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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 18, 2010)
August is, 2010 iti»> Iplnttlanb CObserher Pa& e 19 H ealthmätiebs D r . G erald F. J oseph J r . Many women have ovarian cysts— fluid- or tissue-filled growths that form on the ovary. Ovarian cysts are usually non- cancerous and most remain small in size, cause mild symptoms if any at all, or simply go away on their own. However, they can become a problem and require treatment if they grow too large or cause pain. Ovarian cysts can develop in women of all ages, but because most cysts occur as a side effect of ovulation, reproductive-age women are especially suscep tible. Each month, an egg ma tures in a w om an’s ovary within a sac called a follicle. When the mature egg is released from the follicle, ovulation occurs. Func tional cysts develop when the follicle does not open to release the egg or when the follicle seals off after the egg is released. They often go away in six to eight weeks. Some ovarian cysts are not related to ovulation. Dermoid cysts are made from cells that can develop into different types of tissue such as hair, skin, and teeth. E n d o m etrio m as form when the cells that usually line the uterus migrate to the ovaries and continue to bleed with each by m enstrual cycle. C y s ta d e n o m a s develop from the cells on the outside of the ovary and are filled with fluid. Cysts do not cause symptoms in most women, but some women experience a dull or sharp ache during certain activities. Pain may also occur if large cysts cause the ovaries to twist. Addi tionally, if a cyst bleeds or bursts, prompt medical attention may be needed. In rare instances, ovarian cysts may be cancerous. As with noncancerous cysts, the sym ptom s o f ovarian cancer may be vague or nonexistent. Som e w om en w ith o v arian cancer have reported sym p to m s su ch as u n e x p la in e d bloating, pelvic or abdom inal pain, back pain, increased ab dom inal size, difficulty eating, unexplained w eight loss, uri nary incontinence, frequent uri nation, constipation, fatigue, and indigestion. Tell your doc tor if you have been ex p eri encing any o f these sym ptom s on a regular basis. Ovarian cysts are often dis covered during routine pelvic exams. If your doctor observes an e n la rg e d o v ary , fu rth e r tests— such as a vaginal ultra- Flu Pandemic is Over The World Health Organiza tion has declared the swine flu pandemic officially over. WHO Director-General Mar garet Chan said the organization's emergency committee of top flu experts advised her that the pan demic had "largely run its course" and the world is no longer in phase six — the highest influ enza alert level. "I fu lly a g ree w ith the committee's advice," Chan told reporters last week. The virus has now entered the "post-pandemic" phase, mean ing disease activity around the world has returned to levels usu ally seen for seasonal influenza, she said. But Chan cautioned against complacency, saying that even though h o sp italizatio n s and deaths have dropped sharply, countries should still keep a watchful eye for unusual pat terns of infection and mutations that might render existing vac cines and antiviral drugs inef fective. Advertise with diversity in 11K Portland Observer Call 503-288-0033 adsto'portlandob server.com Understand Ovarian Cysts sound, blood test, or laparoscopy which uses a lighted scope to view the inside of the pelvic cavity— may be ordered to con firm the diagnosis. Treatment options for ovarian cysts vary depending on the type and size of cyst, severity of symp toms, family history, age, and other factors. Your doctor may decide to monitor the cyst for changes or increasing size with regular ultrasound exams. Birth control pills stop ovulation which can be helpful in preventing new functional cysts. Surgery to re move a cyst or the entire ovary is also available, though it may not be the best option for women who still want to have children. Your doctor can review your options based on your specific case. Dr. Gerald F. Joseph Jr. is president o f the American Col lege o f Obstetricians and Gy necologists. Do I need a counselor? We all haw life stressors, especially in today's complex world. Ralancing your home, work, an d spiritual life can he overwhelming. Internal coping skills can get us through a crisis or change; however, have the resources to overcome in the most effective nay. may not Deciding i f counseling is right for you can be a tough decision. It may initially fee! like adm itting failure. Actually choosing counseling can be the key to making you and vour family’s dreams a reality. Counseling is like adding tools to your toolbox. We can help you find better wavs to overcome life's problems. Services include! • • • Counseling Center Design and Development Finding Solutions to Life’s Problems Substance Abuse Education • Stress Management • • Grief Counseling Phobias • • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Healing from Past Hurts Hodge Comprehensive Counseling Service Providing cognitive behavioral services from a Biblical perspective with sound psychological principles. • • • • Life Change Specialist Licensed Pastoral Counselor Professional Trainer Over 20years of addressing Life Stressors -b y Appointm ent O n ly- D r. H . L . H odge, Ph. D . Portland Congress Center ’ 001 SW Fifth Ave. Ste 1100 Portland, OR. 97204 (503) 220-1790 hodgchspks@msn.com www.hodgecounsellng.com Public Service Message by the Portland Observer A Monthly Childbirth Preparation Workshop Held at: ICTC - every third Saturday August 21st, September 18th, 2010 October 16th, November 20th, December 18th 2823 N. Rosa Parks Way Portland, OR 97217 503-460-9324 Time: 10:00AM-2:00PM Information Learned: Hour 1 Introduction Healthy Pregnancy Hour 2 Nutrition Prenatal Movement Hour 3 Signs of Labor Labor Management Pain Relief Delivery Hour 4 Breastfeeding Postpartum Newborn Care Closing If you’re able to, please bring two pillows and your support person. Light refreshments are served ALL ARE WELCOME Registration is required For more information call 503-460-9324
