Gynecology for Adolescents – Fullerton, CA

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Gunn Towbin Center

Knowing the right time to start visiting a gynecologist is important. A teenage girl should first visit a gynecologist between ages 13 and 15, according to the current recommendation by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This initial visit doesn’t necessarily have to include a pelvic exam and Pap smear. If you are worried about that, do not worry. This first visit would include the discussion of changes in the body that occur between adolescence and adulthood.

The doctor can assess whether she has normal development of secondary sex characteristics (the changes that come with puberty). At this young age, menstrual cycles are often irregular for several years. The doctor can offer reassurance that this is common.

The doctor can also monitor weight gain, develop severe acne and also have irregular menstrual cycles, which are possible signs of polycystic ovary syndrome. Treatment during these formative years can potentially prevent weight gain, skin scarring and the complications of diabetes, hypertension and infertility.

For more information, please visit our website’s Adolescent Gynecology page.

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Breast Cancer Survivors and the Role of Hormone Therapy

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Gunn Towbin Center

Breast Cancer and Estrogen

In the United States, one out of nine women will have developed breast cancer by the time they reach their 90’s. Although the incidence of breast cancer is rising, the cure rate of early-detected invasive disease (lymph nodes negative for tumor) is excellent (97%). The role of estrogen as a possible risk factor for breast cancer has and continues to be a subject of major concern. Click here to read an article written by Gordon C. Gunn, M.D. Nancy A. Towbin, M.D. Ricarda D. Benz, M.D. Melanie R. Santos, M.D. P.K. Kaliban, PA-C of the Gunn-Towbin Center for Women in Fullerton CA

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Bladder Control – Bowel Control – InterStim Therapy – Fullerton CA

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Gunn Towbin Center

Are you one of millions of women who suffer from bladder or bowel control? You may be a candidate for InterStim therapy. The Gunn Towbin center for Women in Fullerton California can help you decide it this treatment is right for you.  To read more – click here

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Wellness Overview for Women (WOW) – Gunn Towbin Center

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Gunn Towbin Center

Enroll in the WOW Program at the Gunn Towbin Center Today

Your WOW Evaluation Includes:

  • Family History
  • Personal Medical History
  • Cardiovascular Physical Examination
  • Current Status of: Smoking, Alcohol Intake, Physical Activity, Medications
  • Blood Pressure
  • Pulse (to detect any irregularity of the heart rate/rhythm)
  • Resting EKG
  • Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • BodyStat Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) measurement of fat, lean body mass and metabolism
  • Waist / Hip Circumference Ratio
  • Laboratory Testing:
  • Fasting Lipoprotein Profile (Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, Triglycerides)
  • Cardiovascular Risk Markers (CRP-HS)
  • Metabolic Profile for Diabetes, Liver, Kidney, Bone and Electrolytes
  • Thyroid Function
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Carotid Artery Doppler Ultrasound Screening for presence of plaque
  • Echo and Stress Echocardiograms, when indicated
  • Holter Monitoring for evaluation of irregular heart beat, when indicated

Women throughout Southern California have been inspired, empowered and changed by their involvement in the WOW Program. If you would like to know more about how WOW can reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke, and improve your health and sense of well being, please call our care team at 714-447-4800.

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Breast Cancer Screening – Fullerton CA

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Gunn Towbin Center

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among women. In 2008, an estimated of 182,460 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed, and more than 40,480 women will die of the disease and is second to lung cancer as the most common cause of cancer death in the U.S. Women in the United States have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer by the time they reach their 90’s. The single most important factor for surviving breast cancer is the stage at which the disease is detected. The survival rate for early stage disease is 97%. It is 77% for disease, which has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, and 21% for distant metastatic disease.

Mammogram Screening:

In adolescence, the breast tissue is very dense; however, as women age, the dense breast tissue is infiltrated with fat cells, which allows for greater penetration of the x-rays used in mammograms. Women who have a first-degree relative with breast cancer should have their initial breast mammogram performed at 30 years of age, and then every two years until she is 40. Women without an immediate family history should begin mammogram screening at 35 and then every two years until 40. After 40, the accuracy of the mammogram greatly increases as the amount of fat replacement becomes more significant and mammograms should be performed annually

Self-Breast Examination:

Self-breast examinations should be performed on the last day of each menstrual period during the reproductive years. When a woman ceases menstruating, she is recommended to perform the self-exam on the first day of each calendar month. Remember, when performing self-breast exams, you are looking only for a change that you didn’t notice on previous self-exams (such as an area of thickening, or a small lump, or tenderness). When you do not find anything new or different, you can trust there is generally nothing to find.

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How to Assess Your Risk for Developing Heart Disease or Stroke – CA

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Gunn Towbin Center

The goal in determining your risk is to diagnose the actual presence of atherosclerosis within the arteries of your body, especially your brain, heart, abdomen and legs. Our Wellness Overview for Women program or ‘WOW’ Analysis includes understanding your inherited genetic makeup (family history) as well as determining your personal lifestyle, medical history, physical examination, body fat composition, laboratory testing, carotid artery ultrasound (determines the actual presence of any atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid arteries in the neck), and EKG. Additional testing may include a 64-Slice CT scan of the heart.

Initial screening tests include:

•Family History
•Personal Medical History
•Complete Physical Examination
•Current Status of: Smoking, Alcohol Intake, Physical Activity, Medications
•Blood Pressure
•Pulse (to detect any irregularity of the heart rate)
•Resting EKG
•Body Mass Index (BMI)
•BodyStat Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) of fat and lean body mass composition
•Waist / Hip Circumference Ratio
• Laboratory Testing:
•Fasting Lipoprotein Profile (Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, Triglycerides)
•Cardiovascular Risk Markers (CRP-HS)
•Metabolic Profile for Diabetes, Liver, Kidney, Bone and Electrolytes
•Thyroid Function
•Complete Blood Count (CBC)
•Carotid Artery Ultrasound Screening for atherosclerosis and Stroke Risk
•Echo and Stress Echocardiograms, when indicated
•Holter Monitoring for evaluation of irregular heart beat, when indicated

Initial screening tests should be performed at the age of 18 and be repeated at least every two to five years, depending on age and test results. By implementing lifestyle changes and indicated medical treatments now available, the future risk of coronary artery disease and stroke due to atherosclerosis can be significantly reduced and probably prevented.

Learn more about your health and opportunities for prevention of this disease by enrolling in the WOW Program at the Gunn Towbin Center of Gynecology.

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What causes urinary incontinence? How do I treat urinary incontinence?

Posted on March 27, 2011 by Gunn Towbin Center

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine. There are many possible causes of urinary incontinence. The key to treatment is identifying the specific type of the incontinence a woman is experiencing through a careful medical interview and a focused physical exam. Frequently, a special test called urodynamics is recommended to accurately diagnose the problem. Urodynamics studies should always be performed when a woman is considering surgery to correct her incontinence.

The two most common types of urinary incontinence are “stress incontinence” and “urge incontinence”. Stress incontinence is accidental urine leakage that occurs during physical activities that cause a sudden pressure (or “stress”) on the bladder such as laughing, lifting, coughing, or sneezing. Urge incontinence is urine leakage that occurs before a woman has a chance to get to the bathroom in response to urge to urinate. Women with this type of leakage may also experience frequent urges to urinate, the inability to suppress the urge and frequent nighttime waking to urinate.

Treatment for urinary incontinence varies on the type and severity of incontinence. The first step in treating the problem is determining an accurate diagnosis.

  • Stress incontinence can be effectively treated with pelvic floor exercises, devices that “block” the loss of urine, or surgery.
  • Urge incontinence is commonly treated with medication, biofeedback, or electrical stimulation to the nerves that control the bladder.

There is a wide variety of non-surgical and surgical treatment options available for all kinds of urinary incontinence. Contact Gunn Towbin Center for Women in Fullerton California today at 888-721-0555 to set up an appointment for evaluation and discuss effective treatment options that are right for you.

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12-Week Healthy Heart Program – Fullerton, CA

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Gunn Towbin Center

Healthy HeartThis is a structured, step-by-step program to help you meet your individual goals. As heart disease is the #1 killer of American women, a healthy heart is a priority. Research suggests that approximately 90% of deaths related to heart disease could be prevented.

You will receive an overall assessment of your current health, an outlined diet, exercise and lifestyle program and re-evaluation after the 12-week period is completed.

Make this year the healthiest ever. Call to enroll in The 12-Week Healthy Heart Program and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, happy future. To learn more click here to download the brochure.

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Gynecology Services – Female Urology – Healthcare for Women

Posted on January 11, 2011 by Gunn Towbin Center

The Gunn Towbin Center specializes in gynecologic issues for women of all ages. Our diversity of medical expertise makes us one of the most comprehensive gynecology practices in the area.  Committed to the overall health and well being of their patients, physicians offer up-to-date preventive care and management of the important issues of gynecologic health, including:

CONSULTATION & TREATMENT

  • Abnormal Pap Smear
  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  • Bio-Identical Hormones
  • Blood Pressure Management
  • Cholesterol Management
  • Breast Disease
  • Endometriosis
  • Family Planning
  • Infertility
  • Menopause
  • Nutrition and Weight Management
  • Office Hysteroscopy
  • PMS/Depression/Anxiety
  • Pediatric/Adolescent Gynecology
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Preconception Counseling
  • Osteoporosis
  • Urinary Incontinence

SURGERY

  • Comprehensive Gynecologic Surgery
  • Private Outpatient Surgery Center
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Bladder Incontinence Surgery
  • Endometrial Ablation
  • Pelvic Reconstruction

ULTRASOUND BODY SCAN

  • Abdominal
  • Abdominal Aneurysm
  • Breast
  • Carotid/Femoral Artery
  • Kidney/Bladder
  • Pelvic
  • Thyroid

 LABORATORY EVALUATIONS

  • Diabetes Screening
  • Heart & Stroke Risk
  • Menopause & Hormones
  • Metabolic Profile
  • STD Screening
  • Thyroid Disease

 TESTING

  • Bone Density (DEXA)
  • Body Composition Profile
  • Echocardiogram (EKG)
  • Holter Monitoring
  • Echocardiogram
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How to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke for women

Posted on November 9, 2010 by Gunn Towbin Center

Heart Attacks & Strokes in Women : Updated Information That Could Save Your Life

Reduce Risk of Heart Attacks and StrokeConsider this: 50% of American women die as a result of a heart attack or stroke. Heart attacks and strokes are preventable, according to new medical evidence. Many women underestimate their personal risk level. By participating in the WOW Program at Gunn Towbin Center in Fullerton California you will gain an understanding of your risk, increase your awareness for heart disease, and be empowered with healthy solutions.

Be proactive! Prevent disease! Contact Us today! (888) 721-0555 or visit our website

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