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AUGUST - SEPTEMBER ISSUE • 2010
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THE BEST INFORMATION IN YOUR HANDS S e r v i n g P a l m B e a c h G a r d e n s , R o y a l P a l m B e a c h , We l l i n g t o n , B e l l e G l a d e , L a k e Wo r t h , L a n t a n a , B o y n t o n a n d B o c a R a t o n
Also in this issue Stars Have Trekked ....................2 Metatarsalgia..............................3 The Worst-Paying Jobs for Doctors ......................................4 Cutting Edge Cancer Care in Your Community: One Research Trial at a Time ....................................5 Doctors Educated Outside U.S. Outperform Home Grown Physicians ......................6 Tired of Water? Read This! ........7 Pyrosis or Heartburn..................8 Think You Need New Glasses? Or Could it be Cataracts?............9 What Caused 2009 H1N1 Pandemic? ...............................10 Number of Obese Adults Keeps Rising, CDC Says ..........11 CNS Stereotactic Radiosurgery Journal Club.............................12 Miami Children’s Hospital and Palms West Hospital Form an Affiliation to Provide Pediatric Emergency Care in West Palm Beach .....................13 Back-to-School Tips on Backpack Safety .......................14 The Boynton Beach Arthritis Center Introduces Dr. Prasanthi Meagher to the Medical Community .................15
Doctors Educated Outside U.S. Outperform Home-Grown Physicians
U.S. patients, of doctors who went to medical school outside the country and weren’t American citizens had a 9 percent lower death rate on average than those whose doctors trained at home, a study showed. PAGE 6
The Worst-Paying Jobs for Doctors PAGE 4
CNS Stereotactic Radiosurgery Journal Club PAGE 12
Miami Children’s Hospital and Palms West Hospital PAGE 13
The Boynton Beach Arthritis Center event PAGE 15
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2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
• 2010
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Stars Have Trekked It’s not a great feeling to be fooled by the stars, those distant guardians of our destinies. But a growing group of astronomers say we've been following the wrong sun signs ever since the ancient Babylonians forgot all about Ophiucus, the 13th constellation, and the principle of precession. What does that mean? It means a Virgo is a Leo is a Cancer is a Gemini…
M
ini Singhal was born on October 29,1979. That makes her, according to the western zodiac system, a Scorpio - a sign she likes because astrologer and bestselling author Linda Goodman says such women have "a deep, mysterious beauty, are magnetic, proud and totally confident." Singhal likes to think that the description sits pretty on her, she of the "most powerful" zodiac sign."I totally identify with my sun sign, the way I identify with my name," she says.
She might just have a bad surprise in store, something that may even lead to an identity crisis of sorts. What if she's told that like numerous others she hasn't been following the right star sign all her life and that she is indeed a Virgo, that Goodman in reality hasn't been all that good to her? "Oh, ok,then," she says, slightly off balance, "At least I am not Piscean, they are such wimps." Unknown to most believers of star signs which would mean almost all of us - there is a growing group of astrologers and rationalists who swear that we have been following the wrong zodiac and that in its present form it is all wrong. The theory is that when it was developed by the Babylonians in 450 BCE they missed out on a crucial bit of information which became apparent to mankind only later with further advances in science. But the signs were never recalibrated.
have a set of characteristics typical to your sign - love for perfection,in this case, is one of the most celebrated and bragged about. But here's the twist in the tale. The ancient Babylonians were smart enough to map the twinkling constellations and the movement of the sun in and out of them, but they were yet to figure out the concept of 'precession'. To put it simply, it refers to the change in the direction of the earth's rotational axis in relation to fixed stars. This change occurs because the earth not just rotates on its axis but also wobbles - like a spinning top. This is because of the tilt in the earth's rotational axis resulting from unequal gravitational forces exerted on it by the sun and the moon. In addition to rotation,the earth's axis also exhibits an extremely slow gyroscopic motion. If observed from the top of the North Pole, precession makes the tip of the earth's rotational axis trace a circle. And it takes 26,000 years
Western astrology believes in 12 constellations of 30 degrees each which make up 360 degrees of the zodiac or the apparent path of the sun across the sky as observed from the earth. While it was first developed by the Babylonians, it was the Greeks who improvised on it and laid the foundation of modern western astrology. According to the system, the sun is hosted by each of these 12 star clusters between certain days of the year. For instance, it shines bright amongst the nine stars that make up constellation Virgo from August 23 to September 22. If you are born between these dates your sun sign is Virgo and you supposedly
to complete one such circle. The importance of precession in astrology stems from the fact that the angle of the tilt of earth's axis on the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere is taken as the 'zero point', or the starting of the zodiac. Which means that from 0 degree to 30 degrees is Aries, followed by Taurus between 30 to 60 degrees, and so on. Now, since this reference point has moved over the years (due to precession), the subsequent position of the rest of the zodiac has too. Therefore, it is important to factor in the precession of the earth's axis to know your 'correct' sun sign. However, western astrologers have refrained from doing so and continue to refer to the zodiac based on the SALES & ADVERTISING Grace Edwards Phone: (561) 319-6919 gedwards@floridahealthnews-online.com
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If precession is taken into account,it throws the zodiac completely out of whack.Take this for a reality check: the sun sign of people born between June 22 and July 20 is not Cancer but Gemini. As if this was not enough to shake your belief, science deals another blow to the zodiac system in the shape of Ophiucus, or the serpent bearer -- the 13th constellation. It seems that this group of stars escaped the probing eyes of the Babylonians as they divided the sky into 12 compartments. It, therefore, does not find a mention in western astrology. If you were born between November 30 and December 17, your sun sign is Ophiucus and not Saggitarius. If indeed stars speak then they have been telling lies. Perhaps now you'll understand why your outspoken Arian self never got along with your partner's Saggitarian spontaneity though Goodman promised smouldering chemistry between the two signs. Goodman, it seems, is just as random about predicting the compatibility of two people as your family panditji or astrologer are (even though they claim to be more accurate). Indian astrologers make birth charts (kundlis) and predictions by tracing the position of a constellation, or nakshatra, in the night sky and then deducting 23 degrees (the angle of tilt of the earth's axis) from it to get its "exact" position. Indians do take precession into consideration. "We make predictions based on what we see the planets and stars visible in the night sky at the time of the prediction. Even though other planets are there,we don't count their influence on your life because at that precise moment they are retrograde or not visible to the naked eye," explains astrologer Pandit Ajai Bhambi who has just come out with the book Vedic Sun Signs. Because Indians deduct 23 degrees from the visible position of a constellation,it translates into a gap of 23 days between sun signs in western zodiac and desi ones. "If somebody is born on March 24 then his Vedic sun sign will be Pisces,whereas the western sun sign will be Aries," says Bhambi. You have to bear in mind, though, that it may be erroneous to believe you are an Aries even in the western scheme of things if you are born on March 24 - the point exactly that anti-astrologers are trying to make.
So, what's your real, real sun sign? And does it change who you are? There are some who can't be bothered to find out. It doesn't matter to them where the sun, moon and the planets were when they were born because, in any case, these heavenly bodies are thousands of kilometres away, too far to affect them on earth. But for those who hold the tiny dots of light in the sky responsible for everything - from not finding a suitable NRI groom to premature greying of hair - a possible answer to this question would lie in understanding how the signs have changed over a couple of thousand years.
placement of stars millions of years ago.
Michael Antoine Phone: (561) 685-3245 sales@floridahealthnews-online.com
When TOI-Crest approached some western astrologers to explain these obvious discrepancies, none was able to do so. Marjorie Orr,a well-known astrologer whose daily predictions are carried in a host of magazines offered this: "The earth does tilt on its axis and the line through the centre of the earth has moved roughly from the constellation of Pisces into the constellation of Aquarius though the start and finish dates are difficult to pinpoint." (Huh!) Orr used to be an award-winning journalist who later turned to psychotherapy and astrology.But what she says makes little sense. Bejan Daruwala,a hugely successful astrologer whose column Ganesha Speaks is followed by millions in India, dismisses the allegations of falsehood and doubt as "bull****." The muchrespected octogenarian says, "Everyone is a master in love and astrology." (Err, what was that, again?) Even as you struggle to underPUBLIC RELATIONS Phone: (561) 267-5232 ranjita@floridahealthnews-online.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Sergio Aguilar (561) 716-5054 ads@floridahealthnews-online.com
THE 'REAL' SUN SIGNS SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Dec 18-Jan 18 CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 Jan 19-Feb 15 AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 Feb 16-Mar 11 PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Mar 12-Apr 18 ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Apr 19-May 13 TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 May 14-Jun 19 GEMINI May 22 - Jun 21 Jun 20-Jul 20 CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 23 Jul 21-Aug 9 LEO Jul 24 - Aug 23 Aug 10-Sept 15 VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Sep 16-Oct 30 LIBRA Sept 24 - Oct 23 Oct 31-Nov 22 SCORPIO Oct 24 - Nov 22 Nov 23-Nov 29 OPHIUCHUS Not counted Nov 30-Dec 17 stand what it could possibly mean,he throws his latest predictions at you. On July 11,he says,he foretold in a city paper that Spain will score a goal in the last 11 minutes and win the world cup. That's much better than Octopus Paul who could only predict a simple Spain win. To drive home the importance of number 11, Daruwala also mentions that July 11 is his birthday and that the number of his residential flat is 11. Two days before the Mangalore air crash,he says he had told a popular FM radio channel in Mumbai that because of certain "arrangement" between Uranus and Saturn, there will be an air crash. A phone conversation with numerologist Sanjay B Jumaani followed a similar trajectory. He claims he had correctly predicted that Sakshi will prove lucky for M S Dhoni. The Indian skipper grabbed Rs 210 crores as part of various advertisement deals soon after his marriage to her. As for the question of precession and a missing constellation, he says "all this is automatically controlled." (Yeah,right) To most rational people, it is amply clear that planets and stars are just what they are and they don't influence your professional and personal life. Dr N Rathnasree, director, Nehru planetarium, says, "In my opinion,astrology is just an abuse of astronomy by astrologers - for business interests." So, what is your sun sign? The answer seems to be floating somewhere in the swirling,churning motions of the universe which astrologers desperately try to link with your life on earth. It's a great pick up line, though. CONTRIBUTING ARTICLES U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ARA Content, Hispanic PR Wire, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, METRO Editorial Services, Family Features, © SEA PUBLICATIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Printed in United States.
Florida Health News is a newspaper published every month in Palm Beach county and surrounding areas. Copyright 2010, all rights reserved by SEA Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher does not accept responsibility for advertisement error beyond the cost of the advertisement itself. All submitted materials are subject to editing.
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
3
Metatarsalgia Metatarsalgia is a general term used to denote a painful foot condition in the metatarsal region of the foot (the area just before the toes, more commonly referred to as the ball-of-the-foot). Arthur Hansen DPM, M.S.
T
his is a very common foot disorder that we see in our practice. It can affect the bones and joints at the ball-of-the-foot. Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot-pain) is often located under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads, or more isolated at the first metatarsal head (near the big toe). The most common location is just the second metatarsal head. The main symptom of metatarsalgia is pain in the ball of your foot — the part of the sole just behind your toes. The pain may be sharp, aching or burning, and you may feel it in the area around the second, third and fourth toes or only near your big toe.
Other symptoms of metatarsalgia include: n Pain that gets worse when you stand, walk or run and that improves when you rest n Sharp or shooting pain in your toes n Numbness or tingling in your toes
n Pain that worsens when you flex your feet n A feeling in your feet as if you're walking on pebbles or have a bruise from a stone n Increased pain when you're walking barefoot, especially on a hard surface Sometimes these symptoms come on suddenly, especially if you've recently increased your usual amount of running, jumping or other high-impact exercise, but problems are more likely to develop over a period of months With this common foot condition, one or more of the metatarsal heads become painful and/or inflamed, usually due to excessive pressure over a long period of time. It is common to experience acute, recurrent, or chronic pain with metatarsalgia. The most common complaint we hear all the time is that it feels like walking on a small rock in the shoe. This happens when the capsule around the joint gets inflamed and swollen and we walk on it.
Anything that puts pressure or extra stress on the ball of our foot can cause this condition. These include: n Being overweight n Wearing high heeled shoes n Digital deformities that create retrograde pressure on the metatarsal head n Extremely high arched feet n An orthopedic condition where a metatarsal is very long or declinated n Anterior ankle arthritis where the foot can not be brought up into the ankle joint n Bunion deformities where big toe is weakened and extra stress is put on ball of foot n Athletics where there is high impact on the fore foot n Aging where the normal fat pad on the bottom of the foot gets thinner The first step in treating metatarsalgia is to determine the cause of the pain. If it is something obvious like improper fitting footwear, the footwear must be changed. Footwear designed with
Achilles tendon Metatarsal bones
Plantar fascia ligament Calcaneus (heel bone)
a high, wide toe box (toe area) and a rocker sole is ideal for treating metatarsalgia. The high, wide toe box allows the foot to spread out while the rocker sole reduces stress on the ball-of-the-foot.
Once we have something in the shoe to try to prevent the excessive pressure and continual injury then other modalities can be used concurrently. These include OTC medications like Motrin of Aleve.
Unloading pressure to the ball-ofthe-foot can be accomplished with a variety of footcare products. Orthotics designed to relieve ball-offoot pain usually feature a metatarsal pad or a cut out under the affected metatarsal. The orthotic is constructed with the pad placed behind the ball-of-the-foot to relieve pressure and redistribute weight from the painful area to more tolerant areas. Other products often recommended include gel metatarsal cushions and metatarsal bandages.
Sometimes a visit to the podiatrist is indicated. X-rays can show if there is an orthopedic condition causing the pain. They also show us if the joint has gone through any changes. For the more painful joints sometimes a small steroid injection can give relief. Most of the time (90%) conservative care can give good long lasting relief. For the occasional chronic condition that doesn’t get better with conservative care and is painful everyday, there are some surgical options that are very successful.
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4 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
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The Worst-Paying Jobs for Doctors Don't go into family practice if you're in it for the money.
1. Family Practice $175,000
Average salary, 2009-2010:
2008-2009: $173,000 2008-2009: $172,000
W
hen Ted Epperly entered medical school in 1976, he did so with a scholarship from the U.S. Army. In return he committed to serving for four years in the Army after graduating from the University of Washington. It meant he wouldn't have the crippling student loans that burden many new doctors, so he was free to follow his dream of becoming a family practitioner instead of a cardiologist, the more lucrative specialty he was also considering.
2006-2007: $161,000
2. Pediatrics Average salary, 2009-2010:
$180,000
2008-2009: $171,000 2008-2009: $159,000 2006-2007: $159,000
3. Internal Medicine Average salary, 2009-2010:
$191,000
2008-2009: $186,000
"I didn't have large loans, so my choice became about what I wanted to do," he says. Today he is president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. "As I went through school I realized I loved the continuity of care that primary care physicians can offer. I could see patients through their whole lives. Since I didn't have large loans to pay, I could do what I wanted and have a calling. It became a no-brainer." Not many doctors have that luxury, since the average medical school student owes $140,000 in loans at graduation. That's a major reason not many doctors are becoming primary care physicians: They earn the lowest salary of all physicians, according to the medical search and consulting firm Merritt Hawkins & Associates' 2010 Review of Physician Recruiting Incentives. At $180,000 for pediatricians and $175,000 for family practitioners, primary care providers make an awful lot less than the typical orthopedic surgeon, who makes $519,000, or a urologist, who earns $400,000, according to the Merritt Hawkins data. That disparity has contributed to a serious shortage of primary care doctors. The American Medical Association predicts a shortage of 35,000 to 40,000 primary care physicians by 2025.
2008-2009: $176,000 2006-2007: $174,000
4. Family Practice with Obstetrics Average salary, 2009-2010:
$200,000
2008-2009: $184,000 2008-2009: $184,000
training than the four years of medical school, one year of internship and then residency you have to go through to become a primary care physician. "You're talking about twice as much money to be a specialist, a better perceived lifestyle and more time off," says Tommy Bohannon, senior director of development and training at Merritt Hawkins.The AMA predicts that the shortage of internists will get worse as baby boomers age and require additional medical attention. The AMA and the American Academy of Family Physicians are discussing several possible ways of addressing the shortage. They include offering scholarships to students who go into and stay in primary care, and loan forgiveness for primary care physicians who work in underserved areas. Epperly also suggests distributing National Institutes of Health grants, a large source of funding for public medical schools, based on how many primary care physicians the schools produce. "If your percentage of primary care physicians is low, you don't get as much of that money," he says.
2006-2007: $159,000
5. Hospitalist Average salary, 2009-2010:
$208,000
2008-2009: $201,000 2008-2009: $181,000 2006-2007: $180,000
Why do primary care physicians make less than specialists? One reason is they simply don't bring in the same amount of revenue per doctor, according to a Merritt Hawkins survey of hospital revenues. The 114 hospitals that participated in that survey reported that primary care physicians brought in an average of $225,383 less per year than specialists, between 2002 and 2010. One reason for that is the medical profession's fee structure. Medicare and private insurers cover medical expenses based on
valuations provided by a committee of the American Medical Assocation that assigns every medical task a "relative value unit" based on the skill and expertise required to perform it. If your work as a doctor expends more relative value units, you generally end up earning more, so the committee's assessment is very important. "The group that sets the standard for this is composed of doctors, mostly specialists," says Phil Miller, vice president of communications at Merritt Hawkins. "Some people say because this group is
made up of mostly specialists, they weight their own work more." The committee doesn't rate the primary care physicians' face-to-face interactions with patients as highly as procedures that specialists perform, so primary care physicians end up earning less. Family practitioners earned $16,000 less in 2009 than certified registered nurse anesthetists, registered nurses who have worked in the field for at least one year and then return to school for 24 to 36 months to qualify for a master's degree. That's a lot less
There has been talk of creating more places for students in medical schools, but that would take a long time to have an effect, since those students need not just four years of medical school but also a one-year internship, about three years for a residency and maybe three to five years of regular practice before they reach their full effectiveness. As a result, Bohannon says, there can't be a real increase in supply before about 2030. Still, getting more primary care physicians out there is crucial for improving Americans' health, Epperly says: "Studies show that if you have a regular primary care physician to go to, your health will be better and your costs will be lower, because the treatment can be preemptive. If I've cared for you for 10 years, you can call about a question and not need to come in. I connect the dots for you for your health care. That's what we're missing in our system."
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AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
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5
Cutting Edge Cancer Care in Your Community:
One Research Trial at a Time However, according to the National Cancer Institute, only three percent of adults with cancer participate in clinical trials. This has been largely due to the fact that cancer trials had been historically only available through university programs and so-called “academic” centers. As a result, the vast majority of cancer patients would have to travel great distances from their homes so as to have access to these trials and the latest cancer treatments. Todd A. Gersten, MD. Board Certified in Internal Medicine
The best way that a cancer patient can help advance progress in cancer care is by participation in a clinical research trial.
C
linical trials are carefully designed and monitored studies involving patients across an array of various types of cancer. These studies can evaluate newer, potentially more promising, medications that are at the forefront of scientific breakthrough.
New cancer drugs are only approved after they show benefit in a clinical trial and therefore there is a need to enroll as many patients in such trials as possible.
Times are changing, though. Oncology cooperative groups and the pharmaceutical industry have been working to increase enrollment in such trials by making them available through local community oncology practices. Thereby allowing a patient to stay in their own hometown without the need for the expense and hassle of travel. “Once a person receives a cancer diagnosis, their first instinct may be to fly or drive to the larger institutions and universities in the United States. But the truth is, the expertise and novel drugs are now often available in a patient’s own backyard,” said Palm Beach Cancer Institute medical oncologist, Todd A. Gersten, MD. From his office in Wellington, Florida, Dr. Gersten enjoys participating in research as much as he does seeing patients. He is the primary investigator on a study involving a promising new medication, SNDX 275, in post-menopausal women with advanced breast cancer. Dr. Gersten recently became the first oncologist on the globe to enroll a
patient on an international trial evaluating the use of a drug called everolimus in combination with Herceptin in advanced breast cancer. But clinical research at the Palm Beach Cancer Institute is not limited to breast cancer. At any given time multiple clinical trials are available that span a variety or cancer types including lung, prostate, and colon. Dr. Gersten recalls the story of a Wellington man who had been traveling to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas for melanoma therapy – a disease where few treatment options exist in the community. The patient’s primary care physician referred him to Dr. Gersten. “I was able to offer him clinical trial enrollment right here in West Palm Beach. After speaking with his physician in Texas, the patient opted for our trial as it
seemed promising and it allowed to him stay right at home,” added Gersten. For patients who have concerns about participating in clinical trials, physicians want them to know that patients will receive, at minimum, the best standard treatment. Patients are always fully informed before they give their consent to participate in a trial. When it comes to treating cancer, doctors suggest that patients choose a board-certified oncologist and be open to participating in a clinical trial. It gives patients a chance to help themselves and help others. “When a patient enrolls in a clinical trial they are assisting all mankind in finding answers on the path to eventually curing cancer.” Dr. Gersten said.
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6 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
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Doctors Educated Outside U.S. Outperform Home-Grown Physicians U.S. patients of doctors who went to medical school outside the country and weren’t American citizens had a 9 percent lower death rate on average than those whose doctors trained at home, a study showed.
T
he report, published in issue of Health Affairs, tracked the performance of primary-care doctors, internists and cardiologists in 244,153 hospitalizations involving congestive heart failure or heart attacks. Economics may help explain the gap in patient outcomes, said John Norcini, co-author of the study. Internal medicine and primary care have failed to attract the best U.S. students because of lower pay, relative to other specialties, he said.
“Primary care may not be getting the best and the brightest from U.S. medical schools,” said Norcini, chief executive officer of the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research, a Philadelphiabased nonprofit. “Foreign students see primary care as a gap that they can fill and a way to practice medicine here.” Primary-care doctors, including internists and family practice physicians, earn on average from $175,000 to $200,000 annually, while orthopedic surgeons make $519,000; radiologists, $417,000; and anesthesiologists $331,000, according to a survey released in June by the national physician search firm Merritt Hawkins, based in Irving, Texas. U.S. medical schools don’t pro-
duce enough graduates to supply all the postgraduate training slots available, and the void has been filled by graduates from institutions in other countries, Norcini said. These international-schooled doctors make up a quarter of practicing physicians in the U.S., and are especially important in the area of primary care, he said. ‘Cream of the Crop’ “We have been blessed with the cream of the crop” from other countries, said Norcini. “The ones who make it through to become doctors are highly desirable and highly motivated.” Before being eligible to apply for a post-graduate residency slot in the U.S., graduates of non-U.S. medical schools must go through a two-step process that tests a graduate’s clinical knowledge and skills. Over the past five years, more than 10,000 certificates have been awarded annually by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, the group that created Norcini’s foundation. The authors of the Health Affairs study said their results, based on data from 2003 to 2006 in Pennsylvania, mark a shift from the early 1990s when research showed international medical graduates underperforming U.S.-trained doctors on licensing examinations, specialty board certifications and other metrics.
‘Well Written’
Issues Raised
“I am somewhat surprised by the results of the study,” said John Prescott, chief academic officer of the American Association of Medical Colleges in Washington. “But the paper was well-written and the authors went out of their way to address any issues people might raise.”
Harlan Krumholz, a professor at Yale School of Medicine and director of Yale-New Haven Hospital Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, raised issues with the methodology and conclusions of the study.
Not all international medical graduates had good results. U.S. citizens who attended medical schools abroad underperformed graduates of U.S. medical schools and citizens from other countries who went to school outside the U.S. Internationally trained foreign doctors had a 16 percent lower mortality rate than Americans schooled overseas, according to the Health Affairs article. “Whenever you have a study like this, it says perhaps we need to look a little more closely,” AAMC’s Prescott said.
government has failed to raise the number of training spots available. The number was capped in 1997 as a way to control spending on Medicare, the U.S. health plan for the elderly and disabled. Medicare helps fund post-graduate positions.
“This can only be considered an exploratory result,” he said.
The study also found that doctors who have been certified by a medical specialty board -- typically after completing post-graduate training -- have lower mortality rates than those who haven’t been, regardless of nationality, Norcini said. The further a doctor gets from medical training the worse their patients fare as well, making an argument for the need for continuing education and post-certification testing, he said.
Even though foreign medical graduates produced good patient outcomes, according to this study, they may find it harder to get a post-graduate residency as U.S. medical schools have increased their class sizes while the federal
“People don’t need to pay so much attention to whether their doctor is a graduate of an international school but they should pay more attention to whether or not the doctor has been board certified,” Norcini said.
“In reality there is a team of doctors for every patient and it is difficult to know the role that any one individual played,” he said in an e-mail. He also questioned why the article didn’t distinguish where the international medical graduates went to school.
Cops: Calif doctor gets stuck in chimney, dies Reached by telephone, Moodie did not dispute the police's characterization of his relationship with Kotarac. He would not comment on the circumstances that led to her death, saying it was more important to focus on the good she did in life.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - A doctor involved in an "onagain, off-again" relationship apparently tried to force her way into her boyfriend's home by sliding down the chimney, police said Tuesday. Her decomposing body was found there three days later. Dr. Jacquelyn Kotarac, 49, first tried to get into the house with a shovel, then climbed a ladder to the roof last Wednesday night, removed the chimney cap and slid feet first down the flue, Bakersfield police Sgt. Mary DeGeare said. While she was trying to break in, the man she was pursuing escaped unnoticed from another exit "to avoid a confrontation," authorities said.
Moodie, who runs an engineering consulting firm, said Kotarac was a superb internist who often provided service and medication free of charge to her patients. DeGeare said the two were in an "on-again, off-again" relationship. The man's identity was not revealed by police, but the man who resides in the home is William Moodie, 58.
"She made an unbelievable error in judgment and nobody understands why, and unfortunately she's passed away," Moodie told The Associated Press. "She had her issues — she had her demons — but I never lost my respect for her."
Kotarac apparently died in the chimney, but her body was not discovered until a house-sitter noticed a stench and fluids coming from the fireplace Saturday, according to a police statement. The house-sitter and her son investigated with a flashlight and found
Kotarac dead, wedged about two feet above the top of the interior fireplace opening. Firefighters spent five hours late Saturday dismantling the chimney and flue from outside the home to extract Kotarac's body, DeGeare said. Officials said Kotarac's office staff reported her missing two days prior when she failed to show for work. Her car and belongings remained near the man's house. A cause of death has not been determined, and an autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday. Foul play is not suspected, though investigators have been looking into the incident as suspicious.
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
7
Tired of Water? Read This! You already know that drinking water is key to your health. Downing at least six cups of water daily can minimize bloating, prevent headaches, help prevent you from getting sick and smooth the appearance of wrinkles.
I
t may even temporarily rev your metabolism, if you drink it on the cool side (72 degrees). That's a lot of benefit from a beverage you don't even have to pay for! But H20 isn't the only sip that can safeguard your health. Coffee, which some people accuse me of being addicted to, is basically liquid gold. It may lower your risk for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, breast cancer, skin cancer, diabetes, gallstones, even oral cancer. P.S., java drinkers make half as many errors in daily life compared with decaf fans, according to a study from Cardiff University in Wales, because caffeine helps you process information quickly. It's also linked to a reduced risk for depression. Those pit stops at Starbucks aren't just perking me up— they're protecting every part of
me! Not a java junkie? Read on to learn the hidden health bennies of your favorite bevy: Orange juice guards against heart disease. Antioxidants in OJ help protect your ticker by fighting the inflammation that can cause blood vessel damage. Consider this: People who ate fast food with a glass of orange juice had fewer arteryharming free radicals in their blood afterward than those who had their burger and fries with water, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates. Isn't that a great reason to choose juice? Just watch the sugars—one cup contains 21 grams and 122 calories.
two months felt significantly less anxious, a study from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia reports. Ease into mellow mode at night with a cup of chamomile tea. Cranberry juice may prevent gum disease and urinary tract infections. Natural compounds in the juice may ward off gum disease by preventing bacteria from adhering to the teeth below the gum line. Cranberry juice also delivers 39 percent of the daily value for vitamin C per 8 ounces, raises levels of good cholesterol and keeps your urinary tract tip-top. A berry smart sip indeed! Chocolate milk keeps your abs flat. A glass of skim chocolate milk delivers a great
Chamomile tea can keep you calm. People who downed chamomile extract daily for
combo of carbs and protein, helping you recover after a workout. Athletes who drank it post-workout had lower levels of muscle damage after four days of intense exercising than those who guzzled water or other recovery drinks, according to findings presented at the American College of Sports Medicine meeting in Seattle. That translates to less soreness and fatigue, so you can get back to the gym and those tummy-toning planks sooner. Simply stir 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or syrup that has less than 20 g sugar into your milk and sip. Green tea may keep your weight steady. Mice that exercised and drank green tea were 22 percent less likely to gain weight than those who only exercised or only had tea, according to a study in the International Journal of Obesity. Polyphenols in the drink may rev your metabolism and
make it easier for your body to fry fat. Plus, the tea's plentiful stash of antioxidants slashes your risk for cancer and heart disease. Try it iced in summer! Tomato juice may lower your cancer risk! The scarlet sip is loaded with vitamins and lycopene, which protect you against cancer. Try it with spices, a celery stalk and no vodka for a cocktail any time of day! Black tea may help fend off skin cancer. The classic brew is loaded with flavonoids, antioxidants that carry anticancer perks. Research suggests that downing a cup or more of tea a day may lower risk for squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, by 30 percent. Hot or iced, black tea is a delicious addition to your skin care regimen—and a lovely way to wake up thanks to its caffeine content—so put on the kettle each morning!
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8 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
Pyrosis or Heartburn
What we say about others says a lot about us
W
ashington, August 3 (ANI): How positively you look at others around can determine how happy and emotionally stable you are, says a new research. Peter Harms at the University of Nebraska and Simine Vazire of Washington University in St. Louis conducted the study. The team discovered particularly strong associations between positively judging others and how enthusiastic, happy, kind-hearted, courteous, emotionally stable and capable the person describes oneself and is described by others.Seeing others positively reveals our own positive traits," Wood said. In contrast, negative perceptions of others are linked to higher levels of narcissism and antisocial behavior. The simple tendency to see people nega-
Shekhar V. Sharma, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine
One of the most commonly asked questions in my practice deals with pyrosis, also known as heartburn. It consists of sensations of fullness burning or warmth.
T
hese feelings are located behind the sternum, the mid region of the chest, or upper abdomen. Common causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease which is often seen in hiatal hernia. In this case heartburn is caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the
esophagus which leads to irritation of the lining of the esophagus. Ingestion of certain foods and drugs as aspirin, antiarthritic medications, or alcohol may be responsible. Infrequently, it may be the result of aerophagia, the swallowing of air in excess, wich can be attributed to psychological factors. Heartburn may move up and down the chest like a wave or may also radiate when severe to the sides of the chest, neck and angles of the jaw.
What many people fail to recognize is that heartburn may be an indication of something more serious such as angina, which is impaired blood supply to the heart muscle. Left improperly diagnosed or treated, this may lead to heart attack. The lay man might believe the appropiate treatment for heartburn to be over the counter antiacids. However, though this may be correct in some cases, those who have risk factors for heart disease should immediately consult their physician for proper diagnosis.
tively indicates a greater likelihood of depression and various personality disorders," Wood added. This research suggests that when you ask someone to rate the personality of a particular co-worker or acquaintance, you may learn as much about the rater providing the personality description as the person they are describing. The study appears in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. (ANI)
Dr. Sharma has relocated his office in Belle Glade to 1200 South Main Street, Suite 101 (opposite the Old Glades General Hospital). Dr. Sharma will be seeing patients at this location along with his nurse practitioner Grace VanDyk. He is currently accepting New Patients and the office accepts most insurances
Please call 561-996-7742 for an appointment.
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AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
9
Or Could it be Cataracts? Apogee Home Health is bringing awareness to blindness caused by cataracts, while providing medical care at no cost to qualified seniors with their Low Vision program.
M
any seniors think that new glasses and a stronger prescription is all they need to get back the vision of their youth. The fact is that cataracts may be the cause for the decline in vision. The condition is the leading cause of vision loss among adults 55 and older. In fact, more than half the people over age 65 have some degree of cataract development. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, the part of the eye that focuses light and produces clear images. Inside of the eye, the lens is contained in a sealed bag or capsule. As old cells die they become trapped within the capsule. Over
time, more cells die and accumulate causing the lens to cloud, making images look blurred or fuzzy. For most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging; however, eye injuries, certain medications, and diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism have also been known to cause cataracts. In honor of “Cataract Awareness Month,� taking place in August, Apogee Home Health encourages routine eye care for older adults, who are at increased risk of eye conditions that cause severe visual impairment such as cataracts. Apogee has a low vision program, which provides a comprehensive assessment and evaluation to their patients to determine how vision can be enhanced. “The overall objective of our low vision program is to enhance the individual's existing vision, and to achieve specific functional goals. This includes successful rehabilitation outcomes resulting from learning new ways to perform activities, adapting and coping with environmental factors, using new tools, devices and technological aids,� explains Sheryl Policastro, Director of Clinical Services. “Our goal is to equip people who are visually impaired with the skills, aids and confidence needed to
function as independently as possible.� In the early stages of cataracts, stronger lighting and eyeglasses may lessen vision problems caused by cataracts. At a certain point, however, surgery may be needed to improve vision. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States. More than 90% of the people who have cataract surgery regain useful vision.
fine after surgery. This is an operation I could not have had done without you. I would have gone blind if it wasn’t for the care I received from my Apogee Home Health specialist,� said Carol, a Delray Beach resident.
4. Radiation cataract: Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation. This type of cataract may be caused from exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and other forms of radiation.
Cataract surgery is a delicate operation where a surgeon removes the eye's clouded natural lens and replaces it with an artificial, intraocular lens (IOL). The entire procedure is generally done on an outpatient basis and usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.
Cataracts don’t just appear one day. They’re a slow progressing problem that may not be noticed at first, but then become more obvious as the cloudiness takes over.
The National Eye Institute identifies the different types of cataracts according to their origin:
“I was more than pleased with the care I got through Apogee Home Health. I had cataracts in both eyes and one needed immediate attention. Within a month, I was doing
1. Secondary cataract: Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. 2. Traumatic cataract: Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later. 3. Congenital cataract: Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed.
t 3FHJTUFSFE /VSTFT t 3FHJTUFSFE /VSTFT t -JDFOTFE 1SBDUJDBM /VSTFT t -JDFOTFE 1SBDUJDBM /VSTFT t 1IZTJDBM 5IFSBQJTUT t 1IZTJDBM 5IFSBQJTUT t 0DDVQBUJPOBM t 0DDVQBUJPOBM 5IFSBQJTUT 5IFSBQJTUT
The symptoms include: • Cloudy or blurry vision • Colors seem faded • Glare: Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright; a halo may appear around lights • Poor night vision • Double vision or multiple images in one eye (this symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger) • Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses Cataracts can often be detected in the early stages and this is one of the reasons why regular eye exams are important. For more information about Apogee Home Health’s Low Vision Program, contact Sheryl Policastro at 561.278.3272 or visit them online at ApogeeHC.com tt $FSUJÜFE -ZNQIFEFNB 5IFSBQJTUT $FSUJÜFE -ZNQIFEFNB 5IFSBQJTUT t )PNF )FBMUI "JEFT t ) P N F ) F B M U I "J E F T t 4QFFDI 5IFSBQJTUT t 4QFFDI 5IFSBQJTUT t 3FHJTUFSFE %JFUJUJBOT t 3FHJTUFSFE %JFUJUJBOT t .FEJDBM 4PDJBM t .FEJDBM 4PDJBM 8PSLFST 8PSLFST
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10 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
• 2010
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
What Caused 2009 H1N1 Pandemic? Researchers say they've uncovered biochemical process behind 'swine flu.'
T
he 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus used a new biochemical trick to hijack host cells, a feat that triggered the recent pandemic, according to an international team of scientists. "We have found why the pandemic H1N1 virus replicated so well in humans," Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a leading influenza expert and a professor of pathobiological sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Veterinary Medicine, said in a university news release. The H1N1 virus is a combination of four different avian and swine flu viruses that emerged over the past 90 years. It also includes genetic residue of the 1918 pandemic virus that killed as many as 20 million people, Kawaoka explained. A typical flu virus requires the presence of two amino acids -- lysine and asparagines - in specific sites on a key avian protein in order to jump from an animal and replicate efficiently in human cells. But Kawaoka and colleagues found that the lysine amino acid is located in a completely
different location on the avian protein in the H1N1 virus. This is what gives the virus the ability to adapt to and co-opt human cells. The study is published in PLoS Pathogens. "This pandemic H1N1 has this mutation and is why it can replicate so well in humans. This gives us another marker to help predict the possibility of future flu pandemics," Kawaoka said. The pandemic virus had caused more than 18,398 deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
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Improved understanding, treatment have led to fewer severe cases, CDC team says.
R
ecent advances in understanding the cause of severe peptic ulcers, along with better treatments, may be driving a decline in their incidence, a new study indicates. From 1998 to 2005, the number of Americans hospitalized for peptic ulcers -- sores in the stomach, esophagus or upper small intestine -- dropped by 21 percent, reports a team from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the 1980s, scientists discovered that many peptic ulcers were linked with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, and could be effectively treated with antibiotics. That means that most of the 6 million new cases of stomach ulcers reported annually in the United States are now treated outside of the hospital, the researchers said.
"We hypothesized that after the knowledge of the relationship between H. pylori and ulcers became widely known, doctors would prescribe antibiotics for ulcers and patients would be cured," explained lead researcher Lydia B. Feinstein, currently a graduate student at the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina. "They would therefore be less likely to develop the complications of ulcers, such as bleeding or perforation, that could lead to hospitalization." The report is published in the September issue of the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. In their study, Feinstein's team analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest inpatient-care database in the United States. The hospitalization rate was highest among adults over 65 years of age, with almost 300 hospitalizations per 100,000. The rate was lower in younger age groups, she said. Overall, men had a higher hospitalization rate than women. However, by 2005 this difference had narrowed because of a greater decline in hospitalization rates for men than for women, Feinstein noted. The drop in severe ulcers could have multiple causes, she said. "Some of this decrease may have been because over time the proportion of individuals infected with H. pylori is decreasing, perhaps because of better sanitation and hygiene. However, some of this decrease is likely due to the increased use of antibiotics to treat peptic ulcer diseases," Feinstein said. Most cases of H. pylori infection cause no symptoms, Feinstein noted. However, symptoms such as burning pain in the stomach before, or sometimes after, eating, which may go away with antacids, nausea, bloating, or loss of appetite may be a sign of peptic ulcer disease. In that case, the affected person should see a doctor.
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
Number of Obese Adults Keeps Rising, CDC Says Overall obesity level now close to 27%, and minorities are hit hardest, report finds.
A
merica's waistline continues to widen. As of 2009, almost 3 in every 10 adults (26.7 percent) is now statistically obese, up from 25.6 percent in 2007, according to a new government report. The report, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also found that between 2007-2009, the number of U.S. states where at least 30 percent of the adult population is obese had tripled to nine from three. Ten years ago, no state had an obesity prevalence of 30 percent or more, according to the new report. "Over the past several decades, obesity has increased faster than anyone could have imagined it would," CDC director Dr. Thomas R. Frieden said during a noon press conference Tuesday. "Obesity has doubled in adults and tripled in children. We need inten-
sive and ongoing efforts to address obesity, or more people will get sick and die from the complications of obesity, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer." Although the federal goal of Healthy People 2000 was to have an obesity rate of 15 percent or less, not one of the 50 states managed to achieved that goal, Frieden noted. According to the report, 2.4 million more American adults have reported becoming obese since the last such survey in 2007. In addition, annual medical costs linked to obesity have soared to $147 billion in 2008, the researchers say. The care of an obese American now costs $1,429 more per year than that of a normalweight person, the CDC team estimated. The data in the report is culled from the Behavioral Risk Factor
Surveillance System, which contains state-level public health data. In a phone survey, some 400,000 adults were queried on their height and weight, which researchers then used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or more. For example, a 5foot-4 woman weighing 174 pounds or more, or a 5-foot-10 man weighing 209 pounds or more would have a BMI of 30. The new data could still underestimate the true level of obesity in the country, the researchers said. That's because many men and women often say they are taller than they are or say they weigh less than they do, especially in self-reporting surveys, the team said. As a result, the estimate of 26.7 percent of adults being obese is lower than the national 20072008 estimate pegged at 33.9 percent, or almost 73 million people. According to Dr. William Dietz, director of CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, the latter (higher) estimate came from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, in which participants' height and weight were actually measured by researchers.
11
Many Parents Fret Over Time Kids Spend on Phones, Computers Survey sponsors urge parents to use media to communicate with teens.
M
any American parents are worried that the large amount of time teens spend immersed in electronic media makes it difficult to discuss the dangers of risky behavior such as drug and alcohol use, a new study indicates. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America surveyed more than 1,200 parents and found that more than one-third are concerned about how TV (38 percent), computers (37 percent) and video games (33 percent) hinder parent-child communications. More than one-quarter of parents are also worried about new forms of media such as cell phone texting (27 percent), and social networking sites such as Facebook (25 percent) and Twitter (19 percent). "We know that kids today are bombarded with pro-drug and drinking messages via everything from song lyrics, movies and video games, to social networking sites. Videos of kids abusing cough medicine and common household products to get high are all too accessible online and that's why it's more important than ever for parents to break through the
media noise and make their voices heard," he added. One way for parents to do that is to use electronic devices to connect with their teens to begin and maintain a dialogue about avoiding risky behaviors. While not as good as an in-person conversation, parents can use e-mail, cell phones and texting to begin a dialogue with a reluctant teen, and to reinforce safety messages at times when teen drug use and drinking is more likely, such as after school, on weekends and during unsupervised periods. To help parents, the Partnership offers a free, downloadable guide called "Time to Text," which provides advice on how to text and offers examples of messages to send to teens. The guide can be found at TimeToTalk.org. "Some parents may still feel apprehensive about embracing media and technology as a way of communicating with their children, but in today's world it is vital that they connect with their kids in any way possible," Pasierb said.
12 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
• 2010
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
CNS Stereotactic Radiosurgery Journal Club
Dr. Kishore Dass, Dr. John Suh, Dr. John Robinson, Dr. Anthony Adessa, Dr. Alex Mirakian and Dr. Ben Han.
Dr. Polizzi, Dr. Tolnai and Dr. Alex Mirakian.
Dr. Galin and Dr. Emmer.
S
Pamela Peck, Lynn Perman, Mark Perman, MD and Gail Suarez.
Dr. Pallila and Geoffery Pallila.
outh Florida Radiation Oncology and the Florida Medical Association presented the CNS Stereotactic Radiosurgery Journal Club on July 22, 2010 at Ritz Carlton Palm Beach. Presenters included Dr. Kishore Dass, Dr. John Robinson, Dr. John Suh and Dr. Anthony Addesa.
Dr. Kennedy, Ravi Patel and Mary Martinez.
Dr. Kishore Dass welcoming and introducing the participants.
Cathy Destephano, Laetita Han, Jen Wilson, Ken Imhoff, Dorothy Godwin, Janice Imhoff and Katiann Susich.
Dr. Shekhar Sharma and Dr. Sirpal.
Food Labels Lead to Healthy Food Choices Label readers consume fewer calories, less saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugars, study finds.
P
eople who read food labels have healthier diets than those who don't pay attention to such information, a new study shows. Researchers analyzed data from the 2005-06 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and found that 61.6 percent of respondents said they read the nutrition facts panels, 51.6 percent examine the list of ingredients, 47.2 percent read the serving size and 43.8 percent review health claims at least sometimes when deciding whether to buy a food product. There were significant differences between label readers and non-readers in their intake of total calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, dietary fiber and sugars, the researchers said. "If the food label is to have a greater public health impact, rates of use will likely need to be increased among U.S. adults," commented study author Nicholas J. Ollberding, a professor in the Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, at Columbia University. Low rates of label use also suggest that the food label may need to be modified, Oll-
berding said. Suggested changes to the current label "include bolding calorie information, reporting the total nutrient intake for foods likely to be consumed in a single sitting, and using more intuitive labeling that requires less cognitive processing such as a red, yellow and green 'traffic light' signs on the front of the label," he said. The food label alone is not enough to change behavior, but it can be a valuable tool in combating obesity and diet-related chronic disease, he concluded. The study appears in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Another study in the same issue found that putting "Fuel Your Life" tags on shelves of healthy food items in an on-campus convenience store had a positive effect on college students' food buying habits.
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
13
Miami Children’s Hospital and Palms West Hospital Form an Affiliation to Provide Pediatric Emergency Care in West Palm Beach
L Curiosities: Do cell phones cause health problems? Q. I've heard that cell phones produce unhealthy electromagnetic waves that can cause health problems. Is this true? A. The major concern with the electromagnetic radiation from cell phones is brain cancer, but most studies find "nothing definitive," says Bruce Thomadsen, a professor of medical physics and human oncology at UW-Madison. The issue is very difficult to study for many reasons. For example, cell phone technology changes; phone users devote a varying amount of time to phoning. Nevertheless, Thomadsen notes that Interphone, a large series of studies on the topic, reported on May 17 that most cell phone users have little or no risk of brain cancer.
Interphone, which was sponsored by the World Health Organization, is one of many studies that shows "no consistent evidence for a relationship between cell phone use and brain cancers," Thomadsen says. However, several recent studies suggest that cell phone radiation may reduce the movement of sperm, which could link heavy cell phone use to male infertility and perhaps other problems. "It's troubling, and there's nothing incredibly definitive, but the effect on human sperm warrants more research," he says. The worst health hazard of cell phones, Thomadsen adds, is likely to appear on our roads, in the form of auto accidents caused by inattentive, cell phone-obsessed drivers.
oxahatchee, Florida Miami Children’s Hospital and Palms West Hospital, have entered into an affiliation to provide Pediatric Emergency Care in Palm Beach County. Starting October 1, 2010 physicians from Miami Children’s Hospital’s Emergency Room will be providing care to the children in our community at Palms West Hospital. Miami Children’s Hospital is a recognized leader in Pediatric healthcare and is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medical care from birth through adolescence. An affiliation with Miami Children’s was only natural for Palms West since they are also committed to excellent Pediatric care, with children account for 39% of their emergency room visits. “We expect that this collaborative affiliation with Miami Children’s Hospital will take the already great level of Pediatric Emergency Room care at Palms West Hospital to an even higher level,” said Bland Eng, CEO of Palms West Hospital. “Palms West is looking forward to working with one of the most respected names in pediatric healthcare to provide enhanced Pediatric Emergency Care.”
LEFT TO RIGHT: Michael G. Joseph, HCA East Florida Division President, Narendra Kini, MD President / CEO Miami Children's Hospital and Bland Eng, CEO of Palms West Hospital.
Board of Directors of Miami Children’s Hospital and Palms West Hospital.
“Miami Children’s Hospital has grown to become a regional healthcare system for the children of South Florida. Through this new collaboration with our esteemed associates at Palms West Hospital, we look forward to offering enhanced convenience for the families of Palm Beach County,” said Narendra Kini, MD, President and CEO of Mi-
ami Children’s Hospital. “This affiliation is part of our commitment to being ‘where the children are.’” Michael G. Joseph, HCA East Florida Division President, said, “We have long admired Miami Children’s excellent reputation for Pediatric care and look forward to working together in Palm Beach County.”
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561.795.3330
561.996.5600
At Palm Beach Surgery Center we provide a safe and friendly enviroment, with a highly qualified and dedicated staff. A variety of procedures such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, gastroplications, ERCP, Liver Biopsy, 24 PH Monitoring/BRAVO can be done at our facility thus avoiding the need for hospitalization.
www.wellingtongastroenterology.com
14 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
Premier Family Health and Wellness hosted a fun day of wellness to highlight their grand opening!
W
ellington, FL - The grand opening day of Premier Urgent Care and Premier Center for Healthy Aging held on Saturday August 21, 2010 was a fabulous event with over 700 people in attendance! Beyond the exciting carnival games and loads of kids’ activities celebrating Premier’s two new programs, the community enjoyed a free day of healthy, family entertainment. Premier Family Health and Wellness hosted A Taste of Health to keep families fit and natural, featuring local restaurants with delicious samples.
2nd annual Sebastian’s 5K & Wellington Horse Country 10 Miler We have yet to set a final date but it should be around Sunday, October 24th and we will need volunteers to help out at registration, water stations, parking lot and hand out food and drink after the event. The event will run from about 6am to 11am at the very latest.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Dr. Apicella with scissors.
The event kicked off with two ribbon cuttings held by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. As part of the festivities people lined up to cool off in the dunk tank with donation proceeds collected for the Healthy Families Foundation of South Florida. Dr. Bago and Dr. Apicella enjoyed a playfully competitive climb on the rock wall as their four children cheered happily.
Dr. Bago and Dr. Apicella getting ready to race up rock wall.
The event was in full swing with tours of the new facilities. Premier’s Urgent Care Center provides fast medical treatment for emergencies as well as urgent primary care. The Premier Center for Healthy Aging is dedicated to helping individuals create a
healthy aging plan that reflects renewal of the body, mind, and spirit. And Premier Family Health & Wellness offers management of diseases and physical examinations. Premier welcomes you to discover a new way to take care of your family’s health and wellness with its cutting edge approach to
providing a full continuum of care. “This event was incredible” states Dr. Vincent Apicella, co-founder of the Premier Family Health and Wellness. “It was great to see so many families come out and learn about healthy choices that exist right in our community.” With the help of forty participating business, it was a successful day of fun and wellness.
kids enjoying the duck pool.
Premier Family Health and Wellness, Premier Urgent Care, and Premier Center for Healthy Aging are located at 1037 State Road 7 in the Wellington Reserve (across the street from Best Buy). For more information please call 561-7983030 or log onto www.premierfamilyhealth.com.
Get your body back By Bernd Wronowski
M
ore and more research shows that your diet, health history, exercise habits and lifestyle choices all play a bigger role in how old (or how young!) you feel than the number of candles on your birthday cake. And even better news? It’s never too late to start making healthy changes that can strengthen your mind and body – and add years to your life. Losing weight after 40 is not as
Volunteer Opportunities for the Kids Cancer Foundation
hard as you think. Although strength training is key and new research shows that how you train can make the difference between so-so results and a metabolism that stays in high gear, burning fat and showing off lean muscle. The secret is targeting a specific type of muscle fiber called type II, or fast-twitch, that is responsible for bursts of speed and power. This type of muscle, as the name implies, is faster as well as denser, a combo that may yield quicker
results. These essential fibers, however, are the first to go as you get older (even if you’re active) because most workouts don’t target them. If you don’t use them, you lose them. Fortunately, there’s an easy antidote: speed. Research
from Salisbury University in Maryland found that lifting weights faster recruits more muscle and increases calorie burn by about 32%. That’s 72 extra calories per workout – the amount you’d burn walking a mile! The best part: You may feel stronger after just one workout. Turn back the clock! For a complimentary consultation please call me at (561) 506-4672. Source: http://www.salisbury.edu/
Annual Halloween Family Fun Night On Friday, October 29th in the gym at St. Peter’s Methodist Church the event should run from 6pm-9pm and we will need volunteers to sign in patients, run games, help serve food, help decorate & clean up. Annual Breakfast with Santa On Saturday, December 18th in the large ballroom at the Wellington Community Center. The event will run from 9am to 12noon. We will need volunteers to sign in patients & families, hand out gift bags to families, help out at craft tables, help serve food, help decorate & clean up. 1st Annual Rotary Bike Tour & Carnival On Sunday, February 27th this will be a bike event that will cover a total of 100 miles and we will need volunteers at the many rest stops along the route, we will also need volunteers to register bikers, and to help out at the Carnival at the end of the event to run games, serve food and clean up. 2nd Annual Rock Out Kids Cancer Music Festival in Jupiter On Saturday, March 12th. This will take place in the same location as last year, under the intercostal bridge in Jupiter. This will be an all day event as well and we will need volunteers to work ticket booths, park cars, sell KCF merchandise, help set up, & help clean up after the event. We will have shifts that you will be able to volunteer for. 5th Annual Jenna McCann Memorial Golf Tournament and Evening Gala at Binks Forest Golf Club On Saturday, April 2nd. The day will begin with the Golf Tournament that will begin with a shot gun start at 8am and then that evening we will have our Gala. We will be needing volunteers at Registration for both the Golf Tournament and Evening Gala, to assist with the silent auction, and to help out on the golf course at several of the holes. If you are interested in being a volunteer at one or several of these events please contact to Michelle O’Boyle: 561371-1298 Fax: 561-422-9139
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER • 2010
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
15
The Boynton Beach Arthritis Center Introduces Dr. Prasanthi Meagher to the Medical Community
R Dr. Prasanthi Meagher, Eva & Dr. Richard Cappiello and Lindsay Zeefe.
Dedra Waters and Michelle Holt.
Robin Axel, Ellen Goldstein, Nancy Pisarra and Lindsay Zeefe.
Heather Black, Sheryl Policastro, Gladys Montalvo and Ivette Neal.
Denise Galang and Adam Collins.
heumatologist Dr. Richard Cappiello from The Boynton Beach Arthritis Center invited staff, coworkers and friends within the medical community to an event on Friday evening, August 6th. The event featured his new associate, Dr. Prasanthi Meagher, who is also a board certified Rheumatology Physician providing patients comprehensive medical care in treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, gout, fibromyalgia and other autoimmune diseases. “We are delighted and proud to have Dr. Meagher on our team. She is a wonderful asset, not only to Boynton Beach Arthritis Center, but also to the medical community,” Dr. Cappiello comments. Dr. Prasanthi Meagher completed her residency at Syracuse University Hospital in New York, where she was the "Outstanding Resident of the Year" recipient. Her research in 'Basic and Clinical Rheumatology' has been published in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism. The Boynton Beach Arthritis Center houses specialists of South Florida who are committed to relieving their patients of their pain and symptoms and treating the underlying cause of their medical condition. Dr. Cappiello also serves as the Medical Director for Apogee Home Health Inc., who attended the event, as well. For more information, call 561.737.1947 or visit their website at www.BoyntonArthritis.com
Fred & Claudette Evans, Dr. Steve Jaffe & Helga Solte.
Margaret Russell, Kamla Thakor, Sue Materka and Wilma Fernandez.
Maria Galang, Veronica Kraft and Debbie Iavarone.
Kristen Carque, L.P.N. and Sandra Ghelli, R.N. from Apogee Home Health.
Alyson Holzinger, Lois Cunningham, Debbie Hafemann, Lindsay Zeefe and Monica Moreyra.
Ray Ybañez, Kristie Kamps and Marivic Penserga.
Jarred Spitz, Daniel Spitz, M.D. and Dr. Jon Ehrich.
Mary Ann Sireci, Kristin Sireci and Joyce Meloick.
Nilo Galang, Yvette Vandiver and Karen Zagami.
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adon gas rises up from underground and can enter any home, old or new. When your family breathes it, it can damage the lungs. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and for non-smokers, it is the leading cause of lung cancer, period. Because you can’t see, smell, or taste radon, only testing can confirm whether this dangerous gas is collecting in your dream house. Houses can be built to resist radon gas from seeping in. Simple building and venting techniques will reduce the chance of high radon levels building up in your new home. Designing and building your home to be radon-resistant is especially easy and affordable during construction. Be sure to talk to your builder about it.
R
“Did you know that even a brand new home could present a risk of lung cancer for your family?� Fuad Reveiz, Member of the National Association of Home Builders
Learn more about radon-resistant homes:
www.epa.gov/radon This information is provided as a public service to help protect our environment and public health. EPA does not endorse this particular builder or any other commercial service or enterprise.