I have noticed that this is not the most popular column. I thought hard about reducing to three posts per week, eliminating this one. For now I have decided to keep it since it helps me keep up to the minute on news pertinent to the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Please let me know what you think.
The state of Delaware has banned the dispensation of formula from the hospital to new moms in an effort to promote breastfeeding. Some mothers have weighed in with opposition saying that many workplaces stigmatize breastfeeding making formula feeding necessary. Two comments: those little sample from the hospital aren't enough to make or break your formula supply. Buy your own formula if you want to. And, wouldn't it be better to help the whole situation by introducing some sort of " Freedom to Breastfeed" program in the workplace ?
An entirely useless article came out about a number of mortalities among those who experienced complications during Robot surgery. Non medical media didn't bother to compare these numbers with the numbers of mortalities in those with complications from non Robot surgeries. Also, it is unclear whether or not attention was restricted to new resident doctors, of whom a greater percent use the robot, seasoned surgeons, or both. It would obviously make a difference.
Recent studies indicate breast cancer survival is aided by aromatase inhibitors, as well as good old fashioned bisphosphonates like fosamax. Cheap help !
Republicans want to defund Planned Parenthood in the wake of the recent videos discussion the disposition of the products of conception after abortion. Some say the videos are controversial, some say they aren't. The republican House speaker, John Boehner, has stated he wants the " facts first". FYI Planned Parenthood also does routine check-ups, cancer screening and provides birth control at low cost.
Breast cancer death rates have declined 33.5 % from 1988 to 2010 ! Good news. I bet it has decreased more since then.
Finally, 60% of women over 60 are sexually active. Stereotypes be gone !
Stay tuned for next week's Medical Monday !