Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle and is most common in women who have been through menopause as their bone production slows down. Symptoms include pain, fractures, broken bones and a stooped appearance.
But, osteoporosis is not just about bones. It can be deadly. Studies show that people who fracture a hip can be 30% more likely to die the following year and continue to be at high risk of mortality in the years to come.
We take osteoporosis seriously and recommend bone scans for our patients based on current recommended intervals. This allows us to monitor the health of your bones and recommend treatment and/or life style changes as needed.
If you have healthy bones or are in the early stage of osteoporosis, called osteopenia, you may be able to protect your bone health by:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Doing weight bearing exercises
Eating a healthy diet rich in bone building foods
Taking supplements that support bone health
Exercising in ways that support balance and flexibility
There may come a time when your bone loss is at a level where medications are recommended. There are several options that can build and maintain bone over time and we will work with you to decide what is best in your situation or refer you to a specialist if needed.
We encourage you to be proactive when it comes to bone health. It can be more dangerous than most people realize.
As always, we are here to support you throughout the many stages of your life, including your menopausal years. Please let us know if you have any questions.
We promise to take great care of you.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
A new year is a fresh start full of new opportunities. Whether you make resolutions or not, you can take advantage of the fresh energy of the new year to boost your health. Some of you will love setting new goals and planning how to achieve them while others will be more comfortable just easing into them. Whatever you choose, we hope you take advantage of this new year to create better health.
Here are some of the areas we recommend focusing on:
Improving Health Habits – It is likely the most common new year resolutions are around diet and exercise. Our health habits tend to slip over the holidays, leaving us feeling a little behind and more ready to get back on track. Or, we may want to finally lose weight, get strong or choose foods that are better for us. Diet and exercise are powerful ways to improve your health whether you have a big plan or just lean into one small step at a time.
Limiting Unhealthy Things – If there are things in your life that are inhibiting your health or happiness, now might be a good time to let them go. They can be things we put in our body like sugar, alcohol, drugs, tobacco or vaping. For some of you they may be things you do too much of, like gaming, TV, gambling, shopping or watching news programs that leave you feeling upset. Actually, anything that detracts from your ability to live well and enjoy life could be considered.
Committing to Medical Visits and Screenings – Annual wellness checks, mammograms and other routine screenings are important for maintaining health and catching any challenges early while they are easier to resolve. We recommend scheduling these ahead when you can so that you don’t forget. If you are due or overdue, now would be a great time to call. (714) 486-1228
Staying Up to Date on Vaccines – Vaccines prevent illness and can even save your life. Current recommended vaccines include HPV, Flu, Covid, Pneumonia, Shingles, Tetanus and more. Please be sure to check with us if you are not sure what you are due for.
Practicing Safe Sex – For those of you who are not in trusted monogamous relationships we recommend practicing safe sex. These methods can help prevent life threatening diseases, infections and unwanted pregnancies. Prevention is always better than dealing with unhealthy consequences later.
Making healthy changes is not always easy and we encourage you to seek help if you need it. In the end, being more healthy and feeling better will be worth it. If you have questions or would like to set up an appointment, please give us a call.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
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.
Cervical cancer is a deadly disease with a 5 year survival rate of only 68%. It’s important we take it seriously. Signs to look out for are abnormal bleeding or discharge, painful sex, lower back pain or unintended weight loss, but it’s best to catch it before there are any symptoms at all.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, which means most of us have been impacted by this deadly disease in some way. We may have lost a loved one or friend, know someone who fought it and survived or be in a high-risk category ourselves.
It’s important to be aware of risk factors that may apply to you. Having them doesn’t mean you will get breast cancer for sure, but additional preventive measures may be recommended.
The top two risk factors are:
Family History: If family members have had breast or ovarian cancer it may be a sign you carry the BRCA gene which increases your risk.
Age: Incidences of breast cancer begin to rise at age 45 and increase as you get older.
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to find the cancer early! This means being committed to:
Monthly breast self-exams. Learn how by clicking here.
Regular clinical exams by your doctor
Mammograms and/or other screenings at the recommended intervals. Most experts suggest starting at age 40.
When caught in an early localized stage the survival rate for 5 years is 100%. The odds get worse as time goes by and the cancer gets stronger. It’s important to be proactive when it comes to protecting your breasts and your life..
Other things you can do to help prevent breast cancer include:
Maintain a healthy weight
Stay active and exercise
Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables
Stop smoking
Limit alcohol consumption
Talk to your doctor about the potential risks of hormone replacement therapy and if it is right for you.
If you are concerned about your breast health or have not had a women’s health exam in the last year, we encourage you to call and schedule now.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women and it is important to take it seriously. Our goal is to prevent as many cardiovascular related issues in our patients as possible and help them lead healthy, vibrant lives.
For many of you, though, the most important risk factor is your lifestyle. The power of keeping your heart healthy is mostly in your hands.
We want you to be clear that the things you do today will impact how you look and feel in the future and how long you may live. Yes, unhealthy lifestyles can lead to early death, but they can also make the years you are alive very uncomfortable. We know this is not what you want for yourself. So, what do you do?
Quit Tobacco
Smoking and other tobacco use threatens your health in many ways. We are more likely to think about cancer or lung disease when we think of tobacco, but it is dangerous for your heart as well. If you use tobacco, stop as soon as you can. Here is a resource that can help: Smokefree
Exercise Regularly
Aerobic exercise like walking, running, swimming or biking will strengthen your heart and lungs and improve your health overall. They are also the best exercises for weight loss which can also be a factor in cardiac risk. For most people, walking is the easiest exercise to incorporate and it has a wide range of benefits for health in general.
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.
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 find what helps you feel more calm. Common ways of doing this include:
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.
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 and salty foods. 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 look for a heart healthy eating plan that will work 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. Who wouldn’t want that?
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:
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
