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101 Old Short Hills Rd
Atkins-Kent Building, Suite 410
West Orange NJ 07052
973-736-1100
33 Overlook Rd.
MAC Building
Suite 108
Summit, NJ 07901
908-522-4558
696 Ave. C
Bayonne, NJ 07002
201-339-3300
M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Audrey A. Romero, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Elizabeth Lucarelli, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Lisa Abeshaus,
M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
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Happy July! We hope you are enjoying the warm weather and summer fun.
In this issue, you find prevention and treatments for common female topics including Skin Cancer, Menopause, Breast Cancer Treatments and Postpartum Depression.
As always, we will continue to provide topics that are current, informative and important to your good health.
Robert J. Rubino, MD and Staff |
| The Power of the Sun |
It is the middle of summer, and the sun is at its hottest point of the year. While summer is known for lazy days at the beach, pool and BBQs, there are some infinite dangers associated with spending too much time in the sun, protected or unprotected. The most notorious, being skin cancer, known as Melanoma.
Melanoma is real and very viable for all ethnicities. Everyone is at risk.
Real facts on Skin Cancer:
- Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the U.S.
- The increase in the rates of skin cancer has doubled over the past 10 years, at an epidemic rate of 3% per year (the thinning ozone layer causes the sun to become increasingly stronger, hence more dangerous)
- More than 1 Million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year
- Melanoma is the sixth most common type of cancer in the U.S.
- Tanning booths increase the risk of Melanoma by 75 percent!
- If caught in the earliest stages, Melanoma is entirely treatable with a survival rate of nearly 100%. If untreated and allowed to spread, there is no known treatment or cure.
There are preventative measures to protect yourself from the sun and skin cancer:
- Use sunscreen with minimum sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher (30+ is recommended), with both UVA and UVB protection and re-apply often - Wear clothing to protect exposed skin.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
- Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
- Seek shade, especially during midday hours.
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| Understanding Menopause |
 by Jacqueline Saitta, M.D.
The average American women enters menopause at the age of fifty-one. The process leading up to menopause, called peri-menopause, typically starts in the mid-forties. The most common symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, and changes in sleeping patterns. Addressing these symptoms and understanding what is normal and abnormal can create a stress-free transition into menopause.
Irregular Bleeding
Menstrual bleeding is controlled primarily by two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which are produced by the ovaries in preparation for pregnancy. Without pregnancy, these hormones fluctuate and trigger menstrual bleeding. Menopause naturally causes this cycle to be less reliable, creating irregular periods.
Call your doctor if you experience: bleeding after one year without periods, very heavy vaginal bleeding, bleeding more often than every 3 weeks or bleeding after sex.
Hot Flashes
The most common symptom of menopause is hot flashes (75-80% of women experience them). Hot flashes are described as a sudden feeling of heat that rushes through the upper body and face, which can include reddening of the face or sweating. It can last a few minutes or a few seconds. Hot flashes can occur once or twice or several times a day, either during the day, or more often at night and often follow an event - i.e. being in a hot room, drinking coffee or alcohol, or a stressful day.
Identifying these triggers and avoiding them can reduce the frequency of hot flashes. Dressing in layers and removing a layer or two of clothing can decrease the duration of the hot flash. Regular exercise has been proven to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
Sleeping Troubles
Menopause can affect a woman's sleeping patterns causing trouble falling asleep, early wakening or some may get a full night's sleep but wake up not feeling rested.
REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is an important part of our sleep cycles, when the brain gets rest. For many with menopause and disrupted sleep cycles, they do not get enough REM sleep, thus they never feel rested. This leads to inability to cope with life's stressful moments, mood changes, and sometimes depression.
Ways to improve sleep:
- Keep a sleep schedule. Maintaining the same daily bedtimes and wake up calls, even on the weekends, can help train the body to go to sleep and stay asleep
- Eat regular meals and avoid eating late at night
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid alcohol before bed - it may make you feel drowsy before bed, but it can negatively affect REM sleep causing you to not get a restful night
- Avoid caffeine. Caffeine can stay in the blood stream for up to 6 hours
Taking the mystery out of menopause is the first step to a healthy transition. If you are experiencing symptoms that are unrelieved by the above measures or if you have additional questions, schedule an appointment with you doctor today. |
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Breast Cancer - Local Breast Irradiation Benefits |
| Recent data showed partial breast irradiation (applied just to the spot where the tumor was removed) is as effective as whole breast irradiation. Women with early breast cancer often undergo radiation therapy after lumpectomy. Traditional whole breast radiation usually takes 5 weeks whereas partial radiation takes only 5 days, which greatly increases compliance and may provide a better cosmetic result as well, with equivalent outcomes.
The data was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Orlando. Two other ongoing trials, one in the U.S. and one in Europe are further evaluating this new treatment modality, which could become the new standard of care. |
Postpartum Depression - There is Help! |
Perinatal mood disorders (PMD) are very common for women who have recently given birth but they are treatable! Up to 80% of new mothers experience some form of baby blues and up
to 12% experience postpartum depression.
Some causes might include: changes in hormone levels, a difficult pregnancy, a difficult birth, medical problems (mother or baby), lack of sleep, feeling alone, loss of freedom, sudden changes in routines, personal or family history of depression, prior experience with PMD, and high levels of stress.
For details on PMD and help with treatment visit www.NJspeakup.gov . You will also find a list of resources on this site that include books, links, videos, brochures, posters and support groups. For more information and support, please schedule an appointment with your OB. |
| Office Announcements |
Dr. Saitta - Convenient Appointments
Dr. Saitta continues to offer convenient extended and evening hours in all three office locations in West Orange, Summit and Bayonne.
Dr. Lucarelli on Maternity Leave
Dr. Lucarelli will be on maternity leave August 4th through October 31st. In her absense, her appointments will be covered by our team of doctors. The Rubino Group staff wishes her well!!
Save Time With Our Online Appointments, Consultations and Personal Health Records
The popularity of our online office has reached new heights! To schedule online appointments, consultations or view your personal health records at your convenience, just visit the home page of www.rubinoobgyn.com. You can also call 973-736-1100 now to schedule an appointment at any of our three locations.
"Important Announcements" on Our Website
You can find important new developments and time-sensitive announcements (such as office closings) right on the upper right hand portion of our home page. | |
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