June 2020 Is Here
Better late than never, right?!
Here we are and June is half over and I am just getting to the monthly newsletter. Life has been crazy for everyone for the past three months, but I am hoping this email finds you well and puts a smile on your face. This month will include our monthly delicious recipe as always and some other fun information
We are here for you! We will continue to schedule problem visits as well as annual appointments. We are working our hardest to make sure the waiting room is not full of patients and that we are getting you in and out of the office in a timely manner.
We are still requiring that our patients come alone to their appointments. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes but it is for the safety of our staff, our patients and their families. However we are being more lenient with video calls during ultrasounds and phone calls during appointments for spouses or parents with questions or for those who just wish to be a part of the appointment once the physical exam is over.
Last but not least we are still asking if you have any symptoms of a cold, have a fever, cough or shortness of breath that you call before your appointment so we can reschedule you. We are also asking that if you have recently traveled or have been in contact with any confirmed COVID-19 cases you call to reschedule.
Please call the office with any questions you have!
Now is the perfect time to make s’mores! Regardless if it is made around a fire in your back yard, on your grill or while you are out camping a s’more is a signature summer time favorite.
Here is a super fun twist on the original s’more!
Caramel Apple S’mores!
INGREDIENTS
• 8 marshmallows
• 2 Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced and cored
• 4 squares Hershey’s chocolate
• Warm caramel, for drizzling
DIRECTIONS
1. Toast marshmallows until golden.
2. Sandwich s’mores: Top one apple slice with a Hershey’s square and two toasted marshmallows. Drizzle with caramel and top with a second apple slice.
3. Repeat to make four apple s’mores.
Summer State of Mind.
The warm, sunny Summer days are finally here. Which means many days spent in the pool or the lake, sunbathing and just lounging outside. All of those things sound amazing as I sit here in the air conditioned office making this news letter. However as women we all need to be mindful of these activities and how they can effect our vaginal health. I am positive none of us women want to be itchy and uncomfortable during these beautiful days.
There are common things that happen to all of us in the summer…
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Symptoms: frequent urination, burning on urination, cloudy or bloody urine, feeling the urge to go despite an empty bladder
• Risk Factors: pregnancy, previous UTI, sexual activity, “holding it” too long (like on a long car ride)
• Management: A true UTI can only be cured with antibiotics. You should call the office to have a urine sample tested if you have any of the above symptoms. For comfort, you can drink more water, wipe front to back after using the bathroom, and there is also over-the-counter medication that some women use for bladder discomfort but it should be noted that will not cure the infection.
Yeast Infection
• Symptoms: itching, burning, discharge
• Risk Factors: Pregnancy, Diabetes, Recent or Current Antibiotics Use, sitting in a wet bathing suit too long
• Management: Yeast and Bacteria often present with the same symptoms and therefore without having a culture, it is difficult to determine which treatment you may need. Over the counter medications are often used by our patients but they do not work as well as prescription strength meds and they will not treat a bacterial infection. For comfort, make sure to change into dry, clean clothes, take showers instead of baths, and never douche.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) – the most common vaginal infection
• Symptoms: itching, burning, discharge, odor
• Risk Factors: pregnancy, unprotected sex, longer periods, douching, having multiple partners
• Management: Again, BV and Yeast can feel the same but are treated very differently. You should avoid any of the above listed risk factors, talk to your provider about taking a probiotic, and get an appointment for a culture.
Folliculitis
• Symptoms: This one is especially problematic in the summer. Bacteria in hot tubs or pools or sweat invades the microscopic abrasions we have from shaving and can cause a raised, red rash that may be itchy or painful.
• Risk Factors: shaving, sweat, sunscreen use, hot tub or pool exposure, sharing razors, using old razors
• Management: Most cases can be managed with some bacitracin ointment and avoiding shaving until your rash clears up. However, if you develop a fever or the rash seems to linger, you should be seen by your provider to make sure it is not caused by something else like Staph, Pseudomonas, or Herpesvirus.
If you experience any of the above symptoms please do not hesitate to give the office a call!
Sunday
6.21.2020
Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there!
Just one more!
Searching for yummy recipes to put in this newsletter I always find so many that catch my eye. Here is just one more that I have to include in this months email. Now remember this can be done in the oven as well so save this for the fall months!
Bloomin’ Grilled Apples!!!
Grill these up while you have everything else cooking on the grill for a super delicious desert or even a side! Add some vanilla ice cream for an added kick!
