May News & Insights
Letter From the Director
Dear Patients,
As women, it seems like we often put the needs of others – our kids, significant others, friends, bosses or even neighbors – before our own. This month, in honor of National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18) and Mother’s Day (May 12), I’m encouraging all of you mothers, aunts, sisters and daughters to commit to making your own health a priority. Take the time to take care of yourself. Schedule a preventive screening or annual exam, start a new exercise program, or give yourself permission to just relax and put your feet up or get a massage.
I’m happy to say that it’s official: the UC Health Women’s Center West Chester location is now open! We welcomed our first patients on April 15 and are thrilled to have this opportunity to help more women in our area experience the best health possible. We’re having an Open House May 18 to show off our new space and introduce our providers. I hope to see you there!
Lisa Larkin, MD, FACP, NCMP
Director, UC Health Women’s Center
Associate Professor and Division Director, Midlife Women’s Health and Primary Care,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Center Scoop
Women’s Health Specialty Areas
As you’ll recall, last month’s newsletter included an overview of the Breast Health, Menopause and Sexual Health programs. But that’s certainly not all we have to offer! In addition to those programs, the Women’s Center also offers a variety of specialties tailored to the unique needs of women. These include:
- Primary Care
- Obstetrics
- Integrative Medicine
- Gynecology
- Urogynecology
- Gynecologic Oncology
This month, we’ll focus on providing in-depth information about our primary care, integrative medicine and obstetrics specialties.
Primary Care
Your medical home — providing a lifetime of coordinated care
Integrative Medicine
Treating the whole woman, not just her symptoms
Obstetrics
Congratulations! You’re expecting!
Healthy You
National Women’s Health Week: It’s YOUR Time
As natural caregivers, women often put the needs of others — their families, even coworkers or clients — before their own. As a result, their own health and well-being can easily become neglected. National Women’s Health Week kicks off on Mother’s Day, May 12, and it serves as a great reminder to make your own health a priority. After all, if you aren’t healthy, you can’t be there for those who need you.
How can you join in the celebration?
- Sunday: Research your family health history. Start with Mom.
- Monday: Contact your health care provider(s) to schedule your annual exam(s) and preventive screenings.
- Tuesday: Get moving. Take care of some yard work, or bike somewhere instead of hopping in the car.
- Wednesday: Eat healthy. Try a new recipe the whole family will enjoy.
- Thursday: Pay attention to your mental health. Are you stressed? Do you get enough sleep?
- Friday: Avoid unhealthy behaviors, like smoking, not wearing a seatbelt and texting while driving.
- Saturday: Pledge to make your health a priority not just this week, but all year long!
For more information on National Women’s Health Week and how you or your organization can help promote women’s health, click here.
Go Ask Your Mother: The Importance of Knowing Your Family’s Health History
Did you know that your family history might be one of the strongest influences on your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes or cancer? Approximately, 96% of Americans believe that family history is important to health, yet only 30% have tried to collect and organize their family health history information.¹
This month, as we celebrate Mother’s Day and National Women’s Health Week, we’re reminded of the importance of knowing your family health history. Knowing your family’s history allows you take a more proactive approach to your own health and wellness and reduce your risk of developing certain health problems.
So where do you start? Whether it’s a family get-together to honor Mom or a long overdue chat, both can be a perfect opportunity to get the conversation started and begin developing your family health portrait.
Although you’ll want to begin with your mother’s health history, you’ll also want to collect and record information about your father, grandparents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, siblings, and children.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Questions should focus on chronic conditions and serious illnesses, as well as age of onset.
- For deceased relatives, it is helpful to review death certificates and medical records. Note major medical conditions, causes of death, age at disease onset and death, and ethnic background.
- Share your findings with your provider so he or she can better assess your disease risk, recommend lifestyle changes to prevent disease and prescribe screening tests to detect disease early.
You can also check out My Family Health Portrait, a handy online tool from the U.S. Surgeon General that helps you create, share, save and update your family health history over time.
¹National Office of Public Health Genomics, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Upcoming Events
May 3-4: Health & Fitness Expo
May 5: Flying Pig
May 13: National Women’s Checkup Day
May 18: Community Open House
Provider Perspectives
Susan Stegman explains why cardiac rehab is crucial for women with coronary disease.
A new Canadian study says women with coronary artery disease (CAD) who complete a 12-week rehabilitation program are two-thirds less likely to die than those not referred to a program. Even more interesting, women with CAD who complete rehabilitation programs reduce their chances of dying early significantly more than men… read more
Kellie Flood-Shaffer writes about why Whooping Cough epidemic poses greatest risk to infants.
Last year, the number of reported whooping cough cases was at its highest level in more than 50 years. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that results in severe coughing spells that sometimes end in a “whooping” sound. While the disease is often… read more
Maria Wright says diabetes doesn’t have to put you on the sidelines.
According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you likely know that it can sometimes bring additional complications like heart problems, high blood pressure, blindness and kidney disease but I want you to know… read more