Issue: #002

January/2009

Announcing Debra Wickman MD, Board Certified Gynecologist

Announcing Debra Wickman MD, Board Certified Gynecologist- joining our practice March 23rd 2009. We are thrilled to have Dr. Wickman as part of our team. Dr. Wilson and Dr. Wickman have been friends for years, sharing call years ago when they both delivered babies.  Dr. Wickman is a specialist in menopause and women's sexual issues, particularly as they change with the aging process. She is an advocate of bioidentical hormones and very well educated in all issues pertaining to menopause. Dr. Wickman is extremely popular with her patients- they love her gentle and caring demeanor as well as her knowledge and professionalism.

Debra S. Wickman, M.D.

Biography

Dr. Debra Wickman is a gynecologist certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  She completed  medical school at University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, and continued on there to complete her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology.  After several years of private practice in obstetrics and gynecology, she went to University of California, Los Angeles to complete a year-long postgraduate fellowship in Female Sexual Medicine through the Department of Urology.  She spent the year doing research projects in the Female Sexual Medicine Center,  providing patient care in the Center, and presenting the research findings at several national meetings.  She then went back to University of Washington as a faculty member in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where she enjoyed training resident physicians and medical students, and seeing patients in her private clinic.  Dr. Wickman and her family decided to return to the Phoenix area, where she has been working in a busy ob-gyn practice in Chandler for the past couple years.

Dr. Wickman is excited about the study of menopause, and is actively involved with the North American Menopause Society.  She is a certified menopause practitioner since 2003, and regularly attends the annual meeting.  She is also a member of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health.  She is experienced in prescribing bioidentical hormone therapy, and treating problems related to aging, menopause and sexual dysfunction.  She is committed to helping women sort through the many issues they face, providing up to date information, and working together to reach the best possible solution that meets their individual needs.

Dr. Wickman is married to Rob Bych, a Captain for Southwest Airlines.  They have three children - a 10 year-old daughter, Carly;  then 6 year-old twin girls, Cassi and Cammi.  The children are involved in Suzuki violin/cello lessons and are avid soccer players.  The family includes a 3 year-old golden doodle named Piper, who loves to participate in all family outings - even going up in the airplane after which she is named.  Dr. Wickman loves animals.  She donates to the Humane Society of the United States, and has participated in volunteer trips to San Felipe, Mexico to vaccinate, spay and neuter stray cats and dogs.  Finally, Dr. Wickman and her family enjoy many outdoor activities, spending their free time flying, kayaking,  river rafting and hiking.

Robotic Surgery

Dr. Rachel Spieldoch is a Board Certified Gynecologist specializing in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery and Robotic Surgery. Look for her article on the pros and cons of robotic surgery in the next newsletter. If you are interested in robotic surgery, please make an appointment to consult with Dr. Spieldoch.

If you or a friend think you are in need of surgery, please make an appointment. We are glad to provide second opinions, and second opinions are generally covered by your insurance company.

Course in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Gets Rave Reviews

Dr. Wilson and Kurt Sanders taught another 20 Gynecologists from all over the country (most cold locations) last week. These Gynecologists were here to learn laparoscopic hysterectomy, a technique that is commonly offered in this area of the country, but relatively unavailable in other areas.  The Gynecologists were not only impressed with what they learned, but by our perfect weather!

Evaluation forms were provided to the physicians, and they gave us perfect marks across the board! Most of the physicians said that they learned enough to go back to their communities and offer this type of surgery to their patients. One Gynecologist cancelled a traditional hysterectomy he had scheduled later in the week and planned to offer his patient a laparoscopic hysterectomy instead! What a blessing for the patient! She will avoid weeks of recovery and a large incision.

 We are very pleased to be able to train Gynecologists to perform minimally invasive hysterectomy, which saves women from the pain and extended post-operative recovery time involved in a traditional hysterectomy. We are looking forward to our next course on January 24-25.

Log onto http://www.drwilsonobgyn.com/surgery/index.html for more information. You are welcome to view our teaching video at http://www.obgyn.net/hysterectomy-resource-center/display.asp?page=procedures.

Habits that Result in Weight Gain

I recommend a creative and accurate article about obesity in the December issue of Center for Science in the Public Interest. Log onto the article here.

To summarize, the article covers various habits we get into that reliably result in weight gain, including 1) Don't bother getting up 2) Keep eating as much as you ate in your 20's 3) Bump up your calories per bite 4) Drink your calories 5) Eat out more often 6)Look for trans fats 7) Surround yourself with food and 9) get less sleep. I recommend the article, and the monthly newsletter, highly. To subscribe visit http://www.cspinet.org/nah/index.htm.

If you are struggling with your weight, please make an appointment with Maggie Medved, our Nutritionist. 

Maggie will help you examine your eating habits in order to identify the issues that are resulting in weight gain.

She will work with you to design a healthy diet that will result in weight loss and optimal health.

Maggie is available every Wednesday, and weight loss counseling is often covered by your insurance plan. Call 480-860-4791 for an appointment with Maggie.  

The time to take off excess weight is now. The older you are, the more difficult it becomes to lose weight, and obesity is associated with shorter life spans and compromised quality of life, particularly in the older years.

Ca-125 or Ultrasound for Detection of Ovarian Cancers

Evaluations of ultrasound findings is superior to Ca-125 for discrimination between benign and malignant ovarian masses. 1,066 women were involved in this study, all with masses on ultrasound in the region of the ovary.

Ultrasound correctly classified 93% of the tumors, whereas Ca-125 correctly classified only 83%.

Oral Contraceptives Provide Long-Lasting Protection Against Ovarian Cancer

Oral contraceptives provide protection against ovarian cancer for up to 30 years or more after women stop taking them. The longer a woman takes the pills, the greater the reduction in risk she enjoys.
 
This data is the result of a study that looked at 23,257 women with ovarian cancer and 87,303 women without. Of those, 7,308 women with cancer and 32,717 controls had used oral contraceptive agents.

The reduction in risk associated with the use of oral contraceptive agents was 29% for users who had stopped the pills less than 10 years prior, 19% for users who stopped 10-19 years prior, and 15% for users who stopped 20-29 years prior to the study.

To make sense of these numbers, consider that approximately 200,000 ovarian cancers have been prevented by women taking the oral contraceptive agents.

Acupuncture as a Treatment for Painful Periods

Acupuncture has always been considered to be a therapy that is on the fringe of medicine, but it's usefulness has been steadily expanding. A recent study out of Germany looked at 649 women with painful periods. The group was randomized, and the acupuncture group received 15 sessions of acupuncture over 3 months. At the 3 month mark, the patients in the acupuncture group reported lower average pain intensity than those in the control group, and also reported a better quality of life.

For patients who suffer with their periods but have no obvious reason for the pain, this is a good option.

Emergency Drop-in Patients

No need for you or your friends to visit urgent care for a bladder infection, yeast infection, bleeding, or pelvic pain. We are taking drop-in patients during our normal office hours, which includes Saturday hours. We are here from 7 AM to 6 PM weekdays and 9AM to 4 PM on Saturday. One need not be an established patient to take advantage of this.

So far we have had excellent feedback regarding our emergency drop-in program. So tell your friends- don't waste hours in the ER- come to our clinic and we will see gladly see and treat you! Of course, it benefits you and the office staff to call and make an appointment, but it is an emergency, please come right in.

Skintique MD

Hi, it's Lori from Skintique MD (Dr. Wilson & Associate's very own skincare

department)

Now that the holidays are over hopefully you can take a deep breath and relax, if only for a moment! Getting back to work and making New Year's resolutions can take a lot of time and energy, and sometimes we forget to treat ourselves as special as we treat others. I want to help you start off 2009 balanced and renewed with your beauty and energy shining through!

Here are some common skin challenges a lot of women face:
  Dryness
  Being women we face declining hormone levels as we   
  mature, which negatively affect the hydration in our skin.
  Adult Acne
  Stress can trigger as well as fluctuating hormones.
  Spots/ Sun damage
  The brown spots are hyperpigmentation cause
  by sun exposure and you guessed it-hormones!
 
While the doctors can help you with the hormone issues, I can help you address any and all of these skincare problems.

Facials are wonderful not only for the skin but also for the spirit. Skintique MD is offering a $50.00 facial just for people who mention this newsletter!
Our custom facials include a deep cleanse, exfoliation, extractions, masques for your particular skin type and hydration, as well as a deep massage for your face, neck, arms, and hands with essential oils. This is all done by candlelight so you can completely relax and let any worries go!

We also are proud to offer laser hair removal, photo facials, and dermaplaning!

Skintique MD: Skincare Party Offering

Imagine a party just for you and a your friends!

After business hours or on a weekend you can have our office hold your skincare party! We will have snacks and refreshments and special group rates for our services. You can make it a laser hair removal, photo facial, peel, or dermaplane party. Just let me know and I'll plan it for you! Get together with friends, laugh, eat and have services done all in the privacy of our skincare office!

Lori

Skintique MD: Open House and Peel Party!

What: 

        480) 860-4791 or 480) 860-9383

Skintique MD: New Line of Skincare Products

We at Skintique MD are pleased to offer a new line of skin products: Mychelle Dermaceuticals. Dr. Wilson has been a fan of this product line for years, and introduced Lori to the products recently. Lori is thrilled with the results she is seeing, so we decided to order some of the products and offer them to our clients.

Why MyChelle?
MyChelle Dermaceuticals was developed for all skin types to balance, nourish and hydrate even sensitive skin by supporting the skin's immune system. We search the world over for unique botanicals and fruit pulps, pioneering a new generation of skin care that delights health-conscious, educated consumers.

It's effective
MyChelle Dermaceuticals incorporates the latest in skin care research and technology to treat and nourish the skin. Our products are formulated with ingredients exhibiting chiral properties to permit effective absorption at the cellular level. Additionally, our concentrations of active ingredients are among the highest available on the market. We tout high concentrations of quality ingredients to support the skin's hyaluronic acid and collagen production. A little goes a long way.

It's non-toxic
MyChelle Dermaceuticals' products are plant based. They are preserved with essential oils, powerful antioxidants and exceptional antimicrobial extracts. This means that we can omit harmful chemicals for preservation that can be estrogen mimickers. You will never find artificial coloring agents, parabens or fragrances in our formulas.

It supports tissue respiration
the detoxification and breathing of the skin (tissue respiration) is supported by the use of our products which are non-occlusive and non-comedogenic. They do not suffocate the skin or cause acne.

Vegetarian and Cruelty Free
MyChelle Dermaceuticals will not engage in or support animal testing. All formulas are tested on a panel of willing human beings. Furthermore, MyChelle products are 100% vegetarian and most of them are even vegan friendly.

Charitable activities
MyChelle Dermaceuticals actively supports the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods. We actively participate in the Race for the Cure and the Romp to Stomp out Cancer Snowshoe Series to educate this special group about non-toxic, paraben-free skin care.

It has unequaled customer satisfaction
our customers enthusiastically inform us about the noticeable results they experience in minimal time. MyChelle's products are so delightfully aromatic that users occasionally ask if they are edible. As a result, we have earned the informal reputation of having the greatest customer satisfaction in holistic markets nationwide.

About the founder
Myra Michelle Eby has been involved in the field of holistic health for over twenty five years. Her career has included working for reputable companies servicing and educating health food retailers and holistic practitioners. After thirteen years of conducting consumer and retail seminars, she became aware of the need for a truly natural (non-toxic) skin care line that could benefit even sensitive skin. In the year 2000, Myra Michelle worked endlessly to create exceptional skin care products. Now, four years later, MyChelle Dermaceuticals' products are sold in all fifty states and also internationally.
http://www.mychelleusa.com/index.aspx.
 
Skintique MD is located right around the corner from Dr. Wilson's office at 10752 N. 89TH Place #102, Scottsdale, AZ . Log onto skintiquemd.org for more information about our services.

Please call for an appointment or a free consultation
480) 860-4791 or 480) 860-9383

INSURANCE 101 by Sheryl Germinaro,
Billing Manager

In these difficult economic times, the knowledge of knowing the why's & how's of your insurance plan can save you money, time and most importantly stress.
Do you know if you have a PPO plan or an EOP plan.....do you know how to read the EOB's you receive from your insurance plan?
Does your plan cover Preventative Care or an Annual, what do they consider as Preventative Care?

Over the next few Newsletters, we will explain as much as we can about Insurance Plans in general, you may want to call your specific carrier to ask questions.

Lets start with the Annual  and/or Preventative Care:

Most insurance carriers allow one Annual GYN visit, this visit is based on your policy and it MAY NOT be a regular calendar year, it can be based on your anniversary date with that insurance carrier, just because it's a new year doesn't mean that your visit will be covered, you always want to make sure that it has been at least 1 year since your last Annual, always check with your insurance if you are not sure. You may also want to inquiry as to what your Insurance Carrier includes as part of Annual visit.

Preventative Care, some carriers will cover things that are considered Preventative Care, this may include an Annual or immunizations such as Gardasil or even Birth Control.  The reason that this information is important is because some carriers will have a maximum benefit that they will pay for these types of service...lets say $300.00 per year, if your carrier is one that lumps all types of Preventative Care together with a cap of $300.00 you will want to think how you want to spend that $300.00 in some instances it may not even be enough to cover your Annual not to mention what else may come up during the year that they have lumped into the Preventative Care group.

Those of you that may have the Preventative Care capped, maybe fortunate to have an HRA or HSA that will cover things over or outside of the capped amount.

Oh was that another acronym....we'll leave that for the next Newsletter, discussing the difference between HSA and HRA.

Lucky Dog Rescue Saves Senior and Disabled Dogs

Audrey is a senior poodle who spent her years as a breeder dog in a cage, being impregnated twice a year, year after year. She had no name, only a tattoo in her ear. She loves her soft bed and her healthy meals, but needs a forever home.





Shadow is a neutered male spaniel who was dumped at the pound by his family after years of faithful companionship. He was confused and frightened. Shadow is saved from euthanasia at the pound, but would love to find a companion.





Guiness is a senior neutered male poodle who was found as a stray, covered with matts, ticks,twigs and abcesses. Guiness spent the day at the veterinarian getting tuned up, including a dental treatment. His matts are gone, his ticks are history, and his abcesses are removed. He loves his soft bed and his meals. Guiness is ready to go to a permanent home.




Corky is a 1 year old neutered male Chihuahua who was on the euthanasia list at the shelter because his back leg is injured. The shelter folks fell in love with him and asked us to take him. The veterinarian says that he must have fractured his leg at a young age and it was never treated. There is nothing to do about it now. Corky is not in pain and he gets around just fine on 3 legs, running and playing with the rest of the dogs. Corky would like to find a family with a big backyard to frolic in. Corky likes other dogs to run and play with him.
 
Taser
Did you watch the news about the dog who stopped freeway traffic for an hour the other day? If you did not, here is the clip

We thank you for reading.

Dr. Deborah Wilson
Dr. Rachel Spieldoch