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Good Friends, Good Health
Dana Rousmaniere
Friends are good for all kinds of things. But did you know they're also good for your health? A study published in the Journal of Psychology showed a strong link between supportive social networks and healthy behaviors like eating well and exercising. Whether you're already surrounded by friends or you're looking to build better relationships, here's tips for nurturing your friendships -- and your health
Oral Health Risks Women Need to Know
Stacey Colino
It's not fair but it's true: Women are more susceptible to some oral health problems than men are. The reason? Hormonal changes
Best Ways to Soothe Sensitive Teeth
Alice Lesch Kelly
If you scream -- for pain, not pleasure -- when you have ice cream, you're not alone: Forty million adults in the U.S. have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth hurt, but you're not doomed to never eat another fudgesicle again. Here are the best ways to find relief.
Menopause Symptoms Vary in Duration and Severity
Joan Bengtson, MD
I'm experiencing symptoms of menopause, including weight gain, short-term memory loss, irritability, confusion, night sweats, and exhaustion. What are my treatment options?
Relieve Stress in 5 Minutes or Less
Kim Schworm Acosta
Who has time for a yoga class every day? Fortunately, there are several ways you can lower your stress level and protect your health fast
Advances in Breast Cancer Screening Helping to Fine-Tune Diagnosis
Harvard Women's Health Watch
Although mammography remains standard for breast cancer screening, several newer technologies are helping to fine-tune diagnosis.
Beware of Using Psychotropics During Pregnancy
Andrea Donsky and Randy Boyer
A new study suggests expectant mothers who continue to take antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives or hypnotics during pregnancy may be increasing their child's risk of a number of birth defects
Streamline Your Daily Life
Laura Roe Stevens
Juggling too many things leads to more than anxiety: It can actually make you sick. Keeping your life on track means balancing work, family, friends and alone time, as well as making sure everything runs smoothly. For that, look for help from these five Internet tools
Indoor Tanning & Melanoma
Indoor Tanning Definitively Linked to Deadliest Skin Cancer
Andrea Donsky and Randy Boyer
Summer's T-shirts, shorts and swimsuits mean two things: people want to look fit and tanned. It might seem like a good idea to book a little time at the tanning salon to work on your 'base,' but a new study out of the University of Minnesota has definitively linked indoor tanning to an increased risk of melanoma -- the most serious and deadliest form of skin cancer.
Frequent Monitoring Critical to Effectively Manage Scleroderma
Nisha Manek, M.D., Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic
Scleroderma is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by hardening, thickening and tightening of the skin and other connective tissues. This progressive disorder affects women more often than men. Scleroderma is categorized into several types, and the disease's effect depends on the type of Scleroderma one has.
6 Simple Ways to Improve Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
January W. Payne
Fibromyalgia affects about 2 percent of the U.S. population -- more women than men -- and often, those who have the condition are afraid to exercise because they fear worsening their symptoms. But experts say that regular physical activity actually helps fibromyalgia sufferers. The problem? The condition's hallmarks -- widespread body pain and fatigue -- make it tough to work out
Tests to Optimize Treatment of Breast Cancer
Marc Garnick, M.D.
Please explain the significance of estrogen and progesterone positive results after a partial mastectomy. Does the Oncotype test help determine if a person should receive follow-up therapy?
Chocolate Reduces Inflammation Associated with Heart Disease
Harvard Health
In the past decade or so, chocolate's reputation has undergone an extreme makeover, from fattening indulgence to health food. A steady stream of studies has given cocoa and dark chocolate high marks for cardiovascular benefits, including improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood clotting, coronary artery function, and insulin sensitivity.
Fight Dry Skin and Win
Robin Immerman Gruen
When it comes to your skin, you may think that lotion is enough to keep it soft, smooth and clear of flakes. Unfortunately, lotion alone may not always get the job done. Thankfully, it takes just a few simple tweaks to enhance your skin's ability to hold in moisture and win the battle against dryness. Try these dermatologist tips for trapping moisture into the skin of your face, hands and body
Eat Smart for Healthy Hair
Holly Crawford
Healthy hair starts with a well-balanced diet. Specific nutrients play key roles in hair growth and maintenance, and if any are missing from your diet, your strands could suffer. Check out this guide to foods that encourage healthy hair, and start feeding your follicles at breakfast, lunch and dinner
Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary
Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, MD - Mayo Clinic
My wife was diagnosed with a rare granulosa cell tumor (GCT) of the ovary. Her treatment included surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries. The tumor was stage 1, but we are nervous about a recurrence. What can she or her doctors do to monitor her health in the future?
Could Hot Flashes Only Occur at Night?
Joan Bengtson, MD
I'm a woman going through perimenopause. Why do I only get hot flashes in the middle of the night?
New Analysis Supports Expanded Use of Statins in Women
Harvard Women's Health Watch
In February 2010, the FDA approved rosuvastatin (Crestor), a cholesterol-lowering drug, for the prevention of heart disease in people with normal cholesterol levels. A report in the March 9, 2010, issue of Circulation helps to explain why this decision makes sense.
Regular Exercise Helps Protect Aging Brains
Harvard Women's Health Watch
If your New Year's resolve to become more physically active has started to flag, the findings of several studies may help renew your commitment.
Kotex Ads Take a Refreshingly Frank Approach
Ana Veciana-Suarez
Most every father I know, as well as women of a certain age, can recount a funny story about the terrible timing of menstrual cycles and the consequent emergency shopping for feminine products. The tales come loaded with embarrassment and euphemisms for what is a pedestrian bodily function.
Is Puberty Affecting Your Athletics?
Girl World Daily
Puberty brings physical changes that might temporarily affect your game. But donŐt go from player to spectator! Just change your strategy.
Strength Training Relieves Chronic Neck Pain
Harvard Health Watch
Most of us are troubled by neck pain at some point in our lives. The most common culprit is overuse or misuse of muscles and ligaments. Today's computer-dominated workplace can be especially tough on necks. There's mounting evidence that certain exercises designed to strengthen neck muscles can help break longstanding cycles of neck pain.
Best Stress Busters
Stacey Colino
What's the very best way to beat stress? The answer isn't the same for everyone. But if anyone knows how to reduce stress effectively, it's the country's leading health authorities. We've asked some of them to share their best practices for decompressing.
Match the Pain Reliever to the Pain
Stacey Colino
With all the over-the-counter pain relievers available, deciding which is best can be, well, a major pain. But it doesn't have to be. Find your ailment below, then the treatment that experts say is most effective so you can get a grip on pain and get on with your life.
Improve Your Memory in 7 Days
Elizabeth Hurchalla
There are a number of simple things that can help you get better at remembering. Check out the following brain-exercising tricks, memory-boosting strategies and healthy lifestyle changes. Do a different one every day this week to start enhancing your ability to remember just about everything.
Beautiful You: Treat Hair With Care
Stephanie Tweito Jacob
When you're trying to get everyone, including yourself, out the door on time, your hair is the last thing you want to think about. That's why it's important to keep it strong and healthy. Without damage and breakage, hair is easier to style and looks more naturally beautiful, even when all you have time for is a quick brushing. Check out these tips for making your hair strong and healthy
Breast Cancer: Gain a Fighting Edge Through Diet and Lifestyle
Sharon B. Salomon, M.S., R.D.
Although it doesn't look like we can prevent breast cancer altogether, you can shift the odds in your favor by making lifestyle changes--changes that should sound familiar to all of us: Eat a healthful diet that includes plenty of plant foods, stay active, maintain a healthy weight and drink alcohol only moderately or not at all.
Beating Eating Disorders
Girl World Daily
It's completely normal and OK to gain several pounds when you're going through puberty and becoming a woman. But as they become overly obsessed with their weight, many girls in their teens all over the world are at greatest risk of developing eating disorders.
Should I get a mammogram this year?
Live Right Live Well
That depends on your age, your breast cancer risk and when you had your last mammogram
Do oral contraceptives cause breast cancer?
Live Right Live Well
For years, experts have debated whether oral contraceptives increase the risk of breast cancer. Some studies suggest they do; others do not.
Important Facts About Pregnancy and the Flu
Melinda Evans - Sniffle Solutions
Preparing for a new baby is an exciting time, but as any expectant mom will tell you, it can also be stressful. And the news that the swine flu is striking pregnant women harder than other people doesn't help. So whether you just found out you're pregnant or are about to deliver, arm yourself with these facts to protect yourself and your growing baby from illness this winter.
5 Nutrients You Need Right Now
Catherine Ryan - Life & Beauty Weekly
Busy days at work and with the kids, plus a packed social calendar means your life isn't always conducive to eating healthy, vitamin-packed meals. Learn more about these five important vitamins and minerals and how to get more of them in your diet.
Stay Positive in Stressful Times
Kim Atkinson - Sniffle Solutions
When everyone in your family is down for the count with colds and the flu, you're often the one who continues to be the family cheerleader. But keeping a positive perspective can be tough under some circumstances. What's the best way to maintain an upbeat attitude? Here's useful suggestions for rising to the challenge, no matter what you're up against.
Why would being pregnant give me heartburn
Susan Male-Smith - Live Right Live Well
You probably expected morning sickness, but pregnancy heartburn may come as a surprise. Nevertheless, most pregnant women experience some heartburn. Here's why
Shoes Causing You Foot Pain?
Kim Schworm Acosta - Live Right Live Well
Painful feet? Aching toes? You're not alone! A whopping 84 percent of women say they've experienced at least one foot problem, according to a recent survey. Even if you know better than to wear high heels day in and day out, you may be unwittingly contributing to your foot pain by committing one or more of the following footwear fouls
Walk Away the Pregnancy Pounds
Karen Asp - Live Right Live Well
Pregnancy pounds. Baby weight. No matter what you call it, it's probably on your mind if you're a new mom. And while many exercise options can help you get back in shape, few offer the triple benefits of stroller walking. Want to try it? Here's how to get started
Secrets to Sneaking in More Sleep
Anne L. Fritz - Life & Beauty Weekly
These days, more and more people are sleeping fewer and fewer hours. But we don't need to tell you that. Keeping up with your kids, household and the rest of your life has likely made you a living, breathing -- and exhausted -- example of today's sleep-deprived woman. Most adults need seven or eight hours. Not hitting the magic number? Here are some innovative ways to squeeze in an extra 30 to 60 minutes of sleep each day.
Perimenopause Before 40 Possible But Uncommon
Richa Sood, M.D., Women's Health, Mayo Clinic
Is it possible that at age 37 I could be experiencing perimenopause? What are the signs and symptoms? Is there a way to test for it? I have not had children. Does that affect when a woman begins this process?
Essential Tremor and How to Manage It
Harvard Women's Health Watch
Essential Tremor is less well known than Parkinson's disease, but it's far more common. For many, the late actress Katharine Hepburn provided an indelible public image of essential tremor. Her quavering voice and trembling hands unmistakably betrayed the disorder. About 10 million people in the U.S. have symptoms of the condition, which variably causes hands, head, and voice to shake.
Does Hormone Therapy Cause Dementia?
Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D.
The Women's Health Initiative found that hormone therapy wasn't helpful for avoiding dementia; there was some suggestion that it might even cause cognitive problems. Am I at risk for dementia by continuing hormone therapy?
What Causes Acid Reflux in the Throat
Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D. - Harvard Health Letters
I developed a hoarse voice and annoying phlegm in my throat and was surprised to learn that the cause was acid reflux. I've never had heartburn, so I don't know how this could have happened. Can you explain?
Dealing With the Hormone Dilemma
Kerry Hannon
Women have been frightened away from hormone therapy ever since a large clinical trial called the Women's Health Initiative found seven years ago that the treatments raised the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and strokes. Many experts, however, contend that the pendulum has swung too far, leaving women without any effective remedy for severe menopausal symptoms.
Top Cosmetic Treatments for Aging Skin
January W. Payne
No one likes looking older...which is why we spend billions of dollars every year on over-the-counter products, prescription creams and fillers, and, most drastically, cosmetic surgery. Do any of these actually work to reduce the signs of aging? In many cases, yes -- at least temporarily. Here's a quick guide to some of the most popular treatments and procedures
Manage Stress During Pregnancy for Baby's Health
Lilian Presti
It's unclear whether unmanaged stress during pregnancy is a minor issue or as potentially harmful as the lifestyle habits we try to discourage during pregnancy, but mounting evidence suggests a closer look is in order. More and more health experts are questioning whether too much stress can have repercussions for a baby's development.
Mammograms
Everyone's Talking About Mammograms, But Many Women Don't Get Mammograms
Katherine Hobson
The recent brouhaha over breast cancer screening is about recommendations -- what different experts say women of different ages should do. But even where the experts widely agree, a significant number of women simply aren't going in for screening mammography.
Mammograms: See Past the Controversy
Mary Sanchez
Backlash to the shifting guidelines on breast cancer screenings highlighted one rather disheartening truth: When it comes to our health, we women may not be as empowered as we think. How else to explain the torrent unleashed when it was put before us that mammograms are not as effective for some women?
Gastric Banding Not Stand-Alone Weight Loss Solution
Mayo Clinic
Bariatric surgery is a general term used to describe operations that help a person lose weight more consistently and effectively. The two most common types of bariatric surgery performed in the United States are adjustable gastric banding -- sometimes called lap band surgery -- and gastric bypass surgery.
Is a Tanning Bed Safer Than Sunlight
Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D.
It doesn't matter whether you get it from the sun or from artificial sources such as sun lamps and tanning beds -- ultraviolet (UV) radiation is linked to skin cancers (including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma) and to other sorts of skin damage, particularly premature skin aging (photoaging).
Majority of Miscarriages Are Beyond a Mother's Control
Bruce Johnston, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic
Miscarriages are very difficult, and the emotional impact of having a miscarriage can be significant. Although determining the cause of a miscarriage can be hard, it's very unlikely that it resulted from anything you did.
'Gummy Bear' Implants Would Offer More Natural Breast Shape Than Current Options
Galen Perdikis, M.D., Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic
The medical term for the breast implants you heard about is cohesive silicone gel implants. They're often called "gummy bear implants" because their consistency and texture is similar to those of the candy bears. The biggest difference between these new implants and others is that the gummy bear implants can be formed into and maintain a natural breast shape.
Excess Amniotic Fluid Can Cause Pregnancy Complications
Kyle Traynor, M.D., Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic
There are a number of possible causes for polyhydramnios, ranging from maternal metabolic abnormalities, like gestational diabetes, to fetal congenital abnormalities. Provided your physician has ruled out the more concerning causes for polyhydramnios, then the issue becomes the effects of the polyhydramnios itself. There are three significant complications that can arise from the presence of excess amniotic fluid
Ways to Ease Those Menopause Symptoms
Kerry Hannon
In the years since hormone therapy was dethroned as the best way to adjust to menopause -- the transition ranges from a few symptom-free months to six or more life-disrupting years -- how have women adapted? While some are simply toughing it out, others are trying numerous approaches, many nonmedical, to manage their hot flashes, chills, vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, sleep disruptions, headaches, and mood swings. Here are 10 strategies that can help you make the transition smoothly
Soy Extracts Don't Improve Bone Density in Older Women
Harvard Women's Health Watch
Soy once looked like the kinder, gentler alternative to hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms and risk reduction. Many population studies suggested that women who regularly ate soy products had not only fewer hot flashes but also a lower risk of developing heart disease and osteoporosis. But findings have been inconsistent or lacking in older women
Botox: Beyond Cosmetic Fixes
Harvard Health Letters
Today, most of us are familiar with botulinum toxin as Botox, the popular cosmetic treatment approved in 2002 to minimize the appearance of glabellar lines -- vertical furrows between the eyebrows that become more pronounced as we age. By preventing muscle contractions that cause facial lines, Botox smooths the skin and makes it look younger
Swine Flu Advice for Pregnant Women and New Moms
Deborah Kotz
Pregnant women and parents of newborns should do the following: Get a seasonal flu vaccination now, since it's currently available; get the H1N1 vaccine in mid-October when it first becomes available; and call the doctor immediately if they have signs of the flu, such as fever, chills, coughing, or a sore throat.
Can You Avoid Arthritis Knee Pain by Building Thigh Muscles
Deborah Kotz
Millions of older women suffer the pain and stiffness of arthritis, especially in their knee joints, which can severely curtail everyday activities like climbing stairs or getting out of a car. It turns out there may be a way to protect our knees and avoid the discomforts of aging: strong thigh muscles.
Mayo Clinic: Healthy Young Women Should Undergo Important Health Screenings
Robin Molella, M.D.
Your periodic exam is an opportunity to identify behavioral health risks and create strategies to minimize them over time. Research continues to highlight behaviors that make a significant difference in longevity. They are ...
Eating for Two: The Idea Is to Eat Better, Not Just More
Betsy Berthin RD, LD
For some pregnant women, this old cliche is carte blanche to feast on any kind of food that appeals to them. Being pregnant does entitle you to additional calories -- 300 calories a day to be exact -- but that's not as much as you may think.
Annual Gynecological Exam May be Necessary Even After Hysterectomy
Petra Casey, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic
I am age 70 and had a complete hysterectomy about 20 years ago for benign fibroids. Do I need to get a gynecological exam every year when I'm not having any problems? I do get a mammogram every year.
On the one hand, we've been told to take calcium pills to keep bones strong, prevent osteoporosis, and reduce the risk of fracture. On the other, information seems to keep popping up that calls into question the value of calcium -- and even suggests that large amounts might be counterproductive.
Hormones Linked to Ovarian Cancer: What to Do
By Deborah Kotz
For some menopausal women, taking a combination of estrogen and progesterone (or estrogen alone for women who have had hysterectomies) is the only way to get relief from sleep-disrupting night sweats and hot flashes. But they're also warned about the increased risk of breast cancer associated with hormone use.
Too Many Breast Cancers Diagnosed by Mammograms?
By Deborah Kotz
When it comes to breast cancer, there are certain dogmas that we accept as fact: First, a malignant tumor -- allowed to grow unchecked -- will eventually spread throughout the body and kill. Second, regular mammograms are a must for women over 40 to find every mass before it turns deadly. The trouble is, these "truths" aren't substantiated by scientific evidence.
Tai Chi Health Benefits
Harvard Fitness Health Watch
This gentle form of exercise can prevent or ease many ills of aging and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.
Tai chi is often described as meditation in motion, but it might well be called medication in motion.
Treating Female Pattern Hair Loss
Harvard Women's Health Watch
About one-third of women experience hair loss (alopecia) at some time in their lives; among postmenopausal women, as many as two-thirds suffer hair thinning or bald spots. Hair loss often has a greater impact on women than on men, because it's less socially acceptable for them. Here are some medical treatments that may help.
Recession's Impact on Women's Health
By Deborah Kotz
Sure, we're worried about the economy, but just how much of an impact is it having on women's health? Actually, quite a lot
5 Fertility Tips: How to Make Pregnancy Possible
by Kerry Hannon
Face it, for most 20-somethings, getting pregnant isn't top priority. Not getting pregnant is more like it. But the truth is, it's never too early to protect your fertility for the future. Otherwise, when you are ready to start a family, getting pregnant might not be as easy as you envisioned.
Fertility Medication Does Not Put Baby's Health at Risk
Charles Coddington III, MD - Mayo Clinic Medical Edge
I'm trying to get pregnant and my doctor suggests Clomid (clomiphene). Are fertility drugs harmful (physically or intellectually) to the baby?
Many Factors to Consider Before Removing Ovaries to Reduce Cancer Risk
I have the BRCA1 mutation ("breast cancer gene"), which I know increases my risk of getting breast cancer as well as ovarian cancer. A gynecologist recommends I have my ovaries removed as soon as I'm done having children, but another doctor suggests waiting until I'm closer to 40 (I'm 32).
Alcohol can Increase Risk of Heart Rhythm Problems
Harvard Women's Health Watch
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disturbance that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart — the atria — contract abnormally. Symptoms range from a fluttering sensation in the chest to shortness of breath and fainting.
Atrial fibrillation isn't immediately life-threatening, but it increases the likelihood of having a stroke. Age is the main risk factor, but drinking too much can also play a role. But how much alcohol is too much?
High Resting Heart Rate Predicts Heart Risk in Women at Midlife
Harvard Women's Health Watch
Many techniques, including blood tests and risk scoring systems, have been developed to predict a woman's risk of having a heart attack.
Pancreatic Cancer Difficult to Detect Early, Challenging to Treat
Suresh Chari, M.D. - Mayo Clinic Medical Edge
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease that's difficult to detect early and challenging to treat, making it a leading cause of cancer death. Currently, only about three out of 100 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive five years after diagnosis.
JUKARI Fit to Fly Workout
Reebok & Cirque du Soleil Partnership Creates Innovative Gym Workout
In 1989, Reebok revolutionized women's fitness with the creation of Step Reebok.
Today, the company revealed its new launch of an innovative gym workout - JUKARI Fit to Fly.
JUKARI Fit to Fly makes fitness fun again by introducing a new way to move in a gym workout and is accessible to all women, regardless of fitness levels.
Smart Fitness for Grown-Ups: Tips for the Over-40 Exerciser
By Katherine Hobson
Whether you're looking forward to riding your bike across the country after you retire or you haven't put on sneakers since you were 6, there are things you need to know about exercising after the age of 40.
Peanuts: Bar Snack that Protects Your Health
Health: Potassium & Sodium Out of Balance
Seeds of Health: Pomegranates Pack a Hearty Nutritional Punch
Health & Nutrition: Why Choose Natural and Organic Products?
Which Fish is Best for Your Health
New Tool for Mammography Can Help Detect Breast Cancer More Effectively
The government re-affirmed the importance of early breast cancer detection with its recent update to guidelines recommending that women age 40 and older have mammograms. A new computer-aided tool can make mammograms even better by highlighting potential areas of concern, and ultimately increasing early detection.
Drinking Purple Grape Juice Reduces Breast Cancer Cell Growth in Animal Study
A new study finds that drinking purple grape juice reduces breast cancer cell growth in animal study.
Stress and the Expectant Working Mom
For nearly one million working women who become pregnant each year, juggling stress in the workplace along with stress that comes with being pregnant can be a tall order. First among them is how to work and manage a healthy pregnancy at the same time.