Ask Dr. Marie

NOW IN PAPERBACK! One of the best health books of 2009—Wall Street Journal One of America's most trusted voices on women's health offers women expert, reassuring advice on all that occurs "down there" What would you ask if your best friend were also a physician? What might your mother ask, if she had the nerve? The questions—and the answers—are in Ask Dr. Marie. By addressing women directly and honestly, but with compassion and understanding, ABC News Medical Contributor Dr. Marie Savard reveals that there are no off-limits questions, no dark secrets of womanhood. . . . "Dr. Marie has crafted a straight up, accessible summary of the most important questions on female sexuality and reproduction. She will help move you from embarrassment to empowerment." —Dr. Mehmet C. Oz, author of Healing from the Heart and coauthor of the best-selling YOU: The Owner's Manual "For this book, Marie Savard draws on a lifetime of head-smart and heartfelt experience in caring about and for women. And she knows how to communicate in a manner that is both informative and supportive. Information that is both accurate and understandable—a winning combination." —Dr. Timothy Johnson, ABC News Medical Editor "I continue to marvel at Dr. Marie's ability to break complex medical issues into digestible, easy-to-understand nuggets. Her care and concern for women is evident, and women are better for it." —Rene Syler, author of Good Enough Mother "Dr. Marie is one of America's most trusted voices in women's health, and her ability to make complex topics simple and understandable has made her my go-to person for health information." —Marissa Jaret Winokur, Tony Award–winning actress

Marie Savard, M.D., medical correspondent for ABC News, is one of the most trusted voices on women's health, wellness, and patient empowerment. She is the author of three books, The Body Shape Solution to Weight Lossand Wellness (Atria 2005), How to Save Your Own Life: The Savard System for Managing--and Controlling--Your Health Care (Grand Central Publishing 2000), and The Savard Health Record (Time-Life Books 2000). "Dr. Marie" is a frequent speaker and spokesperson on behalf of a wide array of women's health issues, featured in print, radio, and television. She speaks at more than two dozen medical and women's conferences every year, including the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" events. She is frequently sought after to serve as spokesperson for a variety of women's health issues. Major recent appearances include Oprah, the Today Show, the Early Show, and frequent appearances on Good Morning America and other ABCNews shows. She has done several Sirius radio programs, including Martha Stewart Living Radio and Fitness Guru. She has been consulted for articles in Elle, U.S. News & World Report, Prevention, Glamour, Health, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, Woman's Day, and Philadelphia magazines, and she is on the Family Circle advisory board. Dr. Marie is the only doctor on the popular www.MerckSource.com, and is often interviewed for articles posted on WebMD.com, eDiets.com, and HealthyWomen.org. Savard is also the chief medical advisor of Philadelphia-based NewCourtland, a leading long-term care provider of community services, affordable senior housing, nursing homes, education, and workforce development. In addition, Dr. Marie provides commentary on the latest women's health information through her website (DrSavard.com), blog, and monthly newsletters. She lives in Philadelphia. Sondra Forsyth is a journalist specializing in women's issues including health, sexuality, and relationships. She is a winner of the prestigious National Magazine Award, given jointly by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and the American Society of Magazine Editors, for an article on cancer prevention. She has also won an award from the American Digestive Health Association. Currently a Contributing Editor at Ladies' Home Journal and LHJ.com, her by-line has appeared in scores of major magazines. She is the author or co-author of ten books.

Table of Contents Introduction: The Doctor Will See You Now Part 1: What's Going on Down There? Chapter 1: Welcome to Yourself: A Guided Tour of Your Inner Terrain Chapter 2: Sex Smarts: The Thinking Woman's Guide to Having Fun in Bed Chapter 3: How to Get the Healthcare You Need at Any Age Part 2: The Seasons of Your Life Chapter 4: Coming of Age: A Period Piece Chapter 5: For Unto You a Child Could Be Born: Charting Your Course Chapter 6: Menopause and Beyond: The Bonus Years Part 3: Is This Normal or Should I Call My Doctor? Chapter 7: "Female Problems" from Cause to Cure Chapter 8: Internal Plumbing Down There – Bowel Problems from Cause to Cure Chapter 9: Internal Plumbing Down There – Urinary Troubles from Cause to Cure Part 4: What Happens Down There Doesn't Stay Down There Chapter 10: The Female Emotional Response: How a Woman's Brain-Body Connection Differs from a Man's Chapter 11: Waist Management: Winning the War Against Womanly Weight Gain Afterword: Dr. Marie's "Lifestyle Pill"