The Practice of Ruth Haskins MD

July has a way of reminding us to pause.

The excitement of summer is in full swing. Family vacations, neighborhood barbecues, time at the lake or pool, evenings spent outdoors, and celebrations with friends all become part of the rhythm of the month. It's a wonderful time to reconnect with the people and activities that bring us joy.

It's also an ideal opportunity to reconnect with ourselves.

Good health is rarely built through dramatic changes. More often, it comes from the small decisions we make every day—staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, wearing sunscreen, moving our bodies, eating well, and making time for preventive care before small concerns become bigger ones.

July is also recognized as UV Safety Awareness Month, a timely reminder that protecting your skin isn't just about avoiding sunburn. Consistent sun protection helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging, and it's a healthy habit worth practicing at every age.

For many women, summer can become another season of putting everyone else's needs first. Between children home from school, family gatherings, and busy schedules, it's easy to postpone your own appointments. But your health deserves a place on the calendar too.

Whether you're due for your annual well-woman exam, have questions about menopause, contraception, pregnancy planning, or simply haven't checked in for a while, we're here to provide compassionate, personalized care that supports you through every stage of life.

As we celebrate the heart of summer and our nation's Independence Day, may this month bring you good health, meaningful moments with those you love, and a little time to care for yourself along the way.

Happy July from all of us at the practice.

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers in medicine — yet it continues to cause thousands of deaths across the United States each year.

Despite the availability of highly effective screening and the HPV vaccine, too many cases are still being diagnosed late, when they are harder to treat.

Across OB-GYN care in 2026, a consistent concern is emerging:
HPV vaccination rates remain unacceptably low in many adolescent and adult populations, and follow-up after abnormal screening is still inconsistent.

This is where prevention makes the difference:
• HPV vaccination in adolescence provides the strongest long-term protection
• Routine screening detects changes before they become cancer
• Timely follow-up after abnormal results is essential — nothing should be left “on hold”

We know cervical cancer is largely preventable. The challenge now is making prevention universal, not optional.

Learn more: www.ruthhaskinsmd.com