All Posts tagged Buffalo OBGYN

Caring for Aging Parents

Caring for Aging Parents

With the rising costs of living, it is becoming more and more common for families to be multi-generational and house family members of all ages under one roof. More often than not, this means that elders move in with their adult children, who may have their own young families.  This is an option that families decide on between themselves, for a variety of reasons, and sometimes it is more financially feasible than living in an elders’ community or a home. In addition to the psychological and communication factors that come into play with such a decision, there are also practical accommodations that need to be considered– which are often overlooked when the aging family member appears able-bodied, but can cause serious trouble if not addressed. 

Psychological and Communication Factors 

If a new family member joins your existing family, this will necessarily change the family dynamic. All members of the welcoming family need to discuss the options available to them and decide whether adding an aging parent to their household is something they are comfortable doing. Of course, aging parents need to have a say in this: many people are not comfortable with the idea of being a dependant, or with the need to adjust to someone else’s schedule. It is a difficult transition for both parties, and it needs to be treated carefully. Keep in mind that in addition to the behavioral adjustments and changes, there will also be a need for practical changes in the home itself. 

Practical Changes 

There is a reason why many restaurants and facilities ensure they are ADA compliant, and similar adjustments need to be made in a home where an elderly person resides. The simplest examples of this would be to ensure there is a step-free entry, ideally one that can accommodate a wheelchair and/or walker. Of course, that also means there is a bedroom and full bathroom on the ground floor–possibly enforced with safety amendments like a handrail, non-slip mats, a shower chair, and raised toilet seat. 

Practical adjustments don’t necessarily mean that your house will end up looking like a hospital–this popularized, and terrifying, idea only comes around when we talk about in-home hospice, for serious cases. However, basic adjustments do mean that your home will look different, and will probably not have any throw rugs: they are the number one tripping hazard for elderly people, along with pets who are not contained. 

Diet and Healthcare 

Another common change usually involves keeping tabs on the elderly person’s healthcare, and making adjustments to the usual diet to accommodate their needs. This can range from keeping track of medications, and securing them so that only the person who needs them has access to them, to scheduling doctor appointments, ensuring transportation, interpreting medical results, and advocating for the person you are caring for. 

 

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/caring-others-resources-help-you 

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2018/living-with-aging-parents.html?intcmp=AE-CAR-CAH-EOA1

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is best known as the month dedicated to spooky costumes and candy, but it is
also the month dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness. Apart from skin cancers, breast cancer is
the most common one among American women. Facts show us that 1 in 8 women in the US will
receive a diagnosis of breast cancer in her lifetime, but the really good news is that 65% of cases
are diagnosed at a localized state–meaning that the cancer has not spread past the breast–for
which the five-year survival rate is 99%.

It is also encouraging to hear that there are over 3.8
million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone. The positive facts about breast cancer
assure us that science is working hard to enhance the survival rate for women who are diagnosed
with breast cancer, and is also making great strides to provide successful preventative
techniques.

During the month of October, there are continued efforts to fundraise money for
dedicated breast-cancer research, to support survivors, and to spread awareness and information
to younger women. If you are in Buffalo, NY you may want to consider participating in the
annual Making Strides of Buffalo walk, which is dedicated to making an impact and saving lives,
organized by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. This year, the event takes place on
October 22nd, and you can easily sign up for the event on the American Cancer Society’s
website. The event does not have a registration fee, so it is accessible to a greater number of
people.

If you cannot attend the event in person, you can also make a donation, and keep
fundraising going by looking into the Matching Gifts programs: many employers will match
their employees’ charitable donations, or even volunteer hours, thus doubling the impact
individuals make on Breast Cancer Awareness! You can find out directly from your employer if
they are registered for a matching gifts program, or you can use the tool provided by Double the
Donation.

Another great way to support research and other initiatives toward Breast Cancer
Awareness is to create your own fundraising events; many tech-savvy folks set up their own
fundraising pages, or they simply ask their loved ones to collect donations towards this cause in
lieu of birthday, wedding, or anniversary gifts. If you have an online presence, you can easily
bring people together through Facebook or Instagram Live, and even Zoom, to provide support,
share knowledge, and build a community.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month


https://www.bcrf.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month-ideas-fundraising/

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Developmental Milestones

Developmental MilestonesProbably every parent’s concern is that their child is developing in the best possible, healthy way. You may have heard of developmental milestones, but what do they really mean?

First and foremost is important to remember that every age has different developmental characteristics and milestones you should keep an eye on. When it comes to a newborn, parents are mostly keeping track of movement, visual and hearing, and social and emotional milestones. When you have a toddler, you start paying attention to hand and finger skills, as well as language and cognitive development.

Why is it Important?

The CDC reports that 1 in 6 children aged 3-17 have at least one developmental, or behavioral, disability. The problem is that many children are not diagnosed until they are in school, by which time the window of opportunity for important treatments may have passed, and significant delays may have taken place. The good news is there are ways for you to monitor your child’s development! The CDC offers not only a Checklist by age, but also a Milestone Tracker App you can use.

The Process

  1. Monitoring

Developmental milestones can easily be monitored at home, with the help of some simple resources. Remember that what they refer to are things about 75% of children can do by a certain age. You can observe how your child grows and changes over time, and whether they meet the typical milestones of their age.

  1. Screening

If you have concerns, or notice a milestone is missed, then you can proceed with developmental screening, a closer look, and a test to see how your child is developing. Though it can be a part of regular health screenings, a doctor can use a questionnaire and checklist to monitor your child’s progress in language, thinking, movement, behavior, and emotions. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests developmental and behavioral screenings at ages of 9, 18, and 30 months, regardless of concern. In addition, it is recommended that all children be screened for autism spectrum disorder at 18 and 24 months.

  1. Evaluation

Should an area of concern be found, then your medical professional will usually proceed with a developmental evaluation to try and reach a diagnosis. These are done by trained specialists, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or speech-language pathologist, among others. The specialist will observe the child, speak with the caretakers or parents, and even give the child a structured test. Usually, developmental evaluations determine whether a child needs early intervention services or special treatments.

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Skin Care and Teenagers

skin careEvery parent expects their sweet babies will one day grow into hormonal teenagers, with changes in their appearance and their attitude. Some dread this change, but it’s none other than teens themselves who have to deal with their bodies changing, smelling differently, and deal with skin care and acne!

What Happens to the Skin?

In a single word: hormones. Puberty begins around age 9 or 10, when the hypothalamus releases a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone travels to the pituitary gland, which is a small gland under the brain that produces hormones which control other hormones in the body. When GnHR reaches the pituitary gland luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are released. These two are responsible for the development of the reproductive system. At the same time, the adrenal glands produce adrenal androgens, which cause body hair growth. But the biggest concern is the skin glands, which produce the natural oil sebum. Puberty hormones increase the amount of sebum, which clogs the pores and causes skin care and acne problems.

Proper Skin Care

The first way to deal with acne is natural methods. It’s important to keep the skin clean by washing gently, and regularly, with warm water and a mild soap. Pat dry with clean tissues to reduce the risk of oil transfer between uses. It’s also important keep your hair away from your face for the same reason: oil transfer. With changing hormones, you may notice your body odor becoming stronger. Regular showers are necessary now more than ever, as bathing ensures your hair is kept clean. Fresh pillowcases can also work wonders!

There are numerous over the counter skin care products you can use when washing your face, and it’s a good idea to exfoliate at least once a week. For persistent pimples, you can try drying them out using some isopropyl alcohol on a cotton round. Cleaning your face with a cotton round dipped in alcohol, or using alcohol wipes, is also a great way to dry out some of the excess oil and help your pores unclog.

Dermatological Methods for Skin Care

Some cases of acne may be more serious, and in need of a dermatologist’s assistance. The first mild, topical, medication a doctor may suggest is retinoid drugs gel or lotion form which is to be applied in the evening and prevents clogging of hair follicles. Azelaic acid is another option, a naturally occurring acid produced by a yeast. It has antibacterial properties and has been known for its effectiveness. Salicylic acid is another option, but studies show it’s not as effective. Inflammation and excess skin bacteria can be treated with some mild antibiotics, often used with benzoyl peroxide to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

If acne persists after topical medications, it may be time for oral medications. These are the highest tier of acne treatment, but if you have any concerns about these changes and this process, it is highly recommended you reach out to a medical professional.

 

 

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IVF Step by Step

IVFMany women utilize In Vitro Fertilization to achieve a healthy pregnancy, and discussions of the IVF process become more and more common. It is the most common form of assisted reproduction technology and has been around for approximately 40 years. It may sound daunting, as it does have a few steps and comes at a price, but what really is In Vitro Fertilization and what should you be looking out for if this is an option you are considering?

What is it?

The original definition means “fertilization in a glass,” where mature eggs are collected from the ovaries and are fertilized by the sperm in an incubator outside the body. Then, the healthiest embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus. Though your specialist will determine what exactly is the best process for you, there are some standard steps in the IVF process, and a full cycle of IVF commonly takes 3-4 weeks. Sometimes the common steps are split into different parts, in which case the process may take longer.

The Steps

  1. Ovulation Induction: what marks the beginning of an IVF cycle is the use of artificial hormones to stimulate the production of multiple eggs. Though ovaries produce one egg during ovulation, more eggs are needed during IVF as some may not fertilize or develop normally after fertilization.
  2. Trigger Injection: before your eggs are ready for retrieval, you need 2-3 weeks of ovarian stimulation. Vaginal ultrasound or blood tests are then done to determine if the eggs are ready. Then, to assist the egg’s final maturation stage and loosening from the follicle wall, you will be given an injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG).
  3. Egg Retrieval: 34-36 hours after the injection your specialist will retrieve the matured eggs from your body. You may be lightly sedated during this 20-30 minute procedure and given some pain medication. On the same day, a semen sample will also need to be provided at your doctor’s office.
  4. Fertilization: this is the exciting part where the semen sample is washed and concentrated, and then added to the eggs approximately 4 hours after egg retrieval. They spend the night in an incubator and are checked the next day for fertilization. Usually, with a normal sperm sample, 60-70% of eggs will fertilize.
  5. Embryo Transfer: 2-3 days after egg retrieval you will be called back into your doctor’s office for the embryo to be placed in your uterus. The procedure is usually painless, and if this part of the procedure is successful, 6-10 days later you will have an implanted embryo on the lining of your uterus. This is called the Luteal Phase, followed by the Pregnancy Test about 14 days after the Embryo Transfer.

Risks

The most common risk when a woman is undergoing IVF is that there will not be a successful fertilization, or it will not lead to a successful pregnancy. Multiple cycles of IVF are not uncommon, but they can be financially stressful—as they range anywhere from 12k to 17k, according to the New York Times—and sometimes disheartening. Other risks include multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, premature delivery, and birth defects—among others.

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Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Pelvic organ prolapse is when pelvic organs slip down into—or even protrude out of—the vagina. This happens when there is not enough support for them due to weakened ligaments and pelvic floor muscles. Organs that may be affected are also the bladder, the vagina, and the rectum. As such, pelvic organ prolapse includes uterine prolapse, dropped bladder or cystocele, and rectocele.

Who does it affect?

It may sound like a problem for much older women, and it is true: pelvic organ prolapse in its majority affects postmenopausal women and women who may have had more than one vaginal delivery. However, it can happen to women of any age, and it is recorded that pelvic organ prolapse affects 3% of women in the United States. A 2009 study in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that white and Hispanic women are more at risk for pelvic organ prolapse than women of other racial and ethnic groups.

How do I recognize it?

It may be easier to recognize the first symptoms of pelvic organ disorders, which are usually more common, and are accompanied by uterine incontinence or fecal incontinence. Though incontinence on its own does not necessarily mean your pelvic organs have prolapsed, it can generally be a tell-tale sign. Organ prolapse will cause a visible bulge in the vagina, or sometimes you may experience uncomfortable pressure during sex or other physical activities.

The feeling of discomfort or constant pressure in the pelvis is a common symptom, especially if that pressure gets worse as the day goes by. You may also find that you are having trouble inserting tampons or even feeling and seeing something “bulge” out of the vagina.

How is it treated?

Treatments can vary depending on the type of prolapse you have and other factors, but some of them include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle therapy to strengthen your pelvic muscles
  • Changing eating habits to support a diet that is rich in fiber so as to limit strain during bowel movements
  • Pessary: a removable device to support the pelvic organs
  • Surgery to support the uterus or the vagina, using your own body tissue or synthetic mess

Research is still underway to find ways to prevent pelvic organ prolapse, but thankfully there are numerous treatment options, and it is never too early to start strengthening your pelvic muscles!

 

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Preeclampsia

preeclampsiaAs much joy as a pregnancy brings, there are also a lot of worries that accompany it. While preeclampsia may summon dated references like Lady Sybil’s death on Downton Abbey, it still affects women today. According to the CDC, 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States are affected by preeclampsia—the sudden elevation of the mother’s blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy.

What is it and what are the causes?

Preeclampsia usually begins after the 20th week of pregnancy, with some rare cases of postpartum preeclampsia. It is characterized by high blood pressure, as well as damage to the liver and kidneys. There may also be protein in the women’s urine and low levels of platelets. For a preeclampsia diagnosis, the mother’s blood pressure during pregnancy needs to be persistent and other symptoms of organ damage, low platelets, fluid in the lungs, and/or signs of brain trouble need to be present.

The causes of preeclampsia have not yet been precisely identified. However, potential causes include genetic factors, blood vessel problems, and chronic hypertension, as well as metabolic diseases or autoimmune disorders. There are some known risk factors that may increase the chances of preeclampsia, such as:

  • history of preeclampsia in your family
  • preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
  • having a multiple pregnancy or becoming pregnant via IVF
  • being over the age of 40
  • having obesity
  • being pregnant for the first time

How Can it be Treated?

To receive a diagnosis and treatment, watch out for the following symptoms:

  • signs of kidney problems and excess protein in your urine
  • severe headaches and changes in vision
  • upper abdominal pain
  • nausea or vomiting, as well as shortness of breath

Some symptoms may go unnoticed, such as sudden weight gain and swelling, since they are normal symptoms of a pregnancy, so watch out for a combination of symptoms and attend all your prenatal appointments to ensure you and your baby’s safety.

With preeclampsia, you are at increased risk of seizures, stroke, severe bleeding, and placental abruption. As such, the most effective treatment is delivery. Possible medications may include antihypertensives to help lower your blood pressure, corticosteroids that can temporarily improve liver and platelet function, as well as anticonvulsant medications to prevent seizures. Severe cases of preeclampsia may require you to be hospitalized, but by far the most effective treatment is delivery of the baby. Be wary of the traditional suggestion of “bed rest,” as in this case it can actually be more harmful since it increases the risk of blood clots.

 

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Combating Holiday Stress

holiday

The holidays can be a relaxing and socializing time, but they can also be a time of holiday stress. Experts give us some tips on how to maintain healthy stress levels during this holiday season while keeping COVID safe and being mindful of our body’s health.

COVID Safety

As vaccination rates increase, you can likely choose if you are spending the holidays with vaccinated, COVID-safe individuals. Regardless, you should wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs. Similarly, you should stay warm and bundled up to not jeopardize your immune system. You may let a little loose during the holidays, but remember smoking causes health risks. Last but not least, monitor children’s activity to see they are keeping safe and having a good time.

Body Health

Holiday living isn’t always friendly to healthy living, especially when it comes to diets and routines.

Here are some easy diet tips to practice this holiday season:

  1. Find healthy alternatives to your favorite dishes or substitute ingredients with their healthier counterparts. For example, use yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and bake instead of frying.
  2. Exercise moderation. No need to push your body past its limits when it comes to food and desserts. Keep your portions smaller if you want to extend your mealtime, or if you have several meals planned throughout the day. Avoid foods that upset you.
  3. Homemade foods instead of processed foods are a better idea. Canned, processed, and premade foods are full of salt and sugar that homemade foods usually don’t have.
  4. Adding more vegetables to traditional dishes or using vegetable-based recipes as side dishes is an easy way to eat your greens while enjoying holiday meals!
  5. Taking a walk after mealtimes can help your body digest. Research suggests it is best to take a walk directly after a meal to assist your digestion—and even get some alone time.

Managing Stress

The holiday season can come with heightened stress, or even depression. The demands are higher, financial stress is at play, and with guests around you may not get a moment to yourself. You may also be spending the holidays alone when you would like to have company or have recently lost a loved one.

Here are some tips to handle holiday-related stress:

  1. Acknowledge your feelings and express them. If you can’t talk to someone, you can write them down. Whether your feelings are positive or negative, it is important to not keep them bottled up.
  2. Reach out to friends, family, or the community. If you are feeling isolated and lonely or cannot (or don’t want to) reach out to friends and family, community events during the holiday season are an easy way to get some low-stakes socialization. Plenty of community programs organize more events around the holidays, and volunteering or participating is easy.
  3. Plan ahead and keep your habits, as sticking to a routine or a schedule you are familiar with can help minimize stress. Take agency over holiday plans and keep your limits.

Overall, remember to prioritize the things that make you happy! Avoiding over committing to events that cause stress or are more of an obligation. Spend the time with the people you love doing things you enjoy.

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Endometriosis and Fertility

Endometriosis

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis or may suspect you are included in the percentage of the female population that has it, you may be concerned about your fertility levels and/or conceiving and carrying to term. Endometriosis is very common and affects between 6% and 10% of the general female population. About 30%-50% of women with it are infertile, and about 25%-50% of infertile women have endometriosis.

Here are some options to consider if you are diagnosed with endometriosis and are interested in becoming pregnant:

Expert Assistance

It is possible that some surgical operations associated with the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis may affect your ability to become pregnant, so if you haven’t yet undergone any surgical procedures, it would be a good idea to discuss the risks with your doctor. You may also want to consider working with a fertility specialist who will help you find out the contributing factors to your infertility and determine the severity of your disorder.

Improving your Chances

There is no current evidence that suggests medication can assist you in getting pregnant if you live with endometriosis. However, your doctor may instruct you to take progestins so you can increase the level of pregnancy hormones in your body. Another suggestion is to follow a healthy lifestyle so you can decrease the chances of inflammation in your body and help your baby thrive throughout a healthy pregnancy:

  • Maintain weight that is healthy for your body type.
  • Engage in moderate exercise in your daily life.
  • Consume nutrient-dense foods.

Treatments

  1. Fertility medications are fairly common for women with endometriosis. These can range from progestin injections to fertility medications like Clophemene to help you produce 2-3 mature eggs.
  2. You may also undergo regular ultrasounds to determine the maturity of your eggs. At the appropriate time, your doctor can insert collected sperm to assist in conceiving.
  3. In vitro fertilization is also an option couples go for, whereby the egg is fertilized outside the body and then inserted into the uterus.
  4. If you have mild endometriosis, or your endometriosis has not affected your fallopian tubes, you may consider intrauterine insemination.
  5. A more costly option, and usually not covered by insurance, is to freeze your eggs. Endometriosis can affect your ovarian reserve, so this option helps if you want to try and become pregnant at a later time.

The good news is that many women living with endometriosis have managed to get pregnant using IVF, especially in cases of moderate or mild endometriosis. Though the chances are about 50% less than those of couples who use IVF due to other infertility reasons, many women with endometriosis are able to conceive and deliver a healthy baby. It is recommended that you start discussing your fertility options with your doctor even before you are thinking of getting pregnant.

Learn more about IVF: https://wny-obgyn.com/2022/03/ivf-step-by-step/

 

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Breast Care for New Moms

breast careThe debate on whether breastfeeding or formula is better for a newborn baby may be alive and well, but the reality is that many mothers do choose to breastfeed. If you are thinking of breastfeeding your newborn or are already doing so, here is some advice on breast care and how to also take care of yourself in the process.

Nutrition

While breastfeeding your baby proper precautions, nutrition, and attention to your body can enrich the experience of motherhood. Remember that nutrients travel through breastmilk into your baby’s body, so it is important to be aware of what you consume. Food, alcohol, and substance intake are often one of the first concerns all mothers have. You may be concerned about eating more food but consuming an extra 330 to 400 for nutrient-rich calories per day actually helps you have more energy and increases milk production.

You want to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and fish. Instead, try to focus on a protein-rich diet sourced from lean meat, vegetables, beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eating iron as well as vitamin and calcium-dense foods ensures both you and your baby’s health. Vitamins play a key role in making sure proper nutrition thrives. If you are considering taking diet supplements or multivitamins, it is best to consult your health care provider beforehand.

If you follow a vegetarian diet, the same rules apply. Eat calcium, protein, and iron-dense foods. Try to opt for foods like plant protein, leafy greens, raisins, lentils, and whole grains. Quinoa is an excellent choice because it’s one of the only vegetarian complete proteins, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot self-produce.

Hydration

Consciously monitoring your hydration intake is as important as diet. When breast milk fluids are leaving your body, more fluid needs to go back in. Monitoring your urine color, smell and frequency are natural cues to know when to consume more healthy beverages; if something feels out of the ordinary, you need to change your fluid intake. Choose water over sugar-laden beverages and avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine can cause your baby to be agitated, and too much sugar can cause postpartum weight gain.

Breast Care

While breastfeeding, you also want to make sure you are allowing yourself to properly care for your nipples. An easy way to do that is by allowing some breast milk to dry on them. Breast milk has natural skin softening abilities and antibodies. If your doctor says it’s safe, take acetaminophen thirty minutes before breastfeeding to help relieve some of the pain. Start feeding your baby on the side of your breast that is less tender. Also, alternate sides and your baby’s position with each feeding. Let your nipples air-dry whenever possible and use hypoallergenic topical ointments to prevent dryness.

You can also apply cold compresses after feeding, and also provide your breasts with plenty of support.  Cotton breastfeeding bras with non-elastic straps are a great option. If needed, wear a bra at night for additional support. Avoid washing your nipples with soap as it can dry them out more, or avoid using all-purpose lotions, creams, and bras with plastic lining.

If you have symptoms that persist, such as increasing redness, puss, intense tenderness, or a fever over 101°F contact your doctor or health care provider.

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