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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.
Lisa Abeshaus,
M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Jacqueline Saitta, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Allan D. Kessel,
M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
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Dr. Rubino is nationally recognized for his expertise on Her OptionŽ
Cryoablation, a 15-minute, in-office procedure. Click here to find out more. |
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Permanent Birth Control
EssureŽ is a simple, non-invasive,
10-minute office procedure for permanent birth control (tubal ligation). Click here right for you. |
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Medical Fact
"I didn't know that!"
George Washington died on Dec. 14, 1799, of acute epiglottitis - a severe, rapidly progressing infection of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues that may be quickly fatal because of sudden respiratory (airway) obstruction by the inflamed structures. In those days, rather than saving his life with a tracheostomy (new & controversial at the time), they drew blood (in this case, up to 5 pints in less than 16 hours!) which was the known treatment for disease but ultimately failed to cure him. | |
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Last weekend, Memorial Day signaled the beginning of summer! We wish you a relaxing and enjoyable season.
This month, we continue our 3 part series on Menopause and discuss the buzz around Bioidentical Hormones. We also address a very common problem in women of sudden urinary leakage.
Remember to check out the latest staff member in our "Meet the Staff" section, read about our exciting referral program and reflect on this month's medical "I didn't know that!"
We would like to wish all of the father's a very Happy Father's Day!
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 |
| Is Your Bladder Out of Your Control?
by Dr. Romero | Urinary incontinence is most common in women, with 1 in 10 affected by severe urinary leakage and almost all women affected by mild urinary leakage. Pregnancy and vaginal delivery are the most common cause of urinary incontinence.
Many women simply "manage" their problem by relying on absorbent pads and changing their lifestyle. Nearly 50% of women with symptoms never seek medical attention with the falso belief that loss of bladder control is simply a normal part of aging. Bladder control is actually a very common problem with many treatment options available.
Types on Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence occurs with certain physical activities such as coughing, laughing, sneezing or any physical activity. Urge incontinence occurs with certain triggers such as sound or sight of running water, standing from a seated position or putting a key in the front door. Many women describe severe urge symptoms and inability to make it to the restroom before they start to leak urine.
Treatment
Treatment options vary depending on the type of incontinence. For both types of incontinence behavioral modification is recommended, including weight loss, avoiding constipation, avoiding heavy lifting, decreasing caffeine intake and quitting smoking. Physical therapy or Kegel exercises can also help to strengthen pelvic muscles. Simply doing kegel exercises can improve urine control in 40-75% of women who use them. In general, stress incontinence is treated with a device called a pessary which requires a simple surgical procedure. Urge incontinence is best treated with kegel exercises and medication.
Loss of bladder control is a very common problem with numerous treatment options. Dr. Romero is The Rubino Group's on-staff expert Urogynecologist who can talk to you about your symptoms and provide a complete and thorough exam to determine the cause. |
Menopause - Part II of a 3 Part Series | Last month we discussed the beginning stages of Menopause, or "Perimenopause". This month we discuss Menopause, which is defined as "an absense of a menstrual cycle for one year". The average age of menopause is 51 years. Some women notice very little difference in their bodies while others find it a difficult transition. There are various symptoms with Menopause, including:
Hot Flashes
The most common symptom, hot flashes occur in 75% of women, with varying intensity. Flashes can occur anytime, can range from mild to severe and can last from months to years. Although flashes may interfere with daily life and are sometimes embarrassing they are not harmful.
Sleep Problems
Hot flashes can cause a lack of sleep. In addition REM sleep (the stage of sleep where you dream) is decreased during menopause. REM sleep makes up about 20% of an adult's normal sleep cycle and without it you may wake without feeling rested.
Vaginal and Urinary Changes
Loss of estrogen can cause the vagina to become thin and dry which can cause pain, burning or itching with sexual intercourse. The urinary tract also changes during menopause which causes the urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder) to become dry, inflamed or irritated, increasing bladder infections.
Bone and other Body Changes
The rate of bone loss increases after menopause and may cause Osteoporosis and the risk of breaking bones. The bones of the hip, wrist and spine are generally most affected. The loss of estrogen after menopause increases a woman's risk of heart attack and stroke.
Emotional changes
Menopause does not cause depression. The changes in hormone levels may make you more nervous, irritable and tired. However, many of these feelings may be linked to other symptoms such as lack of sleep.
Sexuality
Vaginal dryness might effect the ability to enjoy sex and may cause discomfort. In addition, lower hormone levels may decrease sex drive, taking longer to achieve orgasm. The risk of pregnancy is still possible until one year after your last period.
Although there are many changes during menopause, it is a natural process and it should not prevent enjoying this time of your life. Treatments There are some excellent natural, herbal treatments known to ease discomfort from menopause. These products include: - Soy - Soy contains a plant estroge, mimicking the hormone estrogen in the body called Isoflavone. This hormone is also found in flax seed, legumes and whole grains. Soy products may help symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Black Cohosh - a North American plant that can help treat hot flashes, sleep disorders and depression.
- St. John's Wort - a flower extract used for hundreds of years to treat depression.
- Dong Quai - an herb that can help regulate menstrual cycles, relieve vaginal dryness and pain with sex, and is also said to reduce hot flashes when mixed with other herbs.
- Evening Primrose - as an expressed oil can treat hot flashes.
- Valerian Root - used to treat sleep problems.
- Ginseng - For menopausal women, ginseng is said to increase a woman's desire for sex.
- Chaste Berry - dried ripe fruit said to increase a woman's desire for sexby reducing vaginal dryness and depression associated with menopause.
Some of this treatments do have side effects. Talk to your doctor about any concerns and treatment options for Menopause. |
| Bioidentical Hormones - Are They Really Safer? | During menopause a women's body produces less estrogen, causing hot flashes, dryness in the vagina, sleep disturbances, changes in skin, emotional changes and changes in sexual desire. Some women find these changes uncomfortable and feel their quality of life is affected. In the past, treatment hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was used to relieve some of these symptoms. However, due to data from the Women's Health Initiative and risks associated with HRT many women do not feel comfortable taking these medications and choose to suffer with symptoms.
The media has given women false hope that "Bioidentical Hormones" are better and "less" risky than the originally prescribed HRT. Compounded bioidentical hormones are plant derived and are biochemically similar or identical to those produced by the ovary or the body. The medication is prepared and mixed by a pharmacist according to a physician's specifications. Unlike drugs that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and sold in standardized doses, compounded hormones are custom made and have no standardized dosing. They have not undergone rigorous clinical testing for safety or efficacy, and issues regarding purity, potency and quality remain a concern.
The FDA requires manufacturers of approved HRT to use class labeling or black box warning to alert patients of possible risks associated with these medications. Compounded hormones are exempt from including any of these warnings. Therefore, compounded hormone products should be considered to have the same safety issues as those associated with hormone therapy agents that have been approved by the FDA. In addition, bioidentical hormones may have additional risks not yet identified. Therefore, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that bioidentical hormones are better or less risky than the FDA approved hormonal agents.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and options that are right for you. |
| Meet the Staff |
This month, we highlight Sally Pona, a Rubino OB/GYN Group nurse.  Sally has been a member of team since March 2007. Her background includes many years of OR and Pre-Natal experience at Bayonne Medical Center. Sally has been involved in the gynecological field since she graduated from Bayonne Vocational School of Nursing in 1987.
A long term commitment to the Bayonne Operating Theatre has led to her decision to devote her professional expertise to the OB/GYN world. Sally and Dr. Rubino have been professionally affiliated since 1995 and share a commitment to patient comfort, striving to make the patient experience unique, personal and relaxed.
Sally is also an avid yankee fan and study coordinator for Dr. Rubino's funded study for a new medical device.
Sally loves the beach, family and friends and is happiest when making the office visit warm and welcoming for patients. |
| Her Option Cryoablation Thank You Program |
If you have a friend or family member that is suffering from heavy, painful periods and is a candidate for Her Option Cryoablation, they can simply make an appointment with The Rubino OB/GYN Group for a consultation to see if the procedure is right for them.
As a thank you being an ambassador for good health, The Rubino Group is offering a $100 gift card* to anyone referring someone for the procedure.
*The procedure must be completed and performed by The Rubino OB/GYN Group prior to receiving the gift card. The referral should use the person's name (that referred them) when booking the procedure to ensure gift card is issued. |
| Office Announcements |
Dr. Saitta Continues Evening Hours in Summit
Dr. Saitta has extended her evening hours in the Summit office. Please take advantage of these additional time slots.
Maternal Products for Sale
We offer several products for our pregnant patients right on our website (available for purchase at each office location). They also make great gift ideas for family or friends. Check it out!
The Rubino Group Partners with Relay Health You can now access your personal health records through Relay Health, a secure, online health information portal, right on nav bar of our website.
Save Time With Our Online Appointments, Consultations and Personal Health Records
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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