The holidays can be incredibly stressful, especially for women. We often feel responsible for the gift buying, getting everyone to events and hosting of family dinners. What we really need to remember is to take care of ourselves and our health through it all.
Here are some ways you can do that.
Focus on What is Meaningful: For most of us, under the busyness of preparing meals and gift buying there is a deeper meaning to the holiday. It may be your spiritual beliefs or that the real reason you do so much is to show your love for family and friends. Often, the things you feel you have to do get in the way of your celebrating what is most important. So, get clear on what the holidays truly mean to you and make that your primary focus.
Lower Your Expectations: Nothing has to be perfect. If the people in your life are going to judge you based on the quality of meals or gifts you provide or how you decorate your house, they are not in the right frame of mind. In most cases your loved ones just want to celebrate the holidays with you, not have you be too busy cooking or cleaning to join in the fun.
Make Lists: Studies show that when you put things in a list instead of keeping them in your head, you will feel more relaxed and likely be more effective, too.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: If something goes wrong it will benefit you more to shrug it off or look for the humor in the situation. Maybe it will make a great story some day. When you don’t hold onto things tightly you will feel more relaxed, calm and enjoy the holidays more.
Prioritize Self Care: Taking care of yourself is even more important during the holidays when there is so much to do. Allow time for a bath, massage, or quiet time alone. Give yourself space to relax and recharge so that you can feel your best and truly enjoy your holiday moments.
Continue Your Healthy Habits: While this time of year may be busy and filled with sugary treats, be sure to do what you can to stay healthy. Stay focused on eating foods that are good for you and exercising when you can.
Enjoy the Precious Moments: When you feel responsible for getting things done it is easy to miss the actual celebration. Remember to celebrate the people you love when they gather together. Be present with them. And, enjoy the special moments you all create together. Your presence will be the greatest gift of all.
We wish you all many precious moments and a wonderful holiday season!
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
We all experience mild depression at times and it often lifts on it’s own. But, when it sticks around and starts impacting your ability to function in life it is time to contact your doctor and ask for help. Depression is more common in women and shows up as:
- Persistent sadness or consistent negative thoughts
- Feeling hopeless, unworthy, pessimistic, guilty or similar feelings
- Isolating yourself
- Loss of appetite or over eating
- Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
- Insomnia
- Decreased energy, brain fog or fatigue
- Thoughts of death, suicide or self-harm
- Difficulty remembering, concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling restless and irritable
(If you are considering suicide, please call the national suicide prevention line at 800-273-8255)
The good news is that there are things you can do to feel better. Some you can try on your own and others require the help of a professional.
6 Ways to Get Depression Relief
Reach out for social support – Whether it be a professionally run support group or getting together with friends, staying connected socially will keep you engaged and provide some level of support and relief.
Improve your lifestyle and habits – You may want to let go of habits that do not support you in feeling your best and bring in some new ones that do. Exercise, good sleep and a healthy diet can all contribute to your feeling better.
Try stress reduction – Deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, yoga and prayer are just a few of the many ways you can practice relaxation and stress relief. Women often describe feeling calmer, more in control and more positive after they do. Find something that works for you and practice it regularly.
Therapy – Depression often responds to several types of therapy, many of them short-term. We can all use a little support sometimes and therapy is commonly covered by medical insurance. Choose a therapist you feel comfortable with and let them guide you into feeling better.
Medication – There are several medications that have proven effective for women experiencing depression. Your doctor will review your medical history, current symptoms and recommend one that feels right for you.
Skip the vices – Alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs can all play a part in keeping you depressed. Kicking them out of your life can be good for your mental and overall health.
We encourage you to reach out for help if you feel stuck in depression and it is interfering with your life. There are many paths to healing depression and getting you back to feeling normal again. Even if you can’t see it right now, we are sure that is what you deserve.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley CA – (714) 486-1228
Self care is not being selfish. It is an important part of taking care of yourself. We all need to refresh and replenish from time to time and it supports us in staying healthy, resilient, strong and happy. When we practice self care we become more relaxed and effective as we interact with our work, families and other areas of our lives. And that, is a good thing.
7 Ways to Practice Self Care
Nurture Your Body: When you exercise regularly and eat well your body will have the strength, flexibility and nutrients it needs to operate at it’s best. Your body is the foundation of your life and it’s important to treat it well.
Connect with Others Regularly: Human connection is a basic need we all have. Without it our lives become contracted, cold and boring. Nurture your personal and family relationships and build solid connections within your community. You will be happier when you do.
Spend Time Alone: As much as we need connections, we also need time alone to reconnect with ourselves and replenish our energy. If you need to, schedule it. Use the time to do something you enjoy or find relaxing. When you do, life will seem much easier and you will be able to show up as your best self.
Soothe Your Stress: It’s a busy, crazy world and we are all feeling extra stress. We need to remember that stress is hard on us mentally, emotionally and physically. Find stress relief practices that work for you and commit to them on a regular basis. You will be much more effective and healthy when you live in a calmer state of mind.
Prioritize Sleep: During sleep your body and brain replenish and heal themselves. Too often, we forget that it is a priority and choose instead to stay up later, watch more TV or continue habits that make it difficult to enjoy quality sleep. While lack of sleep may not seem like a big deal, especially if we can just grab some caffeine in the morning, it has been linked to many dangerous medical conditions and should be taken seriously.
Follow Medical Recommendations: Immunizations and regular medical screenings save lives. Yours could be one of them. And, when your Doctor recommends specific testing, medication or lifestyle changes – listen. It could make a difference in how long you live and how you experience the time you have. It’s easy to think you can postpone things or it doesn’t matter, but your lack of action may end up being one of your biggest regrets later.
Say No to Negativity: It says something about our world when the most popular books and movies are about violence and murder. Taking part in this culture of negative influence impacts how we feel about ourselves and the world we live in. Choose things that are uplifting. Focus on gratitude. Find joy in the little things. And, just say no when something or someone tries to bring negativity into your life.
Here, at Miracle Orchids Medical Center we see the beauty and magic in all of the women we serve. We hope that you can see it in yourself and nurture it by practicing self care.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
It is important for people who are sexually active and want to avoid pregnancy to be informed and proactive about birth control. There are many types of contraception available, but keep in mind the only completely reliable method for avoiding pregnancy is abstaining from sex.
There are a number of alternatives for pregnancy prevention that vary in effectiveness and convenience. It’s important to remember that not all of them protect against sexually transmitted diseases and infections, especially if you are not in a committed relationship with someone you trust.
Here are some pregnancy prevention options you may want to consider.
Barrier Methods
Just like it sounds, these methods use a barrier to block the sperm from meeting the egg. These barriers can also protect you from STDs transferred by fluids, but only protect from skin contact infections where the skin is actually covered.
Male and Female Condoms: According to the CDC these are about 80% effective when used correctly.
Diaphram: When placed properly with spermicide this method is about 90% effective.
Cervical Cap: Results can vary, but are estimated around 70%.
Sponge: This option contains spermicide and needs to be placed correctly, but can be about 75% to 85% effective.
Spermicide: When used on it’s own spermicide is about 70% effective. It’s important to follow the specific guidelines of placing it 10 minutes before sex and knowing you are only protected for about an hour.
Hormonal Methods
These contraceptives prevent pregnancy by using hormones to stop ovulation.
Birth Control Pills: While a prescription is needed, this is the most common method of pregnancy prevention. When taken as directed they can be 99% effective.
Other Hormone Delivery Methods: Contraceptive medications can also be delivered via a patch, vaginal ring or injections. Their effectiveness varies between 90% and 99%.
Intrauterine Devices and Implants
IUD: This small device is inserted in your uterus by a doctor and can last for years. It works by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm entering the uterus and other hormonal changes. It can be up to 99% effective.
Implant: This is a matchstick sized rod that is placed in your arm. It works by releasing a hormone that stops ovulation and is considered to be 99% effective. You will need a new one every 3 years.
Natural Family Planning
This method of birth control involves tracking your menstrual cycle and avoiding sex when you are in the fertile phase of the that cycle. When done correctly it is about 76% effective.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception should never be used in place of regular forms of birth control. It is important to act quickly because the sooner it is used the more effective it will be. There are 2 methods of emergency contraception.
- Contraceptive Pill: Usually available through your doctor or a drug store this hormonal pill needs to be taken within 3 days of intercourse.
- Copper IUD: This device needs to be inserted within 5 days and can be almost 100% effective.
Sterilization
For those interested in more permanent options there are minor surgical procedures for both men and women that are about 99% effective.
- Men: Vasectomies snip the tubes that carry sperm
- Women: Tubal ligation clamps or seals the fallopian tubes that carry eggs
Choosing a pregnancy prevention option is something best done in partnership with your medical doctor. We can answer any questions you have and help guide you to the method that will serve you best.
If you live in Orange County, CA and don’t already have an OB/Gyn you love, give us a call. We would love to support you through all of your women’s health needs.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
Feeling grateful to be honored by Union Bank on their Instagram page. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPGVirDs1yE/
Here is what they had to say:
“For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we’re proud to spotlight Dr. Krystal Pham, our client since 2011.“To be able to be there with a patient all the way through the delivery of their baby, experiencing the miracle with them, is very rewarding,” says Pham, who launched the Miracle Orchids Medical Center in Orange County, California, in 2019.”
At age 4, Dr. Pham and her family came to the United States as refugees after the Vietnam War. She’s been active in the Vietnamese community, working with organizations to help refugees in detention camps and other human rights groups. As a medical student at UC Irvine, she led the creation of a Diversity in Medicine course to help physicians serve different cultures.
Union Bank Small Business Relationship Manager Ravi Mehta has partnered with Dr. Pham to help grow her practice.“Ravi and his team do such a great job,” she says. “Southern California is so busy, with so many banks and so many people, and it’s great to have someone really taking care of me and my business, and every little detail.”
There are many benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby. Breast milk contains ideal nutrients and antibodies that can keep your little one well. For you, breastfeeding helps your uterus return to normal, supports weight loss and may decrease your risk of breast and uterine cancer. So, when you can, breastfeeding is usually recommended.
Many women who plan on breastfeeding are not sure how they should be eating. Here are a few guidelines:
You may need to eat more calories. It is estimated that 300 – 400 additional calories of highly nutritious foods should be sufficient for providing energy and producing milk.
There are foods that you should avoid. It is best to not drink alcohol or caffeine when you are breastfeeding. There are also concerns about eating fish, which commonly has high levels of mercury. In time, you may learn that your baby doesn’t do well with certain foods or spices and want to avoid them as well.
Choose quality foods. Eating a protein rich diet will help milk production and making healthy food choices will provide you and your baby with the nutrition you need to thrive. You may also want to talk to your doctor to see if they recommend you take supplements.
Drink plenty of fluids. Many doctors recommend having a glass of water or other non-sugary liquid after each breastfeeding session. You can also monitor the color of your urine, drinking enough to keep it from turning bright or dark yellow.
Monitor your baby’s reactions. If you notice your baby gets fussy or has digestive issues after you eat certain foods, you will want to avoid them. Rashes, diarrhea or wheezing after breastfeeding need to be addressed with your baby’s doctor.
Breastfeeding is about providing quality nutrients for you and your little one and avoiding anything that causes irritation or upsets. You will learn what works best in your situation as you get to know your baby. In the meantime, enjoy the bonding time breastfeeding provides as well as the many other benefits.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
When you take care of your body it will do a better job of taking care of you. This will not only increase your ability to prevent and fight disease, but will allow you to look and feel your best.
Here are some great ways to get started.
Protect Your Heart: Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women, making heart health a top priority. Check your blood pressure regularly and get annual blood work to review other markers. Take immediate action to correct anything that puts you at risk. You can learn more at the American Heart Association website.
Get Health Screenings and Wellness Checks at Recommended Intervals: They allow your health care provider to help you fine tune your wellness plan and catch medical issues early while they are easier to treat and likely to have better outcomes.
Avoid Toxins and Unhealthy Habits: Do not smoke or use tobacco or drugs and limit your use of alcohol. You may also want to consider filtered water, organic foods, and using non-toxic products for your self-care and home.
Provide Quality Fuel for Your Body: Eating a balanced diet that is full of whole foods in a variety of colors assures your body is getting the fuel it needs to keep you healthy and strong.
Move Your Body: Exercise is important to keep your heart and lungs working well and has many other benefits including maintaining a healthy weight. Find an exercise plan that includes aerobic activity like walking, running or riding a bike as well as adding strength and flexibility. Keeping your body strong and flexible will ensure it functions well as you get older.
Limit Stress and Increase Resilience: Stress can cause wear and tear physically, mentally and emotionally. Audit your life for areas of unnecessary stress that you can let go of and gain resilience by shifting stressful thinking and finding ways to be more relaxed. Daily mindfulness and relaxation practices can also support you in minimizing your reaction to stressors in your life.
Imagine how it would feel if you incorporated these healthy steps into your life. In addition to your body functioning well you would likely look better, be able to do more, and feel more confident. We hope you start making changes now, no matter how small, so that you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy life.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley CA – (714) 486-1228
Endometriosis is an often painful condition caused by the tissue that usually grows within your uterus growing outside of it. This tissue acts like regular uterine tissue, thickening and then bleeding at the end of your cycle, but the blood has nowhere to go. This can cause pain, inflammation, lesions and scar tissue, most commonly around your ovaries.
While there is no definite answer as to what causes this condition we know that it can result in:
- Painful periods
- Heavy bleeding
- Pain when going to the bathroom, especially during your period
- Painful sex
- Blood in your urine or stool
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or constipation
The pain and lifestyle limitations associated with this condition can lead to depression. It is also important to note that about 40% of women struggling with infertility have endometriosis. In some cases it can lead to ovarian cancer or dangerous scar tissue.
There is no cure for endometriosis, but we can treat it. We may recommend hormones or other medications and in some cases surgery. Other recommendations may include a healthy diet and exercise and applying heat or taking a warm bath when it flares up.
A diagnosis of endometriosis does not mean you are sentenced to a life of pain. While everyone is different, we feel confident we can help you find the treatment that will be right for you.
If you are concerned and think you may have endometriosis, please call and schedule a consultation. We would love to help.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
Love, intimacy and sex are important aspects of human life. They are the foundation for healthy relationships, creating families and our mental, emotional and physical well-being.
There are many benefits to a healthy sex life including improved immunity, lower blood pressure, bladder control for women, and that it counts as exercise.
Sex is a good thing when practiced in the context of sexual health. Here are 3 things to consider and talk about with your partner that will help keep your sex life healthy.
Consent and Communication: First of all, sex should only happen when there is mutual consent. No one should ever be forced or coerced into it, even when in a long term relationship. We also recommend clear communication about the types of sex you are comfortable with as well as the other items listed below.
Pregnancy Planning: There should be a mutual understanding about whether contraception methods will be used and if so, which ones. Any decision to bring a child into the world should be agreed upon by both parties.
Disease Prevention: Sexually transmitted diseases do not always have obvious symptoms. Before anything happens, both of you should agree to prevention methods like barriers (condoms), testing and/or a mutually exclusive relationship. Always practice safe sex and if you have any concerns, come in for a screening.
There are other things that can impact sexual health including painful intercourse, urinary tract infections, low sex drive or anything that prevents you from having the sex life you want.
We are here to help you with all of your sexual health needs. We can also support you with contraception options, fertility and other aspects of women’s health.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
Your thyroid is a gland in the front of your neck that produces hormones that impact most of the metabolic processes in your body. The most common thyroid issues are when it over or under produces hormones. Hyperthyroidism is what it’s called when it’s over-producing and hypothyroidism is when the output is low.
Signs of Hyperthyroidism
- Nervousness
- Weight loss
- Trouble focusing
- Diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
- Feeling tired
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
Signs of Hypothyroidism
- Weight gain
- Hair loss or thinning eyebrows
- Brain fog
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Depression
- Increased or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Fluid retention
- Muscle or bone pain
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
There are many different reasons you might be having thyroid issues including inflammation, nodules and autoimmune diseases. The good news is that we can do simple tests and in most cases provide medication that helps you feel normal again.
If you are concerned you may have a thyroid issue or another medical concern, please let us know. Our goal is to help you be as healthy and happy as possible.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
