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Menopause: some of us worry about it, while others embrace it. But one thing’s for sure: it means plenty of changes for a woman’s body. Menopause isn’t a disease: it’s a natural phase of life. Let’s face it: the transition to the next stage isn’t always fun. However, with support from your doctor, menopause can be a happy, healthy time. What Is Menopause? Menopause occurs when your period stops because of hormonal changes in your body. However, you aren’t officially in menopause until your period stops for at least 12 months. Before that, most women experience a menopausal transition period called perimenopause. We experience perimenopause as our bodies adjust to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate menstruation and pregnancy. According to the National ... Continue Reading

Arthritis hurts. It can slow you down and leave you feeling frustrated and powerless. It can keep you from doing the things you love–from sports to woodworking to needlework. But if arthritis is bringing you down, don’t give up. Working with your doctor, you can manage or treat arthritis and return to your favorite activities. What Is Arthritis? Osteoarthritis (known as “wear-and-tear” arthritis) is the most common type. It happens when the soft cartilage at the tips of your bones starts to wear down. Your spongy cartilage acts as a cushion between bones. The bones rub against each other when cartilage wears away, causing pain and mobility issues. Your hands, fingers, knees, hips, and spine are the most common locations for osteoarthritis. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid ... Continue Reading

You know the drill: roll up your sleeve and get the squeeze at your annual checkup. But many of us don’t understand how blood pressure works–or how dangerous high blood pressure can be. Hypertension affects more than 100 million people in the United States. Experts often call it the “silent killer” because it doesn’t always have easily recognizable symptoms but can cause or worsen a range of life-threatening conditions. What Do Blood Pressure Readings Mean? Your blood pressure measures the pressure of your blood against your arteries, which carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Many of us are familiar with fraction-style measurements we get from our primary care provider but don’t always know what it means. The top number is your systolic blood pressure, which measures the ... Continue Reading

Your primary care physician plays a valuable role in fostering heart-healthy habits and catching heart disease early. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But with early detection and prevention measures, we can stop America’s number one killer. What Is Heart Disease? The term heart disease covers multiple conditions. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease. CAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup of cholesterol and other materials blocks blood flow to the heart. CAD can also weaken the heart muscle and prevent it from pumping blood effectively. Other forms of heart disease include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), ... Continue Reading

Protecting women from cervical cancer is a priority for healthcare providers. According to the CDC, 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer are detected each year, and 4,000 women die from this disease. The Pap test (or Pap smear) is a lifesaving tool for screening for cervical cancer. But recommendations for frequency change throughout our lives. Here’s a look at why Pap smears are vital and how frequently women should get tested. What Is a Pap Smear? A pap smear is a common cervical cancer screening test. It involves collecting cells from your cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina. Your provider inserts a speculum into the vagina and uses a small tool to scrape cells from the cervix. It is typically painless and quick. These cells are then analyzed to detect ... Continue Reading