Happy Monday on this short week ! This week in honor of Thanksgiving I plan to apply the filter of gratitude to the news that I feature. Let’s see how this works out.

The LA Times recently reported on the actual C Section rate in the US ( 33%) as compared to the theoretical ideal of 15 %. An ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) spokesman indicated that this discrepancy was largely about risk tolerance of the involved parties. Gratefulness filter: Le’t be glad we live in a place where C sections are readily available to those who need them.

Findings coming out of the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study indicate that black women with the healthiest diets were 34 % less likely to develop ovarian cancer that their counterparts who ate the most unhealthy diet. Gratefulness filter: Diet is an easy factor to modify !

Findings presented at the American College of Rheumatology indicate that Denosumab was superior to Zoledronic Acid ( Zometa) at restoring low bone density due to osteoporosis. Gratefulness filter: This is great news for all with low bone density !

The Supreme Court rejects the case against Planned Parenthood. Justices Scalia and Thomas dissent. Gratefulness filter: Let is be glad we live in a country that respects free speech of differing parties, that observes due process and the rule of law.

About 10 % of all new mothers suffer from post partum depression. New York is rolling out a ambitious program which will require that all expectant and new mothers will be screened for depression. Gratefulness filter: Thank goodness awareness is increasing about this important and treatable problem.

Rhode Island has a new state mandate requiring HPV vaccine for youngsters. Nearly three quarters of seventh graders received it by the start of the school year. Gratefulness filter: Thank goodness we have a way to prevent cervical cancer.

Count your blessings this week and stay tuned for more news from the world of OB/Gyn next week on Medical Monday !