Celebrating National Ice Cream Month With Local Treats!
July is National Ice Cream Month! Everyone loves ice cream, especially the hormone therapy experts at Renewed Vitality in Wyomissing, PA!
The local Greater Reading Area offers an exceptional assortment of places to get ice cream and other frozen delicacies all month long. If you’re feeling a little hormonal, sometimes a nice creamy cone is just what the doctor ordered!
Courtesy of Renewed Vitality, here are five great places to indulge in a little ice cream delicacy this month near Wyomissing, PA.
Sweet Ride Ice Cream
Located at 542 Penn Avenue in West Reading, PA, Sweet Ride Ice Cream offers nearly 50 delicious flavors to choose from, some of which rotate seasonally. Made-to-order ice cream cupcakes and pies are also available for any occasion or holiday!
According to Sweet Ride owners, Angie and Chris, the recipe for an amazing ice cream experience is simple, “Make amazing ice cream, serve it with a smile, bring people together. It makes people happy and that’s really our goal.”
Plum Creek Creamery
Looking for a delicious meal or snack with an atmosphere that feels like coming home? At Plum Creek Farm Market & Creamery, located at 5035 Bernville Road in Bernville, PA, they strive for excellence in both our food and service. When visiting Plum Creek, you can choose to order either indoors or outdoors, making yourself at home in any of the various seating areas available.
Inside the creamery, you’ll find booths, tables for larger groups, bar seating, and even a cozy lounge area with a fireplace. Outside, there are picnic tables, benches, and Adirondack chairs to lounge in and enjoy the fresh air. Plum Creek even offers a playground for the kids!
YOGO Crazy
While July is National “Ice Cream” Month, rather than National “Frozen Yogurt” Month, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include YOGO Crazy, an incredible “build your own” frozen yogurt shop located at 2733 Papermill Road in Wyomissing, PA.
YOGO Crazy was built with a few key goals in mind: to provide the best quality yogurt, freshest ingredients, and the most customer-focused staff in the yogurt world.
YOGO Crazy offers 16 flavors of premium frozen yogurt, a wide assortment of delicious toppings and a bright clean atmosphere with friendly staff. We have to mention the “Great Wall of YOGO,”a wall of 30, six-foot tubes, each filled with the best yogurt toppings imaginable.
Scoupe de Ville
Originally opened as an automotive service station in the 1950s, Scoupe de Ville is located at 3365 Main Street in Birdsboro, PA. Since 2001, the location has served as an automotive Americana-themed ice cream parlor, complete with reproduction signs, old photographs, a jukebox, and a retro gas pump just to name a few cute features.
Traditional drive-in fare, like Coney dogs, burgers, and french fries are also available. In addition Scoupe de Ville features a vast ice cream menu which includes both hard and soft ice cream, four types of banana splits, and multiple milkshakes and sundaes.
Feel like a challenge? Try the Fat Elvis, a 10-scoop sundae featuring five scoops of banana ice cream and five scoops of peanut butter ice cream, topped with cherries, whipped cream, a brownie, and a banana. Finish the dish in 30 minutes, and have your photo added to the wall of fame.
Your Very Own Home
Looking for a healthier, more “hands-on” ice cream experience? Why not set aside an afternoon to make your very own ice cream at home?
To do so, you don’t even need an ice cream machine. Simply use three main ingredients: heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract, to make your very own no-churn ice cream at home that’s ready to lick in a few hours.
Interested in a step-by-step guide? Check out this fun piece courtesy of Renewed Vitality, and be sure to make your National Ice Cream Month a little more sweet this summer.
In the modern age of the 21st century, our society is quite lucky to have a number of different methods of birth control at our disposal. While some methods require physical tools and others require medication, one thing is always required to ensure birth control remains effective: a comprehensive understanding of how birth control works and how to use it properly.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty however, let’s clear up a few common questions surrounding birth control use during perimenopause or menopause:
Q: Can I Stop Using Birth Control in Menopause?
A: Medical and fertility professionals usually recommend that women continue to use some form of birth control for the first two years following their last period. Certain methods, however, like the patch, pill, or ring, are not recommended after women enter their mid-to-late 40s. In this scenario, condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or vasectomies among your partners are recommended.
Q: What Are the Benefits and Risks of Continuing to Take Birth Control Pills During Menopause or Perimenopause?
A: While there can be some benefits to continuing the use of oral contraceptives, such as period regulation and a reduction in bleeding or pain, and their role in keeping your hormones at consistent levels. However, every woman’s situation is different, and there are sometimes risks associated with taking the pill during menopause. Consult with your health care provider for help deciding what’s best for you.
Q: When Should I Start Talking to My Doctor About Perimenopause and Menopause?
A: It’s really never too early to get yourself informed about what lies in store for your reproductive future, but many women choose to begin seeing their health care provider with questions concerning menopause only after they begin to experience their first symptoms. That said, if you begin to experience symptoms that are concerning, like excessive pain and heavy or irregular periods, be sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Without further ado and courtesy of Renewed Vitality, here are 18 methods of birth control, their level of effectiveness, their cost, and their expected longevity.
Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant, or “Nexplanon,” is a tiny, thin rod (about the size of a matchstick) that releases hormones into your body that prevent you from getting pregnant. A nurse or doctor inserts the implant into your arm and that’s it — that’s all there is to it.
Rate of Effectiveness: 99 Percent
Potential Cost: Between $0 and $1300 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity: Approximately 5 years
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
An Intrauterine Device, or IUD, is a tiny device that’s inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods out there. Some IUDs do not use hormones, while others do. They work by changing the way sperm cells move, preventing them from effectively reaching and fertilizing an egg.
Rate of Effectiveness: 99 Percent
Potential Cost – Between $0 and $1300 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – Approximately 3-12 years
Birth Control Shot
The birth control shot, also known as the “depo shot” or “Depo-Provera,” is an injection you get once every 3 months. It’s a safe, convenient, and private birth control method that works really well if you always get it on time. It works through the use of the hormone progestin, which stops you from getting pregnant by preventing ovulation.
Rate of Effectiveness: 94 Percent
Potential Cost – Between $0 and $150 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – Requires recurring dosage every three months
Birth Control Vaginal Ring
The birth control ring (AKA the “vaginal ring,” or simply “the ring”) is a small, flexible ring worn inside the vagina. It prevents pregnancy 24/7 by releasing hormones into your body that stop sperm from joining with an egg.
Rate of Effectiveness: 91 Percent
Potential Cost – Between $0 and $200 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – Requires replacement monthly
Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch, or “transdermal contraceptive patch,” is a patch worn on certain parts of your body. It releases hormones through your skin that stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy. In addition, the patch thickens the mucus on your cervix, which helps to block sperm from swimming to an egg.
Rate of Effectiveness: 91 Percent
Potential Cost – Between $0 and $150 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – Requires replacement weekly
Birth Control Pill
The birth control pill, also known as simply “the pill,” is a kind of medicine that uses hormones to regulate your ovulation cycle. Birth control pills come in a pack, and you take one pill every day. The pill is one of the most popular forms of birth control, and is safe, affordable, and effective as long as you always take your pill on time.
Rate of Effectiveness: 91 Percent
Potential Cost – Between $0 and $50 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – Requires regular, daily dosage
Condoms
Condoms are an extremely popular form of barrier-method birth control. They are thin, stretchy pouches worn on the penis during sex. Condoms provide great protection from both pregnancy and STDs, are easy to use and easy to get, and come in many different forms.
Rate of Effectiveness: 85 Percent
Potential Cost – Typically between $3 and $30 depending on amount and type purchased
Expected Longevity – Must be used every time you have sex
Internal Condoms
Internal condoms — also called “female” condoms — are an alternative form of barrier-method birth control. They work in a similar manner to traditional condoms to offer protection from pregnancy and STDs. What’s different about them? Instead of going on the penis, internal condoms go inside your vagina for pregnancy prevention.
Rate of Effectiveness: 79 Percent
Potential Cost – Typically between $3 and $30 depending on amount and type purchased
Expected Longevity – Must be used every time you have sex
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a type of barrier-method birth control. It comes in the form of a shallow, bendable cup that is inserted inside the vagina. It covers your cervix during sex to prevent pregnancy, though it does not protect against STDs. For best results, it should be used with spermicide (a cream or gel that kills sperm).
Rate of Effectiveness: 88 Percent
Potential Cost – Typically between $0 and $75 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – Must be used every time you have sex
Birth Control Sponge
The birth control sponge (aka the contraceptive sponge or “the sponge” for short), is a small, round sponge made from soft, squishy plastic. It is inserted deep inside the vagina before sex, and works by covering your cervix to prevent pregnancy. It also contains spermicide to help prevent pregnancy.
Rate of Effectiveness: Between 76 and 88 Percent
Potential Cost – Typically between $0 and $15 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – Must be used every time you have sex
Spermicide and Gel
A form of non-hormonal birth control, spermicide is a kind of birth control that uses chemicals to stop sperm from reaching an egg. It is inserted in the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy. You don’t need a prescription to get spermicide — you can buy it over-the-counter at most drugstores, pharmacies, and superstores in the condom aisle. However, there is a new kind of vaginal contraceptive gel called Phexxi. Phexxi isn’t a spermicide, but you use it in a similar way — you put the gel in your vagina before sex, and it helps stop sperm from meeting with an egg. You need a prescription from a nurse or doctor to get Phexxi.
Rate of Effectiveness: Between 72 and 86 Percent
Potential Cost – Typically between $0 and $270 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – Must be used every time you have sex
Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a little cup made from soft silicone and shaped like a sailor’s hat. As the name suggests, it works by being inserted deep inside your vagina to cover your cervix, preventing sperm from being able to join with an egg. Like diaphragms, it should be used in conjunction with spermicide for maximum effectiveness.
Rate of Effectiveness: Between 71 and 86 Percent
Potential Cost – Typically between $0 and $90 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – Must be used every time you have sex
Fertility Awareness
Fertility awareness methods of birth control, or “FAMs,” are ways to track your ovulation so you can prevent pregnancy. FAMs are also known as “natural family planning” methods or “the rhythm method.” You use it by keeping careful, detailed track of your fertility cycle in order to best gauge the safest time to have sex without getting pregnant.
Rate of Effectiveness: Between 76 and 88 Percent
Potential Cost – Typically between $0 and $20 depending on materials used
Expected Longevity – Your ovulation must be be carefully tracked daily for maximum effectiveness
Withdrawal
By far the oldest method of birth control (and also the most risky) is the withdrawal or “pull-out” method. Theoretically, it prevents pregnancy by keeping sperm out of contact with the vagina. Withdrawal should really only be used as a birth control method alongside another birth control method, like a condom.
Rate of Effectiveness: Approximately 78 Percent
Potential Cost – $0
Expected Longevity – Withdrawal is only reliable if used with effectively with another form of birth control
Breastfeeding
Believe it or not, breastfeeding can also be used as a form of natural birth control, but only when done in a certain way. When you exclusively breastfeed — meaning you nurse at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night, and feed your baby only breast milk — your body naturally stops ovulating. You can’t get pregnant if you don’t ovulate.
Rate of Effectiveness: Approximately 98 Percent
Potential Cost – $0
Expected Longevity – Breastfeeding must occur every 4-5 hours and on a regular schedule to be effective in preventing your body from ovulating.
Outercourse and Abstinence
The definition of abstinence is not having sex whatsoever. Outercourse is defined as other sexual activities besides vaginal sex. Sexual abstinence and outercourse can mean different things to different people, but it is effective in preventing pregnancy only because pregnancy is not virtually possible without sexual activity or medical intervention.
Rate of Effectiveness: The only 100 percent effective form of birth control
Potential Cost – $0
Expected Longevity – As long as you do not engage in sexual activity and do not seek other means of intentional fertilization, pregnancy is virtually impossible.
Tubal Ligation
Want to make sure pregnancy is not in your future? Tubal ligation (sometimes called “female sterilization” or “getting your tubes tied”) is a safe and effective surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy in most cases. Because this procedure is designed for permanent effectiveness, it should only be considered if you are 100 percent certain you never want to get pregnant or get pregnant again.
Rate of Effectiveness: 99 Percent effective
Potential Cost – Between $0 and $6000 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – A permanent procedure designed to prevent pregnancy for the rest of your life
Vasectomy
A Vasectomy — also called male sterilization — is a surgical procedure performed on the male anatomy that is designed to protect against pregnancy permanently. Vasectomies are meant to be permanent — so they usually can’t be reversed. You should only get a vasectomy if you’re 100% positive you don’t want to be able to get someone pregnant for the rest of your life.
Rate of Effectiveness: 99 Percent effective
Potential Cost – Between $0 and $1000 depending on insurance coverage
Expected Longevity – A permanent procedure designed to prevent your ability to get someone pregnant for the rest of your life
At Renewed Vitality, we pride ourselves on keeping our clientele healthy, happy =, and well-informed about reproductive and hormonal health. We specialize in helping people get their lives back and achieve their dreams.
We are the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We serve both men and women, offering safe, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality in Wyomissing, PA today!
If you’ve been experiencing irregular periods but aren’t quite sure why, don’t worry! There are many possible factors that can interfere with a woman’s normal cycle, and not all of them are signs of a serious medical condition.
In fact, many of these factors are modifiable, meaning you’ll be able to make active changes in your lifestyle in order to manage the problem. Courtesy of Renewed Vitality, here are five common factors that may contribute to an abnormal menstrual cycle.
5. The Usual Suspects
While there could be various causes behind irregular periods, a hormonal imbalance resulting from natural occurrences like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and perimenopause, as well as the use of hormonal contraceptives, are far and away the most common.
This list will discuss other possible causes more in depth, but to ensure we have all our bases covered, we felt it was important to mention these possibilities as well. If you have any questions regarding the use of hormonal contraceptives, pregnancy, menopause, etc., then be sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible!
4. Stress
Unfortunately, excessive stress is a very common issue in both men and women alike. However, women who experience chronic stress or a particularly challenging month can end up experiencing irregularities with their cycle.
Stress affects the hormones inside your body. If not properly managed, stress can affect your health in a number of ways, including delayed or erratic periods. Luckily, there are many ways to manage stress and resolve this problem, including therapeutic techniques like meditation and yoga, as well as physical exercise.
3. Weight Issues
Hormonal imbalances can affect your body in a number of ways, including weight management. Dealing with an abnormal menstrual cycle over a prolonged period of time can lead to both weight gain and weight loss on occasion.
Both excessive and inadequate body weight can wreak havoc on your body’s ability to regulate its hormones in general. The best way to address this issue is by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, However, for some, weight issues are caused by external factors that need to be treated medically. Consult with your doctor or mental health professional today if you suspect this may be a contributing factor.
2. Certain Medications
Speaking of medications, some medicines can also influence your menstrual cycle. As we stated earlier, this is especially true of birth control pills, which restrict your ovaries from releasing eggs.
However, other medications, like antidepressants, may also lead to this condition. If you have been experiencing issues with your period and are taking medication for the treatment of other conditions, check with your gynecologist to get the inside scoop on the possibility of interference.
1. Some Chronic Health Conditions or Diseases
Irregularities with your period can also be caused by certain chronic health conditions and diseases, including diabetes, celiac disease, and anemia. These conditions can affect your body’s nutrition and hormones directly, leading to issues with your cycle.
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, including the ones mentioned above, consult a trusted medical professional for advice as soon as possible.
At Renewed Vitality, we specialize in helping people get their lives back and achieve their dreams. We are the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We serve both men and women, offering safe, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality in Wyomissing, PA today!
The sizzling summer months are almost upon us here in Southeast Pennsylvania! In the lazy days of summer, many people enjoy spending lots of time outside soaking up the sun.
While there’s no harm at all in a little rest and relaxation while soaking up the rays, it’s incredibly important that you properly prepare your skin for increased sun exposure, as the sun’s harsh rays can actually be incredibly damaging to your skin if it isn’t properly equipped and maintained.
We’re talking more than just a nasty sunburn. For decades, scientific research has shown that unprotected sun exposure can cause serious damage to your skin, including an increased risk of skin cancer and rapidly increased aging.
At Renewed Vitality, we care about keeping you looking and feeling healthy, young, and beautiful. That’s why we’re giving you five great skin care tips to keep in mind when preparing for a little fun in the sun.
Never Forget Your Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a remarkable invention, so you need to make sure you’re using it properly! Sunblock and sunscreen is an absolute necessity when it comes to maintaining skin health in bright, hot weather.
Before you venture out into the pool or beach this summer, take the time to invest in some high-quality sunscreen products. Remember, the higher a product’s Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is, the better.
To ensure you’re always keeping your skin safe from the sun, you should use a quality sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and be sure to consistently reapply after exposure to water or heavy perspiration.
Avoid Overexposure to Harsh Daytime Heat
While sunblock can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, this is just the first step in the battle for healthy summer skin.
While spending all day soaking up the rays sounds like a dream to many, it’s important to limit your exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, which typically occurs around early afternoon.
To make the most out of your summer and maintain your skin’s youthful glow, try to venture out only during the morning and early evening hours. Less exposure to extreme heat means a lower risk of skin damage.
Make Use of Protective Gear
It’s also incredibly important to take extra precautions to protect your body’s most vulnerable areas, including the delicate skin of your face as well as your eyes. You can do this by wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-rated sunglasses, and the right amount of protective clothing while outside during the day.
Light cotton or clothing designed with built-in UV protection is a great option. These clothes are made from a tightly woven fabric that is breathable and cool without exposing your skin to the elements.
In addition, as much as you may be tempted to show off the guns or your hard-earned beach bod, you should wear long-sleeved, full length shirts as much as possible while outdoors in the summertime.
Stay Hydrated!
When it’s hot, your body knows it. Typically, it reacts by attempting to keep you cool with natural perspiration. This can often cause a grimy, sticky feeling, but it also means that your body is relying heavily on its internal fluids throughout the day. For this reason, it’s important to stay hydrated, giving your body all the fluid it needs to keep doing its job properly.
It’s always important to drink as much water as possible, but especially on hot days. Remember to take water with you wherever you go, and get into the habit of drinking it regularly, whether you feel particularly thirsty or not.
In addition, you should be extra careful regarding the consumption of diuretics like alcohol and soft drinks, as these beverages are a known cause of dehydration. In the summertime, you can also stay hydrated by consuming foods with a high water content, like salad greens and fruits.
Seek Alternatives to Maintaining Skin Health
Cooking yourself in the summer sun isn;t always the most ideal way of achieving tanned summer skin. There also exist self-tanning gels and bronzer products that can help you achieve the same glow without causing skin damage.
In addition, the best way to keep your skin healthy is by giving your body access to the natural hormones it needs to help keep you looking and feeling young, vibrant, and gorgeous.
At Renewed Vitality, we specialize in helping people get their lives back and achieve their dreams. We are the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We serve both men and women, offering safe, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality in Wyomissing, PA today!
Did you know that there are anywhere from 80 to 100 billion neurons in the human brain? Each one makes up a complex network of hundreds of trillions of synapses that enable cells to communicate with one another.
With that much complexity going on, there is a lot to maintain. One of the biggest impacts of aging is the thinning of your brain’s frontal cortex, which is responsible for contributing to the formation of memories and concentration.
Keeping your mind clear and your memory sharp is important as you age. Courtesy of Renewed Vitality, here are six great tips for doing exactly that!
Keep Moving
You’ve likely heard it time and time again, but yes, it really is that simple. As we age, our brain cells, or neurons, find it more challenging to communicate amongst themselves. Over time, the vast, tree-branch like connections between them can lose some heft.
One of the best ways to combat this is by daily physical activity. Exercise stimulates brain plasticity by stimulating the growth of new connections between neurons in a variety of ways, according to recent research from UCLA.
Eat Well
Another bit of advice that’s seemingly as old as time itself: be sure you are eating well, giving your body and brain the proper fuel it needs to keep functioning at the highest level. Foods like fruits and vegetables are packed full of antioxidants, which help prevent and slow damage to brain cells caused by aging.
Some beans, whole grains, nuts, and spices are also greater sources of antioxidants. In addition, healthy fatty acids, like omega-3s, have been clinically shown to increase blood flow to the brain, leading to better thinking ability, cognition, and boosted brain function.
Exercise Your Mind
Keeping your brain sharp usually goes hand-in-hand with keeping your body physically fit, but it’s important to set aside time for workouts that specifically hone in on your brain function.
Logic challenges, like jigsaw puzzles, word games, and even LEGO can exercise both the right and left sides of your brain at once. These types of games have been shown to reinforce connections between neurons, improve mental speed, and are an especially effective way to improve short-term memory, which is one of the earliest functions that begins to weaken as you age.
Laugh Loudly and Often
Laughter, happiness, positivity, and an all-around good mood are great ways to keep your brain active and engaged. As an old saying goes, laughter is the best medicine, and as it turns out, this actually has some serious science behind it.
Not only does laughter relax your body to relieve physical tension and stress, but it also triggers the release of endorphins that promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Always make an effort to enjoy the lighter side of life, your gray matter will thank you down the road!
Stay Calm and Mindful
Chronic stress and anxiety is known to degrade memory and cognitive functioning, leading to impaired function of the hippocampus and the PFC. Over time, this damage can lead to an increased risk in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders like depression and dementia.
Sometimes, practices like yoga and meditation can relax your body and mind, creating stability and balancing the emotional state of your brain. Recollecting a positive emotion or imagining a pleasurable scene during mediation can go a long way in alleviating stress, which will lead to a better quality of life in the long-run.
Try Hormone Replacement Therapy
It may sound like a stretch, but hear us out! A recent study conducted by the North American Menopause Society looked at more than 2,000 postmenopausal women over a 12-year period in order to discover what, if any, association there is between estrogen and brain health.
Over the course of the study, the women were tested at various points on five factors of brain health, including psychomotor skills, memory, identification and association, orientation, and concentration and calculation.
As it turns out, the study found that the longer a woman is exposed to estrogen, whether it be naturally or via hormone replacement therapy, the better her brain health and mental flexibility will be as she enters her sixties.
At Renewed Vitality, we specialize in helping people get their lives back and achieve their dreams. We are the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We serve both men and women, offering safe, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality in Wyomissing, PA today!
While their role in the healthy functioning of our bodies is of the utmost importance, our bodies’ hormones are particularly fickle beings. These vital chemicals require a delicate balance that we must keep in check via proper diet, exercise, lifestyle, and behavior.
While hormones will naturally decline as you continue aging, there are certain medical conditions that may be responsible for unusually low levels of sex hormones. Courtesy of Renewed Vitality, you can read more about five of them right here.
Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is a condition in which a person purposely loses an unhealthy amount of weight through extreme dieting and sometimes excessive exercise, bingeing, and/or purging.
Like many eating disorders, Anorexia can lead to issues with bone density, delayed puberty, higher risks of osteoporosis, anxiety and depression, a decreased sex drive, and several hormonal balancing problems like low estrogen, amenorrhea, and low testosterone.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from anorexia, you can get help from a primary care doctor, dietician, or a mental health professional with experience in the field of eating disorders.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue found inside the uterus grows in places where it is not biologically supposed to grow.
Normally, the uterus is lined with tissue (endometrium) that grows and thickens every month is preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. This monthly process is controlled by ovarian estrogen hormones. If pregnancy does not occur in a given month, this tissue breaks down and leaves the body in the form of your period.
In a person with endometriosis however, problems with this system arise when endometrial tissue grows in areas outside of the uterus, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the bladder, bowels or rectum, or on the tissue that lines the pelvis.
Not only can this condition cause chronic pain and infertility, it can also lead to a dramatic imbalancing of vital sex hormones.
Cancer
Cancer is a serious medical condition characterized by rapid cell growth that may cause the formation of abnormal masses on vital organs within the body. These masses are known as “tumors” and can either be identified as benign (non-cancerous, lacking the ability to spread) or malignant (cancerous, including the ability to spread).
Often, various forms of cancer, including breast cancer, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer can negatively impact your endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating the secretion of your body’s various hormones.
Did you know that hormonal balance is important in decreasing your risk of cancer? For more information, or if you have concerns about your hormones or your genetic predisposition to endocrine cancers, speak to a professional endocrinologist as soon as possible.
Diabetes
Diabetes is an incredibly common medical condition. In fact, one in eleven adults worldwide has diabetes, which constantly puts endocrinologists on the front lines of the public health crisis. In the United States, about 30 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and another 7 million are living undiagnosed with the disease.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas, a vital gland located behind the stomach, fails to produce enough of the hormone insulin, which is responsible for carrying sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas makes little to no insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin everyday in order to supplement the insulin that their bodies are unable to naturally produce.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, affecting 90-95 percent of those suffering from the condition. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to the action of insulin, preventing it from properly carrying sugar into the cells.
Diabetes makes it difficult to keep your glucose levels in check, but doing so will greatly lower your chances of developing long-term complications with hormonal balance. In addition, treatments like hormone replacement therapy can help make this process easier.
Menopause
Menopause is a condition that occurs in every biological female at some point during their lives. Typically, menopause is officially diagnosed if you have been period-free for one year without being pregnant, breast-feeding, sick, or taking other medications. Over the course of menopause, women are likely to experience more erratic periods which may be shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter, before they eventually stop altogether.
In the years leading up to menopause, a woman’s ovaries will shrink in size and the amount of hormones (specifically estrogen) they produce will fluctuate. While menopause is a perfectly natural condition, it can unfortunately lead to symptoms including hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Luckily, Hormone Replacement Therapy is a great way to treat these symptoms, especially in menopausal women. At Renewed Vitality, we specialize in helping people get their lives back and achieve their dreams. We are the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments.
We serve both men and women, offering safe, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality in Wyomissing, PA today!
It may be the futuristic year of 2021, but unfortunately, ageism is alive and well. Old age stereotypes lurk around every corner in both private and public institutions. From the water cooler to the webpage, negative bias surrounding age is frustratingly prevalent.
For many older individuals, this reality can be particularly grating. However, the first step toward self-empowerment is recognizing these difficulties. Those who take this step are more likely to make their later years more productive and more purposeful than those you fall into the trap of believing these supposed limitations.
Tips for Getting Rid of Your Ageist Mindset
Ageism is an issue that people face on a global level, but the truth is, it’s a societal stigma that humans have imposed upon themselves. Now is the time to say goodbye to ageism. Here are four practical tips for ridding yourself of your ageist mindset.
Start Working on a Mindset Shift
Before you can begin changing your mindset on ageing, you must first assess and recognize whether you are living with a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.
If you are living with a fixed mindset, then you’re likely focusing only on limitations. Over time, this can limit your ability to grow, seek out new experiences, and take on new challenges. In order to live a fulfilling life, it is imperative that you strip yourself of ingrained behaviors and pave the way for a growth mindset.
A growth mindset not only allows you to learn new things, but it also allows you to push yourself to new heights you never thought possible, giving you the opportunity to take control of your life in a more direct manner.
Don’t Focus on Age
It’s human nature to categorize ourselves into little boxes characterized by restrictions and influenced by our own biases. However, it’s important to remember that this is a choice, not a law. Cliche though it may be, age is just a number.
In reality, there are no limitations on what you can or cannot do at any point of adulthood; all you need is the desire to do something and the willpower to not allow your fears to stand in the way.
Have you been dreaming of traveling the world since your teens? Are you thinking about getting a tattoo at 50? Are you eager to learn a new skill in your 70s? Go for it! The trick is to empower yourself by embracing these changes in a positive way.
Be Inspired By Others
The next time you find yourself using the “I’m too old for this” excuse as a crutch, take some time researching the lives of people in your age bracket from all over the world and all throughout history. Look at the accomplishments they achieved, take note of the age these people were when they finally achieved their dreams.
For example, fashion mogul Vera Wang was 40 years old when she opened her first bridal store. Henry Ford didn’t invent the Model T until he was 45. Julia Child was 50 years old when she published her first cookbook. J.R.R. Tolkien didn’t complete his famed Lord of the Rings trilogy until he was 63 years old.
Whether its fitness, business, hobbies, dreams, skills, or trades, you have the ability to bring change to the world and inspiration to your life at any age.
Make a Plan and Stick to It
While it may be easy to fantasize about change and occasionally even experience moments of inspiration and motivation, removing ourselves from the cyclical nature of our harmful ideas and habits is another beast entirely.
If you truly want to change your mindset on aging and your status in life, you have to make a plan. Start today by mapping out a one year goal. Create an outline for what you want to accomplish each week, each month. Set small goals along the way as forms of stepping stones (there’s nothing wrong with a good sidequest!).
Over time, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to develop and grow into an even stronger, more wholesome person. Most importantly, keep at it! You have one life to live, you’d best live it to the fullest.
At Renewed Vitality, we specialize in helping people get their lives back and achieve their dreams. We are the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We serve both men and women, offering safe, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality in Wyomissing, PA today!
For people of all ages, sexes, and genders, it’s important to keep your hormones well-balanced, and it’s not just for reproductive and sexual health! In fact, your hormones help to control and regulate a lot of our body’s functions, including mood, energy, sleep, metabolism, social behavior, immune system, and pain.
When hormones get out of balance, problems like diabetes, unwanted weight changes, weak bones, and other problems can be the result. Luckily, there are many different ways to keep your hormones in check.
One of the biggest factors in healthy hormone production and balance is your diet. Courtesy of Renewed Vitality, here are five eating and dieting tips that can help keep yourself happy hormonally.
Don’t Be Afraid of Carbs
In the world of dieting, there is quite a bit of stigma surrounding the consumption of carbohydrates. Many say that foods high in carbs are not ideal in any form. In reality, it’s the processed carbs, such as those found in junk food, that should be avoided.
“Good” carbs, like unprocessed or minimally processed whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans are actually quite important to keep as part of your regular diet.
According to Heather Bartos, MD, a board-certified OBGYN and the founder of Be. Women’s Health and Wellness, “Humans need carbohydrates to make sex steroid hormones, so if you’re at a normal weight, you need that because that’s going to keep your hormones balanced.”
Eat Organic if Possible
Did you know that recent professional studies have shown that pesticides and growth hormones found in non-organic food can correlate to hormone disruption in human females? It’s true!
For this reason, Bartos recommends eating all organic meats, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products that are growth hormone-free. If possible, you can even show your support for local organic farmers in the Berks County area!
Eat Leafy Greens and Root Veggies
According to Alisa Vitti, a functional nutritionist, author, and founder of FLO Living, leafy greens and root vegetables can check the box for the complex carbs your body craves.
“Women often don’t get enough complex carbohydrates, and as a result, because they’re trying to diet all the time, it actually messes with their hormone levels, says Vitti. “Increase leafy green vegetables and root vegetables.”
The naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and nutrients found in many root vegetables and leafy greens can go a long way toward keeping your vital hormones in perfect balance. That said, not all leafy greens are created equal…
Take It Easy on the Kale
While it may sound surprising, medical professionals like Dr. Bartos recommends eating kale and other cruciferous vegetables in moderation.
According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, kale and other cruciferous veggies like it contain goitrogens, which can block iodine from entering your thyroid gland. The human body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones and promote healthy metabolism.
In many cases, you can keep your body’s iodine levels up by eating foods like fish and dairy, thus avoiding the effects of goitrogens. However, if you suffer from an Iodine deficiency or a condition such as hyperthyroidism, then you may be at risk of developing a goiter (an enlarged thyroid).
Harvard’s School of Public Health recommends cooking cruciferous vegetables, which deactivates the enzyme that can cause the goitrogenic effect, and also consuming a wider variety of vegetables.
If you just can’t give up the kale though, you don’t have to skip out on your kale salads, but that doesn’t mean you have to have 17 cups of kale a day, Bartos says. You can discuss with your doctor about any concerns with your cruciferous vegetable intake.
Consume Healthy Fats
Over the years, fad diets and general misinformation have contributed to the common belief that all fats found in food are bad for you. This is simply untrue.
While processed fats, like trans and saturated fats, can have negative long-term effects on your health, there are many foods that include naturally occurring fats that can help keep estrogen levels balanced. According to the AARP, these “healthy” fats can be found in foods like coconut oil, olive oil, sweet potatoes, and avocados.
Sometimes, no matter how well balanced you are with your diet, it can be a challenge to keep your hormones properly in check. At Renewed Vitality, we offer safe, effective hormone imbalance treatment options for men and women at all stages of life.
To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality in Wyomissing, PA today!
