Women’s Health and Cervical Cancer
When it comes to women’s health, cervical cancer awareness and prevention deserve our full attention. With approximately 660,000 new cases worldwide in 2022, making it the fourth most common cancer affecting women globally, understanding and protecting ourselves and our loved ones from this disease is crucial.
First, the good news: cervical cancer is both preventable and highly treatable when caught early. Unlike many other cancers, there are powerful tools at our disposal to prevent and detect it early. The key to using them effectively is knowing what steps to take and when to take them.
Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that most sexually active people will encounter at some point in their lives. The good news is that we have safe and effective ways to prevent it. The HPV vaccine provides strong protection against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer. While it’s typically recommended between ages 9 and 14, the vaccine is available for people through age 26 and, in some cases, up to age 45.
Regular screening is another powerful tool to take advantage of. Regular cervical screening helps catch any concerning changes before they become serious. The screening process has become more sophisticated over the years, with options including both traditional Pap tests and HPV testing. Your healthcare provider can help determine which screening schedule is right for you based on your age and health history.
Many women ask about symptoms they should watch for. While regular screening is essential even without symptoms, it’s important to pay attention to your body.
Unusual bleeding, particularly after intercourse or between periods, changes in vaginal discharge, persistent pelvic pain and unexplained fatigue or weight loss are all signs that warrant a conversation with your healthcare provider. Remember, these symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, but they’re worth checking out.
We understand that talking about cervical health isn’t always comfortable. However, open discussions about women’s health are vital for our well-being. The more we share accurate information and support each other in seeking preventive care, the better equipped we are to protect our health.
Taking Action: Your Health Checklist
- Schedule your next screening appointment.
- Discuss HPV vaccination with your healthcare provider if eligible — if you have sons or young men in your life, remember they should also receive the HPV vaccine, ideally between ages 11-12. In fact, all males and females ages 9-26 should get the HPV vaccine.
- Mark your calendar for future screenings.
- Know your family health history.
- Keep track of any unusual symptoms.
- Share this information with other women in your life.
The Path Forward
The global health community has set ambitious but achievable goals for cervical cancer elimination:
- 90% of eligible girls vaccinated against HPV by 2030.
- 70% of women screened with high-quality tests by ages 35 and 45.
- 90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment.
Remember, above all, health matters. Every step you take towa rd prevention and early detection is an investment in your future. Whether you’re due for a screening, considering vaccination or simply want to learn more, now is the perfect time to take action.
For more information, check out the CDC’s Cervical Cancer Resources. It provides a wealth of resources, including videos, podcasts, graphics, fact sheets and posters about cervical cancer.
“Regular cervical screening helps catch any concerning changes before they become serious. The screening process has become more sophisticated over the years, with options including both traditional Pap tests and HPV testing.”
Wise & Well Webinar
Embrace the Power of "Flow State" for a Thriving Year
Tuesday, January 14 | 12:00pm EST
Unlock your potential and achieve peak performance by embracing the power of the flow state. Join us for an insightful webinar where we'll explore how to harness this optimal state of consciousness to enhance productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. If you're a professional seeking to boost your career and improve your daily life, this webinar will provide you with practical strategies and tools to thrive in the year ahead.
We look forward to sharing:
- An evidence based approach to flow state
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Monthly Moves
The 9-Minute Warm-Up that's Better than Stretching
In The New York Times last summer, Cindy Kuzma published an excellent article about the virtues of warming up before physical activity. She suggests that instead of a traditional stretching routine, you can prepare for exercise with just a few minutes of dynamic warm-up. This pre-workout approach focuses on movements that increase blood flow, take your joints through their full range of motion and reflect current best practices in exercise science. The original article can be referenced here: nytimes.com
To perform this exercise:
Thoracic Spine Rotations Lie on your left side with your knees and hips both bent 90 degrees and your arms straight in front of you, palms touching. Reach your right arm straight up and over to the floor on your right side, rotating your trunk rather than your hips. Return to starting position, then repeat on the other side. The goal: 15 seconds per side
Hip Cradles Stand with your feet hip-width apart, then take a step forward with your left leg. Lift your right knee and rotate your leg so your shin is parallel to the floor, grabbing your right ankle with your left hand near your hip.
Keep your right hand on your right knee, gently “cradling” and pulling the leg up toward your chest. Release, step forward with the right leg and repeat on the other side. The goal: 30 seconds, alternating sides
Straight Leg Marches From a standing position, kick your right foot straight up in front of you to about waist height, stretching your hamstring. Bring it back down, then repeat with the left leg, moving forward. Try to keep your knee straight. If you can’t touch your toe, lift the leg to the point where you feel it stretch. The goal: 30 seconds, alternating sides
Forward Lunges Begin standing, with your feet together. Lift your right foot off the floor and take a large step forward. Bend your right knee and lower your hips until your right thigh is parallel to the floor — or until the position becomes uncomfortable, whichever comes first.
Aim to keep your back straight, your upper body still and your back foot planted. Return to the starting position and repeat with the left leg. Be sure your front knee doesn’t pass your foot. The goal: 30 seconds, alternating sides
Lateral Lunges From standing, take one big step to the right, keeping your toes facing forward and your heels pressing into the floor. Bend your hips and your right knee as you shift your weight onto your right foot. Continue until your left leg is nearly fully extended and your right knee hovers over the second toe of your right foot. Return to standing and repeat on the left side. The goal: 30 seconds
Side Shuffle with Overhead Reach Keep your toes pointed forward, your torso tall and your weight in the balls of your feet, shuffle to one side, then the other. As you do this, raise your arms overhead and lower them as if you were doing a jumping jack. The goal: 30 seconds
Source: nytimes.com
Monthly Recipe
Beef Stew
The post-holiday slump of January, with its short days and bitter cold, can bring on a severe case of the winter blues. Fortunately, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, homemade meal to lift your spirits.
A pot of beef stew simmering on the stove doesn’t just fill your home with mouthwatering aromas — it promises the kind of deep, soulful comfort that only slow-cooked goodness can deliver. As temperatures drop and the evening comes early, this classic dish offers more than just sustenance; it’s like a warm embrace in a bowl, turning any gray winter day into a cozy retreat.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary, divided
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cups cubed peeled potatoes
- 3 cups coarsely chopped onions (about 2 large)
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- Additional fresh rosemary, optional
Directions
- In a small bowl, toss beef and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, combine 4 tablespoons flour and paprika. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and toss to coat.
- In a Dutch oven, brown beef in oil over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste, herbes de Provence and garlic; cook until fragrant and color starts to darken slightly. Add wine; cook until mixture just comes to a boil. Simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in broth, 1 teaspoon of rosemary and the bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until meat is almost tender, about 1-1/2 hours.
- Add potatoes, onions and carrots. Cover; simmer until meat and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes longer.
- Discard bay leaves. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 2 tablespoon flour. Add cold water and vinegar; stir until smooth. Stir into stew. Bring to a boil; add peas. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 2 minutes. If desired, top with additional fresh rosemary.
Source: tasteofhome.com
