Women’s Health

Oh Baby: Giving Birth 10 Times May Reduce Mom’s Cancer Risk

Women who give birth to 10 or more children may have a reduced risk of cancer, a new study from Finland suggests. Researchers examined cancer risk in nearly 5,000 Finish women who gave birth at least 10 times before 2010.

Over a three-decade period, there were 656 cases of cancer in these women, about 200 fewer cases than would be expected based on cancer rates in the general Finnish population, the study found.

In fact, the rate of new cancer cases was 24 percent lower among women who delivered 10 or more babies compared to those in the general population, the researchers said.
This overall reduction in cancer risk came mainly from decreased rates of breast cancer and gynecological cancers, including ovarian and endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining). For these cancers, the rate of new cancer cases was about 50 percent lower in women with 10 or more deliveries, compared to the general population.

The researchers aren’t sure whether the findings apply to women who have just one, two or three children, but plan to conduct another study to find out, said study researcher Dr. Juha Tapanainen, of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Helsinki University Central Hospital.
Pregnancy and cancer risk

In the study, women who had 10 or more babies were about five years younger when they gave birth to their first child, compared to average Finnish women. It’s known that becoming pregnant at a young age helps protect against breast cancer, Tapanainen said.
Women who give birth before age 20 have about half the risk of breast cancer as those who give birth for the first time after age 30, according to the National Institutes of Health. Some researchers hypothesize that this is because pregnancy speeds up the process of breast cell maturation, and that mature cells are more resistant to cancer, Tapanainen said. So, women who have children at younger ages develop mature, cancer-resistant breast cells sooner.

Previous studies have also found that giving birth to at least five children reduces the risk of breast cancer. This may be because pregnancy halts the menstrual cycle, so the breast cells of women who have many pregnancies are exposed to less estrogen, according to the American Cancer Society. (Exposure to estrogen is thought to increase the risk of breast cancer.)

The halting of ovulation, and the hormone changes that period in life causes, may also play a role in the reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Many women in the new study who had 10 or more children were members of the Laestadian movement, which is part of the Lutheran Church in Finland, the researchers said. Women in this group are similar to average Finnish women in terms of their lifestyle, but their religion prohibits the use of contraceptives.

Studies on the effect of hormonal contraceptives on cancer risk have been inconclusive, but some studies suggest that the contraceptives reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Thus, it’s possible that if Laestadian women in the study also took contraceptives, and still had multiple pregnancies, it would even further reduce their risk of these cancers, Tapanainen said.

Risks of many pregnancies

The study further linked having 10 babies with a reduced risk of basal cell skin cancer, and an increased risk of thyroid cancer. But the researchers don’t know the reason for this link.

Researchers noted that women who are able to have 10 or more children are likely healthier than women in the general population. But this factor alone is unlikely to explain the link between having 10 babies and the reduced risk of these cancers, Tapanainen said.

In general, the findings suggest that having more children doesn’t result in an increased occurrence of cancer, Tapanainen said. The protective effect is seen after five births, and is even greater with 10 births, Tapanainen said.
Despite the reduced risk of cancer, giving birth to five or more children does come with its own dangers, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications, such as premature birth and hemorrhaging after delivery.

Source: Yahoo news

Women’s Day 2014: Quick health tips for working women

It is rightly said that behind the success of every man, there is a woman. Gone are the days when a woman was just confined to the home and kitchen. So, if you are working, dear lady, you need to take care of your health too in order to take care of your family. Juggling long working hours and family life, one rarely finds time for themselves. But, complaining is not the solution. It is crucial to maintain a balance between your personal and professional life.

This Women’s Day, we bring to you some quick and easy tips to keep you healthy and rejuvenated.

Try staying active throughout the day like when you are in office, avoid sitting for long hours and instead take a walk in between, or do some desk exercises such as stretching on the chair, twisting etc. in order to relieve stress and exhaustion.

-Enforcing a healthy lifestyle and good eating habits is another major area that you need to take care of. Never try to fill your stomach with junk food when hungry, rather try to snack healthy like having fruits, juices, nuts etc.

-Try drinking a lot of water say at least 7-8 glasses daily as it helps the body to function properly and also prevents dehydration.

-Hangout with friends and try to be happy and leave aside your worries. When you are happy your body releases good hormones called `endorphin` which help in combating stress.

-After weeks of hectic work schedules, you surely deserve a pamper session. So, take time out and go to for a relaxing spa session and manicure, pedicure, facial sittings once a month. Also, do what it takes to give yourself a little `you` time everyday.

So go on ladies make the most of these tips and stay healthy.

Source: Zee news

Nutritional do’s and don”ts for pregnant women!

You’ve just received the good news that a little one is on the way! Congratulations, you’re pregnant!

Pregnancy is beautiful, magical and even empowering! Whether you are elated or in a wee bit of shock, remember pregnancy is an immense physical, psychological and emotional experience whatever the circumstances surrounding it.

Once it sinks in that you are on your way to motherhood you may find yourself thinking, what”s next? Expect a lot of changes in your lifestyle which include some dietary modifications because your growing baby is absorbing everything you”re eating.
You will be snowed under with advice from family, friends and yes, even complete strangers about what foods are safe and what aren’t during pregnancy, enough to confuse anyone.

First and foremost you’ll need protein and calcium for your baby’s tissues and bones, extra folic acid to protect against neural tube birth defects and iron to help red blood cells carry oxygen to your baby. Although it is imperative that you discuss your diet with your doctor, we at MedGuru give you some dos and don’ts that will help get you started!

Foods to eat during pregnancy:-
Whole grains
Try incorporate whole grains that are fortified with folic acid and iron into your daily diet. Eat oatmeal during breakfast, whole-grain bread at lunch and brown rice for dinner.

Leafy greens, fruits
Increase intake of green veggies broccoli and spinach, food items like muesli and fruits like Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries which are a good source of iron that a woman”s body needs to produce all the blood needed to supply nutrition to the placenta.

Eggs
Apart from being rich in protein, eggs provide amino acids, vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is good for baby”s brain development. Refrain from eating under-cooked or raw eggs as they may be tainted with bacteria.

Sea food
Fish, touted for omega-3 fatty acids that help the baby”s brain development and eyes is a good meal choice during pregnancy. It is absolutely safe to consume up to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish, such as salmon per week. Try it grilled, broiled, or as a salad.

Low-fat yogurt
Low-fat yogurt is rich in calcium, high in protein and it sans the added sugar of flavored yogurts. Blend it with fruit into smoothies or sprinkle it with nuts or muesli for a tasty crunchy snack.

Foods to avoid during pregnancy:-
Liver or liver-containing products such as liver pâté, liver sausage or haggis should be eaten only occasionally as they contain large amounts of vitamin A which may cause damage to the embryo.

Avoid drinking too much of coffee, tea and colas as caffeine based beverages may affect the growth of baby.

Skip unpasteurized cheeses, blue-veined cheeses like brie or camembert to avert the possible risk of transmission of infectious diseases such as Listeria. However, varieties such as cheddar and mozzarella can help in meeting your calcium requirements.

Source: med guru

When Breast Cancer Spreads

If your cancer spreads beyond your breast and the nearby lymph nodes, it’s called advanced cancer, or metastatic cancer. The most common places it spreads to are the liver, lungs, bones, and brain.

News that your cancer has spread is scary, but there are many treatments that work for metastatic breast cancer.

“The majority of women with metastatic breast cancer can move forward with their therapies while continuing their regular lifestyle — working, taking care of their families, exercising, and traveling,” says Erica L. Mayer, MD, MPH, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

“We often think of metastatic breast cancer as a chronic disease, like diabetes,” says Mayer. A Different Treatment Schedule

Treatments for advanced breast cancer may go on without an end date, to keep the cancer under control. You’ll visit the clinic on a regular basis and you’ll get to know the health care team.

“If the treatment works, you’ll stay on it as long as it’s working well without side effects,” says Rita Nanda, MD, of the University of Chicago’s breast cancer program. If not, your doctor will try different treatments.

Your doctor is likely to suggest chemotherapy because it travels through your entire body. “Metastatic breast cancer is a whole-body disease,” Mayer says.

You may also need hormone therapy. Targeted drugs are another option. They work directly on the changes within cancer cells. These combinations can make chemotherapy work better.

Sometimes surgery or radiation can help ease symptoms. Regular Tests Keep Tabs on Your Cancer

Occasionally, you’ll have imaging tests to see how treatments are working and whether the cancer has spread. Common imaging tests include:

CT scans, where an X-ray machine circles around as you lie on a table Bone scans with an injection that helps show areas with cancer (scintigraphy) PET scans with a special camera and a tracer chemical that goes in your arm by IV
“CT scans examine the chest and abdomen,” says Richard J. Bleicher, MD, of the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. “You can see something on organs like the liver or sometimes the bones.” Sometimes results are combined for a PET CT scan. A computer merges the images to find hot spots that may be cancer.

Your doctor will tell you how often you need these tests, based on the stage of your cancer.

Source: Web md

 

Acetaminophen, pain killer during pregnancy affects behavior problems in kids

Pregnant women have long been assured that acetaminophen can treat their aches, pains and fevers without bringing harm to the babies they carry. Now researchers say they have found a strong link between prenatal use of the medication and cases of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.

The findings do not establish that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen — which is also an ingredient in Excedrin and is known in Europe and other parts of the world as paracetamol — caused the observed increase in hyperactivity disorders. But they underscore that medications are only “safe” for pregnant women until studies become sensitive enough to detect subtle problems, said Dr. Daniel Kahn, a UCLA obstetrician who was not involved in the research.

“We used to count a baby’s 10 fingers and 10 toes and assume that any drug his mother took must have been safe,” said Kahn, a specialist in fetal-maternal health. Now observational studies like this are capable of picking up on possible drug effects that are less obvious and harder to measure. As such research moves forward, he said, it’s best to follow a “less is better” rule when it comes to taking medications during pregnancy.

Source: Los Angeles Times

 

Take folic acid before pregnancy to prevent birth defects

Folic Acid is An Important Vitamin

Folic acid is a vitamin found in many foods and multivitamin supplements. It’s especially important for women who could become pregnant because folic acid can help prevent birth defects.

Begin Each Day with Folic Acid

There are three ways women can get enough folic acid. They can choose to:

Take a vitamin supplement containing 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, or
Eat a fortified breakfast cereal daily which contains 100% of the recommended daily anount of folic acid (400 micrograms).
In addition, increase consumption of foods fortified with folic acid (e.g., “enriched” cereal, bread, rice, pasta and other grain products) in addition to consuming food folate from a varied diet (e.g., orange juice and green vegetables).
Folic Acid is Good for All Ages

No matter what your age, foods rich in folic acid are good for you.

Even young girls should try to get enough folic acid every day. That way, when you’re older and planning to become a mother, folic acid will already be a part of your diet.

Folic Acid Can Help Prevent Birth Defects

All women need folic acid because it works best for you and your baby early in the first month of pregnancy, a time when you may not even know you’re pregnant. Continued use of folic acid after the first month of pregnancy, and throughout your life, ensures the future good health of you and your family.

Folic acid can reduce certain birth defects of the brain and spinal cord by more than 70 percent. These birth defects are called neural tube defects (NTDs). NTDs happen when the spinal cord fails to close properly.

The most common neural tube defect is spina bifida. This occurs when part of the baby’s spinal cord remains outside the body. The baby may have paralyzed legs and, later, may develop bladder and bowel control problems. The most serious neural tube defect is anencephaly. The baby is born without part of its skull and brain, and eventually dies.

Folic acid also may help lower your chances of getting heart disease and some types of cancers. It may help protect you from having a stroke, as well.

Who Needs Extra Folic Acid?

All women need folic acid, especially women who have had babies with NTDs and want to become pregnant again. If you have had a baby with an NTD, talk with your doctor before planning your next pregnancy. He or she may prescribe a vitamin that contains a higher dose (4 mg) of folic acid.

Getting Folic Acid from Vitamins

Taking a daily multivitamin that has 0.4 mg of folic acid is another way of getting the recommended amount.

However, avoid taking more than one multivitamin per day. Too much of the other vitamins, especially vitamin A, could cause serious health problems.

Don’t be Confused by Labels

Read food and vitamin labels carefully to be sure you’re getting enough folic acid. On the labels, folic acid is also called “folate.” The amount of folic acid or folate in a vitamin or food may be given as either 400 micrograms or 0.4 mg. They are the same amounts.

Foods With Folic Acid

  • Enriched Breads and Grains
  • Fortified Cereals
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Beans and Peas
  • Protein Foods

Source: health.ny

 

Breast cancer fears and facts conflict over mammography

Women may perceive health threats such as breast cancer based on fear rather than facts, but their feelings can’t be left out of discussions with doctors, a U.S. cardiologist argues in a medical journal.

In Wednesday’s online issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Lisa Rosenbaum of the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center describes her frustration over trying to help women understand that heart disease is the top killer of women, not breast cancer.

Rosenbaum points to the controversy surrounding mammography screening. A 25-year Canadian study is the latest to suggest that annual screening mammograms for women in their 40s and 50s don’t save lives, but instead can cause over-diagnosis of cancers that won’t be fatal.

The value of diagnostic mammograms to help determine if a lump is in fact cancer isn’t in question, but the larger issue is about the overall benefits of screening.

Cancer agencies in British Columbia and Ontario said their breast cancer screening programs won’t be changed in response to the report.

“We feel our guidelines are progressive and have kept the evidence in mind,” said Dr. Christine Wilson, a radiologist and medical director of the screening mammography program at the BC Cancer Agency.

Coincidentally, when the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended in 2009 that the frequency of mammograms should decrease for most American women younger than 50, Rosenbaum said the outrage in the U.S. was so intense that many physicians, political leaders and advocacy groups argued the data didn’t justify the change.

‘Doesn’t save lives’

“But data have shown for years that early mammography screening doesn’t save lives, just as data show that preventing heart disease, through certain lifestyle modifications and appropriate use of medications, does. So why do we resist these data?

“Have pink ribbons and Races for the Cure so permeated our culture that the resulting female solidarity lends mammography a sacred status?” Rosenbaum asks.

“Certainly, our understanding of one’s risk for any disease must be anchored in the facts. But if we want our facts to translate into better health, we may need to start talking more about our feelings.”

Neil Weinstein is professor emeritus at Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he studies how people’s perception of risk influences their behaviour.

“I think it’s very understandable that people want to believe there are things they can do that will protect them from harm, and we tend naturally to overestimate the amount of benefit they give because it makes us feel less frightened,” Weinstein said.

Humans also tend to give more weight to compelling stories from survivors who say they’re alive because they had a mammogram than they do to any studies or statistics, he added.

A sense of belonging to a group is a powerful motivator, but a herd mentality also shapes the information we seek about our health and our willingness to accept it, Rosenbaum said.

Source: cbc news

Tips for tackling asthma during pregnancy

Expecting a child is the most exciting and happy phase in a woman’s life, but suffering from an asthma attack is the worst nightmare a pregnant lady can face.

As per National Asthma Education Group for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asthma is one of the most common diseases that can complicate a pregnancy.

It is advisable for pregnant women to identify the early asthma symptoms as the disease’s effects on pregnant women are appalling, Parents India magazine reported.

If asthma becomes uncontrolled, it can bring about a risk for the mother’s as well as for the baby’s health. This situation can even lead to further complications like oxygen deprivation for the baby, morning sickness, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy (preeclampsia), restricted fetal growth, complicated labor, need for a C-section, premature birth, low birth weight and in extreme cases, the baby’s life might be in jeopardy.

Since the fetus gets its oxygen from the mother’s blood, this condition leads to decreased oxygen in the fetal blood.

Swimming is known to be a particularly good exercise for women suffering from asthma. Using an inhaled bronchodilator ten minutes before you exercise may help you better tolerate your recommended exercise during pregnancy.

It is also advisable for the pregnant women who have asthma to get their condition monitored on a regular basis. A check-up once in three weeks is recommended by expert doctors worldwide.

Source: DNA India

Natural Remedies to Relieve Common Ailments During Pregnancy

preg

During pregnancy, you may find yourself dealing with physical or emotional issues that are new to you. Aromatherapy can be a valuable ally during this time of learning.

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life; from the moment of conception, the growing baby is entirely dependent on its mother. Pregnancy is a time of physical and hormonal changes and of emotional and psychological preparation for motherhood. Making use of sensual oils such as rose and neroli can quell your anxieties and instill confidence.

The demands of pregnancy often result in a number of minor ailments, from piles to edema. Careful selection of diluted essential oils can provide relief from many of these; for example, you can ease nausea by inhaling spearmint oil or relieve leg cramps with a gentle massage using cypress and geranium. Exhaustion and aches and pains can be relieved by aromatic bathing. Always consult your doctor before using oils.

Carefully selected oils can combat many of the minor ailments of pregnancy and prepare you for the challenge of labor.

Spearmint:

A milder and sweeter alternative to peppermint, spearmint oil can be used to chase away feelings of morning sickness.

Rose:

A wonderfully feminine oil for use in aromatic bathing, rose oil is grounding and calming. It combines well with lavender and geranium.

Patchouli:

This oil helps to reduce water retention, treat swollen ankles and relieve constipation.

Lavender:

A versatile cure, lavender is cooling, balancing and calming. Vaporize to combat exhaustion or relieve muscular tension is a gentle massage.

Ylang Ylang:

Ylang ylang eases anxiety before and during labor. It is a warming and sensuous oil that promotes maternal bonding.

Geranium:

This oil relieves water retention, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Frankincense:

Add this oil to your massage blends to help prevent stretch marks.

Mandarin:

This gently cheerful oil combats morning sickness and relieves flatulence.
With a little care, you will find the benefits of aromatherapy are as numerous during the months of pregnancy as at any other time.

Take extra care when using oils during pregnancy. It is best to consult a qualified aromatherapist and select oils carefully as some can be hazardous.

  • Avoid self-treatment during the first trimester.
  • Dilute your blends to half their usual amounts and add to a vegetable based carrier oil.
  • Even with familiar oils, perform a patch test first.
  • Vaporizers are a safe method as there is no contact with the skin.
  • Some oils may be harmful, including basil, juniper, thyme, hyssop, clary sage, cinnamon, clove, marjoram, sage, jasmine and myrrh. In the first trimester, avoid Cedarwood, rosemary, peppermint and rose.
  • A long, warm, aromatic soak in the bath at the end of the day can provide welcome relief for weary muscles and swollen ankles while relaxing you for bedtime.
  • Keep the bathwater warm rather than hot during pregnancy and remember to dilute any oil that you use in a little carrier oil or milk before swirling it into the running bathwater.
  • Gentle massage is beneficial during pregnancy, especially if administered by a loved one. It eases aches and pains in the lower back and legs, soothes fatigue and tension, benefits swollen ankles and feet, and reduces the risk of stretch marks.
  • Avoid deep pressure or percussive strokes, replacing these with gentle figure-of-eight or circular strokes.
  • Your recipient might be more comfortable lying on her side or sitting astride a kitchen chair with a pillow to rest her arms and head on.

Suitable oils to use include lavender, to release muscular tension; neroli, to reduce stretch marks; and chamomile, to relieve insomnia.

Also herbal remedies can be taken to boost health and treat a number of pregnancy-related ailments, from morning sickness to labor pains. Herbal medicine can help boost your health during pregnancy and easy many of the common complaints encountered during pregnancy, labor and breastfeeding.

Some herbs act as tonics, nourishing your changing body and that of your developing baby, while others can bring relief from pregnancy ailments such as morning sickness, digestive problems and insomnia. Some women are prescribed herbs during labor, once contractions have begun, as certain plants can help the labor progress or relieve pain.

Some herbs are beneficial after birth, to aid the healing process, especially after stitches or a Caesarean section.

Choosing the right herbs depends on your individual circumstances. Many herbs are safe to use as long as they are prescribed by a qualified medical herbalist. Herbal teas are a popular means of taking herbal remedies during pregnancy. However, many culinary herbs with medicinal qualities can be added to cooking.

Certain herbs are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or need to be limited to specific doses. For this reason, it is important to seek professional help.

It is best to avoid herbs in the first trimester of pregnancy, apart from very gentle ones, such as chamomile and ginger.

Some herbs can stimulate the uterus, and therefore could trigger a miscarriage or stillbirth, while others may be toxic to the developing baby. In particular, you need to take care with Chinese herbs as some of these contain steroids and may even cause jaundice. If you experience any discomfort when taking an herbal remedy, consult a doctor without delay.

For gentle remedies during pregnancy, it is fine to use herbs in cooking or herbal teas. However, stronger preparations should only be prescribed by a qualified herbalist.

Ginger:

Ginger tea or biscuits can ease the nausea of morning sickness. Sip small amounts of the tea throughout the day for best results. You can also add freshly grated ginger to a stir-fry to boost circulation.

Cabbage:

Cabbage helps reduce water retention. Wrap the boiled, cooled leaves around ankles to ease swelling and cover swollen breasts with cool, cooked cabbage leaves to alleviate the pain.

Raspberry leaf:

This herb is ideal when you’re preparing for birth. It softens tissues along the birth canal to aid the delivery and strengthens contractions of the uterus, speeding up the birth. Only take raspberry leaf in the last eight weeks of pregnancy, not before as it may trigger a premature labor.

Chamomile:

Chamomile is a gentle herb that can be used throughout pregnancy. Taken as tea, it has a soothing action that can ease wind, bloating and constipation, but don’t drink more than two cups a day. Drinking chamomile tea in early labor also helps to calm your nerves.

Coriander:

This common herb can prepare the mother’s body for labor. Try eating three or four springs in a salad or make a tea from the seeds.

Cramp bark:

This herb acts as a muscle relaxant thanks to its antispasmodic and sedative properties. Taken as a decoction or tincture, it can help with painful contractions during labor. Do not take cramp bark during the actual pregnancy as it stimulates the uterus.

Garlic:

Garlic is an extremely popular all-purpose herbal remedy. You can add this versatile ingredient to your cooking while pregnant to help keep your blood pressure stable. Garlic also boosts your immune systems and lowers the risk of blood clots. It can even help the growth of the placenta and developing baby, as it aids the healthy functioning of your circulation.

Liquorice:

Chewing liquorice sweets can help to alleviate feelings of nausea. It can also help to settle a sluggish digestive system when eaten, or taken as a tea.

Source: yahoo voices

Obesity during pregnancy could lead to long-term cardiovascular morbidity

A new study has revealed that obesity during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity, and these complications tend to occur at a younger age.

Researchers concluded that obese pregnant patients might benefit from cardiovascular risk screening that could lead to early detection and secondary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity.

Researchers evaluated data from pregnant women who delivered between 1988 and 1999, and were followed-up retrospectively until 2010. Long-term cardiovascular morbidity was compared among women with and without obesity in pregnancy.

Cardiovascular morbidity was divided into four categories including simple and complex cardiovascular events and invasive and non-invasive cardiac procedures.

During the period of study, 46,688 women who delivered were recruited, and of that number, 1221 were found to suffer from obesity. Ten years later, these patients had higher rates of simple cardiovascular events, non-invasive diagnostic procedures, and total number of cardiovascular-related hospitalizations.

The data recovered not only indicates an association between obesity in pregnancy and future risk for cardiovascular morbidity, but also reveals the effect of obesity in pregnancy on earlier occurrence of cardiovascular morbidity.

Dr. Shimrit Yaniv Salem, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer sheva, Israel, said, “These results are of major importance to the obstetricians counseling a patient regarding future risk for cardiovascular complications. It is important for secondary prevention, early detection, and specific screening programs for this population.”

The study will be presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting in New Orleans.

Source: sify