Bloom Spring 2017

What’s hurting your heart? | A fix for fibroids | Depression in seniors

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services

Nurturing women’s health in Colorado Springs

Smooth

integration Blending traditional and complementary medicine for better cancer care

Managing

Menopause Symptoms How an annual physical can help Page 7

Spring 2017 Volume 7, Issue 2

HealthyStart

Hidden Heart Risks

Research is turning up surprising connections between common conditions and heart disease

Dr. James Schmidt

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and family history get attention as heart disease risks.

But researchers increasingly are connecting a number of other health conditions and greater risk of heart disease — especially in women. The findings are important, particularly because “women have generally been underserved in heart disease research,” says James Schmidt, MD, a cardiologist at Colorado Springs Cardiology, A Centura Health Clinic.

LESSER-KNOWN LINKS TO HEART DISEASE Migraine Women with migraines may have a 39 percent higher risk of heart attack, a recent study found.

Endometriosis Studies show that women with endometriosis — the abnormal and often painful growth of uterine tissue — have up to a 60 percent higher risk of heart disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis This inflammatory disease more than doubles your risk of heart disease.

Researchers don’t always understand the connection between these conditions and heart disease. But there are common threads, Schmidt says.

Cause and effect When migraine includes the visual disturbances known as aura, it is, like heart disease, a vascular condition. Schmidt cautions against taking excessive doses of migraine medication, particularly with certain antidepressants, as the combination can cause heart attacks.

With endometriosis and arthritis, the link to heart disease may be inflammation. “Statins and other therapies we give for heart problems help these inflammatory conditions as well,” Schmidt says.

He suggests limiting ibuprofen, too. “It is anti-inflammatory, but it shifts the inflammatory balance.”

One simple prevention step: Get a flu shot. “Flu triggers an inflammatory response. A lot of people have heart attacks when they have the flu.”

Mended Hearts provides education, support, and hope to heart patients and their families.

Learn more on Page 11. bloom is published four times annually by Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. Executive editor is Jill Woodford. As part of Centura Health, our mission is to nurture the health of the people in our community. The information herein is meant to complement and not replace advice provided by a licensed health care professional. For comments or to unsubscribe to this publication, please email us at bloom@centura.org. bloom is produced by Clementine Healthcare Marketing.

That depends, says Jack Sharon, MD, medical director of emergency Dr. Jack Sharon services at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. “If you’re not really sick, they’re great.”

Many freestanding emergency rooms have boardcertified emergency physicians on staff, and they can provide all the care you need for an ankle sprain, sore throat, or nagging cough.

But in a serious emergency — such as a heart attack or stroke — seconds count, and getting proper treatment quickly can make all the difference. A hospital ER can provide clotbusting stroke treatment or emergency intervention in the case of a heart attack within minutes, Sharon says. Most freestanding ERs cannot.

Of course, laypeople aren’t trained to diagnose a heart attack, or distinguish a true medical emergency from serious discomfort.

“So my bias would be to err on the side of being conservative with your health,” Sharon says.

“If you really think you’re sick, go to a full-service hospital emergency department.”

Watch Beyond the Waiting Room, a 30-minute, behindthe-scenes look at what really happens in the emergency room, featuring real patients and Penrose Hospital emergency room staff at penrosestfrancis.org.

2222 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

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How bad is it ...

To go to a freestanding ER?

For the man in your life

PSA screening: Helpful or harmful?

F

or most men, PSA screening for prostate cancer does more harm than good, says the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. PSA levels are usually high in men with prostate cancer, but test results may say cancer is present when it’s not.

The test also can detect prostate cancer that is slow-growing. In those cases, treatment, with the possibility of urinary incontinence and/or impotence, may not be worth it.

On the other hand, better treatments with lower likelihood of side effects, have been developed since the task force’s 2012 guidelines.

“There are no clear-cut answers about PSA screening,” says Joe Hazuka, PA, a physician assistant at Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care.

He advises working with your doctor to make a personal screening decision, but offers these recommendations: Men at average risk: • 50-69: Consider screening • 70+: Skip screening unless you expect to live at least 15 more years Men with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors: • 40: Baseline PSA test • 45: Another PSA test • 50+: Annual test

If the man in your life needs a primary care provider, visit penrosestfrancis.org to find one near you.

Choosing the right health insurance

after age 65

Navigating health insurance after age 65 is confusing. “Start your research at least six months before turning 65,” says Sheri Lasater, director of revenue cycle at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. “Look at the available options and decide what fits your situation.”

You can sign up for Medicare from three months before to three months after your 65th birthday. If you miss that window, you will have to wait until the following year between Jan. 1 and March 31. Medicare supplemental insurance and/or a drug plan may make sense depending on your health conditions. If you’re still working, check with your employer to see if you can stay on their plan if it provides better coverage for the cost.

65+ health insurance options • Medicare: - Hospitalization (Part A) - Doctors’ services and outpatient care (Part B) • Continuing employer coverage • Medicare supplemental insurance that covers copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles • Drug plans to cover prescriptions Visit penrosestfrancis.org/bloom to download a worksheet to help you decipher your insurance options after age 65.

FAST FACT For elderly pet owners who live alone or in group facilities, pets can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity.

The doctor will see you now … virtually

When you need a doctor in the middle of the night or don’t have time to see your primary care doctor, a visit to Centura Health online lets you see a board-certified doctor 24/7 by phone or secure video. Our doctors diagnose and treat common medical problems like cold, flu, rash, or diarrhea. And they can prescribe medication.

Virtual care visits are powered by MDLIVE, available on any mobile device with an internet connection. Get the app in the iTunes or Google Play stores. Each virtual care visit is $49.

This service is not for medical emergencies.

Create your FREE account at centura.org/virtual-care.

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75%

A blend of conventional and complementary CANCER treatments targets healing of body, mind, and spirit

of cancer patients are using some form of alternative therapy. 50% are not telling their oncologists.

After treatment for prostate cancer, Gary King, 70, turned to naturopathic medicine — including healthy eating — to help him with symptoms and side effects.

Penrose Cancer Center is part of the Centura Health Cancer Network, delivering integrated, advanced cancer care across Colorado and western Kansas.

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fter watching both of his parents die of cancer, Gary King was terrified when he was diagnosed with early prostate cancer. At Penrose Cancer Center, King had a type of radiation therapy called CyberKnife®, which delivers extremely accurate, high-dose radiation to tumors. The 70-year-old Colorado Springs resident beat the cancer, but he was left with stress and pain that he thought was from the radiation therapy.

King started exploring natural ways to heal, but wanted to make sure whatever he used would be safe. “There’s a lot of bad stuff out there, and a lot of people who will say, ‘Try this or do that,’ but they don’t have medical knowledge,” he says.

Protecting patients from harm Like King, most cancer patients today are at least curious about complementary medicine, Dr. Bryan M. Davis which includes natural medicine. But few understand the risks they take when using complementary medicine on their own or when using alternative treatments instead of conventional Dr. Brita Mutti medical treatments.

“We want to keep patients safe and prevent them from being harmed by the things they’re taking and doing,” says Bryan M. Davis, MD, medical director of the Penrose Cancer Center. That’s why the center has expanded its Integrative Oncology Program to include naturopathic medicine, provided by Brita Mutti, ND (naturopathic doctor), a board-certified naturopathic oncologist.

“I spend a lot of time educating patients to make sure that they are not taking things that are harmful or will interfere with their treatment, and that they have a clear understanding about common alternative cancer therapies,” says Mutti. Some herbs and nutrients that have anticancer effects, for example, also have the potential to make some conventional treatments less effective.

“What drives me to do this kind of work is seeing people with early-stage disease who refuse conventional treatment and eventually develop metastatic disease (cancer that spreads). I don’t see people doing solely alternative treatments

penrosestfrancis.org

who are curing their disease,” says Mutti, who believes that optimal medicine combines the best of conventional treatment with the best of holistic or whole-person medicine. She defines wholeperson medicine as treatments targeted at helping or healing body, mind, spirit, and emotions.

Naturopathic medicine, one type of holistic medicine, uses natural treatments and traditional healing methods that have been scientifically researched along with conventional medical approaches to: • Reduce side effects of cancer treatment • Improve chemotherapy outcomes • Improve healing after surgery and radiation Custom wellness During the first visit, Mutti discusses the patient’s health history and wellness goals, and develops a custom wellness plan with recommendations and resources. “We talk about strategies to optimize wellness and support resilience for cancer treatment and recovery,” she says. Every plan includes a discussion about developing or improving a mindfulness practice to reduce stress, like guided meditation, prayer, breath work, and/ or yoga. Diet plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system, so Mutti identifies and treats nutritional deficiencies. Since people always want to know why they developed cancer, she discusses this and offers recommendations to reduce their risk of recurrence. Other recommendations can include nutrients and herbs that can help prevent cancer or recurrence.

King first saw Mutti after he completed his cancer treatment because he was having stomach pain that he attributed to his radiation treatment.

Mutti determined that his stomach pain was Continued on Page 6

When a flashy website offers a cure for cancer, patients want to believe that it’s true. But miracle cures don’t exist. “There are a lot of people and companies that are just taking advantage of cancer patients and promising them things that are not true.

They promise to cure everything if you pay an exorbitant amount of money,” says Bryan M. Davis, MD, medical director of the Penrose Cancer Center.

There’s no government regulation of natural, complementary, and alternative treatments. So people and companies offering cancer “cures” and “treatments” can make claims without any proof. Usually, these claims are really convincing, says Brita Mutti, ND, a board-certified naturopathic oncologist at Penrose Cancer Center.

“It’s very difficult for patients to know whether what they see on the internet is credible.”

So how do you know if something is too good to be true? Be wary of any cancer treatment that claims it: • Cures all types of cancer • Is only available in limited supplies • Is a: - “Miraculous cure” - “Scientific breakthrough” - “Ancient remedy” Fewer side effects from cancer treatment Natural treatments, which should only be used under a doctor’s supervision, can help relieve many side effects of cancer treatment, including: • Nausea • Fatigue • Constipation • Diarrhea • Mouth sores • Neuropathy • Insomnia • Memory changes • Skin problems • Low red and white blood cell counts

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Medicine

Convincing ‘miracle’ cures for cancer

FAST FACT mostly due to stress. So she developed a plan to reduce his stress and help with his other medical problems, which include Hashimoto’s disease (a thyroid gland condition caused by stress), high blood pressure, being overweight, and sleep apnea. “We’re working on optimizing his wellness in general and supporting his healing from his cancer treatment,” she says.

A 21-day detox, consisting of vegetable-based smoothies, protein, and organic fruits and vegetables, helped King remove the residual effects of unhealthy habits and begin the healing process. “I started losing weight and feeling healthier,” says King, who now regularly eats healthy, natural foods.

Mutti adjusted some of King’s medications, and substituted deglycerized licorice, an herbal remedy for reflux, for his proton-pump inhibitor. This eliminated King’s reflux and all of the side effects he was having from the drug. She also advises him on the use of supplements. “If somebody says to try something, like calcium or magnesium, I can go to her and find out whether it will help, and get a medical opinion on how to do it properly,” King says.

Mutti works closely with other doctors at the Penrose Cancer Center, sending the referring doctor her recommendations for the patient, and the evidence behind each recommendation. She also participates in the center’s multidisciplinary clinics, where a team of doctors develops and implements customized treatment plans for each patient.

“I’m seeing a lot of improvement,” says King, who’s lost about 30 pounds so far, has more energy, and is sleeping better. “Dr. Mutti is helping me heal myself.”

For chemotherapy to kill a cancer cell, the cell needs to be in an active state.

Some natural supplements are able to place the cell in a dormant phase, making chemotherapy ineffective.

4 FREE Integrative Oncology Classes From easy chair yoga to therapeutic drumming, to mindfulness meditation, or combined nutrition and exercise classes, the Penrose Cancer Center Integrative Oncology Program helps cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve the quality of their lives.

“Integrative therapies give people some control over what’s going on,” says Sherry Martin, LCSW, OSW-C, oncology social work supervisor. “Our classes help people reduce their stress, which strengthens the immune system.”

All classes are free. Easy chair yoga is offered once a week.

A combined nutrition and exercise class is held every month.

Other classes are offered once a week for a month.

To see all classes and dates, and to register, go online to penrosestfrancis.org and click on “Calendar of Classes”.

Does integrative oncology work?

Researchers at Penrose Cancer Center are conducting a clinical trial to learn more about whether and how integrated treatments help cancer patients. The trial looks at outcomes including stress, happiness, and overall quality of life. “We hope to show that integrative oncology makes a difference with this study,” says Bryan M. Davis, MD, medical director of the Penrose Cancer Center.

To learn more about the Integrative Oncology Program or to ask about a consult visit with a naturopathic physician, call 719-776-5281.

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Continued from Page 5

& QA Dominique Walker, MD Penrose-St. Francis Primary and Urgent Care 3027 North Circle Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80909 719-776-4646

Living life to the fullest

after menopause Q: Do I need to see a doctor if

Q: What else could a physical

A: Even though you feel healthy and

A: Thyroid disorders and depression are common after about age 50. The thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, often starts getting “sluggish” (hypothyroidism). This can cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, and brittle nails. It also increases your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. If a blood test shows hypothyroidism, medication can help.

Women don’t think they’re depressed because they’re not sad, and some symptoms of menopause and depression are similar. It takes a conversation with your doctor to figure out the problem.

I’m feeling fine?

energetic, things in your body change during and after menopause. This is a good time to take inventory with your primary care doctor and develop a health plan to live the next 50 years to the fullest.

Q: Why do I need an annual physical?

A: An annual physical provides information

you need to take charge of your health.

We identify your risk factors for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and other risks such as family history of breast, colon, or ovarian cancer. Then we discuss how to prevent those things from potentially causing disease and affecting your quality of life. You can’t control age and family history, so it’s important to focus on the things you can control: how you eat, how active you are, your weight, and not smoking.

Getting your doctor’s input on ever-changing guidelines is another reason for an annual physical. For example, the American Cancer Society recommends a mammogram every year, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force doesn’t. Your doctor can help you decide what’s right for you.

find?

Q: Can my doctor help me get through menopause?

A: The most important thing you can do is exercise. Other treatments are talk therapy and antidepressants, which help with hot flashes, overeating, lack of motivation, fatigue, sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating, depression, and irritability. We shy away from hormone replacement therapy, but some women need it. We use as little as possible for as little time as possible, and monitor for problems.

Dr. Dominique Walker Dr. Walker spends her free time painting landscapes and hiking.

From her first job in her dad’s chiropractic clinic, Walker has always wanted to help people be healthy. She started out as a chiropractor and then went to medical school. “I needed more tools to help my patients,” she says. Walker cares for patients of all ages, including many older patients. She enjoys hiking in the mountains with her husband, Steve, and using her hands to create things, from paintings of landscapes to great meals.

To make an appointment with Dr. Walker, call 719-776-4646.

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technology

Relief from

uterine fibroids

Women with uterine fibroids often are referred for a hysterectomy.

But those women also might be candidates for a nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatment that allows them to keep their uterus, says Dr. Asheesh Harsha Penrose-St. Francis Health Services interventional radiologist Asheesh Harsha, MD. Unfortunately, few women with this problem have even heard of uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE, says Harsha, an expert in minimally invasive image-guided diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

“There are nonsurgical alternative treatment options for fibroids that are safe, effective, low-cost, and allow rapid return to normal activities,” Harsha says. “The first step is for women to identify if they have symptoms related to fibroids, which often can be vague. Then they should consult with their doctors to discuss which treatment is right for them.”

UFE Results

More than 80 percent of women who choose UFE experience improvement in symptoms and rapid recovery. A small portion may require another procedure, and a very small number eventually have a hysterectomy to control symptoms.

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What you should know about uterine fibroids More than half of women over 50 will have developed noncancerous uterine growths during their lifetimes, but most don’t have symptoms. Those who do may experience: • Heavy menstrual bleeding • Pain and pressure • Bloating • Increased urination frequency • Pain during intercourse The good news is that uterine fibroids aren’t associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer themselves.

The UFE procedure UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist while the patient is sedated. Unlike hysterectomy, it doesn’t require general anesthesia. The interventional radiologist makes a tiny incision in the groin and inserts a flexible tube called a catheter into the femoral artery.

Using X-ray, the physician guides the catheter into the uterine arteries. He then releases thousands of microscopic particles that block blood flow to the tumors, causing them to shrink and die.

UFE typically requires a hospital stay of only one night, while medications are given to control cramping and pain. Many women are able to return to normal activities within a week to 10 days. In comparison, hysterectomy is a major surgery that, for some patients, may require a multiple-day hospital stay and recovery time of several weeks.

If you are having symptoms listed above, talk to your primary care doctor or OB-GYN.

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Common problem BENEFITS FROM AN uncommon solution

Depression: Not a normal part of aging Symptoms of depression in older adults Most common symptoms: • Problems sleeping • Fatigue and decreased energy • Loss of interest in activities • Poor memory and concentration Other symptoms: • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/ or helplessness • Irritability and restlessness • Overeating or appetite loss • Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts • Pain, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment

Gray hair. Wrinkles. These are inevitable effects of aging. What’s not a normal part of aging is depression.

And more importantly, it can be treated, which is key because depression can increase risk for heart disease and worsen overall health.

Depression is different …

When depression strikes older adults, often for the first time in their lives, it’s usually not diagnosed or treated. “Older adults are less likely to feel sad or to realize they’re depressed,” says Diane A. DeMallie, MD, a psychiatrist at Centura Health Physician Group Behavioral Health. “Even though lots of older people of older adults with have physical problems, losses, and stressors, only 15 percent get depressive depression get symptoms.” But, of those, fewer than 10 percent get help. treatment.

There also can be a stigma with talking about symptoms and emotions, says DeMallie. And doctors may attribute symptoms of depression to chronic health conditions or medications.

Only about

10%

… But treatment works the same Once diagnosed, seniors benefit from the same treatments that work for younger adults — antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or talk therapy, helps older adults change their thinking and behavior to become more resilient. Many patients can improve in less than 12 sessions.

Participating in meaningful activities and exercising both relieve depression. “Research shows that getting older people doing activities again can decrease depressive symptoms,” DeMallie says. “If they can’t do the activities they used to do, find a substitute for what they used to enjoy.” Walking 20 to 30 minutes a day, especially outdoors in sunlight, or water exercise, are great options. penrosestfrancis.org

Getting help for a loved one

If multiple symptoms continue for two weeks or longer, get help. “Usually older people are OK with going to their primary care doctor. Go with them and discuss the symptoms,” DeMallie suggests. Consider seeing a therapist or psychiatrist if the doctor doesn’t treat the depression or for therapy. Find a senior center where your loved one can participate in activities, social groups, and support groups. Getting involved in religious, spiritual, or volunteer activities also can help.

To get help for your loved one at Centura Health Physician Group Behavioral Health, call 719-776-6850.

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Taking a Safe Health Care Journey: How to Be Part of

calendar

Spring

Presented by Patty Skolnik and Linda Sample Date | Sat, Apr 29 Time | 9 a.m.-Noon Location | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs, 1775 East Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard Cost | FREE Registration penrosestfrancis.org/ hcjourney

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Your Health Care Team In 2001, Patty and David Skolnik spent nearly three years watching their only child, Michael,

play victim to a broken health care system as a result of unnecessary brain surgery. Due to medical error caused by negligence and incompetence, routine expectations of the health care system proved ineffective in providing quality medical care and patient safety for 22-year-old Michael. Taught by this harrowing real-life experience, Patty has become a patient safety expert and advocate for shared decision making, informed consent, and improving patient/provider relationships in health care. Join us to hear Patty’s story and leave prepared to be a patient advocate who can contribute to better outcomes should a loved one become hospitalized. In this three-hour seminar you will: • Understand what patient safety is and its importance • Identify who could or should not be an advocate • Learn the duties, responsibilities, and barriers for a patient advocate • Identify hospital staff and their primary duties to patients • Learn how to properly communicate and partner with the health care team • Learn what shared decision making is and patient centeredness • Identify tools and resources Refreshments and complimentary patient medical journal provided. Must register by April 25.

Penrose-St. Francis offers more than amazing care. We’re also a great place to work! Find a career at careers.centura.org.

Mind Over Matter Brain Injury Support Group Date | 3rd Thu of the month Time | 5:30-7 p.m.

Location | Penrose Pavilion, 2312 North Nevada Avenue, 2nd Floor Cost | FREE Registration | penrosestfrancis.org/ bisupport or search under “Calendar of Events” at penrosestfrancis.org Education, emotional support, and opportunities for socialization and peer support to brain injury survivors, caregivers, family, and friends.

Mindfulness Meditation Date | Thursdays, May 11-Jun 1 Time | 2 p.m.

Location | Penrose Cancer Center, 2222 North Nevada Avenue, 1st Floor Conference Rooms A & B Cost | FREE Registration | Sherry Martin at 719-776-5311 A four-week workshop to introduce you to mindfulness, meditation, and creative expression.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Date | Tuesdays, Jun 6-27 Time | 4:30 p.m.

Location | Penrose Cancer Center, 2222 North Nevada Avenue, 1st Floor Conference Rooms A & B Cost | FREE Registration | Niki Saigeon at 719-776-5878 Learn the behavioral skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services

Matters of the Heart Date | Sat, Apr 29 Time | 8:30-11 a.m.

Location | Centura Health Broadmoor, 1263 Lake Plaza Drive, Suite 230 Cost | FREE Registration | penrosestfrancis.org/ moth or 719-571-8605 Cardiologists Dr. Paul Sherry and Dr. David Albrecht, with Colorado Springs Cardiology, A Centura Health Clinic, will discuss the main risk factors of heart disease and teach prevention techniques to keep your heart healthy. A registered dietitian will share helpful hints for heart-healthy food choices, and an exercise physiologist will demonstrate commonsense ways to strengthen and tone your way to heart fitness.

Space limited to 50. Blood pressure checks from 8-8:30 a.m. (A repeat of the Jan. 28, 2017 seminar)

Mended Hearts Date | Mon, May 1 Time | 4:30 p.m.

Location | Penrose Pavilion, 2312 North Nevada Avenue, Conference Room A Cost | FREE Registration | Diana Schmitz at 719-776-4864 or dianaschmitz@ centura.org Mended Hearts is a communitybased organization designed to inspire hope and improve the quality of life for heart patients and their families through ongoing support, peer-to-peer hospital visits, education, and monthly group meetings. Our goal is to create a strong local support group that is run by and for the cardiac population in any stage of event — pre-op to recovery, and thereafter. Open to men and women.

Stepping On! Date | Fridays, May 5-Jun 16 Time | 10 a.m.-Noon Location | Penrose Pavilion, 2312 North Nevada Avenue, Conference Room B Cost | FREE Registration | 719-776-5926 Stepping On! is a community-based workshop offered once a week for seven weeks using adult education and self-efficacy principles. In a small group setting, older adults learn balance exercises and develop specific knowledge and skills to prevent falls. Older adults who should attend are those who are at risk for falling, have a fear of falling, or who have fallen one or more times. The workshop is co-led by a health care professional and a lay leader. Local guest experts assist by providing information on exercise, vision, safety, and medications. Limited to 14 participants.

Skin Cancer Screening Date | Sat, May 6 Time | 8-11:30 a.m.

Location | Peak Vista Family Health Center, 225 South Union Boulevard Cost | FREE Registration | uchealth.org/healthlink or 719-630-4982 Penrose Cancer Center is partnering with Peak Vista Community Health Centers, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, UCHealth Memorial Hospital, and the American Academy of Dermatology to offer FREE skin cancer screenings. Physicians will check areas of concern and will refer you to your primary care provider if needed. penrosestfrancis.org

2nd Annual Stroke and the Art of Living Community Conference Date | Sat, May 6 Time | 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (7-8 a.m. breakfast/registration) Location | Penrose Cancer Center, 2222 North Nevada Avenue, Cancer Center Conference Rooms Cost | FREE Registration | penrosestfrancis.org/ stroke2017 or 719-776-5731 Professional talks on post-strokerelated issues stroke survivors and their caregivers face. Topics this year are ALL NEW and chosen based on last year’s feedback. Topics include: medication and secondary stroke prevention, easy healthy cooking options, caregiver burnout, psychological adjustment after stroke, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and Qi Gong (a type of long-term conditioning option after stroke).

Continental breakfast and boxed lunch provided. Limited to 55 people. Must register by Apr. 27.

Healthy Eating on a Budget Date | Tue, May 9, 4-5 p.m., CHPG Primary Care Broadmoor, 1263 Lake Plaza Drive; Wed, May 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Tri-Lakes YMCA Community Room, 17230 Jackson Creek Parkway; Thu, May 11, 4-5 p.m., Penrose-St. Francis Primary and Urgent Care, 3027 North Circle Drive Cost | FREE Registration | penrosestfrancis.org/ may9, penrosestfrancis.org/may10, or penrosestfrancis.org/may11 Learn how to make healthy food choices while on a budget. Find out if eating organic food is worth the cost.

Come away with some affordable healthy menu options.

Learn to Quit Date | Thu, May 11 Time | 5:30-7 p.m.

Location | Penrose Cancer Center, 2222 North Nevada Avenue, Conference Rooms A-C Cost | FREE Registration | email your first and last name, email address, and phone number to quitnow@centura.org A FREE workshop designed for people who are ready to quit tobacco or may be thinking about quitting tobacco. Participants will learn how to overcome nicotine addiction, manage cravings and triggers, use medications to help reduce cravings, and develop a personalized quit plan.

Limited to 75 people. For more info, call 719-776-7348.

WomenHeart Support Network Date | 2nd Tue of month Time | Noon-1:30 p.m.

Location | Penrose Pavilion, 2312 North Nevada Avenue, Conference Room A Cost | FREE Info | Elizabeth at 626-688-3420 or Stephanie at 719-200-2645 Support, advocacy, and education for survivors of heart disease and stroke.

Led by peers who have experienced heart disease or stroke, our goal is to thrive for the best quality of life.

Chair Yoga Date | Wednesdays Time | 10:30 a.m.

Location | Tri-Lakes Family Center YMCA, 17230 Jackson Creek Parkway, Multi-Purpose Room 2 Cost | $10/session Registration | 719-481-8728 Ground your mind and body with chair yoga. Perfect for all levels, and it’s a great way to stretch your body and relieve tension while at home or at work.

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What If? What Else? What Now? Date | Sat, Apr 29 Time | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location | Penrose Hospital, 2222 North Nevada Avenue, Barry Nolan Boardroom Cost | $125/person Registration | sarastrategies.com/ register.html Are you exploring a career change, a recent empty nester, or just in need of guidance on the next chapter of your life? Experience a one-day interactive, life planning session facilitated by best-selling author Sara Boatz. You’ll identify your dreams, articulate your goals, and leave with a clear purpose, direction, and a written plan to live the life of your dreams. Seminar includes continental breakfast, boxed lunch, work binder, and book. Registration is required by April 24. Payment due at time of registration.

Non-Profit Org US POSTAGE

The best health care this side of the Mississippi.

PAID

Denver, CO Permit No. 4773

2222 North Nevada Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80907

entityhospital.org

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is part of Centura Health, the region’s leading health care network. Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at 303-804-8166. Copyright © Centura Health, 2017.

Taming Inflammation entityhospital.org

With Noelle Stock, MS, ACE, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services wellness coach, registered nutritionist, certified specialist in

ost people are familiar with the inflammation you can see, like the type that’s associated with swelling from an injury. But inflammation occurs deep within the body, too, without you even knowing it. And it can lead to chronic

conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

“Inflammation is a necessary and beneficial process for acute injuries or infections,” Stock says. “However, when inflammation is continuous and chronic, over time it creates damage to tissues, which ultimately leads to chronic disease.”

Chronic inflammation is caused by stress, autoimmune disease, excess body fat, poor sleep, and certain foods.

“Consuming too much sugar, saturated fat, and trans fat can cause inflammation,” Stock says. “On the other hand, certain foods have also been found to reduce inflammation.”

Here are 10 types of foods that will feed inflammation and 11 that will tame it.

Foods that

Foods that

inflammation

inflammation

feed

• Sugar-sweetened beverages • Diet drinks that contain aspartame • Alcohol • Full-fat cheeses • Fried and processed foods • Stick margarine • Mayonnaise and store-bought salad dressing • White bread and other refined carbohydrates • Prepared Asian food, fast food, soup mixes, and deli meats that contain MSG • Wheat, rye, and barley products

tame

• Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring • Tofu or edamame • Extra-virgin olive, avocado, safflower, and walnut oil • Tart cherries and colorful berries • Green tea • Citrus fruits • Oatmeal, brown rice, and whole grains • Red, kidney, and pinto beans • Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and sprouts • Leafy greens, including spinach and kale • Pungent spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon

It’s not just about what you eat but how you prepare it.

Foods cooked at high temperatures — think grilled, broiled, fried, and microwaved meats — produce compounds that increase inflammation, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Limit these cooking methods.

Losing

10%

of your body weight can greatly reduce inflammation in the body, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition Research Reviews.

Photos:©istockphoto.com/fcafotodigital, /robynmac

M

sports dietetics, and group fitness instructor