FDA Safety Warning for Laparoscopic Uterine Morcellation

Just last week, the FDA issued a communication about the possible dangers of Laparoscopic Uterine Power Morcellation for hysterectomy and myomectomy. This process is typically used to perform minimally invasive hysterectomys and to remove uterine fibroids (myomectomy). Morcellation divides the tissue that is being removed into smaller pieces so that they can be easily extracted though a small incision. However, it is estimated that about 1 in 350 women will have an undetected cancerous sarcoma when receiving this treatment, which may cause the cancer to spread to other parts of the lower body. The FDA therefore discourages the use of this treatment for women with fibroids. 

Physicians are advised not to use this type of treatment, especially for women with known or suspected uterine cancer. It is important to discuss in detail, all treatment options with patients who have uterine fibroids. Patients are encouraged to ask questions about the risk and benefits associated with all treatment options. If this is a procedure you have already had done and your removed cells tested negative for cancer, it is recommenced that you have a routine follow-up with your healthcare provider. 

Resources:

Laparoscopic Uterine Power Morcellation in Hysterectomy and Myomectomy: FDA Safety Communication

Information on Uterine Sarcoma

Uterine Fibroids Factsheet

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¿Que es la depresión?

La vida tiene muchos altas y bajas pero cuando las bajas siguen mas de un par de semanas o meses y  le detiene de hacer su vida cotidiana, puede ser que este sufriendo de depresión. Esta condición es una enfermedad que puede afectar todos aspectos de su vida como su salud física, su humor y pensamientos. Es importante que sepa que esta condición es seria y no se trata de solo sentir triste por unas horas. Usted no tiene control sobre estos síntomas.

¿Cuales son los síntomas de depresión?

-          sentir ansiedad, tristeza

-          sentimientos de desesperanza

-          falta de interés en actividades que le gustaba antes

-          falta de energía

-          dificultad para mantener la concentración, memoria, y hacer decisiones

-          cambios en su sueno como dificultades en dormir, o durmiendo mas horas

-          comer muy poco o en mucho cantidad

-          pensamientos de suicidio

-          síntomas físicas que no se recuperan con medicamentos, como por ejemplo dolor de cabeza, dolor de panza, o dolor general

¿Como puede conseguir ayuda?

Si siente algunas de estas síntomas, avise a su medico, psicólogo,  o asistente social.  Pensamientos de suicidio puede lastimar a usted o a los que la aman. Si necesita hablar con alguien llame a 1-800-8255. En algunos momentos, puede ser que sienta que estas emociones son permanente pero estos van a pasar. Escribiendo sus pensamientos también puede ayudar. Es muy importante ver un medico para ver si necesita medicamentos.

¿Como puede ayudar a si mismo?

-          haga ejercicio o alguna actividad física

-          haga actividades que disfrutaba antes de tener estas síntomas, como ir al cine o a ala iglesia

-          establezca metas realísticas para si mismo

-          pase tiempo con la gente que la aman y con los que puede hablar con ellos

-          tenga paciencia con el progreso de su humor, puede ser que esto tome tiempo

-          posponga la decisiones importantes en su vida para después de sentirse mejor

-          tenga confidencia en su mejoramiento y transforme sus pensamientos negativos a unos positivos.

References:

http://toplarevista.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/quc3a9-es-la-depresic3b3n.jpg

http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/depression.html#a

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Alzheimers Aware: Essential For All Women

These days, Alzheimer's disease is familiar to most, but is often not on the radar for health conditions that older adults are concerned with. In reality, it is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S., taking more lives then the more commonly monitored breast and prostate cancers combined.  It is also one of the most costly diseases, costing the US close to 215 billion dollars in healthcare costs.

Data from the 2014 Alzheimer's report shows that in several ways, women are at the center of the disease. In fact women make up almost two thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Women are also the primary caregivers of this disease, with more than 60% being women. All of these caregivers contribute to billions of dollars of unpaid work hours due to care. This also takes away from time, advancement and benefits at the current job of many caregivers. The report goes on tho show that in general, Alzheimer's overall puts a greater strain the female population than males. Over the age of 60, women are twice as likely as men to develop the disease. So while Alzheimer's should be a concern to everyone,  elderly women and their family and friends should especially  know the signs, so Alzheimer's can be detected early if it does develop.

There is still  a lot left to left to learn about this disease, with much research to be done. Find out ways that you can help to get involved by clicking here and join the movement to eliminate Alzheimer's disease.