Maria Parham Healthbeat A publication of Maria Parham Medical Center and The Daily Dispatch
April 24, 2013
Hospital’s cancer center expands technology David Ruggles
the patient is in the correct position for therapy. Marketing & Community Relations Respiratory Gating is software technology that he Cancer Center at Maria accounts for the movements Parham Medical Center, a of the tumor and other Duke Medicine Affiliate, organs due to a patient’s has long provided a level normal breathing pattern. of comprehensive cancer This process allows for the care beyond that typically most optimal timing and seen at a rural hospital. The precision of the radiation Cancer Center is one of the treatment. By using few facilities outside a technique known of Duke University as ‘breath hold,’ the Health System information gathered to offer access to through respiratory both Duke medical gating improves the oncologists and delivery of radiation and radiation oncologists minimizes exposure to in one convenient location. And now, Casey Cholet the heart for breast and lung cancer patients. MD that level of service The clinical director has escalated even of Radiation Oncology at the higher with the addition of two new technologies for Radiation hospital, Dr. Casey Chollet, points out, “We try to minimize Oncology: On-board Imaging radiation dose to the heart and Respiratory Gating. for all patients. This can be On-board Imaging, or OBI, a particular issue in those makes it possible to take very with left sided breast cancers. detailed 3-D images during The addition of Breath Hold a radiation treatment. This allows for greater precision and technique to our department allows us to use the very best accuracy when locating and technology available while treating a tumor. The process treating our patients locally.” also helps minimize radiation As important as the OBI exposure to neighboring and Respiratory Gating healthy tissue. OBI was made possible by adding a specialized technologies are, their use in the hands of well-trained, computed tomography unit experienced physicians and to the present machine staff makes all the difference. that provides the radiation As a Duke Medicine affiliate, treatment, known as a linear The Cancer Center at Maria accelerator. The use of this Parham Medical Center enhanced imaging technology features board-certified Duke can result in lower patient radiation oncologists, medical radiation dose and better oncologists and hematologists image quality. OBI can be who are on staff at Maria utilized either daily or weekly Parham Medical Center, as to observe possible tumor well as at Duke. The clinical changes as well as insure Maria Parham Medical Center
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The hospital’s linear accelerator now has On-board Imaging, which allows for greater precision and accuracy when locating and treating a tumor by employing detailed 3-D imaging. staff also includes certified radiation technologists, registered nurses, and social workers. The Cancer Center also has a patient navigator to help oncology patients weave through the complexities of today’s healthcare. When you combine the excellent staff and state-of-the-art technology, you
have great reasons to choose Maria Parham Medical Center for your cancer care. The Cancer Center is a thriving example that world-renowned cancer programs such as Duke Medicine and the Duke Cancer Institute can work with community-based hospital
like Maria Parham to provide excellent care for cancer patients close to home and access world-class care at Duke. For more information about The Cancer Center at Maria Parham Medical Center, go to mariaparham.com/cancer or call (252) 436-1148.
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HealthBeat
The Daily Dispatch
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Administering first aid for burns
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ccidental burns are very stop the reaction and decreases common — nearly everyone the pain and burning. Remove has had one at some time. rings and jewelry which may Most are just minor burns that obstruct circulation if swelling occurs. do not require any special care. You should have Most burns are Larger burns, all burns checked caused by direct heat by your doctor. however, can be (flames or hot very serious. Burns that seem Most burns are objects) although mild at first may caused by direct develop secondary heat (flames or hot some are caused by infections or electricity or objects) although scarring. The some are caused face and hands chemicals. Even by electricity or are particularly sunburns can be a chemicals. Even important to treat sunburns can be a cause of first and appropriately cause of first and second degree burns. to prevent any second degree unnecessary burns. cosmetic problems The first step in caring for or limited function of the fingers a burn is to cool it off. Quickly or hands. A tetanus shot may be apply cool wash cloths or place needed. the burn in cool water. This helps Many burns have associated
injuries that may go unnoticed because of the pain of the burn. This may include trauma and lacerations from falls or explosions, or lung damage from smoke inhalation. Dress the wound in clean, dry sheets. You do not need to apply any ointment because this will need to be cleaned off by your doctor, adding to the discomfort. Antibiotic creams can be applied after the wounds are clean. If the burn is caused by a chemical, first aid includes prolonged irrigation with water to dilute and wash away the chemical. Electrical or lightning burns are particularly troublesome because of internal injuries that are much worse than what appears on the surface. Dress the wound in clean, dry sheets to the burn area. Avoid using These need immediate attention ointment because a doctor will need to clean this off, causing more and prolonged follow-up. discomfort. Apply antibiotic cream after cleaning the area.
Caring for Your Heart, Caring for You.
Where the Patient Comes First.
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This Practice is a Department of Maria Parham Medical Center.
J. W. Jenkins Building 568 Ruin Creek Road Suite 128 Henderson, NC
(252) 436-1380
2IIHULQJ 'LDJQRVLV 7UHDWPHQW RI +HDUW 5HODWHG ,OOQHVVHV Northern Carolina Cardiology LV 0DULD 3DUKDP 0HGLFDO &HQWHUÂśV QHZHVW SK\VLFLDQ SUDFWLFH MRLQLQJ D JURZLQJ OLVW RI RXWVWDQGLQJ KRVSLWDO RZQHG SUDFWLFHV 1RUWKHUQ &DUROLQD Cardiology offers non-invasive heart care through the talents RI WZR %RDUG &HUWLÂż HG SK\VLFLDQV 0HOLVVD 'DXEHUW 0' DQG 5RELQ 0DWKHZV 0' %RWK 'U 'DXEHUW DQG 'U 0DWKHZV DUH also on the medical staff at Duke University Medical Center. The physicians at Northern Carolina Cardiology are accepting QHZ SDWLHQWV DQG DFFHSW UHIHUUDOV IURP \RXU IDPLO\ SK\VLFLDQ.
J. W. Jenkins Building
(252) 436-1085
568 Ruin Creek Road Suite 102 Henderson, NC
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Quiet, but (potentially) serious: Woman’s heart murmur T here is a heart abnormality that affects about one person in 10 and is particularly common in women. This murmur is called “mitral valve prolapse”, or MVP. The mitral valve is slightly weakened and the leaflets of the valve billow out like sails in the wind. The flapping of the leaflets and the flow of blood backwards through the valve cause a slight murmur with each heart beat. The cords that support the leaflets can also be stretched out and allow more sagging of the leaflets of the valve. MVP is not normally a serious problem. A few people will have troublesome symptoms, although most people do not even know they have it. A person may feel palpitations or irregular heart beats. Chest pains are also fairly common. The chest pain
Although they normally affect only one of 10 people, ‘mitral valve prolapse,’ or MVP, is actually common in women.
is variable and often surger y that allows a confusing. The pains are significant number of usually noticed at rest, bacteria to enter the but they can also occur bloodstream. with exercise. Usually, a person will Having not have to the restrict his Usually, a person condition activities can slightly will not have to because of increase the restrict his activities the heart chance of murmur. He an infection because of the heart or she can on the heart murmur. He or she normally valves. The participate can normally risk of this in any type participate in any and the of work type of work or need for or sports prophylactic sports without without antibiotics having to having to worry. are worr y. If the determined palpitations by an ultrasound of or other symptoms the heart called an are bothersome, echocardiogram. A they can usually be person who needs treated effectively with antibiotics should take medicines. them for two days For more information whenever he or she has about heart health dental or bowel surger y issues that concern or any other type of women, check out
American Heart Association’s website at heart.org or talk to your physician. If you do not already have a primar y care physician, you can get a list of the area’s doctors at mphosp. org or by calling (252) 436-1800.
A painful rash: Dealing with shingles
P
eople dread the thought of shingles. They fear the severe pain and itching as well as the possibility of developing a chronic neuritis from it. These fears should now be lessened. A couple of anti-viral antibiotics work quite well to slow the progression of the disease and spread of the rash on the body, and they also appear to prevent the long-term pain from
neuritis in most people. The anti-viral antibiotics should be started at the first sign of shingles. They are usually taken by mouth, but in severe cases they can be given intravenously. There is more good news; researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that the relationship of shingles to hidden cancers is far less than had been believed over the years. Shingles is caused by
the chicken pox virus. In some people, this virus can lie dormant in nerve cells along the spine for decades. Later, when a person’s immunity declines because of aging, cancers or chemotherapy for cancers, the virus can become reactivated and spread down the nerve. It causes a neuritis pain as the virus travels down the nerve and a couple days later the skin breaks out with redness, swelling and
blisters. In addition to the anti-viral antibiotics, a person can use calamine lotion to help dry the blisters and pain pills to decrease the pain. Cortisones may also be used to alleviate the symptoms. Shingles is not nearly as contagious as chicken pox, which is what it causes if it does spread, and it is contagious only when the blisters are moist.
HENDERSON FAMILY DENTISTRY Comprehensive Dentistry for the Whole Family
Latest in Dental Diagnostic Technology Digital X-Rays • Intraoral Camera Laser Cavity Detection • Preventative & Restorative Care • Root Canals & Extractions • Gum Disease Therapy • Crowns & Bridges
• Partials & Dentures
• Tooth-Colored Fillings • Teeth Whitening • Implants
We Accept Most Insurance NC Health Choice • Medicaid Insurance Filed New Patients and Emergencies are Welcome. Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm Some Saturdays 560 Dabney Drive, Suite C • Henderson, NC 27536
Phone: 252-492-6004 • Fax: 252-492-9517
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HealthBeat
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Esophageal cancer awareness – What you should know The Heartburn Treatment Center at Maria Parham Medical Center & William C. Dengler, FACS
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astroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a problem that you can’t get away from. Advertisements bombard us each day and row upon row of boxes, bottles and pills are seen in the drug stores. The reason: GERD is a significant problem that is extremely common and should not be ignored. Approximately 30 percent of the U.S. population suf fers from
the disease whose most common symptoms are heartburn, regurgitation and mild swallowing dif ficulties. GERD can also cause cough, hoarseness, worsening asthma and sore throat. It is caused by a malfunction of the valve located between the stomach and swallowing tube (esophagus) allowing acid that is normally made in the stomach to reflux back up into the esophagus. For many, symptoms are mild, but in others severe lifestyle-limiting problems can occur. It is important to understand that
this is a chronic and progressive disease meaning that it tends to get worse with time and requires lifetime therapy. In addition, there is a link between GERD and esophageal cancer. Approximately 20,000 people will die this year from esophageal cancer, caused by gastroesophageal reflux. The usual treatment which improves
symptoms in most people is medications that decrease stomach acid. However up to almost 40 percent of people will continue to experience symptoms on these medications. While medications provide relief, most do not realize that the reflux continues! Feeling better does not mean their reflux is cured. In fact, it always continues. Maintaining
relief requires these medicines for life and does not reduce the risk of cancer. There are other therapies available that a suf ferer of the disease should be made aware of including minimally invasive laparoscopic surger y that repairs the faulty valve, stopping the reflux and eliminating the need for medications. Importantly, stopping the reflux possibly reduces the risk of getting cancer. The most important thing is to understand this is a serious, lifetime disease often causing severe
symptoms and carries a cancer risk along with it. Getting a proper evaluation as well as education about the disease is essential for obtaining proper treatment. Take GERD seriously! For more information about heartburn, contact the Maria Parham Heartburn Treatment Center at (888) 9No-GERD or talk to your physician For help finding a physician in our area, call Maria Parham Medical Center at (252) 436-1800 or visit mariaparham.com for a listing of medical providers.
Specializing in Diseases of the Kidney & Hypertension
0DULD 3DUKDP 1HSKURORJ\ +\SHUWHQVLRQ offers specialized care for outpatients and LQSDWLHQWV ZKR KDYH UHQDO GLVHDVH DQG RU hypertension. Offering diagnosis & treatment For those suffering from: ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡
Chronic Kidney Disease Anemia Metabolic Bone Disease Congenital Kidney Disease Generalized Edema Resistant Hypertension Consultation for Inpatient Dialysis
Tariq Abo-Kamil, MD Internal Medicine
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This Practice is a Department of Maria Parham Medical Center.
J. W. Jenkins Building 568 Ruin Creek Road Suite 006 Henderson, NC
(252) 436-1080
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013
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Tick-tock: Aneurysms are time bombs M
ost complications of high blood pressure and smoking take years to develop. An aneurysm is one of these complications. It develops slowly, but is a real time bomb once it reaches a certain size. If an aneurysm ruptures, it becomes life-threatening. An aneurysm is the dilatation of a major artery, usually the aorta as it passes through the abdomen. Aneurysms are associated with smoking, hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure. As the artery dilates, the walls become weaker and a vicious cycle begins. When the aneurysm reaches two inches across
or larger, the risk of rupturing increases. The symptoms vary from no symptoms at all to severe pain in the abdomen, back or groin. Having a painless aneurism may or may not be serious, but a painful aneurysm is always an urgent problem. An aneurysm that reaches two inches is usually repaired on an elective basis. If symptoms begin, however, the aneurysm requires an emergency surgery which carries greater risks. A person can help prevent aneurysms by controlling his blood pressure, not smoking, and getting routine exams. A person
should have his blood pressure checked at least annually. A doctor can diagnose the condition by exam or it may be picked up on X-rays, ultrasounds or CT scans, which can determine the exact location and size of the aneurysm. While an aneurysm is still small, it can be followed by ultrasounds or CT scans until it reaches a size that requires treatment. For a list of physicians in the area who can help you live a healthier life, check out Maria Parham Medical Center’s website, mariaparham.com or call (252) 436-1800 to request information.
Four County Eye Associates DANIEL BERNSTEIN, M.D.
CYNTHIA A. HAMPTON, M.D.
Comprehensive Ophthalmology Routine Adult and Pediatric Exams/Glasses and Contact Lenses
Office Hours By Appointment
(252) 492-8021 800-331-6744
No Stitch Cataract Surgery: Laser Surgery: Medical and Surgical Treatment of Glaucoma and Diabetic Eye Diseases: Muscle and Eyelid Surgery.
Henderson Professional Plaza 451 Ruin Creek Road, Suite 204 Henderson, NC 27536 www.fourcountyeyeassociates.medem.com
While an aneurysm is still small, it can be followed by a CT scan until it reaches a size where doctors can administer treatment.
Beckford Medical Centers J.E. Kenny, MD F.C. Aniekwensi, MD S.E. Reed, PA-C W.M. Davis, PA-C L.A. Tharrington, MSN, ANP-C Elsa Bagnulo, NP
Henderson, NC 27536 Phone: 252-492-2161 Warrenton, NC 27589 Phone: 252-257-6213 Louisburg, NC 27549 Phone: 919-340-0283
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HealthBeat
The Daily Dispatch
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Four County Primary Care now offering extended hours
n today’s hectic world, we have so much to take care of that we sometimes forget to take care of a very important thing – our own health. With that in mind, Four County Primary Care is pleased to offer extended office hours Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., with regular office hours on Fridays, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The Four County Primary Care physician team consists of Dr. John Faulkner, Dr. Gary Smith and Dr. Patricia Smith. While some physician offices that offer extended care utilize a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner, Four County Primary Care will offer a medical doctor to see patients during the additional hours. Four County Primary
Care is one of eight physician practices owned by Maria Parham Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint Hospital. Four County Primary Care is committed to providing high quality, compassionate, comprehensive and cost-effective health care to all members of your family,
from newborn to seniors. The physician team recognizes the importance of open communication, trust and respect between patients and their physicians, and encourage the development of a relationship that promotes patient participation in their health care decisions.
(From left) Drs. Gary Smith, Patricia Smith and John Faulkner of Four County Primary Care offer expanded hours to meet your primary care needs.
Looking for an OB/GYN? • Certified Nurse Practitioner Estena Bradley
New Patients Welcome/ Call for an Appointment
Cara Grout, Janice Martinez, Karen Maclean, LaTonya Armstrong
252-492-8576
• Certified Nurse Midwives
• Board-Certified OB/GYN Physicians
Dr. James W. Hampton, Dr. James A. McCarthy, Dr. C. Scott Hays
Premier Women’s Health Professionals, PA A new commitment. A long heritage.
www.pwhpobgyn.com Most Major Insurance Plans Accepted
Vance Medical Arts, 511 Ruin Creek Road, Suite 101 Henderson, NC 27536
252-492-8576
Granville Medical Complex, 1018 College Street Oxford, NC 27565
919-693-9998
Louisburg Medical Arts, 1501 N Bickett Boulevard, Suite D Louisburg, NC 27549
252-492-8576
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HealthBeat W , A 24, 2013 ednesday
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943 West Andrews Ave. Ca letee mplet Co Comp 252-438-2573
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When a child has bacterial croup, he or she usually looks very sick, sits erect and may look frightened. Swelling can become so severe that the airway may suddenly close off.
Mon. - Sat. 7:00am -7:45pm
Kerr Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Bacterial croup: a more serious version
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he serious for m of croup is caused by a bacterial infection of the trachael area, or voice box. It is dif fer ent fr om the common viral croup in many respects. The bacterial infection may come on ver y quickly and is much more of an emergency than the viral form. A child may go to bed feeling well and be quite sick by morning. If the croup is slower in onset and improves with increased humidity and cool air, it usually is a virus and not nearly as serious. Bacterial croup also usually affects children who are older, 3- to 6-year-olds, as opposed
to the younger, 6-month type of croup is more to 3-year-olds who serious because the get the viral infection. swelling can become so Bacterial croup causes severe that the air way serious swelling in the may close off quite area just above the vocal suddenly. Do not tr y cords. The epiglottis to check the throat at may swell home. considerably If a child has the The child and look like must be rapid onset of a a cherr y in treated ver y croupy cough, looks carefully the back of the throat and should sick, and acts (the infection frightened, he always be is often called to should be brought admitted epiglottitis). the hospital. The child will to the emergency The air way have a fever, room immediately. must be sore throat protected and perhaps a until the muffled voice. antibiotics have taken The child usually effect. Antibiotics are looks ver y sick, sits used in high doses after erect, and may appear cultures are taken from frightened. The bacterial the throat and blood. A
mist tent, oxygen, and a quiet room are helpful. Although bacterial croup is most common in 3-6 year-olds, it can affect any age. If a child has the rapid onset of a croupy cough, looks sick, and acts frightened, he should be brought to the emergency room immediately. Fortunately, the incidence of these severe infections has decreased significantly due to the haemophilus vaccine. Talk to your pediatrician of family physician to learn more about croup and what to do if you suspect your child has a breathing problem.
•Short and Long Term Care •24 Hour Professional Nursing Services •Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy •Social Worker •Activities •Individualized Plan of Care “We Are Neighbors Taking Care of Neighbors”
252-492-7021
1245 Park Avenue, Henderson, NC
Voted Best Nursing Home in Vance County 8 Years in a Row!
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Like clockwork: Don’t forget to take your meds
I
t is hard to remember to take our medicines every day. We all have stresses, commitments, and distractions that keep us from the simple task of taking our pills. But these barriers do not account for the vast majority of failure to take one’s medicines as prescribed. So what does? There are many reasons. Many times a person does not even fill the prescription. This may be due to the cost of the medicine, an inner hope that the medicines will not be needed, or the stigma of being on medicines for depression or other illnesses.
Often the person’s illness does not cause symptoms that remind him to take the medicine. It is easy to see why you should take pain pills for a broken bone, but not so easy to see the value of taking a blood pressure pill when you feel fine. Other medicines such as cholesterol lowering statins are prescribed to prevent a problem that will not occur for 10-20 years, or may never occur. When your doctor prescribes a medicine you should have him explain why it is important for you. Ask questions until it is clear
To avoid accidentally forgetting a dose, put your pills some place where you will see them each day. Some choices are by your toothbrush, by your eyeglasses, or some other item you use ever y day. A note on the refrigerator or your mirror will help remind you not to miss any doses when you are taking a short course of a medicine. Need a doctor? For a listing of physicians in the area, go to the Maria Parham Medical Center website at mariaparham. Using a pill box is a good reminder to take medications at appropriate times. com or call the in your mind exactly be to reduce your risk of diabetes, to prevent Physician Referral Line what it is for and why of strokes or heart kidney failure and loss of at (252) 438-MPMC you will benefit. It may attacks, or in the case vision. (6762).
Committed to Your Orthopaedic Needs
Lending you a helping hand throughout life’s journey.
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Gary A. Smith, MD
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(252) 436-0440
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Sports Medicine ‡ Arthroscopic Surgery Orthopaedic Surgery ‡ Hips & Knees Shoulder Injuries ‡ 1HFN /RZHU %DFN Hand & Wrist Injuries ‡ X-Ray & Rehab Facilities on Site Work Injuries ‡ :H 7UHDW 3HRSOH RI $OO $JHV Fractures, Sprains & Strains
Rafael Negron, MD, FAAOS %RDUG &HUWLÂż HG 2UWKRSDHGLF 6XUJHRQ
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(252) 436-1314
120 Charles Rollins Rd Suite 205 Henderson, NC
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013
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Treat a change in bowel habits as a warning sign O
ne of the traditional seven warning signs of cancer is a change in bowel habits. This is for good reason. Once a person is past middle age, his or her bowel habits are quite well ingrained. They do not change significantly for any period of time unless there is a significant cause. Colon cancer is one of the most common causes of a persistent change in bowel habits. There are over 175,000 new cases of colon cancer each year in the United States. Any change in bowel
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habits that lasts three anemia. Anemia is a weeks or longer should common finding in be evaluated by your colon cancer because physician. The changes of the microscopic but may include constant Colon cancer is one blood loss diarrhea, constipation, of the most from the passing common causes of tumor. mucous Because a persistent change tumors or blood, in bowel habits. or even usually symptoms lose small There are over such as of 175,000 new cases amounts urgency. blood, one of colon cancer If you of the most develop any each year in the useful tests of these is to check United States. changes, for this blood your doctor in the stool. will do a general exam, If any trace is found, including blood tests you will need a look at which may indicate the whole colon with
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an instrument called a colonoscope. This allows your doctor to see the lining of the entire colon. If it is perfectly clear, significant polyps are unlikely to develop in the next few years. If the card tests are negative for blood, your doctor may choose to do a flexible sigmoidoscopy, or “flex sig,” which looks at the lower third of the colon. Other common causes for a change in bowel habits include inflammator y bowel disease, hormonal changes, infections, parasites and side
effects from drugs. These problems would also benefit from appropriate evaluation and treatment, so do not hesitate to consult your doctor about bowel symptoms. If you develop any changes in bowel movement habits that last longer than three weeks, a doctor will perform a general exam, including blood tests to determine if you have anemia. A tumor can cause a microscopic yet constant loss of blood.
New Century
Ophthalmology, PC Diseases & Surgery of Retina & Vitreous
Medical Laser & Surgical Eye Care Vinod K. Jindal, MD, FACS
(Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist)
Specializing In:
• Vitreo-retinal diseases and surgery • Macular Diseases and Surgery • Macular Degenerations (Lucentis, Avastin, Macugen, Eylea) • Diabetic Eye Diseases- Retinopathy, Vitreous Hemorrhages • Cataracts- no- stitch surgery, Restor, Crystalens • Glaucoma- Medical, Laser and Surgical Management • Eyelid Surgery- Cosmetic and Therapeutic Blepharoplasty and Botox Treatments • Low Visual Aids
NCO is equipped with State of the Art equipment- first in the area with Heidelberg angiograms, Pascal Laser Treatments
1001 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565
919-693-6661
www.ncophth.com Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm
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HealthBeat
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Notice risk factors for heart attacks
T
he number of heart attacks has been declining since 1968 and can still go lower. By correcting a few of the risk factors that we have learned about, you can decrease your chances of ever having a heart attack. There are three main factors that contribute to heart attacks, and each of them can be corrected. These three major risks are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. High blood pressure is easy to diagnose by simply having it checked. When it is elevated, it can be treated with changes in lifestyle, diet and medicines. In a few cases, high blood pressure is
caused by a surgically are very effective. correctable obstruction of The third factor is the arteries to the kidneys smoking. Nicotine is a or other stimulant lesions. irritant Smoking causes the and High for the heart blood to clot and plug and forces cholesterol can be the heart to the arteries more diagnosed work harder. easily and the lung by a simple Smoking blood test. To damage also creates causes the get the most more work for the blood to clot accurate heart. It is extremely and plug reading, it the arteries important to stop should be more easily smoking. done in the and the lung morning damage after you also creates have fasted for 12 hours. more work for the heart. High levels are treated It is extremely important by a low-cholesterol diet, to stop smoking. There exercise and medicines. are now many aids to These measures usually help you quit including lower the cholesterol stop-smoking classes and nicely. Today’s medicines various medicines in the
form of patches and pills. Together, these are fairly effective. Check your blood pressure and cholesterol once a year, avoid smoking and exercise regularly. Doing these things will give you a healthier heart. For more information on lowering your risk factors, visit the American Heart Associations website — heart.org — or ask your family physician for help. For a listing of the primary care physicians in the area, please visit mariaparham. com or call (252) 436-1800 for a listing or physicians in the area who utilize Maria Parham Medical Center.
FAMILY DENTISTRY
Checking your blood pressure and cholesterol once a year, avoiding tobacco and exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthier heart.
General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
James E. Crenshaw, Jr. DDS William C. Haight, Jr. DDS
Northern Carolina Surgical Associates is a general surgical
practice that provides consultative and operative services in the areas of General, Advanced Laparoscopic, Breast and OncologyUHODWHG 6XUJHU\ (DFK RI WKH VXUJHRQV LV %RDUG &HUWLÂż HG ZLWK advanced training in various specialty areas. Each doctor is dedicated to providing you the very highest level of quality healthcare.
202 Graham Street, Warrenton
257-3736
Mon-Wed 8am – 5pm • Thursday 7am-3pm • Fridays By Appointment
COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL SERVICES INSURANCE ACCEPTED
Robert F. Noel, Jr., MD
This Practice is a Department of Maria Parham Medical Center.
Cynthia Robinson, MD
Lakshmi Kanth, MD
0HGLFDO 2IÂż FH 3OD]D 120 Charles Rollins Rd Suite 206 Henderson, NC
(252) 433-0430
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013
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Runs are no fun: Coping with stomach flu
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very winter brings with it many cases of the stomach flu, a viral infection affecting the gut. Normally, the viral stomach flu causes diarrhea, generalized muscle aches, a low grade fever and lethargy. It is self-limited and usually lasts only a few days. Since many other illnesses can cause diarrhea, such as bacterial infections, parasites, and food intolerances, you should see your doctor for any illness that does not act like the typical viral flu and if it doesn’t resolve in a few days, especially if there is a high fever or any blood in the stool. What should you do when you or your child gets the flu? Since it is caused by a virus, there is no quick cure. Antibiotics do not help. A person must avoid foods that may make the diarrhea worse. One of the main food groups to avoid is milk and dair y products
since the lactose they contain can be difficult to digest. Other foods that should be avoided until the diarrhea has improved are fatty foods, spicy foods and onions. Excessively sweet drinks or fruit juices may also make the diarrhea worse. It is useful to drink water and sports drinks which are made to replace a person’s fluid loss. Other mild foods such as bananas, rice, soups, crackers, toast, cooked vegetables, and fish or chicken are all well-tolerated. Loperamide is a ver y effective nonprescription medicine for diarrhea. It should not be used if there is a fever or blood in the stool. Since the virus is quite contagious, it is important to stay home until the illness has run its course. It is especially important to wash hands frequently to prevent it from spreading.
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HENDERSON ORTHOPAEDICS HOURS: Monday - Thursday 9 AM - 4:30 PM Friday 9 AM - 12 PM
Gary L. Kaplowitz, MD
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What should you do when you get the flu? Since it is caused by a virus, there is no quick cure. Antibiotics do not help.
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The Daily Dispatch
HealthBeat
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
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