Month: August 2010

If I am no longer sexually active, do I still need pap smears?

Yes, seeing you have are less than the age of 30, you should still continue receiving Pap smears even if you are not sexually active.  According to the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the most recent guidelines for Pap Smears (released November 2009) recommends: Women should have their first Pap smear at the… Continue reading If I am no longer sexually active, do I still need pap smears?

Can I breastfeed while taking Flagyl?

Flagyl (metronidazole) is a drug used to treat systemic, intestinal, and vaginal infections.  Flagyl has been shown to concentrate in breast milk but there hasn’t been any documented adverse effects in breastfed babies.  However, there have been reports of babies becoming “fussy” once a mother is started on a course of Flagyl.  Some pediatricians believe that… Continue reading Can I breastfeed while taking Flagyl?

I am 59 and post-menopausal and I have osteoporosis. Is hormone replacement good to prevent worsening of my osteoporosis?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is essentially using elevated levels of estrogen and progestin (hormones typically found in some birth control pills) to replace the depleted levels of hormones after menopause.  HRT is indicated to prevent osteoporosis, however, there are serious side effects that all women should be away of.  In 1991, a study known as… Continue reading I am 59 and post-menopausal and I have osteoporosis. Is hormone replacement good to prevent worsening of my osteoporosis?

How much calcium does a person need each day?

The National Academy of Sciences recommends the following values as adequate intake of calcium: 0-6 months – 210 mg/day 6-12 months – 270 mg/day 1-3 years – 500 mg/day 4-8 years – 800 mg/day 9-18 years – 1300 mg/day 19-50 years – 1000 mg/day >51 years – 1200 mg/day