May 19, 2022

Menopause is inevitable for every woman. When you are in your early, the late 30s and early 50s, your periods will lessen and become irregular, and when you miss them for twelve consecutive months, you will have entered the menopause phase.  Although you might celebrate that you will not be dealing with menstruation, this phase of life is accompanied by several devastating symptoms. However, there is no reason to worry. The Womens Healthcare Physicians OB/GYN are compassionate and understand what you might be going through and offer the care you need. Additionally, there are several ways you can ensure you adjust better to menopause, as outlined herein. Have a look.

Improve Your Diet

As you get to menopause, it is essential to discuss how you will improve your nutritional intake with your doctor. Remember that your hormones shift during this stage, and it is easier to gain weight which comes with the new risk of health complications. But you can ensure you maintain a healthy weight during menopause by improving your diet. Generally, invest in unprocessed foods and minimize your sugar intake. Add more vegetables and fibrous foods to your diet and follow other dietary instructions your doctor will give you.

Enhance Your Bone Health through Exercise

Menopause accelerates bone loss during and after the stage. But you can counter bone loss through regular bone-strengthening exercises like tai chi, yoga, weight lifting, swimming, dance, Pilates, walking, and resistances training. Generally, you can gain more through activities by setting aside about 45 to 60 minutes of exercise three times every week. But remember that any amount of exercise is better than none, and you can start with what you can do every day and improve with the help of your physician.

Achieve a Good Sleep Habit

It is crucial to build a regular sleep pattern when you get to menopause since sleep is both healing and therapeutic. Improve the quality and quantity of sleep you get by ensuring you get to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Also, ensure you create a conducive environment to sleep by switching on electronics and using blackout curtains. Also, avoid caffeine in the evening and eat several hours before you get to bed.

Consider Hormone Replacement

The more you get old, the more natural hormones like progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen decrease. The hormonal imbalance will cause multiple symptoms present in menopause and can lower the quality of your life. Fortunately, you can consult your doctor about hormone replacement treatments to restore your hormonal balance. Your provider might recommend the bioidentical hormone replacement therapy where your depleted hormones are replaced with perfectly matching hormones delivered as injections, pills, implants, lotions, or creams.

Avoid Smoking and Taking Alcohol

Although you might think you feel some stress relief when you get a drink or smoke, these habits jeopardize your overall health and worsen some of your menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. Cut back your alcohol intake and cease smoking to promote your health and avoid worsening symptoms. Consult your doctor for counseling if you need help quitting the behaviors since it might not be easier for you if you are addicted.

If you are around or you have already entered menopause, learning better ways to adapt to the phase of life can improve the quality of your life. You can minimize the symptoms and get relief through lifestyle adjustments and specialized care. Reach out to the menopause specialists at Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples for more information.

Your dental health is an integral part of your overall health. Poor dental health can lead to heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes. And while many people often brush and floss as needed, they often forget one crucial aspect of maintaining good dental health; visiting a dentist. A general dentist can help you maintain your oral health through routine checkups and cleaning and identify and treat any dental issues you may have. If you are looking for a general dentist Bala Cynwyd, several things to keep in mind. Here are some tips on how you can handle your search.

• Get Referrals

If you have dental insurance, your first step should be to check with your insurer to see if they have a list of in-network providers. If you do not have dental insurance, or if your dental insurance does not have a list of in-network providers, you can ask your family and friends for referrals. When asking for referrals, be sure to ask about their experiences with the dentist, such as how often they have been seen, what type of work they have had done, and whether or not they would recommend the dentist to others.

• Do Your Research

Once you have a list of potential dentists, the next step is to do your research. Start by visiting the websites of the dentists on your list. Most general dentist websites will have information about the dentist’s background, education, and practice areas. They will also likely have a photo gallery of the dentist’s work. You can also check online reviews to get an idea of what other patients have said about their experiences with the dentist.

• Schedule a Consultation

After you have narrowed down your list of potential dentists, the next step is to schedule a consultation. This will allow you to meet with the dentist and discuss your dental health needs. It is essential to ask questions during your consultation, such as how often you should visit the dentist, what work you can expect to have done, and how much the work will cost.

• Get a Second Opinion

If you are still unsure which dentist to choose, you can always get a second opinion. This is especially important if you consider a major procedure, such as a root canal or dental implant. Getting a second opinion will give you peace of mind and help you make the best decision for your dental health.

• Check Certification

When looking for a general dentist, it is essential to check certification. All dentists must be licensed in the state where they practice, but not all dentists are certified by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA is the nation’s largest dental organization, and its certification signifies that the dentist has met the organization’s rigorous standards of care.

To summarize, finding a general dentist comes with its own set of challenges. However, you can make it more manageable by checking with your insurer, asking for referrals, doing your research, and scheduling a consultation. You should also get a second opinion if you are unsure about a procedure and check the dentist’s certification. Following these tips will help you find the best general dentist for your needs.

Meniscus tears are popular in contact (football) and non-contact sports (volleyball and soccer). They can happen when an individual abruptly changes direction while running, and they frequently happen in conjunction with other knee issues, like an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Meniscus tears are particularly dangerous for older athletes because the meniscus weakens with age. They are present in more than 40% of people aged 65 and up. Your West Chester orthopedic surgeon will perform a comprehensive exam to identify a meniscus tear.

1. Loss of knee motion

The term “knee loss of motion” refers to the patient’s inability to fully bend or straighten the knee, particularly when compared to the opposite knee. It can be caused by various pathological conditions within the knee (such as osteoarthritis, weakness of muscles surrounding the knee.

2. Knee-lock

There is nothing more troubling to a doctor assessing a patient with a meniscus tear than a locked knee. This could mean that the meniscus tear has grown large enough to get caught between the femur and the tibia, preventing further knee motion. Suppose the knee is still locked at the time of assessment; a surgeon may be able to “unlock” it in the clinic using special maneuvers to re-establish knee motion until the meniscus tear can be resolved surgically. If this is not possible, immediate surgery (within a few days) is usually required to restore knee motion.

3. Current injuries

If your knee felt fine before suffering an injury (typically a twisting-type injury with the foot planted), this could signify a meniscus tear.

4. Swelling of the knee

Consider swelling in the knee as if a tiny pebble had landed in your eye. A meniscus tear causes the knee to swell in the same way that gravel irritates the eye, causing it to become red and tear. This is particularly true if the swelling occurs during physical activity.

5. Knee ache

Many orthopedic specialists are trained to identify different types of knee pain and to relate the pain with the liable injured structure in the knee. In the event of a meniscus tear, the pain will be felt along the joint line (where the two bones of the knee, the femur, and tibia, come together). The pain will be on the inside or outside of the knee. Unfortunately, this type of pain is also linked to knee arthritis. Therefore, it is critical to obtain x-rays to determine the extent of arthritis in the knee.

6. Clicking or popping within the knee

When the meniscus tears, it becomes a foreign body inside the knee and may obstruct joint motion. If the meniscus becomes tangled between the two bones of the knee, it can cause an audible click or pop, which can be excruciatingly painful.

Loss of motion in a meniscus tear is generally caused by either swelling within the knee or the inability to properly bend or extend the knee due to the meniscus getting in the way of knee motion. Call Ronald Hess, MS, DO or book a meeting online to learn more about meniscus tear treatments.

When it comes to women’s health, a few procedures stand out as being particularly essential. For many women, including Manassas, Virginia, one of the most important procedures is a hysterectomy. But what makes this surgery so crucial? Let’s explore why a hysterectomy is often an ideal procedure to turn to. Specialists, however, do proper planning for the process to proceed smoothly. Consider finding the best hysterectomy Manassas specialist. When is the key to the treatment?

Gynecological Cancer

One of the most common reasons why a woman may need to have a hysterectomy is because she has gynecological cancer. Gynecological cancer can include cancers of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vagina. 

If these cancers are left untreated, they can quickly become life-threatening. A hysterectomy is the best way to treat gynecological cancer in many cases. A hysterectomy can prevent cancer from spreading and save a woman’s life by removing the cancerous tissues.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the uterus. Fibroids are very common, and most women will develop them at some point in their lives. In most cases, fibroids do not cause any problems and do not require treatment. 

However, fibroids can cause pain, bleeding, and other issues in some cases. If fibroids are causing problems, a hysterectomy may be recommended. By removing the uterus, the fibroids will too.

Abnormal Bleeding

Abnormal bleeding is another common reason a woman may need to have a hysterectomy. Irregular bleeding can result from several problems, including uterine fibroids, polyps, and cancer. If abnormal bleeding is causing problems for the woman, a hysterectomy may be key to stopping the bleeding.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue that usually lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It can cause pain, inflammation, and infertility. In severe cases, surgery may be crucial for removing the endometrial tissue. A hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries used to treat endometriosis.

Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse is a condition that occurs when the uterus slips out of its normal position. It can cause pain, discomfort, and other problems. In some cases, surgery may be recommendable to correct the problem. A hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries to treat uterine prolapse.

Endometrial Hyperplasia

Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition that occurs when the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, thickens. It can lead to abnormal bleeding. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the thickened endometrium. A hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries to treat endometrial hyperplasia.

Severe Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs. In severe cases, PID can cause scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other organs. If PID is causing severe problems, surgery may be recommended. A hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries used to treat PID.

So, as you can see, there are many different reasons why a woman may need to have a hysterectomy. If you are experiencing problems with your reproductive health, it is essential to talk to your doctor. They may recommend a hysterectomy to treat the issue.

One has to undergo a specialized training program with a primary focus on prenatal health, postpartum care, and postnatal care to qualify as an OBGYN specialist. Your Marion obstetrics and gynecology professionals are board-certified to solve any women’s health issues you may be having, such as infertility and pelvic discomfort.

Find an OBGYN with reliable expertise and the capability to make you feel safe and comfortable. Below are the tips that can make you settle for the best obstetrics-gynecology specialist.

Check reviews and request recommendations.

There is a high chance that if you ask your friends or family, especially your mother or sister, you will get the right doctor. Be sure to ask why the person recommends the gynecologist, considering the experience and skill level.

Then, research online to find more information about the recommended healthcare provider, like scheduling appointments and the clinic’s years of practice and rating. Familiarize yourself with feedback from clients regarding the service’s trustworthiness and services provided.

You may also check if the OBGYN has specialties and affiliations to hospitals.

The level of access provided.

Often, OBGYN specialists operate during the standard working hours throughout the week. If the working hours do not offer you the right level of flexibility and convenience, you may need to choose a doctor who operates outside the working hours. For example, irregular working hours are during the weekend and evenings.

Some OBGYN practices offer an online portal for communication with patients. Other doctors may allow phone communication and even provide telemedicine. For instance, if you are experiencing an unusual discharge, your doctor may remotely diagnose the cause and prescribe treatment.

Gender of the specialist.

Since you need to discuss personal information regarding reproductive health and mental health freely, the gender of the Ob/Gyn must make you feel safe and comfortable. Expect that if you are dealing with a specialist of the opposite gender, you may feel awkward or not feel open to discussing your health concerns.

However, seize the opportunity to benefit from specialist care without getting too concerned about the gender of the doctor.

Consider the style of communication.

The manner an OBGYN specialist communicates can make you feel comfortable or not. During your first contact with a doctor, ask any questions and see the manner of response.

Ask yourself if the gynecologist makes you feel comfortable in their presence and level of knowledge. And ensure communication is straightforward.

Consider your medical history.

If you are dealing with a chronic health problem, like high blood pressure, or have had pregnancy complications before, you require specialized care. Thus, choose a specialist providing high-risk gynecologic and obstetric care.

A perinatologist specializes in taking care of a patient with a high-risk pregnancy.

Consider your insurance policy.

Seeing a specialist is expensive, mainly if your insurance does not cover the cost. Examine your cover, see the benefits, and ensure the clinic you are to use is part of your network of health care providers.

Contact Marion Ob/Gyn Inc. today if you have any obstetrics and gynecologic concerns.