In-Office Surgical Procedures: Introducing the Essure Procedure
a. What is the Essure Procedure?
The Essure procedure is typically performed in less than 10 minutes. During the procedure, soft, flexible inserts are placed into the fallopian tubes so that the tips remain visible. This allows the physician to confirm that the placement is correct. The physician places the inserts through the vagina and cervix and does not use an incision. For three months following the procedure, an additional form of birth control will need to be used while the body works with the inserts to create a natural barrier within the fallopian tubes. At the end of three months, an Essure confirmation test will be performed by inserting a dye into the uterus and using x-ray to ensure that the fallopian tubes are fully blocked and the inserts are positioned correctly.
b. Who is a candidate for the Essure procedure?
Women who are finished childbearing
Women who are concerned about the long-term use of hormones for birth control
Women who are interested in permanent birth control without the risks of an invasive surgical procedure
Women who do not want a permanent procedure that may limit options for future gynecologic procedures
Learn more about other in-office surgical procedures available, by visiting our Web site.
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Wellness and Well-being: Caregiver Stress
 | | Lisa Cuseo-Ott, Ph.D. |
By Lisa Cuseo-Ott, Ph.D.
At some point in our lives we may be called on to provide care for a family member or a friend that is clinically ill, disabled or elderly. The current number of caregivers in the U.S. is approximately 65 million people or 29% of the population and will only continue to grow as the baby boomer generation ages. The role of caregiver often creates stress and fatigue for an individual. Whether one is a middle-aged individual caring for a widowed parent, a spouse caring for an aging, chronically ill partner, a parent caring for a special needs child, or one of the 471,000 grandparents over the age of 65 who have primary responsibility for a grandchild, the topic of caregiver stress is important and applicable.
Approximately 66 percent of caretakers are women and the profile of the typical caregiver is a 49 year-old, married, working woman, who is carrying for her 69 year-old, widowed mother who does not live with her. One of the major challenges of being a caretaker is that it is compounded on other duties and responsibilities, which can create a sense of feeling burdened or overwhelmed. Furthermore, there is a sense of loss and sadness that one's loved one is no longer independent or may be approaching death.
If individuals do not pay attention to managing this stress, they may be susceptible to caregiver stress syndrome. This describes the physiological and psychological symptoms that result from the chronic and emotional stress of caring for a loved one or attending to all of the needs of a child or dependent adult. Researchers believe that these changes are the result of a prolonged and elevated level of stress hormones circulating through the body similar to individuals suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. This syndrome is often associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and a compromised immune system. Furthermore, a University of Pittsburgh study found that elderly caregivers have a 63 percent higher mortality rate than individuals in the same age group who are not caregivers.
To continue reading, visit our Web site. |
News and Notes
Seasonal Flu Vaccines
We expect to receive our flu vaccines in September. Once we receive them, we will update our Web site and Facebook page, so stay tuned!
Patients of Virginia Women's Center who have an appointment during flu season will be able to receive the vaccine for the influenza virus. Vaccines for the seasonal influenza virus are often also available at primary-care physician offices, through your job, local pharmacies and some grocery stores. In line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, Virginia Women's Center suggests the following:
If you will be attempting pregnancy, are currently pregnant (in any trimester) or breastfeeding during flu season (October through March) the seasonal flu shot is recommended. The vaccine poses no danger to the baby, and you cannot get the seasonal flu from the seasonal flu shot. Pregnant women should not have the "live" or activated seasonal influenza vaccine which comes in nasal spray form.
It's Time to Schedule: Appointment Reminders via Email
We are excited to announce that if we have your email address, we will be sending the reminder to schedule your annual exam through email instead of through the U.S. mail. We hope that this will help us to reduce our paper consumption as well as make it more convenient and efficient for you to schedule your appointment through our secure patient portal.
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Healthy Fare: Sweet Veggie Skewers
This recipe was voted as the winner in The Eat Right Recipe Exchange hosted on the Virginia Women's Center Facebook page.
Ingredients:
Skewers:
1 eggplant, sliced into rounds then halved
24 cherry tomatoes
1 orange pepper, cubed
1 yellow pepper, cubed
1 zucchini, sliced into rounds then halved
1 sweet onion, large slices
Marinade:
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon honey
¼ teaspoon chili powder
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions:
Place vegetables in a shallow baking dish and pour 3/4 of the marinade over the vegetables. Let sit for 10 minutes before arranging the vegetables onto skewers. Brush remaining marinade onto skewers while grilling and grill until tender-crisp.
Take veggies off skewers and toss into fresh spinach and red leaf salad mixture. Add poppy seed dressing to taste. Enjoy! |
