With a little up-front preparation and some inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, maintaining a healthy weight is much easier than it may seem. The Mediterranean diet is ideal because it emphasizes the use of nuts, healthy oils, lean proteins like fish and chicken, herbs and spices instead of salt, beans and red wine in moderation.

The key to maintaining the Mediterranean diet is planning ahead and making healthy food choices available at every meal. Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be eating like a Mediterranean:

• Replace vegetable oil with olive oil.
  Made up of monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil is a healthy alternative that may help lower your risk for heart disease and can benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control, among other health benefits.

• Remember to eat the rainbow.
  Incorporate a variety colorful fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. Colorful produce tends to be highest in nutrients, so consider brightening up your plate with lots of produce at each meal.

• Salads do not have to be boring.
  Add hearty additions to leafy greens, such as beans, olives, feta cheese, nuts and seeds. Homemade vinaigrette dressing can also be a healthy way to save calories, yet maintain maximum flavor.

• Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
  Mediterranean food is notorious for incorporating herbs such as mint, parsley and dill for a dish packed with flavor.  If you don’t have the fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs in smaller amounts work just as well.

• Lean protein leads to a leaner you.
  Consider healthy fish options such as tuna, salmon and trout once or twice per week as a healthy source of protein. When selecting meats, choose poultry over red meat. Plant-based protein sources like legumes are also an easy and healthy way to eat and feel great.

• Reach for low-fat dairy.
  For a protein-packed snack, choose non-fat Greek yogurt, a healthy alternative to traditional yogurt. Consider other non- or low-fat dairy products such as milk, cheeses and ice cream.

For some of my favorite Mediterranean recipes, click HERE.

For information on how to lose weight safely with our effective Medical Weight Loss program, click HERE.

About the Author:

Effie Siomos, MD
Dr. Effie Siomos completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and received her MD and Masters in Population Health from the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she also won awards for excellence in teaching. Dr. Siomos specializes in normal and high-risk obstetrics, routine gynecology, health and prevention, pre-pregnancy counseling, heavy and irregular periods, minimally invasive surgery, hysterectomy alternatives, and menopause. Along with her professional knowledge and background, she also brings her own personal experience in many OB/GYN areas such as infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy to the patients she works with. Dr. Siomos understands the many demands women face as caregivers. Through flexible solutions and open communication, she offers the caring support her patients need to maintain a healthy balance in their lives.

Going to the gynecologist for the first time may cause a bit of anxiety for some girls. But, we’d like you to know that it doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems. In many cases, a pelvic exam may not even be necessary. By simply having a trusted professional available to discuss any concerns can make all the difference in the world – for parents and their daughters. In general, we recommend the following:

1. HPV Vaccine – Girls and young women between the ages of 11-27 years are encouraged to come in and receive the HPV vaccine.
2. Heavy/Painful Periods – Typically, we start to see girls around 14-15 years old for this, but it can vary. No matter the age, you should visit a women’s health provider if you have heavy or painful periods.
3. Sexual Activity – As soon as a young woman becomes sexually active, she should see a women’s health provider. This appointment may involve a pelvic exam and can also include birth control counseling and risk management, as well.
4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – If a young woman shows symptoms or suspects she may have an STI, it is very important to come in right away and get tested.
5. Pap Smears – Once a young woman reaches 21 years of age and still has not visited a women’s health provider, it’s time to come in for a yearly Pap Smear.
6. Questions/Counseling – Young women do not have to wait until something is wrong to come in. Part of our job here at Beaver Dam Women’s Health is education and simply discussing your personal health.

We understand that this can be a confusing time in a young woman’s life. We welcome the opportunity to talk or answer questions and we encourage mothers to come to the appointment, as well. Visit http://www.bdwomenshealth.com/our-providers or call (920) 885-6090 to learn more about our providers and what services we offer here at Beaver Dam Women’s Health.

About the Author:

Effie Siomos, MD
Dr. Effie Siomos completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and received her MD and Masters in Population Health from the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she also won awards for excellence in teaching. Dr. Siomos specializes in normal and high-risk obstetrics, routine gynecology, health and prevention, pre-pregnancy counseling, heavy and irregular periods, minimally invasive surgery, hysterectomy alternatives, and menopause. Along with her professional knowledge and background, she also brings her own personal experience in many OB/GYN areas such as infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy to the patients she works with. Dr. Siomos understands the many demands women face as caregivers. Through flexible solutions and open communication, she offers the caring support her patients need to maintain a healthy balance in their lives.

Choosing a healthcare provider for your labor and delivery
is an extremely important decision. You want a safe and healthy delivery, but what will the experience be like?   How can you be sure your needs are met and that you and your family have the support needed during this exciting time?  With so much to consider, it is essential that women have access to resources to help them make informed decisions about their care.  Luckily, there are options.

What benefits does a certified nurse-midwife offer?

Certified nurse-midwives offer an individualized labor and
healthcare experience by focusing on a patient’s emotional well-being, as well as physical. Based on principles of compassionate partnership, certified nurse-midwives work with patients and their families to cultivate a comfortable, healing atmosphere during labor and delivery. Under their care, women are not limited to traditional labor practices for a safe and healthy delivery.  Alternatives such as
hypnobirthing provide non-intervention options for women looking for a more natural birth experience.

Why should I choose a certified nurse midwife over a lay midwife?

Certified nurse-midwives are different than lay midwives.
While both offer a similar approach to care, certified nurse-midwives have specialized medical training that makes them more equipped to handle unexpected complications. All certified nurse-midwives are registered nurses who have received special education in nurse-midwifery and have passed an exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board.  This gives them prescriptive authority as well as the resources to provide medical intervention if needed.

Can I still work with a certified nurse-midwife if my labor and delivery is high-risk?

Although certified nurse-midwives have an extensive medical
background, there are certain circumstances in which an OB/GYN’s involvement may be necessary. This includes patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other high-risk factors that could affect their pregnancy and labor. For many midwifery services, this limits their scope of practice and can also affect their patients’ continuity of care. At Beaver Dam Women’s Health, we believe that just because a patient may be high-risk, it doesn’t mean they have to miss
out on a birthing experience with a certified nurse-midwife. At our clinic, patients have access to an entire staff of OB/GYNs and specialized medical professionals who work with our certified nurse-midwife for a more cohesive medical experience. This team-based approach offers our patients flexibility in care that ensures both their health and personal comfort.

A certified nurse-midwife has a wide-reaching range of practice

A certified nurse-midwife’s range of practice is not limited
to the birthing process. Meaning “with women,” midwives are also actively involved in women’s health throughout reproductive and post-reproductive years. In fact, many certified nurse-midwives are involved in a variety of women’s healthcare practices, including physical exams, pap smears, breast exams, menstruation and
birth control counseling, and hormonal care.

Each labor and delivery is different.  Our team-based approach atBeaver Dam Women’s Health provides access to compassionate healthcare professionals who work together to ensure your labor and delivery experience is everything you hope it will be.

About the Author:

Cindy Stippich, MSN, CNM, APNP
Cindy has been a part of the Beaver Dam Women’s Health team since 1996 working as a certified nurse-midwife, the only one in the Dodge County area. A graduate from Marquette’s Masters of Science in Nursing program, she also received her certification in nurse-midwifery there as well as several honors for her leadership and education. Cindy has over 30 years of experience in the medical field and has a vast knowledge in obstetrics and general gynecology. For many of our patients, Cindy acts as an important resource over the course of their pregnancy, labor and delivery, offering both education and a very personal approach to care.

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) and affects approximately 80% of women over their lifetimes. With more than 40 variations of the virus, most forms of HPV show no visible signs or symptoms, and can easily go unnoticed. Other forms, however, can lead to genital warts or even
cervical cancer. While women can be tested for many forms of HPV through a routine pap smear, there is no way to screen males which contributes to the spread of the virus.

Once contracted, some women are able to fight off the virus and don’t require treatment. More commonly, however, the disease does not clear and can lead to long-lasting health complications.

Similar to the Chickenpox, HPV is a virus that can be prevented through vaccination.  Administering this vaccination prior to the
start of sexual activity can dramatically lower your daughter’s chances of cervical cancer.  The Center for Disease Control,
American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of OBGYN, and American Academy of Family Physicals recommend HPV vaccinations for females between the ages of 11-26.

Gardasil is the most widely used vaccine to prevent HPV. Administered in a series of 3 shots, this vaccination prevents the 4 types of HPV that lead to 70% of all cervical cancer and 90% of all genital warts.

Here at theBeaver Dam Women’s Health Clinic, we offer Gardasil and are happy to answer any questions about HPV, or the vaccine, at your next visit.  We understand the sensitive nature of this topic, and can offer advice appropriate for your specific situation.  Your daughter’s health is just as importantto us as it is to you.

About the Author:
Effie Siomos, MD,JFACOG
Dr. Effie Siomos completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and received her MD and Masters in Population Health from the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she also won awards for excellence in teaching. Dr. Siomos specializes in normal and high-risk obstetrics, routine gynecology, health and prevention, pre-pregnancy counseling, heavy and irregular periods, minimally invasive surgery, hysterectomy alternatives, and menopause. Along with her professional knowledge and background, she also brings her own personal experience in many OB/GYN areas such as infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy to the patients she works with.  Dr. Siomos understands the many demands women
face as caregivers. Through flexible solutions and open communication, she offers the caring support her patients need to maintain a healthy balance in their lives.

Breast cancer affects nearly 1 out of every 8 women. Approximately 20-30% of those women have a family history of the disease. Over the years, a considerable amount of research has been devoted to studying the correlation between breast cancer and genetics. For those with multiple risk factors in their family health history, we can perform a test using a simple blood sample or swab of the mouth to detect mutations in breast cancer susceptibility genes – BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.

What are BRCA genes?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors.  Harmful mutations to the BRCA genes can affect their ability to control the growth of cancerous cells. Although these mutations are fairly uncommon, and account for only 5-10% of breast cancer, they pose a high risk for the women who inherit them. According to the National Cancer Institute, women carrying the harmful BRCA mutations have a 60% chance of developing breast cancer within their lifetime, compared to the 12% risk of the general female population.

Could I be a candidate for testing?
At Beaver Dam Women’s Health, we regularly discuss family history of breast cancer with our patients. This helps us determine not only their susceptibility to breast cancer, but also what sort of preventative care and screening approach is best.

BRCA gene testing is only for a small percentage of the population – 5 to 10 percent – who might be at an increased risk for breast cancer due to their hereditary or genetic backgrounds.  The test is very specific.  Following is a list of possible risk factors for women who may be eligible for the test: 

• Personal or family member(s) under the age of 50 who have had breast cancer.
• Personal or family history of ovarian cancer at any age.
• Personal or family member(s) who has had breast cancer in both breasts.
• Family member(s) who have had male breast cancer.
• Family ethnic background of Ashkenazi-Jewish descent.

It is important to understand that not one of these risk factors alone triggers the need for BRCA testing. Usually it is a combination of factors that will lead us to explore a patient’s need for this type of test.  During your visit with us, we will discuss your specific family history to determine whether or not you may be a  candidate for BRCA testing.

What can the results indicate?
BRCA results provide us with important information regarding a patient’s possible risk for developing breast cancer. 

If the results are negative (considered normal), this means that there have been no changes or mutations in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes, however it is still important to continue regular screening using techniques such as self breast exams and mammograms.

If the results are positive, this typically indicates that mutations in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes were found.  In this case, further testing such as mammogram screening, breast MRIs or surgical interventions could be possible management options. 

Whether your test results are positive or negative, it is important to regularly discuss breast health with your doctor.  

At Beaver Dam Women’s Health, our goal is to provide women with the tools and resources to make informed decisions about their health. By offering BRCA testing for our patients most at risk, we are able increase the chance of detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages.

If you’re concerned about your family history of breast cancer and would like to speak with one of our medical professionals, please contact us to set up an appointment at (920) 885-6090.

About the Author:
Andrea Bushaw, MSN, WHNP, APNP
 
Andrea is the clinic’s Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Originally from Bismark, North Dakota, Andrea attended the University of North Dakota where she received her BS in Nursing and then moved to Wisconsin and earned her Masters of Science in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. As a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, she specializes in everything from contraceptive management, urinary incontinence, menstrual complications, to general disease prevention and diagnosis.  In addition to her knowledge and experience in the medical field, Andrea is also excellent at relating to her patients on a personal level and making them feel comfortable throughout their healthcare experience.