HEALTHY Connections - April 2019

Edition 1, Volume 2

M i l l e n n i u m P h y s i c i a n G r o u p ’s

HEALTHYConnections ConnectingYou to a Healthier Life

April 2019 • Breast Cancer Awareness

In this edition: Breast Cancer Awareness, Signs & Symptoms Preparing for Your Mammogram Millennium Physicians' Personal Breast Cancer Stories Staying Safe in the Summer Sun Summer Dieting Dos and Don'ts

Your Connection to a Healthier Life

For more information about Millennium Physician Group, visit www.MillenniumPhysician.com or call 1-844-CALL-MPG.

Millennium Named "Innovator of the Year" Who's Calling? A New Phone Scam

Welcome to Millennium’s Healthy Connections! We are happy to connect you to all things healthcare in our newsletter!

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This edition we focus on Breast Cancer Awareness. Why wait until October to talk about one of the most common cancers that women may face in their lifetime? Read on to learn more information directly from the Millennium experts!

Your Mammogram & You By: Kelly Caggiano, CNMT, Imaging Services Manager

Many women dread their annual mammogram.

At Millennium Physician Group our goal is to provide a seamless and positive patient experience at each of our Women’s Centers.

To keep your visit as efficient and provide you the best results, we have organized some tips and info to help you better prepare for your mammogram.

Diagnostic vs. Screening Mammogram Screening mammogram is your yearly exam that is performed for preventative reasons.

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Preparing For Your Mammogram ✓ Request or confirm that your previous mammogram be on file •

Reviewing images from previous years allows our radiologists to compare your breast tissue overtime.

✓ Wear something comfortable – preferably two pieces.

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Please be aware you will be asked to change into a gown for the exam.

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Avoid deodorant, powder, perfume and lotion the day of your mammogram

✓ Expect your mammogram to take between 10 to 45 minutes depending on the type of exam you are scheduled for •

With advancement in technology, more pictures may be taken for better views of the breast tissue.

✓ You may have a 3-D mammogram •

Our team will review your previous images and insurance information to see if you qualify for a 3-D mammogram which is available at each of our locations.

✓ Don't skip your yearly physical as it can help spot a problem or concern before your scheduled mammogram.

A Guide to Prepare for Your Mammogram & Defining Terms

This view takes images of the entire breast to analyze any year to year changes. Screening results are provided to you in 1-3 days after your exam. Additionally, all patients will receive a mandatory letter, mailed to their address on file, of their mammogram results.

If you have symptoms after your annual mammogram, do not wait until your next mammogram for new imaging!

Let your physician know right away and they will order a diagnostic mammogram.

Diagnostic mammogram is a magnified area of breast tissue at the site of the symptomatic area.

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If you are having pain, found a lump, or identified any other abnormality, your mammogram will be performed as a diagnostic.

Diagnostic mammogram results are read same day before you leave our Women’s Center. If needed, a breast ultrasound will be performed that same day.

Breast Cancer Radiology Procedures Defined There are many forms of radiology tools to identify, biopsy, and diagnose breast cancer.

Understanding these different exams will prepare you, should you need further testing after your mammogram.

2-D Mammogram – takes four flat images similar to an X-Ray. Up until recently this was the most common mammogram.

3-D Mammogram – images can slice through layers of tissues providing hundreds of pictures and detect smaller abnormalities allowing for detection of the earliest stages of breast cancer. Highly recommended for patients with dense breast tissue.

Breast Ultrasound – uses sound waves to produce pictures and advancement in technology have made this procedure a leading diagnostic tool for breast cancer detection. Typically used to focus on the abnormality detected on a mammogram, can help determine the difference between a cyst or mass.

Stereotactic Biopsy – Biopsy using mammography guidance to help locate a breast abnormality to remove a tissue sample to be sent to a lab for further testing.

Ultrasound Guided Biopsy – Biopsy utilizing ultrasonic guidance to locate a breast abnormality to remove a tissue sample to be sent to a lab for further testing.

Needle Localization– under mammogram or ultrasound guidance, the abnormality is located and a wire is inserted into the mass. Patients then go to surgery where the entire mass is removed and sent to a lab for further testing.

Dr. Planer’s Journey with Breast Cancer In an instant a phone call can change your life. That was exactly what happened to one of Millennium Physician Group’s doctors, Dana Planer, D.O. Over the phone she heard the words that no one is ever prepared for, “we are 99.9% sure that you have breast cancer.”

Dr. Planer is board certified internal medicine physician at Millennium Physician Group’s Cochran location and has been treating patients for over 18 years in Port Charlotte.

“No one is prepared to hear that. Being a physician, I deliver tough diagnoses to patients, but as a patient you are never prepared to hear those words,” said Planer.

Her diagnosis came during her annual mammogram. The one test that most women try to avoid or push off, if possible, is what saved Dr. Planer’s life.

“I don’t have a history of breast cancer in my family. And this is such a misconception, that having a family member with breast cancer is the only risk factor. In fact, all women are at risk for breast cancer. On average 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer.”

Additional risk factors for breast cancer include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, any type of hormone therapy, including birth control pills, never having had children, or having your first pregnancy after the age of 35.

“Birth control or any type of hormone therapy does increase your risk for breast cancer. We are seeing this more in studies being produced.

Family history is not the only risk factor,” says Planer.

Dr. Planer recommends that all women begin yearly screenings at the age of forty and work with their primary care physician to come up with a schedule for screenings that fits their risk factors and needs.

“My diagnosis came from a 3-D mammogram, at Millennium’s Women’s Center in Port Charlotte. Due to my history of dense breast tissue this was the recommended test for me and was the test that detected something was wrong to the radiologist.”

Cutting edge 3-D Mammography accounts for almost 90 percent of the mammograms performed at Millennium Physician Group’s Centers across Southwest Florida. The sensitivity of these tests can detect breast cancer in the earliest of forms and provides the best outcome for patients, as it did for Dr. Planer.

“The whole process from mammogram to biopsy to final diagnosis was about a week for me in 2015, and it was absolutely brutal waiting for the biopsy results to come back. After my diagnosis I began to plan my treatment with my cancer care team.”

The same cancer care team that she recommends to her patients is exactly who cared for her during her diagnosis.

“I’m so thankful for the care team that was there for me during my treatment in 2015.

The same doctors that I recommend to my patients are the same ones that cared for me.

It’s so important for patients to know that we do have amazing cancer resources right in our community. You don’t need to travel elsewhere for your cancer treatment.”

With treatment behind her, Dr. Planer has made an effort to care more for herself.

“Before my diagnosis, I was a workaholic. I’ve made the point to take time for myself, which in the end means I can take better care of my patients. Proper nutrition and exercise after treatment is also essential to help prevent reoccurrence. Studies show lower

reoccurrence rates in patients who exercise, eat healthy, and are at a normal BMI.” From diagnosis to her final treatment, Dr. Planer’s cancer journey was about 18 months that included surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and newer targeted therapies. Dr. Planer states, “I hope that by sharing my journey, I can better help others faced with a cancer diagnosis.”

But to her, her journey hasn’t ended. “I don’t like to call myself a cancer survivor. I’m still very much a breast cancer patient. I still require yearly mammograms and medication daily to ensure the cancer does not come back.

No one can truly understand what it is like to have cancer until it happens to you, and it can happen to anyone,” says Planer.

Because of annual screenings Dr. Planer is proud to say, “here I am four years later.” Don’t wait to schedule your mammogram, it can save your life.

Breast Cancer Signs Let’s Talk About the “Girls.”

Each woman’s breasts are unique. What’s normal for you may not be normal for another woman. Most women say their breasts feel lumpy or uneven. And the look and feel of your “girls” can be affected by your cycle, having children, losing or gaining weight, and taking certain medications. Breasts also tend to change with age.

What Do Lumps in My Breast Mean?

Many conditions can cause lumps in the breast, including cancer. But most breast lumps are caused by other medical conditions. The two most common causes of breast lumps are fibrocystic breast condition and cysts.

Fibrocystic condition causes noncancerous changes in the breast that can make them lumpy, tender, and sore. Cysts are small fluidfilled sacs that can develop in the breast.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For:

Different people, including men, have different symptoms of breast cancer. Although there

are certain signs that warrant a closer look, remember some people display no signs or symptoms at all.

Some Warning: • • • • • • • •

New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).

Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.

Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.

Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.

Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.

Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

Pain in any area of the breast.

Keep in mind that these symptoms can happen with conditions other than cancer.

If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away.

Source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Schedule Your Mammogram at One of Our Locations Call 855-674-4624 today!

Port Charlotte Women’s Center 19621 Cochran Blvd., Ste. 1 Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Naples Women’s Center 4330 Tamiami Trail E. Naples, FL 34112

Women’s Center at Cape Coral Imaging 1528 Del Prado Blvd S. Cape Coral, FL 33990

Women’s Center at Fort Myers Imaging 13813 Metro Pkwy.

Fort Myers, FL 33912

What Breast Cancer Taught Me By: Millennium Physician Submission

Two years ago, I felt a breast lump. I proceeded down the diagnostic path and was ultimately confirmed with stage 3 breast cancer. My world turned upside down. All the regular activities of my life, including my career, my family, my hobbies and passions, my daily to-do lists were suddenly marginalized.

The cancer and everything that it entailed now took front stage, and the life I once knew just last week became a shadowy backdrop. I went through bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For 11 months, I went through what my cancer patients go though.

Fortunately, I overcame the disease and am now considered a cancer survivor. Now my heart understands what my mind always knew.

It's just not about the cancer.

I owe my survival not just to the wonderful specialists who took care of me but also to the people who, just a short time ago, were the only people in my life. My family and friends comforted me. The company that I worked for understood and accommodated me. My primary care providers cared for me. My faith in God grounded me. My overall health and well-being were resilient enough to weather the storm of cancer.

It's just not about the cancer. It's everything else, too. It's having someone taking care of the little things that I used to worry about. It's having support when I'm weak. It's having calmness when I couldn't provide my own reassurance. It's having people look out for my wellness. I learned that I'm not by myself and I didn't have to go through all of it alone.

Millennium Physician Group Named “Innovator of the Year” Millennium Physician Group is pleased to announce that we have been named “Innovator of the Year” by the healthcareindustry publication Healthcare Innovation.

The cover story cites the information technology initiatives Millennium has designed and put in place to help better connect its 300,000-plus patients, 450-plus healthcare providers, 100-plus offices in more than 12 Florida counties with important patient records, metrics and statistics.

It’s innovation like Millennium’s IT platform that helped the company reach the top spot as the country’s no. 1 Medicare Shared Savings ACO (Accountable Care Organization) in earned saving, giving its physicians, advanced providers and care teams the tools needed to deliver high-quality care.

“This recognition is a testament to Millennium’s commitment to bridging the gap between patients, providers and technology. Our aim is to deliver an outstanding patient experience by giving our healthcare providers the most relevant and real-time information possible, leading to a more holistic care experience for the patient,” says Chief information and Innovation Officer Jeffrey Nelson.

“Millennium has always been a leader in the use of technology to the advantage and support of our patients, healthcare providers, and care teams. We have an incredible information and innovation team, led by Jeffrey Nelson, with a lot of support from our Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. David McAtee. I am excited about what the future holds as we work together to ensure we continue to lead the way,” says Millennium CEO Kevin Kearns.

Staying Safe in the Summer Sun By: Jennifer Schaeffer, APRN

When I think of summer, I think of riding in my Jeep, top down, beach days and ice cream.

As many of us have experienced the fun of summertime as a child, we can look back and remember some of the best times of our lives.

What we did not know, or make a point of recognizing, was the importance of safety for ourselves and the people around us.

Sunscreen and water safety are top priorities for having fun during the summer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has a few recommendations when choosing the proper sunscreen. Using measures as recommended by the AAD can prevent future battles with skin cancers such as basal cell, squamous cell and malignant melanoma.

Proper sunscreen should include SPF 30 or higher, be labeled as broad spectrum (which includes both UVA and UVB coverage), and be water resistant. While many of us are conscious of applying sunscreen before going out, many times we forget to reapply. This should be done every 80 minutes while out in the sun.

Keeping safe in the water is just as important in the summer! The American Red Cross suggests swimming in designated water or pool areas that are maintained by lifeguards, swimming

with a buddy and of course never leaving children unattended while near or around water.

The American Red Cross also suggests enrolling your children in age-appropriated learn to swim courses that can be found online at arc.com. U.S Coast Guard approved life jackets should also be worn in and around water areas, however do not rely on this alone.

The Red Cross also offers a variety of home pool safety, water safety, and first aid.

The most essential tip of the summer is keeping hydrated while in the sun.

Remember to limit your intake of caffeine and alcoholic beverages which can cause further dehydration. Also, take breaks in shaded or cooled areas frequently to avoid heat exhaustion. Carrying a cooler with ice and water as well as a healthy fruit or protein rich snack are necessary to maintaining a fun and active summer.

Take these educational tips and safety recommendations with you as you jump in your car and head to the beach, pool, or out on a your vacation. Keeping you and your family safe this summer is our number one priority!

WALK-IN MEDICAL CENTERS Did you know that Millennium has ten convenient Walk-in Medical Centers with after-hour and weekend access? We can get you directions to the closest Walk-in location near you.

CALL US TODAY! 1-844-CALL-MPG

Summer Dieting Dos and Don’ts

Reminder - before beginning any dietary plans or exercise, please consult with your physician.

By: Barbara Kropacek, Millennium Physician Group Registered Dietitian & Diabetic Educator

Summer is steadily approaching, and many people likely wouldn’t mind shedding a few of those pounds gained over the winter. Although you might be tempted to follow one of the popular diets of the moment -- low carb or keto -- that guarantee you melt away the fat, I recommend taking it a bit more slowly. With a little of your commitment and my simple healthy lifestyle suggestions, you could lose between a half and two pounds a week. That could equal almost ten pounds in a month! And you won’t have to give up those carbs.

DOs

DON’Ts

ADDITIONALLY

DO choose whole grains, like barley, quinoa, or brown rice more often than processed grains.

DON’T skip meals. This causes the body to slow its metabolism, causing you to burn fewer calories.

Regulate how you eat. Follow this pattern:

DO choose vegetables rich in color. Choose fruit for dessert or when you crave something sweet. Citrus fruit and berries are best.

DON’T delay meals. When we don’t eat, we get over-hungry and overeat.

DO choose healthy fats like olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and foods like avocados and nuts/nut butters. But watch your servings because even healthy fats have calories.

DON’T be distracted by TV, cell phones or computers while eating. Practice deliberate and mindful eating. It takes your brain 20 minutes before it realizes it’s satisfied.

DO listen to your body. Snack only if you are hungry, not because you’re bored. And choose your snacks wisely. If you eat according to the plate method every 4 to 6 hours, you shouldn’t need to snack.

DON’T eat processed (or packaged foods). They tend to be high in trans fats, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, along with lots of sodium.

DO allow for a guilty pleasure. You should be choosing mostly whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables and heart-healthy fats, but 10-percent of the time you throw in a guilty pleasure once or twice a week, spaced about three days apart.

DO share meals when eating out with a friend or take half of it home with you.

DO stay active. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day, five days a week.

DO Follow the 8x8 Rule for water. Drink eight – 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Sometimes we think we are hungry when we are actually just thirsty.

DON’T binge or “let yourself go” on weekends.

You can have a treat, but not too much.

DON’T drink your calories. Soda, juice and sport drinks add lots of hidden calories. That includes alcohol.

DON’T keep trigger foods around. If you want a treat, buy a single serving and be done with it.

DON’T keep the package around tempting you.

DON’T fall back into your old habits/behaviors, those things that caused you to gain weight in the first place.

Have breakfast within an hour of waking up and eat every four to six hours.

Use the plate method of eating as a guide for portion control: ½ plate fresh fruits and/or vegetables, ¼ lean proteins and ¼ complex carbs.

Protein keeps you fuller longer and controls your appetite and blood sugar levels. Lean proteins include: fish high in omega 3, like albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, rainbow trout, sardines and wild-caught salmon; lean cuts of red meat; poultry without the skin; low fat or reduced fat cheeses and egg whites. Plant based proteins: beans, peas, lentils, nuts/nut butters, hummus, tofu and tempeh.

Know setbacks are inevitable, don’t let a slip-up ruin your day and all of your hard work.

Remember to get back on track as soon as possible. But the quicker, the better!

Beware of New Phone Scam “Neighbor Spoofing” By: Chuck Loring, IT Security Officer

There’s a troublesome telephone trend taking place that we want patients to be aware of. It’s called “Neighbor Spoofing.”

This happens when someone you don’t know “masks” the phone number they’re calling from with one that might be familiar to you. The scammers do this to try and lull you into giving them your personal information or in attempt to sell you unsolicited products or services.

These dubious dialers use local phone numbers and the identities of local businesses, like medical offices, insurance companies, banks, and even law enforcement. And some Millennium Physician Group patients have reported this Caller ID scam.

We take your privacy and security very seriously. In fact, Millennium prides itself on protecting your personal and health information. We’re on the cutting edge of technology and are always looking for innovative ways to outsmart the scammers.

Here’s what you can do: ➤ Avoid answering calls from numbers you don’t recognize. If the reason for the call is, in fact, important, the caller will leave a message. ➤ If the number calling you looks like it is coming from a Millennium office, but you have even the smallest feeling it’s not legitimate – hang up! Call YOUR doctor’s office and ask if anyone tried calling you. Your doctor’s office should be able to verify if the call was legitimate. ➤ Never give personal information to anyone over the phone if you have the slightest feeling the call is a scam. Hang up the minute you feel something isn’t right.

Download the Millennium Physician Group App! It’s now easier than ever to access all things Millennium!

Now you can download the Millennium Physician Group app to view wait times at our Walk-in Medical Center, make a lab appointment, and log-in to your patient portal.

Now available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Scan the QR code to download the app now!

Thank you for reading! To learn more about Millennium Physician Group visit www.MillenniumPhysician.com or call 1-844-CALL-MPG to schedule an appointment today!

Your Connection to a Healthier Life

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24/7 That’s right! Even at 11:00 p.m. at night – if you need care, call your provider’s phone number to get in touch with your care team to coordinate the best care for your healthcare needs.

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