Menopause and perimenopause are often misunderstood as something to fear or dread, but many women thrive during this time in their lives. They find that menopause brings more freedom as they no longer have to deal with menstrual periods or be concerned about getting pregnant. Some even say they feel more empowered and wiser during this transition.
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Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women and it’s very likely that you or someone you care about has faced this diagnosis. It’s important that we all protect ourselves and do what we can to prevent this deadly disease.
Fortunately, there are several steps we can take to prevent or catch this cancer in it’s early stages when it’s easier to treat and resolve.
Monthly Breast Self-Exams: These easy to do exams are the first line of defense. Forty percent of breast cancers are found when women feel a lump. If you don’t know how to examine your breasts fully, check our resources below.
Mammograms: Annual x-ray screenings of the breasts are generally recommended starting at age 45. They can detect abnormalities in breast tissue that could be cancerous.
Annual Women’s Wellness Exams: Women should see a medical professional annually for a breast exam, cervical cancer screening, and overall health review. Call us to schedule yours at (714) 486-1228.
Genetic Testing: Women who have a high incidence of breast cancers in their family may choose to have genetic testing and consider more aggressive preventative treatments.
How to do a breast self-exam: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam or https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/3990-breast-self-exam
Free educational guides: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/educational-guides/
National Breast Cancer Foundation: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
BreastCancer.org: https://www.breastcancer.org/
Cancer.org: https://www.cancer.org/
If you are due for an annual screening, feel a lump or have any questions, we are here to help. Please give us a call.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
If you have decided it is time to start your family we are very excited for you. We have witnessed the miracles of pregnancy, birth and babies and know what a blessing they are.
While most women have no difficulty getting pregnant, about 10 to 15% find it doesn’t happen right away. If you are excited about bringing a new baby into your family as soon as possible there are some simple things you can do to improve your chances of that happening.
Stop Smoking – Tobacco use can inhibit fertility in many ways and it is dangerous for your health and the health of your baby. If you smoke, we encourage you to quit right away.
Exercise, but Not Too Much – While exercise is important for health and can contribute to fertility, excessive exercise can result in skipped periods and missed opportunities for getting pregnant.
Avoid Extremes in Weight – Being underweight or overweight can effect your hormone levels and prevent your pregnancy dreams from coming true.
Ban Alcohol and Drug Use – These substances can make conception difficult and are dangerous for you and your baby. If you use them regularly, it is best to get help stopping them before considering adding a baby into your life.
Limit Caffeine – Caffeine is a stimulant that may hinder your ability to get pregnant. It also raises your blood pressure which can be dangerous during pregnancy and has been associated with birth defects.
If you have had frequent, unprotected sex for over a year without getting pregnant, there may be a fertility issue. Give us a call. We can help identify and in most cases resolve it.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
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:
(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.
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.
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
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
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
