Mary Jean Wall

Women's Health & Wellness

Danica Patrick gains pole position at Daytona

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Female nascar driver Danica Patrick has gain the pole position at Daytona 500.  Congratulations to Danica and well done from all the women out there are you go crashing through that glass ceiling.  She is the first woman driver to win the pole position in the event’s 53 year history. She is also a beautiful, confident woman now its just a shame she is with Go Daddy who present women in an oversexualized way in their ads.

 

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Images of Anorexia

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The poweful video shows images on the skeletal bodies of annorexic women…The photos where a very skinny girl looks in the mirror and sees somebody fat are telliing and sad.  This awful disease is life threatening.  It is up to women everywhere to stand up for who we are and not what the media tells us we should be.

 

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Auto Racing is Safe for Women Drivers

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The idea that auto racing is a mens-only game is a myth. Women have been racing motor vehicles since the 1880s. While fewer in number, their passion for the sport equals that of their male counterparts.  And, with racing becoming more and more poplar in the US, future generations will likely have more champions like Danica Patrick, Ana Beatriz and Simona del Silverstro.

With more and more women on the track, concerns about the safety of race cars is increasing (not that racing was cavalier about the safety of male drivers). Mothers who are concerned about whether their daughter will be safe as she races around the track can rest assured that all the major race series have been amping up their safety requirements in order to insure the health and safety of their drivers.

The photos of cars pinned on racing profiles like http://pinterest.com/scotttucker/ look futuristic and fast, but they hide a myriad of safety features designed to protect their drivers.  Below are some of the features now required by NASCAR as an example of the safety of race cars.

Race Suits

Racing Suits aren’t part of the cars, but they are a vital part of racer safety. All suites must be fire retardant.  This includes the gloves and shoes worn by racers. Many drivers add a heat shield to the bottom of their shoes as well, to protect not just from fire, but from the heat of the car’s engine. The helmets worn by drivers must also meet safety standards to protect racers from head injuries.

HANS deviceHarnesses and HANS

Far beyond the simple seat belts found in regular cars, racers are strapped in using a strong harness that encompasses the shoulders, waist and legs. The HANS device (Head And Neck Support) attaches to the helmet and provides support for the back of the neck and head. In the event of a crash, it prevents the head from whipping forward without stressing the neck.

Structural Features

Cars themselves have built in safety features to protect drivers.  These include window nets to limit flying debris and restrain the driver’s arms, roof flaps to reduce the chance of cars going airborne or flipping repeatedly down the track.

Car of Tomorrow

NASCAR has spent nearly a decade developing what they call the Car of Tomorrow, which changes the very design of race cars.  It includes a roof that is both higher and wider, a smaller fuel cell, a windshield made of flexible glass, and a reinforced roll cage.

These, and many other safety features are being tested and used by drivers and racing teams around the world — not just NASCAR.   Young women who dream of joining race teams in NHRA, American Le Mans Series, or any race league can learn about these features by following their favorite teams online at sites like Scott Tucker Racing.

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The Struggle of Women in Rehab

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Drug addiction comes in many forms, from the illegal narcotics to the abuse of prescribed medication. This form of addiction usually masks many other painful problems, especially for women. 70% of women who abuse drugs have a history of sexual or physical abuse. These problems make rehab a compound problem complicated by other emotional trauma. Not only that, but women are often the primary caregivers and have jobs where the temptation of using drugs can become overbearing.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Women who have problems with drug addiction often suffer from other problems. Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression are common among these women, likely due to past traumas that they did not want to deal with fully. This is how a cycle of use emerges and the women become reliant on drugs to numb the pain of their mood disorders.

This is not a hopeless scenario, but rehab must treat more than the main symptom. This means that therapy is often a vital part of treatment. Studies have shown that women who are treated for both their mood problem and drug addiction are more likely to succeed after rehab. These women are able to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.

Rehab With Kids in Tow

Some drug rehab programs cater specifically to women who are pregnant or have children (click here to locate such programs). If the woman still still has kids, programs may also allow the children to get treated for the emotionally problems associated with their mother’s addiction. This allows for a fuller recovery process and addresses the needs of the child or children.

In some cases, mothers may have lost custody of their children and lack the means to support them financially or emotionally. In that case, there are visitation options that rehab facilities provide. Once the mother has undergone treatment the center might be able to recommend that custody is at least partially restored or that she is given visitation rights.

Avoiding Temptation

Some women took to drugs because they were readily available in their chosen profession. Nurses are faced with prescription medication on a daily basis. This can prove too much for those recovering from addiction. Women who have had problems with drug addiction should try to avoid these professions. However, if it is absolutely necessary for them to work in these jobs, then a support group should be attended weekly and a sponsor and counselor consulted when temptation is at hand.

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Transvaginal Mesh Dangers

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Transvaginal mesh (TVM) implants are medical devices that have been used to help women suffering from medical conditions such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI) & pelvic organ prolapse (POP).  The mesh is surgically implanted and used to strengthen the natural body tissue.  It can be made of either synthetic or natural material.  This treatment can help patients with the symptoms caused by POP and SUI.

Transvaginal Mesh LawsuitsPelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a fairly common condition and happens when the muscles that hold the pelvic organs in place become stretched. This causes the pelvic organs such as the bladder, bowel or uterus to bulge down into the vagina area.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) causes urine to leak out of the bladder at unexpected times such as when exercising or laughing.

Unfortunately the transvaginal mesh  surgery has been associated with medical complications such as incontinence or erosion around the mesh causing it to move and interfer with bodily parts such as the bladder and vagina.  This has caused pain and bleeding in some patients.  During 2008 the FDA put forth a public warning stating the facts on these complications.

There are also class action lawsuits associated with transvaginal (TMV) complications.

 

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National Women’s Health Week, May 13-19

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With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday it’s time once again for National Women’s Health Week. It’s easy for women, especially moms, to put the needs of others before their own; particularly in regards to health. But for one week each year it’s time to put ourselves first, make our health a priority and start fresh with a clean bill of health.

States and cities across the country are hosting events and activities to help women get their health back on track. The Oklahoma State Department of Health is focusing on the high obesity statistics by encouraging women to eat right and exercise. They are also focusing on maintaining good health particularly before and during pregnancy to help ensure a healthy baby. They aren’t the only ones. Other cities and organizations are focusing on other areas of health such as arthritis , menopause, and even sexual health.

Letting your health fall to wayside is easy to do but for the sake of yourself and your family it’s important to address areas of concern, seek treatment when necessary, and take the steps you need to in order to live a healthy emotional life as well as physical life.

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Texas Being Sued Over Women’s Health Legislation

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Health care has been a hot topic for debate in the last couple years, especially with the passage of Obamacare . While most of the debate has been at a national level, individual states are dealing with their own healthcare issues. Today Planned Parenthood announced that they have filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas because of legislation passed in the 2011 session barring Planned Parenthood from receiving funding through the Women’s Health Program.

The Women’s Health program, which does get money from the federal government, provides birth control and other health services for women on Medicaid. The program does not however provide funds for abortions or abortion referrals. Because the program does receive funding from the federal government, the Department of Health and Human Services is involved as well. For more information you can read the full article here .

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7 Fun Backyard Ideas for Kids

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In this day and age, children are more likely to stay indoors and get less exercise because of technology. Between television, video games, and portable electronic devices, there are few reasons that kids can see to go outside and play. Do you have a big backyard that your kids just seem to ignore?  If so, here are seven great ideas that can un-glue your children’s eyes from computer screens and get them playing in the backyard.

1. Swing-set: It is a staple at local parks, and even adults like to swing on them every once in awhile. It is great exercise for the legs, and it is nice on a hot day because of the breeze swinging creates.

2. Slide: A twisting spiral type of slide is the most fun, but a tall, straight slide can also create a momentary thrill. With the options in Swing Set Accessories, it’s easy to find something your kids will love!

3. Seesaw: This is of course best if you have at least two children who are rather close in age and size. It is much easier to play and balance that way.

4. Sandbox: These can get messy, but they can provide hours of fun. Add buckets, shovels, water, toy dump trucks, and sandcastle molds for the ultimate time-consuming outdoor activity. Just make sure they wash-up well when they come inside.
5. Trampoline: Jumping on a bed is fun, too, but a trampoline is much better. Your kids can go as high as they want without hitting the ceiling, breaking the bed frame, or getting into trouble. This is perfect for kids with a lot of energy.

6. Kiddy Pool: This is a seasonal item, but it can still be a worthy investment. It is a great way to cool off in the summer, and water toys make it fun.

7. Sports Equipment: A basketball hoop, volleyball net, and other sports equipment like balls, bats, and rackets can inspire your kids to develop their athletic skills.

Even if you just add one or two of these things to your back yard, it can almost certainly get your kids outside, for at least a little while. Having a visual reminder, like a swing-set or a trampoline, can keep the idea in that back of their minds: Yes, there are ways to have fun outside that don’t involve electronics.

Give your kids a reason to put down those video games!

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Keys to a Successful Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is an exciting, joyous, emotionally charged time for new parents-to-be. It can also be a bit intimidating knowing that the health of your baby depends so much on how you take care of your own health. Most of the time, pregnancy goes smoothly for both mom and baby. To maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy, however, there are a few tips you should follow:

  • Early Medical Care. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, you should schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN. Studies have shown that women who obtain early pregnancy care have healthier babies.
  • Get Your Rest. Your body goes through an unbelievable amount of changes during pregnancy. Fluctuating hormones can cause you to feel easily fatigued, especially in the first and third trimesters. Make it a point to get in bed on time at night, and go ahead a nap during the day if you need it.
  • Eat Healthy. As your baby grows and develops, extra nutrients and minerals from your body are redirected to assist with this development. It is most important that you are eating healthy, nutritious foods throughout your pregnancy to maintain both yours and your baby’s health.
  • Take Your Vitamins. Sometimes, getting adequate nutrition during pregnancy can be challenging, especially if you are suffering from morning sickness. Prenatal vitamins are designed to make sure your body is getting everything it needs to sustain a successful pregnancy. Vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and folic acid for pregnancy is important.
  • Get Some Exercise. Exercise during pregnancy is healthy for both you and your baby. You will, however, need to discuss any exercise program with you OB/GYN before beginning, especially if the program features abdominal exercises. Daily walking is an excellent exercise you can do safely while pregnant.
  • Plan Ahead. Most women naturally experience a phenomenon known as “nesting” when they approach their due date. This is an almost uncontrollable urge to prepare the nursery, purchase and put away baby clothes, and generally make sure everything is ready for baby’s arrival. It is easy to over exert yourself when nesting strikes, however. Try to do little things throughout your pregnancy so that when the nesting impulse does hit you, you will be less likely to overdo things; there won’t be much to do.

 

It should go without saying, also, that if you experience any abnormal symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately. Things such as preterm labor can be stopped if they are treated promptly.

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Alternative Remedies for Arthritis Pain

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As you age, it is natural for your activity level to decrease and for aches and pains to develop. Some pain is normal, but stiffness and pain felt around one or more joints can be a sign that inflammation has settled in and symptoms of arthritis have begun. If you are one of the estimated 50 million Americans with arthritis, try one of these alternative remedies for pain before taking a prescription medicine.

Supplements      

  • Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acid, which reduces inflammation and morning stiffness. These acids are found in fish such as mackerel and salmon.
  • Glucosamine relieves pain, increases joint mobility and reduces deterioration of cartilage. A study by the National Institute of Health showed glucosamine relieved pain more effectively when combined with chondroitin.
  • Chondroitin strengthens joints by helping cartilage absorb water to keep joints lubricated and reduce pain.

Herbs and Spices

  • Turmeric is a spice used in many Asian dishes to give the food color and flavor. Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric help relieve pain.
  • Ginger relieves soreness in joints and reduces inflammation. It is available in capsules, extracts or you can add dried ginger to your food.
  • Olive leaf extract is popular in the Mediterranean to ease pain and inflammation from arthritis.
  • Willow bark tea reduces pain and inflammation but it may take a few days of use to show results.

Nutrition

  • Juices, such as pineapple, pomegranate and cherry are used to relieve symptoms of swelling, pain and inflammation. Combinations of beets and berry wine, cranberry and blackstrap molasses or apple cider vinegar and honey have also been helpful in reducing pain and inflammation for some people.
  • Studies recommend lowering the amount of fat in your diet and limiting dairy products, caffeine and sugar.
  • Fresh vegetables, fruits with low acid content, fish, soybeans and avocados are helpful for treating symptoms of arthritis. In addition, you can eat cherries and pineapple frequently to ease inflammation.

Oils

  • Some natural oils will sooth the pain of arthritis. Massage hot castor oil, arthcare oil, emu oil or camphor mixed with coconut oil on affected joints. You can also soak in a hot Epsom salt bath or massage hot vinegar on the sore joints for relief.

One or more of these natural remedies may be the right one for you and can help you to stop your arthritis pain without the need for potentially dangerous medications.

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