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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Focus on Women
Minimal stimulation in vitro fertilization A gentler, less expensive approach
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Having trouble getting pregnant?
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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
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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.
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Women and stroke > What you need to know
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When seconds count, count on MCGHealth Primary Stroke Center
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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.
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Cancer Prevention
Pancreatic cancer A serious disease, aggressive care
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Get serious about your health For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 706-721-CARE (2273).
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MCGHealth Cancer Center Image Boutique Helping cancer patients look their best
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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
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Look Good...Feel Better
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A Breast Health Navigator and support groups
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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.
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Heart-Healthy Living
After a heart attack How to get back in the game
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The going can get tough, but don't let it sap your motivation. Turn to family, friends and cardiac rehab team for support.
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Speed recovery with cardiac rehabilitation
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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
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MCGHealth Anticoagulation Clinic Monitoring and managing blood thinners
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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.
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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;?
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Family Health
Cochlear implants New hope for â&#x20AC;&#x153;hearingâ&#x20AC;?
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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
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Images on pages 10 and 11 Š istockphoto.com/Robert Lehmann/Daniel Kaesler
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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?
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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
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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.
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[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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