Independent Articles & Videos About:

1. Women's Health & Fitness
2. Menopause Information
3. Physical Activity & Health Care

What Is Natural Women's Health?

Obviously, the anatomy of the human body is different for both men and women; however, most people see evidence for this in the actual physical appearance of the body. This is certainly the most distinguishable difference, but there are many other different internal factors as well, such as the regulation of hormonal secretions and the type of secretions; in addition, women are more prone to certain diseases than men.

If you decide to take natural health approach as a woman, you will need to address these differences in the regimen you design. You might know that it is important to eat low-fat foods, unrefined foods that do not contain preservatives, but do you know what vitamins and nutrients women are more likely to lack?--And do you know why not addressing those needs can significantly decrease your performance at work or at home?

You know from experience that a poor health regimen will manifest itself in everything you do. It will show on your skin and in your eyes. You will lack energy and it will show. Your body will reveal your lifestyle.

Natural women's health is one method you can use to reverse the effects of your poor health regimen. In addition to getting more sleep and drinking more water, a natural women's health regimen will include proper nutrition. This is especially important if you are pregnant or planning to conceive in the future. If you want to have a child, you must ensure your body is functioning properly by restoring yourself to good health through natural methods; and if you are currently pregnant, you need to ensure that your body is replacing the nutrients your baby is consuming.

That is, however, not the only reason natural women's health should focus on nutrition. It is also because there are certain foods that normally benefit women's metabolisms, which can be very beneficial, as it is often harder for women to lose weight than men.

Natural women's health is also an important part of regulating your PMS and menstrual cycle. It is a way of ensuring that while your body is performing all its natural functions it is still able to get all the nutrition it needs to keep going.

One excellent place to find free information about natural women's health is the Internet. There are a number of websites that offer a significant amount of information on natural health regimens that could greatly improve your quality of life.

That is why so many women are thinking about changing their lifestyles to focus on a more natural approach to health. That will help them deal with all the other issues other than having to worry about whether or not they are taking care of their bodies. This is the best proactive treatment you can give your body.

Emmanuel Aubrey

Women's Health Care: The Top Health Care Issues Women Face Today

When the topic of women's health care is raised, the first disease that comes to mind is probably breast cancer. But surprisingly, that's not the number one health care issue confronting women today. In fact, heart disease kills more women each year than all forms of cancer combined. By knowing the most significant risks in women's health care and what you can do to combat these health care issues, women of all ages can take a proactive approach to leading healthier lives.

The #1 Women's Health Care Issue: Heart Disease More than 489,000 American women lose their lives each year as a result of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. In fact, more women than men die from heart disease each year. Until recently, little research focused on women and heart disease, but the good news is that's no longer the case. From research into the effects of hormone replacement therapy on heart health to studies of how cholesterol-lowering medications work in women, there's an unprecedented increase in the amount of information available to women working to live with and ward off heart disease.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic offer simple common sense advice to women (and men) in the fight against heart disease: don't smoke, eat a diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes a week, and maintain a healthy weight.

In addition, they encourage women to see their family doctor each year for a physical which includes blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Studies indicate that there is a 46% increase in stroke risk for women for each 7.5 mm HG increase in their diastolic blood pressure, so monitoring blood pressure and controlling hypertension are vital.

Women who suffer migraines, are pregnant, have atrial fibrillation and those with the auto-immune disease Lupus also appear to run a greater stroke risk. Diabetes is another women's health care issue with a direct impact on heart health. The American Heart Association notes women with diabetes have a two to six times greater risk of heart disease and heart attack and are at a significantly greater risk of suffering a stroke. All of these risk factors make an annual visit with your doctor one of the best ways women can manage and improve the health of their hearts.

Cancer Concerns: The Second Deadliest Health Care Issue Women Face While breast cancer is often at the top of the list of health care issues for women, several other types of cancers also pose a significant threat to women's health. In this country, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime according to current data which means that a little more than 2 million women are currently living with breast cancer in the U.S. But melanoma, a form of skin cancer, actually kills more young women than any other cancer according to statistics provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation. In fact, melanoma is the most common form of cancer in women between the ages of 25 and 29 and its incidence has tripled in women under 40 in the last thirty years.

Ovarian cancer is another women's health care concern. Usually symptomless until it is widespread, this disease is the fourth most frequent cause of death for American women. The American Cancer Society estimates 26,000 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, there are few definitive screening tests that detect this disease, but experts advise a thorough annual gynecological exam and for women to be alert to pelvic pain and pressure, low back discomfort, mild nausea, and an increase in constipation or gas. A serum CA-125 blood test can detect certain forms of ovarian cancer, but the test is not accurate enough to be used as a routine screening tool.

The rate of women suffering from cervical cancer has dropped a great deal over the years, thanks in part to the increase in the number of women who get an annual Pap smear which can indicate the presence of abnormal cells on the cervix. It's a strong argument for making sure you never skip your Pap smear. Women who have had Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs), herpes simplex virus, those with suppressed immune systems, and those who have had multiple sexual partners run a greater risk of cervical cancer. On the prevention front, a recent trial of a vaccine against cervical cancer was 100% effective in the short term at blocking the disease.

Psychological Well-being: A Growing Health Care Issue for Women In the field of women's health care, psychological problems, which include eating disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders, affect millions of American women. From coping skills to medications to alternative and complementary medical approaches, there is a growing body of knowledge being brought to bear on this important health care issue.

More than 19 million people in the United States, the greatest percentage being women, live with anxiety disorders that disrupt their lives. The different types of disorders within this group include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias. Treatment options include talk therapy and a wide range of medications that can quell the symptoms of the condition. Many women also combine alternative approaches to treatment such as acupuncture, meditation, and diet modification with traditional forms of treatment.

According to the American Psychological Association, women are almost twice as likely to suffer from major depression as men. In fact, some experts in the field have called depression the most significant mental health risk for women, especially those in their childbearing and rearing years. Studies have found that married women and mothers are especially vulnerable to depression. It's important for a woman who feels she may be suffering from depression to be carefully evaluated by a physician because the source of the depressive symptoms could be birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or thyroid disease. Treatment for depression, like most other psychological conditions, includes talk therapy and medications. Some women also find relief in alternative medicine with herbal supplements, meditation, and other complementary techniques.

Though many of the women who struggle with eating disorders are in their teens and twenties, these conditions also affect women at other stages in their lives. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are the most well-known forms of eating disorders. Statistics show that one out of every one hundred girls between the ages of 10 and 20 is anorexic, 4% of college-aged women are bulimic, and 1% of women are binge eaters. The root causes of these diseases include stress at home and at school or work, depression and anxiety, major life changes like a divorce or death, and physical and sexual abuse. Breaking out of the cycle of eating disorders requires a combined approach to this health care issue including psychological treatment, nutrition counseling, and in some cases, hospitalization.

A Holistic Approach to Women's Health Care As women become more proactive about their health, many seek a holistic approach to improving their well-being and fighting disease. But coordinating information among several health care providers, keeping on top of the latest breakthroughs in health, and finding the United States' best doctors is a daunting task for any women.

Some are turning to private professional health care advocates, like those available at PinnacleCare, to help them achieve their goal of a whole-woman centered approach to health care issues. From compiling and electronically storing comprehensive medical records to researching treatment options and providing accelerated access to the United States' top doctors, PinnacleCare's health advocates make a holistic approach to health care possible.

"I passionately believe that what our PinnacleCare Members experience is the way healthcare ought to be delivered," explains John Hutchins, PinnacleCare's Managing Director. "The healthcare system has gotten so complex that most people are at a loss to find their way through it without professional guidance and objective counsel."

To learn more about PinnacleCare services, its PinnacleCare Advocates and read more Member testimonials, please visit; www.PinnacleCare.com

Menopause and Women's Health

Creating a "quality" menopause transition requires following certain guidelines to minimize its effects on women's health. You probably know that this condition wrecks havoc on female anatomy creating chemical imbalances and overall discomfort for a period of time (both short and long). Bouts of anxiety, physical symptoms such as hot flashes and vibrations ripping through the body, vaginal discomfort, relationship issues, and the realization that women are stepping into the next phase of their lives are critical changes one must face.

Menopause and exercising proper women's health can easily go hand in hand with a little extra effort. In order to lessen the severity of symptoms, women need to be informed about proper nutrition including vitamin and other supplement consumption. Let's look into some vitamins that can help.

Some of the physical symptoms of menopause include night sweats, itchy, crawly vibrations throughout the body, and general discomfort. An excellent vitamin to take is Vitamin E. Taken in a dose of 800 IU daily, it helps prevent these conditions from happening. Make sure you take one pill with each of your meals, as capsules are best activated in the body when consumed with food.

A good vitamin to aid depression and hot flashes during sleep is magnesium as well (taken in a dose of 1,000 mg. daily). Another one of the ¨letter¨ vitamins that is great for menopausal symptoms and immune system building is Vitamin B-6. It is a diuretic, which means it flushes out any excess liquid in the body that can cause discomfort. It also aids in processing protein and fights against disease. Women suffering under this condition also experience depressive symptoms, something Vitamin B-6 can combat. Regular Vitamin B can ease anxiety and fight stress as well.

Did you know menopause can cause weak bones? In a condition known as osteoporosis, bones start to become brittle and can break with ease performing the simplest tasks, such as opening a car door or turning suddenly. A quality vitamin such as calcium can help. However, make sure you also take calcium with magnesium and Vitamin D together because they help absorb calcium into the blood stream. Hormones are also impacted by this wonderful vitamin, as it acts as its ¨engine¨ in being spread out throughout the body. Remember, if you don't want to consume pills and capsules, you can eat foods and drink liquids rich in vitamins such as orange juice, peanuts, soybeans, broccoli, bananas, and milk (calcium loaded).

Most doctors would recommend a daily multi-vitamin and antioxidant. Taking the hormone known as DHEA can also do wonders to battle the effects of menopause. One of the few over the counter pills that also serves as a hormone, it actually produces sex hormones in both men and women. DHEA promotes the functioning of enzymes that speed up bodily processes, block fat cells, and fights disease. DHEA is actually produced by the body in the adrenal glands, but declines in amount as we get older. That's why it's crucial to keep taking DHEA to keep the body in optimum health and fight this condition.

Pound for pound, the most critical thing women can do to lessen the severity of menopause is to follow a clean and healthy lifestyle including exercise and listen to their doctor. Avoid eating McDonalds, drinking sodas, and consuming other foods packed with sugars and preservatives. Make it a habit to drink water and provide yourself with a solid social network of friends that will provide support to you when you're down and need someone to talk to. Overall, keep your body in line and in shape against menopause by acquainting yourself with proper nutrition and necessary vitamins.

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting www.everythingmenopause.com or read her book at www.howtoconquermenopause.com

Physical Activity for Women's Health

Cleaning is an inexpensive and effective way to help you get more exercise. You might not see too many men using brooms or vacuums at your gym, but you can turn your home into a private health center. And as an added advantage, make your home spotless clean.

Over the past decades, a women's work time has increased while time spent doing housework has declined. Modern conveniences such as washing machines, dryers and housekeepers have all helped lessen the housework burden. While liberty from such everyday jobs may appear to be a good thing, it has progressively mechanized a stress-filled society. Today, about 22 percent of adult Americans are active at a level suggested for any significant health benefits, but fewer than 10 percent of adults exercise at an intensity that is adequate to improve cardiovascular fitness. This is where housework can help?

Physical activity is the single most important activity you can do to improve your health.. Even if you don't have the time or the money to spend on a fitness club, you can still improve your fitness by engaging in daily activities such as housework. Engaging in any regular activity at all can provide considerable health benefits for those who have deskbound jobs which involve sitting for a large part of the day and who do not partake in any regular physical activity or sports in their spare time time.

Recent research recommends spending at least 60 minutes each day in a "on your feet" activity. This type of activity uses the large muscle groups of the legs in walking, stair climbing, gardening or housework. Housework combined with walking the dog, yard work and using stairs can help form a foundation upon which you can build your fitness program. Mopping that floor and scrubbing the tub suddenly takes on a whole new meaning when you consider the benefits of this type of housework.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest.