If you or someone you know has diabetes, you’ve probably heard of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). The small circular medical devices track blood glucose (sugar) levels via a small sensor under the skin. You’ve probably seen the commercials featuring pop star Nick Jonas showing off his CGM secured to the back of his (very toned) arm. Jonas tricep aside, CGMs have been in the spotlight lately since the FDA approved the first over-the-counter (OTC) CGM earlier this year. The clearance is a big deal because it allows anyone over the age of 18 to purchase the CGM without a prescription. Befor ..read more

English + Flipbook text Slide 1 Lo que debes saber sobre las biopsias de mama Slide 2: ¿Qué es una biopsia de mama? Una biopsia de mama es un procedimiento que remueve un poco de tejido para analizarlo y determinar si hay la presencia de cáncer, si algo tiene una apariencia sospechosa o si se ha encontrado algo en tu mamá durante una examinación. 8 de cada 10 biopsias de mama tienen resultados negativos, pero es importante hacer el análisis. Slide 3: ¿Qué pasa durante una biopsia de mama? Un radiólogo o un cirujano de la mama recolectará tejido y lo analizará para determinar si contiene ..read more

+ Flipbook text Slide 1 What You Need to Know About a Breast Biopsy Slide 2: What is a breast biopsy? A breast biopsy is a procedure that removes a small amount of tissue and checks it for cancer if something looks suspicious or has been found in your breast during screening. 8 out of 10 breast biopsies come back negative, but it’s important to check. Slide 3: What happens during a breast biopsy? A breast surgeon or radiologist will collect tissue and test it for abnormal cells.  There are three ways to do this: Fine needle aspiration Core needle biopsy Surgery Incisional: r ..read more

The holidays probably don’t feel like the most wonderful time of year if you’ve recently lost a loved one. Grief is complicated and unpredictable, and staples of the season that used to bring you joy, such as holiday gatherings and family traditions, can suddenly feel painful and overwhelming. “All we have to do in grief is the next best step,” said Gina Moffa, LCSW, a trauma-informed grief therapist and author of “Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go: A Modern Guide to Navigating Loss.” “It may feel confused and clumsy. And, in some ways, it's supposed to be. We’ve been transported to a whole ..read more

Medically reviewed by Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, NAP-BC, DCNO + Comic text Image Dialogue Two Black women (Monica and Brandi) are sitting at a table at an outdoor cafe having lunch together and chatting. Monica: What are you going to wear to Stacey’s party next month? Brandi: Probably a black dress. The one with the — Monica: (reaches for her glass of water, exposing a dark spot on her palm in the process) Brandi: Monica, what’s on your hand? Monica: This spot? (points to spot on palm). Not sure. It seemed to just show up one day. And you know what? It’s actually been both ..read more

For many of us, the holidays revolve around parties and presents and going to parties to exchange presents. If you love the gift giving season as much as we do, check out our staff picks below for unique, healthy-ish options to give to the healthy people in your life. Or, if you hate buying gifts and are reading this the day before your holiday event, you’re welcome! Everything is available online — just don’t forget to tack on a hefty slacker shipping fee. Happy holidays from HealthyWomen! ​Not your mom’s fanny pack “I never thought I would buy or use one of these fashion fixtures from the ..read more

English La asistente jurídica retirada Patti Todd se sintió devastada cuando se enteró que tenía EPOC unos años después de cumplir 40 años. Vivió durante años con asma, pero escuchar que tenía EPOC fue un golpe fuerte. Temía que su diagnóstico afecte su estilo de vida activo. "Pero la doctora explicó, entre menos actividades tengas, menos desearás hacerlas", dijo. "Trata de esforzarte lo más posible. No solo hagas cosas con las que te sientas cómoda". Consecuentemente, Todd compró un monitor de pasos y empezó a caminar 10,000 pasos al día y se mantuvo activa. Su actividad se ha reducido con ..read more

Medically reviewed by Jeffrey Kwong, DNP, MPH, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN This resource was created with support from Merck. + Video transcript Video/Image Voiceover/Audio HIV Testing Knowing your status can save your life Sun comes up, a woman stretches and hops out of bed, goes through a morning routine Narrator: Did you know that anyone who has sex without a condom is at risk of getting HIV? And you may not even know you have it because you may not have any symptoms. Or, if you do have symptoms, they can mimic other illnesses, like the flu or other viruses. Treatment is ..read more

Almost 16 million Americans are living with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, diagnosis. Millions more don’t even know they have it. The COPD Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes research, advocacy and awareness to stop COPD and similar conditions, estimates that the number of Americans who are affected by COPD is as high as 30 million, some of whom are misdiagnosed with other breathing conditions (like asthma). COPD encompasses multiple chronic lung diseases, including emphysema and bronchitis. Breathlessness is the most common COPD symptom, and sufferers can also experienc ..read more

Retired paralegal Patti Todd was devastated to learn she had COPD when she was in her 40s. She’d been living for years with asthma, but hearing she had COPD was a blow. She was afraid the diagnosis would affect her active lifestyle. “But the doctor explained, the less you do, the less you’re going to want to do,” she said. “Do as much as you can to push yourself. Don’t just do the stuff you’re comfortable with.” So Todd got a step tracker and began getting in 10,000 steps a day and staying active. Her activity has dropped over time, but she’s still trying to do as much as she can. COPD, shor ..read more