August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Ob-gyns recommend Tdap and flu vaccines during pregnancy to help protect patients and their babies from serious, preventable diseases. The CDC has many resources to support vaccine conversations with pregnant women during #NIAM17 and beyond. http://bit.ly/NIAM2017

Martha Hogan from our Laser Center is planning to ride in the Smilow Closer to Free Ride on Sept 9th this year. She has been training and will ride 100 miles in honor of her Dad who passed away from cancer. She has cheered on riders in the past but this will be her first year to participate and make a difference. Can you make a donation toward this great cause? Google Closer to Free Click on “Donate” Select her team “macs and millers” Scroll down to Martha Hogan Click on her name and click “support me” Make a donation! She is grateful for whatever you can give! Thank you! Last day for donation is 9/5/17.

We are celebrating Elvis Week with Diane T. (seen singing with Elvis), a 28 year employee of County OB and long time Elvis fan! “Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do ‘em all together, I guess.” - Elvis in 1956, talking about his way of moving on stage

This month we celebrated National Girlfriends Day. Friends can offer care, support and call your attention to matters you may be ignoring. • We’re good at helping each other through hard times. Almost 25% of women have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. Support and encourage your GF to get help when she needs it. • When hanging out, eat healthy. Empower each other to take control. If your girlfriend is not taking care of her health, is being careless, or is putting herself or others at risk, let her know, or tell someone who can help. Enjoying a healthy lifestyle is more fun together. Having friends is an important part of life. Celebrate female friendship and support your girlfriends by helping them stay safe and live well. Have FUN with your GF!

The Community Dining Room in Branford is looking for school supplies for the students of Branford who cannot afford basic supplies. If you would like to help this cause, please purchase one or more of the suggested items listed below. You can drop off these items at any of our offices which are in Branford, New Haven, Wallingford and Madison. Last day to drop off your donation is 8/15/17. Suggested items are: • Lunch bags and Back Packs • Pencils/pens/ Markers/crayons • notebooks • Any School supply! Thank you for your support!!!

Breastfeeding your baby should not interfere with summer outdoor activities! Keep hydrated with water and juice not soda. Avoid the sun between noon and 3pm. Visit an air-conditioned mall, museum or library. Keep your baby out of direct sunlight. You and your baby can work up a sweat during a feeding. Place a light blanket or a washcloth between the both of you. Get out and enjoy all that summer has to offer for both you and your breastfeeding baby.

The World Health Organization has reported an increase in Drug-resistant gonorrhea not only in the genitals but in the throat due to Oral Sex. Oral gonorrhea is hard to detect and treat. Worldwide, gonorrhea infects about 78 million people each year. The number has been rising in recent years, partly because of decreasing condom use as HIV transmission has waned, poor detection rates and failed treatments. Even when detected, oral infections are harder to treat. Antibiotics are delivered in the bloodstream, but there are fewer blood vessels in the throat. Untreated infections can be particularly dangerous for women, causing pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancies and infertility. #gonorrhea

August is National Breastfeeding Month and Dr. Cristina Gioioso Datta who is the mother of two talks about some of the benefits of breastfeeding and what to look out for when problems arise.

I AM…aware. Together we can eliminate #hepatitis!!! Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses (there are 5 main types) are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world. Many patients still suffer with the associated stigma in many social circles. #ShowYourFace #N0hep #WorldHepatitisDay or www.worldhepatitisday.org

Too often, people feel afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health. This fear of prejudice and judgement stops people from getting help and can destroy families and end lives. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are spearheading the Heads Together campaign to end stigma around mental health. Read more about Heads Together at https://www.headstogether.org.uk/oktosay/

Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Massage therapy also promotes hormone regulation, reduction of swelling, improvement of nerve pain, reduced back and joint pain, improved circulation and edema, tension and headaches, stress and anxiety and better sleep (get it while you can). Go to www.abmp.com/public to find a massage therapist near you.

Group B Strep (GBS), is a type of bacteria naturally found in the digestive and reproductive tracts of both men and women. About 1 in 4 pregnant women "carry" GBS. Carrying GBS does not mean you are unclean. Anyone can carry GBS and it is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease, however, bacteria can be passed between sexual partners, including oral contact. Babies can be infected due to their underdeveloped immune systems and pregnant women should be tested around 36 weeks of pregnancy. Go to www.groupbstrepinternational.org to learn more.