Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

You think you may have an ovarian cyst. Or, could it be a uterine fibroid? Ovarian cysts and fibroids have many of the same symptoms and can be difficult to self-diagnose. You may experience pelvic pain during certain activities, dull or sharp pain in your abdomen, or no symptoms at all. Unless you’re a trained professional, you probably don’t know the differences between the two. In fact, many women often don’t know they’ve got either until their OB-GYN does a routine pelvic exam. Ovarian cysts are very common and typically go away on their own. While uterine fibroids are not an issue for some women, others experience problems such as changes in their menstrual cycle and even infertility. In this article, we’ll discuss the most obvious ways to tell which of the two you have. We’ll also cover several treatment options to consider for both. Overview: Ovarian Cysts An ovarian cyst is a sac or pouch filled with fluid or other tissue and is caused by your menstrual cycle. As you’ve probably guessed it forms directly on your ovary. Each month your body grow normal follicles (a cyst-like structure). These follicles produce hormones such as estrogen and regulate the timing of releasing an egg during ovulation. Cysts occur when a normal follicle continues to grow. Because of this, ovarian cysts are most common for women who are at the childbearing age or going through menopause. You are also at a higher risk of getting ovarian cysts if: Most ovarian cysts go away on their own within 1-2 menstrual cycles. You may experience little to no symptoms when you have an ovarian cyst. However, they can also cause dull or sharp pain in your abdomen during certain activities. Treating an Ovarian Cyst When your doctor diagnoses you with an ovarian cyst they will typically suggest treatment if your cyst becomes large, is causing problems such as pain, or if cancer is suspected. There are two types of treatments for ovarian cysts. Overview: Uterine Fibroids A uterine fibroid is a growth from muscle tissue. Fibroids can appear as single growths or clusters. They vary in size, shape, and location. Some grow rapidly, while others take years to form. Unlike ovarian cysts, fibroids can form anywhere throughout the uterus. Fibroids can be found within the uterine walls, on the outer surface, or even attached to the stem-like structure. Doctors still aren’t exactly sure what the cause of uterine fibroids is. However, research has led to several factors being involved such as genetic changes and hormonal changes. Women of childbearing age are most affected by uterine fibroids. Often, fibroids will decrease in size after menopause due to reduced hormone production. Although most women have had at least one uterine fibroid throughout their life, many aren’t aware because often symptoms don’t occur. Other women aren’t as lucky. Fibroids can have numerous adverse health effects including: You may experience one, all, or none of the above symptoms if you have a uterine fibroid. It’s important to have regular visits to your doctor including routine pelvic exams. Treatment for Uterine Fibroids Your healthcare provider will suggest seeking treatment for your fibroid if you’re noticing symptoms. Rarely are uterine fibroids found to be cancerous. There are a few treatment options available to you. Talk to your doctor about which of the following is the best approach. More abrasive approaches include: Final Thoughts Women experiencing pain or other symptoms from either ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids should seek medical advice. Once you get an official diagnosis, your healthcare provider can help you decide on a plan for treatment. Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions regarding your symptoms or to schedule an appointment. A member of our trained staff will be happy to help you in any way possible.

Is Post Pregnancy Exercise a Baby Fat Eraser?

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If you’re like many new moms, you’re ready to shed that extra baby weight… and now! It’s a perfectly natural feeling but if you’re not careful it can lead to a never-ending cycle of harmful weight loss that doesn’t last. There is hope, however. A healthy combination of nutrition and exercise can get you back to pre-baby weight in a matter of mere months. Be sure not to rush it though. Remember, it took 9-months to get to where you are now. Don’t expect lasting weight loss to happen overnight. Incorporate Exercise into Your Daily Routine Exercise can be a wonderful tool for new moms for many reasons. Physical activity can help reduce stress and help you sleep while keeping your muscles and bones strong. Before starting a new routine, take care to get proper guidance on what to you can expect from your post-baby body. Heading to the gym for a workout right away can be harmful to your body, especially if you’ve had a c-section. So what can you do? Start slow. Having a newborn doesn’t leave you much time for anything, much less exercise. Try incorporating 30 minutes of walking into your daily routine broken into short 10 minute breaks as you can. Incorporate strength training into your routine. Strength training with medium to light weights can help increase bone density as well as building muscle. Don’t go it alone. You’re more likely to stick to an exercise program if you’ve got support from friends, family, or other new moms. Try joining a gym that has classes dedicated to new mothers. Avoid jumping into old routines. Instead of worrying about what you could do before your pregnancy, focus on what your body can handle now. While you’re pregnant your body releases hormones that loosen your ligaments, making giving birth easier. It can take time for them to get back to normal. Remember, don’t start any exercise until you feel ready. Women that have had c-sections or complicated births should consult a medical professional before starting any exercise programs. Create A Healthy Diet Plan Although exercise plays a strong role in meeting your weight loss goals, healthy nutrition is a primary factor for lasting weight loss. No matter how much you workout, exercise does not counteract an unhealthy diet. It’s often hard to eat right when balancing life with a newborn. But it doesn’t have to be. Try some of the following tips to get on the right track for reclaiming your body through healthy eating. Eat at least 1,800 calories a day, especially if breastfeeding. Avoid crash diets. Pushing yourself to the max can leave you stressed which actually promotes weight gain. Stock up on healthy snacks. Noshing on foods like sliced fruits, veggies or wheat crackers throughout the day is a healthy way to keep cravings at bay. Choose a well-balanced variety of foods. Stick to foods high in the nutrients you need while low in calories and fats. Try a variety of lean meat, chicken, and fish as your primary source of protein to keep your energy levels up. Drink lots of water. Not only does water keep you feeling full but some studies have shown that water can also aid in speeding up your metabolism. When you were pregnant you likely changed your eating habits to support your baby’s growth and development. Making the change back to your old routine can seem daunting. Seek support from friends, family, or other new moms when necessary. Final Thoughts Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your post-baby weight loss. Every woman and every situation are unique. Here at Cherokee Women’s Health, we have a medically supervised weight loss program designed especially for women. We can help nursing moms like you find a sustainable diet plan. Feel free to give us a call to learn more about our weight loss programs tailored just for you.

Medical Weight Loss Patient Stories

Wendy’s Amazing Weight Loss Journey

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“When I started the program at Cherokee Women’s Health I had already lost 16 pounds but it had taken me over 5 months and then I plateaued in my weight loss journey.” This part of Wendy’s story is not uncommon. Many people begin diet and weight loss programs and see early successes but have a difficult time reaching their goal. At Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists our doctors have formulated a plan specifically for women and their unique needs. The program includes personalized meal plans and nutritional education. “One big thing that I learned from the program is the relation of calories in food to how many calories my body actually burns and that every calorie counts. I used to let food control me but now I control the food. It really puts calories into perspective and this program has given me the tools I need to not only lose the weight but to keep it off!” Each patient gets a personalized plan that can include supplements along with the nutritional counseling, and regular check-ins giving women the skills they need for long term success. Goal for the Bridesmaid: Pounds and Dress Size… Going Down! “In the last 4 ½ months I have lost an additional 38 pounds with Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. When I began the program, I was shopping for and being fitted for a dress for my sister’s wedding and initially I was going to be in a size 18-20 dress. By the time the wedding came around I had a size 14-16 and still had to have the dress taken in some before the wedding. The program gave me a huge boost in my weight loss journey. I now have more confidence, I’m happier, I feel better, and best of all I have more energy to run around and play with my kids without feeling so tired.” Our medical weight loss program is designed to be an effective life style change that puts the power in our patients’ hands. With nutrition counseling, exercise plans and accountability, the medical weight loss plan gets results for women. Call 770-720-7733 to schedule your free consultation today.

Nutrition and Weight Loss

Is Prediabetes Stalking You? Recognize the Danger

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by James Haley, MD, FACOG, FPMRS As many as 86 million people in the United States have prediabetes, yet 90% of them don’t even know it. Prediabetes is the condition that exists when you have higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough to classify as diabetes. Someone with prediabetes has a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and other serious health issues, including stroke and heart disease. Since this condition has no symptoms, it can easily go undiagnosed. However, there are risk factors to look for, and certainly ways you can decrease your risk of becoming a Type 2 diabetic. Type 2 diabetes is a major public health issue, and more people need to know they are at risk. Know the Risk Factors for Prediabetes The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has guidelines that list a total of 11 specific risk factors that determine if you should be screened for prediabetes. They include: High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 History of Heart Disease Physical Inactivity 1st Degree Relative with Diabetes Over 45 years old Had Diabetes in Pregnancy (gestational diabetes) African-American race Latino ethnicity Asian-American race If you’re over 45 and have any of the other risk factors, you should see your doctor. A simple blood test can let you know if you are prediabetic. Unfortunately, most Americans these days have a body mass index (BMI) over 25, not realizing the risks associated with it. If you have a calculator, you can easily figure your BMI. Below is the standard formula. If you are in good shape and have extra muscle, it may be a little off. Nevertheless, it is still a good method and will give you a close estimate. How to Calculate Your BMI Figure out how many inches tall you are. (Example: if you are 5’4″ you are 64 inches). Multiply the number by itself. (Example: 64 x 64 = 4096) Write the total down and clear your calculator. Now, punch in your weight in pounds and divide by that saved 4-digit number (For a 125 woman, 125 divided by 4096 = .03051758) Multiply your result by 703. (.03051758 x 703=21.4538) Here, 21.45 is the BMI If the result you get is less than 18.5, you are considered underweight. If your BMI is between 18.5-24.9, you are normal weight. But if your BMI is 25-29 you are considered overweight, and over 29 is considered obese. No matter how undesirable you find your calculations, don’t despair. Make today the first day of positive changes. It’s never too late to start a sensible diet and exercise plan. Change begins with that first step. Get committed!! Get going! For guidelines on nutrition and weight loss, discuss your concerns with your doctor at your next annual exam.

Nutrition and Weight Loss

Is Snacking Feeding Your Insulin Levels and Leaving You With the Weight?

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by James Haley, MD FACOG, FPMRS As a physician and fitness enthusiast, I’ve read a plethora of articles, books, and journals on weight loss. My patients continually tell me their struggles with dieting, lamenting that the weight always returns, usually along with a few extra pounds. Personally, I can relate. It’s not a dilemma exclusive to women. Men struggle, too. As you age, you just can’t eat like you used to—ven if you exercise regularly. After reading numerous books and trying different diets myself, I finally discovered an author who not only pinpoints the problem of obesity, but also the answer to those last ten pounds. In his book, ‘The Obesity Code’, Dr. Jason Fung, a nephrologist, states that the real culprit of weight gain isn’t overeating. It’s excessive insulin. He is emphatic that many of his patients would need less medical intervention if they lost weight. Since most of his patients are Type 2 Diabetics, a disease associated with too much insulin, he has been able to determine the common link – SNACKING. In the past few decades, the number of times we eat daily has increased. People have gone from eating three meals a day to about six, counting snacks. Go on, admit it. It’s what you do—what I’ve done. it’s a cycle, and it makes sense once you understand the reason why. Every time you eat, you stimulate insulin, keeping it at a constant high level. This fools the body into thinking it’s always hungry. Your body is constantly thinking you are hungry because your insulin stays in a high range. Obesity is a hormonal disease. Insulin, a hormone, tells you how much to eat and how much to burn. The body behaves as if the weight is set on a thermostat. So, obesity is not about caloric imbalance. Thus, it makes sense that the idea of cutting calories is totally wrong. You may not be obese. Maybe you have a few obstinate pounds that won’t melt—a jiggle around the middle resistant to diet and exercise. ‘Fat’, ‘plump’, ‘chubby’—whatever you call it, a surplus of insulin is causing it. The longer you have higher amounts of it, the more resistant your body becomes, which produces even more and causes that crazy, never-ending cycle. So what’s the solution? Avoid insulin-stimulating foods like sugar and refined grains. These are the enemy. Eliminate between-meal snacks. Designate mealtimes. Meal timing and insulin levels work together to regulate our weight. We need periods of time when we aren’t eating, so insulin can go down, leaving our bodies in energy burning mode. If we leave more time between meals…. we burn energy. And when we burn energy, we lose weight. To learn more about the other secret to regulating insulin for weight loss, read here.

Nutrition and Weight Loss

How to Starve Insulin Through Fasting

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by James Haley, MD, FACOG, FPMRS I have always had a personal interest in nutrition and fitness, and more so after I became a doctor and needed that knowledge to benefit my patients. After reading volumes of research on these subjects and hearing my patients’ struggles with weight gain, I came across nephrologist Dr. Jason Fung’s book, ‘The Obesity Code’. Most of Dr. Fung’s patients are Type 2 diabetics, and he explains clearly how obesity is a problem due not to caloric intake, but to constant high levels of insulin in the body retained through frequent eating. In short, Dr. Fung states that the more often you eat, refueling with snacks between meals, the longer your insulin levels remain elevated. Since insulin is a hormone that tells your body how much to eat and how much to burn, high insulin levels fool the body into thinking you are always hungry. Those messages cause you to eat more, and of course, gain weight. How Do You Overcome This Vicious Cycle? 1. Stop Snacking This is the first step. Avoid especially the sugary and refined, processed foods which make your insulin levels spike and fall all day, perpetuating the cycle of hunger and sluggishness, making you think you’re hungry. 2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods like vegetables, nuts, salads, fruit and protein-rich chicken and fish, which keep your insulin levels steady. 3. Fast Fasting! The word may make you shudder. I’m not talking about a three-week, Gandhi-type fast. Dr. Fung suggests a “mini- fast”: going without breakfast. And yes, this goes against everything you’ve ever been told, that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You don’t need to do it daily, but skipping breakfast gives your body about 14 hours of fasting from the night before. We need periods of time when we aren’t eating, when insulin can go down, leaving our bodies in energy burning mode. This one step will dramatically lower your insulin, which in turn acts to lower the body’s set weight. You’ll start to feel better, have more energy – and you may just get rid of that last, lingering ten pounds. 4. Consult Your Doctor Fasting is never recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or people with certain diseases. If you simply need a jump start to weight loss, try the mini-fasting route and let your body’s insulin levels drop to burn energy. You will be surprised at how much better you feel. Once you change your mindset about food, regulate your insulin, and time your meals, you will see many positive results. Whether you need to lose weight or not, you will definitely have more energy, and hopefully live a longer, healthier life.

Nutrition and Weight Loss

Why is It Harder for Women to Lose Weight?

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While losing weight can be a challenging feat for both sexes, women have a few additional physiological hurdles from the start that men simply don’t. For women, it may take more of an initial lifestyle change to accomplish weight loss than it would for men. Don’t worry though. All hope is not lost. Staying focused on hitting your first health related goals can be empowering and keep you on the right track to shedding unwanted pounds down the line. You may not come out of the gate dropping pounds left and right like your male counterparts, but in most cases weight loss will even out over time. Physiological Reasons Initial Weight Loss is Harder for Women Initially, it can be discouraging for women who decide to lose weight with male friends, family, or partners. It may seem as if you’re male weight loss partner is losing weight with little or no effort while you’re struggling to drop that first couple pounds. Well, it turns out there’s a reason. Let’s take a look at some of the biological reasons women have a tougher time getting rid of excess weight and looking slimmer at first. Men have a height and weight advantage over women. Performing even simple tasks requires the body to burn more energy the larger the person is. Men typically have a faster metabolism than women due to testosterone levels. Lean muscle tissue can burn more calories than fat even when resting. Women’s fat stores are often spread throughout the body. It’s more difficult to lose weight when fat stores are spread over the entire body rather than held in one place such as the belly like it often is in men. Women have larger fat stores to help during pregnancy. A perfectly fit woman will hold and extra 6-11% more body fat than a perfectly fit man simply due to biology. Post-workout cravings. After a workout women’s ghrelin levels (the hormone that tells us we’re hungry) increase. Meanwhile, our leptin (the hormone that tells us we’re full) drop significantly. This hormonal fluctuation isn’t as prominent in men after exercise. Don’t despair. Women have some advantages over men too. For example, women tend to burn more body fat when they exercise than men do. Pushing Through Physiological Obstacles Whether you want to commit to dropping a significant amount of weight, restore your optimal body weight after a pregnancy, or just live a healthier lifestyle overall, there are several things you can do to expedite the process. Incorporate strength training exercises into your workout and benefit from more muscle mass too. Focus on healthier post-workout snacks to tame cravings. Banish negative thoughts and focus on the positive to nix emotional eating. Have a balanced workout that includes plenty of cardio (at least 20 minutes a day). Getting your mind in the right place can be helpful during your weight loss journey as well. One thing you can do immediately is to stop thinking of it as a competition. Celebrate and encourage both parties weight loss achievements equally. Final Thoughts Don’t be discouraged if you don’t lose weight as quickly as the men around you. Remember, weight loss isn’t a race. It’s a slow and steady process to regaining your optimal well-being and taking control of your life. Although guys may have an initial head start, your partner’s weight loss will eventually plateau and you should be on the same page over time. Losing weight doesn’t need to be daunting. Talk to your health care provider for guidance on how to accomplish weight loss and other health-related goals. Feel free to give us a call regarding any questions you may have through your weight loss journey. We’d be happy to schedule an appointment with your doctor for a consultation. You’ll soon be on the road to feeling great!

GYN Problems Videos, Sexual Health

Painful Sex

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Dr. Michael Litrel of Cherokee Women’s Health explains the most common causes of painful sex and offers possible solutions.

Menopause and Hormone Therapy

Menopause, Part 2: Hormone Replacement Therapy – 7 FAQs

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by James Haley, MD, FACOG, FPMRS Below are the 7 FAQs about Hormone Replacement Therapy I’ve encountered in twenty five years being an OB-GYN specializing in women’s health. The truth is, the real facts about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are hard to find. They are submerged in an ocean of misinformation surrounding women’s hormones, available hormone types, and ideas about what is “healthy” and “unhealthy” for women as they experience the sometimes confusing, uncomfortable and even painful symptoms of menopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help. Here’s what you need to know, summed up in 7 FAQs: 7 FAQs About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) What types of HRT are there? HRT is most often spoken of, and divided into, two categories: Traditional Sometimes referred to as “synthetic,” these FDA approved medications have in the past been the ones most commonly used for hormone replacement. A few of these could be classified as more “natural” rather than synthetic, as discussed below. Names brands can be very expensive, generics can be very inexpensive. Bioidentical (sometimes referred to by people as “natural”) These are compounded at special compounding pharmacies. There are some who claim that, because they are more “natural”, they mimic more of what ovaries produce on their own, and the body responds better, with less potential side effects, then with synthetic HRT. Is that true? See note below. Average cost of bioidentical HRT (BHRT) is approximately $30-$45, although it can cost a whole lot more at certain pharmacies. (Your doctor should help you stay away from those.) BHRT is often cheaper, however, then name brand traditional HRT. Dr. Haley discusses bioidentical hormone replacement therapy Are Bioidentical hormones (BHRT) better? I believe there are enough good studies that have now been done to be able to say, “Yes, it would appear BHRT is probably better than traditional HRT.” This has been hard to prove with absolute certainty, and early on some of those involved with BHRT tried to make these claims without any supporting literature. Now there is much supportive literature out there to suggest it probably is the better way to go for hormone replacement. BHRT definitely allows for the greatest ability to create custom therapy best suited for you as an individual. It is very easy, and obviously better, to be able to add/subtract hormones or tweak doses according to individual needs, rather than having just a few doses of certain hormones to choose from in the traditional hormone route. How do I know what hormones, and in what amounts, are right for me? That is where the expertise of your Gynecologist comes in. Based on age, history, symptoms, whether you’ve had a hysterectomy, and other factors, one or more hormones will be suggested. On occasion, hormone levels (blood levels typically being the most accurate) will need to be checked, especially early on or after dose changes are made, but the MOST important factor is – how do you feel? Patient feedback is often a very reliable indication of how we are doing with the hormones chosen and the amounts of each. If I have the following history, does that mean I can’t take hormone therapy? Family history of Breast Cancer Personal history of fibrocystic changes of the breasts Prior breast cysts drained or benign lump removed Smoker NO, your history does NOT rule out hormone therapy. These are not contraindications. Will hormone therapy help me with any of the above problems or symptoms? HRT can certainly help with any of these, but be aware there are other health factors that can be, and often are, creating problems as well. These include underlying thyroid issues, adrenal gland stress or fatigue, food sensitivity/intolerance, gut immunity or imbalance issues, inflammatory issues, or autoimmune disorders. What is the best way to receive HRT? Usually through the skin (such as a roll-on gel), or else under the skin. For most women, oral hormone therapy tends to get broken down in the stomach so that less hormone absorbed, and in a less predictable amount. (On an individual basis, someone may find the oral route works better for them, and that is fine.) How long should I stay on HRT? Indefinitely! We know menopause starts an accelerated aging process, with all the potential day-to-day problems, as well as long term problems, that were described earlier. Knowing that, would it make sense to use HRT for just a short period of time? No, not at all. All the benefits a woman gets from HRT will be lost over time once she quits. So, when you make the decision to start HRT, make it for life (unless your doctor gives you a specific reason you need to stop). One final note, since a woman’s time in menopause and hormone therapy use are very important matters, it is critical that your gynecologist is current on HRT and it is of interest to them. At Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, all of our physicians are all up-to-date on the most recent information on menopause, as well as all health matters. Your quality of life is critical, and I urge you to take care of yourself to enjoy your menopausal years and make them the best you possibly can. Have you read Part One of this series? Here it is: Menopause Part One: 6 Things Every Woman Should Know

Menopause and Hormone Therapy

Menopause, Part 1: Six Menopause Facts Every Woman Should Know

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by James Haley, MD, FACOG, FPMRS Menopause facts can be hard to come by, considering that a third or more of a woman’s life will be spent in menopause. That is a long time. They say that with age, comes wisdom, so it is my goal to empower you to make wise decisions about the quality of your life during that phase of your life. Hormone therapy is an important option to consider, a therapy that is becoming more critical for women as their average lifespan continues to increase. I have been helping care for menopausal women for more than 25 years. Over this time, I have seen misinformation or even completely wrong information affect women and keep them from achieving optimal health through hormone use. To help make sense of this potentially confusing subject, I’ve compiled a list of 6 key menopause facts every woman should know to help you make the best decision possible for you. What Problems Can Menopausal Women Experience? The problems women experience with menopause can be separated into two basic categories. Know that both types can be helped with HRT (Hormone replacement therapy). Day-to-Day Symptoms That Affect Quality of Life Long Term Health Issues That Can Significantly Impact Lifespan All of these issues can potentially be helped by Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Learn all about it in Part Two!

Fetal Kick Count Instructions

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It’s important for expectant mothers to keep track of their baby’s movements. Not only will it give you reassurance that your baby is healthy, but a lack of movement can be the first sign that something is seriously wrong. In fact, monitoring your baby’s fetal kick count has the potential to save your baby’s life. Monitoring High-Risk Pregnancy with Fetal Kick Counts Dr. Litrel discusses high-risk pregnancy and tracking a baby’s health progress with fetal kick counts. When Should You Start Counting Fetal Movements Counting fetal movements is easy to do, and can be a relaxing time spent bonding with your little one. Some women can feel their baby’s first kicks anywhere from 16-25 weeks. However, the average for first-time mothers is between the 20-22 week range. Your doctor will likely suggest beginning to track your baby’s fetal kick counts starting during the third trimester (week 26-27) onward. Monitoring fetal kick counts are especially important for expectant mothers who have health conditions. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, for example, your doctor will recommend closely keeping track of your baby’s movements. How to Track and Count Fetal Kicks Tracking your baby’s movements is somewhat easy. Following a few simple steps is an easy way to reassure yourself that your baby is okay. Most babies move at least 10 times within any given 1 hour period. When checking your baby’s fetal kick count, you’ll need the following tools: A comfortable place to sit or lay A journal A timing device Start by sitting or laying on your side. Begin your timer and count each movement that your baby makes. These movements could include anything from: Rolls Kicks Jabs Flutters Once you’ve gotten to 5 of these movements, stop counting and record the length of time it took from the first to the last. More Tips Here are a few additional tips you may want to follow to help you when you are tracking the fetal movement of your little one: Try to count movements at the same time every day. Try evening or after dinnertime. Some babies are more likely to be more active during this time. Write down times in a daily journal for easy tracking. Your doctor may request to see your times during checkups as well. If you choose to lie down while counting, try to lay on your left side. Circulation will be better for the baby. Stop timing after 5 moves. When To Call Your Doctor Babies that do not move at least 5 times within thirty minutes should be checked by your doctor. Movement is an important barometer of your baby’s health. Sudden increase or decrease in baby’s fetal kick count in the third trimester should also be reported to your doctor, especially if you have health concerns that put you at a high-risk pregnancy. If your baby doesn’t move within the half hour, don’t panic. Your baby could simply be sleeping. Instead, get up and move around for a few minutes. Grab a bite to eat or drink. After half hour, if your baby still doesn’t seem to be moving, call your doctor immediately. Letting your doctor know that your baby is not moving enough can save their life. Other Indicators That Require a Call to Your Doctor Rupture of membranes (Water breaking) Contractions every 2-5 minutes (more than 5 per hour) Cramps in the lower abdomen with or without diarrhea Temperature over 100 degrees Vaginal spotting or bleeding Final Thoughts on Fetal Kick Counts Monitoring your little one’s fetal kicks can potentially save your baby’s life. If you’ve got questions or concerns regarding your baby’s movements or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss these techniques with your doctor, call us at 770.720.7333. Or, simply schedule an appointment online.

Well Woman

Safer Must-Have Products for Summer

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Choosing safer sunscreens, bug repellents and hydration products can be a daunting task with aisle after isle of options. Of course, you want your friends and family to enjoy the great outdoors this summer, but worrying about sun exposure, bug bites, and possible mosquito and tick spread diseases can put a damper on the day faster than a black cloud. Many products on the shelves these days are chemical ridden and loaded with synthetic ingredients that can be harmful to your body. Let’s take a look at a few key ingredients to avoid when shopping for summer necessities such as sunscreen, bug repellent, and hydration products. Opt for a few of the safer environmentally-friendly alternatives on our list for a worry-free day of fun in the sun. Sunscreen Sunscreens are designed to protect your family from harmful radiation from the sun’s UV rays. However, not all sunscreens are created equal, so we’ve created this list of what to avoid and what to seek out when keeping your family protected this summer. Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen Most sunscreens use the help of synthetic ingredients that are designed to absorb into your skin and block UV rays. However, occasionally these chemicals can lead to adverse reactions ranging from minor skin irritation to tumors. When shopping for sunscreens, try to avoid anything that has the following chemicals. Vitamin A (Retinyl palmitate/ retinol). Vitamin A can be helpful when ingested, however, when applied to the skin, it has been known to produce tumors and lesions sooner than products without. Oxybenzone. You’ll find this ingredient in many sunscreens on the market. This chemical helps other active ingredients penetrate the skin and can disrupt the hormone system. Octinoxate. This chemical can produce free radicals that can damage the skin. Sunscreens with bug repellents should also be avoided. Instead, use separate products and apply bug repellent beforehand. Sprays should be avoided whenever possible. They may seem like a good idea for easy application but they can release harmful-to-breathe chemicals in the air. Family Friendly Ingredients in Sunscreen When sourcing sunscreen for your entire family, there are several things you should take into consideration before you buy. Typically, SPF 15 is recommended for families that plan to spend a good amount of time in the sun. If you or your loved one has especially fair skin, you might want to think about SPF 30 or higher. UVA protection is also important when it comes to sunscreen. Unfortunately, sunscreens don’t label their bottles based on UVA protection. Instead, you’ll have to take a look at the active ingredients list. Look for one or more of the following active ingredients to determine if your sunscreen will give you adequate UVA protection. Zinc oxide 3% Avobenzone Mexoryl SX Ecamsule Keep in mind, choosing the correct sunscreen is only half the battle. Using it correctly is also vital for protecting your skin. Re-apply sunscreen often, especially if you’ve been in the water longer than 20-30 minutes. Bug Repellent Bug repellent has become a summer necessity, especially with all the mosquito and tick diseases floating around. Choosing to protect your family from itchy bug bites may seem like an easy decision, but before you go out and spray down, you should learn about what you’re putting on your skin. Ingredients to Avoid in Bug Repellent Always remember that bug repellents are harmful chemicals and should be used with caution. Spray repellents on clothing rather than directly on the skin when possible. Keep bug sprays and chemicals out of reach of young children. Avoid using outdoor ‘foggers,’ candles, or aerosol sprays that can release chemicals into the air. These chemicals often get the job done, however, they can be harmful to you and your family to breathe in, as well as for the environment. While DEET is an effective bug repellent, anything over 30% is considered excess unless in extreme circumstances. Safe and Effective Ingredients in Bug Repellents Instead of looking for a name brand bug repellent, there are certain active ingredients you should be aware of. Take a look at some of the safe and effective ingredients below and experiment to find your favorite. Picaridin IR3535 DEET (30% or below preferred) Oil of Eucalyptus (Or Synthetic version PMD) Each of the above ingredients has been shown to be effective at keeping bugs at bay while remaining safe for your family. Hydration Products Everyone knows the importance of staying hydrated throughout the hot summer months. Many people don’t realize just how much sun they’re getting or how much water they lose through sweat which can make the risk of dehydration all the more dangerous. However, there are right and wrong ways to beat the heat. Ingredients to Avoid in Hydration Products The first thing many people go to when quenching their thirst on a hot summer day is a sports drink. The common misconception is how healthy sports drinks are. The truth is, they are often loaded with sugars, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial dyes. While electrolytes are great for replenishing water after a long day of sweating and expending energy, the majority of people don’t workout hard enough to need electrolytes replenished. Instead, you wind up consuming an overabundance of sodium. If you’re going to use a sports drink to re-hydrate, be aware of what you and your family are consuming. Read the labels and choose accordingly. Alternatives to Hydration Products The best alternative to sports drinks and sugary sodas is plain water. However, if water doesn’t get you excited, you can supplement yourself in other ways. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source for hydration for adults and children alike. Try some of the following fruits and veggies that have high water content for a happy, healthy summer. Coconut Water Oranges Mango Celery Cucumber Carrots Final Thoughts Many summer products you’ll find can contain harmful ingredients to either your family or the environment. We hope with the help of this guide you’ll be able to make healthier decisions about

Author name: Diane

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