Medical Tests for Women over the Decades: 40's/50's/60's

All women over the age of 45 should regularly undergo the following health screening tests in order to stay on top of their medical condition:

Body Mass Index: A yearly assessment of body mass based on height and weight to help determine whether you are overweight.

Cervical Cancer screening: Every two to three years after three consecutive negative tests for low-risk women, or as recommended by your doctor.

Pelvic Exam: Annually to check the health of your reproductive organs.

Breast Exam: Annually by your physician to detect breast lumps or masses of concern; monthly by you. (Many breast cancer lumps are actually found by women who use monthly self-exams.)

Mammogram: Every one to two years in your forties and every year beginning at 50 to screen for breast cancer.

Lipid Profile: Every five years.

Blood pressure: Annually to check for high blood pressure (130/90 or higher)

Bone Density Test: Recommended for all women ages 65 and older; may be recommended for younger women with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis.

Colon Cancer Screening: Regular screening begins at age 50 for wmen at average risk. Preferred method colonoscopy every 10 years. Other appropriate options: yearly patient-collected fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT); flaxible sigmoidoscopy (with or without FOBT or FIT) every 5 years; or double-contrast barium enema every 5 years.

Fasting Glucose Test: Every 3 years.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone screening: Every five years beginning at age 50 to check for thyroid problems.

Immunizations: Annual influenza vaccine begining at age 50 if desired (be aware that this may be made with eggs); tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years for women 65 years and older.

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Pros and Cons of PSA Screening:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testing, a primary screening method for prostate cancer in men, has recently been surrounded by some controversy. Here is why...While the test is used to predict prostate cancer at it's early stages, a high number of false positive results have called into question the veracity of the test which is a simple blood test. In the December, 2007 nursing journal called, Urologic Nursing, Mary Morse Linn, BSN, CURN and co-authors describe the controversy in more detail. You can also question your urologist (which we highly recommend) before deciding for yourself if the test is as accurate as previously described. Other tests available may be a better way to predict early-onset prostate cancer, a type of cancer, which left untreated, may lead to death. (Please see your healthcare practitioner for further information.)

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December 20, 2007

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Can Predict Mortality Risk

In a recent article reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers stated that maintaining a steady cardiorespiratory fitness program could possibly be as important as avoiding obesity in reducing mortality among the aged. The study involved a group of approximately 2,600 adults age 60 and over. Participants had to undergo baseline health exams and exercise testing. After a 12 year follow-up, fitness and body mass index were strong and independent predictors of all-cause mortality. This was regardless of other measures of fatty tissue, such as body-fat percentage.

It is never too early to begin regular, age-appropriate exercise. If young children and teens become used to adding a healthy diet and exercise to their daily lives, chances are they will continue it throughout their lives, helping them to avoid various diseases and increase their chances of living longer. (Information found in Nursing Spectrum Magazine, December 2007 issue).

Babies with lower Birth Weight Are More Prone to Later Depression and Anxiety

In the journal known as Biological Psychiatry, researchers from Canada and England wrote that babies born with lower birth weights were more prone to depression and anxiety disorders later in life. According to this study, it is possible that when a mother is feeling a great deal of stress, the stress hormones are passed through the placenta to the fetus within the womb. Even though researchers did not look for an absolute weight, there was a clear trend in results. In this study, 4,600 babies born in England in 1946 took part in this study lasting 40 years. (Results of this longitudinal study was found in Nursing Spectrum Magazine, December, 2007).

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The Stress-Weight Gain Connection

December 8, 2007

It has long been suspected that being under stress has a direct connection to eating fatty foods and gaining more weight. "Comfort food" as it has been called, is when someone feels "stressed-out" and reaches for potato chips, cookies, or other foods high in sugar or fat.

A recent study done by Georgetown University Medical Center (U.S.) now proves this theory to be true. Results support that stress seems to release a chemical reaction that triggers fat cells to grow and multiply in number. In addition, the extra pounds caused by stress tend to be stored around the abdomen, just where we don't want it to build up. The reason for this is not yet certain, but researchers suspect that stress and diet stimulate an enzyme present in high amounts in abdominal fat. Not only is this the place that people feel is the most unattractive, but fat built up in the belly area increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and diabetes. As we age, we are at higher risk for developing these diseases. Our levels of stress often increase as we age and our responsibilities also increase.

So what is the answer? When we feel stress building up, we must pay special attention to beginning a relaxation program as part of our daily health and dieting program. Exercise still remains one of the top ways in which to lower our stress levels since it lowers our stress hormones. For example, a 15 minute walk each day, simple yoga exercises, or a meditation program to calm yourself down, may help you to lower your stress and avoid putting on those extra pounds.

For meditation and lowered stress (as well as reaching higher spiritual realization), we highly recommend you chant the Hare Krishna mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. You can chant this mantra on a strand of beads which are made of 108 small beads (called chanting japa). You can order these japa beads at www.krishnaculture.com or purchase them as any Hare Krsna center. Chant one complete mantra on each bead. One "round" on 108 beads takes between 5-8 minutes. You will see a world of difference if you try this mantra meditation daily. The mantra can also be sung (called kirtan) which also relieves stress levels. There is a special spiritual potency to this mantra meditation. You will quickly find that the more you chant it, the more you want to chant it. Try it, and see for yourself. If you are new at this and have any questions or comments, kindly write to us. We are here to assist you in any way we can.

November 26, 2007

Five Wishes:

Aging With dignity-5 wishes

Since every state in the U.S. have different laws pertaining to Living Wills/Advanced Directives (See article below), and some countries do not even recognize these forms that instruct your doctors what type of care you want or do not want at the end of life, this website called Five Wishes states the legalese of your state’s advance directive forms in easy-to-read language so everyone can understand what they are signing. The form costs only $5. This form is legal in only 40 states in the U.S. You can find out at their website if it meets legal requirements in your state.

Five Wishes meets legal requirements in these states (and the District of Columbia):

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Caring Conversations

Practical Bioethics

This useful site offers a workbook to start conversations with your loved ones about end-of-life care. For example, there are questions such as, “What are your fears about the end of life?” There are other questions that open up uncomfortable issues and help to make them easier to discuss. This information is also translated on the website in Spanish as well as in English.

Consumer Toolkit

Toolkit

This informative website sponsored by the American Bar Association’s Commission on Law and Aging website asks you questions such as, “Which do you fear the most near the end of life? A) Being in pain. B) Losing the ability to think. C) Being a financial burden on loved ones. Take this Proxy Quiz to help you select a stand-in for you when you are too ill to speak and answer questions for yourself and what to do after signing your advance directive/Living Will. The Consumer’s Tool Kit for Health Care Advance Planning offers many tips on how to plan for your final days.

Plan ahead with these legal documents requesting your final wishes so your family and friends do not have to make your decisions for you!

November 26, 2007

Treatment for Hepatitis C Has Mixed Results

On November 3, 2007, the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease revealed the results of a study from a clinical trial. The results revealed that patients with chronic hepatitis C and advanced liver disease experience significant decrease in their liver enzymes, viral levels and liver inflammation after treatment with long-term pegylated interferon. On the other hand, the treatment did not slow or prevent the progress of serious liver disease, according to the trial. The trial, known as “Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C),” was especially effective in patients who did not respond to previous treatments. So, obviously, the results are positive for some and a disappointment to others.

Treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Need Study

After finding deficiencies in 57 studies of medications and 37 studies of psychotherapies used to treat PTSD, the United States Federal Government Committee now reports further need for more effective treatment for the disorder.

PTSD is most common among military personnel returning from combat zones, afflicting about 12.6% of personnel who fought in Iraq, 6.2% who served in Afghanistan, and veterans of the Vietnam War and other military conflicts. The disorder is often treated with medications, such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics, along with psychotherapies. Therapies, thus far, include exposure to trauma-related memories in a safe environment to cognitive therapy, coping skills training, and hypnosis. The committee conducting this study stated that it was “flawed” in design and how they were conducted. In addition, they had a high dropout rate of participants.

Additionally, studies have not yet delved into subgroups such as PTSD patients with brain injury, depression, or substance abuse issues. Studies have failed to examine effects in ethnic minorities, women, and older patients. Obviously, more trials are needed in this disorder which affects millions of people yearly.

Medical Tests for Women Over the Decades

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Predicts Mortality Risk

Low birth weight babies prone to depression later

The Stress-Weight Gain Connection

Five Wishes

Treatment for Hepatitis C has mixed results