Apr
30
Dowager’s hump describes the bent over appearance of an older woman’s back that has gradually accumulated spinal fractures. This occurs because of osteoporosis, or brittle bones. Loss of height is often the first sign of this preventable condition. Interestingly consequences from broken hips due to osteoporosis such as immobility, nursing home placement too often initiate a tragic downward spiral that may culminate in death—yes, death from a broken hip kills more women than breast cancer!
Recommendations for vitamin D have been ratcheted up recently to improve calcium absorption from the intestines and improve incorporation into bones. While calcium can be obtained from our diets (dairy foods contain ~300 mg for each 8 ounce serving), Vitamin D is produced in our skin when exposed to sunlight. That creates a dilemma because of concerns about the exploding increase in skin cancer. Supplementation is safe option. Calcium supplements are best taken divided through the day with food which stimulates the stomach’s production of acid that aids absorption. Avoid taking iron supplements (e.g. prenatal vitamins, multi vitamins with minerals) simultaneously as calcium interferes with uptake of this blood building mineral.
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Interestingly vitamin D appears to have health benefits beyond bones. Epidemiology studies suggest that it may be protective against formation of a variety of cancers. Recently low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a doubling of the risk of heart disease, such as heart attacks, heart failure, and even strokes. Another study demonstrated that consistent calcium intake at the recommended levels reduced undesired PMS mood irritability after 3 months of supplementation.
While most women’s bone mass peaks in their early 30’s, we need to be mindful of our daily intake of calcium and vitamin D throughout the years so we may remain as active as we would like far into our twilight years.
For more information about your health and to take a osteoporsis questionaire go to our online women’s health library.
Wishing you good health!
PS: We offer bone mineral density testing every 2-3 years during menopause to detect early osteoporosis.
Women’s Health Specialists
2299 Mowry Avenue, Suite #3C
Fremont, CA 94538
510.796.7057
www.WomensHealthFremont.com
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Apr
13
Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is the cause of most cervical cancer. It’s been 2 years since the FDA approved Gardasil® as the first HPV vaccine, which is effective at preventing approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. It also prevents about 90% of genital warts.
Approximately 80% of American adults contract HPV at some point in their lifetime. Most people will clear this infection thanks to their immune system.
This vaccine is preventative, so it is optimal to be administered before exposure to HPV. It doesn’t help with established infection, most of which will resolve because of your immune system. Consequently the CDC recommends routine vaccination for 11-12 year-old girls and catch-up vaccination for 13-26 year-old females.
- Women should receive a series of three immunizations at 0, 2, and 6 months (costs approximately $375).
- The vaccine appears to be safe and without serious side effects in studies following patients for 5 years. Adverse reactions are mainly injection site pain. This reaction is common and mild. There is no mercury in the vaccine.
- The duration of protection is unclear. Current studies indicate the vaccine is effective for five years. There is no evidence of waning immunity during that time period.
- Research about activity in males, older women, and duration of effectiveness is ongoing.
- Vaccinated women should continue to practice protective sexual behaviors (e.g. abstinence, monogamy, limiting the number of sex partners, and/or using condoms), since the vaccine will not prevent all HPV types—nor will it prevent other STDs.
- Vaccinated women will need regular cervical cancer screening since the vaccine will not provide protection against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, and since some women may not receive the full vaccine series.
If you have daughters between ages of 9 and 26, check with your pediatrician if they offer HPV vaccination. If they don’t, or if you are in this age range, please feel free to schedule an appointment with us for counseling and immunization. This is an exciting breakthrough in the prevention of cancer for women.
Wishing you good health!Women’s Health Specialists
2299 Mowry Avenue, Suite #3C
Fremont, CA 94538
510.796.7057
www.WomensHealthFremont.com
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Apr
9
Cervical Cancer Screening Update
Filed Under Women's Health News
The incidence and death rates from cervical cancer in the United States have dropped almost 50% since the widespread use of PAP smears began in the early 1970’s. However, cervical cancer still remains the third most common gynecologic cancer in the USA.
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) recently released new recommendations for cervical cancer screening that are based in part on newly available human papilloma (HPV) tests as well as a better appreciation for the evolution of cervical cancer. HPV is the virus known to cause 99% of cervical cancers. Should your PAP smear be abnormal, then further testing, called Colposcopy which is a magnified view of the cervix, will be usually be needed.
Regardless of the frequency of cervical cancer screening, annual breast & pelvic exams are recommended. While we try to remind you each year of the anniversary of your upcoming well women exam, please check your calendar or give us a call to see if we might have missed you.
Wishing you good health!
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Visit our web site, Women’s Health Specialists
Women’s Health Specialists
2299 Mowry Ave. Suite #3C
Fremont, CA 94538
510.796.7057
