August 2006, Volume 6, Issue 3
Special Points of Interest (click topic)
Prevention of Cervical Cancer Through Vaccination
HPV Vaccine
Research News – Currently Enrolling Studies
Plan B Emergency Contraceptive
WHP Professional Skin Care
Vegans Have Fewer Twins!
Consumption of Whole Grain Barley Products May Reduce Heart Disease Risk
NAMS Menopause Practitioner
Baby Love Keepsakes
Just The Facts…
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__________________________
Suzanne Trupin, MD, FACOG
2125 South Neil Street, Champaign, IL 61820
PHONE (217)356-3736
FAX (217) 356-5849
www.womenshealthpractice.com
Prevention of Cervical Cancer Through Vaccination
A HPV vaccine is being hailed by gynecologists as the most significant breakthrough in Women’s Health of the Century. The FDA has approved the first Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine. HPV is a DNA virus that infects skin and mucosal tissues and causes cell changes that lead to what is known as cell proliferation (overgrowth) and conversion to neoplastic changes (premalignant and malignant). These vaccines have the ability to prevent the majority of cervical cancers, a cancer thought to be virtually 100% preventable.
The newly-approved Merck quadrivalent vaccine, Gardasil®, targets four types of the HPV virus: 16, 18, 6, 11, and when given the individual develops fairly rapid immunity to one of four types of the HPV virus. The HPV 16 and HPV 18 viruses have been targeted because together are responsible for 70+% of cervical cancer cases. HPV 6, 11 were included because they cause genital warts and abnormal Pap smears, and the vaccine has the ability to prevent 90% of those. There are over 100
identified types of the HPV virus.
A second vaccine was developed to target only HPV 16 and 18, called Cervarix®, and is looking for FDA approval.
The approved quadrivalent vaccine is a series of shots. The first dose is given at a date you and your health care provider choose; second dose 2 months after the first dose; and third dose 6 months after the first dose.
Cervical cancer has been a world wide epidemic for generations: Over 500,000 cases are diagnosed world wide, over 250,000 women die, fewer than 4,000 women die each year in the U.S. of this disease.
Twenty million Americans are infected, and most infected silently. The real tragedy is the ever increasing numbers of young women who have contracted the virus and have to deal with the consequences: financial, emotional, physical and mental. Other consequences of infection are depression, lower sex drive, lower self esteem, anxiety, and the issues of "pre-existing" i.e. "not-covered" conditions on your next insurance policy, which causes economic burdens for those in treatment.
Who will need the vaccine? We know that about 50% of adolescent women will contract HPV within three years of becoming sexually active. So it is most likely to help those prior to their debut into sexuality. Young people probably need options, and vaccination, for both sexes is more practical for the majority of our population. The Merck vaccine has been tested in girls and women from 9-26.
The HPV vaccines have the ability to prevent disease, save money, and save lives. This is not debatable. It is most likely that the vaccine’s acceptance will rest largely with individual providers to patient education and discussion and maximal understanding of the disease’s serious consequences, the consequences of avoidance of vaccination.
Dr. Trupin is a paid research consultant for Merck & Co.. Inc. and other women’s health companies.
WHP has the HPV vaccine for administration. Please contact us at 217-356-3736 for additional information, to schedule an appointment, fees, and insurance coverage for your individual policy. While some insurance companies may cover the vaccine, others may not. Most large insurance plans usually cover the costs of recommended vaccines. Our expert and caring administrative staff is committed to working with you to determine your individual insurance benefits for the HPV vaccine.
Currently Enrolling Studies
Breast Pain Research Study
Women are needed to volunteer in a clinical research study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an experimental medication for cyclic breast pain associated with fibrocystic breast disease.
Women may be eligible to participate if they are between the ages of 18 through 50, have fibrocystic breast disease (for example: nodules, cysts, fibroids), and experience breast pain associated with their menstrual cycle. Other criteria apply.
Participation in this research study involves as many as eight visits to a local physician’s office for a period of eight months and includes study related examinations, lab tests, and study-related medication.
For more information, contact the local physician’s office below: Women’s Health Practice at 217-356-3736.
Are You Still At Risk For Heart Attack or Stroke?
Recent research suggests that a simple blood test may show inflammation of the arteries, which may be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease—even in people with low to normal cholesterol. A local doctor is conducting a research trial to evaluate if an experimental drug will lower the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Qualifications for the study include:
Qualified participants will receive study- related medical evaluations and may receive study medicine. Call today for details. Women's Health Practice, 217-356-3736.
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:
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.
Vaginal Irritation, Itching or Dryness? Pain With Sexual Activity?
The search is on for additional ways to treat these symptoms of menopause. Learn more about a research trial.
To qualify, you must be 40-65 years of age, have not had a hysterectomy, have not had a period for at least 6 months, and have at least one moderate to severe vaginal symptom such as dryness, irritation, or itching, or pain with sexual activity.
Qualified participants will receive study-related medication, examinations and laboratory tests at no charge, and compensation for travel.
Call us now at 1-877-978-8393 for more information about this 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:
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
Do You Hove 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 a 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.
Menopause: Isn't It Time to Talk to a Doctor?
Do symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats interfere with your busy life? A research study is testing an investigational medication to relieve the intensity and frequency of menopause symptoms.
To qualify, you must be between 45 and 65, have not had a period for at least 6 months (6 weeks if surgically menopausal) and be experiencing hot flashes. Qualified participants may receive all study-related care and study medication at no cost, and may be compensated for time and travel. Call today: 217-356-3736.
Plan B Emergency Contraceptive
The FDA may grant approval to limited over the counter (OTC) distribution for Plan B emergency contraceptive. Plan B is also called the ‘morning after pill’, which consists of two pills. Optimal efficacy is obtained when the first pill is taken 72 hours of intercourse, and the second must be taken 12 hours later.
The current plan would restrict sales to women age 18 or older; this age restriction has been criticized by women’s reproductive health advocates because it would eliminate sales to an adolescent population, which is at high risk for unwanted pregnancies. Plan B would be available only at pharmacies agreeing to keep the OTC version behind the counter, and dispense only to those consumers with valid photo ID establishing age.
WHP offers emergency contraceptive either by telephone triage or as an office appointment.
Back to School/Work Package
Microdermabrasion – $I00 value
Make-up Consultation – $50 value
Eye Treatment Cream – $70 value
All for $100
Plus receive 20% off all GloMineral Make-up Products purchase at time of consultation.
Expires October 31,2006 (one package offer per person)
A “super” exfoliation, microdermabrasion provides an immediate softening and brightening of the complexion. GloMinerals, the skincare make-up, is infused with vitamins C, A, K, E, and green tea extract, and provides superior coverage while allowing the skin to “breathe”. TNS Illuminating Eye Cream uses human growth factors, and antioxidants to treat fine lines and wrinkles
in the eye area while providing an instant brightening effect. Get your skin ready for fall with this fantastic package. A $220 value for just $100 through October 31, 2006.
* All Murad Products 40% Off *
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical
technique to refresh and repair your
facial skin due to the effects of aging or the effects of too much sun. A very fine piece of equipment is used, which acts like a sandblaster, spraying very small crystals across your face. This technique combines tender abrasion with a suction process that removes dead skin from your face’s outer layer. With microdermabrasion, as with other techniques for rejuvenating your skin, you may need more than one treatment to successfully rid your face of wrinkles and pigmentation.
The answer is in what’s cooking. Vegans exclude dairy from their diet, and in a new study they were shown to have about one fifth the rate of twining as those who do not exclude dairy. A research group in New York has looked at why this is. One suspected reason has to do with the treatment of cows with bovie somatotropin (bST), a hormone used to stimulate both milk and beef production.
Since twin pregnancies are more complicated by conditions such as preterm delivery, birth defects, and pre-eclampsia, they are considered more high risk. This new study suggests substituting other protein sources for your dairy and beef while attempting pregnancy.
At WHP we recommend that you come in for a pregnancy planning nutrition consultation before conceiving.
Consumption of Whole Grain Barley Products May Reduce Heart Disease Risk
On May 19, the FDA finalized approval of a qualified health claim for foods containing whole grain barley that reflects their potential for reducing the risk for coronary heart disease.
The claim applies to whole barley and dry-milled barley products that provide at least 0.75 grams of soluble fiber per serving, such as flakes, grits, flour, meal, and barley meal. It states that soluble fiber from foods, such as these, when consumed as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk for heart disease. Information regarding the soluble fiber content of the particular food per serving is also included for each product.
Approval of the claim was based on scientific evidence indicating that including barley in a healthy diet can help reduce the risk for coronary heart disease by lowering low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels.
The claim was allowed previously by the FDA in December 2005 under an interim final rule, with final approval pending a review of public comments submitted over the ensuing 75 days. According to the FDA, no comments were received during this time that warranted changed to the interim final rule.
NAMS Menopause Practitioner
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) is pleased to announce Suzanne Trupin, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., has successfully met the criteria and has passed the examination necessary to become a credentialed NAMS Menopause Practitioner. Founded in 1989, the NAMS is North America’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and quality of life through an understanding of menopause. Those who hold the NAMS Menopause Practitioner credential have demonstrated special competency in the field of menopause and include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurses, and pharmacists among others.
Women’s Health Practice now offers Baby Love Keepsakes elective prenatal ultrasound, which is performed exclusively to provide you with precious keepsake photograph and video memories, and provides you with an individual bonding experience. This cannot replace a diagnostic ultrasound, and you must already be receiving prenatal care with a healthcare provider and undergone a medical diagnostic ultrasound. Your Baby Love Keepsakes will be performed by an experienced diagnostic ultrasonographer.
Each session varies depending on which package you choose; however, each session is limited to 45 minutes. You can bring family and friends as this is an important time in your life that you want to share with the people closest to you.
The best time to have your 4D elective prenatal ultrasound is after 22 weeks. Many parents choose to have more than one 4D ultrasound to enjoy images from both the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
Packages are offered to fit any budget. Since this is an elective procedure and not covered by insurance, payment in full is required at the time of service.
Call Women’s Health Practice at 217-356-3736 for more information, package fees, or to schedule your Baby Love Keepsakes ultrasound.
Labor Day
In observance of Labor Day, Women’s Health Practice will be closed Monday, September 4, 2006.
Saturday Schedule
Effective September 9, 2006, Women’s Health Practice will resume Saturday morning office hours from 8:00-11:00 AM.
