Feature Channels: Women's Health

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Released: 27-Sep-2011 10:15 AM EDT
New National Poll: 89 Percent of Women Said Mammograms Vital to Their Health
American College of Radiology (ACR)

According to a recent poll of 1,000 American voters conducted for the American College of Radiology, nearly 9-in-10 women reported that having a regular mammogram gave them a feeling of control over their own health care. Nearly 90 percent of women who had a mammogram considered mammograms important to their health and well-being.

23-Sep-2011 11:15 AM EDT
Increased Caffeinated Coffee Consumption Associated With Decreased Risk of Depression in Women
JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association

The risk of depression appears to decrease for women with increasing consumption of caffeinated coffee, according to a report in the September 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

23-Sep-2011 11:15 AM EDT
Hip Fracture Is Associated With Increased Short-Term Death Rates For Some Older Women
JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association

Hip fracture is associated with an increase in short-term mortality (death within one year) for women ages 65 to 79 years and healthy women ages 80 years and older, although the risk returns to previous levels after one year for women ages 70 years and older, according to a report published Online First by Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

23-Sep-2011 11:15 AM EDT
More-Frequent Office Visits Associated With Improvements in Risk Factors for Patients With Diabetes
JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association

Visiting a primary care clinician every two weeks was associated with greater control of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels among patients with diabetes, according to a report in the September 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

23-Sep-2011 1:30 PM EDT
New Hidden Heart Attack Culprit Identified In Women
NYU Langone Health

Researchers at the Cardiac & Vascular Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center have identified a hidden culprit in the battle against women’s heart disease. Plaque disruption, a rupture or ulceration of cholesterol plaque in a coronary artery, has been discovered as the mechanism behind myocardial infarction (heart attack) in some women without significant coronary artery disease (CAD) – that is, open rather than closed arteries on an angiogram. The study is published in the September 27th issue of the journal Circulation.

Released: 20-Sep-2011 9:50 AM EDT
Fitness Does a Family Good
Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR)

Pick up any newspaper, magazine or online publication and news about obesity is everywhere. While some parents feel helpless in the fight to keep their family physically fit and healthy, other parents are taking action. Studies show that exercising as a family not only promotes good health but also helps strengthen the emotional bonds between family members.

Released: 19-Sep-2011 10:50 AM EDT
Overweight Older Women Have Less Leg Strength, Power
University of New Hampshire

A new study finds that the leg strength and power of overweight older women is significantly less than that of normal-weight older women, increasing their risk for disability and loss of independence. The study dispels the popular image of the bird-thin elder being at greatest risk of becoming disabled due to loss of muscle mass.

Released: 15-Sep-2011 1:00 PM EDT
Estrogen Treatment May Help Reverse Severe Pulmonary Hypertension
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences

UCLA researchers have found that the hormone estrogen may help reverse advanced pulmonary hypertension, a rare and serious condition that affects 2 to 3 million individuals in the U.S., mostly women, and can lead to heart failure. Published in the Sept. 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the preclinical study shows that in rats, estrogen treatment can reverse the progression of pulmonary hypertension to heart failure and can restore lung and ventricle structure and function.

   
Released: 14-Sep-2011 11:55 AM EDT
Chronic Vulvar Pain a Reality for More than 100,000 Women in Southeast Michigan
Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan

U-M study finds that 9.2 percent of women have vulvodynia, which causes unexplained pain at the opening of the vagina.

Released: 13-Sep-2011 2:30 PM EDT
Pituitary Hormone TSH Found to Directly Influence Bone Growth
Mount Sinai Health System

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland that regulates endocrine function in the thyroid gland, can promote bone growth independent of its usual thyroid functions. The research suggests that TSH, or drugs that mimic its affect on bone, may be key to possible future treatments for osteoporosis and other conditions involving bone loss, such as cancer. The findings were published online this week in the National Academy of Sciences journal PNAS.

Released: 6-Sep-2011 11:45 AM EDT
Protecting Adolescent Girls from Unwanted Unprotected Sex
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Abuse and coercion lead to unwanted unprotected sex for adolescent girls.

Released: 6-Sep-2011 11:00 AM EDT
UCLA Study Shows Loss of Key Estrogen Regulator May Lead to Metabolic Syndrome and Atherosclerosis
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences

UCLA researchers demonstrated that loss of a key protein that regulates estrogen and immune activity in the body could lead to aspects of metabolic syndrome, a combination of conditions that can cause Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer.

1-Sep-2011 3:35 PM EDT
No Link Between Menopause and Increased Risk of Fatal Heart Attack
Johns Hopkins Medicine

Contradicting the long-held medical belief that the risk of cardiovascular death for women spikes sharply after menopause, new research from Johns Hopkins suggests instead that heart disease mortality rates in women progress at a constant rate as they age.

Released: 1-Sep-2011 2:45 PM EDT
Smoking Bans Motivate Even Reluctant Women to Quit
Health Behavior News Service

Women smokers who live and work where bans are enforced, even those who did not previously plan to stop, are more likely to attempt quitting.

30-Aug-2011 1:15 PM EDT
Hot Flashes May be Fewer in Older, Heavier Women
Endocrine Society

A recent study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) found that among women aged 60 and above, heavier women have fewer hot flashes than their leaner counterparts. The inverse association between body size and hot flashes was observed only among the older women.

30-Aug-2011 1:20 PM EDT
Smoking after Menopause May Increase Sex Hormone Levels
Endocrine Society

A recent study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) found that postmenopausal women who smoke have higher androgen and estrogen levels than non-smoking women, with sex hormone levels being highest in heavy smokers.

Released: 24-Aug-2011 2:10 PM EDT
Sexual Satisfaction Tied to "Succesful Aging" Say Women Over 60
UC San Diego Health

A study by researchers at the Stein Institute for Research on Aging at the University of California, San Diego finds that successful aging and positive quality of life indicators correlate with sexual satisfaction in older women.

16-Aug-2011 8:40 AM EDT
Empowerment, Self-Defense Motivating Factors for Texas Women to Hold Concealed Handgun Licenses
American Sociological Association (ASA)

Texas women who hold concealed handgun licenses (CHLs) are motivated to do so by feelings of empowerment and a need for self-defense, according to new research to be presented at the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association.

17-Aug-2011 12:00 PM EDT
Less Depression for Working Moms Who Expect That They ‘Can’t Do It All’
University of Washington

Working mothers who expressed a supermom attitude that work and home lives can be blended with relative ease showed more depression symptoms than working moms who expected that they would have to forego some aspects of their career or parenting to achieve a work-life balance. Katrina Leupp, a University of Washington sociology graduate student, will present the findings at the American Sociological Association’s annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nev.

Released: 18-Aug-2011 3:50 PM EDT
Increased Celiac Disease Prevalence in Women with Unexplained Infertility
Columbia University Irving Medical Center

A recent study demonstrated increased rates of celiac disease in women who present with unexplained infertility. Published in the May-June 2011 issue of The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, the study evaluated 191 female patients presenting with infertility. Each participant underwent serologic screening for celiac disease as well as routine infertility testing. The 4 patients who had positive serum test results were advised to seek evaluation with a gastroenterologist. All 4 patients were confirmed to have celiac disease.

Released: 17-Aug-2011 4:10 PM EDT
Fat-Stigma Research: Mass Media Messages Appear to Trump Opinions of Family, Close Friends
Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Women harbor a fat-stigma even though their family and closest friends may not judge them as “fat,” according to findings by Arizona State University social scientists. Those research results, published Aug. 17 in the journal Social Science & Medicine, have scientists questioning the weight of messages from sources outside one’s social networks, especially those in mass media marketing.

Released: 12-Aug-2011 11:05 AM EDT
Vaccinate Adults to Protect Children
Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR)

Mention the word vaccination and most people think of babies, toddlers and school-age children. But as the fact is, adults also need to be vaccinated (when and where appropriate) to keep themselves and their children safe. Unfortunately, far too many adults overlook these lifesaving measures.

Released: 3-Aug-2011 12:40 PM EDT
Women Veterans’ Health: Sexx Matters
Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR)

The physical and mental health problems affecting women veterans are a major issue within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense, and the catalyst for the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) congressional briefing, Women Veteran’s Health: Sexx Matters held on Tuesday, August 2.

Released: 3-Aug-2011 12:25 PM EDT
U of SC film ‘Soldier Girl’ Gives Rare Glimpse into Women’s Military Experience
University of South Carolina

A documentary featuring more than 30 women who share their military experiences. The women have served in every branch of the military, from World War II to Afghanistan.

29-Jul-2011 11:30 AM EDT
Women Who Experience Gender-Based Violence Have Higher Incidence of Anxiety, Substance Use Disorders
JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association

Women who reported experiencing gender-based violence, such as rape, sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking, had an associated higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders, dysfunction and disability, according to a study in the August 3 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on violence and human rights.

Released: 2-Aug-2011 11:00 AM EDT
Women’s Health Issues Supplement Showcases VA Women’s Health Research
George Washington University

A new Supplement of the peer-reviewed journal, Women’s Health Issues, a publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health at the GW School of Public Health and Health Services, shows the tremendous growth and diversity of VA women’s health research in recent years. The special Supplement was sponsored by the Health Services Research and Development Service, in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development with support from the Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care group.

Released: 29-Jul-2011 8:00 AM EDT
Heart Disease Most Costly Condition for Women
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

The cost of treating women for heart disease in 2008 was $43.6 billion, leading a list of the top 10 most expensive conditions for women.

Released: 28-Jul-2011 10:30 AM EDT
Are Women Veterans Getting the Health Care They Need?
George Washington University

The Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health will host a media teleconference call to present research from the July/ August Women’s Health Issues supplement titled, “Health and Health Care of Women Veterans and Women in the Military: Research Informing Evidence-based Practice and Policy.” The teleconference call will feature several researchers who will explain their work and take questions from teleconference attendees.

Released: 26-Jul-2011 9:00 AM EDT
Does Menopause Matter When It Comes to Diabetes?
Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan

Menopause has little to no impact on whether women become more susceptible to diabetes, according to a one-of-a-kind study that provides good news for older women.

20-Jul-2011 12:00 PM EDT
ACR, SBI Support Updated ACOG Recommendations That Women Begin Annual Mammograms at age 40
American College of Radiology (ACR)

The American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging applaud and support updated American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) recommendations that women begin getting annual mammograms at age 40. The updated ACOG recommendations now correspond with those of the American Cancer Society, ACR, Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), American Society of Breast Disease (ASBD) and many other major medical associations with demonstrated expertise in breast cancer care.

Released: 20-Jul-2011 10:40 AM EDT
Just Restless or Restless Legs?
Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR)

We’ve all experienced abnormal sensations in our legs at one time or another, but for as many as 10 percent of the US population, restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a daily occurrence. Characterized by throbbing, pulling, tingling, itching, and crawling sensations, RLS is a neurological disorder that produces unpleasant physical sensations in the extremities and an urge to counteract that sensation by movement.

Released: 19-Jul-2011 3:45 PM EDT
Statement About New IOM Report on "Clinical Preventive Services for Women: Closing the Gaps," from Susan F. Wood
George Washington University

Women know that preventive services for women includes family planning. Today the IOM confirmed that contraception is prevention and is part of the prevention package that should be covered by all health care plans. By reducing co-pays and deductibles for women getting contraception, this will help women and couples plan their families, space their children, reduce unintended pregnancies, and promote better health for women and children. Preventing unintended pregnancies is the best way to prevent abortion.

Released: 19-Jul-2011 8:00 AM EDT
Mothers with Breastfeeding Difficulties More Likely to Suffer Postpartum Depression
University of North Carolina Health Care System

Women who have breastfeeding difficulties in the first two weeks after giving birth are more likely to suffer postpartum depression two months later compared to women without such difficulties, according to a new study by UNC researchers.

Released: 12-Jul-2011 3:45 PM EDT
Strength Training Curbs Hip, Spinal Bone Loss in Women With Osteoporosis
Health Behavior News Service

An updated review of studies confirms that compared to staying sedentary, strength exercises boost bone density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Released: 12-Jul-2011 3:35 PM EDT
Sex Differences Journal Publishes Inflammatory Response Research
Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR)

Sex differences in incidence, age of onset, symptoms or outcome are evident in many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Astrocytes, one of the glial cell types of the brain, show sex differences in number of cells, function, and differentiation. Glial cells are involved with physical support for neurons, while others regulate the internal environment of the brain, and provide nutrients to neurons of the brain.

Released: 8-Jul-2011 8:00 AM EDT
Stroke Risk in Pregnant Women 2.4 Times Higher
Loyola Medicine

Pregnant women face a risk of stroke that is 2.4 times higher than the risk in non-pregnant women.

Released: 7-Jul-2011 2:20 PM EDT
NIH Awards Tulane University $6.5 Million to Study Oil Spill Impact on Women’s Health
Tulane University

Tulane University will conduct a $6.5 million study into the effects of the Deepwater Horizon disaster on the health of pregnant women in Louisiana's coastal parishes.

Released: 7-Jul-2011 2:00 PM EDT
University Maryland Building 'Team Approach' Model for Gender Violence and HIV/AIDS
University of Maryland, Baltimore

South African gender-based violence expert Kate Joyner advances issue at “Secret Killer” symposium and offers advice to sensitize students to relevant HIV-related issues in context of intimate partner violence.

28-Jun-2011 1:00 PM EDT
Breastfeeding Does Not Protect Against MS Relapses
American Academy of Neurology (AAN)

New research finds breastfeeding doesn’t appear to protect against multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, despite previous studies suggesting there may be a protective role. The research is published in the July 6, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).

Released: 6-Jul-2011 2:00 PM EDT
A Mother’s Salt Intake Could be Key to Prenatal Kidney Development
American Physiological Society (APS)

A new animal study from Europe has drawn an association between pregnant mothers’ sodium intake and their newborn’s kidney development.

29-Jun-2011 3:15 PM EDT
Healthy Lifestyle Associated with Low Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Women
JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association

Adhering to a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, exercising regularly, having a low body weight and eating a healthy diet, appears to lower the risk of sudden cardiac death in women, according to a study in the July 6 issue of JAMA.

30-Jun-2011 8:00 AM EDT
New Study Calls for Change In Deciding Frequency of Mammograms
California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute

Mammograms should not be done on a one-size fits all basis, but instead should be personalized based on a woman’s age, the density of her breasts, her family history of breast cancer and a number of other factors including her own values. That’s the conclusion of a new study in the July 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Released: 29-Jun-2011 1:10 PM EDT
Delayed Recognition of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in Adult Women Has Life-Threatening Consequences
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU)

Women with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are often misdiagnosed because the condition, commonly recognized in early childhood manifests differently later in life. This diagnostic delay places women with TSC at increased risk for morbidity and mortality.

Released: 29-Jun-2011 1:00 PM EDT
Diabetes Drug May Prevent or Delay Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Endocrine Society

A recent study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) found that early, prolonged treatment with the diabetes drug metformin may prevent or delay the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescence.

Released: 28-Jun-2011 3:00 PM EDT
It’s Not Just a Woman’s Issue: Sociologist Part of an International Team That’s Exploring the Stigma Surrounding Abortion
University of Cincinnati

A national health journal publishes a paper by a team of researchers that is launching a new direction for research into the social stigma surrounding abortion.

Released: 21-Jun-2011 11:15 AM EDT
At the Heart of the Matter: 2011 10Q Report Details Important Unanswered Questions for Women with Heart Disease
Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer of women in the United States. Although scientists have discovered demonstrable sex differences, treatment options remain the same. In response to this important issue, the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease released the long awaited 2011 10Q Report: Advancing Women’s Heart Health through Improved Research, Diagnosis and Treatment on June 21 to a captivated audience on Capitol Hill.

Released: 20-Jun-2011 10:00 AM EDT
Urinary Incontinence Doubles Risk of Postpartum Depression
McMaster University

Women with urinary incontinence after giving birth are almost twice as likely to develop postpartum depression as those without incontinence.

23-May-2011 5:00 PM EDT
Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Decrease Peripheral Arterial Disease
Society for Vascular Surgery

Postmenopausal women, including those with atherosclerotic risk factors may see most benefit.

Released: 16-Jun-2011 4:00 PM EDT
Walking, Sex and Spicy Food are Favored Unprescribed Methods to Bring on Labor
Ohio State University

More than half of the women in a recently published survey reported that near the end of their pregnancies, they tried to induce labor, mostly by walking, having sex, eating spicy food or stimulating their nipples.



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