Bladder Health Begins in School
School bathroom habits impact life-long bladder health: Opening the door to the girls room. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/society-for-womens-health-research/school-bathroom-habits_b_8265730.html
Oct 19, 2015•6 min
Dr. Gwen's Women's Health Podcasts
Updates and reports on women's health issues. Selected research reports are reviewed and discussed.----Disclaimer: While this podcast may contain descriptions of dealing with health and various health conditions, the information presented is not intended to substitute for a health care practitioner's diagnosis, advice, and treatment.
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Episodes
Douching is BAD; S.1014 - Personal Care Products Safety Act
The Toxins in Feminine Hygiene Products (The Atlantic) Society for Women's Health Research: http://swhr.org/ S.1014 - Personal Care Products Safety Act114th Congress (2015-2016) https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1014
Jul 31, 2015•10 min
Increasing Amount of Exercise to Lower Breast Cancer Risk
A new study reported in JAMA Oncology suggests increasing the recommended 150 minutes of exercise to 300 minutes/week can reduce fat levels enough to lower the risk of developing breast cancer. Friedenreich CM, Neilson HK, O'Reilly R, et al. Effects of a High vs Moderate Volume of Aerobic Exercise on Adiposity Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol. Published online July 16, 2015. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.2239.
Jul 17, 2015•7 min
Heart Disease Affects Women of All Ages
I review a recent article in the New York Times about "Young Women's Heart at Risk". Heart disease is the number 1 killer for women and symptoms are different than the typical male experience.
May 01, 2015•8 min
Alarmning Number of Women Think Spousal Abuse is Sometimes OK
This report comes out of NPR and reviews the data that comes from polling performed from 2010-2014 for the World Values Survey.
Apr 05, 2015•7 min
New Pap Smear Guidelines; Probiotics May Improve Blood Pressure
Dr. Morse discusses the new Pap Guidelenes and reviews an early release article regarding use of probiotics in reducing blood pressure. Controlled Trials Screening for Cervical Cancer - http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspscerv.htm Effect of Probiotics on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Hypertension. 2014;HYPERTENSIONAHA.114.03469published online before print July 21 2014 http://hyper.ahajournals.org/content/early/2014/07/21/HYPERTENSIONAHA...
Jul 22, 2014•9 min
Eating Tomatoes May Lower Breast Cancer Risk; Hypercholesterolemia Associated with Greater Psoriasis Risk
In the first report I review a recent study that notes a diet rich in tomatoes may lower risk of breast cancer. Reference Llanos A.A., Peng J., Pennell M.L., Krok J.L., Vitolins M.Z., Degraffinreid C.R., & Paskett, E.D. (2013). Effects of tomato and soy on serum adipokine concentrations in postmenopausal women at increased breast cancer risk: A cross-over dietary intervention trial. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. [Epub ahead of print]. The second study reviews the associat...
Jan 01, 2014•6 min
Statins, Cataracts and Elevated Blood Sugar; Hormone Use for Women Remains Dangerous in Menopause
Follow-up data from the Women's Health Initiative regarding the safety of the use of hormones in menopause reaffirms complex mix of risks and benefits. In addition, I discuss the recent headlines regarding the relationship of statin use to the development of cataracts (as well as increased blood sugar).
Oct 02, 2013•15 min
Regular Aspirin Use May Protect Against Melanoma; FDA Raises Alert on Azithromycin
The wonder drug Aspirin may help prevent melanoma, along with breast, colorectal cancers and heart disease. In addition, the FDA has raised a "heart alert" on Z-packs (Azithromycin).
Mar 27, 2013•9 min
Changing Our Tune on Exercise; Fat and Fit, or Thin and Unhealthy?
A new approach to encourage exercise, focus on the benefit of "feeling good" may make people more motivated to exercise. In the second study new research supports that overweight and obese people are at no greater risk of developing or dying from heart disease or cancer, compared with normal weight people as long as they are metabolically fit despite excess weight.
Sep 08, 2012•15 min
Is Obesity a Disease? Moderate Alcohol Intake May Help Prevent Bone Loss in Women
The first report focuses on the perspective of obesity as disease that was recently considered at the American Medical Association meeting. Various issues are reviewed looking at pros and cons. In the second report, a recent study suggests that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol as part of a healthy lifestyle may benefit women's bone health, lowering their risk of developing osteoporosis.
Jul 13, 2012•10 min
Tart Cherries have the Highest Anti-Inflammatory Content of Any Food; What Women Need to Know about Hormone Replacement Therapy
The first report reviews the interesting finding that tart cherries may help millions reduce inflammation to manage pain. The second study revisits the hormone replacement therapy issue and reviews the findings of a government panel that confirst that estrogen and progestin replacement theray should be used sparingly, only to ward off the most intense symptoms of menopause (for short term use) and not to protect against chronic disease.
Jun 08, 2012•7 min
Cruciferous Vegetable Consumption Linked to Improved Breast Cancer Survival Rates; Long-Term Use of Estrogen Therapy Linked to Higher Risk for Breast Cancer
The first study reports that increased intake of cruciferous vegetables (greens, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli) during the first 36 months after breast cancer diagnosis was associated with a reduced risk for total mortality, breast cancer-specific mortality and recurrence in a dose-response pattern. In the second report, long-term use of estrogen hormone therapy (without progesterone) may increase breast cancer risk.
Apr 13, 2012•8 min
New Pap Smear Guidelines; A Simpler Way to Slow the Obesity Crisis
In the first report I review new guidelines for papsmears by the US Preventive Task Force and the American Cancer Society released earlier this week. In the second report I review a research study that looked at telling people to choose healthy foods isn't working and propose a better solution may be to let people eat whatever they want--just not to increase their calories over time.
Mar 17, 2012•9 min
Love and Chocolate are Good for Your Heart; Mediterranean Diet is Good for Thought!
The first report reviews the benefits of dark chocolate and supportive, loving relationships on heart health. The second study reviews the benefits of a Mediterranean diet on protection of blood vessels in the brain that may reduce risks of stroke and memory loss.
Feb 18, 2012•6 min
Possible Benefit in Old Age of One Drink a Day for Middle-Aged Women
Analysis of data from the US Nurses' Health Study (started in 1976) resulted in the conclusion that women who drink 15 grams or less of alcohol a day (the equivalent of one drink of any alcoholic beverage) at midlife may be healthier when older than women who do not drink at all, who consume more than two drinks a day, or who consule four drinks or more at one time.
Sep 16, 2011•4 min
Potatoes Can Reduce Blood Pressure: Getting Doctors and Nurse to Wash Their Hands
Just a couple of servings of potato a day can reduce blood pressure in obese or overweight people with high blood pressure. Best choices are purple potatoes, cooked in the microwave and without all the "fixin's". Changing warning signs that focus on patient safety such as "Wash Your Hands to Protect Your Patients" from "Wash Your Hands to Protect Yourself" may increase handwashing compliance among healthcare workers according to new research.
Sep 02, 2011•10 min
More on the Harvard University Nutrition Study; Weight and the Relationship to Breast Cancer
The first report (NY Times) provides more information on the Harvard study that concludes that eating everything in moderation is simply wrong and that what you eat is important. Biggest contributors to weight gain include (in order) french fries, potato chips, sugar-sweetened drinks, red meats and processed meats, other forms of potatoes, sweets and deserts, refined grains, other fried foods, 100% fruit juice and butter. Foods that contribute to weight loss/control include fruits, vegetables, w...
Jul 22, 2011•15 min
The New USDA Food Plate; Potatoes Bad, Nuts Good--Harvard Study
The food pyramid is gone and in it's place is MyPlate. This is reviewed (good and bad) and for more information be sure to bookmark " http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ ". The second report reviews findings from a Harvard School of Public Study of more than 120,000 individuals over four years which found that eating potatoes significantly increased calories over time and those that ate nuts and yogurt lost weight. The study challenges the conventional wisdeom of "calories in, calories out" and instea...
Jun 25, 2011•14 min
A Master Switch for Fat? Remember, the Leading Killer of Women is Heart Disease!
In the first review, I discuss a recent report from the journal Nature Genetics that has identified on how master regulator gene may contribute to a cascade of metabolic effects in other genes. This gene (KLF14) is linked to type 2 diabetes and cholesterol and is a "master switch" that controls other genes found in fat in the body. In the next report, the importance of recognizing early symptoms of coronary artery disease in women is discussed. These include: jaw discomfort, back pain, heartburn...
May 29, 2011•7 min
Overactive Bladder and Nocturia in Middle-Aged American Women; Sea Salt Just as Salty, Limit the Wine
The first reports reviews experiences of middle-aged women and frequent urination at night time and the importance of doing this with your health care provider. In the second report I review a recent American Heart Association report that found in a survey of 1,000 adults that knowledge about limitation for salt and wine consumption is poorly lacking.
May 03, 2011•7 min
Making Sense of Medical Statistics; New Efforts to Simplify End-of-Life Wishes
The first report reviews medical statistics commonly used in "risk" shared by physicians when patients are making an informed decision. The second report reviews a new program (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment or POLST) aimed at refining end of life decisions.
Mar 20, 2011•14 min
Why Women Avoid Mammograms; Good News! Hot Flashes are Tied to Lower Breast Cancer Risk
The first report is related to reasons why women may avoid mammograms and a plea to be sure to get yours! In the second report a recent study notes that women who have hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause may give women a significantly lower risk of developing the most common forms of breast cancer. Finally some good news about menopause! Huang, Y., Malone, K.E., Cushing-Haugen, K.L., Daling, J.R., & Li, C.I. (2011). Relationship between menopausal symptoms and risk of postmenopausal ...
Feb 05, 2011•8 min
Calcium and Vitamin D Revisited: Good for Bone Health but Not Much Else.
Scientific evidence indicates that calcium and vitamin D play key roles in bone health. The current evidence, however, does not support other benefits for vitamin D or calcium intake. Higher levels have not been shown to confer greater health benefits, and in fact, they have been linked to other health problems, challenging the concept that "more is better." Recommended Calcium/Vitamin D Dietary Reference Intakes available at: http://iom.edu/Reports/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and...
Dec 17, 2010•11 min
OK to Make That a Double! Study Urges Teens to Cut Down on Salt,
Women who have an alcoholic drink or two in midlife turn out be in healthier overall in their old age, a new study presented at the American Heart Association annual meeting in Chicago is reviewd. Also discussed is another study presented at the meeting examining the need to have teens cut down on salt intake to prevent future hypertension, heart diease and risk of stroke.
Nov 20, 2010•10 min
Mediterranean diet linked to lower risk of breast cancer; Clinical trials demonstrate effective weight loss strategies
The first report (July 14, 2010 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ) review the potential benefits of a Mediterranean diet and breast cancer risk reduction for postmenopausal women. The findings endorse use of olive oil compared to vegetable oils that contain tumor promoting omega-6 fatty acids (corn oil, soybean oil). The second report summarizes a intervention for weight loss that includes physical activity (60 minutes of brisk walking) and controlled dietary meals for obese a...
Oct 22, 2010•10 min
Pink Month: Fish Oil May Prevent Ductal Breast Cancer; Body Measurements and Female Attractiveness Ratings
October is " pink " month (breast cancer awareness) and I review a recent report (published in the July 2010 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention ) that suggests that fish oil may reduce ductal breast cancer (not lobular). So start eating fish! The second report is a study in which scientists in Hong Kong and Australia report how different body measurements correspond to female attractiveness. The study was published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology and found that youn...
Oct 08, 2010•8 min
Chemicals in Indoor Swimming Pools May Increase Cancer Risk; Low-Carb Diet is Better with Vegetables
I review a new study that examines the potential genotoxicity of exposure to disinfection by-products among swimmers in a chlorinated pool. The second review is a study that supports use of a low-carb diet with high-plant-source diets such as beans, peas, or nuts.
Sep 23, 2010•12 min
5 of Nature's Best Cancer-Preventing Foods; Men and Women Experience Chronic Pain Differently
The following foods are recommended to help "prevent" cancer. 1) Soy : 8-10 grams tofu, soy nuts, soy milk, or edamame a day to prevent breast and prostate cancer. 2) Berries : One cup/day for antioxidants to help ward off cell damage that can lead to cancer and other diseases. 3) Broccoli : 1/2 cup of cooked broccoli or other cruciferous veggies a day to aid in prevention of colorectal cancer. 4) Onions : 1/4 cup of onions, garlic, leeks or shallots for several anti-cancer agents. 5) Tomatoes :...
Aug 19, 2010•13 min
Are Calcium Supplements Bad for You?
An LA Times health article summarizes a British Medical Journal (BMJ) article and concludes that widespread use of calcium supplements may increase heart attack risk. A rebuttal article from the original report in the BMJ is also discussed with the conclusion that the meta-analysis from the article has limitations and that the analysis should not dissuade consumers from taking calcium supplements. Women should talk with their physicians about their current and long-term needs and discuss how muc...
Aug 05, 2010•8 min
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