Women’s Specialty Care was one of the first Women’s Health Centers in Southern Nevada to offer this type of test. Early detection can mean the difference between life and death, as breast cancer in younger patients is usually more aggressive.

95 percent of breast cancer originates in the ductal system. During your office visit you will have two breast pumps attached to your breasts causing a gentle suction to collect samples for a laboratory to test. Women’s Specialty Care recommends women over the age of 25 but not to the age where a mammogram is recommended to have themselves tested to evaluate their risk of contracting a breast disease.

To schedule your Halo Breast Test call 702-255-3547, send a request online or learn more by visiting our patient resource.

 HALO Breast Test as seen on The Doctors (via) 

Who has a hysterectomy?
A woman may have a hysterectomy for different reasons, including one of the following:

• Uterine fibroids that cause pain, bleeding, or other problems
• Uterine prolapse, which is a sliding of the uterus from its normal position into the vaginal canal
• Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries
• Endometriosis
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Adenomyosis, or a thickening of the uterus

Is there only one type of hysterectomy?
Not all hysterectomies are the same; there are three types of Hysterectomies:

Total Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and the cervix, which is the lower “neck” of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Subtotal Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. This is also commonly known as a partial hysterectomy.

Radical Hysterectomy refers to when the uterus, cervix, ovaries and the structure that supports the uterus are removed. This is the usual treatment when a woman has endometriosis or cancer of the uterus, cervix or ovaries.

How is a hysterectomy performed?
If you need to have a hysterectomy there are options for surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor in depth about each option and which would benefit you personally.  The most common options are:

Abdominal hysterectomy: This method provides a surgeon good visibility and easy access to your pelvic organs. It enables a surgeon to remove a very large uterus or if you have endometriosis, this also will allow your surgeon to remove the area with ease.

Vaginal hysterectomy: This method enabled removal of a normal or slightly larger than normal uterus as well as small uterine fibroids.  A vaginal hysterectomy tends to cause less pain during recovery versus an abdominal surgery.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy: This method doesn’t have an incision in the wall of the vagina, rather small incisions in various locations. Compared to the other surgical options a Laparoscopic hysterectomy requires a shorter hospital stay with shorter recovery.

Laparoscopic hysterectomies require additional training and may not be available everywhere.

How long does it take to recover?
Recovery time is based on the type of surgery you have. On average if you have an abdominal surgery your recovery time will be anywhere from 4-6 weeks. With a Vaginal or Laparoscopic surgery your recovery can vary between 3 to 4 weeks.  Healing properly can help you stay on these timelines, be careful to not lift anything heavy, get plenty of rest and follow your doctor’s orders.

During pregnancy, exercise can help you stay in shape and prepare for labor and delivery. There are many benefits to exercising during your pregnancy. Exercise can:

• Boost your energy.
• Help prevent excess weight gain.
• Can help ease muscle pain.
• Increase stamina and muscle strength needed for labor.
• Helps your demeanor.

We consulted with personal trainer Margi Faze, fitness expert, co-founder of Transformation Group, and mother of three. These are the tips she shared with us.

Exercise during pregnancy, is not only safe, but beneficial to mom and baby. Together with your doctor, you can decide which exercises are best for you. If you were active before pregnancy you may be able to continue your exercise regimen modifying it as your belly grows. If you were not active, you will need to start slow and increase your activity level as you get stronger.

Maintain a heart-rate below 140 beats per minute and avoid overheating, especially in the first trimester. Also, avoid jerking motions and lying flat on your back for extended periods of time. Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes, but get a good sports bra that provides support. To avoid falls, make sure your shoes also give you support and are slip resistant.

Here are the top 3 best ways you can get a safe and healthy workout.

 1. Swimming is the safest and most recommended exercise during pregnancy. Swimming offers a good toning and cardio workout. Buoyancy will reduce pressure in the joints and the water will help maintain your body temperature cooler.

2. Walking is a great workout that can be done throughout pregnancy. Remember to stay hydrated and avoid
overheating. You can start slow, walking at a moderate rate for 1 mile three days per week. Add a few extra minutes and pick up the pace a little each week. If you were a runner before pregnancy, consult with your doctor to determine if, and at what pace, you should continue you’re routine.

 3. Stationary Biking is also a great pregnancy exercise. The bike supports your weight thus creating less stress on your joints.  Also, you can more easily avoid overheating by exercising in-doors. Biking outdoors in early pregnancy is okay keeping in mind that as you grow your center of balance shifts increasing the risk for falls. 

In addition to the above, look into Yoga and Pilates studios as some may offer special classes for pregnant women adding variety and enjoyment to your workouts.

Health and Fitness is a big part in keeping your body and your baby healthy throughout pregnancy. It is never too late to talk to your doctor and figure out a workout routine.

“The standard for this type of surgery that is primarily performed is called a Laparotomy” Dr. Volker said “A Laparotomy has a recovery time of 6-8 weeks after a patient initially spends 3-4 days in the hospital, and a lot of pain is involved with this traditional
method”.

As the CEO and Chairman of The American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery (AIMIS), Dr. Volker performs 95 percent of his cases using the minimally invasive procedure instead of Laparotomy. The minimally invasive procedure allows patients a quicker recovery time with a significantly lower amount of pain. Small ports ranging from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters allow state of the art instruments access to perform the minimally invasive surgery. Alternative energy sources are used in lieu of the traditional method of electric coterie, for instance, with a sound wave doctors are able to seal, cut and clamp where needed.

When the Biography channel approached Dr. Volker about filming a segment to raise awareness, Dr. Volker graciously accepted. “Most women are not aware of this option,” Dr. Volker said, “I believe every woman should have a choice in their care”.

Dr. Volker in association with AIMIS and Las Vegas Minimally Invasive Surgery hosts training seminars, labs and hands on training. He stated, “It is my hope that we can train Women’s health care professionals with minimally invasive surgery, and that we can continue to raise the bar with quicker and more painless surgeries”.

Most preterm birth deliveries happen spontaneously but in some cases a doctor decides to deliver a baby early because of a concern for the health of the baby or mother.  If you are worried that you may have a preterm baby here are some of the warning signs to watch for during pregnancy, early contractions, changes with vaginal discharge, cramps that feel like a normal menstrual cycle or pelvic pressure. If you experience any of these signs call your doctor immediately.  

Risk factors for having a premature birth include:

-         Carrying more than one baby

-         Having a previous preterm baby

-         Problems with your cervix or uterus

-         Certain Infections

-         Chronic health problems

You can take steps to lower your risk of having a premature baby by doing the following:

-         Quit smoking

-         Stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy

-         See your health care provider for a medical checkup before pregnancy

-         See your health care provider as soon as you may believe you are pregnant.

For more information on premature birth please visit:

http://www.marchofdimes.com/default.html

• Diagnosed as a Young Woman your chance of having a more aggressive cancer and lower survival rate is significantly higher than a women over the age of 40.
• Breast Cancer at a young age adds complications with early menopause and effects on fertility.

Most women find the facts of being diagnosed at a young age frightening, but for women who have fought Breast Cancer under the age of 40, facts are just another way to overcome the odds. As young women who believe they are healthy, happy and ready to start a family, receiving a positive diagnosis of Breast Cancer can make her feel like her world is caving in. Yet, somehow through her fear, surgeries, rounds of chemo-therapy, radiation and taking long term drugs such as Tamoxifen; survivors are ready to tackle something else in their lives…motherhood.

Earlier this year Celebrity Christina Applegate opened up to People Magazine sharing her journey from being diagnosed with Breast Cancer to motherhood. You may think this can only happen in Hollywood, but the fact is most women who fight and survive Breast Cancer have little to no complications conceiving. Christina like many other mothers simply stated “She is My Miracle”. Instead of my focus being solely on cancer, my day is filled with changing diapers, feeding and burping. “She’s just made my life so much better. She’s opened my whole soul” Christina told the Magazine.

 “Hope awakens us like a light shining in the darkness”

 Young Survivors can and most are already experiencing the very things they felt were out of the cards, it may take a little more time and patience but anything is possible. A great organization; YoungSurvival.Org founded in 1998 by 3 Breast Cancer patients believes this too, so they have dedicated themselves to creating a place where women of all backgrounds can come together to share stories and support one another.

While it can be one of the scariest things you’ll go through being diagnosed with Breast Cancer young, it’s not the end, it’s a new beginning.

The staff at Women’s Specialty Care wanted to spread some cheer to our friends, family and patients by sharing their favorite holiday traditions.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

My favorite memories are of my family getting together and making tamales, along with all the other traditional foods; Turkey, stuffing and lots of homemade pies and goodies.  – Claudia, Authorization Rep

In 1976 the Bicentennial, my family drove across country from sunny California to snowy New York to see my dad’s family.  We were to be there for 2 weeks and it turned into a whole month.  This was the first time that the 6 of us kids have ever been in that much snow for that long.  It was one of the best Christmases ever.  We had a white Christmas, we got to go to Rockefeller Center, and we got to see the Wiz on Broadway and all of the other tourist attractions.  This was one of the best Christmas ever!!! –
Lana, Authorization Rep

My family usually has a big Christmas potluck dinner on Christmas Eve and we would socialize till it’s time for Christmas Midnight Mass. When we arrive home the kids would pick one gift and open it. On Christmas Day we would pull our presents from under the tree and we would take pictures or video each other opening our gifts. When we’re done we would eat breakfast or brunch and enjoy the rest of the day with our new found gifts and family. – Liza, Administrative Assistant 

In my house we all get new “Christmas pajamas” that we put on Christmas Eve Night.  Some years we make them crazy, and other years we go for comfort, since we will wear them all Christmas Day.  We will watch our favorite movies all day such as, “Miracle on 34^th St “.  In the evening hours we then log onto Norad’s military website and track Santa so we know when to go to bed!  When Santa finally reaches the Western side of the US, we rush to lay out cookies and milk, along with carrots and celery for the reindeer.  We know that Santa does not come if we are still awake!!  We were excited last year when Santa left behind one of his gloves.  We are planning on leaving him a note with his cookies so that he can have his glove back. – Sharon, CSR Supervisor

My family traditionally puts up and decorates the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving and takes it down on New Year’s Day. It keeps that warm and fuzzy feeling in the house for as long as possible! We also give the things you need  (i.e., deodorant, socks, brush, etc.) in everyone’s stockings and the presents are for what you want, this way you get everything you need and want for Christmas – Vanessa,   Administrative Assistant

A hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to medical care. Hospice care is about improving the quality of a patient’s day. Hospice care also addresses emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patients and the patient’s families.

Although the majority of hospice patients are elderly, hospices serve patients of all ages. Nearly 20% of hospice patients are under 65 years old. As a family centered concept, a hospice focuses as much on the grieving family as on the terminally ill. Most hospices provide a grief service that is available to the community through churches, schools or the workplace.

Hospices emphasize on medical care; pain and symptom relief. If a patient’s condition improves and the disease moves into remission, patients can be discharged from hospice care and continue treatment as directed by their doctor. A hospice can provide in home care as well as care on their facility depending on your circumstance. A hospice uses numerous methods to have the patient be as pain free and alert as possible. By constantly consulting with a patient, hospices are confident in reaching the goal of pain free patients.

To learn more about hospice care visit: http://www.americanhospice.org/

What are your Ovaries?

The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. Every month during a female’s menstrual cycle, an egg grows inside an ovary. The ovaries are the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

An Ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac. Ovarian cysts will form in or on the ovaries. The most common type of ovarian cyst is a functional cyst. These form often during you menstrual cycle.

 Is there only one type of Ovarian Cyst?

No, although there are many different types of Cysts, many of them usually will heal themselves. Here are the 5 most common types of cysts:

 Follicle cysts. A follicle cyst will form when the sac doesn’t open to release an egg. The sac will continue to grow; this is the most common form and will often go away between one and three months.

Corpus luteum cysts. Corpus luteum cysts form when the sac does not dissolve, and seal’s off after the egg is released. Fluid builds up inside, but most of these cysts will go away after a few weeks.

Endometriomas. These cysts form in women who have endometriosis. These are caused when tissue that acts like the lining of a women’s uterus grows outside of the uterus. The tissue then may attach to an ovary and form the growth.

 Cystadenomas. These cysts form from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. They are often filled with a watery fluid or thick, sticky gel. They can become large and cause pain.

 Polycystic ovaries. These cysts are caused when eggs mature within the sacs but are not released. When the cycle repeats the sac continues to grow and cysts start to form.

 How are Cysts found?

Your doctor will be able to find an ovarian cyst during a routine exam.

How do I get rid of a cyst?

Many cysts are treated on their own. If you find a cyst your doctor may have you wait a period of time and come back for a second exam. If the cyst changed in size your doctor will talk to you about the options you have available.

Will I have to have surgery to remove a cyst?

If your doctor recommends surgery to remove a cyst you will have two main surgery options. Many cysts will go away on their own but if you are experiencing pain, the cyst getting larger or hasn’t gone away after several menstrual cycles you may have the option to remove it.

The two main surgeries options are:

Laparoscopy– If the cyst is small and benign (non-cancerous) on an ultrasound. A small incision is made above your navel. During the procedure your doctor will use a small instrument that will remove the cyst.

Laparotomy– If the cyst is large and has the possibility of being cancerous, larger incisions are made to the stomach to remove the cyst.

Can I prevent a cyst?

No, ovarian cysts cannot be prevented. However there is some good news. Many cysts don’t cause symptoms, are not cancerous and will go away on their own.

Women’s Specialty Care embarked on a milestone in October, 2011. The Springs Preserve served as the backdrop for the 10th Anniversary and Employee Recognition Celebration. WSC, the largest privately owned OBGYN practice has been thriving in the Las Vegas Valley for over 10 years because of the talented providers, nurses and staff employed by the practice.

Tina Phyfer, Practice Administrator, opened the celebration with welcoming words to WSC employees & their families with Dr. Warren Volker shortly after addressing the specialty programs that are offered to the staff including the Management Development Program, the WSC Empowering Women Scholarship Fund and the Certification Program.

 Tina again took the mic to discuss the importance of health and fitness in the workplace. Introduced during the program were Arnie and Sara, Certified Personal Trainers with Transformation Fitness. 

WSC 2011 Corporate Challenge Fitness winners:
1st place KoKo (MA) received $700 cash and a plaque
2nd place Joanna (MA) received $50 cash prizes and a plaque.
3rd place Olga (OB Advisor) received $50 cash prizes and a plaque.

WSC Director of Human Resources Shannon and Directors Assistant Claudia presented awards to the staff based on tenure and volunteering as well as the 3 Employee of the Year recipients.

Employee’s of the Year:
Angel (OB Advisor)
Sharon (CS Supervisor)
Julie (MA).

All Employees were recognized during this presentation in a unique way; all WSC employees were given a different color of balloon to represent their time with the company, seeing the multitudes and level of growth was an amazing sight. 

With the help of the little ones, who’s faces were face-painted before the employee recognition ceremony, WSC’s ”Luck Of The Draw” began. Tina with help of Stephanie, Director of IT and Virtual Systems and Sarah, Director of Clinical Operations, numerous prizes were given away.

 The top 3 winners:
1. Vannessa, Winner of an IPad2
2. Angela, Winner of a Whole House Carpet Cleaning
3. Olga, Winner of a BBQ Grill

When the afternoon started to wind down Dr. Tammy Kelly addressed the attendees. Her heartfelt thank you’s to the WSC family hit home throughout the room. At Women’s Specialty Care we are more than a staff with personal agendas, we are a family who truly believes in the well being of women. We are happy to have touched the lives of many women in the Las Vegas Valley  for the previous ten years and hope to continue our journey of hope, health and success.