Women’s Health in Lincoln – May 2022

May is National Women’s Health Month, a time when women are encouraged to make healthy choices that are best for them. Good health leads to less stress and anxiety and higher levels of happiness and optimism. In addition, women who are mothers are also encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle not only to ensure they will be around longer for their children, but because kids tend to adopt their parents’ habits.

Start celebrating by scheduling a visit with your doctor. Annual checkups are important to keep up with – even if you are feeling great. Keep reading to learn more ways women can honor this month and prioritize their health.

Take Time for Self-Care

In addition to encouraging women to evaluate their health, National Women’s Health Month is also an inspiring reminder to fi nd time to put yourself first. Kelsey Baxa, nurse practitioner at LIVE Hydration Spa (livehydrationspa.com/locations/lincoln-ne), wanted to share some more information on how you can provide selfcare through improving your physical health as well as mental health.

“A number of women struggle with autoimmune conditions, low energy, down or depressed mood, and fluctuating hormone levels,” described Kelsey. “In comparison to men, women are two times more likely to develop or suffer from an autoimmune condition such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Crohn’s disease. A number of therapies offered at LIVE Hydration Spa can be used as adjunct therapy to help improve chronic inflammation, immune mediated responses, or just used for a boost of energy and general well-being. These include but aren’t limited to: tailored IV therapy to each individual client, intramuscular injections of certain vitamins and minerals for optimal absorption, as well as acute and primary/preventative care visits.”

For instance, Kelsey continued, some clients may benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of Alpha-Lipoic-Acid or Glutathione given through IV therapy. Other clients who may have troubles with their gastrointestinal system and absorption may not be getting enough Vitamin D supplementation despite taking oral capsules as part of their daily routine. Therefore, intramuscular Vitamin D injections may be more beneficial for certain individuals, as it is a very crucial hormone that plays an essential role in nearly every body system.

“Lack of energy is something we all seem to struggle with at some point or another. For women in particular, this may be related to a number of factors,” Kelsey explained. “More common causes include anemia related to a woman’s monthly cycle, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of absorption. At LIVE Hydration Spa we can help correct deficiencies of certain ‘B’ vitamins (B12 in particular) through IV therapy or intramuscular injections. ‘B’ vitamins are essential in the formation of red blood cells and prevention of anemia.”

Visit a Clinic

The Women’s Clinic of Lincoln (womensclinicoflincoln.com) is a one-stop-shop for women’s healthcare. Not only do they offer women’s examinations, but they also provide mammograms, DEXA bone scans, ultrasounds, laboratory, infertility, surgery, breast care and biopsies, bioidentical hormones, and laser vaginal rejuvenation. We spoke to Courtney Sams, APRN, who offered some information on one of the breakthroughs made in the women’s health field recently.

“Breast care has evolved immensely in the last 10 years,” Courtney shared. “We can now do genetic testing based on family history to determine a patient’s risk for breast cancer. These results allow us to create an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Also, performing 3D mammography allows for more accurate detection of abnormalities, earlier diagnosis, and clearer results in dense breast tissue. These clearer images also decrease the need for follow-up imaging.”

In addition to women’s healthcare services, the Women’s Clinic of Lincoln also offers aesthetics through Advanced Skin + Body Aesthetics, which is owned by the clinic.

“Our aesthetics office lets women look as good as they feel. Whether it’s body contouring or just a facial to relax for an hour and unwind, self-care is important!” said Courtney. “Women are notorious for taking care of everyone else and leaving themselves last. Whether it’s a checkup on their health or taking some time for self-care, they need to make themselves a priority in order to be there for their friends and family.”

Protect Your Eyes

Hot and sunny days are ahead of us, which means we are likely to be spending more and more time outdoors. Before you step outside, put on a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Dr. Dan Novak from Premier Vision (premiervisionlincoln.com) educated us on the dangers that UV rays present.

“Years of research have shown that sun damage from UV rays can lead to earlier cataracts and higher risk for age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the U.S.,” Dr. Novak explained. “Not only that, but the skin around the eye is very thin and sensitive. This area is one of the more common areas for skin cancers on the face.”

If those reasons alone don’t get your attention, Dr. Novak also shared that UV damage can cause premature age spots to show up on the eyes and surrounding skin. Even more, we tend to squint when it’s bright out – even if the sun isn’t in our face – which can ultimately result in “crow’s feet,” or wrinkling around the eyes.

“More research is coming out that women are at a higher risk for age-related macular degeneration,” explained Dr. Novak. “I am a big believer in preventative care, meaning I want to protect my patients now and not wait until a problem arises. NOW is the time to start protecting your eyes!”

Along with UV protection, Dr. Novak recommends polarized sunglass lenses. Polarized lenses help prevent the harsh glare we get from the snow, water, or cars while we are driving. Research has shown that polarized sunglasses help with our reaction time when driving in the bright sun and can prevent car crashes. Premier Vision offers a number of sunglass options that will not only protect your eyes and surrounding areas, but also help you to look your best! They are currently kicking off the summer with their annual sunglass sale. You can get 25% off of non-prescription sunglasses and 30% off of prescription sunglasses.

Find a Good Pair of Running Shoes – and More!

When we asked Lincoln Running Co. (lincrunningcompany.com) what they offer for women’s health, Manager Ann Ringlein gave a pretty solid answer:

“Of course, we provide proper footwear – but more than that, we offer empathy and knowledge and support,” shared Ann. “We really don’t sell just shoes – we impart information on beginning a walking/running program, we help with referrals to medical professionals, we offer advice for the little annoyances bothering them that may be keeping them from exercising, and suggest apparel and good socks (which can make a ton of difference).”

Ann explained that women are often some of the last people to take care of themselves; when they have a family, it often happens that caring for themselves comes second to their loved ones. However, as our good friend Dr. JoAnne Owens-Nauslar says, “Secure your own mask first.” You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first!

“Foot problems never seem to ‘get better on their own,’ so when women take care of issues early on with their aches and pains, it goes a long way to staying healthy and being able to help others in their family,” shared Ann. “Recent studies show women will stick to an exercise program if they have at least two buddies to do this with, and if they exercise first thing in the morning. It’s best to have two friends to ensure that at least one will show up each morning, and first thing in the morning is the best time of day as it’s before the rest of your crew is awake and needing you.”

For women who are ready to get moving, Ann encourages signing up for Lincoln Running Co.’s Beginner’s Luck running class that starts June 8. The 8-week introductory class has a team of volunteers to guide you through every step of the way, as well as a new professional each week to speak to the class about an aspect of running.

Treat Your Pelvic Dysfunction

Husker Rehab (huskerrehab.com) encourages women to pay attention to symptoms that many believe are “just a part of aging”; in reality, these symptoms can be signs of pelvic dysfunction: urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, fecal incontinence, constipation, abdominal pain, and postpartum or pregnancy pain.

“80% of women will have some type of pelvic dysfunction during their life,” shared Dr. Michelle Spicka, physical therapist. “Pelvic physical therapy is specialized physical therapy services that treat women throughout their lifespan. Physical therapists specially trained in pelvic physical therapy help you relearn to utilize your pelvic floor muscles appropriately and to regain any strength that was lost during pregnancy, birth, or just living life.”

Sometimes the issue is not that the pelvic muscles are weak, but rather that the muscles are too tight, leading to the dysfunction. Because each woman’s condition is unique, pelvic physical therapists are also skilled in developing an individualized treatment plan based on the details you share and the findings of their examination. Pelvic dysfunction symptoms are much easier to resolve if they are treated within the first few months. However, many women ignore pelvic pain and incontinence symptoms and do not speak with their healthcare provider until they have been suffering for many years and the symptoms have gotten worse.

“In an ideal world, women would be more supported in the days, weeks, and months following a birth and have the opportunity to rest and recover,” Michelle said. “But as that isn’t so much the case for many moms these days, women need to be encouraged to prioritize their rest and own physical recovery and care, especially in the first few months. Pelvic physical therapy is one major way to do just that, offering a bevy of benefits for new moms—in both the short- and long-term. Just five to 10 minutes of self-care a day can make a huge difference! You DESERVE to get better.”

Join a Gym

Right Foot Forward Fitness (rightfootforwardfitness.com) offers a variety of classes and options to fit different workout styles. Owner Jeff Madsen shared the important things most people tend to forget while trying to get enough physical exercise.

“One of the most important things women can do to enhance their health is to incorporate resistance training into their fitness routine,” Jeff told us. “Gone are the days when society discouraged women from being strong and powerful. In our personal training, we utilize various forms of resistance training from suspension straps to kettle-bells to dumbbells and barbells. Why is this so important? Because the two main villains women are fighting over time are osteopenia (loss of bone mineral density) and sarcopenia (loss of muscle tone and fiber)…and the most effective way to battle those conditions is resistance training!”

Because some health problems more profoundly affect women over the age of 40, Jeff has designed a structured personal training program for women 40+ years of age designed to address balance, proprioception, mobility, strength, and conditioning.

“Know that past failures or struggles do not define you,” Jeff said. “Failure is an event, not a person. You can achieve your goals! Also, remember that your health is worth the necessary investment of time and energy. If you have any questions, visit our facility to talk to a pro. We are always happy to visit with you at no cost or obligation to answer any questions you might have.”

Take Time for Mental Health

Daring Minds Therapy (daringmindstherapy.info) is a women-owned small business that Maureen DeRyke, PLMHP, PMSW founded in 2018 with Sarah Worley and Erica Schroeder. They have therapists who are trained/licensed in child-parent-psychotherapy, eye-movement desensitization, reprocessing, dialectical behavioral therapy, drug and alcohol abuse, social work, and trauma-related disorders. For women looking to improve their overall health who feel that they might need some help to get there, start by setting some small goals. Give yourself time to figure out what works for you, going at your own pace.

“Our mind, body, and spirit communicate with us daily as to what is healthy and what is not,” Maureen said. “However, taking that time to listen to our inner voice can be challenging. Pick one or two things that feel achievable at first before moving on to trying other ideas. If there is something that helps you relax, try to find time to fit it into your day. Doing something creative can help distract you from difficult thoughts or feelings or help you to process them. It can also be rewarding. Try to eat regular meals and have a balanced diet, as this can help your mood and energy levels—and try to establish a routine around bedtime to help set a regular sleeping pattern.”

Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, Maureen draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. These methods consist of Strengths-based, Solution-focused Therapy; Motivational Interviewing; Cognitive Behavioral and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Maureen strives to maintain a consistent lens of social justice and empowerment in her practice.

“Healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment,” concluded Maureen. “I’m committed to helping you overcome trauma, anger, depression, anxiety, addictions to alcohol and drugs, and other stresses that affect all of us at some time in our lives.”

Implement Natural Products into Your Routine

To achieve a healthy lifestyle, you have to be conscious of what you are consuming in your day-to-day life. That’s why we recommend shopping at Red Clover Market (red-clover-market.business.site). The full-service health food store offers natural and organic foods and supplements; locally raised chicken, beef, and lamb; bulk foods and spices; teas; shade-grown organic coffees; and much more. Red Clover believes people have a right to healthy and delicious foods that are highly nutritious and free of chemicals, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

“One lesson I’ve learned over time is this: make your first food of the day healthy,” shared Owner Deborah Wyrrick. “Some things I enjoy are avocado toast, dried fruit and cheese, a smoothie with fresh fruits, full-fat yogurt, and a protein of choice, such as whey, collagen, or plant-based. Even just a handful of nuts or seeds with a banana – it is motivating to finish the day healthy when you start healthy. If you get off track, don’t spend time fretting. Get back to your new healthy way of living and moving!”

CBD American Shaman (cbdamericanshaman.com) carries products that may help with relief, wellness, beauty, and more. Their products are far superior to those of any other competitor because of their proprietary nanotechnology, which means that 90% to 100% of the CBD you consume is absorbed by your body, letting you get the most out of the product.

“We have achieved nanotechnology to perfection,” said Owner Lance Schroeder. “For the body’s absorption rate, perfection is between 50 and 60 nanometers, and we are there. The thing a lot of people don’t understand is you can’t compare our products to others on the shelves for maybe less money, and that’s not because our products are more expensive for what they accomplish—in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Our proprietary nanotechnology features faster absorption and lasts longer in your body.”

When it comes to meeting your health goals with CBD products, CBD American Shaman offers products such as CBGo and CBNight. CBGo has been shown to provide clarity, focus, and energy when taken in the morning, and it comes without the negative effects of caffeine. CBNight is a fabulous natural sleep aid; as long as you don’t take CBD or drink alcohol for four hours before you take it, it will help you regenerate your sleep pattern. Take it about 30 minutes before bed, and find yourself waking up refreshed.

More Local Health Resources

Are you looking for a clinic that offers access to a medical doctor as well as other healthcare providers, ultimately giving you one location for all your healthcare needs? Look no further than Aceso Total Healthcare (acesototalhealth.com). Their modern approach to medicine combines natural and traditional therapies to help their members achieve total health. They have a philosophy built on building a healthy lifestyle that prevents chronic disease rather than simply treating symptoms after they occur. Aceso follows a proactive approach to maintaining your mind, body, and overall well-being.

Their services include hormone replacement therapy, functional medicine, acupuncture, weight management/diet/exercise, medical massage, stress/anxiety management through movement therapy, IV nutritional therapy, integrative therapies, health coaching, and soon, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy.

When we find ourselves recovering from an injury or illness, there’s a chance that medications are involved in the process. Getting back into top-health already presents enough challenges, so don’t make finding a pharmacy that is there for you one of them. We recommend Nebraska LTC Pharmacy (neltcpharmacy.com), a concierge pharmacy that strives to offer the “small-town” level of service you can count on while also providing the highest level of care for their patients.

Nebraska LTC offers much more than the average retail pharmacy. They provide free blister packaging and free medication delivery, and will even do an in-home consultation to assess your medication situation and help you sort through current and old medications, and dispose of anything that the customer is no longer needing or that may be expired. Perhaps best of all, Nebraska LTC’s services come at no charge.

Ladies, it’s important to be mindful of your health well beyond National Women’s Health Month. So many people in your life need you here, and they need you here healthy. We encourage you to reach out to these local health experts and resources to ensure you’re on track to live a long and fruitful life.