Monmouth's Ask the Doctor May/June 2019

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flow. This can cause weakness, pain, and other serious issues, such as infection, kidney disease, stroke, or acute chest syndrome, a life-threat- ening condition that causes fever, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. In fact, sickle cell disease can shorten life expectancy by as much as 30 years. The only cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, which collects healthy red blood cells from one patient and transfers them to a person with sickle cell disease. These healthy stem cells cause bone marrow to create new, healthy cells. However, these transplants are painful, expensive, and very risky, and can have serious side effects. More funding and research are needed to find better treat- ment options. Unfortunately, not a lot of state or federal resources are dedicated to researching this disease. Preventing Disease to Close the Gap I recently saw a 35-year-old African-American man who was referred to me after being diagnosed with heart disease in the emergency room. Needless to say, he was shocked by the diagnosis. It just illustrates what the data has shown more African Americans are developing diseases typically seen in older patients at a young age. How do we reverse this trend? Preventing illness is much easier and less costly than treating it. I encourage all Americans regardless of race to take ownership of their health. By getting routine preventive health screenings like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checks; age-appropriate screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies; and an annual physical exam, you’re taking steps to ensure disease can be caught and treated at its earliest stage. Forging an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician also is important to establish a baseline for your current health status to compare to future test results. To find a primary care physician, visit CentraState Medical Center’s online Physician Finder at centrastate.com/find-a-physician/. Dr. Fiola Sowemimo is on staff at CentraState Medical Center and is board-certified in internal medicine and bariatric medicine. She can be reached by calling 866-CENTRA7.

Q: What is Lichen Sclerosus?

A: (LIE-kun skluh-ROW-sus) is a condition that creates patchy, white skin that appears thinner than normal. It usually affects the genital and anal areas. Anyone can get lichen sclerosus but postmenopausal women are at higher risk. An overactive immune system or an imbalance of hormones may play a role. Symptoms vary person to person, but they generally include:

If you have lichen sclerosus on or around your genitals or anus or have a more advanced case on other parts of your body, your doctor will recommend treatment. Treatment helps reduce itching, improve your skin's appearance and decrease further scarring. I diagnose and treat this in my office and am available for consultations. For more information feel free to contact: Dr. Helen Simigiannis, MD, FACOG Antheia Gynecology 375 US Highway 130, Suite 103 East Windsor, NJ 08520 Next to the Americana Diner 609.448.7800 www.antheiagyn.com

Dr. Helen Simigiannis, MD, FACOG

• Itching, irritation, or burning sensations in the skin. • Dry skin that looks like white, patchy marks on your vulva. • Bruising and tearing, which appears when the skin has thinned and become fragile. • White scar tissue, a symptom that, along with itching and burn- ing, can seem really alarming (though white spots are often su- per treatable). One of the most telling signs of lichen sclerosus is white scar tissue in the shape of a figure-8 around the edges of your vulva and anus. • Pain during sex, usually a sign that your skin has thinned and/or a buildup of scar tissue has made your vaginal opening tighter and painfully taut.

Adolescent & Routine Gynecology Menopause

Urinary Incontinence Endometrial Ablation Birth Control

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