Jump in the Pool for Arthritis Relief

Swimming for ankylosing spondylitis can give you a great workout without stressing your aching joints. Here's why you should take the plunge.

Physicians and physical therapists agree that swimming with ankylosing spondylitis is one of the best things a person can do when dealing with this arthritic spinal condition.  General fitness, strength, flexibility, and range of motion are all benefits of a pool workout.

While in the pool with ankylosing spondylitis, you no longer have to work against gravity to move around. The water causes you to float, so in waist-deep water, you are about half your normal weight.  Also, water is 12 times more resistant than air.  It all adds up to this -- when you do water exercises for ankylosing spondylitis, your muscles have to work 12 times harder than they would on land, but, at the same time, your joints are relieved of gravity's constant stress so you don't feel it.

"The buoyancy of the water helps unload the joints in your legs and spine, and the warmth of the water can relieve pain," said Eric Robertson, PT, DPT, OCS, a physical therapist in the Denver area.  "Just simply being in the water and kicking your legs or walking back and forth is really an amazing exercise.  And, you also have the water resistance, so you can have aerobic exercise that can be pretty intense."

Swimming with ankylosing spondylitis can be intimidating, particularly if you're in pain or have a limited range of motion.  However, there are a lot of exercises you can do in the pool for ankylosing spondylitis that don't involve swimming.  These include:

• Water Aerobics
• Water Walking
• Front Crawl
• Back Stroke

Always consult your doctor before swimming with ankylosing spondylitis to get the advice on the type of water exercise that would benefit you most.  Some strokes, like the breast stroke, can be beneficial by strengthening your back and shoulder muscles, but it can also put excessive stress on the neck and lower back.  As far as intensity of exercise, listen to your body and pursue as vigorous a workout as possible that does not cause additional pain.  

For more information, check out the Spondylitis Association of America

Keep up with Mt. Auburn OBGYN - Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook  |  Pin with us on Pinterest

Source:  http://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/water-exercises-for-arthritis/?xid=tw_everydayhealth_sf 

Learning to Swim at Any Age

Does your little minnow seem eager to swim? Here are the signs that he's really ready, plus a guide to which class is right for his age.

If your little puppy takes to water like a guppy, it may be time to sign up for swim classes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), swimming instruction definitely isn’t a must-do by toddlerhood — and it isn’t for every tot, either, so don’t force the issue. But if your sweetie seems ready for splashing in something bigger than the bath, there’s no reason to postpone learning to swim. In fact, some evidence suggests that children over age one may be less likely to drown if they have had formal swimming lessons — definitely a compelling case for signing up your munchkin sooner than later.

How will you know if the time is right? If your child is good at following directions, physically coordinated so he can kick and paddle at the same time, and emotionally ready (read: not afraid of the water), all swim signs point to go. In that case, look for a swimming-readiness program that’ll teach him the basic moves — how to float, for instance, and dog paddle. Look for small classes (fewer than six students) with instructors who are certified in CPR, first aid, and water safety.

A few more swim class considerations:

• For little ones six-months to age three, seek parent-and-child aquatics classes (most local community centers offer one) led by trained professionals who teach water entry and exit, bubble blowing, front kicking, and back floating. They should also provide water-safety instruction for you.
• For swimmers ages three and four, you can try programs that hold classes for kids both with and without parents. Try to find one that focuses on safe pool behavior as well as paddling and kicking.
• For four- and five-year-olds who are already accustomed to water, consider classes that run up to 30 minutes over an eight- to ten-week period so kids can build on foundational skills and eventually move on to coordinating movement of the arms and legs.

The most important lesson about swim classes -- they don’t protect a child from drowning, and they’re never a substitute for constant adult supervision in the water. Parents should always remain within arm’s distance when a child is near or in a body of water. Also note a substitute for that all-important supervision: floaties, water wings, or inner tubes. While these swimming aids are fine if you’re in the water right next to your tot, they can’t be counted on to keep her safe.

Source:  http://www.whattoexpect.com/family/learning-to-swim-age-by-age  

Safe, Effective Pregnancy Workouts

Are you expecting a visit from the proverbial stork? Congratulations! If you and your baby bump are free from medical or obstetric complications, a moderate exercise regimen should do wonders for your mental and physical well-being during this very special time. 

 

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise a day on most, if not all, days of the week is recommended for pregnant women. While your second trimester is not the time to start training for your first triathlon, most women are able to continue exercising at a moderate pace throughout their term. 

 

As an important note, it is crucial that you consult your OB before engaging in any exercise routine if you are pregnant. You'll want to ensure that you and the baby are healthy enough to exercise. If so, completing some of the following workout moves can be highly effective if you are expecting and still want to keep yourself active and healthy.

 

First off, why exercise while you're pregnant? Research shows that appropriate exercise during pregnancy can help stave off gestational diabetes, relieve some of the stress that is a natural byproduct of pregnancy, and give you greater stamina and endurance during labor and delivery.

 

Some of the more effective exercises during pregnancy are:

• Swimming: Swimming laps at your local pool will combine a fun activity with a moderate workout. Make sure to temper your pace so that your heart beat doesn't rise above 140 beats per minute to avoid placing too much stress on you and your baby.

• Low-impact aerobics: Low-impact aerobics combines the cardio benefits of swimming with the muscle-building movements of an aerobics class. You'll also enjoy a fun and exciting session that may combine rhythmic music with moderate aerobic moves like marches, squats, and lunges.

• Brisk walking: Walking is great exercise activity during pregnancy. Walking at too slow a pace may not provide the health benefits that a moderate cardio workout provides. A heart rate monitor can be used to keep your pulse within safe limits. Talk to your doctor to determine what this figure is for you, specifically.

You'll want to avoid exercises and sports that require quick, abrupt movements or moving heavy or awkward objects. As your pregnancy progresses, your center of gravity shifts so you’ll want to avoid poses or actions that could make you lose your balance. Consult your doctor to determine what is right for you and your baby.  We wish you and your growing family a fit, healthy pregnancy and delivery!

 

What’s your favorite way to work out when during pregnancy? Share and comment below.

National Infertility Awareness Week Kicks Off April 20th

Fast Facts About Infertility

Infertility is a disease that results in the abnormal functioning of the male or female reproductive system. The  World Health Organization, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognize infertility as a disease.

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse (six months if the woman is over age 35) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to live birth.

• 7.4 million women, or 11.9% of women, have ever received any infertility services in their lifetime. (2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth, CDC)
• 12% of married women have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining pregnancy. (2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth, CDC)
• Approximately one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner, one-third attributed to the male partner and one-third is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or, is unexplained. (www.asrm.org)
• A couple ages 29-33 with a normal functioning reproductive system has only a 20-25% chance of conceiving in any given month (National Women’s Health Resource Center). After six months of trying, 60% of couples will conceive without medical assistance. (Infertility As A Covered Benefit, William M. Mercer, 1997)
• Approximately 44% of women with infertility have sought medical assistance. Of those who seek medical intervention, approximately 65% give birth. (Infertility As A Covered Benefit, William M. Mercer, 1997)
• Approximately 85-90% of infertility cases are treated with drug therapy or surgical procedures. Fewer than 3% need advanced reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). (www.asrm.org)
• The most recently available statistics indicate the live birth rate per fresh non-donor embryo transfer is 47.1% if the woman is under 35 years of age and 37.9% if the woman is age 35-37. (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, 2012)
• Fifteen states have passed laws requiring that insurance policies cover some level of infertility treatment: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and West Virginia.
• A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (August 2002) found that the percentage of high-order pregnancies (those with three or more fetuses) was greater in states that did not require insurance coverage for IVF. The authors of the study noted that mandatory coverage is likely to yield better health outcomes for women and their infants since high-order births are associated with higher-risk pregnancies.
• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) does not require coverage for infertility treatments. Those states with an infertility mandate that covers IVF may have chosen an Essential Health Benefits (EHB) benchmark plan that includes the IVF mandate. The EHB impacts the individual and small group markets only in each state.

If you have additional questions about your fertility, please contact your Mt. Auburn OBGYN physician at 513-241.4774.

Updated 04/16/2014

source:  http://www.resolve.org/about/fast-facts-about-fertility.html 

Mt. Auburn OBGYN Physicians Named to Cincinnati Magazine's 'Top Docs' List for 2014

Congratulations to Dr. James Wendel and Dr. Mable Roberts who earned the distinction of 'Top Docs in Obstetrical Care' for Cincinnati Magazine's annual Top Doctors issue. 

How are Doctors Selected?

Surveys are sent to physicians with current licenses in Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Clermont, Boone, Campbell, Kenton, and Dearborn counties, asking more than 5,000—both M.D.s and D.O.s—to tell us whom they would turn to if “you, a family member, or a friend needed medical attention.” The only proviso given to them was to refrain from nominating themselves. The results: 835 physicians in 43 specialties. Doctors on this list received at least five votes from their peers. The final results are checked against state medical board records to ensure that the list did not include any doctors against whom the state has brought a formal action. The list does not, of course, include every caring, knowledgeable, and responsible physician in Greater Cincinnati. Unless otherwise indicated, physicians on the list are M.D.s and are accepting new patients. Some physicians, like Dr. Mable Roberts, are listed in multiple specialties.

Learn more about Dr. James Wendel

Learn more about Dr. Mable Roberts

'Like' Mt. Auburn OBGYN on Facebook      

'Follow' Mt. Auburn OBGYN on Twitter

www.mtauburnobgyn.com 

Recent Study Shows More Women Seeking Medical Help to Get Pregnant

A growing share of American women are seeking out some kind of medical help to become pregnant.

Roughly 12.5% of U.S. women aged 25 to 44 years old have sought some form of medical help to get pregnant, up from 11.2% in 1995, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention that cover everything from counseling to artificial insemination.

Among women aged 35 to 39 years old who have experienced one or more births, there’s an even bigger rise: 15.8% of these women have gotten medical help, up from 13.1% in 1995. For women in this age group who’ve never had children, the share getting help has risen slightly to 19.6% from 19.1%.

The findings are part of the CDC’s National Survey of Family Growth, which was conducted between June 2006 and June 2010. The CDC report treats this entire block of time as one data point, and compares it to a similar survey done in 1995, says CDC scientist Anjani Chandra. The surveys interviewed all women, not just women with fertility problems or those seeking to get pregnant.

One should approach the findings with care — they’re hard to interpret. While the CDC’s data are nationally representative, individual demographic breakdowns — for example, women in their late 30's who’ve had no children — are less reliable because they rely on smaller sample sizes.  Also, the CDC’s definition of “medical help to get pregnant” is broad — ranging from getting advice and infertility testing to artificial insemination, which is fairly rare. U.S. women who are white, better-educated and wealthier are much more likely to make use of infertility services. And infertility obviously also affects men, which prompted the CDC to start interviewing men in recent years, too.

Still, the agency’s latest figures highlight the effects of one of America’s biggest demographic trends: Young and middle-aged Americans are delaying childbearing, often until their 30's or mid-30's, or even beyond.

The average age of a U.S. mother at first birth has risen consistently, and is now 25.8 years old, as of 2012, up from 25.6 years in 2011 and around 21 in 1970, CDC data show. Thanks to better education, improved access to contraception, growing numbers of women in the workforce and the soaring cost of raising families, women are increasingly putting off having children—even though fertility generally declines in the 30s, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.  “Each month that she tries, a healthy, fertile 30-year-old woman has a 20% chance of getting pregnant,” the ASRM notes in a report. “By age 40, a woman’s chance is less than 5% per cycle.”  One possibility is that delayed childbearing is reducing use of infertility services among younger women, and increasing it among older women.

While the percentage of women aged 30 to 34 receiving help to get pregnant rose just slightly to 11.1% from 10% in 1995, that may suggest women are trying to have children even later in their lives. The share of women 35 to 39 getting medical help for pregnancy rose to 16.4% from 14.3% over this period.

The CDC found that among women aged 25 to 44 who had fertility problems and had never had children, 38% had used infertility services, compared with 56% in 1982 — a sizeable drop. But this “may partly reflect the greater delays in childbearing over this time period, such that women in 2006-2010 were more likely to be older than women in 1982 when trying to have their first child, and also more likely to use services beyond age 44,” the CDC said.  Indeed, 23.4% of women aged 40 to 44 who have never had a child have sought medical help to get pregnant.

The difficulties of having children later in life—a consequence of putting off child-rearing — is one of the many reasons America’s fertility rate has dropped.

In 2012 — the latest data available — fertility fell to the lowest level on record—63 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44, the CDC reported in late December. Another key measure, the number of children U.S. women are expected to have over their lifetimes, also slipped to 1.88 from 1.89 in 2011. While demographers expect these rates to rise as the economy improves, there are fears that longer-term factors like delayed child-bearing could outweigh these gains.

source:  Wall Street Journal blog, 1/23/14

Pregnant? Keys to a Healthy Mouth & Healthy Baby

ARE YOU PREGNANT OR THINKING ABOUT BECOMING PREGNANT? Do you know someone who is pregnant? While you’re picking out tiny clothes and reading childcare books, remember the importance of your oral health!

Pregnancy brings so many physical changes. You crave different things. Your hair feels different. In fact, just about everything feels different. And, your mouth is different, too. Not sure why it’s important to know that? Don’t worry…we’re here to help.

Increased Gum Disease Risk

Pregnancy brings heightened hormone activity which can lead to increased gum disease and gum sensitivity. Just remember that pregnancy doesn't cause gum disease—plaque does. Keep up your great oral care habits by brushing twice a day, especially before bed, and floss several times a week.

Are You Experiencing…?

Beginning around your second month, and often continuing through your eighth month, you may be experiencing:

• Bleeding gums
• A potential increase in cavities
• Granulomas (small, tumor-like growths inside your mouth)

Here Are A Few Simple Recommendations:

1. Brush and floss regularly.
2. Keep your regular check-up appointments during your pregnancy and let your dentist know that you’re pregnant.  An ideal time for your appointment is during your second trimester when your pregnancy is stable, but not far enough along to risk stress-induced issues.
3. Lay low on the sweets.

Morning Sickness

DON’T brush your teeth right after being sick. Stomach acid makes your teeth softer and brushing can wear them down. Rinse out your mouth, and then wait a while before brushing.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!  If you have questions, please ask! You can also comment below, or send us a direct message on our Facebook page!

We appreciate having you as our valued patient!