Your Health Today - Winter 2012

healthtoday

your Volume 2, Issue 1

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Your Guide to Healthy Living from Georgia Health Sciences Health System

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Angioplasty and stents: When and why?

One-stop care for Parkinson’s Top 7 health threats for men 10 symptoms of Alzheimer’s Pregnant?

Avoid these foods

Scan this code with a QR code reader to go to the Georgia Health Sciences app!

A shoulder to lean on Support groups at Georgia Health Sciences Health System ALS Support Group Lunch and Learn When: Second Thursday of each month, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Lunch is served.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Medical Office Building, 4th floor, Room 4306 Call: 706-721-2681 for more information

Autism Support Group When: First Tuesday of each month, 6–7 p.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center, 1446 Harper St., 1st floor, Family Resource Library, Room 1801 Call: 706-721-5160 for more information

A.W.A.K.E. Support Group Support for sleep apnea patients When: Fourth Thursday of each month, 7–9 p.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center, 1446 Harper St., 1st floor, Family Resource Library, Room 1801 Call: 706-721-0793 for more information

Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group When: Third Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., 1st floor, Community Room Call: 706-721-1634 for more information

Breastfeeding Class When: Third Tuesday of each month, 7–9 p.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center, 1120 15th St., West Entrance, 1st floor, Patient and Family Resource Library Call: 706-721-9351 for more information

Let’s Talk Cancer Support Group When: Second Tuesday of each month, 5:30–7 p.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., 1st floor, Community Room Call: 706-721-0550 for more information

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

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Inside this issue Page 3 Tips for a safe and healthy winter

Pages 4–5

Focus on Women • Alzheimer’s disease: Monitoring your aging parents • Pregnant? Avoid these foods

Pages 6–7

Cancer Prevention • A precursor to breast cancer: Atypical hyperplasia • New therapy for advanced prostate cancer: Provenge

When: Last Monday of each month, 6–7:30 p.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center, Augusta MS Center, 6th floor Call: 706-721-1411 for reservations or information

Pages 8–9

Weight Loss Surgery Seminars

Pages 10–11

When: Second and fourth Thursday of each month Where: Columbia County Library (second Thursday); Georgia Health Sciences Alumni Center (fourth Thursday) Call: 706-721-2609 for more information

Trauma Support Group When: Third Wednesday of each month, noon–1 p.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center Call: 706-721-0278 for more information

Heart-Healthy Living • Angioplasty and stents: When and why?

• Statins 101

Family Health • One-stop care for Parkinson’s and other movement disorders • Top 7 health threats for men

Page 12

In the News • Keeping the pace with cardiac ablation

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 georgiahealth.org.

Copyright © 2012 Georgia Health Sciences Health System

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Tips for a safe and healthy winter

The facts on snacks

Cover image and page 3 image © istockphoto.com/Daniel Rodriguez/ViewP; © 2011 Thinkstock

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fter-school snacks can add hundreds of empty calories to your child’s diet, unless you provide healthy alternatives. The key is to avoid buying high-calorie snacks. Instead, identify nutritious foods your child likes and stock up on them.

These could include wholegrain pretzels and crackers, fat-free yogurt, graham crackers, fresh fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and low-fat string cheese.

Save sodas, treats and other high-calorie snacks for special occasions.

It’s tea time!

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ea is not only soothing and aromatic, it’s packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants known as flavonoids. Flavonoids are thought to scavenge free radicals, which can damage DNA and are linked to cancer. What’s more, they are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Although green and white teas have the highest level of flavonoids, the substance is present in all real teas, though not necessarily in herbal teas.

Breathe easy with a CO detector

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arbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and potentially toxic gas that is produced by incomplete combustion of liquid fuels such as gasoline, kerosene or propane; solid fuels such as wood, coal or charcoal; and natural gas.

When combustion sources are properly maintained and ventilated, the risk of CO poisoning is low. But your equipment can be defective without your knowledge.

To avoid problems, consider installing a CO monitor if you live in a home with: • kerosene or propane space heaters • an attached garage • a gas furnace, stove, fireplace, clothes dryer or hot water heater • oil heat • a wood stove

Truth in tanning

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anning salons often claim to offer safe tanning, but that’s not true.

Tanning exposes the skin to damaging amounts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether it comes from the sun or a tanning bed. The UV source in tanning beds gives off up to three times as much UVA, or longer wavelength radiation, as sunlight. This stimulates the pigment cells and causes tanning. But UVA can also damage the skin's immune system, weakening its ability to prevent skin cancers. If you want a safe winter glow, chose tanning creams over tanning beds.

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Focus on Women

Alzheimer’s disease Monitoring your aging parents

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s the U.S. population ages, the instances of Alzheimer’s disease are growing—and rapidly.

About 5.4 million Americans are now suffering from this lingering and fatal disease.

“If you are concerned about your aging parents, it’s important to know the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease,’’ says Suzanne Smith, MD, a neurologist who directs Georgia Health Sciences Memory Disorders Program. “It is often easier for a relative to recognize symptoms than the person who is affected.”

According to the Alzheimer's Association, symptoms include: ➊ memory loss that affects daily life ➋ challenges in planning or solving problems ➌ difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure ➍ confusion with time and place that may cause people to become lost on their own streets or think they're in another era ➎ trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships ➏ new problems with words in speaking and writing ➐ misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps ➑ decreased or poor judgment ➒ withdrawal from work or social life ➓ changes in mood, such as confusion, suspicion or depression Memory loss does not necessarily mean a person has Alzheimer’s disease, but it does indicate a problem that should be identified and treated.

“If you recognize one or more of these symptoms in a loved one, consult a physician. Early diagnosis gives

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The area’s only Memory Disorders Program

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he physicians at Georgia Health Sciences Memory Disorders Program evaluate and care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders, all from one central location. The program offers: • coordinated diagnosis and care by a team that includes a neurologist, psychiatrist and neuropsychologist • a comprehensive diagnostic work-up that includes a neurological assessment, cognitive testing, blood work, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans and other tests • an individualized treatment plan, medications and follow-up care • psychiatric care, if needed • education, emotional support and information on local resources • access to clinical trials

Join the program For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 706-721-CARE (2273).

patients a greater chance of benefiting from existing treatment and lets families plan for the future,” says Dr. Smith.

Pregnant? > Avoid these foods

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ating nutritious foods is important during pregnancy, but what you don’t eat and drink is also important.

“Everyone knows that pregnant women should avoid alcohol, but there are other foods and beverages that you should also forgo during pregnancy,” says Kelli Braun, MD, an OB/GYN with Georgia Health Sciences Women Center.

Dairy products, meat and eggs To avoid bacterial infections that can be dangerous during pregnancy, thoroughly cook all meat, poultry and eggs, and eat only pasteurized dairy products. Avoid the following cheeses unless the label indicates they are made from pasteurized milk:

Fish and seafood

• Brie

• Mexican-style cheeses

• feta

such as queso blanco,

and iron and provide omega-3 fatty acids that can help

• Camembert

queso fresco, queso de

promote your baby’s brain development. Others may

• blue-veined cheeses

hoya, queso de crema

“Some seafood can be great sources of protein

contain high levels of mercury and should be avoided,”

such as Roquefort

and asadero

Dr. Braun says. These include: • swordfish

• king mackerel

• shark

• tilefish

Coffee or tea Don’t drink more than two cups of coffee or tea

Also avoid raw fish and shellfish, anything caught

a day, and avoid herbal teas. Large amounts of some

in polluted waters and uncooked, refrigerated smoked

types of herbal teas can cause contractions and possibly

seafood.

miscarriage.

Learn more at these prenatal events

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egistration is required. To register, visit georgiahealth.org/classes or call 706-721-9351.

© 2012 Thinkstock; © istockphoto.com/Andrew Simpson

Childbirth Education Classes

Four-week series When: Wednesdays, Feb. 1–22, April 11–May 2, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center, 7 West, Room 7001. Take the “B” elevators to 7 West.

Childbirth Tour When: Second Tuesday of each month,

Infant CPR Classes When: Feb. 29, March 28 and May 9,

7:30–8:30 p.m.; second Saturday of each month, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center. Meet your guide at the concierge desk on 7 West, near the “B” elevators.

6:30–8:00 p.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center, 7 West, Room 7001. Take the “B” elevators to 7 West.

Breastfeeding When: Feb. 28 and April 17, 7–9 p.m.

Where: Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center, 7 West, Room 7001. Take the “B” elevators to 7 West.

Prepare for baby!

To schedule an appointment with an experienced OB/GYN, call 706-721-CARE (2273).

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Cancer Prevention

A precursor to breast cancer Atypical hyperplasia

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omen who have breast biopsies generally expect to discover that their tumor is benign or malignant. But sometimes they discover something in between: atypical hyperplasia.

This accumulation of abnormal cells may occur in a breast duct or lobule and can be a forerunner to breast cancer. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms for this condition. “Atypical hyperplasia is often discovered during a breast biopsy to evaluate a suspicious area found on a mammogram,” says Edward Kruse, MD, a surgical oncologist at Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center.

Scientists believe that atypical hyperplasia is part of the complex process by which breast cancer develops. It begins when cell growth goes awry, causing an overproduction of normal-looking cells. These cells stack up and take on an abnormal appearance. Without intervention, they can continue to multiply, change and develop into cancer.

3D mammography improves breast imaging

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lear, concise mammograms are important in detecting breast cancer in the early stages. Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center recently became the first health system in Georgia—and one of only about a dozen in the nation—to implement 3D breast tomosynthesis. Also known as 3D mammography, this technology promises to improve breast cancer detection.

By digitally combining multiple X-rays, it reduces distortions created by tissue overlap or density and creates clearer, more detailed images than traditional 2D mammography. Further, it pinpoints the size, shape and exact location of a lump or tumor, because the image is not flattened like a standard mammogram.

See the difference For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 706-721-9729.

What are the risks?

If you have been diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia, your risk of developing breast cancer is four to five times Women diagnosed with this precancerous condition before age 45 have the greatest risk of breast cancer when compared to women who are diagnosed at older ages, especially those age 55 and older.

Treatments and follow-up care Surgery is usually recommended to remove the abnormal cells. “Women with atypical hyperplasia may also need more frequent screenings and possibly medications to reduce their risk of developing cancer,” Dr. Kruse says.

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© istockphoto.com/endopack; Image on page 7 © 2012 Thinkstock

higher than that of a woman without the condition.

Battling advanced prostate cancer Provenge® immunotherapy

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ere’s some good news for certain men with advanced-stage prostate cancer: Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center is offering a new prostate cancer therapy known as Provenge®.

The first FDA-approved drug that uses the body’s own immune system to fight prostate cancer, Provenge offers a targeted alternative to chemotherapy drugs, which attack both cancerous and healthy cells.

Before each infusion, a physician collects special blood cells from the patient that help the immune system recognize cancer as a threat. The cells are mixed with a protein found on most prostate cancer cells and other substances to rev up

Biologically engineered for each patient “Provenge is made from your own immune cells, so each dose must be tailored to your immune system,” says

the immune system. They are then given back to the patient in a series of three infusions at two-week intervals.

“Provenge activates the body’s own immune cells to

Teresa A. Coleman, MD, an oncologist specializing in

seek and attack prostate cancer cells. By stimulating the

prostate cancer at Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center.

natural ability of your body’s immune system, the therapy

The drug is administered through intravenous infusions.

may help you live longer and experience fewer side effects than chemotherapy,” says Martha Terris, MD, a urologist specializing in prostate cancer at Georgia Health Sciences

Expand your options with a clinical trial

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eorgia Health Sciences Cancer Center offers dozens of clinical trials, including Phase I trials not available at other area hospitals. This allows cancer patients to access innovative therapies available only at select centers that partner with the National Cancer Institute and major pharmaceutical companies.

Take the next step in treatment To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 706-721-CARE (2273).

Cancer Center.

Moderate to mild side effects The most common side effects of Provenge include: • chills

• fatigue • fever

• headaches

• back pain

• nausea • joint aches

Is Provenge right for you?

You may be a candidate for this therapy if you have advanced prostate cancer and: • you are on hormone therapy and your prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels are rising • your cancer has spread beyond the prostate • you are not taking narcotics for cancer-related pain

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Heart-Healthy Living

Angioplasty and stents: When and why?

A Q & A session with John Thornton III, MD, a cardiologist at Georgia Health Sciences Cardiovascular Center

A: These therapies are used to open clogged heart arteries. Performed in a cardiac catheterization lab by trained cardiologists, they involve temporarily inserting and blowing up a tiny balloon at the point of arterial blockage. Known as angioplasty, this procedure helps widen the artery. In addition, the physician may place a wire mesh tube called a stent at the site of the blockage to support the arterial walls. If these stents are coated with medication, they are known as drugeluting stents.

hy is the W procedure needed?

A: Angioplasty and stents are used to treat the buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels leading to the heart. The treatment is a less invasive way to open clogged arteries than open-heart surgery.

These procedures may be needed when medications or lifestyle changes don’t improve your heart health, if you have a heart attack or if you experience worsening chest pain known as angina.

Does everyone with heart disease eventually need angioplasty and stents?

A: No. The current guidelines support attempts to manage chronic coronary artery disease with medications and lifestyle changes. Angioplasty and stenting is generally reserved for patients whose symptoms persist despite medications.

Stents have not been shown to be effective in preventing heart attacks and prolonging life except in patients actively having a heart attack or in other select situations.

What are the risks?

A: With angioplasty alone, your artery may renarrow in a process called restenosis.

The insertion of a bare metal stent reduces the chance of restenosis to less than 20 percent. Drug-eluting stents reduce the risk to less than 10 percent.

Further, blood clots can form within stents.

Therefore, it’s important to take aspirin or prescription blood-thinning medications as prescribed.

Want a second opinion?

If you’d like a second opinion on your cardiac diagnosis or treatment, the skilled cardiologists at Georgia Health Sciences Cardiovascular Center can help. To schedule an appointment for a cardiac workup or second opinion, call 706-721-2426.

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Images on pages 8 and 9 © istockphoto.com/karen roach/catenarymedia

What are coronary angioplasty and stenting?

But high cholesterol is only one of the risk factors for heart attack and stroke. “Your physician may consider other factors before prescribing a statin,” Dr. Conger says. These include: • a family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease • a sedentary lifestyle • age • poor general health • having high blood pressure, diabetes or peripheral artery disease

Statins 101 Get the facts on these cholesterol-lowering drugs

• being overweight or obese • smoking

Lifestyle changes may help If your only risk factor is high cholesterol and you are motivated to make lifestyle changes, your physician may work with you to see if that helps.

“Whether you take a statin or not, lifestyle changes are essential for reducing your risk of heart disease,” says Dr. Conger. He recommends you:

H

igh cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. But a class of drugs known as statins can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk. Medications such as Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor and others fall into this category.

“Statins work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol and by helping your body reabsorb built-up cholesterol on your artery walls,” says Preston Conger, MD, a cardiologist at Georgia Health Sciences Cardiovascular Center. Statins are particularly helpful in reducing low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol.

Are statins right for you?

That’s a decision you and your physician must make.

If your total cholesterol level is 240 or higher or your LDL level is 130 or higher, your physician may recommend a statin.

• stop smoking • eat a healthy diet that is low in fat, cholesterol and salt • maintain a healthy body weight and exercise at least 30 minutes most days • manage stress

Possible side effects Statins are generally well tolerated, but they can cause muscle and joint aches, nausea, diarrhea or constipation and elevated liver enzymes. People who take statins may need blood tests to check liver function.

Preventive heart care Concerned about elevated cholesterol? Georgia Health Sciences Cardiovascular Center offers a team of renowned specialists dedicated to preventing, diagnosing and treating the full range of cardiovascular diseases. To schedule an appointment, call 706-721-2426.

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Family Health

Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders Delivering one-stop care and support

P

arkinson’s disease and other movement disorders can gradually strip away a person’s motor ability, taking a real toll on patients and their caregivers. What’s more, these diseases can lead to serious complications that also require care.

“Studies show that people with Parkinson’s disease have better outcomes when they receive interdisciplinary care at a movement disorders center,” says Shyamal Mehta, MD, a neurologist at Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center.

Together, they offer a full range of therapies to slow the progression of these diseases and manage symptoms. This includes botulinum toxin injections and other medications for dystonia and spasticity.

Surgical care When medications fail, surgical options such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be the answer. During DBS, a battery-operated neurostimulator is surgically implanted in the brain to stimulate targeted areas that control movement.

The area’s only Movement Disorders Program Dr. Mehta, along with Kapil D. Sethi, MD, and

In addition, neurosurgeon Cole A. Giller, MD, offers Gamma Knife radiosurgery, or targeted radiation therapy,

John C. Morgan, MD, are all neurologists who specialize

to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and other

in movement disorders. They are key members of an

movement disorders.

interdisciplinary team at Georgia Health Sciences Movement Disorders Program. The team delivers coordinated care to more than 250 patients a month from one central location.

Designated by the National Parkinson Foundation

Support and social services A medical social worker evaluates patients and helps them access in-home care, prescription assistance and other resources. An outreach coordinator arranges educational

as 1 of approximately 40 Centers of Excellence, the

events, serves as a liaison between the center and local

program has the expertise and technology to diagnose

support groups and educates patients and caregivers.

and treat Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, essential tremor, Huntington’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome and other

The program’s staff also conducts leading-edge research in which patients can take part.

movement disorders in adults and children.

Comprehensive, one-stop care In addition to neurologists, the team includes neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists and licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists.

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Leading-edge care for movement disorders For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 706-721-4581.

Top 7 health threats for men They may surprise you

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hen it comes to health, it’s important to know your risks and take steps to minimize them. According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top health threats for American men include:

(1)

(5)

Giving up tobacco, eating well, being active,

limiting alcohol and keeping chronic conditions under control will reduce your risk of stroke.

(6)

Type 2 diabetes. Left uncontrolled, this disease can lead to dangerous complications.

Heart disease. This is a leading cause of death

Eating well, being active and losing weight are your best

in men. To reduce your risk:

defenses.

• Stop smoking.

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein and less saturated fat and sodium.

• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

(7)

high cholesterol or blood pressure.

Suicide. Untreated depression increases the risk for suicide, yet men may be slower to seek

treatment than women. If you feel sad, unhappy or angry, see your physician.

• Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and

(2)

Stroke. Again, it’s all about a healthy lifestyle.

“Taking steps to prevent one of these threats often reduces your risks for others, so making just one or

Cancer. “Lung, skin, prostate and colorectal

two changes can lead to a longer, healthier future,”

cancers are of particular concern to men,” says

Dr. Salazar says. “It’s also important to have regular

William Salazar, MD, an internal medicine physician at

checkups and follow all screening guidelines.”

Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center. Fortunately, the steps that will help prevent heart disease will also reduce the risk of cancer in men. It’s also important to: • Protect yourself from the sun.

• Limit alcohol to no more than two drinks a day.

• Complete all required cancer screenings.

(3) (4)

Accidents, especially car crashes. To prevent accidental injury or death, wear your seat belt.

Don’t speed, drive fatigued or drink and drive.

Chronic lower respiratory diseases. To protect yourself from diseases such as bronchitis and

emphysema, don’t smoke, avoid pollutants, wash your hands frequently to prevent infections and get an annual

Protect your health To schedule an appointment, call internal medicine at 706-721-1450.

flu shot.

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In the News

Restoring the heart’s rhythm Ablation therapy keeps woman’s heart beating on time

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ydia Louise Hitchcock was always racing but getting to fewer and fewer places. Exhaustion was keeping the 64-year-old from working around the six acres she shares with husband Jerry in Toombs County. “I got to where I didn’t have any energy, was short of breath,” she says.

When physicians discovered an erratic heartbeat was the cause, she was referred to the experts at Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center, where Adam Berman, MD, director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Ablation Services, used the new robotically precise Stereotaxis magnetic navigation system to remove the small areas of heart tissue that were causing her arrhythmia.

Dr. Berman, who is also a Georgia Health Sciences University associate professor, teaches other physicians how to use the technology as well.

Hitchcock said she could “already feel a difference” when she woke up in the recovery room. “I feel good, like I should,” she says.

For advanced cardiac care If your cardiac arrhythmia is not responding to medications, you can learn more about ablation services at georgiahealth.org/cardio or 706-721-2426.