North Fulton Ob-Gyn

What Causes Cravings and Aversions to Certain Foods During Pregnancy?
(https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/when-do-cravings-start )

Researchers aren't entirely sure what causes pregnant women to experience strange cravings, but hormonal fluctuations are thought to play a role. Other experts believe that cravings occur because of the extra stress placed on a woman's body. Some women crave sweets while others crave savory or salty snacks. What's the strangest craving you experienced during your pregnancy?

Are Carrots Good For You?
(https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270191.php)

Carrots make for an easy, healthy snack. They're also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Research suggests that consuming carrots regularly can benefit your health in a variety of ways – from fortifying your vision to lowering your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. To learn more about the amazing properties of carrots, click on the link provided above.

Who Can Benefit from STD Testing?
(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019)

Anyone who is sexually active with more than one partner on a regular basis can benefit from preventive STD screening. Many STDs don't present obvious symptoms in their early stages. As a result, you can pass them onto others and not even realize it. STD testing provides an easy and effective way to protect your health and the health of your most intimate partners. To learn more about the benefits, click on the link provided above.

When Should I See a Doctor About Heartburn?
(https://medlineplus.gov/heartburn.html)

Heartburn, also known as indigestion, is one of the most common digestive health problems. Almost everyone experiences heartburn from time-to-time, but chronic or persistent heartburn often points to gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. If you experience heartburn two or more times each week, and over-the-counter antacids don't provide relief, schedule an appointment with your general practitioner.

Eat More Watermelon
(https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-of-watermelon)

Summer is officially over, but watermelons are still available at most grocery stores. If you want a refreshing and healthy treat, pick one up. Watermelons are packed with lycopene an important antioxidant. They also contain vitamins and nutrients that promote heart health and help protect your skin from the sun's UV rays.

Will WarmSculpting with SculpSure Help Me Lose Weight?
(https://www.healthline.com/health/sculpsure )

WarmSculpting with SculpSure isn't a weight loss solution or treatment for obesity. However, if you're at or around your ideal body weight, and you want to fit more comfortably into your favorite outfits, SculpSure may be able to help. That said, to maintain your results, you'll need to exercise regularly and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Is There Anyway to Avoid The Flu?
(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm)

There's no way to prevent the flu entirely, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk significantly.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend:
1. Washing your hands throughout the day with soap and water
2. Staying home from work or school if you're sick
3. Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick
4. Getting a flu shot
5. Keeping your hands out of your eyes, nose, and mouth

Get into these habits now, and you're much more likely to stay healthy all winter long.

A Banana A Day...
(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-bananas )

Bananas are delicious and nutritious! In fact, bananas are loaded with a variety of vitamins and nutrients, including potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, and protein. Better yet, bananas are only about 105 calories and contain almost zero fat. The next time you're craving a sweet and healthy treat, think tropical.

What Is Menopause?
(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397)

Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive lifestyle. You've entered menopause when you've gone 12 consecutive months without having a menstrual cycle. Menopause is a perfectly natural part of a woman's aging process, but it often presents an array of uncomfortable symptoms. If you're struggling with hot flashes, irritability, and sleep disturbances, schedule an appointment with your general practitioner.

September Is Healthy Aging Month
(https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/healthy-aging-secret #1)

Did you know that September is Healthy Aging Month? Although there's no way to stop the natural aging process entirely, there's plenty you can do to preserve your youth and vitality. Experts recommend eating whole foods, taking walks regularly, staying in touch with friends, and consuming lots of dietary fiber. To access additional tips, tricks, and insights, click on the link provided above. Age is a number – you're as young as you feel!

Why Should I Drink Water?
(http://bit.ly/2U89DOG )

The human body is approximately 60% water. Therefore, it's critically important you stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water doesn't just quench your thirst, either.

Water helps your body:
Regulate temperature
Lubricate and cushion your joints
Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues
Eradicate waste

Try and challenge yourself to drink 8, 8-ounce glasses of water every day. Your body will thank you!

What Is WarmSculpting with SculpSure?
(https://www.sculpsure.com/faqs/)

WarmSculpting with SculpSure is a state-of-the-art, FDA-approved cosmetic treatment that uses non-invasive, radiofrequency energy to heat up, and ultimately destroy pesky fat cells. Clinical studies show that just one 25-minute treatment session can eradicate up to 24% of fat cells. Plus, the system is safe for use almost anywhere on the body, including your belly, thighs, love handles, and even under your chin.

How Can I Lead a Healthier Lifestyle?
(https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthy-lifestyle-5-keys-to-a-longer-life-2018070514186)

If you want to improve your health and well-being, researchers say you should focus on five specific areas:

1. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
2. Exercising regularly
3. Maintaining a healthy weight
4. Quitting smoking
5. Drinking only moderate amounts of alcohol

Believe it or not, these five simple steps can help you lead a healthier, happier, and more active lifestyle.

Healthy Meal Prep Made Easy
(https://www.today.com/food/healthy-meal-prep-recipes-meatloaf-muffins-sweet-potatoes-t160983)

If you lead a busy lifestyle, it's often hard to find time to cook. Prevent spur-of-the-moment decisions with healthy food prep. To access a list of easy, healthy, and delicious recipes, click on the link provided above. To your health!

What Is A Pap Test?
(https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841)

A Pap test is a preventive screening measure used to determine a woman's risk of cervical cancer. During a Pap test, your OB/GYN takes a sample of cells from the surface of your cervix. A laboratory examines your sample and can alert you to potentially cancerous cells. Since its invention, the Pap test has saved millions of women's lives worldwide.

Pap Smear FAQ: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Yourself Against Cervical Cancer
(http://ow.ly/OWfW30pfGB0)

Did you know that cervical cancer death rates have decreased by 74% thanks to the pap smear? That's because Pap smears can help your gynecologist catch precancerous changes before the cancerous cells even have a chance to develop!

Are you due for a pap smear? Get caught up and protect yourself against cervical cancer today!

Pap Smear FAQs Take control of your sexual health—get a Pap test

11 Vaginal Health Tips Ob/Gyns Actually Give Their Patients
(http://ow.ly/apjT30pfGAY)

It's important to have discussions with your gynecologist at least once a year about any health questions you may have. However, scheduling an appointment every time you have a health question isn't reasonable or affordable. Instead, it's important to be informed so you can know when something is a cause for concern or not. This article rounds up 11 essential tips from gynecologists themselves: http://ow.ly/apjT30pfGAY

11 Vaginal Health Tips Ob/Gyns Actually Give Their Patients If your va**na could talk, it would ask you to read this.

Should You Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy?
(http://ow.ly/XhMX30pfGAW)

When you're going through menopause, shifting hormones can leave you with a variety of unpleasant symptoms: va**nal dryness, hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia. While menopause is natural, there are many things you can do to ease your transition. In addition to exercising and eating right, Dr. Vinokur at North Fulton OB-GYN may also suggest bioidentical hormone pellet therapy.

If you're struggling to keep up with your changing hormones, give us a call and explore your hormone replacement pellet therapy options.

Pink Spotting? What Does Your Period Reveal about Your Hormone Levels?
(http://ow.ly/mem930pfGAV)

Did you know that spotting – especially pink spotting – can give you clues about your hormones? Pink spotting in the middle of your menstrual cycle can be a sign that your estrogen levels are low. If you notice any changes to your menstrual cycle, including the color of your blood, don't hesitate to reach out to your gynecologist. Click the link provided above to learn more facts about your period.

Period Blood Color Chart: Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More You may see red, brown, grey, and even black blood during your period. Your period blood may be different colors at different times. Since your period is such a vital sign of your health, you may wonder what each of these colors may signal for you. Here’s what period blood colors could mean and wh...

How to Improve Yourself Every Day
(http://ow.ly/ltRZ30pfGAU

It's important that every day you take small steps towards improving yourself and overall wellbeing. Even something small like organizing your closet can make a big difference in the long run.

Some simple things you can do every day to become the best version of yourself include:
- Reading Every Day
- Learning a New Language
- Getting Exercise
- Finding New Hobbies
- Ditching a Bad Habit

How to Improve Yourself Every Day   If you’ve read my blog before, you know that personal development is a topic I’m incredibly passionate about. I make time every single day to learn new self improvement tips - whether it be

When Is Your Due Date?
(http://ow.ly/Vp8d30pfGAT)

Did you know that the average pregnancy lasts about 280 days? Your OBGYN at North Fulton OB-GYN will use this data (along with the date of your last menstrual period) to determine your due date. Your due date isn't set in stone; it's an estimate that allows you and your OBGYN to prepare for your baby in a timely manner.

Not sure when your due date is? You'll find out at your first prenatal appointment. Contact us via the link provided to book your first prenatal appointment.

We all know that oatmeal is a delicious breakfast. But did you know oatmeal can also help lower cholesterol? Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which helps to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream. So if you're not sure what to eat this morning, why not make a bowl of oatmeal? You can also add some berries for extra flavor!

Family Activities for Fun and Good Health
(http://ow.ly/YD6C30pfGAS)

Being physically active as a family is a great way to stay healthy and bond at the same time. So for this annual Family Day, try signing up a family for a volleyball tournament, or take a nice bike ride and breathe in that fresh summer air. Staying active and healthy is always more fun if you're doing it with the people you love.

Family Activities for Fun and Good Health | Go4Life Make exercise a family affair! Getting the whole family moving can make it easier to stay motivated to exercise. Try some of these activities with your family.

UTI Symptoms May Be Subtle, But Here's Why You Shouldn't Ignore Them
(http://ow.ly/PIPd30pfGAR)

UTI symptoms may start off subtle. For example, you may just notice an increased need to use the restroom. However, untreated infections can progress, which means an infection in your bladder can spread to your kidneys.

Not sure if you're dealing with a UTI? Call your gynecologist and get the answers you need.

6 Common UTI Symptoms Women Need To Know About Pelvic pain and a strong need to p*e are just some of the warning signs.

Psst! Don't Forget to Book Your Well-Woman Exam!
(http://ow.ly/YTyw30pfGAP)

Did you know that scheduling your regular checkups – including your well-woman exam – is one of the greatest forms of self-care you can take? Taking time out of your busy schedule to focus on your health is important. During your well-woman exam at North Fulton OB-GYN, Dr. Vinokur can provide you with a variety of preventive health care services.

7 Ways to Make Sure You and Your Child Are Ready for the School Year
(http://ow.ly/PurN30oYc08)

Making sure your child is prepared for the new school year can be as simple as these seven steps. Proactive tips like getting your child used to their new scheduled, so they don't end up late to school on their first day, and making lunch hassle-free is one of the seven ways you and your child can be prepared for the new school year.

7 smart things all parents should do before their kids go back to school The end of summer can be stressful for parents. In order to make your child's first day of school hassle-free, here are seven things all smart parents do to prep for the new school year.

Ready to Walk? Here Are 3 Easy Walking Workouts Organized by Trimester
(http://ow.ly/Z9DC30oYc06)

Walking is one of the best workouts because it's low-impact and easy to do -- no gym membership required! Walking also boosts your mood, helps you sleep better at night, and helps you maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Once you've been cleared to work out by your OB/GYN, grab your walking shoes and get walking!

Easy Pregnancy Walking Workouts for Every Trimester Here's a trimester-by-trimester guide to the perfect pregnant walking exercises for all sizes, shapes, and fitness levels.

Hormonal or Non-Hormonal: How to Choose the Right IUD
(http://ow.ly/6ndC30oYc04)

There are many factors that go into deciding which IUD is right for you, and you won't have to go through this decision-making process alone. Dr. Vinokur at North Fulton OB-GYN can help you determine the best IUD for you. For instance, if you're breastfeeding, you may opt for the non-hormonal IUD so as to not interfere with milk production.

When you're ready to explore your IUD options, contact us via the link provided.

5 Healthy Aging Tips for Women

In order to age healthily, it's essential to maintain good habits, like healthy eating, getting regular screenings, and remaining active. Learn more about healthy aging by reading this article: (http://ow.ly/ETjh30oYc02)

What's the Right STD Testing Schedule for You?
(http://ow.ly/RT5F30oYc01)

You probably know that STD testing is important, but do you know how often you need to get tested? According to Mayo Clinic, women under 25 should get tested for certain STDs annually, including gonorrhea and chlamydia. Women over 25 who are at risk for STDs should also get tested annually. That being said, some individuals require more frequent testing so be sure to talk to your gynecologist about the right testing schedule for you.