New Hampshire Women Magazine

COMPLIMENTARY

NEW HAMPSHIRE

WOM EN MAGAZINE celebrating the women of New Hampshire

MEET NEW HAMPSHIRE’S

DEPUTY

Attorney General JANE YOUNG: LADY OF THE LAW

Inside:

The Importance of Immunizations pg. 14

NHWOMENMAGAZINE.COM || 1

from the

publisher’s desk PUBLISHER Sullivan Grueter Communications, LLC PUBLISHER Jill Sullivan Grueter BUSINESS DEV. EXECUTIVE Melissa Diorio: melissa@nhwomenmagazine.com CONTRIBUTORS

New Hampshire Women Magazine (NHWM) is a local, womenrun publication featuring remarkable women from our state who are defying the odds, inspiring readers, and showing New Hampshire girls they can do anything they put their minds and hearts to.

We’re New Hampshire Entrepreneurs, Advocates, and Hard-Working Moms We knew it wouldn’t be an easy road to start another publication from scratch.

Between being entrepreneurs, advocates, and hard-working moms – life can get pretty crazy. But, there’s this push inside of us that Just. Won’t. Quit. “Keep going,” it says. “This is the time.” And, it certainly is.

We’ve already come so far. But, there’s much more to do to make New Hampshire Women Magazine a household name and the most widely-read, women-focused publication around.

Today, we bring inspiring stories to local women and hopeful girls of New Hampshire!

We bring our thousands of monthly local readers the stories of profound women like: •

Jane Young, Assistant Deputy Attorney General of NH (Nov. 2018 NHWM Cover Woman)

•

Amanda Pearson, Commercial

2 || NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

Airline Captain from New Hampshire (October 2018 Cover Woman), •

Melissa Fifield, Female NASCAR Race Car Drive from Wakefield, NH (September 2018 Cover Woman)

•

Michelle Edmark, Warden of the NH State Men’s Prison (August 2018 NHWM Cover Woman)

•

Chef Maryanne Esposito, NH-Chef with longest-running cooking show in PBS history (July 2018 NHWMN Cover Woman

•

Patricia Lynch, Executive Director of The Music Hall in Portsmouth (June 2018 NHWM Cover Woman)

•

Edie and Forest Barker, NH Farmers at Barker’s Farm (June 2018 NHWM Cover Women

Our 2019 strategic goals include continuing our substantial growth (on-stands, digitally, and social media), fostering incredible partnerships, and continuing to provide second-to-none content as the state’s only women-focused publication.

We are proud to have the support from like-minded organizations like: DartmouthHitchcock, Elliot Health System, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, World Academy, Great American Restaurants, Labelle Winery and many more.

Jill Sullivan Grueter | Publisher

Crystal Ward Kent, Freelance Writer Dr. Janet Perkins and Dr. Kristin Yates, Garrison Women’s Health Peter Wright, MD and Antonia Altomare, DO, MPH, DartmouthHitchcock Elizabeth S. Soukup, M.D., M.M.Sc., Elliot Health System Samantha Wingate, World Academy Dr. Jenny Backman, Manchester OB/GYN PHOTOS BY LINDSAY LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY

Looking to Join?

NEW HAMPSHIRE

WOMEN MAGAZINE Melissa Diorio

Business Development Executive 603.591.4952 Melissa @nhwomenmagazine. com

New Hampshire Women Magazine is a monthly, free publication distributed to over 500 hotspots around New Hampshire. We feature inspiring local women making a difference, health and wellness information by local experts, and self-improvement concepts to help us take better care of ourselves.

THE ONLY NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CANCER CENTER IN NH OR VT. Norris Cotton Cancer Center is among the most advanced cancer centers in the country, diagnosing and treating 3,000+ new cancer cases each year.

We are the only National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer center in New Hampshire or Vermont and one of only 49 nationwide. With 15 locations across New Hampshire and Vermont, access to more than 150 clinical trials and 200+ cancer specialists, you can get the compassionate, individualized care you need close by.

Learn more at cancer.dartmouth.edu.

Lebanon | Manchester | Nashua | Keene | St. Johnsbury, VT | Bennington, VT NHWOMENMAGAZINE.COM || 3

CONTENTS 8

COVER STORY

JANE

Young LADY OF THE LAW

9 8 What is an ovarian cyst?

6

Dr. Jenny Backman is an OBGYN from Manchester OBGYN. She is discussing the different types of ovarian cysts, when they are serious, and what can be done.

9 ASK the Pediatric surgeon: Eyebrow lump on child

Dear Dr. Soukup, My 2 month old has a lump over her right eyebrow that I just noticed. It doesn’t seem to bother her.

10

10 Fostering creativity: preparing students for a changing field 6 Cover woman: jane Kelly, Deputy Attorney general From investigating a sexual assault case at a prestigious private school to missing children and horrendous murders, Deputy Attorney General Jane Young has seen it all.

Subscribe today

14

4 || NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

Visit NHWomenMagazine.com today to subscribe or get our free newsletter every single month!

Creativity is more than just art, or music, or play time - it’s a whole wide range of thoughtful skills, which builds a foundation of learned traits like self-confidence, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and challenging conventional wisdom.

14 the importance of immunizations Immunizations are

major public health interventions that help prevent the general population from diseases and infections. They serve two purposes—the first is to protect the individual who gets the vaccination, and the second is to limit the spread of infection.

18 You are unique - your pregnancy care should be, too

While prenatal visits are important, it is what you supplement them with that really makes the biggest difference and creates a wellrounded pregnancy.

16

NHWOMENMAGAZINE.COM || 5

NHWM COVER WOMAN

Deputy Attorney General:

JANE YOUNG

Lady of the

F

Written by Crystal Ward Kent

Photography by Lindsay Leigh Photography

From investigating a sexual assault case at a prestigious private school to missing children and horrendous murders, Deputy Attorney General Jane Young has seen it all. New Hampshire is a relatively low-crime state, but even the most congenial regions can have a darker side. For several decades Young has been a steadfast presence in handling a wide range of criminal investigations for the Granite State. Some of these cases have captured the national spotlight, but even in the glare of media attention, Young has kept a low profile, noting, “I’m an underthe-radar kind of gal.” When a famous missing person case turned into a murder investigation, she reminded the swarming media that, “This isn’t about me. It’s about (the victim). This is my job. I do my job because I love my job.”

Those words define Young and the passion she brings to her career.

She is down to earth, low-key, sharp and professional. She is also clearly driven to “do the right thing” and is a tireless champion for the rights of victims and their families. It is that drive that keeps her going in a job that could easily burn out many an attorney, thanks to the long hours and heavy emotional toll.

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office is a busy place, handling hundreds of cases each year. In addition to homicides, kidnappings and sexual assaults, the office handles drug prosecution, consumer fraud prosecution, environmental litigation, and officerinvolved shootings, as well as everything in between. In her role as Deputy Attorney General, Young is a key watchdog for the wellbeing of New Hampshire’s people. Though she rose through the

6 || NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

law

ranks as a criminal prosecutor, she now assists the Attorney General with overseeing every aspect of the office, as well as 65 attorneys, each with their own significant case loads. In addition, she works closely with the newly-created position of Solicitor General, which coordinates all of the appellate cases for both the state and federal courts.

Class in the Courtroom Young is no stranger to the courtroom and continues to carry a significant caseload herself, despite her growing administrative duties. A New Hampshire native, she earned her law degree from the former Franklin-Pierce Law School in 1989.

After graduation, she took a position as an assistant with the Hillsborough County Attorney’s office, and it was there that she was introduced to the courtroom. “I gained great experience at Hillsborough,” Young recalls. “I loved the work and the people there. I spent two years at Hillsborough and then wound up assisting the Attorney General’s office with a case. A few days later, I got a call with a job offer. I was honored, but also torn. I really hated the thought of leaving a job and a team that I loved, but at the same time, it was a huge opportunity. I decided that a door had opened, and I should go through it—so I did.”

She spent the next 11 years investigating criminal cases, starting first as a drug prosecutor, then adding homicide prosecution to her area of expertise. She argued cases before the state’s Supreme Court a number of times.

She became chief of the Criminal Justice Bureau in 2007, having earned a reputation as an excellent prosecutor with great empathy for victims and their families. “Each case has its own challenges,” she says. Continued on page 12.

“This isn’t about me. It’s about (the victim).

This is my job.

I do my job because I love my job.”

NHWOMENMAGAZINE.COM || 7

Photographed by Lindsay leigh photography

From the OBGYN:

What is an ovarian cyst?

Dr. Jenny Backman graduated from Suffolk University with a BA in Government and an English minor. She then completed her postbaccalaureate in pre-medical sciences at Boston University while researching breast and ovarian cancer at Children’s Hospital Boston. She received her medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Connecticut. She is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology.

DR. JENNY BACKMAN

MANCHESTER OB/GYN 150 TARRYTOWN RD MANCHESTER, NH 77 GILCREST ROAD LONDONDERRY, NH PHONE: 603-622-3162

How many types of ovarian cysts are they? What are their names and briefly describe them? There are many types of

ovarian cysts, and most are not harmful.

The most common type of cyst in a reproductive aged female is a functional cyst, which initially holds a developing ovum (egg) during the early part of the menstrual cycle. It then becomes a cyst called a corpus luteum after release of the ovum with ovulation. Sometimes, bleeding can occur in these cysts, which can cause a sometimes painful cyst called a hemorrhagic cyst. People with a disease called endometriosis can develop a cyst called an endometrioma, which contains fragments of endometrial tissue (tissue found in the inner lining of the uterus) and thickened blood. A feature of polycystic ovarian syndrome is ovaries with numerous small cysts from multiple follicles that do not develop an ovum. There are also multiple benign (non-cancerous) and cancerous cysts that can develop, although the risk of ovarian cancer in the population is low (approximately 1 to 2%).

What are the most common reasons a women develops a cyst? Although the exact way that cysts develop is unclear, most women develop cysts as part of their normal reproductive cycle. During the menstrual cycle, hormones regulate the growth of follicles containing the ovum (egg) and contribute to the development of cysts.

8 || NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

How can women prevent cysts? There are

no known ways to prevent an ovarian cyst. In people who are prone to development of painful ovarian cysts, birth control pills can help regulate their menstrual cycle as a means of preventing the development of follicles, which lead to ovarian cysts. People prone to endometriomas or polycystic ovaries can also use birth control pills to help prevent formation of these cysts. There is no known way of preventing cancerous cysts, although use of birth control pills has been associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer.

When is surgery needed for cysts? Surgery is usually not indicated for ovarian cysts.

Most of the time, ovarian cysts can be followed with ultrasounds to make sure that they are stable or resolve. If an ovarian cyst causes severe pelvic pain, it can be removed in the operating room. If a cyst grows in size or has any features that look cancerous, surgery is recommended. Most of the time, surgery can be performed laparoscopically (using small incisions in the abdomen), but larger cysts may require a laparotomy (a large abdominal incision). Often, only the cyst is removed and the ovary is left in place, but if there is any concern for cancer, if the cyst is near blood vessels or if a patient is postmenopausal, the entire ovary may be removed.

Ask the pediatric surgeon Question: Dear Dr. Soukup, My 2 month old has a lump over her right eyebrow that I just noticed. It doesn’t seem to bother her. What could this be? Melissa B. Dear Melissa, I see lots of kids with “lumps and bumps” most of which are not worrisome, but sometimes need biopsy or removal. This particular lump that you describe is a classic location for something called a “Dermoid cyst”. It is a soft lump felt most commonly at the outside corner of the eyebrow, and is usually present at birth. It can also be found around the ear, or in the midline of the scalp or neck. Early in development before a baby is born, there are several folds of skin and tissue which fuse together in an amazing way to form the features of our face and neck. Rarely, as this fusion happens, a small piece of skin can become trapped under the surface of the skin and can grow as a cyst. “Dermoid” refers to the skin layer (think of the word Dermatologist).

The term “cyst” just refers to a mass or lump which contains fluid or soft contents (in this case, soft exfoliated skin cells). This is not a dangerous growth,

but it does get larger with time as the cyst fills with these skin cells, just like our normal skin exfoliates old skin cells. For this reason, I usually recommend having this cyst removed before it gets too large. There is no urgent need for this to be done in the first months of life when the anesthesia and neurodevelopmental risks are higher, so I usually recommend waiting until 1 year of age or after. Obviously parents are nervous about surgery for their child, particularly with something of such cosmetic importance on the face. Traditionally, the scar can be made quite small either above or below the eyebrow, but often I can completely hide it within the eyelid crease making it essentially invisible later on. This heals beautifully and parents are usually very surprised and happy with the result.

Thanks for your question! - Dr. Soukup askthepediatricsurgeon@elliot-hs.org #askthepediatricsurgeon

Elizabeth S. Soukup, M.D., M.M.Sc. Pediatric Surgeon

Dr. Soukup is a Pediatric Surgeon at the Elliot Hospital and has an interest in educating families about pediatric health and wellness. Her mission is to provide expert specialty care for children of all ages in New Hampshire - newborns through teenagers striving to keep them close to their families and communities. If you would like more information, call 603-663-8393 for an appointment, or visit our website at http:// elliothospital.org/website/pediatric-surgery.php. Check out previous articles at #askthepediatricsurgeon.

Dr. Soukup earned her Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, where she received the Outstanding Achievement Award in Medicine, graduating first in her class. She completed her General Surgery training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and her fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at Children’s Hospital Boston. During her time in Boston, she also completed a Masters of Medical Sciences degree in clinical investigation

from Harvard Medical School. She was awarded Elliot Hospital’s “Physician of the year” for 2018. She is board-certified in both Pediatric Surgery and General Surgery. She has specialized training and experience in minimally invasive surgical treatment for babies, children and teenagers. Her practice includes all areas of general pediatric surgery, including common pediatric surgical problems as well as neonatal surgery, congenital anomalies, minimally invasive surgery, and complex thoracic surgical problems.

Please send your questions to: askthepediatricsurgeon@elliot-hs.org

NHWOMENMAGAZINE.COM || 9

EDUCATION

Fostering Creativity: Preparing Students For A Changing Future

By Samantha Wingate, Director Of Admissions, World Academy

C

reativity is more than just art, or music, or play time - it’s a whole wide Samantha Wingate, Director Of Admissions, World Academy range of thoughtful skills, which builds a foundation of learned traits like selfStudents are more likely to see improvements confidence, communication, critical thinking, in their own attention, retention, and attitude collaboration, and challenging conventional while decreasing stress, which can clear the wisdom. way for sparks of creative and innovative thought.

Today, educators working with students simply cannot overlook the value of creativity, Finding Unique Sources of Inspiration as it is a critical skill for young workers When it comes to encouraging students to entering the job market. Teachers should express themselves in new ways, educators be working towards fostering creativity and can help students challenge assumptions and critical thinking skills in students early and to get students thinking creatively about their help students recognize their education as goals and desires: a continuous growth tool (outside the four walls of a school building) that is laying the • Who inspires the student? How much groundwork for long-term personal success. does a student wish to mirror their source of inspiration, and how much to they Where’s the Inspiration? want to blaze new trails? Guide students The cycle of becoming a good test-taker and in starting new clubs or activities to express getting praise is churning out comfortably their strengths and interests or to discover boxed-in non-thinkers. To reshape this new or underutilized talents linear thinking, educators should encourage • How does a student’s unique inspiration students to find inspiration in their everyday compare to those of their peers? lives beginning with purposeful, mindful Encourage cooperation between groups of observation. students engaged in different activities to build trust among diverse interest groups Some key methods for encouraging mindful observation include: By encouraging students to seek unique avenues of expression, educators can help • Encouraging students to keep an informal students lead the charge among their peers in journal or notebook to record thoughts, bringing attention to their personal strengths feelings, and observations and avenues of creativity.

• Guiding students in times of quiet meditation to shut out distractions and Using Long-Term, Creative Group Projects allow for moments of introspection No individual is an island - and even the most • Setting aside time for slow-pace activities self-driven students must rely on their peers in thought-provoking settings, like walks when assigned a group project. It is crucial in nature or a visit to a museum to teach students the value of communal problem-solving, and how to best utilize the 10 || NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

skills and ideas of others to achieve their common goal.

By having students look at the problem or challenge they all share and encourage them to find a group-based solution, teachers can help facilitate building several key skills, including: • • • • •

How to work with others to align unique goals into one common purpose The best methods of resolving internal disputes in respectful and resourceful ways Ways to elevate the voices of others in the group Reaching consensus and overcoming obstacles with unity Reflection on what is learned if the end result of the project does not turn out like a student hoped and how can this be resolved or prevented in future group projects?

Teamwork and cooperation are critical skills in just about every industry, and those students who can bring a high level of creativity to a team setting will be much more likely to find success in their later studies and their careers beyond school.

By teaching these planning and execution skills at an early age, students learn to better anticipate and overcome the kinds of challenges that are most likely to hold back others when they enter or engage in a quicklychanging workforce.

Personalized, Lifestyle Medicine now in windham

Expect more.

Don’t just schedule a visit. Establish a relationship with your physician today.

Sparkle Health specializes in true root cause analysis of your symptoms and personalized treatment of the following health issues: ✴ Gastrointestinal disorders such as GERD, IBS, IBD

Meet Dr. Elisa Mercuro

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Specializing in Functional Medicine.

✴ Immune system disorders ✴ Cognitive decline and other neurodegenerative conditions ✴ Thyroid imbalances ✴ Hormonal imbalances ✴ High toxic burden and detoxification

Want to learn more about what Functional Medicine can do for you?

Please visit www.sparklehealthnh.com

✴ Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression

603.328.8101 • 127 Rockingham Road, Suite 203 • Windham, NH • 03087

8

Join Us For Our K-8 Open House Saturday, November 17th from 10-11am

7

Tour the School

6

Interact with Teachers & Administrators Participate in Q & A

5

Receive Admissions Information Learn More About Our Cradle to Careers Roadmap

4 1

2

3

K

Register Online. WorldAcademyNH.com/Open-House

138 Spit Brook Rd. Nashua, NH 603.888.1982

NHWOMENMAGAZINE.COM || 11

NHWM COVER WOMAN Continued from page 8.

“You never know what direction a case may take, or where information may lead you. I just try to do my best. My goal is to bring what little comfort and closure I can to the victims or to the families left behind. We can never take back what happened and make everything as it was before, but we can try to ease some of their anxiety during the judicial process, and do our best to make sure that justice is done.

That is always my number one priority—to do my job to the best of my ability and to seek justice for the victims.”

Young has handled a number of high profile cases, including that of Celina Cass, a shy, 11-year-old girl who went missing from her tiny northwestern New Hampshire home. After a seven-day search involving more than 100 law enforcement officials from the U.S. and Canada, FBI profilers, Internet crime specialists, dive teams and child abduction experts, Cass’s body was found about a half mile from her home. Her stepfather was later charged with her murder. Young also prosecuted the seven-week insanity trial of Sheila LaBarre, helping convince a jury that LaBarre was in fact, sane, and guilty of two counts of first-degree murder.

“Jane is an incredible public servant,” says Attorney General Gordon MacDonald. “She has devoted her entire professional career to seeking justice. She comes to work every day focused on her central mission, which is to protect the people of New Hampshire, and she especially looks out for the state’s most vulnerable, its young people and the elderly. Jane does her job with a dedication and a doggedness that I have rarely seen among lawyers and prosecutors.

When she is on a case, she digs and digs to get to the right answer.

She also brings true compassion to her job; she has empathy and an understanding for victims and their families—she never loses sight of the fact that they are real people. We are really lucky to have her. I’m grateful to be working with her.”

Young admits that each case “takes a little piece of you,” and that you never really forget those involved. “Each family is different, but at the same time, you find this common connection. We are all human beings and we all feel loss, sadness and pain. That binds us together on some level.” Despite the obvious emotional toll that some of these cases can inflict, Young is able to take them in stride. “You do see a lot, whether it’s a homicide or drug trafficking, or a missing person—either way, families are shattered,” she says. “I think I cope because I’m essentially a well-grounded person. I have a loving family and outstanding friends. I run—although very slowly! I have a full life with a lot of things to distract me so I’m not living the job every minute of the day.”

Young’s current position as Deputy Attorney General has her overseeing a broad breadth of areas and “learning something new every day. I’m excited to be learning new aspects of the law that I was not exposed to before. Most of my career has been on the criminal side, so now I am learning much more about civil litigation. It’s all fascinating.” However, her passion remains being in the courtroom, and she has been thrilled to still have a caseload, even though that adds to a pretty full plate. “I tried a murder case in May for two weeks. Trying a murder case gives you a meaningful purpose,” she says. “I was able to focus on just one task, and ensure that justice was served.”

12 || NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

In Young’s job, there is no typical day, which she is well accustomed to. “I just accept that whatever my day is going to bring, it will NOT be what I had planned,” she laughs. “I can start out working through paperwork and the phone will ring and I have to go to a homicide. It impacts your home life as well. Two weeks ago, on a Saturday night at about 7:00, the phone rings and it’s the State Police. There had been an officer-involved shooting. Off I went to provide whatever guidance I could to the attorneys on call, and to the Attorney General, who also responded. You have to be prepared to deal with whatever happens when it happens, because it’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ You know that call is going to come.”

According to Young, New Hampshire averages about 20 homicides per year and that number had remained relatively unchanged in recent years, but the number of officer-involved shootings has gone up dramatically. “When I first started, back in 1999, we saw one of these maybe every other year, now we see three to six per year, and this year, we have had two within a 45-day period,” she says.

“The opioid crisis has also led to an increase in numerous crimes,” she notes. There has been a significant increase in drug arrests, drug trafficking, and drug-related crime due to the rise in addiction. This problem has taken a major toll on families in so many ways.”

Making a Difference

As a woman working her way up through the legal system and government positions, Young says she never felt anything but supported. “I had a number of wonderful mentors along the way, and I’ve found New Hampshire’s legal community to be very close. It’s a small state, so sooner or later, you meet almost everyone. I’ve been fortunate to have some great colleagues, bosses and trial partners.”

“Jane loves animals, is a Tom Brady fan, and has a great sense of humor,” says Attorney General Gordon MacDonald.

“These qualities keep her grounded, even when dealing with the worst of human nature.”

Young encourages other women considering the law or a role in government, to take advantage of key opportunities and build a good network of relationships. “If you have the chance to do an internship at the County Attorney’s Office or Public Defender’s Office, take it,” she advises. “Anything that will get you into a courtroom is good experience. And, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of building relationships. New Hampshire is very collegial. You may oppose someone in the courtroom one day, and a few years later find that you are in their courtroom, or that they are your boss, or are assigned to be your partner in an investigation. No matter how heated things become in the courtroom, never make it personal. Sooner or later you will work with everyone in the state, and you need to be able to make that relationship work. It’s so much better if the person you’re standing at a crime scene with at 2 a.m. is a colleague and not an enemy.

“My first boss gave me good advice when I was starting out,” she continues. “He said ‘Your career path is a long straight road, so treat everyone with respect.’ That’s advice I’ve tried to follow every day, and it’s worked well for me!”

Young hopes that her being Deputy Attorney General motivates other young women to explore a career in the legal system.

“The law is a noble profession,” she says. “You can make a difference.

You may never see some of the victims or their families again, but you can be satisfied knowing that for one key moment in their lives, your work mattered. You were there for them and you did something that counted, even for some small measure.”

NHWOMENMAGAZINE.COM || 13

Immuniza the importance of

WRITTEN BY: Peter Wright, MD and Antonia Altomare, DO, MPH

Immunizations are major public health interventions that help prevent the general population from diseases and infections.

They serve two purposes—the first is to protect the individual who gets the vaccination, and the second is to limit the spread of infection. If a sufficiently high percentage of the population is vaccinated, the actual spread of viruses and bacteria can be interrupted.

Infants/Children Peter Wright, MD, Infectious Disease and International Health Specialist at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, and Professor of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

Understanding why vaccines work and how to administer them optimally has been a focal point of my research. For all vaccines, a primary consideration has always been 14 || NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

safety. Vaccines that have reached approval for general use are all ones with an extraordinary record of safety.

There is an extensive list of immunizations that infants and children should receive; with many vaccines now combined with multiple components in them.

For infants under the age of two, there are a series of vaccines they should receive to protect them against the following diseases: • • • • • • • • • •

Pertussis Tetanus Diphtheria Measles Mumps Rubella Polio Rotavirus Chickenpox Hemophilus influenzae

ations • • •

Pneumococcus Influenza – on an annual basis throughout childhood Hepatitis A and B

As children approach school age, their vaccines include boosters to many of the infant vaccines and at age 11, they should receive meningococcal and human papilloma virus (HPV). The meningococcal vaccine prevents a life endangering form of sepsis and meningitis. The HPV vaccination goes a long way in preventing cervical cancer in females and penile or rectal cancer in males.

The development of new and improved vaccines remains a dynamic field. There are a number of things that go along with vaccinations in preventing disease, including the use of masks, handwashing and quarantine when someone is sick. However, vaccines remain our most effective tool in preventing disease and are a shared responsibility. We need high levels of immunity to prevent the emergence or reintroduction of disease. Prevention measures complement our ability to treat sick children.

On a global basis, immunizations are the only effective tools we have to prevent disease. It is one we do well with in northern New England— vaccination rates in New Hampshire and Vermont are among the highest in the country. Our physicians do a good job explaining the benefits of immunizations and talking to individual patients about the importance of vaccinations in preventing disease.

“ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that

up to 35.6 million people develop influenza yearly in the United

.”

States

Adults Antonia Altomare, DO, MPH, Hospital Epidemiologist, Infectious Disease and International Health, Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

We have come a long way with infection prevention, and vaccinations have been a major factor. Some

diseases are rare like rubella and polio, and the reason we do not see them is because vaccines were introduced.

For adults, vaccines and preventive care can sometimes be forgotten or not a priority among other health concerns. Routine physical appointments are a great time to bring up the question about vaccines.

Ask your physician if you are due for any vaccines. If you are getting your flu shot from your doctor, it is a great time to ask him or her, “Is there anything else I need?”

Adults should vaccinate themselves against the following: • • • • •

Influenza (seasonal) Pneumococcal Shingles Tetanus Pertussis

While some vaccines are good for multiple years like the tetanus, pertussis and pneumococcal vaccines, every adult should get the flu vaccine annually because the strains of flu that circulate every year change.

Each season, there is a slight modification to what is in the vaccine, so it is recommended to get one every season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 35.6 million people develop influenza yearly in the United States, causing 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually. If people have underlying health issues or medical problems, they are at a much higher risk for major consequences if they contract the flu. The vaccine does not prevent someone from getting the flu, but it makes it less severe and shorter in duration.

To learn more about what immunizations are recommended at different ages, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at (https://www.cdc. gov/vaccines/index.html). Except for the flu vaccine, you can get the rest of the vaccines at any time of year.

There have always been a lot of misconceptions about vaccines and their side effects, but they are very safe and effective. To be as healthy as possible, I highly recommend that everyone check with their primary care physician to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations.

NHWOMENMAGAZINE.COM || 15

YOU ARE UNIQUE.

YOUR PREGNANCY CARE SHOULD BE, TOO. Written by Dr. Janet Perkins and Dr. Kristin Yates

If you have just learned that you are pregnant — congratulations! Your journey ahead is full of excitement and awe, and at times will be overwhelming. Let’s consider the many decisions you will have to make before your baby is born. You will decide whether working with an OB/ GYN or certified nurse-midwife is best for you. You will contemplate giving birth in the comfort of your home or in the hospital. You will imagine what your baby’s nursery will look like, and what name you will give your precious bundle of joy. You likely will not wonder which model of pregnancy care will best align with your lifestyle. But you should.

At Garrison Women’s Health, an OB/GYN practice located in Dover, New Hampshire, we have been dedicated to supporting women with excellence and compassion since 1962. We believe it’s important to educate mothers-to-be on their prenatal care options. You already know you have options when it comes to giving birth, but what about the rest of the pregnancy? You should be empowered to guide your own care and to develop a birth plan that is on your terms.

Your pregnancy care should not be onesize-fits-all Just as women should feel encouraged to take control of their pregnancies, healthcare providers should be flexible in their model of care to accommodate these personalized birth plans. If every pregnancy truly is different, then the model

16 || NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

of care should adapt to reflect that. For example, at Garrison we created the Essential Eight Program as part of a continuous effort to provide care that fits with our patients’ daily lives. This model of care gives patients the option of fewer, more focused in-office visits throughout their pregnancies. With eight visits that focus on major milestones, it is an ideal option for low-risk mothers-tobe who may want (or require) a more flexible approach— those who have busy lives and schedules, travel long distances to make each appointment, or have been through a pregnancy before.

You also have the choice of the traditional prenatal care model offered by most healthcare providers, which includes approximately 14 prenatal visits. This is often a great option for any mom-to-be, including first-time mothers and patients who want to speak with a provider more frequently.

Whichever path you choose, you should know that you have options. You are your own best healthcare advocate, so use that power! Develop a path that fits your individual wants and needs.

Your pregnancy care is more than your prenatal visits

While prenatal visits are important, it is what you supplement them with that really makes the biggest difference and creates a well-rounded pregnancy. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fourth, focusing on the wellbeing of both you and the baby in your own time is of the utmost importance. Eat a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and proteins; stay hydrated; and indulge in your cravings once in a while. Participate in activities like yoga, meditation, support groups for expectant mothers, and prenatal massages on a regular basis. These can make a world of difference in your mental health. It is normal to make adjustments to your daily routines to accommodate for any symptoms you might endure while pregnant. You are creating a human being — one that will love you, look up to you, and depend on you. You’re incredible!

Continued on next page.

Your pregnancy care is your choice

Every woman’s pregnancy experience is different. Ultimately, the healthiest prenatal schedule is one that fits best into your life and keeps you and your baby happy and healthy. As women, we all have different needs, worries, and preferences. It is impossible to treat every woman the same way because of these distinctions.

No one knows your body better — or your pregnancy better — than you. Just listen to what your body and mind are telling you, and they will guide you in the right direction.

At Garrison, we are women caring for women. We want mothers to live in the moment, enjoy life’s pleasures, and recognize that they have options. A healthy pregnancy is always the number one goal. You are in control of your pregnancy journey. Enjoy it!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: GARRISON WOMEN’S HEALTH

Janet Perkins, M.D.

Janet earned her bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, her master’s degree in public health from Chicago Medical School, and her medical degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago. She is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Kristin Yates, D.O.

Kristin was magna cum laude from State University of New York at Buffalo. She received her two bachelor’s degrees in biomedical sciences and psychology. She was a Renaissance scholar and a Phi Beta Kappa honor society member. Kristin obtained her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri.

“YOU ARE YOUR

OWN BEST HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE, SO USE THAT POWER.”

NHWOMENMAGAZINE.COM || 17

Almonds Just May Be the Perfect Snack If you are looking for a highly nutritious and powerful snack food, look no further. Almonds may be the ideal food for those who are looking for a healthy and convenient snack between meals. What makes these nuts so special? Almonds pack a punch when it comes to key vitamins and minerals.

According to numerous medical studies, eating just a handful of almonds or other nuts on a daily basis may reduce your risk of heart disease.

They are not only good for your heart, but are satiating and taste great.

Among other things, almonds contain copper, riboflavin, phosphorus and magnesium.

The magnesium in almonds helps the arteries of the body relax while helping to prevent migraines and relieving muscle aches and spasms. Magnesium can also help improve overall blood flow.

The phosphorus in almonds helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth, and also aids in transmission of nerve impulses.

Copper contained in almonds may act as a powerful anti-inflammatory and could be helpful with conditions such as arthritis. Copper is also a key component when it comes to pigmentation of eyes and hair.

Riboflavin in almonds helps maintain healthy blood cells and faciliates metabolism. It also acts as a key antioxidant within the body.

The benefits of almonds don’t stop there, however. These nuts can be a great weight loss aid. The fiber in almonds may help you feel fuller for longer, and may decrease food cravings between meals. Almonds contain healthy monostaurated fats, which increase good cholesterol while lowering levels of bad LDL cholesterol.

Almonds may even help prevent diabetes, as they help prevent larger rises in blood sugar following meals and consumption of high glycemic foods.

If all of that isn’t enough, almonds are tasty and convenient.

Almonds can be purchased in large bags to be divided up or in small, snack size quantities making them ideal for those on the go.

18 || NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

Thank You

for supporting this issue of New Hampshire Women Magazine

Dartmouth-Hitchcock

Elliot Health System

Manchester OBGYN

Garrison Women’s Health

Sparkle Health

World Academy

Northside Grille

NE Premier Events

Manchester Firing Line LLC

and helping us celebrate the inpiring women of New Hampshire!

NHWOMENMAGAZINE.COM || 19

20 || NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE