Colon Cancer in Women: Understanding the Risks and Empowering Prevention

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it's time to share the challenges and considerations surrounding colon cancer in women. Let's learn more about the specific factors that impact women's risk of developing colon cancer and discuss guidance on proactive measures for prevention and early detection.

Colon Cancer in Women: Understanding the Risks:

While colon cancer affects both men and women, certain factors may predispose women to an increased risk of developing this disease. Understanding these factors is essential for early detection and intervention. Some key considerations include:

1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Women are slightly more prone to conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are inflammatory bowel diseases associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

2. Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Those who are overweight or lead sedentary lifestyles are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can significantly reduce this risk.

3. Dietary Habits: Poor dietary choices, such as high consumption of red and processed meats, low intake of fiber-rich foods, and inadequate hydration, can contribute to an elevated risk of colon cancer.

Empowering Prevention and Early Detection:

Empowering women with knowledge and tools for prevention and early detection is crucial in the fight against colon cancer. Here are some proactive steps women can take to lower their risk and promote colon health:

1. Regular Screening: Screening tests, such as colonoscopies and/or Cologuard, are instrumental in detecting precancerous polyps or early-stage colon cancer. Discuss your screening options with a healthcare provider and adhere to recommended guidelines based on your individual risk factors and age.

2. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Commiting to a balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains, while minimizing red and processed meats, can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and avoiding tobacco use are also essential lifestyle factors for prevention.

3. Know Your Family History: Women with a family history of colon cancer should undergo genetic counseling and screening at an earlier age to mitigate their risk.

Understanding the unique risk factors that affect women and taking proactive steps towards prevention and early detection of colon cancer can significantly reduce its impact on our lives. Take charge of your colon health today by talking with a physician to discuss your risks, symptoms, and schedule your colon cancer screening now.

Endometriosis 101: All You Need to Know About Endo

This month is Endometriosis Awareness Month if you have any questions or any comments please let us know by emailing us at info@evorawomen.com!

What is Endometriosis (endo)?

Endometriosis is when the patient has endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, that is implanted in places that are not the lining of the uterus. Endometrial implants can often be found on the ovaries, bowel, and/or bladder.

What are common symptoms of Endometriosis?

Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis are really bad cramps, or dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and painful sex. These common symptoms would raise suspicion that someone has endometriosis, but endo is not diagnosable only on symptoms.

Does endometriosis effect fertility?

Not everyone with endometriosis will have infertility problems, but having endo does increase the likelihood that you would have trouble getting pregnant.

Want to learn more about endometriosis’ effect on fertility? Read this blog recommended by Dr. Becky Lynn.

How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

The only way to actually diagnose endometriosis is with a laparoscopy, and a laparoscopy is a surgery where they use a little video camera and look inside the uterus. The surgeon is looking for what looks like endometriotic implants, and then confirm the diagnosis by removing those implants and sending them to pathology. Pathology will then tell the doctor if the implants are endometriosis.

Sometimes as endometrioma, which is a big cyst in the ovary that is full of endometriosis, can be seen on an ultrasound. An endometrioma has a characteristic look on an ultrasound that raises suspicion for endometriosis. Even with an endometrioma, endometriosis is not diagnosable on ultrasound.

What medical conditions travel with Endo?

A lot of times endometriosis travels with some other symptoms or conditions. It's very common for individuals with endo to also have painful bladder syndrome, or interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor muscle spasm, vulvodynia, vaginismus, and anxiety and depression.

What treatments are there for Endo?

There are several treatment options for endo. Typically physicians will start with a birth control pill to suppress those implants and help with bad menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, and painful sex. Another option is the birth control ring or IUD, which work in a similar way to the birth control pill to lessen the pain related to endometriosis. Sometimes progesterone only birth controls, like depoprovera or nexplanon, can also suppress the endometriotic implants. Laparoscopy can be successful as a treatment. Laparoscopy is diagnostic, it can tell the doctor if the patients has endometriosis, but it can also be therapeutic in that during the laparoscopy the endometriotic implants can be removed.

Who should you see if you suspect you have endo?

If you suspect that you have endometriosis, you should see a physician, often a gynecologist or uro-gyn, who is well versed in taking care of individuals with endometriosis. Dr. Becky Lynn, board certified gynecologist and sexual counselor, sees many women with endometriosis in her practice to treat the side effects of endometriosis.

Learn more about getting treatment or pain relief of endometriosis today by scheduling a FREE 15 minute consultation to see if Dr. Lynn is the right physician for you!

Setting the Foundation for a Year of Well-being

As we jump into the New Year, it's the perfect time to reflect on our health and set the stage for a year of well-being. Making positive changes now can have a profound impact on your overall health and vitality throughout the coming months. Keep reading to explore practical and medically sound strategies to kickstart your journey towards a healthier and happier you in the year ahead.

Prioritize Nutrition:

A balanced and nutritious diet is the cornerstone of good health. Consider incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Consult with a registered dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan that aligns with your health goals. Remember, small, sustainable changes to your eating habits can yield significant long-term benefits.

Stay Hydrated:

Proper hydration is essential for various bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you engage in physical activities. Water is calorie-free and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health.

Establish a Regular Exercise Routine:

Physical activity is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Whether it's walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga, find an exercise routine that you enjoy and can commit to regularly. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new fitness regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Prioritize Sleep:

Quality sleep is fundamental to good health. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your immune system, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensure your sleep environment is conducive to rest. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Manage Stress:

Chronic stress can contribute to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and compromised immune function. Incorporate stress-management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. If stress persists, consider seeking support from a mental health professional.

Schedule Preventive Health Check-ups:

Regular health check-ups are crucial for early detection and prevention of potential health issues. Schedule appointments for screenings, vaccinations, and routine examinations. Discuss your health goals with your healthcare provider to receive personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.

Quit Unhealthy Habits:

If you engage in unhealthy habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, consider quitting or reducing these behaviors. Seek support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or counseling services to increase your chances of success.

By taking proactive steps to prioritize your health at the beginning of the year, you're laying a strong foundation for a year of well-being. Remember, these changes don't have to be drastic; small, sustainable adjustments can lead to significant improvements over time. Consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on your journey to better health in the coming year. Here's to a happy and healthy New Year!

Gifts Everyone is Secretly Wanting!

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread joy than by finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones? Whether you're shopping for family, friends, or colleagues, here's a curated list of thoughtful holiday gift ideas that are sure to bring smiles and warmth to the festive season.

For the green smoothie lover:

BlendJet 2 makes smoothie-bar-quality beverages, silky-smooth protein shakes, top-shelf mixed drinks and creamy frozen lattes, plus milkshakes, slushies, baby food, dips, dressings, sauces, and so much more.

For the cooking expert:

Knife set or knife sharpening services from Bertarelli Co.- Continuing the growth and success built on the sharpest blades and friendliest service in the industry, the family business moved to 2649 Hampton Ave in 1992. Eleven years later, Bertarelli moved to 1927 Marconi on The Hill where the family continues to service restaurants, grocers, delis, industrial enterprises, and the general public. 

For the "I don't cook" person:

a cooking class at Fennel Cooking Studio- Fennel Cooking Studio offers different cooking classes every year. Their cooking classes are not only a great time, they’re meant to leave you with tangible cooking skills you can count on to impress your friends or make weekly meal prep more enjoyable.

For the green thumb:

an indoor herb garden-  Experience the benefits of having your own garden, no matter where you live. Grow 100% organic herbs, fruits, salads and flowers, free from GMOs and pesticides, fresher than any plants you'll find in stores. 

For the book lover:

Book of the Month- The book lover who’s always staying on top of the newest releases will adore a subscription to Book of the Month, a service that selects about five new books each month.

Gifts that Keep on Giving for Him

Gift-giving for guys can be a breeze! While a fresh supply of socks and underwear is sure to bring a smile, our gift guide is here to elevate your gesture and express your love for him in a way that goes above and beyond.

For the fashion forward guy:

The Normal Brand- We aren’t designers. We're brothers who make clothes. Headquartered in St. Louis. We make Normal clothes much better. We are dedicated to making the best product out there. We will always cater to you because we are you. We don't come with a designer agenda. We want Normal clothes to be better.

For the Foodie:

Omaha Steaks - A mouth-watering steak is the perfect gift for anyone who loves cooking or appreciates high-quality food; or both. Steak gifts are perfect for many occasions including Christmas, Father's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or just saying thank you. When you give steak as a gift, you are giving the recipient more than delicious meat. You are truly giving them an experience. 

For the active guy:

Chiropractic or acupuncture with Dr. Brian at Evora- Say good bye to back and joint pain with either our chiropractic or acupuncture services by Dr. Brian Sylve. 

For the whisky/wine lover:

The Rackhouse- We strive to provide a unique, made from scratch modern American kitchen which utilizes a lot of local produce and meats, as well as an extensive wine and whiskey selection. We bring a casual approach to the business that will make everyone feel welcome, especially those new to wine or whiskey. 

For the cologne lover:

Nieman Marcus- Give the gift of a cologne sampler set to allow the guy in your life to easily switch up his scent throughout the year.

Gifts She ACTUALLY Wants

This gift guide is curated by the Evora girls for the girls in your life. Don't guess on what she wants anymore, get her a gift she will use and love well beyond the holiday season.

For the fashion forward girl:

Nuuly Subscription- Nuuly Rent is about discovering something new, loving something you never expected and surprising yourself in the best possible way. It's about getting creative with what you wear every single day—not just on special occasions. 

For the jewelry lover:

Union Studio- Union Studio is a locally owned shop featuring the work of over 150 St. Louis artists. Our thoughtful, classic collection of hand-crafted goods and fine art showcases the work of our neighbors. Opened in 2014 on Tower Grove Avenue, we now have two brick & mortar stores located in Botanical Heights and Webster Groves. Our aim has always been to provide a warm welcoming space where you can connect with local makers’ high-quality work and celebrate the creatives in our community. 

For the interior decorator:

Lusso Boutique-  Lusso is a hip little lifestyle store tucked away in the st louis suburb of clayton, mo.  an emporium, a mercantile, the world's smallest department store.  Whatever you call us, we think you'll love shopping here, and online.  repeatedly voted the 'best gift shop in st louis',  we offer a fabulous array of home decor, jewelry, clothing and gifts from your favorite designers.  and we're happy to pack it all up and top it off with our signature gift wrap.  complimentary, of course!

For the flower lover:

Rudy’s Flower Truck- We build custom bundles made with love right here in St. Louis, from our hands to yours. Blooms never go out of style, so let’s have some serious fun.

For the skincare junkie:

Facial with Lindsey at Evora- Feel good facials that will have your skin glowing all day long. Waxing services to get you smoother than ever. Microneedling to get rid of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and skin discoloration! Plus, lash and brow services so you can skip the make-up!