Elevate Fall 2017

Living at the height of wellness FALL 2017 | VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4

TEE UP GOOD HEALTH Exercise could be the right medicine to get you back in the swing of life Page 3

4

WAYS TO

PREVENT COLON CANCER Page 5

YOUR TEEN’S FIRST GYN VISIT Page 4

6 SECRET BENEFITS OF HAVING A FAMILY DOCTOR Page 6

SIGNS OF SILENT STROKES IN AGING PARENTS Page 7

Fall

HEALTH BRIEFS

TURNING THE BIG Women need to know what’s normal and what’s not at this major health milestone

-

SIGNS YOUR THYROID IS UNDERPERFORMING

NEED ANOTHER

reason TO KEEP

POUNDS OFF?

Here’s one: your brain.

A recent study of more than 8,000 women ages 65-79 found that with each one-unit increase in body mass index, scores on a Dr. Anna Lisa Jones measure of cognitive abilities dropped by nearly one point. Keeping pounds off can be a struggle for older women, but maintaining healthy weight may help preserve cognitive abilities, says Anna Lisa Jones, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at RidgeGate OBGYN.

HYSTERECTOMIES

CAUSE RAPID BONE LOSS M

ost women today undergoing hysterectomies have their ovaries removed along with their uterus, a procedure called an oophorectomy. While this procedure eliminates the risk of ovarian cancer, it has an often overlooked side effect: Women who have their ovaries removed prior to menopause lose bone mass at twice the rate of women who still have their ovaries, according to a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

If you’ve had your ovaries removed, you should get a bone density test every two years, regardless of your age (young or old), says Anna Lisa Jones, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist with RidgeGate OBGYN. If your results are low, talk to your doctor about medication that could slow bone loss. Plus, get adequate calcium and vitamin D, do daily weight-bearing exercises, quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, and talk to your doctor about medications that can accelerate bone loss — such as antacids and steroids.

NEEDS PAP TESTS? o h W es American Cancer Society guidelin

results say women with normal Pap test V HP s should continue Pap tests plu test Pap a screening every five years or 65. age il alone every three years unt e had a The exception: Women who hav ries ova of l total hysterectomy (remova ir the at and cervix) can stop testing doctor’s recommendation.

SCHEDULE A BONE SCAN

Women at average risk for osteoporosis should begin bone density screening at age 65.

Screenings require a physician referral and can be scheduled at the following Centura Health South Denver centers: • Castle Rock Adventist Hospital: 720-263-4245 • Littleton Adventist Hospital: 1-844-325-5579 • Parker Adventist Hospital: 720-809-8956 • Porter Adventist Hospital: 1-844-325-5584 • Meridian and Southlands: 720-809-8956

ELEVATE is published four times annually by Castle Rock Adventist Hospital — Portercare Adventist Health System. Executive editor is Christine Alexander. 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 elevate@centura.org. ELEVATE is produced by Clementine Healthcare Marketing.

2350 MEADOWS BOULEVARD | CASTLE ROCK, CO 80109 | 720-455-5000

ELEVATE

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Fall 2017

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Hormonal changes in women around 50 often can be attributed to perimenopause, but the chances of developing hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) increase during midlife as well. Here are five signs to watch for: 1. You’re cold when others aren’t.

2. You tire more easily.

3. You’re constipated without cause.

4. Your skin is dry.

5. You’re forgetful and depressed.

Rx

EXERCISE KINESIOLOGIST: A health care professional with expertise in physiology and biology who uses physical movement to improve patients’ health and quality of life.

DEFINITION

WHY JUST MANAGE A DISEASE IF IT CAN BE CURED? ESPECIALLY WHEN FITNESS IS A KEY COMPONENT.

I

magine visiting your doctor and having him or her prescribe exercise as part of your care.

That’s a reality at HealthFit Family Medicine, a primary care practice in Castle Rock that also has its own gym. Drew Werner, MD, and Dr. Drew Werner his HealthFit colleagues are aiming to rethink medicine by preventing disease and optimizing health instead of merely treating illness. They focus on three primary areas — sleep, diet, and exercise, with a particular emphasis on the latter.

HealthFit physicians and kinesiologists work with patients to improve their fitness by providing proper guidance, a solid fitness program, and encouragement along the way. And luckily, we’re all candidates for their approach.

“We lose confidence in our fitness and abilities as we age, but we don’t have to,” Werner says. “One thing I always tell patients: The health you have today in your 40s and 50s will determine whether you’ll one day play with your grandchildren or watch your grandchildren play.”

STILL IN THE GAME

When Walt Taylor, 81, first came to see Drew Werner, MD, at HealthFit, he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and COPD. But he had a singular goal in mind: to get back to the golf course where he runs tournaments.

“He could barely walk from the parking lot into the building when he first came in but within a month, he was walking half a mile without his oxygen or a walker,” says Nic Seaver, a neuromuscular specialist and director of kinesiology at HealthFit, who created a plan to help Taylor return to work. Today, Taylor is back on the course.

“Nic worked with me on my balance and strength, and it’s been great,” Taylor says. Castle Rock Adventist Hospital and HealthFit have been terrific and very helpful.”

3 WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE THIS WINTER Ready to get moving toward wellness? To learn more about HealthFit Family Medicine at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital, call 303-218-7774 or visit healthfitcolorado.com.

1

PLAY OUTSIDE Enjoy your favorite winter sport, or try a new one. castlerockhospital.org

2

PLAY INSIDE Head to the gym or take a fitness class.

3

HAVE FUN Make it an activity you look forward to.

Fall 2017

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SHOULD YOUR TEEN SEE A GYNECOLOGIST?

PREPARE YOUR DAUGHTER FOR HER FIRST VISIT TO A GYNECOLOGIST

A young woman’s first visit to a gynecologist can be intimidating. Even if your daughter doesn’t need that visit until she is 21 — when the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends women begin having regular Pap tests — she likely would welcome a little guidance from mom.

Reed offers tips to help you ease your daughter’s first visit: • Explain that annual visits to a gynecologist are like the well-child visits with a pediatrician she once had: Both ensure she stays healthy, and both are a chance to ask questions.

• Find a gynecologist she’s comfortable with. Some young women may not want to see the same doctor who treats their mother, or may prefer a female provider.

• Ask her if she would like you to be in the room during her exam. Even if she says yes, allow her some alone time with the provider. She might have questions she’s embarrassed to ask in front of her mom.

• Prepare her for questions she may be asked, including: 2 The details of her medical history 2 The date of her last period 2 Whether she is sexually active 2 Whether she has excessive pain or bleeding with her period 2 If she could possibly be pregnant 2 If she has any health concerns she’d like to talk about

RidgeGate OBGYN provides women with comprehensive women’s health care in Castle Rock and Lone Tree. The practice features an all-female obstetrics staff. To learn more or make an appointment, call 720-709-2280 (Castle Rock) or 720-709-1915 (Lone Tree).

ELEVATE 4 Fall 2017

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Conversations about menstruation, sexually transmitted diseases, and contraception are all great reasons for teens to see a gynecologist.

But, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends young women wait to have their first Pap test until age 21, says RidgeGate OBGYN women’s health care nurse practitioner Kathryn Reed, MS, RNC. “Of course, we highly recommend young women come in when they Kathryn Reed become sexually active,” Reed says. Discussions between teens and providers are confidential.

Reed says that they also can help with the pain or irregular bleeding teens often experience during their period. A physician may look for polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid issues, or bleeding disorders. But if there are no medical causes, birth control pills may help regulate periods, she says.

“Over time, most issues with her menstrual cycle will settle down. But it can get in the way of school and sports, so we can potentially treat that.”

TAKE A PASS ON COLON CANCER

With Maneesh Gupta, MD, a gastroenterologist at Castle Rock Gastroenterology

1. STEP AWAY FROM STEAK Several studies have associated red and processed meats with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

“The theory is that the fat in red and processed meats causes increased production of bile acids during digestion,” Gupta says. “Those acids can damage the lining of the colon and are potentially carcinogenic.”

Limit red and processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meat to two servings per week.

2. EAT MORE FIBER Fiber has long been recommended for general digestive health, but it may also reduce your risk for colorectal cancer. “Fiber shortens the time it takes for stool to travel through the colon and removes potential carcinogens,” Gupta says. “The less time carcinogens spend in the digestive tract, the better.”

Fiber also feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Gupta recommends aiming for 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day.

Colorectal cancer probably isn’t at the top of your list of health concerns. In fact, you’d probably rather not think about your colon at all. But considering colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, you really should. Here are four ways to prevent the disease.

3. START A LOW-DOSE ASPIRIN REGIMEN Taking a daily low-dose aspirin can reduce your risk for colon cancer up to 40 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. But the preventive effects may take years to work. And it’s not without side effects, so it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting a regimen.

4. GET A COLONOSCOPY During a colonoscopy, your doctor will look for evidence of colon cancer and also remove precancerous growths, called polyps. “It’s one of the few screening tests that’s also a preventive exam,” Gupta says.

The whole procedure takes only about 35 minutes and is done under anesthesia.

“It’s really become a quick and painless procedure over the years,” Gupta says. “There’s no need to put it off.”

WHEN TO SCHEDULE YOUR COLONOSCOPY RISK LEVEL

AGE TO START SCREENING

FREQUENCY

AVERAGE RISK

50

Every 10 years , if initial colonoscopy is clear

INCREASED (family history of colon cancer)

40, or 10 years before family member was diagnosed

Every 5 years

INCREASED (personal history of colon polyps)

50

Every 3-5 years, depending on number and type of polyps removed

HIGH (risk factors include age, race, lifestyle, and family/personal health history)

Talk to your doctor

Talk to your doctor

Move it off your to-do list! Call Castle Rock Gastroenterology at 720-455-3879 or visit castlerockgi.org to schedule your colonoscopy today.

castlerockhospital.org

Castle Rock Adventist Hospital is part of the Centura Health Cancer Network, delivering integrated, advanced cancer care across Colorado and western Kansas.

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REASONS TO HAVE A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER Do you have a regular hairstylist? Dry cleaner? Mechanic? If so, you know the importance of building relationships with

Dr. Mark Christensen

people who understand your preferences.

And a good primary care physician (PCP) should be on your list as well. A PCP knows your health history and can look out for your greatest asset — your health.

“Primary care physicians provide a lot more value than the general public knows,” says Mark Christensen, MD, board-certified primary care and sports medicine physician at Ridgeline Family & Sports Medicine. Here are six ways you can benefit from having a PCP.

You won’t have to wait.

Being an established patient means getting an appointment quicker when you need one because the newRemin der patient paperwork is already on file.

Appoi nt 30 minment in utes

You won’t have to explain yourself. Primary care physicians keep your personal and family health history in electronic medical records, which means you won’t have to start from scratch at every visit.

You’ll have access to trusted specialists. When you have an issue that requires a specialist, start with your PCP. “Having a PCP expedites the process of getting a referral,” Christensen says. “Your PCP then will act as a point person and coordinate the care between multiple specialists.”

Your health will improve.

Having access to primary care improves health and reduces the risk of death from heart disease, cancer, or stroke, according to a review of multiple studies spanning 30 years by the National Institutes of Health.

WHAT’S A DO? Everyone knows what MD stands for. But an increasing number of physicians are opting for a “DO” after their name. What does it mean?

DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, and it’s equal to MD in level of education.

What is different is their care philosophy. While MDs focus their training on medication and procedures to heal the body, DOs receive additional musculoskeletal training and tend to rely on methods that encourage the body to heal itself.

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You’ll have help interpreting your Google results. Massive amounts of information — and misinformation — swirls the internet.

Your PCP can help you understand what’s beneficial for you.

You can get no-hassle prescription refills. Did you forget you need more asthma inhalers and now you’re leaving town? Your PCP can approve refills of routine medications without an office visit.

Online Scheduling Having a primary care physician means you’ll be seen quicker. And Centura is making it even quicker by now offering same-day appointments and online appointment scheduling at sameday.centura.org. Find a Centura primary care doctor online at centura.org/find-a-provider.

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PRIMARY

SILENT

STROKES

NOT ALL STROKES ARE IMMEDIATELY OBVIOUS.

LEARN THE SUBTLE SIGNS TO WATCH FOR IN YOUR AGING PARENT — AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT AND TREAT THEM.

W

hen it comes to spotting a stroke, we’ve been taught to act FAST — checking for facial drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech. But not all strokes follow this model, and symptoms can sometimes be so subtle you might not notice them. So, if you’re caring for an aging parent, here’s what to watch for and how to ensure the best treatment if he or she does have a stroke.

HARD TO SPOT The strokes less likely to be caught are posterior circulation strokes, says Whitney Chapman, stroke coordinator at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. “Symptoms can be mild, ranging from someone just suddenly being confused to experiencing blurry or double vision, or walking with an imbalance.” Headaches can also be a “vague” symptom.

So, how can you stay vigilant as a caregiver? If it feels like something is “off” and your loved one has risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or is overweight, it never hurts to seek help, Chapman says. “Obviously, if the symptoms are clear, you should call 911 immediately, because there are therapies to treat stroke and preserve brain tissue — but they’re time-sensitive.”

Antihypertensives

Statins

Blood thinners (like aspirin and Coumadin)

WHAT THEY DO

SIDE EFFECTS

“They can help keep your blood pressure in check, even if you didn’t have high blood pressure prior to your stroke,” Chapman says.

Besides lowering blood cholesterol levels, some studies show they can be protective against another stroke, even if your cholesterol isn’t that high.

Make blood less likely to clot.

Dizziness and lethargy that frequently lessen as you adjust to the regimen.

Muscle aches and pains, liver inflammation. Watch alcohol intake and blood sugar.

Bruising. Beware of falls. “If your loved one hits their head while taking these, they should be seen for possible internal bleeding,” she says.

Castle Rock Adventist Hospital’s ER provides lifesaving care to stroke victims. If you suspect a stroke, call 911. For less urgent conditions, check our ER wait times at castlerockhospital.org/ emergency-care.

STROKE IS A PRIMARY CAUSE OF LONG-TERM DISABILITY — AND THE MOST COMMON PREVENTABLE CAUSE OF DISABILITY.

Symptoms should always be reported to a care provider, and caution your parent never to stop taking medications or adjust doses without talking to his or her doctor, Chapman says.

Castle Rock Adventist Hospital is part of the Centura Health Stroke Network, the region’s leading provider of stroke care.

castlerockhospital.org

Fall 2017

7 ELEVATE

CENTURA HEALTH PHYSICIAN GROUP PRIMARY CARE

Portercare Adventist Health System NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID

DENVER, CO PERMIT NO. 4033

AURORA CHPG Cornerstar Primary Care (Parker and Arapahoe) 303-269-2626 • cornerstarprimarycare.org CHPG Southlands Primary Care 303-928-7555 • southlandsprimarycare.org

2350 Meadows Boulevard Castle Rock, CO 80109

CASTLE ROCK Ridgeline Family Medicine at the Meadows 720-455-3750 • ridgelinefamilymedicine.org Ridgeline Family Medicine — Castle Pines 303-649-3350 • ridgelinefamilymedicine.org

CENTENNIAL

DENVER CHPG Primary Care Highlands (near I-25 and Speer) 303-925-4580 • chpghighlands.org CHPG Primary Care Porter 303-649-3200 • porterprimarycare.org

Castle Rock Adventist Hospital 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 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © Centura Health, 2017. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-720-455-2531 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-720-455-2531 (TTY: 711).

MARK YOURAR! END

CAL

CHPG at DTC (Ulster and Belleview) 303-770-6500 • dtcfamilymedicine.org CHPG Primary Care Southmoor (in the DTC) 303-925-4960

HIGHLANDS RANCH Highlands Ranch Medical Associates 303-649-3140 highlandsranchmedicalassociates.org

LITTLETON Chatfield Family Medicine 303-738-2714 • chatfieldfamilymedicine.org Clement Park Family Medicine 303-932-2121 clementparkfamilymedicine.org South Suburban Internal Medicine (at Littleton Adventist Hospital) 303-347-9897 southsuburbaninternalmedicine.org

PARKER CHPG Internal Medicine Parker (on hospital campus) 303-770-0500 • internalmedicineparker.org CHPG Primary Care Meridian 303-649-3100 • parkerprimarycare.org Timberview Clinic at Parker (on hospital campus) 303-269-4410 • timberviewclinic.org

ELEVATE YOUR FALL

GREENWOOD VILLAGE

FALL COMMUNITY SEMINARS — FREE — RSVP TODAY!

OH! MY ACHING JOINTS Are you considering joint replacement for your knee, hip, or shoulder? Join two local experts to learn about pain control, the best rehab practices, what you can do after surgery, and more.

Dr. Todd Wente, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Wente is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. His primary expertise lies in the treatment of sportsrelated conditions affecting the shoulder, hip, and knee.

Dr. Anthony Sanchez, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Sanchez is board-certified and fellowshiptrained in orthopedic sports medicine. He provides comprehensive orthopedic care for adults, including joint replacement surgery, ligament and joint reconstruction, arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder and knee, trauma surgery, sports medicine, and injuries.

Date: Wed, Oct 25 Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Cost: Castle Rock Adventist Hospital Conference Center RSVP: 720-455-0661

DO YOU SUFFER FROM BACK PAIN? Get your life back and learn the latest treatments for back pain, from new pain control treatments to surgical options.

Dr. Katarzyna Kocol, Pain Management — Physiatrist Dr. Kocol is a board-certified physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and interventional spine and pain medicine.

Dr. Christopher Gallus, Complex Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Dr. Gallus’ expertise includes the surgical treatment of cervical and lumbar degenerative conditions, revision surgery, cervical disc arthroplasty, and adult deformity correction.

Date: Wed, Nov 1 Time: 6-7 p.m.

Location: Castle Rock Adventist Hospital Conference Center RSVP: 720-455-0661 PHOTO: ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/NELIK

CHPG Grace Family Practice (near Arapahoe and Holly) 720-528-3559 • gracefamilypractice.org