September 9, 1997
Suzanne Leaf-Brock
507-284-1114 (days) 507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: [email protected]
For Immediate Release
How to Control Heartburn
ROCHESTER, MINN. ã Forty percent of Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and six percent of people have heartburn every day. But according to the September issue of Mayo Clinic Womenπs HealthSource, you donπt have to be a victim of this fire. With the proper lifestyle modifications and medicines, you can douse the flames permanently.
The September issue suggests several lifestyle changes you can make that may eliminate or reduce the frequency of heartburn: Ä Control your weight Ä Eat smaller, more frequent meals Ä Donπt lie down after eating Ä Raise the head of your bed six to nine inches Ä Eliminate common heartburn triggers such as fatty or fried foods, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, garlic, onion, caffeine and nicotine Ä Avoid unnecessary stooping or bending Ä Avoid wearing clothes that fit tightly around your waist
Along with lifestyle changes, nonprescription drugs may relieve occasional heartburn. When heartburn occurs only once in a while, an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid or H2 blocker (acid blocker) is usually enough to quell the symptoms.
When heartburn becomes an almost daily problem, you need to see a doctor. A prescription medication or even surgery may be recommended. Frequent heartburn can be a symptom of injury to the lining of the esophagus. You may be developing complications that need medical or surgical treatment if you have any of these warning signs: Ä Heartburn several times a week Ä Your heartburn returns once your antacid wears off Ä Symptoms persist even though youπre taking prescription medications Ä Difficulty swallowing Ä Vomiting blood Ä Black stools
For Mayo Clinic Womenπs HealthSource subscription information, call toll free 1-800-351-8963.
Many Solutions are Available for Stress Urinary Incontinence
ROCHESTER, MINN. ã If you have stress urinary incontinence, thereπs no need to give up your lifestyle. You donπt have to wear diapers or ≥live with it.≤ You now have more options than ever to stop this embarrassing problem.
According to the September issue of Mayo Clinic Womenπs HealthSource, the most effective way to build the muscles that control urination is by regularly performing Kegel exercises. These are contraction exercises to strengthen weak muscles. Kegel exercises arenπt a miracle cure, although theyπre very effective in most cases of mild to moderate stress incontinence. If youπre not satisfied with the results after two to three months of exercising faithfully, you may want to consider other treatments including:
Ä Vaginal cones: these tampon-size cones come in various weights and provide weight training for your pelvic floor.
Ä Urethral insert: a small, tampon-like product is inserted into the vagina. A tiny balloon at the insertπs tip holds the tampon in place.
Ä Foam patch: a small, triangular foam patch is placed over the urethra to reduce small amounts of leakage.
Ä HRT: Hormone replacement therapy may help if your incontinence occurs because of menopausal changes.
Ä Collagen injections: Collagen can be injected around the urethra when bulk is needed to reduce leakage. This is an outpatient procedure, and may replace surgery.
Ä Surgery: Your surgical procedure should be tailored to correct the physical causes of your incontinence. The best are based on conventional abdominal surgeries.
For Mayo Clinic Womenπs HealthSource subscription information, call toll free 1-800-351-8963.
Later-Age Pregnancy Means Greater Risks and Greater Benefits
If youπre in your 40s, your chances of getting pregnant are around 50 percent. If youπve had no luck getting pregnant naturally, you can increase your odds of carrying and delivering a baby to about 10 percent with infertility treatment. But before you check into the possibilities of getting pregnant, Mayo Clinic Womenπs HealthSource suggests you check out your health.
According to the September issue, although most older mothers (older than age 40) have uncomplicated pregnancies and healthy babies, they are at a higher risk than younger women for complications. One of the biggest issues for older mothers is the risk of having a child with chromosome abnormalities. The most common is Down syndrome, a condition that causes mental retardation and defects of the heart and other organs.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are more common in women in their 40s. Diabetic mothers are at greater risk for pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, placental problems or stillbirth. Even if you donπt have diabetes or high blood pressure, older mothers have an increased chance of developing pregnancy-related diabetes (gestational diabetes) as well as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).
Your chances of having twins or triplets also goes up as you age, even without infertility treatment. As an older mother, the possibility of multiple births is riskier to your health as well as the babyπs health. Your chances of cesarean delivery are also about 40 percent higher than a younger womanπs.
Although the later-age pregnancy can put you at higher risk for a number of health complications, thereπs an upside. As a potential older mother, you may be more mature, realistic and dedicated to the idea of having a baby than a woman in her 20s.
For Mayo Clinic Womenπs HealthSource subscription information, call toll free 1-800-351-8963.
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