April 2008

April is Stress Awareness Month
What better time than tax season to discuss the perils and remedies of stress? Discover the top 10 most stressful life situations on The Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory at http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm. There is no stress at Women’s Health Boutique—bring in your insurance information and we will do the rest!

Sleeplessness and Heart Disease
Women who sleep six or fewer hours each night may be at risk for developing high blood pressure. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, stroke, aneurysm and a host of other heart-related conditions. For more information on sleep disorders visit http://www.sleepdex.org/deficit.htm. Women’s Health Boutique carries comfortable sweat-wicking pajamas for women with nighttime menopausal symptoms.

Healing Nuts
Want to prevent high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes? Instead of reaching into the medicine cabinet, first try grabbing a handful of nuts. Walnuts, filberts, pecans, Brazil nuts, sesame and sunflower seeds, almonds and cashews are just a few natural food sources that contain the semi-essential amino acid, arginine, which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow. Nuts also contain vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, fiber and other healthful nutrients. For more information on the health benefits of nuts, visit www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Nuts_and_your_health_Cracking_old_myths.htm.

Early Detection for Lymphedema
Half the battle of managing lymphedema is identifying it early. In late 2007, a measurement device called the ImpediMed XCA® became available to clinicians, therapists and health professionals in the United States. The XCA gives patients an edge, enabling diagnosis of lymphedema long before it becomes clinically observable. Ask your breast surgeon about being tested with XCA. To learn more about the ImpediMed XCA visit www.L-Dex.com. Read more about the ImpediMed in the spring issue of Women’s Health Talk: click on “Newsletters.” Lymphedema sleeves just got prettier! Visit WHB to see Juzo® sleeves in pink, lavender and sky blue.

Strengthening Lax Muscles Relieves Incontinence
According to the March 2008 Annals of Internal Medicine, pelvic floor muscle training would resolve nearly half of all stress continence cases. This is encouraging news for the 20-plus million women who suffer from urinary incontinence. Taking the proper steps to strengthen saggy pelvic muscles begins with a trip (or online shopping) to WHB. Women’s Health Boutique carries pelvic weights that include a five-step program for developing muscle tone. See “Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Best for Urinary Incontinence” in the recent issue of Women’s Health Talk.