Saint Mary's - Thrive

A & A & A & A & A & A & A Q A A A As mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters, women play many roles in maintaining the health of their families. But too often, they may put off addressing their own health concerns. We asked three Saint Mary's Health System primary care physicians to share their advice about the signs women shouldn't overlook. Q Q Q Dr. Kathleen Burlison, primary care physician at East Main Internal Medicine, Waterbury Dr. Sallie Carrington, primary care physician at Watertown Internal Medicine Dr. Santhi Singanamala, primary care physician at Franklin Faculty Practice, Waterbury Question: As I get older, I have become more concerned about heart disease and osteoporosis. What do I need to know about the warning signs of these diseases? Dr. Singanamala: Women are usually about 10 years older than men when they first develop heart disease. As a result, women often underestimate their heart attack risk. Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom in both men and women. But women are more likely than men to have atypical symptoms, which can include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain in the jaw, back, shoulders, or arms. If you notice these symptoms, call 911. In terms of osteoporosis, you should talk with your doctor about a screening if you have risk factors, such as a family history of the disease, or have sustained a fracture after a minor fall. Question: If you could give women one piece of advice regarding their health, what would you tell them? Dr. Burlison: If something is bothering you, don't delay seeing your doctor. You may be tempted to ignore fatigue, for example, but fatigue that is unusually prolonged can indicate anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, or heart disease. It's also important to remember that the best time to see your doctor isn't when you're sick—it's when you're feeling fine. Preventive appointments allow your doctor to perform regular blood tests and other screenings that keep you healthy. Having a primary care doctor also gives you an advocate who can help you navigate any health concerns. Question: I have frequent heartburn. When is it time to see a doctor? Dr. Carrington: Most women with heartburn delay seeing their physician and instead try an over-the-counter medication to relieve acid reflux. But heartburn can be a concern, especially in postmenopausal women who have a greater risk of heart disease. Some women ignore chest pain thinking they have heartburn. If you take heartburn medication and it doesn't help relieve your symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. It could be your heart, or you could have a different gastrointestinal condition, such as an ulcer or esophageal spasm. You Shouldn't Ignore Women's Health Issues To find a primary care physician, visit www.stmh.org and select "Find a Physician." www.stmh.org 7

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