News

New Mammography Guidelines

Recently, doctors are recommending mammograms above and beyond the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This revision to the common school of thought is driven by the understanding that women’s lives are saved by early screening and early detection. Therefore, the recommended age to begin getting screened has been reduced to 40. This information was the topic of a recent breast cancer screening study performed by the JAMA Internal Medicine. Based upon mammography’s potential to save lives, the JAMA study results have concluded that it’s not just worthwhile, but a physical imperative for women to begin getting screened at a younger age as well as extending the maximum recommended age to get screened. The thought behind this is to recommend various screening options to women and give them the opportunity to decide for themselves whether or not to pursue additional potentially life-saving screenings.

Some women may feel additional anxiety at the thought of being screened more frequently or at a younger age, but the recommendation seems to be the general consensus given that the Society for Breast Imaging (SBI), American College of Radiology (ACR), American Cancer Society (ACS), and the USPSTF are all in agreement that screening should begin as young as age 40.

Promoting Awareness of Domestic Violence

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SRB & Associates wants to bring awareness to this important topic. Going beyond the physical, domestic abuse can involve emotional and verbal abuse between partners.1 in 4 women in the United States have reported experiencing domestic abuse in the past or present from a partner or spouse. Domestic abuse can have seriously detrimental effects on women. Anxiety, depression, and hypertension are just some of the side effects caused by domestic abuse. Abuse can inhibit women’s ability to combat serious illnesses, and can increase their risk of developing heart conditions, depression, and stroke.

There are many resources that can help women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Futures Without Violence has partnered with a few health centers to provide assistance and guidance to these victims of abuse. You can view Futures Without Violence’s initiative in the link provided here: https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/health/improving-health-outcomes-through-violence-prevention/

Do you feel that your health and well-being are being compromised by your relationship? Follow these steps to help you deal with such a stressful situation as this.

  1. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. He/she can help you with coping strategies, and get you on the right track towards improving your health.
  2. Write down your experiences and pain, provided you are safe.
  3. Breathe, meditate, and exercise. These will help reduce stress, improving your coping abilities.
  4. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. This resource provides 24-hour, toll free support that can provide you with housing alternatives, advice and referrals.

Domestic abuse is a serious problem that families and households across the United States face. Reaching out and getting help is the first step toward ending the cycle. For more information and resources, click the link below:

https://www.womenshealth.gov/blog/domestic-violence-your-health.html

 

Guide to Childhood Immunizations

School is back in session, and with it comes the annual battle against an influx of sick children coming home after being confined to classrooms all day full of other sick children.  No one enjoys sick days (when they are actually sick, anyways), especially parents who have to miss work to stay home with their children.  Years ago, instead of a little cough or fever, parents had to deal with things like measles, mumps, polio and a host of other debilitating and sometimes life-threatening ailments. Fortunately, science and medicine have joined forces over the years to create some incredible vaccinations to combat the heavier hitters in the germ and disease world.  Vaccination has come under fire in recent years, due in large part to social media and celebrities making assumptions based on anecdotal evidence and emotional reaction as opposed to regarding decades of scientific study and medical research, along with the dramatic decrease in cases of polio, measles and other contagious diseases since vaccinations became readily available.

This year, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) won a National Health Information Award for their 64-page guide, “Parents Guide to Childhood Immunizations”.  The CDC’s mission, taken directly from their website, is to work “24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.”

The Parents Guide helps parents and caregivers learn about the role vaccines play in helping keep children healthy. The color booklet includes a glossary and list of resources and is illustrated with children’s artwork.  If you are interested in learning more about what immunizations the CDC recommends your child have from birth to 18 (including how to catch them up if they’re behind schedule), you can visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/tools/parents-guide/index.html and download or print out the guide for free.

We Are Now SRB & Associates MD, LLC

Sekine, Rasner, and Brock is now SRB & Associates MD, LLC. The name change is primarily to reflect the addition of Dr. Wilkes and to more accurately reflect our partnership with any other physicians in the future. You will still receive the same great care you’ve come to know and expect from us, but we have further enhanced our staff to include another fantastic physician that brings a wealth of knowledge to our practice. SRB & Associates is dedicated to providing compassionate OB-GYN care to women at every stage of life. With 70 years of combined experience, SRB provides experienced and individualized care to each of our patients.

Additionally, our doctors specialize in minimally invasive surgery. Most surgeries, including those for fibroids, urinary incontinence, and endometriosis/pelvic pain, can be performed laparoscopically, vaginally, or robotically. We also offer comprehensive in-office anesthesia care, allowing for certain procedures such as endometrial ablation (for heavy menstrual bleeding) and essure tubal sterilization to be conveniently scheduled in the office. As a full-service obstetrical and gynecological office, SRB & Associates is your ‘one stop’ for all of your medical needs. Mammograms, ultrasounds, and bone density scans can often be done the same day as your routine exam. We are one of the few practices in Jacksonville to be certified by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and Nuchal Translucency Quality Review (NTQR).

When you visit our office, you will experience a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere while we create a personal relationship with you. Our staff is committed to ensuring that you receive the most up-to-date and advanced medical care available for your specific medical requirements. We invite you to call us today to discuss your medical needs and to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at 904-262-5333

SRB ObGyn Reviews
Sekine Rasner and Brock MD PA