Can Breast Cancer Treatments Cause Infertility?

Embattled breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy and chemotherapy are more likely to develop female infertility problems, a study by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine finds.

The study discovered that less than 50% of physicians referred their patients to reproductive medicine specialists to learn and understand the options of fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment.
Most cancer treatment plans, in addition to surgery and radiation, include chemotherapy or prolonged hormonal therapy; both of which strikingly reduce the chance of conception with the intended mother’s eggs. This leaves breast cancer patients with a few fertility treatment options like surrogacy.


Read the full article here: Is Breast Cancer Dashing Fertility Hopes?

What Do You Know About Gout?

You might have heard of the condition called gout, but do you really know what it is?

Gout is a type of arthritis, and it can affect anyone, no matter your health status or age. Gout is more common among men, but women are also susceptible to having it post-menopause.

Those who are at an increased risk of developing this uncomfortable condition include patients with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, alcohol abuse problems, or those who are overweight or obese.

This condition is most commonly seen in the foot area, generally in the big toe, but gout can strike almost anywhere there is a joint; hands, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles are also affected areas.

While there's no cure for gout, it is important to know about this common arthritic condition, especially if you have one of the risk factors above.

To learn more, read the full article: All About Gout

How Will You Get Healthy in 2012?

The holidays are officially over, which means it's time to make New Year's resolutions!

Although many people dread this long-standing tradition, New Year's resolutions are a great way to work towards becoming a better person. Whether your goal is to quit smoking, eat healthier, or help others, making that promise to yourself is an important first step.

So what are the most popular New Year's resolutions of 2012?

For Americans especially, this year is all about getting healthy. From joining a gym, to cooking healthier meals, adults and kids alike are beginning to take responsibility for their health and well-being. Businesses are recognizing this change as well, and soon fitness centers all over the United States will be fully equipped to get your body, mind and spirit in tip-top shape. Instead of just a physical workout, gyms are following the trend of well-rounded health, and employing mental health doctors, nutrition specialists, lifestyle coaches and more to help clients get back into gear.

Schools and other businesses are also jumping aboard the health train, offering more time to move and exercise, along with healthier food options to make weight loss that much easier.

If all of that isn't enough to keep you motivated this year, social media is also on a health kick, with many networking sites and applications specially designed to keep your health on track.

To learn more about the health trends of 2012, read the full article: Health Trends to Watch in 2012