SVM_Women Today_111519

November 2019

Sauk Valley Media

The Road to Health Weight Loss Health screenings every woman should get

Losing weight after menopause

Recharging Nights out help mothers recharge

3 Did you know? - Breastfeeding 4 Losing weight after menopause 5 Did you know? - Insulin 6 Nights out help mothers recharge 7 Natural solutions for going gray with style 8 The symptoms of postpartum depression 9 Some benefits of longer maternity leave 10 Health screenings every woman should get 11 Cellulite treatments: What works and what doesn’t?

All content from Metro Creative Graphics

2

W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9

Did you know?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first six months of their lives.

However, the organizations’ recommendations differ slightly in regard to how long women should continue breastfeeding thereafter. The AAP advises women to continue breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for one year or longer. The WHO echoes those sentiments while recommending that women continue to breastfeed up to two years of age. Though such recommendations aren’t conflicting, they are different, and women curious about how long they

should continue breastfeeding should discuss their concerns with their children’s pediatricians. While some women may not be able to breastfeed for one year, much less two, making a concerted effort to breastfeed infants can have a profound impact on the health of the child. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of developing various conditions, including ear infections, asthma, type 2 diabetes, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, and respiratory infections. In addition, the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is lower among infants who are breastfed than it is for infants who are fed formula.

“I’m being sexually harassed.”

You have rights.

We have services.

24-Hour Hotline: 815.626.7277 or 815.288.1011 This project was supported by Grant #17-VA-GX-0048, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Points of view or opinions contained within this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, or the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

www.ywsauk.org

SM-ST27155-1108

W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9

3

Losing weight after menopause

M

enopause is a time of change in a woman’s life. Much as the start of menstruation is accompanied by great fluctuations in hormones that can cause different symptoms, so, too, is the end of menstruation.

During menopause, many women experience weight gain and have trouble shedding pounds. Researchers are not quite sure why women gain weight during menopause. However, the health and wellness site Healthline advises that both elevated and low levels of estrogen can lead to increased fat storage.

This is compounded by a loss of muscle mass that occurs due to age, hormonal changes and decreased physical activity.

According to JoAnn Pinkerton, MD, executive director of the North American Menopause Society, most women will gain about five pounds during the menopause transition. Women who do not gain weight may notice that fat is being repositioned around their midsections. Other factors also may contribute to this weight gain..

Losing weight during the menopause transition can be challenging, but it is not impossible.

Cut down on calories. Post-menopausal women can cut back on calories because they likely do not need as much as they did when they were younger. Eating may be out of habit, not necessity.

Increase exercise. While mature women may not have the endurance of younger women, they can make up for it by scheduling shorter, more frequent exercise sessions. The general recommendation is 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days per week. But this can be split up into different sessions per day. Incorporate resistance training to help combat muscle mass lost from aging. The more muscle one has, the more calories burned, even at rest.

Cut out sweetened beverages and desserts. Cutting back on sugary items can trigger weight loss. Researcher Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh, noted that participants in a school-sponsored weight-loss study who were able to decrease their consumption of desserts and sugarsweetened beverages tended to have more success losing weight and keeping it off than those who did not.

Talk about medications. Speak with a doctor about medications, some of which can contribute to weight gain.

Many women are prescribed antidepressants in midlife to combat, among other things, symptoms of menopause. Side effects of such medications can include weight gain.

Women gaining weight during menopause can discuss their concerns with their doctors, trainers and dietitians and work toward healthy goals for postmenopausal weight loss.

4

W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9

Did you know?

Women who experience weight gain that appears during midlife may be quick to credit such gain on the cessation of menses, also known as menopause. However, other factors also can contribute to weight gain during this period in a woman’s life. Aging inflicts various changes on the body, and insulin resistance can be one of them. The medical information site Healthline indicates that insulin resistance results in cells that stop responding to insulin like they are supposed to. As a result of this resistance, the pancreas may produce even more insulin to bring blood sugar levels down within range. Excessive levels of insulin are then in the blood. The more insulin present, the more the body may hold on to fats. This can contribute to weight gain and compromise weight loss efforts.

Women also should know that being overweight or obese increases their risk of developing insulin resistance.

Women’s Wellness The Lee County Health Department offers a variety of services to help you be well • Adult Immunizations • Community blood pressure screenings • Family Planning (Reproductive health exams and contraception) • Free Radon test kits • Glucose & cholesterol screenings in partnership with KSB Hospital • Lactation Consultation • Naloxone distribution and syringe exchange • SexuallyTransmitted Infection Screening •TBTesting • WIC (Women, Infants & Children)/Family Case Management • LeadTesting for Pregnant Women

We can bill many insurances.

A couple of programs have eligibility guidelines; most are available to anyone.

Call 284-3371 for more info.

SM-ST27159-1108

W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9

5

Nights out help mothers recharge Caregiving can be alienating. No matter how wellmeaning moms and caregivers may be, they may grow to resent the work involved because the only interactions they may have on a daily basis are care-related.

Women should get out regularly so they can focus on themselves and enjoy their relationships with friends.

C

aring for children requires dedication and patience. Even though infants and toddlers may exact the most attention from mom, each stage of childhood presents new challenges.

Motherhood is a task that demands much from women, and those demands can certainly pack on the pressure.

Couple the pressure of raising children with the growing trend of women serving as primary caregivers to aging parents, and it’s no surprise many women feel as though they need a respite. That’s what makes nights out with friends so essential. Here are just some of the many reasons why caregivers need to make time for socialization.

Regular nights out with friends can make it a bit easier for moms to juggle the responsibilities of being a mom, a caregiver or both.

6

W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9

Have a reason to get dolled up.

When other responsibilities take priority, putting on makeup or wearing nice clothing can take a back seat. Girls’ night out provides a reason to wear fancy clothes, do your hair and don a little mascara. Girlfriends tend to notice these beautifying changes and offer compliments — which can be a nice ego boost.

Girls’ night out is a free therapy session. It won’t take the place of counseling provided by a licensed therapist, but a girls’ night out offers a chance to get things off your chest and seek advice from friends who may be in similar situations.

You can indulge a little and laugh along the way. Loosening up with a glass of wine can help the conversation flow. Nights out with friends also will probably lead to a few laughs, which can certainly be helpful when life seems a tad overwhelming.

Natural solutions for going gray with style

G

ray hair is a natural side effect of aging. The rate at which hair will turn to gray differs based on genetics and other factors. Some people may go gray seemingly overnight, while others may gray at the temples first before the rest of their hair gradually changes color.

Aging women often wonder if they should cover up their gray hair or embrace the silver. Going gray is no longer something that has women running to their stylists at the sight of the first gray strand.

Some actually opt for silver even before their own gray sets in. According to a 2017 survey of hair trends by L’OrÊal Professional, 28 percent of women embraced or considered opting for silver hair. The trend has continued to gain steam. Celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis and Helen Mirren were some of the first to embrace their grays. Younger celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Pink and Lady Gaga have opted for silver tresses to make a statement.

But there are still many women who prefer to transition gradually or avoid the harsh chemicals in some hair products. The National Cancer Institute states that more than 5,000 different chemicals are used in hair dye products, some of which are reported to be carcinogenic in animals. There are many natural ingredients that can add tint to hair to make gray less visible. Coffee, for example, can cover grays and add dimension to dark tresses. Chamomile tea is recommended for blonds to add natural highlights and perhaps camouflage their grays. Calendula, marigold, rosehips, and hibiscus can deepen red shades or add some subtle red highlights. Creating highlights to offset gray hair can work as well. Spraying lemon juice on hair and sitting in the sun can produce lightening effects.

28%

of women embraced or considered opting for silver hair.

Picture life without the pain Serving all your home decor needs

We can help!

Call 815-380-2180 Now! with Dr. Sid Kirkland, D.C.

725 N BRINTON AVE., DIXON

(815)986-8058

120 S MAPLE ST. SYCAMORE

(815) 991-5761

THURSDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-5PM SATURDAY 9AM-2PM SM-ST27717-1108

WWW.RUSTICROOTSIL.COM

SM-ST28550-1115

W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9

7

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

A host of symptoms may indicate a woman is experiencing postpartum depression. Each woman is different, so symptoms that affect one new mother might not affect another. But the NIMH notes that these are some of the more common symptoms of postpartum depression:

The symptoms of postpartum depression

N

ew mothers experience a range of emotions after giving birth. The joy of holding one’s child might dominate those feelings, but many new mothers also experience less joyful emotions that can affect their ability to care for themselves and their babies.

Many women have heard of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. But it’s important that expecting and new mothers learn to distinguish postpartum depression from the “baby blues.”

“Baby blues” or postpartum depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the term “baby blues” describes feelings of worry, unhappiness and fatigue that many women experience after giving birth. These feelings, which affect up to 80 percent of new mothers, are natural due to the requirements of caring for a baby and the exhaustion that typically results from providing such care. But feelings associated with the baby blues are somewhat mild and typically go away on their own within one or two weeks of their appearance.

Postpartum depression differs from the baby blues. Unlike the relatively mild symptoms of the baby blues, those associated with postpartum depression can be extreme. The NIMH says postpartum depression occurs in nearly 15 percent of births, while other sources suggest it may affect as many as 20 percent of new mothers.

f u n

TINA RAJNOWSKI 815-625-1351

W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9

255368

2608 WOODLAWN RD a025795@allstate.com

8

These are just some of the potential symptoms of postpartum depression. A more complete list is available at www.nimh.nih.gov.

Only healthcare professionals can diagnose postpartum depression. New parents should consult their healthcare provider if they suspect new moms’ symptoms are indicative of postpartum depression.

KIDS BOUNCING

Show your love with life insurance.

Life insurance offered through Allstate Life Insurance Compnay and Allstate Assurance Co, 3075 Sanders road, Northbrook, IL 60062, and American Heritage Life Insurance Co. 1776 American Heritage Life Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224. In New York, life insurance offered through Allstate Life Insurance Co. of New York, Hauppauge, NY. © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.

• Certain feelings, such as sadness, hopelessness and emptiness or a sense of being overwhelmed • Crying more often than usual or for no apparent reason • Feeling worried or overly anxious • Moodiness, irritability or restlessness • Sleeping too much or being unable to sleep even when baby is asleep • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions • Feelings of anger or rage • Loss of interest in activities that are usually enjoyable • Trouble bonding or forming an emotional attachment with her baby • Persistent doubts about her ability to care for her baby • Thinking about harming herself or her baby

j ump

OFF THE WALLS?

Privat Part Private Party - Rent the build building!

Invite large group family & friends Party Package - We Do the work!

Pizza & beverage plus table supplies DIY Party Party Room with group rate.

Walk-In Party - Just Come!

Group rate admission for 5 or more

Kids Party @ Fun Jump

Follow us to check out our SPECIALS!!

Party Strategy #1 : Keep your house clean by partying at Fun Jump!

Indoor Inflatable Playground For kids ages 2-12 • On site snacks 505 West Lynn Blvd. • Sterling (Located behind Kroger) • www.funjump.us • (815) 632-3630

Some benefits of longer maternity leave

T

oday’s working mothers face an incredibly difficult decision after giving birth. How soon to return to work after having a child is a decision new mothers grapple with every day. While a host of factors must be considered before women can make their decision, research shows that longer maternity leave benefits mother and child in a variety of ways.

Paid maternity leave is not guaranteed in the United States, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development notes that the United States is the only country in the developed world that does not mandate paid leave for new mothers. In Canada, paid leave is available for one or both parents through a government-sponsored insurance plan, though that leave is governed by certain restrictions.

The financial component merits strong consideration for mothers trying to figure how long their maternity leave should be. But new mothers know that there are other factors to consider as well. The following are some benefits to lengthier maternity leaves that mothers may not know about.

• Maternity leave, partial breastfeeding and its effects on SIDS risk: Researchers at the University of Auckland recently determined that even partial breastfeeding in the first two to four months of a child’s life reduces the child’s risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, by roughly 40 percent. Many working mothers experience difficulty breastfeeding their children after they’ve returned to work. Trouble pumping at the office and the resulting effects on breastmilk supply can contribute to this. Mothers who take longer maternity leaves can breastfeed on demand, while others may find it easier to pump at home while their child is sleeping than they would in an office setting.

• Maternity leave and children’s health: A recent study from researchers at the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research in Australia found that children can reap the benefits of their parents’ paid parental leave for at least seven years. The study, released in 2015, found that children whose parents were able to care for them with the support of paid leave during infancy had a reduced risk of developing asthma and hearing and vision problems.

• Maternity leave and postpartum depression: A 2013 study published in the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law found that women who return to work sooner than six months after giving birth had an increased risk of postpartum depressive symptoms.

Maternity leave can benefit mother and child for years to come, especially when mothers are capable of taking several months of leave after their children are born.

Furniture Mart 20% Off all new Furniture, Mattress and Foundation sets and Lamps.

Gift Certificates available

2400 West 4th Street Dixon, IL 815-288-2488 | Mon. thru Fri. 10-4 & Sat 10-3

Dr. David Yeager Podiatrist

Dr. Priyanka Gauravi Endocrinologist

815-772-4003 303 N Jackson St, Morrison, IL

SM-ST28548-1115

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, check, and, of course, cash.

We also offer a 60 and a 90 day layaway!

Dr. Mathew Mathew Urologist

www.morrisonhospital.com W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9

9

HEALTH SCREENINGS every woman should get

R

outine wellness exams are essential for women who want to maintain and/or improve their health.

Women may not be familiar with all of the screening options that can keep them on the right track.

Preventative health screenings can shed light on risks for certain diseases and provide insight into patient behaviors that may be harmful. Screenings also may help save a life.

Healthy diets and daily exercise are hallmarks of healthy people, but routine wellness exams are just as important. The following are some screenings women should include in their health and wellness routines.

Blood pressure Doctors will typically test blood pressure at every visit.

Women whose blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg can go every two years between blood pressure readings up until age 20, advises The American Heart Association.

Adults 40 or older, or those with conditions that put them at risk for hypertension, should go annually or as advised by a doctor.

Cervical cytology The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends routine pelvic examinations with cervical testing that includes Pap testing and HPV testing. Consult with an OBGYN for testing frequency, which depends on age.

Cholesterol Cholesterol levels alone are not indicative of one’s overall health. However, a complete cholesterol test can determine a person’s risk for heart disease. If levels are consistently normal, this test may only need to be performed every five years, advises the National Institutes of Health.

Mammogram Mammograms screen for breast cancer. Given the risk of false positives, debate continues as to how frequently women need these screenings. The most recent guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says mammograms are recommended starting at age 50, and should occur every two years. The American Cancer Society advises starting at age 45 and having a mammogram annually through age 55.

Healthy diets and daily exercise are hallmarks of healthy people, but routine wellness exams are just as important.

10

W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9

Blood-glucose test The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases says women should be screened regularly for prediabetes or diabetes beginning around age 45.

Women can speak with their physicians to determine how often they should receive these screenings.

Osteoporosis screenings Bone density can be measured starting at age 65 or earlier if a woman has a high fracture risk, states Regis College.

Skin examination The American Academy of Dermatology suggests speaking with a dermatologist about skin exams. Selfexaminations should be routine, but dermatologists may recommend more formal tests to women who meet certain criteria.

Women should speak to their doctors about personalized screenings based on family history and other risk factors.

Cellulite affects most women.

Treatment options can be effective, but usually need to be repeated.

Cellulite treatments:

What works and what doesn’t?

A

s long as women have been conscious of the presence of cellulite on their bodies, the search has been on to find effective treatments. People have gone to great lengths to eradicate cellulite. Gaining a greater understanding of what causes it and the treatments available can help women effectively address cellulite.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, cellulite affects up to 85 percent of adult women compared to only 10 percent of men. Many people think that cellulite is simply fat, but it is much more complex. Cellulite is caused by the fibrous tethers, known as septae, that run through fat and pull on the fascia that lies underneath the dermal layer of skin.

Women’s connective tissue isn’t as tightly formed as men’s, so their fat can push through more easily, creating the ridges and “cottage cheese” effect synonymous with cellulite.

The Mayo Clinic says that no single treatment for cellulite is entirely effective. Most treatments, at best, can only temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite. Doctors use a variety of techniques to help reduce cellulite — with results that can last a year or longer, states the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Laser treatments: The ABCS says this treatment uses a tiny laser probe inserted just beneath the skin through a small

incision. The laser heats tissues beneath the skin’s surface to release some septae, reduce thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer and stimulate the production of collagen. The procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia and down time is one to two days.

Subcision: This procedure involves a dermatologist or plastic surgeon inserting a needle just under the skin to break up the tough septae, states the American Academy of Dermatology Association. The results may last two years or longer.

Acoustic wave therapy: This features radio frequencies that can reduce the appearance of cellulite over the course of several treatment sessions. Some radio frequency treatments are paired with infrared light or electromagnetic fields, says ASPS. These energy-based treatments are delivered through the skin and are noninvasive.

Topical treatments: Topical therapies use rollers or vacuums to “knead” the skin and subcutaneous fat, helping to break down the tethers.

Creams and lotions may only boost up collagen to mask cellulite underneath. As a result, they’re not typically effective at reducing cellulite.

Women are urged to speak to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon about their options in regard to treating cellulite.

F l a v o r s

25 E. Main St. • Amboy, IL • 815-857-3691

SM-ST27157-1108

We bring life to products.TM 2900 N. LOCUST STREET, STERLING, IL 61081 800-735-9245 WWW.WAHLUSA.COM SM-ST28547-1108

W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9

11

YEAR-ROUND SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS

WITH NO OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS! (REGARDLESS OF INSURANCE COVERAGE OR ABILITY TO PAY)

PLEASE CALL (815) 625-3610 FOR MORE INFO

WOMEN’S

IMAGING CENTER

1 0 0 E . Le F e v r e Ro a d , St e r l i n g , I L 6 1 0 8 1 ( 8 1 5 ) 6 2 5 - 3 6 1 0 • w w w. c g h m c . c o m 12

W o m e n

T o d a y

2 0 1 9