Congratulations to DUCOM class of 2014!

Today, after four years of hard work (and many more preceding) Drexel University College of Medicine's class of 2014 got their degrees! WHEP congratulates you and we are happy to call you all doctors! Good luck on the journey ahead and never forget the valuable things you learned as a student at DUCOM!

A Special shout out goes to our pathway students! the students in the class of 2014 are truly special and all have great things in store for them. We are glad to have provided support for the last leg of your race. Go show the world what you are made of!

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This week is National Women's Health Week!

Women's Health Week is May 11th-17th. It is a time to reflect on the advances that have been made in women's health, while focusing on the many areas that still need attention. It can also serve as a reminder for all women to check your health. Are you up to date on all of your primary care visits? Is there a concern that you've been meaning to get checked out? Is there a bad habit that you would like to quit? Don't wait! Now is the time to take charge of your health! If you are worried about the cost of a doctors visit, the ACA has made yearly check up's for women more affordable and on many health plans, completely free.

This week serves as a great reminder to stay healthy, but don't forget, it is important for women and the people around them to be concerned for their health everyday! 

Resources: 

Women's Health.gov - Women's week infographic

My Family Health Portrait - Keep track of your family history and 

share at your yearly doctors visits.

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Celebrating Nurse and Teachers!

This week we celebrate two very important career fields; nursing and teaching . Nurses week is May 6th-12th this year while teachers appreciation week is May 5th- 9th. Take the time to thank and appreciate the nurses and teachers and all they do for us! And if you are a nurse or a teacher, we thank you!

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Whats up WHEP: Transdisciplinary Research Projects

Congratulations to the Transdisciplinary Education within Women's Health elective students, class of 2014 for completing their research projects! We were very impressed by the quality of projects and the depth of discussion. You should all be proud of the work you did. We even had a student bring in some flowers to have Spring inside with us as we learned about important issues in women's health!


Current fourth year students... consider joining this great elective!

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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.