it under your clothes and don’t spray it on
your face. The Environmental Protection Agency has
deemed it safe for human use—just apply the product
exactly as directed. The American Academy of Pediatrics
says don’t use anything higher than a 30 percent concentration of DEET on children, and don’t use DEET on
kids under age 2 months or lemon eucalyptus oil on
those under age 3.
3
Poison ivy
prevention
Over-the-counter bentoquatam lotion (Ivy Block®)
forms a coating on the
skin to help block poison
oak, poison ivy and poison
sumac oils from triggering
rashes.
Put it on 15 minutes before you head out and reapply
at least once every four hours for as long as you may
be exposed to the plants. Bentoquatam is flammable, so
stay away from fires and open flames when applying or
wearing it and ask a healthcare provider before using it
on children younger than age 6. If you do come in contact with poisonous plants, wash your skin in cool water
as soon as possible.
4
Antibiotic
cream
Antibiotic creams such as bacitracin,
Neosporin and Polysporin keep a
wound’s surface moist and help keep
infection-causing bacteria from getting
in. Minor cuts and scrapes will heal fine
without creams, but these products may
help speed healing and reduce scarring.
Put a thin layer on the wound
after cleaning it. If you want,
cover it with a bandage. Long
or deep cuts and those that
won’t stop bleeding should be
checked out in the emergency
room.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
21
Postpartum problems?
Join the club!
>>
You’re no longer constantly getting up at night to go to the bathroom, your
heartburn is gone and you can finally see your toes.
But has anyone ever told you
that with the end of pregnancy comes a whole range of other problems? Learn more here:
Sweating
>> What you can do: Drink lots of
water to keep from getting dehydrated. Wear light cotton clothing
to bed and crank up the fan.
Women:
Learn more!
Find more pregnancy and
general women’s health
information at www.TheChrist
Hospital.com/women.
22
women’s health today
Image on page 23 © istockphoto.com/Marc Brown/bubaone/Nicole K. Cioe
Sweating is your body’s
way of getting rid of
excess fluid that accumulated in
your body during pregnancy,
although hormones also play a part
in your ability to soak the sheets.
“What happens right after delivery
is a mirror image of what happens
in menopause, but the process is
sped up,” says Paul Gluck, MD, a
board-certified obstetrician/
gynecologist and associate clinical
professor at the University of Miami
School of Medicine. “At delivery,
the high estrogen levels of pregnancy drop dramatically, causing
the sweats.” The problem may
persist for just a few weeks or for
as long as you breastfeed.
Hair loss
When you were
pregnant, your locks
were more lustrous thanks to
hormones that kept your hair from
shedding as it normally would.
Now that you’ve had your baby,
you may find all that extra hair
falling out as your hormones
change yet again.
>> What you can do: Let nature
take its course. Most women’s
manes are back to normal within
three to six months. In the meantime, experiment with different
hairstyles to cover any thinned
spots and avoid curling irons, hair
dryers and other tools that can
cause damage.
de Quervain’s
tenosynovitis
Blame the unnatural
hand and wrist positions you use to
hold your child for that wrist pain.
Such awkward motions can cause
the tendons in the thumb side of
your wrist to become inflamed and
swollen, resulting in pain when you
turn your wrist, grasp an object
or make a fist. Carpal tunnel
syndrome, which affects the inside
of the wrist, isn’t the same as
de Quervain’s (also known as
“mother’s thumb”), which involves
only the thumb tendon.
Between pregnancy
and birth, your bladder muscles and supporting tissues
are subjected to a fair amount of
stretching, so a tinkle when you
laugh or cough isn’t uncommon.
“Most women who experience
some incontinence will find their
symptoms resolve within just a few
months,” says Dr. Gluck. “While
a lengthy labor may have some
impact, a woman’s anatomy and the
size of the baby have more impact
on whether the new mom will have
urinary or fecal incontinence.”
>> What you can do: Keep your
>> What you can do: Urinary
thumb and wrist straight with a
splint or brace. Apply heat or ice
to the affected area. Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medications,
such as ibuprofen and naproxen,
and corticosteroid medications can
also help. In more serious cases,
physical therapy or surgery may be
needed.
incontinence usually improves
within three months. Ask your
healthcare provider how to do Kegel
exercises, which help strengthen
your pelvic floor muscles. If fecal
or urinary incontinence continues
beyond a few months, visit your
physician to discuss options for
resolving the problem. WHT
Ask the Expert
Both my sister and
mother experienced
severe postpartum
depression. Now
that I’m pregnant,
I’m terrified of
going through that
myself. Is postpartum depression
hereditary?
Incontinence
>>
Featuring Paul Gluck, MD
A: No, postpartum depression (PPD) is not hereditary—
but that doesn’t mean your family isn’t a factor in PPD.
What’s important is whether you have a supportive family
environment or an unhealthy one. Besides your family
situation, hormonal changes in your brain chemicals also
impact whether you go through PPD.
One of the key differences between the baby
blues and this type of depression is the timing of the
start of symptoms. About 80 percent or more of new
moms experience some sort of sadness post-delivery,
but it occurs within days after the baby is born. With
PPD, symptoms generally begin about two to four
weeks after birth. In addition, women with the blues
are still able to function well, taking care of the baby,
the house and other children. Women with PPD become
nonfunctional, not wanting to get out of bed or take care
of their infant. Symptoms include a loss of interest in
activities, fatigue, sleeping too little or too much, appetite changes and thoughts of suicide or death.
It’s important to remember that PPD is a real
physical problem based on a chemical imbalance in
the brain, and you should feel no shame or fear in
asking your physician for help. And nearly all the
medications used to treat PPD can be taken while
you’re breastfeeding, so there will be no harm to your
baby. If, several weeks after your baby is born, you
feel like you’re suffering from PPD, don’t delay in
getting help—both for your sake and your baby’s.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
23
HEALTH SMARTS
Can you hear
me now?
>>
Many people don’t want to admit they have trouble
But the fact is, roughly one-third of Americans ages
65 to 74 have hearing loss. Though aging is a primary risk
factor, many adults start to lose some hearing in their 30s
and 40s. Test your knowledge of hearing loss by answering
true or false to these statements and checking your answers.
hearing.
TRUE or False?
1
Most
hearing loss is genetic, and there’s
nothing you can do about it.
2
You
could have a hearing problem and
not realize it.
3
There
are many ways to treat hearing loss.
4
Hearing
loss can lead to other health problems.
5
Hearing
aids don’t work very well.
Answers
Test your health
knowledge online
2 True. The following questions
can help you identity a problem:
• Do you have difficulty hearing on
the telephone?
• Do you have trouble hearing with
noise in the background?
• Do you have a hard time following
a conversation when two or more
people talk at once?
• Do people complain that you turn
the TV volume up too high?
• Do you hear ringing,
roaring or hissing
sounds frequently?
• Do some sounds seem
too loud?
Take more health quizzes and assessments online
at www.womenshealthexperience.com.
Plus, find out what other women are saying by
participating in our online polls!
24
women’s health today
3 True. Early detection
can help your physician
prescribe treatments that
can slow or reverse hearing loss. Unfortunately,
only 29 percent of adults ages 20
to 69 have had their hearing tested
within the last five years. If you think
that you have a hearing problem,
schedule an appointment with your
healthcare provider.
4 True. People with hearing loss
often become depressed. Hearing loss
can also put you at danger if you can’t
hear warning sounds. Beyond health
issues, hearing loss prevents people
from fully participating in everyday life.
5 False. Newer, digital models,
though expensive, use a computer
chip to process sounds and are very
good at adjusting to different environments. And there are other devices
that can be plugged directly into TVs,
stereos and personal sound systems
to help you hear better. WHT
© istockphoto.com/Jill Chen
1 False. Hearing loss can be
caused by many things, including
infections, some medications and
especially exposure to loud noise.
Noise-induced hearing loss is
100 percent preventable. Protect
your hearing by avoiding noises at or
above 85 decibels, which includes
gas lawnmowers, snowblowers,
motorcycles, firecrackers and
loud music.
Stay informed
Stay connected
Stay healthy
Presented by the
with www.womenshealthexperience.com
Women’s Health Experience offers you health
news and information just for women!
S ign up for a free monthly e-newsletter that delivers the
latest health news, trends and tips to your inbox.
T est your health smarts on fitness, nutrition, disease
prevention and more with online quizzes.
T ake our online health assessments to learn your
risk for common diseases and conditions.
L earn what other women are thinking by
participating in our online health polls.
Find out what the Women’s Health Experience
can do for you!
It’s all here—and it’s all for you at
www.womenshealthexperience.com
TM
{It’s been much more fun living without it.}
Don’t let neck pain keep you from enjoying life. The experts at
The Christ Hospital Spine Institute use a multi-disciplinary
approach to diagnose and treat people who suffer from chronic
neck pain. Our team of physicians, radiologists, surgeons and
physical therapists work together to pinpoint the most effective
treatment for each patient. Whether that involves surgery,
non-surgical options, physical therapy or rehabilitation, we
serve every patient with a commitment to Caring Above All.
SM
Call to schedule an appointment.
513.585.BACK
SM
Caring Above All.
2139 Auburn Avenue | Cincinnati, OH 45219 | www.ChristSpineInstitute.com