A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center
A Lifetime of Care at Lexington Medical Center
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017
Paula Calhoon (center) with her daughter Ashley (right) and granddaughters (left to right) Aubrey and Maisy in Lexington
From One Generation to the Next All in the Family at Lexington Women’s Care
Paula Calhoon remembers running every red light between Batesburg-Leesville and Lexington Medical Center that night.
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t was November 17, 1983; her water had broken and she was in labor with her first child. Paula was a patient at Lexington Women’s Care, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. The practice had taught her about Lamaze breathing, lactation and taking care of a newborn. She was ready. After more than 15 hours of labor, Paula’s OB/GYN, Frederick B. Thompson, MD, FACOG, of Lexington Women’s Care, delivered her daughter Ashley. “Dr. Thompson held her up and I saw she had red rosebud lips and black hair. She was precious,” Paula said. “We took pictures together with my Polaroid® Instamatic® camera.” Years later, Paula would deliver two more children with Lexington Women’s Care: Sandra in 1987 and Ian in 1990. She juggled the demands of motherhood and a career at the South Carolina State House while always returning to the practice for gynecologic care. “Lexington Women’s Care was my comfort zone. It was like coming home.” Ashley grew up to be a varsity tennis player at Lexington High School and a nurse. And one day, she became a Lexington Women’s Care patient, too. Ashley chose to use the practice’s certified nurse midwives — advanced practice registered nurses who care for women in all stages of life, from pregnancy to routine well visits.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
On July 17, 2002, Ashley delivered her daughter Aubrey at Lexington Medical Center with clinicians from Lexington Women’s Care; and on December 15, 2009, her daughter Maisy. “The midwives were nurturing, compassionate and understanding,” Ashley said. “They even prayed with us.” In the delivery room as her grandchildren entered the world, Paula noticed how many things had changed over the years. The equipment had advanced, there were more female doctors, mothers had more choices about their birth plans, and there were no Polaroid Instamatic cameras in sight.
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Breast Cancer Genetics
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“Ashley, her friends and our family were taking pictures with phones and texting them to everyone,” Paula said. Ashley also had 3-D and 4-D ultrasound photos of her babies while they were still in the womb. The practice grew and technology advanced, but other things stayed the same. “Lexington Women’s Care has a tremendous legacy of service that’s unsurpassable,” Paula said. After more than 30 years, Paula is still Dr. Thompson’s patient. In fact, he performed her hysterectomy just a few years ago. Today, Paula serves as the treasurer of the Lexington Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary. Ashley and her husband own The Root Cellar restaurant in Lexington. And the next generation of women in their family will be Lexington Women’s Care patients. “Oh, yes. Lexington Women’s Care is family to us,” Ashley said.
A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice
Lexington Women’s Care has five convenient locations throughout the Midlands. Visit LexingtonWomensCare.com
Minimally Invasive, Non-surgical Procedure Treats Uterine Fibroids PAGE 6
New Mom Loses 175 Pounds PAGE 8
This special section features news, information and feature stories on the services available at Lexington Medical Center for women in all stages of life.
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WOMEN’S Health
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017
ASK THE LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER CLINICIAN
New Year, New You
Looking Good and Feeling Great in 2018 Jennifer B. Linfert, MD, FACOG, is an OB/GYN with Lexington Women’s Care Sandhills, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice in Northeast Columbia. She has advice on how women can start and stay healthy in 2018.
Take Time for Yourself Women are professionals at multi-tasking. They juggle careers, marriage, children and households. They also tend to put others’ needs before their own. But it’s important for them to care for themselves so they can continue caring for others.
Screenings Women should see their gynecologist yearly for a pelvic exam and breast exam. Pap smears to test for cervical cancer should take place every one to five years, depending on the patient. Women should also talk to their doctor about routine blood, cholesterol, glucose, sexually transmitted disease, thyroid and urine testing. Typically, mammography begins at age 40 and colonoscopy at age 50. As women age, they may also need a bone densitometry test. Lexington Women’s Care Sandhills offers DEXA scans and 3-D mammography at the office.
Nutrition Usually, “fads” or extreme changes in a diet are not sustainable. Women should focus on moderate changes to be successful. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. They can watch calories and avoid foods with complex carbohydrates such as breads, pastas, potatoes and rice. During the holiday season, it’s OK to indulge in tasty treats in moderation. But be sure to stay active. Our bodies are machines that need to burn the fuel we put in them.
Fitness Start small with a new fitness regimen, be realistic and formulate a plan to live by daily. Some days will be better than others. If a woman strays from her goals one day, that’s OK. She should jump back in the next day. Each day is a new beginning. And fitness doesn’t need to be fancy. Some of the best success stories start with 30-minute daily walks.
Monthly
Jennifer B. Linfert, MD, FACOG
In addition to screenings, nutrition and fitness, women should perform a monthly self-breast exam and incorporate the recommended daily allowances of folic acid, calcium and vitamin D into their diet. A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice
Mental Health The cold weather months can be difficult for some women. In fact, depression and anxiety tend to become worse during this time. Families may be separated, finances may be tight and there is less daylight. Women who are struggling should reach out to their doctor, family or friends.
233 Longtown Road Columbia, SC 29229 (803) 788-0268 LexingtonWomensCareSandhills.com
Vista Clinical Research Helps Patients Feel Better From uterine fibroids to endometriosis, many women suffer for a long time with chronic conditions that don’t get better, despite trying multiple treatments.
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severe pain, increased menstrual ista Clinical Research can cramps and painful intercourse. offer these patients new John H. Moore, MD, and Kathryn options that may finally L. Moore, MD, are the physician help them feel better. As part of the investigators who oversee the clinical Lexington Medical Center network trials. Both also practice gynecology at of care, Vista Clinical Research has Vista Women’s Healthcare, a Lexington expertise in clinical trials involving Medical Center physician practice. all areas of women’s health. “When I focus on research, I think A group of uterine fibroid studies is about the potential benefits to the underway at the facility. Women with patient,” said Dr. John Moore. “A uterine fibroids often have pain in the lot of our patients have exhausted abdomen, back or pelvis, and heavy all other options. or irregular These methods are bleeding. To learn more about sometimes their Uterine clinical trials, see a list last chance to fibroids achieve significant typically of current research at symptom relief.” affect women VistaClinicalResearch.com The physicians ages 18 to select the trials in 49, and more which they want to participate. Each than half of women will experience investigational medication has shown them in their lifetime. potential benefits in earlier studies, Vista Clinical Research is enrolling but must complete all FDA-mandated qualified candidates in several research trials before being considered trials testing a variety of potential approved for widespread use. medical treatments for uterine fibroids. In the past, Vista Clinical These investigational treatments may Research has participated in help ease symptoms and prevent the trials for conditions including need for surgery. migraine headaches, hot flashes, Clinicians are also enrolling high cholesterol and contraception women in an endometriosis trial. methods. If a patient qualifies for the Endometriosis is a disorder in which trial, there is no cost to participate. tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause
Vista Clinical Research team (left to right) John H. Moore, MD; Kayla L. Henry, CCRP; Danette Gaines, MLT (ASCP); and Kathryn L. Moore, MD
700 Gervais Street, Suite 300 Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 540-1193 VistaClinicalResearch.com
WOMEN’S Health
A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center
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Understanding Postpartum Depression
Lindsay-Blair Simmons and her daughters, 5-year-old Lawson and 3-year-old Tess in West Columbia
In the fall of 2012, Lindsay-Blair Simmons gave birth to a healthy and beautiful baby girl at Lexington Medical Center.
“I
looked the part of the brand new, glowing mom,” she said. But deep down, something wasn’t right. In the months after her daughter’s birth, Lindsay-Blair was crippled with anxiety and felt disconnected from her baby and her life.
“It occurs in more than 40 percent of women who’ve had a baby,” said Samantha S. Morton, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN at Carolina Women’s Physicians, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. Dr. Morton is Lindsay-Blair’s physician. “Most women with postpartum depression don’t have any prior history of depression or anxiety,” Dr. Morton said. “Postpartum depression is tied to the hormone drop women experience soon after childbirth. It can start any time during the baby’s first year, but most often begins during the first three weeks after delivery.” Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression vary widely, and can often be overlooked because of the life changes that coincide with becoming a parent. It’s common for new mothers to feel sad for a week or two, which is often called the baby blues. They may have difficulty sleeping or doubt their ability to care for the baby. But postpartum depression is different. Patients experience sadness or hopelessness and often feel guilty because they don’t feel as if they want to bond with or care for the newborn. They may cry frequently, have strange dreams or frightening mental images, and feel panic and overwhelming anxiety. “A mom thinking of harming herself or the baby is also a symptom,” Dr. Morton said.
“It’s become one of my missions to help women understand there’s nothing wrong with them when postpartum depression happens.” — Lindsay-Blair Simmons “One day, someone at church asked me, ‘Aren’t these the most glorious days of your life? Did you ever imagine you could feel so connected and so much love for this tiny little being?’ Dread just came over me,” Lindsay-Blair said. “That was the moment I knew I needed help because it had actually been the hardest time of my life.” Like many new moms, LindsayBlair was suffering from postpartum depression.
“Postpartum psychosis is an extreme form of postpartum depression. We want to intervene long before we come to that point.” Ironically, Lindsay-Blair is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has treated patients with postpartum depression. “Postpartum depression is really a misnomer,” she said. “For many people, it shows up as intense anxiety rather than depression. It can also include severe mood swings, anger, irritability and a general sense of not being enough.” Lindsay-Blair felt ashamed of her symptoms and didn’t seek help from a fellow therapist for five months. “I had clients with postpartum depression in my office every week whom I was successfully helping. So I kept thinking I should be able to help myself.” She also hid her feelings from her husband and family for a while. “I was on a walk with my husband and started to cry. I told him what I was feeling. He gave me comforting answers and told me things I could do to feel better. But I turned to him, put my hands on his shoulders and said, ‘You’re not hearing me. I am not okay.’
His eyes got wide and he said, ‘I had no idea.’” Dr. Morton prescribed LindsayBlair medication to help ease her anxiety, eventually increasing the dosage. Lindsay-Blair also began seeing a fellow therapist who specialized in postpartum depression. “The therapist kept me accountable, sent me articles and reminded me of things I knew, but had forgotten,” Lindsay-Blair said. “It was really helpful.” A few months later, Lindsay-Blair realized she was happier and truly enjoying her baby. And she learned she was pregnant again. Lindsay-Blair continued a safe, low-dose anti-anxiety medication through her second pregnancy. She did not have postpartum depression again. She and her family are now welcoming a third child. “It’s become one of my missions to help women understand there’s nothing wrong with them when postpartum depression happens,” Lindsay-Blair said. “Even if I appear that I have it all together, I’ve also been a victim of postpartum depression. It’s treatable, but you’ve got to get the help you need.”
A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice
Samantha S. Morton, MD, FACOG
Lexington Medical Park 2, Suite 240 146 North Hospital Drive West Columbia, SC 29169 7045 St. Andrews Road Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 936-7590 • CarolinaWomensPhysicians.com
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WOMEN’S Health
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017
Breast Cancer Genetics
Three Sisters, Two Genes, One Goal Bridgett Mitchell of Lexington was diagnosed with breast cancer at Lexington Medical Center in January at just 40 years old. Doctors discovered four suspicious spots during a routine mammogram. Bridgett is a mother of four — her youngest child is in preschool.
(Left) Sisters Hope, Bridgett and Iris
“W
omen’s Imaging Center wanted me to come back the next day for a biopsy; I got the call three days later that it was cancer,” Bridgett said. “Everything moved rather quickly from there.” Breast cancer is no stranger to Bridgett’s family. Her older sister Iris was diagnosed with the disease in 2008 at age 41. With two sisters diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, the family decided to have genetic testing.
The Genes
Researchers have been able to test for genetic factors on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that indicate a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancers. These gene mutations can be inherited from a person’s mother or father, and are the strongest inherited risk factor known for cancer risk in women. The family’s genetic testing results raised even more questions. Bridgett tested positive for the BRCA2 gene. Iris tested negative. And then there was their sister Hope. Hope, age 47, has never been diagnosed with breast cancer. But her genetic testing results revealed her odds of getting breast or ovarian cancer before age 70 were more than four times greater than women in the general population. Steven A. Madden, MD, of Lexington Oncology, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice, is Bridgett’s doctor. He said the sisters’ story provides a valuable lesson.
Genetic testing can help you be proactive in finding the best approach to treatment. It may save your life. — Breast cancer survivor Iris Green “Even if you test negative, if you also have a strong family history of cancer, it’s a good reason to be more diligent in your ongoing screening.” According to Dr. Madden, having a gene mutation is a very strong indicator of elevated breast cancer risk. So much, that many patients choose preventive surgery.
Bridgett
Bridgett’s diagnosis and positive genetic test results led Dr. Madden to advise her to have a double mastectomy. “He said there’s an increased chance I would have breast cancer again if I didn’t,” Bridgett said. “We also found that two of my lymph nodes were positive, so it was spreading.” In addition to the surgery, Bridgett opted for chemotherapy and radiation, plus a hysterectomy to eliminate the risk of ovarian cancer. “Simply because of the mutation, he recommended a more aggressive treatment,” she said. According to Bridgett, learning she had a BRCA mutation was helpful. “I consider it to be knowledge, and knowledge is power,” she said. “It makes you more mindful of what you’re doing and helps you stay on the right track. You try to make the best
choices that you can, and then pray about the rest.” Bridgett said she hopes her 7-yearold daughter will have genetic testing when she turns 18 so she will have the information she needs to make the right decisions.
Iris
While Iris does not have the BRCA mutation, her cancer diagnosis has led her to change her diet and exercise habits. And, genetic testing did provide some relief. “I have a daughter, and I was concerned about passing it on to her. The test resolved that stress,” she said. Without a gene mutation and because Iris’ doctor was able to surgically remove all the cancer, her risk of recurrence was estimated at about seven percent. “Genetic testing can help you be proactive in finding the best approach to treatment. It may save your life.”
“My gynecologist and my family doctor both thought it would be in my best interest to go that route,” said Hope, a mother of five who also lives in Lexington. Hope’s daughter has tested negative for the breast cancer genes. Hope also began eating more fruit and vegetables, cut back on bread and pasta in her diet and started walking three to five miles almost daily. “Cancer can occur in different parts of your body, whether I had a mastectomy or not. I believe I’m doing all the things I need to do to prevent that.”
Steven A. Madden, MD
A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice
Hope
Although Hope never had cancer, her positive genetic testing spurred action. With the recommendations of her doctor and a genetic counselor, Hope underwent surgery to remove all of her breast tissue and a hysterectomy, which will greatly decrease her risk of cancer.
Lexington Medical Park 1 Suite 402 2728 Sunset Boulevard West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 794-7511 LexOncology.com
WOMEN’S Health
A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center
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ASK THE LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER CLINICIAN
Women’s Health Through the Decades Kathryn L. Moore, MD, provides comprehensive gynecologic care for women of all ages at Vista Women’s Healthcare, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. She has helpful tips for women throughout each decade of life.
20s If a young woman has not completed her human papillomavirus series, the 20s are the time to catch up. The HPV vaccine prevents infection with the virus that’s associated with cervical and other cancers. It’s recommended for males and females between the ages of 11 and 26.
30s Many women begin to struggle with their weight in their 30s. Metabolic rates slow around age 35, when women are often busy concentrating on careers and young families. Despite a busy schedule, women need to continue with regular exercise and healthy eating. Developing these habits will help reap benefits for years to come.
40s Breast cancer screening with mammography begins in this decade. It’s important to remember that the majority of breast cancers occur in women with no family history. Even those who think they are at low risk for breast cancer should be screened. A woman’s screening schedule and any additional testing should be determined by reviewing mammography findings and family history with her doctor.
50s
screens for colon cancer and allows for the removal of polyps long before they progress to disease. If an exam is normal, patients may not need to repeat the test for 10
50? It’s time for a colonoscopy! This simple and painless test is much easier than patients may have imagined. Colonoscopy
A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice
Kathryn L. Moore, MD
700 Gervais Street, Suite 300 Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 254-3230 VistaWomens.com
years. Screening schedules will be determined by family history and study results.
60s Bone density assessment is recommended for all women by age 65. Another simple in-office test, a bone density scan identifies osteoporosis that may be associated with increased risk for fractures in the spine and hip. There are multiple medications that help slow and even reverse these trends, avoiding possible pain and limited mobility.
To Test or Not to Test?
Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer
W
hen a family member has cancer, what does it mean for relatives? Research has shown that people with a family history of cancer may be more likely to get the disease. According to Whitney Dobek, CGC, a genetic counselor with the University of South Carolina, people should consider genetic testing if their family meets certain criteria. Dobek works with patients at Lexington Medical Center. In general, people at risk for hereditary cancer have one or more first- or second-degree family members who were diagnosed with: • cancer before age 50, especially breast, colon and uterine cancers • the same type of cancer in multiple generations • two or more different cancers in one person • a rare cancer, such as male breast cancer or ovarian cancer • a BRCA1, BRCA2 or other hereditary cancer mutation “Mutations in hereditary cancer genes can increase your risk for cancer. They also help physicians determine appropriate cancer
screenings. Testing an affected relative first helps us decide if we need to test everyone in the family or if it’s an unexplained familial risk. If there is a mutation in the family, it should be present in the person with cancer,” said Dobek. Based on a person’s family history, his or her doctor may refer the patient to a genetic counselor to review his or her family medical history, discuss the role of genetics in cancer and perform a hereditary cancer risk assessment. This assessment covers: • the odds of having a genetic mutation (or abnormal gene) • an estimate of cancer risks
“Testing an affected relative first helps us decide if we need to test everyone in the family or if it’s an unexplained familial risk.” – Whitney Dobek, CGC.
• personalized genetic testing recommendations • individualized cancer screening and prevention recommendations
“We want people to be able to make an informed decision on whether they want this information, and genetic counseling is a helpful part of that process,” said Dobek.
One benefit of knowing if someone has a genetic mutation is that he or she can work with his or her doctor to monitor and address cancer risks, which can help prevent cancer or find it early — when it’s most treatable.
More Detail with 3-D Detection.
Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. For women with dense breast tissue or those at high risk of developing breast cancer, 3-D mammograms can provide a clearer, more detailed view of breast tissue, and can lead to easier and earlier breast cancer detection. As the first in the Midlands to offer this state-of-the-art technology, Lexington Medical Center is fighting breast cancer one millimeter at a time.
Call (803) 791-2486 to schedule an appointment or visit LexMed.com to learn more.
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WOMEN’S Health
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017
Minimally Invasive, Non-surgical Procedure Treats Uterine Fibroids “There is a risk of symptomatic recurrence after UFE in 10 to 15 percent of patients, which may require an additional procedure or surgical therapy such as myomectomy or hysterectomy,” said Dr. West. He recommends patients talk to their gynecologist to see if they could be a candidate for UFE. “Working with your gynecologist can help us offer the best treatment options for you. We treat each patient in a personalized and individualized way to best suit her circumstances,” he said. For more information on UFE and the interventional radiology procedures available at Lexington Radiology Associates, visit LexingtonRadiology.com.
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding? Pelvic pain? Backache? Abdominal Bloating? Incontinence?
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hese symptoms could be due to uterine fibroids, a common condition that affects more than 50 percent of all American women by age 50 — a number that jumps to 80 percent among African-American women. Uterine fibroids are tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. Diagnosed by ultrasound, these tumors are usually benign. Most women have a hysterectomy or myomectomy to treat them; however, there’s a minimally invasive procedure that may be an alternative to surgery for some patients. At Lexington Medical Center, interventional radiologists perform uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), an image-guided, non-surgical treatment that is less painful and has a shorter recovery period than surgical options. This treatment is often just as effective as other uterine fibroid treatments. “Interventional radiologists leverage the most advanced medical technology to perform procedures that often allow treatment of disease in a much less invasive way, where traditional open surgery was previously required,” said Jonathan K. West, MD, FAWM, interventional radiologist at Lexington Radiology Associates, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice.
Uterine fibroids are tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. Rather than requiring general anesthesia, UFE is an endovascular procedure performed using conscious sedation and local anesthesia for a tiny incision — just a few millimeters — in the groin. A small catheter is inserted through the common femoral artery in the groin and manipulated into the uterine artery on each side of the pelvis. Real-time X-rays guide the position of the catheter. Once inside the correct artery, the interventional radiologist injects tiny particles through the catheter to block the blood flow supplying the fibroids. Blocking blood flow kills cells within the fibroids and preserves the uterus. Fibroids stop bleeding, shrink in size and become softer, which helps alleviate symptoms.
UFE takes about 45 to 90 minutes to perform, and an overnight stay in the hospital may be necessary for some patients. Others go home four to six hours after the procedure. “This image-guided therapy is a minimally invasive alternative that has excellent outcomes. The risks of major complications related to the procedure are lower than those of hysterectomy,” said Dr. West. Approximately nine out of 10 patients who undergo UFE experience significant improvement, with many reporting their symptoms disappear completely. Recurrence of fibroids is rare. Symptoms generally resolve after menopause, so younger women are at a higher risk for recurrent symptoms.
Jonathan K. West, MD, FAWM
A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice
2720 Sunset Boulevard West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 791-2460 LexingtonRadiology.com
ASK THE LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER CLINICIAN
Pregnancy After 40 Janice L. Bacon, MD, FACOG, is an OB/GYN at Women’s Health & Diagnostic Center, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. More women are having babies later in life after getting married later in life and building their careers. Dr. Bacon’s patients often have questions about pregnancy after 40.
Q: How difficult is it to become pregnant after 40? A: The maximum number of eggs a woman will have in her lifetime peaks when she’s still inside her mother’s womb. The number of eggs begins to decline even before she’s born. At age 40, statistics show a 5 percent chance of becoming pregnant each month. That’s vastly different from the 20s, when chances are 85 percent each month.
Q: What complications can arise with pregnancy at an advanced age?
Janice L. Bacon, MD, FACOG
A: As we get older, we have a higher risk of medical problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. All of these conditions can cause difficulty in pregnancy. There is also an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, growth restriction in utero or preterm labor, possibly because the placenta may not be as healthy.
Q: What about once pregnancy begins? Lexington Medical Park 1 Suite 106 2728 Sunset Boulevard West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 936-7420 WHDCenter.com
A: Start prenatal care early. A woman’s doctor can suggest screenings that can identify increased risks for birth defects and chromosome abnormalities in the baby. There are several tests. A doctor can help the patient decide which one is best.
Q: What role do older men play in this process?
More women than ever are getting married later in life, building their careers — and have questions about pregnancy after 40.
A: Research shows older men may not have the same quality of sperm as younger men. In fact, an older man’s sperm may have a higher rate of genetic defects.
Q: What advice do you have for women older than age 40 who want to become pregnant? A: They should visit their primary care physician for a complete
physical. Know their blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. Take folic acid and prenatal vitamins before conception. And try to be in the best physical shape.
Q: What are the advantages of having a baby later in life? A: Women are more experienced, wiser and more financially secure.
WOMEN’S Health
A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center
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ASK THE LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER CLINICIAN
Midwifery – Your Questions Answered Darci Putnam, CNM, MSN, is a certified nurse midwife at Lexington Women’s Care West Columbia, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. She answers a lot of questions from community members about what midwives do. Q: What’s a certified nurse midwife? A: A certified nurse midwife is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides comprehensive health care for women throughout their lives. Lexington Women’s Care has a staff of CNMs at its West Columbia location.
Q: How does someone become a CNM? A: The CNMs at Lexington Women’s Care West Columbia have earned a master’s degree in nursing and completed rigorous clinical training. CNMs also graduate from an accredited midwifery education program and pass a national certification exam.
Q: Do midwives only care for pregnant women? A: No. Midwives offer care to women from adolescence through menopause.
Q: What kind of gynecologic care does a midwife provide? A: We care for women in all stages of life. Midwives provide routine well-woman exams, family planning and contraception, preconception counseling and problem-focused visits.
Q: Does using a midwife mean natural childbirth? A: No. CNMs support a patient’s wishes for her birth experience. We participate in many deliveries at Lexington Medical Center with mothers who use medication to control pain during labor and delivery, including epidurals. We also have patients who would like to have natural childbirth, and we work with them to achieve that goal. We realize that every patient is different and unique.
A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice
Q: Do you offer at-home deliveries? A: Some midwives participate in at-home deliveries. But like many other CNMs across the country, Lexington Women’s Care’s midwives only deliver babies in the hospital.
Making Room for Tomorrow
When a community grows, its hospital should too. And that’s just what we’re doing. In May, Lexington Medical Center launched the largest hospital expansion project in South Carolina history. Our new 10-story patient tower will allow us to take better care of patients, including the tiniest infants who need special attention. The addition will also help us make room for the growing number of patients who need surgery and intensive care. At Lexington Medical Center, our mission to serve our community never waivers. We’re here when you need us today. And we’ll be there when you need us tomorrow.
Darci Putnam, CNM, MSN
155 North Hospital Drive, Suite 300 West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 936-8100 LexingtonWomensCareWestColumbia.com
Lexington Plastic Surgery cordially invites you to attend their second annual
New You New Year Event Thursday, January 18, 2018 • 4:30–8:00 p.m. Lexington Medical Park 1, Suite 105 2728 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, SC 29169
Guests will enjoy the following: • Wine and hors d’oeuvres • Drawings for complimentary beauty treatments •10% off of future services (includes all surgical and office procedures, valid for three months)
•15% off of future services if prepaid
(includes all office procedures, valid for three months) Building a healthier hospital—community—you.
LexMed.com
Optional RSVP to Julie Rhodes: jarhodes@lexhealth.org or (803) 936-7045.
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WOMEN’S Health
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017
Ryan Livingston with her husband Scott and their children Payton and Furman on their Newberry County farm
Weight Loss After Pregnancy New Mom Loses 175 Pounds Ryan Livingston has a message for moms.
“Y
ou can lose weight after you have kids. And you can keep the pounds off.” Ryan lives on a family farm in Newberry County with her husband Scott and their young children Payton and Furman. “Get in shape for the sake of your kids and your health,” she said. Growing up, Ryan was always one of the tallest kids in class. At 6 feet tall, she used her height to her advantage on the high school basketball team. She met Scott soon after high school, and carefree college years moved her away from a regular fitness routine. “I didn’t feel a need to stay in shape,” Ryan said. “My husband looked at me through ‘love goggles’ and never saw me as big.” In her early 20s, Ryan began her first pregnancy at 245 pounds. She developed preeclampsia, pregnancyinduced high blood pressure that can be dangerous for mother and baby. The condition required bed rest and careful monitoring. By the time Payton was born, Ryan weighed 346 pounds. “I was trying to heal from a caesarean section, do laundry and keep up with Payton. I was to the point where I couldn’t care for myself,” Ryan said. Ryan’s doctor is Janis E. Keeton, MD, an OB/GYN in the Lexington Medical Center network of care. “Weight loss after pregnancy is challenging for most women. The stress – Ryan Livingston of becoming a new parent combined with sleep deprivation creates a vicious cycle, raising hormone levels that promote fat storage,” Dr. Keeton said. “That can help women keep the weight on and make it more difficult to get the weight off.” Dr. Keeton encourages women who are struggling with their weight to ask their doctor to check for a thyroid condition, which affects one in 10 women and can make it hard to lose weight.
“(Keeping a food journal) made me accountable throughout the day. I would log everything I ate. That’s when I realized I ate an entire box of Lucky Charms in two days.”
Ryan at 346 pounds
Ryan at 175 pounds
And it’s important to have good habits in place A year and a half after having Payton, Ryan reached her before having a baby. That will help limit weight high school weight of 175 pounds. gain during pregnancy and decrease the risk of During the process, Dr. Keeton also encouraged Ryan to get complications such as pregnancy-induced high some rest. blood pressure and even a caesarean section. “Most new moms are working, too,” Dr. Keeton said. “If a mom didn’t have good eating and exercise They’re the last to go to bed and the first to get up. I encourage habits before, it’s going to be them to ask for and accept help so they can harder to incorporate a healthy find time for themselves. They shouldn’t routine into her schedule with a feel like a bad person for not giving every new baby,” Dr. Keeton said. minute they have to the baby.” In addition to a lower According to Dr. Keeton, the way to carbohydrate and higher win the weight battle is consistency and protein meal plan coupled with a plan. regular exercise, Dr. Keeton “They’re going to get off track,” she recommended that Ryan keep said. “I ask patients to anticipate the road blocks that have previously caused them a food journal and download a free fitness and nutrition app on to fail. I tell them to get back on track so Janis E. Keeton, MD her phone. that 85 to 90 percent of the time they’re “It made me accountable doing the right thing. No one is perfect all throughout the day,” Ryan said. “I the time.” would log everything I ate. That’s Ryan’s healthier weight and lifestyle when I realized I ate an entire box put her in better shape for her second of Lucky Charms® in two days. I pregnancy. Today, she weighs just over 200 A Lexington Medical Center learned I could satisfy my sweet pounds and is back on track to reaching Physician Practice tooth with something smaller.” her 175-pound goal. As a real estate agent, Ryan “Scott and my mom have been great 557 Columbia Ave., Suite C worked irregular hours, grabbing supporters and have always encouraged Chapin, SC 29036 food when and where she could. me to keep shooting for my goals,” Ryan (803) 936-7476 It was a challenge to find healthy said. “It always helps when you have loved snacks on the go and resist the LexingtonWomensCareChapin.com ones who want to see you accomplish your ease of fast food, but she made dreams in life.” smarter choices and the pounds She has more energy, too. started coming off. When she reached 265 pounds, “I still eat cake, ice cream and pizza. But I limit my she started going to the gym three days a week for portions,” Ryan said. “I’m so thankful that I stuck with it. It’s light cardio and weight training. been a saving grace.”