Women’s Health
- NuvaRing Article
- Fibroid Definition and Treatments
- Births of Nations
- Choosing Your Gynecologist
- Women and Dance Classes
- Women and Insomnia
- Keep Cool During the Heat Wave
- Fishing is a Form of Exercise
- PMS Rage?
- Ultrasound Defined
Posted by
Jennifer Gerics
Jennifer Gerics
There is a form of birth control that is internally inserted once a month, making contraception a less daily concern. Read about it in this week's article.
Many women hate the thought of daily birth control. It can be annoying and missing a pill is not like forgetting to take an aspirin. There is a type of once-monthly birth control that comes in the form of a vaginal ring. Hormonally it works like the Pill to prevent pregnancy. Stay tuned for this week's article about the NuvaRing.
Fibroid Definition and Treatments
Posted by
Jennifer Gerics
Jennifer Gerics
Fibroids are the most common non-cancerous uterine tumors. Learn about their symptoms, complications, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Read about uterine fibroid tumors and their causes in this week's article The Definition and Causes of Fibroid Tumors. These gynecological tumors are quite common and generally non-cancerous. Read up on common symptoms and risk factors.
Look for the coming conclusion to this article in the next piece about fibroid diagnosis and treatment. Several diagnostic tests can acurately determine whether you have fibroids, and treatment options can reduce bothersome symptoms.
Look for the coming conclusion to this article in the next piece about fibroid diagnosis and treatment. Several diagnostic tests can acurately determine whether you have fibroids, and treatment options can reduce bothersome symptoms.
Posted by
Jennifer Gerics
Jennifer Gerics
In the beginning of July, both Canada and the U.S. celebrate birthdays.
Now that summer is officially here, let's take some time to acknowledge two holidays that are particularly important to Suite101 readers and writers: July 1st: Canada Day and July 4th: Independence Day (U.S.) Both holidays celebrate the beginnings of two nations. On July 1st, 1868, Canada was established by unifying the North American British Provinces. On July 4th, 1776, the United States of America were established by signing the Declaration of Independence from England.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!
Posted by
Jennifer Gerics
Jennifer Gerics
Selecting the right gynecologist is a very subjective matter: everyone has personal criteria that they use to help them decide.
When you need to start visiting a gynecologist, you move and need to find a new one, or you just don't care for the one you have, how do you search for the right doctor?
There are several points to consider, such as the sex and age of the gynecologist, personal recommendations, as well as the doctor's experience and the size of her or his office.
Find out how to make an informed decision with this week's article "How to Choose a Gynecologist". It details specific concerns for specific age populations and touches upon whether to choose a large or small practice.
I constantly rave about my own gynecologist and decided using these two factors: she was female and three people (two who knew each other and a separate friend from another town) spoke great words about her. I hope you too can find the perfect GYN for yourself.
There are several points to consider, such as the sex and age of the gynecologist, personal recommendations, as well as the doctor's experience and the size of her or his office.
Find out how to make an informed decision with this week's article "How to Choose a Gynecologist". It details specific concerns for specific age populations and touches upon whether to choose a large or small practice.
I constantly rave about my own gynecologist and decided using these two factors: she was female and three people (two who knew each other and a separate friend from another town) spoke great words about her. I hope you too can find the perfect GYN for yourself.
Posted by
Jennifer Gerics
Jennifer Gerics
Dance in its many forms--- ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and even alternatives such as yoga or tai chi--- are great ways for women to stay flexible.
I had a great outing today: my family and I went to see a young cousin's dance recital. This was our third year and I have to admit that I love going. It's the beautiful costumes, the toddler ballerinas, and the talented older dancers. The majority of the performers are girls and they have such enthusiasm and energy. Some of the older girls, just like in previous years, "graduated" from the dance school today to pursue college and careers.
Why does the dancing have to end? Do many of the girls continue dancing into adulthood? I know that many women go to exercise classes, sometimes squeezed between sleep and work or work and dinner, but how many women seriously attend adult dance lessons?
If you are considering a new healthy pursuit, why not try an adult ballet class? This dance is probably the least stressful on the joints, it is done at a slower pace than jazz or hip-hop, and it is visually beautiful. Another option is adult tap dancing. From experience I know that this is a bit technically challenging, but it builds balance and coordination.
If these dance forms seem a little daunting---- maybe you never took dance lessons as a kid---- perhaps a yoga or tai chi class is for you. The fluid movements are graceful and they build stamina, balance, and concentration. There are different levels of difficulty.
I just think there is more to fitness than climbing a stairmaster, running on a treadmill, or doing the same old step or aerobics classes. Try adult dance lessons, and maybe you'll be on stage next year, doing a traditional Indian belly dance routine (that group got the loudest cheers from the audience today!)
Why does the dancing have to end? Do many of the girls continue dancing into adulthood? I know that many women go to exercise classes, sometimes squeezed between sleep and work or work and dinner, but how many women seriously attend adult dance lessons?
If you are considering a new healthy pursuit, why not try an adult ballet class? This dance is probably the least stressful on the joints, it is done at a slower pace than jazz or hip-hop, and it is visually beautiful. Another option is adult tap dancing. From experience I know that this is a bit technically challenging, but it builds balance and coordination.
If these dance forms seem a little daunting---- maybe you never took dance lessons as a kid---- perhaps a yoga or tai chi class is for you. The fluid movements are graceful and they build stamina, balance, and concentration. There are different levels of difficulty.
I just think there is more to fitness than climbing a stairmaster, running on a treadmill, or doing the same old step or aerobics classes. Try adult dance lessons, and maybe you'll be on stage next year, doing a traditional Indian belly dance routine (that group got the loudest cheers from the audience today!)
Posted by
Jennifer Gerics
Jennifer Gerics
Here are a couple of insomnia tunes to listen to when you can't get 40 winks....
As women, we occasionally suffer from sleeplessness. Insomnia is quite common for females during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle, during menapause, and during times of stress. To feel less like the only vampire on Bourbon Street, check out these two variations of the same song by Colin Hay /Men at Work: one is the original band version (remember it?) and the other is Hay's solo accoustic rendition.
Men at Work: Overkill
Colin Hay: Overkill (accoustic)
Happy insomnia...
Men at Work: Overkill
Colin Hay: Overkill (accoustic)
Happy insomnia...
Keep Cool During the Heat Wave
Posted by
Jennifer Gerics
Jennifer Gerics
Spring in the northern hemisphere has a way of instantly morphing into full-blown summer. June is a tricky month, giving us cool then suddenly hot days. What to do?
If you are finding yourself wilting during 90+ degree weather, you're not alone. Various medical conditions can amplify this heat lethargy. That's why it's important to pace yourself and avoid extreme heat and humidity. Ways to achieve this include:
- staying out of direct sunlight during peak hours (10 am - 3 pm)
- drinking plenty of clear beverages--- particularly water---- to keep hydrated
- eating protein-rich foods such as lean chicken, fish, certain energy bars, peanut butter, and lean beef
- avoiding too many refined carbs such as white breads, rice, and refined sugars because these will drain your energy more so in the heat
- wearing light-colored, light-weight clothes that dry quickly
- applying sunscreen to avoid a major sunburn
- wearing a hat and/or sunglasses
- taking in a matinee or indoor shopping during the peak sunlight hours
Posted by
Jennifer Gerics
Jennifer Gerics
Although it may appear to be a passive activity, fishing is actually a great sport to increase dexterity, concentration, and arm strength.
While fishing with my husband this evening, I noticed that I was actually getting a bit of a workout. Not some hardcore, cardiovascular extravaganza, but a nice use of my arms and hands. My balance was also challenged as I stood and cast my rod time and again. Concentration came into play as I focused my attention on ripples (fish jumping?) on the surface of the water.
Exercise needn't be all about speed and high energy. Sometimes the steady, slow, thought-provoking activities turn out to be the ones that most challenge and expand our strengths.
Exercise needn't be all about speed and high energy. Sometimes the steady, slow, thought-provoking activities turn out to be the ones that most challenge and expand our strengths.
Posted by
Jennifer Gerics
Jennifer Gerics
It's hard to keep PMS anger in check, and when it can't be done, it can produce laughable results.
Here's a little bit of PMS humor that I hope many women can relate to:
A friend of mine, who shall remain nameless, recently stopped in at her post office after hours to buy stamps from one of the self-service machines. She hesitated near the new, computerized one that took ATM cards, but chose the older, manual one (imagine a candy or cigarette vending machine) that took cash.
Putting in her money, she hit one of the buttons for a book of stamps. Her change came out, but no stamps. She checked the chute several times to no avail. Suddenly PMS rage took over and she gave the machine a swift kick. Not enough. Two more kicks. Finally she raised her leg and kicked the machine square in the middle. This tripped the machine's loud security alarm. Well, my friend beat it the heck out of there to her car, thankful that no one had witnessed the show or that no cop car began to follow her home.
It's a week later and I'm still laughing about what I---- I mean my friend---- did.....
A friend of mine, who shall remain nameless, recently stopped in at her post office after hours to buy stamps from one of the self-service machines. She hesitated near the new, computerized one that took ATM cards, but chose the older, manual one (imagine a candy or cigarette vending machine) that took cash.
Putting in her money, she hit one of the buttons for a book of stamps. Her change came out, but no stamps. She checked the chute several times to no avail. Suddenly PMS rage took over and she gave the machine a swift kick. Not enough. Two more kicks. Finally she raised her leg and kicked the machine square in the middle. This tripped the machine's loud security alarm. Well, my friend beat it the heck out of there to her car, thankful that no one had witnessed the show or that no cop car began to follow her home.
It's a week later and I'm still laughing about what I---- I mean my friend---- did.....
Posted by
Jennifer Gerics
Jennifer Gerics
Ultrasound is used as a type of imaging for diagnostic purposes. Find out how it works....
Ultrasound has been around for a while and is used for diagnostic imaging, much like X-rays. But unlike X-rays, ultrasound produces no harmful radiation. Rather, high-frequency sound is sent out into the body, is intercepted by body parts, and is sent back to the ultrasound machine, producing an image. This process is comparable to sonar. These "echoes" are what produce the ultrasound picture, and through the science of physics, different levels of clarity can be achieved: magnified, high-resolution images and broad, general images.