OB/GYN

Medical Monday : Ob/Gyn News Weekly

News about Ob/Gyn topics has GOT to be important to all women. I like to read this stuff since it makes a difference in people's lives. So with a more recognizable title, I will continue to report on it. 

A paper in The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has properly substantiated what Obs have always observed: that women who suffer from hypertensive disorders of pregnancy like preeclampsia are prone to high blood pressure later in life. Newsflash: so are their siblings, including brothers. 

Apparently prevalence studies of the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 in breast cancer patients were done predominantly in white populations. Taking a preliminary look at 400 black breast cancer patients, a Florida study shows 12 % of them carry one of these genes. In a similar population of white breast cancer patients, the rate is only 5 %. This has implications for screening and prevention. 

New help for older women with osteoporosis (bone thinning) may come from Human Growth Hormone. It's helpful effects seem to be particularly long lasting. 

The CDC reports we have achieved a 90% vaccination rate on polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and varicella (chicken pox virus). I realize this is better than it was, but, this doesn't sound too great where herd immunity is concerned. 

The CDC ( Center for Disease Control) reports that since 2012, school lunches are measurably healthier, with metrics being more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and salads. Thanks to all those lunch ladies and gentlemen as well as FLOTUS Michelle Obama. 

And in other good news, the great State of Texas has passed a strong "right to breastfeed" law. Public employers must give breastfeeding mothers time and space to pump during workdays. The law also prevents discrimination or firing related to breastfeeding at work. 

Stay tuned for more news from the world of OB/Gyn next week on Medical Mondays.