Prenatal Tests During Pregnancy
Dennis Pippenger, MD Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN The 40 weeks of pregnancy can be jam-packed with doctor visits, depending upon your health history, your prenatal provider and your preference. And with all the various screening tests, diagnostic tests, blood tests and ultrasounds—it helps to know what to expect with your pregnancy journey. Regular medical checkups […]
The Need for Annual Exams and Screenings
By Stephanie Brazus, MD Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN Yes, we know. Your annual well-woman exam may not be at the top of your fun list, but it’s important. It’s the perfect time to ask questions and share concerns with your doctor, and it helps your doctor spot signs of diseases and conditions early, when they’re […]
Menopause Symptoms? What You Eat Can Help
By Dennis L. Pippenger, MD Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN Weight gain? Hot flashes? Your food choices can make things easier when you’re dealing with a mid-life transition. But first, know you’re not alone. Many women in their 40s or 50s find it difficult to keep extra pounds off. Because of lowering hormone levels and the […]
Truth About Cholesterol in Women
By Valerie Beard, MD Riverview Health Physicians Good cholesterol. Bad cholesterol. What number should be high? Which one should be low? If you’re not quite sure, you’re not alone. Cholesterol is a lipid, or fat. Your liver produces roughly 75 percent of your cholesterol—only 25 percent comes from your diet. Nearly 20 percent of American […]
Eating for Two––And Is Coffee OK?
By Polly Trainor, MD Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN When you’re pregnant, you’re eating for two, (or more with multiples!) but that means eating extra in a healthy way—not just more. But how much more is healthy? And is coffee OK? The general rule is that pregnant women should eat an extra 300 calories a day. […]
What Are Probiotics?
By Brittany Nelson, RD, CHWC Not all bacteria are bad for you. In fact, you’ll often see “good” bacteria—called probiotics—on labels in the grocery store and in the drugstore aisle next to your vitamins. But what are probiotics and how do they help you? The name probiotics comes from pro and biota, meaning “for life.” […]
Intimacy Doesn’t Have to End After Menopause
By Katheryn M. Moreira, MD Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN As we grow older, the need and desire to be close to others doesn’t go away. And a satisfying sex life can be a big part of a healthy, happy relationship. But it’s normal for aging to bring physical changes to women (and men). Let’s take […]
4 Common Gynecologic Problems and Treatments
By Joseph E. Geyer, MD Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN As a woman, your body goes through a lot of changes during the course of your reproductive lifetime. And you can be sure that gynecologic health issues will arise from time to time. Some of the most common issues you may encounter during your reproductive years […]
Birth control: Find the right one for you
By Dr. Katheryn Moreira Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN As a gynecologist, I spend a lot of time talking to women of all ages about birth control, which is defined as any method used to prevent pregnancy. When it comes to birth control, there are so many options and there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. In general, […]
When Prevention is No Longer an Option
By Brittany Nelson, MS, RD, CHWC Taking active steps to prevent breast cancer is something all women (and men) can do. There are many risk factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute provides an excellent tool called the “Gail Model” which can be helpful in determining your specific risk. […]