Southwest Virginia edition • Volume VI • Issue IV
Men Should Not Live in the Dark About Their Health Also inside: Carilion Cardiac Surgery Celebrating 30 Years of Service
Jefferson Surgical Clinic Local urologists performing robotic surgery to treat prostate cancer
Healthcare Expansion Blue Ridge Cancer Care and LewisGale break ground on facility in the New River Valley
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Rod Belcher John Facciani, MD Tricia Foley, RD, MS
WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Holbrook Thomas Kerkering, MD Myron Levy, MD
Cameron May Stephen McClintic, Jr. Rick Piester
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@ourhealthmag COMMENTS/FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS Our Health Magazine, Inc. welcomes your feedback. Please send your comments and/or questions to: “Letters,” Our Health magazine, Inc. 305 Colorado Street • Salem, VA 24153, 540.387.6482 or you may send via email to steve@ourhealthvirginia.com. Information in this magazine is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace medical or health advice of an individual’s physician or healthcare provider as it relates to individual situations. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER ANY MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF YOUR DOCTOR. All matters concerning physical and mental health should be supervised by a health practitioner knowledgeable in treating that particular condition. The publisher does not directly or indirectly dispense medical advice and does not assume any responsibility for those who choose to treat themselves. The publisher has taken reasonable precaution in preparing this publication, however, the publisher does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright © 2012 by Our Health magazine, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Our Health is published bimonthly by Our Health magazine, Inc. 305 Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153, P: 540.387.6482 F: 540.387.6483. www.ourhealthvirginia.com. Advertising rates upon request.
contents cover feature
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Men’s Health
men should not live in the dark when it comes
to their health
ongoing departments 12
Medi • cabu • lary + Just Ask!
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The Latest
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Local Celebration
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Men’s Health
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Specialized Procedures
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Kid’s Care
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Nutrition Health
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local healthcare questions answered and medical terms explained
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Carilion cardiac surgery program celebrates 30 years of growth, progress and success top 5 Rx meds for men
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da Vinci surgery for prostate cancer teaching your child to swim for safety and fun healthy eating in the summer
Pharmacy Insight prescription for danger
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new physicians, providers, locations and upcoming events
From the Our Health Bookshelf
recommended reads for your summer and your health
Senior Living
simple steps to a safe senior summer
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medi•cabu•lary + just ask!
medi•cabu•lary the language of healthcare explained
What is Molluscum Contagiosum? Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection that is caused by a virus. Small white or pinkish bumps appear which may resemble kernels of corn. The bumps last for about 6 months and then disappear on their own. No treatment is required. It is not dangerous. The infection can be spread to other areas of the body through scratching, and can be spread from person to person through skin contact, or contact with personal items such as towels, sports equipment, etc. Prevention is through hand washing and
just ask!
Are chlorinated swimming pools harmful to my vision? The sun is shining, the weather is warm and there’s nothing better than taking a dip in the pool to cool down. However, an imbalance of the pool’s chemicals can irritate your eyes. High levels of chlorine in pool water can cause some swimmers to experience a burning or stinging sensation while others have watery eyes or uncontrollable tearing. In some cases, chlorine may irritate the eyes to a point at which vision becomes blurred. Flushing your eyes with cool, fresh water or saline drops after your swim is an easy way to calm any eye irritation. If you’re prone to getting red eyes from swimming, you should always wear goggles in the pool. Look for swimming goggles that offer UV protection from the harmful rays of the sun.
John Facciani, MD Vistar Eye Center Pediatric Ophthalmologist Roanoke 540.855.5100
Do barefoot sport shoes provide the necessary support required for fitness activity? The current “barefoot” or “minimal” shoe trend can be downright confusing for many consumers. Everyone’s feet are unique, while being composed of 33 joints and more than 100 muscles. Since research is still being conducted on the long term effects of these types of shoes, I think they are best served as a “tool in your
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good personal hygiene. Molluscum infection can be serious in people with weakened immune systems such as those individuals with HIV infection.
Thomas Kerkering, MD Carilion Clinic Infectious Disease Roanoke 540.981.7715
toolbox” for a small percentage of your running, cross-training, and general foot and lower leg strengthening activities. Currently there is a wide range of shoes available that transition you to a more “minimal” feel. If that’s your goal, take it gradually and consult a FIT specialist about your individual needs!
Andrew Holbrook Fleet Feet Sports Roanoke 540.777.1166
How is hyperthyroidism related to osteoporosis? An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) causes accelerated bone loss which can lead to osteoporosis. This can occur if the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone or if a person receives thyroid medication at a dosage that is excessive. Patients who are receiving thyroid medication at an optimal dosage for treatment of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) are not at increased risk for bone loss.
Myron S. Levy, MD, FACP LewisGale Physicians Internal Medicine Salem 540.772.3490
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new physicians, providers, locations and upcoming events
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David Edward Johnsen, MD Carilion Clinic Radiology 540-489-6332 Rocky Mount
Karol L. Gordon, DO Carilion Clinic - VelocityCare Family Medicine and Urgent Care 540-382-6000 Christiansburg
Randal Luke Swatzyna, PA-C Carilion Clinic Family Medicine 540-562-5700 Roanoke
Heather Norden, MSN, FNP-BC Carilion Clinic Family Medicine 540-381-6000 Christiansburg
Jessica D. Hall, MSN, FNP-BC Carilion Clinic Family Medicine 276-988-8850 Tazewell
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Amy K. Barnhart, MD Carilion Clinic Pediatrics 540-772-4453 Roanoke
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Anthony Barrera, MD Carilion Clinic Emergency Medicine 540-458-3345 Lexington
Edward McDowell, PA-C Carilion Clinic Orthopaedics 276-773-8145 Christiansburg
Osteopathic Medical College Graduate Numbers Continue to Climb, as Two Colleges Hold Inaugural Commencement Ceremonies • Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (Yakima, WA) graduated its first class, comprised of 69 students, on May 12. • Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (Parker, CO) inaugural commencement ceremony on May 19 graduated a class of 127.
The nation’s colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) are graduating roughly 4,500 students this spring, nine percent more than last year’s 4,159 graduating osteopathic medical students, and 56 percent more than the 2,536 students who graduated from osteopathic medical schools a decade ago. The number of graduates is projected to continue to increase, with an estimated 5,300 students graduating each year by 2015. This marked expansion of new osteopathic physicians (DOs) could help mitigate future physician shortages. This year, two osteopathic medical colleges graduated their first classes: 14
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While growing class sizes have contributed to the recurrently rising number of osteopathic medical school graduates over the past decade, new colleges and campuses opening across the nation have played a vital role as well. Three new COMs – Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (Dothan, AL), Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (Buies Creek, NC), and Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Indianapolis, IN) – will open their doors to students in 2013, further expanding opportunities for aspiring physicians. Among the current osteopathic medical colleges graduating students this year, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) held commencement
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ceremonies at its Blacksburg campus on June 2, graduating its largest class yet, with 180 students earning the DO degree. VCOM opened an additional campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina, last fall, welcoming 162 students to the campus’s inaugural class. With a mission of serving the rural and underserved areas of the Appalachian region, VCOM expects to be graduating more than 340 students annually beginning in 2015. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic
Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS), the centralized application service for the nation’s osteopathic medical schools, has begun accepting applications for the 2013 academic year. To view the 2013 application, visit https://aacomas.aacom.org/. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine promotes excellence in osteopathic medical education, in research and in service, and fosters innovation and quality among osteopathic medical colleges to improve the health of the American public. Quote from Stephen C. Shannon, DO, MPH President and CEO, American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine “Growth in the number of osteopathic medical students and graduates is evidence that the primary care-based, patientcentered, prevention-focused philosophy of osteopathic medicine rings true with aspiring physicians and aligns with the type of care all should have. Osteopathic medicine has emerged as a leading force in the changes needed in the nation’s health care system.” More Information View a list of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and visit their websites to learn more about their commencements. http://www.aacom.org/about/ colleges/Pages/default.aspx View other data and statistics on osteopathic medical school graduates. http://www.aacom.org/data/ graduates/Pages/default.aspx View the 2013 AACOMAS Application. https://aacomas.aacom.org/
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Construction begins on new Blacksburg Specialty Center Words [ Cameron May ] affiliated sub-specialists to offer complementary clinics,” explains Giovanetti. “For example, if a BRCC patient needs to see a gynecology oncologist, she will be able to access that specialist in the same building.” Harry McCoy, MD, a medical oncologist with BRCC who has practiced in the New River Valley for twenty years, is eager to begin offering care in the new, larger facility. LewisGale Regional Health System (LGRHS) and Blue Ridge Cancer Care (BRCC) are partnering to construct a new specialty center in Blacksburg that will offer in-depth cancer care services. Development of the 13,000 square foot facility began June 18th. The center is expected to be complete December 2013.
“Our current space is very limited,” says Dr. McCoy. “The new center in Blacksburg will allow us more room to not only improve the way we treat our current patients, but also allow us to better serve the needs of new patients in the New River Valley who are in need of care.”
The new center will be located at the intersection of Research Center Drive and Rimrock Road (near St. John Neumann Academy). It will replace the New River Valley office of Blue Ridge Cancer Care and will offer medical oncology and hematology services, on-site lab, a specialized pharmacy and community meeting space.
Dr. McCoy says the new facility will also allow BRCC to expand its clinical research efforts.
Additionally, the center will include the LewisGale Blacksburg Specialty Center, which will extend complementary cancer services including genetic counseling, gynecologic oncology, mental health support and surgical care. Victor Giovanetti, President of LGRHS, sees the new facility as a progression in his organization’s long-term outreach goals. “This partnership is consistent with the one we have had with BRCC for some time,” explains Giovanetti. “BRCC has been a partner with our health system for many, many years. This step is the natural evolution of our service-line integration strategy that we began developing in 2008.” Giovanetti is confident the new center and partnership will greatly benefit the communities the two organizations serve. “The focus of the new center is two-fold,” continues Giovanetti. “One part of our focus is to expand the available space for our partner oncologists at BRCC. This is an expansion that will help our communities.” Giovanetti says a second major objective is to integrate services offered by both healthcare organizations. “Equally important, the additional space will allow room for our
“We’re very committed to clinical research,” says Dr. McCoy. “With additional space and more advanced technology combined with the resources offered by LGRHS, we’ll be able to magnify our research efforts and further contribute to the goal of beating cancer.” Scott Hill, CEO of LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, says the abundant space in the center allows room for more specialists to practice, including general surgeons, gynecology surgeons, dietary counselors and mental and behavioral health counselors. LGRHS plans to have specialists in these areas present at the center on a rotating basis. Hill says the plan to have rotating specialists at the center is going to give patients in the New River Valley the opportunity to be treated locally without the need to travel out of town for care*. “Traveling out of town to see a specialist is a burden,” explains Hill. “By providing access to a variety of rotating specialists, we are able to treat more patient needs’ locally. We’ll be able to bring the care to the patient rather than have the patient go to the care. This is a philosophy that can make all the difference in the world to a patient going through cancer treatment.” Greg Cain, Executive Director of BRCC, concurs with Hill’s view on localized care. “The treatment cancer patients typically receive can be lengthy and intense,” says Cain. “Being close to home and near a support system is not only convenient for the patient, but also important for his or her well-being, as well as the family’s.” Giovanetti couldn’t agree more. “This is another example of us expanding service lines within our individual communities as a health system so that people don’t have to leave their communities to get the care they need,” Giovanetti concludes. “The new center in Blacksburg is another example of how LGRHS is creating opportunities to serve our communities in a better way.”
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local celebration
Carilion Cardiac Surgery Program Celebrates 30 Years of Growth, Progress and Success
Words [ Rod Belcher ]
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States. One local hospital’s Cardiac Surgery Program has been fighting this killer for many years by providing life-saving procedures to patients in need of surgical care. On June 29, the Cardiac Surgery Program at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital will celebrate its 30th anniversary of mending hearts, saving lives, and impacting thousands of patients for the better. “The bottom line for Carilion Health System is to stay at the forefront of health care and technology,” says Dr. Paul T. Frantz, the Medical Director for Cardiac Services for Carilion Clinic, “to promote the best care possible for our patients.” Frantz says that the need for an open heart program in the Roanoke Valley was recognized in the mid-seventies. Following the opening of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in 1971, it was recognized that the demand for coronary revascularization would continue to grow. Under the leadership of William “Ham” Flannagan, then CEO of Roanoke Memorial Hospital, preparation for open heart surgery began and a certificate of need was submitted to the Health Systems Agency in Richmond. “Dr. Stanton P. Nolan, Professor and Surgeon in Charge of the Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Virginia, served as a consultant,” Frantz says. “He reviewed the number of cardiac surgery patients that were being referred from the Roanoke area and concluded that there was sufficient need to support an open heart program in Roanoke.” 22
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At that time, patients needing heart surgery were sent to the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in Richmond and the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. Some were referred to more distant centers, such as Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina. The hospital prevailed in acquiring approval to begin the program and in July1981, after a yearlong process, Dr. Frantz became the program’s director and first surgeon. “During this time we were also going through the process of buying the necessary equipment, setting up the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and training our staff,” Frantz explains. Clinical Nurse Specialist Cathy Jennings was also hired to join the team. On June 29, 1982, the Cardiac Surgery team undertook its first surgery: replacement of a patient’s leaking heart valve. It was the first of many successes for the program. By 1984, the team was performing over 200 open heart procedures a year and a second surgeon, Dr. Kevin Ducey from the Medical College of Virginia, was recruited to join. As the 80’s became the 90’s, the team had performed up to 500 cases a year and additional cardiothoracic surgeons were needed. In 1987, Dr. D. Christopher Wells, who had trained at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, joined the team, and Dr. Brian Strain, who had trained at the University of Arkansas, joined the team in 1990. Dr. Frantz recalls that the late 80’s also saw the introduction of
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the LifeGuard air ambulance program to provide rapid transport of patients to Roanoke Memorial from outlying hospitals and remote areas of southwest Virginia. Roanoke Memorial was the first hospital in the area to offer temporary mechanical support of a failing heart with the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP), a device connected to the patient by a catheter that is inserted through an artery in the leg. By 1991, the team was handling over 750 open heart patient cases a year. Dr. Joseph Baker, who trained at the University of Virginia, joined the team as its fifth surgeon. In 1994 the Cardiac Surgery Program had outgrown portions of its original facility and moved its intensive care unit and operating rooms to the new south tower addition of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The new facility had a 12-bed cardiac surgery ICU, three surgical theatres and a 12-bed coronary care unit. By 1996, over 1000 patient cases a year from all across the region were performed. That same year, the team began performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Dr. Frantz explains, “We were able to operate through small incisions instead of a much larger chest incision.” 1998 saw the advent of the Heartport procedure, the next progression in minimally invasive cardiac surgery as well as the introduction of Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR), a process that uses a laser to improve blood supply to the heart muscle. With a growing base of patients and increasing staff and technological innovations, the Cardiac Surgery Program was also recognized for the quality of the care provided. “We were having outcomes as good or better than older and more established programs,” Frantz adds. “In 1999, we were rated among the top 50 open heart programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report and the Health Care Information Association (HCIA).” The Program also became a training center for over 30 surgeons to learn more about the Heartport procedure from 1999 until the early 2000’s. Due to further growth of the program, Dr. Scott Arnold, who trained at the University of Virginia, was recruited to join the team in 1999. In 2000, the program took a huge technological leap forward with the purchase of the daVinci Surgical System. This robotic system allows surgeons working at a computer console to direct the robotic system to undertake minimally invasive surgery through small openings. “We were the second hospital in the state of Virginia to purchase and use the daVinci system,” Frantz says. By 2001, after Institutional Review Board approval, the team began using the robotic system to harvest the mammary artery to use for a coronary bypass and to repair leaking heart valves.
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Dr. Joseph Rowe, who trained at the University of Alabama, joined the team in 2002. By this point, Dr. Frantz says that the program was seeing roughly 1000 patient cases a year. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) was introduced by the team in 2004. ECMO is, in effect, an artificial lung providing respiratory support to oxygenate the blood of patients with lungs so diseased or damaged they can no longer serve their function. “It’s designed to act temporarily,” Frantz says, “until the lungs can recover.” In 2005, Roanoke Memorial was the first hospital in Virginia to become accredited as a Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. The program’s Chest Pain Center was developed as a proactive resource to allow patients and physicians to respond to cardiac health issues quickly and efficiently. As of 2011, the center had seen and helped over 10,000 patients. Between 2007 and 2010, surgeons Jeffrey George, David Wyatt and Peter Mikhail joined the team. Now in 2012, the program is continuing its commitment to technological advances in patient care. In February, the team implanted its first Heartmate II left ventricular assist device (or LVAD), a mechanical circulatory device used to aid a failing heart. Roanoke Memorial is in the process of becoming a Joint Commission certified implantation center for the Heartmate II. Also in 2012, the team performed its first TAVI, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation procedure. In a TAVI procedure, open heart surgery is not required. Instead, physicians maneuver an artificial aortic valve through a leg artery and into the proper position in the heart. A multi-specialty team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, anesthesiologists, and cardiac catheterization and operating room staff collaborate to perform one to two TAVI procedures a week. “TAVI is an excellent alternative to open heart surgery for patients who may be too old or too frail for conventional techniques”, Frantz explains. From balloons to robots, Dr. Frantz says there has been an amazing array of technological advances in cardiac medicine in the thirty years that he has been with the Cardiac Surgery Program. “Carilion strives to be a leader at the forefront of medical technology for heart care and also for prevention of heart problems,” Frantz says. “Looking ahead to the next thirty years, I expect to see new technology -- new innovations in the way we care for patients. Over the last three decades, there has been a tectonic shift in our ability to help patients with cardiac illnesses,” he says. “With the advances in engineering and imagery, transformational innovations like the ones we have seen will only continue to evolve, and our patients will reap those benefits.”
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Men Should Not Live in the Dark When it Comes to Their Health Words [ Rick Piester ]
With this issue’s cover story, Our Health takes a wide-ranging look at the most common ailments that affect men in America, some tips on how to recognize their signs and symptoms and how to avoid them if possible, the age at which common health problems are liable to strike, and some of the most often-prescribed prescription medications for men. We hope that you will find a lot to interest you in these pages, as well as all of the articles that are in the rest of this issue. More than that, though, we hope that you will save this issue in a special place and refer to it should you or the men in your life need the information.
A Decade-by-Decade Look at Men’s Health Nature has a rather consistent way of running its course on a man’s body as he ages. There’s plenty of room for variation, depending upon your genetic makeup, health practices, lifestyle choices, and even the part of the country where you grew up or live now. Here’s a rundown of common health issues that many men will see as they age. It’s drawn from National Health Interview Survey information and other sources.
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In Your 20s Most men at this age are in good health, with a metabolism that vaporizes calories. But that may be part of the problem. That metabolism won’t last forever. And now is the time to learn proper nutrition habits that will prove very valuable later in life. Even if your twenty something body seems to accommodate things like fats, sugar, alcohol, and just about anything else you throw at it, you might also be getting an early start on killers like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. One more imperative: do not smoke. If you already smoke, quit now because quitting will become steadily harder to do as you age.
In Your 30s At this age, you are likely to have a lot going on. You are guiding your early career, embarking on marriage, having kids or thinking of having them, and getting a shiny new mortgage. So the last thing on your mind might be creating a relationship with a physician. Now is the time to do exactly that, however. Having a trusting relationship with a doctor can be key to many facets of good health as you age — getting the right screenings and diagnostic exams at the right time, establishing good health practices for life, and having a source of help should that first health crisis strike during this decade. Also, the body mass you may have built up with athletics and gym workouts in your teens and 20s will start to deteriorate during your 30s. You may notice a slight decline in your strength and endurance, but regular exercise can balance the natural decline. Being in good shape can also have a dramatic effect on the health of your heart.
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take the elevator, and more. It will help burn calories, balance stress, and keep muscles toned. This is also the decade that you must start having regular rectal exams. This first-line check for prostate cancer can help you avoid the number one killer of non-smoking men in their 40s.
In Your 40s This can be a pivotal decade for you. More than likely, your life is becoming complicated, and that leads to stress. This is also the time of your life when you are highly prone to start putting on weight, which makes life harder for your heart, your lungs, and such joints as hips, knees, and ankles. Here again, regular exercise can work wonders. The problem is that you may feel that you simply cannot make time for a run, a walk, or a visit to the gym several times a week. But you can reassess your lifestyle and find that you can walk to work rather than drive, walk the dog yourself rather than your youngsters doing it, climb stairs rather than
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Type 2 diabetes may also first show itself during your 40s, if not before. Diabetes affects the way your body processes blood sugar, known as glucose. There are not many early signs of diabetes, so the best way to spot it is a simple blood test that your doctor can order. If you are overweight, or if someone in your family has diabetes, it is especially important to get the test, called a blood glucose test. And in a newly –issued draft recommendation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging that men be tested for hepatitis C beginning in their 40s. The CDC is calling for anyone born between 1945 and 1965 to get a one-time blood test for hepatitis C, saying that doing so could identify as many as 800,000
people infected with the liver disease and prevent many cases of cirrhosis and liver cancer, saving more than 120,000 lives.
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heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. So if you have not already established a relationship with a primary care physician (such as an internist or a family medicine practitioner), now is definitely the time to do that. It’s important to have regular checkups, to help lower risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels. Compared with younger men, men in their 50s have an increased risk of bowel, prostate, and lung cancer as well, so a good primary care physician can be your guide through the baseline and annual tests to help you avoid these life-threatening diseases.
In Your 60s (and beyond)
In Your 50s Heart disease is the number one cause of death among men in the US, and this is the decade during which men carry the greatest risk of developing
If you’re in your 60s, you might well be looking to retirement. Assuming you have taken good care of yourself during your younger years, you will very likely see the benefit of all that exercise and good nutrition in your reduced health risks. People are saying that the mid-60s is the new “middle age,” meaning that most men in their 60s now do not
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One big problem area for you at this age might be in getting a good night’s sleep. More than half of men over the age of 65 (and women too) have a problem with sleep. The most common problem is obstructive sleep apnea – the throat constricts and you stop breathing for as long as 10 seconds and then, with a start and a snort, resume breathing. You awaken a bit with each cycle. This ruins the restorative power of sleep, but it also can lead to trouble with blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and acid reflux, in which stomach acid comes into the esophagus to cause heartburn and lots of other problems. The interrupted sleep lessens your immune system, it can raise your level of anxiety or irritability, and some researchers believe that it may even be a factor in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
accept that they have to stop working, stop learning, stop living fully, and just sit and wait for the gong to strike.
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A physician who specializes in sleep disorders can determine the cause and treatment of factors that are interrupting the rest that is such a big factor in both physical and emotional health.
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The Top 5 Rx Meds for Men Words [ Rick Piester ]
Although Our Health does not advocate the use of any kind of prescription drugs without first consulting with a physician, science produces medications that truly make a difference in men’s lives. Here are the most-prescribed medications for men, the conditions for which they’re prescribed, and background information on those ailments.
No. 1 — Viagra Despite all the bad jokes about erectile dysfunction, Viagra is far and away the most-prescribed medication for men. One of four FDA-approved erectile dysfunction drugs for men (the others are Cialis, Levitra and Staxyn), Viagra is what earned a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the drug’s founder, Robert Francis, MD. Men should remember, however, that erectile dysfunction can most often be traced to other causes — heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and multiple sclerosis among them. So you and your physician should look for underlying causes.
No. 2 — Lipitor Lipitor is the best selling drug of all time, prescribed for both men and women. This drug (along with Zocor, Crestor and Lovastatin, to name a few) lowers cholesterol. Your body needs cholesterol, but too much cholesterol in your blood leads to increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
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Your first line of defense against high cholesterol levels is regular exercise and a healthy diet, but many Americans obviously need drugs like Lipitor to manage this danger.
No. 3 — Propecia Propecia seems to be a major weapon of choice in the fight against male pattern baldness, a common concern of men, most often starting in their 40s. For most men, hair loss is a natural and expected part of aging. But it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying cause such as autoimmune diseases (lupus, for example), thyroid disease, ringworm, and others.
No. 4 — Plavix Heart disease is the leading killer of men in America, and Plavix is the most-often prescribed medication to inhibit blood clots and thereby combat coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. You can head off the onset or severity of heart disease by practicing the “big four” habits of maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. Men tend to die
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earlier from heart disease than women, and about 25 percent of all deaths related to heart disease occur in men between the ages of 35 and 65.
No. 5 — Nexium Estimates are that one in every ten American suffer from heartburn at least once a week, and the typical male passions for lots spicy foods washed down by a sufficient amount of beer is a classic heartburn trigger. Heartburn is the word we use for a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms are a burning sensation in the chest that lasts anywhere from a few minutes to hours, a burning sensation in the throat, and difficulty in swallowing. Chest pain from heartburn can be very difficult to distinguish from the chest pain that signals a heart attack, so play it safe: if you have chest pain, get expert medical help. There are additional causes as well — obesity, certain medications, acidic foods, and even stress. One very effective first-line preventive measure to try is to pay attention to what you have eaten when you experience symptoms of heartburn. Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine. Try to find out what your triggers are and avoid those foods to see if your heartburn eases. If it doesn’t, see your doctor. Any discussions of the many side roads and branches of men’s health could — and does — fill books. Among the sea of books about men’s health, one stands out. It’s The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men’s Health ($21.95), by Harvey B. Simon, founding editor of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch newsletter. As we said when we reviewed the book last year, it’s not perfect, but it’s as close as we can come in a sea of titles about men’s health. 34
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da Vinci Surgery for Prostate Cancer Words [ Rick Piester ]
Although a physician himself, Michael Koch, MD had suddenly become the patient. Malignant cancer cells were growing in the tissue of his prostate, the walnut-sized gland located just below his bladder. The gland surrounds a man’s urethra (the tube through which urine passes from the bladder) and it produces fluid that is one of the components of semen. Dr. Koch had cancer of the prostate. And he had a decision to make. Years earlier, Dr. Koch watched his father die a “painful and slow death” from the same disease. Determined not to repeat his father’s history, he studied all treatment options available to him — including comparing various types of radiation therapy against several methods of surgery.
Charles Daniel, MD Urologist Jefferson Surgical Center Roanoke
“I settled on surgery,” Dr. Koch says, “particularly after the radiation oncologist I saw recommended surgery as the best option for my particular type of prostate cancer.” He decided to have a radical prostatectomy, in which the entire prostate gland is removed, along with some of the tissue around the prostate. This would rid Dr. Koch of the cancer that had killed his father. Further, he decided to have his surgery using a relatively new surgical method, robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery done through small incisions in the belly, with the surgeon controlling robot-like arms that translates fine hand movements into even finer and more precise actions. The surgeon watches his or her work through high-definition, real-time 3-D images of the surgical field, magnified up to 15 times actual size.
Joseph Hayes, MD Urologist Jefferson Surgical Center Roanoke
He reviewed the locations around the country that perform the robotassisted surgery and learned that his own urologist in Roanoke, Joseph Hayes, MD, as well as his partner, Charles Daniel, MD of the Jefferson
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Surgical Clinic, are accomplished practitioners of the surgery, using the proprietary da Vinci Surgical System produced by California-based Intuitive Surgical. The company reports that its product is named da Vinci because Leonardo da Vinci is credited with inventing the first robot. When he performs surgery with the the da Vinci system at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Dr. Hayes sits at a console a few yards away from the patient. He concentrates on the high-resolution, three- dimensional display of the surgical field, while he uses instrument controls for precise manipulation of the surgical instruments inside the patient. Dr. Hayes’ enthusiasm for the da Vinci approach to surgery is clear when he speaks of the advantages of this method, compared to the conventional form of “open” surgery for prostate cancer, where the surgeon slices a vertical incision of up to eight inches in the lower abdomen, a jam-packed part of the male anatomy. “There’s a very dramatic difference in what I can see,” Dr. Hayes says. Surgeons often refer to a “deep dark hole” when they perform conventional prostate surgery, with a surgical field containing very delicate, hair-thin nerve bundles perhaps 18 inches away from the surgeon’s eye. “With da Vinci surgery,” Dr. Hayes notes, “visually, I am right on top of the surgical field, I can see those nerve bundles magnified 12-15 times. It is a tremendous difference.” And it all evidently makes a tremendous difference in the result of the surgeon’s work. In his use of the da Vinci system over the past eight years, Dr. Hayes has seen all of the signs of surgical success reach new heights. Where patients stay in the hospital for 3-5 days after conventional surgery, a single overnight hospital stay is usual after da Vinci surgery. Patients who have had conventional surgery need between six and 12 weeks to recover fully, compared to men who return to normal activity a week or two after robotic surgery. Many men who have “open” prostate surgery are often incontinent (unable to control their flow of urine) for months. The vast majority of da Vinci surgical patients return to continence within a month or two; less than two in 100 patients become incontinent permanently, Dr. Hayes says. Often left unspoken in many discussions about surgery for prostate cancer is the one side effect
that men and their sexual partners fear the most — the loss of sexual function. There’s very good — albeit not great — news on this front as well. With the magnified field of view provided by the da Vinci equipment, surgeons like Dr. Hayes and Dr. Daniel have a better chance of sparing the tiny nerve bundles that surround the prostate. The nerves are crucial in preserving potency, and possibly urinary continence. The improved view makes it significantly more likely that the nerves, and thus the ability to reach and maintain an erection, will be spared. The experience that Dr. Koch had as a patient mirrors the advantages detailed by Dr. Hayes. “I was expecting, and prepared for, an experience that was much worse than it actually turned out to be,” Dr. Koch says. “Not much pain at all, and I had a catheter for about a week. My incontinence lasted about a month. I had planned to be out of work for about two weeks, but I went back to work after a week.” Physicians caution that surgery with the help of the da Vinci robot is a good treatment option for prostate cancer, but it is only one option. Such non-surgical treatments as radiation therapy and implantation of radioactive seeds to shrink the tumor may be best for some. Other forms of surgery such as convention open surgery and laparoscopic surgery without robot assistance may best suit others; indeed, there are surgeons in Roanoke who are not trained to operate with the de Vinci system. And another choice is “watchful waiting” which, as the name implies, is to opt for no immediate treatment other than the close scrutiny of the patient and his physician. As physician-turned patient Dr. Koch advises, “Study your options carefully, and work with your doctor to determine what kind of treatment suits you best.”
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kid’s care
Teaching Your Child to Swim for Safety and for Fun Words [ Rod Belcher ]
Summertime means water, for most of us. It’s the time of year for trips to the beach, the lake and pool parties. For children, water can hold a fascination and a fear. Many kids take to the water like fish. Others may be hesitant, or even phobic, about the prospect of trying to swim. As parents, we may see our kids struggle with comfort in the water and ask what is the best way to help them? Should we push them to learn to swim? Throw them in the pool to give them an instant swim lesson? If you are taking them to a swim program what should you look for in a good one? “Water is everywhere,” says James M. Moshier, with Roanoke County Parks and Recreation and Tourism. Moshier is the Aquatics Supervisor for the Green Ridge Recreation Center. “In my opinion, everyone should know how to swim because it’s a life safety issue.” Moshier, says that children can start swimming as early as six months
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old. The sooner you get your child acclimated to the water, the better. “Generally, it’s safe to water acclimate children at 6 months,” he explains. “Here at Green Ridge we start the children with a parent/ child program.” Parents and their attitudes can go a long way to helping or hindering a child’s experience with swimming. Kids learn many skills through play. Making learning to swim fun for your kids, will help relax them around water, increase their comfort and enjoyment of playing in the water and, most likely, help them to learn to swim quicker. Children learn different skills in different ways, just like at school. As they succeed, they will grow in confidence. To help in the process in regards to swimming, parents need to respect your child’s learning style and comfort zone. Things parents can do to help with that include building trust. Acknowledge if your child has a scary moment in the water, don’t deny it. Don’t trick or mislead your child when it comes to water and swimming. Work to control your own reactions so that you don’t send unspoken cues to your child that they should fear the water and don’t overreact if they swallow some water. Try not to let your adult expectations come be at odds with your child’s progress in swimming. Don’t yell or get angry at the child. Be supportive, calm and patient. Swimming is a developmental skill, like crawling, walking or running. It takes time and not all kids will develop these skills at the same rate or in the same way. A good swim program can go a long way to meeting these needs and more. What should parents look for in a swimming program for their child? “You want to be sure that you are using a solid, well respected organization when signing children up for lessons,” Moshier says. “The American Red Cross is the organization that we use at Green Ridge for swim lesson curriculum.” Moshier adds that Roanoke County Park, Recreation and 40
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Tourism offers swim lessons year round at the Green Ridge Recreation Center with new sessions starting monthly. Other community organizations, like the YMCA also offer swimming lessons for all ages and stages of development, year round. Teaching your child to swim can be a rewarding source of great memories for both parent and child and a fun way to give your kids a skill that can not only provide them with good exercise and build self-confidence, it can also save their life.
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nutrition health
Healthy Eating in the Summer Time Words [ Tricia Foley, RD, MS ]
Summer brings an array of garden produce to enjoy in Virginia. Okra, field peas, squash, kale, broccoli, cantaloupes, strawberries, peaches, and apples are just some of the fresh foods to look forward to. With so much variety, one may become overwhelmed with how to incorporate these foods into healthy meals. Not to worry, here are some great ideas! Indian Infused Okra: Use two tablespoons organic butter or coconut oil, one medium onion (chopped), one pound sliced fresh okra, onehalf teaspoon of the following: ground cumin, ground ginger, ground coriander, and one-fourth teaspoon salt and pepper. Melt the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender. Stir in the okra and season with above spices. Cook and stir for a few minutes, then turn down the heat to medium low and cover the pan. Cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally until okra is tender. (Makes 4 servings) Kale Chips: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Rinse kale leaves and pat dry. Spread the leaves on a cookie sheet and drizzle one to two tablespoons of olive oil over the leaves. Sprinkle with sea salt. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until leaves are crisp. Enjoy.
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nutrition health
Spaghetti Squash Stew: Use one medium spaghetti squash, one diced zucchini, one diced yellow summer squash, two bell peppers (diced), 16 ounces lean ground meat (turkey, chicken or beef), six cups of low sodium broth and one-half tablespoon Italian seasoning. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and remove inner pulp and seeds. Place the squash face down in microwave safe dish with approximately one-half cup of water and microwave on high for ten minutes. Meanwhile, prep veggies by rinsing and dicing, set aside. Remove squash with pot holders from microwave and scrape out squash into large pot using a fork. Add diced veggies to pot as well as broth. Add seasoning. Place on medium heat and cover. Meanwhile, coat a pan with non-stick cooking spray and brown the meat. Once the meat is finished, the soup should be ready to go. Reduce heat to low or turn off and serve. Measure out three ounces of protein to top off the soup. (Makes 4 servings) Healthy “Baked” Apples: Slice an apple into six pieces and microwave for about 30 seconds until apple is soft and warm. Sprinkle one packet of Stevia and one tablespoon cinnamon on top. Enjoy! Strawberry and Spinach Salad: Use four cups of spinach (rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces), two cups of sliced strawberries, one-half cup olive
and are afraid it will go to waste, don’t despair! There are several ways to preserve your summer produce to enjoy throughout the year. Blanching is a great way to ensure that you are preserving your produce. Blanching kills the enzymes in vegetables, which prevents the enzymes from continuing to break down the food once frozen. To blanch, simply place fresh vegetables into boiling water for a couple of minutes (not long enough to fully cook them). This will help maintain a crisp fresh flavor when you want to use them later. The best produce to blanch includes turnips, green beans, broccoli, beets, cauliflower, carrots, corn, peas, spinach, and summer squash. There are just a few exceptions, which don’t require blanching: onions, peppers, and herbs. Each vegetable has a different boiling time. For a chart with the blanch time for specific vegetables please visit this link: http://www.ochef.com/617. htm. While the vegetables are boiling make sure you have a bowl of ice water ready. When the vegetables are finished blanching, they will need to go into the water for the same amount of time that they were in the boiling water. After this, pat the produce dry and it is ready for freezing. Although fruits do not need to be blanched, they will often stick together when frozen. The best way to avoid this is to spread the fresh fruit out on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze it. Once frozen, simply remove it from the parchment paper and place in a freezer bag and then immediately put it back in the freezer.
oil, one-fourth cup white wine vinegar, one-fourth cup Stevia, one-fourth teaspoon paprika, two tablespoons sesame seeds, and one tablespoon poppy seeds. In a large bowl, toss together the spinach and strawberries. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, Stevia, paprika, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. Serve dressing on side. (Makes 4 servings) If you find that you are left with an abundance of produce in your garden at the end of the summer 46
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If you wish to can your produce, there are several things you need to know to ensure that your food is safe. If you are canning low acid foods like vegetables you must use a pressure canner to avoid harmful bacteria growing in your product. Make sure to use fresh, young tender vegetables for canning. It is also important to vent pressure canners ten minutes before pressurizing to get rid of any trapped air. There are several different canning methods but the hot pack method is recommended for all low acid foods. For more information on canning vegetables got to: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ pubs/foodnut/09348.html Fruit and pickles can be canned without pressure canners because they have a higher acid content. For more information on canning fruits go to: http:// ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5343.pdf
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our health
pharmacy insight
Prescription for Danger Words [ Rick Piester ]
If you have ever been tempted to buy prescription medications from a deep-discount online retailer, here are a few words of advice— be very, very careful. There are some bargains available, from legitimate sellers regulated by the federal government. But there’s a also good chance that you’ll be buying from a fake online pharmacy that will sell you counterfeit medications that include anything from highway paint to chalk to animal and insect hair and droppings and who knows what else. And it can be hard to tell the difference between the real and the fake. It’s a rip-off, to be sure. It’s also illegal, dangerous, and even deadly. In most of the developed countries of the world, government regulation and market controls keep the proportion of counterfeit drugs below one percent. Yet counterfeit prescription drugs sold as the real thing kill people every year in the United States and in western Europe. Deaths are more common in South America, Africa and Asia.
Tips for Shopping for Meds Online If you’re looking for discount drugs online, the Food and Drug Administration has these recommendations: »» Make sure the Web site requires a prescription and has a pharmacist available for questions. »» Buy only from licensed pharmacies located in the United States. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has more information about licensing and its program to certify online pharmacies. The site is at www.nabp.net. »» Don’t provide personal information such as credit card numbers unless you are sure the site will protect them.
The Center for Medicine in the Public Interest estimates that the production and sale of counterfeit medications is a $75 billion business. Other sources say that the number is much larger. Fake medications from clandestine “labs” located anywhere in the world have made their way to pharmacies and hospitals in 46 countries, including the United States, England, and Canada. In Virginia, the state Board of Pharmacy handles reports of pharmacies, manufacturers, or wholesale distributors dispensing or distributing counterfeit drugs. The board is “not aware of any patients in the Commonwealth having received counterfeit drugs,” according to an email from the board’s executive director, Caroline Juran, who also notes that it is rare for fake medications to be sold in reputable pharmacies.
But it’s not hard to find counterfeit medicines on the Internet. Rogue web sites prey on consumers, many of them cash-strapped older people looking for bargains on their prescriptions. The web sites are designed to give the impression that they are Canadian firms, because Canada had a widespread reputation of safe and inexpensive drugs. Estimates are that as many as 36 million Americans have unknowingly bought and taken counterfeit medications. A counterfeit prescription drug is one that is manufactured by an illicit firm and that masquerades as a legitimate, regulated medication. Like
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counterfeit currency, they are oftentimes nearly impossible to tell from the real thing. The difference is in the ingredients. It can be a cheaper drug that is sold as a more expensive one, a weakened or “watered-down” version of a medication, or even a pill that contains chalk, sugar, or other substitutes for active ingredients. Brand-name
and
generic
pharmaceuticals
are
counterfeited. According to a report by the World Health Organization, not only drugs are faked. Medical devices and medical-related products have also been counterfeited, including blood glucose test strips, contact lenses, surgical instruments, and even condoms. Some of the more well-known brand name drugs that are counterfeited include Lipitor, Zyprexa, Ambien, Xanax, Lexapro, and Ativan. Just about every brand and every type of medicine is counterfeited. The fakes usually cost pennies or less to make and sell for $18$20 or more per pill. The profits are enormous, and so are the dangers. One of the more infamous examples of the dangers of fake medicines was the distribution several years ago of the drug Heparin, an injected blood thinner given to many thousands of people who are being treated for blood clots. Counterfeit active ingredients from China became part of the supplies of Heparin in the US, prompting outbreaks of adverse reactions, waves of recalls, and as many as 81 deaths. This is a rare example of counterfeit drugs making it into the legitimate US drug supply. There are some legitimate, safe suppliers of medications on the Internet, however. Caroline Juran, the executive director of Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy, suggests that anyone shopping online for prescription drugs check the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites,) which maintains a list of “recommended” and “not recommended” internet pharmacies.
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health reading review
From the Our Health Bookshelf Words [ Rick Piester ]
It seems that books about some aspect of health healthcare are among the most popular in bookstores and libraries. In increasing numbers, partly in response to the aging of the American population, people are becoming health conscious and are always looking for information on how to maintain and improve their health. Here are some books that are entertaining reads, and that may contain some information that you will find helpful.
TRAUMA: My Life as an Emergency Surgeon – James Cole, MD A sometimes-harrowing account of the making of a trauma surgeon, told through Dr. Cole’s experiences in big-city emergency rooms and on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Sometimes overly technical (“I ran the bowel with my fingers...from its origin where it emerged at the ligament of Trietz just below the middle aspect of the transverse colon...”) and very badly proofread, Dr. Cole is still a better writer than I am a surgeon, and so it is worthwhile reading.
Writer, M.D. – Edited by Leah Kaminsky This is an easy-to-read collection of writings — both fiction and nonfiction — by author/physicians. Much of the content deals with death and dying, which seems odd given that physicians we most value physicians for their abilities to lengthen and enhance our lives. That said, the fiction and essays in this book are for the most part sensitive, well told, and even humorous glimpses into what it’s like to train and live life as a doctor. And some of the writers are bluechip, including Abraham Vergese (My Own Country and Cutting for Stone) and Oliver Sacks (Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, and others.)
The End of Illness – David B. Argus, MD An oncologist who is not terribly proud of his medical specialty’s progress in curing cancer, Dr. Argus conducts a somewhat meandering examination of how the body works, where it fails, and how you might change your lifestyle to bring an end to illness. In one reviewer’s terms: “A ‘rock star’ doctor says throw away the vitamins, load up on baby aspirin, and keep moving.”
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My Own Country – Abraham Verghese Now a bestselling author/physician, Dr. Verghese tells the story of his life as a physician in Johnson City, TN, starting in 1985 as AIDS makes its horrible way from the big city into the small Tennessee mountain town. On the surface a story about a doctor taking care of AIDS patients, the book is actually a multi-level exploration of what it is to be a physician, what it means to be ill, and the meaning of “home.”
Medical Myths That Can Kill You – Nancy Snyderman, M.D. Sub-titled “And the 101 Truths That Will Save, Extend, and Improve Your Life,” Dr. Snyderman has deftly collected a variety of commonsense bits of medical advice in a fun-to-browse book that you will probably turn to more than you would expect. Much of the information may be things that you have heard before, but it’s great to have it all in one place, and the book ends with the basics of a personal plan for good health that everyone in the family can use. You have probably seen Dr. Snyderman on one of several NBC News programs, where she is chief medical editor.
Our Bodies, Ourselves – The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective Newly revised in 2011, this tome of nearly 1,000 pages has been an indispensible source of information on women’s health and sexuality for the past 40 years. This updated edition focuses on women’s reproductive health and sexuality and includes dozens of personal stories and essential, up-to-date information about gender identity, sexual orientation, birth control, abortion, pregnancy and birth, perimenopause, menopause, health issues such as breast and ovarian cancers, and sexuality and sexual health as we age. Perhaps it’s not for the uptight or squeamish, some of the photos and the content can be frank but the authors are, as we say, “keeping it real.” Obligatory Caution: Maintaining and improving your health is important, but beware of fads and trends. Always check with your physician before trying any new diet, exercise or health regimen. 52
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senior living
Simple Steps to a Safe Senior Summer Words [ Rod Belcher ]
As we age, the way our bodies adapt to climate, like the hot, humid days of summer, changes. For some this can result in serious health concerns. “The American Geriatrics Society estimates that 200 Americans, mostly 50 and older, die of heat related health problems each year,” says Sharon McAllister, BSN, RN. McAllister is the Care Manager for Warm Hearth at Home and Warm Hearth Village, senior living and care facilities located in Blacksburg. “Older adults are at higher risk for heat related illnesses due to the natural physiological changes that occur with age,” McAllister explains. “Chronic illnesses and medications play a role in heat related illnesses. Physiological changes that occur as part of the natural aging process reduce the body’s ability to cope with summertime heat.”
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McAllister says that part of the problem is that older adults tend to perspire less, and do not feel excess heat like they did when they were younger. Older adults are also less likely to experience thirst when their bodies have already lost large amounts of water. These factors can lead to problems like heatstroke and dehydration for seniors. “Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures or by doing physical activity in hot weather,” McAllister explains. “If your body temperature reaches 104 degrees, you probably have heatstroke.” McAllister adds that certain medicines, like diuretic and antibiotic medications can increase your risk of heatstroke. High humidity may also exacerbate the condition. Heat stroke can do damage to the body in a very short period of time. “In a period of a few hours, untreated heatstroke can cause damage to your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles,” McAllister says. “These injuries get worse the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.” Symptoms of heatstroke to look out for include muscle cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, lightheadedness and feeling faint. The
remedy for these symptoms is to move to a shady area and drink cool liquids. The affected individual should also seek medical attention, as soon as possible. Dehydration is also a serious condition that threatens older adults in the summer
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months. Dehydration occurs when body’s fluids- water and salts, are depleted. More water is moving out of the bodies through sweat, urine and respirations, than is being taken in. “Older adults are less likely to experience thirst, even when dehydration is imminent and their bodies have lost dangerous amounts of water,” McAllister explains. “Signs of dehydration include a rapid pulse, cramps, nausea, weakness, and no sweat.” McAllister stresses the importance of avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages during the hot days of summer. “Drink plenty of liquids, and if you are not on a salt restricted diet, sports drinks can replace electrolytes lost through water loss. Your urine should be clear and light yellow if you are adequately hydrated.” Too much direct sun can also lead to the problem of sunburn for older adults. McAllister says that the skin of older adults is less protective and can become seriously burned from the sun’s rays. She suggests the application of a sunscreen lotion of at least SPF 15 strength. Layered clothing and hats are also suggested to avoid burning. The extreme heat of the home during the summer months can be a risk for older adults as well, McAllister explains. “Some older adults find that they cannot afford air conditioning,” she says. “For them, many communities have transportation services to malls, libraries, and senior centers that can provide a safe, climate controlled environment and respite from the heat. As summertime lifestyles keep families busy, neglect of the older adult can be problematic. You may know of an older adult who would
benefit from a “buddy-check” during the heat of summer.” The summer can be a time of great fun and relaxation for the entire family. McAllister says that being mindful of the heat and taking a few common sense precautions can ensure that seniors have a great summer along with the whole family. “The extreme temperatures of summer can create a dangerous or life threatening situation for older adults. Be wise, be prepared,” she says, “and you can all enjoy a great summer.”
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