your life HEALTH
R
Though doctors have raised concerns
that fertility drugs could increase the
risk of ovarian cancer, a new study
following more than 50,000 women for
15 years found no connection. Prior
research showed that taking birth
control pills and being pregnant, which
prevent ovulation, decreased the risk of
this cancer. This led doctors to believe
increased ovulation from fertility drugs
might trigger growth of cancer cells.
The current study contradicts this idea,
giving infertile couples fewer worries.
Snooze More, Sneeze Less
Another reason to turn in early: You’ll have a lower risk of
getting sick, according to a new study from Carnegie Mellon
University in Pittsburgh. Researchers exposed men and women
to cold viruses and found that people who typically got less than
seven hours of sleep a night were three times more likely to
develop symptoms than those who banked at least eight hours.
When you don’t sleep well enough or you wake up during the
night, your immune system has a harder time fighting o infections, says study author Sheldon Cohen, Ph.D. Although eight
hours of shut-eye may be impossible for many parents, make it
a priority to get as much rest as you can at night and with naps.
WE’LL DRINK TO THAT!
Sipping four ounces of red
wine daily may significantly
boost levels of heart-healthy
omega- 3 fa tty acids in your
bloodstream,
says a study
in The
American
Journal of
Clinical
Nutritio n.
When Looks Really Matter
Most body bummers are normal but annoying (ahem, stretch marks). Still, other changes can signal underlying health issues,
explains Linda Franks, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. See your doc if you’re worried about any of these problems.
IF YOU HAVE
IT COULD BE
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE YOUR DOCTOR
Soft nails that break
easily or are concave
IRON DEFICIENCY
ANEMIA
When you don’t have enough iron, you get super tired and your body may
start depleting the must-have mineral from your bone marrow. About
20 percent of women and half of all pregnant women are deficient. Luckily,
the fix is easy: Take a daily iron supplement and eat more iron-rich foods.
Raised patches of
itchy, scaly red skin
PSORIASIS
Thinking it’s healing a wound, the body produces new cells much faster than
necessary. No cure exists, but the growing number of treatments include
OTC meds such as salicylic acid, topical steroids, and light therapy.
Coarse, dark hair on
your face or fingers
POLYC YS TIC OVARY
S YNDROME PCOS
About 10 percent of reproductive-age women have this condition, which
causes ovarian cysts and an increase in male hormones. Untreated, PCOS can
lead to infertility. Also look out for missed periods, acne, and weight gain.
A suddenly pale,
pu y face
HYPOTHYROIDISM
About 3 percent of women develop low levels of thyroid hormones during
pregnancy. Left untreated, hypothyroidism increases the risk of premature
delivery, miscarriage, and preeclampsia in pregnant women, as well as
depression and heart disease in those who aren’t expecting.
