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You are viewing the most recent 8 entries March 9th, 200903:22 pm: MARCH IS ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH
MARCH IS ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH
Backed by Congressional legislation, the Endometriosis Research Center is again celebrating March as “Endometriosis Awareness Month” in honor of all those affected by the disease.
Endometriosis is a painful reproductive and immunological disease in which tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) migrates outside the womb and implants in other areas of the body. The disorder, for which there is no absolute cure, affects over 5.5 million women and girls in the U.S. alone and more than 70 million globally. Often stigmatized as simply “killer cramps,” symptoms include painful periods, pelvic pain at any point in a woman or girl's cycle, infertility, pain with sexual activity, gastrointestinal and urinary tract difficulties and much more. The disease can even implant in areas like lungs, diaphragm, and in some cases, even the brain.
Moreover, research has shown an elevated risk of certain cancers and autoimmune disorders in those with Endometriosis, as well as malignant changes within the disease itself. Researchers remain unsure as to the definitive cause of Endometriosis, which can only be diagnosed through surgery, though studies indicate that genetics, immune dysfunction and exposure to environmental toxicants may be contributing factors. The economic impact of Endometriosis is staggering: American businesses lose billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and work time because of the disease.
The ERC maintains that Endometriosis is more than just painful periods. “We continue to find that the disease remains misdiagnosed, misunderstood and ineffectively treated, despite being one of the most prevalent causes of hysterectomy, infertility and pelvic pain in women and girls around the globe," said Michelle E. Marvel, ERC Founder & Executive Director. "Despite hallmark symptoms, the average delay in diagnosis remains an astounding 9 years, and a patient will seek the counsel of 5 or more physicians before her pain is adequately addressed," she added. Endometriosis can affect women from all walks of life ranging from adolescence to post-menopause, and be so painful as to render a woman or girl unable to go about her normal routine. “It is not unusual for a patient to undergo repeated surgeries and embark on different medical therapies; many carrying significantly negative side effects and none offering long-term relief,” noted Marvel.
A growing number of younger women are also being diagnosed annually, with studies indicating that as many as 70% of teenagers with chronic pelvic pain ultimately have Endometriosis proven by surgery. Studies have also shown that Endometriosis may have an even bigger impact on younger patients: in those under 22 years of age, the rate of recurrence was double that of older women (35% versus 19%). Studies have also revealed that the disease behaves differently in younger women, leading researchers to believe it may be a different form of Endometriosis altogether. “It is imperative that society begins to recognize the far-reaching impact this illness continues to have on patients of all ages, not just those trying to conceive, in order to ensure that our daughters do not continue to suffer as we have,” noted Heather Guidone, an ERC Executive Board Member and the Program Director of the Center for Endometriosis Care.
The ERC strongly advocates for early intervention, timely diagnosis and efficacy of treatment for the disease. Through their efforts to raise public awareness in the medical and lay communities, the organization hopes to facilitate better support of patients, increase physician understanding of the disease and raise research funding, which will hopefully lead to more effective treatments and ultimately, a cure. The ERC, unique in that it is a free organization, has traditionally celebrated the entire month of March as Awareness Month, coinciding with the organization’s annual anniversary.
The ERC is sponsoring various education and awareness initiatives throughout March across the nation this year, ranging from the annual offering of their Nancy Petersen, RN Nursing Scholarship to their “Adopt a Doctor” program to various fundraising for the cure events. To kick off Awareness Month, renowned Artist Audrey Fisher will be hosting “Art for Endometriosis,” an exciting event to be held at Taxi2 Gallery in Denver, CO. For more information on this and other awareness month endeavors, please visit http://www.endocenter.org/artforendo.htm or contact Denise Childs, ERC Director of Fundraising, at FundraisingDirector@EndoCenter.org.Tags: charity, chronic pain, disability, doctors, ea, endo, endometriosis, endometriosis association, endometriosis awareness, health, women's health
April 30th, 200804:30 pm: Women's Health
HEALTH QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Am I Normal?
The truth behind soggy sweat glands, out-of-nowhere orgasms, and other bizarre body behaviour
Michelle Andrews
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/health-questions-answered?cm_mmc=Newsletter-_-2008_Apr_30-_-Health-_-Am.I.Normal.Top
Worth the read, if only for the Matthew McConaughey reference.. *GRIN*Tags: article, health, women's health, yum
03:08 pm: Women's Health
THE MEDICAL TESTS YOU SHOULD TAKE
Head-to-Toe Tune-Up
Just like your car, your body needs routine maintenance. We asked the experts to help us create this easy schedule for what to do when in your 20s, 30s, 40s
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/the-medical-tests-you-should-take/
Again, definitely worth the read.Tags: article, breast cancer, health, sex, women's health
02:42 pm: Women's Health
THE MOST HEALTHY THINGS YOU CAN DO
The 101 Best Things to Do For Your Body -- Now!
Live till you're 120. Be happy 24/7. Never have another cold. OK, so we exaggerate. But follow our tips, and you'll come pretty damn close
Jennifer Bright Reich, additional reporting by Loren Chidoni
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/the-most-healthy-things-you-can-do?cm_mmc=Newsletter-_-2008_Apr_30-_-Health-_-The.101.Best.Things.to.Do.for.Your.Body.Top
Definitely worth the read.Tags: article, breast cancer, family, food, friends, hair, health, sleep, women's health, yoga
June 4th, 200710:42 pm: Rate yer Doc..
If you are looking for a doc, or wish to share your experiences (good or bad) about a physician, there is a website that allows you to rate your doctors & see what others have to say about physicians if you are looking for a new one..
I have fun placing my opinion of some of the doctors I've experienced.. But you are responsible for what you say on this site.
While the main site is American, there is also a ready accessible Canadian side as well. Apparently they've just added, UK, AU & NZ docs as well (look at the bottom)..
http://www.ratemds.com/index.jspTags: doctors, health, women's health
April 2nd, 200702:19 pm: In Need of Bookmarks
Hi all.. as some of you may, or may not know, my computer died a few weeks back.. one of the files I lost was my bookmarks.. & I was wondering if any of ya'll might have some recommended URL's for me.. I'm interested in the following areas.. Health: general health, women's health, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, IBS, fatigue, medic alert, nail care, asthma, weight watchers Hobbies:baking, reading, crafting, sewing, singing, piano Local Information: clubs, hockey (TML), karaoke, General info within: Scarborough, Toronto, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada Music: 80's music, lyrics, Barenaked Ladies, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Meatloaf Outdoors: Scouting, backpacking, canoing, camping, cycling, hiking, nature, roses, flowers, walking Computers: internet, web development, software, freeware, graphics, icons, colour charts, images TV: CSI, CSI: Miami, Crossing Jordan, Jericho, House, Grey's Anatomy, Numb3rs, ER, Criminal Minds, Stargate Sports: cycling, soccer, field hockey, hockey, Toronto Maple Leafs, marksmanship, swimming Thank you!!! Tags: endo, endometriosis, entertainment, er, fatigue, fibro fog, fibromyalgia, fms, health, ibs, icons, music, nin, scouting, weight watchers, women's health
March 2nd, 200601:23 am: March is Endometriosis Awareness Month!
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month! Around the world women are joining together to be a stronger voice in support of endometriosis sufferers. As we wear our yellow endo awareness ribbons, we open the door to conversations about the disease with friends, family members, co-workers, doctors, nurses, and even the grocery store checkout cashiers!
The more this disease is understood, the greater the opportunities to help improve the quality of life and healthcare for all women with Eno. There are still too many women and girls, and their families, affected by endometriosis who may be undiagnosed, who may not know about the disease, or who may not know about the treatment options available to them. This March is the time to help them and their healthcare providers to tell others about endometriosis and how those of us with the disease experience it.
For more infomation on Endometriosis, contact the Endometriosis Association.. Or I am willing to answer any question you may have. :)Tags: endo, endometriosis awareness, health, women's health
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