Summary for HealthiNation’s Tip: Birth Control Myths

Hosted by: Dr. Isabel Blumberg

Just this one time doesn’t cut it. If you’re not on contraception, you can get pregnant the first time you have sex and any time after as long as you are menstruating. One of the most prevalent birth control myths is that cutting sex short before ejaculation or pulling out prevents pregnancy. But during intercourse, sperm can enter the vagina long before orgasm. The only responsible choice is to use a reliable form of contraception. Remember though, that condoms are the only form of contraception that protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Even if you are on the pill, patch or ring, one unprotected encounter can leave you infected with something that lasts way past that night. Sex can be wonderful if enjoyed responsibly. Always insist on taking the steps that protect your health and best interests.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Isabel Blumberg
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh

Source:

1. Birth Control Pill FAQ: Benefits, risks and choices. Rochester, MN.: Mayo Clinic, 2009. (Accessed 10/22/2009 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/birth-control-pill/WO00098.)
2. Birth Control Myths: New York, NY.: WebMD, 2008. (Accessed 10/22/2009 at http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/birth-control-contraceptive-myths.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Tip: For Women The Pill

Hosted by: Dr. Keri Peterson

Starting on oral contraceptives brings the added responsibility of remembering when to take that tiny pill every day. The pill works by adding synthetic hormones to a woman’s natural estrogen cycle to stop ovulation. If these hormone levels are interrupted by missing a pill or two, it could trigger an early period or even leave you at risk for pregnancy. So make taking your pill a routine.

• Take it at the same time of day, like when you first wake up.
• You can also link it to an existing routine by setting it next to your toothbrush or anything else you use daily.
• And remember, those last inactive pills are there to keep you on routine, so don’t skip out on them.

In many cases, you can easily catch up if a pill or even two falls down the drain. But if you miss a period, do take a pregnancy test.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Keri Peterson
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh

Source:

1. Birth Control Pill FAQ: Benefits, risks and choices. Rochester, MN.: Mayo Clinic, 2009. (Accessed 10/22/2009 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/birth-control-pill/WO00098.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Tip: Gyno Exam Preparation

Hosted by: Dr. Isabel Blumberg

No one looks forward to the annual gynecologist visit, but you’ll want to do a few things to make the most of it and get an accurate picture of your health.

• First, keep a health diary throughout the year and be ready to share the calendar of your periods and any abnormal discharges or pain since your last visit.
• Try to schedule your appointment a week or two after your period. This is the time when breasts tend to be least sensitive or swollen, making it easier to detect any abnormalities during your breast exam. And, it’ll save you a bit of discomfort.
• Don’t use any vaginal cleansers or lubricants for three days before your exam and avoid intercourse for 24 hours before.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be informed about your sexual health and less likely to be trudging back for any unnecessary visits.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Isabel Blumberg
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh

Source:

1. Scheduling and Preparing for the Annual GYN Exam. Ithaca, NY.: Gannett Health Services at Cornell University, 2004.( Accessed 10/22/2009 at http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/top10Topics/sexualhealth/care/Annual-schedule_prep.html.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Cramp Relief Tip

Hosted by: Isabel Blumberg, MD

Women have a lot to be proud of, but cramps are no fun. There are many options for relief. You need to experiment to find what works best for your body. Home remedies like soaking in a hot bath or using a heating pad may ease pain. Try getting more calcium with milk yogurt or green leafy vegetables. Sometimes you may need to just go straight to an over-the-counter pain reliever. But if you have pain often and it's unmanageable, visit your doctor for an exam and prescription options. Relax, breathe deeply, and remember that lifestyle changes like exercising regularly and staying well rested are the best defense against menstrual discomfort.

Author: Mr. Brendan Andererkegel
Host Reviewer: Dr. Isabel Blumberg
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh

Source:

1. Menstrual Cramp Relief. Bethesda, MD.: National Institute of Health, 2008. (Accessed March 3, 2010 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002115.htm)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Healthy Women’s Orgasm

Hosted by Dr. Keri Peterson, Internal Medicine

The threshold for orgasm varies widely from woman to woman. Did you know that only 20 percent of women are able to orgasm through intercourse alone?

If you are continually frustrated with your inability to feel satisfied, don't think of it as a problem. Rather, use it as an opportunity to explore your body and mind to learn what excites you most.

The first step is to be comfortable with yourself, both physically and mentally. Self stimulation can be an effective approach to get to know your body and to begin to understand that you are just fine. Try to be honest with yourself and your partner about your psychology and any barriers that may be entering your sex life. It is not uncommon for people to speak with a professional about these issues. But regardless, try to be open to talking with your partner about what you've learned about yourself and about what satisfies you.

Take pride in your individual sexuality and have patience with its exploration.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Keri Petersen
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Alexandra Adler
Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson

Sources:

1. Women’s Health Information. Ottawa, ON: SOGC, 2006. (Accessed May 11, 2008 at http://www.sogc.org/health/health-myths_e.asp).

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Tip: Shrinking With Age

Hosted by: Dr. Nancy Snyderman

If you think you’re shorter than you used to be, it may not be your imagination. As we get older, we shrink a bit and there are some reasons why. First, the spine settles with age. Disks that act as cushions between our vertebrae may in fact get a little squished and as we mature, those cushions lose their sponginess; they just get flatter. And as they flatten, that space between the bones begins to narrow and you’ll notice that you’re getting shorter. All the exercise in the world won’t stop you from getting smaller, but it can help. Strong bones and strong muscles help support your spine and that can keep that incredible shrinking woman syndrome to a minimum.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Nancy Snyderman
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh

Source:

1. Aging: What to Expect As You Get Older. Rochester, MN.: Mayo Clinic, 2009. (Accessed 10/22/2009 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aging/HA00040.)
2. Strength, brain power and shrinking through the ages. Canada.: CBC News, 2009. (Accessed 10/22/2009 at http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/health/aging.html.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Tip: Stronger Bones

Hosted by: Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Osteoporosis is a concern for all of us as we get older. The first thing we may notice is a loss of height and what we all want to do is prevent the thinning of our bones.

The best way to do that?

• Do weight-bearing exercises
• Eat a well-balanced diet that’s rich in calcium and vitamin D. That means good dairy products and leafy, green vegetables.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Nancy Snyderman
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh

Source:

1. Strong Bones At Any Age.U.K.: National Health Services, 2007.(Accessed 10/22/2009 at http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/men4060/Pages/strongbones.aspx.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Cellulite Tip

Hosted by: Nancy Snyderman, MD

Even skinny women have cellulite. Basically, cellulite is really just a bunch of fat cells (and we all have them) that are pushing closer to the surface of the skin. So, what can you do about it? Losing weight and cutting fats can help, but the reality is some dimpling may still be there after you shed the pounds. Genetics play a big role, and so does estrogen…so that piece of chocolate shouldn’t take all the blame.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Nancy Snyderman
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh

Sources:

1. Cellulite. Bethesda, MD.: National Institute of Health, 2008. (Accessed February 24, 2010 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002033.htm)
2. Cellulite. Wilmington, DE.: KidsHealth Nemours Foundation, 2009. (Accessed February 24, 2010, at http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/cellulite.html?tracking=T_RelatedArticle.)

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Tip Stress and Love

Hosted by: Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Has stress affected your love life? When your partner is angry, frustrated, worried or depressed, it changes the dynamics between two loving people. Stress does not mean that your partner loves you less, but it is important to do something about it. Your partner may not know where to turn, which means you need to work together. But remember, stress is not a reason to throw a good relationship away.

Author: Mr. Brendan Anderer
Host Reviewer: Dr. Nancy Snyderman
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Alexandra Adler
Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson

Sources:

1. Inhibited Sexual Desire. Bethesda, MD: US National Library of Medicine, 2010. (Accessed on June 4, 2010 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001952.htm).
2. Managing Stress. Bethesda, MD: US National Library of Medicine, 2010. (Accessed on June 4, 2010 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/managingstress/hp069102.pdf).

HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.

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Summary for HealthiNation’s Kegel Tips

Hosted by Dr. Isabel Blumberg, OBGYN

Many women dedicate time and energy to getting into shape, but don’t pay enough attention to important muscles that we can’t see: the pelvic floor muscles

Strong pelvic floor muscles are important throughout life. They provide support during the final months of pregnancy, help with good bladder control and may even enhance orgasm. Kegel exercises can be done each day to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Here’s how:

• Make yourself comfortable by sitting or lying down.
• Tighten the muscles that you would tighten if you were pausing during urination.
• Hold these muscles for three seconds and then release for three seconds.
• Repeat this ten times.

With practice, you should work up to contracting the muscles for ten seconds.

Each day, try to do ten sets of Kegel exercises. You can do them during downtime, like when you are watching TV or waiting at a traffic light. After a couple months of practice, your pelvic floor muscles will begin to strengthen. For long-term rewards, make Kegel exercises a lifelong habit.

HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.

Author: Ms. Courtney Kline
Host Reviewer: Dr. Isabel Blumberg
Last Review Date: January 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Dr. Preeti Parikh
Reviewed by: Dr. Holly Atkinson

Sources:

1. Kegel exercises: How to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Rochester, MN: The Mayo Clinic, 2009. (Accessed on July 6, 2010 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kegel-exercises/WO00119)
2. Kegel exercises. Bethesda, MD: MedlinePlus (NIH), 2008. (Accessed on July 6, 2010 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003975.htm)