November is a month that we are reminded to be thankful for our many blessings. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for our wonderful patients and staff!
Happy National Nurse Practitioner Week!
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Genetic Screening
Talking about the ‘C’ word is not at the top of anyone’s list, but unfortunately many us face the diagnosis of cancer or are at risk of cancer due to our family and/or personal history. About 10% of time cancer is linked to a single change in a gene, or mutation, that has been passed down from generation to generation. Women’s Clinic of Lincoln uses the Myriad myRisk genetic screening test to determine if you carry a mutation that would put you at an increased risk for cancer.
During your appointment your provider will have you fill out a short risk assessment to help determine if genetic testing is a good option for you. If you decide that you would benefit from this test, they will go over a short informed consent and draw your blood to be sent to Myriad Genetic Laboratories. Results will them come back to your provider and they will discuss with you the outcome. Depending on your results, your provider may recommend certain screening test, risk-reducing surgeries or preventative medicine choices. It is important to remember that your information is kept confidential and there are laws protecting you from discrimination by a health insurance company based on your results.
You can take a short hereditary cancer quiz by clicking HERE
Knowledge is power when it comes to managing your healthcare. Talk to your provider at your next appointment.
Is it just a bad day or is it depression?
Those chronic aches and pains, that headache, the low energy, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, lack of sexual interest… even the weight gain or loss, may all be signs of clinical depression. Crabbiness, crying and sadness might also be symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.
Depression is not just “all in your head.” It’s a physical and emotional state that is common and responds well to treatment. When brain chemicals get out of balance, and that can happen to any of us, we feel physically sick. People usually are not aware that foggy thinking and inability to concentrate are also physical symptoms of depression. Symptoms lasting more than two weeks and interfering with your life need attention. The good news is…Treatment Works! It can be medicine (to get the chemicals back in balance) and/or counseling. Learning new coping skills will help you continue to feel better. Try some of the following the next time you feel anxious:
- Take some deep breaths
- Go outside and get fresh air
- Take technology breaks
- Reach out to a friend or family member
Talk to our providers for information on how to get help or find resources available.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Pellets
Now Available through Advanced Skin + Body Aesthetics
Pellets have been used as a safe and effective way to provide the body with hormones necessary for treatment of a wide variety of conditions such as:
- Vaginal dryness
- Incontinence
- Migraines
- Low libido
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Testosterone deficiencies
As men and women age hormone levels drop, particularly for women who are in perimenopause or menopause. Bioidentical hormone replacement pellets are used to increase the levels of the hormones that have dropped. Bioidentical hormones are different from those used in traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in that they’re identical chemically to those our bodies produce naturally and are made from plant estrogens. The hormones used in traditional HRT are made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones
Bioidentical hormones such as estradiol (E2) and testosterone are the most commonly used ingredients. With pellets patients do not have to remember to take a pill, apply cream, or give an injection. The pellet is only about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted below the skin in the gluteal or abdominal area during a simple office procedure. Over the course of 3 to 4 months, the pellet slowly dissolves as the body draws small dosages of the hormone to maintain a more consistent delivery. Once it is dissolved the procedure is repeated and a new pellet is inserted.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries
Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts ends trimmed, yellow leaves removed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt to taste
Roasted Butternut Squash:
- 1 1/2 lb butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1-inch cubes (Yields about 4 cups of uncooked cubed butternut squash)
- 2 tablespoons olive oi
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2-4 tablespoons maple syrup optional
How to roast Brussel Sprouts:
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly grease the foil-lined baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Trim ends of Brussels sprouts and remove yellow leaves.
- Then, slice all Brussels sprouts in half.
- In a medium bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt (to taste), and toss to combine.
- Place onto a foil-lined baking sheet, cut side down, and roast in the oven at 400 F for about 20-25 minutes. During the last 5-10 minutes of roasting, turn them over for even browning, the cut sides should be nicely and partially charred but not blackened (see my photos).
How to roast Butternut Squash:
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly grease the foil-lined baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- In a medium bowl, combine cubed butternut squash (peeled and seeded),1 tablespoon of olive oil, maple syrup, and cinnamon, and toss to mix.
- Place butternut squash in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once half-way through baking, until softened.
Note: You can roast both Brussels sprouts and butternut squash on 2 separate baking sheets at the same time, on the same rack in the oven – that’s what I did.
How to toast pecans:
- Toast pecans in the preheated oven at 350 F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toast the pecans for about 5 minutes (maybe a bit longer) in the preheated oven at 350 F until they get darker in color.
Note: pecans burn really fast, so make sure to check the nuts after 5 minutes and frequently afterwards.
In a large bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted butternut squash, pecans, and cranberries, and mix to combine.
Recipe: https://juliasalbum.com/