There are five main types of cancer that affect a woman’s reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. What Is Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women ages 35-74. It’s a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found inside, near or on the outer layer of ovaries. Affecting nearly 20,000 women…
Yoga is a Hindu spiritual discipline that is widely practiced for health and relaxation purposes due to its breathing, mediation and bodily posture techniques. There are many types of yoga. Hatha is a more physical type of yoga rather than a still, meditative form, focusing on pranayamas (breath-controlled exercises) followed by a series of asanas (yoga postures), which end with…
What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast divide and begin to grow beyond their normal control. The cells form a tumor, which tends to grow slowly. Though often seen by an x-ray, tumors large enough to feel as a lump may have been growing for as long as 10 years. According to the National Cancer…
Intimate partner violence (also known as domestic violence) is a type of abuse perpetrated by a current or past spouse or partner. Domestic violence can refer to violence against a child, elderly relative, or other family member. Since most people don’t report it, it’s hard to know how common intimate partner violence is but national studies indicate 1 in 4…
Do you know there are seven easy ways to help control your risk for heart disease? Manage your heart risk by understanding “Life’s Simple 7.” 1. Get active Daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life. If you get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day (like brisk walking), five times per week, you can almost…
Americans pay a high price in illnesses and deaths due to tobacco use. Unfortunately, even though smoking rates have declined over the years—from 20.9% in 2005 to 15.1% in 2015—tobacco use still results in far too many deaths, disabilities, and smoking-related illnesses in the United States. For every person who dies because of smoking, at least 30 people live with…
The first 6 weeks after giving birth is a time of major change for your body and your emotions. You may be in a hurry to get back to your pre-pregnancy state. But taking the time to care for yourself and bond with your partner and new baby will help you make a full, strong recovery as a new mother.…
Choosing your health care provider is important. The decision is a personal one that takes patience and thought. In addition to considering their education and expertise, it is essential to ask about a provider’s approach to care and how they will work with you to make decisions. These factors can have a major impact on the quality of your care…
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy: what are the risks to the baby? A mother’s drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities for the baby that can last a lifetime. These disabilities are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Some of the behavioral and intellectual disabilities of people with FASDs include:…
Tobacco smoking, in particular, cigarette smoking, remains the leading preventable cause of death among American women and poses one of the most significant threats to public health. 11 Harmful Effects of Smoking on Women’s Health Smoking also causes the following health problems for women who smoke: Decreased bone density Women who have gone through menopause and who smoke have lower…