Pregnant and considering COVID vaccine but have questions???

WCS is in support of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologist’s recommendations for pregnant women to receive the COVID vaccine.  It is known that pregnant women have a risk of severe illness, increased need for mechanical ventilation, death and possible poor outcomes with their fetus.  Here are a few references to help answer some of your questions you likely have.  We are happy to further discuss your concerns at your upcoming visits as we all strive to provide the ...

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20
JAN
0

General Health, Health on Heels™ Blog, Pregnancy and Postpartum, The Latest Guidelines and Recommendations

Marijuana Use in Pregnancy

Due to the legalization of cannabis in many states, the use of cannabis or it’s metabolites (CBD, THC and marijuana) have increased.  In one national survey of 93,000 pregnant women over seven years, 7% of pregnant women reported any cannabis use in the last 2-12 months during their pregnancy.  In fact 16% reported daily or almost daily use . In addition, 70% perceived slight or no risk of harm from their marijuana use. The highest increased use was among 18-24y.o. ...

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20
APR
0

Health on Heels™ Blog

CDC Guidance on Coronavirus in pregnant and breast feeding women.

Key points for pregnancy include the following:

-Published scientific reports are lacking on susceptibility of pregnant women to COVID-19.

-Immunologic and physiologic changes in pregnancy might lead to more susceptibility to viral infections

-Follow advice from the CDC including social distancing, washing hands and avoiding contact with people who are sick (family too)

-Mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19 is unknown. However promising early reports of most infants born to mothers with COVID-19 did not test positive (only one +)

-No ...

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24
MAR
0

General Health, Health on Heels™ Blog, Pregnancy and Postpartum, The Latest Guidelines and Recommendations, Women's Health

Allergies and pregnancy

Living in St. Louis, many different seasons can be experienced in a short period of time. During the spring, allergy sufferers become aware of the new blooms and noses start to drip and eyes start to water. In pregnancy, it can be difficult to know if it is safe to treat these menacing symptoms. Pregnancy can cause patients to have allergies, or can make allergies that are already known– worse. However, there are safe medications that ...

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18
JUN
0

Health on Heels™ Blog, Pregnancy and Postpartum

Summertime Safety

Julie Schweitzer, WHNP

May 22, 2019

As we end our long, cold winter and start into our 2019 summer season, the heat is sure to spark up.  What can you do to stay safe and healthy this summer?

Sunscreen

American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.  If you choose to use a water resistant sunscreen, make sure to reapply after getting out of the water or sweating.

Sunscreen is safe and highly recommended when pregnant.

Hydration

Staying hydrated helps ...

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23
MAY
0

General Health, Health on Heels™ Blog, Pregnancy and Postpartum, The Latest Guidelines and Recommendations, Women's Health

FDA approves new treatment for Influenza

by Rachel Bender WHNP

 

Influenza (Flu) season is upon us. As of October 20, 2018, 427 cases have been reported in Missouri alone. No deaths have been reported, however, last year there were an estimated 80,000 deaths nationwide making that the deadliest flu season in 40 years. Influenza can impact all people, however, those who are very young, old, have a decreased immune system or are pregnant are among the most vulnerable. We want ALL of our patient to get vaccinated. ...

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29
OCT
0

General Health, Health on Heels™ Blog, Pregnancy and Postpartum, The Latest Guidelines and Recommendations, Women's Health

Contraceptives prevent more than just pregnancy…

by Angie Warner, WHNP

 

Last week we posted a blog entry about how to reduce your risk of developing cervical, anal, rectal, vaginal, vulvar and mouth/throat cancer.  This week we are discussing how to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.

Many patients are concerned about the risk of cancer with contraceptives, or in other words, birth control.  We have known for many years that contraceptives decrease the risk of ovarian cancer but a recent article published in the British Medical Journal shows ...

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19
OCT
0

Health on Heels™ Blog, The Latest Guidelines and Recommendations, Women's Health

Finally, those of us over 26 y.o. can now be immunized against certain cancers too. FDA approve Gardasil for ages 27-45.

by Angie Warner, WHNP

 

Prior to October 5, 2018 many patients over the age of 26 have been turned away from getting the Gardasil vaccine to protect them from 9 strains of HPV that lead to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, head and neck cancers as well as genital warts.  Now the FDA has approved the administration of the vaccine series to both males and females age 27-45. Based on continued research and many more years of data collection the FDA has determined ...

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15
OCT
0

Health on Heels™ Blog, The Latest Guidelines and Recommendations, Women's Health

Waxing or Shaving…..the big summer dilemma

by Dr. Janet Matuszek

I get asked this all the time.  What is better for that “area”.  Well…it is a individual choice.

Shaving cuts the hair down to the level of the skin.  While quick and inexpensive, we all know that stubbles can develop as well as breakouts…especially in this St. Louis humid, hot weather.    In addition, shaving products with scents can cause some women to have an allergic reaction.  So best to use sensitive, perfume free shaving creams/lotions.  Also better ...

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26
JUL
0

General Health, Health on Heels™ Blog, Women's Health

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

By: Rachel Bender WHNP-BC

 

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a large problem in the United States. IPV is defined as violence committed by a spouse, ex-spouse, current or former boyfriend/girlfriend.  IPV occurs in both homosexual as well as heterosexual relationships.  Although both men and women are affected, research demonstrates that women are much more likely to suffer physical and psychological injuries.  Despite IPV being a well-known public health issue, few understand the magnitude.  According to a study funded by the Center ...

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24
APR
0

General Health, Health on Heels™ Blog, Women's Health

Can a peanut labor ball really shorten labor?

Can a peanut labor ball really shorten labor?

According to a study published in The Journal of Perinatal Education a peanut ball used during labor for women with epidural anesthesia actually shortened the first stage of labor by 29 minutes and the second stage of labor by 11 minutes.  Using the peanut ball also significantly reduced the likelihood of primary cesarean section due to non-progression of labor.

The peanut is positioned between the legs of a laboring mother to help open the pelvic outlet in order to facilitate the ...

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18
JAN
0

Health on Heels™ Blog

To HPV vaccine or to not HPV vaccine

by Rachel Bender WHNP-BC

 

Approximately 80 million people become infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection each year.  That equates to about 1 out of 4 people nation wide.  HPV usually never causes any symptoms and, typically, will go away without treatment in two years.  However, sometimes the infection will last longer and cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and throat.  Statistics prove that each year 30,700 men and women are diagnosed with cancer related to the HPV ...

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11
JAN
0

Health on Heels™ Blog

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