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Early Detection and Prevention- Q&A with Dr. James Frost, MD.

We’ve all heard the saying “Early detection is the best prevention”, and it could not be truer. When it comes to breast cancer diagnosis, the earlier it is detected, the better chances the patient has for successful cancer removal and cure.

Dr. James Frost is a board-certified general surgeon with a special interest in treating patients with benign and malignant breast disease. (more…)

Expert Tips and Tricks for a Great Night’s Sleep

National Sleep Awareness Week is March 13^th through 19^th. Sleep health is an important topic that is often overlooked. When you don’t get enough sleep your mental and physical health can suffer immensely. Here are some tips and tricks from our surgeons to ensure you get the best sleep possible!

Establish a sleep routine. “Go to bed the same time each night and get up the same time each morning,” says Dr. Anjeanette Brown, “Getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night is a good rule of thumb.” Irregular sleep patterns can affect your circadian rhythm and your melatonin levels, which signal your brain to sleep.

Adjust your environment if needed. Sleep in a dark, quiet, comfortable environment. If your room is too bright, consider getting black out curtains or wearing a sleep mask. If your house or apartment is noisy, consider getting a white-noise machine or fan that can help soothe you and block out any external noise. Make sure your room is not too hot and not too cold; around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit is best for sleeping. If comfort is your issue, try out different pillows or mattresses that address your specific needs.

Wind down as needed. Be sure to limit the use of electronics before bed. “It’s best to ditch electronics at least one hour before bedtime,” says Dr. Ann Chuang. Blue light restricts the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your circadian rhythm. “Be sure to relax before bedtime. Trying a warm bath and reading might help,” says Dr. Brown.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Caffeine and other stimulants like nicotine should be avoided, especially later in the day. Alcohol also reduces the amount of REM sleep you get at night, which helps you make and retain memories.

Make physical activity a priority. Exercising regularly can promote better sleep. It is important to make sure you don’t exercise too close to bedtime, though, as that can have an opposite effect.

Reduce daytime naps. If you’re someone who naps regularly, it can be negatively affecting the sleep you get at night. Try to limit daytime naps and when you feel the need to take one, keep it to around 30 minutes.

This week and every week, make sleeping better a top priority! If you are experiencing ongoing difficulty sleeping, please be sure to consult your physician to rule out any sleep disorders.

Resources:

https://www.thensf.org/sleep-awareness-week/

Breast Cancer in Men: What You Need to Know

When thinking about breast cancer, one doesn’t typically think of men being diagnosed with it. Although it is not nearly as common as it is in women, it something that undoubtedly deserves awareness. February 4th is World Cancer Day, and our team of surgeons would like to shed light on breast cancer in men and what you should be aware of. Key Facts about Male Breast Cancer: About 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses are in men. There are around… Read More

Empowering Your Health on National Family Health History Day

November 25th, which is Thanksgiving Day this year, is also National Family Health History Day. Knowing your family health history is very important and allows you to take the proactive measures needed for your personal health. When it come to breast health, this is especially true when it comes to any genetic mutations. Our surgeons implore you on this day and every day, to become more aware of your family history and educate yourself on preventative measures should you have… Read More

Exploring Intimacy Changes Post-Breast Cancer

Many women find that breast cancer diagnosis and treatment seriously disrupts their sexual lives. First, there are the most obvious issues — the physical changes, exhaustion, nausea and pain from treatment, self-image, empty energy reserves, and the emotional chaos from the diagnosis itself. Cancer treatment can dampen your libido, make sex painful (or impossible), change your ability to orgasm and even render your private parts less sensitive. Chemotherapy and radiation can damage the mucous membranes in your mouth, nose, eyes,… Read More

Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer Survivors

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways a mother and her newborn can strengthen their emotional connection, while also providing her infant with essential nutrients for development. While not all mothers chose to breastfeed, the process of nursing is a topic that brings on a lot of questions to new mothers, especially those who are breast cancer survivors. The ability to breastfeed depends on a number of factors, including milk production, the milk ducts, and the nipple/areola. Chemotherapy and other Long-term Medications Patients diagnosed with… Read More

Understanding Breast Cancer in Men

When you think of breast cancer, what comes to mind? Many people picture women, sometimes wearing pink, or a pink ribbon. Although breast cancer very commonly seen in women, men can also develop breast cancer and it’s important to raise awareness and support men breast cancer thrivers or survivors as well. The following are key facts about breast cancer in men: The ratio of male-to-female breast cancer diagnoses is 1 man to every 120 women. Male breast cancer rates are… Read More

June is National Hernia Awareness Month

Hernias are extremely common, affecting millions of Americans each year. However, only a portion of those suffering from hernias actually seek treatment. National Hernia Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about hernias and the effective treatment options that are available. Dr. Desiree D’Angelo and Dr. Ann Chuang, answered some frequently asked questions about hernias and discuss their responses in the below video. What is a hernia? A hernia is known as “a hole in the wall.” It occurs when there… Read More

Hernia Repair 101: Understanding Hernias and Treatment

A hernia is best explained as “a hole in the wall.” It occurs when there is a defect or “hole” in the strength layer of your abdominal wall, which is called the fascia. There are several different types of hernias and each must be treated accordingly. Where do hernias typically occur? A hernia most commonly occurs within the torso, between the chest and hips, often occurring in the groin or belly button. Sometimes, the underlying fat or an internal organ… Read More

Your Guide to Genetic Testing & Counseling

At the Premier Surgical Network, we are proud to offer both genetic testing and counseling services to our patients to support them throughout their breast health journey. Our team of surgeons are here to help you every step of the way when making informed decisions about your health. What is genetic testing? Genetic testing is done for individuals who have a genetic predisposition for developing breast cancer in the future, such as a family history. The BRCA gene test utilizes… Read More

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