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
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
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
Most couples who plan on having children would prefer to have them within a specific time frame. They may want to enjoy a year or two of their relationship before children or have career, education or financial goals they want to achieve first. They may also prefer to choose how many children they have and how far apart they will be.
It is not unusual for women to spend up to 30 years on contraceptives or using other family planning measures to stay within their childbearing goals.
We can help you with all of your family planning needs from age 15 through your reproductive years, including:
Your family planning visits will usually include a medical history review, physical exam and discussion of your short and long term reproductive goals. We will then provide the information and tools that will help you make your family plan come true.
Don’t leave your family creation to chance. Give us a call today!
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
