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This educational program is dedicated to the memory of my sister Dottie, who died prematurely of breast cancer. She was my role model, my inspiration to become a nurse and my most ardent encourager. I miss her so much.

Copyright ©1995-2004 Karen Lee, A.R.N.P.,
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Certified Menopause Practitioner

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About Women's Health

Each year three-quarters of a million post-menopausal American women die prematurely from diseases that are
largely preventable

•  heart attacks
•  strokes
•  cancers

Lack of information prevents many women in their second forty years from getting the healthcare they need.

The number one killer of women over 50 is heart disease.

Each year nearly 500,000 women die of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women over 50.

Until age 50 our primary female hormone, estrogen, protects our heart and arteries in two ways:

- Keeping artery walls very elastic, making it easier for the heart to pump blood

- Causing the liver to break down fats into more good cholesterol [HDL] than bad cholesterol [LDL].

What concerns do Karen's patients share?


Karen, I'm still having periods,
but also hot flashes!

Life expectancy for women in the United States is 82!

The second 40 years of your life and beyond can and should be the prime of your life. Some changes are inevitable with the aging process but their effects do not have to be adverse. A good outlook on life, coupled with strong self-esteem and a healthy lifestyle, will help keep you looking, feeling and acting years younger than your age. The current life expectancy in the United States is 82, at the turn of the 20th century it was only 50!

Over ninety percent of breast cancers are curable!

Breast cancer claims 44,000 women every year. But 95 percent of breast cancers are curable if detected early!
The current health outlook for American women over 40 is excellent and getting better all the time. Breast cancer falls far behind other leading causes of death in women over 40. While your risk of getting breast cancer increases with age, 95 percent of breast cancers are curable. With annual pap smears, virtually no woman would have to die from cervical cancer.

Lung cancer is nearly 100 percent preventable

Lung cancer is nearly 100 percent preventable, because the majority of lung cancers are directly related to smoking.

Cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent preventable.

Cancer of the cervix used to be one of the leading causes of death from cancer in women. Today, if every woman were to have an annual pap smear, virtually no woman would have to die of cervical cancer.

The only cure for osteoporosis is prevention

If you have osteoporosis, especially in an advanced stage, it is very important for you to follow common-sense tips to avoid getting a fracture which may heal very slowly and make your life very painful and difficult.

The sixth leading cause of death among women is suicide and the peak age is 54!

"This is a travesty! Women should be in their peak years, enjoying life. Depression is a treatable disease!."

Copyright ©1995-2004 Karen Lee, A.R.N.P.,
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Certified Menopause Practitioner