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IN THIS ISSUE
Endometriosis Awareness Month
Thank You for Breast Cancer Donations
MCWHC Lectures & Events
Cervical Cancer Prevention
Spring Clean Your Health
Options for Women with Heavy Periods
Measles Info for Pregnant Women
MCWHC Patient Portal

OUR PHYSICIANS & PRACTITIONERS

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2) Click here for a list of our office numbers and call us during office hours.
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ONLINE BILL PAY IS AVAILABLE
There are two ways to pay bills online at mcwhc.com.

1) Pay using MCWHC Patient Portal. To sign up now for our patient portal, click here

2) Use the Quick Pay system on our website by clicking here.
E-STATEMENTS NOW AVAILABLE

Just like your electric, gas, and phone bills, we now offer electronic statements.
To sign up for E-Statements,
go to

IN-NETWORK INSURANCE
MCWHC participates with most major health insurance plans and PPO networks. For a current list of the plans in which we participate, visit www.mcwhc.com
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DR. MICHAEL BENSON SERVES AS PEER REVIEWER AND PRODUCES EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Michael Benson, MD was invited to become a peer reviewer for the Journal of Perinatology in addition to his regular review for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Journal of Obstetric and Gynecologic Research.

 

Dr. Benson also recently served as a consultant to Mead Johnson in producing two half hour web videos on Maternal Mortality for health professionals. He subsequently presented the first half hour of this lecture to the labor and delivery staff at Advocate Condell Medical Center. To view Dr. Benson's videos on Maternal Mortality, click here.

 

Learn more about Dr. Michael Benson here.

DR. MARY FARHI INTERVIEWED ABOUT INTEGRATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Dr. Mary Farhi

Dr. Mary S. Farhi was recently interviewed about the importance of Integrative and Functional Medicine in women's health. Her interview by Inner Quest can be viewed on your local cable channel and will soon be posted on YouTube. To view the cable viewing schedule, click here.


To learn more about Dr. Mary Farhi, click here. 
THANK YOU FROM MCWHC! 

MCWHC DONATION DRIVE RAISES OVER $1000 
TO SUPPORT LOCAL WOMEN FIGHTING BREAST CANCER
Thank you to all our patients that were able to participate in our donation drive this year for local women fighting breast cancer. We raised over $1000!

In addition, thank you to all our patients that were able to drop off requested donations of protein shakes, hair nets, and hats. They were given to women at our local American Cancer Society wig boutique. Your donations were deeply appreciated.

DA VINCI ROBOTIC SURGERY 

 

Did you know that MCWHC is a leader in providing state-of-the-art 
daVinci Robotic Surgery
for gynecological procedures?

 

Surgeons now offer this minimally invasive surgery for difficult hysterectomies, endometriosis and pelvic masses.

 

Certified DaVinci Surgeons at MCWHC include:

Dr. Jeness Barthel

Dr. John Bush

Dr. Christine Estes
Dr. Jessica Flynn

Dr. Dianna Kim

Dr. Ann LaBarge  

Dr. Brian Locker

Dr. M. Susan Scanlon

 

To learn more about DaVinci Surgery, click here.

 


MIDWEST CENTER FOR WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE

HAS 19 CONVENIENT CARE CENTERS


 

                  March 2015

flowers.jpg  
Dear Patients,
As spring approaches, this is a perfect time to spring clean your health, reassess your health goals, and make those necessary appointments we avoided during the winter cold (see Women's Health Checklist below). Included in this issue is information on Cervical Cancer, Endometriosis, Heavy Bleeding, and Protecting Pregnant Women from Measles. Also, we thank you for choosing us as your partner for all of your women's health needs. We truly appreciate it. 

 

Your Midwest Center for Women's HealthCare
Physicians and Practitioners

 

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. (click here)

____________________________________________________________

MCWHC BREAST CENTER OPEN IN OLD ORCHARD MALL
Schedule Your Screening Mammogram at MCWHC Breast Center
Breast Center Button
  
CALL
(847)901-3355
TO SCHEDULE
YOUR
SCREENING MAMMOGRAM
TODAY
Call (847)901-3355 to schedule now.

MCWHC Breast Center offers state-of-the-art digital screening mammography services at our Old Orchard Mall location in Skokie. 
 
Benefits of MCWHC Breast Center
  • State-of-the-Art Digital Screening Mammography Available
  • Board Certified Breast Imaging Radiologists to Interpret Your Screening
  • Fast results reviewed personally 
  • Your MCWHC Physicians can better manage your healthcare
  • Comfortable, caring environment
  • Easy, free, convenient parking
  • Located at Old Orchard Shopping Mall

DR. ROBIN DRAKE HAS A BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL!

  

Dr. Robin Drake and her husband welcomed Carmen Lillian Drake on December 20, 2014. Their beautiful baby girl arrived weighing 4 lbs. 13 oz. and she was 18 inches long. Congratulations from us all! To learn more about Dr. Robin Drake, click here.

DR. JEREMY MILLER SELECTED TO SERVE AS MCWHC DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Jeremy Miller, MD, FACOG
We are pleased to announce that 
Dr. Jeremy Miller has been selected to serve as Director of Medical Technology for Midwest Center for Women's HealthCare.

In addition to maintaining his full patient practice, Dr. Miller will provide direct oversight to MCWHC's clinical integration initiatives. Dr. Miller was selected for his strong technical proficiency as well as his leadership ability. Congratulations from us all, Dr. Miller. To learn more about Dr. Jeremy Miller, click here.
UPCOMING MCWHC LECTURES
Dr. Mary Farhi
Mary S. Farhi, MD, MPH, NCMP, ABIHM, RYT
"What Women Really Want: How to Feel Vital & Energized for Life" 

Thursday, April 9, 2015

7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

St. Alexius Medical Center
Lecture by Dr. Mary S. Farhi

To register call (866)253-9426 or go to www.alexianbrothershealth.org


"Finding Balance and Creating Vitality and Health"

Tuesday, April 28, 2015
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Palatine Library
Lecture by Dr. Mary S. Farhi
To register call (847)358-5881 or go to www.palatinelibrary.org

 

Health is more than an absence of disease. It is a positive state of wellness involving our physical body as well as emotional and mental health. Join Dr. Mary S. Farhi to learn what it means to feel vital at any age and ways to achieve your own state of "ease" or wholeness and bring balance and harmony to your life. Dr. Farhi will also discuss how stress affects our body and mind and discuss tools to manage stress for improving health. To learn more about Dr. Farhi, click here.

DaVinci Robotics Event & $1000 Scholarship for High School Students offered by Dr. M. Susan Scanlon
M. Susan Scanlon, MD, NCMP
On May 19th at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, Dr. M. Susan Scanlon will be hosting an event with Intuitive Surgical for high school students interested in a career in robotics or surgery. All students from Districts 214 and 220 are eligible to participate. Time of event being finalized.

The purpose of the event is to expose students interested in robotics, surgery, or the medical profession, to the application of robotics in everyday life through the use of DaVinci robotics in surgery. Students will be able to interact with the million dollar surgical DaVinci robot as well as test their own skills on a robotic surgical simulator.

In addition, there will be a $1000 scholarship awarded to one student with a particular interest in the future of robotics. Information about applying for the ScanlonWorks Robotics Scholarship will be available through District 214 and 220 high schools on April 6, 2015. If you are interested in receiving additional details about this event and scholarship, please sign up here. To learn more about Dr. M. Susan Scanlon, click here.
CervicalCERVICAL CANCER: CAUSES, PREVENTION & SYMPTOMS
girl studying
HPV Vaccine Recommended
for 
Girls at age 11 or 12
Forty years ago, cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer death for women. Fortunately, the number of women with cervical cancer has decreased dramatically due to increased awareness of the preventative measures. We want to be sure our patients are aware of the causes, risks and preventative measures for cervical cancer. 

Causes of Cervical Cancer:
Cervical cancer is caused by a human pappillomavirus (HPV) infection of the cervix. This is a sexually transmitted infection that is relatively common and according to the CDC, cures itself 90% of the time within 2 years. "HPV is so common that nearly all sexually-active men and women will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. Most people never know that they have been infected and may give HPV to a partner without knowing it." However, in some cases, an HPV infection causes cancer cells to form on the cervix. 

Prevention/Screening for Cervical Cancer:
  • Be vaccinated against HPV infection. The HPV vaccine works by preventing the most common types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. HPV vaccine is a 3-dose series that is given over six months. The CDC recommends that all children, girls and boys, who are 11 or 12 years old should get the HPV vaccine. Teens that missed that time frame should still be vaccinated. Young women can receive HPV vaccine through age 26, and young men can be vaccinated through age 21.
     
  • Have Routine Pap Testing. Pap tests are the best way to determine if abnormal changes have occurred in a woman's cervix, often alerting her before cancer cells develop. Women that do not have Pap tests are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. The American College of Gynecology (ACOG) new guidelines from September 2013 suggest that women begin screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at age 21. Women aged 21-29 should be screened every three years. Women aged 30 - 65 should have a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years. Women over 65 who do not have a history of dysplasia and have had 3 regular Pap tests in the past 10 years do not need a pap test. For more specifics, read ACOG guidelines here. 
     
  • HPV DNA Test Available for Women with Abnormal Pap Test: The Mayo Clinic explains that the HPV DNA test involves testing cells collected from the cervix for infection with any of the types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer. This test may be an option for women age 30 and older, or for younger women with an abnormal Pap test.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer: 
Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of cervical cancer during its early stages. However, as the cancer advances, common symptoms include: 
  • Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause
  • Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
  • Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
Please be sure to manage your health and be aware of your personal risk of cervical cancer. If you are under 26 years old and not vaccinated for HPV, speak with your doctor. If you are suffering from symptoms associated with cervical cancer, please speak with your doctor. 

More information on Cervical Cancer.
More information on HPV Vaccine.
More information on Pap tests.
CHECKLISTWOMEN'S HEALTH SPRING CLEANING LIST
seasonal_flowers2.jpg

PERSONAL HEALTH
CHECKLIST
  • Pelvic Exam
  • Cervical Cancer Screening
  • Blood Pressure Check
  • Cholesterol Screening
  • Flu Vaccination
  • Measles Vaccination
  • Shingles Vaccination
  • Bone Mineral Density Test
  • Mammogram
  • Colonoscopy
  • STD Screening
  • BMI Calculation
  • Vision Screening
  • Dental Check Up

While many of us do not necessarily enjoy spring cleaning, it is a great time to renew and refresh our homes as well as health. Here are some important tasks to consider including on your Personal Health Spring Cleaning List.


Schedule necessary health appointments. As recommendations can vary, please speak with your doctor to determine if you should schedule the following exams or screenings based on your personal and family health history, age, lifestyle, and current medical condition.

bleedingOPTIONS FOR WOMEN WITH HEAVY PERIODS
About 1 in 5 women suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), especially during their 30's and 40's. Their periods affect their daily routines, forcing them to change clothes unexpectedly, occasionally miss work or school, skip social events, give up sports, and lose sleep. There are options to help alleviate these problems.

 

What determines if a period is really "heavy"?

  • Are you bothered by the amount of bleeding or pain that you have during your period?
  • Do your periods keep you from doing things with friends, going to work or participating in athletics?
  • Do you need to wake up at night to change your pads or tampons?
  • During your period, do you need to use double protection?
  • Do you ever soak through your sanitary protection within an hour?
  • Does your period last more than a week?
  • During your period do you feel tired, fatigued or short of breath?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may be suffering from heavy periods. Each woman's case is different so we recommend writing down the specific details of your period to share with your doctor including:

  • How often do you have your period?
  • How long does your period normally last?
  • How many times a day do you need to change your pad or tampon?
  • Do you have any other symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath?

What are your options for managing heavy periods?

 

Below we have included a general overview of options available to women that suffer from heavy periods.There are several key factors in determining which option is best for you including your lifestyleyour medical history and your desire to give birth in the future. If you are suffering from heavy periods, call your physician and get help. Together you can determine which option is best for you. You don't need to suffer anymore. Please take care of yourself.

  

Option

Type

Time

Child bearing plans

Dilation and curettage

(D & C)

In-Office Procedure

20 min.
in-office procedure

 

May still have children.

Endometrial Ablation

In-Office

Procedure

20 min.
in-office procedure

 

Must be finished having children.

IUD - Hormone releasing

In Office

Procedure

5 min
in-office procedure

 

Contraceptive but you may still have children in future.

Hysterectomy

 

Hospital procedure

Varies

Will not be able to have children in the future.

 

Hormone Therapy

 

Drug Therapy

At home

You may still have children in future.

 

Oral contraceptives

 

Drug Therapy

At home

Contraceptive but you may still have children in future.

NSAIDs - Non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs

Drug Therapy

At home

You may still have children.

More details on each option available here.

pregnantPREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD NOT HAVE THE
MEASLES VACCINATION
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that pregnant women should not have the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine during their pregnancy.

 

If you are pregnant and have been exposed to someone with Measles, and you are not vaccinated, contact your doctor immediately. If you have been recently vaccinated for Measles and find that you are pregnant, contact your obstetrician promptly for a consultation.

 

If you are planning a pregnancy, wait 28 days after the Measles vaccination before getting pregnant.

 

If you do not know if you are vaccinated against the Measles, there is a blood test available to test if you have antibodies to Measles.

 

Signs & Symptoms of the Measles include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Tiny red spots with white centers in the mouth
  • Rash of red spots and red blotches which starts on the head and spreads all over the body
According to the CDC, Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, 90% of the people around her will also become infected if they are not protected. Pregnant women should be sure to avoid exposure to anyone with measles. For more information about pregnancy and vaccinations, please see additional resources from the CDC below. 

 

Vaccines for Pregnant Women

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MIDWEST CENTER FOR WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE