Jacksonville Journal-Courier Health Quarterly October 2019

Health

Quarterly

October 2019

Supplement of the

JOURNAL-COURIER

October 2019 HEALTH QUARTERLY

Three Questions To Ask Before Your Child’s Surgery Article Submitted By: OSF Healthcare, Children’s Hospital of Illinois

Love without limits.

Doctors diagnosed Blaze with a congenital heart defect before he was even born. Under the care of specialists at the Congenital Heart Center at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, he had surgery at just 2 days old. Another surgery at 10 months improved the blood flow in his body.

Blaze spent months at OSF Children’s Hospital. He was cared for with compassion and expertise. He also found the love of family when he was adopted by one of his nurses and her husband.

Today, Blaze is almost 2. Challenges still lie ahead. But with his newfound family and the experts at OSF Children’s Hospital, the little boy has a future filled with love.

Helping Blaze know love without limits.

Read Blaze’s story at osfchildrenshospital.org/withoutlimits.

When children need medical care, choosing the right provider can put a parent’s mind at ease.

“Nothing is scarier as a parent than thinking or knowing something is wrong with your child. We treat that family like we would want our family to be treated, and we want to care for that child as we would want our child to be cared for,” said Dr. Charles Aprahamian, surgeon-in-chief at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

When children need surgery, such as an appendectomy or hernia repair, a provider specially trained in pediatric surgery brings additional expertise. Likewise, facilities that specialize in treating children have specialized technology to navigate through a child’s small body.

“Children are not just little adults. Children are different.

That’s why we have a children’s hospital, and it’s why we have pediatric subspecialists here,” Dr. Aprahamian said.

Pediatric specialists A pediatric general surgeon is a physician who went through the same training as a general surgeon for adults, then added a two-year fellowship specific for pediatric surgery.

They are experienced in surgeries of patients ranging from premature babies to young adults.

“When you choose a pediatric general surgeon, you’re taking your most precious resource – your child – to someone who has done dedicated training in the care of children,” Dr. Aprahamian said.

Questions to consider when choosing a doctor or surgeon are: 1. Where did he or she train?

2.

3.

2

Is he or she board-certified to care for children?

When scheduling surgery, does this facility have resources dedicated to the care of children?

Answers to these questions about your provider usually can be found online. Find information about training, education and certifications of OSF Children’s Hospital specialists using the “Find a doctor” tool at osfchildrenshospital.org.

Benefits for children and parents The difference in choosing a dedicated children’s hospital for your child’s care is more than just the training and expertise of the medical staff.

OSF Children’s Hospital was created with kids and families in mind. From pre-op areas designed to keep kids at ease to child life services to keep them happy, OSF Children’s Hospital will care for all of your child’s needs.

For parents, this includes processes to make your child’s treatment as easy as possible.Happy family with their child after pediatric surgery.

Surgical procedures are always performed at OSF Children’s Hospital in Peoria, where surgeons have access to specialized equipment for treating children, and pre- and post-op appointments can be scheduled in one of more than 10 satellite clinics throughout Illinois.

“We want to do what is most convenient for that family. We try to make it as close to home as possible,” Dr. Aprahamian said.

When you schedule a surgery at OSF Children’s Hospital, families also have the option to visit and tour to see the facilities before they arrive for treatment, which helps both parents and children feel more confident.

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Tougher than breast cancer

October 2019

October 2019 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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Tougher than breast cancer!

Mammograms: A Key Tool In The Fight Against Breast Cancer October 18, 2019 was National Mammography Day. It’s observed yearly as

part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is an opportunity to educate the public on the importance of early

detection in the fight against breast cancer.

About one in eight American women will

develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Although death rates have been declining in recent years, it’s estimated that more than 40,000 women will die of breast cancer in 2019. The best way to prevent cancer and ensure positive outcomes remains early detection and screenings.

Screening Mammograms A mammogram is an X-ray photograph of the breast. It’s one of the most important screening tools available to doctors because it can detect anomalies before they become noticeable through self-exam. This allows healthcare professionals to catch cancer early, thus increasing the chances that the treatments offered will be effective.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk for

breast cancer get screened every year between the ages of 45 and 55. Women 55 and older should get screened every second year, for as long as they’re expected to live another 10 or more years.

Diagnostic Mammograms These allow doctors to get more information about a suspicious lump or other anomaly detected by screening tests. It’s a crucial tool that enables medical professionals to design effective treatment plans and provide the best care possible.

Early detection and prevention have dramatically reduced breast cancer deaths. Being proactive about screening is the most important thing you can do to protect your health. For more information, visit nationalbreastcancer.org or pinkribbon.org.

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October 2019

Tougher than breast cancer!

How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

It’s impossible to identify breast cancer based on symptoms alone. This is why doctors need to perform a number of tests

before issuing a diagnosis. Here are the types of assessment typically used.

Imaging Tests Imaging techniques such as ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and

diagnostic mammograms are used to examine tissue. These allow doctors to identify and measure the size of tumors.

They’re also used to help determine how advanced the cancer is.

can be run on samples taken during a biopsy. These are used to gather more information about the cancer, such as its type, grade, stage and potential response to different treatments.

Biopsy

Blood Tests

A biopsy consists of taking a sample of breast tissue for analysis. It’s the only test that can confirm a cancer diagnosis. Aside from their diagnostic purpose, biopsies are also used to evaluate how fast cancer cells are multiplying, which helps establish a treatment plan.

Blood tests are used to assess whether other organs are still functioning normally.

Certain systemic issues may indicate that the cancer has spread.

Each breast cancer case is different, and doctors may want to perform a series of complementary tests and exams. Cancer is a complex disease, and each of these tests provides your health care team with information they need to effectively treat you.

Laboratory Tests There are many other types of tests than

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October 2019 HEALTH QUARTERLY

Tougher than breast cancer!

11 Essential Questions To Ask About Your Treatment Undergoing treatment for breast cancer can be worrisome. One of the best ways to prepare, however, is to get informed about what’s involved. Here are 11 essential questions to ask your doctor.

1. What are the different available treatments?

2. What are their risks and advantages?

3. Is there a treatment that’s more appropriate for my situation?

4. Will I need to be hospitalized?

5. How long will the treatment take?

6. How can we assess the treatment’s effectiveness?

7. What side effects should I expect? How long will they last?

8. If I need to have surgery, what are the different options? What’s the difference between them?

9. If I need to have a mastectomy, do I need to have both breasts removed? If I do, when should I have it done?

10. If I have breast reconstruction surgery, what will my breast look like? Will it look like my other breast?

11. When will I be able to wear a bra again?

In addition to these questions, write down a list of your own so that you don’t forget anything when meeting your treatment team. Feel free to ask a friend or family member to accompany you. They can write down the answers to your questions so you can refer to them when you need to.

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October 2019 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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October 2019 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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Endometriosis: What It Is & Why It’s So Difficult To Diagnose & Treat March 29, 2019 | J. Ricardo Loret de Mola, MD SIU Women’s Health Center at the Passavant Women’s Health Center Many women regularly experience or have experienced menstrual pain before. For some women, despite continuously seeking answers to explain this pain, their physician may not be able to easily determine the cause.

Endometriosis, often a very painful disorder, is fairly common, but is extremely difficult to diagnose and treat. More than 5.5 million American women have symptoms of endometriosis, and it is estimated to affect approximately 10 percent of reproductive-aged women.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus, called the uterine lining, grows outside the uterus on other organs inside your body. Women with endometriosis often experience abdominal pain. Menstrual pain and irregularity are the most common symptoms.

Women should not experience pain that keeps them from work or regular activities, and yet so many do. Woman who experience consistent menstrual pain and irregularity should challenge their doctor to help find the cause of their pain. At SIU Medicine, the women’s

health team says roughly 60 percent of its patients have pain, and 40 percent are trying to get pregnant.

Endometriosis can negatively impact a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant.

Other signs and symptoms of endometriosis include pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements or urination, excessive bleeding, infertility, fatigue and nausea.

There are four stages of endometriosis: minimal, mild, moderate, or severe. The stages represent how many cavities are affected by tissue growth. Endometriosis creates wounds

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and scar tissue all over your abdominal cavity.

Stage 4 is where lesions cover the entire uterine cavity. They attach like glue and wrap themselves around other organs, your ureter or bowel.

Why is Endometriosis Difficult to Diagnose?

The symptoms are general and so many women experience them, making endometriosis one of the most difficult conditions for doctors to diagnose.

It takes a laparoscopy from a specialist to confirm and officially diagnose endometriosis. A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure specialists use to view a woman’s reproductive organs.

Understandably, many women don’t want to have surgery for only a diagnosis. Endometriosis can look very similar to an ovarian cyst on imaging, so until a patient is in the operating room, physicians are unable to discern a true diagnosis.

While specialists may recommend imaging including an ultrasound or MRI, it is difficult to tell on imaging what is causing issues because we are examining soft tissues. Sometimes you can see some growth of an ovary, but it is difficult to see if it is endometriosis or a cyst.

Why is Endometriosis Difficult to Treat?

Endometriosis is essentially “miracle grow” tissue and will continue to grow without treatment. Treatment options include surgery and hormone therapy. Physicians at SIU Medicine report that patients respond more positively after surgery. Hormone therapies are starting to come on the market to treat autoimmune diseases like endometriosis. Some patients have good response to drug therapy, while others may not.

The approach in which you and your doctor

choose to treat your endometriosis will largely depend on how severe your signs and symptoms are. If left untreated, endometriosis can lead to infertility, continuous pelvic pain, back pain, as well as increased pain during intercourse, defecation, or urination.

What is SIU Medicine Researching Related to Endometriosis?

At SIU Medicine, specialists with surgical expertise are located in central Illinois, where we are also actively researching solutions and treatments for endometriosis. SIU Medicine patients have access to clinical trials involved in advancing the research of endometriosis.

Endometriosis impacts your immune system, so SIU Medicine researchers are analyzing changes in patients’ immune system, and using that information as a diagnostic tool.

SIU Medicine is currently researching a process to identify certain microbes in women, which could then be used to diagnose endometriosis without invasive surgery, possibly even before symptoms start.

The biome is a very good sensor of inflammation, so you can give a swab instead of blood draw to diagnose. SIU Medicine researchers are currently comparing biome results with the surgery results to ensure patients would receive the same diagnosis based on the biome results.

Current SIU Medicine research is funded by the Endometriosis Foundation of America and received top recognition at the 2018 meeting of European Congress on Endometriosis. Learn more about research on endometriosis in this video on SIU Medicine’s Facebook page.

If you or a loved one has signs or symptoms of endometriosis, contact SIU Medicine today with your questions. Our team of specialists and other health professionals can help you access the latest advances in endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.

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October 2019

Tips To Maintain A Year-Round Exercise Program Article Submitted By: Blessing Physician Services Weather does not have to hinder a routine exercise program.

By using a local fitness center or working out at home, most anyone can perform activities that will help keep them healthy and fit all year.

Before starting any exercise program, individuals should consult their primary care physician.

When a person is ready to begin an exercise routine, they should always stretch their muscles by performing foot, leg, thigh, chest, arm and shoulder stretches. It is important for individuals to pace themselves. Ideally, aerobic exercise should be performed at least 30 minutes per day, 3–5 days each week, and strength training is most efficient when performed 2–3 times per week.

Be advised that any exercise program a person begins needs to be a gradual progression, increasing in intensity over time. Darr Leutz, MD, orthopedic surgeon, Blessing Physician Services, says, “Designating a consistent, specific time and set number of days each week for exercise can be very helpful in making sure you adhere to the program.”

Once winter months draw near, remember that while outdoor activities may be limited, other options exist to stay in shape. By practicing indoor exercises, you can stay fit all year round. Consider 3-5 days every week initially and plan at least 6-8 weeks in order for your program to become routine and part of your daily life. Studies show the chances of

continuing with an exercise plan are 80 percent if you persist to exercise a full 6-8 weeks at least 3-to-5 times each week.

Gym versus home exercise The use of fitness centers such as the Kroc Center and YMCA has become increasingly popular due to the range of equipment available and variety of classes offered. Local fitness centers generally offer equipment such as the stair climber, treadmill, elliptical machine, stationary bike and an indoor track for walking. Additionally, most fitness centers offer aerobics, yoga and spin classes, all of which are good cardio exercises. Many fitness centers have indoor pools for swimming and provide strength training machines and weights for toning muscle.

It is very important to use the proper form in order to avoid muscle injuries when performing any strength exercise.

Those unaware of proper form should ask a professional before beginning an exercise program to reduce the risk of injury. Another reason fitness centers are increasing in popularity is the opportunity to work with a personal trainer who can explain useful techniques and design an exercise schedule tailored specifically to individual needs. For example, by using lighter weights with a higher number of repetitions, a person can focus on initiating and maintaining muscle strength. By using heavier weights and lower repetitions, on the other hand, the focus shifts to increasing strength.

Those who do not wish to attend a fitness center, can exercise in the comfort of their own home and see results. Many

• And advice about knee pain and exercise

types of exercise equipment available for use at the gym are also sold at local retail stores. Treadmills, elliptical machines and exercise bikes are popular items bought for home use.

Additionally, activities such as jumping rope, running in place and jumping jacks are aerobic, cardio activities that can be performed without a machine. Similarly, exercises such as sit-ups and leg lifts can be performed at home to strengthen and tone your abdominals, legs and thighs.

Knee pain and exercise Have you recently started an exercise program and developed knee pain? If so, you may wonder if you should continue your exercise program and work through the pain, or if you should be concerned about a more serious condition.

The knee is one of the most commonly injured joint in the recreational athlete. This is mainly due to the large muscles that control the knee and the two large bones in the thigh and leg that act as long-lever arms around the knee. It is normal and expected to experience some soreness or pain after you increase your activity level. This should resolve within a few days with rest, icing, and possibly over the counter pain medication.

Treatment of knee injuries normally includes a detailed evaluation to pinpoint the source of pain. This involves obtaining a detailed history and careful physical examination along with appropriate x-rays or MRIs. There are several possibilities doctors consider when an athlete complains of knee pain. First, damage to the bones surrounding the knee joint or injury to the ligaments that support it could be a

cause of significant pain. Next, doctors consider damage to either the articular cartilage - the smooth, shiny and glossy surface that allows joint motion - or the meniscal cartilage pads that absorb shock in the knee.

Finally, doctors consider stretches or tears to the large muscles or tendons that surround the knee such as quadriceps, hamstring, and calf muscles.

Initial treatment for knee pain involves the “RICE” method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Healthcare providers may also recommend a change in activity that allows the athlete to continue keeping his or her body in shape, but does not place stress on the knee.

This is called “relative rest.”

With regard to knee pain, if it does not respond to several days of rest and a change in activity, individuals should consider an evaluation by their primary care physician.

Where to get help when you’re hurting Blessing Physician Services’ newly established Orthopedics & Sports Medicine clinic offers options to approach to knee pain. The treatment team of orthopedic specialists, Dr. Leutz and Josue Acevedo, MD, work with a team of primary care physicians and radiologists in partnership with physical therapists, and offer extensive experience in providing care to athletes. Recreational athletes of all ages have access to this team-oriented, high quality care.

To find out more about Blessing Physician Services’ Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team or schedule an appointment, call 217-214-0444.

October 2019 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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Nothing To Be Sneezed At Did you know?

While using your hands to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing helps limit the number of pathogens you spray into the air, it also means you’ll be contaminating everything you touch afterwards. Public health agencies recommend that you sneeze or cough directly into a paper tissue. If that’s not possible, use the crook of your elbow or your upper arm.

Get Ready For Cold And Flu Season With winter right around the corner, the number of respiratory infections lurking

among us is on the rise. While there’s no miracle cure for the flu or common cold, here’s some advice to help you get through the season.

Preventing Colds While a wide assortment of preventive measures is routinely touted, the only way to truly protect yourself from the common cold is to wash your hands regularly and often.

Garlic, both fresh and in supplement form, can help reduce the incidence of colds and their duration.

As for vitamin C, while it doesn’t prevent colds, some studies indicate that it may slightly shorten them in people who take it on a regular basis.

Preventing Flus Flu prevention is a more serious issue. Of

the millions of Americans infected last year, 80,000 vulnerable patients died.

While its effectiveness can vary from year to year, the influenza vaccine remains the single best way to protect yourself, and others, from contracting the flu.

Treating Flus And Colds If you’ve gotten sick despite your best efforts, here are a few ways you can relieve

Did you know?

Contrary to popular belief, cold air isn’t to blame for cold and flu infections. People tend to spend more time inside during the cold months, which increases the risk of transmitting illnesses.

your symptoms: · Get lots of rest · Drink plenty of fluids · Use throat sprays and lozenges · Use nasal irrigation · Take over-the-counter drugs (analgesics, decongestants, expectorants, etc.)

Over-the-counter cold and flu medications can provide relief but be careful: most contain a cocktail of ingredients and some may be inappropriate under certain circumstances. Consult your pharmacist to ensure you select a safe and effective product.

When To See A Doctor If your symptoms are severe or last longer than ten days, consult a healthcare

professional. Keep in mind that antibiotics won’t help combat colds and flus and that antiviral drugs are only recommended for patients who present a high risk for complications. In most cases, getting lots of rest is what’s required to get better.

Did you know?

Using a humidifier can help relieve respiratory symptoms, but only if you scrupulously follow the manufacturer’s directions. Unless they’re cleaned thoroughly and regularly, humidifiers provide an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to grow, which means you could end up breathing in more pathogens.

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October 2019

Tougher than breast cancer!

Many women opt for prostheses over reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy. These come in three varieties, and here’s what you need to know about them.

1. Temporary. Temporary prostheses, also called puffs, are lightweight and soft forms that can be attached inside clothes or worn in a bra. This type of prosthesis is often worn soon after surgery, as it doesn’t rub against or irritate scars.

After Breast Surgery:

2. Permanent. These are designed to mimic the look and

CHOOSING A PROSTHESIS

weight of a natural breast. Made from materials like silicone or foam, they’re either attached directly to the skin or fitted into a bra. These prostheses provide better balance than temporary ones and help prevent back issues due to unequal breast weight.

3. Partial. Women who undergo a lumpectomy or

breast-conserving surgery won’t need a full prosthesis. However, in some cases a significant amount of tissue is removed and causes the breast to become uneven, thereby requiring a partial prosthesis to restore the breast’s full appearance.

When shopping for a prosthesis, bring a form-fitting top to the store.

This will help you see how well the prosthesis matches the shape of your other breast

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Preventing Childhood Obesity Begins At Home Did you know that obesity affects one-in-five children in the United States? Every September, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month provides a chance for Americans to address this issue and offers strategies to help overcome it.

Health Issues Associated With Obesity Children with obesity are more likely to have chronic health issues such as asthma, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes, among others.

They’re also more likely to be bullied and may contin-

Treating and Preventing Obesity

• Avoid buying sugary snacks and drinks.

Instead, stock the kitchen with healthy snacks like fruit, vegetables, hummus, nuts and yogurt.

Childhood obesity is both treatable and preventable.

The more kids are taught to make healthy choices, the better able they are to maintain a healthy body weight. Here’s what parents can do:

• Model good behavior. Children learn by watching you, so they’re more likely to exercise and eat well if they see that you do. Make having a healthy lifestyle a priority in your family.

• Encourage eating meals together. Studies show that when families regularly eat together, children are more likely to make healthy food choices. Eating at home also ensures that everyone eats the appropriate serving size.

• Don’t put them on a diet. Restricting what your child consumes may lead to bad eating habits and low self-esteem as they get older.

Offer balanced meals and snacks at regular times during the day and encourage more physical activity.

ue to struggle with obesity as adults.

While children come in a range of shapes and sizes, obesity presents serious health risks and needs to be dealt with accordingly. If your child is overweight, be sure to consult a doctor or other health professional as soon as possible.

The 5-2-1-0 Rule To make sure everyone in your family has a healthy body shape and weight, follow the 5-2-1-0 rule. Every day, eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, have no more than two hours of screen time, get at least one hour of exercise and drink zero sugary beverages.

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October 2019

Understanding Cervical, Ovarian, And Uterine Cancers June 26, 2019 | Laurent Brard, MD, PhD

SIU Women’s Health Center at the Passavant Women’s Health Center According to the latest estimates from the American Cancer Society, approximately 110,000 new cases of gynecologic cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2018. Sadly, another 32,120 women lost their lives to this condition this past year.

Worldwide, gynecological cancer—including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine or endometrial cancer—is not the leading type of cancer affecting women. Breast, lung and colorectal cancer are more common. However, gynecological cancer clearly can and does have an impact on women’s health.

Understanding the signs, screening options, prevention and treatment strategies are essential for helping more women avoid and manage this challenging condition. It’s why our team at SIU Medicine believes so strongly in raising awareness and remaining on the leading edge of diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for women from all walks of life.

and most narrow end of the uterus) Additional types of gynecological cancer include vulvar and vaginal cancer.

While it’s not always clear why some women develop gynecological cancer, certain risk factors exist. These include: • Obesity • Diabetes or metabolic syndrome • Smoking • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (for cervical cancer) • Certain medications (e.g., estrogen or estrogen receptor modulators) • Advancing age

Common Types and Causes of Gynecologic Cancers

Often, there are no clear signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancer. Many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, for instance, are in the later stages of the disease by the time the condition is detected.

When signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancer do exist, they often include: • Pelvic or abdominal pain • Unusual bleeding and/or discharge from the vagina • Unexplained weight loss • Persistent indigestion or bloating

• • •

Gynecologic cancer simply means that the cancer begins in some part of a woman’s reproductive system. The most common types include: Uterine Cancer: Also referred to as endometrial cancer, occurs when cancerous cells grow in the lining of the uterus Ovarian Cancer: This occurs when cancerous cells grow in the ovaries (the part of the reproductive system where eggs are made); it usually (but not always) affects women over 50 Cervical Cancer: Occurs when cancerous cells grow in the cervix (the lower

™

Regular screening and early detection can improve outcomes. For example, pelvic exams and pap smears may help doctors detect cancerous cells. Most women need cervical screening once every 3-5 years. You may need screening more frequently depending on your personal history.

A woman’s specific cancer treatment depends on several factors, including her health status, cancer stage, and personal goals. That said, the most effective and comprehensive approach may include chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery.

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, contact SIU Medicine today with your questions. Our gynecologic oncologist and other medical health professionals can help you access the latest advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment of Gynecologic

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