Holiday seasons are full of temptations. We want to eat, drink and celebrate as much as we can. It’s easy to think that we can just get back on track with New Year resolutions, but over-indulging during the holidays can put our health at risk.
It’s important to keep our immune systems and bodies strong, especially with Covid-19 this year, and we can do that while still having fun. Here are some ideas that can help.
Get a Flu Shot – If you haven’t already done so, it’s important to get your flu shot as soon as possible. Covid-19 and the flu are a dangerous combination that you will want to avoid.
Follow Recommended Guidelines for Preventing Covid-19 – No one wants to be sick during the holidays and Covid cases are spreading fast. While many people have mild cases the death rates are also rising. Even if you think you won’t get it, following the guidelines can help protect those around you.
Update Holiday Recipes – Sometimes just a small tweak can make your traditional recipes healthier without losing flavor. There are several ingredient swap ideas in this holiday food article.
Pay Attention to Portions – Even holiday treats lose their flavor factor after several bites, but we tend to just keep eating. The healthier way is to eat slowly and savor the flavor of those first bites. Once the flavor diminishes, stop eating. Slow eating will also give your body enough time to let you know when it is full.
Watch Your To Do List – Stress is also hard on your immune system and overall health. Make sure everything on your to do list is meaningful or necessary so that you can do less and enjoy the holidays more.
Keep Moving – Exercise is important for both your mood and health. It’s easy to lose motivation this time of year, but can result in regrets and not feeling your best. If you choose to eat and drink more, we would even recommend boosting the amount of exercise you do.
Sleep Well – It’s important to maintain a healthy sleep routine so that you can feel and be well. Stick to your normal schedule as best as you can and if you have trouble sleeping, check out this article.
Have Fun – Laughing and smiling are great health boosters. They increase feel good chemicals in your brain, support a positive mindset and help you feel more energetic.
We hope you decide to support your health during this holiday season so that you stay well, feel your best and enjoy the season’s magical moments.
Happy Holidays!
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley CA – (714) 486-1228
Diabetes is dangerous for anyone that has it, but women face a unique set of challenges when it comes to this disease.
Studies show that women have a higher incidence of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood sugar levels than men. Hormone changes, higher levels of inflammation and other health issues specific to women can increase their risk of diabetic complications and even death.
Women diabetics are more likely to develop heart disease
They have a higher incidence of heart failure and heart attacks
Diabetes itself is more deadly in women
Women are more likely to become depressed when diabetic
They are also more likely to develop kidney disease or complications
The stakes are high for women when it comes to diabetes and we need to be vigilant in preventing, diagnosing and maintaining it.
Let your doctor know if:
Your mouth feels dry most of the time
You have to pee a lot
Your vision is getting blurry
Your feet and hands fall asleep more often
Your breath smells consistently bad or sweet and fruity
You are getting more yeast infections
Cuts or wounds take longer to heal
You lose weight without trying to
Other considerations include:
A history of gestational diabetes
Family history of diabetes
PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Hormone changes
The good news is that diabetes can be prevented and responds well to lifestyle choices. This means eating a healthy whole foods diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and taking other proactive measures that can protect you.
There are many resources that can help you learn how to prevent or live with this disease. One of our favorites is the American Diabetes Association.
If you are concerned that you might have diabetes, the first step will be to get tested and know where you stand. And then, no matter what the test results are, start taking steps that will ensure you have a healthier, longer life. Prevention is always a good thing.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley – (714) 486-1228
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and this year an estimated 42,170 women in the U.S. will lose their lives to it. This is why we encourage you to be proactive about your breast health.
Cancer happens when abnormal cells grow and invade healthy cells in your body. They have the potential to metastasize or spread to organs and other areas, which is when cancer becomes life threatening.
When breast cancer is detected early, while it is still local, the 5 year survival rate is 99%. Later detection can be devastating.
Early diagnosis through cancer screenings like annual mammograms can truly save your life.
In addition to annual screenings we also recommend monthly breast self-exams. Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam practice is very important. You can learn how with this free downloadable ebook.
It is also important to have a clinical breast exam every year. In our office it is included with your annual Women’s Health Visit, where we also screen for other deadly cancers and health issues.
If you are due or overdue for your yearly visit, please give us a call. It could save your life.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley – (714) 486-1228
Once you know you are pregnant, it is more important than ever to take good care of yourself. The following guidelines will help you improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Start prenatal care as soon as you know you are pregnant. Your doctor will guide you in the process of ensuring a healthy pregnancy and child. She will answer your questions and support you every step of the way.
Take prenatal vitamins. They are specifically designed to protect the health of you and your baby.
Eat healthy and exercise. Your doctor will let you know which foods you need more of and which to avoid as well as provide exercise guidelines.
Get recommended immunizations. TDAP vaccines and flu shots for both you and your partner are commonly recommended. These will help you limit illness during your pregnancy.
See your dentist. Oral health issues can cause preterm birth and low weight infants. Taking care of your mouth is an important part of protecting your baby.
Surround yourself with people that support you. Emotional health is also important while you are pregnant. Make sure that you feel connected to people who will be there for you during this precious time.
Stop alcohol, drugs and smoking. They can all be dangerous for the health of your baby.
Our mission is to support you in being healthy, confident and excited as you bring your little miracle into this world. If you are pregnant or considering having a child, give us a call. We promise to take great care of you.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley – (714) 486-1228
While we believe that all women are beautiful, we know that many of you are unhappy with the appearance of your skin. Not feeling good about how you look can impact your life in many ways, most notably in the areas of confidence and self-esteem.
We also know how uplifting it can feel when you take steps to improve your appearance. And, that is why we have aligned with ZO Skin Health to offer advanced products and in office procedures that will help you look and feel your best.
We chose ZO Skin Health because their products are medical grade and on the cutting edge of science and skin technology. ZO provides a comprehensive approach to creating and maintaining healthy skin for anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, unique skin condition or skin type.
With ZO products and Dr. Pham’s expertise, we have your skin care covered.
We offer customized programs and kits that support optimal skin health for:
Acne
Sun protection
Discolorations
Anti-aging
Dullness
Wrinkles
Sensitive skin
Redness
Dryness
And, so much more
If you are not happy with the appearance of your skin, give us a call today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you look great and love your skin again.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley – (714) 486-1228
For many women, their gynecologist is the one doctor they see on a regular basis for preventative care. They know that pap smears and mammograms are important for catching breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer in their early stages.
What they may not realize is that the number one killer of women today is heart disease.
We screen for this deadly disease at each exam and may talk to you about high blood pressure or other signs you are at risk. Keeping your heart healthy helps ensure a long and active life.
We may talk to you about lifestyle choices that can protect your heart like:
Reducing stress to lower your blood pressure
Quitting smoking or other tobacco use
Walking or other exercise
Eating a heart healthy diet
Our goal is tohelp you prevent a heart attack or stroke. In some cases, we may refer you to your primary medical doctor or a specialist in heart health. We take women’s health seriously and protecting your heart is an important part of that.
It is important for women to understand the symptoms of a heart attack as they may be different then what they were taught to expect. Women often postpone going to the hospital because they don’t recognize the symptoms or minimize them, which endangers their lives.
The most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain, but women are more likely to experience other symptoms then men.
They include:
Pain, pressure or a feeling of fullness in the center of your chest
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
Nausea, feeling light headed or breaking out in a cold sweat
If you have these symptoms call 911.
We urge you to start taking care of your heart today. It could save your life. For more information on heart health go to the American Heart Association website.
Be sure to schedule your annual women’s health exam and screenings as well. If you don’t already have a gynecologist you love, give us a call. We promise to take great care of you.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley – (714) 486-1228
Our goal is to provide quality, caring and comprehensive medical care for women throughout all stages of their lives. We value the opportunity to establish long term relationships with each of you and support your health and family planning goals.
In order to do this we offer the following services:
Obstetrics: Dr. Pham is passionate about helping women have healthy pregnancies and birth experiences. She believes every birth is a miracle and will be there to support you for pregnancy planning, fertility, prenatal care, and during labor and delivery. She is committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
Gynecology: From teens to grandmas we love to support women through all of their women’s health needs. This includes routine health screenings, HPV vaccines, birth control, hormone replacement, specific medical issues and more.
Wellness: Staying healthy is important through pregnancy and your entire life. We can provide support and guidance for nutrition and other areas that will help you feel your best.
Aesthetics: Taking steps to ensure you feel good about your appearance can help you feel good about yourself overall. We offer a wide variety of products and procedures that can help you look your best and provide specialized skin care options for acne, discolorations, sun protection and signs of aging.
Every woman can benefit from having a doctor she trusts who will be there for all of the seasons of her life. We feel honored to witness the miracles and challenges that our patients experience and support them along the way.
If you are looking an OB/GYN you will love, give us a call. We promise to take great care of you.
Dr. Krystal Pham – Fountain Valley – (714) 486-1228
You look ready to pop! Pregnant women can be feeling sensitive about the changes in their bodies, making hearing this more hurtful than supportive. Especially, if they are not anywhere near their due date.
Are you sure you should be eating/drinking that? It is not your place to be the food police. Moms to be are generally well-informed and capable of making these decisions on their own.
Another boy? I bet you wish you were having a girl. All babies are blessings and most parents are focused on the health of their baby, not it’s gender. Even if she were hoping for a girl, it’s not kind to rub it in.
Let me tell you in gruesome detail about my traumatic birth story. This is not helpful. Not one bit. Moms can be apprehensive or even fearful about giving birth or the health of their newborn. Sharing something positive is much more supportive.
When I was pregnant I hardly gained any weight at all OR I lost my baby weight in just a few weeks. It’s not fair to set up expectations for her to compare to, especially when she will be focusing 100% on loving and caring for her new baby.
Get your rest now. You may never have a peaceful night of sleep again. Pregnant women already know babies take a lot of care, but there is no reason to rub it in. She made the decision to have a child even with all that. What she needs is encouragement and reminders of the good to come.
Your due date isn’t very good timing. Even if their due date is during holidays or close to tax day or whatever, there is no reason to add to her stress.
The main thing to keep in mind is that pregnant women have a lot going on and what they need most is encouragement. Be kind. Share your good stories. And, talk about how precious babies are.
If you don’t know what to say, sometimes the greatest gift is to listen. Ask her:
What are you looking forward to most?
Have you had an ultrasound? What does he/she look like.
Do you have a theme for the nursery yet?
Have you started buying cute little outfits? What’s your favorite?
And, be sure to let her know she looks radiant and beautiful. Both of you will walk away from the conversation feeling much better when you do.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
One in 5 women in the US have reported attempted or completed rape and that number doesn’t account for the many who were too afraid, ashamed, or just decided not to speak up when it happened to them.
If you have experienced sexual assault you are not alone. And, if something was done to you that you did not want, that is not okay. You have nothing to be ashamed of or feel guilty about.
Sexual assault is not just about rape. It also includes:
Attempted rape
Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
Being forced or coerced into performing any sexual act
Eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim already knows. Many are by family members or intimate partners. Some, but not all, sexual assaults can be violent or by force. This includes:
Physical force
Emotional coercion
Manipulation
The use of drugs or alcohol
If you experience sexual assault it is important to seek help right away. Remember that you are a victim of a crime and there is nothing to feel guilty about.
If you are in immediate danger – call 911.
Otherwise, we recommend that you call the RAINN sexual assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673
They will connect you with someone who can walk you through the process of reporting, getting medical care, and other referrals. You have the right to have an advocate with you during medical testing and police interviews if you want.
We encourage you to contact them even if you do not want to report the incident to the police as their support can be valuable either way.
Everyone deserves to have sexual experiences where both partners are completely happy to participate. Laying a foundation of consent can help this happen.
Don’t wait until the last minute to have the conversation
Talk about protection, conditions, preferences and things you don’t want to happen in conversations beforehand
If you feel pressured or manipulated, it may be time to say no
You can say yes, with conditions. For example: “Yes, if you use a condom.”
You can say yes one time and no the next
Sex is a beautiful experience and normal part of happy, healthy lives. We encourage you to protect and care for yourself in all of your interactions. If you have any questions or concerns, call our office at (714) 486-1228 to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Krystal Pham.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
The birth of your baby will be one of the most important experiences of your life. While medical personnel have certain routines they follow, they also want to make sure that you feel good about how things are handled the day your baby is born.
We recommend writing a simple, clear birth plan that let’s us know your preferences. Dr. Krystal Pham will review the many options with you and answer any questions you may have. We encourage you to create your plan early and keep it positive by focusing on what you do want, not what you don’t.
It’s not necessary to have a birth plan, but taking the time to consider your options is beneficial. Having your wishes documented for your delivery team ensures clear communication and can make your experience less stressful.
What should you include in your birth plan?
Start with the basics. Your name and the names and contact information of your doctor and whoever you want in the room with you.
Labor preferences: This includes creating an atmosphere that will make you feel comfortable. You may want music or quiet with dimmed lights. It is also a great opportunity to let us know if you want items like a birthing ball or to allow people to take pictures.
Pain Management: Let us know if you would like an epidural or other pain relief methods. Dr. Pham will discuss this with you to help you decide. If you choose not to have something in your birth plan, you still have the option to change your mind during delivery.
Delivery Preferences: This is your opportunity to let the delivery team know how you feel about an episiotomy, watching the birth with a mirror, letting your partner cut the cord and other possibilities.
C-Section: Even if you have planned a vaginal birth circumstances may develop that require a c-section delivery. Include in your birth plan who you want to be with you if that should happen.
Baby Care Preferences: You can inform us if you will be breast feeding and want to start right away. Other considerations include where your baby sleeps and if a boy, whether or not you want him circumcised.
Once you have completed your birth plan outline, go over it with Dr. Pham, your labor coach, partner, and any other key people you want involved. Dr. Pham can help you refine it, if necessary, to ensure it is complete and in alignment with hospital policies.
Copies of your birth plan should be given to Dr. Pham, your hospital or birthing center, and whoever else feels appropriate to you.
We find that our patients who have created birth plans usually feel more confident when their time comes. They know that we understand their preferences and are committed to helping them have the best experience possible.
If you are looking for an OB/GYN to assist you through your pregnancy and delivery, give us a call. We would love to support you through this precious time of your life.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
