Healthy Living through All Life Stages
From left to right: Dr. Laura Eastep, Dr. Teresa Knight, Brandi O'Kelley, Deanna Woodroffe WHNP, Angela Misuraco WHNP. by Dr. Laura Eastep Women’s Health Specialists is a unique practice that focuses on empowering women in health and well-being. As female healthcare providers, we personally understand the integral role that nutrition and fitness play throughout all stages of life. From adolescence to childbearing years to menopausal transition, balanced nutrition and regular exercise play a vital role in decreasing stress and inflammation, improving sleep and mood, regulating hormones, maximizing fertility, and maintaining a healthy weight. As obstetric and gynecologic providers, we know that we are often the sole health care professionals that women regularly consult. We strive to integrate support and education with each visit on topics of maintaining optimal health and easing the many transitions of life. Nutrition and fitness play particularly important roles in pregnancy. Maintaining a balanced diet helps promote healthy pregnancy weight gain, may help improve pregnancy-related symptoms such as morning sickness, mood changes and fatigue, and reduces the risk of pregnancy-related complications such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. We work closely with patients to ensure they meet their nutritional requirements and are maintaining a healthy weight throughout. Regular exercise during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the complications of pregnancy and has the added benefit of decreasing stress, improving energy levels, and increasing stamina, which can be
invaluable in the labor and delivery process. We work with patients of all abilities and fitness levels to find an exercise program that is suited for them. Yoga in particular is an excellent choice for many pregnant women, as it increases strength and flexibility, relieves tension and anxiety and can be easily adapted to all fitness levels. Nutrition and fitness are critical in maintaining a normal hormonal balance and in decreasing inflammation — both of which can play key roles in many common gynecologic conditions including endometriosis and infertility. In addition, we are especially cognizant of the physiologic and physical changes that occur during the premenopausal period and menopausal transition. We provide support and advice regarding lifestyle changes which can ease this sometimes difficult transition. Whether routine preventative care services for women, family planning, pregnancy care, gynecologic care or hormone replacement services, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to the women of the St. Louis area. Location: 456 N. New Ballas Rd, Suite 386, Creve Coeur. Call 314292-7080 or visit WHS-STL.com for more information. Our office includes: Dr. Teresa Knight, Dr. Laura Eastep, Angela Misuraco WHNP, Deanna Woodroffe WHNP.
Yoga & Spa Magazine • Fall 2014
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