TLC for PCOS

Skype and Telephone Counseling

2011-12-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Many of my clients reside outside to the State of Nevada, or outside the United States. Once upon a time, it would have been difficult to assist this population. But with modern technology, it becomes easier to reach out and help.

If you would like to find out more about telephone or skype counseling, please contact me by email or telephone.

Frequently asked questions re; PCOS telephone and skype counseling:

Q. Does it cost more to conduct a PCOS telephone or skype consultation?
A. No, there is no extra charge

Q. Will I be just as sucessful doing the PCOS education long distance?
A. Yes, recent research indicates that the educator need not be physically present in order for the client to succeed.

Q. How will I receive the PCOS education material?
A. Once payment is complete, the PCOS education packet will be emailed to the client

Q. What about follow up PCOS appointments? Will they be available as well to the telephone/skype client?
A. Yes, the same opportunities for PCOS follow up appointments are available.

September Question: Telephone Consultations

2011-09-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Many visitors to this site live outside of Southern Nevada and would like to benefit from PCOS Nutritional Counseling. Their questions typically include:

1. How can I meet with you if I am out of the area?
2. How much would the consultation be and what forms of payment are there?
3. Will I still be sucessful if we do not meet in person?
4. How do I receive the handouts and course material?
5. What about follow up appointments?

In this day of modern technology, we can still meet if you live outside of the state of Nevada. I am able to utilize email or fax for the distribution of the education packet and telephone or Skype for the consultation. Follow up appointments are done in the same manner.

Please contact me today for further information.

Don't accept nutrition advice without checking credentials

2011-08-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

There are many PCOS blogs on the internet. Some may be helpful, but some may also be harmful. Case in point, I stumbled upon a blog today that is written by a chef that has PCOS. Now I am sure her heart is in the right place, but the nutrition advice she is dispensing could be unhealthy for most women with PCOS. She has a 7-day diet on the site that per day is providing on average 2,500 calories and 65% of those calories coming from carbohydrates such as: 12 oz of orange or apple juice at one sitting, 2-3 cups of fruit at one sitting, and refined carb products such as rice cakes and baked doritos. She advocates 1/2 pint of Ben and Jerry's chocolate fudge brownie frozen yogurt as a snack or 2 dannon yogurts plus 3 cups of fruit at one sitting. Another outlined snack was 2 dannon yogurts with 4 tablespoons nutella.

I am not here to bash this individual, but to use it as an example why the PCOS community needs to be extremely careful when accepting nutriton advice from someone other than a registered dietitian. Some states even require dietitians to be licensed to practice as well, so that the community is protected from well-meaning, but less educated dispensers of nutrition advice. Early next year, Nevada will be one of the states requiring licensure for nutrition professionals in order to make a distinction between registered dietitans and other persons dispensing nutriton recommendations.

Do not be afraid to ask for credentials, just as you would like your surgeon to be qualified to operate, you want your nutrition professional to be qualified to make recommendations that are beneficial to your condition.

August Question : How many visits with dietitian to control PCOS

2011-08-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Very often I am asked, how many times will I have to see you in order to control my PCOS?
This is a complicated question because it depends on many variables. What are your current risk factors, what are your goals, what has worked for you in the past?

When I evaluate risk factors, I am looking at the markers for:

Insulin Resistance Syndrome- what is your fasting glucose to insulin ratio?

Diabetes- What is your fasting glucose and HgbA1c level? Do we have previous levels to compare to?

Liver Disorders- What is your liver panel results

Heart Disease- Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides

High Blood Pressure- How does it usually run? are you on medications to control blood pressure?

Weight- Is your Body Mass Index (BMI) > than 25

Then I evaluate goals. Are the ones you arrived with reasonable and obtainable? Do you have goals? Do we need to establish some.
Are you trying to conceive
Are you attempting to lose weight
Are you inactive and in need of an exercise plan?
Do you eat a diet predominately refined-grain based?

Nutrition history-
Do you have food allergies or intolerances
Are you a chronic dieter or do you skip meals often
Do you dine out often
Do you not cook
Do you have trouble reading labels and shopping healthfully

All of these factors must be taken into consideration within the first hour of a consultation. If there are more factors than can be covered in 1-hour, then I would recommend a follow up.

In addition, if you have more than 20 lbs to lose in order to control your PCOS, most women reach their goals quicker when they are held accountable. If you need to meet with a dietitian every month until your weight loss goal is met, this enables you to gain more nutriton knowledge and be accountable to someone that is supportive and knowledgable about what you may be going through.

I hope this answers your question. I cannot give you an exact number of visits that will work for each person in order to control PCOS. PCOS manifests differently with each client. I do try to provide enough information in the initial consultation to help you on your way to controlling PCOS.

Depression and Diet

2011-08-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

Women with PCOS deal with depression quite often. Difficulties with weight management and infertility take a toll on the psyche.

I am asked quite often if changes in the diet might help to combat depression. Here is what we may know:

FOLATE

Folate may help to improve mood, sleep and appetite. It may do so by preventing excess homocysteine from forming in the body. Homocysteine blocks blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Homocysteine may interfere with the production of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which may regulate mood, sleep and appetite.

Folate is found in:

Fortified cereals and grains
Dried beans (ex; pinto, navy)
Asparagus
Spinach
Brocolli
Okra
Brussels sprouts
Barley
Beef
Bran
Brown rice
Cheese
Chicken
Dates
Green leafy Vegetables
Lamb
Legumes
Lentils
Liver
Milk
Mushrooms
Oranges & citrus
Split peas
Pork
Tuna
Whole Grains

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

As far as a treatment for depression, according to the Mayo Clinic there is not enough evidence to make it conclusive, but initial limited studies suggest tht Omega-3 Fatty acids are found in high quanities in the brain and may be responsible for regulating emotions. It is important to seek advice from your physician prior to starting an omega-fatty acid regimen because there are dangers to taking too much, such as increased bleeding.

Omega-3 Fatty acids are found naturally in:

Salmon
Herring
Anchovies
Tuna
Flaxseed
Canola oil
Soy nuts
Walnuts

Vitamin D

Vitamin D aids in the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps relay messages that pertain to eating, sleeping and mood. you can receive Vitamin D from sun exposure (without using sunblock) 10-15 minutes per day, or from food sources.

Foods that contain Vitamin D include:

Fish liver oils
Sardines, salmon, herring, cod & tuna
Mushrooms
Eggs
Fortified milk
Fortified Orange Juice
Fortified cereals
Liver
Liver oil
Margarine

Magnesium

Magnesium is a trace mineral, meaning that our body needs it in small amounts. Deficiency is rare, but may lead to depression.

Magnesium is found in:

Seeds
Nuts, especially cashews and peanuts
Legumes
Cereal
Baked potatoes
Apples, apricots, cantaloupe
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Milk
Wheat Germ

I prefer to obtain my nutrient from their food sources, but there are ocassions when taking an additonal supplement may be warranted. I recommend in these cases that a well balanced multi-vitamin be taken once per day. This might be in cases where the patient is underweight or following a prescribed nutrition plan for weight loss, or if there is a pregnancy. This is just a short list, and ultimately depends on each individual case.

The sad story is, our foods are not as nutrient dense as they once were. Much produce is grown out of state, or in most cases, out of the country entirely. This lends to nutrients being lost in transit and on store shelves. Buying local when possible will help ensure a higher nutrient dense food item.

I hope this helps and as always, please feel free to shoot me an email for questions or concerns.

Healthful Grocery Shopping begins with Fooducate APP

2011-08-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

Today's technology is making it easier to meal plan and grocery shop healthfully. Check out Fooducate. Fooducate is a free Iphone app that will scan a product barcode, and provide a letter grade based on the product's nutrition information and ingredients. Based on it's database it will also provide healthier alternatives to the scanned product.

The app screens for excessive sugar, trans fats, addititives and preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, controversial food colorings and more. It is like having a dieitian in your back pocket.

The data base contains over 200,000 products and this grows on a daily basis. If you scan a product that is not in the database, the app will prompt you take a picture of the front of packaging, the nutrition label and the ingredients. After this is completed, the pictures are automatically formatted into an email which may be sent to Fooducate.

What exercise is best for controlling PCOS?

2011-07-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

My clients often ask me what exercise they should do to control PCOS. My answer is the same everytime, any exercise that you can continue to do for the rest of your life. Don't take up a sport or activity that you do not enjoy or that adds extra pressure to already compromised joints.
For instance, if you have degenerative knee disease, you may not want to start a running regimen, you may be more suited for water exercises that reduce the impact on your joints.

Many patients do not stick to a work out plan because they choose to join a gym where they feel intimidated by those around them. These clients are sometimes better suited working out at home with an exercise DVD. Once their confidence is built up, they can venture back to the gym, only if that is something they might enjoy.

If you choose an activity that it is out of your comfort level, you may make a negative association with working out in general. Everytime you plan to work out, you will be sabotagged by earlier experiences.

Variety is the spice of life also when it comes to exercise. The current recommendation is to switch up your activities and the duration with which you exercise. Your body tends to adjust to your workout, so for optimal results, alternate activities, duration and intensity.

As far as an exercise prescription, I would recommend first of all to check with your primary physician for clearance to begin an exercise program, and then start off slowly, 30 minutes 5 x week is a good starting point.

Fun Activities Include:

Swimming
Biking- wear a helmet
Walking
Jogging, Running
Dancing
Zumba
Water aerobics
Jumping rope
Rollerblading/skating- use proper safety gear
Kick boxing & martial arts

Las Vegas Labrador Retreiver Rescue- Please Donate to Save Labs

2011-07-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

This month our charity to highlight is the Las Vegas Labrador Retreiver Rescue. Their goal is to rescue labs from the shelters, find foster homes and eventually place them with permanent loving homes. They could use some help to purchase food, crates and supplies. Won't you pledge a small donation? any amount will help- Thanks!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS!
We collected 775.00 for the rescue

Spending Dollars on Weight Loss Programs Vs. Groceries

2011-07-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

I receive emails daily from sites such as LivingSocial.com and Groupon. Many times I find the offers inticing. I have been known to take advantage of the occasional mani/pedi and massage. I feel that is money well spent. I receive a service for my hard earned dollar.

This reciprocation is great, but yesterday an offer came to me that made my blood boil- if that can actually happen...

The offer was for a "Month Long Weight Loss Program" for $99.00. This "program" was being offered at a Cosmetic Laser Center. Talk about one stop shopping, we can now remove unwanted body hair and lose weight all at the same place. Great.

So, what do I get for my $99.00? Frozen pre-packaged meals,meal replacements in a can? Let's check it out.

so I clicked on "View the Deal". For my hard-earned $99.00 I receive:

1. A Weight Loss Consultation
2. A Weight Analysis including "vitals"
3. A month supply of Vitamin B12 shots
4. A month supply of appetite supressants

After this appointment, will I be better equipped to face everyday temptations and understand how to eat to maintain a healthy weight?

So let me get this straight, for $99.00 I get to be told I need to lose weight (consultation), I stand on a scale so I can confirm that I need to lose weight (vitals), and then I leave with a goodie bag of B12 syringes and appetite suppressants.

What is the credentials of the "sales associate" at the Laser Center? Are they qualified to dispense nutrition information? I do loosely state "nutrition information" because this sounds more like a pharmaceutical diet.

Wouldn't I be better off taking my $99.00 to the market and purchasing healthy foods? Even if I have very limited cooking skills, for $99.00 I could purchase simple whole food items to feed myself for at least 2 weeks. For the same amount of money for my syringes and supressants, I could purchase:

1- roasted chicken $4.99
1- steamer bags veggies $2.49
1- box brown rice steamers $2.79
1- lb apples $3.99
1- lb baby carrots $1.99
1- 1 jar peanut butter $2.99
1- loaf whole grain bread $3.99
1- half 1% gallon milk $2.99
1- box shredded wheat cereal $2.99
1-lb whole grain pasta $1.99
1-jar spaghetti sauce $2.99
1-head romaine lettuce $1.99
1-pint grape tomatoes $2.99
1-cucumber $1.00
1-jar oil/vinegar dressing $1.99
1-lb ground turkey $3.99
1-dozen corn tortillas $1.99
1-8 oz shredded cheese $2.99
1-jalapeno pepper $.79
1- jar salsa $2.59
1-6 pack corona lite beer $6.99
1- box granola bars $2.99
1- bunch bananas (6) $1.74
1- can turkey chili $2.49
1-pkg WG english muffins $3.99
1- red onion $.89
1- dozen eggs $1.99
1- lb trail mix $5.99
1- 1/2 lb grated parm cheese $3.99
1-can chunk white tuna (4oz) $2.49
1-can white canneloni beans $.89
1-bunch green onions $.79
1-bunch garlic $.89
1-red pepper $1.99

So far:
(92.62)

___________________________________

There is a lesson to be learned here. If you are to succed in weight management, you need to start with the right tools.
A bag of pharmaceuticals a healthy person does not make.

If you are going to spend your hard earned money on education, make sure the source is reputable. A registered dietitian is schooled in providing the tools necessary to succeed in long term weight management. Any plan that does not stress healthful eating and lifestyle changes to promote optimal health is just a scam.

Vitamin B12 is obtained from any animal products (dairy or flesh) and fortified cereals and grains

Natural appetite suppressant- is called mindful eating. Be aware of your eating cues. Are you hungry, bored, depressed, anxious? Recognize feelings of fullness. STOP Eating when you are full.

Natural mood elevater- Exercise!! This will help speed up your metabolism naturally. Exercise also helps maintain bone mass density, which will lower your risk of bone fractures as you age.

Design a Lifestyle Plan- Control PCOS

2011-07-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Isn't it true that we have plans for just about everything that may occur in our lifetime? We plan our educational path, we painstakingly plan for our weddings, we plan to have x-amount of children. So why should our continued good health be left without a plan? It is only when we plan for certain milestones that we have the opportunity to succeed.

In the PCOS world, planning goes beyond diets, deprivation and calorie counting. Planning means obtaining reliable information and professional help in developing an action plan that can be continued for the rest of life. PCOS does not go away just because white bread is eliminated or weight loss is achieved. PCOS will be present for the rest of life, so learning to adjust lifestyles to lower the risk of complications asscociated with PCOS is vital.

The complications of PCOS reach far beyond obesity or infertility. PCOS is associated with higher risk for diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. PCOS is also associated with a higher risk for certain cancers such as endometrial cancer.

Developing a plan is the first step, and I will be available this Saturday at our PCOS Wellness Series to do just that. This is a free meeting held at our Henderson office. If you are in the area, I strongly suggest you attend. If you are not in the Southern NV area, please contact me, it may be the first step to creating your plan for continued good health.

You are invited to attend:

PCOS Wellness Series-Revisiting Establishing Healthy Goals
Saturday July 9, 2011 from 10:00am-11:30am
The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
2769 Sunridge Heights Parkway, Suite 100
Henderson, NV 89052
702 332-3677
Please RSVP- Lory@FertilityCenterLV.com

I don't have diabetes, why is my Doctor precribing Metformin?

2011-07-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic medication generally used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Metformin acts on the body by lowering the amount of glucose absorbed from food, it lowers the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and it increases the body's response to insulin.

Metformin therefore has also been used "off label" to treat insulin resistance and reduce the risk of Gestational Diabetes in women with PCOS. Off label means that it is being prescribed for treatment of a condition other than that which the FDA approved it for.

Since Metformin assists in increasing the body's response to insulin, it may help women with PCOS who are diagnosed insulin resistant. This means that the cells in their bodies do not recognize insulin and therefore insulin does not assist efficiently in removing glucose from the bloodstream. This glitch increases a woman's risk for Type 2 Diabetes and when pregnant, Gestational Diabetes. This is because her body cannot efficiently clear the glucose from the bloodstream.

Metformin is also prescribed in the PCOS population to increase the rate of ovulation and the number of oocytes collected following an FSH stimulation. This is important in in vitro fertilization cases. For this reason, Metformin may increase pregnancy rates.

Women with PCOS also suffer from a greater chance of first trimester miscarriage. The miscarriage may be related to a hostile uterine environment. Metformin may help to enhance luteal phase uterine vascularity and blood flow that in turn may reduce the rate of first trimester miscarriage.

Recent short-term trials of Metformin have also shown promise in correcting lipid abnormalities. Metformin may reduce circulating levels of fatty acids and reduce triglyceride and VLDL (very low density lipoproteins). These two are bad fats that may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Metformin may also increase HDL (high density lipoproteins) cholesterol levels, which is the good cholesterol that helps package the bad cholesterol for excretion. This is important because women with PCOS typically have a higher triglyceride level and a lower HDL level. It is beneficial for this to be reversed.

Metformin may also indirectly assist PCOS women in weight loss. When the body efficiently handles glucose, there may be a reduction in low blood sugar and carbohydrate cravings and therefore a decrease in caloric intake. This may lead to mild weight loss.

Meformin is not without side effects. Many women starting a Metformin regimen complain of gastrointestinal disturbances such as gas, bloating and diarrhea. These symptoms may be temporary. but discuss them with your healthcare professional nonetheless.

Another side effect of Metformin is that it may interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B12 which is needed for manufacturing red blood cells and keeping the nervous system healthy. It may be important to supplement your diet with Vitamin B12 while taking Metformin. Again, this is a topic you should discuss with your healthcare provider.

So, as you can see there may be merit to adding Metformin to your PCOS regimen. The first line of defense should always be proper nutrition and increased activity, as this will help to maintain a healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy body weight will in turn lessen the symptoms of PCOS.

Bountiful Baskets Produce Co-op

2011-06-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I received my first organic produce basket from "Bountiful Baskets" and I am now hooked. I have been really missing that farm fresh taste that you can only get from locally grown vine ripened produce. So far, the Bountiful Basket concept has filled that void.

For those of you who have never heard about Bountiful Baskets, they are a co-op (not a business) of volunteers that have organized a way to purchase great quality produce in bulk and pass along the savings to those who want to rise and shine early on a Saturday morning.

My scheduled pick up time was 6:30am. My basket was ready and waiting. You don't want to sleep in on pick up day, because if your basket is not picked up within 20 minutes of your scheduled delivery time, you risk it being donated to a local charity or firestation.

This week the seasonal organic fruit and vegetable selection consisted of:
Cauliflower, brocollini, celery and heirloom lettuce
Mangos, pluots (combo of plum and apricot), cantaloupe, bananas, grapes

I have not sampled all of the produce, but the pluots tasted as though I had just picked them from the tree. The mangos were delectable, and the grapes were sweet and firm.
I did notice on the labels that they did not all come from local farms, but their quality made up for this. I hope in the future I see more labels from local farms.

You may also purchase freshly baked breads in bulk such as honey wheat or nine grain bread. They are fresh and delicious and luckily freeze well because you receive 5 loaves per order.

There are optional add ons that I have not tried yet, such as granola, and ethnic bundles of produce such as italian or mexican mixes.

Another bit of good news, they are not only in NV. The alternate locations highlighted on the website include: AZ, CO, KS, ID, MT, NM, OK, OR, SC, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY

Pre-Conception Alcohol Consumption & PCOS

2011-06-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Clients ask me often if they should stop drinking alcohol in preparation for pregnancy. Much is known about fetal alcohol syndrome, but what about pre-conception. What are the benefits and what are the risks of alcohol consumption pre-pregnancy?

Well, first of all, we have to take into consideration the amount of alcohol consumed. For instance, women with PCOS generally have lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, and there is some soft research that consuming alcohol in moderation may improve HDL levels. HDL cholesterol is considered the good cholesterol, in that it's job is to package the bad cholesterol for excretion so it does not have the opportunity to deposit on the arterial wall. Drinking in moderation therefore translates to 1 drink per night for women and 2 drinks per night for men.

Not that I advise starting an alcohol habit in order to increase HDL levels, and certainly binge drinking will not raise HDL levels any quicker than one glass of red wine per night. Alternate ways to increase HDL levels include a high fiber diet and cardiovascular exercise.

Next, we need to define what a serving of alcohol is. This is especially important being that I reside in Las Vegas, NV, home of the "Margarita by the Yard". Here are the serving sizes and calories of popular alcoholic beverages:

Beer: 12 oz (5% Alcohol by volume) 150 calories
Wine: 5 oz (12% Alcohol by volume) 100 calories
Distilled Spirits: 1.5 oz (60 proof) 75 calories

Next we must be able to justify the calories alcohol contributes to our diet. Many women with PCOS are on calorie reduced meal plans to maintain a healthy weight. The average serving of alcohol outlined above contributes from 75 - 150 calories per drink.
This does not factor in sweetened mixers added to spirits to constuct mixed drinks. An average margarita contains approximately 320 calories. A Mudslide contains 840 calories.

If your Friday night includes 2-3 beers and potato skins at your favorite drinking establishment, you may be consuming more than half of your days worth of calories in that one indulgence.

There are 210 calories per serving in TGI Fridays loaded potato skins. This would be 3 pieces, not the entire plate. The beers would contribute another 300-450 calories. The problem is, when you drink, you are generally in an atmosphere where high saturated fat and high sodium foods are readily available. Essentially, they go hand in hand.

Next, consider that alcohol is metabolized as fat in your body. Alcohol contributes 7 calories per gram. Carbohydrate and protein contribute 4 calories per gram, and fat 9 calories per gram. The liver converts alcohol to fatty acids that will in turn be stored in the liver or transported to alternate tissue for storage. If you do consume alcohol and your triglyceride levels are high, this tells a clinician that you have exceeded the storage capacity in your liver and the remainder is circultaing in your blood stream. An elevated triglyceride level increases your risk of coronary artery disease. Bad news, even if you do not consume alcohol, if you consume fatty and/or sugary foods, your triglycerides may also be elevated.

Alcohol consumption may impair the absorption and utilization of certain nutrients including B vitamins. This potential deficiency may be detremental when pregnancy is the goal. Certain B vitamins are crucial for healthy skin, hair, eyes and liver. While other B vitamins are necessary for maintaining the nervous system and optimal brain function.

Women of childbearing age must consider the risks of consuming alcohol because conception may occur without notice and irrepreable damage may occur in a very short time, before she may even know she is pregnant.

Alcohol contributes empty calories, may raise triglyceride levels and interfere with the absorption and utilization of vital nutrients. The negative aspects of alcohol consumption tend to outweigh the single potential benefit, raising HDL levels. This is important because there are alternate ways to potentially raise HDL levels such as exercise and a high fiber diet. Excercise and a high fiber diet are also two of the most beneficial lifestyle changes prescribed to women with PCOS.

More Support For Meatless Mondays and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

2011-06-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

In case lowering risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and obesity is not enough motivation to adopt a Meatless Mondays lifestyle, how about decreased ovulatory infertility?

According to data compiled from the Nurse's Health Study, and highlighted by Walter Willett, M.D. in The Fertility Diet, replacing 25 grams per day of animal protein with plant protein may decrease the risk of ovulatory infertility by 50%.

This is huge for women with PCOS since a balanced diet and increased physical activity is the first line of treatment.

The USDA scraps the Food Guide Pyramid, it is now all about "My Plate".

2011-06-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

This month the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion unveiled their replacement for the Food Guide Pyramid. See the plate to the right.

This plate is similar to the Idaho Plate Method that I currently use to educate. The difference being, instead of 1/2 the plate being vegetables, there is 1/4 vegetables and 1/4 fruit. The plate is now broken down into quarters. Protein, grain/starch, fruit and vegetables. The dairy or calcium source remains off to the right.

For most of the population, following this diagram may improve health and aid in maintaining a healthy weight. Having fruits and vegetables prominantly displayed on the plate may encourage their consumption. Dividing the plate in quarters may help with portion control. Emphasizing dairy may help increase calcium intake.

When it comes to the PCOS population though, certain modifications should be made. First and foremost being a discussion on whole grains versus refined white flour products. Next, fruit may not be recommended with each meal, even though fruit is an unrefined carbohydrate (not processed). Fruit should be eaten in moderation, especially in the presence of insulin resistance.

My Plate has merit, it will still be necessary for the nutrition professional to supplement with the necessary adjustments per individual basis, not unlike what has been done in the past with the Food Guide Pyramid.

Pledge to go Meatless on Mondays!

2011-06-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if it is because I have been reading more about the blatant misuse of veterinary drugs and antibiotics on livestock, or the fear that my meats may be part of the tainted products imported from China, or that I am more aware now than ever that our bodies were not meant to consume meats with every meal. Whatever the reason, I have chosen to adopt Meatless Mondays.

According to their General Overview on the Meatless Monday Website, They are an international movement to help people reduce their consumption of meat by 15% to improve personal health and the health of the planet. They are a non-profit initiative of the Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The site offers four meatless recipes per month to try. I have added their recipe widget to my blog. Let me know if you try one, I would love to hear feedback.

Visit meatlessmondays.com and decide on your own.

PCOS Wellness Series January Update

2011-01-25T14:53:00.000-08:00

This month we had a nice turn out for the wellness series entitled-Setting Realistic Goals. We discussed what is considered a healthy weight loss over 3 months and what is severe or serious. Severe or serious weight loss (> 10% of current body weight in 3 months) is never advised by registered dietitians because generally this means that calories were reduced dramatically. Reducing calories way below the body's needs sets the patient/client up for the dreaded yo-yo weight pattern. Lose weight,gain some weight, lose some weight again. This may be more stressful on the body than staying at the current weight. The frequent weight fluctuations and calorie restrictions also set the patient/client up for metabolic concerns later. If your body cannot rely on you feeding it a consistent amount of nutrients, it will begin to hold on to weight. You can conceivably gain weight on less and less calories. So, we took this time to set up realistic weight loss goals.

We also took a look at exercise goals. What is considered realistic, versus fantasy. If you set a goal of going to the gym 5 days in one week, and you don't make that goal, chances are you will quit all together. It won't be positive motivation to continue.

Lastly, we took a look at meals and how to set realistic goals to improve eating habits. Don't change everything about your eating habits at once. This can be overwhelming and leave vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator to wither away.

Next month (February 12, 2011) we will be discussing PCOS and Heart Health, How Much and What Kind of Exercise Should I be getting?

This is a free event, but like always, I do need you to RSVP so I can reserve a spot and create handouts.

Sincerely,
Lory

Schedule of Programs for 2011

2010-10-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have been busy planning our nutrition programs for 2011, and as it stands, we will have 5 programs available for the entire community (not just Fertility Center of Las Vegas patients).

The programs begin January 2011, and they include:

1. Optimal Fertility and Pregnancy Nutrition: Individual Consultation

2. Optimal Fertility and Pregnancy Nutrition: Group Consultation

3. General Nutrition: Private Consultation
will cover topics such as high cholesterol and diabetes.

4. "Weigh to Conceive"-Registered Dietitian Supervised Weight Management Program

5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Wellness Series

In the weeks to come, I will provide an outline of each individual program. This outline will include the dates, price and location of each class. Feel free to contact me in the meantime should you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Lory

PCOS NUTRITION SPECIALIST HELPS ONE MORE CLIENT CONCEIVE

2010-09-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

I love to share client successes, and this month I have another reason to celebrate. I have an out-of-state client that contacted me to share the news that she is now 6 weeks pregnant. She has PCOS and has been trying to conceive for a few years now.

Her story is a familiar one to me, recently diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Grade II obesity (BMI 38), inactive, not overly concerned with nutrition and exercise, and now taking Metformin for insulin resistance.

She searched for answers which led her to a registered dietitian specializing in PCOS and a PCOS support group where she could contact other women for information and support. A year later, she conceived.

Her method?

1. She received professional nutrition and exercise education from a credible dietitian who specializes in PCOS. The dietitian assessed her daily needs for nutrition and activity

2. Per her assessment, she increased her activity to the recommended hours per week

3. Per her assessment, she lost 10% of her starting weight in 6 months healthfully through portion control and exercise

4. She reduced her BMI from 38 to 34

5. She was started on Metformin to address the insulin resistance.

6. She participated in a PCOS Support Group that put her in touch with other women with PCOS. Research may show that women with PCOS who reach out in a support group setting may have less depression and may conceive sooner than those that do not participate.

This is a story I love to share, because all too often do I receive emails from women heartbroken because they have been told by medical professionals that they will not conceive on their own with a diagnosis of PCOS. This is not entirely true.

The first thing a women with PCOS should do is be evaluated by a reproductive endocrinologist to determine her individual case, and seek out a registered dietitian that specializes in PCOS because nutrition and exercise is the primary therapy prescribed to treat PCOS and insulin resistance.

If you are currently trying to conceive, and have PCOS, you know how frustrating and emotionally draining it can be. There is hope and help available. Consider meeting with a registered dietitian and if you are able to change your lifestyle habits today, you may be celebrating your pregnancy as well in 12 months.

PCOS Teens Mother/Daughter Yogurt Outing

2010-09-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Southern Nevada Teens, Here is the date you have been waiting for. Please join us!

Who: Teens with PCOS & Mothers too!
When: Sunday September 19, 2010
At: U-Swirl Yogurt
Where: 790 Coronado Center Drive
Henderson, NV 89052
When 11:00am

This will be an informal meet and greet social.
Please feel free to ask questions as well.
Contact me for questions or directions

See you there,
Lory

NEW TEEN PCOS WELLNESS ADVISING

2010-08-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the new Teen PCOS Wellness Advising program I have begun. I have gotten great response to my recent posts and I look forward to seeing you all at our first meet-up. The meet-up is free, and a great opportunity for you to meet me, and other teens with PCOS.

Date and location will be announced the first week of September. If you would like to be emailed with the information, please send me an email and in the subject line please type

New Teen PCOS Wellness Advising

Make it a great day,
Lory

Nevada PCOS Nutrition Education

2010-08-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

Do you have PCOS? How tired are you of hearing, "just eat less and exercise more"? Well, this is what most women with PCOS hear from their healthcare providers upon diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Some women receive no nutrition or lifestyle advise what so ever when diagnosed with PCOS. They are told if they do not want to get pregnant right now, there is nothing more they need to do about treatment other than "take this Rx for a birth control pill", or "lose a little weight". Many medical providers are insensitive to PCOS mainly because they are not familiar with at all with the syndrome.

Women all over the United States and abroad are hungry for information that might prevent the complications of PCOS such as insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes, liver disorders, high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

This is where TLC for PCOS takes over in an effort to provide patients with more scientific based nutrition advise to follow in order to succeed in controlling the symptoms and complications of PCOS. We are not only an advocacy and support group for women with PCOS, but we educate women on the merits of proper nutrition and exercise for optimal health. We also help to connect women across the World with other women with PCOS. Having someone to talk to that is experiencing similar trials and tribulations helps with reducing depression and anxiety in women with PCOS.

PCOS nutrition, lifestyle education and support is now available in Southern Nevada for women of all ages.

Research indicates that the sooner women make lifestyle changes in regards to food choices and exercise, the less severe their PCOS complications.

Making changes may be difficult to start or adhere to over a lifetime. Having a professional on your healthcare team that is familiar with PCOS may make the difference you need to make your personal goals.

Take the first step in controlling the syndrome by meeting with a registered dietitian familiar with PCOS and its treatment. The time and effort you put in now, will help to preserve your health and fertility for the future.

Please contact me for program specifics. I look forward to creating a plan that will work with your needs and personal goals in mind.

PCOS education is also available by telephone or Skype for women not living in Southern Nevada.

Looking after your health and wellness,

Lory

PCOS and Teens: Self Image

2010-08-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

Being a teen is rough enough without being a teen with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS can cause additional hormonal imbalances that may affect the teen's physical and emotional well being.

Teens with PCOS may have lower self esteem and view their body image negatively because of their constantly comparing themselves to and trying to fit in with the "norm", or what body image is currently portrayed in the media.

Culture has everything to do with how a teen values their appearance or their self worth. Most teens have not reached a point in their maturity level where they have learned to accept themselves as they are.

Teens are generally hypercritical about their outward appearance, and this can lead to negative behaviors such a emotional eating or starvation in order to "fit in". Seek professional help in identifying potential eating disorders.

Teens with PCOS may have poor self image because of acne, dark hair growth, or excess weight.

Finding a specialist who can counsel your teen about the emotional rigors of being a teen and how to navigate the additional struggles with PCOS is important. Please discuss this with your teen.

Sometimes when talking to someone who can relate is all it takes to begin healing and moving away from negative self talk and negative behavior such as emotional eating.

Rebuilding a positive self image takes time and constant positive reinforcement.

PCOS and Teens

2010-08-11T09:43:00.001-07:00

Teens with PCOS have needs unique to the general PCOS population. While an adult with PCOS may be worrying about infertility and the health complications associated with PCOS, a teen's concerns are more socially based and surround the "here and now".

1. I want to eat the same foods as my peers
2. I want to look the same as my peers
3. I want to control my acne and hair growth
4. I want to be "normal"
5. I want to appear more feminine

Teens with PCOS may suffer more from bouts of depression, they may not have someone to talk to that understands what they are going through. They may be judged solely by their outside appearance and deemed lazy or an overeater. Many medical professionals do not understand the teen with PCOS.

This is where it is important to have a health practitioner that is knowledgeable about PCOS.
This is where I come in. I understand the pressures, I am here to help, and I want to help you get in touch with other teens experiencing similar PCOS related pressures.

PCOS is more common than you think. As great as 12% of the population suffers from PCOS, many silently.
Consider getting in touch with me so you can initiate a health plan for the rest of your life.

Leave me a message or email me now : rdlory@gmail.com

PCOS Teen Nutrition Education Now Available !

2010-08-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

Reaching teens with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been a serious challenge for me because most of the population that has ever heard about PCOS believes it only affects fertility. Many families of teens with PCOS do not feel the urgency to schedule their appointments with me because their teen's goals at this point do not include pregnancy.

The message I would most like to pass on to the families of teens with PCOS is that this is not only a disease affecting fertility, but it also increases a woman's risk for complications such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, and Cancer. The sooner lifestyle changes can be initiated, the less drastic these complications will be.

PCOS has symptoms that are visible such as acne, body hair growth, scalp hair loss, and weight gain. These symptoms tend to be the ones that receive the most attention and are generally treated with prescription medication such as spironolactone, flutamide, Metformin.

But more importantly, what goes on internally needs to receive attention as well. This is where meeting with a registered dietitian that specializes in PCOS can help. Nutrition education should be tailored for the teen with PCOS and presented in a manner that is easy to understand and initiate. This is important especially this time of year, when many teens and young adults are preparing to move away to college, where they will be responsible for making wise food and lifestyle decisions.

Please contact me today for further information. I am located in Southern Nevada, but am able to conduct consultations over the phone, or Skype as well. Distance does not need to be a factor in your receiving quality nutrition and lifestyle education.

Lory Hayon, B.S., R.D.
Phone: 702 332-3677
e mail: rdlory@gmail.com

Easy steps to GO GREEN in 2010

2009-12-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

Many of my patients have expressed an interest in "going more green", but they don't know where to start, so I have generated a list of suggestions that may make a difference in the size of your carbon footprint in 2010. It is time to proclaim your Green Year's Resolution.

1. Eliminate the water bottles that enter the landfill/recycling centers. I was amazed when I evaluated how many half liter bottles I was using per week for a family of 4. I went through at least two packs of 24 bottles, or 48 bottles per week. Even with my best efforts, not all 48 would make it into my recycling bin. So, this year, vow to purchase a stainless steel liter-sized water bottle for each member of the family, choose their favorite colors for easy identification. Wash and air them out every night, refill them every morning. Most employers have water coolers where the bottle can be refilled later on in the day. Make water your primary beverage. The eight 8 -oz glasses per day is still a good base line for hydration.

2. Re-evaluate your shopping habits to eliminate excess packaging. Buy in bulk to avoid excess shrink wrap, styrofoam and small bottles. The individual serving packaged foods sure are convenient, for example pre-portioned 1.5 oz trail mix or 100 calorie packs. Small packages are easier to grab and go, but think about how much additional packaging is going into the landfill. Consider buying in bulk and portioning out an individual serving into reusable containers. The bulk foods will contain a nutrition label that will identify a serving size. This will reduce the amount of packaging and also re-acquaint oneself with what a serving size of that food product is.

3. Eliminate lunch bags (paper and plastic). Purchase a reusable lunch bag and reusable containers with lids for each family member. Again,consider this, a family of 4 (2 full time employed parents and 2 school age children) will use 20 paper sacks and approximately 80 plastic bags per week if they pack 4 food items in plastic bags per paper bagged meal (sandwich, sliced fruit, chips, cookies). There are many reusable lunch bag or box style totes that may even include a set of reusable food containers.

4. Recycle your food scraps. Much of your kitchen waste may be composted in backyard compost piles and used to enrich your garden soil. Food items that I presently compost are; coffee grinds and unbleached coffee filters, egg shells, fruit and vegetable peelings, trimmings, and cores, leaves, grass trimmings and shredded newspaper. Search online or visit your public library for resources that outline the steps to composting.

5. Run your dishwasher more efficiently. Using the light setting instead of the heavy wash or air drying dishes instead of using heat will reduce the amount of energy used to run the dishwasher. Also, skipping the pre-rinse cycle will save on average 20 gallons of water per load.

6. Use glass to store and reheat foods. Plastic containers may contain petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource. Plus, there has been some research possibly indicating that reheating in plastic may release toxins into the food. Glass may be used safely for storage as well reheating.

7. Heat only what you need. Use a microwave or toaster oven to heat individual servings of food items. Heating the stove or oven will take much more energy than needed. Use an electric kettle rather than a cook top kettle to heat water.

8. Set up a recycling station. Encourage all family members to recycle by preparing a special location for all recycling items.
Familiarize yourself with the items accepted by your recycling program. Plastic items for recycling are usually identified by the number inside the recycling triangle imprinted on the bottom of each item. Generally # 1 (high density polyethylene, HDPE) and #2 (polyethylene terephthalate, PETE) are accepted for recycling in most communities.
A # 3 represents a plastic item that contains PVC (polyvinyl chloride, and this is generally not accepted because it is made of vinyl, which is a cancer-causing chemical and it forms as a byproduct a potent carcinogen dioxin, during production and incineration.

This list is not inclusive of all the changes that you can make to decrease the damage made to Mother Earth, it is just a small compilation of what I have tried to practice this past year, and I would like to share my ideas with you.

Here's to Wishing you a Healthy & Happy 2010

Lory Hayon, B.S., R.D.

Dining Out and What is the Skinny on the Current Menu labeling?

2009-10-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Time and time again, I field questions from women who want to know, how do I navigate through a restaurant menu? I want to enjoy the convenience of someone else preparing my meals, but I do not want to jeopardize my health or that of my family.

This is a very valid concern, and now that some States are publishing total calories and total fat on menus, what does all this mean? I see the limitations of only being able to see the total calories and total fat on a menu. What is the reference point? What is an acceptable calorie level per meal? How much fat is too much?

Here are some good reference points

For most women, 1600 calories per day is sufficient, more calories may be added to accomodate a higher activity level. But for simplicity, we will use 1600 calories.

If we divide this by 3 meals per day, this would be 533 calories per meal. If a snack is needed, we can round the meal off to 450 calories each, and allow for a 250 calorie snack. So, when looking at restaurant menus, first look for an entree that will provide approximately 450-533 calories. Easier said than done I am afraid. The Cheesecake Factory and The Macaroni Grill for example serve meals that contain 1000+ calories per meal. P.F. Chang's lo mein with pork contains 1,419 calories, 72 grams of total fat, and 12 grams of that is saturated fat.

There are websites available that may make restaurant calorie shopping easier. One such website created by a fellow dietitian would be www.500calorierestaurantmeals.com
This site breaks down fast food and chain restaurants according to combinations of menu items that total 500 calories or less. The website has a few other tools to locate snacks at 250 calories or less and how to choose meals appropriate for diabetics and those limiting sodium or fat.

Another site I have visited is www.dietfacts.com This site contains an alphabetical listing of restaurants and the nutrition label from their most popular food items.

Next, when does fat become too much?

According to the American Heart Association, we should adhere to the following guidelines if we are over the age of 2

Limit total fat intake to less than 25–35 percent of your total calories each day

Limit saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of total daily calories

Limit trans fat intake to less than 1 percent of total daily calories

The remaining fat should come from sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as nuts, seeds, fish and vegetable oils

Limit cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg per day, for most people. If you have coronary heart disease or your LDL cholesterol level is 100 mg/dL or greater, limit your cholesterol intake to less than 200 milligrams a day.

Lets take our 1600 calorie meal plan and break that down according to the above guidelines.

I use 29% of total calories per day from fat as a guideline. This will keep total fat below 30% of total calories

TOTAL FAT
1600 calories x 29% = 464 calories from total fat (464/9)= 52 grams of Total Fat (9 grams fat per calorie)
Per meal: 17 grams total fat, or round to 15 grams total fat to allow for 7 grams total fat for snack

SATURATED FAT
1600 calories x 7% = 112 calories from saturated fat (112/9) = 12 grams of saturated fat per day (9 grams fat per calorie)
Per meal: 4 grams saturated fat or less per meal.

TRANS FAT
1600 calories x 1% = 16 calories from trans fat (16/9) = less than 2 grams trans fat per day ( 9 grams of fat per calorie)

Cholesterol is 300 mg per day or less
100 mg cholesterol or less per meal

Another item that may or may not be on the menu would be sodium. Whenever we dine out or use convenient foods (packaged, canned, frozen, pre-cooked/re-warm items) we risk consuming more sodium than what is recommended.

Sodium recommendations are 2,300 mg per day or less. So, again we can divide this amount by 3 to have a guideline of how much sodium per meal is within a healthful allowance.

2300/3 = 767 mg sodium per meal. Again, this does not allow for snacking so we can round to 650 mg per meal, and allow for up to 350 mg for a snack. Consider though that 350mg is still a large amount for a snack. You do not have to consume the total 2300 mg per day of sodium.

So as a recap, when you are looking at individual meals for the average woman:

450-533 calories per meal
250 calorie snack/day
15-17 grams total fat per meal
4 grams saturated fat per meal- or less
0.5 grams trans fat per meal - or less *
100 mg cholesterol per meal - or less
650mg-760 mg sodium per meal- or less

* Problem with trans fat and labeling is that if a food product has 0.5grams of trans fat per serving, the manufacturer does not have to disclose this on the nutrition label. In otherwords, if the food item has 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, and the package has 4 servings, and you consume all four servings, you will be eating 2 grams of trans fat.

I hope you find this helpful,

And here's to your health and wellness,

Lory Hayon, B.S., R.D.

Metabolic Syndrome

2009-07-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Metabolic Syndrome
Be Informed, Remain Healthy

By Lory Hayon, B.S., R.D.
Registered Dietitian and Medical Nutritionist
Fertility Center of Las Vegas

Metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X, is not a disease in itself, but a cluster of interlinked conditions present at one time that increase risk for diabetes, heart disease and premature death.

The 5 interlinked conditions that lead to a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome are central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides (blood fats), low levels of high-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol) and insulin resistance.

The criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute is as follows
• Abdominal Obesity- (Men: Greater than 40” waist, Women: Greater than 35” waist)
• Triglyceride level- 150mg or higher or taking medication to control triglycerides
• High-Density Lipoprotein- (HDL): Men: Less than 40mg/dL, Women: Less than 50mg/dL or taking medication for low HDL
• Blood Pressure-130/85 mm Hg or higher, or taking medicine to control blood pressure
• Fasting blood sugar: 100mg/dL or higher, or taking medication to control blood sugar

A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made if three or more of these conditions are present, and according to the American Heart Association, more than 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome may be in the news of late due to the growing obesity rates across the country. Weight has everything to do with this syndrome.

When one is obese, their body is generally inefficient in the handling of glucose, (carbohydrates in the diet) and is therefore at a higher risk for insulin resistance.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to the consumption of carbohydrate. It is insulin’s job to pick up glucose (broken down carbohydrate) and help it enter the cells to be stored for energy later.

Glucose is predominately stored in muscle cells. Problem is the increased fat around muscle (due to excessive weight gain) prevents insulin from completing the task of storing glucose efficiently, therefore both insulin and glucose levels increase in the bloodstream. It is this increase in glucose in the bloodstream that increases the risk for Type 2 Diabetes.

Next, with obesity generally come elevated levels of fat in the blood (cholesterol and triglycerides). This fat is circulating and available for deposit on the arteries. This increases the risk for heart disease.

High blood pressure also adds to plaque build up on the walls of the arteries, overtime, this extra pressure can damage the arteries making them more vulnerable to narrowing and plaque build up associated with atherosclerosis (hardening and plaque build-up on the arteries).

Metabolic Syndrome is therefore primarily caused by an unhealthy lifestyle such as too many calories in compared to calories burned through activity and subsequent weight gain. The weight gain causes imbalances in lipid and glucose levels, as well as high blood pressure. These factors increase the risk for Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and premature death.

No one population is immune to metabolic syndrome, and this is evidenced by the fact that even athletes are at risk.

According to a University of Ohio study of 70 college football linebackers, 34 of the athletes had at least 3 risk factors indicating a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, and of those 34, one athlete had all five risk factors, and eight had four risk factors.

This research certainly adds fuel to the adage you are what you eat. The linebackers used excessive calorie intake to achieve weight gain (bulk up) that would add power to their blocks and tackles. Other athletes such as runners believe that because they are fit, they can eat whatever they want.

The thought that you can eat anything as long as you exercise can be deadly, especially in the case of Jim Fixx, the endurance runner who in the 80’s was found dead on the side of the road while out on a run. An autopsy found that he had two coronary arteries that were almost totally clogged, and a third with a 50% blockage.

Critics site that Jim Fixx had a family history of heart disease, as his father also died of a heart attack. There is a connection between heredity and heart disease, but his cheeseburger and milk shake habit may have played a part in increasing his risk and adding to his atherosclerosis.

Bottom line, reduce your risk for metabolic syndrome by making the necessary dietary changes to reduce saturated fats and cholesterol, increase activity and, maintain a healthy weight. Meeting with a registered dietitian to determine your current risk and set up an action plan is recommended. Monitoring your blood lipid and glucose levels, and blood pressure annually is recommended, more frequently if any levels are elevated.

Protecting Fertility Through Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Habits

2009-07-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

What Does Nutrition Have to Do With It?
Protecting Fertility Through Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Habits

By Lory Hayon, B.S., R.D.
Registered Dietitian and Medical Nutritionist
Fertility Center of Las Vegas

Nutrition professionals are faced on a daily basis with clients that do not understand the strong link between lifestyle habits and vitality, or in this case, a healthy lifestyle and the protection of fertility. There are four specific elements nutrition professionals assess that have the greatest impact on the overall health and fertility of women as well as men. These elements are weight, adequate nutrition, the use of herbal products, and the diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Weight has a great impact on overall health and wellbeing and being overweight not only increases the risk of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and other obesity related conditions, it also affects the reproductive success of some couples.

Recent research published in Europe’s leading reproductive medicine journal, Human Reproduction, indicated that if both partners are overweight or obese, they are more likely to have to wait longer before successfully conceiving a child. Obesity in fact may reduce the quality of a man’s sperm as well as lower a woman’s chance of being successful in using alternative measures to become pregnant, such as
in vitro fertilization.

The tool most used to determine the extent of a person being overweight is the body mass index (BMI). This is a measure of weight in relation to height. A BMI less than 25 is considered a healthy weight. A BMI greater than 25 is overweight, and a BMI greater than 30 is considered obese. Of course there are some exceptions to this rule, for example athletes and weight lifters may fall into an unhealthy weight category because of higher weight due to muscle mass. But for the general public, using BMI will help determine a patient’s risk for specific conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, stroke and infertility.

The study published in Human Reproduction went on to highlight that an overweight man with a BMI over 25 had a nearly 22% lower sperm concentration and 24% lower total sperm compared with a healthy weight man.

Obese women had a lower rate of successful embryo implantation (13% vs. 19% among healthy weight women). Obese women were also less likely to become pregnant after in vitro fertilization (22% became pregnant vs. more than 30% of normal or underweight women).

Receiving nutritional counseling to maintain a healthy weight may seem frivolous, but in comparison to the cost of fertility treatments, or to protect the outcome of fertility treatments, the investment is well worth the cost. Proper nutrition and weight management of both partners may provide increased protection of fertility, and heighten the chances of successful fertility treatments and pregnancy outcome as well as a lower risk for obesity related conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension and stroke.

The next element under scrutiny not only by dietitians, as well as the FDA would be the use of herbal supplements to augment a pregnancy or to treat ailments in general during pregnancy, or even during the time prior to conception.

There is a false sense of security when using herbal supplements, after all, “aren’t they a natural substance found in plants”? Well, opium is natural too, as it is derived from the seedpod of the poppy flower, but having determined that, would you want to be taking morphine or codeine when you are pregnant or breast-feeding? Probably not, but these are just two of the highly addictive drugs manufactured from opium or the seedpod of the poppy flower.

Most herbs are derived from roots, and roots throughout history have been shown to have medicinal purposes, and the first instruction given by Physicians, when couples are trying to conceive, would be to avoid medications to prevent complications such as addiction, withdrawal, possible miscarriage, birth defects, and death.

During a nutrition consultation, many couples admit to trying herbal products to bring about fertility. The use of herbal products prior to conception and during pregnancy is discouraged because there is research that may suggest that certain herbs may make it impossible to fertilize the egg, may lower the sperm count, and may decrease the sperm’s motility. Furthermore, some herbs like fenugreek may stimulate uterine contractions, which in turn may increase the risk of miscarriage.

In the Fall 2006 edition of The Journal of Perinatal Education, Amy Schweitzer, MS, RD goes on to state that studies on the safety of herbal products are not conducted on pregnant and lactating women. Therefore, without specific directions from their health-care provider, her recommendation is that expectant parents should avoid the use of herbal products during pregnancy and lactation. Schweitzer goes on to state that herbal products go unregulated by the FDA. Their safety and effectiveness have not been proven.

Another point to consider when taking herbal supplements would be their manufacturing process. Many of the herbal supplements on shelves today may be manufactured in plants that operate unregulated. Their production and packaging is not regulated by any industry or government. This means that the dosage and use of ingredients and fillers may vary.

Another worrisome manufacturing detail is that many herbal products are manufactured and packed overseas in plants such as those in China, where previous practices included the tainting of baby formula with melamine, which not only falsely increased the protein content of the product, it caused kidney failure and the death of many infants. Prior to the baby formula scare, there was the use of toxic fillers in dog and cat foods that caused many pet deaths as well.

Bottom line with supplement use prior to conception and during pregnancy would be to clear any and all supplements with your health care provider or registered dietitian. Prenatal vitamins that contain adequate amounts of folic acid and iron are the only supplements routinely prescribed for women pregnant or women trying to conceive and are to be taken on a daily basis.

Adequate nutrition sounds very simple, but more frequently than not, Americans fall into disordered eating habits that may be harmful to their own health and that of their unborn child. Busy lifestyles and non-traditional employment hours contribute to the skipping of meals, too much time between meals, and the intake of highly processed, low nutrient dense foods.

The above habits not only slow down metabolism, they contribute to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and can also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Inadequate intake of specific vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron and calcium may also lead to medical complications in the mother or baby, and possibly birth defects.

Meeting with a registered dietitian to evaluate current eating habits as well as set up a plan of action, is highly recommended. The knowledge gained will help to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy and a balanced meal plan will help provide energy and the nutrients necessary to protect and maintain a healthy pregnancy and lactation period.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the number one cause of infertility in women. If undiagnosed and untreated, it increases a woman’s risk for diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancer.

PCOS is a hidden disorder that can appear in two or more of the following symptoms; irregular or absent periods, excess body hair, weight gain, infertility, scalp hair loss, high blood pressure, acne, ovarian cysts, and elevated insulin levels.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) estimates that 10% of reproductive-age women (more than six million) in the United States have PCOS, and many do not know they have PCOS. It is also estimated that girls as young as 11 years old, are being diagnosed with PCOS.

PCOS is treatable, but not curable. The primary treatment for this metabolic disorder is lifestyle change consisting of a controlled meal plan, increased activity and weight loss if needed. Meeting with a registered dietitian that is well educated on the recommended PCOS meal plan to control insulin resistance, manage carbohydrate intake, and maintain a healthy weight is crucial to the success of the treatment.

One of the triggers of this metabolic disorder is too much insulin circulating in the blood. This hyperinsulinemia causes the ovaries to produce excess testosterone, and this hampers ovulation, hence the infertility aspect of the syndrome. The many (poly) cysts in the ovaries are caused when the follicles in the ovaries fail to release their eggs. The eggs remain embedded in the follicles and eventually rupture causing the cyst.

The key to protecting fertility with a diagnosis of PCOS would mean following a PCOS meal plan as prescribed by a registered dietitian who is familiar with the disorder. Exercising on a regular basis is also prescribed in order to control weight and glucose and insulin levels. Both the meal plan and the exercise assist in maintaining a healthy weight while lowering risk factors for heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension and stroke.

Maintaining a healthy weight and controlling insulin resistance may help also to stimulate ovulation by lowering testosterone levels, and therefore increases chances of a successful pregnancy.

Bottom line, nutrition has EVERYTHING to do with overall health and wellbeing, as well as the fertility status of a couple. For this reason, the Fertility Center of Las Vegas employees a full-time registered dietitian to assess the needs of all of their patients. The center offers individual counseling, group counseling, workshops and a free monthly PCOS support group.

PCOS SUPPORT GROUP FOR JULY

2009-07-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

The Support Group this month will be meeting on Saturday July 25 from 10am-1130am. This is a change from the posted schedule. I have not received any feedback and we tend to have more attendance Saturday morning. This month I will be discussing Metabolic Syndrome, which is quite common in women with PCOS. If you can make it, you will certainly benefit from this information and meet friends as well!

Hope you can make it:

Saturday July 25, 2009
10:00am- 11:30am
The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
Henderson Facility
2769 Sunridge Heights Parkway
Henderson, NV 89052
702 254-1777- to RSVP

Immediately following the Support Group, I will be holding a PCOS Workshop
12:30pm-2:30pm
Same Location as Above.

At this workshop, I address the questions asked frequently about PCOS
1). What should I eat?
2). What should I avoid?
3). How much should I eat, and when?
4). What about weight loss and Insulin Resistance?

Meet the PCOS Dietitian

2009-04-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

This Saturday May 2, The Fertility Center of Las Vegas will be hosting an event at the new Henderson Facility entitled Meet the PCOS Dieitian. This is a great time to see what the Center offers in way of education and support for women with PCOS. Ask questions, and look for answers. This is a free community event, and light refreshments will be served.

MEET THE PCOS DIETITIAN

WHEN: Saturday May 2
TIME: 2:00pm-4:00pm
WHERE: Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Henderson Facility
2769 Sunridge Heights Parkway
Henderson, NV 89052

RSVP: 702 254-1777

MYSTERY DIAGNOSIS-PCOS

2009-04-03T09:09:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of speaking at a PCOS Retreat at UNLV sponsored by the Hormones and Disease Group. It was very informative and allowed me more contact with the PCOS population. During the retreat, we viewed an episode of Discovery Health that followed one woman's struggle with PCOS. I am attaching the links to view this.

Please pass this along, even to the non-PCOS population, because part of the problem of properly diagnosing PCOS is an actual awareness of PCOS. How many of you have told someone that you suffer from PCOS, and then were faced with a blank stare?

http://vodpod.com/watch/125233-mystery-diagnosis-pcos-1-of-3

http://vodpod.com/watch/125234-mystery-diagnosis-pcos-2-of-3

http://vodpod.com/watch/125236-mystery-diagnosis-3-of-3

Please send me feedback, I would love to know what you thought of the video. I am aware that the 3rd part cuts off abruptly. I am in the process of trying to obtain an original copy.

Also, a little sidebar note, Ashley, the woman featured in the video, went on to generate awareness of PCOS through "PROJECT PCOS". Her website is www.projectpcos.org

PCOS WORKSHOP INFORMATION/DATES

2009-03-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

I have received many emails asking me to explain exactly what the PCOS workshops are about. They were designed first and foremost to help the PCOS patient who has never met with a dietitian. they are also available to patients who need a refresher course on how to better control their insulin resistance, weight gain, hair growth/loss, acne, and lower their risk for the following:

Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Endometrial cancer
Liver disease

These workshops were also designed to meet the general goals of all PCOS clients, young or old. Those trying to get pregnant, or the teen wanting to control weight,acne, or hair growth.

I am also considering designing a PCOS for Teens Workshop in order to create an atmosphere where this population might feel more comfortable. Please let me know if you might be interested in this as well.

The idea of holding the workshop was my way to lessen the financial burden of my patients in this struggling economy. The price is 50.00 each participant.

For Fertility Center patients, this workshop will fulfil the requirement of Drs Shapiro and Daneshmand for a nutritional consultation.

Here is the schedule for April's workshops:

THURSDAY APRIL 16 600pm- 730pm at Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Henderson Facility

SATURDAY APRIL 25 1200pm-130pm at Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Henderson Facility

Please remember that there needs to be a minimum of 3 women registered to hold this "Group" workshop, so please call the office at 702-254-1777 to register

LOCATION
Fertility Center of Las Vegas
2769 Sunridge Heights Parkway
Henderson, NV 89052

Group PCOS Consultation/Education

2009-03-23T08:40:00.001-07:00

Hi Ladies,
This Saturday I will be holding a group PCOS workshop. It will be at our new Henderson Facility-

The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
2769 Sunridge Heights Parkway
Henderson, NV 89052

This workshop will educate you on how diet and exercise will play a significant role in controlling the signs and symptoms of PCOS. It will expand on what medical doctors prescribe "more exercise, less eating". It will let you know what foods to incorporate in your diet, and what to avoid. This workshop is the stepping off point where you can actually take an active role in becoming healthier and reaching your goals. These goals can be anything from reaching a healthy weight and controlling hair growth and acne, to getting pregnant.

This workshop fulfils the Fertility Center Nutrition Consultation requirements. The fee is 50.00, and should be processed prior to Saturday. This can be done by calling the office at the number below.

The Workshop will be held on Saturday March 28 from 1200pm-130pm. You will need to call the center to hold a spot 702 254-1777. There is limited space, so this will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Please email me should you want more information:

Lory@FertilityCenterLV.com

What Every Woman and Her Doctor Should Know About PCOS

2009-03-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

PCOS is a hidden disorder that can appear in two or more of the following symptoms:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Infertility
• Acne
• Excess body hair
• Scalp hair loss
• Ovarian cysts
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Elevated insulin levels

Women with these symptoms should see an endocrinologist, the medical experts on hormonal disorders, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms. Treatment can help reduce the risk of serious, life-threatening complications.

PCOS AND ITS COMPLICATIONS:

Insulin Resistance Syndrome
• Research indicates that many women with PCOS have a number of features of Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS), which can put them at great risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetes• Women with PCOS are at a much higher risk of developing diabetes.
• More than 50% of women with PCOS will have diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance before the age of 40.
• Studies have shown that 25-50 % of patients with diabetes between the ages of 20-50 have PCOS.

Liver Disorders• In a new study, two out of three patients with PCOS were found to have Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), even though five out of six of these women had normal liver tests.
• The prevalence of NAFLD in women with PCOS has not been previously described.
• If left untreated, NAFLD can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.

Heart Disease• Women with PCOS have heart disease at an early age; in some studies 40% have calcification in their coronary arteries before age 45 (compared to 20% of women without PCOS).
• Two recent studies of women with PCOS demonstrate a 50% increase in coronary events compared to controls.

High Blood Pressure
• Women with PCOS are at a greater risk of high blood pressure particularly after the age of forty.

Cholesterol• LDL (bad) cholesterol levels increase and HDL (good) cholesterol levels decrease in women with PCOS.

Cancer• Women with PCOS are at higher risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer.
• Studies have shown an association of IRS with breast cancer, which includes this group of women.

FACTS ABOUT PCOS:
• An estimated 10% of reproductive-age women (more than six million) in the United States have PCOS; many don’t know they do.
• PCOS is the most common metabolic disorder of reproductive-age women in the U.S.
• PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility.
• There is an unfolding epidemic of girls with PCOS as young as eleven years old, which may be due in part to the dual epidemics of childhood obesity and children with type 2 diabetes.
• Premature puberty in young girls may be an early marker of future PCOS.
• Women with PCOS are the largest group of women at risk for the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• PCOS is generally considered a syndrome rather than a disease because it manifests itself through a group of signs and symptoms that can occur in any combination.
• PCOS is often considered a purely gynecological disorder since many PCOS symptoms involve a woman’s reproductive system. It is, however, a systemic disorder involving hormones, sugar metabolism, lipids and blood vessels.
• PCOS is diagnosed by a simple blood test for a variety of hormones, including those produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, pituitary gland and thyroid gland. A full physical examination and screening for cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose should also be part of a complete evaluation.
• PCOS is treatable, but not curable, by medications, changes in diet, and exercise.

SOLUTIONS:• AACE calls for widespread case findings of PCOS so that all of its hidden risks may be detected and treated to prevent heart attack, stroke, and all of the complications of uncontrolled diabetes including blindness, kidney failure, and amputation.

• At the AACE Consensus Conference on Guidelines for Glycemic Control in 2001, AACE called for diabetes screening for women with PCOS by age 30.
• Studies have shown that the risk of early death and debilitating complications can be significantly reduced if certain lifestyle changes are undertaken, including a controlled diet, vigorous exercise, and weight reduction.
• Medication is available to treat diabetes, hypertension, and lipid abnormalities when lifestyle changes are not enough to bring them under control.

NEW GROUP COUNSELING AVAILABLE!

2009-03-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Due to tough economic times, we have begun to offer small group counseling for a reduced fee, in addition to private counseling, in the following areas:

PCOS
Overweight/Obesity
High Cholesterol
General Nutrition

We are scheduling into April for evening classses. If you would like more information, please call

Fertility Center of Las Vegas
702 254-1777

PCOS RETREAT in Southern Nevada

2009-03-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies, Here is an invitation to a PCOS Retreat on Saturday March 28th.
I know this is the date for our Support Group and group counseling as well, so if you can make it, great, it looks like it will be a fun event! If you need directions, please email me: Lory@FertilityCenterLV.com

PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome Retreat

You’re invited to join the Hormones and Disease Group at UNLV for an informal yet informative afternoon devoted to PCOS.

• What is PCOS?
• How can I manage my PCOS?
• Are their support groups in Las Vegas?
• How are others dealing with their PCOS symptoms?

Guest speakers
Dr. Danielle Roth-Johnson: UNLV Women’s Studies Professor
Lory Hayon, B.S., R.D: Registered Dietitian and Consulting Nutritionist Specializing in Medical Nutrition Therapy for PCOS
Heidi Manlove: President of Hormones and Disease and PCOS Researcher

Saturday, March 28th, 4pm WRI C 151

Refreshments provided by:

Original Sunrise Cafe
8975 S Eastern Rd. Ste 5
Las Vegas, NV 89123
Phone: (702) 257-8877
(A favorite breakfast and lunch spot for many HDG members)

New Henderson Facility Now Open

2009-03-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Great news for my Southern Nevada patients. Our new office in Henderson is now open!

The address is:

Fertility Center of Las Vegas
2769 Sunridge Heights Parkway
Henderson, NV 89052
702 254-1777

We will be holding individual and group counseling from this location, as well as the monthly FREE PCOS support group. We have a very comfortable conference room where we can even hold evening nutrition workshops!

Please also note that the PCOS Support Group for March has been moved to Saturday March 28th. It will be at the new Location!

email me with any questions or for directions!

Lory@FertilityCenterLV.com

More Herbal Products to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant!

2009-02-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

I am always looking to keep my patients well informed, and since many of my readers are interested in herbs and alternative supplements, please be advised that the following herbal/botanical products should not be used during pregnancy or even by those who are trying to get pregnant. Some may cause early contractions, and others have been known to cause birth defects.

Agnus castus
Cayenne pepper
Chamomile
Black cohosh
Blue cohosh
Comfrey
Dong Quai
Echinacea
Febugreek
Fennel
Ginseng
Feverfew
Hawthorne
Licorice
Motherwort
Red clover
Sassafras
St John’s wort
Valerian root
Vervain

Are You a Lucky Loser?

2009-01-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies,

January is the month for renewal. Renewal of health and fitness comes to my mind first and foremost. This is also the month that most of your employers use to kick you back into healthy habits as well. Many of you have communicated to me that you are frustrated with your current employee wellness program because you are competing with women who do not have PCOS. This can be difficult because the playing field is not level. Your endocrine system is preventing you from losing weight at the same rate as your coworkers despite your best efforts. This may sabotage your efforts and lower your self-esteem.

I hear you! So, I am initiating our own version of the Biggest Loser this month. If you would like to participate in the “LUCKY LOSER”, attend either the January or February Support Group Meeting for the weigh in and further instructions. Prizes will be earned for the top 3 weight loss participants from each round. This event will also help you to create friendships with other women with PCOS.

If you would like further information, or want to RSVP, just send me an email and I will add you to our list (Lory@FertilityCenterLV.com) Let me know what round you would like to be registered for.

Round 1: (THURS SUPPORT GROUP) January 29- March 26th

Must attend both meeting dates for weigh in/weigh out

Round 2 : (SAT SUPPORT GROUP) February 28- April 25th

Must attend both meeting dates for weigh in/weigh out

Sincerely,

Lory

End of Year Upates + Support Group News!

2008-12-16T14:55:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,
I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on all that has been going on this last month of 2008. First and foremost, I am now employed by The Fertility Center of Las Vegas. I am their registered dietitian/medical nutritionist. I can be reached via the website at www.FertilityCenterLV.com On this site you can find helpful resources such as a BMI calculator, heart healthy recipes, an "Ask the Dietitian" function, as well as nutrition questions answered by the dietitian. Check it out in when you have a minute.

Next, I wanted to let you know, as an employee of the Fertility Center, I have access to a permanent location for us to hold our monthly support group, plus I am reaching more perspective attendees now than I was ever able to reach on my own. This is a plus, since the more attendees to our group, the more interaction.

This month, the group will meet at The Fertility Center of Las Vegas Green Valley Office. Starting January, we will start meeting at the new office on Sunridge Heights and Eastern. More on this move later!

Saturday December 20th we will meet from 1:00pm-2:30pm. The address is as follows:

The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
11251 S. Eastern, Suite 150
Henderson, NV 89052

Please contact me should you have any questions

lory@FertilityCenterLV.com

PCOS Support Group News

2008-11-17T10:12:00.000-08:00

Just an update for my Southern Nevada Clients. Our Support Group Meetings will now be held at the Fertility Center of LV/ Green Valley Office. Check your email for a questionnaire that will help us develop our meeting dates for next year. I need your input re; what day of the week and time would best work for all.

Our last support group meeting for 2008 is:

Saturday December 20, 2008 at 10am-1130am

Fertility Center of Las Vegas

11251 S. Eastern Ave Suite 150 Henderson, NV 89052

Please email me for directions: rdlory@gmail.com

Herbal Products and Fertility

2008-10-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

Be Careful with Herbal Remedies
Several popular herbal preparations probably should be added to the list of substances to avoid if you want to protect your fertility. Although many people believe that because herbs are “natural” they’re safe, those that have drug-like effects on the body do contain potent chemicals. Like some over-the-counter or prescription medicines, some herbal remedies may interfere with normal reproduction.
Three herbs that were tested in laboratory studies on human sperm and on hamster eggs produced adverse effects in either the sperm or the eggs, or both. Researchers at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California have found that tiny amounts of:
1. St. John’s wort
2. Echinacea purpurea
3. Ginkgo biloba
made the eggs impossible or difficult to fertilize, changed the genetic material in sperm, and reduced a sperm’s viability.
The researchers pointed out that their laboratory work indicated only a potential risk. They said it was possible that people who did not exceed the recommended doses would not experience negative effects, and in the human body such doses might not actually reach eggs and sperm. However, it should be noted that, in the lab, the eggs and sperm were exposed to only minute fractions of the herbal preparations.
In the laboratories of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, blue cohosh produced significant birth defects in rat embryos, such as nerve damage, twisted tails, and poor or absent eye development. The research was done in 1996–98 by Dr. Edward J. Kennelly, now at the City University of New York. The herb is also known as blueberry root, squawroot, or papoose root.

October Support Goup News

2008-10-24T03:41:00.001-07:00

This Month we will be moving our Support Group to Caribou Coffee on Eastern and Silverado (Inside the Silverado Ranch Shopping Center)

Caribou Coffee/KrispyCreme
9791 S. Eastern Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89123

Saturday October 25
10am-1130am

Meetings for remainder of 2008

Saturday November 15
Saturday December 20

Quick Meal Ideas!

2008-10-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am always looking for ways to make quick, healthy meals. I have stumbled across the Glad steamer bags, and I am impressed at how I can make a side dish of steamed vegetables in 3-4 minutes. The bag holds approximately 3 cups of raw vegetables, enough for generous portions for a family of 4!
They are simple, all you have to do, is wash your raw vegetables, add them to the bag, seal the bag and microwave for 3-4 minutes on high. My vegetables are done before I can finish setting the table.

If you visit the GLAD website, you can also find recipes for adding seasonings to the bag before microwaving. http://www.glad.com/simplycooking/steaming.php

At this months support group meeting, one of our participants also discussed rice packets available in the supermarket freezer section or rice aisle, that contain cooked rice that can also be steamed in the microwave. Choose a brown rice or wild rice, and you have a good source of whole grain, and a quick side dish!

QUICK MEAL IDEA- in a pinch!
Rotisserie Chicken from Market
Steamed Vegetables
Sliced Cantaloupe
Brown Rice-precooked and steamed in microwave

This meal has minimal prep work, and provides lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain. Add a glass of milk, and you have covered every food group.

September PCOS Support Group

2008-09-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

The TLC for PCOS September Support Group Meeting will be held on Saturday September 27th at 10am-1130am
AT:
City Blend Coffee
10720 S. Eastern Ave Suite 130
Henderson, NV 89052

Thanks Jennifer for graciously letting us use your facility!

This is a free event,
Hope to see you all there !

BMI and Fertility

2008-09-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

The BMI of most PCOS patients is documented to be > than 30, which indicates obesity. Not only does a BMI in this range come with major health implications such as a greater risk for Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol & hypertension, it also may be one of the contributing factors interfering with their success of conceiving a child.

Many fertility MD's will not even attempt fertility measures until the BMI can be reduced to 29 or less through lifestyle changes (diet and exercise). Generally it is not the additional weight that hampers fertility, but the stress it puts on the endocrine (hormonal) system. PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and increased androgen levels, which interfere with the PCOS patients normal menstrual cycle and consequently successful ovulation.

Many physicians are not qualified to dispense nutrition advise, and may only suggest that the patient eat less, and walk more. This simplistic approach can be frustrating, because it does not provide the full picture. Calorie reduction is only one piece of the puzzle. The patient needs to know what food groups to decrease, what foods are beneficial, and what combination of exercise will show the best results for overall toning and weight loss. Who better to dispense this education, but a nutrition professional (registered dietitian). Read on for more information re; BMI and fertility.

Optimal Weight for Fertility
How Much is Too Much? How Little is Too Little?

The issue of women's weight is a touchy subject in most circles and perhaps even more so among women who are having a hard time getting pregnant. Visit most fertility chatrooms or bulletin boards on the Internet and you're likely to find conversations that center around "fat-phobic" doctors, diets that enhance fertility while curbing body mass index, and all the related emotional distress that goes with the compounded struggle.

What's the truth of the matter? Are there really physicians out there who will take one look at a woman, size her up, and immediately pronounce that she must first lose (or less often, gain) weight before entering any fertility treatment plan? Is there really anything more to this question of female weight and its impact on fertility aside from societal judgement?

We spoke with physicians in the IntegraMed network for their take on the matter.
The Size-Fertility Connection

Dr. Celeste Brabec of Reproductive Resource Center of Greater Kansas City illustrates the size versus fertility issue: "Being either overweight or underweight can affect fertility, as can extreme exercise even without weight loss or low body fat. A normal body mass index, or BMI, is 19-24, a BMI of 25-29 is considered overweight, obese is 30-39, and extreme obesity over 39."

Body mass index is a tool, not an actual measurement, that provides a simple way to conceptualize a person's weight and relative health. It provides a good estimate of a person's weight adjusted for their height, and it tends to correlate with the percentage of fat on their body. It's important to understand that muscle mass and fat weigh differently, so BMI alone can never fully be translated to someone's health status.

{For more details on weight-related definitions and how to measure one's BMI, see this - http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/defining.htm - and related webpages from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.}

The connection that experts refer to can be generalized thus: fertility rates appear to be lower and miscarriage rates higher in women who are overweight. In fact, as Brabec points out, "Women with high BMIs appear to have lower pregnancy rates even with IVF." The physicians' comments indicate the importance of readers understanding the nature of statistics and the concept of fertility as a continuum. It's not the case that there is any one optimal weight or even BMI that will assure fertility or successful pregnancy.

The reasons for links between BMI and fertility aren't entirely clear, but most indications point to the fact that hormonal balance becomes disrupted when a body has more fat-related weight than is optimal for health.

"Fat makes hormones," explains Dr. David Hoffman of IVF Florida Reproductive Associates, "and these additional estrogens can then interfere with optimal hormone levels."

Similar hormonal disruption can occur in women who are seriously underweight, represented by a BMI of 19 or less. Surprisingly, under-weight women may have even more difficulty hearing that their weight is standing in the way of conception, since they are more likely to be rewarded by society, friends, and family for being thin. Suggestions by a fertility expert to gain weight may be a thin woman's first encounter with being told that her health is not optimal.

Research on more precise size-fertility connections is always under way. One relatively positive retrospective study of obese patients using IVF with donor egg pointed to the possibility that oocyte (egg) quality, not endometrium (uterine lining) quality, is a likelier cause of obesity-related poor pregnancy outcome (Fertility & Sterility, June 2005). More research is necessary to explore further the importance of maternal weight on endometrial receptivity and resulting conception and pregnancy issues.
Balance is Key

As with so many aspects of life, moderation is apparently important to optimizing fertility.

"It's all about making healthy lifestyle choices," says Dr. Hoffman. "As health professionals, we're interested in our patients' benefit overall, not just in helping them get pregnant."

Hoffman ventures that in the frequent societal discussions about weight, people often confuse the different terms used. He recommends keeping in mind that the term "morbid obesity" refers to someone who weighs two times their ideal body weight.

"Yes, there's a relationship between weight and fertility," says Hoffman, "but it's not a profound connection until we're talking about morbid obesity, which is a condition that is itself life-threatening."

Dr. Celeste Brabec of Reproductive Resource Center of Greater Kansas City offers some tips that are good, basic, and common sense for anyone trying to enhance their health, whether for weight loss, fertility or any other goal.

"A healthy diet composed of all food groups and a healthy exercise program are strongly advised. While cutting down on carbs may be sensible, particularly for women with PCO variants and insulin resistance, cutting down is not the same as cutting out, with the exception of pop and juice. Cutting out carbonated beverages (soda pop with sugar) and juice is safe, and can be a good place to start. Serving size is the key to the rest. Seek a formal nutritional consultation through your primary physician. Don't forget good sleep habits and other means of reducing stress."

Dr. Brabec adds, "All of our hormones interact with each other. Make healthy lifestyle decisions."

There is no documentable evidence of a particular weight loss plan, whether diet or exercise, that will ensure conception. On the other hand, there may be diets or physical activities that could be contraindicated for some individuals. Because every body varies, the best way to find out what's right for your body is to talk through the details with your personal physician.
A Matter of Good Health

The physicians we spoke with do not turn away patients because of their weight.

As Dr. Hoffman states plainly, "Being overweight is not a contraindication to getting pregnant." He urges that the emphasis in patient-physician communication on the matter should center on general health, rather than an ideal weight. "I was overweight as a child and had to watch my diet and exercise, so I have some idea of the struggle."

What about the concern of a woman's biological clock as compared to her need to optimize weight? Are women in their 30's and older told to take a year off from baby-making efforts so they can lose or gain weight? Hoffman recommends that his older fertility patients who may benefit from weight adjustment proceed with both efforts at the same time.

When is a meal deal more than you bargained for?

2008-08-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

Arby’s 5 for 5.95 Meal “Deal”

I guess everyone knows by now, the premise of "Super Size Me" and how bad fast food can be for our health and waistlines. But this knowledge does not stop the fast food industry from re-inventing promotional ideas to get us to consume more than we bargained for. Take for example the latest Arby's project- 5 for $5.95 Meal Deal.

The consumer can choose from a list of selected food items and receive 5 menu items for 5.95. Now I guess this would be a great deal if you split 5 sandwiches between 5 people, but I don't think that was their intention. I think they actually were meaning for us to create a "balanced meal" for one from their promotion.

I say balanced loosely, because if you view the nutrition information below, there is no nutritional balancing here. In fact, this one meal would provide most of us women with our entire calorie allotment for the day and much more saturated fat, sodium, and total carbohydrates than we would know how to metabolize. And for those with PCOS, this is a dangerous combination!

You are what you eat, and inevitably you get what you pay for. Perhaps an occluded artery or hypertension should be added to the “Meal Deal?

My recommendation? When dining at fast food establishments, choose a grilled chicken sandwich hold the mayo,a side salad with a vinaigrette dressing instead of french fries, and a water or diet soda.

Keep making wise choices, and exercising regularly!

Arby’s Melt Sandwich
(no add ons)303 calories, 12g total fat, 5g Sat fat, 1g trans fat, 921mg sodium, 36g total carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 15g protein

Medium Curly Fries 397 calories, 24g total fat, 4g sat fat, .49g trans fat, 928mg sodium, 46g total carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 5g protein

Medium Drink
(not diet)210 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 50mg sodium, 58g total carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 0g protein

Mozzarella Sticks (4) 426 calories, 28g total fat, 13g sat fat, 1g trans fat, 1370mg sodium, 38g total carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 18g protein

Reg. Jamocha Shake 498 calories, 13g total fat, 8g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 393mg sodium, 81g total carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 13g protein

MEAL TOTALS 1,834 calories, 77g total fat, 30g sat fat, 2.49g trans fat, 3662mg sodium, 259g total carbohydrate, 7g fiber, 51g protein

CALORIES: For reference, depending on weight maintenance goals, calories
Should be approximately ~2000 or less per day

TOTAL FAT: No greater than 30% of total daily calories should come from fat
Ex: 2000 calorie diet, = 600 calories or 67g total
*Here fat is 38% of the diet, contributing 693/1834 calories

SATURATED FAT: No greater than 10% of total fat daily should come from saturated source
Ex: 67 g total fat / 10% = 6.7 g sat fat
Here the sat fat content is 30g or 39% of total fat contribution = sat fat source

TRANS FAT: least healthy fat. Studies indicate that it may raise the bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lower the good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the body. It can be found in many commercially prepared baked goods and snacks. Should try and keep intake under 2 g per day

SODIUM: American Heart Association recommends sodium intake < or = to 2,300mg per day. This one meal provides 3,662mg in one meal= 159% of the daily recommendation

TOTAL CARBOHYDRATE: This meal provides 518 carbohydrates or the equivalent of 35 slices of sandwich bread. Daily allowance for 2,000 calorie diet should be approximately 250 grams of total carbohydrate, or 16.6 slices of sandwich bread

TOTAL FIBER: Current recommendations for fiber are 25 grams for women and 30 grams for men. While this meal may help in meeting that daily goal, the high fat and sodium content may negate the overall fiber benefits.

PROTEIN: Daily intake of protein should be approximately 15-20% of calorie intake. 75- 100 grams per day based on a 2000 calorie meal plan. This meal provides ample protein at 51- 68 % of daily recommendations based on 2000 calories.

Back To School Nutrition

2008-08-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the new school year in Nevada, and a few of my clients have asked, "What can I bring to eat between classes, that is both healthy, protein containing, and portable?" My first suggestion is to invest in an insulated lunch tote and a freezer ice pack. Next,think in order of food groups:

Whole Grains: crackers, breads, pastas
Lean Meats & Protein : turkey, roast beef, ham, nuts, nut butters, tofu, soybeans
Fruits: whole, sliced, dried, applesauce
Vegetables: salads, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry or grape tomatoes
Low Fat Dairy: milks (flavored or plain), yogurt, smoothies, low fat cheese sticks (string cheese)

Third, think of balance. Choose one food item from each food group above, and don't forget water for hydration, especially here in the desert!

If you are watching your waistline, skip the sodas, juices, and sports drinks. They contain large amounts of sugar and calories. One 8-ounce bottle of Gatorade contains 200 calories and 56 grams of sugar.

If you are pressed for time, and opt for a nutrition bar, I like the bars that contain at least 10 grams of protein. This can be found in the South Beach High Protein Cereal Bars, and the Original Balance Bars. The South Beach Peanut Butter High Protein Cereal Bar contains: 10 grams of protein, and the Balance Bar (Yogurt and Peanut) contains 15 grams of protein.

Lastly, remember to keep your meals and snacks as evenly spaced as possible. No greater than 3-4 hours between meals. This ensures that your blood sugar levels remain constant, decreasing the chance for hypoglycemia, and improving your concentration skills. This way of eating will surely help you make the grades!

Support Group Meeting Dates for remainder of 2008

2008-08-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
After careful consideration, I have decided to keep the support group on the third Saturday of each month from 10am-1130am. I know this is not a perfect situation for all, but it did meet the needs of many. Below are the dates for the remainder of 2008. The support group is free of charge, and the benefits are many. The topics include maintaining a healthy weight, body image, fertility, pregnancy, binge eating, mood swings and just plain how to cope. You will be able to establish friendships with women who have either been where you are, or are there presently. Please contact me should you have a question, or need driving instructions.

Location:

City Blend Coffee
10720 S. Eastern Ave Suite 130
Henderson, NV 89052

Time:

10am-1130am

Dates:

August 16, 2008
September 20, 2008
October 18,2008
November 15, 2008
December 20, 2008

July Support Group News

2008-07-23T06:54:00.001-07:00

We held our July PCOS Support Group Meeting on Saturday July 19th. The attendance was low, but the productivity was high. We discussed many topics including finding ways to motivate from within, finding a healthy weight pre-pregnancy, and what specifically to look for on food labels when there appears to be similar amounts of protein and fiber. After the meeting I did send an email blast requesting feedback about day-time-location in hopes of increasing attendance. So far the responses are- keep it as is on Saturdays, and change it to Thu or Fri evening. Please return to this site in the next week or so for further updates, or email me at

rdlory@gmail.com

Sincerely,
Lory

Take a pass on the juice!

2008-07-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

Fruit Juice Tied to Rise in Diabetes Risk
By Anne Harding,
Reuters
Posted: 2008-07-14 12:23:20
NEW YORK (July 11) - Women wanting to ward off type 2 diabetes should load their plates with green leafy vegetables and whole fruits, but perhaps stay away from fruit juice, new research suggests.

Eating an additional three servings of whole fruit daily, or one more serving of spinach, kale or similar leafy green vegetable was tied to a lower risk of developing diabetes over an 18-year period among 71,346 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study.
"It was a modest decrease," Dr. Lydia A. Bazzano of Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, told Reuters Health. "This is not going to...prevent it if you have many, many risk factors and you're overweight...it's a tool in the prevention strategy."

Bazzano and colleagues analyzed data on the diets of Nurses' Health Study participants -- 4,529 of whom developed type 2 diabetes while they were being followed. They divided women into five groups based on fruit and vegetable intake, and also grouped them based on fruit juice consumption.

They found that an increase of three servings a day of whole fruit was associated with an 18 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes, while a single additional serving of leafy green vegetables cut the risk by 9 percent. However, an additional daily serving of fruit juice increased the likelihood of developing diabetes by 18 percent.

While the findings must be replicated, Bazzano said, there are plausible mechanisms by which fruit juice could increase risk. "It's a big sugar load and it comes in a liquid form which is absorbed rapidly," she noted.

The findings, the study team concludes, suggest that "caution should be observed in replacing some beverages with fruit juices in an effort to provide healthier options. The same caution applies to the recommendation that 100 percent fruit juice be considered a serving of fruit as it is in the present national dietary guidelines."
Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
2008-07-14 07:09:21

Getting To Positive: Eating for Fertility

2008-07-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

This article recently appeared in the ADA publication-ADA TIMES. I am happy that PCOS nutrition needs are entering main stream!

Getting To Positive: Eating for Fertility
BY VICTORIA SHANTA RETELNY, RD, LD

With infertility affecting one in six couples, chances are you or someone you know has had difficulty getting pregnant. Are there certain foods or diets that can prevent female infertility and promote conception? Victoria Shanta Retelny explores the latest research on “fertility diets.”
Conceiving a child involves an intricate interplay of hormones, the quality of sperm and egg, the timing and presence of ovulation and a healthy body weight and fitness level. With all of these factors at work, it’s probably not surprising that approximately 10 to 20 percent of couples are affected by infertility during their reproductive lifetime.
There are many potential causes of infertility, but according to a study in the October 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association, more than 25 percent of females who have a hard time conceiving have ovulatory disorders.
Recent research and a new book called The Fertility Diet (McGraw Hill 2008) propose an eating pattern to lower the risk of ovulatory disorder infertility. The diet emphasizes “healthy fats” such as monounsaturated fats rather than trans fats; vegetable-based protein over animal protein; low glycemic or “slow” carbohydrates; full-fat dairy products with an emphasis on whole milk and ice cream; and prenatal multivitamins with adequate amounts of folic acid and iron.
Evidence for a specific pattern of eating related to fertility came from a study published in the November 2007 Obstetrics and Gynecology in which a cohort of more than 17,500 women participated in the Nurses’ Health Study II. The female participants did not have a history of infertility and were trying to get pregnant or became pregnant over an eight-year period.
The research revealed a positive association between the proposed “fertility diet” (along with lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity) and the prevention of ovulatory disorders in otherwise healthy women.
“The most important point is that relatively simple changes to diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on fertility,” says Jorge E. Chavarro, MD, ScD, research fellow in the department of nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health, who co-authored The Fertility Diet with Walter Willett, MD, PhD, and Patrick J. Skerrett.

But Laurence A. Jacobs, MD, reproductive endocrinologist and partner at the Fertility Centers of Illinois, cautions not to take the study’s findings out of context. Although there may be associations between certain dietary patterns and improved ovulatory fertility, he says, no large randomized trials have been conducted on the cause and effect of diet on infertility in women.
“There are so many complicating variables that we don’t know what the best diets are for everyone,” says Jacobs. Instead, most fertility experts emphasize modifying extremes.
“As with most cases, any extreme is not good,” advises Jacobs. “Being significantly underweight or overweight makes it difficult to ovulate.”
However, it is not just the number on the scale but a patient’s body composition — lean tissue which includes muscle, bone and organs versus fat tissue — that counts.
Some of Jacobs’ overweight infertility patients wear adjustable weight vests to help them increase muscle mass, burn more calories, lose weight and improve their chances of conception, according to the Winter 2007 Fertility Today.
Ovulation also can be thwarted by a health condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome. More than half of the women diagnosed with PCOS are overweight or obese, according to the February 2008 Nutrition in Clinical Practice.
“A lot of women with PCOS binge eat. Studies support that women who stop bingeing regulate their menstrual cycles better,” explains Angela Grassi, MS, RD, LDN, author of The Dietitian’s Guide to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Luca Publishing 2007).
Obesity coupled with PCOS can result in the physiological phenomenon of insulin resistance, in which the cells of the body are no longer as sensitive to insulin.
“Because muscle cells utilize insulin better with activity, I recommend some type of daily movement to my patients,” explains Grassi. In addition, to avoid surges in blood sugar and insulin levels, high-fiber whole grains or “slow carbs,” which take longer to digest, are recommended over high-sugar, refined carbohydrates or “fast carbs” like regular soda, white bread and potatoes.
While in some cases fertility appears to be affected by, if not contingent on, the quality of one’s diet, the expert consensus is that more research is needed in this area.
However, notes Chavarro: “Our fertility diet recommendations are unlikely to cause harm to women who wish to try them and may, on the other hand, help them achieve the goal of becoming pregnant and serve as a guideline on how to continue a healthy diet afterwards.”

PCOS Support Group

2008-07-12T08:42:00.001-07:00

Our next support group meeting is a week away! I am optimistic that our numbers will be doubling for attendance. I have made some great contacts with the fertility centers in LV, and word of mouth is traveling fast! Thank you Jennifer Schai for once again setting aside some space at City Blend Coffee. We will make sure to purchase something healthy and refreshing to support your business!

Please pass on the word re; the support group, and bring your questions and concerns to this informal get together!

PCOS Support Group Meeting
Saturday July 19, 2008
City Blend Coffee
10720 S. Eastern Ave Suite 130
Henderson, NV 89052

My number for any questions is: 702 277-8711

Sincerely, Lory

Great Sources of Protein for Snacks

2008-06-30T09:28:00.001-07:00

Roadblocks seem to go up when I ask my clients to increase the protein content of their snacks. The typical snack contains primarily carbohydrate (crackers, granola bars, chips, cookies, fruit). So when I ask my clients to add protein to their snacks, they automatically think- meat-and are perplexed about how to carry meat in their handbags to prevent hypoglycemia during the day. Here is a list of suitable protein items that are either non-perishable, or could be carried in an insulated tote bag with ice pack.

1. Peanut butter on anything(celery,whole grain crackers, apples)
2. Nuts and dried fruit
3. Yogurt and lf granola + nuts (parfait)
4. Canned beans added to salads
5. String cheese and whole grain crackers
6. Hummus and whole grain pita
7. Turkey lunch meat rolled with lettuce and lf cheese
8. Cottage cheese and fruit (fresh or canned in own juice)add sprinkling of nuts to boost protein content
9. Dried cereal mixed with nuts (trail mix)
10. Leftover roasted chicken and whole grain small dinner roll

The sky is the limit once you are able to recognize what foods contain significant amounts of protein. Also, remember any protein item leftover from a previous meal can be recycled into a snack.

The importance of combining protein and carbohydrate with meals and snacks lies in proteins ability to slow down absorption of glucose and decrease spikes in insulin production. This is important for the PCOS client because higher insulin levels further complicate PCOS and elevated glucose levels put the PCOS client at a higher risk for Type 2 Diabetes.

SUPPORT GROUP NEWS!

2008-06-22T09:20:00.001-07:00

On Saturday June 21, TLC for PCOS held its first support group meeting. Topics discussed included
1. Where to find motivation?
2. What kind of activities to do that may be enjoyable (especially in the summer heat).
3. How to reward self for hard work? For example non-food rewards to acknowledge healthy eating habits, and daily workouts?

Handouts included websites for support and information on PCOS.

On the subject of nutrition we talked about the importance of monitoring sodium intake, and how to distinguish between true dehydration, excess sodium intake and signs/symptoms of diabetes (excess thirst, frequent urination, excess hunger).

We also analyzed Taco Bell's new Fresco Menu that contains fewer calories, less saturated fat, and more fiber (larger portion of pico de gallo) than their standard menu. Next meeting will be Saturday July 19th 10am-1130am

Same Location:
City Blend Coffee
10720 S. Eastern Ave. Suite 130
Henderson, NV 89052
Please RSVP to

RDlory@gmail.com

What medications should I be taking to increase ovulation?

2008-06-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Since I am not an MD, I refer my clients back to their physicians with prescription medication questions, but I still want my clients to be informed re; what the current research reveals. Here is one such medical research finding, that although over a year old, I think may help my clients formulate questions to ask their MD. It is from the New England Journal of Medicine,Feburary 2007. It is regarding the use of Clomid, Metformin, or both. Which medication increases both ovulation and live birth?
Below is the abstract, and here is the link for the full text.

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/356/6/551

ABSTRACT

Background The polycystic ovary syndrome is a common cause of infertility. Clomiphene and insulin sensitizers are used alone and in combination to induce ovulation, but it is unknown whether one approach is superior.

Methods We randomly assigned 626 infertile women with the polycystic ovary syndrome to receive clomiphene citrate plus placebo, extended-release metformin plus placebo, or a combination of metformin and clomiphene for up to 6 months. Medication was discontinued when pregnancy was confirmed, and subjects were followed until delivery.

Results The live-birth rate was 22.5% (47 of 209 subjects) in the clomiphene group, 7.2% (15 of 208) in the metformin group, and 26.8% (56 of 209) in the combination-therapy group (P<0.001 for metformin vs. both clomiphene and combination therapy; P=0.31 for clomiphene vs. combination therapy). Among pregnancies, the rate of multiple pregnancy was 6.0% in the clomiphene group, 0% in the metformin group, and 3.1% in the combination-therapy group. The rates of first-trimester pregnancy loss did not differ significantly among the groups. However, the conception rate among subjects who ovulated was significantly lower in the metformin group (21.7%) than in either the clomiphene group (39.5%, P=0.002) or the combination-therapy group (46.0%, P<0.001). With the exception of pregnancy complications, adverse-event rates were similar in all groups, though gastrointestinal side effects were more frequent, and vasomotor and ovulatory symptoms less frequent, in the metformin group than in the clomiphene group.

Conclusions Clomiphene is superior to metformin in achieving live birth in infertile women with the polycystic ovary syndrome, although multiple birth is a complication. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00068861 [ClinicalTrials.gov] .)

Colony Collapse Disorder

2008-06-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

I was at a wedding this past weekend, and was asked a non-pcos related question....what is happening to the honey bees, and should we be worried? I have done some searching, and here are some sites that tell us a little about the history of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder).

http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=15572

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212200725.htm

I don't have any answers, as to why this is happening, but I put my money on pesticide and herbicide use.

FIRST PCOS SUPPORT GROUP MEETING!

2008-06-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

It is official! TLC for PCOS will be holding our first PCOS Support Group Meeting on Saturday June 21st. Thanks for your feedback, and I look forward to seeing you there!
BTW, there is no charge for the support group, it is just a way for us all to meet!

10am-1130am
City Blend Coffee
10720 S. Eastern Ave Suite 130
Henderson, NV 89052

email me for any questions or concerns!
Lory

When can I eat tomatoes?

2008-06-11T09:23:00.001-07:00

I hear this often when a food item is pulled off the shelf. Tomatoes are no exception. You never realize how much you depend on them until they are flagged as dangerous to your health! What is a taco without pico de gallo? Salads, pastas, sandwiches all depend on that round red fruit that is treated like a vegetable.

I have been watching the headlines, and I don't have an answer yet, but here are a few links that might be helpful:

Key Tomato Crop Approved

Salmonella Investigation Continues as FDA Clears Florida Produce

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/10/AR2008061002947.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Related Resource: FDA-Salmonellosis Outbreak in Certain Types of Tomatoes

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html

Related Resource: Salmonellosis Outbreak in Certain Types of Tomatoes
Questions & Answers for Consumers and Industry

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/tomatqa.html

Where to find motivation?

2008-06-06T12:30:00.001-07:00

It is true that changing any habit takes at least 30 days. This means in order to incorporate healthy eating patterns and exercise, we must practice it daily for an entire month. For the PCOS client, this feels like an eternity. They don't see the results you would expect. Sometimes the scale does not budge at all. So where do they find the motivation to continue the fight?

The strength has to come from knowing that IF they continue, they will be changing things internally that will eventually become visible externally.

They are lowering their risk for heart disease and diabetes by managing their cholesterol, glucose and insulin level-through healthy eating and exercise

They are increasing their lean body mass, which will eventually show up as inches off of their waists-through exercise

They are setting the foundation for a healthier life for themselves and their future family

So keep up all the good work, it will pay off !

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Therapy

2008-06-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine cause of infertility, and yet PCOS is frequently under-recognized and under-diagnosed. How many times have my clients heard this? It does not offer them comfort. What they want to know, is how do I treat PCOS?

How many times have they heard from their physician that they should just consume less and walk more? Clearly this is not the answer, otherwise they would be able to maintain a healthy weight and be able to get pregnant.

There is more to treating PCOS than eating less and walking more, and this is what inspired me to become the founding dietitian of Therapeutic Lifestyle Coaching for PCOS (TLC for PCOS). I wanted to create a therapy that would encompass all of the lifestyle changes involved in reducing their risk for heart disease, diabetes, endometrial cancer and infertility.

I also wanted to offer support in way of a group, where women with PCOS could speak face to face with others experiencing the same trials and tribulations associated with the disease.

Lastly, I wanted to be able to refer my clients to reputable trainers that would be able to put them on a sensible plan to increase their activity as well as their lean body mass. These changes in turn would increase their metabolism and make weight loss or management possible, and control their insulin levels.