I think we all know that fasting from food is not a really good idea. But now there are some researchers in Utah who suggest that the occasional 24 hour fast can actually be good for your heart!
It seems that if you fast, it could lead to a better cholesterol reading and lower blood sugar levels. This, of course, can help you combat heart disease. At this time, however, this idea is only an idea. It is not part of a full-fledged study. Indeed, even the researchers acknowledge that not eating can also make one more stressful which, on the other hand, might also damage the heart!
I’ll guess I’ll wait to do my Gandhi thing until we get more info.
Meanwhile, an 11 year study of British workers says that there is a 67% greater risk of heart disease in people who regularly work more than 11 hours a day. Note to Self: chill out.
Well, today is the 38th anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision!
When I think about what life was like over 38 years ago – before abortion was legal in this country – I can’t help to think about this nut ball doctor up in Philadelphia who a few days ago was indicted on several counts of MURDER for basically performing “illegal” abortions. Now, I have not had the time to look closely at the indictment and, frankly, I’ve never heard of this guy but the only thing I thought of when I heard the news was that what he was doing was just how it worked in the old days. We had all these sleazy illegal abortionists with unqualified staff, using unsterilized instruments and offering no counseling. As a result, women throughout the country were being harmed physically and, worse, dying. This guy up in Philadelphia is just an old “abortionist.” Unfortunately, it’s someone like that who makes the headline and that, of course, gives the legitimate doctors a bad rap by association.
In the grand scheme of things, I can see how certain anti-abortion folks are so totally fixated on “saving” that fetus. It’s just their thing and I am not qualified to psychoanalyze their thinking. But while these folks are seemingly mesmerized by the quest to “save babies” do they not see what might happen if abortion were made illegal again in this country? Do they not see what happened up in Philadelphia recently? Do they have absolutely no compassion for the real, live, breathing woman? I mean, they’re not all totally myopic, are they?
I think I know the answer that the pro-lifers will give me, I’ve certainly heard enough of the rhetoric over the years. But, at least at this time, 38 years later, I can breathe a sigh of relief that in 1973 the Supreme Court in 1973 was brave and smart enough to realize what they were doing. They struck a blow for woman’s health and that’s what I choose to celebrate today.
Let’s start with you youngsters. Are you between the ages of 13 and 15? Ah, God bless ya if you are! I remember those days well. I can remember cute little Tommy Kosky who sat in front of me in Algebra class. To this day, I can still smell that cheap cologne that probably cost him $2.00 a gallon. I remember asking him dumb questions just to get him to notice me…uh, I’m sorry, I’m digressing here.
Okay, earth to Pat.
As I was saying, if you are between the ages of 13 and 15, it’s time you picked up the phone and made your first appointment with an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, otherwise known as an Ob-Gyn. Don’t know who to call? Well, ask around, talk to your friends. Don’t rely on the Google-meister.
The important thing is that this first visit will help you establish a relationship with the doctor of your choice and you’ll be able to talk candidly about your medical and sexual history (even if you have not had sexual intercourse.) This is a good time to ask questions about sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptives. In many cases, this can become a life-long relationship.
If you are 21 years or older and have not yet had a pelvic exam or a Pap test, what the frig are you waiting for? Get on your cell phone right now!
Ob-Gyn First Visit
If you have had these tests, then the question is how long has it been since your last Pap smear and pelvic exam? According to the American College of Ob-Gyns, women 21 to 29 should get a Pap smear every year, then every other year (or as often as your doctor recommends) from ages 30 to 64.
Meanwhile you should always see your gynecologist if you experience any bleeding between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse or an unusual or constant vaginal discharge.
If you are over 30 years old, it is not necessary to get an annual Pap smear but you still should get an annual pelvic exam to check for any other changes or infections. If you’ve had an HPV test that was negative that doesn’t mean you don’t need to have a yearly pelvic exam. And remember that with each new sexual partner your risk of getting HPV increases by 15 percent. According to the ACOG guidelines for Pap testing women diagnosed with HIV or other diseases or conditions that lower immunity should continue having annual Pap smears after age 30. Indeed, the greatest single reason for the occurrence of cervical cancer is not having Pap smears according to recommended guidelines.
Get with the program. Don’t be a silly girl. After all, it’s only your life.
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