Archive for June, 2009

Endometrial Cancer – What is it and what to look for?

In the last 3 weeks I have been told about two acquaintances diagnosed with endometrial cancer. One has excellent chances and the other is preparing to die. The endometrium is the layer in your uterus that grows up then sheds during your period. Endometrial cancer is the cancer of this layer and is quite common in the United States. It is most often thought of as a post-menopausal cancer; however younger women should be aware too.
The most common symptom in women is bleeding. In a woman who is post-menopausal, she might bleed or spot again [...]

Surviving Summer Naturally

It’s that time of year for vacations at the beach, camping in the mountains and lazy afternoon bbq’s. Unfortunately, even the best intentions to enjoy the weather may have a few boo-boo’s along the way. Here are a few tips for surviving minor incidences a little more naturally…1) Sunburn: if you were exposed a little too long the best thing to do is to stay hydrated and soothe pink skin with aloe vera. Either break the leaf of a plant and apply the thick gel or buy aloe vera in a bottle for instant relief. 2) Over-strained [...]

Dealing With The Chronic Itch ‘Down There.’

How many women have had a yeast infection? How many women thought they had a yeast infection and instead it was bacterial vaginosis (BV)? What’s the difference?
The vagina is its own little ecosystem. It plays host to a number of flora that live in there and has the ability to self-correct if things get off balance. Typically your pH runs from 3.5-4.5 so it’s relatively acidic. Blood (from your period) and semen increase the pH to be around 7. Ovulation also increases your pH to match that of potential incoming sperm (making it a [...]

What Increases Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

Did you know that the majority of women with breast cancer have no known risk other than being a female? Did you know there are women with multiple risk factors who never develop breast cancer? As a Naturopathic Physician, it’s my job to educate you on your risks so you can lower them and help protect yourself.
First and foremost, being an aging woman increases your risk of developing breast cancer (but I still wouldn’t trade it for anything! Women are awesome!).
Second, if you have had breast cancer before then your risk greatly increases.
Having a first degree [...]

Inflammatory Breast Cancer: What Is It?

Women know to look for a lump. We do our monthly self-exam and see our healthcare practitioners every year for our check-up. No lump = no cancer, right? Not necessarily.
Inflammatory breast cancer doesn’t have to have a lump. In fact, it can start out with redness of the skin. It may cause your breast to enlarge or swell, be tender, warm to the touch, look like an infection, or look like mastitis as if breast-feeding! The cancer cells plug up the lymphatic vessels in the skin not allowing fluid to drain away [...]