Women's Health Information: From Board Certified GYNs

I wanted to take a moment to recommend AskMyGYN, a site that provides Women's Health information from board certified obgyns (obstetrician/gynecologists).

There are questions and answers for hundreds of topics, all written and reviewed by qualified obgyns. This site also includes a women's health blog with a health news section and many great articles written by Dr. Saul Weinreb. In addition, people have the opportunity to ask a question from an obgyn for a small fee if they are having trouble getting answers for their specific problems.

A fabulous resource. Go check it out!

Sandy Huard, Women's Health Supply International

Cancer: The Big "C" Strikes Again

It seems that cancer is becoming more and more prevalent. And, in fact cancer rates for all types of cancers are on the rise. It strikes the young and the old and lots of individuals in between. In my own experience, it is striking my Mom's generation the most severely. Today, I'd like to explore the why and the what - why are cancer rates on the rise and what can you do about it should it strike?

My Mom and some of her sisters have been diagnosed in very recent years with different forms of cancer at reasonably young ages. When I looked at their risk profiles, I asked myself the question: "What did all these women have in common?" Most were smokers, except my Mom. Most ate reasonably well, although not enough fresh fruit and vegetables and other high fiber foods. Most were more than 10% overweight. Most were reasonably active, although not as active as recommended by the medical community. And all lived in a first-world country with all the associated advantages - so it appears on the surface. But what are the "underlying" factors? Let's look at cancer from a deeper and less conventional point-of-view.

According to practitioners of alternative medicine (and increasingly more traditional physicians) cancer can be treated (sometimes fully cured) by:

1. Killing cancer cells without harming the body, using alternative medicinal practices in conjunction with/instead of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
2. Increasing oxygen levels at the cellular level to kill cancer cells because low levels of cellular oxygen are an underlying factor that breeds cancer.
3. Increasing pH levels to normal levels because acidic pH environments lead to cancer. This is why alkaline diets are becoming increasingly popular in wellness circles.
4. Getting methylglyoxal into cells, arresting the development of cancer and putting cells back into a resting state.
5. Strengthening the immune system to help rid the body of cancer cells because a weakened immune system can lead to cancer.
6. Ridding the body of fungal infections, such as Candida to help eliminate cancer. Some doctors believe that such infections contribute to the development of cancer.
   
7. Detoxifying the body because toxic environments can lead to cancer. Eating genetically-modified foods (rather than organic foods) and drinking chlorinated water is toxic for the body.
   
8. Eliminating free radicals (with antioxidants) from the body that damage DNA leading to a host of diseases, including cancer.
   
9. Increasing enzyme levels to assist in the breakdown of foods. Low enzyme levels result from eating processed, irradiated and cooked foods rather than a "raw food diet" which is a prescription for greater health.
10. Raising the level of energy vibration of the body to help rid the body of cancer, which has low vibratory levels.
    
11. Eliminating stress, which is crucial to ridding the body of cancer. Stress is a leading factor of all kinds of diseases, including cancer.

Now that you are armed with this knowledge, what should you do?

1. Become educated about alternative medicine and wellness by consulting many of the online resources available.
   
2. Stop eating processed and junk foods and start eating organically-grown raw foods.
3. Exercise regularly and include antioxidants, like blueberries, in your diet.
4. Lose the excess weight and detoxify your body with cleansing products like colon cleanses and liver cleanses and detoxifiers.
   
5. Begin a regime of taking nutritional supplements and/or natural herbal supplements that are designed specifically to keep your body in an optimal state.
6. Grab a book such as The New Detox Diet and eat an alkaline diet, rather than the very acidic typical American diet.
7. Consult an alternative medicine practitioner such as a doctor of Chinese Medicine, a naturopath or herbalist. Adhere to the recommendations and make changes if necessary.
   
8. De-stress with regular massage, meditation and/or yoga. Seek counsel if needed.
9. Stop smoking. Stop excessive drinking. Live life in moderation.
   

Before cancer strikes you or someone you love, make the necessary changes and live your life to the fullest.

Sandy Huard, Women's Health Supply International

How to Feel Pampered Even When Suffering From Night Sweats

We work hard and we play hard, so we all deserve to feel great even when we’re sleeping. In fact, there is nothing more refreshing than a beautiful and restful night’s sleep. Sometimes during menopause, sweet dreams may no longer be our reality. Do you toss and turn, feeling sticky and wet all night due to hot flashes and night sweats? If you are having menopausal sleep issues, you are not alone. Over 85% of menopausal women complain of night sweats and hot flashes. The good news is that there is a stylish and affordable answer to your problem.

A novel solution -- receiving outstanding reviews from its customers -- is sleepwear made with a fabric that "wicks" away sweat from the wearer due to a quick-drying, rapid-evaporative property. The fabric is Cool-jams moisture wicking smart fabric. It seems to sense what the body needs. This innovative fabric wicks away moisture, pulling the moisture away from the skin to the outside of the fabric and then dries very quickly. Cool-jams pajamas always keep you cool and dry when the temperatures are warm, and dry and cozy when the temperatures get cooler.

Cool-jams has developed an innovative collection of sleepwear available online at www.cool-jams.com. The collection includes nightgowns and pajamas in sizes small to 3X. With a large variety of styles and sizes, there is something for every woman. If you suffer from night sweats, try Cool-jams wicking pajamas…your stylish solution to night sweats and hot flashes. You deserve the best in life including a great night’s sleep….sweet dreams!

By Anita Mahaffey, Guest Blogger

http://www.coolnewsforwomen.blogspot.com
http://www.cool-jams.com

Anita’s Bio

Anita Mahaffey is a 50 year old mother, wife and business owner. She started her career in corporate marketing, but after the birth of her second child she began her first stint as a business owner. She is now the owner of two companies. Funika, a private label apparel manufacturing business and Cool-jams, an online sleepwear business specializing in pajamas to help combat night sweats. You can find Cool-jams at http://www.cool-jams.com. In her spare time she loves to hike, run, do yoga and pilates and enjoys volunteer work with a variety of organizations. She also researches and writes health related articles and enjoys public speaking. Visit Anita’s blog at www.coolnewsforwomen.blogspot.com.

More on Weight Loss and Fat Loss Supplements

Yesterday, we looked at 7 of 15 weight loss and fat loss supplements profiled in the June 2008 edition of FitnessRx for Women magazine. Today, we will look at the final 8 supplements that can help you to achieve and maintain the body weight and fat composition you desire. So, let's go.

1. Green tea - It contains high amounts of caffeine, which is proven to increase metabolism. Although still under some debate, green tea has also been shown in recent studies to promote fat-burning and reduce bodyweight in overweight individuals.
   
2. Hoodia - Hoodia is an appetite suppressant that has been used extensively in South Africa and has been shown to reduce body mass through decreased food consumption.
   
3. MCT oil - Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are similar to fish oil and CLA in their ability to burn fat. Studies of overweight individuals have shown that consuming MCTs results in greater fat loss versus consuming LCTs (long-chain fats like beef fat). Research with obese women who supplemented with MCT oil showed greater metabolic rate and fat oxidation when compared to subjects who consumed a diet rich in LCTs.
   
4. Yerba mate - A South-American drink of the ancient Indians, yerba mate is an herbal drink that is gaining popularity in other countries. When consumed in capsule form as an herbal mix along with guarana and damiana, yerba mate has been shown to reduce bodyweight in overweight individuals. The herbal mix also increases a feeling of fullness for an extended period of time.
   
5. Dietary protein and leucine - Adequate protein intake is important to help maintain muscle tissue during dieting. Conserving muscle helps keep metabolic rate higher, thus resulting in more fat-burning during and after exercise. Protein also helps to maintain a feeling of fullness and to control sugar balance. An essential amino acid found in protein is leucine, one of the BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids).
   
6. Leucine - Leucine promotes protein synthesis and suppresses protein catabolism. In other words, leucine helps to build muscle and decrease muscle loss or wasting. In studies with mice fed a high-fat diet, increased dietary intake of leucine resulted in lower body mass, better sugar control and a positive cholesterol profile. This was due in part to an increased metabolic rate.
   
7. Soy - Soy is a high-quality non-animal protein source that helps to increase lean muscle mass in adults who do resistance training. In a recent study, subjects who consumed a soy protein drink or a soy protein bar had similar lean muscle mass gains. As mentioned previously, more muscle equates to more fat-burning, resulting in greater fat loss and weight loss. See Soy Protein: What is the Truth About Soy? for more information.
   
8. Whey and casein - Both whey protein and casein protein supplements have been shown to increase muscle gains in individuals who strength-train. However, in a 3-month study of active students who consumed both whey and casein, the whey protein group showed a lower body fat percentage and greater improvements in exercise performance.

So, there you have it. Another 8 dietary supplements to consider that can help you achieve your fat loss and weight loss goals.

Have a great day!

Sandy Huard, Women's Health Supply International

Weight Loss and Fat Loss Supplements

Many supplements available from the health and fitness industry and many natural foods have been shown to promote weight loss and fat loss. If you are one of those people that is not convinced that these products or foods work, than pick up the newly-released June 2008 edition of FitnessRx for Women magazine. Read on to see why.

In its "Supplement Edge" section, FitnessRx for Women profiles the most current research and findings for 15 of "the best weight-loss and fat-loss supplements." In today's post, we will discuss the first 7 of these 15 supplements, and tomorrow we will tackle the remaining eight.

So, if you want to lose weight and lose fat, consider including the following 7 supplements in your daily diet:

1. Bitter orange - It is added to supplements because of its appetite-suppressing qualities. In combination with green tea and guarana, it greatly augments calorie burn. When found in conjunction with caffeine, it increases physical endurance and fires up the fat-burning process.
   
2. Caffeine - As previously discussed in Caffeine and Energy Supplements: Some Advice, caffeine has been found to increase both endurance and performance in athletes. It also plays a role in increasing metabolism. In controlled studies, it has been shown to promote both weight loss and fat loss due to its incredible thermogenic and fat oxidation properties.
   
3. Calcium/Vitamin D - Studies have shown that increasing dietary intake of Calcium can result in weight and fat loss (particularly in the trunk region). Vitamin D, which helps to maintain adequate blood calcium levels, has been shown in one study to help women who are dieting lose more body fat.
   
4. CLA - As previously discussed in CLA and the Fight Against Fat and Cancer, CLA has been used for years by bodybuilders to help them achieve a lean body. A year long study of men and women who supplemented with CLA had a 7-9% lower fat mass than those that did not supplement with CLA. What is interesting is that the CLA alone was responsible for the lower fat mass, not other dietary and lifestyle changes.
   
5. Fish oil - In Keep Your High Fat Cravings At Bay, I discussed that consuming too few essential fatty acids (found in high quantities in fish oil) can cause overwhelming cravings for fat. A recent study has also shown that fish oil actually helps you burn fat as well, reducing body fat mass without any other changes to diet and calories consumed. For overweight people who diet, exercise and consume fish oil, research shows fat loss coupled with improvement to both cardiovascular and metabolic health.
   
6. Fiber - People who consume high amounts of dietary fiber are less likely to get fat because they tend to consume less calories overall. Glucomannan (GM) is a soluble fiber that has been shown to help obese and overweight people lose significant weight when taken at doses of 2-4 grams per day.
   
7. Forskolin - To date, studies have been performed on men only, however results do look very promising for women as well. Forskolin has been shown to decrease body fat percentage and overall fat mass, as well as increase bone mass and lean body mass in men.
   

Along with a good diet and exercise, incorporating some of these weight loss and fat loss supplements will help you to reach your ideal body weight that much faster!

Tomorrow, we'll look at green tea, hoodia, MCT oil, yerba mate, dietary protein and leucine, leucine, soy and whey and casein.

Have a healthy, fit and fulfilling day!

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International

Type 2 Diabetes: Risks, Signs and Prevention

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is on the rise. Research studies continue to show increases in the percentage of adults, as well as children who are contracting this disease. What are the risks? What are the signs and symptoms? Can you do anything to prevent yourself or your loved ones from developing type 2 diabetes? Let's find out.

Diabetes is a disease characterized by above normal levels of glucose in the blood. People who suffer from the disease are not able to effectively use the energy from food. The insulin that is produced by their bodies is not used appropriately to help convert glucose into usable energy. As blood levels of glucose rise, the cells of the body are starved of energy. Over the long term, a host of complications occur, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, amputation and kidney disease.

The risks of developing type 2 diabetes include:

1. Being older and being overweight
   
2. A family history of the disease
3. Native American, African American, Hispanic or Asian American background
4. Gestational diabetes or having at least 1 baby born weighing greater than 9 lbs
5. Being inactive and exercising less than 3 times per week
6. High blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
7. Having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
8. Having a history of heart disease or of insulin resistance
   

Unfortunately, millions of people (over 6 million Americans included) have type 2 diabetes and don't even know it. Eventually, they seek medical attention when they are having heart trouble or blurred vision. Common symptoms include:

1. Increased thirst or hunger for no apparent reason
2. Need to urinate frequently, especially at night
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Open sores that are not healing
5. Lack of energy and fatigue
6. Blurred vision as mentioned above

Diabetes is a long-term progressive disease that will be with you throughout your life. The complications mentioned previously can be delayed through proper medical treatment along with lifestyle changes, however "prevention" is the key. You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by:

1. Losing weight (even 10 lbs if you weigh 200 lbs will help reduce the risk)
2. Exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes most days (walking, gardening, etc.)
3. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables and keeping saturated fat levels low.
   
4. Quitting smoking and reducing your intake of sodium (salt) and alcohol.
5. Taking your blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medication as prescribed by your doctor.

The above recommendations also apply to you if you do develop type 2 diabetes. You should also take care of your feet and see your physician, eye care specialist and dentist on a regular basis. Consider adding yoga or meditation to your weekly regime to help manage any additional stress.

And of course, all of the recommendations apply to your loved ones. Be active and eat well as a family, supporting each other in the achievement of a healthy, fit and fulfilling life.

Have a great weekend!

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International

Osteoporosis: Risks, Prevention and Management

One of the health risks that should concern you at any age is osteoporosis, a bone disease that puts you in danger of bone fracture, particularly of the hip, wrists and spine. What are the risk factors and what can you do to reduce your risk or manage the disease should it strike?

As mentioned, osteoporosis is a bone disease. It affects millions of women (and men), particularly women over the age of 50 whose ovarian function has decreased (perimenopause) or seized (menopause). During this time, estrogen levels drop, leaving your bones unprotected. This results in the loss of bone tissue and density, with an estimated 2-5% of bone tissue loss every year for the first 5-10 years following the onset of menopause.

Some of the key risk factors associated with the development of osteoporosis include:

1. Being over the age of 65.
2. Menopause before the age of 45.
3. Bone mineral density that is low.
4. A family history of fracture (particularly a mother who has suffered a hip fracture).
5. A tendency to fall more than normal.
6. Having had a compression fracture of the vertebral column.
7. Even a minimal fracture after the age of 40.
8. X-ray results that indicate increased risk by a physician.
9. Glucocorticoid therapy that has extended beyond 3 months.
10. Having a disease that prevents the body from properly absorbing nutrients (e.g. celiac disease)

Some of the minor risk factors include:

1. Small stature (a body weight less than 125 pounds) or a body weight 10% less than at 25 years of age.
2. Having rheumatoid arthritis or hyperthyroidism.
3. Low dietary intake of calcium. Too little calcium in your blood will cause your body to take calcium from your bones, further depleting bone supply.
4. Too much caffeine (more than 4 cups daily) or alcohol intake (more than 2 cups daily).
5. Smoking.

So, now you know the risks. What can you do to prevent or manage osteoporosis?

1. Stop smoking and drinking caffeine or alcohol in excess.
2. Increase your dietary intake of calcium and/or take a calcium supplement. A diet rich in calcium will result in excess calcium being "taken up" by the bones, thereby increasing bone supply.
3. Consume the recommended amount of Vitamin D because it is crucial for calcium absorption.
4. If you are postmenopausal, have your risk of osteoporosis assessed by your doctor.
5. Do strength-training (with weights) and weight-bearing exercise (e.g. walking) to increase your coordination, strength and balance (reducing your possibility of falling) and to help prevent further bone loss.

One final note about osteoporosis. It can strike at any age! So, if you are a young woman feeling that this article does not apply to you, take heed. Bone loss happens gradually over years, resulting in osteoporosis later on. So, start strength-training and weight-bearing exercise, make the dietary changes recommended above and "bank" as much calcium in your bones as possible.

Get out the weights or get your walking shoes on and go!

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International

Anxiety and Sleep Disorders: The Facts

Lately, I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping. Last night, I tossed and turned from 3am - 6am, my mind racing about work, my business, my family, the future, and a host of other things. Because it is prevalent in my life currently (and in the lives of many other women), I thought that I would address anxiety and sleep disorders. Are they related? What are the facts? And what can you do to reduce anxiety and get a better night's sleep?

First, what is anxiety? Anxiety disorders include many illnesses that lead to an unusual and persistent amount of worry, fear and anxiety. Specifically, anxiety disorders include: generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias. Anxiety is real and a serious illness that is treatable.

What are sleep disorders? Sleep disorders are characterized by abnormal sleep patterns that result in impairment of functioning (mental, emotional and/or physical).

An anxiety disorder can cause a sleep disorder and vice versa. People who have an anxiety disorder often have trouble sleeping. Sleep deprivation on the other hand, stimulates that area of the brain most associated with anxiety and depression.

If you have an anxiety or sleep disorder, what should you do? First off, consult your physician. Together, you will need to determine which is the primary illness. You may be having trouble sleeping, however the underlying issue could be an anxiety disorder. The reverse could also be true.

Treatment options for anxiety disorders involve cognitive-behavior therapy, relaxation techniques and medication, or some combination of the above. As for sleep disorders, treatment entails cognitive-behavior therapy in conjunction with sleep medication.

For the occasional sleepless night or bout of anxiety, include the following:

1. Meditation
2. Exercise
3. Practicing yoga
   
4. Playing soft music
5. Not watching the clock
   
6. Prioritizing daily tasks
7. Establishing a regular bedtime routine
8. Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet and cool
   
9. Using your bedroom for sleeping only
10. Taking an occasional anxiety/stress or sleep remedy

If the problem persists, see your doctor.

Well, I am going to take some of the advice above, starting with no clock watching and more exercise!

Have a great weekend and get a good night's rest.

Until next week,

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International