by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… A new study released by MD Andersen suggests we should take a second look at drawing CA 125 levels in postmenopausal women to help predict the development of ovarian cancer. Until the release of this new data yesterday, studies suggested we should avoid drawing CA 125 levels in healthy women. As explained in an excellent article on CancerConnect.com, CA 125 blood Read more
Improving Fertility for PCOS Patients with Simple Diet Changes
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… A recent study completed in Tel Aviv suggests eating the majority of calories at breakfast time can improve ovulation in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. As we know, patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) typically have trouble with elevated insulin levels also known as insulin resistance. The elevated insulin levels effect the reproductive ho Read more
A Proven Anti Aging Remedy
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… A recent study by Australian researchers suggests that the best anti aging remedy is simply applying sunscreen regularly. It is back to basics. You can spend lots of money on all the expensive anti aging concoctions promoted by the cosmetic companies or you can just make sure you protect yourself from the sun. The study randomized 903 adults into 2 groups – those that used sun Read more
Obesity as a Diagnosed Illness
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… A recent decision by the American Medical Association recognized obesity as a diagnosable illness. Previous obesity was just a description or symptom. As a diagnosable illness, insurance providers may be more willing to cover costs of weight loss interventions. In our practice, we see overweight and obese patients struggle with weight loss. I am hard pre Read more
I’m having hot flashes. Does it mean I’m starting menopause?
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… We all know hot flashes and night sweats are very common symptoms of menopause. But, a new study by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) suggests many young premenopausal women have hot flashes too. I often have women in the thirties and forties complain of night sweats or hot flashes. Typically, they come to our office concerned their hot Read more
Do you feel your baby clock ticking? Can we buy more time? Egg freezing – is it really an option?
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… I recently read the Wall Street Journal article written by Sarah Elizabeth Richards who explains why she decided to freeze her eggs. I thought it was excellent for several reasons. As a women’s health care provider, I am acutely aware of women’s ticking fertility clocks. As we all know, our eggs age with us. At age 30, the chance each month of getting pregnan Read more
How much exercise is safe in pregnancy?
A recent article published by fitbie highlights the benefits of staying physically fit during pregnancy. The article suggests that healthy pregnant women may continue a regular exercise routine. During pregnancy, exercise may help to reduce the patient’s risk for developing diabetes as well as facilitate an easier delivery. In our office, our Alpharetta high-risk obstetrics doctors consider pregnancy a state of health. We encourage our healthy pregnant women to contin Read more
Should I get tested for the breast cancer gene?
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… I cannot thank Angelina Jolie enough for going public with her decision to have a double mastectomy after discovering she carries the BRCA1 gene. I can only hope that greater awareness helps us to identify women at greatest risk for breast and ovarian cancer. However, I do want to use this forum to provide some more information about who should get tested for the gene. The CN Read more
Real Beauty – the New Dove Commercial
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… I don’t get a chance to watch too much TV these days. By the time we’ve had dinner, put the kids to bed and finished cleaning up the house, we are exhausted. Half asleep, my husband and I might catch the opening monologue of John Stewart before we collapse into bed. So, I’m not very up to date on pop culture topics. But since multiple people have asked me Read more
Bras make your Breasts Sag
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… A little note to lighten your week… a recently published study from France evaluated the effects of bras on the breast in 320 women over a 15 year time span. They concluded that bras actually make breasts more saggy! Go figure… I must admit, the headline caught my eye for several reasons… I couldn’t imagine how the funding was established to perform th Read more
