What’s Office Hysteroscopy? 

What’s Office Hysteroscopy? 

Office hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the inside of the uterus. This procedure is performed in the gynecologist’s office, making it more convenient for patients compared to a traditional hysteroscopy, which is done in the operating room.

 

I utilize the latest technology for in office Hysteroscopy – the Endosee® Advance System

During the procedure, a thin, lighted tube called a hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The hysteroscope has a camera attached to it, which allows us to view the inside of the uterus on a monitor. We can detect any abnormalities such as fibroid tumors, polyps, or adhesions, and perform a biopsy. 

 

The procedure is done under oral anesthesia and patients can expect to experience some cramping during the procedure.  Most patients can resume their normal activities the same day.

 

Office hysteroscopy can also be used as a diagnostic tool in cases of abnormal bleeding or infertility. If a problem is detected during the procedure, it may be possible to treat it at the same time using specialized instruments passed through the hysteroscope.

 

The procedure has high diagnostic value and is known for providing detailed information and high accuracy. The best part is that the procedure is done without much pain, low risk, and with a quick recovery time.

 

It is important to note that office hysteroscopy might  not be recommended for everyone.  

 

Overall, office hysteroscopy is a safe and effective way for us  to examine the inside of the uterus and detect any abnormalities. It is also a great option for patients who want a convenient, minimally invasive procedure with a quick recovery time. If you have any concerns or are experiencing symptoms such as abnormal bleeding or infertility, be sure to make an appointment to discuss if an office hysteroscopy is right for you. 

 

Navigating the world of women’s healthcare without a reliable, experienced guide is often overwhelming and frightening.

Working with Dr. Barbara Hessel is an entirely different experience. By encouraging you to take an active role in your own health and wellness and offering you an individualized care plan, it’s the level of treatment you deserve.

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How To Recognize Stress Eating and What You Can Do About It!

How To Recognize Stress Eating and What You Can Do About It!

We have been discussing moderation and mindfulness. Click here for a quick refresher. 

 

As we dig deeper into mindfulness, we need to examine stress eating.

 

We rarely recognize when we are stress eating. I have experienced this myself. The day is going great, then something stressful happens and I find myself opening the refrigerator and cabinet doors. How do we stop before we are elbow deep in the cookies and chips?

 

To be mindful about what we are eating, we need to get in touch with the body’s signals, like hunger and cravings. 

 

CRAVINGS: Cravings are felt in the head, and can arise from boredom, and the need for a reward or distraction. Stress is another cause of cravings and might take the form of wanting something sweet or salty right away. Cravings are mental, emotional, and habitual.

 

Stress eating is triggered by certain sights, smells, people, or emotions. The process is automatic, and you are usually not aware of what is triggering it. You might find yourself in front of the cabinet or refrigerator, reaching for something and wondering “Why am I eating this?”  If you start to pay attention, you might realize these cravings come after a difficult meeting at work, or after talking to your mom, or watching the news. 

 

HUNGER: On the other hand, hunger is felt in the gut. It is the physical sensation of a grumbling stomach or feeling a little shaky or dizzy. You can trust it to tell you it is time to eat.

 

Can you recognize the difference for you? Mindfulness is “noticing and naming” what is going on IN THE MOMENT. Learn the difference between hunger and cravings and between hunger and stress eating.

 

Eating feels good and offers a temporary solution to stress. It helps us forget our stress for the moment. The problem is the feeling is temporary and will not solve our problem.

 

When we experience emotional eating and the guilt that follows it, it is so easy to give and say “Well I give up. I’m going to eat everything now.”

 

Here is where I can help you.

 

 

3 Strategies to Deal with Stress Eating.

 

Go Ahead and Overeat.

 

Many of our thoughts, emotions and actions happen automatically. Habits develop from years of practice until all we need is a trigger to set off our stress eating. It does not require the brain to make decisions.

 

Next time it happens, give yourself permission to eat. Use it as a learning experience, without judgment. Write down what happens and how you feel before, during and after. This will help you identify triggers. It will also help to remove the guilt and shame around overeating. Also, because you are “allowed to eat,” it becomes less urgent, the cravings are less and often manageable. You will find you can eat 1 or 2 cookies instead of the whole box.

 

Review your notes. Do you notice a pattern? Once you are aware of the trigger, you can make choices. You can decide if this is something you can avoid. Even If you cannot avoid the trigger, you can become aware that it is happening. 

 

Create a Menu of Alternatives.

 

Make a list of options that you can use before stress eating. Things that will help with the stress, but also break the trigger-stress cycle:

 

  • Take deep, cleansing breaths.
  • Drink more water.
  • Check for signs of hunger.
  • Play with your dog or children. Call or text your partner or friend.
  • Listen to a favorite song. What gets you pumped up? Or more relaxed?
  • Get up. Go for a short walk. Do a few stretches.
  • Spend a few minutes on housework or organizing your desk.

 

We are using a delay and distract strategy. Oftentimes we think we are hungry, when in fact we just need to drink some water. Make it easy for yourself. Keep water on your desk. Cut up vegetables in the fridge. Most important, keep this list nearby for when you need it. 

 

Remember, you do not have to use it every time. We are not aiming for perfection. Try it and see how you feel. You can still have a snack. A better alternative when snacking is to measure out the portion, put it in a bowl, sit down and enjoy it mindfully.

 

Try Self-Compassion.

 

Often when we are stress eating, we will use negative self-talk before, during and after. It reinforces the trigger – stress eating – feeling bad cycle.

 

Self-compassion can help break that loop. It can interrupt the “screw it” feeling that leads to over-eating.

 

Self-compassion is

  • Giving yourself a break.
  • Being honest about your problems.
  • Being kind to yourself.

 

How do we practice self-compassion? 

  • Mindfulness – being aware of what we are doing but not judging ourselves.
  • Knowing that stress happens to everyone.
  • Self-kindness. We should treat ourselves like we treat our loved ones. 

 

Before stress eating, you can use mindfulness and self-kindness to break the cycle.

 

After stress eating, use kindness to remove the guilt and shame that can lead to binging.

 

Remember, self-compassion is not:

  • Eating whatever you want all the time.
  • Ignoring your problems. 

 

So, let us not use food to bury your feelings and our problems. Let us use strategies to opt-out of the stress eating cycle.

 

Do you need help with your nutrition? Do not know what to eat or where to start? Schedule a Nutrition Coaching Consultation with Dr. Hessel! Follow the link here to get started:  www.drhesselmd.com/nutrition 

Do you need help with your nutrition?  Don’t know what to eat or where to start?  Schedule a Nutrition Coaching Consultation with Dr. Hessel!  Follow this  link to get started:  www.drhesselmd.com/nutrition 

We work so hard to help our family and our friends when they are struggling — so why is it so hard to help ourselves?

We work so hard to help our family and our friends when they are struggling — so why is it so hard to help ourselves?

It is so  important that we prioritize self-care as well.  It’s like the oxygen on the airplane – you have to put your own mask on first so that you can get enough oxygen to help those around you. 

 

Simply becoming aware of the habits you are engaging in may be helpful in shifting your own perceptions around food, exercise, and health. You can also try some or all of the following strategies: 

 

  • Treat your body with respect and practice positive self-talk and self-compassion.

 

  • Look in the mirror every morning and give yourself a compliment or recognize three things about yourself that you’re proud of or thankful for. 

 

  • Try some physical activity outside of a structured exercise session that brings you joy and doesn’t revolve around improving fitness, changing body shape, or compensating for calories eaten. I’m a big fan of walking around the neighborhood and hiking whenever possible!

 

  • Practice intuitive eating — pay close attention to your internal hunger cues and focus on eating what makes you feel good. 

 

While these steps are a great start, you may still struggle with a preoccupation with food, exercise, or your body. Please feel free to reach out at any time.  Click here to learn more about my nutrition coaching program.

 

Get Ready to Walk for Breast Cancer

Get Ready to Walk for Breast Cancer

avon walk for breast cancerChances are that you know someone who has been directly affected by breast cancer. Maybe it’s you–sitting there right now. Maybe you’re finishing treatment or have just been diagnosed and you’re hoping for a bright future ahead. There’s still much research to be done to win the battle against breast cancer, but I want to encourage you to be a part of that effort through the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. There are lots of great breast cancer awareness and fundraising events going on all across the country almost constantly, so Avon’s walk isn’t your only option, but it could be  a great way to join in the fight.

What is the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer?

Starting in September, 2014 walkers can trek up to 39 miles in a weekend while raising money for screenings, research, cancer support, education and more–but don’t worry–the walk is designed to be fun and interactive with great meals, lots of support from Avon’s volunteer staff and time with others who care about the cause.

Women and men who walk gather donations. These donations are used by Avon to fund breast cancer programs and offer treatment access to patients who may not have it otherwise–a key component of a healthy life and early detection. Since the walk started in 2003, more than $500 million dollars has been raised for the cause and helps underserved women get mammograms , research labs get important supplies, and low-income patients get transportation to and from medical appointments.

How can I get involved?

It’s easy! Visit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer homepage and register for the city you’re closest to–or that you’ve always wanted to see and make it a trip to remember! You can choose from locations including Santa Barbara, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Boston and more. 80% of the money raised during the walk stays in the city where the walk is held.

I can’t walk very far–can I still participate?

Absolutely. There’s no requirement that says you have to walk the full mileage at the event. Just complete your fundraising efforts then come out and walk as long as you’d like–enjoying healthy meals, plenty of rest breaks, and a fun time along the way.

There is lots of helpful, inspiring information on the walk website–drop by and take a look at the videos and other inspiring details that will have you lacing up your walking shoes in no time. Plan your trip today!