Saturday, July 30, 2005

International Women's Day month long Celebration

International OlderWiserWomen's Day month long Celebration
August 17, 2005 - September 18, 2005

The celebration will begin in a few short weeks and are we excited! While it's not all about health, there will be presentations on menopause and fatigue. We are also working hard to secure a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine to do a presentation for us.

You can hear more about the event here!

Would you rather read it?

Come celebrate with us! See you there!

Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen™

Sunday, July 24, 2005

How do I know if I have diabetes?

I hear this question more often these days, and it's a good question to ask.

Often people do not know they have diabetes, because the signs and symptoms can be nonexistence or do mild that they don’t know it’s there. More importantly, you may be in a “pre-diabetic” state, and not yet know it – this is why is so important to see your health care provider for screening.

A person with diabetes may notice the following signs and symptoms: increased thirst and/or hunger, fatigue, increased urination (especially nighttime), weight loss (especially type 1), blurred vision, and sores that do not heal. In women, something that is often overlooked is frequent and even continuous vaginal yeast infections. All of these things warrant a check up.

Do you have any of these risk factors?
  • Family history. This means a parent, sister or brother has diabetes.
  • You are a person whose heritage is African-American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander or Hispanic.
  • You have a history of gestational diabetes. This means you had diabetes when you were pregnant.
  • You have high blood pressure.
  • You have an abnormal cholesterol panel
  • Your lifestyle can be described as inactive
  • You are overweight or obese.
You can assess your risk further with this tool. Make sure you go over these factors with your health care provider so the proper tests can be made.

Diabetes does not have to ruin your life. With treatment you can avoid many of the complications. And if you have pre-diabetes, you can even prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.

Make sure you take care of the most important woman in your life...you!

Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen™

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Chronic fatigue Syndrome gene signs found

Women who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often find that no one believes them. It's been difficult to find a health care provider who believes it's real since there are no "objective" markers.

It seems this is about to change.

BBC NEWS | Health | Chronic fatigue gene signs found


Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen™

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Fish Oils and your Heart

For the last several years I’ve subscribed to a monthly newsletter for health care professionals that prescribe medications called “Prescriber’s Letter” (that was a surprise!). I always like it because it gets beyond the hype that we all hear when a pharmaceutical rep comes to the office to “educate” us on their wares. This is one newsletter that does not even allow pharmaceutical company support, and they will often tell you what is wrong with the info we get from reps.

That said, the July issue of Prescriber’s Letter starts with some information on fish oil supplements. It seems that mainstream medicine is finally taking Omega-3 fatty acids more seriously than before. (Western, mainstream medicine is slow and conservative!).

Here are some facts and recommendations:
  • Eating fish at least once a week cuts sudden cardiac death by half (American heart association)

  • Recommendations include 1 gram per day of fish oils from diet or supplements for those who already have heart disease. It seems to decrease risk for further events by 15%

  • If you have high triglycerides, higher does (2-4 gram/day) of fish oils can lower those levels by up to 45%!

  • Which fish is good? Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, halibut, herring, etc.

  • If you don’t eat fish or enough fish, find a good fish oil supplement. Look for “USP-verified” seal on supplements.

  • Consider the toxicity of the fish, an artificial coloring (farm raised salmon are apparently being colored), etc. Some fish oil supplements may have less contaminates – it is still something to consider.
Of course the pharmaceutical companies will be coming out with prescription medication that will contain omega 3’s. However, if you can get your levels down with fish oil supplements, fiber, and proper eating…you are ahead of the game.

Fish oils also seem to have antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties and a mild blood pressure lowering effect….all good things.

Be aware that flaxseed and some nuts which also contain omega-3 fA’s, alpha-linolenic acids (ALA), but it seems to be different that one ones found in fish.

Alpha-linolenic acid may also help decrease heart disease and arthrosclerosis (gunky vessels) but does not seem to affect triglycerides.
In order to boost levels of ALA try eating a handful of walnuts, almonds or pecans daily. If you’d rather, have 1-2 tablespoons/day of ground flaxseed or ½ to 1 teaspoon/day of flaxseed oil.

I personally use ground flaxseed on lots of things. I sprinkle it on oatmeal or other cereals, fruit salads, yogurt and cottage cheese dishes I make with fruit, etc. I even throw some in the blender when making up smoothies.

Another side note. When you are looking for supplements, make sure you are getting more Omega-3’s. Many products have both O-3’s and O-6’s. You need only a few 6’s. You want the O-3’s. And, remember not all products are equal, and if you purchase a 90 day supply for $5.00 – you probably paid for nothing.

Another tool for you to use to decrease your risk of heart disease…which is the number one cause of death in women. (You’ve already quit smoking and are exercising - right?)


Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP
OlderWiserWomen™

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Diabetes and Incontinence

Health News Article | Reuters.com

This is a topic that people don't like to talk about.
Diabetes ups incontinence risk for older women.

The more you know about these things, the more of an impact you can have on your own body and health. Let me know if you have any questions on this topic or any others.

Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen™

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Diabetes damage done in adulthood

BBC NEWS | Health | Diabetes damage done in adulthood

I'm very glad to see more and more articles being written about the damage that can occur with diabetes. Why? Because if you have diabetes, or you are at risk for developing diabetes, there is much you can do to reduce these complications, and perhaps even prevent them.

What do you need to do? If you are a diabetic, you need to keep your blood sugars under control. That is most important. If you have diabetes, or are at risk, you need to improve your nutritional intake and exercise!

Keep an eye here and at OlderWiserWomen as we will discuss this in greater detail.

Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen™

Friday, July 01, 2005

Medications and Canada

Though published on the OlderWiserWomen Blog, I felt this was important enough to cross post this.

As was predicted, Canada is now looking at restricting sales of medications to consumers in the US, mostly over the internet. For people who depend on getting affordable medication from Canada, this will be difficult news.

Read Canada: Down on the Pharm for further details.

You fill find some resources we have gathered that may help you find affordable medication sources.

Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen™