::womensHealthProfessional::

We Have Moved, New Web Address With Improved Service

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PST

Recently it has been brought to the attention of the Editorial staff of Women�s Health Professional that our site has not maintained a reliable connection. Due to this undependable connection, many subscribers have not been able to access Women�s Health Professional at their convenience. In response to these complaints we have moved Women�s Health Professional to www.womenshealthpro.wordpress.com.

Vitamin D Insufficiency Linked To Bacterial Vaginosis In Pregnant Women

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in US women of childbearing age, and is common in pregnant women. Vitamin D may play a role in BV because it exerts influence over a number of aspects of the immune system.

Cedars-Sinai Opens Women's Clinic At Heart Center, Targeting Heart Disease And Menopause

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

Women who are at risk for heart disease and who are also experiencing menopause symptoms now have an added resource � a highly specialized clinic in the Division of Cardiology at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute.

Contraceptive Ring Enters Testing For HIV Prevention

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

The new device is a vaginal ring that releases multiple types of non-hormonal agents and microbicides, which would prevent conception as well as sexually transmitted HIV infection.

Women Take The Brunt Of The Worry, Causing Stress

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

More than two-thirds of American women interviewed for a survey released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) say that the nation�s sagging economy has negatively affected their lives or the lives of their loved ones. The findings also indicate women may be neglecting their own needs while focusing on other concerns.

Obstetrics: Maternal And Newborn Outcomes Improved With Series Of Clinical Interventions

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

Maternal and newborn outcomes were greatly improved when doctors implemented a series of clinical interventions at Yale-New Haven Hospital's obstetrical unit.

Women More Vulnerable To Tobacco Carcinogens, European Conference Finds

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

Women may be more vulnerable than men to the cancer-causing effects of smoking tobacco, according to new results reported this week at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO), Lugano, Switzerland.

Relapse Common Among Women Who Stop Taking Antidepressant Medication For PMS

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

About half of women whose symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome are relieved by the antidepressant sertraline appear to experience relapse within 6-8 months after stopping medication, according to a new article. Women with more severe symptoms and those who took the drug for a shorter period of time may be more likely to relapse.

Women Likely To Experience Non-Traditional Stroke Symptoms

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

The traditional stroke symptoms are well known and include a sudden onset of numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble talking, loss of vision, or coordination problems. But in women, doctors and bystanders should be paying attention to something else, said Dr. Lynda Lisabeth, researcher in the department of neurology at the University of Michigan Health System (U-M).

Healthcare Leaders Say Payment Reform Needed To Control Costs

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

Healthcare leaders believe the U.S. must rein in the growth of health spending, majority of respondents call for payment reform.

NY Offers $60 Million To Integrate HIT

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PST

The New York Department of Health (NY DOH) has made $60 million available for grants to support adoption of health information technology (HIT) and integration with patient center medical home (PCMH) practices.

Moms Who Breastfeed Are Less Likely To Develop Heart Attacks

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PST

The longer women breastfeed, the lower their risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease, reported researchers from the University of Pittsburgh.

Upright Positions Shorten First Stage Labor

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PST

Lying down during the early stages of childbirth may slow progress, according to a new systematic review by Cochrane Researchers.

More Women With Early-stage Breast Cancer Choosing Double Mastectomies

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PST

A University of Minnesota cancer surgeon and researcher has found a dramatic increase in the number of women diagnosed with the earliest stage of breast cancer choosing to have both breasts surgically removed.

Anti-HIV Gel Effective For Women In Large-Scale Study

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PST

An investigational vaginal gel intended to prevent HIV infection in women has demonstrated signs of success in a clinical trial conducted in Africa and the United States. Findings of the recently concluded study, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the NIH, were presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Montreal.

Study Examines Effects Of Exercise On Quality Of Life In Postmenopausal Women

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PST

Exercise appears to improve quality of life in postmenopausal women regardless of whether they lose weight, according to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Hormone Offers Promise As Fertility Treatment

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PST

New research suggests the hormone kisspeptin shows promise as a potential new treatment for infertility.

Few Women Follow Healthy Lifestyle Guidelines Before Pregnancy

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PST

Very few women follow the nutritional and lifestyle recommendations before they become pregnant, even when pregnancy is in some sense planned, found a recent study.

Risk Of Aggressive Breast Cancer Subtype Three Times Higher For Black Women

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 PST

Lifestyle, age and weight have all been considered as risk factors for breast cancer, taking these factors into consideration, black women face three times the risk of developing an aggressive 'triple negative tumor' compared to women of other racial backgrounds, a Boston University study concluded.

Physical Abuse Raises Women's Health Costs Over 40 Percent

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 PST

Women experiencing physical abuse from intimate partners spent 42 percent more on healthcare per year than non-abused women, according to a long-term study of more than 3,000 women.

Tougher HIPAA Rules To Be Subject of Audio Webcast April 7

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 PST

The most significant changes to the HIPAA privacy law since its inception was signed into law by President Obama as part of the new stimulus package approved by both houses of Congress.

Research Finds Link Between Depression And Cardiac Events

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 PST

New published research suggests that relatively healthy women with severe depression are at increased risk of cardiac events, including sudden cardiac death (SCD) and fatal coronary heart disease (CHD).

Study Shows Best Methods for Assessing Women�s Breast Cancer Risk

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 PST

Using a combination of risk factors, including breast density, provides the most accurate method to date for postmenopausal women to determine if they are at risk for developing breast cancer, according to a new meta-analyses and literature review.

�Million Women Study� Shows Even Moderate Alcohol Consumption Increases Cancer Risk

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 PST

Low to moderate alcohol consumption among women is associated with a statistically significant increase in cancer risk and may account for nearly 13 percent of the cancers of the breast, liver, rectum and upper aero-digestive tract combined, according to a report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Untreated Psychiatric Disorders Common in Single Mothers on Welfare

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 PST

Urban single mothers nearing the end of their welfare eligibility appear more likely to have substance use and psychiatric disorders than women in the general population, and often do not receive treatment, according to a report in the March issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.

Yoga Provides Emotional Benefits To Women With Breast Cancer

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

Women undertaking a 10 week program of 75 minute Restorative Yoga (RY) classes gained positive differences in aspects of mental health such as depression, positive emotions, and spirituality (feeling calm/peaceful) compared to the control group.

Goserelin Improves Survival In Premenopausal Women With Early Breast Cancer, Study Shows

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

Goserelin, a lutenizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist, reduces the long-term risk of disease recurrence and deaths in premenopausal women with early breast cancer who did not take tamoxifen, according to trial data.

Fertility Drugs Do Not Increase Risk Of Ovarian Cancer, Study Shows

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

The use of fertility drugs does not increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer, finds a large study from Danish researchers.

Breastfeeding Can Reduce Multiple Sclerosis Relapses

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

Women who have multiple sclerosis may reduce their risk of relapses after pregnancy if they breastfeed their babies, according to a study released February 18 that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, April 25 to May 2, 2009.

March Of Dimes Awards $126,000 To Community Women Healthcare Programs

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Washington chapter of March of Dimes awarded a total of $125,580 to seven organizations improving the health of women.

Women More Likely Than Men To Die In Hospital From Severe Heart Attack

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

Men and women have about the same adjusted in-hospital death rate for heart attack � but women are more likely to die if hospitalized for a more severe type of heart attack, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

NPT May Be the Superior Alternative To IVF

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

Researchers from the International Institute of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (IIRRM) have responded to concerns expressed by infertility specialists that patients might choose NaProTechnology (NPT), over in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment for infertility, finding the alternative surpassing IVF .

Resting Heart Rate Could Predict Heart Attack

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

A simple measurement of resting pulse predicts coronary events in women independently of physical activity and common risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, found a new study.

Postmenopausal Women's Loss Of Sexual Desire Affects Health, Quality Of Life

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

Women with low levels of sexual desire, often as a result of menopause, are more likely to be depressed and to suffer physical symptoms such as back pain and memory problems than women who report higher levels of desire, according to a new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals.

Women May Be More Likely To Experience Emergency Medical Services Delays For Heart Care

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

Women who called 9-1-1 complaining of cardiac symptoms were 52 percent more likely than men to experience delays during emergency medical services� (EMS) care, according to a report in Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Miscarriage And Infertility Treatment Increase Pre-eclampsia Risk

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

Repeated miscarriages and hormone treatment for infertility give an increased risk of pre-eclampsia among pregnant women, according to a new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

CDC Report Finds High Burden Of STDs, Especially Among Women And Racial Minorities

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

Reported cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the United States exceeded 1.4 million in 2007, according to an annual report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These diseases continue to be the most commonly reported infectious diseases in the nation and pose persistent and preventable threats to fertility in the U.S.

Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute Cardiologist Named Top U.S. Woman Cardiologist

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

Dr. C. Noel Bairey Merz, has received the top honor in the first Dr. Carolyn McCue Woman Cardiologist of the Year Award program, presented by the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Pauley Heart Center.

Vitamins C And E And Beta Carotene Again Fail To Reduce Cancer Risk

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

Women who took beta carotene or vitamin C or E or a combination of the supplements had a similar risk of cancer as women who did not take the supplements, according to data from a randomized controlled trial.

Women's Access To Donated Kidneys Declines With Age, Particularly Compared With Men

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

Younger women have equivalent access to kidney transplants compared with their male counterparts, but older women receive transplants much less frequently than older men, according to a new study.

Vitamin D Deficiency Associated With Greater Rates Of Cesarean Sections

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and Boston Medical Center (BMC) found that pregnant women who are vitamin D deficient are also at an increased risk for delivering a baby by caesarean section as compared to pregnant women who are not vitamin D deficient.

High Insulin Level Is An Independent Risk Factor For Breast Cancer

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

Women who have a high level of insulin have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who have a lower level of the hormone, according to study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Awards Available To Better Understand Women's Mental Health

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be funding two separate research projects to understand the mental health of women.

Persistent Imminent Orgasms In Women Are Associated With Restless Legs

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

Persistent imminent orgasms in women are associated with restless legs and overactive bladder � a conclusion of research by the Utrecht University and The Hague�s Haga Hospital.

Secondhand Smoke Raises Odds Of Fertility Problems In Women

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found that women exposed to second hand smoke, either as adults or children, were significantly more likely to face fertility problems and suffer miscarriages.

Researchers Find Potential Links Between Breast Density And Breast Cancer Risk

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

Having dense breasts - areas that show up light on a mammogram - is strongly associated with increased breast cancer risk, but "why" remains to be answered. By examining dense and non-dense tissue taken from the breasts of healthy volunteers, researchers from Mayo Clinic have found several potential links.

Selenium May Prevent High Risk-bladder Cancer For Women

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

New study suggested that selenium, a trace mineral found in grains, nuts and meats, may aid in the prevention of high-risk bladder cancer.

Poor Sleep Quality Linked To Postpartum Depression

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

Postpartum depression (PPD) can lead to poor sleep quality, recent research shows; producing evidence that depression symptoms worsen in PPD patients when their quality of sleep declines.

Mayo Clinic Finds Women With Mitral Valve Prolapse Are Treated Less Aggressively Than Men

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

Evidence of higher mortality and lower surgery rates in women versus men with mitral valve prolapse and severe leakage may be related to the complexity of evaluating the condition's severity in women, according to findings of a Mayo Clinic study.

Study Determined Two Drinks A Day Are OK For Women's Heart Beat

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women who have up to two alcoholic drinks per day do not appear to be at increased risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat), but drinking more than that amount is associated with a higher risk, according to a new study.

Newborns Exposed To Maternal Smoking More Irritable, Difficult To Soothe

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

Recent study by The Miriam Hospital went beyond the common outcomes of low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome risks to reveal babies exposed to tobacco in utero are less likely to self-soothe and are more aroused and excitable than newborns whose mothers did not smoke during pregnancy.

New Screening Halves Number Of Children Born With Down Syndrome

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

A new national screening strategy in Denmark has halved the number of infants born with Down's syndrome and increased the number of infants diagnosed before birth by 30 percent, according to a study published on the British Medical Journal.

Pelvic Lymphadenectomy Does Not Improve Survival In Early-stage Endometrial Cancer

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

Systematic use of pelvic lymphadenectomy (removal of the lymph nodes) does not improve disease-free or overall survival in women with early-stage endometrial cancer, according to a randomized trial.

Two Antidepressants Taken During Pregnancy Linked To Heart Anomalies In Babies

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women who took the antidepressant fluoxetine during the first three months of pregnancy gave birth to four times as many babies with heart problems as women who did not and the levels were three times higher in women taking paroxetine, according to a recent study.

Possible Link Between Diabetes And Pelvic Girdle Syndrome

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

Diabetes appears to be linked with an increased risk of pelvic girdle syndrome, according to a new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and Akershus University Hospital.

Behavioral Link Between Breastfeeding And Lower Risk Of Childhood Obesity

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

Breastfeeding has a number of positive health benefits for baby: it can prevent ear infections and allergies and lowers the risk of developing respiratory problems. It can also help prevent against obesity later in life, but the reason for this still isn't known.

U.S. Gets A 'D' As March Of Dimes Releases Premature Birth Report Card

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

The United States is failing hundreds of thousands of its youngest citizens on the day they are born, according to the March of Dimes.

New Hormone Data Can Predict Menopause Within A Year

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

For many women, including the growing number who choose later-in-life pregnancy, predicting their biological clock's relation to the timing of their menopause and infertility is critically important.

While Prevalent, Sexual Problems In Women Not Always Associated With Distress

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

A recent study found while about 40 percent of women surveyed report having sexual problems, only 12 percent indicate that those issues are a source of significant personal distress.

Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Linked To High Fat Diets And Decreased Physical Activity In Women

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

A new study shows that unrelated to obesity, people with severe sleep disordered breathing (SDBs) consume a more unhealthy diet, which may be a factor contributing to greater cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. These findings were most evident among women.

Mental Health Linked To Stillbirth And Newborn Deaths

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women with a history of serious mental illness are much more likely to have babies that are stillborn or die within the first month of life, new research revealed.

Patience During Stalled Labor Can Avoid Many C-sections, Study Shows

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

Pregnant women whose labor stalls while in the active phase of childbirth can reduce health risks to themselves and their infants by waiting out the delivery process for an extra two hours, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco.

Women Have More Hand Bacteria Than Men

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

A new University of Colorado at Boulder study indicates that not only do human hands harbor far higher numbers of bacteria species than previously believed, but women have a significantly greater diversity of microbes on their palms than men.

Flaxseed Oil Carries High Risk Of Premature Birth

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

A study has found that the risks of a premature birth quadruple if flaxseed oil is consumed in the last two trimesters of pregnancy. The research was conducted by Professor Anick B�rard of the Universit� de Montr�al's Faculty of Pharmacy and the Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center and Master's student Krystel Moussally.

Elderly Women Can Increase Strength But Still Risk Falls

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST

Elderly women can increase muscle strength as much as young women can, a new study from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) found, indicating that decline in muscle function is less a natural part of the aging process than due to a decline in physical activity.

New Program Designed To Help Women Take Control of Their

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

A combination of physical therapy knowledge and a pelvic floor disorder diagnosis created a new exercise program aimed at strengthening weak pelvices.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Rising Among Women

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

After four decades on the decline, rheumatoid arthritis is on the upswing among women in the United States, a study by the Mayo Clinic found and presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals in San Francisco.

Changes In Sex Steroids Associated With Menopause

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

A study in the journal Sleep shows that the increased rate of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) change that occurs during menopause is associated with increased objective sleep duration but poor subjective sleep quality.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommends Primary Care Interventions To Promote Breastfeeding

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

Following an evidence review, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded that doctors, nurses, hospitals and health systems have a role to play in encouraging and supporting breastfeeding.

New MRI Technique May Identify Cervical Cancer Early

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

Using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a special vaginal coil, a technique to measure the movement of water within tissue, researchers may be able to identify cervical cancer in its early stages, according to a new study.

Mental Barriers Hamper Obese Women's Efforts To Get Exercise

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

For arachnophobes, it's difficult to kill a spider as it scurries across the floor. While nothing physically stops people with this aversion, a mental barrier can keep them from the task at hand. The same could be said for obese women when it comes to physical activity, according to research presented at the Obesity Society's Annual Meeting.

More Women Bingeing, Purging And Restricting During Pregnancy

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

Researchers estimated that as many as 1 in 20 women suffer from an eating disorder during pregnancy. According to doctors at The Victorian, an eating disorder and co-existing substance abuse treatment center for women, that number appears to be increasing as more women emulate Hollywood starlets who are getting pregnant, gaining very little weight, and losing every ounce of "excess" weight within days or weeks of delivery.

Vitamin K Does Not Prevent Bone Density Loss, May Prevent Fractures

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

Vitamin K does not protect against age-related decreasing bone density, but may protect against fractures and cancers in postmenopausal women.

Herbal Menopause Therapy A Good Fit For Breast Cancer Patients?

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

When it comes to understanding the effectiveness and safety of using herbal therapies with other drugs, much is unknown. A University of Missouri (MU) researcher will study how black cohosh - an herbal supplement often used to relieve hot flashes in menopausal women - interacts with tamoxifen, a common drug used to treat breast cancer.

Women's Leadership Exchange Summit

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

The Women's Leadership Exchange (WLE) will host their East Coast Summit in the Sheraton NY Hotel & Towers, Nove. 13, with the theme �Strong Businesses in the Midst of a Hurricane: How to Navigate Today's Economic Storm.�

Contracting Pelvic Floor Muscles Prevents Urine Leakage Before And After Pregnancy

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women who receive one on one instruction on how to contract the pelvic floor muscles and practice pelvic floor muscle exercises with health professional supervision are less likely to suffer urine leakage during or after pregnancy; a systematic review from The Cochrane Library suggests that these exercises are effective for preventing and treating incontinence.

Core Needle Breast Biopsy Safe For Patients Taking Blood Thinners

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

It is safe to take anticoagulants (blood thinners) before core needle breast biopsies, according to a study performed at the Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic in Rochester, NY.

Smoking Increases Depression In Women

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

A new study revealed that women who smoke are at greater risk of developing major depressive disorder; the study has been published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.

Asian-white Couples Face Distinct Pregnancy Risks, Study Found

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

Pregnant women who are part of an Asian-white couple face an increased risk of gestational diabetes as compared with couples in which both partners are white, according to a new study from Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and the Stanford University School of Medicine.

New NIH Research Initiative to Test Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Clinical Trials to Target Hot Flashes, Night Sweats

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women troubled by hot flashes and night sweats during the years around menopause want safe, effective treatment options. A new research initiative from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will establish a multisite research network to conduct clinical trials of treatments for the most common symptoms of the menopausal transition.

Upcoming Conference Open To Community On �Menopausal Symptom Management in Breast Cancer Survivors�

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

Dr. Charles Loprinzi, chief of medical oncology at the Mayo Clinic, will be the featured speaker for the Frankenhoff Community Lecture at Norwalk Hospital offered to the general public as a community service during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Exercise Effective In Helping Pregnant Women Kick The Habit

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Exercise could be a useful tool in helping pregnant women to give up smoking, according to new research. Despite the warnings, 17 percent of women in the UK and 20 percent of women in the US still admit to smoking during pregnancy.

Weak Bladders Deter Many Young Women From Sports Participation

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

A weak bladder is putting many young women off participating in sports, or prompting them to give them up altogether, suggested new research.

Drug Could Improve Pregnancy Outcomes In Wider Range Of Women With Insulin Resistance

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women who are obese, have type 2 diabetes or a family history of type 2 diabetes could one day have more successful pregnancies, claimed a study at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Pregnant Women With Bulimia Have More Anxiety And Depression, Study Found

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women who are bulimic during pregnancy have more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to pregnant women without eating disorders. A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) shows that they also have lower self-esteem and are more dissatisfied with life and their relationship with their partner.

NICHD Posts $300,000 RFA For Pelvic Floor Disorder

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is requesting applications for Translational Research in Female Pelvic Floor Disorder grants worth $300,000.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Women Experience More Pain Than Men Do, Study Suggests

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Rheumatoid arthritis is often a more painful experience for women than it is for men, even though the visible symptoms are the same. Researchers are now saying that doctors should take more account of these subjective differences when assessing the need for medication.

New Endometrial Cancer Treatment Stops Growth Of Tumors And Kills Cancer Cells, Study Shows

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Researchers at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) announced a new approach to treating endometrial cancer patients that not only stops the growth of tumors, but kills the cancer cells.

Structural Factors, Vital Part Of HIV Prevention

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

In order to successfully prevent as many HIV infections as possible, attention must be given to structural factors that affect vulnerability and risk, as well as focusing on individual level behaviors. These are the conclusions of Dr Geeta Rao Gupta and Dr Jessica Ogden, International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), Washington, DC, USA, and colleagues, authors of the fourth paper in The Lancet Series on HIV Prevention.

Deployment Takes Toll On Women's Health

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

More than 80 percent of a sample of Air Force women deployed in Iraq and other areas around the world report suffering from persistent fatigue, fever, hair loss and difficulty concentrating, according to a University of Michigan (U-M) study.

'Superbug' Breast Infections Controllable In Nursing Mothers

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Many nursing mothers who have been hospitalized for breast abscesses are afflicted with the "superbug," methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but according to new research by UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians, conservative treatment can deal with the problem.

Catching The Blood Cell Bus Proves Fatal

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Yeast fungus cells that kill thousands of AIDS patients every year escape detection by our bodies' defenses by hiding inside our own defense cells, they then hitch a ride through our systems before attacking and spreading, scientists heard September 9, 2008 at the Society for General Microbiology's 163rd meeting at Trinity College, Dublin.

Size Of A Woman's Uterus Can Predict Premature Twins After IVF

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Using ultrasound to measure the height of a woman's uterus is a good way to predict whether or not she is at risk of having babies born prematurely if she becomes pregnant with twins after IVF, according to new research.

digiChart: EMRs For OB-GYNs

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Movement towards electronic medical records (EMR) sheds no exception for women specific practices, digiChart, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, has introduced software designed for OB-GYN offices.

Women's Health And The Environment Free Conference At UPMC

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women's Health & the Environment: New Science, New Solutions, a free conference sponsored by Teresa Heinz, The Heinz Endowments and Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), will be held at Pittsburgh's David L. Lawrence Convention Center on Thursday, September 25.

History Of Mental Illness And Abuse Are Predictors Of Postpartum Suicide Attempts

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Although maternal suicide after giving birth is a relatively rare occurrence, suicide attempts often have long-lasting effects on the family and the infant. Researchers have compared two populations of mothers and found that a history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse was a strong predictor of postpartum suicide attempts.

Recurrence Of Group B Strep High In Subsequent Pregnancies, Say Obstetricians

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

A new study by researchers at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston could help experts better decide whether to continue the current practice of retesting women during their second pregnancies for a common bacterial infection if they had tested positive for the infection previously.

HRT Improves Sleep, Sexuality And Joint Pain In Older Women

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Post-menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) gain significant improvements in quality of life, found a recent WISDOM study.

Women Share Prescription Drugs, Study Said

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

A survey of nearly 7,500 women of reproductive age found women of reproductive age borrow and share prescription medications, this is a common practice among more than one-third of this population, according to a report published online in Journal of Women's Health.

Women With Gestational Diabetes At Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women with gestational diabetes are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with almost 20 percent of women developing the condition within nine years of pregnancy, found a study of 659,000 women.

Stop Thinking �Pink!� Part Two: Start With The Human Touch

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

From the internet to word of mouth to commercials on T.V., there are plenty of ways to market healthcare to women; but what is the most effective way to grab them and pull them towards one particular program over the competition? Learn from our other successful marketing strategies and start with the human touch.

Improved quality of life for older women on HRT, Study Agreed

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can improve the health related quality of life of older women, according to recent research, �Research paper: Health related quality of life after combined hormone replacement therapy: randomized controlled trial."

Ticket For The Cure Raises $1 Million For Breast Cancer, Illinois

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced more than $1 million in Ticket for the Cure grants to 52 Illinois local health departments and community organizations, for breast cancer education and supportive services for breast cancer victims and their families.

Low Melatonin Associated with Increased Risk of Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Low melatonin levels are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to a case-control study.

Enzyme May Be The Cause Of Endometriosis

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have identified an enzyme that could be responsible for endometriosis, a common cause of pelvic pain in women.

Are HIV Prevention Gels Safe For Pregnant Women, Their Babies?

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Clinical trials hoping to identify a vaginal microbicide that is both safe and effective against HIV have all but skirted questions befitting the evaluation of an approach intended primarily for sexually active women of childbearing age: What if a woman becomes pregnant while using a product? Can exposure to a product, especially early in pregnancy, pose a risk to the developing fetus? Does pregnancy affect how a particular microbicide is supposed to work?

Contraceptive Pill Influences Partner Choice, Study Found

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

The contraceptive pill may disrupt women's natural ability to choose a partner genetically dissimilar to themselves, research at the University of Liverpool has found.

Preeclampsia Evening Awards Grants And Increases Awareness

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

The Preeclampsia Foundation will be hosting Saving Grace: A Night of Hope, its 4th annual dinner and awareness program in Washington D.C., September 20, 2008.

Screening Rates Affected By Perceived Discrimination

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Minority women and men who perceived discrimination from their health care providers were less likely to be screened for colorectal or breast cancer, according to a recent study.

$1.6 Million Funds Reproductive Research Of Zygote Maturation

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Northwestern University received a $1.6 million grant form the W.M. Keck Foundation to better understand the reproductive process of the maturing zygote.

Stop Thinking �Pink!� Part One: Use The Internet To Market To Women

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Womens market in healthcare is profitable yet rarely attended to appropriately, with old school thoughts of pink backgrounds and smiling babies. Get an edge, by building a Website, e-mailing patients and tapping into their concerns, the Internet has proven to be a valuable marketing strategy.

Soy Affects Brain And Reproductive Development, Study Said

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Two hormone-like compounds linked to the consumption of soy-based foods can cause irreversible changes in the structure of the brain, resulting in early-onset puberty and symptoms of advanced menopause in research animals, according to a new study by researchers at North Carolina State University.

Cranberry Juice Can Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

A new study by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) reveals that cranberry juice changes the thermodynamic properties of bacteria in the urinary tract, creating an energy barrier that prevents the microorganisms from getting close enough to latch onto cells and initiate an infection.

Gene When Mixed With A Migraine Turns To A Risk In Heart Disease

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women who experience migraine with aura appear to be at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke if they have a certain gene, according to a recent study.

Study Shows Minorities Less Likely To Know Their Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Nearly half of women treated for breast cancer did not know that their odds of being alive after five years are roughly the same whether they undergo mastectomy or breast conserving surgery; minority women were even less likely to be aware of this important factor of their treatment decision, according to a study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Boosts Of Estrogen May Sharpen Fuzzy Memory

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Estrogen treatments may sharpen mental performance in women with certain medical conditions, University of Florida researchers suggest that recharging a naturally occurring estrogen receptor in the brain may also clear cognitive cobwebs

Anesthetic Gel Hopes To Boost Painless Mammograms

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

A pain-relieving gel may reduce the breast discomfort some women experience during mammography exams, according to the results of a clinical trial.

Avon Foundation, Focusing Efforts On Ending Breast Cancer And Domestic Violence

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Grant giving exceeded $45 million in 2007 and 2008 looks to surpass last year's total as the fight against breast cancer and domestic violence gains recognition and momentum from the Avon Foundation.

Abnormal Sleep Patterns In Women Linked To Stroke

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Sleep patterns in middle-aged women can increase their risk for stroke, researchers have found. The greatest increase in stroke risk, 70 percent, was noted among women who slept nine hours or more per night, according to their report in the medical journal, Stroke.

Women Who Breastfeed For More Than A Year Halve Their Risk Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women who breastfeed for longer have a smaller chance of getting rheumatoid arthritis, suggests a recent study.

UBC Wins $1 Million NIH Grant for Chlamydia Vaccine Research

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have been awarded a grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further their work on a vaccine for Chlamydia, one of the most common yet least visible sexually transmitted diseases in the world.

Vaginal Microbicides May Prevent HIV In Men More Than Women

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Vaginal microbicides currently in clinical trials may a weapon that will protect women against infection from HIV. Yet, under likely circumstances, these microbicides may be of more benefit to men than women, according to a new UCLA AIDS Institute study.

Aspirin Beneficial In Treating Osteoporosis

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Researchers at the University of Southern California, School of Dentistry have uncovered the health benefits of aspirin in the fight against osteoporosis.

Study Prevents AIDS/HIV Transmission Through Breastfeeding

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Study findings have discovered how to prevent Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission during breastfeeding, to keep infected children at a minimum.

Fibroid Summit 2008: Live Surgeries, Latest Fibroid Care

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

The Cleveland Clinic will be hosting the Fibroid Summit 2008, inviting all OB/GYNs and Radiologists to learn more on the latest care techniques September 25-27, 2008.

New Ovarian Stimulation Technique Offers More Cancer Patients The Chance To Preserve Their Fertility

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Researchers have shown that it is possible to stimulate a woman's ovaries to produce eggs for collection during the final phase of the menstrual cycle. The finding offers the chance for more women who have been diagnosed with cancer to restore their fertility following chemotherapy or radiotherapy -- cancer treatments that can seriously damage the ovaries, often permanently.

Complimentary Medicines: Know The Effects Before Treatment

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Complementary medicines can help mild depression and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Not all dietary supplements and "alternative" products are harmless though, the German Institute urges consumers to be more critical of health claims.

Cardiovascular Medications Gender Bias

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women may respond less favorably than men to cardiovascular disease (CV) drug-treatments for enlarged heart, according to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center physician-scientists.

How To Market Healthcare To Women With Audio Conference's Help

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Join Women's Health Professional for an audio conference and webinar designed to educate those working in a woman's health program on how to market and promote their program to their audience through tips and case studies.

Pink Ribbon Program: Pilates Improving Breast Cancer Surviors Well-Being

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

The Pink Ribbon Program offers women a chance at a true recovery after surviving breast cancer, said Doreen Puglisi, founder of the specialized Pilates workout.

Powell Center Conference On Reproductive Issues Calls For Abstracts

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

The Deborah E. Powell Center for Women�s Health hosts the fifth annual Women's Health Research Conference covering hot topics in reproductive health, deadline for abstract submissions is August 4,2008.

Kids Connect Alcohol Odors With Mom's Emotions

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

When asked to choose between the odor of beer and an unpleasant odor, children of mothers classified as 'Escape drinkers' were more likely than children of Non-escape drinkers to choose the unpleasant odor, according to a study by the Monell Chemical Senses Center; researchers said the way children respond to the smell of alcoholic beverages is related to their mothers' reasons for drinking.

Decline In Cystic Fibrosis Since Prenatal Carrier Screening

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

Since screening for cystic fibrosis (CF), in both parents and newborns, became an adopted health measure there has been a decline of reported cases, according to researchers at the New England Newborn Screening Program (NENSP) of the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Study: Fifth Annual Women's Health In American Hospitals

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

Large variations among hospitals persist in the quality of maternity and cardiac care for women, according to a new study released by HealthGrades, an independent healthcare ratings organization.

Inhibitors Of Estrogen-dependent Breast Cancer Cells Discovered

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

Presented at an Endocrine Society meeting, researchers have discovered a new family of agents that inhibit the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells, the discovery is inspiration for new drugs to combat estrogen-dependent breast cancers.

Study To Determine If Abortion Drug's Off-label Use Causes Death

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

Responding to reported deaths caused by vaginal use of RU-486's companion drug misoprostol, when the drug is only approved for oral use, sparked a preliminary study by the University of Michigan (U-M) Health System to determine the drugs role in undermining the body's immune response.

Smoking During Pregnancy Increases Risk Of SIDS

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

A new study provides the most direct evidence that there exists a causal link between smoking during pregnancy and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

SWHR Calls For Support For WHOA

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

The Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) is pushing for support of the Women's Health Office Act (WHOA) insuring women's health remains represented and a permanent priority in government.

SMA Hosts Conference Focused On The Female Patient July 2008

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

The Southern Medical Association will be hosting the 19th Annual Conference: Focus on the Female Patient, July 20-24 2008, discussing new issues in women's health, updates on treatments and guidelines as well as examine diagnostic procedures and therapeutic protocol; deadline for registration is June 19.

Women Suffering From Menstrual Migraines Go Unnoticed

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

According to a recent survey conducted by the National Headache Foundation (NHF), 94 percent of women said they suffer from headaches before, during, or immediately after their menstrual cycles. However, over half of the respondents also reported never having discussed menstrual migraines with their healthcare professional. The NHF is raising awareness this month, encouraging women to become educated about this treatable condition.

Revision Of Osteoporosis Guidelines Completed

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

An updated Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) still cites postmenopausal women as the riskiest but has added men to the list of most vulnerable populations.

Hypertension Treatment With Diuretics Recommended In New Guide

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

A thiazide-type diuretic is the best first-choice drug for hypertensive patients, according to a University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston study.

Calcium Supplements Not Only Increases Bone Health But Heart Attacks Too

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

New research shakes the theory of calcium supplements protecting against vascular disease, questioning if the benefits to bone health outweighing increased risks of heart attacks in healthy postmenopausal women.

FDA Proposes To Provide Informative Labeling On Drugs For Mothers-To-Be

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed major revisions to the physician labeling for prescription drugs (including biological products) to provide better information about the effects of medicines used during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Aspirin-Every-Other-Day Keeps The Inhaler Away

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

A low dose of aspirin on alternate days can cut the risk of developing asthma among women, suggests study.

Lyphedema Is Caught Early By Physical Therapists, Said Study

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

A recent study shows that pre- and post-operative assessments of breast cancer patients by physical therapists allow for early diagnosis and successful treatment of lymphedema.

New Studies Presented At Symposium Offer Insights On Breastfeeding Effects On Baby Weight

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

Studies presented at the American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting at Experimental Biology symposium discussed new infant feeding studies that used methodology such as randomized clinical trials (involving breastfeeding promotion) as well as sibling pairs analysis. These studies may offer new insights into possible associations between infant feeding and health outcomes such as obesity.

Cancer Risk Higher For Women In Discontinued Hormone Treatment Trial

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

A follow up study of participants in the Women�s Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial has found that women who were taking the combined hormone therapy of estrogen plus progestin may have an increased risk of cancer since the intervention was stopped, compared to participants in the trial�s placebo group, according to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor Dr. Gerardo Heiss.

Sexual Health Screening Shouldn't Be Sexualized, Everyone Should Be Tested

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

Trying to shake the perception that women are comfortable disclosing their sexual history with doctors, Australian women prefer to have an age-based screening for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) chlamydia, rather than a screening based on risk, according to study.

Running Away From Cancer May Be Girls' Best Protector: Exercise Lowers Risk Of Breast Cancer

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

Girls and young women who exercise regularly between the ages of 12 and 35 have a substantially lower risk of breast cancer before menopause compared to those who are less active, new research shows.

WHI Study Shows HRTs Have No Effect ON Severity Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

Using data from the Women�s Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trials on hormone replacement therapy, a new study found that there were no significant differences in the risk of developing Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)or the severity of RA between postmenopausal women who were on hormone replacement therapy and those who took placebos.

Stress Worsens Symptoms Of Endometriosis

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

Stress effects the immune system to worsen symptoms of endometriosis, proves new study testing the effects of stress on rats induced with edometriosis.

Does Pain-Free And Drug-Free Child Birth Exist?

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

Most women wish to have a child birth free of drugs and free of pain of course, but can the two co-exist? Researchers say mothers need to be educated on the reality of pain before making the decision to leave the pain-killers behind.

Woman's Race Determines Cancer Screening Behavior

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women�s perception of their cancer risk appears to vary by race and may affect how likely they are to undergo screenings, particularly for colon cancer, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Viral Infections Causing High Blood Pressure And Complications During Pregnancy

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

Viral Infections are thought to cause high blood pressure during pregnancy and health complications associated with high blood pressure along with pre-term birth, found researchers at Adelaide's Women's & Children's Hospital and the University of Adelaide, Australia.

National Women's Health Week: What Five Tests You Should Take, Sex Differences Discussion

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

This mother's day, May 11, kicks off the 9th annual National Women's Health Week, womenshealth.gov of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers some suggestions for you and your community.

Chance of Stroke Goes Up With Your Weight

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

A middle-aged woman's chance of having a stroke nearly doubled in the past year, a study by the American Heart Association linked the rise in women's weight to the rise in reported strokes.

Smoking Before And During Pregnancy Can Cause Heart Defects

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women who smoke even a month before becoming pregnant are putting their babies at risk for developing heart disease.

Number Of Migraines Can Determine Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

The frequency of migraines may determine whether your risk of a stroke and heart attacks, according to a study by Brigham and Women�s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Environmental Factors Can Determine Tumor Growth And Movement

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

The environment surrounding breast cancer cells plays a crucial role in determining whether tumor cells grow and migrate or whether they fade away, according to a study by the Research Institute of the MUHC and McGill University.

Study Shows 1 in 4 Teen Girls Have STDs, Problem With Prevention And Screening, Says CDC

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Studies on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were presented at the 2008 National STD Prevention Conference, where a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced one out of four teenage girls are infected with a STD.

Want A Baby Boy? Load Up On Calories

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Latest study points out a woman's diet effect on which sex she will give birth to, higher fats and energy will make a boy, and lower calories produces a girl, according to researchers at the Universities of Exeter and Oxford. The findings may help explain the falling birth-rate of boys in industrialized countries, including the UK and US, said researchers.

Grading Might Be Holding Back Serous Carcinoma Treatment

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma, a rare type of ovarian cancer, is less sensitive to chemotherapy and therefore more difficult to treat than more common high-grade ovarian cancers, the trouble may be in the grading, suggests researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Cedars-Sinai Addresses Women's Cardiovascular Health With $5 Million Streisand Gift

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center of Los Angeles, California received a gift of $5 million to establish the Barbra Streisand Women's Cardiovascular Research and Education Program.

Free Seminar Talks About Conceiving Difficulties

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Advanced Fertility & Reproductive Endocrinology Institute, LLC is offering a free seminar for individuals and/or couples wondering why it's hard for them to get pregnant.

Kidneys May Be The Cause Of Sudden Cardiac Death For Post-Menopausal

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

According to a recent study, older women are at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) not because of how healthy their heart is, but how healthy their kidneys are, the worse they are at filtering impurities from the blood, the higher the risk of SCD.

Exablation Of Uterine Fibroid Tumors Treats The Problem, Without Causing Pregnancy Problems

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women with uterine fibroid tumors have many options to treat their condition, many of them include removing the uterus or surgery that could cause pregnancy problems in the future. Center for Women's Care at SightLine Health in Atlanta, Georgia now offers exablation, that not only has a high success rate but also preserves the uterus for future pregnancies.

Stick With The Same Sex When It Comes To Depression, Says Survey

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

When it comes to depression, women doctors tend to be more linked with their female patients when identifying depressive symptoms and risks compared to male doctors who may not be as connected, according to a recent survey conducted by the Society for Women�s Health Research, a Washington, D.C. based advocacy organization.

Local Breast Recurrence Risk Triples With Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Researchers found a link between anemia developed during chemotherapy and local recurrence of breast cancer, with nearly three times the risk for those with anemia then those without.

Komen Awards 15 Grants For NC Breast Cancer Programs

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

The North Carolina Triad Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure awarded 15 grants totaling $545,808 to bring screening and treatments to the uninsured and the underinsured.

Women Over 65 Keeping Their Balance With Yoga

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Adding a prop to your yoga routine has been found to increase confidence and decrease falls in women over the age of 65, said a Temple University Gait Study Center study.

Physicians Stop The Talking At Tobacco Use With Mothers-To-Be And Preterm Births Linked To Elevated Cholesterol In Mothers, Studies Presented At SGI Meeting

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Physicians are more likely to discuss tobacco use over drug and alcohol and women's cholesterol tends to be higher if they have had a preterm pregnancy, those two studies stood out at the 55th annual meeting of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation (SGI).

Breast Milk Can Prevent Allergic Asthma In Babies

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

An airborne allergen has been discovered to pass through breast milk from mother to child, protecting babies against allergic asthma.

Endometriosis Goes Silently Undiagnosed For 87 Percent Of Women

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Although endometriosis is the most commonly diagnosed uterine disorder, approximately 87 percent of women in the U.S. with the painful disease still go undiagnosed each year.

The Pill: Not Just For Contraception, But Cancer Protection Too

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Not only does the Pill protect you from unplanned pregnancies, but a new study by Oxford University says it protects users from ovarian cancer.

Shorter They Come, The Longer They Stay � Height Linked To Longevity

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

A gene has been discovered that not only is associated with women being shorter in height, but it also is linked with living a longer life, say 90-years-old, scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have found.

Eggs Can Now Be Frozen Unfertilized, Changing The Way Women Get Pregnant

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

Normally eggs are fertilized then frozen to guarantee success when ready to be implanted, Pacific Fertility Center (PFC) has moved the process forward to freezing eggs unfertilized and successfully warming, fertilizing and implanting when the woman is ready to have a child.

Estrogen Levels May Effect Breast Cancer Recurrence Rates, Says Study

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

A recent study suggests the higher levels of estrogen may determine a recurrence rate of breast cancer, women whose breast cancer came back after treatment had almost twice as much estrogen in their blood than did women who remained cancer-free � despite treatment with anti-estrogen drugs in a majority of the women.

NYM Offers An Institute Exclusively To Cater To Women's Health

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

The New York Methodist Hospital recently established an Institute for Women�s Health to take care of all birthing and gynecological needs.

Crohn's Disease And Ulcerative Colitis Can Take It's Toll On Pregnancy, CCFA Offers Educational Support

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

Study shows pregnancy outcomes for women with Crohn�s disease and ulcerative colitis differ from those without these chronic digestive diseases, leading the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) to offer a series of educational chats to help expecting mothers.

Men May Have More Heart Attacks, But Women Have More Chest Pains

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

Researchers discovered while investigating risk factors for stable angina that men may have a higher rate of heart attacks, but stable angina is 20 percent more prevalent in women, according to a 31-country study.

Breast Cancer More Aggressive Among Heavier Women, Study Shows

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

New research shows women's breast cancer tends to be more aggressive and reoccurring among heavier women.

Vaginal Bacteria Can Decrease HIV Infection

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

Scientists find particular bacterias can not only lower the levels of vaginal HIV, but can make it more difficult to spread the disease.

Can Stress Increase Your Chances OF Cervical Cancer?

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

A new study measures the possible link between a woman's experienced stress and progression of cervical cancer due to infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

FDA Removes Estrogen Hormone, Initiative Fights The Decision

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to remove the hormone estirol from estrogen medications, leaving many coalitions of gynecologists, internists and allergists asking why the hormone has been removed.

Hot Flashes May Not Be What's Keeping You Awake At Night

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women may experience hot flashes in the middle of the night as they transition into menopause, researchers say that might not be what is causing a restless night.

National Women's And Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness day is March 10, to raise young women's interest of the threat HIV/AIDS poses to them, with the theme for 2008 as, "Honoring Our Sisters: Women Living with HIV/AIDS".

NIH Funds Pelvic Floor Injury Research With $1.2 Million In Grants

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

The National Institutes of Health has awarded the urogynecology department at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) $1.2 million in grants to conduct a study of pelvic floor injury in women.

Stress During Pregnancy Can Lead To Schizophrenic Children

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

A new study connects extreme stressful events experienced by mothers during their first trimester with children developing schizophrenia.

$1.5 Million Ticket for The Cure Grants Awarded For Breast Cancer

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

Five Illinois universities were awarded 14 Ticket for the Cure grants totaling $1.5 million to find new methods to detect, prevent, screen and treat breast cancer.

Casting Call For Stories Of The Heart, Go Red For Women

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

Go Red For Women campaign is calling for heart health stories across the country, trying to find the �Heart� of 2008.

Blue Cross Offers Help To Depressed Mothers

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

Blue Cross of California has launched a maternity depression program that provides new moms with screening, education and support to help identify postpartum depression (PPD) early and offer treatment.

No More Drive-Through Mastectomies, Says 20 Million Americans

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

Efforts to ban �drive-through� mastectomies by passing the bipartisan Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2007, were met at a Capitol Hill press conference by Lifetime, Senators, House Representatives, celebrities and 20 million signatures.

Women Are Turning To The Internet For Help On Choosing Birth Control

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

Women are more and more drifting away from consulting physicians and family when it comes to choosing birth control, finding the answers they need online.

Put Down That Cup Of Coffee, It Can Cause A Miscarriage

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

Caffeine intake has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, a new study by the Kaiser Permanente Division of research shows women who consume caffeine daily are two times more likely to miscarry than those who stay away from caffeine.

Obesity May Lower Chances Of Pregnancy, Says New Study

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

New study shows it may be harder for women with a higher body mass index (BMI) to conceive, with decreasing chances with for pound she puts on.

Women's Health Expo, Hosted By ACNM

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Women's Health Expo will be held May 23-29, 2008, in Boston.

Surgeons Don't Discuss Breast Reconstruction Before Initial Breast Cancer Surgery

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

New study by the University of Michigan (UM) Comprehensive Cancer Center says only a third of patients with breast cancer discuss reconstruction with their surgeons before initial surgery

Women's Health Research Awarded $7 Million For BIRCWH

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) awarded over $7 million to 15 new and continuing programs nationwide to expand research careers in in women's health.

Pregnancy Dating Can Lower Chances Of Cesarean Births, Says Study

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

A new risk analyst approach to pregnancy lowers cesarean delivery rates, according to new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Nation Not Making The Grade When It Comes To Women's Health

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

A state-by-state report card on women's health reveals that nationally the goal to improve women's health is not being met, with no states redeeming a �satisfactory� grade and 11 states failing.

New Formula Calculates 5-Year Risk Of Hip Fracture

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

With an estimated 329,000 hip fractures a year in the U.S., the University of California Davis constructed a study to find predictors to identify hip fractures, finding the risk of hip fractures for postmenopausal women.

Screenings For AAA In Older Women Can Save Thousands

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

Medicare won't reimburse screenings for women over 65-years-old to prevent an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), new study shows the screening could save thousands of womens lives.

Women At Risk For Cancer 25 Years After Treatment

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women who were treated fir pre-cancerous lesions may still be at risk up to 25 years later of developing invasive cancer of the cervix or vagina, said study.

Teens Increased Birth Rate In 2006 Ends 14 Year Decreasing Streak

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

Teen birth rate rose 3 percent in 2006 ending the 14-year downward trend, according to statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Can Women Drink During Pregnancy?

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

The surgeon general since 1981 has advised against any alcohol consumption during pregnancy, recently debate has struck on whether women should completely abstain or choose for themselves whether or not to have a drink.

Illinois Grants $1.5 Million For Educating Women On Health

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich said $1.5 million in Women's Health Initiative Grants were awarded to fund various educational programs in women's health.

Survival Rate Predictor Older Women With Lung Cancer Discovered

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

Predicting survival rate for women 65 years and older diagnosed with Stage 1 lung cancer became is now that researchers have linked high level of enzymes to more aggressive diseases, new therapy treatment can now be prescribed.

Drug Monitoring Can Reduce Seizures During Pregnancy

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

Previous studies showed women seizure activity increasing during pregnancy on lamotrigine, new study shows monitoring usage can decrease seizures

Women's Survey Shows Them Taking Care Of Their Health First

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

New Survey disproves the theory that women don't make their health a priority, serving the needs of the family over theirs with 75 percent of respondents saying, �taking care of myself is my top priority.�

Spare Tire Raise Health Concerns Other Than Weight

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

Often called the �spare tire� is not just a bigger waistline, but can be a warning sign of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers developing.

Three Questions To Detect Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

A computer calculating risk assessment for breast cancer has been reduced to a three question survey, producing the same results.

Drugs Treating Epilepsy Can Effect Sex Hormones And Fertility

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

Study finds use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can lead to to decreased fertility and increase in reproductive disorders, but effects may be reversible.

Low Fat Intake Can Lower Risk Of Ovarian Cancer

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

New study suggests a a low dietary fat diet lowers the risk of developing ovarian cancer and other illnesses in health postmenopausal women.

Elective Colectomy Lower Mortality Rate Than Emergency Surgery Or Not At All

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

Risk of mortality is higher among those undergoing emergency colectomy or not at all when diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to patients undertaking elective surgery, said study in England.

Mammoplasties Beneficial To Women's Health And Should Be Covered By Insurance

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

Breast reductions can aid women's pain management, study says insurance companies should recognize the health value beyond the typical non-reimbursed cosmetic surgery

Caesarean Outcomes Riskier Than Vaginal

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women who have non-emergency caesarean births increase their risks and their baby's risk of infections, illness and death said Latin America study.

Women More Likely To Have Hypertension With Lack Of Sleep

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women have an increased risk of hypertension due to lack of sleep, no difference for men, study found.

Recruiting Participants For PMDD Treatment Study

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

The New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center is looking to recruit 300 women for a new treatment plan for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) study.

WISEWOMAN Adopted Nationally As State Woman's Health Model

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

Illinois women's health program has been one in six state models adopted nationally to offer other states, tribes and territories their women's health curriculum.

Women's Health Conference Using Technology To Improve Patient Care, Nov. 9-11

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Montefiore Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health will be sponsoring the 26th annual fall symposium for women's healthcare providers in New York, Nov. 9-11, 2007.

Obese Women Twice More Likely To Have C-Sections Than Normal Weight Women

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

New analysis shows that weight plays a major part in women's pregnancy health, with obese women almost two times more likely to have a C-section.

Vulvodynia, NIH Brings Awareness With Campaign

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

Up to 18 percent of American women will suffer from vulvodynia, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes this large population of infected women and have launched the Vulvodynia Awareness Campaign.

Higher The BP, Higher The Risk of Diabetes

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

A 10 year study links women with high blood pressure (BP) to being three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

High-Fat Dairy And Other Diet Changes Can Increase Fertility

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

A fertility diet might be what the doctor ordered, women who changed specific aspects of their diet faced 80 percent less relative risk of infertility due to ovulatory disorders, said new study.

Less Babies Born With HIV/AIDS In 2007

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

Record number drops of infants born with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. reported Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Low Cholesterol May Cause Premature Birth Study Says

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

Pregnant women with low cholesterol may be at greater risk for premature birth than those with moderate cholesterol levels, new study suggests.

$21 Million For Oncofertility Consortium, Researching Reproductive Preservation For Female Cancer Patients

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine has been awarded a $21 million research grant from the National Institutes of Health in hopes of finding a way to preserve female cancer patient's fertility and ability to have children.

Artal Awarded Preggie For Pregnancy Exercise Program

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

Dr. Raul Artal was awarded a �preggie� by FitPregnacy magazine for his innovative work in designing workouts for pregnant women.

Vaginal Infection: Higher Risk For African Americans, Can Cause Preterm Birth

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

Study links vaginal infection with a higher risk of preterm birth, rates show to be higher among couples with at least one partner African American.

New Test Reveals Chemotherapy Necessity In Some Cases

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

New test can determine the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence after treatment, aiding physicians and women in deciding if chemotherapy is necessary.

Happiness Not Determined By Having Kids Study Says

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

Common misconception that women's happiness in midlife depends on if they had children, study proves there is no difference between those with children and those without.

HPV Vaccination: Protecting Not Provoking

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Gardasil, a vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), for females 9 to 26, study shows that concerns of vaccination causing teens to have more sex is not warranted.

Antidepressants: Causing Bone Loss In Our Later Years?

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

Two new studies possibly link bone loss in the elderly sexes with that of taking antidepressants (SSRIs), but no clear cause and effect can be pin-pointed.

Lifestyle Change More Effective Than HRT And Less Riskier For Older Women

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

Previous studies have linked hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease. Post Menopausal women take HRT to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), new study looks at replacing HRT with lifestyle changes.

Panic Attacks May Cause Heart Attacks In Future For Post Menopausal

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

New study shows older women who have had one full blown panic attack post menopause are four times likely to having a heart attack, stroke or death within the following five years.

Lybel: Out With Placebos, Out With Your Period

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Food and Drug Administration approved the first continuous oral contraceptive for women, Lybel, eliminating the scheduled menstrual period.

Three Cups Of Coffee A Day Keeps Women's Memory Intact

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

New study indicates women drinking more than three cups of coffee or tea a day have declined effects of memory loss after age 65.

Deprivation Of Estrogen Linked To Memory Loss Disorder

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST

New study links removal of the ovaries before menopause producing a higher risk for women to develop memory loss and movement disorders later in life, suggesting estrogen having protective neuro qualities.

High Blood Pressure Medication More Effective For Hispanic Women

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST

Lack of research of minorities and medications leads University of Florida to include a large population of Hispanic women to hypertension study; medications to control high blood pressure seem to be more effective in Hispanic women than any other group studied.

Dieting, Leads to Teen Girls Smoking

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST

The number of children smoking in the US has dropped from 35 percent to 23 percent of high school students within the last ten years, said the CDC, but researchers are linking to teen girls dieting to becoming regular smokers.

Study Finds Focused Ultrasound Treatment Provides Relief For Uterine Fibroid Relief

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST

A noninvasive outpatient treatment for uterine fibroids provides substantial relief, study finds magnetic resonance imaging guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) an effective treatment to these noncancerous cells.

Drop In Hormone Use, Drop In Breast Cancer Incidence

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST

Drop in breast cancer incidence numbers is linked to a decrease use of postmenopausal hormone rather than a decline in mammography screening according to study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Red Shoes Raising Awareness

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST

Celebrity Red Shoe Auction, a cornerstone for the Red Shoe Initiative hosted by Spirit of Women Health Network, hits e-bay with red shoes donated by Carlos by Carlos Santana shoes signed by famous women with proceeds going to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Coalition and the National Stroke Association.

High Risk Older Women Have Little Interest In HIV Testing

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

Despite having significant life risks most elderly women have no interest in being tested for HIV due to lack of education and awareness said study published in the Journal of Women's Health.

University Of Iowa Opens New Women's Health Center

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

Six hundred members of the faculty, staff and invited guests attended the University of Iowa's Women's Health Center open house on August 17, enjoying tours of the compacted center.

Choline Once Suggested, Now Can Lead To Cancer

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

Choline suggested in the Vitamin B category to help forming cell membranes, develop infant brains during pregnancy and to help protect your eyes from cataracts, is now being linked to forming colorectal poyps, leading to colorectal cancer says study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

University of Minnesota Hosts 4th Annual Women's Health Research Conference

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

University of Minnesota in conjunction with Deborah E. Powell Center for Women's Health is hosting the fourth annual Women's Health Research Conference on Monday Sept. 17.

Global Conference Set for London on October 18-20

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

A global conference in London this October aims to halt the needless deaths of 10 million women and girls who die in each generation during pregnancy and childbirth, and four million newborn babies who die every year.

Menopausal Women May Be At Risk For UTI's

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

The loss of estrogen not only impacts a women's reproductive system but it affects their urinary tract during the period of menopause.

MRI Finds Breast Cancer Before It Becomes Dangerous

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is substantially more accurate than mammography in diagnosing very early stages of breast cancer, according to researchers at the University of Bonn.

Progesterone Therapy and Preterm Birth: More Evidence Helps Identify Women Who Can Benefit

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

Two major studies published today in The New England Journal of Medicine can help doctors better identify pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery who can benefit from progesterone treatment, the March of Dimes Foundation said today.

National Eating Disorders Association Hosts 2007 Conference

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

The 2007 National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Conference will be held Oct. 4-6, 2007, at the Doubletree Hotel in San Diego-Mission Valley, C.A.

CHAMP Provision Would Reduce Unintended Pregnancy and Abortion

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

Rep. John Dingell introduced the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007 (CHAMP) to help individuals and families by providing them with resources to plan when they will have children.

Gynecologic Cancer Foundation Offers Free Ovarian Cancer Workshop

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) is offering free telephone education workshop on Oct. 19, 2007.

First Annual Clermont Chamber Women�s Day Event

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Clermont Chamber with support from Dillard�s (Eastgate), Workforce One of Clermont County, Humana and TriHealth present the First Annual Clermont Chamber Women�s Day Event.

Conference addresses marketing to women as healthcare decision makers

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

The "Marketing to the New Healthcare Consumer Conference" will be held on Sept. 17-19, 2007 at the Chicago Hilton.

Breast Cancer: Path To Recovery

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

Over the course of his 40-year career, more than 2,500 breast cancer patients have passed through Dr. S. David Nathanson's operating rooms. Although science cannot explain it, Dr. Nathanson, one of America's Top Oncologists, says intangible traits like courage, persistence, faith and hope have all proven to be essential in the treatment process. Without over-the-counter answers to the emotional struggles that accompany a breast cancer diagnosis, how do patients find strength within to survive?

Diet And Exercise Essential For Breast Cancer Survival

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST

Breast cancer survivors who both eat a healthy diet and exercise moderately may reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by half, regardless of their weight, according to a study from the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

Pelvic Health Conditions Hit Baby Boomers

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

A report for the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) reveals the high prevalence of pelvic health conditions among women in the United States - at least one-third of all women (about 35 million) will be treated for a pelvic health condition by the age of 60, with the onset of these conditions highest among Baby Boomers.

Blood Pressure Medication Proves Effective In Hispanic Women

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Among women being treated for hypertension and coronary artery disease, Hispanics respond better to drug regimens aimed at controlling high blood pressure than non-Hispanic white women, University of Florida researchers said.

Premenstrual Depression May Be Hereditary

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

A specific genetic variation is linked to an increased risk for severe premenstrual depression, scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the National Institute of Mental Health found.

Speaking Of Women�s Health Foundation Seeks Volunteers For Conference

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Speaking of Women�s Health conference will be held Friday, Sept. 14 and Saturday, Sept. 15 at the North Raleigh Hilton. The two-day event will consist of keynote speakers, health screenings, continental breakfast and a luncheon.

St. John's Mercy Medical Center Nurse Awarded National Nursing Association's Highest Honor

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)awarded the AWHONN Distinguished Professional Service Award to Kathleen Rice Simpson, PhD, RNC, FAAN at the AWHONN's annual convention.

Study Finds Western-Style "Meat-Sweet" Diet Increases Risk of Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

A new study finds that the more �western� the diet -- marked by red meat, starches and sweets -- the greater the risk for breast cancer among postmenopausal Chinese women, according to the Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Women's Health Program Aims to Help Smokers Quit

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute's, (UOHI) highly effective quit-smoking system will be integrated into a major women's health program for the first time.

Numbers Of Teen Girls Abusing Drugs Rises As Others Fall

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Overall drug use in the workforce is down according to 2006 survey, yet teen girls are keeping up the numbers for emergency room visits due to prescription drug abuse.

Hiring, Retention of Women's Health Professionals a Top Concern

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Hiring and retaining professionals who specialize in women's health is a chief concern for those in women's healthcare, according to the Women's Health Program Management Leadership Survey conducted by Health Resources Publishing.

Women's Health Month at OSU

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Ohio Department of Health and the Multicultural Center at Ohio State University (OSU) is sponsoring the Women's Health Month Kickoff event this fall.

Young Women Aren't Recognizing Heart Attacks

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Less than five percent of the gender specific population with heart problems is the 55 and younger age group attributing 40,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths a year due to heart disease and they are clueless to the warning signs, according to study authors.

Survey Finds Women's Lack of Knowledge About Their Cervix Leads to Unnecessary Removal

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) released a study showing that 81 percent of women know what their cervix is; and 88 percent of them feel a strong connection of feeling like a woman with having a healthy cervix.

Cancer Recurrence Less Likely For Women With Hot Flashes

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women on tamoxifen therapy who get hot flashes are less likely to develop recurrent breast cancer than those who did not report hot flashes, according to a study from the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). In addition, hot flashes were a stronger predictor of outcome than age, hormone receptor status and how advanced the breast cancer was at diagnosis.

Majority of Women�s Health Professional�s Serve In Hospitals, Government Agencies

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

As might be expected the among the Women�s Health Professional.com�s online community, the largest number of members are professionals responsible for the management or administration of women�s health programs at hospitals. Following is an analysis of women�s health professionals who participated in....

Obese Pregnant Women Can Safely Lose Weight

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Most women who are obese can safely exercise and diet to lose weight during pregnancy, according to a small pilot study conducted by Saint Louis University researchers.

New Mothers Not Asked About Depression

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Most North Carolina doctors don't look for signs of postpartum depression in new mothers, according to a survey conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

New Method for Gall Bladder Removal

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Medical and surgical endoscopists at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center removed a woman's gall bladder vaginally using a flexible endoscope; the Surgery required only minimal external incisions. The revolutionary procedure is part of an ongoing clinical research trial that may prove to have advantages, including reduced pain, quicker recovery time and absence of visible scarring.

Women's Health Update 2007: UK Invites Health Professionals

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women's Health Update of 2007 is being hosted by the University of Kentucky, Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine on Friday Sept. 28, discussing Obesity Management, Fibromyalgia and Bio-identical Hormones.

Leadership Workshop Makes Mentoring Everybody�s Business

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Office of Research on Women�s Health will present a National Leadership Workshop on Mentoring Women in Biomedical Careers on Nov. 27-28, 2007, at the Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, MD.

Annual Women's Conference Focuses On Translational Research

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Women's Health Center of Excellence for Research, Leadership, Education (WHCoE) at Wake Forest University School of Medicine will hold the annual Graylyn Conference on Women's Health on Oct. 24-27, 2007.

Racial Differences in Severity of Breast Cancer Presentation Confirmed

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

African-American women are diagnosed with more advanced breast cancer than Caucasians, according to a new, single hospital study published in the August issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.

NIH Funding Opportunity Focuses on Women's Health

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Office of Research on Women�s Health (ORWH) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are encouraging extramural investigators to undertake new interdisciplinary research to advance studies on how sex and gender factors affect women's health.

Vitamin D and Calcium Intake Associated With Lower Breast Cancer Risk

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women who consume calcium and vitamin D may have a lower risk of developing premenopausal breast cancer, according to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Exercise Can Raise Levels of �Good� Cholesterol

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Regular exercise modestly increases levels of high-density lipoprotein, or �good,� cholesterol, according to a meta-analysis study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Soy Nuts Can Improve Blood Pressure Levels in Older Women

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Postmenopausal women who substitute soy nuts for other protein sources in a healthy diet appear to be lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels in those with high blood pressure, according to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Society for Women�s Health Research Hopes to Advance Sex Differences Research

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Society for Women�s Health Research, a Washington, D.C. based advocacy organization, hopes to aid the Food and Drug Administration�s Critical Path Initiative to advance research on sex and gender differences, and enhance the contributions of that research to improve therapeutic product development, they reported.

Hair Straighteners Are Not Believed to Cause Breast Cancer

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Chemicals and relaxers used to straighten hair do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer among African-American women, say researchers who followed 48,167 Black Women's Health Study participants.

National Survey Reveals Women Rarely Talk to Doctors and Pharmacists About How Drugs Can Affect Them Uniquely

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

A majority of American women always or frequently read the labels of their prescribed or over the counter medications to see if they might work differently in women, but few discuss this issue with their doctor or pharmacist, according to a new survey released today by the Society for Women�s Health Research, a Washington, D.C., based advocacy organization.

Pregnant Women Most at Risk of Diabetes Can be Identified by a Simple Blood Test

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

More than a third of women who suffer from diabetes during pregnancy develop type 2 diabetes within five years and those most at risk can be predicted from their blood glucose levels at diagnosis, according to a study published in the June issue of the Postgraduate Medical Journal.

Most Women Check Medication Labels for Sex Differences; Few Discuss with Healthcare Providers

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

While most women are aware that medication may work differently in them than in men, they do not discuss it with their doctor or pharmacist, according to a new survey released today by the Society for Women�s Health Research, a Washington, D.C., based advocacy organization.

IMS Launches a Campaign to Improve Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk in Menopausal Women.

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

The International Menopause Society (IMS) and cardiologists who are fellows of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) announced their first joint workshop in Seville, Spain, on cardiovascular risk assessment and management in menopausal women in the gynecological setting.

Young Women Don't Recognize Heart Attack Signs

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women under 55 don't recognize the warning signs of a heart attack, researchers reported at the American Heart Association's 8th Scientific Forum on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke.

Better Understanding of Tumor Cell Activity May Lead to Targeted Therapies for Young Women with Breast Cancer

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST

Breast Cancer tends to be more aggressive and less responsive to treatment in women under 50 than it is in older women. Researchers at the Duke Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy and the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center may have discovered a part of the reason why, which may lead to targeted therapies to help treat patients more effectively.

Skill-Building Program Can Reduce STD or HIV Risk Among Inner-City African American Women

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

A brief skill-building program on practices to reduce exposure to sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV improved the self-reported protective behaviors of inner-city black women for up to one year and actually decreased their risk of acquiring an STD, according to a study appearing in the June 2007 issue of the "American Journal of Public Health".

Metastatic Breast Cancer Focus of Conference

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

Living Beyond Breast Cancer will hold a national conference for women living with advanced (metastatic) breast cancer on July 14 at the Philadelphia Marriott West.

Prices for OB/GYN Medical Procedures Vary Widely by Zip Code

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

Prices of OB/GYN procedures can differ by as much as 2200 percent based on location, according to the Vimo Research Group.

Estrogen Therapy Could Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

A new study shows that women who use estrogen hormone therapy before the age of 65 could cut their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

WHI Study of Younger PostMenopausal Women Links Estrogen Therapy to Less Plaque in Arteries

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

New results from a substudy of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Estrogen-Alone Trial show that younger postmenopausal women who take estrogen-alone hormone therapy have significantly less buildup of calcium plaque in their arteries compared to their peers who did not take hormone therapy.

Dietary calcium is better than supplements at protecting bone health

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women who get most of their daily calcium from food have healthier bones than women whose calcium comes mainly from supplemental tablets, say researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Growth Predicted For Women�s Health Programs

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women�s health programs across the country will continue to grow over the next five years, according to the overwhelming majority of those participating in a survey of individuals who are responsible for the management or administration of their organization�s women�s health program.

Dramatic Difference in Survival Rate Among White and Black Women with Breast Cancer

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

While the overall survival rate of women with breast cancer improved over the last two decades, the rates for black women have not improved, and the gap between the life expectancy between white women and black women continues to widen, according to researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Study Predicts Hysterectomy Chances

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

The chances of a woman undergoing a hysterectomy can now be accurately predicted, according to UCSF study findings.

More Women Than Men Are Developing MS

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

More women than men develop multiple sclerosis (MS), said Gary Cutter, PhD, who presented his research at the American Academy of Neurology.

Discontinuing hormone replacement therapy does not reduce cardiovascular risks

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to reduce many cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, but many women have stopped using HRT due to reports from the Women�s Health Initiative that HRT may increase the risk of breast cancer and heart disease

Breastfeeding duration rates longer for infants born in an inner-city WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly hospital

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

Being born in a Baby-Friendly hospital gives babies the best possible chance of breastfeeding to 6 months, according to a new study in the May issue of the Journal of Human Lactation.

Mammography rates decline in United States

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

Mammography rates have declined significantly in the United States since 2000, according to a new study published in the June 15, 2007 issue of "CANCER."

Low Physical Activity Can Improve Fitness Levels For Sedentary, Overweight Postmenopausal Women

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

New research indicates that even small amounts of physical activity, approximately 75 minutes a week, can help improve the fitness levels for postmenopausal women who are sedentary and overweight or obese, according to a study published in JAMA.

HEDIS Study Finds Women Less Likely Than Men To Have Their Cholesterol Controlled

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women are significantly less likely than men to have their LDL cholesterol controlled to recommended levels, according to a new study by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Study shows dramatic increase in Caesarean sections

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST

Maternal age and affluence are among the primary reasons for the dramatic increase in the numbers of Caesarean sections in Western Australia, that likely mirrors trends in other developed countries as well.

National Women's Health Week Emphasizes Medicare Programs and Screenings

Thu, 31 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognized National Women's Health Week during the week of May 13-19, to bring awareness to health observance.

National Women's Health Week Says 'It's Your Time'

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

National Women's Health Week (May 13-19) began yesterday, as it does every year, on Mother's Day. It is an opportunity to celebrate advances in women's health, bring attention to areas that need more research or better public understanding, and educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease.

Mammography rates declining in the United States

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

Since 2000 mammography rates have declined significantly in the United States, according to a new study. Published in the June 15, 2007 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study by Dr. Nancy Breen from the National Cancer Institute and co-authors confirms that screening mammography rates to detect breast cancer fell by as much as four percent nationwide between 2000 and 2005. This is the first study to show that the trend is nationwide among women for whom the test is intended to reduce mortality risk.

National Women's Health Week 2007: How To Help Yourself and Other Women Achieve Better Health Year Round

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

National Women's Health Week encourages women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life. The theme for National Women's Health Week 2007 is "It's Your Time: Pamper Your Mind, Body and Spirit."

Women Have Colons, Too: Medical Groups Unite With Ob-Gyns to Increase Colon Cancer Screening

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and other key medical groups have partnered with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to launch a new education campaign aimed at increasing screening and reducing deaths from colorectal cancer among women.

RAND Study Finds Women With Heart Disease And Diabetes Less Likely To Receive Proper Care

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women with heart disease and diabetes are less likely to receive several types of routine outpatient medical care than men who have similar health problems, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.

National Women's Health Week Brings Reminder: Take Care Of Yourself

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

Have you ever felt rushed through a routine medical check-up with your doctor? If so, you are like many patients who often complain that they don't get enough time with their doctors. And it's not just the patients, lack of time is a relentless battle for doctors as well, who often complain that they are under constant pressure to manage their time strictly. That is why it is so important for patients to play a strong and active role in their own health care.

The Lupus Alliance of America LI/Q Affiliate urges the public to learn more about lupus during National Women�s Health Week from May 13-19

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

Over 2 million Americans have lupus; a devastating, life-threatening autoimmune disease that as of yet has no known cure, and that disproportionately affects more women than men. In fact, nine out of ten patients are women, and about 80% of all diagnosis occurs in young women between the ages of 15 and 35. Lupus affects more Americans than multiple...

Love Your Heart: New NHLBI Resource Helps Women Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

A must read for women who want to show their hearts some love, �The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women� is an invaluable and easy-to-use resource every woman should read from cover to cover. A full-color, 122-page booklet from The Heart Truth campaign, it is packed with the latest information on preventing and controlling the risk factors for heart disease � the No.1 killer of women.

Free Heart Disease Risk Factor Screenings Available In DC

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Heart Truth Road Show, a traveling women�s heart health exhibit designed to bring heart health education and screenings to women across the country, stops in Washington, DC May 14-16. Celebrating National Women's Health Week, the exhibit offers information about heart disease and its risk factors.

Obesity-breast Cancer Link May Be Due To Fat Tissue-derived Hormone Leptin

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

Being obese increases the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women, shortens the time between return of the disease and lowers overall survival rates. Italian researchers speaking at Experimental Biology 2007 in Washington, DC, now report evidence on how leptin, a hormone found in fat cells, significantly influences breast cancer development and progression in mice. This new understanding, says Dr. Sebastiano Ando, establishes a new

Nuns Study Writes Book On Good Habits

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

In 1967, 168 Catholic nuns from the Omaha area met with Creighton University officials to serve a higher cause. Another 24 joined them ten years later. And, every five years, these women faithfully returned to Creighton�s St. Joseph Hospital (now Creighton University Medical Center) for eight days and nine nights.

Pinn Point on Women's Health: Breast Cancer Advances in Detection, Treatment and Cure

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Office of Research on Women�s Health is broadcasting the second in a series of podcasts, �Pinn Point on Women�s Health,� hosted by Dr. Vivian Pinn, Associate Director for Research on Women�s Health and the Director of the Office of Research on Women�s Health. The monthly podcast will discuss the latest news in women�s health research and will include conversations with guests on a variety of subjects. In this episode, Dr. Pinn discusses new developments in the detection, treatment and cure of breast cancer, a major

New Survey Reveals Women Are Unaware of the Dangers of Surgical Adhesions

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

Although more than half of the country's women will have some type of pelvic surgery and are therefore at risk for surgical adhesions, a survey released this month by the not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) finds that women are largely unaware of the health risks associated with adhesions.

Women More Likely Than Men To Go Without Healthcare

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

With 38 percent of American women finding medical bills a serious struggle, compared to 29 percent of men, a study by the Commonwealth Fund reveals that women are much more likely to go without needed healthcare than men, because they cannot afford it. The study was carried out by the National Women's Law Center, whose researchers examined data from three nationwide surveys.

National Women's Health Week

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

The 8th annual National Women's Health Week will kick off on Mother's Day, May 13, and will be celebrated until May 19. National Women's Check-Up Day will be May 14.

Scientists To Explore How Genes And Diet Affect Women's Cancer Risk

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Using blood and DNA samples from 4,000 women who participated in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), as well as information about the foods they consumed, researchers in the Center for Human Genomics at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine will explore the role of inflammation in colon, breast, and lung cancer; three of the most common types of cancer in women.

Women's Health Specialist Addresses Digestive Health Problems Through "Straight Talk" Campaign

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Dr. Judith Reichman, a women's health specialist, is giving women food for thought with "Straight Talk on Women's GI Health,� a new campaign about digestive health.

Both Minor, Major ECG Abnormalities Associated With Increased Risk Of Death, Cardiovascular Events In Women

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Postmenopausal women without symptoms of cardiovascular problems who have minor or major abnormalities on an electrocardiogram are at increased risk for future cardiovascular events and death, according to a study by the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago.

Long-Term Aspirin Use Associated With Reduced Risk Of Dying In Women

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women who take low to moderate doses of aspirin have a reduced risk of death from any cause, and especially heart disease�related deaths, according to a study by the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Eating Ocean Farmed Salmon During Pregnancy Has Many Benefits

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

For years, women who were nursing or pregnant were warned against eating fish because of potential health risks. But recent studies have found that the benefits of eating seafood far outweigh those risks. In fact, the research suggests pregnant women should be eating at least 12 ounces of fish each week to take full advantage of the many nutrients available for their developing child.

Increased Risk Of Stillbirth In Older Pregnant Women

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Pregnancy at age 40 and beyond is an independent risk factor for intrauterine fetal demise or stillbirth, according to a study by Yale School of Medicine researchers.

Conflicting Attitudes Hinder Participation In Clinical Trials

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women have conflicting attitudes about participating in clinical trials because of uncertainties about trusting the experimenters, fear of the trial itself, and hope that the research will result in medical progress, according to a new study at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Few Surgeons Routinely Refer Breast Cancer Patients For Reconstruction

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Forty-four percent of surgeons do not refer the majority of their breast cancer patients to a plastic surgeon prior to the initial surgery when the woman is choosing her treatment course, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Timing Of Start Of Hormone Therapy May Have Effect On Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women who initiate hormone therapy closer to menopause tend to have a reduced risk of coronary heart disease compared to women who begin treatment further from menopause, but researchers did not find this reduced risk was statistically significant, according to a secondary analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial.

Women�s Health Initiative From Saint Joseph�s Hospital

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Saint Joseph�s Hospital launched its Women�s Health Initiative with the Heart Center for Women scheduled to begin on the hospital�s Sandy Spring campus in late May, early June. Dr. Gina Lundberg, a cardiologist specializing in women�s cardiovascular care, has been named the center�s director.

Hot Flashes In Women Linked To High Blood Pressure, Study Finds

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women who get hot flashes have higher blood pressure than those who don't, according to a new study led by Weill Cornell Medical College.

Effect Of Hormone Therapy On Risk Of Heart Disease May Vary By Age And Years Since Menopause

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Secondary analyses of findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) suggest that women who begin hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause may have less risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) due to hormone therapy than women farther from menopause.

Call Made For Changes In Women's Heart Disease Risk-Factor List

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST

Johns Hopkins cardiologists are calling for an expansion of the criteria widely used by physicians to detect and assess a postmenopausal woman�s chances of developing cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women in the United States.

Prevent Blindness America Asks Pregnant Women To Take Charge Of Their Optical Health

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

As part of April�s �Women�s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month,� Prevent Blindness America offers the following information on what some women may experience during pregnancy.

MRI Detects Cancers In The Opposite Breast Of Women Newly Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of women who were diagnosed with cancer in one breast detected over 90 percent of cancers in the other breast that were missed by mammography and clinical breast exam at initial diagnosis, according to a American College of Radiology Imaging Network study (ACRIN).

In Hispanic Women, Genetic Variations Linked To Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

In Hispanic women, four gene variants are linked to spontaneous preterm birth, according to researchers at Yale School of Medicine and Washington University.

Hispanic Women At Higher Risk For Heart Disease

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

Hispanic women�s heart disease risk is comparable to the heart disease risk level of Caucasian women who are about a decade older, reported researchers at the American Heart Association�s 47th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention.

Healthy Women With High Cholesterol At Increased Risk Of Stroke

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

With high cholesterol, healthy women with no history of heart disease or stroke significantly increase their chances of having a stroke, according to a study of more than 27,000 women by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).

Expert Advises Women: Don�t Despair If AHA 2007 Guidelines Seem Too Difficult

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women should not give up if they think the American Heart Association�s new heart guidelines for women seem unattainable, according to Loyola University Health System cardiologist Dr. Thriveni Sanagala.

Perceived Risk Of Recurrence Low In African American Breast Cancer Survivors

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

A unique survey of African American breast cancer survivors at heightened risk for hereditary breast cancer has found the majority do not believe they have an increased chance of developing the cancer again.

HEART For Women Act Endorsed By National Health Groups

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

Federal legislation aimed at fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular disease among American women received the endorsement of several leading women�s heart and healthcare organizations.

Women�s Health Experts Discuss Cardiovascular Technology Advances For Women

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Society for Women�s Health Research reports that despite technological gains in heart disease diagnosis and treatment, women are still underrepresented in heart studies and researchers do not regularly provide needed information about differences in the disease between women and men. The society reported the findings in a briefing designed to provide congressional staff members with information to support their healthcare policy work.

WELLSPACE Acquires WomenCare, Women's Health Practice In Boston

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

WELLSPACE, provider of integrative medicine in the U.S., acquired WomenCare, a nationally recognized gynecological practice and fertility clinic. WomenCare is led by Dr. Mitchell J. Levine, a board certified gynecologist who uses elements of conventional Western and complementary medicine in his practice of medicine.

Intimacy After Cancer: A Woman's Guide

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

According to an online poll by the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 90 percent of cancer patients had not been talked to about the effects of treatment on their sexuality. Co-authors Dr. Sally Kydd, a cancer survivor, and Dana Rowett, a medical writer, with Big Think Media Inc., have published Intimacy After Cancer: A Woman's Guide, a book to address the issue.

Overweight Girls At Risk For Cardiovascular Disease

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Growth and Health Study suggest that girls as young as age nine who are overweight are at increased risk for short-term and long-term problems that increase the chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

NHLBI Awards 12 Grants For The Women's Health Initiative

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

A total $18 million was awarded to The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to help launch its next phase of research with 12 new contracts by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.

NPWH Is First To Recognize Patient Education As Key To Success Of Cervical Cancer Prevention Programs

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) has endorsed cervical cancer screening guidelines that support the use of HPV (human papillomavirus) testing along with the Pap for routine screening of women 30 and older.

The Changing Face Of Women's Health Exhibit

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

Visitors may explore the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Global Health Odyssey in the Tom Harkin Global Communications Center. The exhibit area features permanent and changing exhibitions that focus on a variety of public health topics, as well as the history of the CDC.

National Nursing Association Changes Title Of Clinical Practice Journal To Better Reflect Content

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) changed the name of its clinical practice journal from AWHONN Lifelines to Nursing for Women's Health, beginning with volume 11. The journal will maintain its format and content after the title change.

Professional Education Materials For Women's Health Available Online

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

A free Web-based provider education Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on women and heart disease was launched by the Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH).

2007 NIH Research Priorities For Women�s Health

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

Grant opportunities are available from the Office of Research on Women�s Health (ORWH) to stimulate and encourage meritorious research on women�s health, including the role of sex and gender in health and disease.

FDA Clears Breast Cancer Specific Molecular Prognostic Test

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 PST

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared for marketing a test that determines the likelihood of breast cancer returning within five to 10 years after a woman's initial cancer. It is the first cleared molecular test that profiles genetic activity.

Risk Of Preterm Birth Appears To Vary By Season

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women who become pregnant in spring are more vulnerable to preterm birth than those who conceive in other seasons, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh.

Heart Disease Deaths In American Women Decline

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 PST

The number of heart disease deaths in American women is decreasing, according to a study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The number of women who die from heart disease has shifted from 1 in 3 women to 1 in 4 � a decrease of nearly 17,000 deaths from 2003 to 2004.

Survey Finds Perceived Risk Of Recurrence Is Low In African American Breast Cancer Survivors

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:00:00 PST

A survey of African American breast cancer survivors at heightened risk for hereditary breast cancer has found the majority do not believe they have an increased chance of developing the cancer again.

Exercise Provides Protection Against Invasive Breast Cancer

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:00:00 PST

Six or more hours per week of strenuous recreational activity may reduce the risks of invasive breast cancer by 23 percent, according to researchers from the University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center (UWCCC). The report, based on a survey of over 15,000 women, shows that exercise has a protective effect against invasive breast cancer throughout a woman�s lifetime.

Selective Marker Found To Indicate Aggressive Form of Breast Cancer

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:00:00 PST

Researchers have linked a structural protein called nestin to a particularly deadly form of breast cancer, identifying a new biomarker that could lead to earlier detection and better treatment.

The Balm In Gilead Introduces Its New Public Education Campaign

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Balm of Gilead, a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization whose mission is to improve the health status of people of the African Diaspora, introduced a new component of its 2007 ISIS Project (Intimate Sessions for Informed Sexuality) called �Black Women of Faith and Medicine: Working Together to Eradicate Cervical Cancer.�

Healthcare Costs For Abused Women Are Significant

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 PST

Women with a history of abuse by intimate partners have significantly higher healthcare costs and utilization than women with no history of such abuse, according to a study conducted at Group Health, a Seattle-based health plan.

Interviewing Technique Reduces Risk For Binge Drinking And Unplanned Pregnancies

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

Motivational Interviewing (MI), a counseling technique, has been proven effective particularly for women at high risk for binge drinking, unplanned pregnancy and exposure to alcohol during pregnancy, found researchers at the University of Virginia Health System.

Heart Disease Is the No. 1 Killer Of Women

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

For decades heart disease and heart attacks have been viewed as a man�s illness although heart disease kills 500,000 American women each year, according to The Society for Women�s Health, a Washington, D.C., based advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through research, education and advocacy.

Scientists Say More Work Needed To Improve Lung Cancer Care, Particularly In Women

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

A report calls for more basic and clinical research to explore differences between women and men in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, because the lung cancer patient population is shifting from mostly male smokers to include women and non-smokers, said researchers and health advocates in the January issue of the journal Lung Cancer.

Outwardly Expressed Anger Affects Some Women�s Heart Arteries

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

Results of a new study, conducted exclusively with female subjects, suggest that anger and hostility alone are not predictive for coronary artery disease in women, but women who outwardly express anger may be at increased risk if they also have any of several other risk factors: age (risk increases as women get older), history of diabetes and history of unhealthy levels of fats (lipids) in the blood.

Women's Executive Healthcare Network Hosts Inaugural Event

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

X2 Healthcare Network (X2HN) received women from all sectors of healthcare at its first event in Santa Barbara, Calif. Members and guests convened in Santa Barbara, Calif., to share ideas, competencies and resources to improve healthcare leadership, policy and delivery and encourage professional and personal growth.

Wal-Mart, Speaking of Women's Health And New York Times Best-Selling Author Dr. Pam Peeke Team Up To Encourage Women To Take Charge of their Lives

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

Wal-Mart SuperCenters and Sam's Club teamed up with Speaking of Women's Health and Dr. Pamela Peeke and hosted "Get Started Today," a nationwide in-store event to motivate women to live well in 2007.

Seven For 2007: Seven Things Women Should Know About Breast Cancer Risk

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

A combination of approaches could make a difference in reducing the risk of breast cancer, according to the January 2007 issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch.

Speaking Of Women's Health Foundation Awards Community Investment Grant To Interact

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

A 2006 Community Investment Grant by the Speaking of Women�s Health Foundation was awarded to Interact, a private, non-profit, United Way agency that provides safety, support and awareness to victims and survivors of domestic violence and rape/sexual assault in North Carolina.

Organization For The Study Of Sex Differences Issues Call For Abstracts For Inaugural Annual Meeting

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Organization for the Study of Sex Differences (OSSD) invites all basic and clinical researchers studying biological sex differences in health to submit an abstract for poster presentations at the OSSD�s first annual meeting in Washington, D.C., May 9-12, 2007.

Revised Recommendations For Women's Health Screenings And Care

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

Recent recommendations for HIV screening, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and preconception care are among those highlighted in the revised primary and preventive care periodic assessments recommended for women by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Researchers Find Two Biomarkers With Potential To Predict Spread Of Breast Cancer

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

Expression of two different proteins taken from primary tumor biopsies is highly associated with the spread of breast cancer to nearby lymph nodes, according to researchers who say this protein profile could help identify at an early stage those patients whose disease is likely to metastasize.

Reduction Of Dietary Intake Of Fat May Decrease The Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

Postmenopausal women who reduce their consumption of dietary fat and have been treated for early-stage breast cancer may reduce their chances for breast cancer recurrence or a second breast cancer, according to results from the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS).

Herbal Supplement Fails To Relieve Hot Flashes In Large NIH Trial

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

The herbal supplement black cohosh, whether used alone or with other botanical supplements, did not relieve hot flashes in postmenopausal women or those approaching menopause, who participated in the Herbal Alternatives (HALT) for Menopause Study, according to results from the clinical trial.

Decline In Breast Cancer Cases Likely Linked To Reduced Use Of Hormone Replacement

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

In 2003, breast cancer incidence in the United States dropped sharply, and this decline may largely be due to the fact that millions of older women stopped using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in 2002, according to a new analysis led by researchers at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

First Center In World Dedicated To The Treatment, Research Of The Rare Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

In an effort to best understand the complexities of a very rare, aggressive and often lethal form of breast cancer, and to improve the outcome of women everywhere with the disease, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer opened the first clinic in the world dedicated to the treatment and research of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).

Bias In Who Gets Screened For Breast Cancer

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 PST

Certain women may miss out on routine tests that screen for early signs of breast cancer. Elderly women, women with publicly funded health insurance and women who don't go to an obstetrician and gynecologist for routine exams are all less likely than others to get a clinical breast exam and a recommendation for a mammogram.

Despite Rising AIDS Cases, Only 37 Percent Of U.S. Women Test For HIV

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:00:00 PST

A data book by the Health Resources and Services Administrtion (HRSA) indicates that despite a dramatic rise in the number of AIDS cases among women, only 37.3 percent of all U.S. women had ever been tested for HIV, according to 2004 data.

Special Edition Commemorates Ortho's 75 Years Of Commitment To Women's Health

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:00:00 PST

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners for Women's Health (NPWH) released "Women's Health Care(TM): A Practical Journal for Nurse Practitioners," a special commemorative issue that focuses on the colorful history of contraception and recognizes the important contributions and ongoing commitment of Ortho Women's Health & Urology, a Division of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.

Teen Births Drop To Lowest Level Ever, Report Shows

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:00:00 PST

The teen birth rate in the United States fell to its lowest level ever in 2005, according to the latest birth statistics for the nation, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Women With Chest Pain Risk Serious Complications Even In Absence Of Blockages

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 PST

Women who have chest pain but no evidence of clogged arteries on conventional imaging tests are nonetheless four times more likely to eventually be hospitalized for heart failure, suffer a heart attack or stroke, or die than women without heart disease symptoms, University of Florida researchers report.

Women Prefer Office Procedures To Operating Room; Study Finds

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

Many women would prefer surgery due to an early pregnancy failure to be done in an office without general anesthesia instead of in an operating room (OR), according to a study.

Women's Health Advocates: More Education Needed About Role of Cervical Cancer Screening, HPV Vaccines

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

As a vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) -- the virus that causes cervical cancer -- becomes more widely available, women need to understand the role of the vaccine and the need for continued screening in order to maximize cervical cancer prevention. That was a key conclusion of women's health advocates gathered at the second annual HPV & Cervical Cancer Summit held in Washington, DC.

High HPV Concentrations, Cigarette Smoking Significantly Raise Risks Of Later Cervical Cancer

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

Cigarette smoking and concurrent infection with high levels of the virus associated with cervical cancer can increase cancer risk by as much as 27 times, according to a study published in the November 2006 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm.

Women's Health Foundation Secures Fitness DVD Funding From Pfizer

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

Women's Health Foundation received the award of an unrestricted educational grant by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals to produce a fitness DVD and educational booklet of its unique program for women: Total Control(TM), A Pelvic Wellness Program for Women.

Women's Access To Healthcare Hurt By Medical Liability Crisis

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

Increasing medical liability insurance premiums and the fear of lawsuits continue to force ob-gyns to change how they practice medicine, according to the latest medical liability survey conducted by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Lung Association Report Shows COPD Is A Crucial Women's Health Issue

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

A report by the Canadian Lung Association shows that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has emerged as a �crucial women's health issue.�

Breast Cancer Patients Most Likely To Benefit from Aromatase Inhibitors, Study Finds

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

While some breast cancer survivors could benefit from adding aromatase inhibitors to the standard five years of tamoxifen, a new study shows the additional therapy should be weighed carefully for each individual. The study�s authors say potential improvement in cancer-free survival beyond five years with the added therapy may be less than 2 percent for most patients.

Exercise Helps Breast Cancer Patients Avoid Anemia

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

Women undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer benefit from moderate intensity, regular aerobic activity, according to a new study. Published in the Nov. 15 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study found that exercise improved the oxygen capacity of patients and maintained levels of red blood cells during radiation treatment.

High BMI Means Higher Complication Rate For Breast Reconstruction Surgery, ASPS Study Reveals

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

Significantly obese women may wish to consider delaying breast reconstruction following mastectomy until they achieve a healthier body weight. According to a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), women who are significantly obese are at higher risk for complications and have a lower satisfaction rate than do normal and overweight patients.

HPV Test Is A Better Long-Term Predictor Of Cervical Cell Abnormalities Than Pap Smear

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

The best initial cervical cancer screening tool for younger women is still the traditional Pap smear. However, a large Danish study has found that for older women (age 40 and older), a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) is a much more effective way to screen for potential cancer.

Society For Women�s Health Research Accepting Nominations For Prize For Contributions To Women�s Health

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

Nominations are being accepted for the 2007 Society for Women�s Health Research Medtronic Prize for Scientific Contributions to Women�s Health. The annual $75,000 prize recognizes a woman scientist or engineer for her contributions to women�s health. It also encourages women scientists and engineers to work on issues uniquely related to women�s health and rewards women who have devoted a significant part of their careers to this area.

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Calls for Evaluation of Current Breast Cancer Pathology Practices

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

DALLAS -- The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, recognized as the global leader in the fight against breast cancer, today issued a white paper calling for the review of gaps in current breast cancer pathology guidelines and procedures.

Foundation Organizes Fundraisers For Women's Health

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

The Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation Inc. (WWHF) is hosting a variety of fundraising events to promote the education of women on important health topics as well as create a dialog between women about current health problems or concerns.

Third Annual Interdisciplinary Women's Health Research Symposium

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

The Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) will host its Third Annual Interdisciplinary Women's Health Research Symposium Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, in Washington D.C.

Research Fellowships Awarded In Women's Health

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

The first recipients have been selected for the Women�s Health Fellowships in Intramural Women�s Health Research. Sponsored by the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Seven Studies Awarded In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

Seven proposed studies in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) research were awarded funding by the Office of Research on Women�s Health (ORWH) and the Trans-NIH Working Group for Research in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFSWG) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Initiative To Improve Diagnosis, Monitoring Of Osteoarthritis

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

Over the next five years, the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), a public-private partnership between the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and private industry, seeks to improve diagnosis and monitoring of osteoarthritis (OA), with the provision of an unparalleled, state-of-the-art longitudinal database of images and clinical outcome information to facilitate the discovery of biomarkers for development and progression of OA.

Women Still Get Lower-Quality Heart Attack Care Than Men, Despite Hospital Improvement Efforts, Study Finds

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

ANN ARBOR, MI � A new study shows that a puzzling gap between the sexes persists in hospital care for heart attack patients, despite specific efforts by hospitals to improve the way they treat all patients immediately after a heart attack.

Migraines With Aura Increase Risk for Cardiovascular Disease In Women

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

Women aged 45 years and older who have migraines with aura � migraines associated with temporary visual disturbances or other neurological symptoms � are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including heart attack, ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization, angina and death due to ischemic CVD compared to women who do not suffer from migraines, according to researchers at Brigham and Women�s Hospital(BWH) in Boston.

Online Course Offers Insight Into Sex And Gender Differences In Human Health

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 PST

An online course, �The Science of Sex and Gender in Human Health� has been launched by The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women�s Health (ORWH), in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Women�s Health (OWH). The course offers participants a basic scientific understanding of the major physiological differences between the sexes, their influence on illness and health outcomes and their implications for policy, medical research, and healthcare.

Survey Shows Women Overlook Signs Of Poor Blood Sugar Management, Raising Risk For Diabetes and Heart Disease

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

For women, excess weight in the mid-section, frequent fatigue and carbohydrate cravings may be the warning signs of something more serious. A new survey commissioned by the not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) showed that 75 percent of women ages 40-65 who had not been diagnosed with, but had a family history of diabetes or heart disease, reported that they experienced these symptoms. However, nearly one-third (32 percent) of all women surveyed did not know they could be signs of impaired insulin function, a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The most common symptoms experienced were excess weight in the mid-section (62 percent), frequent fatigue (36 percent) and carbohydrate cravings (30 percent).

UCSF Launches Women's Global Health Scholars Program

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

UCSF's Women's Global Health Imperative welcomes 28 women scientists from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America for the start of a yearlong leadership-training program sponsored by the National Institutes of Health's Fogarty International Center.

Stress During Pregnancy Linked To Smaller Babies

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

Stressed-out pregnant women may carry smaller-than-average babies, a new study finds.

Research Study Tests Investigational Medication for HPV

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

A medical research study, part of the Indigo for Women�s Health Initiative, is underway to determine if an investigational study gel is a safe and effective treatment for women with cervical high-risk human papillomavirus, otherwise known as high-risk HPV.

Survey Sheds Light On Perceptions, Progress In Treatment Of Menopause

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

A new survey found that nearly 60 percent of women between the ages of 45 and 65 aren't being treated for the symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness and irritability. The survey also found that nearly 90 percent of women are aware of over-the-counter treatments but only 35 percent feel comfortable talking to their doctor about them. The survey of more than 1,000 women was conducted in August by Esearch.com and sponsored by Novogen Inc.

Better Breast Cancer Treatment Not Reaching Thousands Of Women, Survey Reveals

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

A new online survey commissioned by Vital Options International, a cancer communications, advocacy and support organization, found that while nearly 85 percent of women with breast cancer actively seek information about their disease at least once every six months, many are still missing treatment improvements. Twenty-four percent of women surveyed that have been prescribed the hormonal therapy Tamoxifen have not had a discussion with their oncologist during the last year about treatment alternatives that may provide better protection against the return of their breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Still A Substantial Health Risk

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

Breast cancer remains a significant health concern for women in the United States and throughout the world. In the United States, it is the most common form of cancer in women. After lung cancer, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women.

Treating chest pain in the average woman tops $1 million over lifetime

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

DALLAS � Treating chest pain associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) could cost a woman more than $1 million during her lifetime; and even the chest pain associated with mild artery blockage (nonobstructive CAD) could reach $750,000 for an average woman, according to a study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

For Low-Risk Women, Risk of Death May Be Higher for Babies Delivered by Cesarean

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

For mothers at low risk, infant and neonatal mortality rates are higher among infants delivered by cesarean section than for those delivered vaginally in the United States, according to Centers For Disease Control research.

New Women�s Health Research Findings from NIH Highlighted

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

New Rochelle, NY � Much progress and new findings in womens' health research were reported during the National Institute of Health�s (NIH) 2nd Interdisciplinary Women�s Health Research Symposium.

Osteoarthritis Initiative Releases First Data

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

The first set of data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), a public-private partnership between the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and private industry that seeks to improve diagnosis and monitoring of osteoarthritis (OA) and foster development of new treatments, has been released.

Study Focuses on Women's Health After Breast Cancer

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 PST

The �Women�s Health After Breast Cancer� initiative at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) is investigating factors that may affect women�s health after they are diagnosed with breast cancer, with a focus on both quality of life and prevention of cancer recurrence.

Beauty Shop Project to Educate African-American Women About Stroke

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 00:00:00 PST

For many women, their hairdresser is one of their most trusted confidants and advisors. Now, Emory University School of Medicine researchers at Grady Memorial Hospital are counting on those special relationships to help save lives, as African-American hairdressers across metro Atlanta team up to educate their clients about stroke.

Black Women's Health Imperative's CEO Leaves To Head YWCA USA

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 00:00:00 PST

The Black Women's Health Imperative's President and CEO Lorraine Cole, Pd.D., will be leaving her position to be CEO at the YWCA USA.

Extremely Obese Women At High Risk For Disease; Study Confirms

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 00:00:00 PST

Women who are extremely obese have a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol than women at lower levels of obesity, according to study results.

Removal Of Ovaries Benefits Women At High Risk For Cancer

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:00:00 PST

Women with a harmful mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have a high lifetime risk of ovarian cancer and may benefit by having their ovaries removed, according to results of a new study.

AHA Promotes HEART For Women Act With New Website

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:00:00 PST

The American Heart Association (AHA) has developed a new website that urges Congress to pass federal legislation aimed at reducing heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

$1.2 Million Mammography Center For Cambridge Hospital Opens

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PST

The construction of a $1.2 million digital mammography center for Cambridge Hospital was completed by Triumph Modular Construction and given the 2006 "Award of Distinction" from the Modular Building Institute

Yoga Increases Quality Of Life For Breast Cancer Patients; Researchers Say

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PST

Breast cancer patients who participate in yoga exercises during treatment have an improved quality of life, said researchers at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Research Team Investigates Gel For Treatment Of HPV

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PST

An investigational study gel is being researched to determine its effectiveness in treating women with cervical high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV).

Greater Carolinas Women's Center Joins Carolinas HealthCare System

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PST

As of September 1, 2006, Greater Carolinas Women's Center will become part of Carolinas Physicians Network, a division of Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS).

Female Smokers Twice As Likely To Develop Lung Cancer; Study Finds

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PST

Female smokers are twice as likely as men to develop lung cancer, and are also twice as likely to survive compared to men, a study shows.

Over 30,000 Women May Have Survived Cardiovascular Disease If Treated At A Best-Performing Hospital; Study Shows

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PST

If all hospitals performed at the level of the best-performing hospitals in the study, 30,548 additional women may have survived their hospitalization for heart disease and stroke, according to the HealthGrades Women's Health Outcomes in U.S. Hospitals study.

World Conference On Breast Cancer Foundation Announces New Board Of Directors

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PST

Niagara Falls, Ontario-�The World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce the election of Officers and Directors to the Board at its Annual General Meeting held in Niagara Falls.

New Web Link Resources Focus On Women's Healthcare Issues

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

Women's Health Professional has updated it's Internet links webpage as it continues to provide useful and valuable information to women's health professionals.

New Online Course Offers Insight into the Importance of Sex and Gender Differences in Human Health

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

Bethesda, MD--The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women�s Health (ORWH), in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Women�s Health (OWH), launched a new online course, �The Science of Sex and Gender in Human Health.�

Direct Selling to Women Physicians � A Checklist of Do�s and Don'ts

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

West Hollywood, CA-- With the number of women physicians on the rise, traditional methods of direct-to-physician sales may require some updating, states MomMD.com, a leading career site for women in medicine. Recent qualitative research revealed a checklist of do�s and don�ts for pharmaceutical sales reps dealing with a female doctor.

First High-Flex Knee Replacement Implant Shaped Specifically To Fit Woman's Anatomy

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

The first knee replacement shaped to fit a woman's anatomy has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and will be distributed to orthopedic surgeons to use.

Women's Health Programs Still Have �More Work To Do' Survey Finds

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

Many health professionals who manage women's health programs admitted that they still have a lot more work to do, according to the Women's Health Program Management Leadership Survey.

Grant Manager Offers Advice To Organizations In Audio Conference

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

Applying for grants for women's health may be a challenge, but a grant manager offers advice to organizations in need of funding.

Personalized Treatment Trial For Breast Cancer Launched

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

The Trial Assigning IndividuaLized Options for Treatment (Rx), or TAILORx, was launched to examine whether genes that are frequently associated with risk of recurrence for women with early-stage breast cancer can be used to assign patients to the most appropriate and effective treatment.

Women's Health Programs Struggle To Maintain Participation

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

Managers of women's health programs are having the most difficulty with getting women to participate and adhere to their programs, according to the Women's Health Program Management Leadership Survey conducted by Health Resources Publishing.

FDA Licenses New Vaccine for Prevention of Cervical Cancer and Other Diseases Caused by Human Papillomavirus

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Gardasil, the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts due to human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16 and 18. The vaccine is approved for use in females 9-26 years of age. Gardasil was evaluated and approved in six months under FDA's priority review process--a process for products with potential to provide significant health benefits.

How Cow Warts, Clergy Sex Surveys Moved Along Cancer Vaccine

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

The creation of a successful vaccine against cervical cancer, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is the culmination of research that occurred thanks not only to scientists and physicians, but also to generous farmers and veterinarians, priests and nuns willing to tell all � and some very patient cows.

Daughters of Indian immigrants continue to give birth to abnormally small babies

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

Asian-Indian daughters of foreign-born women are more likely to give birth to infants with low birth weights, according to researchers at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and Stanford's School of Medicine.

Horizon NJ health executive named among the nation's top minority healthcare executives

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

West Trenton, NJ--Modern Healthcare Magazine,a leading source of healthcare business news, named Karen L. Clark, President and Chief Operating Officer for Horizon NJ Health, as one of its top 25 minority health care executives.

Women�s Health Leaders Discuss Impact of Calcium and Vitamin D on Bone Health and Affirm the Value of Research Before Capitol Hill

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C.--The Society for Women�s Health Research convened experts on Capitol Hill to discuss recent results from a federal study to gauge the ability of calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent broken bones in women over 50.

Society for Women's Health Research Announces New Board Members

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C.--The Society for Women�s Health Research is pleased to announce three new members of their board of directors. Stephanie Burns, Ph.D., of Midland, Mich., PonJola Coney, M.D., of Nashville, Tenn., and Jill Panetta, Ph.D., of Indianapolis, Ind. began their three-year term last month.

Mammography screenings for breast cancer show racial and ethnic disparities

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

Inadequate use of screening mammography may be an important reason that African-American women are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer than members of other ethnic groups, according to a new study led by a University of California, San Francisco imaging specialist.

Baby Boom Icon Sally Field Takes on New Leading Role as Women's Health Advocate

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

NEW YORK, NY--Actress Sally Field, the seemingly ageless icon of a Baby Boom generation that starts turning 60 this year, revealed that she was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and is leading a public action campaign to educate and inspire women to fight the fragile bone disease.

New survey reveals women's attitudes about feminine health

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.-�A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive� for the Vagisil Women's Health CenterSM reveals that a large number of today's American women are taking active roles in their own feminine health and hygiene. According to the national survey, nearly two thirds of women aged 18 and older (63 percent) report that they go to a gynecologist, and of those who go to a gynecologist, 61 percent say they "always" go for their annual exams.

Foundation Increases Grant Funds for Communities

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

The Michigan Women's Foundation (MWF) remains the only major organization in the state exclusively committed to the full participation of women and girls in society, as the Foundation enters its 20th year of existence and continues to increase funding.

Women's Health Center Provides Alternative Services

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 PST

The Chicago Women's Health Center (CWHC) offers alternative care and services to women that are in need of access to counseling, education, and care.

NIH Women's Health Events Available Through VideoCasting

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

Events, seminars, and lectures pertaining to women's health is now available on the internet via videocasting.

ORWH to Strengthen Research on Women's Health

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

The Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) advises the National Institutes of Health on research priorities for women's health to ensure that women are represented throughout the scientific community.

Women Must Educate Themselves on How to Protect Their Eyes

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

CHICAGO--Throughout their lives, women will likely experience some sort of change in their vision, whether it be a need for glasses or contacts, a serious infection or even an eye disease. And because women are more prone to eye disease than men, it is important for them to know how to protect their sight, even if they haven't noticed any symptoms.

Variants in Three Estrogen-Related Genes Linked to Parkinson's Disease in Women

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

ROCHESTER, Minn.--Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a possible connection between increased risk for Parkinson's disease and variants in three genes that control estrogen production and activity in the body.

Exercise reduces menopausal symptoms and improves quality of life, says new research

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

Regular exercise can reduce severe symptoms in menopausal women and improve their quality of life, according to a study in Journal of Advanced Nursing 54.1.

Older Women at Highest Risk for Hip Fractures

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

A new study by Medical College of Wisconsin researchers has found that women who most need bone density testing to determine if they have osteoporosis are the least likely to get it.

CDC Releases National Recommendations to Improve Health of Babies and Moms

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

Washington, D.C.--The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with more than 35 federal, public and private partners, today released national recommendations designed to encourage women to take steps toward good health before becoming pregnant.

NWHRC Launches Virtual Midlife Health Center Giving Women Answers to Complicated Pre- & Postmenopause Questions

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

Red Bank, NJ -- The not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) today announced the launch of a new virtual environment on midlife health to help women sort out the issues surrounding menopause and its various stages.

Health registry launches to help Kentucky women

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

UK HealthCare is initiating the first statewide registry in the country to track the health of women.

Nursing Association Urges More Research into Elective Cesarean Sections and Health Impact on Mothers and Newborns

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

Although c-sections are an important and necessary life-saving surgery when women experience complications during pregnancy or labor, women are increasingly requesting c-sections that are not medically necessary.

84% of Menopausal Women with Dry Eye Symptoms are Unaware that the Condition is Linked to Menopause

Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON , D.C.--Among the many symptoms endured by menopausal and peri-menopausal women is dry eye, a condition that, if left untreated, may lead to increased risk of infection or visual impairment. However, a recent survey found that surprisingly few women know that dry eye is a symptom of menopause.

Osteoporosis Drug as Effective as Tamoxifen in Preventing Invasive Breast Cancer: Initial Results Include Yale Cancer Center Patients

Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

New Haven, Conn.--Initial results of the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR), in which Yale Cancer Center participated, show that the drug raloxifene, currently used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, works as well as tamoxifen in reducing breast cancer risk for postmenopausal women at increased risk of the disease.

ACOG Recommends Less Invasive Management of Cervical Cytology Abnormalities in Adolescents

Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

Washington, DC -- Clinicians should use a less aggressive course of treatment for abnormal cervical cytology screening (Pap test) results and benign lesions in adolescents than they do in adult women, according to a new Committee Opinion from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Sunnybrook & Women's patients test managing their health information

Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

TORONTO/ONTARIO--Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Center will launch the pilot program for an electronic Continuity of Care Record (CCR) system. The system enables the patient to create and manage their own "personal health record." The groundbreaking model is designed to streamline the delivery of health record information exchange between healthcare providers and patients, and also educate patients on the management of their own health information.

New NWHRC Report Discusses Women's Eye Health and How to Protect Your Vision

Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 PST

RED BANK, N.J.-- Women are at greater risk for vision impairment than men simply due to time: women live longer than men, and nearly all eye conditions become more prevalent with age.

New Report Focus: Research Agenda to Fight Heart Disease in Women

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- WomenHeart: the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease and the Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) in cooperation with Representatives Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Fla.) and Hilda Solis (D-Calif.), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, released a new report on heart disease research in women.

Women�s Health Initiative: Reducing Total Fat Intake May Have Small Effect on Risk of Breast Cancer, No Effect on Risk of Colorectal Cancer, Heart Disease, or Stroke

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

Following an eating pattern lower in total fat did not significantly reduce the incidence of breast cancer, heart disease, or stroke, and did not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in healthy postmenopausal women, according to the latest clinical trial results from the National Institutes of Health�s Women�s Health Initiative (WHI).

Harvard Women�s Health Watch: Endometriosis can cause symptoms after menopause

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

BOSTON, MA � Crippling menstrual cramps, gastrointestinal problems, and pain during sex are among the most common and distressing symptoms of endometriosis, a gynecological disorder that affects as many as 1 in 10 women. Although endometriosis symptoms are most troubling during the reproductive years, they don�t necessarily disappear once a woman stops menstruating, reports the Harvard Women�s Health Watch.

Four KU Medical Center Scholars Honored for Women's Health Research

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

Four scholars at the University of Kansas Medical Center have been selected to receive funding from the BIRCWH (Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women�s Health) K12 Program to further research that benefits women's health.

Low-fat diet doesn't reduce risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, Women's Health Initiative shows

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

Recent news about low-fat diets seem to be conflicting. The results of a Women's Health Initiative study that involved nearly 50,000 postmenopausal women across the United States indicated that eating less fat may lower breast-cancer risk, but have little impact on colon-cancer and heart-disease risk.

Women�s Health Research at Yale Adds 4 to its Council

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

Four new members have been added to Women�s Health Research at Yale its Council. They are Mary Ellen Cody of Glastonbury, Denise Davis of Fairfield, Duby McDowell of Hartford, and Liza Petra of Guilford.

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro Honored By Women�s Health Research at Yale

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

New Haven, Conn. � Congressman Rosa L. DeLauro was presented with its �Champion Award� by Women�s Health Research at Yale (WHRY)for her outstanding and abiding commitment to women�s health research and related legislation on Capitol Hill.

AWHONN To Explore Governance Models With Its Canadian Section

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) said it has agreed to establish a Task Force with its Canadian Section to explore a partnership model for the Section. By exploring alternative governance models for AWHONN Canada, the association hopes to better meet the membership needs of nurses in Canada who work or are interested in women's health, obstetric and neonatal nursing.

NIH State-of-the-Science Conference Set: Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

BETHESDA, MD -- The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Office of Medical Applications of Research, of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has scheduled the NIH State-of-the-Science Conference: Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request. The free three-day conference is scheduled March 27-29 on the NIH campus in Bethesda.

Five New Members Named to NIH Advisory Committee on Research on Women�s Health

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

Bethesda,MD -� Five new members have been appointed to the Advisory Committee on Research on Women�s Health (ACRWH), which will hold its semiannual meeting March 27 at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md.

Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic to open center for women�s services in Oconomowoc

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

OCONOMOWOC, Wis. -- The physicians of Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic have announced plans to establish a center for women�s health services in Oconomowoc.

Low-fat Diet's Benefits For Women Less Than Expected

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

Older women who simply reduce the amount of total fat in their diet won't generally lower their risk of breast or colorectal cancer or heart disease, according to the latest findings from the federally funded Women's Health Initiative.

Number of Women With AIDS Diagnoses More Than Doubles In A Decade

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

The number of women with AIDS diagnoses has more than doubled in a decade, according to federal health opfficials, spurring organization of the recent first-ever National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day March 10.

New Guide to Good Health for Women Released

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 00:00:00 PST

My Bright Future: Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Tools for Adult Women guide, which encourages women to increase physical activity, eat healthy, and talk to health care providers about setting goals to change unhealthy behavior, has been released by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA.)

Women Found Unaware of Heart Disease Treatment Options, New National Survey Reveals

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 00:00:00 PST

Women are often unaware and ill informed of what to do after they or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart disease, according to results of a new national survey.

Traditional risk-factor scoring misses one-third of women vulnerable to coronary heart disease

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 00:00:00 PST

Cardiac CT scans recommended for some groups of women Traditional risk-factor scoring fails to identify approximately one-third of women likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD), the leading cause of death of women in the United States, according to a pair of reports from cardiologists at Johns Hopkins.

Mercy Alliance for Women�s Health Awards Grants

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 00:00:00 PST

The Mercy Alliance for Women�s Health, a philanthropic organization in the Sioux City community, has awarded grants totaling more than $20,000 to two organizations for programs that advance the health and well being of women.

Timing of Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy a Critical Factor in Heart Disease Risk Study Finds

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 00:00:00 PST

New Rochelle, NY,-�The timing of estrogen replacement therapy in relation to a woman�s age and time since onset of menopause may be a critical factor in whether hormone therapy protects against coronary heart disease, according to a report in the January/February 2006 issue (Vol. 15, No. 1) of Journal of Women�s Health.

Safety of Oral Contraceptives in Women with Lupus Supported In New Study Results

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 00:00:00 PST

Women with either inactive or stable systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) � a disease in which the body�s immune system mistakenly attacks and damages healthy tissues of the skin, joints and internal organs � were able to take oral contraceptives without increased risk of flares, or periods of increased disease activity, that characterize the disease, found a new major study funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH.)

Women's Health Initiative study of nearly 50,000 postmenopausal women across the United States provides first solid data on health effects of a low-fat diet

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 00:00:00 PST

TTLE � � Adopting a low-fat diet in later life and following such a regimen for nearly a decade does not appear to have a significant impact on reducing the overall risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer or heart disease, according to a Women's Health Initiative study that involved nearly 50,000 postmenopausal women across the United States.

CDC Report Shows that Age Continues to be a Major Factor in Determining Success of Assisted Reproductive Technology

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 00:00:00 PST

More than 48,000 babies were born in the United States as a result of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures carried out in 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported. This is up from the 45,751 babies born as a result of ART in 2002, officials said.

40 Percent of Pregnancy-Related Deaths Seen Potentially Preventable

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 00:00:00 PST

Washington, DC -- The overall maternal mortality rate in the US is not as low as it could be, according to a review of pregnancy-related deaths published in the Obstetrics & Gynecology. The review found that 40% of all pregnancy-related deaths in North Carolina from 1995-1999 were potentially preventable.

International Conference on Women and Infectious Diseases Set For March

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 00:00:00 PST

An International Conference on Women and Infectious Diseases � PROGRESS IN SCIENCE AND ACTION has been planned by the National Center for Infectious Diseases Office of Minority and Women�s Health, part of the CDC. The conference is scheduled March 16-18, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

National Women's Health Indicators Database Free And Easy To Use

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 00:00:00 PST

Updates to the National Women's Health Indicators Database (NWHID)are available free to interested professionals in women's health. Health statistics from the years 2001 and 2002 is now available for a variety of health indicators, according to the federal Office on Women's Health.

Study Finds Most Women With Heavy Menstrual Periods Want a Treatment That Reduces, Not Eliminates, Their Menstrual Flow

Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, -- In a survey by the not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC), women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) defined treatment success as significantly less bleeding each month. Despite the fact that hysterectomy was the procedure most recommended to women of all ages, amenorrhea was not the desired outcome for the majority of women suffering from the condition -- about two and a half million patient visits are attributed to this condition each year.

Richland Memorial Hospital Mammography Upgrade

Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:00:00 PST

Richland Memorial Hospital recently made upgrades to its mammography services with the addition of a Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) system. This revolutionary technology assists the Radiologist in the reading of the mammogram, pointing out areas of interest that might otherwise go undetected.

St. James Mercy Health System Receives a Special Delivery

Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:00:00 PST

Hornell, NY- St. James Mercy Health System celebrated the opening of The Pullman Women�s Health & Birthing Center. The project is the culmination of six months work, funded primarily by the St. James Mercy Foundation and gifts from generous donors.

Study suggests women are tougher when it comes to heart disease

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 PST

Women with heart problems may be "tougher" about their disease than their male counterparts, a new University of Michigan study suggests. And that difference may help explain why they're less likely to get aggressive care for the No. 1 killer of both women and men.

Noninvasive Ultrasound Treatment Shrinks Fibroids

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 PST

CHICAGO -- A totally noninvasive procedure using high-intensity ultrasound waves to heat and destroy uterine fibroid tissue significantly relieves fibroid-related symptoms in women, according to the results of a multicenter clinical trial. Magnetic resonance-guided, focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) allows radiologists to precisely target fibroids without harming healthy surrounding tissue. The study was presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Majority of Women Do Not Seek Treatment for Health Condition Affecting 1 in 5

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, DC -- The not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC)announced the results of a national survey of more than 600 women who experience excessive menstrual bleeding, clinically referred to as menorrhagia.

Texas OB-GYN Practice Selects EMR Electronic Medical Record System

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 PST

SAN ANTONIO -- The Institute for Women's Health (IFWH), San Antonio�s largest OB/GYN practice, has selected HealthMatics� EMR Electronic Medical Record for its nine-location group of obstetrical, gynecological and fertility physicians. The group chose to install an electronic medical record system to improve patient care while minimizing the rising costs of health care delivery.

FDA Names New Director for Office of Women's Health

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 PST

ROCKVILLE, MD -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has appointed Kathleen Uhl, M.D., FAAFP, as the new Director of FDA's Office of Women's Health (OWH). Dr. Uhl, a Captain in the U.S. Public Health Service, most recently served as a Supervisory Medical Officer in FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

New Study to Examine Hormone Therapy for Younger, Recently Menopausal Women

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 PST

NEW YORK -- A new study is set to reopen the public debate over menopausal hormone therapy (HT). By focusing on younger, recently menopausal women, the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) seeks to show that supplemental estrogen prevents or delays the onset of heart disease�the number one killer of women. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center is one of eight national study sites.

Teddy Bears Help Women Heal

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 PST

Fabio Cappuccini, M.D., admits he likes to spoil all of his patients. His eyes water as he says this. His patients are all women, and they all have cancer. "These women wake up from surgery. They are hurt and diminished physically. The cancers they have belong only to women. And where these cancers are affects them intrinsically as women, as feminine beings. I want to help them in any way I can. I wanted to give my patients a little personal touch."

Dietary Fat Intake Linked to Dry Eye Syndrome in Women

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 PST

Boston, MA � More than eight million people in the United States, predominantly women, suffer from dry eye syndrome, a painful and debilitating eye disease. In the first study of its kind to examine modifiable risk factors, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Schepens Eye Research Institute (SERI) found that the amount, type and ratio of essential fatty acids in the diet may play a key role in dry eye prevention in women.

Hormone Fluctuations May Explain Higher Asthma Rates in Women

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 PST

ANAHEIM, Calif.-� Hormone fluctuations resulting from life cycle changes are a factor in higher rates of asthma, more frequent emergency department visits, and higher hospital admission rates in women than in men according to reports at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Anaheim.

NEW SCREEN-AND-TREAT METHODS FOR CERVICAL CANCER

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 PST

New York, NY -� A new study led by Columbia University Medical Center researchers demonstrates the safety and efficacy of two low-tech diagnostic tools to significantly reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer precursor lesions. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women in many developing countries. Designed as rapid screen-and-treat methods that could be done the same day, the protocols could finally make prevention of cervical cancer a viable option for all women in any setting around the world.

ACNM MARKS 50th ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDING MEETING

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 PST

Silver Spring, MD -- Just sixteen nurse-midwives attended the founding meeting of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), held in Kansas City in November 1955. Today, ACNM marks its 50th Anniversary, and celebrates the vision of the organizations' foremothers. The work begun by those 16 women has resulted in decades of education, research and service to women and babies. Now, thousands of nurse-midwives provide women's health care in communities all across the country and around the world.

Public Health Group Answers Question: Eat More Fish or Less?

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, DC -- At a time when concerns about mercury in seafood are causing many Americans to eat less fish, a leading women's health group issued a wake-up call for the American public and especially women: not getting enough seafood in the diet may rob you and your family of important health benefits.

Health Plan's Quality Index for Women Focuses On Clinical - Service Factors

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 PST

Improving the health status of women provides a "leverage effect" that could improve the health status of those women care about "if we can help women be more empowered to take charge of health, then we really raise the health status of the whole population," according to Wendy Kuran, vice president of Women�s Health Solutions, with PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc.

LARGEST SINGLE-INSTITUTION STUDY OF MAMMOSITE DEMONSTRATES THAT IT IS A SAFE TREATMENT FOR BREAST CANCER

Tue, 25 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

Treating breast cancer with MammoSite� resulted in a low risk of complications and was generally well tolerated, according to a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study presented at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) in Denver.

AHRQ expands women's health program to include gender-based research

Mon, 24 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

AHRQ is expanding its research on women's health to include gender-based analysis, a field that is receiving increased emphasis within the Department of Health and Human Services and among other stakeholders. To lead the Agency's involvement in this coordinated effort, AHRQ has designated Rosaly Correa-de-Araujo, MD, M.Sc., Ph.D., as the Director of Women's Health and Gender-Based Research.

ACOG Encourages Ob-Gyns to Address the Health Risks of Obesity in Women

Mon, 24 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

Washington, DC -- The sharp increase in obesity in the US prompts The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to recommend evaluating all women for obesity. With approximately one-third of US women classified as obese�defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30�obesity is the fastest growing health problem in the US. It is viewed within the ob-gyn specialty as one of the leading health problems confronting women today.

New Oncoplastic Surgery Combines Breast Cancer Surgery and Breast Reduction Surgery

Mon, 24 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

NEW YORK -- A new surgical option for breast cancer patients combines removal of the cancerous tumor with breast reduction in one surgical procedure, called oncoplastic surgery, with benefits that include improved cosmetic outcome and reduced risk of complications. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center has pioneered this treatment option in the New York City area.

UTMB receives five-year, $2.5M grant to promote interdisciplinary research careers in women�s health

Mon, 24 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

GALVESTON, Texas � The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) will receive a grant of about $2.5 million over five years from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women�s Health (ORWH) for a program to train physicians and scientists who wish to conduct research in women�s health.

UVa Participates in Landmark Breast Cancer Screening Trial

Sat, 22 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.-- Digital mammography that uses computers to detect breast cancer found significantly (up to 28%) more cancers than screen film mammography in women 50 and younger, premenopausal and perimenopausal women, and women with dense breasts, according to results from one of the largest breast cancer screening studies ever performed.

Managing the Special Health Concerns of Women Athletes

Sat, 22 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

For the past three decades, girls and women have been competing in athletics like never before. The executive summary on the US Secretary of Education's Commission on Opportunity in Athletics contains this fact: "In 1971, 294,015 girls participated in high school athletics. Today over 2.7 million participate in high school athletics. This represents an 847% increase." At the 2000 Summer Olympics, women accounted for more than half the US team.

Approaching Surgery Season Prompts Educational Campaign to Help Women Redefine Surgical Recovery

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

RED BANK, NJ -- The not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) and Dr. Susan Downey of the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles are working together to launch an educational campaign to get women ready for the approaching surgery season and ultimately help them redefine their recovery.

Black women with chronic pain have more psychological and physical distress

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

ANN ARBOR, MI � Black women with chronic pain experience more psychological distress, physical impairments and post-traumatic stress disorder than white women with chronic pain, a finding that researchers say should help lead to a narrowing of the gap in the treatment of chronic pain between black and white women.

New Health Literacy Campaign Targets Women

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. -� The Society for Women�s Health Research is partnering with Verizon in a new health literacy public education campaign, called "Her Healthy Life," to educate women about simple steps they can take to improve their health. Focused on exercise, nutrition and smoking cessation, the campaign was announced during National Health Literacy Month.

Women's Health Research at Yale

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

Women's Health Research at Yale is believed to be the nation's largest interdisciplinary research program devoted to women's health research. Its mission is to generate new and useful scientific knowledge about women's health, determine sex-specific differences in health and disease, and disseminate information derived through research to the scientific and health care communities, particularly the general public.

Despite revised guidelines, most obstetrician/gynecologists continue to overscreen low-risk women for cervical cancer

Sat, 15 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

Widespread use of Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer has led to a dramatic decline in U.S. cervical cancer deaths over the last several decades. Yet, despite recently revised screening guidelines designed to minimize harms resulting from overtesting, obstetricians/gynecologists continue to overscreen low-risk women, according to a study supported in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (HS07373).

Many Women Getting Mammograms Fail to Return for Routine Screenings

Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

ATLANTA -- As many as one in three women have never had a mammogram or have not had one in more than two years, and many women have one or two mammograms then fail to return for regular screenings, found the results of a new study that discovered the number of women getting routine screening mammography may be less than previously reported.

Early Detection Through Annual Mammography Screening Goal of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

This month marks more than 20 years that National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) has educated women about early breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. This year, NBCAM is again reaching out to women with several key messages, most notably, the importance of early detection through annual mammography screening for women over 40.

Cancer Tests Don't Reach 4 of 5

Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

While the search for better cancer treatments rushes forward in many laboratories, two discoveries that are already proven life-savers are still not reaching all the women that need them.

Modern Chemotherapy Drugs Improve Survival in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

The use of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel has resulted in longer survival among women with metastatic breast cancer, according to a study published in the journal Cancer.

Public Awareness Fuels Dramatic Rise in Osteoporosis Diagnosis - Role of Marketing

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

The number of diagnosed cases of osteoporosis in the US jumped from about half a million in 1994 to more than 3.6 million in 2003, according to a recent study by researchers at Stanford University. The authors attributed the dramatic increase in large part to the development and consumer marketing of new drugs to treat the bone-thinning condition that in turn fueled greater public awareness and an emphasis on prevention.

Women with atrial fibrillation face greater risk of blood clots than men, but benefit the same from warfarin

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

DALLAS -� Among people with atrial fibrillation who not are taking the anticoagulant drug warfarin, women are more likely to form dangerous blood clots than men, according to a study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Fear of Recurrence and Radiation Treatment Drives Women � Not Their Surgeons � to Opt For Mastectomy, Study Finds

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

ANN ARBOR, MI -- When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, her top priority is to get the cancer out and reduce the odds that it will ever return. But for some women just getting the cancer out doesn't feel like enough.

National Center of Excellence in Women�s Health Region VIII Demonstration Project

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

The University of Utah Health Sciences Center (UUHSC) in Salt Lake City was awarded a Region VIII National Center of Excellence in Women�s Health (CoE) Demonstration Project contract. The CoE program implements a national model for comprehensive, integrated, multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to women�s health care.

Digital Mammography Trial Results Announced: Women with Dense Breasts, Women Younger than 50, and Those Who are Perimenopausal May Benefit from Digital Mammograms

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

Preliminary results from a large, clinical trial of digital vs. film mammography show no difference in detecting breast cancer for the general population of women in the trial. However, those women with dense breasts, who are pre- or perimenopausal (women who had a last menstrual period within 12 months of their mammograms), or who are younger than age 50 may benefit from having a digital rather than a film mammogram.

Gabapentin (Neurontin�) Found To Reduce Hot Flashes In Breast Cancer Patients

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

The drug gabapentin (Neurontin) effectively reduced the intensity and duration of hot flashes in a clinical trial of more than 400 breast cancer patients. While it remains to be learned how the drug compares to other hot flash remedies currently in use, gabapentin appears to be a viable nonhormonal alternative for breast cancer patients experiencing this common side effect of treatment.

"Fast Facts": The DMIST Study Results - Primary Finding

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST) showed that, for the entire population of women studied, digital and film mammography had very similar screening accuracy. Following are facts from the DMIST study results:

University of Cincinnati OB-GYN Department Awarded $2.5 Million For Women's Health Research Training

Mon, 26 Sep 2005 00:00:00 PST

Cincinnati -- The University of Cincinnati Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has received a $2.5 million grant to foster women�s health research, with an emphasis on mentored, interdisciplinary collaboration.

New global partnership will take immediate action to help women and children survive

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 00:00:00 PST

NEW YORK -- For the first time, the world�s leading maternal, newborn and child health professionals have formally joined forces to step up efforts to achieve the international development goals for child and maternal health. The new partnership marks a milestone in an intensive and growing global focus on the health of women and children.

Concern, Confusion over Treatment of Symptoms of Menopause

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 00:00:00 PST

STAMFORD, Conn. -- A new report suggests that many women may be suffering unnecessarily from the symptoms of menopause due to concern and confusion about various forms of treatment and an overall lack of communication with their healthcare providers.

TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS AGAINST ROUTINE TESTING FOR GENETIC RISK OF BREAST OR OVARIAN CANCER IN THE GENERAL POPULATION

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 00:00:00 PST

Primary care physicians should not routinely refer all women for genetic counseling and DNA testing to detect the presence of specific BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations that may be associated with breast or ovarian cancers, according to a new recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. However, if a woman has certain specific family history patterns that put her at risk for these gene mutations, her primary care physician should suggest counseling and possible DNA testing.

UCLA Study Finds a Low Fat, High-Fiber Diet Lowers Breast Cancer Risk Factors - Slows Tumor Cell Growth

Mon, 12 Sep 2005 00:00:00 PST

Women who followed a regime of daily exercise and the Pritikin Diet, a diet low in fat and high in fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, lowered their levels of serum estradiol, insulin and insulin-like growth factor, all independent risk factors for development of breast cancer, according to results of a new study by UCLA researchers.

Importance of CRP Testing in Predicting Heart Attack Risk Reaffirmed in Brigham and Women's Hospital Study

Sun, 28 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

Adding high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to routine cholesterol screening may improve cardiac health in the United States. According to a landmark study published in a recent Journal of the American Medical Association, hs-CRP is as strong a predictor of cardiac risk as conventional risk factors such as cholesterol. The study, conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), also showed that hs-CRP adds predictive value when used in conjunction with lipid tests related to cholesterol.

Existing Coronary Heart Disease Is Undiagnosed In Half Of Women Who Have A First Heart Attack

Sun, 28 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

Nearly half of women who suffer a first heart attack have not been diagnosed with CHD prior to the attack. Many of the women have cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, and diabetes that are not treated, according to a study supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (HS10239).

Research project to study how to predict which breast tumours will spread to bone

Sun, 28 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

A senior scientist at Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, is one of four principal investigators in a multidisciplinary program that has received $3.36 million to study the metastasis of breast cancer. Dr. Arun Seth, a leader in genomics research, is the sole Toronto recipient of an award funded by a special competition of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance (CBCRA).

Early estrogen therapy to prevent heart disease focus of Yale study

Sun, 28 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

New Haven, Conn. -- Researchers at Yale School of Medicine and seven other national institutions are recruiting patients to participate in the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) to look at the effects of estrogen on heart disease prevention.

Common painkillers linked to high blood pressure in women

Sun, 28 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

Women who consume higher doses of non-aspirin painkillers are much more likely to develop high blood pressure than women who do not use them, according to research reported in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Lung Cancer Differences Between Women and Men Abound

Sun, 28 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

The death of longtime ABC News anchor Peter Jennings and the acknowledgement of actress Dana Reeve, widow of �Superman� Christopher Reeve, that she has lung cancer presents an opportunity to remind both women and men that lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of both women and men. It is also important to note the differences between women and men in lung cancer, according to the Society for Women's Health Research.

Funding For Women's Health Focus Of New Training Program

Fri, 12 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

"Funding For Women's Health Programs: How To Secure The Money Needed To Help Your Program Thrive," a new senior management-level teleconference has been scheduled Thursday, August 25, at 1:30 p.m. Details about the program are available at: http://www.healthresourcesonline.com/edu/ffwh.htm

New Study Shows Women's Health Care Similar to Men's at VA

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON -- Men and women receive remarkably similar outpatient care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Lack of exercise serious heart problem risk for women, study of 5700 women

Mon, 08 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

Women who score less than 85 percent of their age predicted exercise capacity on an exercise stress test have a two times greater risk for serious heart problems and death, according to results of a new study in which researchers studied over 5,700 women's fitness levels relative to age and lifestyle.

Women Can Gauge What Their Fitness Level Should be at a Given Age to Reduce Risk of Death

Mon, 08 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

Researchers have developed a nomogram (alignment chart) specifically for women that can be used to predict their expected exercise capacity at any given age, as well as demonstrated that the resulting measure is a predictor of the risk of death. Women whose exercise capacity was less than 85 percent the age-predicted value had twice the risk of death compared to women reaching at least 85 percent, according to research led by Martha Gulati, MD, a cardiologist at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute of Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Iowa's Mercy Alliance for Women�s Health Accepting Grant Applications From Within Region

Mon, 08 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Mercy Alliance for Women�s Health, Siouxland�s first philanthropic giving circle, invites area agencies and organizations to submit proposals for funding for its 2005 grant program.

Women's Health Grand Rounds

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

Women's Health Grand Rounds, in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2005, is being sponsored by Lactation Support Services at Norwalk Hospital.

New Women's Health Clinic Puts Spotlight on Female Sexual Health

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic has opened a new multidisciplinary clinic to treat women in their perimenopausal and menopausal years -- specifically addressing sexual health and menopausal concerns.

NIH Director Names Five New Members to Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), welcomed five new members to the agency�s Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health (ACRWH).

ANY EXPOSURE TO TOBACCO SMOKE DURING PREGNANCY IS RISKY

Sat, 30 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

PITTSBURGH -� A re-examination of data from earlier studies suggests that exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy can be just as detrimental to a developing fetus as primary exposure through maternal smoking, according to a recent paper from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.

New Survey Reveals Personal Sacrifices Take a Toll on Infertile Women

Sat, 30 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

ROSELAND, N.J.-- Results of a new national survey of women diagnosed with infertility reveal the importance of having strategies to deal with the emotional upheaval and sacrifices associated with the fertility journey before jumping into treatment. Though evidence suggests success rates of assisted reproductive technology such as IVF are on the rise, and costs are on the decline, the majority of women surveyed (61 percent) report making sacrifices in order to become pregnant.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UNAWARE: SURVEY FINDS WOMEN ARE DISAPPEARING INTO A CHOLESTEROL GAP

Sat, 30 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

w York -- Women don't know the difference between bad cholesterol and good cholesterol, according to a Harris Interactive survey of 2,700 women, nearly a quarter of whom have cardiovascular disease, have suffered a heart attack or stroke, or have diabetes.

New service targets women who suspect they have been drugged and sexually assaulted

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

Toronto - The Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre at Sunnybrook and Women�s College Health Sciences Centre is one of seven centres across Ontario now piloting a program of care and support for individuals who believe they have been drugged and sexually assaulted.

Study provides evidence that hormone treatments can be beneficial to limiting cardiovascular ailments

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

UC Irvine School of Medicine researchers have identified how estrogen helps prevent a cardiac ailment often seen in women who have heart attacks. This research provides further evidence that hormone replacement therapy after menopause can help prevent certain forms of cardiovascular disease in women.

Although Women Experience More Intense And Frequent Pain Than Men, They Are Less Likely To Be Treated

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON -- The not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center today released the National Women's Health Report, "Pain & Women's Health," which warned that the under-treatment of chronic pain in women is a severe problem in our society and leads to lack of productivity and a reduced quality of life. The free report explores how pain--both chronic and acute--affects women's health and offers suggestions from leading pain experts for how to best manage the impact of pain symptoms.

Task Force Recommends HIV Screening for All Pregnant Women

Sat, 16 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a new recommendation calling for all pregnant women, not just those identified as at risk for contracting HIV, to be screened for the infection. This recommendation is based on evidence that currently available tests accurately identify pregnant women who are HIV infected and that recommended treatment strategies can dramatically reduce the chances that an infected mother will transmit HIV to her infant.

Studies Compare NSAID, Aspirin Use in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk

Sat, 16 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

The use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen and aspirin and their association to breast cancer risk is the focus of a study released in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. These drugs are widely used for many conditions including arthritis, pain and to reduce fever. Additionally, they are used to decrease stroke and heart attack risk.

Hospital's Pilot Heart Program Helps Participants Lose Weight, Lower Cholesterol; Prompts Creation Of Additional Programs

Wed, 13 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

Akron, OH -- A year after joining a pilot heart program, 13 women had an average weight loss of 19 pounds and their cholesterol levels were reduced significantly, according to organizers of the program at Summa Health System.

Menopause Symptoms May Come Back After Stopping Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Wed, 13 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

Some women who use a combination of estrogen and progestin to control the symptoms of menopause might find symptoms return when they stop the hormones, according to the latest findings from the Women�s Health Initiative (WHI), a major clinical trial of the risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Women�s Hospital of Greensboro Appoints New Administrator

Wed, 13 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

Cynthia B. Farrand has been named the new Vice President/ Administrator for The Women�s Hospital of Greensboro.

St. Joseph�s Women�s Hospital Names New COO

Wed, 13 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

TAMPA � St. Joseph�s Women�s Hospital announced the appointment of Kimberly Guy as the new Chief Operating Officer of its 192-bed hospital dedicated to women�s health in Tampa.

Testosterone, Blood Flow, or Sensation? Which is Key to Unlocking Women's Desire and Sexual Pleasure?; Ask Experts What Works

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

CHARLESTON, S.C.-- New studies and journal articles have raised serious questions about what really works to improve sex for women. Testosterone and blood flow appear to be taking a back seat to sensation.

More Than One in Four Non-elderly Women Delay or Forgo Medical Care Due to Costs

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

Washington, D.C. -� A new national survey of women on their health finds that a substantial percentage of women cannot afford to go to the doctor or get prescriptions filled. Although a majority of women are in good health and satisfied with their health care, many have health problems and do not get adequate levels of preventive care.

What Disease Do Women Fear Most?

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The following table illustrates the results of the survey commissioned by the Society for Women�s Health Research.

WOMEN'S HEALTH STUDY FINDS VITAMIN E DOES NOT PROTECT WOMEN FROM HEART ATTACK

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

Vitamin E supplements do not protect healthy women against heart attacks and stroke, according to new results from the Women�s Health Study, a long-term clinical trial of the effect of vitamin E and aspirin on both the prevention of cardiovascular disease and of cancer.

Women�s Fear of Heart Disease Has Almost Doubled in Three Years, But Breast Cancer Remains Most Feared Disease

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Women�s fear of heart disease has almost doubled since 2002, but breast cancer remains the single most feared disease, according to results of a new survey commissioned by the Society for Women�s Health Research. Fear of HIV and AIDS has declined, although AIDS cases in U.S. women increased an estimated 15 percent between 1999 and 2003, compared to a one percent increase in men.

Women's Health Organization Urges Awareness of Eye Health

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

RED BANK, N.J.-- Imagine how it feels to wake up in the morning with dry, itchy eyes and blurred vision. Now imagine living with this condition every day -- where your eyes feel irritated, uncomfortable and your daily tasks are difficult to do. For the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic dry eye, a condition where the eye does not produce the right quantity or quality of tears, this is an all too familiar reality. In fact, according to one study, 3.2 million women -- or 1 in 12 -- over the age of 50 in the U.S. suffer from dry eye(1).

Women's health suffers under welfare reform, study says

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

ANN ARBOR, Mich.�Women who are current and former welfare recipients suffer a whole host of health problems�and getting a job doesn't always help matters.

Women�s Health Research at Yale Funds Studies on Partner Violence, Memory and Lung Cancer

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

New Haven, Conn.� The grant�making arm within Women�s Health Research at Yale is funding new research studies for 2005 to reduce domestic violence, examine the link between estrogen and lung cancer, and investigate estrogen�s effects on memory.

Researchers to study exercise, bone health in young breast cancer survivors

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PST

BERKELEY � Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, San Francisco; and the Northern California Cancer Center are putting the benefits of resistance training to a new test in an innovative study on bone health among breast cancer survivors younger than 50.

GE Healthcare: A Recent Study Shows That Fitness Level and C-Reactive Protein Are Inversely Related in Obese Women: Important Implications for Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease

Thu, 30 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON -- A recent study that included obese women revealed that increased fitness levels lowers the levels of C-reactive protein - a protein marker of inflammation, in obese women. More than 200 obese women participated in the academic research study over a three-month period at the Rippe Lifestyle Institute at Florida Hospital Celebration Health in Orlando, Fla.

Oregon Lawmakers Approve Bills Ensuring Women Access to Cancer Screening and Other Treatment

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

SALEM � The Oregon State Senate overwhelming passed two bills that make permanent women�s access to cervical and breast cancer screening as well as childbirth coverage.

Hospital Outcomes for Women Improve, but Some Hospitals Fall Far Behind

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

GOLDEN, Colo.--American hospitals improved women's survival rates by 11 percent for cardiac disease and stroke from 2001 through 2003, according to the HealthGrades Women's Health Outcomes in U.S. Hospitals study, released Yesterday.

Women�s Health Post-doctoral Fellowship

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is currently seeking outstanding candidates for a new three-year research fellowship in women�s health.

Lawmakers' Proposal Urges Doubling NIH Funding For Uterine Fibroid Research

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, -- Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) announced the re-introduction of the Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2005. The proposed legislation would double federal funding for uterine fibroid research at the National Institute of Health (NIH). Additionally, the bill would also fund a public education campaign on the condition. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) is introducing identical legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Nutritional Supplement Significantly Improves Pregnancy Rate According to Breakthrough Study Published in the Journal of Women's Health

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--A pioneering clinical study abstract on the role of nutritional supplementation in reproductive health is published this month in the peer-reviewed Journal of Women's Health (Volume 14, Issue 4). The double-blind, placebo-controlled study offers dramatic results and provides an appealing alternative for women hoping to conceive.

Women's Health Professional Leadership Survey Being Conducted

Fri, 24 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

A Leadership Survey of executives and professionals who are responsible for the management and administration of women's health programs is being conducted to gather information on the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing the profession today. The survey is sponsored by www.womenshealthprofessional.com

Harvard's Center of Excellence in Women's Health Sets Women with Disabilities Symposium

Thu, 23 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

Harvard Medical School's Center of Excellence in Women's Health will be hosting a conference September 17 entitled "Women with Disabilities Symposium: A Practical Approach to Providing Quality Care to Women with Visual, Hearing, and Mobility Impairments."

Heart Rate Changes Tied to Depression in Women

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

Middle-aged women with no obvious signs of cardiac trouble may be prone to depression and the eventual development of heart disease if their heart rate varies less than expected in response to fluctuations in the body's hormone levels, according to findings from a sub-study of the Women's Health Initiative published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Sociodemographic factors affect receipt of preventive care services among women aged 65 and older

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

Women aged 65 and older who were enrolled in one of two Medicare+Choice HMOs and lived in wealthier households were 11 to 17 percent more likely than women in the lowest wealth category to receive a mammogram and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.

Most obstetricians are reluctant to grant women a first-time cesarean delivery without medical indications

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

While most obstetricians are reluctant to agree to requests by a growing number of women who are asking their obstetricians to deliver their baby by cesarean section instead of vaginally, male physicians are more likely than female physicians to respond favorably, new research has found.

Five New Members Named to NIH Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

Five new members have been named to the Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health (ACRWH) by the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH.)

Geisinger Clinic identifies quality issue with Lock Haven mammography unit; free mammograms offered to women screened there in the past two years

Fri, 17 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

LOCK HAVEN, PA �- Mammography services at the Geisinger Medical Group-Lock Haven have been discontinued as a result of a quality issue with the mammography equipment at that site, hospital officials said. A radiology technologist � no longer employed by Geisinger � failed to perform quality controls on its Lock Haven mammography unit, officials said.

MANAGING MATERNAL DEPRESSION DURING PREGNANCY PRESENTS SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE TO CLINICIANS

Fri, 17 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

PITTSBURGH -� Women who take antidepressants during the final trimester of pregnancy through delivery increase the risk of �neonatal behavioral syndrome,� a constellation of symptoms and behaviors largely related to drug withdrawal or side effects, University of Pittsburgh researchers conclude in a review of medical literature. Such findings reveal an additional challenge for clinical management of depression during pregnancy, Eydie Moses-Kolko, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri Helps New Mothers with Postpartum Depression Screening Program

Wed, 15 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

A Postpartum Depression initiative, a program that provides new moms information and resources about the illness and available treatment options, is being offered to members by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri (BCBSMo.) Postpartum depression is a condition that is as common as diabetes or heart disease, yet treatment for women suffering from the condition is often underutilized.

MIDWIVES LOBBY CONGRESS FOR MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT EQUITY

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

Midwives from dozens of communities across the country were to be meeting with their legislators on Capitol Hill this week in support of an increase in their Medicare reimbursement rate-certified nurse-midwives receive only 65% of the physician reimbursement rate for comparable services.

Certified Nurse-Midwives Celebrating 50th Anniversary

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

Nearly 2000 certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives were expected to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)during the group's Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.

Task Force Recommends Against Routine Use of Estrogen To Prevent Chronic Diseases in Postmenopausal Women Who Have Undergone Hysterectomy

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a new recommendation against the routine use of estrogen to prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who have undergone a hysterectomy. The recommendation is based on recent evidence from the National Institutes of Health's Women's Health Initiative clinical trial and other studies.

New Studies Point to Enhancing Women's Quality of Life in Areas From Post Menopause to Fertility to Breast Cancer Redu

Wed, 08 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

A variety of treatments that enhance the quality of life for women may soon be available, according to new research presented in San Diego during ENDO 2005, the 87th Annual Meeting of The Endocrine Society.

Tennessee Women's Health Initiative Receives Funding

Wed, 08 Jun 2005 00:00:00 PST

A three-year grant award of $1,122,834 for a State-wide Tennessee Women's Health Initiative has been awarded to the Tennessee Women's Health Initiative. The three-year grant will be administered through the National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc. and will fund five initiatives targeting detection and prevention programs for breast and cervical cancer in the state.

New Co-Survivor Program from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to Educate and Empower Caregivers

Tue, 31 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is launching a new program to acknowledge, educate and empower an "under-recognized audience:" extended family members, friends and health care providers of breast cancer survivors, known as co-survivors. Simply put, these are the people who are there for breast cancer survivors through diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

California Doctor Incorporates Bone Density Loss Into Women's Wellness Program

Tue, 31 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Dr. Susan Sklar, Medical Director of the Women's Wellness Center in Los Alamitos, has added state-of-the-art bone density and body composition assessment as part of their women's wellness program.

Samaritan Health Services adds Web-based resource for new moms

Tue, 31 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Thanks to a Samaritan Health Services' new Web-based service, new moms can get answers to their questions with just a few clicks on a keyboard. The service is called the mothers' message board, and it gives new moms a chance to talk with other moms about the joys (and worries) of parenting.

New Sacred Heart Medical Center Women's Health Center Has Spa Atmosphere

Sat, 28 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Many of the design features, services, and programs at Sacred Heart Medical Center's new Women's Health Center seem more like something one would find at a luxury day spa instead of a hospital. Patients have responded well to the aesthetics at the center, which opened last fall, says director Sherry Maughan. The labor and delivery unit has been bustling with activity lately, and the hospital projects a record year

Ontario Women's Health Council Funds New $2.3 Million Awards Programs

Sat, 28 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Ontario Women's Health Council (OWHC) has funded three new awards programs in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) - Institute of Gender and Health (IGH). These new awards programs build on the OWHC's established relationship with IGH to fund new and emerging researchers in women's health.

How Health Care Professionals Can Meet the Needs of Women Over 40 - Panel Discussion Planned

Sat, 28 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Stephanie Young, the Health Director of More magazine, will lead a panel discussion on "What Women Want: How Health Care Professionals Can Meet the Needs of Women Over 40," during the 13th Annual Congress on Women's Health, June 4-7, on Hilton Head Island, SC.

Large-Scale Study: Colonoscopy A Woman's Best Defense Against Colon Cancer

Wed, 25 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

In the first large-scale study involving women, researchers from the University of Michigan, the National Cancer Institute, the University of Minnesota Cancer Center, the National Naval Medical Center and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center found that colonoscopy is the preferred colon cancer screening method in average-risk women because other screening tools would miss most advanced pre-cancerous polyps.

Aspirin Benefits Women at High Risk for Heart Attack

Wed, 25 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

An aspirin a day helps keep heart attack and stroke at bay in women diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, say health experts. But a new study suggests that not enough of these women are taking advantage of this cheap, readily available treatment, according to a report at the International Conference on Women, Heart Disease and Stroke.

Hormone-therapy Research Ranks Among 'Hottest' Research Today

Wed, 25 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Women's Health Initiative (WHI), a U.S.-based long-term national health study, has had enormous influence on modern scientific thought by producing two recent influential Hot Papers, according to Science Watch, the Thomson Scientific bimonthly newsletter.

Gender Gap Closing in Heart Attack Treatment

Wed, 25 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

A new study suggests the gender gap in heart attack treatment that favored men may be closing as more women receive the same recommended care, said researchers at the Second International Conference on Women, Heart Disease and Stroke.

Women More Likely to Undergo Cervical Cancer Screening if Recommended by a Physician

Wed, 25 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

The most common reason many women give to explain why they didn't receive regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer is that their doctors didn't recommend the test, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published in the May issue of the Journal of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.

American Physical Therapy Association Women's Health Section Needs Volunteers

Wed, 25 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Section on Women's Health of the American Physical Therapy Association will have a booth at the APTA 2005 Annual Conference, in Boston, MA. Volunteers are needed to staff the booth during the day, Wednesday, June 8- Saturday, June 11.

Tumor Suppressor Gene is Silenced in Majority of Breast Cancers

Wed, 25 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Half of women at high risk of developing breast cancer have a specific alteration in their breast cells indicating significant damage has occurred and breast cancer may be imminent, according to researchers at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Gifts Jump Start Campaign for Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital's Women�s Center

Mon, 16 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Thanks to recent leadership gifts totaling more than $2 million, the Harris Methodist Health Foundation is well on its way to reaching its $3.5 million philanthropic campaign goal for the expansion and redesign of Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital's (HMFW) Center for Women and Infants' Health, even before the campaign is announced publicly.

Early Stage Breast-Cancer Rates are Rising Sharply as Rates of Invasive Breast Cancer are Leveling Off

Mon, 16 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Since 1980, the incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, one of the most common kinds of early stage breast cancer, has increased more than sevenfold. This sharp increase in DCIS � which is a tumor that contains cancer-like cells but is not considered "true" cancer because the cells have not invaded normal breast tissue - has been accompanied by a flattening in the incidence of true invasive breast cancer.

Women More Likely to Undergo Cervical Cancer Screening if Recommended by a Physician

Mon, 16 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Grant awarded to determine the accuracy of nurse performed sigmoidoscopy

Mon, 16 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

The gastroenterology departments at Toronto's Sunnybrook & Women's and The Scarborough Hospital have been awarded a $50,000 grant from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the ASGE Foundation to study the accuracy of nurse performed sigmoidoscopy.

WISCONSIN'S MARSHFIELD CLINIC TO HOST WOMEN�S HEALTH CONFERENCE

Mon, 16 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Marshfield Clinic will host a Women's Health Conference Thursday, June 2, in the Robert F. Froehlke Conference Center, located in the Melvin R. Laird Center on the campus of Marshfield Clinic, 1000 N. Oak Ave., Marshfield,WI. The program will provide an update on a number of women's health issues commonly seen in clinical practice.

Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital Launches Postpartum Spanish Speaking Support Group

Mon, 16 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital, Tucson,AZ, has begun a free Spanish Speaking Support group for women suffering from postpartum depression.

Women's Dermatologic Society to Launch National Sun Safety Program in 15 Cities Thanks to $1Million Grant From 3M Foundation

Wed, 11 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS) will launch a broad-based national campaign to promote sun safety in underserved communities, made possible by a $1 million grant awarded by the 3M Foundation.

HHS Secretary Urges Support For Fifth Annual National Women's Health Week

Wed, 11 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

HHS Secretary Leavitt urged women to get a preventive screening during National Women's Health Week. Monday, May 9, over 1,000 community centers, hospitals, and other health care providers across the country began offering preventive health care screenings and other services as part of HHS' National Women's Health Week.

Patients and Doctors Not 'Speaking the Same Language' - Osteoporosis Not Seen a Healthcare Priority

Wed, 11 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Patients are not learning about prevention, are not being adequately diagnosed and, if diagnosed, and are not staying with their treatment, according to findings of a panel of medical experts who went to Capitol Hill to examine the barriers that currently exist to proper prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

National Women's Health Week:The Nation's Largest Preventive Care Check-up Event!

Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Many organizations around the country are observing National Women's Health Week this week with a variety of events. Today is National Woman's Check Up Day.

Fitness Level and C-Reactive Protein Are Inversely Related in Obese Women: Important Implications Seen for Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease

Sun, 08 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

A study of more than 200 obese women revealed that increased fitness levels lowers the levels of C-reactive protein - a protein marker of inflammation, in obese women.

Enlarged Waist + Elevated Triglycerides = Heart, Stroke Risks For Women

Sat, 07 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Women who had an enlarged waist and elevated levels of blood fats known as triglycerides had almost a fivefold increased risk of fatal cardiovascular events compared to women without those traits, new research has found.

Kaiser Permanente Reports New Data on Combined Screening With the Digene HPV Test and Pap at International Papillomavirus Conference

Fri, 06 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Physicians from Kaiser Permanente reported early results from the first hundred thousand patients screened with combined cervical cytology and HPV DNA testing in routine clinical practice at Northern California Kaiser Permanente in a presentation at the International Papillomavirus Conference in Vancouver, Canada. The physicians reported that only 3.7 percent of the total screened were Pap negative HPV positive and that effective triage of this group could add an estimated 40 percent to the total number of cases of high grade cervical disease diagnosed, as these cases of disease would be missed in screening programs using only the Pap test.

'Providers' Wake Up Call:' Depression Is Prevalent in Women During Pregnancy but Often Goes Undetected

Fri, 06 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

A new evidence report by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) states that depression is as common in women during pregnancy as it is after giving birth. Health care providers and patients may fail to recognize depression during pregnancy because signs of depression like tiredness, trouble sleeping, emotional changes, and weight gain may also occur with pregnancy.

Orthopaedic Surgeons Encourage Young Girls and Women To Build Stronger Bones

Fri, 06 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

The month of May represents more than just flowers these days. With Mother's Day, Women's Health Week (May 8- 14) and Osteoporosis Awareness Month falling in May, it now has become a month honoring women. More than 25 million Americans currently suffer from osteoporosis, approximately 80 percent of whom are

Identifying Critical Barriers to Improving Women's Health

Thu, 05 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

For American women, being healthy is far more than getting a good checkup or being disease-free. According to "Women Talk," the first annual national women's health survey from the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC), being healthy means both physical and emotional wellness and having a healthy family.

Gap in Risk Communication Between Breast Cancer Survivors and Health Care Professionals

Thu, 05 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Survivors of early breast cancer want information about their risk of recurrence, but nearly half are not aware of statistics surrounding ongoing breast cancer risk, according to a new survey conducted by the Society for Women's Health Research (the Society).

Mini-Medical School puts spotlight on women�s health

Tue, 03 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Graciela Cigarroa a Laredo-born attorney, is a champion of women�s health initiatives. That�s one reason she was selected to open the Health Science Center�s four-session Mini-Medical School on May 2. This year�s Mini-Medical School, a free gift from the Health Science Center to the community, will focus on women�s health issues. The annual event is designed to motivate high school students and inform the general public about health care careers and important health issues.

Survival for Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer Improved

Tue, 03 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center is a participant in one of two large clinical drug trials that were cut short because of early promising results in treating breast cancer.

Resources for Women's Health Programs

Tue, 03 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Are you a community-based organization interested in women and health, and new to foundation fundraising and the grantseeking process? Would you like to know more about other health-related databases?

National Women�s Check-Up Day May 9

Tue, 03 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

Celebrate Women, the women�s health membership program of the UConn Health Center, is offering a variety of educational programs in May, including health screenings for under-insured women as part of National Women�s Check-Up Day.

Women's Health Week May 8-14: Women State Legislators Make Cervical Cancer Elimination Top Policy Issue Nationwide

Tue, 03 May 2005 00:00:00 PST

On the eve of National Women's Health Week, May 8-14, elected women state officials have made cervical cancer elimination a top women's health concern around the country. Since January 2004, members of Women In Government, a non-profit, bi-partisan association of elected women state officials, have introduced bills or resolutions addressing cervical cancer prevention in more than 35 states as part of the organization's Challenge to Eliminate Cervical Cancer Campaign. So far, these bills and resolutions have been enacted in 17 states.

Become a "National Women's Check-Up Day" Provider

Mon, 25 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

It's time to start planning your 2005 National Women's Health Week event. America celebrates National Women's Health Week May 8-14, 2005 and its signature event, National Women's Check-Up Day, on May 9, 2005.

U-M Health System plans $498 million children�s and women�s hospital

Mon, 25 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

For about 40 years, the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's and Women's hospitals have collectively provided the best in specialized care to hundreds of thousand of patients as they've grown through the earliest stages of pregnancy and childhood, and well into their young adult years.

C-Section Crisis Prompts CALL For Congressional Review

Mon, 25 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

This month is Cesarean Awareness Month and the American College of Nurse- Midwives (ACNM) is renewing its call for Congressional hearings into the nation's rising Cesarean section rate and the impact on women's health and the overall health care system. Recent data indicates that as many 4 women in 10 gave birth by Cesarean in 2003, with an increasing percentage of first-time Cesareans being performed with no medical indication.

Spirit of Women Offers Discounted Health Screenings

Mon, 25 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers "Spirit of Women" program offers a Health Screening Day for those in its community who want to take control of their health.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Selects PR Firm for Next Phase of Women and Heart Disease Campaign

Tue, 19 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has selected Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide to execute The Heart Truth public awareness campaign for another three years. The appointment follows a comprehensive agency review process with Ogilvy PR as the incumbent, carrying out the campaign's message -- Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear -- It's the #1 Killer of Women -- for the past three years.

ACNM Joins Call to �Make Every Mother and Child Count�

Tue, 19 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

Increasing the number of trained midwives, especially in low resource countries is a life saving intervention that must receive support from policy makers and funders if we expect to lower maternal and infant mortality rates, said the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) as it prepared to participate in World Health Day activities. The World Health Organization-sponsored program focuses on the health and well-being of mothers and babies by promoting best practices and well-known interventions designed for low-resource areas.

Three-Year FMC Public Awareness Effort Increases Women's Awareness of Risk for Heart Disease

Tue, 19 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

Women throughout Northwest North Carolina are significantly more aware today of their risk for heart attack and are more likely to seek early diagnosis and treatment for heart disease following a three year public awareness effort conducted by Forsyth Medical Center (FMC).

Model For Birth Centers To Host National Association of Childbearing Centers Annual Meeting

Tue, 19 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

The National Association of Childbearing Centers has selected Sonoma County and The Women's Health & Birth Center in Santa Rosa to host the NACC 21 st Annual Meeting on September 8-11, 2005. Leaders in maternal and health innovation will meet at this unique gathering of healthcare professionals in Santa Rosa.

Bone density testing linked to fewer fractures

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

Offering bone density testing to women aged 60 and older as part of a comprehensive fracture prevention program can significantly reduce the total number of fractures in that population, according to a study published in the Journal Medical Care.

Researchers Study Risks For Repeat Violence In Abusive Female, Same-Sex Intimate Relationships

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

A new study at Oregon Health & Science University will look at the needs and risk factors for women in same-sex relationships. It is one of a few studies to investigate same-sex violence and one of the first to include Spanish-speaking women.

Workshops across San Francisco will mark California Women's Health Month

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

In honor of Women's Health Month in California, the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health will host community workshops in May on topics including aging, heart health and reproductive health.

Columbia University Medical Center Receives $10 Million Department of Defense Grant to Study Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

NEW YORK -- An interdisciplinary team led by Columbia University Medical Center received a $10 million grant from the Department of Defense to assess why breast cancer remains under-treated among black women and to better understand the disparities in survival rates.

Fibromyalgia Better Understood, Experts Say

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

Fibromyalgia is a common disorder that causes chronic, diffuse pain in the body as well as fatigue. "The cause of fibromyalgia is unclear although research is now starting to reveal more about the nature of this disorder," says Dr. Janet Lewis, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the UVa Health System. "As more becomes known about fibromyalgia, interest is increasing in developing more effective treatment for this challenging disorder."

VCU Institute for Women's Health Opens Women�s Surgical Care Wing

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Virginia Commonwealth University's Institute for Women's Health (VCU) Medical Center opened the area�s first Women�s Surgical Care Wing designed to cater solely to the pre-operative and post-operative needs of female patients.

Women less likely to get top-quality heart attack care, but quality efforts help both men - women live longer

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

Efforts to improve the quality of post-heart attack care in hospitals are working � but they appear to be working better for men than for women, new research shows. That finding, presented at the Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology, comes from an analysis of records from 2,857 heart attack survivors treated at Michigan hospitals before and after a major quality improvement effort took place. All were insured under Medicare.

Low-dose Aspirin Shown to Reduce Risk of First Stroke in Women

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

In a long-awaited clinical trial conducted among nearly 40,000 initially healthy middle-aged American women, regular use of low-dose aspirin over a ten-year period was found to reduce the risk of stroke 17 percent. However, among the same population, researchers from the Brigham and Women�s Hospital (BWH) also found that low-dose aspirin did not benefit most women in terms of preventing first heart attacks or cardiac deaths.

The Women�s Health Research Institute: Mission Overview with Featured Research Projects

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

By Ruth Shaber, MD Clinicians should participate in research. This participation in research is essential for validating and promoting innovative, evidence-based practice, and for improving the quality of care we deliver to our members. The Women's Health Research Institute (WHRI)1 was created in March 2001 to help Kaiser Permanente (KP) physicians and nurse practitioners to conduct clinical research related to women's health.

Treatment Guidelines For Pregnant Women With Asthma -- Monitoring And Managing Asthma Important for Healthy Mother and Baby

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) has issued the first new guidelines in more than a decade for managing asthma during pregnancy. The report reflects new medications that have emerged and updates treatment recommendations for pregnant women with asthma based on a systematic review of data on the safety of asthma medications during pregnancy.

Duke Academic Program in Women's Health Offers Professional Information Programs

Fri, 08 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Women's Health Site features healthcare professional-oriented information on a broad spectrum of new developments in women's healthcare. The site is a service of the Duke Academic Program in Women's Health.

Despite Recent Rise in Screenings, At-Risk Women Still Not Heeding Real Threat of Deadly Disease

Fri, 08 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

RED BANK, NJ -- Forty percent of American women at risk* for colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) have never had a colonoscopy, according to a new survey. Although general awareness of and screening for the disease seems to be on the rise, 42% of at-risk women have never even discussed colorectal cancer with their health care provider.

Frank About Women Presents First National Marketing to Women Conference in Chicago

Fri, 08 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

Frank About Women, known for helping companies crack the code to reach more female consumers, is hosting and sponsoring the first national marketing-to-women symposium for business leaders, brand managers and communications professionals in Chicago, April 18 and 19.

SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR INCONTINENCE RESULTS IN QUICKER RECOVERY - RESTORED QUALITY OF LIFE

Thu, 07 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

LOS ANGELES -� About a year before her surgery, the symptoms of stress incontinence started to control Ellen Jay�s life (not her real name). She was constantly worrying that her bladder might empty again without warning and wore pads all the time to avoid embarrassment.

MRI Being Used To Find And Biopsy Breast Tumors

Thu, 07 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

Washington, D.C. � Washington, D.C. area physicians are using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to locate and biopsy breast tumors that are otherwise unseen by traditional mammography or sonography.

Weight Gain And Obesity In Women Linked To Higher Risk Of Kidney Stones

Thu, 07 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

Obese women have a 90 percent greater risk of kidney stones; obese men have a 33 percent increased risk Boston -- Researchers from Brigham and Women�s Hospital (BWH) have found that obesity and weight gain are both associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing kidney stones.

Simple Blood Test May Help To Predict Cardiovascular Risk In Older Women

Thu, 07 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

CHICAGO -- White blood cell (WBC) count may predict cardiovascular events and risk of death in postmenopausal women who are not currently identified by traditional cardiovascular risk factors, according to an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Colon Cancer Women's Awareness Outreach Begun By Academic Health Centers

Tue, 05 Apr 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON -- Five Washington-area academic health centers -- The George Washington University, Georgetown University, Howard University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland -- have launched Colon Cancer Awareness in Women, an awareness campaign to educate the public and healthcare providers about this pressing women's health issue and encourage preventive screenings.

Harvard Medical School Women's Health Research Goals

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Harvard Medical School Center of Excellence in Women's Health to support women's health research reports funds available aimed to meet the following goals: - To promote new inter-institutional collaborations in the Harvard Medical School community - To support excellence in research on women's health issues Center of Excellence in Women's Health to support women's health research reports funds available aimed to meet the following goals: - To promote new inter-institutional collaborations in the Harvard Medical School community - To support excellence in research on women's health issues

Expanding a Smoking Cessation Counseling Program for Pregnant and Parenting Women

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

The Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation expanded its First Breath smoking cessation program for low-income pregnant women to become statewide and available to all pregnant women. From October 2002 through August 2003, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) supported the expansion with a $49,953 grant. Other funding for the expansion came from the Wisconsin Tobacco Control Board ($200,000).

$2 MILLION TO BENEFIT WOMEN�S HEALTH RESEARCH

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

VANCOUVER � Enhancing the health of the new generation of B.C. women was the focus as cabinet ministers joined Health Services Minister Shirley Bond at BC Women�s Hospital & Health Centre to celebrate International Women�s Day. �We are today investing $2 million through the Women�s Health Research Institute at BC Women�s Hospital & Health Centre to fund investigation into health issues unique to women,� Bond said. �We recognize that research is a key to determining how B.C. can best target funding and resources to improve women�s health status.�

Sunnybrook & Women's plans for a pandemic influenza outbreak

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

TORONTO, March 31 /CNW/ - Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre is leading the way in Ontario by planning for pandemic influenza, including how to handle large numbers of ill patients with limited hospital beds and healthcare staff who are sick themselves.

"Hero in Women's Mental Health" Award

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

Tucson -- Carole Sheehan, RN, a labor and delivery nurse at Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital, was recently presented with the prestigious "Hero in Women's Mental Health" award for her work in screening postpartum depression in new mothers and helping them overcome that illness.

New Women�s Cancer Treatment Program Has Potential To Save Lives

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

A new breast and cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment program has the potential to save the lives of Oklahoma women who might otherwise not have their cancers diagnosed or treated.

New Partnership to Address Unique and Growing Needs of Women and Families Affected by HIV/AIDS

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

Washington, DC -− In response to an alarming increase in rates of HIV/AIDS infection among women in the United States, the National AIDS Fund and Johnson & Johnson have formed a partnership to address the unique needs of women and families whose lives have been impacted by the physical, emotional, financial and social tolls of HIV/AIDS.

Women at Risk: The Health of Women in New York City

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

New York City --New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden presented findings from "Women at Risk: The Health of Women in New York City," a new report that outlines health behaviors, health care access, and health outcomes among different economic and racial/ethnic groups of women in New York City.

Backgrounder: A "New" Agenda for Women's Health and Nutrition

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

(Editors Note: This is intended for background information for professionals. Now 10 years old, much of the information is still relevant.) Investing in women's health and nutrition could save millions of women in developing countries from needless suffering or premature death. The benefits --to women, to their children and families, and to national development -- are as considerable as the health problems women face.

OHSU Center For Women's Health Conference Brings National Celebrity

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

PORTLAND, Ore. - Learn how to slow down your biological clock, stay young, increase your energy, decrease your fatigue, treat hot flashes, learn what's new in cancer prevention, use food as medicine and a whole lot more at the Oregon Health & Science University 10th Annual Women's Health Conference. A daylong celebration of women's health, the conference features 23 of the top health experts in the Northwest, including nationally known keynote speaker Judith Reichman, M.D. The conference is planned for Saturday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center.

Beaumont leading research on 5-day treatment for breast cancer

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

New national research led by Beaumont Hospital cancer experts seeks to answer the question: Can radiation treatment time for women with early-stage breast cancer treated with lumpectomy be cut from five weeks to five days by irradiating just the part of the breast where the cancer was removed?

New Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

Phoenix � Fibroid tumors of the uterus are not cancerous, but they cause enough pain, pressure and bleeding to prompt about 200,000 U.S. women to get hysterectomies every year. (This doesn't include hysterectomies done for other reasons.)

Women less likely to get top-quality heart attack care, but quality efforts help both men & women live longer

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

ORLANDO � Efforts to improve the quality of post-heart attack care in hospitals are working � but they appear to be working better for men than for women, new research shows.

Study Finds Inadequate Sleep in Late Pregnancy May Influence Labor and Delivery

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

A study by researchers at the UCSF School of Nursing has found that women who have less sleep or severely disrupted sleep in late pregnancy are significantly more likely to have longer labors and are more likely to have Caesarean births.

St. Luke Hospitals First in Northern Kentucky to Use MammoSite Radiation Therapy System for Breast Cancer Treatment

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

The St. Luke Hospitals are the first in Northern Kentucky to use the MammoSite Radiation Therapy System (RTS), a partial breast irradiation treatment administered after a lumpectomy. The MammoSite is a small, soft balloon attached to a thin catheter or tube that fits inside the lumpectomy cavity, or the space left after the breast tumor is removed.

CHRONIC DRY EYE: THE "OTHER" SYMPTOM OF MENOPAUSE

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

RED BANK, NJ -- For the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic dry eye disease, a condition where the eye does not produce the right quantity or quality of tears, a recent study found that 3.2 million women -- or 1 in 12 -- over the age of 50 in the U.S. suffer from chronic dry eye.

Obesity And Weight Loss Among Women

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

Among U.S. women 20 years and older, over 64 million are overweight and over 34 million are obese.

Women still lag men in use of heart-protecting aspirin, U-M study finds

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

ANN ARBOR, MI - An aspirin a day may help keep a heart attack away, but many women at risk for heart disease still don't take one, a new study finds. Men, by comparison, are more likely to pop aspirin regularly � but less likely than women to remember or follow advice about diet and exercise habits that can help their hearts.

A Wake-up Call to Advance Women's Health

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

By Rosaly Correa-de-Araujo, M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D. This article was originally published in Women's Health Issues 2004;14:31-4. Copyright� 2004 by the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Women's health has recently become a major clinical field, as well as a relevant public issue (Kasper, 2002). Providing health care to women is complex and challenging, and requires the coordinated effort of a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals. To succeed in this effort health care professionals need to practice good communication skills, have access to evidence-based information and be able to translate scientific evidence into their clinical practice. As patients, women should have easy access to the latest evidence-based information designed to help them make the right decisions about their care and the care of their family members.

One Alcoholic Drink Per Day Improves Cognitive Function Among Older Women

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

Boston � While adverse effects of excess alcohol consumption are well established, the health effects of moderate consumption � one drink of wine, beer or liquor � are not clear. Researchers at Brigham and Women�s Hospital (BWH) and Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), in an analysis of data from the Nurses� Health Study, found that compared to women who were nondrinkers, older women who consumed one drink per day experienced less cognitive impairment.

Obese and Tall Women Have Increased Incidence of Fraternal Twins

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

Washington, DC -- A study in the March issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology finds that the odds of having fraternal twins in the US increase with maternal obesity. Women with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more are significantly more likely to have dizygotic twins (fraternal twins, each formed from a separate egg and sperm) than are women with lower BMIs.

NIH State-of-the-Science Panel Calls for "Demedicalization" of Menopause

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

An independent panel convened by the National Institutes of Health found that many women move through the menopausal transition with few disabling symptoms, and that it is important that menopause not be viewed as a disease. The tendency among women and their healthcare providers in the U.S. to medicalize menopause concerned the panel because the tendency can lead to overuse of treatment approaches that are known to carry serious risks, or whose safety is as yet unclear.

NCI Studies Examine Racial Disparity in Survival Among Patients With Endometrial Cancer

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, report findings that suggest a biological disparity for endometrial cancer exists between Caucasians and African Americans. The research was done in conjunction with Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other institutions.

Calcium Intake Crucial to Benefits of Osteoporosis

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

PITTSBURGH -- Although an increasing number of people are taking powerful new prescription drugs to treat osteoporosis, chances are the majority of patients are not getting the greatest effect from these medicines because they do not have an adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, according to a paper published in the March 2005 issue of The Journal of Women's Health.

New Survey Shows Many Women Over Age 50 May Lack an Overall Understanding of the Importance of Vitamin D In Bone Health

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON -- Women over 50 may lack an overall understanding of the importance of vitamin D to bone health, according to new national survey results released today by the Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR).

Despite Recent Rise in Screenings, At-Risk Women Still Not Heeding Real Threat of Deadly Disease

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

RED BANK, N.J.- - Forty percent of American women at risk* for colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) have never had a colonoscopy, according to a results of a new research survey.

NIH State-of-the-Science Panel Supports Use of Hormone Therapy for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Menopausal Symptoms

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

MADISON, N.J.-- A panel meeting in conjunction with the Conference on the Management of Menopause-Related Symptoms, convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a statement supporting the use of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) for the management of moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS IMPROVED ACCESS TO

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 00:00:00 PST

Silver Spring, MD - The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) expressed its appreciation for the support of the National Rural Health Association, which endorsed HR 872, the "Improving Access to Nurse-Midwifery Services Act of 2005," a legislative measure pending in Congress to rectify payment inequities for certified nurse-midwives delivering patient care to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.