HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Women’s Medical Conditions

Depression

Student Health

Depression is the most common reason college students go to their school’s counseling service. Depression makes a person less able to manage life. It affects a person’s mood, mind, body, and behaviors.

Signs & Symptoms

The number and severity of the symptoms vary from person to person. A person who is depressed has one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below.

* Feeling sad, hopeless, and helpless.

* Feeling guilty and/or worthless.

* Thinking negative thoughts.

* Having a loss of interest in things, such as social activities, hobbies, and sex.

* Sleeping too little or too much.

* Fatigue or loss of energy.

* Problems concentrating or making decisions.

* Ongoing physical symptoms, such as headaches, chronic pain, or digestive problems that don’t respond to treatment.

* Uncontrollable crying.

* Poor appetite with weight loss, or overeating and weight gain.

* Thoughts of suicide or death.

Causes & Risk Factors

* Major changes and stress that accompany college, including choosing career goals, leaving home, and the strain from trying to study and socialize at the same time.

* Obsessing about expenses.

* Abuse of alcohol, drugs, and some medications.

* Relationship changes, such as break ups, a family divorce, or the death of someone close.

* Brain chemical imbalances. Also, some types of depression run in families.

* Hormonal changes. This could be from taking birth control pills or using anabolic steroids which can cause changes in mood.

* Lack of natural, unfiltered sunlight between late fall and spring. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It may only affect some people that are prone to this disorder.

* Holiday “blues.”

Most likely, depression is caused by a mix of: A family history of the illness; brain chemical imbalances; emotional issues; and other factors, such as a medical illness or alcohol abuse.

In some people, events like extreme stress and grief may cause depression. In others, depression occurs even when life is going well.

Treatment

Treatment includes medicines, psychotherapy, and other therapies that are specific to the cause of the depression. Exposure to bright lights (similar to sunlight) for depression that results from SAD can be helpful. {Note: Some antidepressant medicines can increase the risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in children and adolescents. This risk may be higher within the first days to a month after starting the medicine. Persons who take antidepressants should be closely monitored.}

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Take medications as prescribed. Get your doctor’s advice before you take over-the-counter herbs, such as St. John’s Wort, especially if you take other medications.

* Don’t use illegal drugs. Limit alcohol. These can cause or worsen depression. Drugs and alcohol can also make medicines for depression less effective. Harmful side effects can occur when drugs and/or alcohol are mixed with medicine.

* Eat healthy foods. Eat at regular times.

* Get regular exercise.

* Talk to someone who will listen to the tensions and frustrations you are feeling.

* Try not to isolate yourself. Be with people you trust and feel safe with, even though you feel down.

* Do things you enjoy. Do something that lets you express yourself. Draw. Paint. Write your thoughts in a diary or journal.

* Relax. Listen to soft music, take a warm bath or shower. Do relaxation exercises.

* Avoid stressful situations or taking on added commitments when you feel depressed.

* Keep an emergency number handy (e.g., crisis hotline, trusted friend’s number, etc.) in case you feel desperate.

Feeling better takes time. Don’t expect to just “snap out” of your depression.

To Help A Friend Who Is Depressed

* Help your friend get an appropriate diagnosis. Make an initial appointment with a professional and offer to take your friend.

* Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Report them, immediately, to a student advisor, teacher, or health care provider.

* Be aware of the type of medication your friend needs to take and when it should be taken. If necessary, alert your friend’s health care provider about any side effects that you notice.

* Be supportive. Depression is no different from any other physical illness. It requires patience, understanding, love, and encouragement. Encourage your friend to continue with treatment and to see his or her health care provider if there is no improvement.

* Listen with care. Point out your friend’s successes and attributes when he or she feels worthless, helpless, or down about the future. Helping your friend see previous successes can help give the confidence needed to continue with treatment. Your friend doesn’t need you to tell him or her what to do. Listening is very helpful.

* Encourage your friend to go out and do things with you or with others, such as to see a movie or to do things your friend enjoyed in the past. Don’t push, though, or make too many demands.

* Seek support from organizations that deal with depression.

Resources

Your school’s Student Counseling Service or Student Mental Health Service. (Normally, these services are no cost to you.)

International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression (IFRED)

www.ifred.org

Mental Health America (MHA)

800.969.6642

www.mentalhealthamerica.net

National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse

800.553.4539

www.mhselfhelp.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Anemia 2

General Health Conditions

Anemia means that red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells is low. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Common types of anemia are low amounts of iron, folic acid (a B-vitamin), and vitamin B12.

Signs & Symptoms

* Tiredness.

* Weakness.

* Paleness. This could be pale skin or paleness around the gums, nailbeds, or the linings of the lower eyelids.

* Shortness of breath.

* Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat.

* Cravings for unusual things, such as laundry starch, dirt, or ice.

When folic acid is low, extra symptoms can occur. These include: Appetite loss and weight loss; nausea and diarrhea, swollen abdomen, and a sore, red tongue that looks glazed. When vitamin B12 is low, extra symptoms include: Chest pain on exertion; appetite loss and weight loss; nausea and diarrhea, a hard time concentrating, and a sore, red tongue that looks glazed. If vitamin B12 is very low, nervous system problems occur. These include: Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet; walking and balance problems; memory loss, confusion, dementia, or psychosis. This is known as pernicious anemia.

Causes

* Anemia from low iron. Often, the cause is blood loss from menstruation in females, peptic ulcers, and other medical problems.

* Anemia from low folic-acid. The cause is lack of folic acid in the diet.

* Anemia from low vitamin B12. This usually results when the body doesn’t absorb vitamin B12 from food, not a lack of vitamin B12 in the diet.

Treatment

Anemia shares symptoms with many health problems. It needs to be diagnosed by a doctor. Treatment for it depends on the type and what caused it. This includes:

* Treating the problem that caused it.

* Proper diet and vitamin and/or mineral supplements, as prescribed. {Note: Don’t take iron supplements on your own. Persons with a genetic illness called hemochromatosis (iron overload disease) can be harmed with iron supplements.}

* Vitamin B12 shots, if needed.

Persons with severe anemia may need one or more blood transfusions.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.

To Get and Absorb Iron

* Eat foods that are good sources of iron: Lean, red meats; green, leafy vegetables; beef liver; poultry; fish; wheat germ; oysters; dried fruit; and iron-fortified cereals.

* Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and strawberries. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from plant foods.

* Take the supplements your doctor advises.

* If you drink tea, drink it between meals. Tannins in tea block iron absorption. Or, add milk to tea. The calcium in milk binds with the tannins. (Herbal tea does not have tannins.)

* Avoid antacids, the food additive EDTA, and phosphates (found in soft drinks, beer, ice cream, etc.). These block iron absorption.

To Get and Absorb Folic Acid

* Eat good food sources of folate every day. Examples are asparagus, brussels sprouts, spinach, collard greens, broccoli, peas, oranges, cantaloupe, oatmeal, and whole-grain cereals.

* Eat fresh, raw fruits and vegetables often. Don’t overcook food. Heat destroys folic acid.

* Take the supplement your doctor advises.

* Don’t smoke. Don’t drink alcohol.

For Getting B12

* Eat animal sources of food. Good choices are lean meats, fish, poultry, nonfat or low-fat dairy products, and cereals with added vitamin B12.

* Strict vegetarians (vegans) who eat no animal sources of food may need a vitamin B12 supplement or foods fortified with it.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Urinary Problems

Women’s Health

Common urinary problems in women are urinary incontinence, overactive bladder (OAB), and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Signs & Symptoms

Urinary incontinence means you lose bladder control or can’t store urine like you should. Although there are many types, the most common ones in women are stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

For Stress Incontinence

Urine leaks out with a sudden rise in pressure in the abdomen. This can occur when you cough, sneeze, lift, jump, run, or strain to pass stool.

For Urge Incontinence

Urine is released before you can get to the toilet due to a sudden and intense urge to urinate.

For Overactive Bladder

You urinate often (8 or more times during the day and at least 2 times during the night) and you have a sudden and urgent need to urinate.

For Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder Infection Symptoms

* You urinate more often than usual. It burns or stings when you urinate.

* Your urine is bloody or cloudy.

* You have pain in the abdomen or over your bladder.

* Confusion or other change in mental status, especially if you are over age 70.

Kidney Infection Symptoms

* Fever and shaking chills. Nausea and vomiting

* Pain in one or both sides of your mid back.

Sometimes, there are no symptoms with a UTI.

Causes & Risk Factors

For Urinary Incontinence

Problems occur with bladder muscles and nerves that help you hold or release urine and structures that support the bladder. This can be due to many factors:

* Physical changes due to aging or injury.

* Pregnancy and childbirth.

* Menopause.

* Multiple sclerosis.

* Spinal cord injury.

For Overactive Bladder

Abnormal nerves send signals to the bladder at the wrong time. This causes spasms in the bladder muscles to squeeze without warning.

For Urinary Tract Infections

Bacteria infect any part of the urinary tract – the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder).

Treatment

For Incontinence:

* Bladder training, pelvic floor muscle training, or Kegel exercises.

* Medications.

* Medical treatment, such as an electric or magnetic stimulation device.

* Surgical procedures.

For Overactive Bladder

Medications that help relax muscles of the bladder and prevent bladder spasms.

For Urinary Tract Infections

An antibiotic is prescribed to treat the specific infection. Pain relievers are taken as needed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

* Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Drink juice made from unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate. Take cranberry tablets.

* For pain, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or Uristat®, an over-the-counter medicine for bladder infection pain.

* Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting slacks.

* Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.

For Urinary Incontinence

* Avoid caffeine. Limit or avoid fluids 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

* Limit carbonated drinks, alcohol, citrus juices, greasy and spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners.

* Empty your bladder before you leave the house, take a nap, or go to bed.

* Try to urinate often, even if you don’t feel the urge. When you urinate, empty your bladder as much as you can. Relax for a minute and try to go again.

* Keep a diary of when you leak urine. If you do this every 3 hours, empty your bladder every 2 hours. Use an alarm clock or wristwatch with an alarm to remind you.

* Wear absorbent pads or briefs, as needed.

* Ask your doctor if your type of incontinence could be managed by using self-catheters. These help to empty your bladder all the way. A doctor needs to prescribe self-catheters.

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises are pelvic floor exercises. These help treat or cure stress incontinence. Follow these steps:

1. Start to urinate, then hold back and try to stop. If you can slow the stream of urine, even a little, you are using the right muscles. You should feel muscles squeezing around the anus and the urethra (the tube through which urine is passed).

2. Relax your body. Close your eyes. Imagine that you are going to pass urine and then hold back from doing so. You should feel the muscles squeeze like you did in step 1.

3. Squeeze the muscles for 3 seconds. Then relax them for 3 seconds. When you squeeze and relax, count slowly. Start out doing this 3 times a day. Gradually work up to 3 sets of 10 contractions. Hold each one for 10 seconds at a time. You can do Kegel exercises when you lie down, sit, and/or stand.

4. When you do these exercises do not: Tense the muscles in your belly or buttocks; hold your breath; clench your fists or teeth; or make a face.

5. Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles right before and during whatever it is (jumping, etc.) that causes you to leak urine. Relax the muscles once the activity is over.

6. You can also use pelvic weights prescribed by your doctor. You insert a weighted cone into the vagina and squeeze the correct muscles to keep it from falling out.

Do pelvic floor muscles daily. It may take several months to benefit from them. Get help to do them from:www.medicinenet.com/kegel_exercises_for_women/article.htm.

FYI: Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Note: Symptoms of a condition called Interstitial Cystitis (IC) mimic those of an acute UTI. Intense pain and pressure in the lower abdomen come with the need to urinate. (This can be more than 50 times a day.) Nine out of 10 persons who have IC are women. Antibiotics do not give relief, because bacteria is not present with IC. This condition needs medical diagnosis and treatment.

Resources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

www2.niddk.nih.gov

National Association for Continence (NAFC)

800.BLADDER (252.3337)

www.nafc.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Chest Pain & Heart Disease

Women’s Health

Chest pain can be a warning sign for many things. It is often linked to a heart attack, especially in men. Women should be just as concerned. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the U.S.

Signs & Symptoms

Angina

With this, the heart does not get as much blood and oxygen as it needs for a given level of work. This causes pain, discomfort, or a squeezing pressure in the chest. Aching in a tooth, jaw or neck can also occur. Symptoms usually go away with rest and/or nitroglycerin. Angina attacks may occur with anger, excitement, or exertion, such as walking up a hill.

Heart Attack

* Chest pressure or pain (may spread to the arm, neck, back, tooth or jaw).

* Feelings of chest tightness, squeezing, or heaviness that last more than a few minutes or go away and come back.

* Chest discomfort with: shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, fast or uneven pulse, or fainting.

* An uneasy feeling in the chest with: fluttering or rapid heartbeats, extreme fatigue or weakness, unexplained or extreme anxiety, or severe indigestion that doesn’t go away with an antacid.

* Unusual chest, abdominal or stomach pain.

* Dizziness, nausea, trouble breathing, jaw or arm pain without chest pain.

{Note: For any of these signs, don’t delay. Call 911 right away!} After your call:

* Chew 162-325 mg uncoated aspirin (up to 4 baby aspirins), unless you are allergic to aspirin.

* Be sure to tell the EMS driver that you are having chest pain.

Heart Failure

With this, the heart “fails” to supply the body with enough blood and oxygen for its needs. This develops slowly. It becomes chronic. Symptoms are: shortness of breath, feeling very tired or weak, swelling in the lower legs, ankles, and feet, dry cough or one with pink, frothy mucus, rapid weight gain, and a fast heartbeat.

Causes

Heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis. This is the buildup of plaque in the inner walls of the arteries. The plaque is made up of blood, platelets, cholesterol, fibrous tissue, and sometimes, calcium. Blood flow to the heart is slowed or blocked. Besides heart disease, chest pain can also be a symptom of:

* Mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a heart-valve problem.

* Bronchitis, pneumonia, lung injuries, etc.

* Heartburn or a hiatal hernia.

* Shingles.

* A pulled muscle or even swallowing too much air.

Treatment

Heart disease needs medical treatment. It is not always easy to know whether or not to seek medical care for chest pain. When in doubt, check it out. Prompt medical treatment for a heart attack or severe lung injury could be life-saving.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

* Have regular medical checkups. Get your blood pressure and blood cholesterol checked as often as advised by your doctor.

* Don’t smoke or use tobacco. If you do, quit.

* Be at a healthy weight.

* Take all medications, as prescribed.

* If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, follow your treatment plan.

* Follow a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Limit sodium to 1500 mg to 2,400 mg per day. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, fiber-rich whole grains, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and olive or canola oil. Limit processed meats and sugary foods and beverages.

* Do regular exercise.

* Avoid or limit alcohol to one drink per day.

* Manage stress. Practice relaxation techniques.

Pulled Muscle or Minor Injury to the Rib Cage

* Do not strain the muscle or ribs while pain is felt.

* Rest.

* Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain.

Heartburn or a Diagnosed Hiatal Hernia

* Lose weight, if you are overweight.

* Eat 5 to 6 small meals a day and chew thoroughly.

* Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Avoid “trigger” foods, such as caffeine, spicy foods, citrus juices, chocolate, and carbonated drinks.

* Don’t bend over or lie down after eating.

* For heartburn, take antacids after meals and before going to sleep.

* Don’t have food 2 hours before bedtime.

* Do not wear tight clothes, tight belts or girdles.

* Sleep on a bed with the head raised about 6 inches.

Anxiety and Hyperventilating

* Talk about your anxiety with someone you trust.

* When you hyperventilate: Open up a small paper bag. Loosely cover your nose and mouth with it. Breathe slowly into the bag. Rebreathe the air in the bag. Do this about 10 times. Set the bag aside. Breathe normally for a couple of minutes.

* Try to breathe slowly. Focus on taking one breath every 5 seconds.

Inflammation of the Cartilage Where the Ribs Attach to the Breastbone (Costochondritis)

* Take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium for pain.

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)

* Follow your doctor’s guidelines for self-care.

* Eat healthy foods. Limit caffeine and alcohol. Don’t smoke.

* After checking with your doctor, exercise regularly to improve cardiovascular fitness.

* Deal with and control stress and anxiety.

Resources

American Heart Association & Go Red For Women

888.MY.HEART (694.3278)

www.heart.org

www.GoRedForWomen.org

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

www.nhlbi.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Vaginal Infections

Women’s Health

Vaginal infections are the most common reason American females see their doctors. Vaginal infections result in vaginitis (swelling of the vagina).

Signs, Symptoms & Causes

For Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Nearly half of females with clinical signs of BV report no symptoms. When present, symptoms include:

* A thin, gray, or milky white vaginal discharge. This has a fishy odor, which is more noted after intercourse.

* Mild vaginal irritation or burning.

Bacterial vaginosis results when certain bacteria outnumber normal and protective bacteria in the vagina. The exact cause is not known.

Risk factors for BV include douching, using an IUD, and a change or an increase in sexual partners.

For Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections are also called Monilia, Candida, and fungal infections. Signs and symptoms range from mild to severe. They include:

* Thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and may smell like yeast.

* Itching, irritation, and redness around the vagina.

* Burning and/or pain when urinating or with sex.

Vaginal yeast infections result from the overgrowth of the fungus Candida. This is normally present in harmless amounts in the vagina, digestive tract, and mouth.

Risk Factors for Vaginal Yeast Infections

* Hormonal changes that come with pregnancy or monthly periods. Taking hormones or birth control pills.

* Antibiotic use, especially “broad spectrum” ones. Corticosteroid medicine use.

* High blood sugar. This can occur when diabetes is not controlled.

* Sex that irritates the vagina a lot.

* Using douches. Using feminine hygiene sprays.

* Using hot tubs and jacuzzis a lot.

Chronic vaginal yeast infections can be one of the first signs of diabetes, STIs, and HIV.

Diagnosis

Different vaginal infections have the same symptoms. This makes it hard to tell one from another. A doctor may need to diagnose the cause. A sample of vaginal fluid is taken and tested. Often, this takes less than 3 minutes.

Treatment

For Bacterial Vaginosis

Prescribed antibiotic creams, gels, or pills are needed. Male sex partner(s) may also need treatment. Feminine hygiene sprays that mask vaginal odor should not be used. Nor should OTC medications, such as ones for vaginal yeast infections. These do not treat BV.

For Vaginal Yeast Infections

Prescribed and OTC vaginal creams or suppositories get rid of the Candida overgrowth. Oral medicines, such as Diflucan®, may be prescribed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Take medications, as prescribed.

* For a repeat vaginal yeast infection, use an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal vaginal medication, such as Monistat. Use it as directed. {Note: Stop using any OTC product for a vaginal yeast infection at least 24 hours before a vaginal exam.}

* Ask your pharmacist about an OTC cream for itching and burning to help with symptoms during treatment.

* Bathe or shower often. Clean the inside folds of the vulva. Dry the vaginal area well.

* Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.

* If your vagina is dry, use a water soluble lubricant, such as K-Y Liquid®, when you have sex.

* Wear all-cotton underwear. Don’t wear garments that are tight in the crotch. Change underwear and workout clothes as soon as possible after you sweat.

* Don’t use bath oils, bubble baths, feminine hygiene sprays, or perfumed or deodorant soaps.

* Don’t sit around in a wet bathing suit. Shower after you swim in a pool to remove the chlorine from your skin. Dry the vaginal area well.

* Eat well. Limit sugar and foods with sugar. Eat foods, such as yogurt, that contain live cultures of “lactobacillus acidophilus.” If you can’t tolerate yogurt, take an OTC product that has this.

* Let your doctor know if you are prone to getting yeast infections whenever you take an antibiotic. You may be told to also use a vaginal antifungal product.

* If you still menstruate, use unscented tampons or sanitary pads and change them often.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Eating Disorders

Student Health

Five to 10 million adolescent girls and women have an eating disorder. About 1 million males do. The 3 most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. These eating disorders are a coping mechanism. They result in an obsession with food and/or weight; anxiety around eating; guilt; and severe and adverse effects on psychological and physical health. Eating disorders are very serious health problems.

Signs & Symptoms

For Anorexia Nervosa

* Loss of a lot of weight in a short period of time.

* Intense, irrational fear of weight gain and/or of looking fat. Obsession with fat, calories, and weight.

* A need to be perfect or in control in one area of life.

* Distorted body image. The person feels and sees herself or himself as fat despite being a normal weight for height and age.

* Marked physical signs. These include loss of hair, slowed heart rate, and low blood pressure. The person feels cold due to decreased body temperature. In females, menstrual periods can stop.

For Bulimia Nervosa

* Repeated acts of binge eating and purging. Purging can be through vomiting; taking laxatives, water pills, and/or diet pills; fasting; and exercising a lot to “undo” the binge.

* Excessive concern about body weight.

* Being underweight, normal weight, or overweight.

* Dieting often.

* Dental problems. Mouth sores. Chronic sore throat.

* Spending a lot of time in bathrooms.

* Because of binge-purge cycles, severe health problems can occur. These include an irregular heartbeat and damage to the stomach, kidneys, and bones.

For Binge Eating Disorder

* Periods of nonstop eating that are not related to hunger.

* Impulsive binging on food without purging.

* Dieting and/or fasting over and over.

* Weight can range from normal weight to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.

Causes

An exact cause has not been found. Persons from all backgrounds, ages, and genders are affected. Risk factors include:

* A family history of eating disorders.

* Pressure from society to be thin.

* Personal and family pressures.

* Sexual, physical, or alcohol abuse in the past.

* Fear of starting puberty.

* Fear of having sex.

* Pressure for athletes to lose weight or to be thin for competitive sports.

* Chronic dieting.

Treatment

* Counseling. This can be individual, family, group, and/or behavioral therapy.

* Support groups.

* Medication.

* Nutrition therapy.

* Outpatient treatment.

* Hospitalization, if needed.

Treatment varies with the disorder and how severe it is. The earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care

Eating disorders need professional treatment.

To Help Prevent an Eating Disorder

* Learn to accept yourself and your body. You don’t need to look like anyone else. Spend time with people who accept you as you are, not people who focus on “thinness.”

* Know that self-esteem does not have to depend on body weight.

* Eat nutritious foods. Focus on whole grains, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, and low-fat meats.

* Commit to a goal of normal eating. Realize that this will take time. It will also take courage to fight fears of gaining weight.

* Don’t skip meals. If you do, you are more likely to binge when you eat.

* Avoid white flour, sugar and foods high in sugar and fat, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries. Bulimics tend to binge on junk food. The more they eat, the more they want.

* Get regular, moderate exercise 3 to 4 times a week. If you exercise more than your doctor advises, do non-exercise activities with family and friends.

* Find success in things you do. Hobbies, work, school, etc. can promote self-esteem.

* Learn as much as you can about eating disorders from books and organizations that deal with them.

* To help their children avoid eating disorders, parents should promote a balance between their child’s competing needs for independence and family involvement.

To Treat an Eating Disorder

* Follow your treatment plan.

* Attend counseling sessions and/or support group meetings as scheduled.

* Identify feelings before, during, and after you overeat, binge, purge, or restrict food intake. What is it that you are hoping the food will do?

* Set small goals that you can easily reach. Congratulate yourself for every success. This is a process. Accept set backs. Learn from them.

* Talk to someone instead of turning to food.

* Work toward the point where weight is no longer a way you rate your success. Think about your accomplishments, positive personal qualities, and valued relationships.

* Learn to express your rights. You have the right to say no and the right to express your feelings and your opinions. You have the right to ask that your needs are met.

* Keep a journal of your progress, feelings, thoughts, etc., but not about what you eat. The journal is just for you, not for others to read or judge. This is a safe place to be honest with yourself. The journal can also help you identify your “triggers” so that you can deal with them in the future.

* Don’t let the scale run your life. Better yet, throw out the scale!

Resources

Your school’s Student Health Service, Student Counseling or Mental Health Service

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)Information and Referral Helpline

800.931.2237

www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Varicose Veins

Women’s Health

Varicose veins may occur in almost any part of the body. They are most often seen in the back of the calf or on the inside of the leg between the groin and the ankle.

Signs & Symptoms

* Swollen and twisted veins look blue and are close to the surface of the skin.

* Veins bulge and feel heavy.

* The legs and feet can swell.

* The skin can itch.

Causes & Risk Factors

* Obesity.

* Pregnancy.

* Hormonal changes at menopause.

* Activities or hobbies that require standing or lifting heavy objects for long periods of time.

* A family history of varicose veins.

* Often wearing clothing that is tight around the upper thighs.

* Body positions that restrict lower leg blood flow for long periods of time. One example is sitting in an airplane, especially in the economy class section, on a long flight.

* Past vein diseases, such as thrombophlebitis. This is inflammation of a vein before a blood clot forms.

Treatment

Medical treatment is not required for most varicose veins unless problems result. These include a deep vein blood clot or severe bleeding, which can be caused by an injury to the vein. Problems can occur without an injury, as well. An X-ray of the vein (venogram) or a special ultrasound can tell if there are any problems.

Medical Treatment

* Surgery can remove all or part of the vein.

* Sclerotherapy. This uses a chemical injection into the vein, causing it to close up.

* Laser therapy. This causes the vein to fade away.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Don’t cross your legs when sitting.

* Exercise regularly. Walking is a good choice. It improves leg strength and vein strength.

* Maintain a healthy weight. Lose weight if you are overweight.

* Don’t stand for long periods of time.

* If your job or hobby requires you to stand, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. Just wiggling your toes can help, too.

* Wear elastic support stockings or support hose, as advised by your doctor.

* Don’t wear clothing or undergarments that are tight or constrict your waist, groin, or legs.

* Eat high-fiber foods, like bran cereals, whole-grain breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables, to promote regularity. Constipation may be a factor in varicose veins.

* Elevate your legs when resting.

* Exercise your legs. From a sitting position, rotate your feet at the ankles, turning them first clockwise, then counterclockwise, using a circular motion. Next, extend your legs forward and point your toes to the ceiling then to the floor. Next, lift your feet off the floor and gently bend your legs back and forth at the knees.

* Get up and move about every 35 to 45 minutes when traveling by air or even when sitting in an all-day conference. Opt for an aisle seat in such situations.

* Stop and take short walks at least every 45 minutes when taking long car rides.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

American College of Phlebology

www.phlebology.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Eating Disorders 2

Women’s Health

Common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. People who have these conditions are obsessed with food and/or body weight. Eating disorders are a way to cope. They are serious health problems and are more common in females than in males.

Signs & Symptoms

Anorexia Nervosa

* Loss of a lot of weight in a short period of time.

* Intense, irrational fear of weight gain and/or of looking fat, obsession with fat, calories and weight.

* A need to be perfect or in control in one area of life.

* Distorted body image; the person feels and sees herself or himself as fat despite being a normal weight for height and age.

* Marked physical signs, such as loss of hair, slowed heart rate, and low blood pressure. The person feels cold due to decreased body temperature. In females, menstrual periods can stop.

Bulimia Nervosa

* Repeated acts of binge eating and purging, which can be through vomiting, taking laxatives, water pills, and/or diet pills, fasting, and exercising a lot to “undo” the binge.

* Excessive concern about body weight.

* Being underweight, normal weight, or overweight.

* Dieting often.

* Dental problems, mouth sores, chronic sore throat.

* Spending a lot of time in bathrooms.

* Because of binge-purge cycles, severe health problems can occur, including an irregular heartbeat and damage to the stomach, kidneys and bones.

Binge Eating Disorder

* Periods of nonstop eating that are not related to hunger.

* Impulsive binging on food without purging.

* Dieting and/or fasting over and over.

* Weight can range from normal weight to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.

Causes & Risk Factors

An exact cause has not been found. Persons from all backgrounds, ages and genders are affected. Risk factors include:

* A family history of eating disorders.

* Pressure from society to be thin.

* Personal and family pressures.

* Sexual, physical, or alcohol abuse in the past.

* Fear of starting puberty.

* Fear of having sex.

* Pressure for athletes to lose weight or to be thin for competitive sports.

* Chronic dieting.

Treatment

* Counseling. This can be individual, family, group, and/or behavioral therapy.

* Support groups.

* Medication.

* Nutrition therapy.

* Outpatient treatment.

* Hospitalization, if needed.

Treatment varies with the disorder and how severe it is. The earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care

Eating disorders need professional treatment.

Prevent an Eating Disorder

* Learn to accept yourself and your body. You don’t need to look like anyone else. Spend time with people who accept you as you are, not people who focus on “thinness.”

* Know that self-esteem does not have to depend on body weight.

* Eat nutritious foods. Focus on whole grains, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, and lean meats.

* Commit to a goal of normal eating. Realize that this will take time. It will also take courage to fight fears of gaining weight.

* Don’t skip meals. If you do, you are more likely to binge when you eat.

* Limit white flour, sugar and foods high in sugar and fat, such as cakes, cookies and pastries. People who have bulimia tend to binge on junk food. The more they eat, the more they want.

* Get regular, moderate exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week. If you exercise more than your doctor advises, do more non-exercise activities with family and friends.

* Find success in things you do. Hobbies, work, school, etc. can promote self-esteem.

* Discuss with family and friends how TV, movies and social media can send the message that only a certain body type is acceptable.

* Learn as much as you can about eating disorders from reputable websites, books and organizations that deal with them.

* To help children avoid eating disorders, parents should promote a balance between their child’s competing needs for independence and family involvement.

Treat an Eating Disorder

* Follow your treatment plan from your health care provider. To be successful, you need to be actively involved in your treatment.

* Attend counseling sessions and/or support group meetings as scheduled.

* Set small goals that you can easily reach. Congratulate yourself for every success. This is a process. Accept set backs. Learn from them.

* Talk to someone instead of turning to food.

* Work toward the point where weight is no longer a way you rate your success. Think about your accomplishments, positive personal qualities, and valued relationships.

* Learn to express your rights. You have the right to say no and the right to express your feelings and your opinions. You have the right to ask that your needs are met.

* Keep a journal of your progress, feelings, thoughts, etc., but not about what you eat. The journal is just for you, not for others to read or judge. This is a safe place to be honest with yourself. The journal can also help you identify your “triggers” so that you can deal with them in the future.

* Don’t let the scale run your life. Better yet, throw out the scale!

Resources

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)Information and Referral Helpline

800.931.2237

www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Depression 2

Women’s Health

Depression is a state of sadness and despair. Like diabetes, depression is a real medical illness. A person with depression may seek help for other problems, such as insomnia or extreme fatigue.

Signs & Symptoms

* Feeling sad, hopeless, helpless, and/or worthless.

* Fatigue. Loss of interest in life.

* Having a hard time concentrating or making decisions.

* Changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

* Feeling easily annoyed, angry, or anxious.

* Thoughts of suicide or death.

The number of symptoms and how severe they are vary from person to person.

Causes

Most likely, depression is caused by a mix of: A family history of the illness; brain chemical problems; emotional issues; and other factors, such as a medical illness or alcohol abuse.

Another cause is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). With this, depression occurs between late fall and early spring due to a lack of natural sunlight.

In some persons, extreme stress, trauma, grief, etc. may bring on depression. In others, depression occurs even when life is going well.

In general, depression is noted twice as often in women than in men in part due to hormonal changes women undergo:

* Premenstrually, during menopause, or when taking medicines with hormones.

* During and especially after childbirth or when a woman stops breastfeeding.

* After having a miscarriage.

* With health conditions that affect a woman’s hormones, such as some ovarian cysts, endometriosis, etc.

Other life circumstances unique to women may increase risk of depression, such as cultural stressors and higher rates of sexual or physical abuse.

Treatment

Whatever the cause, depression can be treated. Treatment includes medication(s), counseling, and self-care measures. Exposure to bright lights similar to sunlight can treat depression caused by SAD.

A doctor should be seen for diagnosis and treatment.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Take medications as prescribed. Get your doctor’s advice before you take over-the-counter herbs, like St. John’s Wort, especially if you take other medications.

* Don’t use illegal drugs. Limit alcohol. These can cause or worsen depression. Drugs and alcohol can also make medicines for depression less effective. Harmful side effects can happen when alcohol and/or drugs are mixed with medicine.

* Eat healthy foods. Eat at regular times. Don’t skip meals or binge on junk food. Limit caffeine and sugary foods.

* Try not to isolate yourself. Be with people you feel safe with even though you feel down.

* Do something you enjoy. Do things that let you express yourself. Write, paint, etc.

* Exercise regularly.

* Relax. Listen to soft music, take a warm bath or shower. Do relaxation exercises. Meditation can help you deal with depression.

* Keep an emergency number handy (e.g., crisis hotline, trusted friend’s number, etc.) in case you feel desperate.

Resources

Mental Health America (MHA)

800.969.6642

www.mentalhealthamerica.net

mentalhealthamerica.net/mental-health-screening-tools

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Fainting

Women’s Health

Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness. It can last from seconds to 30 minutes.

Signs & Symptoms

Just before fainting, a person may feel a sense of dread and feel dizzy. She may see spots and have nausea. Her face may turn pale, she could go into a cold sweat, and she could fall over.

If a person falls and can’t remember the fall itself, she has fainted.

Causes

Fainting is due to a sudden drop in blood flow or glucose supply to the brain. This causes a temporary drop in blood pressure and pulse rate. Medical reasons for this include:

* Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is common in early pregnancy. It can also occur in diabetes, in persons on severe diets, etc.

* Anemia.

* Any condition that causes a rapid loss of blood. This can be from internal bleeding, such as with a peptic ulcer, a tubal pregnancy, or a ruptured cyst.

* Heart and circulatory problems, such as abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, or stroke.

* Eating disorders.

* Toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

* Seizures.

Other Causes of Fainting

* Any procedure that stretches the cervix, such as having an IUD inserted.

* Extreme pain.

* A sudden change in body position, such as standing up too fast.

* Sudden emotional stress or fright.

* A side effect of some prescription drugs, such as some that lower blood pressure.

* Recreational drugs or excessive alcohol.

* Being in hot, humid weather or being in a stuffy room.

Know what to do when someone faints.

Dos

* Catch the person before she falls.

* Lie the person down with her head below the level of the heart. Raise the legs 8 to 12 inches to promote blood flow to the brain. If the person can’t lie down, have her sit down, bend forward, and put her head between her knees.

* Turn the person’s head to the side so the tongue doesn’t fall back into the throat and to prevent choking on vomit.

* Loosen any tight clothing, but keep the person warm, especially if the surroundings are chilly.

* Apply moist towels to the person’s face and neck.

Don’ts

* Don’t slap or shake anyone who’s just fainted.

* Don’t try to give the person anything to eat or drink, not even water, until she is fully conscious.

* Don’t allow the person who’s fainted to get up until the sense of physical weakness passes. Then be watchful for a few minutes to be sure she doesn’t faint again.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* When you feel faint, lie down and elevate both legs. Or, sit down, bend forward and put your head between your knees.

* Get up slowly from bed or from a sitting position.

* Follow your doctor’s advice to treat any condition which may lead to fainting. Take prescribed medicines, but tell your doctor about any side effects, so he or she can monitor your condition.

* Don’t wear tight clothing around your neck.

* Avoid turning your head suddenly.

* Stay out of stuffy rooms and hot, humid places. If you can’t, use a fan.

* If you have fainting spells often, avoid activities that can put lives in danger, such as driving a car.

* Drink a lot of fluids, but drink alcoholic ones in moderation, if at all. Eat small, frequent meals.

When Pregnant

* Get out of bed slowly.

* Keep crackers at your bedside and eat a few before getting out of bed.

* Eat small, frequent meals instead of a few large ones. With each meal, have a good source of protein, such as lean meat, low-fat cheese, milk, etc. Avoid sweets. Don’t skip meals or go for a long time without eating. Drink plenty of fluids.

* Don’t sit for long periods of time. Elevate your legs when you sit.

* When you stand, as in a line, move your legs to pump blood up to your heart.

* Take vitamin and mineral supplements, as your doctor prescribes.

* Don’t lay on your back during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of your pregnancy. Lie on your left side. When you can’t, lie on your right side.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026