by Marketing Manager | Apr 29, 2022 | Babies, Women's Health
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Asthma flare-ups can be scary but imagine having those flare-ups during pregnancy. Some women with asthma will have uncontrolled flare-ups during pregnancy. These asthma exacerbations could be harmful to the mothers and their unborn children. U.S. News and World Report recently published an article written by Dr. Michael Blaiss on how to manage asthma flare-ups during pregnancy. Dr. Blaiss is the executive medical director of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and a professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia.
An asthma flare-up is usually characterized by the narrowing of the airways which cause wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. This can be problematic because it reduces the oxygen supply to the woman and the unborn child which can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, and a need for cesarean delivery. Some women will not have any changes in their asthma during pregnancy but others may notice differences. There are 3 tips that you can follow to help prevent asthma exacerbations during pregnancy. Also, remember to get recommendations from your healthcare providers.
1. Avoid Asthma Triggers
As usual, women who suffer from asthma should avoid any irritants that cause their asthma to flare-up. Everyone with asthma has different triggers that can cause an asthma attack. These triggers can change over time so it is important to stay diligent about managing your asthma, even during pregnancy. Some common triggers include:
- Smoke exposure from smoking or secondhand smoke
- Air pollution
- Pollen
- Indoor allergens such as (dust mites, mold, pets, bugs)
- Chemical hazards
- Cold air, dry air, humidity
- Strong scents
- Exercise
- Illness
2. See Your Healthcare Provider About Asthma Medication Management
It is essential that you see your healthcare providers during your pregnancy for several reasons, including managing your asthma. Most asthma medications are safe during pregnancy but you should always advise with your healthcare providers. You should not make any changes to your medications without consulting with your healthcare provider first.
3. Don’t Experiment with New Treatments Without Guidance from Your Healthcare Provider
There are several asthma and allergy treatments on the market to help keep asthma attacks under control, but during pregnancy is not the time to be experimenting with new treatments. Generally, it is advised to not try new medications while you are pregnant. If you are going to try a new treatment then it should be under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Key Takeaways
- Pregnancy could make asthma flare-ups worse or more frequent
- It is important to avoid asthma flare-ups because it can decrease the oxygen supply to mother and baby
- Avoid asthma triggers and see your healthcare provider for asthma medication management during pregnancy
References
Blaiss, M. (2022, April 15). Asthma and Pregnancy:How to Manage Flare-ups. U.S. News and World Report. Retrieved April 21, 2022[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]
Laparoscopy | Abnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening
[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]
Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by Marketing Manager | Apr 8, 2022 | Women's Health
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Heart disease is the most common cause of death among American women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017 approximately 299,578 women in the United States died of heart disease.
What is Heart Disease?
The general term heart disease refers to various types of heart conditions including heart attack, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart defects, and more. The most common type of heart disease among women is coronary heart disease. It is estimated that 1 in every 16 women over the age of 20 years old has coronary heart disease.
What is Coronary Heart Disease?
Coronary heart disease is also commonly referred to as coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD happens when plaque builds up on artery walls. Arteries are blood vessels that deliver blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries, it causes them to become narrow and hard. This makes it harder for the blood to be delivered to the rest of the body. This increases risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and other complications.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
There are various symptoms of heart disease but sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Symptoms may include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back
- Nausea and / or vomiting
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all until there is an emergency. This is one of the reasons why maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeing your healthcare provider for regular check-ups is important. It is better to have heart disease diagnosed in its early stages so that you can start treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Preventing Heart Disease
Having a healthy lifestyle and staying on top of your health is the best way to prevent heart disease. Key risk factors of heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet habits, not exercising, high levels of stress, and consuming too much alcohol. If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider about what you can do to help prevent heart disease.
Learn More
If you are concerned about having heart disease, make an appointment to discuss further with your healthcare provider. To learn more, check out the following resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Women and Heart Disease
American Heart Association – About Heart Disease and Women [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]
Laparoscopy | Abnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening
[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]
Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by Marketing Manager | Apr 1, 2022 | Babies, Women's Health
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our lives have become so busy, especially for moms. A simple task such as getting ready in the morning may become difficult after you become a mother. Not only do you have to get yourself ready but you also have to get your children ready, who usually don’t have the same grasp on time and the importance of getting out the door. After becoming a mom, your easy morning routine may turn into complete chaos. Many mothers are always in a rush and become overwhelmed. All this running around and stress is not good for your health and will eventually catch up to you.
Tip #1 – You Can’t Do Everything Yourself
Women are strong and want to take on the world, but we must admit that we can’t do everything by ourselves all the time. Trying to do everything by yourself everyday will only lead to frustration and exhaustion. Ask your spouse, partner, family member, friend, or neighbor for help. Most people with some spare time will want to lend a helping hand. Even the simplest tasks such as getting breakfast together, getting the kids dressed, or driving the kids to school will help reduce your stress load. Don’t be afraid to say you need help.
Tip #2 – Plan Ahead
At the end of the day, take a minute to think about what is on the agenda for the next day. Taking a few minutes to think and prepare will make the next day run more smoothly. If you are the type of person who likes lists, then make a list or schedule for the next day. You must remember to not put too much on your list. You have to prioritize what is important and has to get done. You only have so much time and energy. You shouldn’t overwhelm yourself every day because that will only lead to burnout.
Tip #3 – Prepare
Anything you can do to prepare for the next day, do it. Completing tasks such as picking out clothes, getting bags ready, and making food the night before will make the next day so much easier. Granted, you may be exhausted at night and just want to go to bed after you put your kids down for bed. This is okay, don’t feel guilty. Time management is tough and takes work and sometimes you just need a break.
Tip #4 – Say No
Moms must want to be super human because we take on so much that it can’t possibly be done in one day. It is okay to say “no.” When your boss asks you to come in early or the school wants you to bake homemade cookies, it’s okay to say no. You only have so much energy and time. You need to focus on what is important to you. If you take on too much, you are going to eventually become so run down that you won’t be able to handle simple tasks. It is better to just say “no” to something you don’t want to do or don’t have the time to do.
Key Takeaways
- Ask for help, you cannot do everything yourself
- Plan ahead when you can. Having a plan, schedule, or list can help you stay organized and on track
- Prepare as much as you can. Even small tasks to prepare for the future add up
- It’s okay to say no. You only have so much time and energy to share
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]
Laparoscopy | Abnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening
[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]
Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by Marketing Manager | Mar 24, 2022 | Women's Health
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What You Need To Know About Chlamydia
Over 1 million sexually transmitted infections and diseases are acquired every day in the world (WHO, 2021). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. In some cases, chlamydia will not cause any symptoms but if left untreated it can lead to serious health effects. It is essential to practice safe sex to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
What is Chlamydia and What Causes it?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. This STI can affect and be spread by both men and women. It is spread by oral, vaginal, or anal sex with a person who has it. Also, if a woman with chlamydia gives birth, they could infect the baby with chlamydia during childbirth.
What are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?
Sometimes chlamydia will not cause any symptoms or symptoms will not appear until several weeks after you were infected. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still transmit it to others and it can still cause serious conditions in the future. Common symptoms in women include abnormal vaginal discharge, burning with urination, and pain during sex. Common symptoms in men include penis discharge, burning with urination, pain and / or swelling of the testicles.
How Do You Test For Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is easily diagnosed with a urine test or a vaginal swab that is tested by a laboratory for the chlamydia bacteria.
How Is Chlamydia Treated?
You must see a healthcare professional for testing and treatment of Chlamydia. You may come across “home remedies” or supplements on the internet that claim to cure Chlamydia but there is no evidence that these methods are effective. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria. The only method to treat bacterium is with antibiotics. There are no other treatments that will cure chlamydia. If you do not seek treatment for chlamydia, it can spread and lead to other serious medical conditions.
What Other Medical Conditions Can Chlamydia Cause?
For women, if chlamydia is left untreated it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, pain, future ectopic pregnancy, permanent damage to reproductive organs, infertility, and reactive arthritis. For men, if chlamydia is left untreated it can cause an infection of the epididymis, pain, reactive arthritis, and possibly infertility.
How Can I Prevent Chlamydia?
The only way to 100% effectively prevent chlamydia is to not have sex with someone who has chlamydia. If you are sexually active and want to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases, you should practice safe sex by using condoms. Although condoms do not totally eliminate the risk of getting chlamydia, they do reduce the risk. If you are sexually active, consider getting regular STI testing.
Resources
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021, March 3). Chlamydia infections | chlamydia | chlamydia symptoms. MedlinePlus. Retrieved March 18, 2022
World Health Organization. (2021, November 22). Sexually transmitted infections (stis). World Health Organization. Retrieved March 18, 2022[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]
Laparoscopy | Abnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening
[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]
Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by Marketing Manager | Mar 14, 2022 | Women's Health
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Vital Sign Knowledge For the Everyday Person
Vital signs are one of the first things done when you go to a healthcare appointment or the hospital. They are one of the most basic but also important parts of an assessment. If vital signs are abnormal, it could indicate an array of medical conditions or problems. If you don’t work in the healthcare industry you may not be familiar with what vital signs are or what is considered normal. It is important for the general public to know what normal vital signs are. When a problem arises, it is helpful if you or someone in your household knows how to take vital signs. These could be helpful in an emergency situation or to give your healthcare providers a better picture for monitoring your health. Please be advised if you or a member of your household has abnormal vital signs to seek medical care. If the vital signs are abnormal and you are having symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, heartbeat irregularities, lightheadedness, dizziness, a recent fall, or severe headache, emergency medical care is necessary.
Vital Sign Basics
Vital signs measure the body’s basic functions. If one or multiple vital signs are out of range it could indicate a serious health condition. The five vital signs are temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure. Be advised that small variations in vital signs are normal but you should communicate these with your healthcare provider. Normal pediatric vital signs are slightly different from adults.
Temperature
Most adults know how to measure their temperature and that a high temperature indicates sickness. It is normal for a person’s temperature to have fluctuations throughout the day. A normal temperature ranges from 97.8 degrees F to 99.5 degrees F. Many healthcare professionals and facilities won’t give medication to lower the temperature until it reaches 100.4 or above. Temperature can be taken through oral, rectal, axillary (under the armpit), tympanic (in the ear), or temporal (on the skin of the forehead) methods. The most accurate are orally and rectally. Do not take a rectal temperature on newborns. When taking an oral temperature make sure to consider if you have recently drunk a hot or cold beverage. This will affect the temperature reading. You should wait 10 – 20 minutes after consuming a hot or cold beverage.
Heart Rate
Heart rate is measured by heartbeats per minute. The normal heart rate for an adult is 60 to 100 beats per minute. You can measure heart rate by locating the pulse in your wrist or neck with your first two fingertips. This can sometimes be difficult so take your time finding the pulse where it is strong enough for you to count the beats accurately. Once you find the pulse count the number of beats for 1 minute. This will give you your heart rate in beats per minute. You should measure your heart rate while you are resting because if you are exercising your heart rate rises.
Respiration Rate
The respiration rate is measured by breaths per minute. The normal respiration rate for an adult is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Just like the heart rate, you should measure respiration during rest. It is normal for the respiration rate to increase during exercise. Respiration rate is measured by counting the number of times the chest rises to take a breath over a minute.
Oxygen Saturation
Measuring oxygen saturation requires equipment called a pulse oximeter. You can purchase these for home use online or at the drugstore. It is a small clip that is placed on a finger to measure how oxygenated your blood is. Normal oxygen saturation is 90 – 100% if you do not have any pulmonary conditions. If your oxygen saturation drops below 90%, you should seek emergency medical care. Many pulse oximeters can also measure heart rate.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the force of contraction against the artery walls when the heart is contracting and relaxing. The top number is referred to as the systolic blood pressure which is the pressure on the arteries when the heart is contracting. The bottom number is referred to as the diastolic blood pressure which is the pressure on the arteries when the heart is relaxing. Taking manual blood pressure takes training and practice so it is recommended that people buy an automatic blood pressure machine for home use. You can purchase these online or at the drugstore. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Your blood pressure will fluctuate through the day and will rise if you are exercising. When taking blood pressure at home using an automatic cuff make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for an accurate reading.
Blood pressure is very variable and depends on factors such as age, genetics, medical conditions, and medications. Some people have a normal blood pressure that ranges around 90/60 mmHg while others have a normal blood pressure of 130/90 mmHg. If your blood pressure is lower or higher than these ranges you should seek medical attention. If you are also experiencing symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care.
Key Takeaways
- Having basic knowledge about vital signs is an important and valuable skill
- There are five basic vital signs which are temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure
- Normal adult temperature is 97.8 degrees F to 99.5 degrees F
- The normal adult heart rate at rest is 60 – 100 beats per minute
- The normal adult respiration rate at rest is 12 – 20 breaths per minute
- Normal oxygen saturation is 90 -100%
- Normal adult resting blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]
Laparoscopy | Abnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening
[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]
Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by Marketing Manager | Mar 3, 2022 | Women's Health
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Study Shows that Prunes Could Help Prevent Bone Loss in People with Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis Basics
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes your bones to become thin, fragile, and weak. This causes the bones to be easily fractured or broken. It is a silent disease meaning that you will not display symptoms until you fracture or break a bone. Anyone can get osteoporosis but it is most common among women after menopause. Women are four times more likely to get osteoporosis than men. It is the most common type of medical condition that affects the bones. It is estimated that approximately 54 million people in the United States have osteoporosis (2).
Osteoporosis can be diagnosed by your healthcare provider using a type of X-ray called a DEXA scan which tests your bone mineral density. A DEXA scan is recommended for all women over the age of 65 or earlier if you have risk factors.
It is not possible to cure osteoporosis but you can use treatments to prevent and delay further bone density loss. Standard treatments to consider include weight-bearing exercises, medication, supplements, and diet modifications. Advise with your healthcare provider to see what would work best for you.
Prunes May Help Prevent Bone Loss
In January 2022, Penn State researchers published an article in the Advances in Nutrition Journal. The researchers did a clinical review and found that prunes may help postmenopausal women prevent or delay bones loss. Prunes have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that aid in osteoporosis treatment. They help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress which both contribute to osteoporosis. This was a significant finding because oftentimes patients look for non-pharmaceutical options to aid in treating health conditions (1).
This recent study is not the only research that has been conducted on the effects of prunes on bone density. In 2017, a comprehensive review article was published in the journal Nutrients titled ‘Dried Plums, Prunes, and Bone Health’. This review concluded that there are no adverse effects of consuming prunes, and they could have protective effects on bone loss (3). In 2016, a clinical trial with 48 women with osteoporosis concluded that consuming 50g of prunes daily could prevent bone loss in post-menopausal women (4). Although prune consumption will not cure osteoporosis, you might want to consider incorporating prunes into your diet to help slow bone density loss.
Key Takeaways
- Osteoporosis affects approximately 54 million people across the United States and it most common among postmenopausal women
- Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become thin, fragile, and weak, therefore the bones are more easily fractured or broken
- A DEXA scan can be used to diagnose osteoporosis
- Treatments for osteoporosis include exercise, diet modifications, supplementation, and medications
- New research shows that prunes may be able to help prevent bone loss caused by osteoporosis
- Prunes have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Resources
- Janhavi J Damani, Mary Jane De Souza, Hannah L VanEvery, Nicole C A Strock, Connie J Rogers, The Role of Prunes in Modulating Inflammatory Pathways to Improve Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women, Advances in Nutrition, 2022;, nmab162
- Osteoporosis: Symptoms, Causes, Tests & Treatment. (2020). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved February 21, 2022
- Wallace T. C. (2017). Dried Plums, Prunes and Bone Health: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients, 9(4), 401.
- Hooshmand S, Kern M, Metti D, Shamloufard P, Chai SC, Johnson SA, Payton ME, Arjmandi BH. The effect of two doses of dried plum on bone density and bone biomarkers in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled trial. Osteoporos Int. 2016 Jul;27(7):2271-2279. doi: 10.1007/s00198-016-3524-8. Epub 2016 Feb 22. PMID: 26902092.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]
Laparoscopy | Abnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening
[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]
Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
