Photo Credit Getty Images When girls come in for their physical exams, one of the questions I routinely ask is “Do you get your period?” I try to ask before I expect the answer to be yes, so that if a girl doesn’t seem to know about the changes of puberty that lie ahead, I… Read More »
An influential government task force has drafted a recommendation that would for the first time urge doctors to offer a daily prophylactic pill to patients who are at risk for contracting H.I.V. The recommendation would include all men and women whose sexual behavior, sex partners or drug use place them at high risk of contracting… Read More »
Cancer is a deadly condition that’s caused by cells growing and reproducing uncontrollably. These cancerous cells can destroy the surrounding tissue, which includes healthy cells and organs. Eating an unhealthy diet, smoking, and not doing enough regular exercise are all risk factors for cancer. You could be at risk of the disease if you find… Read More »
Because folate deficiency in pregnant women has been associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects, including anencephaly and spina bifida, it is recommended that all women take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required (since 1996) the addition of folic acid to many… Read More »
Engaging in regular exercise is good for you for many reasons, and one of them is to lower your risk of getting breast cancer. Many studies conducted over the past 20 years have shown consistently that an increase in physical activity is linked to a lower breast cancer risk. How exercising lowers breast cancer risk… Read More »