Harvard Women's Health Watch articles from February 2003

Harvard Women's Health Watch archives from February 2003

Your heart attack risk: Inflammation counts.
February 1, 2003... A woman with normal cholesterol levels can still be at high risk for a heart attack. Should she have a test to find out? Inflammation may be a more powerful predictor of cardiovascular trouble in women than unfavorable cholesterol levels,...

In Brief - Most alternative therapies not so hot for hot flashes.
February 1, 2003... Last year the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) halted its hormone therapy study because of potential health risks. Although the WHI decision does not apply to women taking hormones for the short-term relief of menopausal symptoms, it has...

Mohs surgery for basal cell carcinoma on the face.
February 1, 2003... By the time we reach age 65, many of us will have had skin cancer. The most likely type: basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BCC accounts for about 75% of all skin cancers. Of the rest, roughly 20% are squamous cell carcinoma, and the remainder,...

Nutrition Update - Food pyramid in need of renovation.
February 1, 2003... If food were merely a source of sustenance and pleasure, deciding what to eat would be simple. But we also want our food choices to keep us healthy, and that can get complicated. It seems that every day we're inundated with new information and...

By the Way, Doctor - Is vaginal estrogen safe?
February 1, 2003... Q After stopping Prempro last year, I developed really uncomfortable vaginal dryness. My doctor has recommended the vaginal estrogen ring. Is it safe? A Vaginal dryness is a common menopausal symptom. With the loss of natural estrogen at...

By the Way, Doctor - Should I stop taking pain relievers?
February 1, 2003... Q I recently read that Tylenol and anti-inflammatory drugs can cause high blood pressure. This doesn't leave me with many pain relief options. What do you suggest? A The news you read was based on a study conducted here at Harvard Medical...