Getting caught up in the negative statistics of breast cancer is easy, but what about the good news?  Is there any good news when it comes to breast cancer?

It’s true the statistics feel daunting but did you know, according to Breastcancer.org that the rate of death from breast cancer has been steadily decreasing since 1989?  The greatest decreases are seen in women under the age of 50.   They attribute these drops to the fact that it’s a disease we are good at talking about.  All this breast cancer talk, as well as an entire month dedicated to the topic, has led to better screening,  advanced treatment and more educated women. 

Science has made great strides in the research of breast cancer.  Genes have been identified that allow doctors to be more supportive in their care of us, but it also allows us as women, to be proactive in how we take care of ourselves and manage our health.   The number one thing we can do as women, is be educated.  No matter how well we know our healthcare provider or they know us, they rely on you to know your body and know when something is amiss.   The identification of the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 genes help scientists determine which cancers are likely to advance and which ones are not.  This is good news.   Treatment can become more individualized.

Along these same lines, science is now embarking on targeted therapies, rather than the broad treatments we have all come to fear, whether we have experienced our own firsthand cancer or not!  They are better at understanding tumors.  Do they have estrogen receptors or is it an overproduction of HER2?  The treatments differ significantly depending on the type of tumor.  That isn’t something that existed even 10 years ago.  Armed with this knowledge and targeted therapies, side effects can be managed better.

Here is some more good news…more than 90% of women with breast cancer are alive 5 years after their diagnosis.  Breast cancer care is not just about chemotherapy or radiation.  Today, a woman can be supported in any number of ways with nutrition counseling and therapies, exercise instruction, psychological care, stress management and don’t forget a community of strong women.  Historically, women excel at banding together to see each other through these difficult moments in life.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness.  It’s a great time to schedule your mammogram and be proactive. Continue with self exams and if you aren’t sure how to do this, let us teach you. The government posts cancer screening guidelines but what really matters is knowing your own body and establishing personal guidelines and that can only be done with your trusted healthcare provider at Madison Women’s Clinic.  We hope to see you soon!

This post isn’t actually about childhood vaccinations or about the flurry of angst that always crowds out the truth.  This is about the good things that can happen when we vaccinate…ourselves!  As grown women!

If you are one who believes in vaccinating your children, you tend to religiously follow the prescribed spacing of each vaccine but what about you?  Personally, I couldn’t tell you the last time I had a shot of anything preventative…well, maybe Tetanus because I have an irrational fear of lock jaw, so let’s figure this out together.

Here is a short list of why vaccines may be a good idea for your grown up self…

• As we age, our immune system isn’t as agile as it once was.  This means there can be fewer antibodies moving around to fight off the intruders.  Getting boosters every 10 years can be like a…well, a boost to your immune system.  
• Many diseases that were once eliminated are coming back with a vengeance, perhaps you’ve seen the latest articles circling the web on measles.  That’s not fun to suffer through when you are 6, let alone 66.  If your job takes you to mingle in large groups of people such as a teaching, vaccinations should be on your radar.  Maybe, at your next yearly check up, visit with your provider on which vaccines to focus on. 
• If you have a chronic medical condition such as Asthma or Diabetes, a vaccine for pneumonia can be a lifesaver.  Literally. 
• If you are a parent or a caregiver of a person with a compromised immune system, vaccinating yourself could mean you are helping to protect them.  Some people and children with chronic and life threatening conditions can not receive live vaccines which leaves them vulnerable but if those around them remain healthy, they have a fighting chance. 

What are the common vaccines recommended for those in the midlife bracket?  

1. Influenza
2. Tetanus
3. Shingles
4. Pneumonia
5. Meningitis
6. Hepatitis A and B

If you are interested in more information, click HERE to take a brief quiz from the Centers For Disease Control to see what they recommend.  Don’t forget, our providers would love to help you navigate the confusing world of vaccines.

Unbelievable right?   Seriously though.  Let’s talk about birth control.  

Not all birth control is effective.  Not all birth control is equal.  Not all birth control is right for you. 

So, in a sea of information at the click of a button, how do you choose the best birth control for you?

The most important first step is…visit with one of our providers at Madison Women’s Clinic.  There is so much to know and understand, and while its important to do your homework, the guidance of a knowledgeable physician is key.  When the decision is made together, you end up with a great birth control that fits your health and lifestyle.  

Here are some basics on birth control to get you thinking.  

The simplest method is the natural rhythm method. With this method, the woman tracks her cycle and is not sexually active when she is most likely to get pregnant.  For a woman who is in tune with her body, has a regular menstrual cycle and is diligent in keeping track, it can be a successful, natural form. If you choose this method, you have to know there is a higher chance of a pregnancy you hadn’t planned on.  Visit with your provider to get started with this method. 

Barrier methods are next in the list of birth control.  These are your condoms and diaphragms; anything that blocks the sperm from contact with the egg.  These methods are not 100% reliable but are inexpensive and simple to use.  Consider that user error can result in a pregnancy.  You don’t have to search too far, to hear stories of how a condom failed them, but, at the same time, it’s a good fit for many couples. 

If you are looking for something longer acting and takes care of itself, the list is longer.  Longer acting contraceptives that can be reversed such as IUD’s, birth control pills and hormonal implants offer a high success rate in preventing pregnancy.  Many of these have come a long ways, with greater ease and safety as well as simplicity.  Most are progesterone based.  The birth control pill can have a higher rate of failure if you forget to take your pill so consider your level of compliance before choosing this method. Patches, rings and pills can have more side effects and be difficult for some women to stay on long term.  This is why it is very important to discuss these methods with your provider.  The options are vast and can be complicated if you already have hormone issues. 

Finally, there are more permanent forms of birth control like tubal ligation and vasectomies.  There have been stories of failed vasectomies but they are not common…still, it happens. 

There are so many choices for women to choose from and there is not a wrong way to do contraception as long as you are making an educated decision, knowing all the pros and cons for  each method.  Madison Women’s Clinic is here to help you navigate this path.  If you are a soon to be bride, make sure you make an appointment well before you plan to become sexually active so you have time to adjust to your new contraception. 

Well, it may not exactly be a crisis, but it does involve a great deal of change and reflection. It can be a lonely time, feeling like everything is falling apart.  It can surface feelings of emptiness, boredom, lack of purpose and regret for unfulfilled dreams.  It can bring more health issues than we like, often forcing us to give up activities we once loved.  

For some women, the changes are welcomed and new hopes and dreams can take hold as family responsibilities lighten up.  Regardless, it’s a time of change and even complexity.  Even good things can stir up uncomfortable emotions. 

How can we best navigate these times?

Make sure you are in the best physical shape possible.  Get your yearly exams and work on any health problems that you can change through diet and exercise.  Your health care provider at Madison Women’s Clinic can help you with your changing body and hormone fluctuations that comes with menopause. There is no better time to invest in yourself than now.   Food was once used as medicine and getting back to that principle can go a long way in eliminating the day to day discomforts.  Part of this focus can be changing some habits that no longer serve us well.  Remember that your  health is a process, for good or for bad, and turning things around, can take a season or two.  Be patient with yourself on this new midlife journey. 

It’s important to acknowledge that life is changing and making that transition is hard.  What about shifting your thinking from using the term, ‘crisis’ to ‘change’ or ‘journey’?  A crisis sounds down right depressing and anxiety producing.   Of course, we can experience moments that resemble a crisis, but breaking it down to facets of change can help us sort out the complexities and feel more empowered; because, let’s be honest, there is much we can do if we believe in ourselves. 

Check yourself when it comes to guilt.  There are endless hours we can spend in shoulding and wishing upon things that never happened or did happen that we regret.  The past is long since gone. It serves no purpose to dwell on what was.  Instead focus on being better today, than you were yesterday.  That’s where we really make a difference…in our own life of comparing you to you.  Any other comparison only escalates feelings of guilt, shame and loneliness. 

Set new goals, hopes, wishes  and dreams.  Determine new traditions that are established in your changing world.   Take some time to create a personal inventory of the good, the bad and the ugly you face.  If you can’t do anything to change the negative things you face, then let them be.  Place your focus and intention on the power you do have to create positive change in your life.  

A crisis can make us feel small and out of control but midlife can be anything but that!  Of course, there is opposition in all things and we need the challenges to keep us growing and learning but midlife can be amazing and wonderful and lead us down paths that show us a whole new world of deeper love and appreciation for the life we have been given.  

Start today… Start small…How will the second half of your life look?

I’m not talking about all the ‘things’ we think make us happy…Are you getting your daily dose of 

Dopamine

Oxytocin

Serotonin

Endorphins

These are the ‘happy’ hormones, and this year, maybe more than ever, we need to focus on our need for these hormones to be in balance.  When we are deficient, we struggle. 

First, let’s talk about why we need these chemicals and hormones and what they do for us each day. 

Dopamine, is the chemical that helps us regulate our body movement and influences our mood and motivation. 

Oxytocin, is commonly known as the hormone of love and stability.  Oxytocin is typically maintained well by the body but sometimes you can feel a lack.  It’s a hormone that connects us to others and allows us to feel safe and secure.  

Serotonin is one we are all familiar with.   Serotonin is a chemical that enables the brain, cells and nervous system to communicate with one another.  It also helps us with the rest and digest process.  Sleeping is central to our best health, so serotonin is very important. 

Endorphins.  Did you know that endorphins are the body’s natural pain killer?

Let’s break it down and see how we feel when we are deficient and how to fix it. 

Dopamine Deficiency- low energy and fatigue, feelings of anxiousness and hopelessness, mood swings, and procrastination.  

Oxytocin Deficiency- feeling stressed, no motivation, feelings of loneliness, disconnection, anxiety and insomnia.

Serotonin- Overly sensitive, anxiety and panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, insomnia.

Endorphins- An increase in aches and pains, anxiety, depression, impulsiveness. 

 Of course, any one of these symptoms could relate to any number of health problems but it is worth looking at with the way life has changed this year.  High stress and poor diets take their toll and this year has created a cycle of stress and food habits that aren’t ideal.  In the next post, we will talk about how we can help to increase or balance these hormones.   

Remember, if you are struggling to find a content and happy place in your life, you may need to seek medical attention.  A good attitude and natural techniques can only go so far.  Sometimes, you need a little more to quiet the chemistry…so, use wisdom in all things! 

While it’s true that not all answers leading to balance of the happy hormones can be achieved through better lifestyle choices, some things do help.  With many health issue, reigning in our diet, exercise and sleep can be bring some relief.  As will all things pertaining to health, if you try natural approaches first with little to no success, you should seek the medical advice of one of our trusted providers at Madison Women’s Clinic.   A multi faceted approach is often what you need. 

Let’s talk about the proactive measures we can take to support and in some cases, increase these ‘happy’ hormones for better quality of mental health. 

Dopamine, as we discussed in the last post, regulates our mood and motivation.  Often, by increasing foods rich in protein and amino acids, we can spark more dopamine.  Foods like eggs, turkey and beef are rich in L-Tyrosine and can do a lot for our mood.  Getting plenty of good probiotics will help the gut health and absorption of the amino acids that are critical for good health.  Studies have also shown that reducing saturated fats can boost our levels of dopamine.  Of course, regular exercise is always helpful as well as quality sleep.  

Oxytocin, our love hormone is best maintained with connection to those we trust.  There aren’t pills we can take to increase this but a healthy lifestyle definitely helps.  Make sure your Vitamin D, C and Magnesium are not deficient and that will also help.  Sometimes, people can feel better through touch, like massage or acupuncture. 

One of the most important chemicals is serotonin.  It’s this chemical that allows communication in the body between the brain and nervous system.  Tryptophan, when eaten in food like turkey, can help boost and release serotonin.  If you are struggling with this chemical being low, try eating foods rich in tryptophan, combined with 25-30 grams of healthy carbohydrates.   Remember to get a full dose of sunlight or full spectrum lighting.  If those are not available, don’t let your Vitamin D levels fall into a deficient range.  Eat a well balanced diet, to make sure you are getting all the good amino acids you can. 

Finally Endorphins.  The body’s natural defense against pain!   When we are low on endorphins our pain can increase.  With added joint pain, we can feel anxiety, depression and even impulsiveness.  By creating a healthier lifestyle with lots of exercise and a balanced diet, we can alleviate pain and other side effects naturally.  Consider eating dark chocolate and spicy foods as these too, can release the endorphins in your body. 

One of the biggest challenges to our overall health is the balance of hormones.  They can really make a difference for good or for bad, depending on their levels.  It seems as though sleep and diet are the go to fixes but it really does help in bettering our life and general health.  

So, if you are feeling at odds, especially during these stressful times, visit with your doctor about some of these ideas and how you can better balance your happy hormones!  There are answers but sometimes it takes a little work.  

Why?

Pregnancy puts quite a strain on a woman’s body and part of that strain can lower the immune system.  This leaves you vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, as well as food borne illnesses such as Salmonella, E-Coli and Listeria, to name a few.

Your healthcare provider will suggest certain diet restrictions in order to protect you and your baby from preventable illnesses.   Some of the foods you will be urged to avoid are as follows:

• Shellfish
• Uncooked seafood
• Undercooked meat and eggs
• Unpasteurized milk or cheeses
• Deli Meats- hot dogs, cured meats
• Sushi

Life is all about balance right?.  Even though the list of food no-no’s might be a little longer than you wish, there are many healthy foods you should consume while pregnant in order to have a well balanced pregnancy.  You’ll want to make sure you getting plenty of calcium, protein, fiber, and fatty acids, just to name a few.  There are so many amazing sources of these vitamins that will support your hormones, your overall immunity and help your baby grow strong and healthy. 

• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Domestic Crab
• Poultry- Chicken and Turkey
• Legumes
• Beans
• Dark leafy greens
• Nuts and seeds…did you know Chia seeds can be one of the best sources of calcium?
• Spices- don’t forget the nutritional value in spices.  Cinnamon is one the top spices for utilizing the use of insulin.  If sugar issues are a problem for you when you get pregnant, add more cinnamon to your diet.  It will support your pancreas and liver. 
• Berries

The list is lengthy of all the ways you can strengthen your immune system when you get pregnant.  One of the best tricks out there, is to ask yourself one question when you choose what to eat…
Is this the most nutrient dense food I could choose right now?  Stopping to ask yourself this simple question helps you pause for the moment rather than eating mindlessly through the day.  It allows the chance to make a better choice.  
Still not sure how to feed yourself and your baby?  Let us know what questions you have at your next Madison Women’s Clinic appointment and we can help you get on track! 

Whether we want to recognize it or not, breast cancer has touched each of our lives in one way or another.  Like everything, we may not be able to prevent it 100%, but we can certainly take healthy measures to give ourselves the best fighting chance. 

The number one thing, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, a woman can do to survive breast cancer is to detect it early.  99% of women who find breast cancer early have a 5 year survival rate! 

Here is what is involved in early detection…

• Monthly self-breast exam.  It’s important you know your own body.  It’s great to have this done at a yearly exam but your healthcare provider doesn’t know your body the way you know your body.  When doing exams on a monthly basis, you come to realize what is normal for you, and what is not.
• Yearly clinical exam.  While it’s easy to put off a mammogram every year, along with a yearly clinical exam, it’s not a wise practice if you are a woman over 45.  Mammograms have really evolved and their specificity can locate even the smallest start of cancer. 
• Keep yourself in the best possible health.  When we are swallowed up in stress, poor diet and no exercise, our immunity drops and we become susceptible to all sorts of health problems.  A strong and healthy body at any age, can be a great cancer deterrent. 
• Be educated about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.  You can’t be on the lookout for something you know nothing about.  The internet has more information than you could ever need but so does your doctor!  Rely on a source of truth you can trust.  Not everything on the internet is reliable and trusted. 

Breast Cancer is just one of those things we all have to face.  Even when we do all the right things, it can not be 100% prevented but catching it early will give you a fighting chance and it really can be managed and cured.   It isn’t something we like to think about but ignorance is not bliss…education is.  The more you know, the more you know!  
Throughout the month, we will be posting more information on our social media, so stay tuned. 

Why? 

Well, it may not exactly be a crisis, but it does involve a great deal of change and reflection. It can be a lonely time, feeling like everything is falling apart.  It can surface feelings of emptiness, boredom, lack of purpose and regret for unfulfilled dreams.  It can bring more health issues than we like, often forcing us to give up activities we once loved.  

For some women, the changes are welcomed and new hopes and dreams can take hold as family responsibilities lighten up.  Regardless, it’s a time of change and even complexity.  Even good things can stir up uncomfortable emotions. 

How can we best navigate these times?

Make sure you are in the best physical shape possible. Get your yearly exams and work on any health problems that you can change through diet and exercise. Your health care provider at Madison Women’s Clinic can help you with your changing body and hormone fluctuations that comes with menopause. There is no better time to invest in yourself than now. Food was once used as medicine and getting back to that principle can go a long way in eliminating the day to day discomforts. Part of this focus can be changing some habits that no longer serve us well. Remember that your health is a process, for good or for bad, and turning things around, can take a season or two. Be patient with yourself on this new midlife journey.

It’s important to acknowledge that life is changing and making that transition is hard. What about shifting your thinking from using the term, ‘crisis’ to ‘change’ or ‘journey’? A crisis sounds down right depressing and anxiety producing. Of course, we can experience moments that resemble a crisis, but breaking it down to facets of change can help us sort out the complexities and feel more empowered; because, let’s be honest, there is much we can do if we believe in ourselves.

Check yourself when it comes to guilt. There are endless hours we can spend in shoulding and wishing upon things that never happened or did happen that we regret. The past is long since gone. It serves no purpose to dwell on what was. Instead focus on being better today, than you were yesterday. That’s where we really make a difference…in our own life of comparing you to you. Any other comparison only escalates feelings of guilt, shame and loneliness.

Set new goals, hopes, wishes and dreams. Determine new traditions that are established in your changing world. Take some time to create a personal inventory of the good, the bad and the ugly you face. If you can’t do anything to change the negative things you face, then let them be. Place your focus and intention on the power you do have to create positive change in your life.

A crisis can make us feel small and out of control but midlife can be anything but that! Of course, there is opposition in all things and we need the challenges to keep us growing and learning but midlife can be amazing and wonderful and lead us down paths that show us a whole new world of deeper love and appreciation for the life we have been given.

Start today… Start small…How will the second half of your life look?

The good news is, you have Madison Women’s Clinic!  We’ve got you covered with every change your body will go through over the next several months.  So, the first thing to do is call our office and schedule your first OB appointment.  Our friendly staff will get you well prepared for this first visit.  You can even visit our website and try out our Due Date Calculator!
As you wait for your first appointment, start taking a mental inventory of your current health status.  Are there changes you need to make in your daily habits?  If you smoke or drink, start by eliminating those habits and any others that may harm your unborn child.  Take a good hard look at your diet and see where you can add in more unprocessed, healthy foods. This is the best time to prioritize your sleep.  Making sure you get ample rest is vitally important for your own health and the health of your child.  Your body is already providing energy and nutrition for not one, but two!  It’s common at this stage in your pregnancy to feel extra tired and even nauseated.  
Once you get your first appointment under your belt, you will see that there are a few important dates to mark on your calendar…

• At 10 weeks, you will have your first ultrasound.  This is done in the office with one of our great Ultrasound technicians. 
• 12-18 weeks, initial blood work will take place and typically, your first exam with one of our providers.  Of course, this date can vary with each woman and if you have concerns prior to your first exam, make sure you call and speak to one of our nurses to receive individualized care and a treatment plan that works best for you. 
• 20-22 weeks, another ultrasound.  This is typically when you will find out the gender of your baby. 
• 26-28 weeks, the dreaded Glucola drink and a Hemoglobin check.  It’s really not as bad as it’s made out to be.  It takes a little time, so plan on that.  We just want to make sure your blood sugar is stable and you have the healthiest pregnancy you can. 
• 35 weeks is screening week.  Now is the time to check for Group B Strep.  Group B Strep is a bacteria that can be found in the genital track.  To an unborn baby, it can cause pneumonia or meningitis in newborn babies but not to worry, it’s preventable and that is why we screen for it early. 
• 38 weeks til delivery, we begin vaginal checks and make sure the baby is in a favorable position for delivery. 

Throughout your pregnancy, make sure you are eating foods that are rich in nutrients and supplement with Vitamin D and Folic Acid as these are vital in your baby’s developing health.   Make sure you remain active, of course, check with your doctor and discuss any exercises or sports you want to participate in.  The recommended amount of exercise for a pregnant woman is 30 minutes a day for 4 days a week.   Again, visit with your doctor about exercising as each woman has specific needs. 
One thing we know you’ll love about Madison Women’s Clinic are our nurses!  They are there to answer any questions or concerns you may have between appointments and they are on call 24/7 so you will never be left with a worry of problem that leaves you without help or advice.  We love our patients and we take every measure we can in order to gain your trust and care!  
So, give us a call!  We can’t wait to share in the good news of your pregnancy!