Women's Health Practice News

September 2005, Volume 5, Issue 3

Special Points of Interest (click topic)

Research News-Currently Enrolling Studies
Nutritional Influences on Osteoporosis
Calcium, Vitamin D May Reduce PMS
Women's Health Practice Free Lecture Series!
Staff Update
ISMIE Self Assessment
Historical Facts
Visit Our Websites!

If you would like to be notified of new WHP newsletters please register here.

__________________________

Suzanne Trupin, MD, FACOG
2125 South Neil Street, Champaign, IL 61820
PHONE (217)356-3736
FAX (217) 356-5849
www.womenshealthpractice.com

Research News

Currently Enrolling Studies

STUDY - Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Do you experience heavy menstrual bleeding on 2 to 5 days of your regular menstrual period? Does heavy menstrual bleeding keep you from your normal social and work activities?

If you answered yes to these questions, you may qualify for a research study of an investigational drug for heavy menstrual bleeding. This investigational drug is not a hormone.

You must:

• Be a generally healthy woman between the ages of 18 and 49
• Have regular menstrual cycles with heavy bleeding
• Not have any other bleeding disorder

If you qualify you will receive study drug and study related procedures including physical exams, electrocardiograms, eye exams and laboratory tests at no cost. You will also receive compensation for your time and travel.

For more information, please call 217- 356-3736.

STUDY - Anemic? New Baby?

Having a baby can leave some women with low blood levels of iron. Your doctor will help you understand whether or not you suffer from low iron levels—sometimes called anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can make you feel excessively tired and low on energy. You may have trouble concentrating or feeling like your old self. Anemia is usually treated with iron supplements.

Women's Health Practice is looking for women who require treatment for low iron levels to participate in a research study of an investigational medication for iron deficiency. Qualified study participants will receive study related: exams, tests, investigational medication, and care by a board-certified physician. Also, compensation for study-related time and travel may be provided. For more information, please call 217-356-3736.

STUDY - Osteoporosis/Osteopenia — The Silent Disease

Up to half of all women 50 and over will suffer at least one osteoporosis-related fracture in their lives. Risk factors for developing Osteoporosis/Osteopenia include:

• Family history
• Postmenopausal
• Physically inactive
• Small frame
• Smoke cigarettes
• Diet low in calcium

Osteoporosis Research Study

We are seeking volunteers to participate in a clinical trial evaluating a once-yearly investigational medication for the prevention of osteoporosis.

To qualify, you must be:

• A woman between the age of 45-75
• NOT currently taking:
  • Oral/IV bisphosphonate (Fosamax® Actonel® pamidronate, etidronate)
  • Estrogen replacement therapy, Evista®
  • Stronium, PTH

If you qualify, you will receive during the study:

• Physical exams
• Bone density test
• Clinical thermometer
• Calcium and Vitamin D supplements

STUDY - Postmenopausal Women Needed For A Research Study

Are you a postmenopausal woman who has stopped taking your weekly osteoporosis medication because of gastrointestinal (GI) problems? If so, you may qualify for a one year research study evaluating an investigational medication for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Eligible participants will be provided study-related procedures and study medication at no cost. In addition, participants may receive reasonable reimbursement for time and travel.

If you are interested in finding out more information about this research study, please contact Women's Health Practice at 217-356-3736.

STUDY - Menopause Research Study

Wish you could find a way to control your menopausal symptoms? According to the North American Menopause Society, about 4,000 women in the United States and Canada reach menopause each day. 80-85% of menopausal women experience symptoms such as:

• hot flushed/flashes
• heart palpitations/irregularities sleep disorders, including night sweats
• mood swings
• irritability
• decreased libido
• feminine dryness

30% of menopausal women will have severe symptoms. These symptoms can make daily life uncomfortable and unmanageable.

A research study is being conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication in menopausal women with persistent symptoms.

Women interested in volunteering for the study must be between the ages of 30 and 65; be menopausal, with or without hysterectomy, with at least one intact ovary; have persistent menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes; have been taking standard estrogen therapy for at least 8 weeks.

Participation in the study requires at least five office visits over a period of up to 22 weeks, and includes study related medical care, including health assessments, lab tests, and study medications.

Women interested in volunteering or learning more about the study can contact: Women's Health Practice at 217-356-3736, www.womenshealthpractice.com

STUDY - Do You Have Abnormal Periods?

Are you a female with abnormal menstrual bleeding, between the ages of 18-45? Have you not had a period for 90 days or more or have you already been diagnosed with amenorrhea and taking hormones?

You may be a candidate for study testing the effects of the investigational use of an FDA approved medication on secondary amenorrhea. The lack of a regular menses can pose serious health risks for women.

Eligible participants will be compensated for participation in the study and will receive study-related medical care.

STUDY - Endometriosis — Does Pain Persist Despite Surgery?

• If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis by surgery.
• Are your menstrual periods extremely painful?
• If you have pain with sexual intimacy.
• Have pain even to sit, stand, walk, or exercise.
• If you have pelvic pain throughout your cycle.
• You may be eligible to participate in a clinical research study.
• Study-related testing and investigational medication is at no charge to you.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms and want to learn more, call now.

STUDY - Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Anemia

Do you experience heavy bleeding during your menstrual period? Does heavy bleeding leave you feeling tired and fatigued, keeping you from your normal social and work activities?

If you answered yes to these questions, you may qualify to participate in a clinical research study evaluating an investigational medication for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.

To qualify, you must:

• Be a generally healthy female over the age of 18.
• Experience heavy menstrual bleeding within the last 6 months.

If you qualify, you will receive study medication and study related procedures including physical examinations and laboratory testing at no cost to you.

You will also receive compensation for your time and travel.

For more information, please contact Women's Health Practice, 217-356-3736.

Nutritional Influences on Osteoporosis

Diet and dietary supplements affect bone density and fracture susceptibility. These nutritional recommendations will help younger women reduce their risk for osteoporosis and fractures and will help women diagnosed with osteoporosis slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk when used in addition to conventional therapies.

DIET

• Calcium from calcium-rich beverages, fruits, and dark, leafy vegetables is the most essential nutrient in osteoporosis.
• Soy foods contain calcium and phytoestrogens, and have been shown to increase bone mineral levels in menopausal women.
• Avoid refined sugar, which increases calcium excretion in urine.
• Excessive protein (example, animal protein) and phosphorus (example, soft drinks) weakens bones by removing calcium from them.
• Studies show mixed results about effects of caffeine and alcohol on bone loss. However, more than seven alcoholic drinks a week is a risk factor for osteoporosis.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION

• Calcium supplementation decreases bone loss in postmenopausal women and in women diagnosed with osteoporosis. Different types of calcium supplements differ according to calcium content. Calcium citrate is considered more helpful for bones, and is better absorbed; thus, more effective if consumed on an empty stomach.
• Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and is considered as important as calcium in averting osteoporosis. Elderly women who took Vitamin D and calcium supplements had a 49% reduction in falls compared to women who took calcium supplements only.
• Women who took magnesium supplements (600 mg/day) combined with calcium supplements (500 mg/day) and hormone therapy showed an 11% increase in bone density compared to the 0.7% increase in women who only received hormone therapy.
• Deficiencies in the following trace minerals may also lead to bone density loss: manganese, boron, zinc, copper, and silicon.

OTHER NUTRITIONAL FACTORS

• Folic acid supplements reduce levels of homocysteine. a breakdown product of the essential amnio acid methionine. If homocysteine is not removed sufficiently, it can advance osteoporosis.
• Vitamin B6 also breaks down homocysteine and encourages fracture healing.
• Vitamin C strengthens bones, and Vitamin C deficiency increases osteoporosis in animal studies.
• Vitamin K deficiency is associated with an increase risk of hip fractures in women with osteoporosis. Vitamin K aids in bone mineralization, remodeling, and repair.

– Modified from July 2004 article in "The Female Patient," by Tori Hudson. ND

Calcium, Vitamin D May Reduce PMS

Eating foods high in calcium and Vitamin D, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and fortified orange juice, may lower premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Women who consumed at least four daily servings of dairy products reported fewer PMS symptoms, according to a study by Dr. Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson of the University of Massachusetts. A previous report showed that calcium alone improved PMS. and this new study shows that calcium and Vitamin D offers even greater improvements.

– Modified from a CNN Health Report posted online June 14, 2005.

Women's Health Practice Free Lecture Series!

Women's Health Practice is resuming its free women's health lecture series. Lectures are scheduled on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 PM in the WHP waiting room. Advance registration is preferred—call 217-356-3736 to preregister—but not required. Attendees will receive a free copy of Dr. Trupin's self publication, Menopause–Making Peace with Change.

September 14, 2005
What Is A Normal Period?
Dr. Suzanne Trupin
Joann Davis. R.N.

• Why do you have heavy bleeding?
• How to diagnose period problems.
• New treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding.

September 21, 2005
Breast Implants
Dr. James Kurley

• Saline or silicone: Which is right?

September 28, 2005
Hormones and Your Heart
Dr. Prakash Thopiah
Dr. Suzanne Trupin

• Healthy heart at 70.
• The effects of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone on your heart.

October 05, 2005
Lap Banding Advantages
Dr. Sidney Rohrscheib

This unique treatment offers the following benefits:

• Least invasive, safest surgical treatment.
• No stomach stapling or gastric bypassing.
• Only adjustable surgical option for customized weight loss
• Completely reversible.

October 12, 2005
Breast Health
Dr. Suzanne Trupin

• Preventing breast pain.
• Preventing breast cancer.
• New methods of breast cancer detection.

October 19, 2005
How To Eat For High Energy
Joann Davis, R.N.

• Prevent and treat anemia.
• Fix abnormal abnormal periods.
• What should your vitamin cabinet look like?

October 26, 2005
Menopause
Dr. Suzanne Trupin

• Who needs hormones?
• When and how to stop hormone use.
• New treatments for vaginal dryness.
• Treatment for hot flashes.

November 02, 2005
Endometriosis
Dr. Suzanne Trupin

• What is causing your pelvic pain?
• Why surgery may not work to cure pain.
• New studies.

November 16, 2005
How To Feed Your Baby
Lori Farneti, C.N.M.
Dr. Suzanne Trupin

• The Omega-3 story.
• New ways to increase breast milk supply.

Additional lecture dates and topics for our Spring 2006 series will be announced in upcoming newsletters. Mark your calendar and plan to attend!

Staff Update

Please join us in welcoming the following new WHP/MSC staff members:

• Carol Childs. C.M.A., obtains medical history, vital signs, and physical findings to triage patients for physician, physician assistant, or certified nurse midwife, and assists our healthcare providers.
• Erik Spitzner, Health Information and Efficiency Specialist, provides technical leadership, analysis of clinical operations for efficiency, and assists in technology development.
• Dan Trupin, Research Assistant, provides clerical and administrative support to the research team.

ISMIE Self Assessment

In May 2005, Women's Health Practice participated in a voluntary onsite practice self assessment conducted by Illinois State Medical Society Inter-Insurance Exhange (ISMIE). The objectives of the survey include improve medical recordkeeping and retention procedures, enhance safety and confidentiality of the office environment, and, improvement in patient communication and satisfaction. The surveyor reviewed and assessed areas including, but, not limited to, electronic medical records, in-office anesthesia, informed consent, prescription refills, telephone triage, patient education, tracking systems, evening and weekend coverage, training and evaluation of staff, and medical and administrative policies and procedures.

This assessment was performed in addition to achieving accreditation in March 2005 by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

Accreditation and self assessment by these organizations underscores our longstanding commitment to providing the highest possible levels of quality care to the patients that we serve.

Historical Facts

• It has been known for centuries that delivering in a sitting position is healthy for both mother and baby. In the Bible in Exodus there are descriptions of birthing stools used by the Jewish midwives Shiphrah and Puah.
• In Ancient India the punishment for various crimes and adultery was cutting off the nose. The sheer number of cases allowed for the surgeons of that time to develop sophisticated and refined reconstructive surgery techniques that benefited many operations, including the carefully performed Caesarean births.
• The Chamberlains, a Huguenot family, kept their invention of obstetrical forceps a family secret for almost 200 years—until a pair of forceps buried beneath some floorboards was inadvertently discovered.
• Prior to its use in the induction of labor, the medication, Pitocin, a synthetic pituitary oxytocin extract, was studied as to its effects on blood pressure in fowl, milk ejection in rabbits, diuresis in dogs, and the effects on rat uteruses. By 1917 it began to be used in the induction of labor in women.

Visit Our Websites!

www.womenshealthpractice.com
www.whp-childbirth.com
www.midwestsurgicalcenter.com