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

Dr. Lori Gore-Green's Portfolio of Experience as a Women's Health Professional

Boost Vaginal Health During the Summer With These 6 Tips

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Extraordinary-People-Doing-Extraordinary-Things-4-1024x768 (1)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.

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

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Dr. Lori Gore-GreenThe 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.