Dr. Gwen's Women's Health Podcasts

The first article reviewed provides evidence that individuals that store fat in the liver are at greater risk for metabolic problems than the traditional perspective of visceral (belly fat). The second report reviews myths/facts about flu vaccinations and risks as we prepare for the upcoming flu season and potential H1N1 reappearance.

This week I talk about temperature settings and sex differences (women like it colder than men) and argue that this is not the case for a woman in menopause! Vaginal dryness is the topic of the second report.

Seeking out multiple sources of expert advice is one of the best ways to gather information before proceeding with a treatment plan. Think of this as a way to assemble the team to guide you through critical decisions and not an insult to your physician. The hospitalization rate of patients admitted for treatment of hip, pelvis, and other fractures associated with osteoporosis increased by 55% between 1995 and 2006. Here is a helpful report worth reading: Osteoporosis Treatments That Help Prevent Broken Bones: A Guide for Women After Menopause (available at: http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/healthInfo.cfm?infotype=sg&DocID=92&ProcessID=8)

Eating more fatty fish (salmon, mackerel. anchovies, sardines, trout) may decrease your risk of breast cancer for pre and post menopausal women. The second report is related to the risk of breast cancer for those with metabolic syndrome (also known as insulin resistance) characterized by abdominal obesity, high blood glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, abnormal lipid levels and high blood pressure).

An interventional cardiologist is exploring why sudden cardiac death claims the lives of women under 60 at twice the rate of their male counterparts. Dishing with a girlfriend can do wonders for a woman's mood according to a University of Michigan study that has identified a likely reason; feeling emotionally close to a friend increases levels of the hormone progesterone, helping to boost well-being and reduce anxiety and stress.

Temple University led study finds positive body image more effective than exercise in helping young women lose weight. quit smoking. Each year, hundreds of thousands of women who undergo hysterectomies have their ovaries removed along with their uterus, a practice meant to protect them from ovarian cancer. But a new study has found that women who keep their ovaries live longer.

U.S. researchers are studying using a gene injected directly into the brain as a possible long-term treatment for obesity. Moderate alcohol consumption is shown to contribute to stronger bones. New results from the Women's Health Initiative study provides evidence that aspirin may reduce the risk of death in postmenopausal women who have heart disease or who have had a stroke.

A new test will be available this summer to guide physicians in determining the best possible treatments for best cancer. A study of risk factors associated with psychotic illness after childbirth shows that first time Moms may be at risk of developing psychosis in the first month following childbirth.

Bio-identical hormones or "bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)", is not all it claims to be and may be potentially dangerous according to the FDA. Also reviewed is a new study that found that moderate weight loss reduction helped to reduce urinary incontinence among overweight and obese women.

Donated kidneys are more likely to go to older men than women. This is most likely due to women not being placed on the transplant list. The second report focuses on the results of MRI and PET scans that show remarkable similarities between the brains of gay men and straight women, and between those of lesbians and straight men.

Almost half of women surveyed in a national poll report they failed to seek health care treatment for themselves or their families over the previous year because the cost was too high. Some recommended treatments for heart attacks are delayed and underused in women, U.S, researchers have found. Women who go out and bring home the bacon tend to carry more belly fat. The second report is regarding a recent study noting that almost half of women report sexual problems with a small minority quite distressed.

Women's hands have more germs compared to men's hands is the subject of the first report. The second report is regarding a recent study noting that almost half of women report sexual problems with a small minority quite distressed.

A new clinical trial at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill using a popular low-dose contraceptive could uncover a more effective treatment for the 5-10% of women who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Conflicting reports about safe levels of mercury in fish have a majority of pregnant women eliminating the food from their diet altogether. This study warns that decreased consumption of fish in childbearing, pregnant and lactating women, and young children may have detrimental consequences.

Women's systolic B/P increases with menopause. Recommendations are provided to help reduce B/P that include: a) exercise, b) healthy eating, c) reduction of dietary sodium, d) limiting alcohol intake, and e) healthy weight. As testosterone progressively dominates the hormonal environment during menopause, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases and may increase risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition to limiting calories, overweight and obese women may need to exercise 55 minutes/day for 5 days/week to sustain a weight loss of 10% over two years.

The US Transportation Department announced that in 2010 female dummies will be used as part of crash testing in passenger seats. Researcher at USC, School of Dentistry report potential health benefits of aspirin in the fight against osteoporosis. Even though cigarette smoking accounts for up to half of all bladder cancers, few are aware of the connection.