Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) December Is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, winter blues, summer depression, summer blues, or seasonal depression, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer, spring or autumn year after year. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), SAD is not a … [Read more...]
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
In Canada, 747,000 people currently live with dementia and one of the major challenges they and their families face when they receive the diagnosis is the stigma associated with it. In fact, according to a recent poll by Alzheimer's Disease International, 40 per cent of people with dementia reported they had been avoided or treated differently after diagnosis. That's why, this January during Alzheimer Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society Canada is launching a nation-wide campaign called "See … [Read more...]
Heart disease in women: Understand symptoms and risk factors
All women face the threat of heart disease. But becoming aware of symptoms and risks unique to women, as well as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising, can help protect you. - WEAR RED any day in FEBRUARY Although heart disease is often thought of as a problem for men, more women than men die of heart disease each year. One challenge is that the heart disease symptoms in women can be different from symptoms in men. Fortunately, women can take steps to understand their unique symptoms of … [Read more...]
Care for your Heart – WOMEN
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but heart disease is preventable and controllable. Every journey begins with one step, whether it’s climbing a mountain or preventing heart disease. This American Heart Month, CDC is offering weekly tips for better heart health. Take your first step on the road to a healthy heart with us. Heart disease is a major problem. Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart … [Read more...]
Cervical Cancer – Life After Treatment (in U.K.)
Life after treatment How cervical cancer affects your daily life will depend very much on what stage your disease is at, and what treatment you're having. Many women with cervical cancer have a radical hysterectomy. This is a major operation, and it takes around six to 12 weeks to recover from it. During this time you need to avoid lifting (e.g. children, heavy shopping bags) and heavy housework. You won’t be able to drive for anything from three to eight weeks after the operation. … [Read more...]
Addiction does have a Choice, WOMEN in RECOVERY
Addiction does have a Choice We've been saying it for years - addiction is a disorder of the brain and not a matter of personal choice. Modern medicine is fully embracing this reality and we hope it will lead to more humane treatment of the sufferers of alcoholism and drug addiction. Addiction is the continued use of a mood altering substance or behavior despite adverse dependency consequences, or a neurological impairment leading to such behaviors. Addictions can include, but are … [Read more...]
Women need How to Seasonal Flu Tips, 30 BEST Blogs
As the weather begins to cool and the days start to get shorter, parents’ minds generally turn towards the upcoming flu season and the best ways to prevent illness in their household. Unfortunately, there are so many misconceptions surrounding the transmission, incubation period, best course of treatment and even vaccinations that figuring out the best course of action can be a challenge. These 30 blog entries offer information on several aspects of the seasonal flu. What is Influenza? The … [Read more...]
Stroke, ‘an interruption of the flow of blood to the brain’
The primary goals of stroke management are to reduce brain injury and promote maximum patient recovery. Rapid detection and appropriate emergency medical care are essential for optimizing health outcomes. When available, patients are admitted to an acute stroke unit for treatment. These units specialize in providing medical and surgical care aimed at stabilizing the patient’s medical status. Standardized assessments are also performed to aid in the development of an appropriate care plan. … [Read more...]
Sickle Cell Anaemia Month – September 2012
SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA MONTH SEPTEMBER 2012 Sickle-cell disease (SCD), or sickle-cell anaemia (or anemia, SCA) or drepanocytosis, is an autosomal recessive genetic blood disorder with overdominance, characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape. Sickling decreases the cells' flexibility and results in a risk of various complications. The sickling occurs because of a mutation in the hemoglobin gene. Life expectancy is shortened. In … [Read more...]
Menopause and Pelvic Health
Menopause and Pelvic Health During menopause, estrogen levels begin to decrease. These hormonal changes can cause pelvic organs and tissues to become thinner and weaker. This is a natural part of menopause, but if pelvic tissues have been weakened by other factors, such as pregnancy, childbirth, smoking or obesity, it can begin to cause problems. One of the most common conditions diagnosed during menopause is called Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). It occurs in approximately 50 percent of … [Read more...]
Anxiety linked to Arthritis, Dr. Elizabeth Lin
Many people with arthritis also have depression; this has been known for many years. Now it has been established that anxiety is even more common than depression among arthritis patients, in a study published in Arthritis Care & Research by authors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this podcast, Dr. Elizabeth Lin (who was not involved with the CDC study, but has focused on comorbid depression and pain for many years) discusses why and how the mental health problem as well … [Read more...]
Ellen B ~ This Mother's Day Make Sure ALL Mothers Matter!
Safe pregnancy and birth should be a basic human right. But around the world hundreds of thousands of women die every year from the lack of adequate medical and maternal care. That's one woman dying nearly every minute of every day. » But in Ayacucho, Peru, community leaders, local women and health care providers came together worked to improve access to maternal health services. The result? They cut maternal deaths in half. We don't have to sit back and watch women lose their lives from … [Read more...]