Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Women's Health Professional

7 Interesting Ways To Improve A Woman’s Mental Health

April 1, 2018 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

It’s important to realize that due to the different way in which female brains work, some things can affect a woman’s mental health in interesting ways. Below, you will find seven exciting things that can affect a woman’s psychological health, how it affects it, and why.

Eat Your Veggies

Eating your vegetables and fruits every day can do more for you than promote a healthy weight. The University of Sydney released a study demonstrating that consuming 3-4 daily servings of fruits and vegetables can reduce psychological stress, depression, and anxiety in women.

Decorate With Flowers

While fake flowers are quite lovely and possess incredible longevity, freshly cut flowers will provide aromatherapy for you and will also improve your mental health in many ways. A Harvard study showed that placing freshly cut flowers in your home can chase away anxiety, increase your energy levels, and improve your mood and enthusiasm.

A Warm Shower

If you suffer from stress or insomnia, taking a warm shower for 10 minutes before bedtime can help you sleep better. The sound and feel of the shower are relaxing to your senses. Additionally, your warm body entering a cold room causes a drop in your body temperature, telling your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Bake And Cook More

Although considered more of a chore by most people, cooking and baking are quite therapeutic in many ways. Cooking and baking provide a small project with a short time frame that can cause a person’s mind and thinking to focus on just the tasks at hand, help to reduce stress and anxiety. Completing these small, meaningful projects every day can also help you develop a feeling of accomplishment.

Puppy Love Is Real

Many people have already realized that petting or interacting with a dog can make them feel better, but they aren’t sure why. Researchers have determined that engaging with dogs and puppies increases your serotonin levels. This increased serotonin promotes reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.

Blanket Anxiety

Anxiety can keep you awake at night and prevent restful sleep. A study revealed that wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket can help reduce stress and promote a restful sleep since the weight mimics a hug which signals a feeling of safety and comfort.

Always Carry Earplugs

If you’re someone who becomes annoyed by certain noises, it would be beneficial for you to carry around a spare set of earplugs. Use them anytime you encounter an annoying noise. Those with high noise annoyance were found to be twice as likely to develop depression and anxiety, according to a German survey.

3 Restorative Vaginal Health Resolutions for 2018

February 28, 2018 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Now that the new year is underway, have you made the commitment to stick to the vaginal health resolutions you created for yourself?

That may seem like a strange question to ask, but it’s important to keep in mind that demonstrating safe hygienic habits, as far as your vagina is concerned, can have a great impact on your overall health. In a quest to take better care of one’s vagina, many engage in somewhat unsafe or risky habits, which could produce some challenging outcomes. For instance, the practice of bleaching, “vaginal facials,” or even waxing has been called into question, as well as seemingly benign actions that might affect one’s pH levels.

With that in mind, there are a number of actions you might elect to do in order to improve your vaginal health. Of course, prior to proceeding with any practice that may affect your health, you’ll need to consult a healthcare professional. With that in mind, read on to learn some of the resolutions you may consider making in the upcoming year:

Vaginal Fitness: Exercising your pelvic floor is important. You bowl, uterus (womb) vagina, and bladder are secured in place by the pelvic floor. Essentially, the ‘wear and tear’ of aging often causes the pelvic floor to weaken. Many women opt to ‘tone’ their pelvic floor after noticing slackening of the pelvic strength due to childbirth, constipation, obesity, and/or pregnancy. The benefits of squeezing in a work out can be numerous, as it can improve bowel and bladder control, reduce incontinence post-childbirth, and increase sensitivity during sex.

How to do this, you may ask? It’s simple. Standing or sitting, position yourself with your knees slightly apart, and clench your pelvic from as if you’re attempting to stifle the passage of urine. Perform ten contractions slowly, and hold for about ten seconds. Also known as kegels, you can perform them each day or up to four times a day.

Don’t Douch: Many women swear by douching, as it rids the vagina of some unpleasant smells, however, it’s important to know that using perfumed soaps or hygiene products is unnecessary. The vagina is already equipped to self-clean, using natural secrets. Good bacteria resides there, and when it is disturbed, many find that this leads to inflammation, vaginosis, irritation, or thrush. Also, it can impact your pH levels. For this reason, choose unperfumed soaps when sudsing up your vaginal area.

Stay Untrimmed: For most, a full pubic mound is a matter of preference, with many opting to keep that area clear of hair. However, did you know that pubic hair can act as a natural barrier to bacteria and viruses, protecting against pathogenic bacteria and dust, and it helps to manage the moisture in the area? Shaving can boost the risk of venereal disease, and it can inflame the residual hair follicles. It’s still absolutely possible to keep tidy, even without shaving.

A few other things you may want to do in the upcoming year is to be sure that you aren’t embarrassed about flatulence (it happens to everyone with a vagina); regularly check your tampon to avoid TSS; don’t ignore abnormal symptoms; seeking a physician’s assistance with extreme period pain; get screen for cervical cancer; use condoms for protection; and learn to love your vagina and treat it with care.

Each vagina and its parts are unique, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes. No matter what, it’s important to avoid risk and visit your doctor whenever you fear an abnormality.

7 Smart Suggestions For Maintaining A Happy, Healthy Vagina

October 7, 2017 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Every person with a vagina wants to know more about the health, care, and function of their private part.

Whether yeast infections, UTIs, odor, discharge, or irritation may be the topic de jour, it’s important to know that there are takeaways from wise advisors and experts you might consider when you’re going through your day-to-day.

Keep your vagina happy by considering some of the following suggestions:

Gyno Visit: See your gynecologist! Visit with your doctor for your exams, but also check in to discuss fertility, STDs, birth control, discomfort, discharge, or anything else.

Use Condoms: Sex may be more enjoyable without a condom, but the disks of rubber protect against pregnancy and STDs. More than that, condoms help to maintain the vagina’s pH level and can ward off the numerous infections that threaten to take up residence. Of course, using a condom isn’t enough, you have to be sure to change condoms between specific sex acts.

Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt differs from traditional yogurt in that it has a thick texture, and it has fewer carbohydrates and sugar. It also has a great deal of protein. The yogurt’s cultures boost the production of good bacteria and help to stave off yeast infections. Greek yogurts should be consumed when taking antibiotics, which depletes lactobacilli.

Cotton Underwear or Bust: Cotton underwear promotes breathability. Additionally, cotton does a fantastic job of absorbing moisture, more so than any other fabric. In fact, cotton is the ideal fabric to be near your vagina, that if you aren’t going to wear cotton, you may want to consider not wearing any underwear at all.

Exercise: You’ve likely heard of Kegels, but you sure be sure to do them. By doing the exercise, you may strengthen your pelvic floor, gain bladder control, and improve your orgasms.

Lube Up: Lube can improve vaginal dryness, which can be caused by hormonal birth control, antihistamines, antidepressants, and other medications. The use of lube will reduce the threat of abrasions, and will make more enjoyable.

Be Careful With Soap: Some soaps simply aren’t as vagina-friendly as you might expect. Scented soaps, in particular, should be kept away from your vagina. Rinsing with warm water is fine, but if you are going to use, use the unscented, frill-less soap.

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How Colder Weather Can Affect Your Vagina

August 28, 2017 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

The winter is coming. How will it affect your vagina?

Sunshine and warmth during summer months appear to be ideal for the skin and the body, and in many ways it is. Vitamin D is great for your skin, and beach days frequently go hand-in-hand with relaxation.

The glory of summer holds true even when the season can introduce discomfort during sleeping hours, your heart can beat more than normal, and sun exposure can be dangerous. No matter, winter comes every year, and it’s important to know how the cold and climate change can impact your body and vagina:

Your chance of developing a yeast infection dips because you’re less sweaty. Also, putting away swim suits and staying away from pools play a part because pools frequently introduce harmful chemicals to the vagina.
While it’s important to stay warm during cold months, wearing an abundance of clothes, particularly tight clothing can put you at risk of a yeast infection, because your vagina won’t be able to breathe. Wear breathable layers.
Even when it’s cold and dry outside, know that your vagina is self-lubricating. You don’t have to worry about the impact of chill and frigidity.
Because it’s cold outside, sexually active individuals are more likely to have sex. The coziness of the bed encourages more to engage in intercourse. With that in mind, it’s important to utilize protection and urinate after sex to offset of the chance of developing a UTI.
Lack of sun can be detrimental to your vagina. Your entire body, including your vagina, benefits from Vitamin D. The deprivation of Vitamin D can increase the risk of certain infections, including vaginosis. When able, get outside and enjoy some sun.
Influenza and flu season can be harmful to your vagina. But also, cold medicines and antibiotics can be damaging, destroying the vagina’s natural flora. Be sure to consider your doctor’s opinions and eat foods that are healthy and improving your vaginal health.
Be aware that a bubble bath, though lovely, can strip your vagina of its vaginal flora, which protects you from vaginal infections. If you’re going to take a bubble bath, you may want to steer clear of the scented products.

Boost Vaginal Health During the Summer With These 6 Tips

June 29, 2017 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Women often feel uncomfortable talking about their gynecological health, even to their gynecologists. They may be too embarrassed to bring up any questions or concerns they have, even though most women only meet with a gynecologist once a year for their annual exam.

Summer is an especially important time of year to be conscious of your health in general, as it is easy to become overheated or unhygienic on humid days. Don’t overlook your vaginal health this summer when keeping your overall health in mind- in addition to staying hydrated, eating healthy, exercising, and getting a healthy amount of sun, be sure to follow these six tips to boost your vaginal health- and, most importantly, if you still have questions or concerns about your vaginal health, be sure to bring them up with your gynecologist. It’s their job to look out for you gynecological health, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about!

Change pads and tampons frequently

It can be tempting, on a trip to the beach, to go most of the day without changing your tampon. It is especially important, however, to remember to change pads and tampons every few hours when you’re on your period. Not doing so could result in increased bacterial growth and infections and, in very rare and extreme cases, the life-threatening complication known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Wear cotton underwear

You may not put a lot of thought into the fabric of the underwear you buy (color and design are probably more important considerations), but your vagina favors loose cotton underwear that absorbs moisture to allow for open air flow and minimize odors.

Keep it clean, but be careful!

It may sound like contradictory advice, but you want to keep your private area clean while also avoiding heavily scented soaps or body washes. Warm water is all it takes to keep your vagina feeling fresh, but if you feel more comfortable lathering up, go for a mild, unscented soap. Scented soaps and body washes are just fine for other parts of your body, but they are irritating and drying to the sensitive skin around the vulva and can throw off pH balance.

Practice safe sex

You’ve heard this before, and you probably know how important it is to practice safe sex, yet many women will forget everything they learned in sex ed when they’re at the moment. It is important always to use a condom, as they not only protect against pregnancy and STDs, but also keep the vagina’s pH level balanced so that good bacteria can thrive and protect against yeast infections, UTIs, and bacterial vaginosis. Also be sure to change the condom and clean off between different sex acts.

Wear loose, breathable clothing

In the summer, it is especially important to wear loose, breathable fabrics to wick away moisture and sweat. Wearing looser clothing is not only more comfortable on hot, sticky days, but it is essential for your vaginal health to allow for more ventilation and reduce odors.

Exercise

Exercise is important for both your physical and mental health, and it even benefits vaginal health. Don’t forget your pelvic muscles when you’re doing your full-body workout. Strengthening those muscles with Kegel exercises can help you to avoid problems like urinary incontinence and also make your body stronger for sex.

Following these tips are a great start to boosting your vaginal health this summer, but never forget to consult your gynecologist as your most valuable resource.

9 Tips For Pregnant Women Encountering Mental Health Difficulties

May 1, 2017 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Behavioral symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, uniquely impact pregnant women, who experience the complication and the effects of postpartum depression before they even give birth. For this reason, conversations about mental health and pregnancy should be held early and often.

Some women go through their entire pregnancy without experiencing morning sickness, swollen feet, and troubled sleeping. However, many don’t escape pregnancy without experiencing pre-baby anxiety. The stress and the “what ifs” can be overwhelming. Lancet Psychiatry published a report in 2015, which stated that two-thirds of mothers with severe depression experienced mood shifts during their pregnancy ahead of postpartum depression. Maternal depression isn’t the same for all women. Approximately 20 percent of mothers experience depression or anxiety after giving birth. Those findings also linked postpartum depression biological triggers and dramatic dips in hormone levels.

There are nine things every pregnant should know about maternal depression and the importance of focusing on mental health during pregnancy:

Document Your Emotional Responses

Pregnant women should take their feelings seriously, and track them. If you notice that you’re feeling sad more often than not, or you feel extremely worried, relay that information to your therapist, doctor, or midwife.

Depression is Blameless

Perinatal mood disorder can be a challenge, and often pregnant women want to blame themselves or their partners for these emotional obstacles, but it’s no one’s fault. There are a number of factors that contribute to pregnancy-related mood shifts.

You’re Not The Only One

Too many women believe they’re the only ones struggling with mental health symptoms, which are some the most common complications of childbirth. The stigma surrounding maternal depression often means that women are too embarrassed to seek out health. Convinced that they should be overjoyed with the prospect of motherhood, sometimes fail to tell others when that they’re struggling.

Seek Treatment Sooner

Therapy can help to ease stress and manage mood disorders. Choosing to deal with one’s mood disorders sooner will ultimately improve your piece of mind, and it will enhance the bonding between you and your child.

Treatment Will Benefit the Baby

Depression and anxiety never simply affect one person, and this is particularly true depressive episodes are affecting a pregnant person. It’s challenging to be a mother, so seeking treatment means that your child won’t have to deal with the emotion and sadness that might could put both you or your child at risk.

Treatments Work

Frank conversations with your primary care physician and your therapist can alleviate anxiety and perinatal depression. It can also help to create a sense of balance and offer an understanding of what balance may look like for a woman in her new life.

You’ll See Progress

If you’re as serious about your mental health as you are about your impending motherhood, you’ll find that you feel better after just a few session. Of course, everyone is different. Even if it takes a bit longer for your mood to improve, know that progress is on the horizon. Take medication appropriately and stay committed to your sessions.

Support Groups, Also

While some women choose isolation, others find strength in knowing that others are going through the same thing. Support groups are incredible because offer a supportive network of like-minded individuals who also need to know that everything in their lives will be okay.

Find Support Online

The internet is great for things outside of news, online shopping, and cyber stalking exes, it’s also a great resource for individuals seeking out others for support.

Online, you’ll find countless resources for mental health and pregnancy wellness. Some things you’ll want to do are to hydrate, do abdominal exercises, eat a well-balanced diet, educate yourself on mental health, take your vitamins and supplements, and rest appropriately.

Contraception Fails: Plan B One-Step Users Weighing 165+ May Require Plan ‘C’

July 12, 2016 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

When your initial choice of contraception fails, Plan B is expected to be work…however, a ‘plan c’ may need to be devised for women weighing 165 pounds or more.

New research suggests that the most popular emergency contraceptive, which is a morning-after pill that uses the hormone levonorgestrel that prevents ovulation, is less effective for women weighing more than 165 pounds. However, one should bear in mind that the average weight of the American woman is 162 pounds during her 20s. During her 30s, the American woman weighs about 169 pounds.

Likewise, European-made Norlevo, a morning-after pill, loses effectiveness for those weighing 165 pounds. Furthermore, it’s isn’t at all effective for women weigh more than 175 pounds. Despite the fact Norlevo is chemically identical to the U.S.-made Plan B, the Food and Drug Administration has insisted the data was inconclusive, warranting no warning here in the U.S.

Alison Edelman, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Oregon Health and Science University, lead a new study that analyzed the effectiveness of levonorgestrel-based contraceptive among women with a BMI within the normal range, comparing that to the BMI of women considered obese. It was discovered that it would take twice the dosage of Plan B to increase an obese woman’s hormone level of women weighing less than 160 pounds. However, taking two pills for the purposes of emergency contraception isn’t recommended yet, according to Elizabeth Dawes Gay of Women’s Health Magazine. The ovulation-inhibiting hormone could be doubled, but more test would need to be done before learning what how those hormones may affect a woman’s ovaries.

Plan B is emergency contraception that’s generally effective and safe, and it’s a backup plan that helps to prevent pregnancy with 72 hours following birth control failure, preventing 7 out of 8 potential pregnancies. Side effects of the pill are tiredness; a headache; dizziness; breast tenderness; vomiting; lower abdominal pain/cramps; and lighter, heavier, later or early periods. The FDA-approved emergency contraception is accessible over the counter, and should not be considered if you’re already pregnantΩ and shouldn’t be used as birth control.

Medical Screenings & Tests Save the Lives of Women

April 12, 2016 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Women benefit from routine medical screenings, which are necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Women, as well as men, encounter gender-specific testing that acts as a tactical preventative step for ensuring they’re in tune with their personal health. There are a number of important tests and screenings women should submit themselves to, so that they stay abreast of diseases or conditions that threaten their long-term health, such as exams that screen for breast, lung, cervical, skin, colon, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.

Cervical Cancer: Health care professionals ask that women receive pelvic examinations as early as 21-year-old, or earlier if a woman is sexually active. Pap smear testing is instrumental for discovering if cancerous cells are present on and/or around the cervix, which could suggest cervical cancer. The general consensus is that women age 30 and older should receive pap smears every three years if they had no abnormal tests in the past. However, women who have abnormalities should chat with their gynecologist with regards to how frequently they should be tested for cervical testing.

Breast Cancer: Woman and men alike can develop breast cancer, but women face a greater risk of falling victim to cancer that develops from breast tissue. Approximately one-in-eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in her lifetime, according to BreastCancer.org. The sooner a woman learns she has breast cancer, the more likely she is to survive. Breast cancer that’s discovered early on is more likely to be caught, and less likely to spread to the lymph nodes. Industry professionals recommend that women self-examine, but they should also receive mammograms. Women should develop an individualized plan with their doctors regarding a mammogram screening schedule.

Skin Cancer: There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell cancer, squamous cell skin carcinoma, and melanoma, with the most serious being melanoma. These deadly forms of cancer have increased in incidence among young women. Screenings can help to identify melanoma and nonmelanoma cancer early on. Dermatologists and other healthcare professionals should be able to diagnose melanoma.

Osteoporosis: Bone density tests are administered to screen for the weakening of bones, which leads to fragility. This is also known as osteoporosis, a condition that’s frequently discovered after a fracture. Women face the additional risk of osteoporosis, particularly those going through menopause. Estrogen declines during menopause can lead to bone loss. Screening for changes through bone mineral density tests and embracing healthy living habits can help to identify issues early on. Women should begin receiving bone density tests ahead of their 65th birthday.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women get screened for a number of conditions in the interest of disease prevention, including colorectal cancer, cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.

Bright, Fun Ideas for Maintaining a Healthy Weight in the New Year

January 8, 2016 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

The deliciously creamy desserts and savory dishes consumed during the holiday season stay with us well after the moment it touched our lips. Unfortunately, this influx of sugary, fatty, and/or salty items translate to weight gained. The good news? There are a number of fun and simple ways to shed those new pounds, which should encourage you to maintain a healthy weight in the new year and years to come!

Brighten Up Your Diet

Perhaps you’re feeling sluggish and underfed after devouring a salty or sweet snack? It’s not a secret that processed and packaged foods are filled with empty calories and other things you don’t necessarily want in your body. Instead, try leafy greens and other fresh foods. Access to organic food may or may not available depending on your location or your economic situation, but most individuals should live in fair proximity to a market, facilitating the purchase of brussels sprouts, collard greens, kale, grapefruit, pears, sweet potatoes, passion fruit, papaya, grapefruit and dates. There are plenty of delicious choices!

Zumba and Hula Hoops

Zumba is a fun, Latin-inspired aerobic workout that’s gained popularity over the last decade. It incorporates elements of hip hop, soca, reggaeton, flamenco, mambo and so much more. Many swear by it, but others enjoy other activities, such as yoga, hula hoop sessions, skating, frisbee, kickboxing, badminton, swimming and trekking. These exciting activities can be adjusted to different limitations or skill levels, and they burn hundreds of calories.

Buddy Up!

For every individual experiencing difficulty losing weight, there are countless others struggling with the same issue. Why not work together to lose weight. Finding a partner who wants to weight loss as much as you do isn’t just fun, it brings accountability into the equation. Collaborative 2-hour treks through the park and partnered trips to the gym sound much more exciting than going it alone. It’s particularly rewarding when you push one another to go a little farther each time.

Become Julia Child

The American-born French chef didn’t just cook, she loved food. The 6-foot tall aficionado loved the smell of food, the taste of food and preparing quality food.

If you truly fall in love with food and the preparation of food, you’ll come to create food that truly speaks to your palate, not just your unhealthy cravings. Also, preparing food at home will help you avoid the numerous additives added to restaurant food. When preparing food at home, you’ll know the name of each ingredient going into your dish. Also, you know how much salt and seasoning is added to it.

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Know that weight loss isn’t instantaneous, it’s a journey. It’s a gradual process. Improving your diet, exercising and eating healthy items regularly will nourish your body, and it will provide you the energy needed to take on the day.

4 Reasons to Get Your Flu Shot Today

December 11, 2015 by Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Pregnant Women : Protect Yourself, Protect Your Newborn

The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends an annual flu vaccine for anyone 6 months of age or older. This includes pregnant women, if there are no contraindications (however, if you are pregnant, make sure to consult with your physician prior to receiving a flu shot). It’s important to note that pregnant women cannot use the FluMist live nasal flu vaccine and must receive the inactivated influenza vaccine. Even with these standards in place, in addition to the vaccine protecting pregnant women against the flu, there’s an added value of protecting their newborn infants for up to the first six months of life. This is great to keep in mind since infants are too young to receive the vaccine themselves.

Collect Your Paycheck

If someone gave you the choice of getting compensated for your work or staying home, feeling ill and not getting paid or using up vacation days, it’s unlikely that you would choose the latter. Every year, the flu season costs millions of lost work days and billions of dollars. And even though the general public is advised to get the flu vaccine when it first becomes available (generally in mid-August), most people wait until the temperatures drop. Although the vaccine doesn’t always cover every strain of the actual virus, it will undoubtedly provide more protection than not getting vaccinated. And the 2015-2016 vaccine has even been updated with 2 new strains.

Protect Loved Ones and Those at Risk

Every year, thousands of children under five years of age are hospitalized owing to the flu. Young children and those with health problems such as asthma or diabetes are at an even higher risk, because they have a greater chance of developing complications. With this in mind, unless you or your family members are contraindicated for receiving the vaccine, you owe it to others who are at a higher risk, to get vaccinated and prevent the infection of others.

Inexpensive and Accessible

We are lucky in that we now live in a time when the flu vaccine has never been easier to obtain. Waiting in endless lines and making follow up appointments are a thing of the past. Now the flu vaccine is available at many pharmacies and large retailers like; Target, CVS or Walgreens. Throughout the country, the majority of pharmacists are licensed to immunize, which means that they can administer the vaccine with little waiting. Furthermore, most pharmacies and clinics accept insurance for the vaccine which translates to little or no copay for you. And even if you don’t have insurance, find out if your local health clinic or retail pharmacy offers free vaccines. If not, however, the average vaccine costs roughly thirty dollars.

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