A Fresh New Look
Like everyone else, we simply had to make a change for the new year. The Eve Was Framed website got an update look. As our library of articles and newsletter content has grown, we are putting it all more front and center for you.
Let us know what you think!
If you’re in a cleaning-out mode, here’s a quick tip. Go through your wallet or wherever you keep your health/dental/vision insurance cards and destroy any old ones. Maggie is embarrassed to admit, she’s got quite a collection!
- Maggie Ruvoldt & Stephanie Majercik
The Tasting Menu
Plan Your Health Year
National Blood Donor Month
5 Facts About Glaucoma
Plan Your Health Year
We’re all subject to the fresh start effect at the beginning of the year. It’s that strong motivational feeling we get around New Year or birthdays. Let’s leverage that to set up your plan for your health with the appointments you need. Many practitioners schedule months out. It’s best to get ahead of those appointments.
But wait, my provider doesn’t schedule this far out… Find out how far out they do schedule and put a reminder on your calendar to make the appointment.
The big 4
Annual physicals with your general practitioner. Many women use their gynecologist as their GP. Please consider having both. Your GP will cover many areas the gynecologist doesn’t.
This brings us to your well-woman visit with the gynecologist. This covers reproductive, breast, and sexual health. Consider scheduling your GP and gynecologist 6 months apart from each other.
Gum disease can contribute to health issues other than oral hygiene like heart disease. Seeing the dentist and getting your teeth cleaned every six months should be at the top of your list! If you can schedule your next appointment before leaving the office, all the better.
Eye exams are needed annually to test for changes in vision and keep any prescriptions up to date. Check out the piece on glaucoma to read more about the importance of eye exams for early detection.
Let’s layer on some testing
Depending on your age, there are routine tests you need such as:
Mammogram starting in your 40s (annually)
Colonoscopy at 45 (every five years)
Bone density (starting in menopause)
Pap smear and HPV (every 3 to 5 depending on your age)
Cholesterol screening starting in your 40s (annually)
Some baselines to get
Dermatology exams if you are fair-skinned or starting in your 50s
Eye exams, if you have never needed glasses or contact, get a baseline in your 40s.
If you see specialists for other needs such as a cardiologist, neurologist, or endocrinologist make that appointment too.
And finally, vaccinations. Check with your provider on recommendations. Do you even remember the last time you had a tetanus shot?
National Blood Donor Month
Have you ever donated blood, plasma, or platelets? The month of January is National Blood Donor Month and is an opportunity to recognize the approximately 3% of the U.S. population that donates blood each year.
January is historically a time of critical blood shortages - because people stop donating during the holidays or due to getting sick from the cold and flu. Weather may also cancel some winter blood drives.
Why is blood donation important?
One in three people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their life
Blood cannot be manufactured, its use is dependent on donations from volunteers
A single blood donation can save up to three lives
25% of the blood supply is used by patients battling cancer
Donating blood is easy and relatively painless - although we’re aware that blood and needles can cause anxiety for some. Stephanie has regularly donated blood since she was a teenager and has also donated plasma because of her rare blood type (only 1% of the U.S. has a blood type of AB Negative - and that plasma can be given to patients of any blood type). She recommends going directly to a Red Cross center if you have one near you for blood, plasma, and platelet donations (note that platelets and plasma donations need to be done at a hospital, clinic, or blood center).
There are many organizations, clinics, and hospitals that can take blood donations. Here are some national resources to examine if you’re ready to make a donation.
Find local blood drives or a Red Cross clinic near you at redcross.org
Find a blood center via America's Blood Centers
Find an AABB-accredited donation site (Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies) to find
Glaucoma - 5 Facts
In our mission to help you educate yourself about health for 2023, we’re starting to include “5 Facts” topics. They are a great way to start learning about a topic. Last week, it was getting to know your thyroid. This week is Glaucoma for Glaucoma Awareness Month.
5 Facts to Know About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases, not a single one. The most common is open-angle glaucoma
According to the Word Health Organization, it is the second leading cause of blindness
Because there may not be symptoms at first, having regular dilated eye exams with field of vision testing is the best way to catch it early
Treatment is important to prevent vision loss. There is no cure for glaucoma making early treatment even more important to prevent vision loss
Family history is real! Studies suggest up to 50% of cases have a family history of glaucoma
Resources
How to know if you are at risk for glaucoma from the Glaucoma Research Foundation
A guide to talking about glaucoma with your doctor from the National Eye Institute
What you need to know about glaucoma tests from The Cleveland Clinic
Medical Term of the Week
Does the word tetanus conjure up a rusty nail in the foot? Just us? Okay.
Tetanus is caused by bacteria that impacts your nervous system. It’s very serious when untreated and can be fatal.
When the bacterium clostridium tetani enter the body through a cut or puncture, you can develop tetanus for up to 21 days. Symptoms include cramping in the jaw and muscle spasms. You can prevent tetanus by keeping your vaccinations up to date.
Menopause belly is not a failure, it’s a reality. Add these strength training exercises (from Bonafide)
Looking for a fun new gadget? There is a new wearable ring for women’s health (from Engadget)
New study looks at why women have more adverse drug reactions than men. (from Australian National University)