Wellness Archives - Hamptons Mouthpiece

A Conversation with Dr. Florence Rolston: Women’s Health, Screening, and Building Healthy Habits

Hamptons Mouthpiece: A Conversation with Dr. Florence Rolston: Women’s Health, Screening, and Building Healthy Habits

Women’s Health: When it comes to women’s health, having a trusted voice to guide you through the stages of care is essential. I recently sat down with Dr. Florence Rolston, a distinguished physician specializing in women’s health, to discuss some of the key questions many young women and their families have: When should you schedule your first gynecologic visit? Why is the HPV vaccine so important? And what habits should we all be building for better long-term health?

When Should a Woman Have Her First Gynecologic Screening Visit?

Dr. Rolston shared that the first cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear should begin at age 21.

“It’s very unusual to find significant abnormal cervical changes before the age of 21,” Dr. Rolston explained. “That’s why the recommendation is to start screening at 21.”

However, Dr. Rolston emphasized that many young women will see a healthcare provider before then — particularly for screening and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For women under 25 who are sexually active, annual STI screening is recommended.

“In terms of general health screening, most patients continue to see their family physician or pediatrician until they transition to adult medicine providers after age 21,” she added.

When is the Right Time to Get the HPV Vaccine, and Why is it Important?

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has revolutionized women’s health by drastically reducing the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Dr. Rolston stressed the significance of receiving the vaccine before becoming sexually active, ideally starting around ages 11 or 12.

“The HPV vaccine has been incredibly beneficial in reducing cervical cancer rates in the U.S.,” she noted. “Compared to parts of the world where the vaccine isn’t widely available, the difference is dramatic.”

HPV is a common virus with over 100 different strains, but the vaccine targets the strains most commonly linked to cervical cancer and genital warts. Early vaccination provides the best protection.

What Healthy Habits Can We Incorporate Into Our Daily Lives?

Of course, health isn’t just about vaccines and screenings. Dr. Rolston passionately advocates for simple, daily habits that can make a world of difference:

“Health maintenance starts with eating a healthy diet. What you put into your body can have a huge impact on your overall health.”

She recommends focusing on:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains

• Lean proteins

• Limiting processed foods

• Staying well-hydrated

Exercise is equally crucial — not only for physical well-being but also for mental health.

“Regular exercise supports physical strength and reduces stress, which in turn helps your immune system,” Dr. Rolston said. “Even just getting outside into nature can lower stress levels significantly.”

Finally, managing stress itself is a key pillar of good health. Whether through mindfulness, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or being active outdoors, keeping stress under control benefits both the mind and the body.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Rolston’s advice is clear: Prevention, early screening, and building strong daily habits are the foundation for a healthier life. Whether you’re scheduling your first gynecologic visit, getting vaccinated, or choosing better foods and activities, these steps are vital investments in your future well-being.

If you have questions about women’s health screenings or vaccinations, reach out to a qualified healthcare provider like those at Stony Brook Medicine, where Dr. Rolston and her colleagues are dedicated to supporting your journey to better health.

Putting Me First: How My Wellness Journey Began and Where It’s Headed

January 2018: The Moment Everything Changed

In January 2018, I made a life-changing decision—I chose me.

Wellness Journey: As a mother, it’s second nature to prioritize your children above all else. For years, I poured from an empty cup, thinking self-sacrifice was the ultimate expression of love. But in October 2017, someone said something that shook me to my core. I was already grieving the death of my mother, barely holding myself together, and suddenly, I found myself spiraling.

For the next two months, I tried not to fall apart. I was hurting, but I kept showing up for everyone else. And then, with the clarity that only comes from emotional exhaustion, I knew it was time to shift.

Releasing the Weight That Wasn’t Mine

That January, I confronted someone who had haunted my thoughts for years. I released the guilt I had lived with for far too long—because I realized it wasn’t mine to carry. That confrontation marked the beginning of my wellness journey and the start of reclaiming my peace.

Soon after, I experienced a health scare with Bell’s Palsy. While it was physically and emotionally draining, I believe the mindset work I had begun helped me recover faster. Choosing to prioritize my mental wellness made all the difference.

Five Years of Mental Work

Healing the mind is an essential part of any wellness lifestyle, and this was the part of me that needed the most attention. For five years, I worked through trauma in therapy, faced my fears, and made difficult decisions to eliminate triggers in my life. It wasn’t easy—but it was necessary.

2023: A Year of Awareness and Awakening

In 2023, everything changed again—I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. That diagnosis explained so much. For years, I had struggled with fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, and stubborn weight gain, even when I thought I was doing everything “right.”

Sleep apnea can wreak havoc on your health. The lack of quality sleep affects metabolism, hormone balance, memory, and weight. Once I began treatment, I finally started to feel like myself again. My energy returned. My focus improved. And the scale started to move—not because I starved myself, but because my body was finally functioning as it should.

Starting My Fitness Journey

With my sleep under control and my mind in a better place, I felt ready to take on a new challenge: physical fitness.

I began with a full medical evaluation to ensure I could safely begin working out. With my doctor’s clearance, I hired a coach who taught me how to heal my relationship with food and embrace strength training.

Now, two years later:

• I workout at least three times a week, I try hard to incorporate strength training to my week at least twice a week, sometimes I forget and sometimes I just don’t feel like working out and that is ok. I answer only to myself.

• I have a balanced, respectful relationship with food.

• I’m learning to love my body through every phase.

2024: A Life-Changing Decision—Breast Reduction Surgery

In 2024, I made another major decision—I had breast reduction surgery.

This was not just a cosmetic choice. It was about freedom. For years, I had experienced back and neck pain, poor posture, and physical limitations due to my breast size. After surgery, the relief was almost immediate.

I could move more freely, breathe deeper, and feel lighter—not just physically but emotionally. My workouts became easier. My confidence grew. I felt more aligned with the woman I’ve worked so hard to become.

What’s Next: The Journey Continues

My wellness journey isn’t over—it’s evolving. This year, I’m facing new challenges and goals that are stretching me in new ways. I’ll be sharing more about that as my Wellness Journey continues, so stay tuned. I’m grateful for my husband, my incredible daughters and my best friends who have given unconditional support during these last 8 years. I am forever grateful.

Healing isn’t linear. But it’s possible. And it all begins with one choice—to put you first.

Women’s Health: Understanding Insulin Resistance and Its Impact on Menopausal Women

Understanding Insulin Resistance and Its Impact on Menopausal Women

What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. When this happens, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin to keep blood glucose in check. Over time, this can lead to elevated insulin levels, increased fat storage, and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

How Does Insulin Resistance Affect Menopausal Women?

Menopause is a time of significant hormonal changes, primarily characterized by a decline in estrogen levels. This hormonal shift contributes to various metabolic changes, including an increased likelihood of developing insulin resistance. Here’s how insulin resistance specifically impacts menopausal women:

Slower Metabolism

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining insulin sensitivity. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the body becomes less efficient at utilizing glucose for energy. This leads to higher blood sugar levels, increased fat storage, and a slower metabolism.

Increased Fat Storage, Particularly in the Abdominal Area

Before menopause, women tend to store fat in the hips and thighs due to estrogen’s influence. However, with lower estrogen levels, fat distribution shifts toward the abdominal area. Insulin resistance further exacerbates this issue by promoting fat accumulation around the waistline, often referred to as “visceral fat.” This type of fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

Higher Risk of Weight Gain

Even if caloric intake remains the same, menopausal women often find it harder to maintain their weight. This is because insulin resistance, coupled with age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), makes it more difficult to burn calories efficiently. Excess insulin levels signal the body to store fat rather than burn it for energy, making weight gain more likely, especially in the midsection.

Increased Cravings and Energy Crashes

Insulin resistance can cause fluctuating blood sugar levels, leading to intense cravings for carbohydrates and sugar. These cravings, combined with a slower metabolism, can contribute to overeating and further weight gain. Additionally, unstable blood sugar can cause energy crashes, making it harder to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Strategies to Manage Insulin Resistance During Menopause

Although insulin resistance can make weight management challenging during menopause, there are effective strategies to improve insulin sensitivity and support overall metabolic health:

Prioritize a Balanced Diet – Focus on whole foods, including lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Reducing processed foods and added sugars can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes.

Engage in Strength Training – Building muscle through resistance exercises can improve insulin sensitivity and help counteract age-related muscle loss.

Incorporate Cardiovascular Exercise – Activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling help burn excess glucose and improve metabolic function

Manage Stress – Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which can worsen insulin resistance and promote abdominal fat storage. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help regulate stress hormones.

Prioritize Sleep – Poor sleep negatively affects insulin sensitivity and increases cravings for high-carb, sugary foods. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night.

Consider Intermittent Fasting – Some research suggests that intermittent fasting can enhance insulin sensitivity by giving the body longer periods to regulate blood sugar levels. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before making dietary changes.

Insulin resistance plays a significant role in menopausal weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area. As estrogen levels decline, metabolism slows, fat distribution shifts, and the risk of metabolic disorders increases. However, by making targeted lifestyle changes—including diet modifications, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep—menopausal women can improve insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthier weight.

Women’s Heath: What you need to know about Mammograms

“I’m interested in women’s health because I’m a woman. I’d be a darn fool not to be on my own side”Maya Angelou *

Women’s health encompasses a wide range of physical, mental, and reproductive well-being throughout different life stages. It includes essential aspects such as menstrual health, pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and breast cancer, which affect women differently than men. Access to preventive care, screenings, and education on nutrition, exercise, and mental health is crucial for overall well-being. Addressing gender-specific health concerns and promoting equitable healthcare access can improve quality of life and longevity for women worldwide.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Florence Rolston,MD to talk about a topic that we are both passionate about which is Women’s Health. In Part 1 of a year long series about women’s health we discussed multiple topics that affect women’s health.

First part What you should know about Mammogram screening. Who should get a mammogram screening? When should you get a mammogram screening? Why should you get a mammogram screening?

Young Women Can and Do Get Breast Cancer

Is Lyme Disease only a Summer Thing

A woman scratches her legs with redness, irritation and pimples from insect bites. Close-up. The concept of protection against mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

Is Lyme Disease only a summer thing? The answer is No, Lyme disease is not just a summer issue, though the risk is highest in late spring and summer. The black-legged tick (deer tick), which spreads Lyme disease, can be active whenever temperatures are above freezing. In warmer climates, ticks can be a risk year-round. Even in colder areas, mild winter days can bring out ticks, so it’s important to take precautions whenever you’re in tick-prone areas. Read up on an article I wrote back in 2012 when my daughter starting experience symptoms in December and was not diagnosed until March. Lyme Disease, an Accidental Diagnosis

Lyme Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

3d rendered close up of a tick on the skin

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and, in rare cases, Borrelia mayonii. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also called deer ticks). If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to severe complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.

How Is Lyme Disease Transmitted?

Lyme disease spreads through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks become infected when they feed on infected animals, such as mice or deer. Humans typically get bitten in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas where ticks thrive.

Ticks are most active from late spring through early fall, but in some regions, they can remain active year-round, especially in mild winters.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease progresses in stages, and symptoms vary depending on how long the infection has been in the body.

Early Stage Symptoms (3–30 Days After a Tick Bite)
    •    Bullseye rash (erythema migrans) – a red, expanding rash that may resemble a target
    •    Fever and chills
    •    Fatigue
    •    Headache
    •    Muscle and joint aches
    •    Swollen lymph nodes

Later Stage Symptoms (Weeks to Months After a Tick Bite)
    •    Severe joint pain and swelling (Lyme arthritis)
    •    Neurological issues, such as facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), numbness, or tingling
    •    Heart palpitations (Lyme carditis)
    •    Dizziness or shortness of breath
    •    Inflammation of the brain or spinal cord (in rare cases)

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose Lyme disease based on symptoms, exposure risk, and sometimes blood tests. Early-stage Lyme disease is typically treated with a short course of antibiotics, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime. Most patients recover fully if treated early.

If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can lead to chronic symptoms that require extended antibiotic treatment.

Prevention Tips

Since Lyme disease is caused by tick bites, prevention focuses on reducing tick exposure:
    •    Avoid tick-prone areas: Stick to trails and avoid tall grass or brush.
    •    Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing can help spot ticks.
    •    Use insect repellent: Products containing DEET or permethrin can deter ticks.
    •    Perform tick checks: After spending time outdoors, check your body, clothes, and pets for ticks.
    •    Shower and wash clothes: Taking a shower and putting clothes in the dryer on high heat can help remove or kill ticks.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin:
    1.    Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
    2.    Pull upward with steady, even pressure—avoid twisting or jerking.
    3.    Clean the bite area with alcohol or soap and water.
    4.    Dispose of the tick properly by flushing it or sealing it in a bag.
    5.    Monitor for symptoms of Lyme disease and contact a doctor if needed.

Conclusion

Lyme disease is a serious but preventable illness. By taking precautions in tick-prone areas and recognizing early symptoms, individuals can reduce their risk of infection and complications. If you suspect a tick bite and develop symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.