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    • Flexibility and access lead to benefits in various sectorsFlexible health insurance plans offer budget-friendly coverage, while LinkedIn connects professionals to potential employers. Women's bodies come in different shapes and sizes, and it's essential to prioritize health over external appearances.

      Flexibility and access to professionals, whether it's in yoga or health insurance or hiring, can lead to significant benefits. Regarding health insurance, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Plans, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, offer flexible and budget-friendly medical, dental, and vision coverage. In the professional world, LinkedIn is a valuable resource for hiring, as over 70% of its users don't visit other leading job sites, potentially missing out on great candidates. Turning to health matters, Ally Dilkes, the clinical director of the Women's Health Clinic, emphasized that women often express concerns about their body's normal appearance, particularly regarding the female anatomy. The pressure to conform to unrealistic standards, fueled by photoshopped images on the internet, can lead to unnecessary procedures and surgeries. Women's bodies come in various shapes and sizes, and it's essential to remember that symmetry is not a requirement. During childbirth, women's bodies undergo significant changes, but they usually return to their normal state. It's crucial to prioritize health and wellbeing over external appearances.

    • Childbirth and aging impact vaginal healthChildbirth and aging cause significant changes to the vagina, including softening, lengthening, loss of pinkness and firmness, and decreased elasticity due to collagen loss and decreased estrogen levels. New technology can help address these changes.

      Childbirth and aging cause significant changes to the vagina, both internally and externally. The body undergoes remarkable transformations during pregnancy, including the relaxation of smooth muscles and the growth of the pelvis, making childbirth easier. However, these changes take a toll, leaving things never quite the same. The vagina's appearance may soften, lengthen, and lose its pinkness and firmness, with multiple pregnancies and aging further contributing to these changes. This process is similar to how a tent stretches and doesn't return to its original shape after use. The loss of collagen, which begins at age 24, and the decrease in estrogen during menopause also contribute to the vagina's loss of elasticity and thinning, leading to vaginal dryness. New technology, such as lasers, can help address these changes by stimulating collagen production and improving vaginal health.

    • Comprehensive menopause care beyond hot flashes and vaginal drynessNurse-led clinics offer extended consultations and personalized appointments to address various menopause-related symptoms, ensuring holistic care for women during the transition

      The menopause experience goes beyond just hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Many women face various symptoms that may be overlooked during brief consultations with their GPs. At a nurse-led clinic, patients receive extended telephone consultations and personalized appointments, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of their symptoms. These consultations cover various menopause-related issues, including stress incontinence, vaginal laxity, and menopause itself. The clinic prioritizes privacy, ensuring personal questions are asked confidentially during the health questionnaire process. By providing extended consultation times and addressing all symptoms, this clinic aims to provide more effective and holistic care for women during the menopause transition.

    • Women's health clinics offer discreet and comprehensive services for older women, including STI screenings.Older women, particularly those in new relationships, may be at risk for STIs and benefit from the discreet, comprehensive services offered at women's health clinics.

      Women's health clinics, like the one discussed, serve an essential role beyond just cosmetic treatments. These clinics offer comprehensive services, including sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings, which are increasingly important for older women. Many women in their 40s and 50s, particularly those going through divorce or new relationships, may be less concerned about pregnancy and therefore less likely to use condoms, putting them at risk for STIs. These women may also feel uncomfortable or embarrassed visiting traditional sexual health clinics. The discreet and longer appointments offered at specialized women's health clinics address these concerns, allowing for thorough discussions and treatments if necessary. The nurses at these clinics are highly trained not only in using the laser technology but also in women's health issues, ensuring a holistic approach to care.

    • Laser treatment for menopause symptomsLaser stimulates collagen production to help alleviate vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence, but every woman's experience is unique and treatment plans should be personalized, costs and sessions may vary.

      Menopause can lead to various health issues for women, including vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence, which can significantly impact their daily lives. These issues are often normalized but can cause embarrassment and inconvenience. A laser treatment can help address these problems by stimulating collagen production, but it's important to note that every woman's experience is unique, and treatment plans should be personalized. The laser itself does not cure the problem, but rather encourages the body to produce more collagen. Treatment plans and costs can vary, with some clinics requiring multiple sessions and higher fees due to consultant-led care. It's essential to remember that these issues are not a joke or an accepted part of aging, and there are options available to improve quality of life.

    • Laser treatment for vaginal rejuvenation: Internal vs ExternalThe internal application of laser treatment for vaginal rejuvenation is generally painless, while the external application may cause some discomfort. Shoppers can find deals on Mother's Day gifts at Whole Foods Market, lab-grown diamonds at Blue Nile, affordable travel essentials at Quince, and professional hiring resources at LinkedIn.

      The internal application of the laser treatment for vaginal rejuvenation is relatively painless due to the lack of nerve endings in that area. The procedure involves inserting a cage and laser head inside the vagina to stimulate collagen production. On the other hand, the external application can cause some discomfort, with sensations ranging from a twang of an elastic band to a twisting pain. Meanwhile, for Mother's Day shopping, Whole Foods Market offers unbeatable savings on premium gifts, flowers, and desserts, while Blue Nile is the go-to place for lab-grown diamonds. For travel essentials, Quince provides high-quality items at affordable prices, and LinkedIn is a valuable resource for hiring professionals, including those not actively seeking new roles.

    • MonaLisa Touch: Improving Vaginal Health and AppearanceThe MonaLisa Touch laser treatment is a non-surgical solution for vaginal discomfort, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction, stimulating collagen production and improving vaginal health and appearance. Results may vary and full benefits may not be noticeable until after several treatments.

      The MonaLisa Touch laser treatment is a non-surgical solution for women experiencing vaginal discomfort, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. The treatment stimulates collagen production, leading to improved vaginal health and appearance. It can help shrink excess tissue, soften scar tissue, and increase sensation during sex. The results may vary depending on factors like age, skin tone, diet, and lifestyle. The procedure takes about 15 minutes, but the full benefits may not be noticeable until after several treatments. It's important to note that the treatment is not recommended for those under 18 years old, and consultations are offered before proceeding. The clinic also plans to bring on a women's physiotherapist and psycho-sexual counselor to address additional women's health concerns.

    • Ensuring Patient Autonomy and Safety in Vaginal RejuvenationMedical professionals prioritize patient autonomy and safety during vaginal rejuvenation treatments, providing relief and improvement while respecting a woman's anatomy. Collagen intake and vaginal estrogen creams are common treatments, but follow-up care and potential maintenance are crucial.

      While a medical professional may offer vaginal rejuvenation treatments, they prioritize ensuring the patient's autonomy and safety above all. This includes being cautious about treating patients who may be coerced by their husbands or partners, as well as those with a history of female genital mutilation. The goal is to provide relief and improvement, but not to fundamentally alter a woman's anatomy unless it's what she genuinely desires. After treatment, follow-up care and potential maintenance are essential. Collagen intake through a protein-rich diet and good fats is beneficial, but the use of collagen supplements is harder to monitor. Vaginal estrogen creams can be prescribed for menopausal women, but not all nurses are prescribers, and different forms are available. These treatments are generally safe for women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

    • Vaginal health during menopause: Importance and challengesVaginal dryness and atrophy in menopausal women can lead to discomfort, pain during intercourse, infections, and other health concerns. Specialized treatments like laser therapy offer relief and transformation.

      Vaginal health is an essential aspect of overall wellbeing, particularly for women going through menopause. Vaginal dryness and atrophy, often overlooked issues, can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, causing discomfort during intercourse and potentially straining relationships. These conditions can also lead to infections and other health concerns. Vaginal atrophy, a condition characterized by dryness and thinning of vaginal tissues due to lack of estrogen, can make intercourse painful and even impossible. This issue affects many women during menopause, a stage in life that should ideally be filled with freedom and enjoyment. However, with an average age of 51 for menopause and increasing life expectancy, women could spend nearly half of their lives in this stage. To address these concerns, specialized treatments like laser therapy have emerged, providing relief and even transforming lives, as seen in the case of Sarah Carson, a breast cancer survivor. It's crucial to normalize discussions around vaginal health and create a supportive network for women to learn, share experiences, and seek help when needed. Additionally, having medical professionals, such as consultants, available for consultation and support can make a significant difference.

    • Women's health concerns in the workplaceWomen need more education and openness about their bodies, particularly during menopause. The 'menopause in the workplace' campaign aims to provide a safe space for learning and discussion.

      There is a significant need for more education and openness surrounding women's health, particularly in the workplace. A survey conducted at the start of a women's health clinic revealed that the most common concern was the question "am I normal?". Women desire more knowledge about their bodies and functions, especially regarding menopause. Although there are policies for maternity and pregnancy leave, there is a noticeable lack of support for women in their professional prime dealing with menopause symptoms. The clinic has initiated a campaign called "menopause in the workplace" to address this issue. Through presentations and hands-on demonstrations, women can learn about various aspects of women's health, including STI screening, contraception, and menopause symptoms. By providing a safe space for women to discuss their experiences and learn, the hope is to raise awareness and encourage more education and understanding in the workplace. Women can find the clinic online, although there are challenges with using certain keywords due to Google's content restrictions.

    • Restrictions on advertising female health products onlineDespite challenges, strategies like optimizing Google searches, sharing testimonials, and using standardized questionnaires can help attract attention to treatments and services related to female health and wellness.

      There are restrictions on using certain words, like "vagina," in online advertising, which can make it challenging for individuals and businesses to reach potential customers. However, through strategies like optimizing Google searches and sharing positive testimonials in the media, it is possible to attract attention to treatments and services related to female health and wellness. Another important point is the use of standardized questionnaires, such as the Female Sexual Function Index, to monitor improvements in areas like urinary stress incontinence. These assessments provide quantifiable data on the effectiveness of treatments, helping to validate the results and empower women to take control of their health. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of open communication and education around intimate health issues, as well as the need for flexible and effective advertising and marketing strategies.

    • Affordable European travel essentials with ethical manufacturingQuince and Quints offer European linen, premium luggage, and Italian leather bags at discounted prices while ensuring safe and ethical manufacturing practices.

      Quince and Quints offer affordable yet high-quality travel essentials without compromising on ethics. Both brands provide European linen, premium luggage options, and buttery soft Italian leather bags, priced at 50 to 80% less than similar brands. They are committed to safe and ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring that consumers can pack their bags with confidence. Whether planning a trip with Quince or Quints, travelers can elevate their style without breaking the bank, all while contributing to ethical and sustainable production. To shop, visit quince.com/trip or quints.com/pack for free shipping and 365-day returns.

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    Host: Abigail (Abby) Dixon FCIM/ICF | LinkedIn

    Guest: Claire Farrant | LinkedIn

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    Clarissa Kristjansson is an internationally recognized Menopause Mentor.
    A neuroscientist and former corporate leader in 2013 Clarissa suffered burnout during her own perimenopause that set her on a different path.  She is passionate about raising awareness around menopause, ensuring that the conversation is inclusive and that people in this transition are better able to advocate for themselves. And that beyond the challenges there s also room to see menopause as a positive stage of life that is preparing us for our Second Spring. As well as being the host of the Thriving Thru Menopause podcast, Clarissa is a keynote speaker and an international best-selling author of The Mindful Menopause. She is releasing 3 new co-authored books in 2022. She lives with husband and her rescue dog in a small rural community on the West Coast of Sweden.



    Episode Links:
    Web: https://clarissakristjansson.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-kristjansson/
    Book: https://www.thrivethrumenopause.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivingthrumenopause/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/thrivethrumeno
    LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thrivethrumeno
    Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-thru-menopause/id1274203392

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    This Is Your Brain On Birth Control

    This Is Your Brain On Birth Control

    Your brain on birth control can have some pretty horrific side effects on your body. That’s why, when you’re considering going on the birth control pill, you need to research the current evidence out there, weigh up the pros and cons, and make an educated decision. Sarah E. Hill, author of This is Your Brain on Birth Control, joins me to talk about what actually happens to our bodies when we’re on the pill.

    Sarah is a psychologist who specialized in studying women’s health and the birth control pill, in particular, after she noticed some changes to her body when she came off it. The biggest thing she discovered was that being on the pill actually damped her personality traits - coming off it allowed her actual likes, loves, quirks, and dislikes to shine through again.

    Sarah explains what role cortisol has in our bodies. We’re often scared into thinking cortisol is such a negative hormone, but actually, it has a lot of positive actions. When we’re taking the birth control pill, however, it’s almost like our body doesn’t respond to the cortisol triggers and forgets to have normal, positive responses to situations.

    The birth control pill can be linked to a lot of the health problems and issues our society is currently experiencing, such as post-partum depression, autism, teenage anxiety, and autoimmune diseases. Though Sarah warns against a blanket statement that all birth control pills impact all women in these areas; how our bodies react is really down to our individual brains and physiology.

    Sarah also talks about how being on the birth control pill can actually impact what type of partner we choose. Research has shown that if you choose a partner that you’re attracted to while on the pill, you’re more likely to stay together if you come off it, as opposed to choosing a mate you’re not attracted to but has other redeeming qualities. But overall, women who are on the pill are less likely to get divorced than women with naturally occurring cycles.

    Are you on the birth control pill? Have you had any of the health issues we’ve talked about on this show? Do you feel like your personality traits are less your own while on the pill?

     

    In This Episode:

    • Why the birth control pill can dampen your personality traits
    • How the birth control pill blunts our body’s cortisol response
    • What the link between the birth control pill and post-partum depression is
    • How being on the birth control pill impacts choosing our mates
    • What the relationship between the birth control pill and autoimmune diseases is
    • How your brain and individual physiology impacts the way your body reacts to being on the birth control pill
    • Why you should monitor a teenager’s anxiety levels if they choose to start using the birth control pill

     

    Quotes:

    “Cortisol is part of how our body is embedding those meaningful events into our memories and making us feel good.” (15:31)

    “Women who chose their partners when they were on the Pill were less likely to get divorced later than women who chose their partners while naturally cycling.” (29:18)

    “There’s a million different factors that are going to influence the way that the pill plays out in your individual body’s landscape. So knowing what to look out for, keeping a journal, and knowing what the domains of influence are can really help women start conversations with their doctors to troubleshoot their options.” (43:18)

     

    Links

    Buy This is Your Brain on Birth Control

    Find Sarah E. Hill Online

    Find Sarah E. Hill on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

     

    Check out the full episode page

    Find Dr. Anna Online

    Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

    How to Eat Your Way to a Healthier Menopause

    How to Eat Your Way to a Healthier Menopause

    Eat your way to a healthier menopause. I’m joined by Dr. Liz Lipski, my dear girlfriend who shares her insight into gut health, especially for post-menopausal women. We all know by now that the gut is the gateway to our overall health, so when we figure out what foods we can and can’t eat, and what type of diet we thrive on, our health will be unstoppable.

    Key Takeaways

    Foods You Should Eat for Estrogen Balance

    • Broccoli
    • Cabbage
    • Brussel Sprouts
    • Kale
    • Kohlrabi
    • Mustard Greens

    About Dr. Liz Lipski

    Prof. Liz Lipski, Ph.D., CNS, FACN, IFMCP, BCHN, LDN is Professor and the Director of the Academic Development for the graduate programs in Clinical Nutrition at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, the owner of the Innovative Healing Academy, and the author of Digestive Wellness, now in its 5th edition.

    Dr. Lipski holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Nutrition, is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition (FACN), and holds two board certifications in clinical nutrition (CNS, and BCHN) and one in functional medicine (IFMCP). She is on faculty for The Institute for Functional Medicine, and the Metabolic Medicine Institute fellowship program. She is on the board for

    the American Nutrition Association, and advisory boards for the Certified International Health Coaches, and the Autism Hope Alliance.

    Dr. Lipski has been a co-author in peer-reviewed papers and is the author of several books: Digestive Wellness, Digestive Wellness for Children, and Leaky Gut Syndrome, and a video course The Art of Digestive Wellness.

    After 30 years of clinical practice, she devotes her time to teaching, writing, and building the field of personalized nutrition.

    Heal Your Gut for a Healthy Menopause

    Dr. Liz Lipski devotes her life to finding innovative and sustainable ways to heal your gut microbiome. She shares how quickly you can change your gut health. It might surprise you to learn you can start feeling improvements in around 24 hours!

    Did you know that the word diet doesn’t have to refer to food restriction for weight loss? We’re changing the approach to the diet to focus on the type of food and eating habits that help YOU thrive. Liz explains why more and more people are turning to restrictive diets, such as gluten-free, vegan, Keto, or carnivore instead of getting to the root of their health problems.

    Especially for post-menopausal women, we need to focus on eating estrogen-balancing foods. Liz shares some of the best foods for this, including broccoli, cabbage, and kale, so make sure you’re loading your plates with these.

    You also might have noticed, as you age, that you can no longer tolerate some foods like you used to. Liz explains how this could be a histamine intolerance that’s showing up in your body through bloating or other uncomfortable symptoms.

    Discover the FODMAP Diet

    One way that Liz encourages you to explore your food sensitivities and intolerances is to follow the FODMAP diet. This is an elimination diet that can indicate what foods you should avoid. One thing we both know is that when we put our patients on the FODMAP diet, their symptoms improve dramatically in a short period of time.

    Most people have a diet that’s very high in processed foods. We should all endeavor to be more mindful of what we eat and try to stick to more natural, whole foods. Trust me, when you find the diet that’s right for your body, you will thrive on it!

    Liz also explains the second part to having a healthy gut: making time for yourself and keeping your stress levels in check. When we prioritize our own mental health and well-being, we’re better able to keep our guts healthy. Putting ourselves first also gives us more energy to assist others. 

    How do you fill your own bucket? What activities do you find gives you more energy? As always, you can ask me anything and let me hear your thoughts in the comments on the episode page. If you have questions, email team@drannacabeca.com.

    In This Episode

    • How quickly we can change our gut microbiome [7:45]
    • Why more people are turning to restrictive diets [15:45]
    • What foods are the most helpful for estrogen balance [20:35]
    • How a histamine intolerance can show up as belly bloat [29:15]
    • What the low FODMAP diet is [32:30]
    • What happens to our body when we eat a diet high in processed foods [36:00]
    • What the power of the right diet for your body is [43:30]

    Quotes

    “For me, digestion is really this river of life. Just like any river, it can get slowed down, sluggish, not work very well, and dried up, or it can flood. We don’t want either of those things to happen. We just want this to be working really well.” [11:07]

    “Especially for women, cabbage family foods are so protective for breast cancer and other hormone-dependent cancers.” [22:20]

    “I think it’s just interesting to know what those trigger foods are for us and be aware of it. Then you can make a choice.” [40:32]

    “Our body is always trying to tell us and if we slow down enough, it will give us wisdom.” [54:45]

    Resources Mentioned

    Take The Digestive Health Appraisal Questionnaire

    Learn About Maryland University of Integrative Health

    Enroll in The Art of Digestive Wellness

    Find Dr. Liz Lipski Online

    Follow Dr. Liz Lipski on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

    Join the KetoGreen Community on Facebook

    Buy Keto-Green 16

    Check out the full episode page

    Find Dr. Anna Online

    Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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    153: Feeling Fit and Fabulous After Fifty w/ Debra Atkinson 

    150: Magic Menopause w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca