September 2012
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TOP STORIES ON THE BLOG • Is Yoga Really Exercise? • Fashion Tips and Tricks to Look Taller • 5 Ways to Get Back On the Fitness Wagon • How to Repair Damaged Nails
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Is Everything OK Down There?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW About Gynecologic Cancer
10 Questions TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR This Month
TINA J. Meet the Fulton Manager and Miss September on our blog!
LIVE RITE SHAKE OF THE MONTH The Most Relaxing Protein Shake Ever!
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hen women have problems “below the belt” we are quick to attribute it to different things: soap, underwear or a wet bathing suit. While these may often be the causes of our discomfort, other times something more serious may be happening. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness month and if there was ever time to talk to your gynecologist about something that has been bothering you, that time is now. Gynecologic cancer is the group name for the five main types of cancer that affect a woman’s reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. As with any form of cancer, or disease in general, early detection is key and knowing the symptoms, causes and prevention techniques will keep you informed and healthy.
Need To Know About Gyn
Cervical Cancer: All women who have a cervix are at risk for cervical cancer and it mostly occurs in women over the age of 30. While almost all cervical cancers are linked to HPV, smoking, using birth control pills for a long time or giving birth to three or more children can increase your risk. You can lower your chance of developing cervical cancer by protecting yourself from HPV (getting the HPV vaccine, using condoms, limiting your number of sexual partners), scheduling regular Pap tests with your doctor that search for cervical precancers and cancer, and not smoking. If you have unusual discharge or bleeding, see a doctor. It may be a false alarm, but there is only one way to know for sure. Cervical cancer is the ONLY gynecologic cancer that can be prevented by having routine screening tests and following up so make sure you take advantage of that!
ARE YOU A
Ovarian Cancer: Women have two ovaries that make female hormones and produce eggs. When cancer begins here, it is called ovarian cancer. All women are at risk, You read the Lucille Roberts blog every day but about 90 percent of women and share it with your friends, and we want to reward you for it. who get ovarian By signing up to be a Lucille Roberts Cheerleader you can are earn points every time you share our blog posts with your friends on cancer older than 40 Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Myspace. and the greatWant to earn more points? Sign your friends est number of up to be cheerleaders! The bigger the ovarian cansquad, the louder the noise! cers happen in women aged 60 years or older. You also have an at the end of September will win: increased risk if you: have close 1st Prize: Digital Camera family members that nd 2 Prize: iPod Shuffle have had ovarian canrd 3 Prize: 6 months free cer, have had breast, uterine or colorectal cancer, What are you Waiting for? have an Eastern European Visit our blog for more information on how to sign up, (Ashkenazi) Jewish backspread the love and win! ground, have never given birth
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or have trouble getting pregnant, or have endometriosis. If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain or pressure in the pelvic or abdominal area, back pain, bloating or a change in bathroom habits, see you doctor to discuss these changes. There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer so it is very important to pay attention to your body and keep your doctor in the loop. Uterine Cancer: Most uterine cancers are found in women who are going through or have gone through menopause. If you have abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding or pain or pressure in your pelvis, see your doctor right away. Again, there may be other reasons for these changes, but as they say, it is better to be safe than sorry. Your chances of developing uterine cancer are increased if you are older than 50, are obese, take estrogen by itself, have had trouble getting pregnant or take tamoxifen. You can lower your chances by using birth control pills, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, taking progesterone if you are taking estrogen and checking in with your doctor about how often you should be checked for uterine cancer. Vaginal Cancer: While vaginal cancer is very rare, all women are at risk, but when found early treatment is most effective. Signs and symptoms include vaginal discharge or bleeding, a change in bathroom habits (going to the bathroom more often than usual, feeling constipated, having blood in your urine or stool), pain in your pelvis or abdomen especially when you pee or have sex. Smoking, having HPV, a history of abnormal Pap tests, or having HIV can increase your chance of developing vaginal cancer, but you can prevent it
wn There?
Gynecoloic Cancer
by not smoking, getting the HPV vaccine and limiting your number of sexual partners. Vulvar Cancer: Vulvar cancer is very rare, but all women are at risk. The vulva is the outer part of your vagina. It has two folds of skin called the labia and vulvar cancer usually occurs on the inner edges of the labia. If you have itching, burning, bleeding on the vulva that does not go away, color changes on the skin of the vulva, skin changes (rash, warts, sores, new lumps or ulcers), or pain in your pelvis when you urinate or have sex, you should see your doctor right away. You have an
increased risk if you’re a smoker, have HPV, have a history of abnormal Pap tests, have HIV, are aged 50 years or older, or have chronic vulvar itching or burning. You can lower your chances of developing vulvar cancer by getting the HPV vaccine, limiting your number of sexual partners and not smoking. This is a lot of information and if you have any questions or comments, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor and go over them. Having knowledge and being proactive are the best things you can do for your health. You only have one body, and if you don’t take care of it, who else will?
SHAKE OF THE MONTH
Ginger Green Tea Start your day or end your night with a refreshing and calming Ginger Green Tea Shake. Packed with amino acids, anti-oxidents and minerals, this soothing shake will help dissipate negative vibes and relieve stress... with a little added ZING! INGREDIENTS: 1 scoop vanilla Live Rite protein powder
10 Questions To Ask Your Doctor when visiting your doctor you may feel nervous, anxious or overwhelmed. it helps to have a list of questions ready so you don’t miss a thing. Here are a few to get you started: 1. What is my risk for getting gynecologic cancer? 2. When should I have my next Pap test? 3. What do my Pap test results mean? 4. Is the HPV test right for me? Should I get the vaccine?
1
⁄2 tsp ground ginger
6oz cooled green tea (use 3 tea bags when steeping for extra flavor) LET'S GET STARTED: 1. Steep 3 green tea bags in 6oz of boiling water.
7. I have noticed symptoms that are not normal. Are these caused by a gynecological cancer?
2. After 10 minutes, remove the teabags and place in the refrigerator to cool.
8. What should I do next?
3. Once cooled, combine with ground ginger & vanilla Live Rite protein powder and blend.
9. Do you have any materials I can read to become better informed?
5. When can I stop getting the 10. Are there any changes you would recommend Pap test? to help me lower my 6. Are the any other tests that chances of developing a I need based on my health gynecological cancer? and my family history?
4. Settle in to your favorite couch with a good book & enjoy! - Recipe by Ilise Reilly -
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Stop by the front desk to start “Shaking Up” your weight loss with Lucille Roberts Live Rite Shakes!
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$19.99!