Playing House - Women's Health Experience

women s 

w i n t E R 2 0 1 1 

HealtH today 

enjoy 

9 

a day 

winter fruits 

and veggies 

Is alternative 

pain relief 

for you? 

non-profit org 

us postage 

paid 

cincinnati oh 

permit #5489 

Playing 

House 

Lisa Edelstein’s Rx for health 

the christ hospital 

2139 auburn avenue 

cincinnati oh 45219 

Stay active! 

tips for coldweather 

exercise 

see page 10

Get back to the things you love. 

If pelvic pain affects your daily life or has gotten worse 

over time, it may be time to see a specialist. The 

physicians at The Christ Hospital Women’s Surgery Center 

are experts in minimally invasive techniques 

to treat the many possible causes of pelvic pain, such 

as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and 

other gynecological problems. Which can mean less 

pain. Less scarring. Shorter recovery time — and a 

faster return to the things you love. 

To find a doctor who specializes in minimally 

invasive surgery, call 513.585.1000. 

TheChristHospital.com/women | Caring Above All. SM

© istockphoto.com/Kutay Tanir/Alex Slobodkin 

in this issue... 

9 

Stick to those 

resolutions! 

>> dePartmentS 

2 LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER 

Welcome winter! 

6 HEALTH HEADLINES 

What’s making news 

in women’s health 

9 SEX & GENDER MATTERS 

Stick to those resolutions! 

14 HEALTHY BITES 

Wintry ways to get your 

9-a-day 

20 HEALTHY MOVES 

Cold-weather workouts 

24 HEALTH SMARTS 

A swollen situation? 

W i n t e r 2 0 1 1 

>> FeatureS 

3 Knee-friendly fitness 

4 Sick enough to skip? 

5 Say good night to 

sleep problems 

8 Are you pre-sick? 

Healthy changes can ward 

off disease 

10 Playing House 

Lisa Edelstein’s Rx for health 

may surprise some 

16 Heathcare at home! 

Self-monitoring tips to 

keep you in shape 

5 

Say good night 

to sleep 

problems 

16 

Heathcare 

at home! 

18 Scarred for life? 

8 ways to cover up 

19 Banish the belly blues 

Why excess ab fat is bad news 

22 No-pills pain relief 

Alternative therapies may help 

20 

Cold-weather 

workouts 

www.womenshealthexperience.com 

1

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER 

Dr. Karram and his wife, 

Mona, are the founders of the 

Foundation for Female Health 

Awareness, a nonprofit 

organization dedicated to 

improving women’s health by 

supporting unbiased medical 

research and educating women 

about their health. 

miCKeY m. KArrAm, mD 

PRESIDENT AND Co-FouNDER 

2 2 women’s health today 

Welcome 

winter! 

FouNDATIoN FoR FEmAlE HEAlTH AwARENESS 

>> JuSt BeCAuSe tHe WeAtHer mAY Be 

LeSS tHAn AgreeABLe DoeSn’t meAn 

You SHouLD ABAnDon Your queSt For 

gooD HeALtH AnD FitneSS. Women’s 

Health Today can help you stay on track in 

this new year, in more ways than one. You 

can also read this issue in more ways than 

one: Visit www.theChristHospital.com/ 

WHt to view our new digital edition. 

ExErCISE MOrE AND 

EAT bETTEr 

We all know the mantra: To lose weight, 

you must move more and eat less. If there’s 

snow coming down outside, you may be 

more likely to snuggle up on the sofa to watch a favorite TV show and enjoy 

a cup of hot chocolate. Instead, take a look at our trio of articles designed to 

help you get through the season, starting with “Stick to those resolutions!” on 

page 9, and then our article on “Wintry ways to get your 9-a-day” on page 14, 

for some ideas about healthier eating with fruits and vegetables. Follow those 

articles with “Cold-weather workouts” on page 20, to inspire you to get the 

activity you need. 

There’s plenty more information you’ll find of interest in this issue, including 

some ideas about how “No-pills pain relief” may be an answer for you, on page 

22, and how you can make healthy changes now to ward off serious health 

issues in the future (“Are you pre-sick?” on page 8). 

If there’s a specific healthcare topic you’d like to read about in the pages of 

Women’s Health Today, please let us know. We’re here to help you and your 

loved ones achieve a happier, healthier lifestyle—now and into the future. 

Sincerely, 

women s 

HealtH today 

tHe mAgAzine oF 

tHe FounDAtion For FemALe HeALtH AWAreneSS 

Founders 

mickey m. Karram, mD / mona Karram 

national advisory Board 

LINDA BRUBAkER, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 

Urogynecology Urology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School 

of Medicine; Co-Director, Women’s Pelvic Medicine Center, 

Loyola University Medical Center 

VIVIEN k. BURT, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of 

Clinical Psychiatry, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; 

Founder and Director, Women’s Life Center, 

UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital 

VIVIAN M. DIckERSON, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of 

obstetrics and gynecology, university of California irvine; 

Director, Division of general obstetrics and gynecology, uCi 

medical Center; Director of uCi’s Post reproductive Women’s 

integrative Health Center 

TOMMASO FALcONE, MD, Professor and Chairman, Department 

of gynecology and obstetrics, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation; 

Co-Director, Center for Advanced research in Human 

reproduction and infertility 

SEBASTIAN FARO, MD, PhD, Clinical Professor of obstetrics and 

gynecology, Women’s Hospital of texas 

nieca GoldBerG, Md, Assistant Professor of medicine, 

SunY Health Science Center, Brooklyn, new York; 

Clinical Assistant Professor of medicine, new York university 

THOMAS HERzOG, MD, Professor of Clinical obstetrics and 

gynecology, Columbia university College of Physicians and 

Surgeons; Director, Division of gynecologic oncology, Columbia 

university medical Center, new York 

BARBARA LEVY, MD, medical Director, Women’s Health & Breast 

Center, St. Francis Hospital, Federal Way, Washington; Assistant 

Clinical Professor of obstetrics & gynecology, Yale university 

School of medicine; Assistant Clinical Professor of obstetrics and 

gynecology, university of Washington School of medicine 

Wendy l. WriGht, arnP, FaanP, Adult/Family nurse 

Practitioner; Adjunct Faculty, Fay W. Whitney School of nursing, 

university of Wyoming 

the christ hosPital staFF 

President and ceo Susan Croushore 

chief Business development officer victor DiPilla 

chief hospital officer Deborah Hayes 

chief strategy and Mission officer Heather Adkins 

chief Medical officer Berc gawne, mD 

editor Arin Kraemer 

custoMer service 

For more information about services at 

the Christ Hospital, please contact Arin Kraemer at 

arin.kraemer@thechristhospital.com or 513-585-3945. 

For a free subscription to Women’s Health Today, call 

513-585-1000 or visit www.thechristhospital.com/Wht. 

Women’s Health Today is published four times a year by 

the Christ Hospital, 2139 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, oH 45219, 

in conjunction with the Foundation for Female Health Awareness, 

Po Box 43028, Cincinnati, oH 45243. this is volume 7, issue 1. 

© 2010 by the Christ Hospital and the Foundation for 

Female Health Awareness. All rights reserved. 

the information contained herein is not a 

substitute for professional medical care 

or advice. if you have medical concerns, seek the 

recycle-logo_2options_v2.ai 

guidance of a healthcare professional. 

Women’s Health Today magazine is part of 

Women’s Health experience, the flagship program of the 

Foundation for Female Health Awareness. Women’s Health 

experience is a unique initiative aimed at connecting women 

with healthcare experts, as well as their local hospitals, to learn 

about important issues that may affect their health. through 

Women’s Health experience, Women’s Health Today magazine 

and www.womenshealthexperience.com, Printed With Soy Ink Printed With Soy Ink you’ll get objective, 

timely information. You can also sign up for free e-newsletters 

containing health news and results of medical studies. 

Please Recycle This Publication 

Sign up now at www.womenshealthexperience.com. 

Cover: LiSA eDeLStein 

© 2010 JuLie Please DenniS Recycle BrotHerS/CorBiS This Publication outLine 

Printed With Soy Ink 

Please Recycle This Publication 

Printed With Soy Ink 

Please Recycle This Publication

© istockphoto.com/lucas Cornwell 

Knee-friendly 

fitness >> By tim Enwright, Pt 

>> WHen it ComeS to tHe Knee, 

Women AnD men Are not CreAteD 

equAL. Wider hips and weaker 

thigh muscles put the female joint 

under special strain, making women 

more likely than men to suffer knee 

osteoarthritis and be more injury 

prone. But these exercises can help 

your knees withstand wear and tear. 

STrENGTH bUILDErS 

>> Isometric quadriceps builder 

Sit on the floor with legs extended 

in front of you. Place a rolled- 

up towel under your knees, then 

tighten your quadriceps. Hold for 

ten seconds, release and repeat. Do 

five repetitions. 

>> Short arc quads builder 

Lie on your back with legs extended 

and a rolled-up towel placed under 

one knee. Lift your foot until the 

leg is straight. Hold for three seconds, 

then slowly lower to the floor. Do 

one set of ten repetitions per leg. 

>> Inner-thigh conditioner 

Lie on your back with knees bent 

and feet on the floor. Place a pillow 

Protect your knees 

between your knees and squeeze to 

hold pillow in place. Hold for ten 

seconds; repeat five times. 

>> Quadriceps extension 

Sit on the edge of a chair. Keeping 

your back straight, straighten 

your knee. Pause for a count of 

three. Slowly lower. Do ten repeti- 

tions on each leg. 

FLExIbILITy PrOMOTErS 

>> Quadriceps stretch 

Stand up and bend one leg behind 

you. Keeping your hips even, grab 

the ankle of the bent leg and pull the 

foot toward your buttocks. Hold for 

30 seconds; return leg to the floor 

and switch legs. (If necessary, use 

your free hand to lean against a wall 

for support.) Do three repetitions. 

>> Hamstring stretch 

Sit on a bed or couch with one 

leg extended and the other knee 

bent with your foot on the floor. 

Keeping your back straight, lean 

toward your toes. Hold for 

30 seconds; repeat on the other 

leg. Do three repetitions. wHt 

• Avoid high heels. They force thigh muscles to work harder, putting 

added pressure on the knee and leading to osteoarthritis. 

• Walk, swim and cycle to build knees. 

• Don’t close doors, drawers or cabinets with your knees. 

• Lose excess pounds. They put added strain on your knees. 

don’t bend 

down to pain! 

To schedule an appointment 

with a physical therapist at any 

of our Christ Hospital Physical 

Therapy Center locations, call 

513-585-3838. 

>> Tim Enwright, PT, is clinical manager of The Christ Hospital Physical and Occupational 

Therapy Centers in Kenwood and Mason. 


3

Sick enough 

to skip? 

>> A LittLe SniFFLe. A SLigHt CougH. SHouLD You 

StAY Home From WorK? Should your kids skip school? 

Here are some guidelines to help you decide what to 

do when you or a family member is sick: 

>> Fever. Fever is a common symptom of viral infections, 

like influenza. If temperatures are 100.4° F or higher, it’s 

important to stay home and drink plenty of liquids. You or 

your loved one should be fever-free for 24 hours (without 

medicine) before returning to work or school. 

>> Cough or runny nose. If there’s no fever or other 

symptoms along with the cold, attending school or going 

to work is fine. Bad coughs require a stay at home and pos- 

sibly a trip to the family physician. You could have a severe 

cold or possibly the flu, bronchitis or pneumonia. But 

when the cough improves, then it’s back to work or school. 

There’s no need to wait for the cough to disappear entirely. 

4 women’s health today 

By Jennifer white, MD 

Get vaccinated! 

The most important ways to prevent the spread of 

viruses and bacteria are to wash your hands often 

and get a yearly flu vaccine. If you’re experiencing 

flu-like symptoms or would like to schedule a 

flu vaccination, call 513-585-1000 or visit 

www.ThechristHospital.com/TcHMA/ for an 

appointment with a Christ Hospital primary care 

physician. 

>> Diarrhea or vomiting. Stay home until the illness is 

over, and for 24 hours after the last episode (without 

medicine). Though diarrhea and vomiting aren’t 

usually associated with the seasonal flu, they sometimes 

occur with H1N1. 

>> Sore throat. A minor sore throat usually isn’t a 

problem, but severe pain could be a sign of strep 

throat, even without fever. Other symptoms of strep 

are headache and upset stomach. Stay home and call 

your family physician, who can administer a test to 

determine if it’s strep. Return to school or work 

24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment. 

>> Earaches. Middle ear infections are usually preceded 

by upper respiratory infections. Younger children with 

a suspected ear infection, especially those who have a 

fever and appear sick, should be evaluated by a physi- 

cian. Earaches are generally not contagious, so there’s 

no need to stay home. 

>> Pinkeye. Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) is highly 

contagious. Most cases are caused by a virus, which 

won’t respond to antibiotics. Bacterial conjunctivitis 

will require an antibiotic; your physician will be 

able to determine if this is the case. Stay at home 

until a physician has given the OK to return. 

>> Rash. A skin rash requires a physician visit, as it 

could be a symptom of an infectious disease. One 

possibility is impetigo, a bacterial skin infection that’s 

very contagious and requires antibiotic treatment. wHt 

>> Jennifer White, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician with 

The Christ Hospital Medical Associates in Madeira. 

© istockphoto.com/Renee Keith

Say good night to 

sleep problems >> By Jennifer Spata, MD 

>> WHen WAS tHe LASt time You FeLt WeLL reSteD? Not getting enough 

sleep can lead to weight gain, impair memory and raise your risk of developing 

high blood pressure, diabetes and depression, not to mention make driving a 

dangerous proposition. Try these tips to conquer common sleep issues: 

>> SlEEP StEalER: An overactive 

mind, stressing over money, your 

to-do list or worries about your job 

the remedy: 

• Relax. Read, listen to soothing 

music or knit until you feel sleepy. 

• Make a to-do list before bedtime. 

Tell yourself you’ll deal with it 

tomorrow, then go to sleep worry 

free. 

• Avoid staying in bed, looking at 

the clock and willing yourself to 

sleep. If after 30 minutes you’re 

not sleepy, get up and read, 

stretch or deep breathe. Then try 

to go to sleep again. 

• Speak with a healthcare profes- 

sional if you’re depressed or 

overwhelmed by stress. 

Sleep soundly! 

>> SlEEP StEalER: Bad habits, like 

staying up late, having a late-night 

cocktail, falling asleep with the TV 

on or working in bed 

the remedy: 

• Go to bed and get up at the same 

time every day—weekends, too. 

• Skip caffeine, nicotine and alcohol 

in the evening. Alcohol causes 

less restful sleep and caffeine and 

nicotine are stimulants. 

• Keep your bedroom cool, dark 

and quiet. 

• Avoid watching TV or working 

for an hour before bedtime and 

don’t do either in your bedroom. 

>> SlEEP StEalER: Sleep disorders, 

including obstructive sleep apnea, 

If you’ve been sleeping poorly for a month or more and 

drowsiness prevents you from carrying out your daily routine 

or you’re unusually tired during the day, call 513-585-1000 

or visit www.ThechristHospital.com/TcHMA/ to schedule 

an appointment with a Christ Hospital primary care physician. 

>> Jennifer Spata, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician with 

The Christ Hospital Medical Associates in Mt. Auburn. 

chronic insomnia, restless legs 

syndrome and leg cramps 

the remedy: 

Speak with your healthcare provider, 

who may order a sleep study 

to determine what’s causing the 

problem and how to treat it. 

>> SlEEP StEalER: Pregnancy 

symptoms, like constantly getting 

up to go to the bathroom in the 

middle of the night, your growing 

belly (which makes it difficult to 

get comfortable) and acid reflux 

the remedy: 

• Cut back on caffeinated 

beverages. 

• Sleep on your side with your 

knees bent to take pressure off 

your back. 

• Place pillows between your knees 

to help support you as you sleep. 

• Avoid eating spicy foods or large 

meals before bedtime to prevent 

heartburn. wHt 


5

Health Headlines 

>> what’s making news in women’s health 

another reason to 

be agreeable 

Bad news for those antagonistic 

people out there—especially those 

with a competitive or aggressive 

edge. You’re not doing your heart 

any favors, say researchers at the 

U.S. National Institute on Aging. 

They found that such personalities 

have greater amounts of thickening 

of the neck, or carotid, arteries 

compared to those who were 

more agreeable. Some of these 

people were also more likely to have 

advanced arterial thickening down 

the road, increasing their risk for a 

heart attack and stroke. To gather 

their findings, researchers gave 

5,614 Italians in four villages standard 

personality tests. Those who 

scored lowest in “agreeableness” 

had a 40 percent increased risk for 

artery thickening—similar to having 

the cardiovascular risk factor known 

as metabolic syndrome. The findings 

may help physicians guide appropriate 

patients to interventions such as 

anger management. 


Choose 

H2O at 

home 

Is the secret to successful 

weight loss your own tap water? 

Drinking water could be that 

important to weight-loss efforts, 

says research presented to the 

American Chemical Society. 

Researchers found that drinking 

just two 8-ounce glasses of this 

zero-calorie beverage before 

each meal could help you lose 

as much as 40 percent more 

weight. In the study, 48 people 

ages 55 to 75 were divided 

into two groups. Both groups 

followed low-calorie diets, but 

one group drank two cups of 

water before each meal. After 

12 weeks, the water drinkers 

lost about 15.5 pounds, compared 

to 11 pounds for the 

others. An interesting note— 

prior research demonstrates 

that these benefits may only 

help older adults. Since your 

stomach takes longer to empty 

as you age, it’s likely that drinking 

water right before each meal 

and being middle-aged or older 

will lead you to a greater feeling 

of fullness and therefore translate 

to eating fewer calories. No 

matter your age, it’s smart to 

choose water over high-calorie, 

sugar-laden beverages. So, 

reach for a glass of water the 

next time you’re thirsty.

Images on pages 6 and 7 © istockphoto.com/okea/SammyC/Transfuchsian/Stockphoto4u 

Even 

lowest 

levels of 

smoke 

harmful to 

health 

“I only smoke when I have 

a drink,” or “I only light up 

when life gets too stressful.” 

Sound familiar? If you 

think infrequent smoking 

isn’t harmful, think again. 

According to a small study 

out of New York-Presbyterian 

Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical 

Center, occasional smoking 

or secondhand exposure— 

even at low levels—can put 

you at risk for diseases such 

as lung cancer down the 

road. Researchers found that 

among the 121 participants, 

even at the lowest detectable 

exposure levels, smoke 

had direct effects on how 

genes functioned in cells that 

lined airways. All levels of 

nicotine or cotinine—which 

are both in the body when 

you smoke—cause genetic 

abnormalities. So avoid even 

taking a puff or spending 

a few minutes in a smoky 

room. 

Occasional smoking or secondhand 

exposure can put you at 

risk for diseases such as lung 

cancer down the road. 

do you know your 

breast cancer risk? 

Want to learn about your risk for the 

disease? a computer program called the 

Breast cancer risk assessment tool— 

developed in part by the national cancer 

institute—helps healthcare professionals 

estimate your risk of breast cancer by 

accounting for certain risk factors: 

• breast abnormalities, such as ductal 

carcinoma in situ (dcis) and lobular carcinoma 

in situ (Lcis), which increase the risk 

for developing invasive breast cancer 

• being older than age 50 

• having your first menstrual period 

before age 12 

• being older when you had your first 

child; most women who have their first 

child after age 30 have a greater risk of 

developing breast cancer than women who 

have children younger 

• breast cancer in a sister, mother or 

daughter 

• having needed breast biopsies, especially 

if the biopsies showed a change in 

breast tissue known as atypical hyperplasia; 

the biopsies themselves do not increase risk 

• being a Caucasian woman; however, 

african-american women—though at lower 

risk than caucasian women—are more 

likely to die of the disease 

Learn more about the Breast cancer 

risk assessment tool at www.cancer.gov/ 

bcrisktool/, and remember to discuss your 

risks and concerns with your physician. 

www.womenshealthexperience.com

Are you 

pre-sick? 

Healthy changes 

can ward off disease 

>> iF Your BoDY WArneD You 

tHAt You Were going to get 

SiCK BeFore it HAPPeneD, You’D 

ProBABLY Do everYtHing in 

Your PoWer to Prevent it From 

HAPPening, rigHt? With some dis- 

eases, you do get an advance warning. 

Don’t delay in taking action to 

prevent these common conditions: 


>> Pre-diabetes means your 

blood sugar levels are higher 

than normal, but not high 

enough to be classified as type 2 

diabetes. 

Warning signs: Pre-diabetes 

often has no symptoms, but 

you can look out for signs 

of type 2 diabetes, such as 

extreme hunger, increased 

thirst, unexplained weight loss, 

frequent urination, fatigue, 

blurred vision, slow-healing 

sores and frequent infections. 

testing: Your healthcare provider 

may perform an A1C 

test, which measures average 

blood sugar levels for the past 

few months, or other screening 

tests. If your levels are 

normal, your provider may 

perform a screening test every 

three years. If they’re high, 

you likely have pre-diabetes. 

treat it now: Eating healthy 

foods, exercising regularly and 

maintaining a healthy weight 

may help lower your blood 

sugar, helping you avoid diabetes. 

If you do have diabetes, 

learn self-monitoring tips on 

page 16 of this issue. 

>> Pre-osteoPorosis, also 

called osteopenia or low bone 

density, isn’t a disease but 

rather a marker for fracture 

risks. 

Warning signs: Many people 

don’t know they have bone 

loss until they break a bone or 

their bones become so weak 

that a sudden strain, bump or 

fall causes a hip fracture or 

collapsed vertebra. 

testing: Bone mineral density 

tests can detect low bone 

density. 

treat it now: Lifestyle changes 

can help slow the progression 

of bone loss and reduce 

fracture risks. Eat foods high 

in calcium and vitamin D, 

exercise to build muscle and 

maintain joint health and 

don’t smoke. Your healthcare 

provider may recommend 

medications to slow bone loss 

and increase bone density. wHt 

Get and stay 

healthy! 

learn more about disease 

prevention and maintaining 

a healthy lifestyle at www. 

GetHealthycincinnati.com. 

Image on page 7 © Thinkstock; Image on page 8 © istockphoto.com/Kutay Tanir

Sex & Gender matters 

The latest findings on women-specific health 

from the Society for Women’s Health Research 

>> By Jennifer wider, MD 

Stick to those resolutions! 

>> WitH tHe neW YeAr Come voWS to ADoPt A 

HeALtHier LiFeStYLe. For many women, taking on new 

habits and maintaining healthy behaviors may be dif- 

ficult, especially during the holidays and into the new 

year. During this season of stress, adding promises to 

change old, unhealthy habits and create new behaviors 

may be difficult to uphold. 

“Sometimes we take on too many changes and cre- 

ate too many goals at one time,” explains Erica Wright, 

a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist 

who practices in New York City and Fairfield, Conn. 

“Instead of being able to maintain these new habits, we 

fail because we become overwhelmed.” 

But keeping health-related resolutions can make a 

big difference when it comes to long-term health. For 

women who are overweight or obese, shedding those 

extra pounds can be lifesaving. Obesity has been linked 

to an increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer and 

type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that losing weight 

through diet and exercise can lower the risk of these 

and other diseases. 

Many women start off strong in January with new 

health club memberships but quickly get frustrated 

if they don’t achieve their desired weight loss. Many 

complain that they’re unable to keep their resolutions, 

no matter how hard they try. “We fall into the rhythm 

of life and into our old patterns,” says Wright. 

SO WHAT CAN yOU DO? 

Wright suggests streamlining your resolutions: 

“Pick one change versus taking on many. For example, 

quitting smoking is a massive life change that brings so 

many health benefits, but choosing to lose weight on 

top of that is too much to handle all at once.” 

Enacting small and reasonable changes may make 

them easier to incorporate into your already busy life- 

style. Focus on one change at a time. For example, if 

you want to exercise more, try to work that into your 

routine before taking on any more challenges. Even if 

you walk briskly to work, take the stairs or get to the 

gym once a week, it can make a difference. 

“Incorporate other goals throughout the year,” 

says Wright. “You don’t have to start everything on 

January 1.” wHt 

learn more! 

The Society for women’s Health Research (SwHR), a 

national nonprofit organization based in washington, D.C., 

is widely recognized as the thought leader in research on 

sex differences and is dedicated to improving women’s 

health through advocacy, education and research. To find 

this article and more, visit www.swhr.org. 

>> Jennifer Wider, MD, is a medical advisor for the Society for Women’s Health research in Washington, D.C. 


9


© Antoine Verglas/Corbis Outline

Lisa 

edelstein’s 

Rx for health 

may surprise 

some 

By Bonnie Siegler 

>> PLAYing LiSA CuDDY, mD, DeAn oF 

meDiCine on Fox’S Hit HoSPitAL DrAmA 

“HouSe,” iSn’t SuCH A FAr-FetCHeD 

notion For ACtreSS LiSA eDeLStein, 

noW going into Her SeventH SeASon 

on tHe SHoW. The 44-year-old TV 

doc is comfortable in her faux-medical 

surroundings, having grown up with 

her pediatrician father in New Jersey. 

“I’ve been around medicine my whole 

life,” explains Edelstein of the parallels 

between her TV image and her real life. 

“I’ve always loved medicine. In fact, I 

observed orthopedic hip surgery earlier 

this year in New York City just for fun 

and stood right next to the surgeon.” 

ContinueD on PAge 12 >> 

www.womenshealthexperience.com 11

ContinueD From PAge 11 

Playing take-charge Dr. Cuddy, Edelstein says she 

could probably hold her own in an off-camera health 

situation. What would she do if someone were in a car 

accident? “You’d have to ask first responders what the 

injury was—did the person break a leg, break an arm, are 

they bleeding?” she says, ticking off a litany of profes- 

sional questions. “You have to know what the problem is 

to assess it correctly. If somebody were horribly injured, 

I’d be right in there. Only, if I knew what I was doing, 

that would be much better. At a major accident scene, I 

could help by keeping a person company while waiting 

for paramedics, which is extremely important.” Joking, 

she adds, “I can say ‘clear’ really well, though.” 

DIET + ExErCISE = SELF-CONFIDENCE 

While Edelstein won’t be dispensing medication or 

performing actual surgery anytime soon, the actress is 

more than knowledgeable about her own health and 

well-being. While being raised in a kosher household, 

she became a vegetarian at fifteen. “I made this change 

as a kid, not as a grown-up, so it feels like I’ve been 

a vegetarian my whole life,” Edelstein says. “For one 

thing, it suits me in terms of what I do and don’t like. 

I never liked meat, but that’s what we ate every day. I 

was a vegetarian waiting to be old enough to make my 

own choices and cook my own food.” While attributing 

her fit figure to her eating habits, she can’t pin down 

vegetarianism as the factor responsible for her bound- 

less energy, shiny hair and smooth complexion. “I 

wouldn’t know the difference because I’ve been eating 

this way for so long,” says Edelstein. “But vegetarian- 

ism makes me feel better about how I live my own life, 

according to what’s important to me.” 

A regular exercise program combined with healthy 

eating adds up to a sense of general well-being and 

self-confidence for Edelstein. That self-confidence 

was on full display during some recently aired risqué 

shower and bedroom romps between Dr. Cuddy and 

Dr. House, revealing more of Edelstein than ever 

before. It takes some serious exercise to be in that kind 

of shape. “Besides swimming and taking long walks 

with my dogs, I practice Ashtanga yoga every day,” she 

adds. “I’ve been doing yoga for about 14 years. I like 

it because it’s a self-practice and the teacher only gives 

you another pose when you’re ready for it. It’s a nice 

way to check in with yourself on a daily basis. It helps 

center me and keeps me grounded.” 


the cast of “House” includes (l-r) Peter Jacobson, Omar Epps, 

Olivia wilde, Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein and Jesse Spencer. 

LIFE AWAy FrOM L.A. 

A former New Jersey cheerleader for Donald 

Trump’s New Jersey Generals and a dancer at several 

New York City venues, Edelstein says those activities 

are in her very distant past. “I haven’t been dancing in a 

long time. My life is too busy for that and I’m not into 

that lifestyle anymore. It’s no longer important to me.” 

What is significant in her life is traveling and 

exploring new cultures. “I love traveling,” she says 

enthusiastically. “Within the last five years, I’ve been 

to Japan, India, Thailand, South America, Mexico and 

all over Europe. And each place is incredible. Traveling 

takes me out of my comfort zone and helps put things 

in perspective for me, which is really important, espe- 

cially for someone in this industry.” Edelstein says her 

thespian lifestyle and living in Los Angeles can become 

very isolating, so “It’s important for me to step outside 

the box whenever I can. It helps rejuvenate and relax 

me at the same time,” she adds. On this particularly 

hectic day, relaxation seems far away. Both Shazam 

and Kapow, the dogs that share her Hollywood Hills 

home, are excited about workers putting up solar pan- 

els. “They’re completely freaking out,” she says, “but 

there’s a lot going on here today.” 

Can the same be said for her long-range plans? Has 

she set specific goals for future accomplishments? “Oh 

no,” Edelstein replies. “There are a lot of things I’m in 

the process of doing but I don’t give myself end dates 

and I’ve never made a New Year’s resolution in my life. 

I’m just a work in progress.” wHt Caulfield 

michael / Images Getty ©

Your update in 

Women’s Health 

Join Dr. Karram and his guests from The Christ Hospital for an in-depth 

radio program exploring a variety of topics essential to your health. 

Hosted by 

mickey Karram, mD 

President and Co-founder, 

Foundation for Female 

Health Awareness; 

Director of Urogynecology, 

The Christ Hospital, 

Cincinnati 

Alternate Sundays 

8:30–9 a.m. 

on 101.9 Fm 

Check out upcoming topics and recent programs, 

available now at www.womenshealthexperience.com. 

aging well 

A healthy approach for you and your 

aging parents 

>> Guests: robert Keyes, mD, Geriatric 

medicine Physician, The Christ Hospital 

Center for Health and Aging 

Jason graff, mD, Geriatric medicine 

Physician, The Christ Hospital Center for 

Health and Aging 

Get heart-healthy 

A wake-up call for women of all ages 

>> Guest: James Kong, mD, Cardiologist, 

The Christ Hospital 

Helping women cope 

Learn the facts about alcohol and 

drug addiction 

>> Guests: Hanish Sethi, mD, Psychiatric 

Director, The Christ Hospital Behavioral 

Health, wellness and Recovery Center 

Sumera Khan, mD, Psychiatric Associate 

Director, The Christ Hospital Behavioral 

Health, wellness and Recovery Center 

living with chronic pain 

resources to help you cope 

>> Guest: vivek iyer, mD, 

Anesthesiologist, The Christ Hospital 

SPONSORED BY IN CONJUNCTION WITH 

PreSented By 

managing medications 

A spoonful of caution: tips on 

handling, taking, storing and 

securing medications 

>> Guests: Stephanie B. Fenwick, 

PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, 


Charles Scharfenberger, PharmD, 

Pharmacist, The Christ Hospital 

update on breast cancer 

concerns 

Learn about new treatments for 

breast cancer 

>> Guests: Jennifer manders, mD, 

Director of oncoplastic Surgery, 


Ann Weichert, mD, Radiation oncologist 

and medical oncologist, 


uterine fibroid treatment 

A minimally invasive approach 

>> Guest: Daniel Long, mD, medical 

Director of Interventional Radiology, 



TM 

13

HEALTHY BITES 

Wintry ways to get 

your 9-a-day 

>> Are You getting enougH 

FruitS AnD veggieS? Most adults 

need to eat seven to 13 (aim for 

nine) servings of fruits and vegeta- 

bles daily, according to the Produce 

for Better Health Foundation. You 

may find it hard to meet those 

requirements during the winter 

when your produce options may 

not excite you as much as they do 

in the summer. Fortunately, with 

a bit of creativity, there are plenty 

of tasty ways to get a variety of 

delicious fruits and veggies all 

year round, and you can even do it 

without busting your budget: 

>> think beyond the produce aisle. 

Any form of fruits and vegetables 

Making canned 

soup? Dump a 

can of mixed 

vegetables into the 

pot, too—they’ll 

blend right in. 


counts as a serving: Try canned 

pineapple or beets; frozen peas 

or blueberries; dried apricots or 

roasted soybeans; or peach nectar 

or carrot juice. (Just beware that 

some canned and frozen fruits have 

added sugars such as high fructose 

corn syrup.) Try our recipe here 

for a quick and easy peach brulée 

using canned peaches. 

>> Make it easy to munch. Purchase 

pre-made fruit salads or carrot and 

celery stick platters to nibble on 

whenever you’re craving a snack. Or 

to save money, cut everything up 

yourself, ensuring that healthy fin- 

ger foods are always within reach. 

>> Create veggie-heavy dishes. 

Reduce the amount of meat in 

your favorite casserole recipe while 

doubling its vegetables. The dish 

will have the same delicious, recog- 

nizable flavor from the spices and 

sauce, but there will be much more 

fiber, vitamins and antioxidants and 

less fat. 

>> Stir up a double-can dinner. 

Making canned soup? Dump a can 

of mixed vegetables into the pot, 

too—they’ll blend right in and 

increase your produce intake. 

>> Introduce produce to veggie-free 

dishes. Spruce up basic macaroni 

and cheese with sautéed spinach or 

add some eggplant to your ziti. 

>> add fruit to dessert dishes. Mix 

raisins into your cherry pie recipe. 

Serve fresh or dried fruit with 

chocolate fondue. wHt 

Image on page 14 © Thinkstock; Images on pages 14 and 15 © istockphoto.com/Stephen St-maurice/Roel Smart

Quick peach brulée 

> 6 very ripe peaches, halved, or 1 can (1-pound, 13-ounces) 

of peach halves, well-drained 

> 2 cups vanilla yogurt, at room temperature 

> 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 

> ½ teaspoon grated orange or lemon peel 

> ¾ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed 

> Arrange peach halves in a 9-inch glass pie plate. Blend vanilla yogurt, 

granulated sugar and orange or lemon peel. Spread over fruit. Just before 

serving, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over vanilla yogurt layer, covering the 

entire surface. Broil 3 inches from oven flame, one to three minutes or until sugar 

melts. Serve immediately, or surface will become very liquid. makes 6 to 8 servings. 

How big is a serving? 

The following are adult servings of common 

fruits and vegetables (portions for children are 

typically one tablespoon for each year of age): 

> Raw, canned or cooked vegetable or fruit ½ cup 

> Raw, leafy vegetable 1 cup 

> Potato 1 medium 

> Apple, banana, orange, pear 1 medium 

> Grapefruit ½ cup 

> Raisins, dried fruit ¼ cup 


15

At-home 

monitoring allows 

you and your 

healthcare provider 

to remain informed 

about your current 

health status. 

Healthcare at home! 

Self-monitoring tips to keep you in shape 

>> tAKing An ACtive roLe in Your HeALtHCAre CAn 

HeLP You ACHieve Your oPtimum LeveL oF HeALtH. And 

at-home monitoring allows you and your healthcare pro- 

vider to remain informed about your current health status. 

Consider these physician-approved do-it-yourself tests: 


MEASUrE yOUr bLOOD PrESSUrE 

Measuring your blood pressure at home 

can show you and your healthcare provider 

how much (or how little) your pressure varies during 

the day and can provide early detection if you’re in the 

beginning stages of high blood pressure. Your provider 

uses the measurements to determine whether medicine 

is needed or how your current medication is working. 

You can pick up a blood pressure monitor without a 

prescription at your drugstore. 

Blood pressure lower than 120/80 mm Hg 

(millimeters of mercury) is considered normal. High 

blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher and pre- 

hypertension is anything in between. Most healthcare 

providers suggest that you check your blood pressure 

several times a day before they determine whether or 

not you have high blood pressure. 

✆ Call the physician if: your blood pressure continually 

reads 140/90 mm Hg or higher or if you feel dizzy 

or have chest pain, confusion, ear noise or buzzing, 

an irregular heartbeat, a nosebleed, tiredness or vision 

changes. If your blood pressure spikes suddenly, you 

could be at risk of a stroke, and if your numbers reach 

180 mm Hg or higher over 120 mm Hg or higher, 

your blood vessels can become damaged and your heart 

won’t be able to pump blood properly. If you experi- 

ence a severe headache, anxiety or shortness of breath, 

get medical attention immediately. 

© istockphoto.com/Alex Slobodkin/Paul Pantazescu/Roccomontoya/Helga Jaunegg

CONTrOL yOUr DIAbETES 

Checking your blood sugar with a glucose 

meter is essential to staying healthy. There’s 

no “right” number of times a day to test. At certain 

times, such as when you’re first diagnosed, you’ll 

benefit from testing several times a day to help 

get your blood glucose in a healthy range. 

You can use a blood glucose 

monitor to draw and test a drop of 

blood from your finger, hand, fore- 

arm or thigh. Different types of 

meters are available, including 

some with memory and others 

with easy-to-read displays for 

people with vision problems. 

✆ Call the physician if: your blood sugar 

levels are either very high or very low, as this can 

be a sign of an underlying infection or trouble with cer- 

tain medicines. If you feel nauseous, sluggish or shaky; 

have blurred vision; are feeling faint; or have stomach 

pain or vomiting, get immediate medical attention. 

MONITOr yOUr CHOLESTErOL 

Some cholesterol test kits measure your total 

cholesterol; others also measure HDL cho- 

lesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Even lab 

testing can show varying results, and there can be even 

more variations with tests done at home. Ideally, your 

total cholesterol should measure less than 200 mg/dL. 

Anything above this is considered borderline high or 

high. If you’re considered at high risk for heart disease, 

physicians recommend your LDL be below 70 mg/dL. 

✆ Call the physician if: you’ve made changes to your 

diet and are exercising at least 30 minutes a day and 

your cholesterol is still high. Your physician can 

re-check your treatment and may prescribe medica- 

tion or change your medicine to help get your numbers 

down. There are usually no physical symptoms of high 

cholesterol but sometimes it can cause chest pain; get 

immediate help if this is the case. 

WATCH yOUr WEIGHT 

Your bathroom scale is a powerful tool 

in achieving weight loss. Weigh yourself 

at least once a week if you’re trying to lose weight. 

Remember to set a goal of slow and steady weight 

loss—1 to 2 pounds a week. 

✆ Call the physician if: you’ve been reducing your food 

intake and have been exercising but you’re not losing 

weight. Your medications could be interfering with 

weight loss, or you may have a condition that affects 

your metabolism, such as hypothyroidism. 

ObSErvE OvULATION 

If you’re trying to get pregnant, ovulation is 

an exciting time. It usually takes place on the 

14th day of the menstrual cycle. But for some women, 

ovulation can vary from month to month, so pinpointing 

“the” moment can be tricky. There are a few home 

tests you can take to give you a better idea of when 

conception is more likely. 

Your basal body temperature, which rises during 

ovulation, could provide a good clue: Take your temperature 

every morning, using a digital thermometer. 

Jot down your readings and look for a pattern—you’ll 

be most fertile two to three days before your temperature 

rises. You can also try an at-home ovulation kit, 

which tests your urine for hormonal peaks that happen 

prior to ovulation. 

✆ Call the physician if: you’ve tried to get pregnant 

for at least one year without success. If you’re 35 or 

older, see your healthcare provider if you’ve tried for 

six months; he or she can help you find out why you 

haven’t conceived. wHt 

Schedule your 

appointment today! 

To schedule an appointment with a primary 

care physician from The Christ Hospital medical 

Associates, call 513-585-1000 or visit 

www.ThechristHospital.com/TcHMA/. 


1

Although you 

can’t make a 

scar disappear 

completely, you 

can help improve 

its appearance 

significantly. 


Scarred for life? 

>> WHen A SCAr mAKeS You FeeL 

SeLF-ConSCiouS, You’re LiKeLY to 

trY ALmoSt AnYtHing to mAKe it 

LeSS notiCeABLe. Although you can’t 

make a scar disappear completely, 

you can help improve its appearance 

significantly. All you need is a little 

patience (many scars appear less 

noticeable in six to 18 months), and 

possibly the following: 

Makeup. Use cover-up or founda- 

1 tion to help blend facial scars into 

your skin. 

2Silicone. Ointments and creams 

containing silicone may help 

shrink raised tissue. Contrary to 

popular belief, vitamin E oil doesn’t 

improve the look of scars. 

3Chemical peels. Your physician 

can apply a chemical to remove 

the top layer of your skin to even 

out your coloring and smooth 

indentations. 

8 ways to cover up 

4Dermabrasion. Using a special 

electrical machine, your physician 

will remove the skin’s outer layers to 

make an uneven scar look smoother. 

For deep scars, several dermabrasion 

treatments may be needed. 

5lasers. Your dermatologist can 

use lasers to flatten raised scars, 

smooth or resurface indented scars 

and reduce redness. 

6Injections. It’s possible to inject 

collagen, fat or other fillers 

beneath an indented scar to enhance 

its appearance. The results aren’t 

permanent, though, and you may 

need repeat injections. 

7Pressure bandages. For some 

raised scars, wearing a tight pressure 

bandage for several months can 

help flatten the area. 

8Surgery. A plastic surgeon may be 

able to cut out scar tissue to make 

your scar thinner or shorter. wHt 

© istockphoto.com/Jaime Duplass

Banish the belly blues 

>> You See Your BeLLY FAt AS tHe onLY tHing 

StAnDing BetWeen You AnD tHoSe SKintigHt 

JeAnS. But there’s a lot more to this story than 

meets the eye. 

Deep within your abdomen lies visceral fat, or 

fat that surrounds your abdominal organs. Research 

has found that excess weight in this area increases 

the likelihood of conditions such as heart disease, 

breast cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, gall- 

bladder problems, high blood pressure and colorectal 

cancer. 

Why excess ab fat is bad news 

PrObLEMS AT A CELLULAr LEvEL 

So why is this fat so much more dangerous than 

other fat? Although researchers are still working out 

the details, they think that cells in these fat deposits 

help produce hormones that promote insulin resis- 

tance (a risk factor for diabetes) and inflammation, and 

adversely affect blood pressure and clotting. They also 

release fatty acids that negatively impact the produc- 

tion of blood fat, causing total cholesterol and bad 

LDL cholesterol to rise and knocking down good 

HDL cholesterol, raising your risk of heart disease. 

ArE yOU AT rISK? 

Not sure whether your waist is a health risk? 

Just measure it. If your waist is more than 35 inches 

around, you need to talk with your healthcare 

provider to evaluate your disease risk. 

TAKE CHArGE 

As you probably know, there are no shortcuts. 

Exercise and a healthy diet are key to minimizing 

your muffin top (aka flabby waistline): 

Exercise. Try a combination of strength training 

and at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity daily. 

Diet. Watch those portion sizes, replace saturated 

fats with healthier monounsaturated fats (found in 

sources such as olive oil) and choose whole grains 

and fruits and vegetables over simple carbohy- 

drates, like white bread. wHt 

Find the physician you need! 

Talk with your physician before starting any diet or exercise 

program. If you’re looking for a primary care physician, call 

The Christ Hospital physician referral line at 513-585-1000 

or visit www.ThechristHospital.com/TcHMA/ today. 


19

HEALTHY MOVES 

Cold-weather workouts 


>> JuSt BeCAuSe it’S CHiLLY outSiDe DoeSn’t meAn You HAve to give uP exerCiSing 

ComPLeteLY. Plenty of calorie-burning, muscle-building, season-appropriate workout 

options can help you stay in shape. See what works best for you and get moving. 

inDoorS 

Don’t like the cold? Move your favorite activities 

inside. Instead of walking in your neighborhood, 

do it at the mall before the stores open. Or convert 

your bike into a stationary version. 

>> aerobics classes are often offered at gyms 

and community centers, or you can rent a video 

or DVD. Burns 240 calories.* 

>> Swim indoors and winter will seem more 

summery. Your knees will thank you, since 

swimming puts less stress on your joints than 

running or walking. Burns 250 calories. 

>> Hit the gym. Exercising with dumbbells and 

weight machines improves balance and coordination. 

Burns 220 calories. Or try that yoga class 

you’ve been curious about. Burns 90 calories. 

* All figures are for a 150-pound woman exercising 

for 30 minutes. 

are you a weekend warrior? 

When weekdays are jam-packed 

with activities you can’t reschedule, 

weekends may seem like the 

only time you can squeeze in some 

exercise. Take heart: Studies have 

shown that two days of exercise a 

week are better than none, if you’re 

already healthy. But if you’re obese 

or have high blood pressure or other 

cardiovascular risk factors, your 

weekend warrior ways won’t do 

much to improve your health. 

Take heed, though. Not exercising 

all week, then going full tilt 

on the weekend increases your 

chance of injuries. To stay healthy 

and active on Saturday and 

Sunday, follow these precautions: 

outDoorS 

Yes, you’ll need to bundle up, but by exercising 

in daylight, you may boost your mood while staying 

in shape. Dress in warm layers and be sure 

to warm up and stretch before your workout; 

your muscles are tighter and at greater risk of 

injury when your body is cold. 

>> Walk briskly to stay warm. Head into the wind 

so it won’t blow in your face on the way home 

when you’re colder. Burns 200 calories. 

>> Run along your usual route, but watch for 

icy patches and slippery, wet roadways. Keep 

a slower pace; run too fast and you’ll create a 

chilling breeze. Burns 340 calories. 

>> Ski if snow hits your area. Cross-country 

skiing is an excellent endurance sport. 

Burns 250 calories. 

>> Go snowshoeing, if you can in your climate, 

a new take on walking, with beautiful scenery to 

boot. Burns 200 calories. 

1. Talk with your physician 

about your exercise and 

sports plans. 

2. Always warm up and stretch 

before physical activity. 

3. wear supportive shoes and use 

appropriate equipment. 

4. Increase your activity gradually. 

5. listen to your body. 

© istockphoto.com/Dutch Icon

You’ll need to 

bundle up, but by 

exercising in daylight, 

you may boost 

your mood while 

staying in shape. 

When to call your physician 

even with the best of preparation, weekend and even 

daily exercisers can still suffer the occasional injury. If any of 

the following are true, call your healthcare provider: 

• The injury causes pain, swelling or numbness. 

• You can’t put any weight on the area. 

• You have increased swelling, joint abnormality or 

instability in the area of an old injury. 

Some injuries can be treated at home by resting. If 

you need to reduce swelling, you can apply ice, compress 

the injured area and keep it elevated above your heart. 

However, if you’re unsure of the extent of your injury, call 

your healthcare provider and get it checked out. 


21

No-pills pain relief 

>> WHen You HAve An ACHing 

HeAD, BACK or neCK, ASPirin, 

ACetAminoPHen or otHer over- 

tHe-Counter DrugS CAn HeLP. 

But you don’t want to rely on them 

too often, as these pills can have 

another 

resource 

for you! 

learn more about keeping 

your back and neck healthy by 

signing up for Spine Matters, 

The Christ Hospital Spine 

Institute’s free monthly 

e-newsletter. As part of our 

online community, you’ll 

learn about back and neck 

injury prevention, wellness, 

treatment advances 

and more. log on at www. 

ThechristHospital.com/ 

SpineMatters and sign up. 


Alternative therapies may help 

side effects. The good news? A 

variety of alternative therapies may 

help lessen your pain naturally, 

with a little practice or repeat visits 

to licensed practitioners. However, 

which therapy you choose will 

depend on your type of pain. Stuart 

Silverman, MD, clinical professor 

of medicine and rheumatology 

at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center 

and UCLA, notes that if you’re 

suffering from chronic pain, be 

careful to not use any therapy that 

could increase your pain, like deep 

massage. “While deep tissue mas- 

sage may relax some people, some 

individuals with fibromyalgia may 

experience worsening pain as a 

result of this therapy,” he says. 

Speak with your healthcare pro- 

vider to determine if any of the 

following therapies may be right 

for you and the particular pain 

you’re dealing with: 

© istockphoto.com/Todd Bates/Siniša Botaš

treatment What’s involved How it’s done used for 

> Acupuncture Thin needles are inserted into the 

skin at key points. 

> Biofeedback 

> Diet 

> Hypnosis 

> massage 

> Yoga 

i’ve been 

diagnosed with 

fibromyalgia. 

What is it and 

what causes it? 

What can i do 

to feel better? 

Electronic sensors measuring heart 

rate, skin temperature and muscle 

tension help you relax muscles or 

change your thoughts for pain relief. 

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables 

can reduce inflammation 

associated with pain. 

while in an altered state of consciousness, 

you visualize pain 

disappearing and reap tangible 

results. 

Kneading muscles can relieve stiffness 

and pain and may improve 

the body’s production of painkilling 

endorphins. 

meditating while stimulating blood 

flow, stretching and focusing on 

breathing leads to relaxation and 

pain relief. 

Ask the Expert >> With Stuart Silverman, MD 

A: fibromyalgia is a disorder of central sensory processing. 

if you have fibromyalgia, your brain perceives 

pain much more strongly than those without the disorder. 

any normal sensation can become painful because 

of your brain’s misinterpretation of the stimulus. the 

causes are varied and often a combination of genetics, 

stress and lack of sleep. some people are genetically 

predisposed to developing fibromyalgia: studies show 

that those with fibromyalgia have an eight-fold risk of 

having an immediate relative with the disorder. it can 

also be triggered by emotional or physical stress (either 

chronic stress or a traumatic event). finally, people 

During an office visit, a licensed 

acupuncturist manipulates needles 

to relieve discomfort. 

A licensed therapist attaches 

sensors to your body. The goal is 

being able to duplicate the painrelieving 

maneuvers at home. 

Follow the food pyramid and avoid 

excess saturated fat, which can 

trigger joint inflammation and pain. 

A clinical hypnotist uses imagery 

to guide you toward pain relief. 

The goal is to duplicate the results 

at home with self-hypnosis. 

A massage therapist rubs your 

back, feet or other muscles. 

A yoga instructor or DVD can 

teach you proper form, postures 

and breathing techniques for 

simple flow yoga. 

back pain, joint 

pain, migraine, 

osteoarthritis 

muscle pain, 

headache, 

stress 

arthritis 

headache, 

arthritis 

mild back pain, 

stress 

back pain, 

chronic pain, 

stress 

who suffer from long-term lack of sleep (shift workers, 

mothers of colicky infants) may be more susceptible 

to fibromyalgia. patients need both medicine and physical 

activity, along with a positive outlook, to effectively 

combat this type of chronic pain. discuss with your 

physician which prescription medication is right for you. 

and, discuss what kind of movement program might 

be beneficial in combination with the medication: tai chi, 

yoga or aerobics classes, for example. researchers 

find that fibromyalgia patients who work with inspiring 

instructors in formalized movement settings can make 

great strides in relieving their pain. 


23

HEALTH SMARTS 

A swollen 

situation? 

>> tHere’S notHing inFLAteD ABout tHe riSKS oF eDemA. 

usually affecting the hands, arms, feet, ankles or legs, edema 

is caused by fluid in the body’s tissues that leads to swelling. 

This swelling can cause stretched or shiny skin, dimpling of the 

skin after it’s pressed and a bigger abdomen. what else do you 

know about this condition? Test your knowledge by answering 

true or false to these statements and checking your answers. 

true or FALSe? 

1 edema can signal a serious health condition. 

2 taking a hot bath can relieve edema symptoms. 

3 Pregnancy puts you at risk for developing edema. 

4 Diuretics should never be used to treat edema. 

5 Cancer can cause edema. 

AnSWerS 

True. edema can sometimes be 

1 caused by simple things such as 

eating too much salty food, a sunburn or 

sitting in the same position for extended 

periods of time. But in more severe cases 

it can be a symptom of conditions like 

congestive heart failure, kidney disease or 

cirrhosis (a scarring of the liver). 

False. extreme temperatures— 

2 very hot or very cold—and rapid 

temperature changes can worsen edema, 

so hot baths, showers and saunas should 

be avoided. people with edema should 

take care to dress warmly in colder 

temperatures. 


True. pregnant women retain 

3 more sodium and water than other 

women, which increases the odds of 

developing edema. also increasing the risk 

are conditions such as congestive heart 

failure, chronic venous insufficiency and 

deep vein thrombosis. severe foot, leg or 

ankle swelling in pregnant women may be 

a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia, 

whose signs also include high 

blood pressure. 

False. While some people may not 

4 be the best candidates for diuretics 

(also called water pills)—for example, 

pregnant women and those with chronic 

test your health 

knowledge online 

Take more health quizzes and 

assessments online at www.womens 

healthexperience.com. Plus, find 

out what other women are saying by 

participating in our online polls! 

venous insufficiency—many others can 

take the medication, which can help 

relieve the body of excess salt and water. 

Limiting salt intake and treating the 

underlying cause of edema are also part 

of the treatment plan. 

True. called lymphedema, this 

5 form of edema occurs when something 

damages a lymph node or vessel 

and prevents the proper drainage of lymph 

fluid. it usually affects an arm or leg and 

may also be caused by cancer treatments 

such as surgery and radiation, as well as 

hereditary conditions such as milroy’s 

disease and meige’s disease. wHt

Stay informed 

Stay connected 

Stay healthy with www.womenshealthexperience.com 

Women’s Health 

Experience 

offers health 

news and 

information just 

for women! 

> Sign up for a free monthly e-newsletter that delivers 

the latest health news, trends and tips to your inbox. 

> Test your health smarts on fitness, nutrition, 

disease prevention and more with online quizzes. 

> Take our online health assessments to determine 

your risk for common diseases and conditions. 

> Learn what other women are thinking by 

participating in our online health polls. 

> Find out what Women’s Health Experience can do for you! 

It’s all here—and it’s all for you at www.womenshealthexperience.com. 

SPONSORED BY IN CONJUNCTION WITH 

PreSented By 

TM

Knowing the facts puts you 

steps ahead of breast cancer. 

Jennifer Manders, MD 

Breast Surgeon 


GetHealthyCincinnati.com 

Get Healthy Cincinnati 

One community. One mission. One health resource. 

Living a healthy lifestyle starts with the right information. At Get Healthy Cincinnati, you 

can find the expert advice you need to help you, your family and your community get 

healthy – and stay healthy. 

We’ll help you keep your stride. 

Every woman needs to understand breast health. Knowing the risk factors, symptoms and screening 

methods for breast cancer are the first steps toward prevention and detection. Family history, age 

and race all play a role. Watch for changes such as a lump, or thickening or redness of the skin. 

Talk to your doctor today about your risk factors and other symptoms. 

Learn how you can outpace breast cancer at www.GetHealthyCincinnati.com 

The Christ Hospital offers mammography testing locations in Mt. Auburn, Mason, Delhi and Madisonville (Red Bank Expressway). 

b r o u g h t t o y o u b y:

Playing House - Women's Health Experience

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