“If our goal is to be tolerant of people who are different than we are, then we really are aiming quite low. Traffic jams are to be tolerated. People are to be celebrated.” -Glennon Doyle Pride Month 2021: Exploring LGBTQ+ Health Disparities Pride Month is celebrated in June, a nod to the June 1969 Stonewall…
The recent COVID19 pandemic has us all thinking about vaccination as an essential part of how we protect ourselves and the people around us from disease. Despite some worries about adverse effects, vaccines are used around the world to combat a variety of diseases and infections which saves countless lives. Vaccine access varies considerably: where…
Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? And are you looking for information and resources about breast health? In this post, we keep you up-to-date and educated about breast health, including breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. You need javascript enabled to view this content or go to source URL. You need…
There are moments in scientific discovery that are undeniably important in modern medicine and research. Take Andrew Fleming, for example, who mistakenly discovered Penicillin in 1928. Dr. Fleming returned from a two week vacation to find mold contaminating one of his bacterial culture plates. But he also noticed that this mold prevented the growth of…
Physical Therapist and guest blogger Jennifer Chu from ITR Physical Therapy weighs in: Have you heard of Kegel exercises? Gynecologists recommend them. Maybe you saw an evocative article in a women’s magazine. Have you ever discussed Kegel exercises among friends over a glass of wine? Maybe you’ve heard of these exercises, but what are they…
Should I Be Tested for Genetic Mutations Linked to Cancer? A Real-Life Example of Someone Who Said Yes – Kathleen Flynn O’Neill, NP This is the story of Megan. Megan has a family history of breast cancer. Her grandmother was diagnosed at a young age and passed away at 41 years old. In 2017, we…
What are uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids – also known as leiomyomas or myomas – are benign (not cancer) growths that develop from the muscle part of the uterus. The size, shape, and location of fibroids can vary greatly. They may be inside the uterus, on its outer surface or within its wall, or attached to…
In 2014, the FDA initially approved Gardasil 9 for use in females and males ages 9 through 26. In October 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the approved use of the Gardasil 9 vaccine to now include women and men 27 through 45 years of age. Gardasil 9 prevents certain cancers and…
One in eight women will develop an invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection through self exams and mammograms is key, and there are many places in Washington, D.C. to get a mammogram. These are useful for preventive screenings, as well as evaluating any lumps or abnormalities detected during a self-breast exam. When Should…
The IUD – or intrauterine device – is a popular form of birth control that’s long-lasting and highly effective against unplanned pregnancy. It’s a small T-shaped device with strings that is easily placed and removed by your doctor. There are two types: copper and progesterone. IUDs are popular for their ease of use. With a…
Human papillomavirus, or HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). About 79 million Americans have HPV and 14 million people become infected with it each year. For many people, the virus goes away on its own without much incident. There’s also a vaccine available to protect people. The bad news is that, if undetected…
A study published in the journal Cancer was recently reviewed by CNN. It discusses the risk of dying from cervical cancer. The authors suggest that the risk of death from cancer should be calculated in a way that adjusts for women who have had a hysterectomy. They believe that this method of calculation is more accurate…