It is recommended that women at age 40 have annual screening mammograms. A screening mammogram is considered preventive care and is usually covered by most insurance. It does not require an order from your provider. It is a 15-minute appointment that involves a board-certified mammography technician obtaining specific standard views of each breast. A radiologist will be reviewing your images that same day, but not at the time you are there for your imaging. The radiologist will be making recommendations as to returning in one year, or if additional views are needed.

If you are called back from the Women’s Imaging department to get additional views it is because the radiologist sees an area of concern on one of the images. When you return for your imaging, the technician may do magnified views and possibly an ultrasound of the area in the breast. Many times these additional images will verify that the area seen during the screening is not a concern. About 2 percent of women that return for these additional views will need subsequent procedures, such as a biopsy. It is important to understand that these images are not considered preventive medicine, but rather diagnostic. This means that insurance may not cover the cost, but rather the amount would be applied to your deductible. A diagnostic mammogram is also done for women who present with a lump, nipple drainage or other clinical complaints. A diagnostic mammogram needs to be ordered by your provider.

For any questions or concerns, contact the Women’s Imaging departments:

Fond du Lac: (920) 926-5490

Ripon: (920) 748-0495

Waupun: (920) 324-6544

Back row, from left to right: Marlin Towne, Sue Schnorr, Katherine Leifer, Dr. Karen Meyer, Anne Pierce, Donna Weir
Bottom row, from left to right: Anne Marie Riecker, Alyse Marie Riecker, Benjamin Riecker

For the past three years, the three Kiwanis groups of Fond du Lac and Waupun Kiwanis have donated Sleep Sacks for newborns at St. Agnes Hospital and Waupun Memorial Hospital to promote and educate parents regarding safe sleep for their infants, in an effort to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Safe sleep experts recommend that loose blankets, toys, pillows, wedges and bumper pads not be put into babies’ cribs because these items can impair the baby’s ability to breathe. Sleep Sacks are a good choice for sleepwear because they keep the babies warm without the use of loose, fluffy blankets.

At home, babies should share the room but not their beds. Babies sleep safer in their own crib on a firm mattress than when they sleep with a parent or other person on a bed or sofa. And babies sleep safer on their backs – every time!  New mothers and fathers should make sure that all who care for their babies are putting the babies on their backs to sleep at night and during naps. Babies can be placed on their abdomens (“tummy time”) while supervised and awake to help their neck and shoulder muscles grow stronger.

Have you heard of peripheral artery disease (PAD)? Despite affecting over 12 million Americans, many people have not.

What is PAD? What causes PAD?

PAD results from the same narrowing of the arteries that cause most heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, PAD has many of the same risk factors, including:

-Age

-Cigarette smoking

-Diabetes

-High Blood Pressure

-Hypercholesterolemia (High Cholesterol)

-Ethnicity

-Family History

What are the symptoms of PAD?

Common symptoms include cramping, pain or tiredness of the muscles with exercise (such as walking or climbing the stairs).  If the blockage is lower in the legs, the symptoms are noticed in the calf.  If the blockage is higher up, symptoms are commonly felt in the thigh or buttocks.  Symptoms of PAD may be mild or severe. In severe cases, patients may have pain at rest or non-healing wounds on their extremities.

Is PAD serious?

PAD is serious. It affects at least 12 million Americans, often leading to disability and death. Women with PAD have four times the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Early diagnosis and treatment of PAD may help to:

-Prevent disability and restore mobility

-Stop disease progression

-Lower risk for heart attack, heart disease, and stroke

How is PAD diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of PAD, your doctor may order a simple diagnostic test know as an Ankle Brachial Index. This test compares the blood pressure in your arms and legs. Further testing and medical work-up may be necessary for proper diagnosis.

For more information, visit the following web site:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2012/April/peripheral-artery-disease

That pot of coffee that I have every morning or all the caffeinated soft drinks I have in the afternoon will cause me to get breast cancer.

Fact: Some research has been done on this topic, and in fact it is suggested that caffeine may lower your risk of breast cancer. However, in hindsight, it is possible that breast soreness/tenderness is linked to caffeine. It is not recommended to alter caffeine intake in an effort to lower your risk. Please talk to your healthcare provider first.

Does the radiation from a mammogram cause breast cancer?

Fact: The amount of radiation is so small that the benefits from a preventive mammogram far outweigh any risks associated with the radiation received from a mammogram. A patient would have to receive 100 to 1,000 times higher radiation to have statistical increase in breast cancer risk. A mammogram gives about the same amount of radiation as flying in an airplane from New York to California.

Well, I don’t have any breast lumps, so I don’t need a mammogram. Are lumps the only form of breast cancer?

Fact: Breast cancer does not always come in the form of a lump. That is why it is not only important for self-breast examination, clinical breast examination, but also a mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends that women starting at the age of 40 have a yearly mammogram until physically not capable to do so.

My mammogram is negative! Phew! I don’t need to worry about breast cancer!

Fact: Ten to 20 percent of breast cancer is not detected by a mammogram. Again, that is why it is so important to do all three breast examinations: Self-breast exam, clinical breast exam and screening mammogram.

Resources: 

www.health.com

www.cancer.gov

www.prevention.com

www.cbcf.org

The term detox, short for detoxification, is based on the concept that our bodies need help getting rid of unwanted toxins from contaminants in processed foods and the environment.  The theory is that once toxins have been eliminated the body is able to function better and your metabolism increases.  Detox regimens are variable and include anything from a three-day fruit juice fast to a 10-day stroll down starvation lane with only cayenne pepper, maple syrup and salt water to accompany you.  Some regimens also include various herbal supplements, pills, powders and enemas to promote cleansing of the colon.

The truth is, there is not a lot of research out there on this subject to either support or refute the benefits of detox plans. It is the opinion of the majority of the medical community, including physicians and registered dietitians, that these types of regimens are unnecessary and, at times, dangerous.  Our body actually has the natural ability to rid itself of toxins all by itself.  In fact, removal of “toxins” occurs every minute through the actions of the liver and the kidney.  Also, while many detox plans appear harmless, potential side effects to detox diets or regimens include low blood sugar, muscle aches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and even fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

Do they work? Yes and no. Weight loss does typically occur because these plans are low in calories, but much of this weight can be attributed to fluid loss and/or muscle loss, instead of a desirable fat loss. When you return to eating, weight often comes back on quickly, and sometimes even more pounds are added to the grand total.

When it comes to most detox plans, the negatives seem to outweigh the benefits.  Instead of turning to a detox diet or regimen, opt for a healthy eating plan that you can see yourself sticking with for the long haul.  Limit intake of processed foods, and include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean proteins and healthy fats.  Drink plenty of fluids and don’t forget to exercise!

I have been on birth control pills forever! This will for sure increase my risk of breast cancer.

Fact: Some studies from the 90s have shown that birth control use slightly increases your risk of breast cancer. Evidence is not strong enough for healthcare providers to recommend that women stop taking birth control pills. However, a patient would need to discuss with their provider their risk factors before determining if birth control is a good choice from them.

No! Stop! Don’t drink out of that water bottle! It can cause breast cancer, right?

Fact: There is not enough evidence to make a correlation between drinking from plastic bottles and increased risk of breast cancer. But, if you are concerned, drink from a BPA-free plastic bottle or choose bottles with a 1, 2, 4 or 5 in the recycling symbol on the bottom.

My girlfriend has implants; she will for sure get breast cancer.

Fact: Breast implants do not cause breast cancer. However, breast implants do make detection of breast cancer more difficult. Patients with breast implants do require extra mammographic views which mammography technologists are trained in performing. Instead of the normal four views for a bilateral mammogram, breast implant patients require eight views of their breasts.

I heard that women with smaller breasts are more likely to get breast cancer.

Fact: There is no connection between the size of your breast and your risk of breast cancer.

Written by: Stacy Hammack, Senior Mammography Technologist, RT (R)(M) at Ripon Medical Center

Am I going to get breast cancer if I wear deodorant or shave my underarms?

Fact: There have been several studies done looking at the link between breast cancer and deodorants/antiperspirants and shaving your underarms. The American Cancer Society really pooh-poohs this rumor! There is so little scientific evidence to support this idea. Some antiperspirants contain parabens, but so far, studies have not shown any direct link between parabens and any health concerns. However, researchers continue to look at this possible breast cancer risk factor, and more studies are needed.

What about if my bra is too tight, or not tight enough or has an under wire, that increases the risk of breast cancer, right?

Fact: There really is not any good scientific or clinical basis making a connection to neither the type of bra or tightness of the bra and the risk of breast cancer.

Holy cow! I live near power lines! I talk on my cell phone all the time! I am for sure going to get breast cancer!

Fact: A 2003 study concluded that there was not a definite connection made between breast cancer and electromagnetic fields emitted by power lines. This research is still on going with the potential environmental risk factor of cancer and electromagnetic fields. However, in 2011 the International Research on Cancer did suggest that radiofrequency fields from cell phones causing cancer cannot be confirmed yet; more research must be done. Again, there is no conclusive link between cell phone use and increase in the risk of breast cancer. Suggestions were made by the American Cancer Society to not carry your cell phone in your bra and to use a headset/ear piece and to limit the amount of time you use your cell phone.

Could my miscarriage or abortion increase my risk of breast cancer?

Fact: Numerous studies have been done researching and studying the correlation between abortions, miscarriages and breast cancer. A particular study done in February of 2003 by the national Cancer Institute concluded that having an abortion or a miscarriage does not increase your risk of breast cancer.

Margie Anderson, APNP
Fond du Lac Regional Clinic-Waupun
Orthopedics & General Surgery

Author: Margie Anderson, APNP at the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic in Waupun

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that is preventable and can progress for many years without detection. Sometimes one doesn’t know they have a fracture until they start having pain. Our bone mass peaks between the ages of 18 and 35. After our bone mass peaks, we can lose more bone than formed and bone can start to become thinner. The good news is the more bone mass we have, the less likely the possibility of breaking a bone or getting osteoporosis later in life. Remember osteoporosis can affect both men and women, but mostly women.

Let’s look at risk factors for developing osteoporosis. They can include: thinness or a small frame, family history of osteoporosis, being postmenopausal or having early menopause, abnormal absence of menstrual periods, prolonged use of certain drugs like prednisone, low calcium intake, smoking and excessive alcohol intake.

How do I know when to get a bone density test?

A bone density test may be recommended by your doctor when you start losing height, fracture a bone, take certain drugs, receive a transplant or have a drop in your hormone levels. The bone density testing can be done by a central DXA machine. You probably have heard it called “DEXA” ( Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). It is the most accurate test to estimate the density of your bones and predict your chances of breaking a bone.  Quantitative ultrasound of the heel and other tests are available to help predict a fracture, estimate how fast you are losing or making bone.

Check your insurance policy to see if it is covered. Medicare part B covers the entire cost of bone mass screening at age 65 and older if criteria is met. If you are diagnosed with Osteoporosis your doctor can order a bone density test to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments according to your T-score every 2 years.

Prevention or progression of the disease can be accomplished through a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D as well as walking, swimming, low stress yoga and tai chi.

The patient is advised to drink 24 to 32 ounces of  non-carbonated  beverage at least one hour prior to scheduled appointment  This full bladder allows the sonographer to evaluate the patient’s cervical canal. This is very important to evaluate placental location, and to confirm that the cervix appears long and closed to support the pregnancy. If there is any concern of cervical incompetence, a trans-vaginal exam will be performed.

The patient should be reminded that this exam is a medical procedure. It demands full attention and concentration by the sonographer performing the ultrasound. While family is welcome to observe the procedure, the sonographer cannot be responsible for unattended children. Fetal movement and images will be recorded on a CD and given to the patient. This can be shared at a later time with extended family members.

This exam is a very exciting bonding experience for the parents. At Agnesian HealthCare, we will do “Simply the Best” to make this appointment an enjoyable visit.

Authored by:

Lil Possin, RTR, ARDMS

Jessica Miller, RTR, ARDMS

Rene Rosenbaum Schlough, RTR, ARDMS

Childbirth is one of the most beautiful experiences in a woman’s life, but the post-pregnancy body can be one of the most stressful!  If new mother’s follow these five tips, they will be well on their way to fitting in those pre-pregnancy jeans!

1. Avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy. A healthier approach to eating habits during pregnancy can make a world of difference when trying to lose pregnancy weight. You should consume an additional 300 calories a day during pregnancy (and maybe less than that if you are above your ideal body weight). This is roughly the amount of a modest size sandwich or a few servings of fruit. The concept that you are “eating for two” is misleading.
2. Healthy dieting. As a new mother, it is extremely important to keep up that nutritious lifestyle! Just because the baby has arrived does not mean that now you can drop your caloric intake, especially if you are breastfeeding. Making a drastic change in your eating habits may actually cause you to retain weight! Instead, eat three healthy meals a day and snack on fiber and protein rich snacks. Grab a handful of almonds or a fiber bar to stay at a healthy calorie level while losing the baby weight!
3. Breastfeed. The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and could fill several blogs. Breastfed infants have less incidence of diseases such as, asthma, diabetes and obesity. It also decreases the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression in mom. And as an added bonus, it burns calories!
4. Drink plenty of water. The benefits of drinking water are enormous. Not only does water fill you up, but it also keeps you hydrated which is extremely important when breastfeeding. Being properly hydrated will also help you sleep better at night (when you can actually get some sleep)! I would recommend drinking eight glasses of water a day or more!
5. Be patient. Hollywood has set unrealistic post pregnancy weight loss goals. Most of us do not have the resources to hire extra personal chefs, athletic trainers and nannies to help us on a daily basis. Be patient with yourself and focus on taking small steps each day. It took nine months to gain the weight so don’t expect it to come off in a week.
6. Be proud. You just brought life into the world! Rather than lamenting about your post baby body, focus on maintaining on a healthy lifestyle and remember the amazing thing you just did.

Looking for more resources? Agnesian HealthCare dietary and nutrition consultants will meet with you one on one to discuss some further steps you can take to slim down!  Contact Agnesian HealthCare at (920) 926-2300 to schedule an appointment.