Your Health Today - Spring 2011

healthtoday

your Spring 2011

• Your Guide to Healthy Living from MCGHealth •

What to do after a heart attack Women and stroke: What you need to know Managing blood thinners: A better approach

mcghealth.org

A shoulder to lean on MCGHealth support groups

4

8

Inside this issue

ALS Support Group

Breast Cancer Support Group

Page 3

WHEN: Second Thursday of each month,11 a.m.–2 p.m. Lunch is provided.

WHERE: MCGHealth Medical Office Building, 1447 Harper St., 4th floor, room 4306 CALL: 706-721-2681 for more information

WHEN: Second Thursday of each month, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

WHERE: MCGHealth Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., 1st floor, Community Room CALL: 706-721-4109 for more information

Tips for a safe and healthy spring

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

WHERE: MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, 1446 Harper St., 1st floor, Family Resource Library CALL: 706-721-5160 for more information

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

WHERE: MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, 1446 Harper St., 1st floor, Family Resource Library, room 1801 CALL: 706-721-0793 for more information

Blood Cancer/Stem Cell Transplant Support Group WHEN: Third Thursday of each month, 5:30–7 p.m.

WHERE: MCGHealth Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., 1st floor, Community Conference Room CALL: 706-721-9134 for more information

WHEN: Third Tuesday of each month, 7–9 p.m.

WHERE: MCGHealth Medical Office Building, 1447 Harper St., 5th floor, room 5306 CALL: 706-721-9351 for more information

Huntington Disease Support Group WHEN: First Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Marks Building, 1429 Harper St., room 1122 CALL: 706-721-4895 for more information

Pages 4–5

Focus on Women • Minimal stimulation in vitro fertilization • Women and stroke

Pages 6–7

Cancer Prevention • Pancreatic cancer • Image Boutique serves cancer patients

Pages 8–9

Heart-Healthy Living • What to do after a heart attack • Anticoagulation Clinic: A better way to manage blood thinners

Pages 10–11 Multiple Sclerosis Support Group WHEN: Last Monday of each month, 6–7:30 p.m.

WHERE: MCGHealth Medical Center, Augusta MS Center, 6th floor CALL: 706-721-7239 for reservations or information

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

WHERE: Meeting locations alternate CALL: 706-721-4633 for more information

Family Health • Cochlear implants • Probiotics: Fact or fad?

Page 12

In the News • Helping Haiti

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 mcghealth.org.

Copyright © 2011 MCGHealth System

2

mcghealth.org

Cover Image and images on pages 2 and 3 © istockphoto.com/Aldo Murillo/Barbara Reddoch/Alexander Mirokhin ; Images on page 3 © Thinkstock

Tips for a safe and healthy spring

Sundamentals

Fight bullying

J

B

ust one severe sunburn can increase the risk of getting melanoma later in life. To protect your family, keep babies younger than 6 months of age out of direct sunlight. Make sure everyone else applies a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors. Also: • Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Wear protective clothing when outdoors.

• Liberally apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors; reapply every two hours or sooner if you’ve been in water.

• Spell “BEENS” so you’ll remember to cover the backs of knees, ears, eye area, neck and scalp.

ullying can increase stress and thoughts of suicide, so if your child is bullied take action.

• Make it clear that it is not your child’s fault.

• Record the details of each incident.

• Meet with school authorities, calmly express your concerns and ask for help. Keep notes on these meetings.

• Get a copy of the school’s bullying policy.

If the bullying continues or your child has been traumatized, you may need to take further action and consult a mental health professional.

Alcoholic energy drinks = potential trouble

M

ost energy drinks contain large amounts of caffeine, which can provide a temporary energy boost, but these drinks can also cause nervousness, irritability and insomnia.

Now, products that contain both caffeine and alcohol are available. Drinking alcoholic energy drinks or mixing energy drinks with alcohol can mask the feeling of intoxication and result in heavier drinking and risky behavior. Alcoholic energy drinks have been banned in many parts of the country and may soon be banned nationwide.

While an occasional nonalcoholic energy drink may be fine for most teens and adults, it’s better to boost your energy with good nutrition, regular exercise and plenty of sleep.

Get a jump on seasonal allergies

A

lthough there’s no way to totally prevent hay fever, reducing your exposure to allergens may help delay or lessen symptoms. Try to avoid the allergens that trigger symptoms. This may require staying indoors in an air-conditioned environment whenever possible.

Over-the-counter antihistamines and saline nasal solutions may help with symptoms, but don’t give children antihistamines without consulting a physician. If you know you’re going to be exposed to the allergens that cause your problems, consider taking medications before exposure. If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications don’t help, consult your physician.

mcghealth.org

3

Focus on Women

Minimal stimulation in vitro fertilization A gentler, less expensive approach

I

f you and your partner are experiencing difficulty FRQFHLYLQJ \RX DUH QRW DORQH $FFRUGLQJ WR $GHOLQD (PPL 0' D UHSURGXFWLYH HQGRFULQRORJLVW ZLWK 0&* 5HSURGXFWLYH 0HGLFLQH DQG ,QIHUWLOLW\ $VVRFLDWHV LQIHUWLOLW\ DIIHFWV WR SHUFHQW RI $PHULFDQ FRXSOHV )RUWXQDWHO\ 'U (PPL DQG KHU FROOHDJXHV RIIHU VDIH HIIHFWLYH WUHDWPHQWV WR VLJQLÀFDQWO\ LPSURYH \RXU FKDQFHV RI EHFRPLQJ SUHJQDQW 7KHVH LQFOXGH D W\SH RI LQ YLWUR IHUWLOL]DWLRQ ,9) NQRZQ DV PLQLPDO VWLPXODWLRQ LQ YLWUR IHUWLOL]DWLRQ 06 ,9) 7KH SURFHGXUH VKRZV JRRG UHVXOWV LQ PDQ\ ZRPHQ

Understanding IVF ,Q WUDGLWLRQDO ,9) ZRPHQ VHOI LQMHFW PXOWLSOH GRVHV RI IHUWLOLW\ GUXJV WR VWLPXODWH WKH SURGXFWLRQ RI PXOWLSOH HJJV 7KH HJJV DUH KDUYHVWHG IHUWLOL]HG LQ YLWUR WKHQ WUDQVIHUUHG LQWR D ZRPDQ·V ERG\ ZKHUH RQH RU PRUH ZLOO KRSHIXOO\ GHYHORS ´7KLV DSSURDFK UHTXLUHV ODUJH GRVHV RI H[SHQVLYH PHGLFDWLRQV QXPHURXV ODE WHVWV DQG IUHTXHQW YLVLWV ZLWK SK\VLFLDQV $V D UHVXOW WUDGLWLRQDO ,9) FDQ EH YHU\ FRVWO\ DQG VWUHVVIXO µ 'U (PPL VD\V

Having trouble getting pregnant?

T

he board-certified reproductive endocrinologists at MCG Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Associates offer state-of-the-art diagnostic tests and advanced solutions for both male and female infertility.

For more information about MS-IVF or other infertility treatments or to schedule an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist, call 706-722-4434.

Women’s care through the ages

M

CGHealth Women’s Health delivers compassionate, state-of-the-art care for women of all ages, from adolescent gynecological exams to menopause management, high-risk pregnancy care, urogynecology, lifestyle management, the latest birth control options, inoffice solutions for heavy menstrual bleeding and more.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 706-721-CARE (2273) or visit mcghealth.org/women.

Reducing stress and expense :LWK 06 ,9) ZRPHQ WDNH IHZHU DQG VPDOOHU GRVHV

´7KLV JHQWOHU DSSURDFK XVHV OHVV PHGLFDWLRQ

RI PHGLFDWLRQV WR JHQWO\ VWLPXODWH WKH SURGXFWLRQ RI HJJV

ZKLFK UHGXFHV VRPH RI WKH PHGLFDWLRQ VLGH HIIHFWV DQG

ZKLFK DUH IHUWLOL]HG DQG WKHQ WUDQVIHUUHG WR WKH ZRPDQ·V

VLJQLÀFDQWO\ UHGXFHV WKH FRVW RI PHGLFDWLRQ µ 'U (PPL

XWHUXV 7KLV JHQWOH VWLPXODWLRQ KRSHIXOO\ OHDGV WR ORZHU

VD\V ´,Q IDFW 06 ,9) FRVWV WKRXVDQGV RI GROODUV OHVV WKDQ

PXOWLSOH SUHJQDQF\ UDWHV LQ ,9)

WUDGLWLRQDO ,9) µ

4

mcghealth.org

Women and stroke > What you need to know

I

t’s a well-known fact: The longer you wait to get WUHDWPHQW IRU VWURNH WKH JUHDWHU WKH ULVN RI GLVDELOLW\ RU GHDWK ´$ OHVVHU NQRZQ IDFW LV WKDW ZRPHQ DUH PRUH OLNHO\ WR KDYH DQG GLH RI VWURNH WKDQ PHQ µ VD\V 'DYLG +HVV 0' D QHXURORJLVW DQG VWURNH VSHFLDOLVW ZLWK 0&*+HDOWK 1HXURVFLHQFH &HQWHU

‡ VXGGHQ WURXEOH VHHLQJ LQ RQH RU ERWK H\HV ‡ VXGGHQ WURXEOH ZDONLQJ GL]]LQHVV ORVV RI EDODQFH RU FRRUGLQDWLRQ

‡ VXGGHQ VHYHUH KHDGDFKH ZLWK QR NQRZQ FDXVH

Act F.A.S.T. ,I \RX WKLQN VRPHRQH PD\ EH KDYLQJ D VWURNH GR WKLV

Risk factors unique to women &HUWDLQ ULVN IDFWRUV RI VWURNH DUH WKH VDPH IRU PHQ DQG ZRPHQ LQFOXGLQJ VPRNLQJ EHLQJ RYHUZHLJKW DQG KDYLQJ KLJK EORRG SUHVVXUH KLJK FKROHVWHURO GLDEHWHV RU D IDPLO\ KLVWRU\ RI VWURNH 2WKHU ULVN IDFWRUV DUH XQLTXH WR ZRPHQ VXFK DV WDNLQJ ELUWK FRQWURO SLOOV RU KRUPRQH WKHUDS\ EHLQJ SUHJQDQW KDYLQJ PLJUDLQHV RU KDYLQJ D WKLFN ZDLVW FRXSOHG ZLWK KLJK WULJO\FHULGHV

VLPSOH WHVW IURP WKH 1DWLRQDO 6WURNH $VVRFLDWLRQ

‡ Face: $VN WKH SHUVRQ WR VPLOH 'RHV RQH VLGH RI WKH IDFH GURRS"

‡ Arms: $VN WKH SHUVRQ WR UDLVH ERWK DUPV 'RHV RQH VLGH GULIW GRZQ"

‡ Speech: $VN WKH SHUVRQ WR UHSHDW D VLPSOH SKUDVH ,V WKH VSHHFK VOXUUHG RU VWUDQJH"

‡ Time: ,I \RX REVHUYH DQ\ RI WKHVH VLJQV FDOO LPPHGLDWHO\

What are the symptoms?

´$ FORW EXVWLQJ PHGLFDWLRQ PD\ UHGXFH ORQJ WHUP

7KH VLJQV RI VWURNH LQFOXGH

H PRVW FRPPRQ W\SH RI VWURNH EXW LW PXVW GLVDELOLW\ IRU WKH PRVW FRPPRQ W\SH RI VWURNH EXW LW PXVW

‡ VXGGHQ QXPEQHVV RU ZHDNQHVV RI WKH IDFH DUP RU

EH JLYHQ ZLWKLQ WKUHH KRXUV RI WKH RQVHW RI V\PSWRPV µ WKUHH KRXUV RI WKH RQVHW RI V\PSWRPV µ

OHJ HVSHFLDOO\ RQ RQH VLGH RI WKH ERG\

'U +HVV VD\V

‡ VXGGHQ FRQIXVLRQ WURXEOH VSHDNLQJ RU XQGHUVWDQGLQJ

When seconds count, count on MCGHealth Primary Stroke Center

A

delayed diagnosis and care for stroke can lead to disability, devastation—even death. But MCGHealth’s accredited Primary Stroke Center reduces the door-to-treatment time, ensuring quick and accurate diagnostic tests, easy access to neurosurgical services and a multidisciplinary team that includes internationally recognized stroke experts. Don’t take a chance. Request MCGHealth Primary Stroke Center.

To learn more, visit mcghealth.org/neuro.

mcghealth.org

5

Cancer Prevention

Pancreatic cancer A serious disease, aggressive care

L

ocated in your abdomen, behind the lower SDUW RI \RXU VWRPDFK WKH SDQFUHDV LV D FUXFLDO SDUW RI WKH GLJHVWLYH V\VWHP ,W VHFUHWHV HQ]\PHV WKDW DLG LQ GLJHVWLRQ DQG KRUPRQHV WKDW KHOS UHJXODWH WKH PHWDEROLVP RI VXJDUV 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ WKLV RIWHQ IRUJRWWHQ JODQG LV D OHDGLQJ FDXVH RI FDQFHU GHDWK ´7KHUH DUH QR UHJXODU VFUHHQLQJV IRU SDQFUHDWLF FDQFHU DQG V\PSWRPV JHQHUDOO\ GRQ·W DSSHDU XQWLO WKH GLVHDVH LV TXLWH DGYDQFHG µ VD\V 7RGG 0HUFKHQ 0' D KHSDWRELOLDU\ VXUJHRQ DQG SDQFUHDWLF FDQFHU VSHFLDOLVW DW 0&*+HDOWK &DQFHU &HQWHU $GGLWLRQDOO\ WKH GLVHDVH VSUHDGV UDSLGO\ UHVLVWV VWDQGDUG FKHPRWKHUDS\ DQG KDV D WHQGHQF\ WR UHFXU ´3DQFUHDWLF FDQFHU LV DPRQJ WKH PRVW GLIÀFXOW W\SHV RI FDQFHU WR WUHDW µ 'U 0HUFKHQ VD\V

Who is at risk?

7KH ULVN IRU WKH GLVHDVH LQFUHDVHV ZLWK DJH HVSHFLDOO\ DIWHU DJH 2WKHU ULVN IDFWRUV LQFOXGH

EHLQJ $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ EHLQJ RYHUZHLJKW RU REHVH

KDYLQJ FKURQLF LQÁDPPDWLRQ RI WKH SDQFUHDV KDYLQJ GLDEHWHV KDYLQJ D SHUVRQDO RU IDPLO\ KLVWRU\ RI SDQFUHDWLF FDQFHU

VPRNLQJ

Watch for these symptoms :KHQ VLJQV DQG V\PSWRPV GR RFFXU WKH\ LQFOXGH

XSSHU DEGRPLQDO SDLQ WKDW PD\ UDGLDWH WR \RXU EDFN

\HOORZLQJ RI WKH VNLQ DQG WKH ZKLWHV RI \RXU H\HV ORVV RI DSSHWLWH DQG ZHLJKW GHSUHVVLRQ EORRG FORWV ´,I \RX H[SHULHQFH WKHVH V\PSWRPV VHH \RXU SK\VLFLDQ ULJKW DZD\ µ 'U 0HUFKHQ VD\V ´7KH\ GRQ·W QHFHVVDULO\ LQGLFDWH SDQFUHDWLF FDQFHU EXW WKH\ VKRXOG EH LQYHVWLJDWHG µ

Immediate, aggressive care %HFDXVH SDQFUHDWLF FDQFHU LV D FRPSOH[ GLVHDVH

By the numbers Pancreatic cancer in the United States 43,140 36,800

WKDW·V XVXDOO\ GLDJQRVHG LQ WKH ODWHU VWDJHV LW FDOOV IRU TXLFN FRPSHWHQW FDUH 0&*+HDOWK &DQFHU &HQWHU RIIHUV FDUH E\ D PXOWLGLVFLSOLQDU\ WHDP WKDW LQFOXGHV

Estimated number of cases in 2010 Estimated number of deaths in 2010

Get serious about your health For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 706-721-CARE (2273).

PHGLFDO RQFRORJLVWV D KHSDWRELOLDU\ VXUJHRQ UDGLDWLRQ RQFRORJLVWV JDVWURHQWHURORJLVWV DQG RWKHU VSHFLDOLVWV ,I WKH FDQFHU KDV QRW VSUHDG FDUH PD\ LQFOXGH FRPSOH[ VXUJLFDO SURFHGXUHV 6LQFH WKHVH DUH DPRQJ WKH PRVW GLIÀFXOW VXUJHULHV WR SHUIRUP LW·V LPSRUWDQW WR WUXVW \RXU FDUH WR D VSHFLDOLVW ZLWK \HDUV RI H[SHULHQFH LQ SDQFUHDWLF FDQFHU

6

mcghealth.org

MCGHealth Cancer Center Image Boutique Helping cancer patients look their best

M

CGHealth Cancer Center fights cancer on DOO IURQWV 7DNH IRU H[DPSOH WKH FHQWHU·V ,PDJH %RXWLTXH ,W RIIHUV SURGXFWV DQG VHUYLFHV WR KHOS FDQFHU SDWLHQWV PDLQWDLQ WKHLU DSSHDUDQFH DQG VHOI LPDJH GXULQJ DQG DIWHU WUHDWPHQW 7KHVH LQFOXGH EUHDVW SURVWKHVHV ZLJV KDLUSLHFHV O\PSKHGHPD VXSSOLHV FDQFHU DZDUHQHVV LWHPV VNLQ FDUH SURGXFWV ERRNV MHZHOU\ DQG PXFK PRUH

ÀWWHG SURVWKHVLV FDQ GR IRU D ZRPDQ·V HPRWLRQDO ZHOO EHLQJ µ %URRNV VD\V

It's amazing what a properly styled wig and fitted prosthesis can do for a woman's emotional well-being.

Look Good...Feel Better

—Sherry Brooks

%URRNV DOVR OHDGV WKH $PHULFDQ &DQFHU 6RFLHW\·V VWHS ´/RRN *RRG )HHO %HWWHUµ ZRUNVKRS 7KH ZRUNVKRS WHDFKHV ZRPHQ KRZ WR FDUH IRU WKHLU DSSHDUDQFH

Custom-fit wigs, bras and prostheses 0DQDJHU 6KHUU\ %URRNV ZKR LV D OLFHQVHG FRVPHWRORJLVW LV DOVR D FHUWLÀHG ZLJ EUD DQG SURVWKHVLV

GXULQJ DQG DIWHU FDQFHU WUHDWPHQW &ODVVHV DUH KHOG WKH VHFRQG 0RQGD\ RI HDFK PRQWK IURP ² S P LQ WKH 0&*+HDOWK &DQFHU &HQWHU

ÀWWHU %URRNV GHOLYHUV FRPSDVVLRQDWH RQH RQ RQH VHUYLFH ´+DLU ORVV FDQ EH SDUWLFXODUO\ WURXEOLQJ IRU SDWLHQWV VR , ÀW DQG VW\OH ZLJV DQG KDLUSLHFHV WR PDNH WKHP ORRN DV

A Breast Health Navigator and support groups

QDWXUDO DV SRVVLEOH µ VKH VD\V ´7KLV LV GRQH LQ D SULYDWH URRP DQG , HQFRXUDJH SHRSOH WR EULQJ D IULHQG DORQJ µ %URRNV KHOSV EUHDVW FDQFHU SDWLHQWV E\ FXVWRP ÀWWLQJ EUDV EUHDVW SURVWKHVHV SDUWLDO SURVWKHVHV DQG SRVW PDVWHFWRP\ VZLPZHDU ´,W·V DPD]LQJ ZKDW D SURSHUO\ VW\OHG ZLJ DQG

I

f you’ve found a breast lump or have other breast health concerns, you may be frightened and unsure of what to expect. Breast Health Navigator Nicole Aenchbacher, RN, will guide you through the process, from diagnosis to education to emotional support. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call Nicole at 706-721-4109.

© istockphoto.com/Robert Kneschke

Ready to look your best?

The Image Boutique is located on the first floor of the MCGHealth Cancer Center at 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., and is open from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 706-721-0466.

mcghealth.org

7

Heart-Healthy Living

After a heart attack How to get back in the game

I

f you’ve suffered a heart attack, Preston &RQJHU 0' D FDUGLRORJLVW DQG PHGLFDO GLUHFWRU RI 0&*+HDOWK &DUGLDF 5HKDELOLWDWLRQ &HQWHU KDV VRPH VXJJHVWLRQV IRU JHWWLQJ EDFN LQWR DFWLRQ

Use the right fuel. 'LHW LV DV LPSRUWDQW WR D SHUVRQ UHFRYHULQJ IURP D KHDUW DWWDFN DV LW LV WR DQ DWKOHWH ´5HGXFH VDWXUDWHG IDWV DQG HDW PRUH IUXLWV YHJHWDEOHV DQG KLJK ÀEHU IRRGV $IWHU HDWLQJ KHDOWK\ IRRGV IRU D ZKLOH MXQN IRRG ZLOO EHJLQ WR WDVWH OLNH MXQN µ 'U &RQJHU VD\V

\RXU SK\VLFLDQ·V GLVFKDUJH RUGHUV FRQFHUQLQJ PHGLFDWLRQV

Think like a winner. 7KH JRLQJ FDQ JHW WRXJK EXW

IROORZ XS YLVLWV DQG RWKHU

GRQ·W OHW LW VDS \RXU PRWLYDWLRQ 7XUQ WR \RXU IDPLO\

WRSLFV ,W·V DOVR D JRRG LGHD

IULHQGV DQG FDUGLDF UHKDE WHDP IRU VXSSRUW ´$QG ZDWFK

WR GLVFXVV VH[XDO DFWLYLW\

IRU VLJQV RI GHSUHVVLRQ ZKLFK LV FRPPRQ DIWHU D KHDUW

DQ\ WUDYHO SODQV \RX PD\

DWWDFN ,I LW RFFXUV VSHDN ZLWK \RXU SK\VLFLDQ µ VD\V

KDYH DQG PDQDJHPHQW RI FRQFXUUHQW PHGLFDO FRQGLWLRQV Maintain the momentum. *LYLQJ XS WREDFFR ZLOO KHOS NHHS \RX RII WKH VLGHOLQHV

The going can get tough, but don't let it sap your motivation. Turn to family, friends and cardiac rehab team for support.

Be a consistent, persistent player. 5HFRYHU\ LV QRW D PDG GDVK EXW D PDUDWKRQ WKDW UHTXLUHV WUDLQLQJ *HW LQWR D FDUGLDF UHKDELOLWDWLRQ SURJUDP DQG WDNH DQ DFWLYH SDUW LQ WKH SURJUDP VR \RX FDQ JR WKH GLVWDQFH Stay on track. /LVWHQ WR DQG IROORZ \RXU SK\VLFLDQ·V RUGHUV UHJDUGLQJ PHGLFDWLRQV ´'RQ·W PDNH DQ\ FKDQJHV ZLWKRXW KLV RU KHU DSSURYDO µ 'U &RQJHU VD\V

8

mcghealth.org

'U &RQJHU ´(YHQ D VWDU DWKOHWH FDQ·W EH D FKDPS ZLWK XQWUHDWHG GHSUHVVLRQ µ

Speed recovery with cardiac rehabilitation

M

CGHealth Cardiac Rehabilitation Center offers the safety, security and equipment you’ll need to exercise after a heart attack. The center’s professionals will design an exercise plan just for you, monitor your heart as you exercise and submit monthly reports to your physician. You can also take classes about smoking cessation, stress management, nutrition, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol control. For more information or to have a staff member contact your physician about a referral, call 706-721-9055.

Images on pages 8 and 9 © istockphoto.com/Barbara Reddoch/Steve Cole

Get off to a good start. 0DNH VXUH \RX XQGHUVWDQG

MCGHealth Anticoagulation Clinic Monitoring and managing blood thinners

M

any people are prescribed blood-thinning PHGLFDWLRQV VXFK DV &RXPDGLQ WR SUHYHQW EORRG FORWV %XW WKHVH PHGLFDWLRQV FDQ EH GDQJHURXV LI WKH\¡UH QRW FORVHO\ PRQLWRUHG DQG NHSW ZLWKLQ WKHUDSHXWLF UDQJHV ,Q DGGLWLRQ PDQ\ SUHVFULSWLRQ DQG RYHU WKH FRXQWHU GUXJV FDQ LPSDFW WKH DQWLFRDJXODQW HIIHFWV RI EORRG WKLQQHUV

A trained team makes the difference 7KH FOLQLF LV VWDIIHG E\ D OLFHQVHG SUDFWLFDO QXUVH DQG SKDUPDFLVWV ZKR KDYH VSHFLDO H[SHUWLVH LQ EORRG WKLQQHUV 2Q HDFK YLVLW \RXU EORRG FORWWLQJ WLPH ZLOO EH

Regular monitoring prevents complications ,I \RX WDNH D EORRG WKLQQHU \RX¡OO QHHG WR KDYH \RXU

PHDVXUHG <RX¡OO DOVR PHHW ZLWK D SKDUPDFLVW ZKR ZLOO GHWHUPLQH LI \RXU GRVDJH QHHGV DGMXVWLQJ SURYLGH KHDOWK

EORRG FORWWLQJ WLPH NQRZQ DV ,15 FKHFNHG PRQWKO\ 7KLV

HGXFDWLRQ DQG UHYLHZ DOO PHGLFDWLRQV \RX DUH WDNLQJ WR

WHVW PD\ EH QHHGHG PRUH IUHTXHQWO\ ZKHQ \RX Ă&#x20AC;UVW EHJLQ

SUHYHQW GUXJ LQWHUDFWLRQV <RX¡OO VHH WKH UHVXOWV RI \RXU

WKH PHGLFDWLRQ PDNH FKDQJHV WR LW RU LI \RXU ,15 OHYHOV

WHVW LPPHGLDWHO\ DV ZLOO \RXU SK\VLFLDQ ZKR ZLOO UHFHLYH

DUH QRW ZLWKLQ QRUPDO WKHUDSHXWLF UDQJHV

DQ HOHFWURQLF XSGDWH

0RQLWRULQJ LV RIWHQ SHUIRUPHG LQ D SK\VLFLDQ¡V RIĂ&#x20AC;FH EXW VWXGLHV VKRZ WKDW SDWLHQWV ZKR DUH PRQLWRUHG DW DQWLFRDJXODWLRQ FOLQLFV GHYRWHG MXVW WR WKDW IXQFWLRQ PD\

Fast facts about the clinic

H[SHULHQFH IHZHU FRPSOLFDWLRQV

A more efficient option 7R EHWWHU VHUYH LWV SDWLHQWV 0&*+HDOWK KDV HVWDEOLVKHG DQ $QWLFRDJXODWLRQ &OLQLF WKDW SURYLGHV HGXFDWLRQ DQG PRQLWRULQJ IRU SDWLHQWV WDNLQJ WKHVH PHGLFDWLRQV $FFRUGLQJ WR -DVSDO *XMUDO 0%%6 DQ

T

he clinic serves patients ages 18 and older who are referred by an MCGHealth physician. Appointments take about 15 minutes. The clinic is located on the first floor of the MCGHealth Medical Center, main entrance.

Dedicated parking spots are located in the 15th Street Parking Deck.

LQWHUQDO PHGLFLQH SK\VLFLDQ DQG PHGLFDO GLUHFWRU RI WKH FOLQLF PDQ\ RI WKHVH SDWLHQWV KDYH

Â&#x2021; DWULDO Ă&#x20AC;EULOODWLRQ Â&#x2021; DUWLĂ&#x20AC;FLDO KHDUW YDOYHV Â&#x2021; GHHS YHLQ WKURPERVLV Â&#x2021; GHĂ&#x20AC;FLHQF\ RI DQWLFRDJXODWLRQ IDFWRUV Â&#x2021; D KLVWRU\ RI SXOPRQDU\ HPEROLVP

Â&#x2021; RWKHU FRQGLWLRQV

Manage your health For more information about the clinic, call 706-721-9664 or visit mcghealth.org and select â&#x20AC;&#x153;Health Servicesâ&#x20AC;? and then â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anticoagulation Clinic.â&#x20AC;?

mcghealth.org

9

Family Health

Cochlear implants New hope for â&#x20AC;&#x153;hearingâ&#x20AC;?

Â&#x2021; D WUDQVPLWWHU DQG UHFHLYHU VWLPXODWRU ZKLFK UHFHLYHV VLJQDOV IURP WKH SURFHVVRU DQG FRQYHUWV WKHP LQWR HOHFWULFDO LPSXOVHV

Â&#x2021; H OHFWURGHV WKDW WDNH WKHVH LPSXOVHV DQG VWLPXODWH WKH GLIIHUHQW UHJLRQV RI WKH DXGLWRU\ QHUYH

Another way of hearing &RFKOHDU LPSODQWV DUH GLIIHUHQW IURP WUDGLWLRQDO KHDULQJ DLGV ´+HDULQJ DLGV DPSOLI\ VRXQGV VR WKH\ PD\ EH GHWHFWHG E\ GDPDJHG HDUV EXW FRFKOHDU LPSODQWV

A

dults and children who are deaf or severely KDUG RI KHDULQJ DQG FDQ¡W EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W IURP FRQYHQWLRQDO KHDULQJ DLGV PD\ EH HOLJLEOH IRU DQ HOHFWURQLF GHYLFH NQRZQ DV D FRFKOHDU LPSODQW $FFRUGLQJ WR %ULDQ 0F.LQQRQ 0' DQ H[SHULHQFHG FRFKOHDU LPSODQW VXUJHRQ ZLWK 0&*+HDOWK 2WRODU\QJRORJ\ 'HSDUWPHQW WKH LPSODQW LQFOXGHV DQ H[WHUQDO SRUWLRQ WKDW VLWV EHKLQG WKH HDU DQG D VHFRQG SRUWLRQ WKDW¡V VXUJLFDOO\ LPSODQWHG XQGHU WKH VNLQ ZLWK D WLQ\ HOHFWURGH JRLQJ LQWR WKH FRFKOHD RU LQQHU HDU

E\SDVV GDPDJHG SRUWLRQV RI WKH HDU DOWRJHWKHU DQG VWLPXODWH WKH DXGLWRU\ QHUYH YLD WKH LQQHU HDU ¾ VD\V 'U 0F.LQQRQ ´6LJQDOV IURP WKH LPSODQW DUH VHQW WKURXJK WKH DXGLWRU\ QHUYH WR WKH EUDLQ ZKLFK UHFRJQL]HV WKHP DV VRXQG ¾ +HDULQJ WKURXJK D FRFKOHDU LPSODQW LV GLIIHUHQW IURP QRUPDO KHDULQJ DQG WDNHV SUDFWLFH $GXOWV ZKR KDYH ORVW WKHLU KHDULQJ FDQ RIWHQ OHDUQ WR DVVRFLDWH WKH LPSODQW¡V VLJQDOV ZLWK VRXQGV WKH\ UHPHPEHU

Helping children hear â&#x20AC;Ś and speak &RXSOHG ZLWK LQWHQVLYH SRVW LPSODQWDWLRQ WKHUDS\

Four critical components &RFKOHDU LPSODQWV FRQVLVW RI WKH

FRFKOHDU LPSODQWV FDQ KHOS GHDI FKLOGUHQ DFTXLUH VSHHFK ODQJXDJH DQG VRFLDO VNLOOV $W 0&*+HDOWK WKLV WKHUDS\ LV GHOLYHUHG E\ D QHWZRUN RI OLFHQVHG DXGLRORJLVWV VSHHFK

IROORZLQJ SDUWV

Â&#x2021; D PLFURSKRQH WR SLFN XS

'HDI FKLOGUHQ FDQ UHFHLYH WKHVH LPSODQWV DV \RXQJ

Â&#x2021; D VSHHFK SURFHVVRU WKDW

DV \HDU RI DJH ´&KLOGUHQ ZKR UHFHLYH LPSODQWV HDUO\

VHOHFWV DQG DUUDQJHV

DFKLHYH JUHDWHU VSHHFK GHYHORSPHQW WKDQ WKRVH ZKR JHW

WKHVH VRXQGV

LPSODQWV ZKHQ WKH\ DUH ROGHU Âľ 'U 0F.LQQRQ VD\V

Listen uup!

T

he specialists at MCGHealth Ear Center diagnose and treat hearing loss; chronic infections; balance, vestibular aand facial nerve problems; and tumors. To schedule an appointment, call 706-721-CARE (2273) or visit 7 mcghealth.org and select â&#x20AC;&#x153;Request Appointment. â&#x20AC;? For more information Appoi about cochlear implants, visit mcghealth.org/otolaryngology. mcghealth.o

10

mcghealth.org

Images on pages 10 and 11 Š istockphoto.com/Robert Lehmann/Daniel Kaesler

VRXQG

ODQJXDJH SDWKRORJLVWV DQG HGXFDWRUV LQ WKH FRPPXQLW\

Probiotics: Fact or fad?

A Q&A session with Robert Schade, MD, a gastroenterologist with MCGHealth What are probiotics?

$ Probiotics are “good bacteria” that promote intestinal health and protect against a variety of “bad bacteria.” Probiotics occur naturally in the digestive tract and are found in some foods and supplements.

What are the benefits of probiotics?

$ Although additional studies are needed, research indicates that probiotics may help treat diarrhea in infants, children and adults. They may be particularly effective if the diarrhea is caused by antibiotics, which can destroy naturally occurring probiotics and allow other potentially harmful bacteria to proliferate.

Research also indicates probiotics may help prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome and speed recovery from certain intestinal infections.

What are the most common types of probiotics?

Digestive problems slowing you down?

$ The digestive system contains about 400 types of natural probiotic bacteria, but the most well known is lactobacillus acidophilus, which is also found in many brands of yogurt.

How can people take probiotics?

$ You can add probiotics to your diet through overthe-counter or prescription nutritional supplements or foods such as yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, some juices and soy drinks. Make sure the product contains “live and active cultures,” such as lactobacillus.

Are there risks to taking probiotics?

M

CGHealth’s board-certified gastroenterologists and hepatologists have the training, experience and knowledge to uncover the underlying cause of your problem and treat the full range of digestive and liver disorders. They offer: • colon cancer screenings • traditional and capsule endoscopy • pH monitoring to diagnose gastrointestinal reflux disease • advanced techniques to identify and remove blockages in the gallbladder, bile ducts or pancreas • nonsurgical treatments to destroy hemorrhoids • liver biopsies and care for liver disorders Call 706-721-CARE (2273) or visit mcghealth.org to schedule an appointment with a skilled gastroenterologist or hepatologist so you can get back to your active lifestyle.

$ People can safely add probiotic foods to a healthy diet, but it’s a good idea to check with your physician before taking supplements.

mcghealth.org

11

Non-Profit Organization

US POSTAGE

1120 15th Street, BA 8214 Augusta, GA 30912

PAID MCG Health System

Copyright © 2011 MCGHealth Printed With Soy Ink Please Recycle This Publication

In the News

Helping Haiti Dr. Borders and medical students offer their expertise

Jack Borders Jr., MD, examines a child on a Haitian street while a grateful mother looks on.

Fighting deafness in Haiti $V DQ RWRODU\QJRORJLVW 'U %RUGHUV LV FRQFHUQHG DERXW SUHYHQWDEOH GHDIQHVV LQ +DLWL ZKHUH FKLOGUHQ RIWHQ ORVH WKHLU KHDULQJ

J

ack Borders Jr., MD, a pediatric otolaryngologist ZLWK WKH 0&*+HDOWK &KLOGUHQ·V 0HGLFDO &HQWHU LV QR VWUDQJHU WR SRYHUW\ GLVHDVH DQG VOXPV +H RIWHQ WUDYHOV WR GHVRODWH FRUQHUV RI WKH ZRUOG EULQJLQJ KRSH WR FKLOGUHQ IURP 6RXWK $PHULFD WR WKH 0LGGOH (DVW WR +DLWL D FRXQWU\ WR ZKLFK KH KDV PDGH PRUH WKDQ PHGLFDO WULSV 'XULQJ VSULQJ EUHDN KH OHG D JURXS RI *HRUJLD +HDOWK 6FLHQFHV 8QLYHUVLW\ VWXGHQWV WR WKH LVODQG QDWLRQ 7KH\ ZHUH VWDWLRQHG DW D PHGLFDO VWXGHQW PLVVLRQ LQ 9HUUHWWHV D VPDOO FLW\ DERXW PLOHV IURP WKH FDSLWDO RI 3RUW DX 3ULQFH DQG FDUHG IRU SDWLHQWV ZLWK FKROHUD DQG RWKHU GLVHDVHV ´7KHVH WULSV DUH JUHDW OHDUQLQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV IRU VWXGHQWV µ 'U %RUGHUV VD\V ´7KH\ JHW WR H[SHULHQFH DQRWKHU FXOWXUH DQG VHH VRPH XQXVXDO GLVHDVHV ZKLOH SXWWLQJ WKHLU WUDLQLQJ DQG LGHDOLVP LQ DFWLRQ µ

GXH WR VKRUWDJHV RI DQWLELRWLFV DQG SULPDU\ FDUH ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR 'U %RUGHUV D QHWZRUN RI

[We] get to experience another culture ... while putting [our] training and idealism in action. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jack Borders Jr., MD

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