healthbriefs
What is Vaginal Dryness?
aginal Dryness is a serious problem commonly affecting women of all ages. Due to its location, it is not a topic openly discussed and may go untreated. Normally, a clear thin layer of moisture always coats the vaginal walls. It seeps through the walls of the blood vessels encircling the vagina. When this process is disrupted, women experience vaginal burning, itching and ir- ritation in the vaginal area. Vaginal dryness also makes intercourse uncomfortable. A variety of conditions can lead to
V
this disorder. Reduced estrogen levels from menopause, normal monthly hormone fluctuations, stress, cancer therapies, allergy and cold medications, some antidepres- sants, oral contraceptives and douching
could potentially cause this disruption in the normal chemical balance of the vaginal tissue. The vaginal tissue also has a unique
pH ranging from 3.5 to 5 which can be dis- rupted by using soaps with soda or sodium lauryl sulphate. For a person who already has sensitive skin in this area, extra care needs to be taken for hygiene to maintain a normal hydrolipidic film and inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, particu- larly yeast. This condition can be effectively treat-
ed with vaginal lubricants and cleansers to replenish moisture and alleviate the symp- toms of vaginal dryness. Take special care to avoid mineral oils and petroleum based products which may interrupt this tissue’s delicate nature. See your doctor if symp- toms persist. For more information, call Advocate Medical Company, 954.670.9973 or go to
www.advocatemedco.com. See ad this page.
tive childbirth education classes beginning in July. The goal of P3 is to educate and nurture women and their families through pregnancy, birth and the early years. P3 will be offering classes at Tunies in Parkland and at the world renowned Miami Maternity Center in North Miami. The 3 childbirth educators who share a common love for pregnancy, natural birth and babies are also senior midwifery students and were trained by legendary midwife Shari Daniels. “This is just the beginning of P3; we are so excited to begin this journey with the educational aspect of it”, says childbirth educa- tor Christa West. Christa West, Gelena Hinkley and Erica Nanasca have been work- ing together for 3 years. Each having their own experiences, they bring a diverse dynamic to all of their class- es. Together, they make a wonderful team of advocates for all women and their right to have a natural, safe birth, how and where they choose. Classes being offered starting
Peaceful Pregnancy Pathways P
in July include: Early Pregnancy Education; “Been there, done that”, a refresher course for experienced moms; Soon-to-Be-Sibling Class; and Green Baby Care. P3 will also be offering a full childbirth class series or any of the above listed classes at your home. “These at home classes are always fun! They’re sort of like a Tupperware party with a bunch of pregnant bellies sitting around!” says West. Visit their website at www.
peacefulpregnancypathways.com for exact dates and more info on classes. Want to learn something that is not on their list of classes? Let them know; they will offer a private class to meet your needs. Nurturing you through the journey of pregnancy, birth and the early years, Christa West, Erica Nanasca, and Gelena Hinkley, 954.780.9033. See ad page 53.
12 Broward County
http://FtL.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
eaceful Pregnancy Pathways, “P3”, will be offering alterna-
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