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In This Issue
Breast Cancer Awareness
Swine Flu Update
Halloween Sugar Check
Infant CPR
Office Announcements
Quick Links
 
In the News
 
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Our Offices

 

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
 
 
Physicians
 
Robert J. Rubino,
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.
 
Jacqueline Saitta,
M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
 
OCTOBER 2009
Fall has arrived and this month we recognize Breat Cancer Awareness. Everywhere you look, you see the pink ribbon of hope, support and love.  We pay tribute to the cause and offer some important facts on Breast Cancer.  
 
We also provide an update on Swine Flu, discuss temporary Gestational Diabetes and Infant CPR. And a reminder to please join us for our annual Halloween parade - details  in this issue under "Office Announcements".
 
If there is topic you would like covered in our newsletter, please e-mail us at newsletter@rubinoobgyn.com.
 
As always, we will continue to provide topics that are current, informative and important to your good health. 
 
Sincerely,
Robert J. Rubino, MD and Staff
Breast Cancer Awareness - the Facts
The cause of breast cancer is not fully understood although a woman's age, gender, lifetime exposure to estrogen, and other factors play a role.
 
Risks for breast cancer increase by age, ethnicity (white women are effected the most yet African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer), family history, starting menopause after age 55, having children after 35 or not at all, high bone density or radiation exposure in youth.  Men are also at risk, although at a much lesser degree.
 
The great news is there is a high survival rate if diagnosed early. 
 
The best defense against breast cancer in its early stages is self-exam (check regularly for signs and symptoms), mammograms (baseline at 35, annual follow-ups starting at age 40 - if there is a family history, a baseline should be performed at 30 and annuals starting at 35) and annual clinical breast exams by a professional.
 
Research suggests there are steps you can take to decrease your risk of breast cancer: 
 
Limit alcohol:
A link exists between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. Consider limiting alcohol to less than one drink a day or avoid alcohol completely.
 
Maintain a healthy weight: There's a clear link between obesity - weighing more than is appropriate for your age and height - and breast cancer. Especially if you gain the weight after menopause. Experts speculate that estrogen production in fatty tissue may be the link between obesity and breast cancer risk.
 
Stay physically active: Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and may help in breast cancer prevention. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
 
Limit fat in your diet:  In addition to breast cancer, reducing the amount of fat in your diet may decrease your risk of other diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Limit fat intake to less than 35 percent of your daily calories and restrict foods high in saturated fat.
 
For more information on breast cancer, visit the Susan G. Komen site at ww5.komen.org/
Swine Flu Update: Pregnant Women
It is important to stress that pregnant women should receive both the regular flu vaccine and the H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine, once available.  There is a six times increase in risk for death if you contract swine flu when you are pregnant.  If safety of the immunization is a concern, it should be heavily out-weighed by the risks of not receiving the vaccine.
 
The Rubino OB/GYN Group continues to offer the flu vaccine to pregnant patients. Please contact the office for an appointment.
 Halloween - Keep the Sugar in Check
Halloween translates to lots of candy.  While the occasional treat is ok, it is important for pregnant women to not overload on treats. A recent study in the journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that moms who gained more than 40 pounds during pregnancy were twice as likely to have larger babies, compared to other moms.  
 
Moms who gain too much weight during pregnancy are at increased risk of facing serious health complications such as gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension and preeclamspia.  Also, a pregnant mom who gains too much weight is more likely to encounter difficulties during labor and childbirth, such as a baby stuck in the birth canal, vaginal tearing, c-section, a longer hospital stay and other recovery complications.
 
Some studies even suggest that babies born too big are more likely to face obesity in their childhood, which is a growing problem in the U.S.
 
As much as the temptations present themselves, it is important to make healthy food choices when pregnant.
Save a Baby's Life: Infant CPR Video
Critical Information that Can Save Your Babies' Life:
 
Parenting can be very intimidating. What would you do if your child was baby zonechoking or stopped breathing? There is a life saving, instructional video that takes viewers step-by-step on how to perform infant CPR and save a choking infant, and reviews important SIDS precautions.
 
Winner of the prestigious 2009 Seal of Approval from the National Parenting Center, this video educates and empowers parents, family members and all caretakers of infants. The video can be viewed in English or in Spanish.
 
This video is available on The Rubino OB/GYN Website: www.rubinoobgyn.com or can be purchased right in our offices.
Office Announcements
Flu Shots for Pregnant Patients
The Rubino OB/GYN Group will continue to provide the regular flu vaccine to pregnant patients, starting this month. Please schedule an appointment. Once the Swine Flu vaccine is available, we will pass the information on to our patients.
 
Annual Halloween Parade for Alumni! 
We invite all alumni babies (babies delivered by our practice) to come in for our annual Halloween parade, candy and a picture in your costume. Mom's and their children are welcome to come by any office in costume between 10:00 - 11:30 on Friday, October 30th. Dr Rubino will be in Summit, Dr. Romero in West Orange and Dr. Saitta in Bayonne. If you are unable to attend, please be sure to mail us a photo of the alumni in costume!
 
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. 
 
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.