General Wellness

When ovarian cancer is found early, nearly 95 percent of patients live five years or longer after diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society, yet only about 20 percent of cases are detected early. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, so you might be seeing more people wearing teal and sharing the sometimes-subtle signs of ovarian cancer. These can include bloating, pelvic/abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency.

National Menopause Awareness Month is a perfect time to learn more about the various stages associated with menopause, when your period ceases and the reproductive years come to a close. Many of the symptoms of perimenopause, sometimes called “before menopause” or “around menopause,” are similar to those of the better-known menopause, yet this stage can start as many as 10 years prior.

While managing your family’s schedule is likely second-nature to you by now, many parents hesitate when making their daughter’s first appointment with a gynecologist. “What is the right age?” and “When is the right time?” are both questions we hear a lot.

Each August, National Immunization Month reminds that vaccinations are not just for kids. Vaccinations can help prevent dangerous and deadly diseases, and back-to-school physicals offer an opportunity to ensure your family is up-to-date on immunizations.

While not everyone is familiar with this condition or big name, it is something we see almost every day at Clinic Sofia. Diastasis is typically defined as a separation of the rectus abdominus muscle of 2 centimeters or more. Some women are born with a congenital condition, which can lead to abdominal wall weakness, although this is less common, while others acquire it due to pregnancy, obesity or age-related tissue defects.

As an organization focused on wellness, we all know how challenging self-care and healthy routines can be when life gets busy. At Clinic Sofia, we inspire each other by trying to stay active and on the move.