- Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs a woman and mother, I understand how easy it is to put everyone’s needs above your own. But as a doctor and cardiologist, I also know how important it is to care for my health – especially my heart. More than one in three women are living with heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. And although heart disease death rates among men have declined over the last 25 years, rates among women have fallen at a slower rate. The first step in prevention is education. Some risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease and your age, can’t be changed. For women, your risk for heart disease rises significantly after menopause. In fact, the rate of heart attacks in women dramatically increases about 10 years after menopause starts. The good news is there are many key risk factors you can do something about. Cholesterol Your body needs small amounts of cholesterol to stay healthy, but too much can cause a problem. The extra amounts of cholesterol clog your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and heart attack. Work with your doctor to know your numbers and come up with a plan to keep them in a healthy range. High blood pressure High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the leading cause of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. It’s called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, so many people don’t know they have it. To lower your risk of heart disease, you should maintain a healthy blood pressure. Your doctor will help you decide what your goal blood pressure is how to achieve it through lifestyle changes or medication. Weight Carrying excess weight can raise your blood pressure and strain your heart. Being overweight also raises your chances of developing diabetes and high cholesterol. The best way to take control of your weight is to get moving and eat a healthy diet. In our fast-paced world this is easier said than done. Start by making small changes, such as walking for 30 minutes a few times a week, cutting out beverages with empty calories, or pledging to add fruits and vegetables into every meal. Smoking Smoking significantly raises your risk for heart disease, as well as a host of other diseases and cancers. If you need help quitting, you can find classes to help at askAAMC.org/events or call 443-481-5366. Now that you have the power to take control of certain risk factors for heart disease, you should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Heart attacks in women can present themselves differently than in men. Everyone can experience chest pain, but women tend to experience more atypical symptoms: Shortness of breath Nausea Jaw pain Weakness Back pain Don’t ignore or make excuses for these warning signs. Call your doctor or 911 so a heart attack can be ruled out or identified early. Author Jennifer Brady, MD, cardiologist with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Cardiology Specialists. Originally published March 2, 2017. Last updated Feb. 21, 2019.0
- Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHeart disease affects more than one in three women and is the leading cause of death for females, according to the American Heart Association. The risk of heart disease increases for everyone with age, but for women that risk rises significantly after menopause starts. A natural part of aging, menopause can bring about changes that feel anything but natural. Most women enter this stage, marked by the end of menstruation and then a decline in estrogen, between 50 to 54 years of age. During this time, symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain and fatigue, leading to a new reality full of both emotional and physical changes. Estrogen is a complex, naturally occurring hormone responsible for many functions, like adding vital strength and flexibility to the arteries in the body, including those of the heart. A drop in estrogen can cause several different bodily reactions that don’t bode well for heart health. In fact, the rate of heart attacks dramatically increases in women about 10 years after menopause starts. Menopause can play a part in several risk factors related to heart disease: Higher blood pressure. The blood vessels and heart become stiff and less elastic. High blood pressure, or hypertension, puts added strain on the heart. Higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A drop in estrogen can lead to increased levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL), while “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels decrease or stay the same. Triglycerides are a component of body fat that can increase with menopause. Weight gain. Metabolism slows with age and a decline in estrogen, making women more prone to weight gain. Diabetes. After menopause, women become more resistant to insulin, a hormone needed to convert carbohydrates into energy for the body to use. This higher risk of diabetes puts women at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. The good news is going through menopause does not make you helpless against heart problems. There are plenty of simple, effective steps you can take to combat or slow down its effects. It should come as no surprise that a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to having a healthy heart. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of weekly exercise, which translates to working out for thirty minutes, five days a week. Aerobic fitness classes, swimming, brisk walks, jogging, dancing, hiking and biking are a few physical activities you can do to keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise will speed up your metabolism, and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you have a smartphone, you already have access to free fitness apps to give you a gym-quality workout in the comfort of your home or office. Create a diet plan full of whole and nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts and fatty fish, like salmon and tuna. Limit red meat and avoid food and drinks that are high in added sugar. And if you smoke, you’ll be doing your heart (and the rest of your body) a potentially life-saving favor by quitting. Regular doctor appointments are also important for a healthy heart. Your doctor should check your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference. As women get older, their risk for heart disease inevitably increases. Staying active, eating nutritious foods and removing unhealthy habits packs a triple punch by lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and creating a stronger heart. As your body enters a new stage of life, adapting your lifestyle is a great way to stay heart healthy. Author Sadia Shafi, MD, a cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her office, call 410-224-0040. Originally published Aug. 29, 2016. Last updated Feb. 7, 2019.0
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA diagnosis of breast cancer often leads women to reevaluate their nutrition and health practices. Some may reflect on what diet or lifestyle habits they have that may have increased their risk of getting cancer. No food or diet can prevent you from getting breast cancer, but some foods may make your body the healthiest it can be by boosting your immunity and keeping your risk for breast cancer minimized. Breast cancer is less common in countries where the typical diet is plant based and low in total fat. More research is needed to better understand the effect of diet on breast cancer risk, but it is clear that calories do count and fat is a major source of calories. Overweight women are believed to be at higher risk for breast cancer because the extra fat cells make estrogen, which can cause extra breast cell growth. This extra growth may increase the risk of breast cancer. I recommend you implement these strategies to reduce your risk: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables (more than five cups per day). Fruits and vegetables have higher nutrient content, lower fat and higher fiber compared to animal products. Consider buying one new fruit or vegetable at every grocery shopping trip. Also, substitute zucchini noodles for pasta, and add vegetables with pesto. Add new vegetables to familiar recipes where vegetables are already present, such as stews, soups, chili, enchiladas, or pasta salads. Add broccoli, tomatoes, or squash to scrambled eggs or omelets. Plus, freeze grapes and berries in single serving containers for a cool treat. Limit your fat intake Try to make your fat intake less than 20 percent of your total calories per day. To do this use flavored vinegars instead of regular salad dressings. Remember olive oil is a healthier oil, but it still has 120 calories per tablespoon just like all other oils so try a spray bottle to dispense. Use broth, bullion or juice instead of oil or butter, and omit fried foods, heavy sauces, gravies, and cheeses. Mix up your protein options Some research suggests there may be a link between eating red meat and breast cancer. Most of the concern is about processed meats and beef given extra hormones and antibiotics. You can use lentils or beans as your main dish, such as chili, or three-bean salad or in enchiladas. Legumes also contain protective phytochemicals, fiber and folate. Try fish, chicken, nut butters, eggs and tofu as alternate protein sources. Add healthy choices to your diet and make positive behavior changes Eating more fiber can make you feel full longer, making you less likely to overeat. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are ideal sources. Choose high fiber cereal with more than 5 grams or more per serving. Add kidney, black or pinto beans into soups and salads. Consider buying organic There is a concern that chemicals used to grow food may cause health problems, including increasing breast cancer risk. To reduce your exposure to pesticides, you may want to buy organically grown produce and dairy products. Choose small portions Meat portions should be 3 ounces—the size of a deck of cards—eaten one or two times per day. Two-thirds of your plate should be composed of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and/or beans. Move more Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health. Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week, with strength training at least twice per week. Making healthy lifestyle choices has benefits at any age. Maintaining healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet, being more active and aware of your health can be physically and mentally rewarding at any point in life. Author By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555.0
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3Blog‘Tis the season for get-togethers, parties and, of course, festive foods. Unfortunately for many, indulging in holiday fatty foods and alcohol triggers heartburn. And if you find that over-the-counter medications only provide temporary reprieve, you may be experiencing something more serious. Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The digestive disorder affects up to one in five U.S. adults. GERD occurs when the muscle in the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens or relaxes too often or for too long. This causes stomach contents to back up into the food pipe, causing heartburn and acid indigestion. While heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, it is not the only one. Other symptoms of GERD include shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, chronic cough, sore throat, hoarseness and bad breath. Here are a few things you can do to bring symptoms under control this holiday season: Eat earlier in the day. By planning your holiday gatherings earlier in the day, the stomach acid from the foods you eat have time to move out of your stomach before lying down for the night or taking a nap. Limit your alcoholic drinks. Many believe alcohol leads to reflux because it can relax the valve at the bottom of the esophagus where it meets the stomach. Limiting your drinks can help. Also, acidic mixers like orange juice or soda can cause reflux. Use smaller plates. Overeating can fill your stomach, pushing stomach fluid up toward your throat. Using a smaller plate helps you avoid overindulging. Substitute water for soda. The acid and caffeine in sodas can cause reflux, but even the carbonation can cause problems. Carbonation bubbles can expand in the stomach, causing increased pressure that contributes to reflux. Pass on deep frying your turkey, as well as frying other foods. Fried foods are the single most recognized cause of reflux due to their high fat content. Avoid creamed or cheesy foods or soups. All high-fat foods can cause reflux, so skipping the dairy items can help. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms continuously for more than two weeks even though you’re taking over-the-counter antacids. GERD is a recurrent and chronic disease. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious health conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus, an abnormal change in the cells of the lower portion of the esophagus, which can raise your risk of developing esophageal cancer. No one knows for sure why people get GERD. In some cases, a hiatal hernia may contribute. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm. The diaphragm, in concert with the LES, keep acid from coming up into the esophagus, but a hiatal hernia may make it easier for the acid to come up. It’s important that you talk to your primary care doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor can provide you with treatment options that are right for you. There is not yet a cure for the disease but with lifestyle modifications and/or medications, symptoms can be managed. If lifestyle changes and medication don’t help manage your GERD symptoms, your doctor may refer you to a surgeon. Surgery is an option when medicine and lifestyle changes do not work. Surgery may also be a reasonable alternative to a lifetime of drugs and discomfort. Author Adrian Park, MD, is chair of AAMC’s Department of Surgery and an internationally recognized specialist in minimally invasive surgery. To reach him, call 443-481-6969.0
- Women's Health, Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCervical cancer screenings play a vital role in catching cancer early, when it’s most treatable. With new testing options, including an at-home test recently approved in the U.S., more people find it easier to stay on top of their health. Here’s what you should know about cervical cancer tests, how they work and why regular screenings matter. The basics of cervical cancer screening According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 13,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. The good news is that screenings—like a Pap smear, a human papillomavirus (HPV) test, or both—can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. Regular screenings give the best chance of catching problems early, when treatment works best. Over the past few decades, this has already helped lower cervical cancer rates significantly. In-office vs. at-home testing Traditionally, cervical cancer screening is done during a pelvic exam at a doctor’s office. During the visit, a health care provider collects cells from the cervix and sends the samples to a lab for testing. Now, a new at-home test provides another option. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), reports that the FDA recently approved a self-collection method for HPV testing, which may help expand access to cervical cancer screening. With this option, patients collect a sample at home using a simple kit, then mail it to a lab for analysis. While this option can be helpful for those with limited time, difficulty accessing appointments or discomfort with in-office exams, it’s important to know that it does not replace screenings with a provider. Key differences between at-home and in-office testing include: Comprehensive care: Office visits often include other important screenings and exams. Follow-up care: A doctor can immediately discuss next steps if any arise. Provider expertise: In-office tests are done by trained professionals who ensure proper sample collection. At-home tests can be a good starting point, especially for those overdue for screenings, but they should not entirely replace professional evaluations. When and why you should get screened ACOG recommends that cervical cancer screening begin at age 21. Screening guidelines by age: Ages 21 to 29: Get a Pap test every 3 years. Ages 30–65: Choose from a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years, a Pap test alone every 3 years, or an HPV test alone every 5 years. Age 65 and older: Screening is not needed unless there is a history of cervical changes, cervical cancer, or certain health conditions, such as being immunocompromised. It’s also important to note that those who are vaccinated against HPV still need screening, as the vaccine doesn’t protect against all cancer-causing HPV strains. Talk to your provider about the best screening schedule based on your age, health history and risk factors. What happens if you’re diagnosed with cervical cancer? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. The important thing to remember is that when it’s found early, treatment is often very successful, which is why regular screenings matter so much. The right treatment plan depends on the stage of cancer and your overall health. A dedicated care team will be there every step of the way to create a personalized plan and provide the support needed. Take charge of your health Whether you choose an at-home option or visit with a provider, what matters most is that you get screened. Regular cervical cancer testing is one of the most effective ways to protect your health. Cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable. This Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, take charge of your health. Call 240-241-7474 to schedule your annual well-woman exam at Luminis Health Primary Care Lanham. Authors Tormeika Sanford is a nurse practitioner at Luminis Health. To schedule an appointment, visit Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare.0
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