Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.
Q: What services can a midwife provide? Do they only help during a natural birthing process?
A: While a midwife is most commonly known for giving support to people who desire an unmedicated labor, a certified nurse midwife can provide a full range of primary health care services from adolescence to beyond menopause. Annual exams, sexually transmitted disease screening and treatment, birth control counseling and family planning are all within their scope of care. They treat patients from preconception to pregnancy, during childbirth and through postpartum. A certified nurse midwife can also prescribe medication and offer preventive health care education. They can work independently or jointly with another medical provider.
— Nadia Graves, CNM, Samaritan Lebanon Health Center
Q: Though we’re home most of the time because of the pandemic, my teenage son still has angst about his acne, especially with Zoom and FaceTime! What would you recommend?
A: Healthy skin is an important goal and there are many things your son can do to reduce or eliminate acne. Have him wash his face twice daily with a gentle cleanser with benzoyl peroxide as the main active ingredient. Avoid scrubs and toners, which can irritate the skin. He can apply a topical treatment with adapalene to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. Then he will want to avoid touching his face as much as possible, and never pick at acne or scarring could occur. He should wash his hair frequently, daily if it is oily, and shower after activities that cause sweat and oil production.
Teens with acne should avoid excessive amounts of cosmetics, which can clog pores and make things worse, and protect their skin from phones and other items that can cause friction or pressure. Do what you can to help your son reduce stress, which will help reduce flare-ups, encourage a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and resist the urge to constantly remind him about his skin care regimen. Studies show fewer reminders are better with teens! It can take about six to eight weeks of consistent care to see improvement. Try these tips and if they aren’t working, reach out to your pediatrician for next steps — there are a lot of options these days.
— Whitney Horsley, MD, Mid-Valley Children’s Clinic
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Call Samaritan Health Services Find a Doctor line at 800-863-5241 to find a provider who is right for you.
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