We, as women, need to take cardiovascular disease seriously. Heart disease can seriously impact our quality of life and is the number one cause of death for women.
The good thing, though, is that this deadly disease is mostly preventable and often reversible through lifestyle choices and that puts the power in your hands. What you do today can impact how you look, feel, and experience the rest of your life.
We love that hearts are used as symbols of love and believe that being proactive with heart health is a way of loving yourself. The lifestyle changes you make to support your heart will improve your overall health and longevity as well.
We hope you are ready to start giving your heart (and yourself) some love. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Stop Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and Vaping are dangerous for your heart and lungs. Tobacco is also directly linked to cancer and it is important that if you are smoking or vaping you stop soon. If you need support, talk to your doctor or visit the Smokefree website for resources and motivation.
Exercise Regularly
The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week to maintain a healthy heart. They also recommend strength training twice a week and in general, limiting the amount of time you spend sitting.
Exercising this way will also help you maintain a healthy weight, which will help you look and feel better in addition to keeping your heart healthy.
Reduce Stress
One of the effects of stress is an increase in your heartrate and blood pressure. When this happens regularly it can be dangerous. We encourage you to reduce your exposure to stressful situations when you can and find ways to help you stay calm. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Meditation
Prayer
Deep breathing
Massage
Yoga
Relaxing activities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
There are also apps that can help you with this like Calm or Insight Timer and many programs available both in person and online.
Eat a Heart Healthy Diet
One of the most important ways to protect your health is to eat foods that are good for your heart and avoid those that aren’t. You will want to focus on whole foods like grains, beans, vegetables and fruits and avoid sugars, breads, certain oils and salty foods. Limiting sodium is especially important as it can increase your blood pressure.
Two of the commonly recommended diets for heart health are the Dash Diet and Mediterranean Diet. They both include flavorful foods that you can enjoy. These diets also support brain health, are anti-inflammatory and are good for you overall. We encourage you to find and adopt a heart healthy eating plan that works for you.
We take heart disease seriously and hope you do too. Improving your lifestyle in any of these areas will help and if you do them all we believe you are likely to look better, feel better and live longer, more vibrant lives. Please reach out to us if you would like our support on your heart heath journey.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (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
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
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
Cervical cancer is a deadly disease that happens when cells of the cervix begin to grow abnormally. It is usually caused by certain types of HPV, a sexually transmitted virus.
Our goal is to help you prevent it or discover it in the early stages when it can be treated.
Some of the early signs of this cancer include:
Unusual spotting or bleeding between periods or after menopause
Persistent pain in the pelvic area or lower back
Longer or heavier periods
Increased vaginal discharge
Pain or bleeding with intercourse
If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
Your best line of defense in protecting yourself from cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine, which is available for men and women between the ages of 9 and 45. We encourage you to learn if this is an option for you and your children as it can truly save lives.
It is also important to stay current with annual women’s wellness exams, pap smears, and HPV screening. These screenings can catch abnormal cells early when treatment is simpler and more effective.
Other ways to protect yourself are to:
Use condoms – they offer a lot of protection but you can still contract HPV through skin to skin contact in other areas
Stop smoking
Limit your number of sexual partners
If you are due or overdue for your annual preventive screenings or have concerns about HPV or cervical cancer, please give us a call.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
Skin care is self care. Taking steps to ensure you feel good about your skin’s appearance can help you feel good about yourself overall. Even when your skin looks great it is important to choose quality products for cleansing, moisturizing and protection.
Our goal is to help you achieve great skin for life and after careful research we have chosen to offer ZO Skin Health products and in-office treatments to do just that.
We love ZO Skin Health products because of their commitment to science based formulations and treatments that improve your skin’s natural function and resolve common issues like:
Acne
Anti-aging
Discolorations
Irritation & sensitivities
Sun protection
Dryness and texture
It all starts with a skincare consultation. You can schedule one by calling (714) 486-1228 or clicking here.
We look forward to helping you resolve your skin care concerns and start enjoying great skin for life.
You can also learn more about Zo products and order onlinehere.
