Soy Decreases the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

Women consuming the largest amount of soy have a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence, according to a new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Researchers tracked soy isoflavones consumed by 524 women with breast cancer. Postmenopausal women who ate more than 42.3 milligrams of soy isoflavones per day had a 33% decreased risk of recurrence compared with women who ate less than 15.2 milligrams per day. Sources of soy isoflavones included soymilk, tofu, and edamame. Eight ounces of soymilk contains roughly 20 milligrams of soy isoflavones.

This study resonates with findings from a 2009 Journal of the American Medical Association study showing that women previously treated for breast cancer have less risk of recurrence or death if they include soy products in their diet.

Vegetables Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

Women consuming more vegetables have a decreased risk of breast cancer, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Researchers followed the diets of 51,928 participants in the Black Women's Health Study. Participants who ate two or more servings of vegetables per day had a 43% decreased breast cancer risk, compared with those who ate less than four servings per week. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and kale) and carrots had the largest impact in breast cancer risk.

Hysterectomies for Benign Diseases

The Board of Directors of AAGL, or Advancing Minimally Invasive Surgery Worldwide, has released its official position statement regarding hysterectomy for benign disease (fibroids, abnormal bleeding, pain, etc.).

The position statement can be found at www.aagl.org and www.jmig.org. The statement concludes with: "It is the position of the AAGL that most hysterectomies for benign disease should be performed either vaginally or laparoscopically and that continued efforts should be taken to facilitate these approaches. Surgeons without the requisite training and skills required for the safe performance of vaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopic hysterectomy should enlist the aid of colleagues who do or should refer patients requiring hysterectomy to such individuals for their surgical care."

Dr. Kidd and Dr. Wilson are highly trained and skilled in laparoscopic hysterectomy, as well as other laparoscopic procedures. Dr. Wilson teaches laparoscopic hysterectomy nationally and is recognized as one of the experts in the field. If you, your family member, or your friend are considering a hysterectomy and you are being told that you will require a large incision, please make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Kidd or Dr. Wilson. Most likely, we can offer a minimally invasive option with less pain, shorter recovery, and tiny incisions.

Ovarian Cysts

One of the most common sources of anxiety in women is the discovery of an ovarian cyst. We are all terrified of ovarian cancer, and the discovery of an ovarian cyst strikes fear in our hearts. The reality is that any ovulating woman develops a cyst on the ovary that the egg is developing in, and this cyst can get to be rather large (3 cm). Ovaries are meant to produce cysts and do it routinely, so there is usually no need to panic.

Ultrasound is the best method of evaluating cysts. In this article, we will go through the protocol for a variety of types of ovarian cysts.

Simple cysts in an ovulating female (clear fluid filled, no debris or other material contained in the cyst):

• Less than 3 cm is considered normal
• Up to 5 cm, follow-up not necessarily required, but a follow-up ultrasound is usually recommended to ensure resolution
• 5-7 cm, follow-up ultrasound recommended unless pain is an issue, then surgical intervention may be necessary. These large cysts are benign, but they can "twist" and cut off their own blood supply, causing severe pain.

Simple cysts in a postmenopausal female:

• Less than 1 cm, not worrisome
• Cysts over 1 cm are likely to be benign, but need repeat ultrasound on a regular basis, usually every 3 months until resolved

Simple cysts over 7 cm at any age:

• MRI and/or surgical intervention is recommended

Thin-walled cysts with single septation or calcification in the wall of the cyst:

• Follow-up similar to that for simple cysts based in size and menopausal status

Hemorrhagic (blood-filled) cysts in a reproductive aged woman:

• Under 5 cm, no follow-up necessarily needed, but if pain is involved a repeat ultrasound is recommended
• Cysts over 5 cm, follow-up ultrasound in 6-12 weeks is recommended

Hemorrhagic cysts (early post menopause):

• Any size: follow-up in 6-12 weeks to ensure resolution

Hemorrhagic cysts (later post menopause years):

• Any size- surgery is recommended to remove the ovary. This can generally be accomplished laparoscopically

Endometriomas (cysts that contain thick, old blood as a result of endometriosis in the ovary):

• Follow-up ultrasound in 6-12 weeks, consider surgical removal

Dermoids (cysts that grow from stem cells of the ovary and form multiple skin-related tissue types such as hair, sebaceous material, and bone):

• Follow with ultrasound regularly. If growth or pain occurs, consider surgical removal.

Cysts with characteristics suspicious for malignancy (any age):

• Surgical intervention is recommended

As with any other decisions regarding the health of a patient, we make our recommendations based on the individual we are treating, the family history, and the level of concern that the patient communicates regarding the ultrasound findings.

How Does the Mirena IUD Work?

A recent study demonstrated that the Mirena IUD, which contains a progesterone, causes cervical mucous to be less permeable to sperm. A study of cervical mucous revealed that 0% of sperm permeated the mucous, which means that pregnancy never took place. Some IUD's work by preventing implantation of the fertilized egg, and this is a concern of women who feel strongly about abortion. This issue has preventing many women from considering an IUD for contraception.

This article is reassuring. If the sperm cannot penetrate the cervical mucous, then fertilization is not taking place. The other advantage of the Mirena IUD is that it generally stops periods altogether after a few months by suppressing the development of the uterine lining. The Mirena IUD has become a very popular method of contraception. If you are interested in a Mirena IUD, please consult your practitioner.

Skintique MD Introduces
Skintique After Hours

Take a look at our Skintique After Hours Web site! We offer many unique products to enhance your love life. From wonderful, sensuous lubricants to a variety of vibrators, we have it all. These products offer a very effective way to enhance your sex life and achieve greater intimacy, for both you and your partner!

The We-Vibe is a real kick! It is an ingenious vibrator with 2 arms. It is designed to be used during intercourse, and it certainly makes sex more interesting!

One arm fits into the vagina and stimulates the G-spot. The other arm provides clitoral stimulation. Amazingly, it stays in place during intercourse and dramatically increases the pleasure for both partners. Multiple settings are available – take your choice of steady vibration at a few different intensities, pulsed vibration, or undulating vibration. All fun, all exciting. The We-Vibe is extremely popular – try one and see for yourself!!

Hormone Pellets

Balance hormone pellets are gaining in popularity at a rapid rate. For women who have tried gels, creams, pills, and patches to no avail, pellets are a miracle. No other method of hormone replacement eliminates menopausal symptoms and reinvigorates a sex life like the pellets.

Our pellet users comment:

"I have tried everything on the market and nothing has eliminated my hot flashes and night sweats like the pellets. Within 2 days of receiving the pellets, I was symptom free for the first time in 3 years. I cannot tell you what a relief this is. I can sleep, I feel happy, and my brain works!"

"My husband and I had a wonderful sex life until I became menopausal. Our sexual relationship crumbled and so did our marriage. I was not interested in sex and would do most anything to avoid it. The pellets have been a miracle for us! We are connecting on a sexual level again and just loving it. In fact, my husband complains that I am too demanding sexually!"

"I have been getting pellets for 3 years. I moved 10 months ago and could not find a doctor who offered pellets in this area. When the pellets wore off, I tried a few different types of hormone replacement, but nothing made me feel as good as the pellets did, so I flew back to Phoenix to get pellets a few weeks ago. I feel fantastic and the trip was totally worth it! I will fly to Phoenix as often as I need to to get my pellets. It is worth it."

If you are interested in balance hormone pellets, please see our Web site and make an appointment with your practitioner.

Lucky Paws Thrift Store is About to Become a Reality!

We are moving Lucky Paws to 6423 East Thomas Road. Our new facility will include a larger area for the dogs and cats as well as space for a Thrift Store. The plan is for the Thrift Store to support the rescue.

In order for us to grow and rescue as many dogs and cats from euthanasia as possible, it is essential for us to gain a source of income. Many rescue groups depend on their Thrift Store income for support. Donations are tax deductible. This makes it attractive for people to donate unwanted items.

Animal lovers can help save pets from euthanasia by donating their stuff. We have about 1,500 square feet to work with and we want to make it great!

Organizational Meeting:
March 2nd

We are planning an organizational meeting March 2nd at 7 pm at the home of Jo Finks (601 West Northview Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021).

Directions to Jo's home:

Glendale Avenue west to 7th Avenue, 7th Avenue north (right turn) to Northview Avenue (3 blocks north of Glendale – Glenn, Palmaire, Northview), east turn (right) onto Northview, 2nd house on the south side of the street (right-hand side)

Please come with ideas for:

• Gathering items to sell – how do we get donations of unwanted stuff?
• Staffing – how to attract volunteers?
• Attracting buyers
• Obtaining shelving, racks, etc
• Advertising
• Maximizing profits

Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to circlelranch@gmail.com.

Find Love at Your Local Shelter
By Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

At animal shelters and rescue groups across the country, millions of healthy, well-socialized, and thoroughly adoptable dogs and cats are perfect pets-in-waiting. They may be energetic or mellow, affectionate or hard-to-get, clever or completely transparent. They may be young or old, purebred or mixed breed, spotted or striped, big or small. But they all have one thing in common: They will almost certainly give back even more love than their new keeper will give them. Read more...