Little talked about. Commonly experienced.
We seem to be hearing of a few court cases in Texas with far-reaching health implications. The latest is one last week in which a federal judge ruled that some preventative screenings covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), don’t have to be covered.
Screening or prevention or early detection for certain kinds of cancer, mental health, and other illnesses is something we want. Isn’t it?
Not only is it in the best interest of everyone’s health. It actually makes economic sense. Early detection or prevention saves lives and saves money. Who wouldn’t want that? Apparently this judge.
The case centers around recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a group of volunteer experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine. The case questions whether or not this body’s recommendations should result in coverage requirements.
The good news is if there are changes in coverage, that should take place over time. Even better news, some insurance companies have stated they won’t make changes (for them it’s good business).
This is far from over, we expect this case to continue.
- Maggie Ruvoldt & Stephanie Majercik
The Tasting Menu
An Overview of Pregnancy Loss
Menopause and Type 2 Diabetes
Do Exercising and Being Sick Mix Well?
An Overview of Pregnancy Loss
One of the least talked about but most common experiences is pregnancy loss. It is both deeply personal and universal. We hope that, as with many topics we cover, sharing information and dispelling myths, fewer people will feel alone and we’ll open up conversation.
We’re starting first with understanding and sharing the basic facts. These don’t touch on the emotional, mental or relationship impact of pregnancy loss. We plan to discuss those and provide resources in upcoming editions.
This has been a difficult article to write – as pregnancy loss is arguably one of the most difficult things people with a uterus could experience throughout their lifetimes. Ten to 20% of known pregnancies will end in miscarriage. We cannot begin to understand what it feels like to lose a pregnancy, but as a topic we haven’t really touched on yet, we feel it's important to share the basics.
Definitions
There are a few different words/phrases related to pregnancy loss. Miscarriage is the most common and well known and refers to any loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. Any miscarriage that occurs before 13 weeks (this is when most occur), is usually referred to as an early pregnancy loss. The loss of a pregnancy after 24 weeks is a stillbirth.
Other pregnancy terms that relate to pregnancy loss, include:
Ectopic pregnancy - fetus develops outside of the uterus
Embryonic pregnancy - fertilized egg doesn’t develop into an embryo
Molar pregnancy - placenta and fetal tissues do not develop normally
What are the causes?
A miscarriage is never the fault or result of the actions of the mother. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus is not developing as necessary or due to missing or extra chromosomes.
If you notice vaginal spotting or bleeding, pain in your lower back or abdomen, or fluid or tissue passing from the vagina, you should see your doctor. Know that vaginal spotting and bleeding in the first trimester does not necessarily indicate a miscarriage.
If you need support after a miscarriage or are looking for resources to support a friend, here are some organizations and resources to help you get or provide the support necessary:
Menopause and Type 2 Diabetes
Yes, that’s right, another way hormonal changes in mid-life affect our bodies in unexpected ways. Were you aware that the lowering of estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause is connected with how we metabolize sugar? Well, it does.
Other changes in perimenopause and menopause are connected to developing Type 2 diabetes as well. Menopause symptoms can impact how our bodies manage blood sugar. For example, sleep disruption can increase insulin resistance, leading to type 2 diabetes over time. Weight gain, particularly in belly fat, is associated with menopause and puts you at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
Ok, that’s the bad news. The good news is there are steps you can take.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks and blood tests at your annual visit. The A1C tests your average blood sugar over several months and screens for prediabetes and diabetes. (more on this in this week’s Medical Term)
Add weight-bearing exercises to your routine, which have added benefits for your bone health.
Dietary changes including following the Mediterranean-style diet have been shown to have a positive effect on both insulin levels and some menopausal symptoms.
Do Exercising and Being Sick Mix Well?
Whether you are of the school of thought that powering through a workout when sick is the right move or the one where taking a break with any signs of illness is the way to go, you’re right - and you’re wrong. Don’t you just love when the answer is “it depends”?
Here are some tips on deciding whether or not to exercise when you’re sick:
Most medical professionals will say if your symptoms are “above the neck”, you are good to go. In other words, a sore throat or stuffy nose is a green light to exercise. A bad cough, especially if your chest is congested, means put away those workout clothes. Unless of course you’re wearing them to lounge on the couch
If you do exercise, don’t go too hard at it. Mild to moderate exercise is fine.
Solo workouts are best. If you are contagious, best not to join a group workout, particularly indoors
Shorten the workout
As you recover, listen to your body. Going back too soon can increase the chances you’ll rebound back to being sick
Medical Term of the Week
If your doctor has asked you to do a fasting blood test or fasting glucose, they give you the results of your A1C. Or perhaps you’ve seen commercials for diabetes medication extolling reduction or management of A1C.
So what is it?
A1C stands for glycated hemoglobin. It’s a percentage of sugar that is attached to your hemoglobin. When we eat, our body converts some of that into blood sugar for energy. It’s not only from sugary foods. Carbs turn into sugar in our bodies.
What is great about A1C is it looks back over a 2- to 3-month period. So short-term dietary changes like changing your diet for a week before the test, won’t have a big impact on the results (sorry if you were trying to cheat).
Want to learn more? Check out the CDC’s information on it.
If you want to understand your results or the ranges for normal, prediabetes, and diabetes, the Cleveland Clinic has a great piece with an easy-to-understand chart.
The Latest
Allies are important! Ready about ways companies are supporting employees during midlife (from Womaness)
Playground, a sexual wellness brand announced Christina Aguilera has been named Co-Founder and Chief Brand Advisor (from Femtech Insider)
A friend shared recently that she changed healthcare providers when the provider suggested it didn’t matter what form of the pill she took. She’s not alone in being dismissed when raising questions about birth control. (from Femtech World)