Why Should You Get A Hysterectomy?

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Mr. Divabetic gets the ‘411’ on concerns about having a hysterectomy for women with diabetes with Dr. Andrea Chisholm MD, FACOG, OB-GYN on ’50 Shades of Gray: Diabetes & Aging‘. podcast scheduled for Tuesday, December 15, 2015, 6-7 PM, EST.

Did you know that a Hysterectomy is the most common major surgical procedure (unrelated to pregnancy) performed on women in the US?

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, or womb which may sometimes a hysterectomy include removal of the adjacent Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Because of the advancing development of less invasive treatment options, the incidence of hysterectomy has declined in recent years.

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Hysterectomy is a treatment option in the treatment of uterine cancer and cervical cancer as well as for some benign conditions that cause pain and/or severe vaginal bleeding. Fibroid tumors, severe endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine prolapse, and uncontrollable vaginal bleeding are some benign conditions that have sometimes been treated by hysterectomy.

Different types of surgical procedures are available for a hysterectomy; the choice depends upon the reason for the procedure and the underlying medical condition of the patient. Traditional surgical approaches include both abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies; newer, laparoscopic surgical methods are also available that significantly reduce postoperative discomfort and shorten recovery time.

TUNE IN: 50 Shades Of Gray: Diabetes & Aging podcast on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, 6-7 PM, EST

Superwoman Syndrome at Divabetic Club

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Divabetic Club-Philadelphia welcomes special guest, Dr. Cheryll Rothery who will be discussing “The Superwoman Syndrome” on Thursday, October 15, 2015, 12 PM -1 PM.

Dr. Rothery is the Graduate Program Chair and Director of Clinical Training for the PsyD program in Clinical Pyschology at Chestnut Hill College.

In today’s fast pace lifestyle, many women are often caught up in what is appropriately called the “Superwoman Syndrome.” These women are constantly striving to accomplish everything possible in a perfect manner and have not learned how to put themselves as a top priority. Most often, they do not have the time or energy to devote to themselves. Even when having the time, they may consider themselves selfish to indulge in self-pampering or to simply provide themselves quiet time alone. Superwomen always set standards that are unnaturally high, are beyond reach or reason. They tend to strain compulsively toward impossible goals. They measure self-worth entirely in terms of productivity and tangible accomplishments. Unfortunately, by doing so, these Superwomen are making life much more stressful and losing out on its many joys.

There are so many benefits that will come from stepping off the treadmill and enjoying life without having to do it all. Women need to throw away their Superwomen costumes and keep life simple with a daily “no” and more concern for their own well-being.

Divabetic Club Philadelphia is sponsored Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, works collaboratively with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and is a signature program of Divabetic.

FREE ADMISSION

Register: 1-800-JEFF-NOW

Divas, Diapers And Diabetes

Diabetes Late Nite

Do you ever feel shy about talking to your doctor about certain things? Whether it’s an embarrassing concern, question or confession, it’s important to say what’s on your mind and what’s been going on with your body when you’re in the exam room.

Mr. Divabetic hosts a special ‘Getting To Know Your Body’  with special guest, Dr. Andrea Chisholm on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, 6-7 PM, EST to talk about the issues and concerns of women living with diabetes.

One common concern is: Urinary incontinence, which simply means you can’t always control when you urinate, is more common for women with diabetes and women with impaired fasting glucose (IFG or pre-diabetes).

Postmenopausal women seem to have a higher incidence of this uncomfortable and often embarrassing condition. It seems that the longer you have had diabetes, and if you have peripheral neuropathy (nerve problems) and retinopathy (eye problems), your symptoms might be worse. As with most diabetes-related complications, treatment includes good blood glucose management. Being overweight also may increase your risk.

Since there is more than one cause of urinary incontinence, you should consult your health care team to determine the cause and be treated appropriately. Treatments include Kegel exercises (exercises that strengthen the muscles of the pelvic wall), bladder training and medications. Surgery is an option if these other solutions don’t work.

Andrea Chisholm, M.D. is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist practicing in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Callers welcome! Studio line: (347) 215-8551

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TUNE IN: Getting To Know Your Body podcast with Dr. Andrea Chisholm

Should You Tell Your Gynecologist You Have Diabetes?

Divabetic

Do you ever feel shy about talking to your doctor about certain things? Whether it’s an embarrassing concern, question or confession, it’s important to say what’s on your mind and what’s been going on with your body when you’re in the exam room.

Mr. Divabetic hosts a special ‘Getting To Know Your Body’  with special guest, Dr. Andrea Chisholm on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, 6-7 PM, EST to talk about the issues and concerns of women living with diabetes.

One common question is: “Why does it itch…down there?”

Vaginal itching can be embarrassing and troubling. “Women often think they have a yeast infection when they really don’t and then they end up spending money on yeast medications that may make their problem worse,” explains Dr. Debby Herbenick, PhD, author of Because It Feels Good: A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Pleasure and Satisfaction. . “In fact, itching can also be a sign of a sexually transmissible infection, a vulvar skin disorder, a bacterial infection, a sensitivity to laundry soap or, in rare cases, an early sign of vulvar cancer.”

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina often caused by yeast infections. Yeast is a fungus that lives in warm, moist, dark environments. The vagina is such a place. This fungus, which is always present in the vagina in small amounts, is fed by sugar (glucose) so when a woman’s blood sugar is elevated, her vagina is a perfect environment for the yeast to live, be fed and grow. Symptoms include itching, burning or pain during urination or intercourse.

The good news is that getting blood sugar under control—the ADA recommends an A1C of less than 7 percent—will help treatments for yeast infections work—and give you some relief

If you’re experiencing vaginal itching, don’t hide it from your doctor. “Itching should always be brought to a healthcare provider’s attention.”

There’s no such thing as a “perfect”-smelling vagina. Pineapple…sweetness…blah, blah, shut up. Yes, certain foods can affect the odor down there (asparagus and garlic, in particular), but the scent should disappear in a day or so. However, if you notice an unusual odor for an extended period of time, it could be a sign of an infection.

Dr. Andrea Chisholm, M.D. is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist practicing in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Callers welcome! Studio line: (347) 215-8551

TUNE IN: Getting To Know Your Body podcast with Dr. Andrea Chisholm

Does Gestational Diabetes Increase A Child’s Risk for Autism?

GLAM MORE FEAR LESS

What’s Trending Today:  A new study published in JAMA suggests that children born to women who develop gestational diabetes in the first or second trimester of pregnancy are 42 percent more likely to have autism than those born to women without gestational diabetes. The study did not account for other important autism risk factors, such as paternal obesity and genetic susceptibility.

Children born to women who have diabetes before getting pregnant do not show an increased risk.  The researchers speculate that most women with type 2 diabetes take medications to control their blood sugar levels during pregnancy, limiting risk to the fetus. However, women are typically screened for gestational diabetes between the 24^th and 28^th weeks of pregnancy, potentially missing the critical window for autism risk.

Previous studies have suggested that increased blood sugar levels in the mother may deplete oxygen levels in the fetus, impeding brain development. Elevated maternal blood sugar may also boost damaging free radicals in umbilical cord blood and the placenta.

Overall, the rise in autism risk due to gestational diabetes is small. Still, the results suggest that children born to women with the condition should be screened for autism at an early age.

Treatment for gestational diabetes aims to keep blood glucose levels equal to those of pregnant women who don’t have gestational diabetes. Treatment for gestational diabetes always includes special meal plans and scheduled physical activity. It may also include daily blood glucose testing and insulin injections.

TUNE IN: April’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Billie Holiday

Gaining Weight after A Hysterectomy

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The Divabetic blog has received a lot of questions from women asking about the weight gain as a result of a recent hysterectomy so today we’re taking a look at this trending issue:

The truth is there is evidence showing that women tend to gain more weight after hysterectomy than after natural menopause.

Once a woman’s ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy (a complete hysterectomy), her body is instantly pushed into menopause. The ovaries produce estrogen, progesterone, and androstenedione. When they are removed the levels of these hormones drop dramatically and the effects on a woman’s body can be varied. One of the frequent complaints of women who have had a hysterectomy, is weight gain, particularly around the waist.

“A lot of women get an exercise trainer before the surgery, and get into Weight Watchers or another program to change their diet,” Tse tells WebMD. “They understand they would have a hard time after surgery, so they started this beforehand to avoid it. Some of the healthiest women I’ve seen are those who were counseled before their surgery.”

Abdominal weight gain is believed to be tied to an excess of androgens, and a relative decrease in estrogen.  Menopause or a hysterectomy can skew the balance of these androgens against estrogen. Other elements that may be at work are a slowed metabolism, and water retention. It is yet unclear whether estrogen treatment itself has these effects on women.

The best way to manage a weight gain that finds its source in hormonal imbalance is to better address that source. Any woman who is menopausal or has had a hysterectomy and is experiencing discomfort, should ask her doctor about customizing her hormonal treatment. The answer is often found through trial and error. She should try changing doses, and changing hormone combinations.

TUNE IN: March’s Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Carrie Underwood

Help! My Vagina Smells Like A Swamp

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At last week’s free diabetes outreach program, “Love On A Two Way Street‘ at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, we discussed some of the embarrassing issues related to sex and intimacy including vaginal order.

Vaginal odor is a very common problem that most women with or without diabetes have to deal with at least once or twice in their life.

It’s normal for your vagina to have a slight odor. But, a strong vaginal odor — for instance, a “fishy” smell — might be abnormal and could indicate a health problem (have you heard of the term ‘blue waffle’?)

An abnormal vaginal odor is usually associated with other vaginal signs and symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.

Vaginal odor may vary throughout your menstrual cycle and may be especially noticeable right after having sex. Normal sweating also can cause a vaginal odor. A number of everyday triggers, including menstruation, pregnancy, intercourse, medications and uncontrolled blood sugars can upset the delicate vaginal ecosystem and elevate pH, causing odor, increase or change in discharge, or even a bacterial infection.

Generally, if you have vaginal odor without other vaginal symptoms, it’s unlikely that your vaginal odor is abnormal.

Fragrance sprays, wipes and pads just mask the problem and can be harmful to delicate tissue. Douching can actually upset this delicate balance.

Did you know that using a water-based lubricant can upset your natural vaginal pH if it isn¹t pH balanced?  Wet Platinum  silicone-based lubricant has no pH to interfere with yours and it is much longer lasting than a typical water-based lubricant.  It¹s even guaranteed never sticky, even on a hot summer¹s night!

LISTEN NOW: Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance podcast

Big Penises Are A Problem for Fighting AIDS in Uganda

Divabetic Health Headlines

A big penis is a big problem for stopping the spread of AIDS in Uganda because men are complaining that condoms on sale are far too small for them. Government officials warn that condoms that don’t fit properly could raise the risk for HIV infection among the population.

Insisting that one size doesn’t fit all, MP Tom Aza said Uganda’s Parliamentary Committee for HIV/Aids said a recent tour of areas worst hit by the virus revealed that some men “have bigger sexual organs and therefore should be considered for bigger condoms. When it comes to action, when they’re having sexual activity, of course with the pressure, [the condom] bursts.”

“Some youth are complaining that the condoms they are being given, some of them are too short, their organs can’t fit in them,” MP Merard Bitekyerezo also told the channel.

Another committee member, Sarah Netalisile, said the size issue was “exposing our younger boys and girls, and all those users of condoms, to the acquiring of HIV and AIDS.”

Aids is seen as being resurgent in Uganda after years of decline, with as many as 80,000 people dying of the disease every year.

From a peak of 18 per cent infected in 1992, Uganda’s “ABC” strategy — Abstinence, Be faithful, Condom — helped slash rates to 6.4 per cent in 2005.

But rates have crept back up to 7.2 per cent in 2012. As many as 1.8 million people in the country now live with HIV, and a million children have been orphaned after their parents died of Aids.

NTV Uganda’s report said the MPs would push for better condom supplies and bigger sizes.

LISTEN NOW: October’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast

Diabetes And Breast Cancer

Mr. Divabetic Show

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic wants to raise awareness for the link between Breast Cancer and Diabetes with his free monthly podcast, the Mr. Divabetic Show.

Diabetes is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer, and now researchers have performed a unique meta-analysis that excludes all other causes of death and found that people with diabetes not only have an increased risk of developing breast and colon cancer but an even higher risk of dying from them.

Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on guests, Dr. April Speed, Award-winning Songwriter and Author Mary Sue Englund, Actress and Writer, E.P. McKnight, TeamWILD Founder, Mari Michelle Ruddy and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

Dr. April Speed provides breast cancer services to women, men and adolescents. Dr. Speed is a member of the American Society of Breast Cancer Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO.) She was awarded the ASCO National Diversity in Oncology Award in 2009.

Mary Sue Englund has released five self-penned albums to date. A staple at the Grand Ole Opry, Englund has toured the world with country legend Pam Tillis as her pianist, guitarist, violinist and harmony vocalist.

Mary Sue Englund’s book and companion CD, ‘I AM A WOMAN’ captures the beautiful breadth of the female experience, with all its cluttered, clouded magic. Striking photographs and wise and sometimes surprising quotes of courageous women from all walks of life fill the pages of this lovely linen-bound coffee table book.

“After seeing the profound effect that the song, ‘I AM A WOMAN’ had on people in concert, I was inspired to write a complete album of what I consider to be “healing songs,” says Mary Sue Englund.  “For those needing encouragement; for those fighting illness or grief, or those craving a little joy. Frankly, I think that is everyone!

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic Show on Breast Cancer & Diabetes 

BUY NOW: The Sisterhood of Diabetes by Judith Jones-Ambrosini

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite Mystery Radio with Tonya Kappes 

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic Show on Diabetes Innovators podcast

Divabetic Club NYC Kicks Off In October

Divabetic Club

At times, living with diabetes feels overwhelming because it impacts so many areas of daily life. Emotional support is a vitally important part of diabetes management. Divabetic provides free diabetes empowerment meetings to  provide information, support and  resources.

Our high-spirited approach brings to life the  ‘real’ issues concerning women affected by diabetes. A lively exchange of life experiences, diabetes education and DIVA goal setting advice help to show you how to turn a struggle into a success. Both image/attitude concerns and diabetes self-care issues are dealt with in a fun and friendly manner. At each meeting we make time to recognize and reward efforts to stay healthy. Above all, a positive, ‘can do’ attitude encompasses the theme of our monthly outreach efforts.

The Divabetic Club will be co-presented with Elliot LeBow LCSW, CDE. Elliot is a clinical social worker, psychotherapist and certified diabetes educator. At age six, I was diagnosed with Juvenile diabetes (Type I). I am now a Diabetes-Focused Psychotherapist, a Certified Diabetes Educator and Diabetes Coach as well as the owner of DiabeticTalks, a robust online platform dedicated to helping individuals like yourself live a better life.

“My own passion lies with helping people with diabetes live a capable, powerful life-with less suffering!”says Elliot LeBow.

If you’re affected by, at risk and/or living with diabetes or you care for someone living with diabetes – you’re welcome to join us. The best way to experience our diva brand of diabetes programming is to bring a friend! Mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, cousins, co-workers or best friends – all are welcome!

Saturday, October 26, 2014, 1 -4 PM – FREE ADMISSION 

Divabetic Club – NYC

323 West 96th Street, Suite 2

New York, NY 10025

REGISTER NOW: (646) 392-8599

BUY NOW: The Sisterhood of Diabetes by Judith Jones-Ambrosini

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite Mystery Radio with Tonya Kappes 

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic Show on Diabetes Innovators podcast