A new study, derived from novel sleep research conducted by University of California, San Diego researchers 14 years earlier, suggests that the secret to a long life may come with just enough sleep. Less than five hours a night is probably not enough; eight hours is probably too much.
A team of scientists, headed by Daniel F. Kripke, MD, professor emeritus of psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine, revisited original research conducted between 1995 and 1999. In that earlier study, part of the Women's Health Initiative, Kripke and colleagues had monitored 459 women living in San Diego (ranging in age from 50 to 81) to determine if sleep duration could be associated with mortality. Fourteen years later, they returned to see who was still alive and well.
Of the original participants, 444 were located and evaluated. Eighty-six women had died. Previous studies, based upon questionnaires of people's sleep habits, had posited that sleeping 6.5 to 7.5 hours per night was associated with best survival. Kripke and colleagues, whose 1990s research had used wrist activity monitors to record sleep durations, essentially confirmed those findings, but with a twist.
"The surprise was that when sleep was measured objectively, the best survival was observed among women who slept 5 to 6.5 hours," Kripke said. "Women who slept less than five hours a night or more than 6.5 hours were less likely to be alive at the 14-year follow-up."
The findings are published online in the journal Sleep Medicine.
Kripke said the study should allay some people's fears that they're not getting enough sleep. "This means that women who sleep as little as five to six-and-a-half hours have nothing to worry about since that amount of sleep is evidently consistent with excellent survival. That is actually about the average measured sleep duration for San Diego women."
Researchers uncovered other interesting findings as well. For example, among older women, obstructive sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep) did not predict increased mortality risk. "Although apneas may be associated with increased mortality risk among those under 60, it does not seem to carry a risk in the older age group, particularly for women," Kripke said.
Co-authors of the study include Robert D. Langer of the Jackson Hole Center for Preventive Medicine; Jeffrey A. Elliot and Katharine M. Rex of the UCSD Department of Psychiatry; and Melville R. Klauber of the UCSD Department of Family and Preventive Medicine.
Source: University of California
четверг, 31 мая 2012 г.
четверг, 24 мая 2012 г.
Free Women's Heart Screening Presented By Rush University Medical Center And The 2 BigHearts Foundation
Rush University Medical Center, in conjunction with the 2 BigHearts Foundation, is offering a free women's heart screening to help women assess their cardiovascular risks. The screening includes an echocardiogram, an ECG, fasting blood sugar, lipid panel, height/weight/blood pressure, evaluation of waist circumference and BMI, health risk assessment, and a consultation with a cardiologist or cardiology clinician.
The free women's heart screenings will be offered at Rush by appointment only on Saturday, May 3, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited and people must register for an appointment time by calling (888) 352-RUSH. Eligibility is limited to women 21 years of age or older who have not participated in a prior screening and are not currently receiving cardiac medical care.
The funding for the screening is a combined effort of Rush and the 2 BigHearts Foundation. Jim Clarke formed 2 BigHearts after the sudden deaths of his wife and his sister-in-law on the very same day from heart disease. Both Gigi Clarke and Sally Czechanski suffered cardiac trauma as a direct result of cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart muscle. The foundation strives to increase awareness of this issue of heart disease in women.
"By telling the story of my wife and her sister I hope to stress that a similarly tragic scenario is avoidable with proper heart health education," said Clarke. "Had we known about their condition, both Gigi and Sally could have sought treatment that might have saved their lives."
This is the third free screening offered by Rush and 2 BigHearts. Results from these screenings illustrate why future screenings are so crucial to women's cardiovascular health. Out of 274 women screened, eight percent found out they had a heart abnormality and needed to see a physician. Abnormal lipid results were found in 59 percent of the women who were advised to make either lifestyle/behavior changes and/or follow-up with a physician. Of these women, 92 percent plan to make lifestyle changes related to the results of the screening, and said they plan to discuss results with their physician.
The screening at Rush includes an echocardiogram, a non-invasive ultrasound that creates images of the heart. This allows heart specialists to view the size of the heart and its motion as it beats.
Participants will also receive an electrocardiogram (ECG). In this noninvasive test, electrode patches are attached to the skin to measure electrical impulse from the heart. An ECG can show disturbances in the electrical activity of the heart, which may identify abnormal heart rhythms and areas of injury.
The screening will also focus on risk factors for women which include, high blood pressure, high total and LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, being physically inactive, age (55 and older), and family history.
"I tell women who have several risk factors that they need to know their own bodies and how they feel when there's nothing wrong. If there is a change, such as unexplained extreme fatigue, it may be a sign that something is wrong and they should seek medical help," said cardiologist Dr. Anabelle Volgman, medical director of the Rush Heart Center for Women.
Many women ignore symptoms of cardiovascular disease because unlike the classic severe chest pain men often describe, women's symptoms tend to be more nonspecific - fatigue, nausea and shortness of breath. Women are urged to call 9-1-1 if there is sudden chest discomfort or extreme fatigue that lasts more than a few minutes.
To reduce your risk for heart disease, Volgman suggests a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise to help maintain a healthy weight and avoid diabetes. Smokers need to quit. If blood pressure and cholesterol can't be controlled through diet and exercise alone, medications can help. Prevention is important because more women than men die within the first year after a heart attack.
At the Rush Heart Center for Women, women with heart problems are diagnosed and treated with great sensitivity and innovation by a team of cardiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, nutritionists and cardiothoracic surgeons who are supported by the comprehensive resources of a world-class academic medical center. Rush University Medical Center encompasses the more than 600 staffed-bed hospital (including Rush Children's Hospital), the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center and Rush University. Rush is noted for bringing together clinical care and research to address major health problems, including arthritis and orthopedic disorders, cancer, heart disease, mental illness, neurological disorders and diseases associated with aging.
The free women's heart screenings will be offered at Rush by appointment only on Saturday, May 3, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited and people must register for an appointment time by calling (888) 352-RUSH. Eligibility is limited to women 21 years of age or older who have not participated in a prior screening and are not currently receiving cardiac medical care.
The funding for the screening is a combined effort of Rush and the 2 BigHearts Foundation. Jim Clarke formed 2 BigHearts after the sudden deaths of his wife and his sister-in-law on the very same day from heart disease. Both Gigi Clarke and Sally Czechanski suffered cardiac trauma as a direct result of cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart muscle. The foundation strives to increase awareness of this issue of heart disease in women.
"By telling the story of my wife and her sister I hope to stress that a similarly tragic scenario is avoidable with proper heart health education," said Clarke. "Had we known about their condition, both Gigi and Sally could have sought treatment that might have saved their lives."
This is the third free screening offered by Rush and 2 BigHearts. Results from these screenings illustrate why future screenings are so crucial to women's cardiovascular health. Out of 274 women screened, eight percent found out they had a heart abnormality and needed to see a physician. Abnormal lipid results were found in 59 percent of the women who were advised to make either lifestyle/behavior changes and/or follow-up with a physician. Of these women, 92 percent plan to make lifestyle changes related to the results of the screening, and said they plan to discuss results with their physician.
The screening at Rush includes an echocardiogram, a non-invasive ultrasound that creates images of the heart. This allows heart specialists to view the size of the heart and its motion as it beats.
Participants will also receive an electrocardiogram (ECG). In this noninvasive test, electrode patches are attached to the skin to measure electrical impulse from the heart. An ECG can show disturbances in the electrical activity of the heart, which may identify abnormal heart rhythms and areas of injury.
The screening will also focus on risk factors for women which include, high blood pressure, high total and LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, being physically inactive, age (55 and older), and family history.
"I tell women who have several risk factors that they need to know their own bodies and how they feel when there's nothing wrong. If there is a change, such as unexplained extreme fatigue, it may be a sign that something is wrong and they should seek medical help," said cardiologist Dr. Anabelle Volgman, medical director of the Rush Heart Center for Women.
Many women ignore symptoms of cardiovascular disease because unlike the classic severe chest pain men often describe, women's symptoms tend to be more nonspecific - fatigue, nausea and shortness of breath. Women are urged to call 9-1-1 if there is sudden chest discomfort or extreme fatigue that lasts more than a few minutes.
To reduce your risk for heart disease, Volgman suggests a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise to help maintain a healthy weight and avoid diabetes. Smokers need to quit. If blood pressure and cholesterol can't be controlled through diet and exercise alone, medications can help. Prevention is important because more women than men die within the first year after a heart attack.
At the Rush Heart Center for Women, women with heart problems are diagnosed and treated with great sensitivity and innovation by a team of cardiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, nutritionists and cardiothoracic surgeons who are supported by the comprehensive resources of a world-class academic medical center. Rush University Medical Center encompasses the more than 600 staffed-bed hospital (including Rush Children's Hospital), the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center and Rush University. Rush is noted for bringing together clinical care and research to address major health problems, including arthritis and orthopedic disorders, cancer, heart disease, mental illness, neurological disorders and diseases associated with aging.
четверг, 17 мая 2012 г.
Parenting Stress Affects New Mothers' Postpartum Lifestyle
Post-pregnancy excess weight is likely caused by the impact of new parenthood stress on physical activity, Georgia Health Sciences University researchers say.
In a study of 60 first-time mothers, researchers linked higher post-pregnancy body mass index - weight in relation to height - to a combination of a high BMI before pregnancy, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, parenting stress and a sedentary lifestyle, according to a study published in Women & Health.
The study gauged parental stress by asking participants to rate statements such as "I feel like I have less time to myself" and "I enjoy being a parent." They were also asked to recall their physical activity over the previous 24 hours, categorizing that activity from light to vigorous.
"Sedentary lifestyle, or a low amount of physical activity, was most influenced by the type of parenting stress the mothers reported," says Dr. Deborah Young-Hyman, behavioral psychologist with the Georgia Prevention Institute. "More parenting stress, especially depression, was associated with less physical activity and a higher postpartum BMI."
Interestingly, social interaction, generally considered a measure of well-being, correlated with a higher body mass index, she noted.
"We think women are socializing with their friends, not isolating themselves, but they are doing sedentary things like talking on the phone, watching television or hanging out at home, instead of taking their babies on a walk together."
New moms with a higher BMI did report more depressive symptoms, but overall felt competent as parents. Those with lower BMIs reported more physical activity and less depressive symptoms.
"We know that physical activity improves your mood and helps you lose weight, but no one has ever asked how physical activity is related to parenting stress in first-time moms," Young-Hyman said.
Lack of stress may modulate weight after childbirth because relaxed moods are associated with lower caloric intake and higher activity, she said, noting that caloric intake is the number-one driver of weight gain.
"The bottom line is that parenting stress does impact the postpartum lifestyles of new moms," she said.
Based on a current study tracking how first-time mothers adjust to parenthood, researchers will develop an intervention to help new moms create healthy lifestyles for both themselves and their babies - preventing overweight mothers and children.
Source:
Georgia Health Sciences University
In a study of 60 first-time mothers, researchers linked higher post-pregnancy body mass index - weight in relation to height - to a combination of a high BMI before pregnancy, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, parenting stress and a sedentary lifestyle, according to a study published in Women & Health.
The study gauged parental stress by asking participants to rate statements such as "I feel like I have less time to myself" and "I enjoy being a parent." They were also asked to recall their physical activity over the previous 24 hours, categorizing that activity from light to vigorous.
"Sedentary lifestyle, or a low amount of physical activity, was most influenced by the type of parenting stress the mothers reported," says Dr. Deborah Young-Hyman, behavioral psychologist with the Georgia Prevention Institute. "More parenting stress, especially depression, was associated with less physical activity and a higher postpartum BMI."
Interestingly, social interaction, generally considered a measure of well-being, correlated with a higher body mass index, she noted.
"We think women are socializing with their friends, not isolating themselves, but they are doing sedentary things like talking on the phone, watching television or hanging out at home, instead of taking their babies on a walk together."
New moms with a higher BMI did report more depressive symptoms, but overall felt competent as parents. Those with lower BMIs reported more physical activity and less depressive symptoms.
"We know that physical activity improves your mood and helps you lose weight, but no one has ever asked how physical activity is related to parenting stress in first-time moms," Young-Hyman said.
Lack of stress may modulate weight after childbirth because relaxed moods are associated with lower caloric intake and higher activity, she said, noting that caloric intake is the number-one driver of weight gain.
"The bottom line is that parenting stress does impact the postpartum lifestyles of new moms," she said.
Based on a current study tracking how first-time mothers adjust to parenthood, researchers will develop an intervention to help new moms create healthy lifestyles for both themselves and their babies - preventing overweight mothers and children.
Source:
Georgia Health Sciences University
четверг, 10 мая 2012 г.
Women, Space Travel and Infection: Female Immune Response on Extended Missions
A bed-rest study with female participants will help scientists understand changes to the immune response and decreased
resistance to infection in space.
Investigators with the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) are researching the immune system as part of the
Women's International Space Simulation for Exploration (WISE), a collaborative venture that includes NASA, the European Space
Agency, the Centre National D'?tudes Spatiales (French Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency. The study is being
carried out by the French Institute for Space Medicine and Physiology (MEDES) in Toulouse, France.
"It is clear from existing data that space flight conditions alter immune responses," said Dr. Gerald Sonnenfeld, a
researcher on the NSBRI's Immunology, Infection and Hematology Team. "Space has such limited access; to research the immune
response, we use a bed-rest model because it provides conditions similar to space conditions - fluid shift to the head and a
lack of weight-bearing on the lower limbs."
Changes in immunity could have serious effects on an astronaut's ability to resist infection and the development of tumors.
Possible causes for a compromised immune system include exposure to radiation and the effects of microgravity. With current
expeditions to the International Space Station for extended periods and future exploration missions to the moon and Mars,
astronauts will be exposed to chronic radiation that could result in serious health problems.
To help unravel the infection-resistance issue, Sonnenfeld is researching the overall impact of the body's immune response
under space-like conditions. Through tests taken before, during and after bed rest, he will gauge whether participants' white
blood cells divide normally and whether messengers of the immune system, called cytokines, are produced. Sonnenfeld also will
study the frequency by which latent viruses are reactivated and whether participants mount an immune response to a harmless
vaccine, phiX174, that is introduced during the study.
"In the past, most bed-rest studies for immunity have been carried out on men. It is significant to be part of the
international WISE study because scientists and the space community want valid conclusions about effects on women," said
Sonnenfeld, who is also vice president for research at Binghamton University, State University of New York.
The study involves 24 healthy, non-smoking female volunteers between the ages of 25 and 40. Candidates in the first phase
came from the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands and Poland. Recruitment for another 12
volunteers, who are needed for the second campaign, is currently ongoing (medes.fr). Each subject is assigned to one of three groups, which include bed rest, bed rest
with a series of exercises targeting the lower body, and bed rest with a nutritional supplement. Participants lie with their
heads tilted six degrees below horizontal so that their feet are slightly higher than their heads.
During the study, researchers begin by collecting physiological data to serve as a baseline. Blood samples, urine samples and
saliva swabs are taken at specified intervals during the 60 days of bed rest. After the bed-rest period, similar tests are
taken for comparison. Participants will return to measure how their bodies recovered for up to three years.
"The data garnered by this study is not only historic, it will be valuable in international efforts to plan long-duration
missions," Sonnenfeld said. "It could help determine how exercise and nutritional countermeasures for other space
flight-induced problems including bone and muscle loss influence the immune system, making researchers better able to
coordinate solutions to the challenges of human space flight."
Sonnenfeld's team also is composed of Dr. Janet Butel of Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. William Shearer of Texas Children's
Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. David Niesel of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and Drs.
Michel Abbal and Antoine Blancher of the Universit? Paul Sabatier in Toulouse.
NSBRI, funded by NASA, is a consortium of institutions studying the health risks related to long-duration space flight. The
Institute's research and education projects take place at more than 70 institutions across the United States.
National Space Biomedical Research Institute
One Baylor Plaza, NA-425
Houston, TX 77030-3498
United States
nsbri
resistance to infection in space.
Investigators with the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) are researching the immune system as part of the
Women's International Space Simulation for Exploration (WISE), a collaborative venture that includes NASA, the European Space
Agency, the Centre National D'?tudes Spatiales (French Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency. The study is being
carried out by the French Institute for Space Medicine and Physiology (MEDES) in Toulouse, France.
"It is clear from existing data that space flight conditions alter immune responses," said Dr. Gerald Sonnenfeld, a
researcher on the NSBRI's Immunology, Infection and Hematology Team. "Space has such limited access; to research the immune
response, we use a bed-rest model because it provides conditions similar to space conditions - fluid shift to the head and a
lack of weight-bearing on the lower limbs."
Changes in immunity could have serious effects on an astronaut's ability to resist infection and the development of tumors.
Possible causes for a compromised immune system include exposure to radiation and the effects of microgravity. With current
expeditions to the International Space Station for extended periods and future exploration missions to the moon and Mars,
astronauts will be exposed to chronic radiation that could result in serious health problems.
To help unravel the infection-resistance issue, Sonnenfeld is researching the overall impact of the body's immune response
under space-like conditions. Through tests taken before, during and after bed rest, he will gauge whether participants' white
blood cells divide normally and whether messengers of the immune system, called cytokines, are produced. Sonnenfeld also will
study the frequency by which latent viruses are reactivated and whether participants mount an immune response to a harmless
vaccine, phiX174, that is introduced during the study.
"In the past, most bed-rest studies for immunity have been carried out on men. It is significant to be part of the
international WISE study because scientists and the space community want valid conclusions about effects on women," said
Sonnenfeld, who is also vice president for research at Binghamton University, State University of New York.
The study involves 24 healthy, non-smoking female volunteers between the ages of 25 and 40. Candidates in the first phase
came from the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands and Poland. Recruitment for another 12
volunteers, who are needed for the second campaign, is currently ongoing (medes.fr). Each subject is assigned to one of three groups, which include bed rest, bed rest
with a series of exercises targeting the lower body, and bed rest with a nutritional supplement. Participants lie with their
heads tilted six degrees below horizontal so that their feet are slightly higher than their heads.
During the study, researchers begin by collecting physiological data to serve as a baseline. Blood samples, urine samples and
saliva swabs are taken at specified intervals during the 60 days of bed rest. After the bed-rest period, similar tests are
taken for comparison. Participants will return to measure how their bodies recovered for up to three years.
"The data garnered by this study is not only historic, it will be valuable in international efforts to plan long-duration
missions," Sonnenfeld said. "It could help determine how exercise and nutritional countermeasures for other space
flight-induced problems including bone and muscle loss influence the immune system, making researchers better able to
coordinate solutions to the challenges of human space flight."
Sonnenfeld's team also is composed of Dr. Janet Butel of Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. William Shearer of Texas Children's
Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. David Niesel of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and Drs.
Michel Abbal and Antoine Blancher of the Universit? Paul Sabatier in Toulouse.
NSBRI, funded by NASA, is a consortium of institutions studying the health risks related to long-duration space flight. The
Institute's research and education projects take place at more than 70 institutions across the United States.
National Space Biomedical Research Institute
One Baylor Plaza, NA-425
Houston, TX 77030-3498
United States
nsbri
четверг, 3 мая 2012 г.
Intimacy And Sexuality After Cancer: Questions Answered And Concerns Addressed
Today The Women's Sexual Health Foundation (TWSHF) released an issue of the Women's Sexual Health Foundation Journal devoted entirely to women's sexuality and cancer, a topic the Foundation frequently addresses with healthcare professionals, cancer patients and survivors. This journal, entitled Women's Sexuality and Cancer, is available as a free download on the Foundation's website, TWSHF.
Intimacy and sexuality are important quality of life elements that can be negatively impacted by cancer and its treatment. Women with cancer, regardless of age, race, gender or socioeconomic background, have questions and often don't know where to turn for the answers. The Women's Sexual Health Journal Intimacy and Sexuality after Cancer is authored by two experts in this field - Sage Bolte, an Oncology Counselor at Life with Cancer® in Fairfax, Virginia and Peggy Lipford McKeal, PhD. LMHC. The introduction is The Women's Sexual Health Foundation founder and Executive Director, Lisa Martinez, RN, JD, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, four years after she established the Foundation.
"The articles authored by these two psychotherapists who work with women with cancer give us a close up view of the sexual issues with which women with breast and other women's cancers commonly struggle," comments Stephanie Buehler, MPW, PsyD, CST, and Editor of The Women's Sexual Health Journal. "It is my hope that they will inspire women, their partners, and practitioners to talk openly about sexual experiences and sexual challenges without fear of embarrassment."
In Sage Bolte's journal article, Cancer and Sexuality, she reports that 21%-39% of the more than 2.1 million women in the United States who are breast cancer survivors will be impacted by sexual dysfunction. The percentage may even be higher for those on hormone treatments and even higher for women diagnosed with gynecological cancers. "The impact of cancer and its treatments on a woman's sexuality are significant. Side effects like pain and fatigue often impact a woman's sexual function, sexual identity and feelings of attractiveness."
The Women's Sexual Health Foundation understands that there is a great need to bring educational information, from both the physical and psychological perspective, to women who traditionally have received little information in this area. And in turn this same information needs to get into the hands of healthcare providers. The Journal is designed to support women and the professionals who treat them.
"It is typical for these health practitioners to discuss everything but sexual health," writes Dr. McKeal in her article Intimacy and Sexuality after Cancer. "They normally leave it to the woman to ask. The medical community, focusing on illness and improved health does not treat pleasure or its deficit."
Dr. McKeal's article also reports insights and advice shared by women in Gynecological Cancers Support groups. "Women who were interviewed agreed that prior to treatments education about the likely side effects to sexuality should be a priority in every office associated with oncology treatments." McKeal sites the benefits of sexuality topics being discussed in a support group setting where women have the opportunity to share solutions.
"Life does change after cancer, but that does not mean women cannot reclaim many aspects of the quality of the life they had before cancer," states Lisa Martinez RN, JD. "You are not alone if you have had intimacy difficulties since your cancer diagnosis and treatment. So if you have a concern, you should raise it with your healthcare team." Martinez also states that if your doctor cannot help you, then ask for a referral to someone who can. More and more healthcare professionals are developing the expertise to help women with sexual function and intimacy difficulties. A list of websites and other resources concerning sexuality and cancer for both healthcare professionals and male and female patients is made available in the journal.
A free downloadable version of The Women's Sexual Health Journal on Women's Sexuality and Cancer is available on the Foundation's website, TWSHF.
About The Women's Sexual Health Journal
The Women's Sexual Health Journal is an on-line quarterly journal available through The Women's Sexual Health Foundation. It contains personal stories about women and their sexual health difficulties, and articles on sexual medicine, health, and research topics that receive little attention in medical schools and healthcare providers' training. For more information about the journal go to TWSHF.
About The Women's Sexual Health Foundation
TWSHF is an international non-profit organization whose primary mission is to educate the public and healthcare professionals on women's sexual health. The Foundation has numerous resources for the public and healthcare professionals at www.TWSHF, including educational brochures in English, German and Spanish and The Women's Sexual Health Journal.
The Women's Sexual Health Foundation
Intimacy and sexuality are important quality of life elements that can be negatively impacted by cancer and its treatment. Women with cancer, regardless of age, race, gender or socioeconomic background, have questions and often don't know where to turn for the answers. The Women's Sexual Health Journal Intimacy and Sexuality after Cancer is authored by two experts in this field - Sage Bolte, an Oncology Counselor at Life with Cancer® in Fairfax, Virginia and Peggy Lipford McKeal, PhD. LMHC. The introduction is The Women's Sexual Health Foundation founder and Executive Director, Lisa Martinez, RN, JD, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, four years after she established the Foundation.
"The articles authored by these two psychotherapists who work with women with cancer give us a close up view of the sexual issues with which women with breast and other women's cancers commonly struggle," comments Stephanie Buehler, MPW, PsyD, CST, and Editor of The Women's Sexual Health Journal. "It is my hope that they will inspire women, their partners, and practitioners to talk openly about sexual experiences and sexual challenges without fear of embarrassment."
In Sage Bolte's journal article, Cancer and Sexuality, she reports that 21%-39% of the more than 2.1 million women in the United States who are breast cancer survivors will be impacted by sexual dysfunction. The percentage may even be higher for those on hormone treatments and even higher for women diagnosed with gynecological cancers. "The impact of cancer and its treatments on a woman's sexuality are significant. Side effects like pain and fatigue often impact a woman's sexual function, sexual identity and feelings of attractiveness."
The Women's Sexual Health Foundation understands that there is a great need to bring educational information, from both the physical and psychological perspective, to women who traditionally have received little information in this area. And in turn this same information needs to get into the hands of healthcare providers. The Journal is designed to support women and the professionals who treat them.
"It is typical for these health practitioners to discuss everything but sexual health," writes Dr. McKeal in her article Intimacy and Sexuality after Cancer. "They normally leave it to the woman to ask. The medical community, focusing on illness and improved health does not treat pleasure or its deficit."
Dr. McKeal's article also reports insights and advice shared by women in Gynecological Cancers Support groups. "Women who were interviewed agreed that prior to treatments education about the likely side effects to sexuality should be a priority in every office associated with oncology treatments." McKeal sites the benefits of sexuality topics being discussed in a support group setting where women have the opportunity to share solutions.
"Life does change after cancer, but that does not mean women cannot reclaim many aspects of the quality of the life they had before cancer," states Lisa Martinez RN, JD. "You are not alone if you have had intimacy difficulties since your cancer diagnosis and treatment. So if you have a concern, you should raise it with your healthcare team." Martinez also states that if your doctor cannot help you, then ask for a referral to someone who can. More and more healthcare professionals are developing the expertise to help women with sexual function and intimacy difficulties. A list of websites and other resources concerning sexuality and cancer for both healthcare professionals and male and female patients is made available in the journal.
A free downloadable version of The Women's Sexual Health Journal on Women's Sexuality and Cancer is available on the Foundation's website, TWSHF.
About The Women's Sexual Health Journal
The Women's Sexual Health Journal is an on-line quarterly journal available through The Women's Sexual Health Foundation. It contains personal stories about women and their sexual health difficulties, and articles on sexual medicine, health, and research topics that receive little attention in medical schools and healthcare providers' training. For more information about the journal go to TWSHF.
About The Women's Sexual Health Foundation
TWSHF is an international non-profit organization whose primary mission is to educate the public and healthcare professionals on women's sexual health. The Foundation has numerous resources for the public and healthcare professionals at www.TWSHF, including educational brochures in English, German and Spanish and The Women's Sexual Health Journal.
The Women's Sexual Health Foundation
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