Jennifer McCurdy

Part of growing up is learning to take care of yourself, your health, and thinking about making healthy decisions. One of the aspects of growing up is that first gynecologist visit to your local Women’s Health Arizona branch. An obstetrician-gynecologist (ObGyn) is a physician who specializes in women’s healthcare. Girls should have their first gynecologic visit between […]

Though the placenta plays an extremely important role in human development, it isn’t talked about all that much. The placenta is an organ that develops within the uterus during pregnancy. It’s delivered vaginally or through the C-section incision following child birth. Placenta Function A healthy placenta is one of the most important components of developing […]

Arizona in the summertime can be a bit taxing. With the extremely warm weather and the kids home from school, what do you do? Sometimes getting out of the heat can relax the mind, relax the body, and give everyone a much needed break from the 100-degree temps. There are hundreds of things to do […]

Umbilical cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord after a baby has been delivered. In the past, cord blood was frequently discarded. But now, many women choose to delay and/or bank cord blood. It can either be stored for future use or donated to a public cord blood bank. Cord blood […]

If you live in Arizona, it’s inevitable that you and your kids will be around a pool, lake, or river at some point. In this summer heat, every kid wants to jump right in, no matter how old or young they are. So, it’s imperative that you understand pool rules, pool safety, and are keenly […]

Surviving the summer while pregnant in Arizona is a feat all on its own. With temperatures rising well above 100-degrees, we are often discussing ways to stay cool and hydrated during the warm summer months. It’s rough for anyone who lives here during the summer, but to go through it pregnant is a whole different […]

Sexual health is important because it’s intertwined with physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Achieving good sexual health is about being well informed, careful, and respectful to yourself and others. It’s about how you see yourself, your ability to enjoy your sexuality, and taking control of your actions and choices. Here are steps you can […]

School’s out for summer and though there is a light at the end of the tunnel, the pandemic is not yet over. Here’s how to keep your kids busy and happy all summer long. Every suggestion in our list below is designed to happen at home or at a local park with minimal risk of […]

Memorial Day weekend is a wonderful excuse to spend time with close friends and family. To jump in the pool with the kids, teach your teenagers the skill of the BBQ, drop the boat in the water and share the importance of remembering what this holiday is all about. Phoenix Area Activities Here are the […]

Experts agree that health benefits result from moderate physical activity on a regular basis. However, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health reveals that the majority of Americans are not getting enough exercise. This is especially true of children between the ages of 12 and 21. To get a head start, here […]

Bacterial vaginosis is a fairly common condition that can affect women of any age. Read on to learn the answers to frequently asked questions. What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis is a health condition occurs when there’s an abundance of a certain type of bacteria in the vagina. This abundance throws off the normally healthy […]

Women decide to stop taking birth control pills for many reasons—some are trying to get pregnant; others have a medical reason such as experiencing adverse side effects, and some simply want a change after taking the same pill for years. Regardless of why you decide to stop taking your birth control pill, you should be […]

Deciding whether or not to breastfeed is highly personal choice that depends on many social, cultural, personal, and environmental factors. That said, breastfeeding is very effective in protecting the health of both baby and mother. Breastfeeding improves your child’s nutrition, ensures food security and reduces inequalities.  Six Months of Exclusive Breastfeeding is Recommended The American […]

What is the menstrual cycle? The menstrual cycle is a monthly hormonal cycle the body goes through as it prepares for the possibility of pregnancy. The average young woman starts menstruating two years after her breasts begin to develop and pubic hair starts to grow. This is often around age 12, but can be a […]

Most toddlers transition from two naps a day to one when they’re between one- and two-years-old. Around this time, they’ll probably start sleeping through the night more solidly than when they were an infant, and they may not need quite as much sleep during the day. As you look to make the transition, keep an […]

There’s no denying that becoming a mother is often an experience that’s filled with joy. At the same time, it can be tricky to soak in all the good moments when you’re also feeling stressed and exhausted. Many new moms are sleep deprived, busy trying to resolve items on a never-ending to-do list, stressed, and […]

Approximately 44 percent of women over the age of 20 have elevated or high cholesterol. Although many of us are well-versed in the benefits of maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and keeping up to date with doctors’ visits, cholesterol is often an afterthought. In fact, 76 percent of women say they don’t even know […]

In honor of mental health awareness month, we’re focusing on an important topic that doesn’t get discussed nearly enough: maternal mental health. There’s no denying that stress, anxiety, and other mental health struggles are common during pregnancy and after childbirth. In fact, research shows that somewhere between 10 and 20 percent of women experience mental health challenges at some point during the time between pregnancy and the year after giving birth.

Planning is a big part of getting ready for your baby’s arrival. You’ll probably spend considerable time reviewing baby names, decorating the nursery and babyproofing your home. But one thing that you shouldn’t forget is packing your bag for the hospital. Experts recommend having your bag packed and ready to go by 34 weeks. Before […]

If you’re sexually active, you’ve probably heard about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). That’s why you faithfully follow your physician’s recommendations for regular checkups, Pap smears, and STD testing. But a change in Pap testing frequency has decreased the amount of diagnoses of the most common bacterial STD—chlamydia. And physicians are worried. Reduction […]

Ever had a month where all the signs and symptoms of PMS are there but there’s no bleeding? If so, you’re not alone. This is fairly common and can causes can range from pregnancy to hormonal birth control to stress. Keep reading to learn about a few different situations where you might experience period symptoms […]

Your first visit to the OBGYN can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you have certain concerns about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). We were all teenagers once, and your Women’s Health Arizona providers are sensitive that the fact that these discussions might not be the most comfortable. However, being able to talk about STDs with […]

Few people like to discuss STDs and some even try to hide their symptoms from others. However, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) need to be talked about. The key to controlling the spread of STDs is regular testing combined with effective treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in five people in […]

When life gets busy, it’s easy to let exercise fall out of your regular routine. But we have some potentially motivating news that may encourage you to keep exercise in your day-to-day life. In addition to a tremendous number of health benefits, exercise may also boost your sex life by increasing arousal, desire, and satisfaction. […]