The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 14 COVID patients today, down from 15 yesterday. Other significant numbers:

• 5 with the active virus today, up from 4 yesterday
• 0 in ICU, same as yesterday
• 0 on ventilator, same as yesterday
• 9 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, down from 11 yesterday

Key points from today’s guests:

Dr. Kevin Ault, obstetrician and gynecologist at The University of Kansas Health System

• The amount of stress society has been under due to the pandemic is unprecedented
• Lactation consultants can provide resources after birth, but a longer-term plan is needed as the baby grows – pregnancy planning
• On the issue of mental health, validated screening tests can help get women into care, if needed
• We have a lot more options for osteoporosis beyond hormonal treatment that was used more in previous years

Dr. Melanie Meister, obstetrician and gynecologist at The University of Kansas Health System

• Menopause symptoms can be variable – each woman is different
• We are looking at different types of treatments for menopause, but it is important to reach out to their health care provider to develop a specific plan
• Bone density screenings typically start at age 65 unless there is another medical need to start earlier
• Vitamin D and exercise is important to promote bone health
• Pelvic floor disorders have treatment options that span a variety of things ranging from change in behaviors to medications or even surgery
• UTIs are very common in women and can occur more often in older women

Dr. Sharla Smith, director of Kansas Birth Equity Network

• Focus on Black maternal health and the lack of care was exacerbated during the pandemic – juggling work, home schooling and being a care giver – caused them to miss their own regular health provider appointments
• Limited baby formula supply can impact Black women more, as they are less likely to be breastfeeding. So they are going to need additional support and resources
• Kansas Birth Equity Network can help bring awareness to resources available to women in the area, especially around mental health and the stigma around it
• For young women, we need to start the conversation about mental health, and we need them to know that “mental health is mental wealth”

Dr. Kelsey Ryan, clinical director of women’s health and family medicine at KC Care Center Health

• Patients are coming in for common issues, but during the pandemic, many stayed home as they had to care for others
• Physical and mental health is suffering because of that, and it disproportionately is affecting women
• KC Care provides health care to anybody who needs it, regardless of insurance coverage
• Healthy food can sometimes be the best medicine for women. Good food, exercise and regular sleep are three really key factors for health

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System

• While Johnson County COVID positivity rates continue to increase, it is important to remain vigilant about COVID
• If you develop symptoms, get tested early for COVID, so you can get the proper treatments
• Overall number of people coming into the hospital or dying is greatly decreased compared to the pre-vaccine era

Friday, May 13 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. It's an alarming reality. Store shelves where baby formula once sat now empty as the nation deals with a formula shortage. Now many parents are desperately turning to social media and online options to feed their babies. Experts weigh in on the pros and cons.

ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:

Zoom link: https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628

Telephone Zoom link: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 782 897 8628

TVU Grid link: UoK_Health_SDI

Restream links: Facebook.com/kuhospital

YouTube.com/kuhospital

Send advance questions to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.