Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Whats up WHEP: Transdisciplinary Research Projects


Congratulations to the Transdisciplinary Education within Women's Health elective students, class of 2014 for completing their research projects! We were very impressed by the quality of projects and the depth of discussion. You should all be proud of the work you did. We even had a student bring in some flowers to have Spring inside with us as we learned about important issues in women's health!


Current fourth year students... consider joining this great elective!




Monday, April 21, 2014

FDA Safety Warning for Laparoscopic Uterine Morcellation

Just last week, the FDA issued a communication about the possible dangers of Laparoscopic Uterine Power Morcellation for hysterectomy and myomectomy. This process is typically used to perform minimally invasive hysterectomys and to remove uterine fibroids (myomectomy). Morcellation divides the tissue that is being removed into smaller pieces so that they can be easily extracted though a small incision. However, it is estimated that about 1 in 350 women will have an undetected cancerous sarcoma when receiving this treatment, which may cause the cancer to spread to other parts of the lower body. The FDA therefore discourages the use of this treatment for women with fibroids. 

Physicians are advised not to use this type of treatment, especially for women with known or suspected uterine cancer. It is important to discuss in detail, all treatment options with patients who have uterine fibroids. Patients are encouraged to ask questions about the risk and benefits associated with all treatment options. If this is a procedure you have already had done and your removed cells tested negative for cancer, it is recommenced that you have a routine follow-up with your healthcare provider. 

Resources:

Laparoscopic Uterine Power Morcellation in Hysterectomy and Myomectomy: FDA Safety Communication

Information on Uterine Sarcoma

Uterine Fibroids Factsheet

Thursday, April 17, 2014

¿Que es la depresión?

La vida tiene muchos altas y bajas pero cuando las bajas siguen mas de un par de semanas o meses y  le detiene de hacer su vida cotidiana, puede ser que este sufriendo de depresión. Esta condición es una enfermedad que puede afectar todos aspectos de su vida como su salud física, su humor y pensamientos. Es importante que sepa que esta condición es seria y no se trata de solo sentir triste por unas horas. Usted no tiene control sobre estos síntomas.

¿Cuales son los síntomas de depresión?
-          sentir ansiedad, tristeza
-          sentimientos de desesperanza
-          falta de interés en actividades que le gustaba antes
-          falta de energía
-          dificultad para mantener la concentración, memoria, y hacer decisiones
-          cambios en su sueno como dificultades en dormir, o durmiendo mas horas
-          comer muy poco o en mucho cantidad
-          pensamientos de suicidio
-          síntomas físicas que no se recuperan con medicamentos, como por ejemplo dolor de cabeza, dolor de panza, o dolor general


¿Como puede conseguir ayuda?
Si siente algunas de estas síntomas, avise a su medico, psicólogo,  o asistente social.  Pensamientos de suicidio puede lastimar a usted o a los que la aman. Si necesita hablar con alguien llame a 1-800-8255. En algunos momentos, puede ser que sienta que estas emociones son permanente pero estos van a pasar. Escribiendo sus pensamientos también puede ayudar. Es muy importante ver un medico para ver si necesita medicamentos.


¿Como puede ayudar a si mismo?
-          haga ejercicio o alguna actividad física
-          haga actividades que disfrutaba antes de tener estas síntomas, como ir al cine o a ala iglesia
-          establezca metas realísticas para si mismo
-          pase tiempo con la gente que la aman y con los que puede hablar con ellos
-          tenga paciencia con el progreso de su humor, puede ser que esto tome tiempo
-          posponga la decisiones importantes en su vida para después de sentirse mejor
-          tenga confidencia en su mejoramiento y transforme sus pensamientos negativos a unos positivos.

References:

http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/depression.html#a

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Alzheimers Aware: Essential For All Women

These days, Alzheimer's disease is familiar to most, but is often not on the radar for health conditions that older adults are concerned with. In reality, it is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S., taking more lives then the more commonly monitored breast and prostate cancers combined.  It is also one of the most costly diseases, costing the US close to 215 billion dollars in healthcare costs.

Data from the 2014 Alzheimer's report shows that in several ways, women are at the center of the disease. In fact women make up almost two thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Women are also the primary caregivers of this disease, with more than 60% being women. All of these caregivers contribute to billions of dollars of unpaid work hours due to care. This also takes away from time, advancement and benefits at the current job of many caregivers. The report goes on tho show that in general, Alzheimer's overall puts a greater strain the female population than males. Over the age of 60, women are twice as likely as men to develop the disease. So while Alzheimer's should be a concern to everyone,  elderly women and their family and friends should especially  know the signs, so Alzheimer's can be detected early if it does develop.

There is still  a lot left to left to learn about this disease, with much research to be done. Find out ways that you can help to get involved by clicking here and join the movement to eliminate Alzheimer's disease.


Video From the the Alzhimer's association 
Resources:




Monday, March 10, 2014

Wine, Women & Shoes..Sip, Savor and Shop March 2014!

Looking for an absolutely fabulous event that also supports a great cause? Those in the Tri-State area cannot miss the Wine, Women and Shoes event sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association of Delaware Valley! It is an afternoon of shopping and world class wine... who could ask for more? Click Here for more information, tickets or to view a video of last years event. We hope to see you there!

 Resource:
Wine, Women and Shoes Philadelphia

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Happy International Women's Day!!

Today is international women's day, a day to honor the unity that exists with women who are the faces of inequality around the world and celebrate achievements and the people who made them possible! Remember to perpetuate the spread of sex and gender equality everyday. To find out more that you can do for International Women's Day, find events or read up on current events visit the International Women's Day Website ! Have a great day!




Resources:
International Women's Day Website


Friday, March 7, 2014

Student Spotlight : Natalie Beaty at the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center

By Natalie Beaty

The Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center is a crisis center for people who have been sexually assaulted. I worked there several days during my Women’s Health Ambulatory Medicine clerkship. While there, I worked with Ralph Riviello, M.D. and Mike Boyle, a retired SVU lieutenant, as well as several Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), who oriented me to the center. They also trained me on the process of reporting a sexual assault crime, performing a forensic exam, and legal aspects of sexual assault cases.

The first thing that struck me is the set-up of the PSARC facility – it is directly attached to the Special Victims Unit of the Philadelphia Police Department, so it is easy for victims to arrive to the station by 911, give a statement, and then be evaluated by a SANE. This model of sexual assault center location aims to minimize wait times and maximize privacy and comfort for victims. It also eliminates the need for victims without medical injuries that need immediate attention to go to an Emergency Room with long waits to be evaluated. It was implemented through the work of Dr. Riviello and many others, and it is clear to me that the new center provides a calm, clean, safe place for victims to be examined and get information. This is a model which is in place in some cities nationwide, and which hopefully provides a good national model for sexual assault forensic analysis.

The volume of the center was a strong reminder for me about how prevent sexual violence is in our society, and of how important it is for young doctors to be aware of how to help these patients. Since opening in May 2011, the PSARC has handled over 1,000 cases. The center recently moved to 300 E. Hunting Park in August, 2013, and have handled over 40 cases just since that time. One excellent resource I learned more about is Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR). When a victim comes in PSARC, WOAR will be contacted and will come in to speak with the victim after the forensic exam. They provide immediate counseling as well as accompaniment of victims to court, an invaluable service which helps victims navigate the court process. We, as medical trainees, can screen patients for violence, and if they are positive, we should be prepared to refer them to WOAR as a resource.


Working in the PSARC is a unique experience because it allows the student to learn about and interact with police, nurses, and social outreach workers as part of a comprehensive team. You sit in on interviews with victims when they come into the center, participate in the examination, and, importantly, provide reassurance and support to the person in their time of need. The experts at the center give valuable insight into the history of sexual assault response teams, as well as their insight into these crimes that has been developed over decades of experience. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.