Dr. Gwen's Women's Health Podcasts

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

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

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.

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.

This report comes out of NPR and reviews the data that comes from polling performed from 2010-2014 for the World Values Survey.

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.114.03469.lon

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 association between hypercholesterolemia and psoriasis. Reference Wu S., Li W.Q., Han J., Sun Q., & Qureshi A.A. (2013). Hypercholesterolemia and risk of incident psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in US Women. Arthritis & Rheumatism. doi: 10.1002/art.38227. [Epub ahead of print]

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, whole grains, nuts and most importantly yogurt. Other influences to weight gain that were supported include length of sleep each night, amount of television watched, alcohol intake and smoking. The second report validates prior research supporting that weight has the strongest effect on the sex hormones that increase breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women (British Journal of Cancer).

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 instead purporst and "all foods are not equal and just eating in moderation is not enough".

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, feeling light-headed, and, cold clammy skin. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and it is important to be proactive.

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.

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.

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 breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention,  DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-10-0998

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-Vitamin-D/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/calciumvitd_lg.jpg

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.

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 and severely obese individuals reported in JAMA (October 27, 2010). Class II obesity is defined as a BMI of >35 and Class III obesity is a BMI >40.

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 young, tall and long armed women are considered to be the most attractive.

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.

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: 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw tomatoes three times/week to help prevent prostate cancer. Adding 3 daily servings of "rainbow vegetables" (red, yellow, orange, white, green or purple) provides even more disease-preventing micronutrients. Source: Roethel, K. (August 9, 2010). 5 of nature's best cancer-preventing food. Retrieved from: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/09/DDP81EMK07.DTL&type=health The second article explores the sex differences in pain experiences.

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 much calcium they are getting in their diets and supplement accordingly in combination with vitamin D.

Wearing two-inch heels five or more days per week shrinks a woman's calf muscle fibers. Stilleto lovers should stretch frequently to keep muscles and tendons strong. Also discussed is a new report that notes a potential link between the use of household cleaners and air fresheners and breast cancer.

The first review discusses five fitness and nutrition myths and reviews their flaws. In the second review, a research report is reviewed that reports that black women are satisfied in general with their bodies and refute the white, thin prototype.

In the first report, I review plans for a nurse researcher at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing that describes plans to examine the importance of regular, muscle-building exercise on long-term health. The second report expands on the established positive association between postmenopausal weight and breast cancer.

Consuming carbohydrates with high glycemic index (an indicator of how quickly a food affects blood glucose levels) appears to be associated with the risk of coronary heart disease in women but not men. Also reviewed is a research report that found that explosure to three common chemical classese (phenols, phthalates and phytoestrogens) in young girls may disrupt the timing of pubertal development, and put girls at risk for health complications later in life.

Breast cancer patients who exercise and drink tea on a regular basis may be less likely to suffer from depression than other patients. In the second study, I talk about a new study that argues even thin people can face health risks from fat; it's called "normal weight obesity".

The first report summarizes a longitudinal study of 57,000 women in the California Teacher's Study and determined that breast cancer risk increased with higher levels of exposure from secondhand cigarette smoke. The second report summarizes the potential risk from chemicals (leading to potential cancer risk) and concludes with the recommendation to avoid microwaving food in plastic or putting plastics in the dishwasher. Safe plastics are marked on the bottom of the container with the numbers 1, 2, 4, or 5. AVOID any container that has the number 3, 6 or 7.

This report summarizes research that notes that a simple one-minute eye-movement exam performed at the bedside worked better than an MRI to distinguish new strokes from other less serious disorders in patients complaining of dizziness, nausea and spinning sensations.

The first article reviewed provides evidence that individuals that store fat in the liver are at greater risk for metabolic problems than the traditional perspective of visceral (belly fat). The second report reviews myths/facts about flu vaccinations and risks as we prepare for the upcoming flu season and potential H1N1 reappearance.

This week I talk about temperature settings and sex differences (women like it colder than men) and argue that this is not the case for a woman in menopause! Vaginal dryness is the topic of the second report.

Seeking out multiple sources of expert advice is one of the best ways to gather information before proceeding with a treatment plan. Think of this as a way to assemble the team to guide you through critical decisions and not an insult to your physician. The hospitalization rate of patients admitted for treatment of hip, pelvis, and other fractures associated with osteoporosis increased by 55% between 1995 and 2006. Here is a helpful report worth reading: Osteoporosis Treatments That Help Prevent Broken Bones: A Guide for Women After Menopause (available at: http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/healthInfo.cfm?infotype=sg&DocID=92&ProcessID=8)

Eating more fatty fish (salmon, mackerel. anchovies, sardines, trout) may decrease your risk of breast cancer for pre and post menopausal women. The second report is related to the risk of breast cancer for those with metabolic syndrome (also known as insulin resistance) characterized by abdominal obesity, high blood glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, abnormal lipid levels and high blood pressure).

An interventional cardiologist is exploring why sudden cardiac death claims the lives of women under 60 at twice the rate of their male counterparts. Dishing with a girlfriend can do wonders for a woman's mood according to a University of Michigan study that has identified a likely reason; feeling emotionally close to a friend increases levels of the hormone progesterone, helping to boost well-being and reduce anxiety and stress.

Temple University led study finds positive body image more effective than exercise in helping young women lose weight. quit smoking. Each year, hundreds of thousands of women who undergo hysterectomies have their ovaries removed along with their uterus, a practice meant to protect them from ovarian cancer. But a new study has found that women who keep their ovaries live longer.

U.S. researchers are studying using a gene injected directly into the brain as a possible long-term treatment for obesity. Moderate alcohol consumption is shown to contribute to stronger bones. New results from the Women's Health Initiative study provides evidence that aspirin may reduce the risk of death in postmenopausal women who have heart disease or who have had a stroke.

A new test will be available this summer to guide physicians in determining the best possible treatments for best cancer. A study of risk factors associated with psychotic illness after childbirth shows that first time Moms may be at risk of developing psychosis in the first month following childbirth.

Bio-identical hormones or "bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)", is not all it claims to be and may be potentially dangerous according to the FDA. Also reviewed is a new study that found that moderate weight loss reduction helped to reduce urinary incontinence among overweight and obese women.

Donated kidneys are more likely to go to older men than women. This is most likely due to women not being placed on the transplant list. The second report focuses on the results of MRI and PET scans that show remarkable similarities between the brains of gay men and straight women, and between those of lesbians and straight men.

Almost half of women surveyed in a national poll report they failed to seek health care treatment for themselves or their families over the previous year because the cost was too high. Some recommended treatments for heart attacks are delayed and underused in women, U.S, researchers have found. Women who go out and bring home the bacon tend to carry more belly fat.

Women's hands have more germs compared to men's hands is the subject of the first report. The second report is regarding a recent study noting that almost half of women report sexual problems with a small minority quite distressed.

A new clinical trial at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill using a popular low-dose contraceptive could uncover a more effective treatment for the 5-10% of women who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Conflicting reports about safe levels of mercury in fish have a majority of pregnant women eliminating the food from their diet altogether. This study warns that decreased consumption of fish in childbearing, pregnant and lactating women, and young children may have detrimental consequences.

Women's systolic B/P increases with menopause. Recommendations are provided to help reduce B/P that include: a) exercise, b) healthy eating, c) reduction of dietary sodium, d) limiting alcohol intake, and e) healthy weight. As testosterone progressively dominates the hormonal environment during menopause, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases and may increase risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition to limiting calories, overweight and obese women may need to exercise 55 minutes/day for 5 days/week to sustain a weight loss of 10% over two years.