Lindsey, a 26-year-old Black woman living in St. Louis, Missouri, tells me about her experience with an abnormal cervical cancer screening result, a colposcopy, and the many looming questions she had to navigate. Through it all, Lindsey filled in information gaps for herself, as communicating with her in-clinic providers proved challenging – this is a barrier Lindsey hopes Teal’s telehealth platform, enabling consistent access to providers, can resolve.

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The First ‘Abnormal’ Result

At the time of her screening, Lindsey was working as a restaurant server downtown and putting in any spare hours in her day to complete her law school applications. She describes this as an overwhelmingly stressful period in her life.

At first, Lindsey couldn’t shake the feeling that something felt ‘off’ – she had an IUD, which meant she did not get regular periods, but she was experiencing spotting that did not feel normal. It is important to trust ourselves to know when something doesn’t feel quite right with our body, and act on that feeling, as Lindsey did. At the clinic, she was informed that she needed to get a cervical cancer screening, as she was unaware that she was a year and a half overdue.

She was driving when the clinic called her back with results. 

“You have abnormal cells in your cervix, and we need to schedule you for further testing.” 

“What are you testing me for?” 

“Cervical cancer.” 

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Those words rang in her head. She describes crying the entire drive home as she was digesting the possibility that she might have cervical cancer. Once she gathered herself, she realized she had so many more questions that needed to be answered.

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Navigating the Unanswered Questions and Healthcare Gaps

What about the results indicated she could have cervical cancer? What were her chances of having cervical cancer? What is a colposcopy? She called her clinic back to get a better understanding but was only provided with loose explanations from a non-clinical staff person. “You do a procedure to remove a small chunk from your cervix for testing, send it off, and you will hear back 2 weeks after that.” For Lindsey, this was not enough. Without much support, she had to do her own research to fill in the gaps.

Taking matters into her own hands, Lindsey relied on Google and her sister to understand more about what was happening with her body. She learned more about the colposcopy procedure and how to interpret her abnormal results (which is a rather common finding). Being someone who believes in more action and awareness around women’s health, Lindsey tells me that she now knows that abnormal cervical cancer screening results are common, but highlights that it is a problem these issues are still not widely talked about.

Lindsey faced several barriers which delayed her colposcopy, including lapses in her health insurance and figuring out how to take time off work. While she remembers being terrified for the colposcopy, she had her father there to support her. After two weeks, Lindsey had still not heard back from the clinic about her results. Taking initiative once again, Lindsey called the clinic and learned that her results were clear. She is scheduled to have another cervical cancer screening in 6 months and may then be able to move to yearly screenings.

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Built on Reliable Relationships with Providers, Teal Offers More Than An Accessible Screening  

Talking about Teal Health and the Teal Wand (which Lindsey was able to use as a participant in Teal’s clinical trial), Lindsey says, “Screening would be a lot more feasible, a lot easier, not just in terms of testing but also understanding my results afterward.”

For Lindsey and many of her friends (who also work in the restaurant industry and commute long distances), having an at-home cervical cancer screening option would make the difference between staying up-to-date on their screenings or falling behind. Lindsey tells me that Teal’s at-home option, supported by telehealth, would resolve major barriers in her access to care. She would not have to figure out the travel logistics to a clinic, nor book an appointment and deal with wait times, nor take time off work to go into a clinic. Confidently, she tells me the same would be the case for her friends.

Throughout our conversation, Lindsey made it clear that she did not receive an adequate level of communication from the clinic when getting her screening and still has questions. What could have possibly caused her abnormal result? What are her next steps in preventive care? What can she do lifestyle-wise? Along these lines, she tells me that she looks forward to using Teal Health, not just because of the ease that at-home screening offers, but more so because of the consistent and reliable telehealth support from Teal’s medical providers when it comes time to understanding results and attending to follow-up care.

With Teal’s platform, Lindsey highlights that she could easily communicate with providers using virtual visits and confidential messaging. Rather than having to rely on ‘Dr. Google,’ Lindsey looks forward to building trusting relationships with providers over telehealth, where she can access steady support and receive comprehensive information around her care. 

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Thank you, Lindsey, for generously sharing your story. We at Teal Health are incredibly grateful to all our study participants, with a special acknowledgement for those who shared their personal stories about cervical cancer screening with us.

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Australia knows, they’re already doing it

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HPV Test, the Better Test

There are three main types of cervical cancer screenings: a primary HPV test (detects high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer), Pap test (cervical cytology which looks for cancerous changes in cervical cells), or a co-test which conducts both  the Pap and HPV test on the same sample. Since these are all screening tests, any abnormal results need to be confirmed using additional diagnostic procedures (e.g., colposcopy) or repeat HPV and/or Pap tests at recommended intervals. 

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High risk HPV causes 95% of cervical cancers. Based on strong evidence and recommendations supporting primary HPV tests, Teal Health runs our self-collected samples on FDA-approved HPV tests which have been extensively evaluated for cervical screening. Self-collection can detect HPV using vaginal and/or cervical cells, and is also proving to be highly accurate. 

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Here are a few benefits of the HPV test compared to a Pap test:

• The HPV test catches cancer earliest, which increases the chances that cervical cancer can be cured if found early enough and treated quickly. 
• HPV tests are more sensitive than Pap tests and have been proven to effectively detect HPV-related precancer and cancer when it is present. 
• HPV-based screening provides 60% to 70% greater protection against cervical cancer compared to the Pap test. 
• People who are screened with the HPV test have a very low risk of developing HPV-related cancer (or precancer) in the years until their next routine screening. 

Because Pap tests are less sensitive, they need to be conducted more frequently (every 3 years vs. 5 years for HPV) to make sure they can detect potential cancer. Compared to co-testing, primary HPV testing every 5 years can reduce a woman’s number of lifetime tests by 60% and her colposcopies by 12% with similar efficacy for cancer detection. 

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HPV tests also make self-collection possible, which is an important option for many people who need cervical cancer screenings but face barriers to clinic-based exams. Self-collected samples for HPV testing are proving to be as accurate as samples collected by a clinician.

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Making At-Home Self-Collected Cervical Cancer Screening a Real Option in the United States 

Although many other countries use self-collection for cervical cancer screening, it is new to the United States. There is mounting evidence supporting self-collected HPV tests. We know that 93% of the 12,000+ cervical cancer cases in the U.S. each year can be prevented through more accessible screening like self-collection. Importantly, many vulnerable populations, like our trans community and minority race/ethnic groups, prefer self-collection for their cervical cancer screenings. 

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In May 2024, the FDA approved the first two in-clinic self-collection methods for cervical cancer screening, which is tremendous news and is an important first step in eventually getting at-home self-collect approved in the US. 

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In April 2024, Teal Health was granted FDA Breakthrough Designation for their at-home self-collect cervical cancer screening device, the Teal Wand^TM. This designation will help expedite Teal Health through the FDA evaluation process, hopefully bringing at-home self-collection to the US market in the near future. An at-home method is essential in helping to increase access to this critical screening. We hope these collective efforts will push forward the US’ commitment to ending unnecessary deaths from this almost entirely preventable disease. 

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Other Countries Are Eliminating Cervical Cancer with HPV Self-Collection 

As of 2022, 17 countries recommended self-collection for cervical cancer screening. In particular Australia – which made self-collection available to underscreened populations in 2017 and then to everyone in July 2022 – is well on its way to eliminating cervical cancer by 2035 (at least a decade before the United States). 

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Just one year after making self-collection widely available, Australia saw a huge (50-fold) increase in screening rates, highlighting how self-collection gives them greater control over their health, enables more comfort and privacy, and makes them more likely to stay on top of their screenings. The Netherlands saw similar increases in screening when self-collection was offered. And research is showing that people (especially vulnerable populations) are highly engaged (85-95%) in their follow-up care after HPV self-collection. 

Teal envisions a future where the progress in Australia is also a reality within the United States. With a better and more convenient at-home screening experience, we know that cervical cancer can become a disease of the past.

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This is a Big Deal. Teal Health’s at-home cervical cancer screening has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, putting it on an accelerated path to market based on our ability to increase access to this life-saving screening. This designation was given based on the strength of the interim results from our clinical trial. And, on top of that, we’ve since finished our clinical trial in record time, so when we say at-home cervical cancer screening is one step closer to becoming a reality in the US, we really mean it! This is a huge moment for women’s health, for the company, and for me who is in awe of our incredible team that is making it all happen. 

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A woman’s experience matters

Accelerating our time to bring at-home cervical cancer screening into the hands of women is critically important. Today, the screening is done in the office with a woman in stirrups, and the provider collecting a sample with a speculum and brush. It’s invasive. It’s uncomfortable. It’s inconvenient. And it’s causing a national health crisis. 1 in 4 women in the US are behind on their cervical cancer screenings and it doesn’t need to be like this. Teal is committed to closing the screening gap and enabling women and people with a cervix to catch up on this screening comfortably, conveniently, and privately from home. Cervical cancer is nearly entirely preventable through regular screenings; no one should be dying of cervical cancer in the US.

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At Teal, one of our core beliefs and design principles is that a woman’s experience matters. Far too often healthcare overlooks the preferences and needs of women. So we’ve designed an end-to-end screening experience to increase access, by removing most barriers a woman might have. The Teal Wand allows a woman and person with a cervix to comfortably and privately self-collect their own sample, removing the barriers associated with fear, discomfort, or trauma. 97% of women in our initial study said it was very easy or easy to use. Additionally, our Telehealth platform will make care accessible and convenient addressing the barriers of time, availability, transportation, childcare, and financial burden associated with having to go into a clinic to receive care. 94% of women in our initial study said they would prefer Teal to the current standard of care.

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“I believe the speed of completing our clinical trial is a testament to what happens when you design for the person and not just the detection of disease.” 

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People all across this country readily signed up to participate in Teal’s clinical trial because they want a better experience! We finished our study 2 months ahead of schedule and 33% larger than anticipated with over 600 participants. This is exceptional. To put it in context, 90% of studies have to double their timeline to reach their enrollment goals, of which most enroll less than 500 participants. I am so grateful to our dedicated Principal Investigators (PIs) and passionate participants, who allowed us to accomplish this. There is really something magical that happens when you design for and with women. 

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The FDA Breakthrough designation validates our commitment to excellence

We’ve designed the product so that women want to use it, which will increase access and adherence to screening, but at the end of the day safety and efficacy are paramount. We are trying to move a nationally recommended cancer screening into the home to increase access and save lives. This is a really big undertaking. It's important for the health of women that we reduce these barriers, but we have to make sure that the at-home collection is clinically acceptable and meets rigorous FDA requirements. Simply put, it has to work well and be easy to use by all. That is what this clinical study aims to show and the Breakthrough designation was awarded based on the strength of our results at the half-way point of the study. We’ve worked hard to ensure we meet the strict FDA standards, because this is what women deserve. We have since finished the study and are preparing for our formal submission to the FDA. We are excited to work closely with the FDA to bring this life-saving device to market as quickly as possible.

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Small but mighty

Speaking of working quickly, the Teal team makes it all happen. I am in awe of this team. We are a small but forceful set of individuals who are just getting it done! The Breakthrough has been led by our clinical team, which is a powerhouse of 4 full-time individuals setting up and managing 17 sites across the country, countless analytical studies, and navigating FDA submissions and requirements. It’s unbelievable what they’ve accomplished. But this Breakthrough is also recognition of the whole solution Teal offers, which is the hard work of everyone on this team - from the physical product, to the software platform, to how we communicate and make the woman feel. It's all there, and that is everyone - and so that feels fantastic, unifying, and validating too. Teal Health is the first time I have truly had the benefit of working on something that is mission-driven. And I am learning that when you work on something that truly matters, where there is genuine passion, your capacity expands. And it expands because what you are accomplishing gives you energy. Our team is fueled by passion and that is why they are able to accomplish so much. I couldn’t feel more grateful to them all. 

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We are one step closer

Our next step is FDA submission and review and thanks to FDA Breakthrough Designation, we will get priority review. We can’t provide a definitive timeline of when the Teal Wand will be available, but we will be submitting our data to the FDA soon and this Designation makes it clear that self-collect cervical cancer screening is a priority to enable increased access and help close the screening gap in the US. Join our waitlist to receive updates on the Teal Wand at-home cervical cancer screening device.

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What is HPV?

HPV is the human papillomavirus.  It is a common infection spread through sexual or skin to skin contact.  There are many different strains of the HPV virus, which are classified as low-risk or high-risk HPV. HPV can affect different parts of the body to cause different diseases; from mild conditions such as plantar warts, to more serious conditions such as cancer.

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There are about 14 types of high-risk HPV that can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth and throat.  HPV can be asymptomatic, and our immune system can often fight to resolve the infection.  However, some high-risk HPV infections can be persistent, leading to precancerous cell changes and ultimately cancer. 

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Cervical cancer is often caused by high-risk HPV type 16 and 18. Screening for cervical cancer in women is the best way to prevent and diagnose high-risk HPV associated cervical cancer - which accounts for nearly all cervical cancers.  

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Fortunately, there is also a vaccine!

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What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine used in the United States is called Gardasil 9 ®, which protects against the 9 most common strains of HPV that can cause cancers and genital warts. 

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Why should I get vaccinated?

HPV is common and easily spread. Our immune system is usually able to fight this infection, but sometimes it can’t, leading to more serious disease.  In the United States, it’s estimated that HPV causes over 37,000 new cases of cancer per year. We know that the HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of HPV associated cancers. Getting vaccinated not only helps to prevent mild disease, but most importantly, the more serious diseases (HPV associated cancers). 

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How does the HPV vaccine work?

Like most vaccines, it contains a small component of the HPV virus.  When administered, it helps to produce an immune response to the HPV virus.  Our immune system stores this response in case it needs to remember it in the future to help fight an HPV infection. The vaccine does not cause an HPV infection.

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Who is eligible for the vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescents (girls and boys) starting at age 9-12 and can be given up until the age of 26. The vaccine is administered at a young age to help the body build a defense prior to any exposure of HPV. It is given as a 2 or 3 dose vaccination series depending on the starting age of vaccination. 

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Some adults, ages 27 to 45, can also receive the vaccination. The eligibility for the vaccine in this age group can vary from person to person based on risk (i.e. individuals with multiple sex partners, immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of getting HPV), so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to assess your personal health profile.

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A 2-dose vaccination series is given to people who get the first vaccine dose before age 15 (0, 6-12 month schedule).  A 3-dose vaccination series is given to people who get the first vaccine dose at age 15-45 (0, 1-2, 6 month schedule).  If a vaccine dose is missed, previous vaccine doses do not need to be repeated and your provider can help with catch-up vaccine doses.

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Is the vaccine safe?

Yes! The HPV vaccine went through vigorous safety testing before it was approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in 2006. It has been in use for over 15 years, and its safety and effectiveness continues to be proven through close monitoring by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and FDA. 

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Will I have any side effects from the vaccine?

You can have mild side effects from the HPV vaccine (similar to other vaccines) such as a fever, headache, dizziness, nausea or muscle ache. You may also develop redness, soreness or swelling at the site where the vaccine was given to you. These symptoms usually resolve within 24-48 hours after the vaccine.

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It is important to notify your provider if you have any severe or life-threatening allergies or had a previous allergic reaction to the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy.

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Do I still need to get screened for cervical cancer if I get the HPV vaccine?

Yes!  It is still important to continue screening for cervical cancer even if you have received the HPV vaccine. While the HPV vaccine protects against some of the most common strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, it does not protect against all.

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‍Learn more about Teal Health’s self-collect cervical cancer screening device, the Teal Wand, currently in clinical trials in the U.S. for FDA submission.

The best case scenario of a cervical cancer screen is that you go to your medical provider for an HPV test (better yet, you collect a sample from the comfort of your own home*), wait several days, and get the all-clear over the phone or by message. But alternate endings — like an abnormal result or cervical cancer — can loom heavy in our minds while we wait. 

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Whenever our health is in question and we’re waiting on answers, even the most pragmatic among us can feel anxious and worried. For actionable tips for women awaiting results from their cervical cancer screening, we spoke with Katie Nicole, LCSW, Director of Community Health for Planned Parenthood Northern California. 

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Understanding the role of anxiety in the waiting period

Katie explains that the emotion that typically comes up for someone waiting for news on their health is anxiety. “Anxiety is a future-oriented emotion,” she says. “It’s a fear or worry about something that may or may not happen in the future.”

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Once you’ve identified that you’re feeling anxious about something that may or may not happen, Katie recommends starting to identify your automatic thoughts. An extreme example might be, “I’m going to have cancer.” Once you’ve acknowledged the thought, it’s time to examine it. Katie says, “What’s the proof that this catastrophic thinking may be true? Look for that proof or evidence and try to reframe it.” You can ground yourself in knowing that a cervical cancer exam is a routine screening, the purpose of which is to save lives. People with a cervix get them every day, and only a very small percentage of cervical cancer diagnoses are fatal. When we’re in a space of anxiety, “we’re focused on the fear-oriented outcome,” Katie explains. “We want to help ourselves reframe that worst-case scenario.” 

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How to support yourself through anxiety 

Once you’ve identified your anxiety in the waiting period, it may be a good time to reflect on who you are when you’re not feeling so much uncertainty. Katie says it might be helpful to remind yourself of your strengths as well as thinking about difficult situations you’ve overcome in the past. Look back on challenging experiences you’ve endured and feel proud of where you are today, even if you’re feeling momentarily setback by your anxiety. 

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Just as important as remembering how strong you are? Being kind and loving to yourself. Katie says she often asks her patients who are going through a difficult time what they’re doing for themselves. “Sometimes it’s a McFlurry or Starbucks seasonal latte and that’s great, it’s their way of integrating self-care. Come up with something you can draw upon so you can still find moments of joy even in the midst of a really anxious day.” 

Here are some other ideas for supporting yourself: 

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• Take a walk through nature and run through the alphabet, A-Z. Identify something for each letter; like an animal, beach, car, driveway, etc. 
• Take a bath and make it extra special with music, bubbles, and a lit candle
• Do a book or puzzle swap with a friend
• Go for a lunch date with a friend
• Go for a dog walk (and if you don’t have a dog, borrow a friend’s!) 
• Blast music in your car
• Watch the sunset from a new-to-you park or beach 

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How to leverage social support

Sometimes, though, we need support from others to see us through periods of anxiety and uncertainty. It’s important to talk about it. Katie says even identifying one person — perhaps a sister, a best friend, a loving partner, a cousin, or a colleague — can help us feel a connection that can bolster us in a time of need. It’s also important to remember that it’s OK to lean on others. “Sometimes we get so stressed that we feel like we don’t want to bother anyone else with the weight of our worries,” Katie explains. “Reframe this as, ‘what would you tell a friend? How would you approach it with him or her?” 

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Chances are, you would want tobe there for your friend and support them through their anxiety. And odds are, your friends want to do the same for you. Bring forward mindful compassion as you speak to yourself and navigate your experience. 

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How to find the right support for you

Sometimes finding support isn’t as easy as turning to a trusted friend or partner. Maybe your best friend is in a pessimistic mood or your partner’s family member has had cervical cancer. Katie recommends asking yourself,

“Who can I be my most authentic self around? Who will hold the umbrella through the storm for me? If no one comes to mind, how can you be caring towards yourself?”

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Turn to the list above, or make your own, for self-care ideas. If you feel like you’re really struggling with anxiety, you can find support groups both online and in person. Consider working with a therapist and if you don’t have one, ask your primary care doctor or friends for a recommendation. Help is out there, and you should never have to suffer alone. 

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Be patient and compassionate with yourself while you wait 

Katie reminds us that “even on the worst days of your life, you’re still here. There’s a strength inside of you that has gotten you through the worst days of your life.” Acknowledge the very real emotions you’re going through in this period of uncertainty. Sorrow, grief, fear, and disappointment are all real, rational, and healthy emotions that Katie recommends normalizing. In her line of work, her aim is to help her patients access resiliency, but in moments where that isn’t realistic, “feel the grief, acknowledge it, accept it, and don’t gloss over it. Take seriously that you’re going through something challenging — waiting is really hard. Who said it’s supposed to be easy? Whose rule book says you should be calm and easygoing through this period?” 

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By showing yourself compassion, leaning on others where it feels safe, and acknowledging that what you’re going through is difficult, you may find a few more tools in your emotional toolkit to help you through your waiting period. 

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‍*Teal Health is developing an at-home self-collect cervical cancer screening device, called the Teal Wand^TM. The Teal Wand is a proprietary device designed to enable people to easily, comfortably, and confidently collect their own vaginal sample from the convenience and privacy of their home or health clinic, without the need for an invasive exam. The Teal Health Cervical Cancer Screening device is an Investigational Device and is not yet approved by the US FDA. It is currently in clinical trials.

Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States affecting one in every five women?  Heart disease causes more deaths than all cancers combined. Not only is it a significant cause of mortality in women, but around 45 percent of women over the age of 20 have some form of cardiovascular  disease (diseases of the heart and blood vessels i.e. heart attack, stroke, abnormal heart rhythm or heart valves).

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In honor of February being Heart Month, let’s talk about what you can do to protect your heart.

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A Woman’s Heart Differs from a Man’s

A woman’s heart has some structural differences compared to a man’s. Women tend to have smaller hearts and more narrow blood vessels, which can make the symptoms they experience different. This difference in biology and physiology can make it harder for providers to diagnose and treat heart disease in women, making it important for you to be aware of what to look out for and discuss any concerns you have with your provider.

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Differences in Heart Attack Symptoms in Women vs Men

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or pressure, which can spread to the jaw, neck, or arm. While women will often experience chest pain or discomfort, they may also have other non-specific symptoms such as heartburn, nausea or vomiting, pain in other areas of the body (i.e. upper back, shoulder, or upper abdomen), shortness of breath, dizziness, or extreme fatigue.  It’s important that if you start to experience symptoms that are unusual for you or that you’ve never experienced before - see your provider to discuss further.

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Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for developing heart disease. Some of these are preventable such as:

• High blood pressure: Check your blood pressure at home, at a local pharmacy or with your provider. Aim for a blood pressure < 120/80. A healthy diet low in salt and regular exercise helps.
• High cholesterol: Get a blood test to check your cholesterol. If your cholesterol is high, work on limiting saturated fats (found in foods such as fried foods, butter, cheese, red meat) and exercise regularly.
• Diabetes: Get a blood test to check your sugar. If your sugar level is high, see your provider. Focus on limiting refined sugars (found in sodas, sweets, desserts) and regular exercise.
• Being overweight: Aim for a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-25 kg/m² by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Smoking: Don’t do it! If you are a smoker, set goals to work towards quitting.

There are some risk factors, however, that unfortunately, we can’t control.  Factors such as age (being older), ethnicity (ethnic minorities), and family history (history of premature heart disease in first degree relatives) can affect our own risk of developing heart disease. For women, there can be additional risk factors such as pregnancy complications (i.e. high blood pressure in pregnancy, gestational diabetes) and menopause.  Talk to your provider about your individual risk and additional tests you can do to understand your risk profile.

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Be Proactive: 5 things every woman should know

Heart disease can be preventable. Here are some steps you can take to protect your heart health:

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1. Exercise

• Aim to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise per week, such as a brisk walk. You’ll know you’re at the right pace if you’re breathing faster but can still talk and have a conversation⁴.
• Muscle training and strengthening is also important – aim to use all major muscle groups at least twice a week⁴.
• Every little bit counts — do what you can!

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2. Eat a healthy diet

• Include whole grain carbohydrates (i.e. brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa), fruits and vegetables, lean protein (i.e. chicken, turkey, fish, tofu), legumes, nuts, and low-fat dairy
• Limit salt, saturated fats, simple sugars
• Limit alcohol
• Monitor your portion sizes

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3. Sleep well

• Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night
• If you have trouble sleeping:
  - Avoid screen use 1 hour before bed
  - Limit caffeine – especially later in the day
  - Maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up routine
  - Try a wind-down routine to relax before bed: consider a warm bath, light yoga or enjoy a cup of herbal tea while reading a book

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4. Manage your stress

• Easier said than done, but focus on limiting and managing stress as best as you can – exercise can help!
• Try meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Build a support system you can lean on
• Seek help if stress is affecting your mental health — your provider can help to connect you to the right resources and treatment (i.e. therapy, medication)

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5. Don’t smoke

• We know that smoking is not good for your overall health, especially your heart health
• Work with your provider to figure out the best method to help you quit – there are lots! From behavioral therapy to nicotine patches or gums to medications – find the method that will work for you

Teal wants to empower you to take your health into your hands. Focus on healthy habits that will protect your heart and overall health.  Partner with your provider to manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels. If you have any symptoms or concerns about your heart health, don’t ignore them and discuss them with your provider as soon as possible.

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