It may not be fair, but it’s true: If you're a woman, you're automatically at greater risk for osteoporosis than men. Women start with lower bone density than their male peers and they lose bone mass more quickly as they age, which leads to osteoporosis in some women. Between the ages of 20 and 80, the average white woman loses one-third of her hip bone density, compared to a bone density loss of only one-fourth in men.

For more information on Osteoporosis click the link below

http://www.everydayhealth.com/osteoporosis/osteoporosis-and-gender.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthWomensHealth_20090322

Wear red on February 6th to show your support for the fight against heart disease in women!!  For more information on this and other Heart month activities follow this link:

 http://www.goredforwomen.org/

As a woman,  you owe it to yourself to become educated about your health.  These days there are a wealth of information to help you become educated about your body and how to keep it healthy. 

Here are just a few things  you can do for a healthy heart:

1.  GET ACTIVE:

Regularly participating in moderately vigorous physical activity can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease. And when you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater.

Physical activity helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may also be a factor in heart disease.

Guidelines recommend that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. However, even shorter amounts of exercise offer heart benefits, so if you can't meet those guidelines, don't give up. You can even break up your workout time into 10-minute sessions and still get the same benefits.

And remember that things like gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count toward your total. You don't have to exercise strenuously to achieve benefits, but you can see bigger benefits by increasing the intensity, duration and frequency of your workouts.

2.  EAT A HEART HEALTHY DIET

Eating a special diet called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan also can help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help protect your heart. Legumes, low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish also can reduce your risk of heart disease.

Limiting certain fats you eat also is important. Of the types of fat — saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and trans fat — saturated fat and trans fat increase the risk of coronary artery disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. Major sources of saturated fat include beef, butter, cheese, milk, and coconut and palm oils. There's growing evidence that trans fat may be worse than saturated fat because unlike saturated fat, it both raises your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol, and lowers your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol. Sources of trans fat include some deep-fried fast foods, bakery products, packaged snack foods, margarines and crackers. Look at the label for the term "partially hydrogenated" to avoid trans fat.

Heart-healthy eating isn't all about cutting back, though. Most people, for instance, need to add more fruits and vegetables to their diet — with a goal of five to 10 servings a day. Eating that many fruits and vegetables can not only help prevent heart disease but also may help prevent cancer.

Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, may decrease your risk of heart attack, protect against irregular heartbeats and lower blood pressure. Some fish are a good natural source of omega-3s. However, pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish because they contain levels of mercury high enough to pose a danger to a developing fetus. But for most others, the health benefits of fish outweigh any risks associated with mercury. Omega-3s are present in smaller amounts in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, soybean oil and canola oil, and they can also be found in supplements.

Following a heart-healthy diet also means drinking alcohol only in moderation — no more than two drinks a day for men, one a day for women. At that moderate level, alcohol can have a protective effect on your heart. Above that, it becomes a health hazard.

3.  MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT

As you put on weight in adulthood, your weight gain is mostly fat rather than muscle. This excess weight can lead to conditions that increase your chances of heart disease — high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

One way to see if your weight is healthy is to calculate your body mass index (BMI), which considers your height and weight in determining whether you have a healthy or unhealthy percentage of body fat.

BMI numbers 25 and higher are associated with higher blood fats, higher blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

The BMI is a good but imperfect guide. Muscle weighs more than fat, for instance, and women and men who are very muscular and physically fit can have high BMIs without added health risks. Because of that, waist circumference is also a useful tool to measure how much abdominal fat you have. In general, men are considered overweight if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (101.6 centimeters, or cm). And women, in general, are overweight if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (88.9 cm).

Even small reductions in weight can be beneficial. Reducing your weight by just 10 percent can decrease your blood pressure, lower your blood cholesterol level and reduce your risk of diabetes.

4.  GET REGULAR HEALTH SCREENS

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. But without testing for them, you probably won't know whether you have these conditions. Regular screening can tell you what your numbers are and whether you need to take action.

• Blood pressure. Regular blood pressure screenings start in childhood. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every two years. You may need more frequent checks if your numbers aren't optimal or if you have other risk factors for heart disease. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury.
• Cholesterol levels. Adults should have their cholesterol measured at least once every five years. You may need more frequent testing if your numbers aren't optimal or if you have other risk factors for heart disease. Some children may need their blood cholesterol tested if they have a strong family history of heart disease.

5.  IF YOU SMOKE, QUIT SMOKING, IF YOU DON'T NEVER START!!!

Smoking or using other tobacco products is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe. Smokeless tobacco and low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes also are risky, as is exposure to secondhand smoke.

Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals. Many of these can damage your heart and blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack.

In addition, the nicotine in cigarette smoke makes your heart work harder by narrowing your blood vessels and increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke replaces some of the oxygen in your blood. This increases your blood pressure by forcing your heart to work harder to supply enough oxygen. Even so-called "social smoking" — only smoking while at a bar or restaurant with friends — is dangerous and increases the risk of heart disease.

Women who smoke and take birth control pills are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke than are those who don't do either. Worse, this risk increases with age, especially over 35.

The good news, though, is that when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease drops dramatically within just one year. And no matter how long or how much you smoked, you'll start reaping rewards as soon as you quit.

Fact: Cardiovascular disease kills more women over 25 than all cancers combined.

Fact: Young women who have heart attacks are twice as likely to die from them as men are.

Fact: You can protect yourself — and you should start right now..

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR HEART

8 Steps to a Healthy Heart

Cardiovascular disease kills more women over 25 than all cancers combined. You can protect yourself?and you should start right now

Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Fact: Cardiovascular disease kills more women over 25 than all cancers combined.

Fact: Young women who have heart attacks are twice as likely to die from them as men are.

Fact: You can protect yourself — and you should start right now.

Melissa Oliver was the last person you'd expect to have heart problems. The 35-year-old Indianapolis bank vice president and mother of a toddler was a slight 5'1", 118 pounds. She ran marathons and competed in triathlons. She was never sick and went to the doctor only for annual physicals. So when she felt a painful pressure in the middle of her chest one February afternoon in 2004, she chalked it up to indigestion. She popped some aspirin and a couple of Rolaids and proceeded to conduct a 20-minute conference call in her office. Only then did she call her doctor. He said she was having an anxiety attack and referred her for a cardiac stress test just to ease her mind. Problem solved, right?

Wrong. Before Oliver could even step onto the treadmill in her doctor's office 9 days later, pictures of her heart revealed something shocking: She'd had a heart attack. The tip of one of her arteries was partially blocked, the result of a congenital heart defect aggravated by high blood pressure — possibly dating back to her pregnancy, when she'd had the hypertensive disorder preeclampsia. But then her cardiologist gave her the really terrifying news: She could be headed for another attack, this one much worse than the first. "I couldn't believe it," Oliver says. "I thought I was going for my morning workout and then would be back at the office as usual. Instead, I ended up in the hospital that night and in surgery the next day with four stents in my artery."

As Oliver learned the hard way, you don't have to be old or male for cardiovascular disease to strike. In fact, it's the number one cause of death for American women over 25, killing more of us than all cancers combined. That's nearly 500,000 every year, and 57,000 more women than men. The American Heart Association estimates that almost a third of women have some form of heart disease. Still, most of them — cue that scary music again — don't even know it. And while research shows that women under 50 have fewer heart attacks than men their age, they're twice as likely to die from them. Why? It could be because women who suffer attacks are either sicker or seeking less aggressive treatment for their symptoms.

If all this has your heart beating a little faster, well, a little worry might not be such a bad thing — assuming it makes you start taking steps to prevent heart disease. And you can do just that, since many heart attacks in women are caused by factors like hypertension and high cholesterol that could have been treated or prevented altogether. "It's important to take care of your heart even before you have any symptoms," says Arthur Agatston, M.D., a Miami cardiologist and author of the new book The South Beach Heart Program. "Quite simply, the earlier you start, the easier it is to prevent heart disease."

Luckily, the latest research shows that the road to a healthy heart isn't so rough. Here, eight steps to make sure your beat goes on for a long, long time.

 FOR FULL ARTICLE AND 8 STEPS TO HEART HEALTH CLICK HERE

Women who battle frustration and silently scream from failed weight loss 
attempts, poor health, and lack of will power are not alone. It's not all about 
exercise and diet. If your spirit isn't with the program, even the best 
discipline might just lead to injury or worse yet feeling you failed even when 
you gave it your "all."

Statistics show "dieting has a 95% failure rate and just by switching from a bad 
lifestyle to a healthier one, one can expect to add as much as 14 years to their 
life." But what do you do when you think you have done everything and the 
results don't last?

To read the complete article entitled "Fitness and Exercise: How to Stop 
Battling Frustration to Lose Weight" - By Amy Lundberg, go to 
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/fitness_and_exercise_how_to_stop_battling.htm
l

In the United States there are more than 75,000 newly diagnosed cases of uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancer annually, the three most common gynecologic cancers. Each cancer may have a variety of symptoms and associated risk factors.

Risk Factors for Gynecological Cancers

• I am not getting screened regularly with a Pap test
• I am at high-risk for human papillomaviruses (HPV)
• I smoke 
• I am very overweight
• I eat a diet high in fat.
• I am a woman older than age 60
• I started menstruating at an early age—before age 12
• I take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs

Warning Symptoms for Gynecologic Cancers

• Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or gas
• Abdominal swelling or discomfort
• Pelvic pain or cramping
• Bloating or a sense of fullness, even after small meals
• Backache
• Painful, frequent, or burning urination with no infection
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss or gain
• Vaginal bleeding or irregular periods
• Pain during intercourse

If symptoms last more than 2-3 weeks, schedule a gynecologic exam right away. Request a Pap test, CA 125 blood test, and a transvaginal ultrasound. Remember: Early detection equals survival!

Contact The National Women’s Health Information Center for information on health insurance coverage or free clinics. Visit www.womenshealth.gov or call 1-800-994-9662.
 

• Eliminate as many sources of stress as you can. For example, if crowds bother you, go to the supermarket when you know the lines won't be too long. Try renting videotapes rather than going to crowded movie theaters. Clear up the clutter in your life by giving away or throwing away the things that get in your way. A garage sale is one effective way to do this.

• If you are always running late, sit down with a pencil and paper and see how you are actually allotting your time. Say it takes you 40 minutes to get to work. Are you leaving your house on time? You may be able to solve your problem (and de-stress your life a bit) just by being realistic. If you can't find the time for all the activities that are important to you, maybe you are trying to do too much. Again, make a list of what you do during the day and how much each activity takes. Then cut back.

• Avoid predictably stressful situations. If a certain sport or game makes you tense (whether it's tennis or bridge), decline the invitation to play. After all, the point of these activities is to have a good time. If you know you won't, there's no reason to play.

• If you can't remove the stress, remove yourself. Slip away once in a while for some private time. These quiet moments may give you a fresh perspective on your problems. Avoid stressful people. For example, if you don't get along with your father-in-law but you don't want to make an issue of it, invite other in-laws at the same time you invite him. Having other people around will absorb some of the pressure you would normally feel.

• Competing with others, whether in accomplishments, appearance, or possessions, is an avoidable source of stress. You might know people who do all they can to provoke envy in others. While it may seem easy to say you should be satisfied with what you have, it's the truth. Stress from this kind of jealousy is self-inflicted.

• Laborsaving devices, such as cellular phones or computer hookups, often encourage us to cram too many activities into each day. Before you buy new equipment, be sure that it will really improve your life. Be aware that taking care of equipment and getting it repaired can be stressful.

• Try doing only one thing at a time. For example, when you're riding your exercise bike, you don't have to listen to the radio or watch television.

• Remember, sometimes it's okay to do nothing.

• If you suffer from insomnia, headaches, recurring colds, or stomach upsets, consider whether stress is part of the problem. Being chronically angry, frustrated, or apprehensive can deplete your physical resources.

• If you feel stress (or anything else) is getting the better of you, seek professional help -- a doctor or therapist. Early signs of excess stress are loss of a sense of well-being and reluctance to get up in the morning to face another day.

	Nipple Discharge	Return to Previous
	Nipple discharge is the third most common breast complaint for which women seek medical attention, after lumps and breast pain. A woman's breasts have some degree of fluid secretion activity throughout most of the adult life. The difference between lactating (milk producing) and non-lactating breasts is mainly in the degree or amount of secretion and to a smaller degree in the chemical composition of the fluid. In non-lactating women, small plugs of tissue block the nipple ducts and keep the nipple from discharging fluid. During breast self-exam, fluid may be expressed from the breasts of 50% to 60% of Caucasian and African-American women and 40% of Asian-American women. The majority of nipple discharges are associated with non-malignant changes in the breast such as hormonal imbalances. However, any woman with a suspicious or worrisome nipple discharge (see below) should consult her physician. Nipple Discharge is of Concern if it is: bloody or watery (serous) with a red, pink, or brown color sticky and clear in color or brown to black in color (opalescent) appears spontaneously without squeezing the nipple persistent on one side only (unilateral) a fluid other than breast milk Causes of Nipple Discharge Milky discharge (cloudy, whitish or almost clear in color, thin, non-sticky) is the most common type of discharge. Most milky discharge is caused by lactation or increased mechanical stimulation of the nipple due to fondling, suckling or irritation from clothing during exercise or activity. Drugs or hormones that stimulate prolactin secretion can cause spontaneous, persistent production of milk (galactorrhea). Prolactin is the hormone produced by the pituitary gland that starts the growth of the mammary glands and triggers production of milk. Some pituitary tumors cause excess prolactin secretion that can lead to milky nipple discharge, usually from both breasts (bilateral).  Opalescent discharge that is yellow or green in color is normal. Most bloody or watery (serous) nipple discharge (approximately 90%) is due to a benign condition such as papilloma or infection. A papilloma is a non-cancerous, wart-like tumor with a branching or stalk that has grown inside the breast duct. Papillomas frequently involve the large milk ducts near the nipple. Multiple papillomas may also be found in the small breast ducts further from the nipple. Of the benign conditions that cause suspicious nipple discharge, approximately half is due to papilloma and the other half is a mixture of benign conditions such as fibrocystic conditions or duct ectasia (widening and hardening of the duct due to age or damage). Most opalescent discharge is due to duct ectasia or cyst. Suspicious nipple discharge is due to a malignant (cancerous) lesion just ten percent (10%) of the time.  Discharge caused by a malignant condition is almost always on one side only (unilateral). Discharge that is coming from both breasts (bilateral) is usually benign. Papilloma usually causes discharge from a single breast duct. Nipple Discharge in Men Both male and female adolescents may experience a milky discharge during puberty. Nipple discharge in the adult male is more often associated with a malignant condition than in the female. Mammography should be performed and biopsy should be performed if a mass or mammographic abnormality is found. Bloody Discharge During Pregnancy Bloody discharge during pregnancy/lactation is fairly common and usually not related to papilloma. During pregnancy and lactation, breast tissue grows rapidly and this can lead to duct irritation that causes bloody nipple discharge. This discharge should not interfere with nursing. If the discharge persists after lactation has stopped, it should be evaluated further. Examination for Nipple Discharge A blood test of prolactin levels is often made to determine hormonal causes of excessive milky discharge (galactorrhea). A hormone imbalance, pituitary tumor, and certain drugs such as sedatives, tranquilizers, hormone replacement or birth control pills may cause excessive prolactin levels. If there is a suspicious nipple discharge (see above criteria), an examination by a physician should be performed. Clinical breast exam (CBE) is first performed. If a discharge can be produced during the examination, some of the fluid may be collected and examined under a microscope to see if any blood cells or cancer cells are present. This test is called a nipple smear. The discharge may also be examined for signs of infection such as pus. Papillomas may be seen with microscopic examination of a nipple discharge, but this test may be inconclusive. If the discharge is bloody or serous, a mammogram is often the first test to be performed. Even when no cancer cells are found in a nipple discharge, it is not possible to rule out breast cancer or other condition such as papilloma. If a patient has a suspicious mass together with nipple discharge, evaluation of the mass should be performed using mammography, adjunctive imaging and biopsy as necessary. If these tests are negative and show no malignancy, nipple smear should be evaluated. Some papillomas are near the nipple and are large enough to be felt. In these cases, a needle biopsy can be done to test for malignancy or diagnose papilloma. In some cases, a galactogram (also called a ductogram) is performed to aid in diagnosing the cause of an abnormal nipple discharge such as intraductal papilloma. However, a ductogram that does not show an abnormality does not exclude the fact that a significant lesion may be present. Treatment for Persistent Nipple Discharge The standard treatment for nipple discharge that has no hormonal involvement is duct excision. Duct excision is usually performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. The procedure is usually done through a small circular incision near the areolar border around the nipple. It is not uncommon for the pathology found to be so microscopic that it is invisible without the assistance of a microscope. Typically, nursing ability and nipple sensation are preserved after duct excision. Breast-feeding in the other breast should have no affect from the duct excision in the opposite breast. There is usually not a significant change in breast size/shape after duct excision since only a small amount of tissue is removed. There is no evidence of increased future risk of breast cancer from the procedure. Some suggest that there may be a slight increase in risk of breast cancer for patients with a papilloma, but this possibly higher risk has nothing to do with the treatment chosen. Conclusion: The above information and statistics are general guidelines. If you have nipple discharge that is worrisome, please do not hesitate to contact your physician or healthcare provider about it. However, keep in mind that most nipple discharge is not caused by breast cancer. References: Lois F. O'Grady, MD, et al., A Practical Approach to Breast Disease, Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1995, pp. 131-139. Updated: April 2007 Return to Breast Health Main Menu

This Article Can Be Found At:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/nipple.asp

What is an abnormal Pap test?

As part of your routine gynecologic exam, you will have a Pap test (also called a Pap smear). A Pap test is used to identify abnormal cell changes on your cervix and to screen for cervical cancer.

An abnormal Pap test indicates that cells on your cervix have changed. An abnormal Pap test result is not uncommon because the cells of the cervix normally undergo constant change. About 5% to 10% of women who have a yearly Pap test will have an abnormal result, but only a small percentage of these abnormal results indicate changes that may progress to cervical cancer.

What causes an abnormal Pap test?

Many abnormal Pap tests are caused by viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Other types of infection-such as those caused by bacteria, fungi (yeast), or protozoa (Trichomonas)-may cause minor changes called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). Natural cervical cell changes (atrophic vaginitis) related to menopause can also cause an abnormal Pap test. Usually cell changes return to normal on their own or after an infection has been treated or has resolved on its own.

In some cases, untreated cervical cell changes that cause abnormal Pap tests may progress to precancerous or cancerous stages. Certain high-risk types of HPV, especially types 16 and 18, have been linked to the development of cervical cancer. However, changes in cervical cells usually progress slowly and take many years to become cancer cells.

What increases my risk for an abnormal Pap test?

Most cervical cell changes are the result of sexual transmission of HPV infection. High-risk sexual behaviors by you or your partner, such as having multiple sex partners and not using condoms, increase your risk of infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you are in a single-partner (monogamous) relationship, an abnormal Pap result caused by HPV may not indicate current high-risk behavior. Since HPV sometimes remains in body cells for many years, abnormal cervical cell changes can be the result of an HPV infection years earlier.

Smoking or having an impaired immune system also may increase your risk for cervical cell changes.

Having regular Pap test screening and follow-up evaluation of any abnormal results can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.

Will I have symptoms that indicate abnormal cervical cell changes?

Abnormal cervical cell changes themselves do not cause symptoms. An HPV infection-the most common cause of abnormal cervical cell changes-usually does not cause symptoms. This is why regular Pap test screening is so important.

If an STD or another infection is the cause of your abnormal Pap test, you may have symptoms. STDs can have a variety of symptoms, including:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge, such as a change in the amount, color, odor, or texture.
• Pain, burning, or itching in the pelvic or genital area during urination or during sexual intercourse.
• Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around the genitals.

What will I need to do if I have an abnormal Pap test?

Even though most abnormal Pap tests are caused by an HPV infection that will go away or inflammation that can be treated, you will need a follow-up evaluation to make sure your abnormal cell changes have gone away. The need for treatment will vary depending on whether your abnormal cell changes are mild, moderate, or severe.

• If you have minor cervical cell changes, you may choose monitoring by your doctor (watchful waiting), an HPV test, or in some cases colposcopy and possibly cervical biopsy.
• If you have moderate to severe cervical cell changes, you will need further evaluation by colposcopy and possibly a cervical biopsy. Then treatment that specifically destroys or removes the abnormal cells may be recommended depending on the biopsy results.

http://women.webmd.com/tc/Abnormal-Pap-Test-Topic-Overview