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When doctors told Judi Bar she would need spinal fusion surgery or likely end up in a wheelchair, she made a bold request: "Give me one year to help myself." That decision not only saved her from surgery but launched her on a transformative journey to become a pioneering yoga therapist who has helped countless people with chronic pain.

In this deeply personal conversation, Judi shares how she developed "heart-centered yoga" after discovering traditional yoga classes weren't accessible for someone with her condition. Her approach breaks down yoga postures into accessible components that work for everybody—whether you're dealing with joint pain, mobility issues, or have never tried yoga before.

"Yoga should never hurt," Judi emphasizes, challenging the common misconception that yoga is only for the young and flexible. As she explains, the powerful combination of mindful movement, breathing techniques, and meditation can help calm the nervous system, reducing stress hormones that often exacerbate chronic pain conditions.

Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, sleep difficulties, stress management, or simply want to improve your overall well-being, this episode offers practical guidance on how to find the right yoga class for your needs and simple techniques you can try immediately at home. Discover how this accessible practice might become your path to better health, increased body awareness, and a more mindful approach to life.

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AbstractObjectiveTo assess the risk of breast cancer recurrence, breast cancer-specific mortality, and overall mortality for breast cancer survivors receiving vaginal estrogen therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.Data sourcesFrom the inception of each database to April 6th, 2024, a systematic literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, NCBI, and Science Direct. A secondary search was conducted on September 26th, 2024 utilizing Google Scholar, PubMed,…

Key takeaways:The FDA convened an expert panel to discuss the safety and efficacy of menopausal HT.Some panel members stated the boxed warning for HT should be changed to better reflect published evidence.Members of an FDA expert panel discussed reassessing boxed warnings for menopausal HT and how to better educate patients and health care professionals.Concerns about menopausal HT stem back to the publication of findings from the Women’s Health Initiative in JAMA in 2002. As Healio previously…

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Domestic violence cuts across all layers of society, affecting people of every age, background, and socioeconomic status. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Holly Thacker welcomes attorneys Ashleigh Holmes and Alexandria Ruden to break down the critical facts about intimate partner violence that everyone should know.

The statistics are sobering: a woman is assaulted by an intimate partner every nine seconds in the United States. The National Domestic Violence Hotline receives a staggering 775,000 contacts annually. But behind these numbers are real people facing complex, dangerous situations that aren't always visible to others.

Whether you're personally affected by domestic violence, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand this pervasive issue, this episode provides crucial insights that could save lives. Remember, no one deserves to live in fear, and there are resources available to help:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788 with confidential support 24/7/36
• domesticshelters.org
• Ohio Secretary of State Safe at Home Program: find an application at SafeAtHomeOhio.gov or call 614.995.2255
• Ohio Domestic Violence Network - Reports & Fact Sheets
• Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN): 1-800-934-9840
• National DV Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Journey Center for Safety and Healing: 1-216-391-HELP (4357) 
• Ohio Legal HELP: 1-614-285-6710 
• The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland: 1-888-817-3777
• Jewish Family Services Association (JFSA)
• Witness Victim Services & Family Justice Center: 216-443-7345
• Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court: 216-443-3155 (Domestic Violence Advocate)

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The pursuit of optimal health as we age requires more than just conventional medicine—it demands a deeper understanding of how our hormones, genetics, and metabolism interact. In this continuation of the conversation with Dr. Elena Christofides, Host Dr. Holly Thacker goes beyond the surface of women's health concerns to explore groundbreaking approaches that can literally change how we age.

Dr. Christofides reveals why comprehensive blood testing should include genetic markers that most physicians overlook. From MTHFR mutations affecting B vitamin metabolism to hemochromatosis genes common in those with Northern European ancestry, these hidden factors can dramatically impact metabolic health. Her revolutionary approach includes growth hormone screening for everyone—not just elite athletes—because deficiencies following head trauma (including domestic violence) affect one in five people and accelerate aging processes.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Christofides and Dr. Thacker emphasize that what many dismiss as "normal aging" is often addressable with personalized medical approaches.

For anyone frustrated by unexplained weight gain, fatigue, poor sleep quality, or declining physical performance despite "normal" lab work, this episode offers hope and actionable insights.

To learn more about Dr. Elena Christofides, visit endocrinology-associates.com.

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Acne doesn't discriminate by age. From teenagers to menopausal women, breakouts can strike at any life stage—often when we least expect them. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker dives deep into why some of us battle persistent acne while simultaneously fighting wrinkles and dry skin, revealing the surprising hormonal connections that dermatologists and patients often miss.

This comprehensive guide to skin health explores how our body's largest organ responds to everything from stress hormones to dietary choices. Dr. Thacker explains how the surge in adrenal hormones during perimenopause can trigger what feels like "reverse puberty" on your skin, and why some women see dramatic improvements with certain hormonal treatments while others don't. You'll discover why that midlife pimple appeared on your chin despite your careful skincare routine.

Whether you're dealing with teenage acne, adult hormonal breakouts, or trying to prevent future skin problems, this episode offers actionable advice for achieving healthier skin at any age. Plus, discover the decade-by-decade skincare essentials that address your changing skin needs as you move through life. Your skin deserves better than trial and error—tune in for evidence-based strategies that target the root causes of troublesome skin.

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Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC, is recalling three lots of Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Tablets, USP, 400 mg/80 mg only, to the consumer level as the tablets may exhibit black spots on the tablet surface due to microbial contamination. The observance of black spots was reported in a product quality complaint.Oral products contaminated with Aspergillus may result in serious and life-threatening infections. The use of the defective product in patients with underlying immunosuppressive conditions…

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Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Holly L. Thacker, MD focuses on the complexities of seizures and epilepsy in this episode. Dr. Thacker explores the types of seizures, causes, and treatment options with particular attention to women's health and hormonal influences.

• Explanation of seizures and epilepsy 
• Overview of different seizure types 
• Discussion on causes of seizures 
• Impact of hormonal changes on seizure activity 
• Importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment 
• Emphasis on follow-up care and management 
• Resources for further information on epilepsy

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What is thiamine?Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1 and thiamin, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, particularly energy metabolism and nerve function. It's a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it cannot be stored in the body and needs to be consumed regularly through diet or supplements.  What are the benefits of thiamine?Energy Production: Thiamine helps the body's cells convert carbohydrates into energy, which is essential for the brain and…

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The summer sun beckons with its warm embrace, but that golden tan comes with a hidden cost. Dr. Holly Thacker dives deep into the phenomenon known as "tanorexia" – the addiction to tanning that has serious health implications many don't recognize until it's too late.

This addiction isn't merely psychological. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, your body releases endorphins – those feel-good neurochemicals that create a genuine physical dependency. "People can actually get addicted to this," Dr. Thacker explains, drawing parallels between tanorexia and other recognized addictive behaviors.

Whether you're concerned about your own tanning habits or protecting children's delicate skin, this episode delivers practical, science-backed advice for maintaining healthy skin while still enjoying outdoor activities. Because as Dr. Thacker reminds us, all natural complexions are beautiful – it's about being "happy in your own skin" while keeping that skin healthy for years to come.

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Want to know more about red light therapy? From skin rejuvenation and hair regrowth to easing joint pain and mitigating psoriasis, Dr. Thacker breaks down the facts of this phototherapy trend that's turning heads in spas and gyms. Discover how this non-invasive treatment could be the key to unlocking alternative health solutions while understanding the necessity of caution due to its experimental nature.

Host Dr. Holly Thacker also discusses the critical role of consulting trained professionals for any laser or phototherapy treatments, warning against the perils of untrained providers. Tune in to hear more about maintaining a balanced, holistic approach to health and discover the subtle art of navigating alternative therapies with wisdom and care. Don't miss out on practical tips and expert insights to help you take charge of your wellness journey!

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Discover the secrets to maintaining optimal urinary health as Dr. Holly Thacker unravels the complexities of urinary tract infections (UTIs) that particularly affect women. Have you ever wondered why women are more susceptible to these irritating infections, especially with age and hormonal changes? 

Join her as she dissects the anatomical differences and lifestyle factors that make women prone to UTIs and uncover the role of menopause in increasing this vulnerability. Dr. Thacker shares crucial insights on recognizing symptoms, understanding the distinction between lower and upper urinary tract infections, and the severe complications that can arise if left untreated.

Equip yourself with practical strategies to prevent and manage UTIs effectively. Dr. Thacker covers all the bases, from local estrogen treatments and the newly approved Pivya (pivmecillinam) to understanding the benefits and limitations of cranberry extract. 

For those dealing with recurrent infections, find out why a urologic evaluation might be necessary and explore preventive measures that can safeguard your wellbeing. Tune in for an insightful conversation designed to empower women with knowledge and solutions for better urinary health.

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What is collagen?The body naturally produces collagen. You can support collagen production by eating collagen-rich foods such as chicken and fish skin and a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamin C, zinc and copper. Oral and topical collagen products are popular for improving skin and joint pain.Collagen is a type of protein and makes up 30% of the body’s protein. There are 28 types of collagen and type I collagen makes up 90% of the collagen in the human body.Collagen is composed of three…

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Can celiac disease be the hidden culprit behind your health issues? Discover the profound effects of this autoimmune condition on women's health as Host Dr. Holly Thacker unpacks its impact on nutrient absorption, particularly vitamin D and iron, and its connections to osteoporosis and infertility. Explore the hereditary aspects and understand why distinguishing between celiac disease and gluten intolerance is crucial. 

This episode offers a comprehensive guide to recognizing how undiagnosed celiac disease might be influencing your health, especially if you're facing unexplained infertility or persistent nutrient deficiencies.

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Dr. Holly Thacker breaks down the differences between L-carnitine and taurine, and how they can benefit the body together. 

Mass General Brigham-led randomized trial suggests vitamin D can protect against telomere shortening, which is linked to risk of age-related disease Results from the VITAL randomized controlled trial reveal that vitamin D supplementation helps maintain telomeres, protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten during aging and are linked to the development of certain diseases. The new report, which is published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, is based on data from a…

What is alpha-lipoic acid?Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound made naturally in the body and can be found in certain foods. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) acts an antioxidant and helps break down carbohydrates and make energy.What are the benefits of alpha-lipoic acid?Reduces oxidative stressHelps the body control blood sugar levelsHelps nerve pain in people with diabetic neuropathyMay lower total cholesterolMay help with weight loss in people who are overweightMay improve skinFoods rich in…

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Unlock the complexities of menopausal hormone therapy for breast cancer survivors in this episode of the Speaking of Women's Health podcast. Join Host Dr. Holly Thacker and her esteemed guest, Dr. Holly Pederson, as they navigate the intricate world of genetic testing and its crucial role in guiding treatment decisions. 

Dr. Pederson, a leading expert in the field, emphasizes the importance of revisiting genetic tests conducted before 2013 to ensure breast cancer survivors receive the most informed care. They explore the advancements in genetic science and discuss the layers of genetic risk, revealing how these insights can revolutionize both treatment and screening practices.

Their conversation further examines the challenges faced by elderly women considering hormone replacement therapy. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on the unique considerations for breast cancer survivors, especially those with BRCA mutations, and the importance of individualizing patient care.

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What is L-carnitine?L-carnitine is an amino acid made by the body and found in some food and supplements. L-carnitine is found in almost every cell of the body. It plays a critical role in energy production by turning fat into energy.About 95% of L-carnitine is stored in the muscles with trace amounts in the blood, liver, heart and kidneys. Most people obtain small amounts of L-carnitine from eating animal products like meat and dairy.What are the benefits of L-carnitine?Below are potential…

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Dr. Holly Thacker dives deep into the world of endocrinology and anti-aging with guest Dr. Elena Christofides. Dr. Christofides highlights how hormonal health significantly impacts women’s well-being as they age.

The discussion covers common health challenges women face, potential treatments, and the importance of personalized assessments to optimize health through lifestyle and pharmacological means.

• Explanation of endocrinology and its roles in overall health
• Common health concerns for midlife women
• Importance of understanding aging vs. hormonal imbalance
• Overview of Metformin and emerging treatments like rapamycin
• The significance of mitochondrial health
• Connection between environmental factors and health optimization
• Empowerment through health advocacy and informed choices

For more information on Dr. Elena Christofides, visit endocrinology-associates.com. You can listen to Dr. Christofides podcast on medcentral.com.

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