Circumcision, cervical cancer

One of the arguments advanced to promote circumcision of males has been the supposed lower rate of cervical cancer in the wives of circumcised men. If this difference does indeed exist (many researchers feel it does not) the lower rate of cancer may be due to factors other than circumcision according to an Israeli study. Drs. A. Schachter and E. Abraham of the Beilinson Medical Center report that the traditional conservative life-style may be responsible for the difference. A study of 30,000 women revealed that in women aged 20 to 29 the cancer rate was approximately the same as that observed in the United States. (Lancet 2:1150, 1984) Copyright 1984 Phylis Austin

Premenstrual syndrome and sugar intake

Women who consume foods high in sugar content, or who have a sweet tooth, are more likely to suffer from premenstrual syndrome. (Journal of Reproductive Medicine 36(2)131-136. February, 1991) Copyright 1991 Phylis Austin

Menarche and diet

Menarche (beginning of menstrual periods) is influenced by diet. A study from Loma Linda University reveals that meat eaters have menarche six-months earlier than vegetarians. Those who used meat analogues had menarche 9 months later than those who did not use meat analogues. The liberal use of beans and other legumes, grains and nuts was associated with a 5 to month delay in menarche when compared to a group which used these foods less freely. Early onset of menarche is known to be a risk factor for breast cancer. Previous studies have suggested a relationship between the use of animal products and early menstruation. (Nutrition Research 7(5)471-480, May 1987)
Copyright 1987 Phylis Austin

Smoking and cervical cancer

Dr. E. R. Greenberg of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center reports that heavy smokers have at least a two-fold increase in the risk of cervical cancer. (British Journal of Cancer 51:139-41, 1985) Copyright 1985 Phylis Austin

Alcohol use and breast cancer risk

Moderate alcohol consumption produces an increased risk of breast cancer according to a study reported by the Cancer Prevention Studies Branch of the National Cancer Institute of Bethesda, Maryland. (New England Journal of Medicine 316(19)1163-73, May, 7, 1987)
Copyright 1987 Phylis Austin

Overweight mothers and birth defects

Overweight mothers are at increased risk of having infants with neural tube defects or other malformations. (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 170:541-548, February 1994) Copyright 1994 Phylis Austin

Vaginitis and sex of infant

Viability of spermatozoa is influenced by the vaginal pH. A New York team of researchers has observed that women who had Trichomonas vaginitis, Bacteroids sp. or nonspecific vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) at their first prenatal examination were more likely to have female infants than those who did not have vaginitis. Vaginitis often changes the vaginal pH to a less acid level, changing the balance of bacterial flora. Women in this study who later delivered female infants had a significantly less acidic vagina at the time of examination. (Obstetrics and Gynecology 66(2)239-240, August, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin

Water exercise for back pain in pregnant woman

Back pain is common during pregnancy. Water gymnastics produced a significant reduction in back pain during the second half of pregnancy in a study group in Sweden. There was no increase in vaginal or urinary tract infections in the exercising women. (Acta Obstetrica et Gynecologica Scandinavica 78:180-185, 1999)

It is often hard to exercise during late pregnancy, but movement in water is much easier and the risk of falls greatly reduced.

Copyright 1999 Phylis A Austin

Obesity and postmenopausal breast cancer

Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Upper body weight accumulation tends to be particularly hazardous. (International Journal of Epidemiology 28:1026-1031, 1999)

Copyright 1999 Phylis A Austin

Dieting and weight gain during pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy has a long-term effect on the health of both mother and infant. Proper nutrition during pregnancy will go far in insuring the future health of infants.

Women who have a history of dieting prior to pregnancy may feel that pregnancy gives them an excuse to indulge their appetite, while others significantly restrain their dietary intake.

Suggested pregnancy-associated weight gains are based on prepregnancy weight. Insufficient weight gain may interfere with proper growth of the fetus; excessive weight gain increases the risk of a number of pregnancy related complications. Women who gain the most during pregnancy are more likely to retain the weight nine months after delivery.

Health care providers encourage pregnant women who are smokers to give it up for the well-being of the infant. This may also encourage unwanted weight gain. (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 53(11)849-53, 1999). Editorial comment –This study points out the importance of high quality diet during pregnancy. While mothers may gain a bit of weight when they stop smoking, the small weight gain is better than smoking’s effect on both mother and baby.

Copyright 1999 Phylis A Austin