Women's Health from Lifespan

Java and Pregnancy: An OK Combo?

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Finding out you are pregnant may prompt you to make some lifestyle changes, particularly in your diet. You may decide to eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer high-fat foods. Another change you may want to consider: cutting back on coffee. A recent study suggests that too much coffee and other sources of caffeine may lower your baby's birth weight, possibly leading to serious health problems.

Binge Drinking: A Woman’s Health Concern

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Many women drink alcohol - whether it's to celebrate a special event or maybe to relax with friends. An occasional drink usually isn't a concern. Moderate amounts of alcohol may even protect against coronary heart disease. More excessive drinking, though - like binge drinking - can lead to serious health problems.

More Women Face Mental Illness

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

You may pay more attention to your physical health than how you feel mentally. Like any physical ailment, though, conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse can tax your body. More than 45 million Americans struggle with a mental health problem, and many of them are women. Knowing more about mental illness, including the warning signs, can help keep your body - and mind - healthy.

Beyond Bone Health: The Power of Vitamin D

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

A simple glass of milk can do a lot for your health. Thanks to the "Got Milk" campaign, many women know that it packs a healthy punch of calcium and vitamin D - two nutrients critical for strong bones. But did you know vitamin D may be beneficial beyond bone health? Ongoing research suggests it may have some truly potent powers.

Respiratory Symptoms Wax and Wane with Period

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

You're likely familiar with the changes your body goes through each menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels rise as your body prepares for ovulation. Then they fall before your period. This flux in hormones can trigger fatigue, breast tenderness, and other symptoms. A new study suggests these hormonal changes may also affect breathing problems like coughing or shortness of breath. The findings may be especially helpful for women with asthma.

Menopause Boosts Belly Fat, Study Says

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

A commonly held belief is that weight gain during menopause is inevitable. New research suggests otherwise. A recent review of available data on this life change found that menopause doesn't cause weight gain. But it may move fat to your middle.

Early Menopause Affects Heart Disease Risk

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

Women who go through menopause before age 46 may double their risk for heart disease and stroke, new research says.

Working Moms Say They Are Healthier

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EST

Working full time seems to boost both mental and physical health for women who are mothers, compared with women who stay at home or work part time.

Mixed Reviews on Alcohol Use by Women

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 EST

Alcohol can be both a benefit and a danger to women, according to two recent studies. The key seems to be in knowing when it's appropriate to drink and how much alcohol is considered safe.

Panel Nixes Supplements for Bone Health

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 EST

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says that older women should not take low doses of calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent fractures. The panel is still weighing what to recommend on higher supplement doses.

Healthy Vaginal Bacteria Unique to Each Woman

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 00:00:00 EST

A healthy vagina depends on the right balance of microorganisms - but new research has found that this balance differs from woman to woman. This may help tailor treatment for vaginal infections.