The Practice of Ruth Haskins MD

03/13/2026

The news lately has been… a lot.

War is ugly, fatal, destructive, tragic and unpredictable, where outcomes are uncertain and rules are left behind.

Stories about the girls’ school being bombed by the US in Iran and the heartbreaking loss of so many young lives are devastating.

Meanwhile our supposed “grown-ups in the room” seem to be auditioning for a political sitcom. Our chief negotiator can’t seem to wear the right shoe size, our Defense Secretary - sorry Secretary of War - sounds like the drunk loud guy at a frat party, and the president appears physically incapable of telling the truth without needing a fact-checker and a time-out.

So for a brief moment… I’m choosing a reset.

No geopolitics, No pundits, No spin.

Just this video of a smiling baby reminding us that innocence, joy, and the simple parts of life still exist.

Consider it a small palate cleanser for the soul. 😊

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

03/10/2026

I saw this posted this morning and thought it most fitting!

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

03/09/2026

Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate women and celebrate those whose courage, intelligence, and determination helped shape the world we live in today.

Throughout history, women have broken innumerable barriers and achieved extraordinary milestones. Women such as Marie Curie, who became the first person to win two Nobel Prizes and transformed our understanding of radiation. Rosa Parks helped spark the modern civil rights movement through a quiet but powerful act of courage. Amelia Earhart pushed the limits of aviation and inspired generations to dream bigger.

In science and medicine, women like Dr. Virginia Apgar revolutionized newborn care with the Apgar Score, while Dr. Helen Brooke Taussig helped pioneer life-saving surgery for infants with congenital heart disease. In space exploration, Katherine Johnson’s mathematical brilliance played a critical role in the success of NASA’s early missions.

Women’s History Month is a wonderful reminder that progress is built by those willing to challenge limits and open doors for others. This month let us celebrate the female pioneers who came before us and the countless women who continue to lead, innovate, and inspire in every field every day.

Here’s to the women who changed history, the women shaping our world today, and the girls who will lead tomorrow.

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

03/02/2026

March is here! As we welcome the first days of spring and longer, brighter afternoons, it’s the perfect time for renewal, fresh starts, and prioritizing your health.

While you’re spring cleaning your home and calendar, don’t forget about your well-being. March is a great time to schedule your annual exam, check in on your reproductive health, or simply come talk with us about how you’re feeling.

Our team is here with the compassionate care you trust — helping you stay healthy, balanced, and supported through every season of life.

Call: (916) 817-2649 or visit: www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

02/26/2026

After the State of the Union, I can’t shake thinking about the real state of the union rather than the “speech", not the staged partisan applause, but what’s actually happening in this country.

We’re told everything is “the best it’s ever been.” That the economy is booming. That the nation is safe. That corruption is under control. CBS gave Trump’s speech lavish praise. Really? That’s the messaging. Spin trying to pass as reality and relentless repetition drowns out truth.

Meanwhile, lies are piling up faster than raindrops in a thunderstorm. Facts are twisted. History is rewritten. Public memory is manipulated. Press control isn’t subtle anymore; it’s normalized propaganda, often under the cloak of patriotism. Journalists repeat narratives uncritically while accountability seems to have vanished into the ether.

The Epstein files sit like an open wound, as we incredulously watch the blatant cover-up continue. The highest echelons of power evade justice while ordinary citizens see the system bend for elites. It’s hard to call this governance; the U.S is a theater of power, and the curtain is permanently drawn on consequences.

Olympic athletes are unwittingly politicized, signaling that this normalization extends beyond politics. Questionable appointments to top medical posts are made to people whose record on science and public health is, at best, dubious. Build-up toward war with Iran is whispered in halls of power while the public watches the rhetoric escalate, desensitized to catastrophe.

Laws are ignored, sections of law enforcement have become militarized with citizens executed on our streets. Congress seems to have completely abdicated all responsibilities. Corruption is rampant, brazen, and profitable. Influence is monetized. Public service is for sale. Our allies hedge, and our credibility erodes. What was once a proud country seen as a pillar of democracy now feels arrogant, bullying and transactional, fragile, corrupt, and performative.

The real state of the union isn’t measured in applause, spin, or headlines proclaiming greatness. It’s measured in fact, truth, accountability, and the fragile trust of its people. Right now, that trust feels dangerously thin as we travel on the wrong side of history.

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

02/19/2026

The Lunar New Year is a time that celebrates renewal, hope, and new beginnings, all values that resonate deeply with the journey of new and growing families and welcoming new life. The Year of the Fire Horse symbolizes strength, resilience, and vibrant energy, qualities we see every day in the mothers, parents, and families we are privileged to care for.

Whether you celebrate Lunar New Year as part of your tradition or simply embrace the spirit of a fresh start, this season is a beautiful reminder of the possibilities ahead. Each new year brings new milestones, new babies, and new chapters — and we are honored to be part of your story.

We wish all of our patients and their loved ones a year filled with health, happiness, and meaningful new beginnings.

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

02/17/2026

Honoring Black History Month

This month, we celebrate the incredible contributions, resilience, and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. From medicine to science, Black trailblazers have paved the way for innovation and progress.

I’m inspired by pioneers like Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S., Dr. Charles Drew, who revolutionized blood banking, and Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, whose work helped develop the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Their dedication reminds us of the importance of equity, representation, and perseverance in healthcare and beyond.

Let’s honor their legacy by continuing to learn, uplift, and promote wellness for all.

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, we’re reminded that caring for your health is one of the most meaningful forms of self-love.

Our bodies carry us through every stage of life — through change, growth, and transition. Take time to listen, to care, and to prioritize your well-being.

With appreciation for you and the community we are privileged to serve. Happy Valentine’s Day.

❤️

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

02/12/2026

Mental Health Care During Pregnancy: Continuity Matters

Pregnancy does not protect against depression or anxiety — yet studies show that nearly half of women taking antidepressants before pregnancy stop their medication once they conceive. Recent data presented at national maternal-fetal medicine meetings found that discontinuing antidepressants during pregnancy is associated with nearly double the risk of serious mental health emergencies compared with continuing treatment.

Untreated or undertreated psychiatric illness carries real risks — including poor prenatal care engagement, preterm birth, and increased maternal morbidity. While concerns about medication exposure are understandable, many commonly used antidepressants have reassuring safety data, and abrupt discontinuation is often not the safest choice.

The key is individualized, shared decision-making. Pregnancy is a time for proactive mental health support — not silent suffering. If you or your patient is considering stopping medication, a thoughtful conversation with an obstetric and mental health provider is essential.

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

02/09/2026

Menopause and Cardiovascular Health

Menopause is often discussed in terms of symptoms such as hot flashes or sleep disruption, but an important and sometimes overlooked aspect of this transition is its relationship to cardiovascular health. A growing body of research shows that menopause — particularly when it occurs earlier than expected — is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.

Large observational studies have demonstrated higher rates of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure among women who experience earlier menopause, even after accounting for traditional risk factors. The decline in estrogen during this transition is thought to contribute through its effects on vascular function, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity.

Clinically, this matters because cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, yet it is often under-recognized during midlife. Menopause represents a natural inflection point when changes in blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose regulation, and body composition may begin to emerge or accelerate, sometimes before symptoms are apparent.

Encouragingly, menopause also offers an opportunity for prevention. When this transition is recognized as a meaningful health milestone, much can be done to reduce long-term risk. Care may include reassessment of cardiovascular risk factors, guidance around nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress, and appropriate monitoring over time. Treatment options to manage menopausal symptoms may also be considered to support overall health and quality of life when used in an individualized and timely way.

For women entering menopause — particularly those who do so earlier than expected, have a history of pregnancy complications, or have a family history of cardiovascular disease — a conversation with a physician can be an important first step. Menopause is not simply an endpoint; it is a transition that allows us to focus on long-term health and prevention, with the goal of supporting well-being for decades to come.

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com

02/03/2026

Have we had enough yet? An accurate commentary of what is going on in Minneapolis - thank you Boss, for highlighting what so many of us think.

Directed by Thom ZimnyEdited by Thom Zimny and Samuel ShapiroProduction Footage: Pam Springsteen and Thom Zimny