Posts in:February, 2016

What are Effective Interventions to Prevent Preterm Labor?

Posted February 16, 2016 by Stacy Bolzenius

Fifteen million babies are born preterm each year, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Preterm babies can face life-threatening, long-term health complications from underdeveloped systems. Preterm birth and its related complications are the largest causes of neonatal death worldwide. According to Medscape Medical News, implementing preventive interventions could reduce the rate of preterm births by up to 5 percent, which might seem like a relatively small portion, but accounts for 58,000 preterm births per year. The three most effective Continue reading…

Treating PMS in a Patient with a History of Narcotic Dependence

Posted February 2, 2016 by Stacy Bolzenius

Opioids are commonly used to treat chronic pain, including ongoing, debilitating pain caused by PMS. In patients who have a history of narcotic dependence, however, the use of opioids for pain treatment presents an obvious issue: Prescribing opioids for pain management increases the risk of a potential relapse into narcotics dependence. While some may shy away from prescribing opioids for this very reason, to not prescribe pain-reducing medication also creates a potential for relapse, as patients may seek narcotics on Continue reading…