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The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine made headlines last June when the FDA approved it to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts.
Local gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Paula Dhanda said she strongly recommends this vaccine and is giving it to her patients.
Given in a series of three shots over six months, Gardasil protects against four types of HPV, which are responsible for 70-percent of cervical cancers and 90-percent of genital warts.
Despite the protection Gardasil offers, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, emphasizes regular PAP smear testing.
The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered to girls and women before the onset of sexual activity.
The FDA has approved the vaccine for girls and women between the ages 9 to 26. This vaccine is administered in the upper arm and is generally well tolerated.
Women who are already sexually active, who may have had prior HPV exposure, may have less protection from the HPV vaccine, but should also be vaccinated.
Women who have already had abnormal PAP smears, genital warts, or precancerous changes, may still benefit from the HPV vaccine, as it is unlikely they have already been exposed to all four types of HPV.
With widespread use, HPV vaccination has the potential to decrease the risk of genital warts and cervical cancer.
Dr. Dhanda advises women to call their doctor or health care provider for more information about the vaccine.
She added, a lot of insurances cover this vaccine. Women may confirm this, by checking with their insurance and asking for coverage for the Gardasil Vaccine, CPT code 90649.
Dr. Dhanda's office can be reached at 279-8733.
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CLEARLAKE – This month, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) celebrates its five-year anniversary, which is milestone for the medical cannabis movement.
The Lake County ASA chapter's next meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, at the D&M Compassion Center, 15196 Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake.
Every day, ASA works in partnership with state, local and national legislators to overcome barriers and create policies that improve the lives of patients.
With more than 35,000 active members with chapters and affiliates in more than forty states, ASA is now the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic uses and research.
To date 12 states have adopted medical cannabis laws. In California the majority voted over 10 years ago for medical cannabis and yet there are cities and counties trying to ban medical cannabis cultivation and use.
ASA believes Americans need campaigns for safe access to implement the laws and educate patients, law enforcement and public officials. They also support eliminating barriers to safe access and research, protecting patients from legal risks and fully implementing the compassionate use law.
The group cited a recent editorial on medical marijuana in the American Association for the Advancement of Science's publication. The editorial, written by former FDA Commissioner and Editor-in-Chief of Science Magazine, Dr. Don Kennedy, concluded that the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) violated its own guidelines regarding information quality when it rejected the petition filed by ASA.
In February 2007, ASA filed a lawsuit in United States District Court in San Francisco against HHS and FDA for violating the little known Data Quality Act (DQA). The DQA is a mechanism to ensure that regulatory agencies base policy decisions on sound science. The DQA lawsuit followed a two year administrative process in which HHS denied ASA's petition.
"This is vindication from the scientific community that the medical efficacy of marijuana clearly exists and is being ignored by the federal government," said ASA Executive Director Steph Sherer. "The opinion illustrates the broad nature of support for the advancement of this important medicine."
The DQA lawsuit is currently pending before U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup. The government's response to ASA's complaint is due May 25, 2007, and the court is likely to hear oral arguments in July or August. "We're confident that science will ultimately prevail over politics," said ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford. "The DQA is the vehicle to compel the federal government to recognize the truth about medical marijuana and validate the experiences of patients and doctors who have had success using it to alleviate suffering."
ASA provides educational literature, a toll free patient hotline for information and legal support – 888.929.4367, and you can download information from the newly redesigned web site – www.americansforsafeaccess.com.
For more information on Lake County's ASA chapter e-mail
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LAKEPORT – Did you know that a one key to a healthy pregnancy starts in the mouth? Pregnant women and those women considering becoming pregnant can significantly reduce their chances of premature labor and delivery by taking care of their oral health.
A 2006 American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology study found that 30 percent of women with moderate to severe periodontal disease (inflammation of the gums with bleeding and loss of tissue that holds the tooth in place) delivered small for their gestational age babies.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Web site, pregnant women with severe periodontal disease have an estimated seven-fold increase in their risk of delivering premature, low-birth weight babies.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital's Family Birth Center has named May the "Spring Clean" oral health promotion month.
"The nurses and physicians here in the Birth Center are focused on our patients' overall health and wellness," said Family Birth Center Nurse Manager Jody Dawson.
Dr. Jonathan Davies, director of OB/GYN Services at Sutter Lakeside, agrees. "Many patients take their oral health for granted, not realizing the impact this can have on their pregnancy.”
In an effort to help this information reach area residents, the Family Birth Center has purchased 500 dental kits that will be distributed throughout the county.
Staff Nurse Sasha Reynolds, RNC, the brains behind the initiation of this promotion, wants to remind everyone of the importance of taking care of their oral health.
"Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, limit foods containing sugar, avoid sodas, and see your dentist twice a year to improve your overall health,” Reynolds said. “Periodontal disease has also been linked to increased cardiovascular risks as well. Good oral hygiene is not just about a pretty smile.”
For information regarding dental kit distribution, or for pregnancy-related questions, please contact the Sutter Lakeside Hospital Family Birth Center at 262-5085, or visit them online at www.sutterlakeside.org.
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CLEARLAKE – Childhood obesity is a national epidemic. One in three children in California is overweight or at risk for being overweight. We can turn this around by coming together in community focus groups, called "World Cafés," to share ideas and make recommendations for programs throughout Lake County.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital and the Health Leadership Network (HLN) are inviting all interested community members to a series of "World Cafés" to do just that.
The Health Leadership Network, a network of Lake County service provider agencies, has received a grant from the California Endowment to develop countywide obesity prevention programs.
Partners in this project include our school systems, hospitals and clinics, physicians, public health, early childhood development agencies, food and agricultural programs, and concerned citizens.
The first World Café will be conducted in Clearlake at the Clearlake Senior Center on Wednesday, May 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. If you live in Clearlake, Clearlake Park or Lower Lake, please join us for a fun evening. Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited so please call and reserve your space.
For more information about the World Café call Leslie Lovejoy at Sutter Lakeside Hospital's Wellness Center at 263- 2998 or e-mail
For more information on Sutter Lakeside Hospital, visit our website at www.sutterlakeside.org.
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