Thursday, October 31, 2013

Getting Assistance Can Make All The Difference

For the last day of breast cancer awareness month we wanted to share some great advice for women who have undergone surgery for their breast cancer. This is to seek out a breast cancer assistance programs to help you in the next stage of your battle. Assistance programs offer useful services that can help you connect with and adhere to recommended treatment such as chemotherapy. A recent study found that when using an assistance program, 80% of participants were able to get some or all of their needs met compared to 35% of those who did seek out these services. While it has been shown that women nationwide have problems finding services after surgery for breast cancer, seeking early assistance can be the key to a full and successful recovery!


Read the full story here 

Resources:
America Breast Cancer Foundation: Breast Cancer Assistance Program

For Philadelphia locals: Cancer Support Community 


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Women's Health Seminar Series

Join us on Tuesday, November 5 for the seminar "Living With HIV: Issues for Women" presented by Dr. Amy Baranoski and invited panel members. Our guests will be sharing life experiences so this session will not be recorded. Make sure you are present for this seminar!


Monday, October 28, 2013

Brewing Controversy

A Dallas beer company is receiving  much heated criticism over a slogan for the beer "Dallas Blonde" after images of the new promotion truck were circulated online. The beer displays a blonde doll and reads that it "goes down easy". While the company owner claimed that is is just a fun play on words, many are saying that it is yet another promotion of rape culture in the United States. Alcohol is often involved in many sexual assault cases and some feel that a slogan like this on a can of beer is both inappropriate and insulting.


The owner did apologize for the offense the slogan may have caused anyone and has decided to remove it from the Dallas Blonde promotion truck.

What do you think? Is the can a representation of American society saying it is okay to sexually objectify women? Or is it just fun crude humor? Let us know!

Read the full story here.


Friday, October 25, 2013

TGIF Quote of the Week

Happy Friday Everyone! 
Here is the quote of the week: 


It's a fine thing to rise above pride, but you must have pride in order to do so.
~Georges Bernanos

Have a good weekend !


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

New "Terms" for Term Pregnancies

For some time now 37 weeks of pregnancy and beyond has been coined "term" pregnancy meaning it is an ideal time for the baby to be born. That was up until yesterday when new designations were given to the final terms of pregnancy by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Beginning at 37 weeks, the new terms are as follows: 


  • Early Term:  Between 37 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days
  • Full Term:    Between 39 weeks 0 days and 40 weeks 6 days (Ideal)
  • Late Term:   Between 41 weeks 0 days and 41 weeks 6 days
  • Postterm:     Between 42 weeks 0 days and beyond

The two groups created these new terms to discourage women and doctors from deciding on elective births before 39 weeks. Studies have shown that there is a significant difference in outcomes when comparing babies born at 37 weeks with those born just 2 weeks later. They hope to prevent births before 39 weeks of gestation that are not natural or medically necessary. In the immediate future, it is possible that we will see an increase in healthy births and a gradual reduction in the expense of newborn care. Let us know what you think! Do you think these new terms will have an impact?


View the original story here: Ob-Gyns Redefine Meaning of "Term Pregnancies" 

Monday, October 21, 2013

Why Can't I Get Enough Sleep pt. II - Insomnia

If you have difficulty with falling or staying asleep which results in problems with functioning during the day, you may have insomnia. It is a common and frustrating problem that affects up to 4 out of 10 people. In addition to poor and unrefreshing sleep, insomnia has been associated with decreased quality of life, difficulty at work, heart disease, and mood disorders.

Insomnia may occur on its own (primary insomnia) or be associated with other problems, such as:
  •  Psychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety
  •  Medical conditions, including heart burn, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea and chronic pain
  • Medications or substances such as alcohol
  • Poor sleeping habits (aka sleep hygiene)
  • Acute life stress, such as starting or losing a job

Because many conditions affect insomnia, it is important to identify causes or contributing factors. To start the process towards managing insomnia and getting a good night of sleep, a thorough evaluation by a sleep specialist is indicated. After this, strategies to treat insomnia may be determined.

Depending on the causes or conditions associated with insomnia, treatment ranges from non-medication related therapy (implementing good sleep hygiene, bright light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy) to the use of prescription or non-prescription drugs (melatonin).

For more information on insomnia:

http://yoursleep.aasmnet.org/Disorder.aspx?id=6

References:

Mai E, Buysse DJ. Insomnia: prevalence, impact, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and evaluation. Sleep Medicine Clinics. 2008;3:167-174.



Friday, October 18, 2013

TGIF Quote of the Week

Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend!
Here is the quote of the week:

"An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure"
-Benjamin Franklin









Good Luck to our students with upcoming exams! Hang in there!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

A Partnership Worth “Liking” – Facebook and NNEDV

The National Network to End Domestic Violence and Facebook have partnered up in an effort to keep survivors of domestic violence safe when using social media. In many stages of the domestic abuse cycle, using social media can be dangerous to the victim. Things an abuser finds online can cause further abuse, violence and stalking. Once the victim and abuser are no longer together, social media also can still allow an abuser access to the survivor’s life. 

Some say that abusers should simply stop using social media if they are worried about abusers following their activities. However, NNEDV and Facebook feel that this solution is unacceptable and isolating.  Survivors should have the same safety as anyone else when using social media. To help survivors, NNEDV and Facebook have created a guide to Facebook privacy and security settings. They hope that this guide will serve as a valuable resource for survivors who want to continue to connect with individuals who care about them. This guide could also be useful for those who are currently experiencing cyber bullying or other forms of virtual abuse.

Links:


If you or anyone you know could benefit from reading this, please share it and help combat domestic violence! 

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Our Blog goes Pink! - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Whep has gone pink for the second half of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! October is the one month where pink water shoots from fountains, tall city buildings display bright pink lights and NFL players trade their traditional colored gear for hot pink. And of course, you see the very popular pink ribbon more than ever on people, buildings and special merchandise.

However, it is important to remember the significant of breast cancer  not only in October but everyday of the year. In the U.S., 1/8 or 12% of women are estimated to develop breast cancer. It is the also the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, with over 39,000 women dying every year.

For all women, and especially those who are at higher risk, it is important to screen for breast cancer. Early detection is one of the best ways to combat cancer. Women 50-79 should have a mammogram every two years. If you are younger with a family history, consult your doctor on the best time you should start having a mammogram. Clinical and self breast exams can also detect suspicious lumps. If you don't like the feel of something you find, get examined!

Today, there are over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in America. With all the money and research going in to the cause, hopefully we will continue to see the number of survivors increase and the diagnosis and death rates fall. How will YOU support breast cancer awareness? Don't forget your pink this month!

For more information on Breast Cancer:
 http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
 http://www.cdc.gov/canceR/breast/


Ways to get involved:
- Many stores are now giving the option to donate when you make a purchase at the register
- Walks are being held all around the country:
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Schedule 
Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk
Walk with Avon

- If you would like to donate directly to any organization, simply type "Breast Cancer donation" into Google and choose an organization that you like. Remember to do your homework, as some companies take advantage of the charitable implication of the pink ribbon. Read more here.







Monday, October 14, 2013

Why Can't I Get Enough Sleep pt. I - Sleep Apnea

After a long, hard day at work, we all look forward to kicking off our shoes, winding down for the evening, and getting a good night of sleep. Sleep is as natural to us as breathing, and is easy to take for granted…until it becomes a problem.

Why is it difficult to get a good night of sleep, even though your body and mind want to rest? There are many explanations, and sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, will be discussed in this blog entry. Additional causes of poor sleep, such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movements, and circadian rhythm disorders, and will be addressed in future entries.

Sleep apnea is characterized by difficulty with breathing while asleep. This breathing difficulty is called an apnea, and may range in quality, from using more effort to breathe (obstructive sleep apnea) to complete absence of breathing effort (central sleep apnea). Sleep apnea may make it hard to fall or stay asleep. On top of this, sleep apnea affects your health in the long-term if left untreated. Sleep apnea increases your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and death, among others.

Unfortunately, we are often not aware of having sleep apnea because we can’t observe ourselves while sleeping. However, if someone sleeps with you at night, he or she may have seen you stop breathing, or heard you snoring, both of which are signs suggestive of sleep apnea. Other risk factors for sleep apnea include male gender, being overweight, and older age.

How can you figure out whether you have sleep apnea? If you have a sleeping partner, ask him or her whether they have witnessed you snoring or stop breathing while asleep. You can also take the following questionnaire, called the STOP BANG questionnaire, to determine whether you are at increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of sleep apnea. Answering “YES” to three or more questions indicates that you are at higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea, and should see a sleep specialist for further evaluation.

STOP BANG Questionnaire
Have you been told that you Snore?                                                             YES                NO
Are you often Tired during the day?                                                             YES                NO
Do you know if you stOp breathing or has anyone witnessed you                 YES                NO
stop breathing while you are asleep?                                                            YES                NO
Do you have high blood Pressure or are you on medication to                      YES                NO
control high blood pressure?
Is your Body mass index greater than 28?                                                    YES                NO
Are you 50 years old of Age or older?                                                         YES                NO
Are you a man with a Neck circumference >17 inches, or                            YES                NO
a woman with a neck circumference > 16 inches?
Are you of male Gender?                                                                            YES                NO

For more information on obstructive sleep apnea:
http://yoursleep.aasmnet.org/Disorder.aspx?id=7
En Espanol: http://yoursleep.aasmnet.org/pdf/OSASnoringSpanish.pdf



Friday, October 11, 2013

Eating disorders - Can they meet halfway?

A very interesting article "Fat and Thin Find Common Ground" was published yesterday in the New York times in perfect timing with the eating disorders lecture. Only this May did binge eating disorder become an official mental condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In response to this, some are wondering if now being under the umbrella of "mental condition" will first spawn more attention to the specific needs of binge eaters, and second will allow the eating disorder community as a whole to come together more productively to look at the broad scale of similarities among those with eating disorders.

Be sure to check this article out and let us know what you think!

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/10/can-the-fat-and-thin-just-get-along/?_r=0


TGIF Quote of the Week

TGIF! Happy Friday everyone. I know we have some major exams on the horizon for some of our students. Make sure to stay motivated and positive!


Here is the Quote of the Week:
In every difficult situation is potential value. Believe this, then begin looking for it. 

-Norman Vincent Peale

Have a Great Weekend!


Thursday, October 10, 2013

Women's Health Scholars 101: Info Session

Want to become a Women's Health Scholar? The Women's Health Education program will be hosting a scholars info session on October 21, 2013. We will be discussing all the essentials you need to get started with us! Please RSVP if you plan to attend.


We hope to see you there!

When: Monday, October 21
Queen Lane, Room 228
12:00pm -1:00pm  and at 1:00-2:00pm
Please RSVP to Simuelle.myers@drexelmed.edu

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is a major problem, and effects everyone. Worldwide, 1/3 women are expected to be victims of domestic abuse (That is close to one billion women!). In the United states, an average of three women and one man are murdered by intimate partners everyday. DV is an unnecessary problem that costs the US over 5.8 billion dollars a year in healthcare services to victims.

It is also an issue that begins early on. Children who are in homes with DV are more likely to be in a violent relationship when they are older (as both a victim and a abuser). It is also concerning that 1/5  offemale teens report being in a abusive relationship, and 40% of teen girls know a peer who has been abused in their relationship.

This is not just a problem for the victims, this is everyone problem and there is a good chance that you know someone who has been abused. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, don't be silent and seek help. (Resources below)

Seeing so many different people, it is likely that physicians are treating patients who are victims of abuse. Screening for DV and knowing what resources patients have available can be the first step in someone seeking help that could saved their life.

 TheHotline.org provides quick resources for identifying domestic violence and what to do if you or a loved one is in a violent relationship. Their number has representatives waiting 24 hours a day. Don't be silent about Domestic Violence!

DV Statistics
http://dvrc-or.org/domestic/violence/resources/C61/

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The New Health Insurance Marketplace is Open

The government may have shutdown this morning, but the healthcare marketplace instated by the Affordable care act still opened today. The marketplace allows you to shop for health insurance much like you would shop for  many other things. After setting up a profile, the site lets you know what you are eligible for, and gives you different places and plans to choose from. Those who want to sign up have between today, October 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014 to do so. Some plans are expected to kick into effect as early as January 1, 2014. What changes will we be seeing across the board regardless of if you will be buying a plan through the market place or if you are staying with your current insurance?:

-You can no longer be denied for a pre existing condition
-No lifetime limits on coverage
-No loss of coverage if you get sick
-Many preventative care procedures will no longer require a co-pay or deductible.

Regardless of what is going on within the government, this is a time where everyone needs to work to educate themselves on what these changes are going to mean. Healthcare and public health professionals should be knowledgeable on the basics to help communicate these changes with patients. And Patients (which is everyone at some point) need to utilize the many ways you can find out information (listed below) about the Affordable Care Act, to better understand what steps they need to make next.

What do you think about these changes? Let us know!

Healthcare Marketplace online: https://www.healthcare.gov/
Healthcare Marketplace by phone: 1-800-318-2596
To find a location near you for assistance, call the number above or search your zip code under the "find local help" section of healtcare.gov by clicking here.

More info on health reform:
http://www.healthreform.gov/

Also, here is a link to short video that that explains what we can expect starting today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZkk6ueZt-U