Be a healthier you
FA LL 2 01 5
What your hair, skin and nails tell you about your health
Looking Here's
at You
asthma triggers and your defense
plus: QUIZ YOURSELF ON HEART DISEASE
| 4 WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK FOR CANCER
HEALTH TIPS
Easy Ways to Reduce
YOUR RISK FOR CANCER One in eight people will develop cancer in a lifetime. “We raise awareness so we can catch it early, but it’s better to prevent it altogether,” said Abigail Byrnes, MD, an oncologist on the medical staff at Baptist Health Corbin. Here’s how: 1. SCHEDULE SCREENINGS. Finding cancer in its early stages is critical for the best outcome. Dr. Byrnes recommends asking your doctor which screenings may be right for you.
2. STAND MORE. Sitting for long periods increases the risk of cancer. Try standing while talking on the phone and taking the stairs whenever possible.
3. SEEK SHADE. Avoid the hot sun, cover up and apply sunscreen. “Above all, avoid tanning beds, which increase risk of melanoma (skin cancer) by 75 percent,” Dr. Byrnes said.
4. PUT IT OUT. If you smoke or use any kind of tobacco, stop. Dr. Byrnes noted that smoking is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States.
TEST YOUR HEART IQ “The most powerful way to avoid heart disease is with a habit of daily physical activity and moderating portion sizes with meals,” said Tyler Richmond, MD, a Lexington cardiologist with Baptist Health Medical Group. Take this quiz to learn more. TRUE/FALSE: Fiber can lower your risk of heart disease. TRUE/FALSE: Taking an aspirin a day can help you avoid a heart attack. TRUE/FALSE: R ed wine lowers your risk of heart disease, so even if you’re a nondrinker you should pour a glass.
Are You Young at Heart?
Learn your heart’s biological age, your risk of heart disease and any harmful risk factors you may face by taking our heart-health assessment at FindYourHealth.com.
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COVER: MASTERFILE; THINKSTOCK (2)
1. TRUE. D ietary fiber comes from grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes that the body can’t fully digest. A fiber-rich diet can lessen the risk of heart disease, so stock up. 2. TRUE. A spirin helps prevent blood clots, which are the cause of most heart attacks. The American Heart Association recommends people who are high risk for heart attacks take a low-dose aspirin daily. (Consult your doctor first.) 3. FALSE. R esearch suggests that red wine may lower the risk of heart disease due to the flavonoids and antioxidants found in grapes. But if you’re not a drinker, don’t start. You get the same benefits by drinking a glass of grape juice or eating grapes.
HEALTH TIPS
DRINK UP The amount of water you need to drink daily depends on your weight and activity level. According to the Institute of Medicine, the average adult male requires roughly 13 cups of liquids a day. Females need about nine cups daily. The old adage of “drink eight glasses of water a day” is a good start, but aim for more. Here’s how: DRINK A GLASS with each meal, between meals, and before, during and after exercise. Food provides about 20 percent of your daily water needs, so reach for foods such as watermelon, which is 90 percent water.
NUTS AS
Superheroes
HEALTHIER FOOTBALL RITUALS WITH FOOTBALL SEASON UPON US, you may be looking forward to parking it on the couch to cheer on the Wildcats or Cardinals while enjoying a few cold ones and eating snacks covered in cheese and bacon. Heaven, right? Luckily, there are some easy ways to better balance your health with your hobby.
Three-in-Ones Walnuts have the most omega-3 fatty acids of any nut, making them the best to help prevent heart disease, cancer and premature aging. PMS-Fighters Walnuts, peanuts and soy nuts can help relieve PMS symptoms, like irritability and depression, because they contain the mineral manganese. Brain Power Peanuts, while technically legumes, are high in folate, a mineral that helps keep our minds sharp.
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A Handful Will Do It A serving size of nuts is typically an ounce, or about one handful. This equals: 14 walnut halves • 16 cashews • 24 almonds • 28 peanuts Build a Better Burger
Swap Snacks
Hold Commercial Break Contests
A four-ounce turkey burger has roughly 150 calories and 1.5 grams of fat, while the beef version has 225 calories and 12 grams of fat.
Instead of buffalo wings, try this buffalo hummus from Livestrong.com: Blend garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, water and olive oil with some cayenne pepper sauce, minced garlic and sea salt. Serve with veggies or pita chips.
Put up a scoreboard and challenge friends or family to see how many squats, pushups or sit-ups they can do during each commercial break.
Nuts about nuts
Do you know which nut is the better bet when it comes to nutrition? Find out in an online infographic at BaptistHealthForYou.com.
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FALL 2015
E
ven if a bad hair day turned into weeks of untamed tresses, you probably wouldn’t think to call your doctor. The same might be true if you noticed changes to your skin or your nails.
We tend to dismiss problems with our hair, skin and nails as being temporary nuisances — and most of the time, we’re right. But other times, these external features hint at what’s happening inside the body, signaling health conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes and heart disease. Is your body sending you a message? Read on to learn what your hair, skin and nails might be telling you.
Outside
Looking Looking In In Your hair, skin and nails say a lot about your health
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HAIR EVERYONE loses 50–100 strands of hair daily. Stress, iron deficiency or hairstyling damage can cause additional hair loss. But if your hairbrush has been alarmingly full lately, a health condition may be to blame. Hair loss can be a sign of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to make enough thyroid hormone. These hormones regulate metabolism, the rate at which the body turns food into energy. An underactive thyroid causes bodily functions — including hair growth — to slow down. In people with hypothyroidism, hair becomes thin and also feels dry and brittle, the result of the body producing less sebum from sweat glands in the scalp. Hypothyroidism develops so slowly that symptoms — such as dry skin, fatigue and weight gain — may be difficult to notice. Because
hair doesn’t grow continuously, instead following a months-long cycle of growth and rest periods, hair loss may not occur until several months after the onset of hypothyroidism. The good news: Hypothyroidism is controllable with medication, and hair lost will likely grow in with time. Blood tests will determine whether you have a thyroid disorder. Hypothyroidism is more common in women than in men. Many men, of course, lose hair as they age, but that doesn’t mean they should assume hair loss is normal. Studies suggest that men who are bald on the top of the head are at higher risk for coronary heart disease. Younger men, especially, should keep tabs on other heart disease risk factors, such as being overweight and having high blood pressure or cholesterol.
SKIN ONE IN 10 Kentuckians has diabetes, like more than 29 million people nationwide. Yet more than a quarter of those with the disease haven’t been diagnosed. Skin can offer some of the earliest clues to a diagnosis of diabetes, a disease marked by high blood sugar. When it removes excess blood glucose through urination, the body loses fluid, causing dry skin. Dryness leads to cracking and itching, which, in turn, can lead to infections. Feet are especially prone to infection, as diabetes can cause nerve damage that limits the body’s ability to feel pain from injuries. Additionally, blood glucose promotes the breeding of bacteria and fungus.
Those reasons explain why up to a third of people with diabetes experience skin conditions, including: • Styes around the eyelids and boils around hair follicles, caused by bacterial infections • Athlete’s foot, jock itch and vaginal yeast fungal infections • Itching in the lower legs • Darkened patches of skin on the sides of the neck, armpits and groin called acanthosis nigricans. But skin issues alone don’t warrant a diabetes diagnosis. These problems have benign causes, too. See a doctor and take a simple blood test to determine if you have diabetes.
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NAILS UNSIGHTLY nails might need more than a manicure. While many nail abnormalities can be explained by injuries or nutrient deficiencies, others are signs of underlying health conditions. These symptoms may be worth a visit to the doctor, not the nail salon. Changes in color: Healthy nails maintain consistent color. Look for changes to the lunula at the base of your nail: A “little moon” that’s red instead of white could be a sign of heart failure, among other issues. If your nail turns mostly white, a condition known as Terry’s nails, that’s a possible sign of health conditions like diabetes or congestive heart failure. When the nail lifts away from the nail bed and causes the separated portion to become opaque white or discolored (onycholysis), that’s a sign of a
thyroid disorder. Nail fungus: Poor circulation and lowered ability to fight infection make people with diabetes vulnerable to a fungal infection called onychomycosis. While nail fungus is also common in people who don’t have diabetes, those who do should take it seriously, as infections can lead to more serious complications. Changes in texture: Although even healthy nails aren’t always perfectly smooth, the lines and ridges on your nails may have significance. The horizontal grooves (Beau’s lines) indicate where nail growth has been disrupted, sometimes by diseases like diabetes. Watch, too, for changes in the thickness of nails: Thin, brittle nails are a sign of hypothyroidism, otherwise known as an underactive thyroid.
FREE PRESCRIPTION REVIEWS
Have a pharmacist review your prescriptions — and their potential side effects — with our free medication review service. Stop by the pharmacy at 1 Trillium Way in Corbin or call 606.526.8334.
How Medications Affect Hair and Skin If you’ve ever seen a TV commercial for a medication, you know that all drugs can cause side effects — so many, in fact, that seemingly half the ad is dedicated to listing them. Drug manufacturers are required to report all side effects observed in studies. “It’s worth the time and effort to talk with your physician and pharmacist about drug side effects,” said Cliff Niemeier, Pharmacy director at Baptist Health Corbin. Your pharmacist or physician can warn of drugs that may harm your hair or skin. Chemotherapy drugs are known for causing temporary hair loss, but other drugs can do the same. And certain antibiotics and diuretics increase risk of sunburn. In some cases, medication can be adjusted to reduce or eliminate side effects. In other situations, a patient has to weigh costs and benefits. With cancer, “losing your hair is the least of it,” Niemeier said. “But if you’re taking a medication to improve your mood, you don’t want to lose all your hair for it.”
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FALL 2015
Breathe Easy Stop your asthma trigger in its tracks with these tips
ASTHMA IS A CHRONIC LUNG CONDITION in which the air passages constrict and become inflamed, leading to breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. Asthma attacks happen when you come in contact with a trigger. But what triggers your attack may not trigger someone else’s. “Knowing your triggers and how to avoid them is the first step to feeling better,” said Dustin Devers, DO, a Richmond family medicine specialist with Baptist Health Medical Group. Here are some common triggers and how to tame them.
TRIGGER: POLLEN Pollen is most troublesome during the spring and fall; however, flowers, weeds and grass bloom throughout the year. TAME IT: Wind can carry pollen up to 100 miles, so stay inside on blustery days, close windows and run the air conditioner.
TRIGGER: MOLD Mold needs moisture to thrive. This means your basement, shower curtain and even plants are susceptible. TAME IT: Keep the humidity in your house under 50 percent to avoid mold growth, fix leaky faucets and pipes right away, and keep plants outside. Buy a dehumidifier and toss out molded or mildewed shower curtains and rugs.
TRIGGER: DUST Dust mites lurk in the rooms you use most, such as your living area and bedroom. TAME IT: Buy dust-proof covers and pillow wraps, and regularly wash your linens in hot water. Get rid of clutter and consider replacing carpet with tile or hardwood. For carpeted areas, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
TRIGGER: PETS All animals have dander. Your furry one’s skin, saliva, urine and feces can all be triggers. TAME IT: You don’t have to put Fido in the doghouse. But do make your bedroom and furniture pet-free zones, bathe your pet frequently and wash your hands after petting him.
TRIGGER: SMOKE Smoke aggravates the linings of your airways, making you more vulnerable to asthma attacks. TAME IT: Don’t smoke or allow others to smoke in your home and car. Also avoid wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.
TRIGGER: BOLD SCENTS Perfumes, deodorants, cleaning supplies, candles and nail polish can smell like trouble for someone with asthma. TAME IT: Avoid whenever you can, and choose cleaning products and personal hygiene items that are fragrance-free.
BREATHE EASIER Talk with your doctor about any breathing issues you’re experiencing. Need a doctor? Call 855.224.5465 (Lexington), 800.923.2762 (Corbin) or 859.625.3297 (Richmond).
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APPLES:
The Perfect Fall Fruit
IN SEASON
Eating just one a day boosts your health and brightens a dull menu
A
pples have been grabbing headlines since Adam and Eve, and for good reason. They’re an ideal snack, thanks to their convenient grab-and-go packaging, 4 grams of fi lling fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants. Apples are a no-brainer in desserts, but they add crunch and sweettart flavor to salads and meat dishes as well. In Kentucky, apple season is big. With more than a dozen orchards scattered around the state, you’ll fi nd popular varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Rome and Jonagold, a staple at farmers’ markets through October. Experiment outside your apple comfort zone starting now, by punching up your standard pork dish with tart Granny Smiths.
Pork Stuffed with Apples Serves: 4 | Calories per serving: 464
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and finely chopped ¼ cup golden raisins ¼ cup celery, finely sliced ¼ cup dry white wine 1 Tbsp. butter
MAKE IT HEALTHIER Use two tablespoons of low-sodium vegetable broth instead of butter.
1 Tbsp. shallots (or sweet onion), finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste 4 thick-cut, boneless pork chops 1 Tbsp. oil 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss apple, raisins and celery in wine and soak for 15 minutes.
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2. Discard wine and set raisins and apple aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté shallots/sweet onion and celery in butter and salt until tender. Turn off heat, add shallots/ sweet onion and celery to apple mixture and toss well. (Don’t wipe out skillet; you’ll reuse it for browning the chops.) 3. Slice center of each chop to
MAKE IT HEALTHIER Choose a lean cut of pork, such as New York top loin.
make a pocket for the stuffing. Insert two tablespoons of apple mixture into each chop. Sprinkle both sides of chops with salt and pepper. 4. In the same skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat, add chops and brown on both sides. Place chops in a baking pan and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes then remove foil and bake until juices are clear and pork reaches 160 degrees internal temperature, about 15 more minutes.
healthy eating at home
To learn more about adding healthy foods to your diet, call Baptist Health Diabetes, Health and Nutrition Services, 859.260.5122 (Lexington).
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FALL 2015
Nonprofit Org US Postage PAID Columbus WI Permit No. 62
1740 Nicholasville Road Lexington, KY 40503
CONNECT WITH US: BaptistHealthLexington.com • BaptistHealthRichmond.com • BaptistHealthCorbin.com
FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE NEED A DOCTOR? Call 800.923.2762 (Corbin)
855.224.5465 (Lexington)
Abigail Byrnes, MD, oncology page 2
Dustin Devers, DO, family medicine page 6
859.625.3297 (Richmond)
Cliff Niemeier pharmacy page 5
Tyler Richmond, MD, cardiology page 2
Mark Your Calendars BAPTIST HEALTH CORBIN Baptist Golf Classic
BAPTIST HEALTH LEXINGTON Bariatric Surgery Seminars
BAPTIST HEALTH RICHMOND Paint the Town Pink Kickoff
Help raise funds to support the needs of patients. Details: 606.682.3725
Free program to learn about weight-loss surgery. Details: BaptistHealthWeightLoss.com
Kick off breast cancer awareness month and promote the importance of early detection.
Diabetes Prevention
Liberty Place 5K
Introductory class. Details: 859.260.5122
Funds raised support the Liberty Place Recovery Center for Women. Details: 859.625.0104
Monday, Sept. 21, registration 9 a.m. with shotgun start 10 a.m. Wasioto Winds, 114 State Hwy 190, Pineville
Thursdays, Sept. 17, Oct. 29, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. Baptist Health Lexington Education Center Auditorium, 1720 Nicholasville Road
Monday, Sept. 28, 5 p.m. Baptist Health Diabetes and Nutrition Education, 161 Lexington Green Circle
A Walk to Remember
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2 p.m. Lexington Cemetery, 833 W. Main St.
Paint the Town Pink
Saturday, Oct. 3, registration 5 p.m. with shotgun start 7 p.m. First Baptist Church/Gambrel Collision area. Two-mile run/walk to benefit breast cancer awareness.
Think Pink Dinner
Event to promote breast cancer awareness. Date: TBD Details: 606.523.8788
Honoring those who have lost a baby to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. Details or to RSVP: 859.260.6904
Shine a Light on Lung Cancer
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6 p.m. Signature Club of Lansdowne, 3256 Lansdowne Drive, Lexington Free program to increase lung cancer awareness and support patients and caregivers. Details: 859.260.3198
Thursday, Oct. 1 Madison County Courthouse, 101 W. Main St., Richmond
Saturday, Oct. 10 B. Michael Caudill Middle School, 1428 Dr. Robert R. Martin Bypass, Richmond
Perinatal Bereavement Support
Third Tuesday every month, 7 p.m. Baptist Health Richmond Education Center, Harper Square, 2150 Lexington Road, Suite A Details: 859.625.3818
A Walk to Remember
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2 p.m. Berea Cemetery, 500 Oak Grove Court A time to help parents and families heal after the loss of a child.
Diabetes Education Classes
Monthly. Baptist Health Richmond Education Center, Harper Square, 2150 Lexington Road, Suite A Details: 859.625.3167
New insurance plans coming in October from Baptist Health Plan: BaptistHealthPlan.com Flourish is published three times a year by Baptist Health’s Marketing office. Designed and produced by McMURRY/TMG, LLC. Flourish makes every effort to ensure that the information it contains is medically accurate and up to date. All material is for informational purposes and is intended to complement, not substitute for, the advice of your physician. Before trying any medical treatment or changing your present routine or program, consult with your physician, who can discuss your individual needs, symptoms and treatment. For more information, contact Ruth Ann Childers, Regional Marketing and Public Relations manager, at RChilders@BHSI.com, 859.260.6254 or Baptist Health, 1740 Nicholasville Road, Lexington, KY 40503.