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11 Consecutive Years
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Our Offices
101 Old Short Hills Rd
Atkins-Kent Building, Suite 101
W. Orange, NJ 07052
973-736-1100
33 Overlook Rd.
MAC Building
Suite 108
Summit, NJ 07901
908-522-4558
340 Main Street
Madison, NJ 07940
731 Broadway
Bayonne, NJ 07002
201-339-3300
67 Walnut Avenue, Suite 101
Clark, NJ 07066
732-396-1881
Physicians
Robert J. Rubino,
MD, FACOG
Audrey A. Romero, MD, FACOG
Lisa Abeshaus,
MD, FACOG
Allan D. Kessel
,
MD
, FACOG
Priya R. Patel,
MD, FACOG, MPH
Dana Ortiz, MD
Anne-Marie Tang, MD
Jennifer Fitzgibbons,
APN
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Dr. Rubino is nationally recognized for his expertise on Her OptionĀ® Cryoablation, 15-minute, in-office procedure. Click here to find out more. |
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EssureĀ® is a simple, non-invasive,
10-minute office procedure for permanent birth control (tubal ligation).
Click here
to see if Essure is
right for you.
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Find out more about our Pelvic Floor Therapy Program for incontinence and painful intercourse.
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Access our Patient Portal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Medical Fact
"I didn't know that!
The female egg cell is the largest cell in the human body. It is about 175,000 times heavier than the smallest cell, the male sperm cell.
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As we celebrate all of the special holidays and gatherings this month, we reflect on another year that has past, and look forward to the excitement of the New Year to come. We wish all of our patients and their families
a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and happy and healthy New Year. As always, we are
privileged
to be your physicians of choice for your health care. We look forward to continuing to partner together and wish you all good health in 2019.
In this month's newsletter, Dr. Rubino authors an article on the "Fourth Trimester" and the importance of taking care of yourself. We also include an article on the most common STI and an interesting trend. In addition, we discuss depression and offer tools to combat suffering. In our Healthy Living section, we provide healthy tips to ring in the New Year. Further, we bring attention to Toys For Tots and ways to give back.
Finally
,
you'll find a new interesting Medical Fact.
We are building our online community. Have you
joined us?
As always, we will continue to provide topics that are current, informative and important to your good health.
Sincerely,
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The Fourth Trimester
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Dr. Robert Rubino
When we think of pregnancy, we typically think of the journey of three trimesters. Recently, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) has made a concerted effort to bring more attention to the sometimes overlooked, 'fourth trimester' of pregnancy - the postpartum period.
The postpartum period can be quite challenging as you adjust to a new baby, a new body, sleep deprivation and hormonal fluctuations. We typically recommend that all new moms schedule a follow-up appointment with their OB/GYN or one of our team of physicians six weeks after delivery to check in and have an exam. If there were complications during delivery or soon after, such as high blood pressure disorders or postpartum depression, the appointment should be scheduled three weeks post-delivery and may require multiple visits.
At the postpartum visit(s) physicians have an opportunity to evaluate the total physical, psychological and social well-being of patients and create a plan that addresses their long-term health needs. Those struggling with mental and physical conditions may not be connected to a primary care physician or a mental health professional. Our doctors can help. The postpartum visit can be invaluable in this regard, as well as discussing future family planning.
There are some barriers around the postpartum visit, including patients forgetting to make the appointment or insurers only covering one visit. The Rubino OB/GYN Group patients can easily make an appointment from our online Patient Portal at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even before being discharged from the hospital. It also encourages patients to be in communication with their insurance carrier to encourage coverage of up to three visits postpartum prior to their first appointment.
Having a baby is a major life event and often a pivotal point in a patent's life. As women's health physicians, we are alert to the challenges and are in a position to have a positive impact. It is important to follow up after you leave the hospital - those one or two visits can have long lasting, positive effects.
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Trichomonas Infection - What Is It?
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Trichomonas infection is the most common, treatable, non-viral sexually transmitted disease worldwide, with an estimated total of 143 million cases per year.
It is caused by an infection with a protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. It is more common in women than in men. Many people who contract the infection do not have any symptoms.
If symptoms do appear, they can range from mild to severe inflammation and present 5 to 28 days after being infected. Symptoms can include
itching or irritation, burning after urinatination, soreness in the genitals or discharge.
A recent research article in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology examined the infection rates and age demographics of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S.
The results were somewhat surprising. Other STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, showed downward trends as women aged, yet trichomonas increased, peaking at age 47-53.
The researchers speculate as women approach menopause, the population of protective vaginal bacteria called lactobacilli decrease, making them more susceptible to the infection.
The infection is simply treated with oral metronidazole or tinidazole pills.
The only way to completely prevent STIs is abstinence, however condoms are the most effective protection for sexually active patients.
Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Center for Disease Control (CDC)
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You Are Not Alone
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Many people struggle with depression, a common illness that can affect
 anyone, and may not even realize it. About one in 20 Americans - more than 11 million people - suffer from depression every year. And it's a condition found twice as often in women as in men.
What Is Depression?
There are many stages of depression - some more related to a phase in time and others more chronic. Clinical depression is defined as a medical disorder. It is more than feeling sad for a short time or feeling grief after a loss. Depression disrupts your daily life. It affects your thoughts, feelings, behavior and physical health. It is important to note, depression is not a weakness or a fault.
Depression can have many causes:
- A family history of depression
- It can be triggered by other illnesses or medical conditions (about 10 percent to 15 percent of all cases)
- The use of drugs or alcohol or a history of substance abuse
In some people, depression can occur even though life is going well.
Depression may get worse around the time of certain reproductive events, such as menstruation, pregnancy, loss of a baby, birth of a baby (postpartum depression), infertility and menopause.
Depression can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe (major).
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression are varied and can be a combination of physical and/or mental symptoms including:
- Headaches or other aches and pains
- Digestive problems
- Sexual problems
- Hopeless and negative feelings
- Worry or fear
- Lack interest in things they used to enjoy
- Feeling sad, blue or down
- Slowing down or restlessness
- Feelings of being worthless or guilty
- A change in appetite or lose or gain of weight
- Thoughts of death or suicide or trying to commit suicide
- Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering or making decisions
- Sleeping too much or not able to fall asleep or stay asleep
- Lacking energy and feeling tired all the time
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of depression is based on the types of symptoms, how often they occur and how severe they appear.
Treatment
Depression is treatable and there are several outlets to seek help. It's important to work as a team with your doctor to find the best treatment. Treatment may include antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or both.
Antidepressants
Medications (antidepressants) can be used to treat mild to moderate depression. The dosing of the medicine can be adjusted based on the severity of the condition. Antidepressants relieve symptoms in more than half the people who use them for relief. They work by changing the balance of chemicals in the brain.
Psychotherapy
In psychotherapy, a therapist works with you to help you overcome your depression. Psychotherapy alone helps about half the people with mild to moderate depression. You can work with your doctor to help find a therapist specific to the reason for your depression, including specialists.
Psychotherapy Plus Antidepressants
Psychotherapy and medication can be used in conjunction to relieve symptoms of depression in most patients. It may take a couple of months for the treatment to work.
Light Therapy
Light therapy is a way to treat mild or moderate seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and certain other conditions by exposure to artificial light. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time each year, usually in the fall or winter.
During light therapy, you sit or work near a device called a light therapy box. The box gives off bright light that mimics natural outdoor light.
Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions.
Hospital Treatment
People with severe depression may need to seek help from a mental hospital for a few days or longer.
Depression is a common medical problem. It affects many people and, in most cases, can be treated with success. If you have concerns for yourself or family members, please make an appointment with one of our practitioners.
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
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Healthy Living: Kick Off A Healthy New Year
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 The New Year is upon us, offering everyone an opportunity to think about health improvements they can incorporate in 2019.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), offers several suggestions on entering the New Year with a strong start:
Commit to More Sleep
Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Making small changes to your nighttime habits can help you get more sleep. Eliminating caffeine and alcohol before bed and creating a dark, quiet environment can be very beneficial. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have trouble sleeping almost every night for more than 2 weeks. Lacking sleep can detriment your daily performance and keep you from achieving your goals. Getting ahead of the reasons for sleep deprivation, and finding ways to resolve them, can make all the difference in the world.
Healthy Food Choices
Healthy eating is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Learn how to use nutrition labeling on foods to make better food choices. Food nutrition labels can offer valuable insight into the content of foods and their nutritional value. Reading an ingredient label can be eye-opening. If you do not recognize an ingredient or cannot pronounce it, it's best to avoid it. Eating too many processed foods can leave you feeling lethargic, cause weight gain and slow down your bodily functions. It's also important to learn tips on how to safely cook and store your food so that you can lower your risk of getting food illnesses.
Refresh your Make-Up & Cosmetics
Your make-up goes hand in hand with good health. When not used properly, makeup can cause infections and other health problems. Throw out old cosmetics. Make sure your containers remain clean and closed when not in use. If make-up is more than six months old, it is wise to throw it out.
Establish an Exercise Routine
Exercise has many benefits including stress relief and physical and psychological improvements. Adding a exercise routine to your week can give you a sense of control and accomplishment. It is most impactful when you set a weekly schedule and stick to it - rather than deciding day by day to incorporate it into your schedule. It's much easier to make excuses not to exercise if it isn't a set time on your calendar.
Create a Medicine List and Get the Facts
Write down the name and important facts about each medicine you take. Include over-the-counter medicine like pain relievers, dietary supplements, vitamins or herbs. Keep the list with you at all times. Show it to your healthcare provider and ask questions about safely using your medicines.
Most of all, the New Year offers a time for renewal and optimism. It's a great time of year to get inspired for your future and take steps to optimize your health.
Source: US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
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There's Still Time to Give
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Are you still looking to give back this holiday season? Toys for Tots is an organization that collects toys for less fortunate children, giving them hope and joy. Toys for Tots believes, "Every child deserves a little Christmas."
Giving back is always tremendously fulfilling and can be a great family effort, especially during this time of year.
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Have You Had Your Flu Shot?
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The Rubino OB/GYN Group flu clinics
continue to run every week, while supplies last, and are open to everyone, 18 and older, with a priority to pregnant patients.
Walk ins welcome - no appointment is necessary.
Hours are as follows:
West Orange
Monday: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Friday: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Summit
Monday: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Bayonne
Monday: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Clark
Monday/Thursday: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Madison
Monday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Most insurance companies cover the flu shot at 100%, without a
co-pay*. Take a step toward keeping healthy this winter and get vaccinated.
*Patients new to our practice may be charged out-of-pocket costs.
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It Only Takes A Second!
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We are building our Rubino OB/GYN Group Facebook community - we need you!
Simply click on the icon below and "Like" our page. It's a simple way to ensure you are informed of important office announcements, office closings, relevant news topics, breaking news, patient updates and so much more.
Our goal is to have 100% participation from our patients
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Easy Access To Lab Reports
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Our patient portal provides patients direct access to their records at The Rubino OB/GYN Group only and allows you to access your health history, update your profile page, request a prescription, submit a clinical question and access upcoming appointments. If you have not already received a username and password, please request one from our office.
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Pay Your Bill Online
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| You can pay your Rubino OB/GYN Group bill online right from the  homepage of our website. Simply click on the button at the top of the page that says "New! Pay Your Bill Online!". Options include paying by credit card or echeck. It is an easy one-time registration to create a password. For easy reference, the direct link is: Pay My Bill. |
Office Announcements
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New Bayonne & Summit Hours
We have added new office hours in Bayonne and additional Saturday hours with Dr. Rubino December. Please reference our website.
Early & Evening Appointments
Jennifer Fitzgibbons, our nurse practitioner, is available for early morning and evening hours in Clark and Madison:
Monday: Madison 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Tuesday: Clark 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Wednesday: Clark 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Thursday: Clark 11 am to 7 pm
Friday: Madison 7:30 to 3:30 pm
Please call our main number 973-736-1100 to schedule an appointment.
Emmi Video Tutorials
Emmi is a free, online video tutorial that makes complex medical information simple and easy to understand. Emmi provides clear and concise step-by-step information on common health topics and procedures right on our website. Click here to find out more.
"Important Announcements" on Our Website
You can find important new developments and time-sensitive announcements (such as office closings) right on the upper right hand portion of our
home page
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Enterprising Patients
If you would like to add your business or service to the website,
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