Ovarian Cancer up Close
Every September, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance recognizes “30 Days of Teal” to help raise awareness of the often deadly disease during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer – bloating, feeling full quickly, urinary frequency, backaches, fatigue and nausea –can be subtle or easily mistaken for other things, which is why ovarian cancer often goes untreated until the disease has spread to the pelvis and abdomen. While the five-year survival rate is currently less than 50 percent, when ovarian cancer is found early, that figure jumps to 94 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Easing into an Empty Nest
There were probably times that you dreamed of this day – sending your last child off to college or into the world so that you could enjoy a quiet house for a change. But now that the moment is near, it’s completely normal that you might be experiencing feelings of sadness, remorse or loneliness. Empty nest is called a syndrome for a reason – it can be a real challenge for individuals and couples alike – whether you were looking forward to this time or dreading it.
All about Viruses and Vaccines
While we’re still enjoying the “dog days” of summer, cold and flu season is just around the corner. As you prepare for another winter of (hopefully) good health, it helps to understand viruses – and the vaccines that can support your immune system.
Considering a Breast Reduction Procedure?
Large breasts can lead to severe neck pain and back pain, rashes on the skin, uncomfortable grooves in the shoulders and chest from bras, and difficulty sleeping, not to mention self-confidence issues. To relieve discomfort and create better proportion in the body, many women turn to breast reduction surgery, where excess fat, skin and tissue are surgically removed from the breasts.
Why We Love “Grace and Frankie”
If you are not watching “Grace and Frankie,” you may want to make a date with your couch. Many of us at Clinic Sofia are hooked on this hilarious and poignant show that dives headfirst into many of the women’s issues we discuss with our patients on a regular basis. Starring Lily Tomlin as Frankie and Jane Fonda as Grace, the Netflix comedy centers around two women in their seventies who become close friends when they learn their husbands have fallen in love with each other and want to get married—leaving the women to start over.
Ask Sofia: Do I Need Vitamin D in the Summer?
“A lot of people think that they don’t need a vitamin D supplement in the summer because they are supplementing naturally with the sun, but we recommend a good-quality vitamin D3 supplement year-round,” said Clinic Sofia Physician Assistant Allie Nowak. “Most of us are deficient, and we all need vitamin D for bone health, energy and a healthy immune system.”