Category: General

During the month of October, we at Partners in Women’s Healthcare honor the extraordinary courage and strength of breast cancer survivors and offer our support and prayers to those currently battling this disease.  We also mourn for all of those cherished lives lost to breast cancer.  The families of these men and women are also in our thoughts and prayers.

Please join us on October 23^rd when the providers and staff members at PIWH will join together in wearing PINK to celebrate these men and women whose lives have changed forever due to breast cancer. Breast Cancer can affect anyone-man or woman, younger or older, healthy or those with other health conditions.

Here are some Warning Signs of Breast Cancer to be on the lookout for:

• New lump in breast or underarm (armpit);
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast;
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin;
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or breast;
• Pulling in of nipple or pain in nipple area;
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood;
• Any change in size or shape of breast;
• Pain in any area of breast.

Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some have no signs or symptoms at all. Breast cancer can be found by you at home, at a routine annual breast exam by your provider, on ultrasound, or with a routine mammogram. Remember though, some of these symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not always related to cancer.

 If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, call your PIWH provider at 717-737-4511 to schedule an appointment.

Most women have breast changes at different times during their lifetime:

• Before or during your menstrual periods, your breasts may feel swollen, tender, or painful. You may also feel one or more lumps during this time because of extra fluid in your breasts
• During pregnancy, your lumps may feel lumpier. This is because the milk glands are increasing in number and getting larger.
• As you approach menopause, your hormone levels change. This can make your breasts feel tender and lumpier than they did before, even when you are not having your menstrual period.
• If you are taking hormones like menopausal hormone replacement therapy your breasts may become denser.
• After menopause, your hormone levels drop. You may stop having lumps, pain, nipple discharge that you had in the past.

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the following are recommended for screening and early detection of breast cancer:

• Women of average risk of breast cancer, screening mammography is recommended every 1-2 years starting at age 40. If you have not started screening in your 40’s, you should start no later than age 50. Screening should continue until at least age 75,
• Clinical breast exam (an exam performed by your provider) is recommended every 1-3 years for women age 25-39 and every year for women age 40 and older,
• Breast self-awareness is important as it focuses on having a sense of what is normal for your breasts so that you can tell if there are changes—even small changes—and report them to your ob-gyn or other health care professional.

In 1990, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) created the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) to improve access to breast and cervical cancer screening to women in the United States. Through this program, the CDC helps low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women gain access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services. NBCCEDP also provides patient navigation services to help women overcome barriers and get timely access to quality care.

You may be eligible for free or low-cost screenings if you:

• Have no insurance, or your insurance does not cover screening exams,
• Your yearly income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level,
• You are between 40 and 64 years of age for breast cancer screening,
• You are between 21 and 64 years of age for cervical cancer screening,
• Certain women who are younger or older may qualify for screening services.

To find out if you qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram and Pap test and where to get screened, call 1-800-215-7494.

How do you choose a birth control method?  Here is a link to help you understand the effectiveness, benefits and side effects of each method http://www.arhp.org/methodmatch/ . It will help you sort, filter and compare birth control options. It will also help choose a method that works with your unique sexual and reproductive health goals.

If you are seeking implant and/or IUD services we are here for you and will consult with you on those methods as well. If you are away at college or out of the area and need to find a Provider in your area… MyProvider is a free and mobile-friendly locator. This link will give you a searchable directory to make it easy for a woman to find a Provider –   http://larc.arhp.org/ .

As always, we are here to assist you. Please call our office to speak with a Triage nurse or to make an appointment with your Provider to further evaluate your medical needs.

Menopause Minute

To some women, menopause can be a welcomed end to monthly hormone fluctuations and menstruation. Other women find menopause to be extremely emotional, since they may see it as an end of their child bearing years or that they are “aging” or “old”.

Though a natural phase of a women’s life, menopause can be a challenge to navigate. Perimenopause often begins in the mid-40s. This is a time when women can experience menstrual changes, causing cycles which are longer or shorter, and the flow to be heavier or lighter. This change in the menstrual cycle is due to irregularities in a women’s pattern of ovulation. As estrogen production continues to decrease, the menstrual cycle will eventually stop. This transition usually occurs by the mid-50s.The average age of menopause is 51.6 years. Women who have been without a period for 12 consecutive months are then considered post-menopausal.

** Women who are experiencing excessive menstruation (a flow lasting longer than 7 days or filling a pad every hour for 2 consecutive hours), blood clots, or vaginal bleeding that occurs separate from her “normal flow” can call in and discuss their symptoms further with the medical staff.

Hot flashes and/or night sweats can be another bothersome symptom caused by decreased or varying estrogen production. Some women experience these symptoms early in perimenopause, where other women hardly every experience them. Women can try light, “airy” clothing, ice packs, fans, and decreasing stress & caffeine.

**If the symptoms are bothersome, we recommend you schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss your particular case and options.

Another common symptom of menopause is vaginal dryness. This can be a challenging issue since it can affect both the menopausal women and her intimate partner. Women can try personal lubricants found in the feminine hygiene or family planning section of the drug store. Preferable options include water based lubricants (such as KY, Astroglide, Replens, or Luvena).

**If symptoms are unresolved by over the counter products or cause pain and/or bleeding, we do recommend an appointment.

We hope that this basic information about menopause can help to guide you and be a tool to use as you discuss any questions or concerns with you provider.

Screening Mammography Suite Grand Opening on May 24

Partners in Women’s Healthcare (PIWH) announces the opening of its new 3D screening mammography suite, located on the ground floor of their main location at One Lemoyne Square Plaza, Lemoyne.

Beginning Monday, May 22nd, PIWH mammography clients will be welcomed into a spa-like environment featuring a discrete, comfortable waiting area and warm plush robes. State-of-the-art Hologic 3D digital screening technology adds another level of comfort while at the same time producing high quality images. Having this service available on site and under one umbrella means that PIWH patients can now conveniently coordinate their routine exams with mammography screenings utilizing a single scheduling department.

A grand opening celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 24 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Current and prospective PIWH patients are encouraged to stop in during those hours to meet staff and enjoy some light refreshments. There will be representatives from the PA Breast Cancer Coalition joining in the grand opening functions. PIWH will also be selling t-shirts to support the PA Breast Cancer Coalition with their mission of education, advocacy and outreach. Be sure to look for their distinctive pink mini-van in the parking lot. Also The Perfect Match Boutique will be participating with representatives on hand to discuss post-breast surgery options available at their Camp Hill location.

Appointments are now being accepted. The experienced staff of PIWH’s Central Scheduling Department is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, to answer questions and schedule appointments for the new facility as well as any of the practice’s four mid-state OB/GYN locations. They can be reached by calling 717-737-4511, option 2.

The 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) system utilized by PIWH is made by Hologic, the world leader in digital mammography. It offers exceptionally sharp breast images, an advanced ergonomic design providing more patient comfort, and the ground-breaking Hologic 3D Mammography platform designed to deliver superior screening and diagnostic performance for all breast types.

Partners in Women’s Healthcare is a leading provider of obstetrical and gynecological services in South Central Pennsylvania with locations in Lemoyne, Harrisburg, Carlisle, and Newport. The qualified and caring team of physicians, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners and staff strive to exceed the expectations of patients and their families. The new mammography suite is a continuation of the practice’s overall mission to provide excellence in healthcare by blending modern medicine with efficient use of technology in an environment that offers respect, empathy, and compassion.

For more information, visit the website at http://piwh.com or call 717-737-4511. They can also be found on Facebook and Twitter @ piwhobgyn.

If you visited any of our offices in December, you may have noticed boxes for donations to the “Healthy Steps DIAPER BANK”. This organization partners with other area non-profit organizations to provide diapers, which are then distributed to families. Accepted diapers can be any brand, new bags / boxes, or opened packages that a child has outgrown.

Our physicians and staff were shocked to learn that, with the cost of diapers being approximately $80 a month, 1/3 of families struggle to buy diapers for their children. WIC and Food Stamps cannot be used to purchase diapers; therefore some families are faced with the decision of paying for diapers or going without other necessities of life. Still other families are forced to reuse diapers or keep a child in a used diaper all day long. Cloth diapers are often not an alternative, since most child care facilities will not accept children in cloth diapers. Additionally, cloth diapers cannot be cleaned in most laundromats.

Partners in Women’s Healthcare accepted donations this holiday season; however Healthy Steps DIAPER BANK is an organization with needs all year long. If you are blessed with extra diapers in any size, or if you are in need of clean diapers for your children, you can visit www.healthystepsdiaperbank.com for more information.

Planning for the delivery of your child, especially the first child, can be a very exciting time. It can also be very scary and stressful. We have compiled some tips to help parents get ready for their new baby.

1. Get an infant car seat and install it into your car by your third trimester. You will need a way to get your new baby home. Check with your local police department or fire department if you need assistance installing the car seat. Check out www.dmv.org/pa-pennsylvania/safety-laws.php for Pennsylvania car seat safety information.

2. Find a Pediatrician. Once delivered your baby will need their own doctor. You can take your child to a pediatrician or a family practice provider who cares for patients of all ages. A great place to start is to speak with friends or family members who have children and who have a positive strong opinion of their child’s pediatrician. You may also want to check with your insurance company to see who is participating with your plan.

3. Consider educating yourself on tips regarding breastfeeding your baby. There are several resources on breastfeeding through www.pawic.com, www.llli.org, as well as online support groups and resources.

4. Consider signing up for a birth preparation class. There are a variety of classes from Lamaze to ‘Preparing for your C/section’.

5. Include family members in classes if you wish. There are a few classes in the area which we can recommend. A schedule list can be provided at any of our offices.

6. Decide if you are going to take a CPR class.

7. Consider having your significant other, grandparents, or any other caregivers get a pertussis vaccine (Tdap). Family members can check with their primary doctor or pharmacy for availability of vaccines.

Consider these as some starting points or a brief primer that might stimulate further thoughts or ideas as you begin a spectacular journey!

Welcome to Partners in Women’s Healthcare. Many young women, and parents, wonder when they should begin to see a gynecologist, also referred to as a GYN. As a general rule, young women should see a gynecologist by the time they turn 21. However, many women decide to see a gynecologist earlier than that age, due to problems with their menstrual periods (irregularity, heavy bleeding, or cramping), vaginal infections, or because they are sexually active and need birth control.

The first appointment with a gynecologist can be scary and intimidating for many young ladies. The staff here at Partners in Women’s Healthcare does everything we can to provide you with a comfortable atmosphere and a friendly and educational experience. About two weeks before your first appointment you will receive a new patient packet in the mail. This paperwork can also be downloaded from our website. You should bring this completed paperwork, photo ID, insurance card, and any insurance copays with you at the time of your appointment. If you are under 18 years old, you will need to have a parent or guardian with you at the time of your appointment.

When you arrive at the office you can check in and then relax in our waiting rooms until your name is called. At that time, one of the medical assistants (MA) will take you to your room, after first stopping for a height and weight. The MA will often ask you for the first date of your most recent menstrual period. You will then go to a consultation room or office to meet with the physician, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife. They will review your medical history, allergies, and current medications. They will also be able to discuss with you any issue, concerns, questions, or problems you are having. It is very common to be embarrassed or scared to discuss any subjects involving your body, the changes you may be experiencing, or any sexual activities. If you would like to discuss anything privately with the provider just let them know or feel free to say something to the MA. Any information you share with the provider will remain confidential, unless we are required to report something according to Pennsylvania laws. Our providers have extensive experience and will be happy to answer your questions in a professional and compassionate manor.

You will then move to an exam room where you will be asked to change. Once in the exam room you will receive a general physical exam. This includes things like listening to your heart, lungs or feeling your abdomen. Most patients will also receive a breast exam and an external genital exam to ensure things appear normal. If you are experiencing certain complaints or are sexually active you may also have an internal genital exam performed. This exam includes the use of a speculum to look at the vagina and cervix, as well as what’s called a bimanual exam where the provider will feel your uterus and ovaries with their hands.

During the exam the provider can teach you how to perform a breast self-exam, as well as discuss any recommendations, medication, or self-care behaviors.

Tests that may be collected at your appointment will be determined by what concerns or problems you have that day. The provider may collect a urine sample to test for things like a urinary tract infection or a sexually transmitted disease. You may also require a cervical or vaginal culture. This is done by placing a small Qtip like swab on the area and sending the sample to a lab. Blood work is not often required at your first appointment, but may be needed based on your complaints or concerns. PAP smears, a test to detect cervical cancer, and precancerous changes, begin at age 21 for all women.

We hope you find your first experience with Partners in Women’s Healthcare to be welcoming and educational.

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2015 March). Your First Gynecological Visit (Especially For Teens (FAQ 150 PDF). Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/-/media/For-Patients/faq150.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20160715T1427445635