In This Issue
Is there a blood test that can predict reproductive potential?
7 Cancer-Fighting Super-Foods
How to Treat Allergies During Pregnancy
4 Most Fattening Fall Foods
Ways to Protect Yourself from Breast Cancer
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Is There a Blood Test that Can Predict Reproductive Potential?rma 
By Dr. Art Castelbaum of Reproductive Medical Associates (RMA).

Lawrence OB-GYN is proud to have RMA available to see patients out of our Yardley office.  Dr. Castelbaum sees patients in on the 3rd Friday of each month. Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Castelbaum today (267-852-0780).

Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is a protein made by the cells that surround each egg.  The more eggs a woman has, the higher her AMH level should be.  A simple blood test can determine a woman's AMH levels.

A woman is born with all of the eggs she will ever have.  Most women have excellent reproductive potential until their late 30s. Some patients are less fortunate.  Low AMH levels accurately predict which women have fewer eggs of lesser quality and therefore a lower chance of conceiving.

AMH levels can be drawn at any point in the menstrual cycle and results generally do not vary cycle-to-cycle.  For the best results, stop birth control pills 1-2 months prior to having an AMH test done.

Normal AMH levels are greater than 1.2 ng/ml.  Undetectable AMH levels predict very poor reproductive performance.  Levels less than 1.2 ng/ml are concerning and might lead to earlier fertility treatment to maximize the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

AMH is an excellent test for ovarian reserve, which correlates with egg quality/number.  Measurement of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on the third day of a period has also been shown to be a good test of ovarian reserve.  However, as women age through their mid-30s and early 40s, AMH is  a much better ovarian reserve test.

AMH level is one measure of reproductive performance. Age is also very important.  Additional critical fertility tests include evaluation of fallopian tubes (either by hysterosalpingography or FemVue), and a semen analysis. The expert physicians at RMA at Jefferson tailor cost effective and highly successful treatment options unique to each of our patients.

*RMA is not an affiliate of Lawrence OB/GYN Associates.      
 
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 7 Cancer-Fighting Super-Foodssuper   
While there is no one "super food" that can reduce your risk of cancer, the right combination of foods might help make a difference. At mealtimes, strike a balance of at least two-thirds plant-based foods and no more than one-third animal protein. This "New American Plate" is an important cancer fighting tool, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.  
 
Start by incorporating these cancer-fighting foods into your diet. Not only can they help you lower your risk, they can help you reach and maintain a healthy body weight.  
 
Green Tea
Scientific evidence suggests that the powerful antioxidants found in green tea (called polyphenols) help prevent breast, prostate, colon, stomach and skin cancer.  
 
Cruciferous Vegetables
These are veggies from the cabbage family including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and mustard greens. They contain antioxidants that have been shown to help reduce the risk of cancer.
 
Red Wine
The antioxidants found in red wine (called resveratrol) have been shown to help prevent prostate, skin and breast cancer. The suggested amount: one 5-ounce glass per day for women and two for men.  
 
Nuts
Nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts, chestnuts and pistachios contain the antioxidant vitamin E, which may help prevent certain types of cancer. Many oils including safflower, corn and soybean oil also contain vitamin E.  
 
Garlic
Several components found in garlic are thought to help prevent stomach, colon, esophageal, pancreas, skin, lungs and breast cancer. The active compounds are formed when garlic cloves are chopped or crushed.
 
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to help protect against prostate, breast, lung and stomach cancer.
 
Citrus
Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit all contain tons of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps prevent cancer-causing cell damage. Not a citrus fan? Strawberries, kiwi, potatoes, tomatoes and bell peppers are also excellent choices.
 
Source: Food Network 


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October 2015 

  
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 
  
Like many other causes and celebrations, breast cancer awareness is given an entire month in which to educate and inform not only breast cancer patients and their families, but also the general public and those who may be at a high risk for developing breast cancer. Education and awareness are at the core of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, breast cancer kills more women than all other cancers except lung cancer. It affects as many as one in eight women in their lifetimes. Because the early onset of breast cancer often doesn't display symptoms or cause pain, it's important for women aged 40 and older to get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years, according to the National Cancer Institute. Besides doing a monthly breast exam, women who have a history of breast cancer in their family should be especially vigilant about possible symptoms.

All of this information may sound scary and cause you to wonder, "What can I do to reduce the risk of breast cancer?" You may not be able to change things like age, gender and genetics, but you can change certain lifestyle habits. Experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research estimate that healthy lifestyle habits could help prevent 38 percent of the breast cancer cases diagnosed every year in the U.S. Here are Ways to Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer so you can help protect yourself.

Since diet plays such a vital role in breast cancer prevention, now is the perfect time to head out to the grocery store and start revisiting the produce aisle. Researchers believe that 60 percent of cancer deaths can be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Start by working these
7 cancer-fighting super foods into your daily routine.

Fall has arrived and with it can come the itchy eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. Allergies can worsen when a woman becomes pregnant, thanks in part to hormonal changes, but the benefits and risks of allergy treatments during pregnancy should be carefully considered. Knowing how to treat allergies during pregnancy is the first step to allow you to be proactive in formulating a plan so you can enjoy your pregnancy instead of sneezing and sniffling through it. 

When the temperatures drop, the need for comfort food goes up. Crisp, cold salads and fresh yummy fruit may have been the norm in the hotter months, but now, sipping a spicy pumpkin latte, or enjoying a warm cup of creamy soup sounds more appealing, doesn't it? The important thing is to be mindful that a few indulgences could lead to sabotaging all of the hard work you did with your diet and exercise over the summer. You'll want to read, 4 Most Fattening Fall Foods, which are frighteningly bad for your waistline.

Lastly, if you or someone you know has been newly diagnosed with Breast Cancer, there is help and you are not alone.  We believe education is empowerment.  The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Organization provides tons of information and is a great place to start.   With this diagnosis comes lot of questions and decision-making, so please know that our staff is here to help.    

In case you haven't heard, we're excited to be teaming up with Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) of Philadelphia and Central Pennsylvania to provide our patients with the very best infertility treatment available today. Our patients benefit from having world-class infertility specialists right in our Yardley location on the second Friday of every month.

If you've been struggling with infertility, the best thing you can continue to do is to educate yourself.  An excellent place to start is Dr. Castlebaum's article which addresses an important question: Is there a blood test that can predict reproductive potential?


With warm regards,
 
The Practitioners and Staff of Lawrence OB/GYN 
How to Treat Allergies During Pregnancyallergies
Allergies are annoying and sometimes painful to deal with and pregnancy often makes allergies even worse. The good news is that there are ways to deal with allergies during pregnancy. Here are some remedies that can help you cope with allergies during your pregnancy.

Natural Approach
The best way to avoid allergic reactions during pregnancy is to avoid allergens that trigger a reaction. If you are allergic to cut grass, or furry pets, limit your exposure to them. If you are allergic to dust, get a housekeeper, or convince your spouse to clean for a while. When that cannot be done, a natural treatment such as the netti pot, which is used to clean the sinuses, can be used. A netti pot is a teapot-shaped container that you use by putting the spout in one nostril allowing the water to flow through your sinuses and out of the other nostril. Other natural treatments include using a humidifier and increasing water intake. You can also try mustard plasters, a homemade remedy using dry mustard or mustard oil, and a small amount of mentholated vapor.

Nasal Spray
Saline nasal spray can be used when cleaning the sinuses and avoiding allergens does not work. Nasal spray will help you to avoid developing a bacterial infection, as nasal irritations left untreated can get attacked by bacteria and make the problem worse. The problem with nasal spray and decongestants is that they can be habit-forming and you can get rebound congestion from overuse. Therefore, it should be used sparingly, for no more than two or three days in a row.

Safe Medications
There are some medications you can use when absolutely necessary. Always check with your doctor before taking anything, because every pregnancy is different. Still, the general guidelines are as follows. Antihistamines should be avoided, with the exception of chlorphenamine (found in Dimetapp and Drixoral) which can be taken in all three trimesters. Also, nasal decongestants should be avoided. Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) can be used to decrease the discomfort from the pressure on the sinuses.

Honey
Many allergy sufferers have found great success with this method. Begin with a very small amount of honey each day, less than 1/4 tsp., to make sure you will not have any adverse reactions. Gradually increase your intake until you are consuming about 1 tsp. daily.

Source: Ehow 

4 Most Fattening Fall Foodsfallfoods 
pumpkin latte Halloween marks the beginning of a two-month season packed with parties and desserts-now that's scary for anyone who is trying to manage his or her weight.  Beyond the fun-size (and therefore calorie-controlled) candies of Halloween, several fall treats are big calorie bombs. Be on the lookout for these surprisingly high-calorie foods, which can add up fast if you let your guard down.

1)  Pumpkin Flavored Baked Goods
Pumpkin itself is a healthy food. Plain pumpkin puree contains a dose of vitamin A and fiber for a small amount of calories. But pair it with sugar, cream cheese frosting, shortening and butter and you've got a high-calorie treat dressed in a healthy-looking orange outfit. Restaurants and coffee shops are the biggest villains, promoting their pumpkin scones, muffins, donuts and breads, which can contain up to 630 calories per serving. Don't let "low-fat" versions trick your either; low-fat is not the same thing as low-calorie.  

TRICK: You can bake your own pumpkin treats using less sugar and fat, plus whole-grain goodness. Use a mini muffin tin to help with keep your portions in check and steer clear of these seasonal baked goods!

2)  Hot Seasonal Beverages
Sometimes there is nothing more enjoyable than sipping a hot drink on a crisp fall day. While plain coffee is low-cal, seasonal lattes and drinks contain a lot of sugar, and most boast a heavy dose of cream, too. As liquid calories do not aid in fullness or satiety, these calories probably are not worth it!

TRICK: Order a small beverage (if you must) and lighten the load by requesting fat free milk and holding any whipped topping. Freshly brewed chai tea can be a great alternative that is virtually calorie-free, but look out for blended drinks that are ready to serve; they often contain cream, syrups and lots of added sugar.

3)  Caramel Apple Anything
Yes, it's obvious. If you cover a healthy fruit with sugar, it becomes a less healthy choice. Simple caramel apples seem innocent, but they can pack 300 calories onto that little wooden stick. Most don't even contain a single serving of fruit and more than their fair share of calories and fat.

TRICK: Enjoy your apples by cutting them into wedges and dipping them into low fat caramel dip, fat free vanilla yogurt or peanut butter.       
4)  Chocolate Fun Size Candies
 
They may be teeny-tiny, but at an average of about 100 calories a pop, these popular fun-size treats can really add up! It's far too easy to eat four of five "little" candies, thinking you're not doing much damage, but that can easily add up to 400 or 500 calories in a matter of minutes. The bars that hide the most calories are those that contain peanut butter, coconut, chocolate, caramel, and nuts.

TRICK: Start reading fun-size labels before throwing out the package so that you're not eating blindly; these calories do count. Figure out the best choice for you and stick with that particular treat. Fun-size peppermint patties and Twizzlers have about half of the calories of the average chocolate bar but keep in mind these can still add up!

Source: Spark People 
Ways to Protect Yourself from Breast Cancerbreastcancer
Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits - such as limiting alcohol and staying physically active. Understand what you can do to reduce your breast cancer risk.
 
If you're concerned about breast cancer, you may be wondering if there are steps you can take toward breast cancer prevention. Some risk factors, such as family history, can't be changed. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk.

What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer?
Lifestyle changes have been shown in studies to decrease breast cancer risk even in high-risk women.  The following are steps you can take to lower your risk:

  • Limit alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol - including beer, wine or liquor - limit yourself to no more than one drink a day.
  • Don't smoke. Accumulating evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. In addition, not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
  • Control your weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
  • Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
  • Breast-feed. Breast-feeding may play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
  • Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer.If you're taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you.
  • Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation, which have been linked with breast cancer risk. Reduce your exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and exposure to the chemicals found in some workplaces, gasoline fumes and vehicle exhaust.
Can a healthy diet prevent breast cancer?
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables hasn't been consistently shown to offer protection from breast cancer. In addition, a low-fat diet appears to offer only a slight reduction in the risk of breast cancer.
However, eating a healthy diet may decrease your risk of other types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. A healthy diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight - a key factor in breast cancer prevention.

Source: Mayo Clinic 
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