Ask the Doctor
Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: Life & Style
- Page 1 of 1
Q: I am taking birth control pills and have figured out that I will be on my period during Spring Break. What can I do?
A: Although it works best with pills that remain at the same dosage all three weeks of being active, any pill can be taken using an extended cycling routine. Just do not take the last week of the packet (when you normally would be having your period). Instead, start a new package. You can continue this pattern for three packages and on the third package take the last row and you'll have your period. This will give you four periods a year! Be cautioned, however, that during the first two cycles of three months, you may have some break thru bleeding. You should just continue taking the pills or consult your health care professional if it is very heavy.
This routine can also be done with the contraceptive patch or Nuva ring. If you have any further questions, call the Women's Clinic at the Pat Walker Health Center.
Dottie Pope, NP
Women's Clinic
Pat Walker Health Center
Q: What is the best position for sleeping? I have heard so many different arrangements (on back, stomach, etc.)
A: It is best to sleep on the side. Most references regarding spinal health recommend side sleeping, which stretches the spinal column. Sleeping on one's belly compresses the spinal column; sleeping on the back is an acceptable alternative, with the knees propped up (to stretch the spine)
Anyone who has slept near a snorer also knows that side-sleeping is much quieter. Recent studies on people with sleep apnea document that the airway is more open when we sleep on our sides.
Charles R. Belt, MD
Primary Medical Clinic
Pat Walker Health Center
A: Although it works best with pills that remain at the same dosage all three weeks of being active, any pill can be taken using an extended cycling routine. Just do not take the last week of the packet (when you normally would be having your period). Instead, start a new package. You can continue this pattern for three packages and on the third package take the last row and you'll have your period. This will give you four periods a year! Be cautioned, however, that during the first two cycles of three months, you may have some break thru bleeding. You should just continue taking the pills or consult your health care professional if it is very heavy.
This routine can also be done with the contraceptive patch or Nuva ring. If you have any further questions, call the Women's Clinic at the Pat Walker Health Center.
Dottie Pope, NP
Women's Clinic
Pat Walker Health Center
Q: What is the best position for sleeping? I have heard so many different arrangements (on back, stomach, etc.)
A: It is best to sleep on the side. Most references regarding spinal health recommend side sleeping, which stretches the spinal column. Sleeping on one's belly compresses the spinal column; sleeping on the back is an acceptable alternative, with the knees propped up (to stretch the spine)
Anyone who has slept near a snorer also knows that side-sleeping is much quieter. Recent studies on people with sleep apnea document that the airway is more open when we sleep on our sides.
Charles R. Belt, MD
Primary Medical Clinic
Pat Walker Health Center
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
michele
posted 1/26/07 @ 7:27 PM EST
my daughter says she has an electrlyte disorder icannot find what the cause are syptoms are and what is the treatment for this please help
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