Yeast infection

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Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

A Viewer Asks: Can douching cause a yeast infection? Also, is it okay to douche after a yeast infection?

Dr. Stöppler's Answer: All healthy women have bacteria and other organisms in the vagina. The balance of organisms and the normal acidity of the vagina both act to prevent overgrowth of specific organisms, leading to symptoms of a vaginal infection. Douching disturbs the normal environment of the vagina...

Yeast is a type of fungus; when one speaks of a yeast infection this is referring to the fungus scientifically known as Candida. The specific type of fungus most commonly responsible for vaginitis is Candida albicans. Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. In fact, it is estimated that between 20%-50% of healthy women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area.

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis is very common and is reported by as many as 75% of women at some point in their lives. Vaginitis can be caused by a number of infections as well as noninfectious causes such as trauma or chemical irritation. Infectious vaginitis has numerous casuses including bacteria (such as Gardnerella and gonorrhea), protozoans (such as trichomonas), and yeast (Candida). Vaginal yeast infection, which is the most common form of vaginitis, is often referred to as vaginal Candidiasis.

Vulvitis is inflammation of the external genital organs of the female (the vulva). The vulva includes the labia, clitoris, and entrance to the vagina (the vestibule of the vagina). An inflammation of the vulva is referred to as vulvitis. Vulvitis, like vaginitis, may be caused by a number of different infections or noninfectious causes. Because the vulva is also often inflamed when there is inflammation of the vagina, vaginitis is sometimes referred to as vulvovaginitis.

Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on 7/20/2012

Yeast Infection - Prevention Question: What prevention measures do you use to avoid getting a yeast infection? Yeast Infection - Effective Treatments Question: What kinds of treatments have been effective for your yeast infection? Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge resulting from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Although it may cause some disturbing symptoms (discharge and odor), it is not dangerous and cannot be passed by sex. Diagnosis becomes important to exclude serious infections like gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Many treatment options are available such as oral antibiotics and vaginal gels.Pregnancy (Stages - Trimesters of Pregnancy) There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Read more to learn about recommended procedures and tests for each stage of a healthy pregnancy.Anal Itching Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything from irritating foods we eat, to certain disease and infections. Treatment options include local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, protectants, astringents, antiseptics, keratolytics, analgesics, and corticosteroids. If condition persists, a doctor examination may be needed to identify an underlying cause. Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.Jock Itch Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People with diabetes and those who are obese are more susceptible to developing jock itch. Antifungal shampoos, creams, and pills may be needed to treat fungal jock itch. Bacterial jock itch may be treated with antibacterial soaps and topical and oral antibiotics.Vaginitis Vaginitis is any type of vaginal infection or inflammation. The six most common types of vaginitis are Candida (yeast infections), bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis vaginitis, chlamydia vaginitis, viral vaginitis, and noninfectious vaginitis. Symptoms include itching, burning, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Treatment is different for each type of vaginitis.Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia) Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are two types of vulvodynia, generalized vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis. Researchers are trying to find the causes of vulvodynia, which may include nerve irritation, genetic factors, hypersensitivity to yeast infections, muscle spasms, hormonal changes, and more. The most common symptoms of vaginal pain (vulvodynia) is burning, rawness, itching, stinging, aching, soreness, and throbbing. There are a variety of treatments that can ease the symptoms of vulvodynia (vaginal pain). Lichen Sclerosus Lichen sclerosus is a skin disease that causes white spots to form on the skin, which later grow into large, thin, and crinkled patches of skin that tear easily. Symptoms include itching, pain, blisters, and bleeding. Patches on the upper body usually go away over time, but patches in the genital region may scar if left untreated, causing problems with urination or sex. Treatment may involve surgery or the use of a very strong cortisone cream.Vaginal Dryness Vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy occurs in women during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. With vaginal atrophy, the lining of the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and light pink to bluish in color. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and/or pain during intercourse. Treatment options for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy include hormone treatment and over-the-counter vaginal lubricating and moisturizing products.Women's Health Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.Pregnancy Planning Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.Sexual Health Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.Antibiotic Resistance (Drug Resistance, Antimicrobial Resistance) Drug resistance (antimicrobial resistance) is the ability of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses to grow, even in the presence of a drug that would normally kill it (or limit it's growth). Drug resistance is a growing problem, particularly for infections such as MRSA, VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci), tuberculosis, HIV, STDs, gonorrhea, flu, pneumonia, malaria, E. coli, salmonella, Campylobacter, which causes diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Learn how to protect yourself from resistance to drugs.Diabetic Home Care Management Diabetic home care management is important. The goal of diabetic therapy is to control blood glucose levels and prevent the complications of diabetes. Information about exercise, diet diet, and medication will help you manage your diabetes better. Blood glucose reagent strips, blood glucose meters, urine glucose tests, tests for urinary ketones, continuous glucose sensors, and Hemoglobin A1C testing information will enable you to mange your diabetes at home successfully.

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Menstrual cycles may affect women shops templates

Tuesday, 31 July, HealthDay News)--the hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle of women can color their shopping habits, research shows.

"Our goal was to explore how women's menstrual cycle affect consumption desire, use of the product, and dollars spent in the food and upgrading domains," study first author Saad Gad, Professor of marketing, John Molson School of business, said in a press release from the University of Concordia in Montreal.

In the study, researchers selected 59 women and asked them to keep detailed diaries for their beauty routine, choice of service, your calorie intake and all that they bought for 35 days.

The researchers also analyzed daily reviews women responded to these topics that were interested in their choice of clothes and how long they spent grooming. Participants were also asked about the activities of both sunbathing and high-calorie foods. The study revealed a pattern of behaviour of women.

During the fertile women menstrual cycles (approximately eight hours in 15 of the 28-day cycle), the researchers found a significant increase in attention to appearance. During their fertile days women are also more likely to buy clothes, the study found.

The authors of the study suggested that the explanation for this pattern of behavior can be traced to women evolutionary roots.

"Ancestral times, women have had to focus on activities related to mating more time the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle when the probability of conception was high," Saad explained in a press release. "The same psychological and physiological mechanisms now lead women to greater consumption of products relevant to reproductive drives on the fertile phase of their cycle.

Although food intake among women fell during their fertile days, research has revealed their appetites peak in sterile or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (day 16-28 28-day cycle). The researchers noted women cravings for high calorie foods spiked at this time, as well as their food purchases.

"Women consume more calories during the luteal phase, because they developed psychological and physiological mechanisms that favored not mating-related activities as food foraging during the fertile phase of their cycle," said Saad. Miscellaneous Darwin pulls, such as pairing against food take precedence depending on menstrual status of women. "

The authors of the study said their findings may shed light on these behaviors and help women to take more informed decisions that can affect their spending and eating habits.

"These behaviors without conscious awareness of consumption, women on how hormonal fluctuations affect their choices as consumers," said Saad. "Our study helps identify where women are most vulnerable to cyclical temptations for high-calorie foods and enhance the appearance of the product. These results may help women make the choice for himself, contrary to the old canard of biological determinism.

Consumption-related smartphone app can help women track their daily purchases, their vulnerability to certain high risk days in their cycle, the authors of the study suggested.

The study was recently published in the journal of consumer psychology.

Dallas — Mary Elizabeth Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: Concordia University, press release, July 2012

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Working woman can raise the risk of heart attack?

High voltage work may increase the risk of heart attack for women

By Kathleen Doheny
WebMD Health News

Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD

July 18, 2012-women with jobs high voltages at high risk of heart attacks and other heart problems, compared to those with lower stress jobs, according to a new study.

"Women have a high job strain, 40% more likely to have cardiovascular events, compared with women who were in the category of low voltage," said researcher Michael a. Albert, MD, MPH, Brigham and women's Hospital cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

High voltage is defined as the high demand and low control, "she said. An example is the work of the factory in which a worker is the pressure to produce.

Then find a surprise. Women in what she calls '' active strain '' jobs--is very demanding, but with high control--the same increased risk in high stress, low control positions.

Insecurity of employment, are not associated with risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, Albert also found.

A study Published in PLoS ONE.

The researchers followed more than 22000 participants in the long-running health study. The average age of women was 57.

The women were divided into four groups working strain. Deformation work takes into account the requirements and control that has worked. These groups are:

Low voltage: low demand, high controlPassive: with low demand, low controlActive: with high demand, high controlHigh voltage: with high demand, low control

The researchers followed the women for 10 years, wants to see who was one of four types of events. They found:

170 attacks163 heart strokes440 heart procedures such stents, bypass surgery, or angioplasty52 deaths from cardiovascular disease

The researchers took into account other factors that can affect heart health, age, race, education and income.

Even then, they found almost 40% increase in risk of any of the four results in women's groups active or high voltage.

When they just watched nonfatal heart attack, they found that the women in the Group of 67% high voltage higher than those in the low-voltage have one.

Also, they looked at depression and anxiety. These factors explain only about 20% of relationships, Albert tells WebMD. More research is needed to further explain the relationship, "she said.

The instability in the employment sphere, does not appear to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, "she said.

New findings differ from some previous studies, said Mika Kivimaki, PhD, Professor of social epidemiology, University College of London. He reviewed the results.

He has published reports on the stress and cardiovascular disease. Researchers at University College London have long study Whitehall, also known as stress health research &, after more than 10000 British men and women.

It was previously thought that high job demands increase the risk of heart disease, only if the employee is additionally has a bad decision authority at work, "says Kivimaki.

"It is a study of United States women is important because it suggests that this may not be the case. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease was also seen among women who need jobs, combined with high performance management. "

However, he said that the researchers simply the relationship between work stress and heart health, but cannot prove cause and effect.

It's hard to take into account all of the risk factors that can play, said Peter Schnall, MD, MPH, Professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, Irvine.

He is also the Director of the Center for occupational and environmental health programme in the Organization of work and cardiovascular diseases.

"Field studies of stress but now focuses on work strain, but in the last 10 years were registered dozens of work-related risk factors," he tells WebMD.

Among the most dangerous heart factors? Working long hours, low wages and in the face of the threat of harm, he said. For example, a bus driver.

Women with high stress jobs should give extra attention to the way of life, "said Albert. A woman may focus on personal time, doing yoga and meditation or even pray.

Most important? «Find the thing that works for you, to reduce stress, "she says.

Sources: Slopen, PLoS one, July 2012 year. Michelle a. Albert, MD, mph, cardiologist, Brigham and women's Hospital and associate professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School. Mika Kivimaki, PhD, Professor of social epidemiology, University College of London. Peter Schnall, MD, MPH, a Professor of clinical medicine, University of California, Irvine; Director, Center for occupational and environmental health programme in the Organization of work and cardiovascular disease, University of California Irvine.

© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Urinary Incontinence Underreported in Young Women

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Medical group said key elements well woman exams

Tuesday, 24 July, HealthDay News)--the latest guidelines for cervical cancer screening say that most women don't need annual Pap smears, but they still need yearly exams well woman with their obstetrician/gynecologist, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

In the opinion of the Committee, released Monday, the College outlines when women should undergo pelvic exams, which women need clinical examination of mammary glands and why the Bureau visit the annual well woman is important.

Annual well woman exam is an opportunity for doctors to advise patients about following a healthy lifestyle and reducing health risks. The trip includes a physical exam that assesses general health, including blood pressure and weight.

A pelvic exam is a common part of the visit, the OB-GYN and includes three parts: external examination, an internal exam and exam mirror internal/external keyboard, according to the press release of the APS. Women should begin annual pelvic exams are held at the age of 21.

Young women do not have to pass an internal examination, if they do not have signs of menstrual disorders, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or other symptoms related to reproductive, said College.

Screening for sexually transmitted infections can be done using urine or vaginal tampons without an internal exam.

Another important part of the visit, the good woman is a clinical breast exam. This should be done every one to three years for women aged 20 to 39, according to ACOG and other groups, health/medical. Women aged 40 years and older must have annual mammograms and clinical breast exams annually, ACOG recommends.

Decisions on the appropriateness of the internal pelvic exam breast exams or should always be with the consent of the patient, "said ACOG.

In the August issue of the journal obstetrics and Gynecology & appears in the Committee's opinion.

--Robert Preidt Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, press release, July 23, 2012

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More women's College to smoke hookah

Monday, 30 July, HealthDay News)--for the first time to smoke tobacco shisha (water pipe) is used more often among the students of women's College United States in their first year, a new study finds.

The researchers surveyed 483 freshman College women and found that not using hookah to 343 of the College. 23% of Students attempted to 343 hookah smoking during their first year of College.

Use of Hookah, appear to be associated with the use of alcohol and marijuana. The students consumed more alcohol, the more likely they were to try hookah. Students who use marijuana is smoking Hookah, more frequently than others.

Researchers also found that certain personality traits, such as higher levels of impulsivity and a strong tendency to compare yourself to others, predicted the frequency of use of the hookah.

The study was published online in the journal psychology of addictive behaviors.

The results are troubling because there has been a sharp increase in hookah smoking rates among young people in the United States over the past two decades, said researchers at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, r.i.

Some studies show that levels of kalyana among young people are on a par with smoking cigarettes.

The researchers noted that many students mistakenly believe that hookah safer than cigarettes, but the hookah has been associated with many of the same diseases caused by cigarettes, including lung cancer, respiratory infections and gum disease.

"The popularity and social nature of Hookah, coupled with the fact that College Freshmen increasingly experiment with risky behavior that could pave the way for potential health problems, given what we know about the dangers of smoking Hookah," lead author Robyn Fielder, Miriam Hospital centers research intern behavioral and preventive medicine, stated in a press release.

--Robert Preidt Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: Miriam Hospital, press release, July 2012

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Women with HIV may not have a high risk of cervical cancer: study

Monday, 23 July, HealthDay News)--Infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS--did not appear to increase the risk of cervical cancer, a new survey showed.

The researchers looked at more than 400 HIV infected women and nearly 300 HIV-free women, all of whom had normal Pap test and a negative result for tumors cause of human papillomavirus DNA in the beginning of the study. Know that some types of the human papilloma virus (HPV) causes cervical cancer.

After five years of follow-up, the risk of precancerous cervical diseases was similarly low for both groups of women. None of the women developed cancer of the cervix, Dr. Howard Strickler and colleagues at Albert Einstein College of medicine at Yeshiva University in New York said in a press release.

The study was scheduled to present a briefing Sunday at the International AIDS Conference in Washington, the District of Colombia and appears in the July 25 issue of the journal of the American Medical Association.

The results show that the five-year risk of cervical cancer in HIV-infected women who have normal Pap smear and HPV tumour without causing a risk similar to HIV-free women, researchers say.

"Current investigation underscores the potential for a new era of molecular testing--including HPV, as well as other biomarkers--to improve cervical cancer screening in HIV-infected women," in conclusion, the authors of the study.

--Robert Preidt Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, press release, July 22, 2012

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Child abuse can alter the onset of menstruation in girls

Friday, August 3)--HealthDay News girls who are physically or sexually assaulted can start menstruation earlier or later than average, according to a new study.

After analyzing the information about women, 69000 researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that the sexual abuse in childhood were 49% more likely to have their first period to 11 years than women who had not been abused. Women who suffered heavy physical abuse have a 50% increase in risk for starting their menstrual cycles later, or after 15 years.

In the United States during times of girls start at an average of about 12.5 years, according to the national institutes of health United States. Studies do not suggest, however, that the girl who starts menstruating earlier or later than usual, have been subjected to violence.

"In our study was associated with the accelerated and delayed age at menarche cruel and it is important that these associations vary with the type of abuses that suggest that child abuse is not a homogeneous impact on health," said study leader Dr. Renée Boynton-Jarrett, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University Press release.

"There is a need for further research to study the characteristics of child abuse that might affect health outcomes, including the type and severity of the abuse, as well as the social context in which the abuse occurs," Boynton-Jarrett.

The researchers noted that girls who menstruate early can be at greater risk for certain health problems such as heart disease, cancer, metabolic dysfunction and depression. In the meantime, the girls who menstruate later may be more likely to have depression and lower bone mineral density.

"We must work towards a better understanding of how abuse affects the health and translate these findings into clinical practice and public health strategy to improve the welfare of victims of ill-treatment," Boynton-Jarrett said.

The study was published online July 26 in the journal of adolescent health.

Dallas — Mary Elizabeth Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: Boston University Medical Center, press release, July 27, 2012

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Health care reform: No-Cost contraception begins today

Health reform law to expand 8 free preventive services-health from birth control for breastfeeding support--47 million women

By Lisa Zamosky
WebMD Health News

Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD

1 August 2012-Today ushers in the new health reform law, which makes additional preventive health services — from contraception for HPV--are available free of charge to approximately 47 million women.

Women with health plans that begin on or after August 1, 2012, should now be allowed access to the eight new preventive health services without co-pays or deductibles. Eight new services that are available, starting today are:

Well woman visitsGestational screeningDomestic diabetes and interpersonal violence screening and approved the counselingFDA of contraception, including condoms and education and counselingBreastfeeding support, supply and counselingHPV DNA testing for women aged 30 or olderCounseling for sexually active women of sexual infectionsHIV, testing and counselling for sexually active women

These services rely on the register of existing preventive, health reform law, officially called the affordable care Act (ACA) already makes available, for free, to people with private insurance and Medicare, including annual visits to wellness, cholesterol and other cardiovascular screenings and cancer screenings including mammography, colonoscopy, and cervical cancer screening.

Eight facilities were recommended by the independent Institute of medicine in the Department of health and human services after an extensive scientific review.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) welcomed the ACA additional women's preventive health services as an important step towards the provision of necessary medical assistance and more women.

Today, our nation reaffirms the importance of women's access to needed preventive care, "AGS President James t. Breeden, m.d., stated in a press release. "The annual visit of the good woman is a fundamental part of health care and seeks to prevent the practices recognized risk factors for the disease, identifies the medical problems and establishes a relationship often throughout the life of the patient by a doctor. This annual visit provides an excellent opportunity for gynecologists to counsel patients about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and to minimize health risks.

Bryden adds that contraception, which is already covered by most plans sponsored by employers, plays an important role in optimizing health before pregnancy and childbirth, ultimately leads to a healthy pregnancy and birth.

The law always allowed to churches and other religious organizations a choice of either buying or sponsoring group health insurance do not pay for contraception if it is contrary to their beliefs.

But religiously affiliated groups such as universities and hospitals were not included in this exception.

This caused an uproar among many religious groups, including the Catholic Church. Obama administration says he has. Insurance companies providing health plans for employers with religious affiliation would be required to cover the cost of contraceptives, not the employer. Obama administration extended until August 2013 for religious institutions in accordance with the law.

Eliminating the costs associated with women's preventive health services has been identified as an important factor in overcoming the main obstacles to the necessary assistance.

2009 report of the Commonwealth Fund found that more than half of the women--to more than 25% since 2007 year-delay or avoid preventive care due to cost. In addition, the Government refers to the study, which found that the use of women on mammography went up to 9% when costs for testing have been removed.

Although the provision enters into force today, most women do not have access to free preventive care before their year plan. For most Americans, what could be in January 2013, when most of the health insurance resume.

Grandfathered health plans--those who are already in place when the affordable care Act became Law in March 2010, and that has not made significant changes in their benefits--are exempted from the new requirements.

Sources: press release, Department of health social services & United States. Healthcare.gov news: affordable care Act rules to improve access to prevention services for women ". Press release, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. WebMD Health News: "health care reform: questions and answers."

© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Vaginal bleeding

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Some of the symptoms of menopause can actually begin years before menstrual periods stop occurring. Doctors generally use the term "perimenopause" to refer to the time period beginning prior to the menopause (when some of the signs and symptoms of menopause begin to occur) up through the first year following menopause. Menopause itself is defined as having had 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Menopause symptoms begin gradually while the ovaries are still functioning and a woman is still having menstrual periods. These symptoms can begin as early as the 4th decade of life (when a woman is in her 30s) and may persist for years until menopause has occurred. The symptoms occur early because the levels of hormones produced by the ovaries (estrogen and progesterone) decline slowly over time, explaining why pregnancy is still possible, but less likely to occur, as a woman reaches her forties. The severity and duration of symptoms vary widely among individuals - some women may experience only minimal symptoms for a year or two, while others may experience at least some of the symptoms for several years.

Normal vaginal bleeding is the periodic blood that flows as a discharge from the woman's uterus. Normal vaginal bleeding is also called menorrhea. The process by which menorrhea occurs is called menstruation. In order to determine whether bleeding is abnormal, and its cause, the doctor must answer 3 questions: Is the woman pregnant? What is the pattern of the bleeding? Is she ovulating? Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. There are many causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding that are associated with irregular ovulation. A woman who has irregular menstrual periods requires a physical examination with a special emphasis on the thyroid, breast, and pelvic area. Treatment for irregular vaginal bleeding depends on the underlying cause. After the cause is determined, the doctor decides if treatment is actually necessary.

Normal vaginal bleeding is the periodic blood that flows as a discharge from the woman's uterus. Normal vaginal bleeding is also called menorrhea. The process by which menorrhea occurs is called menstruation.

Normal vaginal bleeding occurs as a result of cyclic hormonal changes. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which control the development of female body characteristics such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. The hormones also regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovary, or female gonad, is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female hormones. During each monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one ovary. The egg travels from the ovary through a Fallopian tube to the uterus.

Unless pregnancy occurs, the cycle ends with the shedding of part of the inner lining of uterus, which results in menstruation. Although it is actually the end of the physical cycle, the first day of menstrual bleeding is designated as "day 1" of the menstrual cycle in medical jargon.

The time of the cycle during which menstruation occurs is referred to as menses. The menses occurs at approximately four week intervals, representing the menstrual cycle.

Menarche is the time in a girl's life when menstruation first begins. Menopause is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries ceases and menstrual periods stop. The average age of menopause is 51 years old.

Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on 7/20/2012

Yeast Infection Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and urination, and vaginal discharge. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Pregnancy (Stages - Trimesters of Pregnancy) There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Read more to learn about recommended procedures and tests for each stage of a healthy pregnancy.Blood Clots Blood clots can occur in the venous and arterial vascular system. Blood clots can form in the heart, legs, arteries, veins, bladder, urinary tract and uterus. Risk factors for blood clots include high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history. Symptoms of a blood clot depend on the location of the clot. Some blood clots are a medical emergency. Blood clots are treated depending upon the cause of the clot. Blood clots can be prevented by lowering the risk factors for developing blood clots.Anemia Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, and more. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain at the pituitary. Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle.Endometriosis Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Treatment of endometriosis can be with medication or surgery.Menopause Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician. Uterine Cancer Though uterine cancer's cause is unknown, there are many factors that will put a woman at risk, including: over age 50, endometrial hyperplasia, using hormone replacement therapy, obesity, using tamoxifen, being Caucasian, having colorectal cancer. Symptoms of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) include abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful urination, painful intercourse, and pelvic pain. Treatment depends on staging and may include radiation therapy or hormone therapy.Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube. Symptoms include abdominal pain, amenorrhea, and vaginal bleeding. Treatment options include observation, medication, or surgery.Chlamydia In Women Chlamydia, a type of bacteria that causes an infection, is spread through sexual contact. Most of the time, women with chlamydia have no symptoms. Antibiotics are an effective treatment for chlamydia.Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormone resulting from an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, weight loss, depression, and cognitive slowing. Treatment is by medication, the use of radioactive iodine, thyroid surgery, or reducing the dose of thyroid hormone.Uterine Fibroids (Benign Tumors of the Uterus) Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus and are usually round or semi-round in shape. The most common symptom of a uterine fibroid is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms include pressure, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder, or pain during a bowel movement. Treatment options vary from surgery to medication.Lupus Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of body tissues caused by autoimmune disease. Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus. When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the most common and serious complication of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), aside from AIDS, among women. The signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include: fever, vaginal discharge with a foul odor, abdominal pain, including pain during intercourse, and irregular vaginal bleeding. Pelvic inflammatory disease can scar the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and related structures and lead to ectopic pregnancies, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and other serious consequences. Pelvic inflammatory disease treatment includes several types of antibiotics.Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery. The most common symptom of cancer of the cervix is abnormal bleeding.Miscarriage A miscarriage is any pregnancy that ends spontaneously before the fetus can survive. Miscarriage usually occurs before the 13th week of pregnancy. The cause of a miscarriage cannot always be determined. The most common causes of a miscarriage in the first trimester are collagen vascular disease (lupus), hormonal problems, diabetes, chromosomal abnormalities, and congenital abnormalities of the uterus. Anorexia Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Anorexia is a serious psychological disorder and is a condition that goes well beyond out-of-control dieting. With anorexia, the drive to become thinner is actually secondary to concerns about control and/or fears relating to one's body. There are psychological and behavioral symptoms as well as physical symptoms of anorexia including: depression, social withdrawal, fatigue, food obsession, heart and gastrointestinal complications, kidney function, flaky skin, brittle nails, and tooth loss (this list is not exhaustive).Internal Bleeding Internal bleeding occurs when an artery or vein is damaged and blood to escapes the circulatory system and collects inside the body. Internal bleeding can be caused by a variety of situations such as blunt trauma, deceleration trauma, medications, fractures, and spontaneous bleeding. Treatment of internal bleeding depends on the cause of the bleeding.Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach) Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a functional disease in which the gastrointestinal organs, primarily the stomach and first part of the small intestine, function abnormally. It is a chronic disease in which the symptoms fluctuate infrequency and intensity. Symptoms of dyspepsia include upper abdominal pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, early satiety, and abdominal distention (swelling). These symptoms are most often provoked by eating.Gonorrhea In Women Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted during sexual contact. In women, symptoms include a yellow vaginal discharge, burning or frequent urination, and redness, swelling, burning and itching of the vaginal area. Gonorrhea can be treated with injectable (penicillin) or oral medications.Insulin Resistance Insulin resistance is the diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into muscle and other tissues. Causes of insulin can include conditions such as stress, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and steroid use. Some of the risk factors for insulin resistance include fatty liver, heart disease, strokes, peripheral vascular disease, high cholesterol, and smoking. Treatment for insulin resistance are lifestyle changes and if necessary, medication.Prolactinoma (Pituitary Tumor) Prolactinoma is an adenoma (benign tumor) of the pituitary gland. Causes of many prolactinomas are unknown. Symptoms in women include changes in menstruation and infertility, decreased libido, or painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness. The most common symptom in men is impotence (erectile dysfunction). Treatment of prolactinomas are medication or surgery.Amenorrhea Amenorrhea is a condition in which there is an absense of menstrual periods in a woman. There are two types of amenorrhea, 1) primary and 2) secondary. Treatment of amenorrhea depends on the type (primary or secondary). In prmiray, surgery may be an option and in secondary amenorrhea medication or lifestyle changes may be treatment options. Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a condition caused by toxins formed by Staphylococcus aureus or group A Streptococcus bacteria. Signs and symptoms include fever, low blood pressure, rash, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Left untreated, the patient will experience confusion, dizziness, headaches, seizures, and multiorgan failure. Treatment involves intravenous fluids and antibiotics, oxygen administration, surgery to drain the source of infection, and removal of tampons, nasal packings, or other sources of infection.Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is considered to be a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD has also been referred to as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. The cause of PMDD is unknown. Some of the common symptoms of PMDD (not an inclusive list) include: mood swings, bloating, fatigue, headache, irritability, headache, breast tenderness, acne, hot flashes and more. Treatment for PMDD is with medication to treat the symptoms of PMDD. Graves' Disease Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. Some of the symptoms of Graves' disease include hand tremors, rapid heartbeat, trouble sleeping, enlarged thyroid, thinning of the skin or fine brittle hair. Causes of Graves' disease are thought to be multifactorial such as genes, gender, stress, and infection. Treatment for Graves' disease is generally medication.Women's Health Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.See All Related Diseases & Conditions »

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20% of U.S. Women Uninsured in 2010, Up From 15% in 2000: Report

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By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, July 13 (HealthDay News) -- Twenty percent of American women had no health insurance in 2010, up from 15 percent in 2000, a new report reveals.

In addition to the nearly 19 million uninsured women, another 17 million women were underinsured in 2010, according to the report, released Friday by the Commonwealth Fund. The fund is a private foundation that seeks to promote improved health care, especially for low-income people, the uninsured, minority Americans, children and the elderly.

The report also compared insurance coverage for U.S. women to women in 10 other industrialized countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, all of which have universal health coverage.

While uninsured women in the United States were likely to have problems paying medical bills and getting health care, many insured American women also face these problems, compared with women in other countries, the study found.

Other highlights of the report include:

U.S. women had problems paying medical bills at double the rate of women in any other country studied. In the United States, 26 percent of women had medical bill problems, compared with 13 percent in Australia, 12 percent in France, and 4 percent in Germany. 39 percent of American women spent $1,000 or more in out-of-pocket medical costs during 2009-2010, compared with 24 percent of women in Switzerland, 1 percent in Sweden, and 0 percent in the United Kingdom. 43 percent of U.S. women went without recommended care, didn't see a doctor when they were sick, or didn't fill prescriptions because of cost, compared with 28 percent in Germany and Australia, 8 percent in the Netherlands, and 7 percent in the United Kingdom. Only 52 percent of American women were sure they could afford health care if they became seriously ill, compared with 91 percent of women in the United Kingdom, 77 percent in the Netherlands and 76 percent in Switzerland.

For uninsured women the problems were worse, according to the report, titled "Oceans Apart: The Higher Health Costs of Women in the U.S. Compared to Other Nations, and How Reform Is Helping."

51 percent of uninsured U.S. women had a problem paying medical bills. 77 percent went without needed health care due to costs, more than double the rates of women in other countries.

The report also found insurance differences in the United States among states.

For example, 30 percent of women in Texas were uninsured, compared with 5 percent in Massachusetts, which has a universal health insurance law similar to the Affordable Care Act, the controversial health-reform legislation signed into law in 2010 by President Barack Obama.

Many of these problems will be solved when the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, the study authors said.

"With the Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, the nation is moving forward on ensuring access to high-quality care for all Americans," Karen Davis, president of the Commonwealth Fund, said during a Thursday news conference.

Once the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented in 2014, the rate of uninsured women will drop from 20 percent to 8 percent, the study authors contended.

Under the Act, women can already get preventive care with no co-pay or deductible for services such as screenings for cervical, breast and colon cancer, cholesterol checks, and osteoporosis and chlamydia screenings. And insurance companies cannot deny coverage because of a preexisting condition, the study authors added.

The law will also prevent insurance companies from charging women higher premiums because of their gender or health.

Dr. Bradley Flansbaum, director of Hospitalist Services at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said "the Affordable Care Act fills in the gaps for women's services."

There are disparities in women's health care in coverage and premium costs, he noted.

"It's almost considered that having an extra X chromosome is considered a disability," Flansbaum said. "The Affordable Care Act levels the playing field."

Because not all states are going to increase Medicaid benefits as outlined in the law, there will still be gaps in coverage for women on Medicaid in some states, he added.

The new report is not without critics.

They include Greg Scandlen, director of the Health Benefits Group Inc., which offers health insurance and life insurance to individuals and groups. "This report is a wonderful example of how you can prove anything if you cherry-pick the data carefully enough," he said.

Women aren't disadvantaged when it comes to health insurance, Scandlen said, adding, "In fact, women are far more likely to be covered than are men at nearly every age."

There are sex-based differences in all insurance markets, Scandlen said. "Women pay more for health insurance than men because they consume far more services than men. In the life and auto insurance markets, women pay far less than men because they drive safer and live longer," he said.

By looking at health care in other countries, Scandlen said, the report didn't take into account long wait times for care and the rationing of care in other nations.

"The Affordable Care Act may very well remove price obstacles to care, although that remains to be seen," he said. "But if it floods the system with new patients without increasing the supply of providers, it may result in less actual care for everyone."

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SOURCES: Bradley Flansbaum, D.O., M.P.H., director, Hospitalist Services, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; Greg Scandlen, director, Health Benefits Group; July 12, 2012, press conference with: Karen Davis, president, The Commonwealth Fund; July 13, 2012, report, Oceans Apart: The Higher Health Costs of Women in the U.S. Compared to Other Nations, and How Reform Is Helping

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Spray-on Skin May Promote Wound Healing

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Experts Predict Role for Spray-on Skin in Slow-Healing Wounds

By Denise Mann
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Aug. 2, 2012 -- An experimental spray-on skin product may help people with chronic leg wounds heal faster and more effectively than available treatments, a new study suggests.

The spray-on skin is made up of skin cells and suspended in a mixture of different types of proteins. The participants in this study all had venous leg ulcers, which are shallow wounds that occur in people who have a circulation problem in their veins. These wounds tend to develop on the inside of the lower leg. Most at risk for venous ulcers are inactive and obese people, as well as people with varicose veins.

People in the study who used the new treatment experienced a greater reduction in wound size than those who didn't use it.

The findings appear in the Lancet.

Healthpoint Biotherapeutics of Fort Worth, Texas, is developing the new product and sponsored the study.

As it stands, most venous leg ulcers are treated with compression bandages. Some doctors also use skin grafts in which skin is taken from another area of the body and used to resurface the wound. Skin grafts involve surgery, and people can develop a wound at the skin donation site, too.

"If you don't get these to heal, they become chronic, and the older the wounds are, the harder they become to heal with anything," says researcher Herbert B. Slade, MD. He is a pediatrician at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth and is also the chief medical officer at Healthpoint Biotherapeutics. "Compression bandages work for 30% to 70% of people, but are not 100% effective."

That is where the spray-on treatment may come in.

In the 12-week study of 205 people, those who received the spray-on treatment and compression bandaging had a greater reduction in wound size than those who used compression bandaging without the test treatment.

Researchers tested two strengths of the new therapy, along with compression bandages. The biggest improvements were seen in the lower-strength dose given every two weeks; there was a 16% greater reduction on average of the wound area, compared to a group that was given a spray that didn't contain the new therapy, after 12 weeks.

Side effects were similar in the different groups. The spray-on treatment sped wound closure by an average of 21 days compared to the comparison group.

Slade and colleagues are now assessing its safety and conducting studies to determine exactly how it works. "The FDA wants us to better define what it is that is happening when the cells get on the surface of the wound," he says. "We know it works, we just need to know more about how."

According to Slade, the sprayed-on cells help the tissue learn how to regenerate itself. If the findings are confirmed by follow-up studies, "it's going to be an off-the-shelf product." No information is available about cost at this time.

The need for new products to treat these wounds is tremendous, Matthias Augustin, MD, says in an email. "A significant number of patients fail to respond to any therapy."

Augustin, the director of the Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing at the University Clinics of Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany, wrote an editorial accompanying the new study.

"New treatments with improved healing and healing rates are needed to reduce the burden of ulcers for patients, [and] while more research is needed I believe that this product could ultimately make a significant difference for these patients."

John Lantis, MD, is one of the investigators on the study. "This could be used in any place that artificial skin is needed, such as diabetic foot ulcers," says Lantis, who is the chief of the vascular surgery division at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.

It will not be a stand-alone treatment. "If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, you will still have to wear special diabetic shoes," he says. "It's not like you can just spray it on and go about your business. It will always be used in conjunction with current standard of care."

It seems to perform better than any other artificial skin products out there or in the pipeline, Lantis says.

Maja Zaric, MD, says there may well be a role for this product. She is an interventional cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "The spray can be applied in various doses and it is very user-friendly, unlike a skin graft."

Still, not every person with a venous leg ulcer would benefit from the new spray-on skin. "Those who would benefit the most have extremely large ulcers and decreased blood flow," she says. Before treating these wounds, Zaric always does a vein-mapping study to see which veins are causing the problem.

Neil Sadick, MD, is a New York City dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. "This treatment provides a cocktail of cells and growth factors," he says. "These ingredients can stimulate new collagen, which would improve wound healing and also help recover the skin." Collagen is the main structural protein in skin.

"It could well be helpful in wound healing and it could be helpful in any area where we need to replace the skin surface," Sadick says.

SOURCES: Herbert B. Slade, MD, pediatrician, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas; chief medical officer, Healthpoint Biotherapeutics. Neil Sadick, MD, clinical professor of dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City. Maja Zaric, MD, interventional cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City. John Lantis, MD, chief, Vascular Surgery Division, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. Kirsner, R.S. Lancet, 2012, study received ahead of print.

©2012 WebMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Options Increasing for Coping With Kids' Food Allergies

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By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, Aug. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Kids with a serious food allergy generally have to steer clear of the offending food, but methods now under development could change that common scenario.

More than 3 million American youths -- about one of every 25 -- have a food allergy of some sort, usually to milk, eggs or peanuts, according to U.S. government statistics. For them, "avoidance has been the mainstay of treatment for a long time," said Dr. William Silvers, an allergist in private practice in Vail, Colo., and a spokesman for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

"Now what we're seeing is an increased interest in oral immunotherapy," Silvers said. "This means giving small and slowly increased doses orally of foods that children are allergic to, and building up the amount ingested over time to desensitize the child to the food so they can tolerate it."

That doesn't come string-free, though. Dr. Carla Davis, an allergist at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, noted that once children have been desensitized to a certain food, they have to continue eating it regularly or they'll become allergic to the food again.

"There isn't a maintenance of tolerance if you avoid the foods," she explained.

Along with desensitization, another potential new treatment for food allergies is a drug called omalizumab (Xolair). Silvers said that it works by blocking the activity of the allergy-causing substance known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) so that an allergic reaction never starts.

However, the food allergy would come back if a person were to stop using the drug, which is currently available only in an injectable form and has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in children younger than 12.

Some researchers, though, think that a combination of the two treatments might be better than either alone. Early reports from a very small study found that nine of 11 children who were given Xolair and then desensitized to milk were able to consume up to 12 ounces of dairy a day without a reaction.

Davis said that researchers also are testing herbal formulations and that one particular combination of nine herbs was able to prevent a serious allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, in mice. "It's another one of the treatments that may be up-and-coming," she said, though there's no evidence in humans yet.

What has been proven true, though, is that many kids simply outgrow their food allergies, even some of the most deadly ones. Davis said that as many as one in five youngsters may outgrow an allergy to peanuts but that allergies to eggs, milk, soy and wheat are most often outgrown. In general, peanuts, tree nuts and seafood allergies tend to stay with children as they grow, she said.

To know whether a child has outgrown a food allergy requires repeated skin and blood tests, Silvers said. "If IgE levels in the blood decrease over time, or if skin testing comes back negative or a very small reaction, a child or adult can be given a food challenge to see if they'll react," he said.

To be safe, though, the testing "must be done under a physician's supervision," Davis said, because a serious reaction could occur if the youngster has not outgrown the allergy.

For kids with lingering food allergies, Silvers recommended that the child or parent always carry the antihistamine Benadryl and an epinephrine injection pen. If it's suspected that the child accidentally ingested an allergy-inducing food, the youngster should take the antihistamine right away. If the allergic reaction worsens, administer the epinephrine and get to an emergency room as quickly as possible.

It's important to go to the hospital after a serious allergic reaction, Davis said, because there can be a second wave to the reaction about four to six hours later.

Many children have their own epinephrine pens at their school nurse's office. In Chicago, the public school system recently decided to take the next step and keep a supply of epinephrine pens in every school, and train school personnel in their use, so that they're prepared for any serious allergic reactions.

"This is a good idea because about one in five children have their first serious reaction in school," Davis said.

For those living with food allergies, Davis said, it's important to find a balance between being vigilant and being overanxious. Parents should be "prepared for a reaction, but shouldn't expect one all the time," she said. "Some parents become extremely anxious about the contact their child may have with food. Health vigilance is important, but so is quality of life."

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SOURCES: Carla Davis, M.D., assistant professor, pediatrics, section of allergy and immunology, department of pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston; William Silvers, M.D., allergist, Allergy Asthma Colorado, Vail, Colo.

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Onions recalls continue

Listeria in onions Cut salads, Salsas, triggers, like zaniki, more

By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

2 Aug. 2012--tons of ready-to-eat foodstuffs and ready to cook have been recalled because of listeria in plant onions California.

Gillis onions Oxnard, Calif., processes more than 90 000 tonnes of red and yellow onions per year. A wide range of products, which the plant chopped, slivered and peeled onions.

How many products? After the July 25 announcement reminds flood gills develop earlier references to include all the onions made in the establishment. On 2 Aug. was at least 15 separate recalls involving major brands like Trader Joe 's, whole foods, Wegmans, and Publix.

Foods containing onions fresh chicken salad ranged from salsa to the bean dip. All references, including a description of all the products, sales dates and product codes are available on the FDA web site.

Although the gills onions were sold only in 12 u.s. States and in Canada, products containing onions were sent to additional countries. For example, the appeal yesterday's Garden-fresh salads, salsa, beans, slaw and onion dip products containing gills on the 14 States Stronger…. Nine of these countries were not included in the appeal, the gills.

The appeal began on July 18, the day after a random test bag of yellow onions in the gills in the retail sales showed listeria bacteria. Gills, immediately closed its plant on 17 July as the only recognized studies the FDA. After finding the object, the company voluntarily listeria expanded its withdrawal. The plant remains closed.

Not yet have been linked to diseases of withdrawn products. Many, but not all the withdrawn products have reached their sell-by date. Gill says that its products are of relevance of the 16-day.

Serious cases of Listeriosis-listeria infection---are relatively rare. People at high risk are the elderly and people with weakened immune system. Pregnant women usually do not get a serious illness of the same, but the infection can cause miscarriage, abortion, premature infant infections or critical.

People from listeria food poisoning usually decreased with the case of diarrhea, often with fever. Over days or weeks, may develop more severe symptoms: fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness of muscles or vomiting.

Although the symptoms may appear as soon as possible after three days after eating contaminated food, the Symptoms usually appear within one to three weeks. However, some people become ill two months after eating contaminated food.

Sources: FDA web site. The CDC web site. Gills onions web site. Releases, FDA. Releases, gills onions.

© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Health Tip: Protect Your Child in Extreme Heat

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(HealthDay News) -- Extreme heat can make people sick, especially children. That's why parents should be prepared to get overheated kids out of the hot sun and into an air-conditioned building.

The American Academy of Pediatricians offers this advice:

If your home isn't air conditioned, visit a pubic building such as a library.Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids all day long. Offer a drink before your child asks for one.Allow more naps and rest time than usual, as heat can make children feel tired.Have your child take a cool bath.Don't ever leave your child inside a hot car.

-- Diana Kohnle Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

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Some Improvement in Heart Risk Factors for Americans: CDC

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By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, Aug. 3 (HealthDay News) -- About 47 percent of American adults have at least one risk factor for heart disease, according to a new report released Friday.

These risk factors include uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled high levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and smoking, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We have seen declines [in risk factors], but there's still work to be done," said the report's lead author, CDC health statistician Cheryl Fryar.

Findings of the report, culled from data gathered from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, included:

A drop in the rate of adults with at least one risk factor from 58 percent in 1999 to 46.5 percent in 2010.Men (52 percent) are more likely than women (41 percent) to have one of these risk factors.From 1999 to 2010, there was a drop in the percentage of whites and Mexican Americans who had at least one risk factor (about 47 percent and 45 percent respectively).There was no decline in the percentage of blacks with these risk factors, which remained at 58 percent.The prevalence of uncontrolled high blood pressure and uncontrolled high LDL cholesterol dropped between 1999 and 2010 (almost 8 percent and 9 percent, respectively).There was no drop in the percentage of adult cigarette smokers, which remained at 25 percent of adults 20 and older.Disparities remain among people of different income levels and racial and ethnic groups.

"Cardiovascular disease and stroke are largely preventable, with uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled high LDL cholesterol levels and smoking representing major modifiable risk factors in men and women of all racial and ethnic groups and all income levels," said Dr. Gregg Fonarow, spokesman for the American Heart Association and professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"It is concerning that some of the early gains in lowering the rates of uncontrolled high LDL cholesterol appeared heading in the wrong direction in 2009 and 2010," Fonarow said. "This may represent recent misguided efforts to discredit the substantial cardiovascular benefits of LDL-lowering therapy."

The report found that there are significant disparities in risk factors by age, sex, race and income levels, Fonarow noted.

"African Americans and those with incomes of less than 130 percent of the poverty level had higher prevalence of risk factors and made less progress over the study period," he said. "The reasons behind these disparities in risk factor control are likely complex, but deserving of further study."

"Substantially increased efforts to reduce or eliminate these uncontrolled cardiovascular disease and stroke risk factors at the individual, community, national and global level are clearly needed," Fonarow added.

Reasons for the stalled decline in smoking rates are not clear. Possible explanations include less money spent by states on antismoking campaigns and more advertising dollars spent by tobacco companies.

The CDC recently launched a campaign of graphic ads to get smokers to quit. Early results indicate the campaign is working.

"We have to have sustained efforts like this if we are going to have an impact on decreasing the number of smokers in this country," Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society, said at the time of the campaign's launch. "One of the sad facts is that although we had success a number of years ago in getting people to stop smoking, we have hit a roadblock where 20 percent of Americans still smoke."

One of the major problems is that tobacco companies easily outspend the government's efforts to curb smoking with vast sums devoted to promoting their products, Lichtenfeld said.

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SOURCES: Cheryl Fryar, M.S.P.H., U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Gregg Fonarow, M.D., spokesman, American Heart Association, professor, cardiovascular medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Aug. 3, 2012, report, Prevalence of Uncontrolled Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: United States, 1999-2010

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When the Act of the parents, so do Kids: study

THURSDAY, Aug. 2 HealthDay News)--parents who want to increase the amount of exercise for their children should become more active themselves, according to a new study.

"Long known that parent and child activity levels are correlated," study Author Kristen Holm, Assistant Professor of medicine at National Jewish Health in Denver, said in a news release. "[This study] showed that when parents increase their activities, the children also increased. The effect was more pronounced in the weekend. "

Study, published in the July issue of journal of physical activity and health, involved the 83 families participating in the programme designed to weight gain among overweight and obese children aged from 7 to 14.

Parents and children in the program are encouraged to increase their level of daily activity by walking 2,000 more steps every day. Their progress was tracked with pedometers.

Research has shown that mothers have reached or exceeded the objective on the days of the 2,000-step, their children give an average of 2,117 more. When mothers has not achieved the objective, their children were only 1,175 perform additional steps. The researchers pointed out that the children who were less active when the program started more additional steps than children who were more active.

Overall, the researchers found that for each 1000 additional steps taken by the mother, their child endeavoured 196 more. The researchers Saw a similar structure between fathers and their children.

The researchers suggested that parents and children together perform frequently at weekends resulted in the increase in exercise.

--Mary Elizabeth Dallas Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SOURCE: National Jewish Health, news release, July 30, 2012.

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Why women Outlive men: Fruit Flies provide clues

THURSDAY, Aug. 2 HealthDay News)--New research shows that mutations to the DNA of mitochondria to cause men to age faster than women--a statement that may explain why women, on average, outlive men.

Researchers from Monash University in Australia examined male and female fruit flies, which transported mitochondria--the part of the cell that converts food into energy--the origin of the variety. It appeared that genetic variants in mitochondria predicted life expectancy in males, but not in the case of females. Researchers found that several of the mutations in the mitochondria DNA affects how quickly men aged and their durability.

"Intriguingly, these same mutations do not affect the patterns of aging in females. They affect only males, "Dr. Damian Dowling, of the school of biological sciences, Monash University, said in a news release. "All animals have the mitochondria, and tendency to outlive males to females is common to many different species. Our results therefore suggest that mutations mitochondrialnego, which we have no cover will generally faster aging of the male sex in the Animal Kingdom. "

Mutations result from the way in which mitochondrial genes are passed down from one generation to the next, noted the authors of the study.

"When the children receive copies of most of their genes both their mothers and fathers, only receive the mitochondrial gene from their mothers. This means that the quality control process in evolution, known as natural selection, only the screen quality of mitochondrial genes in the dams, "explained Dowling. "If the mitochondrial mutation occurs injures fathers, but does not affect mothers, the mutation will be using through the gaze of natural selection, without return. Over thousands of generations, many such mutations have accumulated that harm only to males, females, leaving unscathed. "

The authors of the study said that they intend to continue their research and study ways to reverse the genetic mutation, which negatively affect women's life.

Research has been published in current biology, Aug. 2.

--Mary Elizabeth Dallas Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: Monash University, news release, Aug. 2, 2012

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Health Tip: If Your Child Gets Headaches

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(HealthDay News) -- If your child gets frequent headaches, you can help the pediatrician diagnose the problem by keeping a log of the child's symptoms.

The Nemours Foundation says the log should include:

The frequency and severity of headaches, when they started and ended, and any other symptoms that accompanied the headaches.Where the pain was felt, what it felt like (throbbing or dull, etc.), and changes in these headaches over time.Any recent injuries, identifiable headache triggers, current medications or previous medical problems.Your child's eating and sleeping habits.Your child's allergies and any family history of headaches.Any medication or activity that seems to help make the headaches go away.

-- Diana Kohnle Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

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Pregnant mothers can support the development of fetal Gut changes

THURSDAY, Aug. 2 HealthDay News)--obtain a change in the composition of intestinal microbes that normally would cause health problems such as weight and inflammation may actually be beneficial for the pregnant, according to the researchers.

In conducting the research, published in the Aug. 3 edition of the journal cell, scientists tested stool samples taken from 91 women in pregnancy. It appeared that the composition of intestinal microbes women changing in time, from the first quarter of their pregnancy at the third trimester.

"This is the first in-depth characterization of intestinal microbiota associated with pregnancy," study senior author, Ruth Ley, Cornell University, said in a news release. log "The findings suggest that our body have coevolved with the microbiota and can actually use them as a tool to help you change the metabolism of the mother--to promote the development of the fetus."

In the course of their pregnancy, intestinal microbes women became less "normal" and less varied. Researchers also found that the number of bacteria beneficial bacteria levels associated with rejected as the disease has increased. There was also evidence that inflammation increased during the pregnancies of women.

"Changes in intestinal microbes do not relate to diet, so we think that the immune system or the hormones play a role," Ley noted.

The researchers then passed the transfer of pregnant women healthy mouse intestinal bacteria. They found mice that received transfer of the bacteria from the third trimester got fatter and had higher levels of inflammation markers in blood sugar metabolism, and worse than the mice that received the first trimester of the micro-organism.

"By the third trimester, the microbiota may entail changes in metabolism," Lei said. "In the context of pregnancy, these changes in the mother are healthy metabolic because they promote the energy storage in fat tissue support and assistance of the fetus. Beyond the pregnancy, however, these changes may lead to the development of type 2 diabetes and other health problems. "

--Mary Elizabeth Dallas Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: cell, news release, Aug. 2, 2012

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Most Americans with Celiac disease do not understand: the test

THURSDAY, Aug. 2 HealthDay News)--new research suggests that the 1.4 million Americans have celiac disease, but do not know, while 1.6 million people are on a gluten-free diet for celiac disease--treatment--even though they may not be necessary.

The results, which estimates that 1.8 million Americans have celiac disease--autoimmune condition--indicate that the percentage of 78 patients do not always realize that they have the condition.

"This is proof that the disease is common in the United States," said co-author Dr. Joseph Murray, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic in the news release. "If you have one person to detect every five or six [who] are not very good job we're doing, celiac disease detection."

People with celiac disease have trouble sample of wheat, rye and barley. Gluten-free diet can help, but around 80% of the people on such a diet not recognized in celiac disease.

"There are many people on a gluten-free Diet and not clear what is the medical need for that," said Murray. "This important if someone thinks that they have celiac disease, that they be tested first before they go on a diet."

The researchers came to their conclusions by examining the results of tests of blood and establish a national test.

Celiac disease seems to be particularly common in the white race.

"Virtually all of the people we were non-Hispanic Caucasians," said co-author Dr. Alberto Rubio-Tapia, Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, release news. But, he said, the results are head scratching because studies in Mexico had suggested that the disease celiac is common.

Research was partially funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Centre for disease prevention and control.

Study appears in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, July 31.

--Randy Dotinga Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: Mayo Clinic, news release, 31 July 2012

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Modest weight loss can benefit long-term health

THURSDAY, Aug. 2 HealthDay News)--even modest weight loss can include the overweight and obese important health benefits worth a decade, according to new research.

Study included 3,000 people overweight impaired glucose tolerance--a condition of pre-diabetic--who demonstrated how to change their behavior instead of the recommended drugs.

Behavioral strategies used by participants to help them with everything turned on weight maintenance, reducing the amount they ate unhealthy food, kept in their home and increase their amount of physical activity.

Even modest weight loss--an average of 14 pounds--reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%. Weight loss and health benefits lasted for 10 years, even if the people regain the weight, "said study Author Rena Wing, a Professor of Psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University in Providence, R.I.

The test is scheduled for presentation Thursday at the American Psychological Association annual meeting in Orlando, Fla file.

"Help people find ways of changing their eating and activity behaviors and develop intervention other than medication to strengthen healthy lifestyles have made a huge difference in preventing one of the health problems in this country," Wing, who is also Director of the weight control and Diabetes Research Center at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, said in a news release.

"Weight loss of only 10 percent of body weight a person ... have also been shown the long-term impact on team sleep, sleep, hypertension and the quality of life and to release the decrease in mobility that occurs with age," she noted.

Wing is currently a study of 13 years 5000 people with type 2 diabetes to determine whether intensive behavioral intervention can reduce the risk of heart disease and heart.

"We want to show that behavior change not only creates healthier reduce risk factors for heart disease, but actually can make them live longer," she said.

Because the study was presented at the meeting of the medical data and conclusions should be seen as a preliminary to the time of publication in peer-reviewed Journal.

--Robert Preidt Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: American Psychological Association, news release, Aug. 2, 2012

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West Nile virus on rise in us: CDC

THURSDAY, Aug. 2 HealthDay News)--so far this year, State of 241 cases of West Nile virus, and four related deaths the UNITED STATES experiencing the largest collection in mosquito diseases since 2004, health officials report.

Eighty percent of these infections occurring in three Member States--Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma--which have seen business earlier than usual. Overall, 42 States has detected a virus, West Nile virus to humans, birds or mosquitoes from 31 July, the Centre for disease prevention and control said Wednesday.

"It's not clear why we see more activity than in recent years," Dr. Marc Fischer, Arboviral Diseases Branch of the Agency's medical Schwartz, said in a news release, CDC. "Irrespective of the reason for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile virus activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their families."

Typically, the greatest risk of the infection with West Nile virus occurs from June to September, with cases peaking in mid-August. However, changes in the weather, the number of infected mosquitoes and human behavior can have all the effects when and where outbreaks of the virus, the CDC noted.

The best way to protect against West Nile virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. CDC officials recommended the following protective measures:

Use insect Repellents when outside. Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk.Install or repair screens on Windows and doors.Use of air conditioning, where possible. Do not leave standing water outside in open containers, such as buckets, flowerpots, and kiddie pools.

People infected with West Nile virus can develop a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. In more extreme cases, the virus can lead to serious illness, such as neurologic core encephalitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues) or death. People older than 50 and with medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and organ transplants are at higher risk for serious disease.

Although most people with mild cases of the West Nile virus will recover on their own, the CDC recommends that anyone who develops symptoms of the disease should see their doctor immediately.

--Mary Elizabeth Dallas Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: U.S. centres for disease control and prevention, news release, Aug. 1, 2012

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Food Journal: Write It Down, Shed More Pounds

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Food Journals Help Dieters Lose Weight, Study Shows

By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

July 13, 2012 -- If you want to lose weight, you need to eat less -- and if you want to eat less, it helps to write it down.

When researchers studied the eating behaviors of female dieters they found that two of the most important tools linked to successful weight loss were a pen and notebook.

Women who kept food journals and consistently wrote down the foods they ate lost more weight than women who didn't.

Skipping meals and eating out frequently, especially at lunch, led to less weight loss.

Researcher Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD, says based on the study results, the number one piece of advice someone should follow if they want to lose weight is, "Keep a food journal."

"It's about accountability, knowing what you're eating and how much, and how that all adds up compared with your calorie goal for losing weight," she tells WebMD.

The study appears in the latest issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The study included 123 previously inactive, overweight, postmenopausal women in Seattle enrolled in a weight loss study.

Over the course of a year, the women followed a restricted-calorie diet with the goal of achieving a 10% reduction in weight in six months. Half the women were put on an exercise program and the other half were not.

All the participants were asked to record the foods they ate daily in seven-day diaries provided weekly by dietician counselors.

During the study, the women also completed a series of questionnaires designed to assess their individual eating-related behaviors and strategies to achieve weight loss.

At the end of the year, both the diet-alone and diet-and-exercise groups had lost an average of 10% of their starting weight.

Among the specific findings:

Women who consistently filled out the food journals lost about 6 pounds more than those who didn't.Those who skipped meals lost an average of 8 fewer pounds than those who didn't.Women who ate in restaurants at lunch at least once a week lost an average of 5 pounds less than those who ate out less.

"Eating out may be a barrier for making healthful dietary changes because it usually means less individual control over ingredients and cooking methods, as well as larger portion sizes," the researchers wrote.

The study is not the first to find that keeping a food journal helps people shed pounds.

A 2008 study found that dieters who kept food diaries at least six days a week lost twice as much weight as those who kept the journals one day a week or less.

Keeping a food diary helps increase awareness of mindless, distracted eating, says nutritionist and diabetes educator Megrette Fletcher, RD, who is also co-founder of The Center for Mindful Eating.

"We know that when people keep food journals they are more aware of what they eat and in what quantities," she tells WebMD. "Whether the goal is to lose weight, keep diabetes under control, or just to avoid eating when you are not hungry, food journals can help."

Most experts recommend writing down the foods you eat as soon as you eat them, rather than waiting until the end of the day.

Some other tips:

It may also help to write down what you were doing when you were eating and how eating made you feel.Record your level of hunger along with the foods you eat.Be honest: Keeping a journal will do you no good if you only do it when you are being virtuous. Record the food slips along with the food triumphs.SOURCES: Kong, A. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, July 13, 2012. Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD, professor of epidemiology, University of Washington; researcher, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle. Megrette Fletcher, Med, RD, executive director, The Center for Mindful Eating. News release, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Hollis, J.F. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, August 2008.

©2012 WebMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Quitting Smoking Does Mean Weight Gain for Many: Study

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TUESDAY, July 10 (HealthDay News) -- Most smokers who quit gain more weight than previously thought -- an average of about 8 to 11 pounds the first year, according to a new European study.

Most of this weight gain occurs within three months of kicking the habit, the researchers reported. But, they added, the benefits of quitting still outweigh any concerns over this slight rise on the scale.

In conducting the research, investigators from France and the United Kingdom examined 62 previous studies to evaluate weight fluctuations among smokers who quit successfully with and without the help of nicotine replacement therapy. The weight changes of the former smokers were assessed 12 months after they stopped smoking.

The study found that smokers who quit without the help of nicotine replacement therapy gained an average of about 2.5 pounds one month after quitting. At the two-month mark, they had gained about 5 pounds; at three months, they were up 6.5 pounds. By six months, they had gained about 9 pounds, and after 12 months, they were 10.5 pounds heavier.

The average weight gain was similar for those using nicotine replacement therapy, according to Henri-Jean Aubin, a professor of psychiatry and addiction medicine at Paul Brousse Hospital in Villejuif, France, and colleagues.

The researchers pointed out this weight gain is greater than the 6.5 pounds often quoted in handouts about smoking cessation. It's also more than the 5-pound weight gain limit many female smokers say they will tolerate in order to quit.

The findings reflect the average weight gain of the former smokers, but fluctuation in weight varied widely: 16 percent of the people who stopped smoking lost weight, while 13 percent had gained more than 22 pounds in the year after quitting.

The study, published in the July 10 online edition of the BMJ, concluded that previous research underestimated the amount of weight people will gain in the 12 months after they quit smoking.

"These data suggest that doctors might usefully give patients a range of expected weight gain," the study authors said in a journal news release.

-- Mary Elizabeth Dallas Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SOURCE: BMJ, news release, July 10, 2012

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