OlivDefense™ features science-based patented Immune Guard® plus olive extract and elderberry to support the body’s natural immune defense mechanisms.*
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If you have seen a gynecologist since 2011, you likely have been tested for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) at the time of your pap smear. The virus was first discovered in 1956, but it was not until 1986 that two specific subtypes of the virus were linked to cervical cancer. Currently, there are over 200 types of HPV. HPV 16 and 18 account for 60-75% of all cervical cancer cases worldwide. There are about 12 other types that account for the remainder of cervical cancer cases. These cervical cancer-causing HPV types are what are included routinely in pap smear collections in those 30 years old or older.
Approximately 80% of sexually active individuals will contract HPV during their lifetime. Just like any other virus that can infect the human body, the body has the ability to fight off the infection. Unlike other viruses, however, HPV infection is generally symptom-free. On average, it takes about 8-12 months for a healthy individual with a functioning immune system is to clear an HPV infection. Those less than 30 years old tend to be able to fight the infection off more quickly and completely. Therefore, a pap smear collected between 21 and 29 years old is not routinely run for HPV unless the pap smear is found to be abnormal. Because of the ability of most individuals to clear an HPV infection, treating each positive HPV result may result in overtreatment; however, the frequency of testing may be increased.
Cervical cancer screening is one of the most effective screening tests available across medical specialties in detecting and treating precancerous changes. The addition of HPV screening has further advanced the screening to the point that HPV testing/screening alone may be sufficient. In 2014-2015 HPV testing alone became an option approved by the FDA but is not yet routinely used. Due to this strong link between HPV and cervical cancer, an HPV vaccine has been developed against the HPV types most strongly associated with the development of cervical cancer. In the US, the vaccine is currently available for males and females between the ages of 9-26 years old regardless if already infected by HPV. The vaccine is so effective that in Australia (where there is a high rate of vaccination), high-grade precancerous pap smear results were significantly decreased in only three years of implementing the vaccination.
Next time you find yourself at the Gynecologist’s office for your pap smear, rest assured that that uncomfortable experience is quite possibly the most effective testing offered today as screening to prevent cancer.
Dr. Mathern
References:
Palefsky, J., UpToDate: Human Papilloma Infections: Epidemiology and Disease Associations. Updated June 2018. Literature review Sept 2019.
Cervical Cancer Screening. ACOG Practice Bulletin #168. October 2016.
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cervical Cancer. Last Reviewed Jan 2019.
OB/GYN Physician
Peoria, IL Private Practice
Full-Time Relocation Assistance Sign-on Bonus No OB Call Work/Life Balance
Tired of the demands of being on-call/delivering babies? Looking for an excellent base salary with work/life balance? Desire proximity to a big city? Join the Couri Center!
Please email your cover letter and CV to HR@couricenter.com
Compliments of MyDarlingLemonThyme.com
1 kg piece of pumpkin
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
2 green or red chilies, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
a handful of finely chopped coriander (cilantro) roots and stems, optional
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups water
The juice of two limes (or large lemon)
A good handful each of fresh mint and coriander (cilantro) leaves
toasted pumpkin (pepita) seeds
Pre-heat oven to 400F. Peel pumpkin, remove the seeds and cut into even chunks approximately 2-3cm wide. Combine pumpkin with ginger, chili, garlic, olive oil, maple and coriander roots and season well with salt and pepper. Combine well before turning out onto a large oven tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning once or twice or until the pumpkin is lovely a golden and soft right through. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, place quinoa into a fine-mesh sieve and rinse well. Bring the water to the boil in a small saucepan before adding the quinoa, covering with a lid and reducing the heat down to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from the heat, leave the lid on and set aside to steam for a further 5 minutes before fluffing up with a fork.
When both the pumpkin and quinoa are cooked, combine the two in a large bowl, making sure you scrape any lovely bits of ginger and oil from the bottom of the roasting tray into the bowl too. Squeeze over the lime, stir through the herbs, season with more salt and pepper if desired and scatter over the pumpkin seeds to serve. You can eat this warm or cool the pumpkin and quinoa first before stirring through the herbs and serve at room temperature.
Enjoy!
Every year more than 200 million people will suffer from Osteoporosis, and 3 million new US cases will be diagnosed. In fact, half of all adults 50 years and older, are at risk of breaking a bone and should be screened before they require medication. The reason Osteoporosis is often overlooked is because there are usually no symptoms. “You cannot feel your bones becoming weaker.” It is for this reason that it is often called “a silent disease” until a fracture occurs. What is especially alarming is that 80% of the people who suffer a fracture over the age of 50, will not be advised to be tested or treated for Osteoporosis. If you knew that your risk of a fracture was equal to the combined risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer, would that change your mind about the importance of early screening?
At the Couri Center, our providers recognize the importance of your bone health. It is just as important to us as your breast and cervical cancer screenings. We want to help PREVENT you from this disease before a fracture occurs. In fact, we have customized Couri girl MedPax supplements for this very purpose! Couri girl Osteopenia is for women diagnosed or at high risk of developing osteopenia and Couri girl Osteoporosis, is for women diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Unfortunately, 24% of hip fracture patients, over the age of 50, will die in the first year following a hip fracture. Osteoporosis is not only costly, but it can be deadly. However, with early intervention, it is not only preventable but treatable. If you have any one of the following risk factors, please have a conversation with your provider and consider a simple test for screening.
Sale ends February 28, 2020.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today!
Sale ends October 31, 2019. Packages must be used by March 31, 2020.