Your Health Today - Winter 2017 by Augusta University

your

health TODAY Winter 2016 -17

Mind Over Matter MEGAN’S STORY ON OVERCOMING PARKINSON’S DISEASE

6 Heart-Healthy Habits /////////////////

Putting the Puzzle Pieces into Place augustahealth.org/yourhealthtoday

TABLE OF contents

features 4 5 6 8 9

Neuroscience Mind Over Matter Digestive Health How to Ward Off Winter Weight Gain Cancer Prevention Putting the Puzzle Pieces into Place Heart-Healthy Living 6 Heart-Healthy Habits

/////////////////////////

Nurses: Join Us! This Is Where You Want to Be We’re hiring nurses to increase capacity for the growing needs of the greater Augusta, Georgia, area. We pride ourselves in our ability to provide skilled, compassionate care to our patients, conduct leading-edge clinical research and foster the medical education and training of tomorrow’s health care practitioners — and we recognize our nurses as one of the main reasons why we do this well. We invite you, too, to experience the academic health center advantage! For more information, visit augustahealth.org/nursingjobs.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

A New Cancer Center Coming Soon! To ensure that every cancer patient has access to the latest and most innovative care, we’re combining our clinical services and research under one roof. The M. Bert Storey Research Building at the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University is undergoing additions and renovations, which is the first phase of the integrated, single center. The entire project is expected to be complete in 2018. The design will promote multidisciplinary collaboration, which facilitates innovation and the most advanced patient care. To learn more about the Georgia Cancer Center’s multidisciplinary approach, turn to page 6, or visit augustahealth.org/cancer.

Focus on Women 5 Diet Mistakes Even Smart Women Make

Family Health Health Checkup Checklist

Decoding the Common Cold

The material in Your Health Today is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment. For more information, please call 800-736-CARE (2273) or visit our website at augustahealth.org. Images may be from ©iStock and/or ©Fotolia. Copyright © 2017 Augusta University

WHOLE GRAINS,

Whole You!

[W]

e see the “whole grain” label everywhere these days. It might sound healthy, but what exactly does it mean? You’ll often have a choice between foods made with whole grains and foods made with refined grains (some foods may have both). Refined grains have gone through a milling process where the outer layers of the seeds have been removed, changing their texture and extending shelf life. Whole grains don’t go through this process, keeping the “whole” grain — and the extra nutrients it brings — intact. Refined grains can have some nutrients added back through enrichment, but others such as fiber aren’t put back, making whole grains the better choice nutritionally.

Whole grains are a great option, because they: • Contain complex carbohydrates such as fiber (which promotes bowel regularity, helps to control cholesterol and helps you feel full longer). • Are low in fat. • Are linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and more. • Have higher levels of nutrients such as selenium (important for cognitive function, immune system health), potassium (aids with metabolism, heart health) and magnesium (helps with bone structure, heart health). • Are linked to a possible decreased risk of premature death. A recent study of more than 118,000 participants found that a person’s risk of death declined with each serving of whole grains added daily.* * Source: JAMA Internal Medicine

MAKE YOUR

Winter Wonderful Banana Berry

Nutritional information per serving: 68 calories, 0.6 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 14 mg cholesterol, 1.5 g protein, 14.9 g carbohydrates, 1 g dietary fiber, 7.5 g total sugars, 108 mg sodium. Recipe courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whatscooking.fns.usda.gov.

Number of servings: 12 Ingredients Nonstick cooking spray 4 tablespoons applesauce ¼ cup sugar 1 egg 2 ripe bananas 2 tablespoons water ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup whole-wheat flour ¼ cup quick cooking oats ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ cup blueberries or strawberries (fresh or frozen)

MUFFINS

Directions 1. Heat the oven to 350° F. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. 2. In a medium-size bowl, combine applesauce, sugar, egg, banana and water. Mix well. 3. In a large bowl, mix flours, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 4. Add the applesauce mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients; mix just until the batter is moist. 5. Gently add berries into the mixture. 6. Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full of batter. 7. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes until lightly brown. 8. Cool for 10 minutes and remove from pan. augustahealth.org

[ 3 ]

neuroscience

Mind OVER MATTER Megan’s story of overcoming Parkinson’s disease

[H ]

andwriting represents a

person’s identity on paper, as no two people form their letters exactly the same. But what happens when one’s handwriting no longer looks like their own? This happened to Megan Bell and served as a sign that something wasn’t right. About four years ago, when her colleagues took notice, she attributed it to being tired or not writing as much because of her computer-based job. But her right leg also shook a lot. The symptoms started to add up. “My co-workers would notice,” she said, “but I didn’t want them feeling sorry for me.” It was these signs that led her to see a physician, who ran tests and knew right away that Bell, now 29, was suffering from Parkinson’s disease, a brain disorder marked by motor symptoms and nonmotor symptoms caused by the brain’s stopping to produce a neurotransmitter called dopamine.

A mind set on solutions With her mind set on finding a long-term solution for managing the symptoms, about a year after her search began, she finally found Dr. Julie Kurek, a neurologist at Augusta University Neurosciences Center of Excellence. Kurek was proactive in talking to Bell about her options, one of which involved a form of brain surgery called deep brain stimulation (DBS). “My initial reaction was to ask, ‘How much hair are they going to shave off?’” Bell said. “When it

[ 4 ]

augustahealth.org

sunk in, hearing ‘brain surgery’ was scary, but my excitement to start the process overpowered the nervousness I felt.” DBS is a surgical procedure used to treat neurological symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement and walking problems by blocking electrical signals from specific areas in the brain.

‘Grab the scalpel. I’m ready.’ These were the words that Bell confidently announced to Kurek after deciding that the pros of DBS heavily outweighed the cons. At the top of her list of pros? Being able to enjoy playing with and chasing after her 2-year-old daughter with her husband of four years. “Before the surgery, I felt weak — like I was in cement,” Bell said. “I felt like dead weight, and I couldn’t do anything.” Dr. Cole A. Giller, a neurosurgeon working with Kurek in the DBS program, implanted Bell’s DBS device. Giller serves as the director of functional and stereotactic neurosurgery at Augusta University Neurosciences Center of Excellence, and he is the only surgeon who performs this procedure in the Augusta area. “DBS dramatically improved Bell’s symptoms,” Giller said, “so the large

doses of anti-Parkinson’s medication she required before the surgery were no longer needed. As a result, the severe, unwanted movements that she experienced as a side effect of the medication, called dyskinesia, completely vanished.” This was Bell’s and Kurek’s goal for DBS. “I feel great,” Bell said. “I feel like I can live again. I’m proof that there are options out there that can work, and I want people to know that they, too, can press on to find them.” As Bell looks ahead to the future, she looks forward to building a house and growing her family, all while living free of some of the most troubling symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

ARE YOU OR A LOVED ONE LOOKING FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE SOLUTIONS? Call us today at 706-721-4581, or visit augustahealth.org/neuro to learn about our neurosciences services and providers.

DIGESTIVE health

How to Ward Off WINTER WEIGHT GAIN

Strategies to avoid unwanted pounds

[I ]

f the cold winter weather

keeps you inside, you may find yourself dreading the unwanted weight gain that often comes with inactivity and eating more highcalorie foods. Don’t get discouraged — instead use these strategies to keep off those extra pounds. Enjoy more fruits and vegetables. Filling half your plate with fruits and veggies helps you feel full while eating fewer calories so you won’t be as tempted by high-fat, sugar-laden options. You’ll also benefit from vitamins and minerals that can boost your body’s immune system. Watch your portions. Eating smaller portions lets you enjoy those holiday favorites without feeling deprived. Learn something new. Enrolling in a class to learn a new skill or hobby keeps you busy and active. This can boost your mood and help you avoid boredom and mindless snacking in front of the TV. And you may even make some new friends. Drink more water. Increasing your intake of H2O hydrates your body and is a healthier alternative to sugarladen drinks that are high in calories.

Bring it inside When it’s too dark or too cold for outdoor activities, bring your exercise indoors. Remember to speak to your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program. You can burn calories and increase

your coordination, flexibility and fitness levels with a variety of indoor activities. You can benefit from activities such as: • Aerobic exercise to raise your heart rate. Try mall walking, jumping rope or following along to a dance or Zumba® DVD. If you have access to a fitness facility, sign up for a class or try swimming, playing tennis or joining a basketball league. • Weight training to build muscle. At home, try crunches, pushups, resistance bands or lifting 2-pound hand weights. If you join a fitness center, schedule time with a trainer to learn how to work exercise equipment or the proper technique for lifting free weights.

Need some motivation? You can find free help online with the Body Weight Planner from the National Institutes of Health. The program creates calorie and activity plans to help you lose weight within a set time frame and maintain your goal weight. SuperTracker works with the Body Weight Planner, creating a personalized meal plan based on your results. Use this tool from the Department of Agriculture to track your food intake, physical activity and weight. It also offers tips and support to help you succeed. Tools you can use: • Body Weight Planner — supertracker.usda.gov/bwp • SuperTracker — supertracker.usda.gov

DON’T GIVE IN TO THE WINTER BLUES! Call 706-446-4887 to make an appointment with one of our weight-loss physicians, or visit augustahealth.org/weightloss.

augustahealth.org

[ 5 ]

CANCER prevention

“Nico lived a good life, because we were able to navigate his care for him. Not everyone has that, and you shouldn’t have to be the son of a surgical oncologist to benefit from it.” — Dr. Daniel Albo

Putting THE PUZZLE PIECES INTO PLACE

How a surgical oncologist’s personal experience helped to revolutionize cancer care

[ C]

hristmas

Eve 2001:

A 2-year-old boy named Nicolas suddenly became very ill. His family rushed him to the hospital, where he underwent a number of tests, one of which was an MRI. While the little boy, affectionately called “Nico,” lay peacefully asleep in the scanner, his father, Daniel, wandered over to the technician. [ 6 ]

augustahealth.org

“Why did you download someone else’s scan?” Daniel inquired. The technician, whose face suddenly became as white as winter snow, looked at Daniel and painfully broke the news: “This is … This is your son’s scan.” Daniel, a surgical oncologist, knew exactly what he was looking at. Cancer. Ependymoma, a rare form of brain cancer, to be exact.

And “Daniel” was Dr. Daniel Albo, who’s now the director of the cancer service line at the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University. This news came when he was completing a surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. When Albo couldn’t find one facility that offered

everything Nico needed, Albo started fragmenting his son’s care — different hospitals in different cities. In 2002, when Albo finished his fellowship, the family moved to Augusta, Georgia, for his first job as a surgical oncologist. In 2004, Nico’s disease progressed, which led the family back to Houston for a clinical trial. After they did everything they could to add years to his life and life to his years, in 2005, Nico was set free from his suffering. Little did the Albo family know, their son’s short life would make a tremendous impact on cancer care for future patients. The family remained in Houston until 2015, until Albo heard — and acted on — his calling to come back to the Georgia Cancer Center to lead the cancer service line. Through not just Nico’s, but also the family’s five-year battle with cancer, which included multiple surgeries, Gamma Knife and radiation treatments, Albo and his wife, Luisa, served as his son’s physical and speech therapist, nurse and, most importantly, his advocate. You name it, they did it all. While they did so out of love, of course, he also did so out of necessity, as the hospital where Nico received treatment fell short in a number of ways. “He lived a good life, because we were able to navigate his care for him,” Albo said. “Not everyone has that, and you shouldn’t have to be the son of a surgical oncologist to benefit from it.” It was this very thought that inspired Albo to help design the Georgia Cancer Center service line as it exists today.

Right place, right time, right people In cancer care, the single most difficult but important thing is for all of the pieces of the puzzle to be in the right place at the right time; and it’s the role of a cancer center to provide instructions for putting the puzzle together. The Georgia Cancer Center does just that through a cancer service line model, which Albo refers to as “a protective cocoon surrounding patients.” Patients are integrated into one comprehensive, multidisciplinary program, with the goal being to follow them through the continuum of care until they’re cured of the disease. The program offers all treatments for all forms of cancer and includes every type of specialist and supportive care that a cancer patient may need during his or her course of treatment. “Cancer centers are more than just brick, mortar and glass,” Albo said, “They’re about the people, and our physicians, nurses and administrative personnel see themselves as part of a team versus as individuals. We bring these teams and the system directly to the patient.” This keeps the patient from having to navigate through different physicians, appointments, locations, etc., and, ultimately, get to the right place at the right time for the best outcome possible. For instance, the patient sees the medical, radiation and surgical oncologist in clinic at the same time and in the same place, and all appointments take place in the outpatient cancer center. This is imperative, because cancer involves a specific window and sequence when treatment is effective.

We hate cancer. In addition to ensuring the best outcome possible, this multidisciplinary model also enhances the patient experience. “Cancer is debilitating physically, emotionally and spiritually,” Albo said. “Navigating the complexity of cancer care without help is nearly impossible.” That’s why the Georgia Cancer Center offers nurse navigators who communicate with patients and physicians and ensure a smooth transition between inpatient and outpatient. “Cancer has long-lasting effects on people’s lives,” Albo said. “It leaves a scar, but the size and the depth of the scar is determined by us. It’s on us as a community of caregivers. We really hate cancer — we really do — because we know what it does to people’s lives.” Albo knows all too well. “As much as I like to think that I would’ve come to this conclusion on my own, the idea arose in Nico’s case,” Albo said. “He’s one of the most amazing souls I’ve ever met. He was our teacher — we learned from him. He’s the reason I do what I do and why this model exists today.”

IF IT’S CANCER, SEE US FIRST. To learn about our cancer specialists and services like minimally invasive surgery and clinical trials visit augustahealth.org/cancer, or call us at 706-721-6744.

augustahealth.org

[ 7 ]

HEART-HEALTHY living

HEART-HEALTHY HABITS [H]

ere are some steps you can take for

a heart-healthy lifestyle:

Monitor your blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends a home monitor for those with high blood pressure. As you make lifestyle changes or adjust medications, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to track your blood pressure in order to measure progress.

Lose weight if you need to. A higher body mass index (BMI) means a higher risk for heart disease.

Keep a heart-healthy diet. This includes limiting saturated and trans fats, as well as emphasizing fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and discourages healthy habits such as physical activity.

Commit to exercise. For overall cardiovascular health, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderateintensity aerobic exercise at least five days a week, or at least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise at least three days a week. For additional benefits, try adding musclestrengthening activities.

Manage stress. Stress may impact other risk factors for heart disease by increasing your blood pressure, raising cholesterol levels and tempting you to overeat.

STRUGGLING WITH ANY OF THESE AND WONDERING WHERE TO BEGIN? Call us today at 706-721-2426, or visit augustahealth.org/cardio to learn about our heart and cardiovascular services and providers. [ 8 ]

augustahealth.org

FOCUS ON women

5 Diet Mistakes

EVEN SMART WOMEN MAKE

[T]

hink you know how to

diet? Then why haven’t you reached your weight-loss goal? Here are some common dieting mistakes and their fixes to help you get back on track and shed pounds. 1. Skipping breakfast: Skipping meals — especially breakfast — may seem like an easy way to slash calories from your daily intake, but this thinking backfires in a big way. People who skip breakfast overeat and make poorer food choices during the rest of the day. Fast fix: Bypass the high-fat breakfast sandwiches or doughnuts. Opt for whole-grain muffins, crackers, toast or rolls; yogurt and fresh fruit; berries on whole-grain cereal; an egg wrapped in a whole-wheat tortilla; or a fruit smoothie. 2. Cutting all carbs: Eliminating an entire food group like carbohydrates from your diet may result in eating too much meat, protein and foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Lowcarb dieters often eat too few fruits, vegetables and whole grains, missing out on important antioxidants, fiber and other nutrients. Following a low-carbohydrate plan can lead to kidney stones, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, bad breath, fatigue and nausea. Fast fix: Include healthful carbs in your diet like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and skip the refined sugars like white breads, pastas and white rice. 3. Drinking too many liquids: Because people often mistake thirst for hunger, staying well hydrated is one way to keep overeating in check — but watch those liquid calories. If you’re

downing a lot of juice, milk, soda or other beverages each day, you may be consuming far more calories than you think. Fast fix: Water is the best option to meet your daily beverage quota. Try sparkling or flavored water, or squeeze a wedge of lemon, lime or orange into your glass. Choose low-fat or nonfat milk, diet soft drinks and unsweetened teas. 4. Shunning snacks: Eating one or more healthy snacks each day can help your weight-loss efforts by keeping hunger and binging under control and providing much-needed nutrients and fiber. Fast fix: Think of your snacks as mini meals and plan them with balance, variety and moderation in mind. Try cut-up raw vegetables or fruit; low-fat yogurt; fat-free pudding; popcorn; pretzels; a sliced apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter; a small baked potato with two tablespoons of low-fat yogurt and Cajun seasoning; or whole-grain crackers, crisp breads or bagels with fresh fruit, hummus or low-fat cheese. 5. Sticking with strictly cardio workouts: You may be watching your calories and running regularly, but you’re missing some serious calorie burning if you’re not weight training, too. By training your muscles to become stronger, you build and maintain muscle mass, which helps control body-fat composition and burns more calories — even while at rest. Fast fix: Do strengthening activities such as lifting weights, using resistance bands, doing pushups and situps or heavy gardening or household chores two or three times a week.

DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF SKIPPING YOUR ANNUAL WELL-WOMAN CHECKUP! Seeing an obstetrician-gynecologist each year can help detect health problems early and prevent problems before they start. To learn more about our women’s health services and providers or to make an appointment, visit augustahealth.org/women, or call 706-721-4959. augustahealth.org

[ 9 ]

FAMILY health

Health CHECKUP CHECKLIST Stay on top of your health in 2017

[A]

re you up-to-date on the screening tests you need for your health?

Health screening tests

help you stay healthy and find problems early so you can take action. It’s important to make your health a priority and schedule a routine exam or well visit. Your doctor may recommend screening tests for you based on your age and health history. The following checklists are a general guide, and your doctor may suggest you have these tests done at the time that’s right for you.

Health checklist FOR WOMEN

 Blood pressure screening — starting at age 18  Body mass index (BMI) measurement — with every routine exam

Health checklist FOR MEN

 Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening — at age 65 to 75 if you have ever smoked  Blood pressure screening — starting at age 18

 Bone mineral density test — at age 65, or earlier if you’re at risk for osteoporosis

 Body mass index (BMI) measurement — with every routine exam

 Cholesterol screening — starting at age 20 if you’re at increased risk for heart disease

 Cholesterol screening — starting at age 35, or at age 20 if you’re at increased risk of heart disease

 Colon cancer screening — starting at age 50

 Dental exam — regular visits (ask your dentist about frequency)

 Diabetes screening — ask your doctor

 Eye exam — starting at age 40 for adults who don’t have vision problems, diabetes or other risk factors (ask your doctor about frequency)

 Hearing test — if you have difficulty hearing

 Immunizations — flu shot every year and other vaccines depending on your age

 Mammograms and breast exams — ask your doctor

 Prostate cancer screening — ask your doctor

 Pap tests and pelvic exams — starting at age 21

 Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening — ask your doctor

 Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening — ask your doctor Sources: Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Dental Association.

NEED A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN? Establish your care with us! Call 706-721-CARE (2273) or visit augustahealth.org to find a doctor and schedule your next health checkup.

[ 10 ]

augustahealth.org

Decoding the

Mild body aches

common cold

Sneezing

Sore throat

200+

Mild headache

A FEW MINUTES

THE TIME IT CAN TAKE FOR A “SNEEZE CLOUD” TO COVER A ROOM WITH GERMS

DIFFERENT VIRUSES CAUSE COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF COLDS PEOPLE HAVE IN THE U.S. EACH YEAR

2-3

ADULTS HAVE

CHILDREN MAY GET UP TO

COLD Stuffy nose SYMPTOMS Coughing

Watery eyes

1 BILLION

Post-nasal drip

8 COLDS COLDS (OR MORE) PER YEAR

WASH YOUR HANDS FOR

100 MPH THE SPEED AT WHICH A SNEEZE TRAVELS OUT OF YOUR NOSE

PER YEAR ON AVERAGE

SECONDS

WITH SOAP AND WATER TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF VIRUSES THAT CAUSE COLDS

HOW TO TREAT A COLD?

GET REST

TAKE OVER-THECOUNTER MEDICINES AS DIRECTED

GARGLE WITH SALT WATER

DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS

USE A SALINE NASAL SPRAY

BREATHE IN WARM STEAM

10 2

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?

FACT:

SYMPTOMS LAST MORE THAN 10 DAYS

ANTIBIOTICS PERSISTENT FEVER

SYMPTOMS ARE SEVERE OR UNUSUAL

Sources: National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and KidsHealth.org®

DO NOT

WORK AGAINST COLD VIRUSES

augustahealth.org

[ 11 ]

1120 15th Street, AD 1114 Augusta, GA 30912

Connect to Augusta University Health recycle-logo_2options_v2.ai

augustahealth.org • twitter.com/AUG_Health

Printed With Soy Ink

Please Recycle This Publication

Produced by theThis Division of Communications and Marketing Please Recycle Publication Copyright © 2017 Augusta University Printed With Soy Ink Please Recycle This Publication Printed With Soy Ink Please Recycle This Publication

We are redefining care by powering your immune system to fight cancer. If it's cancer, one more reason to see us first.

augustahealth.org/cancer

ADVANCING THE POWER OF

YOU