pc womens english q 110

7/29/2019 Pc Womens English q 110

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THE PATIENT CHANNEL PRESENTS - WOMENS HEALTH: ADVICE TOBABYBOOMERS

NarratorThe life expectancy for women in the United States has risen dramatically in the past century,

jumping from 52 years in 1910 to 80 years today.

Experts expect that life spans will continue to lengthen. And many predict that in the not too

distant future individuals may be able to live as long as 140 years in good health.

Michael F. Roizen, MD/Cleveland ClinicThere is a real debate in the aging research community of whether we are going to beat with

research and new drugs and therapiesthe aging process.

The general feeling is that we may actually within four to six years now have therapies that help

you stay as young as you want to be. You have got to make the choice, though.

NarratorDr. Michael Roizen is the chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic. Hes written several

best-selling books - includingReal Age: Are You as Young as You Can Be?and also appearedon Oprah Winfrey.

Dr. Roizen believes most womenand men, for that mattercan dramatically slow the aging

process by embracing a low-stress lifestyle that features a healthy diet and ample exercise.

Michael F. Roizen, MD/Cleveland ClinicThere are 151 things that you can do to change your rate of aging that have been shown in at

least four studies in humans.

Narrator

Every journey has a beginning. According to Dr. Robin Miller, the first step on the path tohealthy aging is for women to make their health a priority.

Robin Miller, MD/Triune Integrative Medicine

Its important for women to know how to take care of themselves But as women we do nottake care of ourselves - thats not in our nature. Our nature is to nurture everyone else and put

ourselves last on the list.

NarratorDr. Miller, who co-authored The Smart Womens Guide to Midlife and Beyond: A No-Nonsense

Approach to Staying Healthy After 50, says its never too late for women to focus on wellness.


It doesnt matter how old you are - so youre never too old and youre never too sick to getbetter. Thats my motto.

NarratorMenopause is intrinsically tied to aging. It occurs when a womans ovaries stop producing

estrogen and menstruation ceases. But a womans production of hormones doesnt stop abruptly.


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Perimenopause is the period around menopause that can last 10 years. So when women get intotheir 40s they may notice theyre having an occasional hot flash, cant sleep very well, have

some irritability and their periods start getting irregular.

As far as women in their 50s, thats when menopause hits. Some women just breeze on through -

actually its the majority that breeze on through.

Its about 40 percent that have the hot flashes and have really serious menopausal symptoms. It

just seems like its everyone because theyre pretty vocal about it.

NarratorSome women choose to take hormone therapy to relieve menopause symptoms and keep their

bones strong

Robin Miller, MD/Triune Integrative MedicineWith hormones several things can happen: No. 1 you could sleep better. The hot flashes go

away. The skin tone remains pretty firm.

Youre able to build muscle. One of the things that happens with menopause is that you lose

muscle really fast. When you lose muscle really fast you can gain weight really fast. You needmuscle for weight loss to burn calories. So you can actually build more muscle when you have

the hormones.

Narrator

But studies have raised concerns that hormone replacement therapy may raise a womans risk

for breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute urgeswomen on hormone replacement therapy to take the lowest beneficial dose for the shortest timeneeded.

And hormone replacement therapy is known to be risky in women who smoke, are significantly

overweight, have a history or breast cancer themselves, or have a strong family history of breastcancer.

Clearly its important to speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone

replacement therapy in your particular circumstance.

Some menopausal women complain of vaginal dryness due to a lack of estrogen. Lubricants and

estrogen suppositories and or creams can be used to relieve their symptoms.

Well see how the aging process can affect a womans body coming up!

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Narrator


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As women get older, getting a good nights sleep becomes even more critical for keeping mentalacuity and concentration. Developing good sleep habits will help women fall asleep and stay

asleep - so they can get the rest that they need. These sleep habits include:

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet. Avoid rigorous exercise, large meals and the consumption of caffeine or alcohol

before bedtime.

The eyes, ears and teeth arent immune to the effects of aging.

As we get older the connective tissue in our body gets less flexible, and that includes the muscles

and connective tissue that enable the lenses in our eyes to change shape and focus at different

distances.

The term for this condition is presbyopia, Greek for elderly eyes. No need to see anophthalmologist about those predictable older eyes, theyre easily helped with a simple pair of

reading glasses.

But women should get regular eye exams to check for glaucoma and age-related macular

degeneration, a loss of vision from deterioration of the most sensitive part of the retina. And alifelong exposure to UV light from the sun can cause the early formation of cataracts. You can

prevent any other damage by wearing sunglasses with UV-absorbing materials.

Our ears also undergo changesmost commonly a gradual hearing loss seen in older adults but

more severe in women who were exposed to loud noises earlier in life. Its too late to take backthose rock-concert exposures now, but avoiding further damage can reduce the progression.

If you find others are telling you that you have the TV or the radio up too loud, see a hearingspecialist. Hearing aids are almost inconspicuous nowadays and can mean the difference

between being 100% involved in conversations or being isolated as you get older.

And women shouldnt overlook their need for dental care as they get older.

Michael F. Roizen, MD/Cleveland ClinicRemember to floss. Because in us humans a large part of inflammation is caused by guminflammation and you can prevent that by flossing and seeing a dental professional twice a year.

Narrator

Like the rest of a womans body, aging leads to changes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Production of saliva and stomach acid diminishes over time. This can hinder absorption ofvitamin B12, which the body needs to make red blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous

system. Women should have their Vitamin B12 levels checked. If they are found to be deficient,

Vitamin B12 supplements can be taken to correct the problem.


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Also more than half of adults have experienced hemorrhoids by the time they reach age 50.These engorged veins in the lower rectum can cause painless bleeding during bowel movements

and leakages of feces and mucus.

Mild pain and inflammation from hemorrhoids often are managed with self-care measures.

Options include: Applying topical over-the-counter preparations Taking sitz baths with only the hips and buttocks immersed to keep the anal area

clean

Using ice packs or cold compresses to relieve swelling Taking nonprescription pain relievers to alleviate discomfort Staying hydrated and eating high-fiber foods to soften and bulk up stool for easier

passage

One aspect of aging that many women fear involves the involuntary leakage of urine, otherwise

known as urinary incontinence.

Aging alone typically wont lead to incontinence unless there is another problem. Urinary-tract

infections, excess fluid intake and severe depression are known to trigger temporary

incontinence. Sneezing, coughing or laughing may place increased pressure on the bladder,resulting in leakage. A condition referred to as irritable bladder or overactive bladder - also can

cause urinary incontinence.

The point to remember is that urine leakage is never normal and should always be evaluated.Fortunately, the problem usually can be resolved.

Due largely to the decreased production of hormones, post-menopausal women face a heightened

risk of the loss of bone mass or densitya condition called osteoporosis. This in turn can

increase the odds of serious injuries such as hip fractures. The good news is that weight training,

nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D and, when needed, medications will help keep a

womans bones strong.

Exercising and eating right also can slow the naturally occurring loss of muscle in women, whichtypically begins after they reach age 30 and accelerates following menopause because of a lack

of estrogen.

As women age, the lifelong wear and tear on weight-bearing joints, particularly the hips andknees, may result in painful arthritis. One tip for women with arthritis to consider: trade in your

high heels for a sensible pair of walking shoes. Women also should know that the long-term use

of anti-inflammatory medications can irritate the stomach and eventually cause ulcers.

NarratorSkin is the most noticeable part of the bodyand usually the first to show signs of aging.


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Over decades, the suns ultraviolet radiation can damage the skin, diminishing its elasticity andlaying the groundwork for unsightly wrinkles. To protect their skin, women are urged to avoid

prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially during the late morning and early afternoon.

However, getting too little sun also can pose health problems. Its recommended that women

spend 5 to 10 minutes out in peak sunlight three times per week to maintain adequate levels ofVitamin D.

Dr. Miller describes vitamin D as a miracle vitamin.


Its important for building bone but its also important for immune health. We found that peoplewith low vitamin D levels were more likely to get cancer, any kind of cancer. Its important forbalance, its important for your muscles, its important for your blood pressure. Its important for

so many things and its such an easy thing to check and such an easy thing to supplement if

youre low.

Narrator

The keys to healthy skin are keeping it clean and moist. Women also should consider the weeklyuse of an exfoliant to remove skin cells

A diagnosis of cancer, a divorce or a career change can make even the most dedicated womenget stressed out. Well take a look at how to cope with the inevitable changes that life bringscoming up.

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Narrator

Fifty four year old Lori Taft Sours was diagnosed with breast cancer in February of 2000. Sheunderwent a lumpectomy and received radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatments.

Lori Taft Sours

One thing I learned pretty early on was that a breast cancer diagnosis does not immediately

mean death. I had a lot of optimistic people, health-care professionals, telling me that I was

going to be fine and I chose to believe them.

NarratorNow nearly a decade after her diagnosis, Lori is cancer-free and cautiously optimistic.

Lori Taft SoursI just sort of take it day by day and year by year- try to just tune into my body and stay healthyand do the things that Ive learned are hopefully going to reduce the chances of a recurrence.

NarratorDuring the past several years, Lori has put more emphasis on preparing healthy meals.

Lori Taft Sours


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When I started eating in this more healthy way I had more energy and I just felt better.

NarratorTo limit the effects of aging, Dr. Roizen advises individuals to restrict their caloric intake.

Michael F. Roizen, MD/Cleveland ClinicEat only enough to maintain the weight you had at your age 18 or your age 21.

NarratorDr. Roizen also recommends staying away from what he terms as the five aging foods, which

include:

Saturated fats Trans fats Simple sugars Syrups Any grains except 100 percent whole grain

Michael Ozner, MD/Baptist Health South Florida

Nutrition becomes very powerful. It becomes our way of using Mother Nature to be able to get

our blood chemistry back to where it should be.

NarratorDr. Ozner, a noted cardiologist and author of the bestseller, The Miami Mediterranean Diet

favors an eating plan which features fresh fruits and vegetables, fish such as salmon, sardines

and tuna are favored over red meat. Meals are prepared with extra virgin olive oil instead ofbutter or margarine.

Michael Ozner, MD/Baptist Health South FloridaThe Mediterranean diet has been around for 7,000 years and it would not have been around for

that long if the food wasnt delicious, if it wasnt easy to prepare, if it wasnt inexpensive.

It is not just the food - it is the way that in the Mediterranean countries people consume theirfood. The family gathers together around the table. People are able to relax and enjoy their meal

with their family and friends.

I think we have lost sight of that in this country.

Narrator

Forty three year old Rona Rose Witek loves physical challenges.

To get back in shape after her son was born, she entered the Mrs. Florida pageant and won the

competition. While coping with the stress of a divorce, she trained for and entered a triathlon

finishing as the events top female first timer.

Rona Rose Witek


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I think that is why Ive been able to stay healthy. Because the things that Ive gone through, Icould have quite easily headed straight for the gutter health-wise but I fought it. I fought it

because who I really am - Ive been taught to look at things positively and to always pickyourself up, brush yourself off and keep going.

NarratorBalancing the demands of work and her two children, Rona has discovered that finding time for

her workouts is perhaps her biggest challenge.

Rona Rose Witek

Now that Im a single working mother I find it much more challenging to try to get in my cardiobut I do what I can whenever I can - whether its squeezing in a bike ride or a run or just

swimming laps in the pool.

NarratorLori Taft Sours also makes a conscious effort to stay fit.

Lori Taft Sours

I try to lift weights 3 or 4 times a week for maybe half an hour, 40 minutes each and thats

largely because of the concern about losing bone density. I try to walk, Ive tried lots of other

things but walking is the cheapest and the easiest to get cardiovascular aerobic exercise.

I like to change things up because if I get in a rut Ill stop exercising and it defeats the wholepurpose. Its sort of like eating the same thing over and over again it doesnt really do you any

good because youll just get bored.

Narrator

Sixty three year old Pauline Jackson recently changed careers.She was forced into retirement and didnt mind it much at the beginning.

Pauline Jackson

Forthirty-three years I worked for an aerospace company here in the city and in 06 I was

forced into retirement because they closed the company. And for a year I really didnt do

anything I just enjoyed not working.

Narrator

When Pauline went back to work she discovered her new path came with increased

challenges and responsibilities and a whole lot of stress.But shes found ways to keep herstress levels under control.

Pauline Jackson

With our current economy and people losing their jobs and stuff I see a lot of needs. And

sometimes I get caught up in folks and in what theyre going through because I cant meet theirneeds. No one person can. I feel their pain and it gets a little stressful just seeing people who just

dont have and dont really have any place to go to get


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NarratorSuccessfully managing stress helps women enjoy their lives and also ward off some of the ill

effects of aging.

Michael Ozner, MD/Baptist Health South FloridaStress is the forgotten risk factor. We know the link between chronic stress and heart

attack. Exercise is a great way to decrease stress.

NarratorThere are ways to reduce stress that require little time or exertion.

Michael F. Roizen, MD/Cleveland ClinicFive minutes of meditation morning and evening and learning how to manage stress is actually

wonderful and key to staying young.

Rona Rose Witek

We dont necessarily have the time to fulfill what makes us feel good. Its different foreverybody: some people can be just reading a trashy novel, for somebody else it could just be

going for a walk on the beach, listening to music, going to the park with your children - whatever

it is that feeds your soul Thats such an important piece of the health equation to combat stress

and we do tend to forget to do that.

Narrator

Rona regularly gets together with a group of friends and family. They have fun, talk about theirlives and blow off steam.

Rona Rose Witek

We all have a lot similar stresses with family with work with life in general. Thats been a very,very important thing for me - having my friends. And as far as family, I couldnt live without

them. Theyve been my backbone, my support - theyre my every breath.

NarratorWell focus on the vaccines all women should have as they age when we return.

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NarratorDr. Miller urges middle-aged women to get regular checkups that include cancer screenings, as

well as tests for heart diseasethe leading killer of womenand other disorders.

Robin Miller, MD/Triune Integrative MedicineGet into the habit of going to the doctor every year.


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NarratorVaccines can help protect women from illnesses and even death as they age. The Centers for

Disease Control recommends that women age 50 and over receive an annual flu shot. Women

who are 60 or older should receive a one-time vaccine for shingles, and those 65 and older need

a one-time pneumococcal vaccine.

A woman also should consult with her healthcare provider about whether she needs supplements

to maintain healthy levels of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and folic acid, which has been shown tooffer protection from first-time strokes.


A woman in her 30s and 40s really needs to start getting into the habit of getting thosepreventive studies: mammogram, pap smear - taking calcium, taking care of their bones, taking

their vitamin D and really looking at their exercise routine having it become a part of their life

and eating healthy. If you dont take care of yourself you cant take care of anyone else. Its reallyimportant to put yourself first on the list. Instead of your kids, your husband, your dog, your

house, your garbage. Everyone else comes first. Its time to put yourself number one on your list.

NarratorWorking at a medical office in Miami has helped motivate Rona to keep on top of her own

health.

Rona Rose WitekYou see it on a daily basis and it makes you much more aware to take care of those major

organs when youre in that profession.

NarratorLori, Rona and Pauline are confident that their lifestyle choices will enable them to enjoy manyhealthy years to come.

Lori Taft Sours

I feel like I have a really great tool kit for health for the rest of my lifeI look forward to everyday. One thing I learned from my cancer experience is to appreciate every single day so I do, I

look forward to everyday. I look forward to watching my daughters grow into wonderful young

women and having time with my husbandEvery day that I feel good is a gift.

Rona Rose Witek

Focus on yourself and getting to a healthier place. You might feel selfish doing that dontbecause if youre in a good place your familys going to be in a good place.

Pauline Jackson

Own your life. Enjoy your life. Do what you like doing. You can do that in your daily routine.

Do what makes you happy.


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This program was reviewed by

Bruce B. Dan, MD

Executive Medical Editor

NBC Hospital Networks

Robin H. Miller

Triune Integrative MedicineMedford, Oregon

For more information on Womens Health visit the following websites

http://pause.acog.org

http://www.mayoclinic.org

http://www.lifescript.org

For more information on Robin Millers book:The Smart Womans Guide to Midlife and Beyond

Please visitwww.smartwomenshealth.com

For a transcript of this program please visit our website at

www.thepatientchannel.com
http://pause.acog.org/http://pause.acog.org/http://www.mayoclinic.org/http://www.mayoclinic.org/http://www.lifescript.org/http://www.lifescript.org/http://www.smartwomenshealth.com/http://www.smartwomenshealth.com/http://www.thepatientchannel.com/http://www.thepatientchannel.com/http://www.thepatientchannel.com/http://www.smartwomenshealth.com/http://www.lifescript.org/http://www.mayoclinic.org/http://pause.acog.org/

pc womens english q 110

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