Robert J. Rubino, M.D., has been recognized as "Top Doc" for the fourth consecutive year in the November issue of New Jersey Monthly Magazine.   

The vote is cast by his peers, across all specialties. Dr. Robert Rubino is proud to lead a technically advanced OB/GYN practice with the most progressive, non-invasive solutions to women's health issues. He is a recognized expert on Her Option® Cryoablation, a 15-minute in-office procedure to eliminate heavy periods and Essure® tubal ligation, a 10-minute, in-office procedure for permanent contraception.

Dr. Rubino is also a principal investigator in a national study MyoSure®, a new in-office procedure for removing uterine fibroids, and will present his preliminary findings at an international scientific conference this November. "I am enthusiastic about this research," he says. "It's rewarding to contribute to raising the standard of women's healthcare and improving the lifestyle of my patients."

Dr. Rubino is devoted to his patients and his community. An active Summit resident, he began a mentoring program called "Tomorrow's MDs", offering high school students hands-on experience in medical research. Currently President of the Summit Board of Health, he is also a board member of the Red Cross and a coach of Summit youth baseball. And he is running for Summit Council on November 8th.

 Congratulations, Dr. Rubino!

The seasonal flu can be unpredictable, but when it comes to staying healthy during flu season, annual flu vaccination is a win-win. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College) reminds all women to schedule an annual flu shot for themselves and their families. Flu vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy for avoiding the flu.

The College also recommends flu vaccination for all pregnant women, regardless of trimester. Preventing flu during pregnancy is an essential element of prenatal care, and it is imperative that physicians, health care organizations, and public health officials improve their efforts to increase immunization rates among pregnant women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 5-20% of the US population gets the seasonal flu each year. Over the last 30 years, annual flu-related deaths have ranged from a low of 3,000 to a high of 49,000. Certain groups-including pregnant women, young children, and the elderly-are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, various infections, and dehydration.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, sore throat, body and muscle aches, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting (most common in young children). The best way to combat the flu and its symptoms is to avoid it altogether through annual immunization.

The CDC recommends that all people aged six months and older be vaccinated against the flu. Annual flu vaccination is especially critical for pregnant women because it performs double duty by protecting both pregnant women and their fetuses. Babies cannot be vaccinated against the flu until they are six months old, but they receive antibodies from their mother that help protect them until they can be vaccinated.

Vaccination early in the flu season is optimal, but it can be given at any time during the flu season and at any stage of pregnancy. The College advises that all women who are or become pregnant during the annual flu season (October through May) get the inactivated flu vaccine. The live attenuated version of the flu vaccine (the nasal mist) should not be given to pregnant women. Women can also receive the flu vaccine postpartum and while they are breastfeeding if they missed it during pregnancy. 

Flu shots are now being offered in our office. Please call for an appointment.

It's a common problem. Typically, around mid-day, your energy takes a nose dive. And, if you're like most women, the second half of your day probably still includes some or all of the following tasks: pick up the kids, cook dinner, get in a work out, supervise homework, walk and feed the dog, catch up on bills and take care of housework.

Yes, there are some physiological reasons this happens as your body naturally goes into a mid-afternoon "sleep mode", however you can greatly influence how your body sustains energy throughout the day. Here are some suggestions:

1. Eat a balanced diet - including getting enough magnesium. Magnesium is needed for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body and helps break down glucose into energy. Foods with magnesium include almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, whole grains (especially bran) and fish (halibut is a great choice).

2. Move. Increased physical activity, such as walking, increases energy. The effects of a 10-minute walk could last up to 2 hours.

3. Don't skip a meal, especially breakfast. Missing any meal during the day leads to an overall greater feeling of fatigue. And vending machine snacks are not categorized as a meal.

4. Reduce stress - it is one of the biggest energy zappers. Stress can leave you mentally and physically drained. Find something relaxing to de-stress. Whether it's exercise or reading or a fun activity.

5. Drink more water, less alcohol. Thirst can often be disguised as fatigue. Solution? Drink a glass of water. Alcohol before bed can actually detriment a good night sleep and leave you dehydrated.

6. Eat more whole grains and less sugar. Foods high in sugar will give you an initial energy boost, but cause you to crash later.  Whole grains offer a slow and steady release of fuel.

7. Have a power snack. And again - not the vending machine variety.  Eat a snack that combines protein, fat and fiber. Good examples are yogurt and nuts or peanut butter on whole wheat crackers.

8. Have a latte. Who doesn't want to hear that? Latte's combine caffeine with the power of protein (milk) and the added bonus of calcium. Just be careful not to order the double mocha caramel version. Order skim milk and if you need flavor, order it with half the pumps.

Overall, taking care of your body and living a healthy lifestyle will help sustain energy levels throughout the day.