Fertility Success Seminars 2010:

Healthy Eating Strategies, Nutrition and Their Impact on Fertility

Join Carolyn Gundell, MS, for an interactive seminar to discuss healthy eating strategies, nutrition and their impact on fertility.  Carolyn has her M.S. in Nutrition from Columbia University and has over twenty years of experience, with a specialty working with patients with insulin resistance, Diabetes Type1/Type 2, and metabolic disorders including Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Monday February 8th   6:00 PM – 7:30 P

67 Sand Pit Road, Suite 300, Danbury, CT

Primary Infertility Support Group

 Led by lisa Tuttle, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, this group will  provide a forum for participants to learn about  and discuss the emotional aspects of infertility; provide an opportunity to share their experience and benefit from the support and eperience of others, and to develop constructive ways of coping wiht the emotional challenges of infertility.

Saturday February 20^th         11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

10 Glover Ave., Norwalk, CT

Living and Thriving with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Led by Carolyn Gundell, MS, Certified Nutritionist and Monica Moore, MSN, RNC

Thursday February 27^th         11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

10 Glover Ave., Norwalk, CT

Preconception Considerations: Getting Ready for Pregnancy

Led by Carolyn Gundell, MS, Certified Nutritionist and Monica Moore, MSN, RNC

Saturday March 13^th                  9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

 10 Glover Ave., Norwalk, CT

Insulin Resistance: Weight and the Fertility Connection

Led by Carolyn Gundell, MS, Certified Nutritionist and Monica Moore, MSN, RNC

Saturday April 10^th                  9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

 10 Glover Ave., Norwalk, CT

Sleep:  Its Impact on Weight Gain, Diabetes Risk and Fertility

Led by Ian D. Weir, DO, Associate Director of the Sleep Disorders Center and Director of the Insomnia Center at Norwalk Hospital and Carolyn Gundell, MS

 Thursday May 13^th                  6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

10 Glover Ave., Norwalk, CT

 Seminars are $10 per person/$15 per couple

Refreshments will be served

RSVP to Cori at 203-750-7492

Space is limited!!

Carolyn Gundell, M.S., to Run RMACT Nutrition Program and Start PCOS Clinic

Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) fertility clinic and egg donation center is providing nutritional support and resources for patients as part of their comprehensive approach to fertility treatment.  To kick off this focus on nutrition, RMACT has hired Carolyn Gundell, M.S., to lead its nutrition program, as well as to open its Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Clinic.

With over 20 years of experience, Gundell will help RMACT patients understand the link between dietary choices, weight and fertility.  For some patients, this means helping them incorporate the necessary nutrients for a woman’s body to conceive.  For others, she will address ongoing battles with endocrine disorders such as insulin resistance, Diabetes Type1/Type 2 and PCOS, by offering nutritional insight and strategies that often help to improve symptoms associated with these conditions.

RMACT’s PCOS Clinic is one of a handful of options for patients in Connecticut to learn how to manage this condition.  At the clinic, Gundell will help patients take control of this frustrating metabolic condition, which causes hormonal imbalances, preventing women from ovulating and leading to infertility.  It is a common condition, affecting 5 - 10% of women of reproductive age, and is best managed through lifestyle changes such as improved quality of sleep, activity, and healthy, balanced & structured meals.

“My passion is working with patients to understand how their bodies work,” says Gundell.  “Many consumers are misinformed about health and nutrition from misleading information which often promises quick and unsafe results  verses reinforcing life-long healthy behavior change.”

Beyond individual patient care, RMACT is sponsoring interactive nutrition seminars at their main office in Norwalk, CT.  The seminars, which encourage open discussion and are open to the public, will be lead by Gundell and Monica Moore, MSN, RNC, a Nurse Practitioner and RMACT’s Nurse Manager.  Through real-life scenarios, participants will learn how to improve their nutrition and health.  To date, two seminars are scheduled; to RSVP, call 203-750-7492:

Take Shape for Life

 RMACT has partnered with “Take Shape for Life”, a weight loss program designed by Dr. Wayne S. Andersen, a board-certified critical care physician.

 Location:              RMACT Office at 10 Glover Avenue, Norwalk, CT

 Date/Time:            Tuesday, January 12; 6:30 PM

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Your Toolbox for Success

Based on RMACT’s comprehensive approach, this half-day seminar includes sessions on yoga, visualization and nutrition.

Location:              RMACT Office at 10 Glover Avenue, Norwalk, CT

Date/Time:            Saturday, January 16; 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

RMACT’s nutrition program is the latest arm of its comprehensive fertility care.  In addition to advanced fertility diagnosis and treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF), other RMACT services offered include yoga classes, marriage and individual counseling, acupuncture and financial payment plans.  The purpose is to provide resources and care that address all patients’ needs, including stress reduction, to reach the ultimate goal – full-term pregnancy. 

“We are thrilled to have Carolyn as part of our team,” says Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director at RMACT.  “Carolyn brings to RMACT important knowledge and a great sensibility of how to work with patients.  Since our approach to fertility treatment involves the whole body and mind, nutrition is an important factor.”

Gundell earned her M.S. in Nutrition from Columbia University and completed her undergraduate studies in Biology/Nutrition at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT.   She is trained as a Research Associate in Clinical Skills Training, and is certified in HIPAA, CPR, First Aid and Food Safety & Sanitation.

Carolyn also works as a Nutritionist at Pediatric Endocrine & Diabetes Specialists and The Center for Advanced Pediatrics—both in Norwalk and formerly at Yale University Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS, and Fertility Clinics.

Dr. John Stangel Recognized for Infertility Treatment Excellence 

In its annual "Top Doctors" issue, Westchester magazine included Dr. John Stangel as a top infertility doctor in the area for reproductive endocrinology. Dr. Stangel is the Westchester County Medical Director of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) and has his infertility clinic in Rye, NY. Along with his RMACT colleagues, Dr. Stangel helps patients overcome their infertility challenges in order to successfully become pregnant.

"It's an honor to be included in Westchester magazine's 'Top Doctors 2009' - especially because this is based on input from my peers," said Dr. Stangel. "During my thirty years of practice, I've enjoyed making an impact on this great community and am touched by this accolade."

Along with his work at RMACT, Dr. Stangel is also president of the Westchester County Medical Society. He is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and has been in private practice since 1976. Among Dr. Stangel's former positions are: Medical Director of IVF America Program Westchester in Port Chester, NY; Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital in NY and at Westchester County Medical Center in Valhalla, NY.

Dr. Stangel has published numerous scientific papers and articles and has contributed to many textbooks. His most recent book, co-authored with Joan Liebman-Smith, Ph.D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan, is 'The Unofficial Guide to Overcoming Infertility', published by Macmillan. He is also the editor and contributing author of the textbook, 'Infertility Surgery'. Dr. Stangel has also authored a laymen guide to infertility entitled, 'The New Fertility and Conception'.
Westchester magazine's assessment is based on a rigorous, peer-reviewed process by the renowned healthcare research firm Castle Connelly Medical Ltd. The annual article includes 166 local doctors and was featured in the November issue.

Secondary Infertility is when a couple has difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term after successfully having one or more children without medical assistance.  It’s more common than people realize, and it’s emotional – patients feel frustrated, isolated and confused.

LISTEN to Dr. Leondires discuss Secondary Infertility ON-AIR with Conceive Magazine's Voice America

·      Primary infertility is when a couple faces challenges with their first pregnancy; secondary infertility occurs with couples who are trying to have another child after their first. 

·      Over 3 million Americans encounter secondary infertility, which is more common than primary infertility and yet people are less likely to seek treatment.

·      There are solutions that work.  We believe in individualized, comprehensive patient care. We work with each patient individually to create a custom fertility treatment plan that may additionally include a variety of RMACT’s other patient services such as support groups, couples counseling, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) financing, yoga classes, advice from a nutritionist and acupuncture.

·      Couples assume that if they were able to get pregnant once, they should be able to conceive again. However, everyone’s bodies changes with time, which is a key cause of secondary fertility.

·      Like primary infertility, secondary infertility is a result of a variety of causes. 

o   Natural age related decline in fertility

o   Decline in sperm counts in men

o   Development of irregular menstrual cycles

o   Surgery (even C-section) that has led to tubal damage

If you would like more information or to schedule a consultation call (800) 865- 5431.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States.  2/3 of adult Americans are overweight and excess weight is a direct contributor to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, liver disease, certain types of cancer and even infertility.

Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut has partnered with Take Shape for Life to offer a weight loss program to our patients.  Take Shape for Life is a comprehensive program designed by Dr. Wayne S. Andersen, a Board-Certified critical care physician and a leader in nutritional intervention. 

To learn more about this special program, we are offering a free information session to all RMACT patients:

Date:          January 12, 2010

Time:          6:30 PM

Location:   10 Glover Avenue, Norwalk

Please RSVP to Cori Cooper at 203-750-7492 or ccooper@rmact.com

 Path to Fertility Gives RMACT Staff Members Opportunity to Share Perspective, Knowledge

Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) has launched a blog as an extension of the fertility practice’s website (www.PathtoFertility.com).  The RMACT Blog, called the Path to Fertility, fulfills the intellectual and emotional needs of patients by educating readers about their fertility and fertility treatments and addressing the emotional rollercoaster of infertility.

Unlike many other fertility resources, the Path to Fertility will be written by a rotation of staff members, each with their own professional perspective and personal experiences.  The blog, which will have fresh content five days a week, will have input from the practice’s team, which includes reproductive endocrinologists, nurses, acupuncturists, embryologists and yoga instructors.  The lead writer will be Lisa Rosenthal, practice support liaison of RMACT, who has over twenty-five years of experience in the fertility field, including her work with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and The American Fertility Association.

“Working with RMACT gives me an opportunity to educate patients and other readers about infertility and the impact of responsible fertility treatment,” says Rosenthal.  “Our hope is that through providing relevant information and frank opinions, we can act as a community – that type of support is crucial for men and women facing fertility challenges.”

Path to Fertility’s first blog is an honest look at Thanksgiving – its cherished pleasures and why some people find it difficult to feel thankful during the holiday season.  Subsequent entries will focus on fertility education by clarifying fertility misconceptions, and the RMACT staff will give their opinions on current fertility topics seen in the media.  Additionally, readers will be invited to post their opinions and experiences.

“Patients, especially new patients, are often consumed by a need to learn about infertility and try to get a handle on their unique medical situation and treatment plan,” said Dr. Mark Leondires, medical director of RMACT.  “We strive to help provide education in our offices, and through the blog we are extending this fertility education to give our patients all of the support they need.  Like our approach to treatment, the blog provides comprehensive information from our multidisciplinary staff.”

Fertility challenges commonly remain hidden until a couple struggles to get pregnant.  This revelation takes many couples by surprise, leaving them feeling isolated, frustrated and misinformed or under-informed about their fertility.  Complicating this situation is the common reluctance to speak with friends and family about their situation; this leaves patients longing for support.  Path to Fertility gives these patients a place to hear from others in similar situations, as well as to find much-needed information.

“We want people to know that they are not alone, that they do not need to go through the journey alone, and that we are here. Our blog is a way to offer them company, support and understanding,” Rosenthal adds.

NOVEMBER SEMINAR: Tuesday November 24th

Join Lisa Tuttle, PhD, for an interactive workshop to talk about the common sources of strain, and get helpful advice about how to survive your fertility journey and keep your relationship strong and healthy.   Dr. Tuttle has conducted this workshop with hundreds of infertile couples who find it to be a very reassuring and worthwhile evening.
Location:       10 Glover Avenue, Norwalk, CT
Time:             6:30 – 8:00 PM

Seminars are free for RMA CT patients
Refreshments will be served
Call Cori at 203-750-7492 to RSVP
Space is limited!!

PRINT SEMINAR SCHEDULE: Coping with Holiday Stress on the Fertility Journey

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DECEMBER SEMINAR: Saturday December 12th

Join Carolyn Gundell, MS, for an interactive seminar to discuss healthy eating strategies over the holidays and beyond.  Carolyn has her M.S. in Nutrition from Columbia University and has over twenty years of experience working with patients with insulin resistance, Diabetes Type1/Type 2, and metabolic disorders including Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
 
Location:        10 Glover Avenue, Norwalk, CT
Time:            10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
 

 PRINT SEMINAR SCHEDULE: Coping with Holiday Stress on the Fertility Journey

Listen On-Air as Dr. Leondires discusses Secondary Infertility:

It would seem like an obvious scenario: Couple gets pregnant, has a child, and then decides a few years later hay are ready to expand their family with another baby. No problem, right?  Unfortunately, over 3 million Americans will struggle to conceive again - a problem called secondary infertility.  Join Beth Weinhouse, Conceive's editorial director, for a discussion with Dr. Mark Leondires of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, about the causes of secondary infertility and just how common this problem actually is.

Voice America.

RMA of Connecticut fertility clinic staff are receiving many inquiries into the proper guidelines for both the flu shots and the H1N1 shots for pregnant women and/or those trying to conceive.  To  provide easy access to this information we have posted the guidelines here and on our fertility clinic homepage