Desert West Ob/Gyn

How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

On average, one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at some point in her life. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding a few key actions that can increase your risk will help lower your risk as much as possible. Keep reading to find out exactly what you can do to help fight breast cancer.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Limiting your alcohol intake, controlling your weight, and exercising regularly can all help you prevent breast cancer. Taking the steps to live a healthy lifestyle will not only reduce your risk of breast cancer, it can also help you avoid other forms of cancer or health problems. In addition, you will feel better and have more energy. Drinking one drink or less a day, and exercising moderately for thirty minutes five times a week will put you on the right path.

Breast-Feed

In addition to the benefits it offers for your baby, breast feeding has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer. The amount that you decrease your cancer risk is linked directly to how long you breast feed. If you have a baby girl, breast feeding her can also reduce her risk of breast cancer later in life.

Discontinue Hormone Therapy

Combination, long term hormone therapy has been linked to an increase of breast cancer cases. If hormone therapy is necessary to control your menopausal symptoms, try to take as low of a dose as possible. If you are able, attempt non-hormonal therapies, such as physical activity, to fight your symptoms and avoid the need for hormone therapy.

While taking these steps can help reduce your risk of breast cancer, no cancer is one hundred percent preventable. In addition to living a healthy lifestyle, give yourself a monthly breast exam and talk to your ob-gyn about any concerns. If it is time for your yearly mammogram, contact the doctors of Desert West Ob-Gyn at (602) 457-6459 to schedule your appointment today.

What Should You Ask Your Ob-Gyn if You Are Pregnant with Multiples?

Finding out you are pregnant is an exciting time, but it can also cause anxiety, especially if you find out that you are expecting multiples. When learning that you are carrying more than one child, there will certainly be dozens of questions about your pregnancy. Watch this video to find out which five questions you should ask your ob-gyn when you are pregnant with twins or higher multiples.

One of the questions, for example, would be “what type of twins or triplets are we having?” Knowing this and discussing the implications with your ob-gyn will allow you to make sure you take all the steps necessary to have the healthiest pregnancy possible. You should also ask your doctor about your diet during pregnancy, as different types of multiples and your personal body type will need to be considered when choosing a diet that will keep you and your babies healthy through pregnancy.

Desert West Ob Gyn is here to help you through every stage of your pregnancy. From discussing preconception planning all the way to delivery, it is our goal to make sure you have the best pregnancy possible. Give us a call at (602) 457-6459 to schedule your appointment today.

Want to Know More about Pregnancy and Women's Health? Check out These Links!

Women’s health requires specialized care that changes throughout the various stages of life, from early pre-teen years to pregnancy to menopause. Check out these resources for information that can help you through different women’s health concerns.

• HealthyWomen.org discusses the common problem of heavy menstrual bleeding and what can be done about it.

• Read this article from the Mayo Clinic to learn about the techniques used for endometrial ablation procedures.

• Know what to do when you have a cold during pregnancy with this article from Parents magazine.

• Understand when prenatal massage can be helpful by reading this American Pregnancy Association article.

• Check out WomensHealth.gov for a closer look at the changes to your body that can occur during pregnancy.

At Desert West Ob-Gyn, you can find the women’s health services you need to stay healthy at all stages of life. Schedule a consultation to discuss your unique health care needs by calling us at (602) 457-6459 or visiting us online.

Coping with the Common Physical Discomforts of Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, you will notice many physical changes in your body that can be uncomfortable or even painful at times. Fortunately, your ob-gyn can recommend many healthy and natural ways to help your body cope with pregnancy as your baby matures in the womb. Here are some of the issues you may encounter and tips to help you feel better as they arise:

Digestive Discomfort

Constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn are all common complaints of pregnant women that can be treated through similar remedies. Changing the way you eat by eliminating spicy foods, high-sodium foods, and caffeine can improve your gastrointestinal comfort level. You should also drink lots of water, as proper hydration will help your body digest food more easily. Women who are in earlier stages of pregnancy may experience nausea and vomiting. Luckily, these issues are typically resolved naturally by the 14th week of pregnancy.

Cold and Flu

Getting sick during pregnancy can be a significant concern, because many women worry that common illnesses like the cold or flu will affect the baby. You do not have to worry when you have a cold, as long as you provide yourself with the rest and fluids that will help you get well. You should still monitor your temperature while you are sick, and be sure to notify your doctor if your fever rises over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Aches and Pains

The added weight that pregnancy puts on your body can have you feeling pain in the back, legs, and neck. You might also notice frequent headaches that can interrupt your daily routine. To alleviate these issues, participate in activities like yoga, massage, or chiropractic adjustments that will naturally relieve your discomfort.

For help coping with these and other challenges that are common during pregnancy, contact Desert West Ob-Gyn at (602) 457-6459. We offer superior women’s health care for all stages of life in the greater Phoenix area. 

Desert West Obgyn to Participate in Peoria Health & Safety Fair

The St. Joseph's Medical Group Peoria North Clinic and the City of Peoria are holding a health and safety fair, and guess who is participating! That's right, Desert West Obgyn will be a part of this year's health fair, which will be held in the parking lot in front of the Peoria North Clinic entrance and will extend across to the Allstate parking lot.

Activities at this event include:  

• Bike Rodeo
• Fire & Water Safety Prevention
• Fire Truck Tour
• Child ID Kits
• Free Blood Pressure Checks
• $10 Flu Shots – Adults Only
• Pumpkin Patch
• Face Painting
• Inflatable’s
• Food
• Helmet Fitting & Giveaway*
• Booster Seat Fitting & Giveaway*

*While quantities last 

For family fun and information on how to keep your and your family healthy, come to the Peoria health fair on Saturday, October 6, from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. Be sure to stop by the Desert West Obgyn booth!