Summer is a great time to get active and enjoy fun in the sun, but don't let your summer be sidelined by a vaginal yeast infection. Humid weather can increase your risk, and there are steps you can take to avoid having to deal with a yeast infection.
Start by slipping out of that wet swimsuit as soon as possible. Sitting in wet clothes can promote the overgrowth of yeast that leads to an infection. And when you're changing into your dry clothes, pick out a pair of cotton underwear. Synthetic fibers can hold moisture, but cotton keeps it away from your skin.
Hot and sweaty summer weather might have you reaching for scented hygiene products, but think again because these can affect the natural chemical balance in the vagina. And don't douche, because this can spread an infection into your cervix and uterus.
In summer, you should change pads and tampons more often, because that moisture combined with heat can be a risk factor for developing a yeast infection. Make it a habit and you'll have less to worry about at that time of the month.
And be sure to treat a summer yeast infection right away. Talk to your doctor about a prescription-strength treatment, or try an over-the-counter remedy if you've had a yeast infection before. Either way, don't wait to begin treatment of a yeast infection, so you can get back to enjoying your summer as soon as possible.
A mom-to-be can have a lot to consider when deciding the right time to stop working before the baby arrives. These days, more pregnant women are working right up until a few days, or even a few hours, before they go into labor. Often, that decision is based on economic factors, like how much paid maternity leave you will have.
There's no single answer to the question, “When should I stop working?” but there are health guidelines that can help you planfor your maternity leave. Be sure you discuss the factors related to your work and your pregnancy with your healthcare provider.
Attention Health Alliance Plan (HAP) members in Monroe County – if your doctor or hospital no longer accepts HAP, come to Northline Women's Health Center for complete women's health care.
We accept most HAP plans and our convenient office at the Henry Ford Health Center Brownstown on West Road in Brownstown Township is just minutes from where you are.
Let our experienced team of physicians and nurse practitioners provide gynecological care for all phases of your life, and pregnancy care with delivery at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, a winner of the 2015 “America’s 100 Best Hospitals” Award from Healthgrades®.
As more women delay parenthood until their mid-30s or later, a phenomenon had developed in many households – the clash of hormones when Mom begins to experience symptoms of menopause just as her teenage daughter is dealing with the effects of puberty.
If your home is one of these x-chromosome battlegrounds, the veterans of the Mom/Daughter wars have some advice. Ellen Dolgen, who writes the popular Menopause Mondays blog, says it's important to keep communicating.
“Share your own challenges openly,” Dolgen says, “so they know what you’re going through, and you can give them an opportunity to relate to you, even if they don’t want to show it. Chances are, your teen may be experiencing sleepless nights and mood swings just like you.”
While you're communicating, try a little empathy, too. Consider what it was like for you as a hormonal teenager, to help you connect with your daughter and her struggles.
Life coach Lynn Blades is dealing with what she calls “The Clash of the Titans” and advises that you pick your battles carefully.
“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” says Blades, but do “lay down your code of conduct and make your teen stick to the rules or pay the consequences.” Blades also recommends encouraging your teen to exercise, eat right and get involved in constructive extra-curricular activities. That's good advice for you, too.
And don't be afraid to ask your doctor for help in dealing with your hormonal changes. There are many options, including conventional hormone therapy, herbal therapy, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, and others offered by Northline Women's Health Center that can treat symptoms caused by menopause, such as excessive mood swings, anxiety, and hot flashes.
With more communication and understanding, and fewer blowups and ultimatums, plus some help from your doctor with menopause symptoms, you might find hormone happiness in your house.
Long before there were medical treatments, women were using natural substances to deal with the effects of menopause. Today, many of these alternative treatments are available as supplements that you can purchase at the pharmacy or health food store, and here are some of the most popular. Please remember to always consult with your doctor about possible interactions with prescription medicines before taking any supplement.
1. Black Cohosh Black cohosh has been used for centuries and is among the most popular and longest-studied natural hot flash remedies for women. It's derived from a plant in the buttercup family, and black cohosh may work much like the brain chemical serotonin to ease feelings of depression and regulate body temperature. It can be taken as capsules, tablets, or mixed with water.
2. Ginseng Ginseng has been used as a therapeutic health treatment for over 5,000 years and is considered a “normalizer” and an “energizer.” Ginseng may help with some menopausal symptoms, such as mood swings and sleep disturbances. However, it has not been found to be helpful for hot flashes. You can take ginseng in tea, powder, and as an extract.
3. Soy Soy has natural plant estrogens that may be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms, but scientific studies have yielded mixed results. Soy in tablet or powder form is not recommended. Instead, look for food forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk.
4. Vitamin E A daily dose of natural vitamin E may help alleviate symptoms of hot flashes in some menopausal women. Topical vitamin E oil applied to the vagina may also improve lubrication.
5. Yoga If you'd rather not take a supplement, yoga can help relieve irritability and depression brought on by menopause. Yoga relaxation and stretching techniques can help stabilize your mood while improving overall well-being.
Summer is a great time to get active and enjoy fun in the sun, but don't let your summer be sidelined by a vaginal yeast infection. Humid weather can increase your risk, and there are steps you can take to avoid having to deal with a yeast infection.
A mom-to-be can have a lot to consider when deciding the right time to stop working before the baby arrives. These days, more pregnant women are working right up until a few days, or even a few hours, before they go into labor. Often, that decision is based on economic factors, like how much paid maternity leave you will have.
Attention Health Alliance Plan (HAP) members in Monroe County – if your doctor or hospital no longer accepts HAP, come to Northline Women's Health Center for complete women's health care.
As more women delay parenthood until their mid-30s or later, a phenomenon had developed in many households – the clash of hormones when Mom begins to experience symptoms of menopause just as her teenage daughter is dealing with the effects of puberty. 
Long before there were medical treatments, women were using natural substances to deal with the effects of menopause. Today, many of these alternative treatments are available as supplements that you can purchase at the pharmacy or health food store, and here are some of the most popular. Please remember to always consult with your doctor about possible interactions with prescription medicines before taking any supplement.
