Can Certain Foods Help Prevent Cancer? Blueberries won’t save us from cancer. Neither will tomatoes, flaxseed oil, kale or brussels sprouts. The above, as well as garlic, onions, green tea and many others, have all been proclaimed cancer-preventing “super foods.” While they are all good, nutritious foods and should be part of a balanced diet, we need to abandon the notion that any one food or combination of foods can prevent cancer. While it’s tempting to think that just adding blueberries…

A drug allergy is an allergic reaction to a medication. When the drug enters the body, it triggers a response by the immune system, which creates specific IgE antibodies (proteins made by the immune system to fight specific antigens).The body becomes sensitized, and when the drug is taken again, the IgE antibodies go into action, releasing large amounts of histamine that attempt to expel the drug from the body. What are the symptoms of a drug allergy? Symptoms can range from mild discomfort…

Dr. Holly L. Thacker discusses why knowing your BMI, blood sugar level and cholesteral number can lead to better health.Understanding key numbers—BMI, blood-sugar level—can lead to better health.Blood PressureHealthy number: Less than 120/80 mmHg.Blood pressure refers to the force of blood against the walls of your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure, the top number) and during rests between beats (diastolic pressure, the bottom) and is measured in millimeters of mercury…

There is no doubt that menopause changes a woman's sex life. Everything from desire to the ability to take pleasure in intercourse can be affected. In the fifth and final installment of our video series, "Surviving Menopause," Dr. Margaret McKenzie of the Cleveland Clinic discusses what can be done to preserve a healthy, happy sex life.

No! That is, if you are in good health, sexual activity can continue into the eighth and ninth decade of life. Normal sexual function is a sign of good health. I have seen more than one woman in my office who has told me the story of visiting her doctor and noting that she is not interested in sex and before she even gets to tell her story, she is abruptly told "Well, you are too old to even being thinking about sex!" Wow, not true and this dismissive attitude is hurtful and just reflective of that doctor not having the education and the resources needed to help midlife women.

I was recently diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure and extremely high, off the charts FSH. I am 32 years old and was in the process of planning to increase our family when I was diagnosed. My doctor put me on a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), a combination pill of constant estrogen and progesterone to help with some symptoms I was experiencing. I know there is a very small chance of still getting pregnant while on HRT but my question is, is there one HRT better than another for improving my already slim chances of pregnancy?

I get migraines during my period. I have tried taking a pain killer like paracetamol but that does not help. I am usually very tired during my period. Is there anything I can do to help balance my hormones? I do not get migraines when I am pregnant.

OK, ladies, we are on the eve of Thanksgiving and the holiday season, which is replete with food, fun, feeding frenzies and extra hustle and bustle.

The average American is said to gain an average 1-2 pounds during this jolly season! I don't know about you, but I do NOT want a jolly, jiggly belly nor do I want to feel full and full of regret for overeating.

Dr. Holly L. Thacker helps you cool down with tips on how to reduce environmental hot flash triggers and track your hot flash occurrences.

Dr. Holly L. Thacker discusses the importance of teaching children at a young age to report any suspicious behavior of adults, including sexual child abuse to the police.

Learn more about Shared Medical Appointments (SMA) and how you can benefit from these woman-to-woman sessions that offer individual appointments in the presence of others with insight, advice and support from a variety of women dealing with similar symptoms or conditions like yourself.

Back to "regular time." Fall back, spring ahead! While it was nice to get that extra hour of sleep, many find it a downer that the daylight time is "shorter" and that it gets darker sooner. Sadly, Daylight Savings Time is over.

With the change in the earth's axis, it affects the amount of sunlight hours we experience. Many people, particularly those in the Northern Hemisphere, experience seasonal affective disorder in the fall and winter, a condition characterized by lower mood, fatigue and irritability.

Improving Skin with MedicationThere are many prescription products available to help improve the look of your skin. Many of the prescription products contain the same ingredients as those available over-the-counter, but are in higher dosage strengths. Examples of such products include:Products to slow the growth of, remove or lighten unwanted facial hairProducts to grow hair in scalp areas lacking hairExfoliant products including certain alpha-hydroxy acid productsIf you’ve already tried…

What is the difference between varicose veins and spider veins? Varicose veins commonly develop as we grow older, but can be treated with exercise, support hose, or surgery. Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels. They usually develop in the legs. Spider veins are smaller, red to purple and blue dilated vessels. Spider veins are easily visible and are found just under the skin. They are also most often seen on the legs and thighs. What causes varicose veins and spider…

Are bioidentical hormones superior to other forms of hormone therapy? Is there a time limit on how long postmenopausal women can take hormones? Women’s health expert, Dr. Holly L. Thacker covers these topics and more in the third installment of the Speaking of Women’s Health video series, "Surviving Menopause."

Dr. Holly L. Thacker recommends that women see their women's health physician for hormone replacement therapy. She discusses the benefits of physician-prescribed hormone replacement therapy for many women and the dangers of compounding pharmacies without a physician’s care.Menopause may have become synonymous with the idea of medical intervention.It needn't be.But with about 25 million women in the United States turning 50 in the next 10 years, most of the reports we read are about just that.…

Uncover the truth behind the top five menopause myths. Dr. Holly L. Thacker says the answers just might surprise you!

My daughter’s college roommate just informed her that she had a bacterial infection. She was having abdominal pain which brought her to the doctor. What is the risk factor for my daughter?

How will I know when I have officially entered menopause?

Is it hot in here or are you entering into menopause? Hot flashes are only one symptom of menopause and not all women get them. In the second installment of our video series, "Surviving Menopause," women's health expert Dr. Holly L. Thacker discusses some of the common symptoms of menopause, such as sleeping problems and mood swings.