Baptist Health Flourish - Paducah - Fall 2016

Be a healthier you

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BUSTED MYTHS, BETTER HEALTH Don't believe everything you hear about wellness, no matter how true it sounds

5

ways to spice up your health

plus: PLAN FOR YOUR HEART HEALTH

| THE REAL DEAL WITH E-CIGS

HEALTH TIPS

GET YOUR Vitamin D Bodies need vitamin D to keep bones strong, and sunlight is a great source. That’s not great news when the weather is turning cooler and the sun goes into hiding for days at a time.

But don’t fear — you can get enough vitamin D in the winter, says Beth Mueth, a Baptist Health Paducah dietitian.

For the body to produce sufficient vitamin D, it’s been estimated that all you need is a minimum five to 10 minutes of sun exposure, two to three

times a week. The body’s supply does get depleted, so you have to keep replenishing your stores. Older adults are especially at risk to be vitamin D-deficient; aging bodies are not as efficient in producing it.

Some foods are also good sources of vitamin D, including fortified milk and cereals, eggs, and fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna. You can take a supplement, too.

LINK NUTRITION, WEIGHT LOSS

Pair good nutrition with weight-loss for a healthier you. Sign up for a free medical and surgical weightloss information session. Call 270.575.8462.

When to Start

Mammograms START ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS AT 40, RIGHT? Well…it depends on who is answering the question.

The American Cancer Society and a federal task force recently changed their guidelines, increasing the starting age to 45 and 50, respectively.

But the recommendation of the American College of Radiology — the professional organization for

MAMMOGRAPHY IN 3D

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ALL PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK

Baptist Health Paducah experts can take a three-dimensional mammogram, the latest technology.

Learn more by calling the Baptist Health Line: 270.575.2918.

radiologists — is still age 40, says Jennifer Brien, MD, a diagnostic radiologist on the medical staff at Baptist Health Paducah.

Those with a family history of breast cancer should begin screening 10 years prior to the age of cancer onset in a premenopausal family member.

So how is a woman supposed to figure out what’s right for her?

“Really, it’s just having a very open and honest conversation with your doctor,” Dr. Brien said.

The organizations that made changes were seeking to reduce false positive results and the accompanying anxiety.

Dr. Brien said that the benefits of mammography as a screening tool outweigh the risks.

Spice is Nice

HEALTH TIPS

Using seasonings and herbs not only gives food some extra pep, but also can have health benefits. Here are a few spices to try: BLACK PEPPER: It acts as both an antioxidant and an antibacterial agent. It stimulates the breakdown of fat cells, which aids digestion and weight loss.

CHILI PEPPERS: Seasoning with heat can boost fat-burning capacity and lower blood pressure.

CINNAMON: It has been shown to lower inflammation, which has been linked to heart disease and cancer. It also reduces blood glucose concentrations in people with diabetes.

GOT A CASE OF THE SNIFFLES? Cooler weather brings football and bonfires, but also hay fever season. Here’s how to keep the sneezing to a minimum: SHUT IT OUT: Close windows and

use air conditioning to keep pollen exposure to a minimum.

CILANTRO/CORIANDER: It helps decrease “bad” cholesterol and increase “good” cholesterol.

GINGER: Its active ingredient is thought to relax blood vessels, stimulate blood flow and relieve pain, making it useful for arthritis, rheumatism and muscular aches. It’s also popular for treating indigestion and vomiting.

FIND DELICIOUS RECIPES Check out our blog for recipe ideas using some of these spices: BaptistHealthforYou.com

FILTERS: Use air filters, especially

if you have carpet. One HEPA filter per room is recommended. Cover air conditioning vents with cheesecloth to filter pollen.

WATCH THE WEATHER: When it’s

hot, dry and windy, pollen counts are usually highest. Stay inside if possible.

IMAGES BY THINKSTOCK

LATHER UP: When you get home,

wash your face and hands. If you’ve been outside for a while, shower, wash your hair and put on fresh clothes.

Sugar by any other name would still be as sweet. You know to look for sugar in the ingredients list when reading food labels. But do you know all of the other names it goes by? If you see any of these words on the label, beware — it's sugar.  Cane juice P  Clintose P

 Dextrose P  Malt P

 Sucrose P  Fructose P

(or high fructose corn syrup)

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How much 'common wisdom' is simply false?

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n apple a day won’t literally keep the doctor away. Going outside in the cold with wet hair won’t actually give you pneumonia. And Mom probably is at odds with medical professionals when she tells you to feed a cold and starve a fever. Is everything we’ve been told just plain wrong?

Probably not, but it’s undeniable that few topics inspire more myths than health and wellness.

The same do-this, don’t-do-that advice is repeated

Mythbusters

often and is just as often incorrect.

Here, we clear up a few falsehoods and offer some surprising-but-true facts that you can confidently share.

MYTH: The Crushing Pain Of Heart Attack

You know the dramatic scene on TV when someone is having a heart attack: The actor clutches his chest, gasps and drops to the floor in agony.

And for some, a heart attack is sudden and very painful. But studies have

Do you have a health myth that you’d like for Baptist Health experts to explore? Send us an email at Flourish@bhsi.com and put “myths” in the subject line. We might feature your favorite myth on our blog, BaptistHealthforYou.com.

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shown that as many as one-third of people not only don’t have debilitating chest pain when having a heart attack — they have no chest pain at all. (That is more commonly the case with women, particularly older women.)

In fact, some people have so few symptoms that they are surprised to learn later that they’ve had a heart attack. Less-obvious symptoms include pain in the upper body, including the arms and neck, and shortness of breath. Chest pain can be mild, and may feel like pressure or fullness in the center or left side of your chest.

Strange-but-true: Did you know that heart attacks are most likely to happen in the morning? Research has shown that the chance of sudden cardiac death peaks between 6-10 a.m. Scientists think the timing is tied to levels of proteins in the body that help regulate electrical activity in the heart.

A SAFER SMOKE? MYTH: Your Antiperspirant Is Giving You Cancer

It’s a rumor that never seems to die: the scary claim that wearing antiperspirant can give you breast cancer, because of the aluminum found in many underarm products.

But don’t sweat it: experts say there’s no conclusive evidence that this is true.

Some people think the aluminumbased compounds in antiperspirants are absorbed through the underarm skin and, along with parabens, can build up in breast tissue.

While a fair amount of research has turned up some parabens in breast cancer samples, studies did not show a link between the parabens and the creation of the cancer. So far, all that’s certain is that scientists have more work to do before declaring antiperspirants a breast cancer risk.

Strange-but-true: Did you know that sitting for six or more hours daily can up your chances of dying of cancer and other major diseases?

Women are at greater risk than men.

Cut your desk jockey time by taking the stairs, standing up to stretch at least once an hour, and going on a lunchtime stroll with co-workers.

IMAGE BY THINKSTOCK

MYTH: Women In Their 40s With Few Periods Can’t Get Pregnant

Can you get pregnant if you’re in your 40s and having fewer periods?

Yes, you sure can. If this is a surprise to you, it’s also a surprise to the many women over 40 who ended up with an unexpected bundle of joy.

The fact is, while women in their 40s do have declining fertility and are less likely to conceive than younger women, they still experience their fair share of unplanned pregnancies.

Bottom line: A slowing of periods can signal the beginning of menopause but it’s not until a year after a woman’s last period that medical professionals consider menopause complete. Contraception is still very important if you’re not looking to add to your clan.

Strange-but-true: All women, pregnant or not, should know that endometriosis, the abnormal growth of tissue in the uterus, has been linked to heart disease. The link is stronger for women age 40 or younger. While endometriosis is not preventable, lower your risk: avoid taking in large amounts of caffeine and alcohol, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.

MYTH: Vaccines Cause Autism

You hear a lot about vaccines and a link to autism, and the voices are loud. But fact reigns here: There is no scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism.

There’s also no evidence that the ingredients in vaccines cause autism.

Thimerosol has been removed from most vaccines to reduce children's exposure to mercury, but it has been ruled out as a cause of autism.

Strange-but-true: Taking an aspirin during a stroke could be a very bad move. But it’s complicated: Popping an aspirin to treat a ministroke caused by a clot is advised, but strokes that are caused by bleeding in the brain could get much worse with aspirin. The best thing to do with stroke symptoms? Call 911 for immediate medical help.

Finding The Truth

It’s tough to dismiss health advice that has been handed down for generations or considered common knowledge. And it’s easy to think something is true when you’ve seen it portrayed time and time again on TV or some “authority” is writing about it on the Internet.

You can separate the “facts” from the facts by trusting only reputable health sources that rely on peerreviewed studies and medical professionals. (Hint: Stay away from health advice via online message boards.)

In the end, the best way to separate wives’ tales from real health wisdom is to ask your doctor.

Ultimately — sorry, Mom — that’s who knows best.

Vaping, or using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), is gaining popularity, with use increasing among teenagers and adults. But even as more people embrace them, little is known about the ingredients of the nicotine-laced liquid inside the e-cigarette or longterm effects.

“Until recently, e-cigarettes were not regulated and not very well-studied, and even some of the studies are conflicting,” says Peter Locken, MD, a radiation oncologist on the medical staff at Baptist Health Paducah.

One study found that up to 30 percent of the products are contaminated with substances such as formaldehyde. And another showed that kids who have used e-cigarettes before ninth grade are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes.

Dr. Locken said he can think of only one instance when e-cigarettes might be useful. That’s when a longtime smoker uses e-cigarettes as a bridge to quit smoking traditional cigarettes, and then eventually stops using e-cigarettes, too.

Some of Dr. Locken’s patients have been able to do just that, but in his opinion, “that’s a very narrow spectrum.”

Patients who are addicted to nicotine have many more effective options to help them stop smoking, he said, including nicotine patches and gum.

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced the agency will start regulating the sale of e-cigarettes as it does tobacco, so they can’t be sold to people under 18. The agency also plans studies of the product.

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heart health action plan

HEART ATTACK OR HEARTBURN?

If you’re not sure about your symptoms, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Phone the Chest Pain & Stroke Hotline, 800.575.1911.

It’s surprisingly simple to improve your cardiovascular wellness

H

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Don’t shun your doctor. Getting regular checkups helps you to know your risk profile for heart disease. And it’s better to begin the process sooner rather than later. Screening for heart issues earlier in life can help head off any potential problems.

Control your weight. Your diet should have a good balance between carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fat. Monitor your intake of fiber (to be sure you get enough) and salt (to be sure you don’t get too much). Other good measures include controlling refined sugar and focusing on whole grains and complex carbohydrates. Keep portions small.

And remember…

Stress reduction is important. Having a positive outlook on life and enjoying day-to-day activities are key to a happier and healthier heart. Depression increases the risk of heart attack.

Connecting with others may also be a lifesaver. In cultures with a lot of socializing, people tend to have longer lives.

As Dr. Bose puts it, achieving heart health is about “making sure that life is in harmony and things are in balance.”

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

eart disease is nothing to take lightly — it’s the No. 1 killer of Kentucky men and women. But fortunately, there are things you can start doing today to decrease your risk. Sanjay Bose, MD, a Baptist Health Medical Group cardiologist, offers advice and techniques for a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Get adequate sleep at the right times. It’s not only the duration of sleep that’s important, but also the quality of sleep. Those who don’t get enough quality shut-eye can develop high blood pressure and heart rhythm problems, and they’re at a higher risk of having a heart attack. And turns out there is something to that “early-to-bed, early-to-rise” thing — studies show the later you stay up, the more likely you are to adopt unhealthy behaviors, such as overeating.

Walk it off — exercise. Walking for five days each week for 30 minutes at a time is ideal. Walking for exercise should be a step up from the kind of walking you’d do to get around the house or the office — brisk enough to make it a little difficult to carry on normal conversation.

Not-Fried, Any-Color Tomatoes

IN SEASON

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ried green tomatoes are a Southern staple.

And the good news is that the key ingredient offers a wealth of health benefits. Tomatoes contain three important antioxidants — betacarotene, vitamin E and vitamin C — which are substances that help protect the body from damage that can cause cancer and other serious health problems.

Tomatoes also provide a healthy dose of potassium, which is linked to lower blood pressure.

Now you can enjoy a lighter, healthier version of fried green tomatoes without worrying about collateral damage to your body. This version involves cooking in the oven, which produces a similar crunchy result but is much healthier than frying. You can try the same method with other Southern favorites, such as fried chicken. The end result is still delicious.

Crispy Oven-Cooked Tomatoes Serves: 6 | Calories per serving: 173

⁄2 cup all-purpose flour

1

2 large eggs, lightly beaten 5 cups cornflakes, crushed Salt and pepper ⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1

2 pounds firm tomatoes (any color), cut into 1/4-inch rounds

PHOTO BY GETTY

Lemon wedges or ranch dressing, for serving Directions Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place wire racks in rimmed baking sheets. Place flour, eggs, and cornflakes in three separate shallow dishes and season each with salt and pepper.

Stir cayenne into flour mixture. Coat each tomato slice first in flour, then eggs, then cornflakes, pressing lightly to adhere. Arrange tomatoes in a single layer on racks and bake until deep golden brown, about 15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Serve with lemon wedges or ranch dressing.

wer TIP: For fe y an olive tr , s e ri lo , ca inegar dip oil-and-v ish sauce or d ra horse d-blacka corn-ansh. bean reli

You like to-may-toes, I like to-mah-toes

Find yummy uses for tomatoes, from fresh tomato sauce to meatless chili and salads at our blog, BaptistHealthforYou.com.

From Martha Stewart, Everyday Food, September 2012

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FALL 2016

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NEED A DOCTOR? Go to BaptistHealthPaducah.com.

Jennifer Brien, MD radiology Page 2

Peter Locken, MD radiation oncology

Beth Mueth, RD dietetics

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Sanjay Bose, MD cardiology Page 6

ADVANCED UROLOGY CARE RIGHT HERE Donald Spicer, MD Matthew Young, MD

Charles Ransler, MD

Michael Knox, MD

Baptist Health Medical Group is pleased to welcome Donald Spicer, MD; Charles Ransler, MD; Michael Knox, MD; and Matthew Young, MD, to Baptist Health Medical Group Urology. The group is board certified and offers multiple minimally invasive treatments, including Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment for kidney stones.

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Appointments: 270.442.3539

Baptist Health Medical Group Urology 2603 Kentucky Ave., Paducah, KY 42003 BaptistHealthMedicalGroup.com

Flourish is published three times a year by it PM Urology Group Ad-Flourish 7.7x6.indd 1 the Marketing office of Baptist Health. Designed and produced by MANIFEST LLC. Flourish makes every effort to ensure that the information 8/1/16 1:59 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 Catherine Sivills, Regional Marketing & Public Relations manager, at Catherine.Sivills@BHSI.com or Baptist Health, 2501 Kentucky Ave., Paducah, KY 42003.