HEALTH&fit SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019
PAD Treatment at Silver Cross | 4 Silver Cross Heart & Vascular Program | 8 & 9 Cold Weather Brings Health Risks pg | 15
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HEALTH&fit
index 4............................................................ PAD Treatment at Silver Cross
Shaw Media
7.............................................................................. Diabetes on the Rise est. 1851
8&9........................................................Silver Cross Heart & Vascular 10..........................................Harbor Chase Offers Engaging e s t . 1 8 5 1Lifestyle 12.................................................. Relief from Menopause Symptoms 13.................................. Treat Obesity through Weight-Loss Surgery 14................................................................ Health Screenings for Men 15.................................................... Cold Weather Brings Health Risks
Publisher Steve Vanisko 815-280-4103 svanisko@shawmedia.com Designer Beverly Rogman brogman@shawmedia.com
Published by Shaw Media 2175 Oneida Street, Joliet, IL 60435 Phone: 815-280-4100 Fax: 815-729-2019 www.theherald-news.com
est. 1851
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We specialize in the treatment of Varicose Veins. Trust an expert! Call today to schedule your FREE Vein Screening 815-254-8888 www.eternallaser.com SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 | HEALTH & FIT | 3
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Joliet Woman Feels Like She Has New Set of Legs Following Treatment at Silver Cross
Beverly Dixon with Dr. Feraz Rahman, M.D., interventional radiologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital, who treated her peripheral artery disease. Joliet resident Beverly Dixon, 63, says she feels like a woman half her age following treatment for peripheral artery disease at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Dixon, who had been plagued with painful muscle cramps in her legs, especially when she walked or climbed stairs, was afraid the discomfort would eventually force her to leave her job working with disabled clients. That’s when she turned to her primary care doctor, Latha Arla-Polavarapu D.O., an internal medicine physician on the medical staff at Silver Cross Hospital last fall. Dr. Arla consulted with an expert in vascular disease to see what therapies might help her patient with suspected peripheral artery disease (PAD). Interventional radiologist Feraz Rahman M.D., a boardcertified radiologist who completed a fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, specializes in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. “Silver Cross Hospital was among the first in the area to establish a dedicated clinic to provide the full range of diagnostic and therapeutic interventional radiology,” he explains. “The clinic-based Interventional Radiology Program at Silver Cross Hospital uses minimally invasive interventions to treat a wide spectrum of diseases and conditions, including cancer, arterial disease, varicose veins, uterine fibroids, osteoporosis, prostate enlargement, and more.” Through a tiny incision in the skin, interventional radiologists can deliver precise, targeted treatment to complex, painful and potentially life-threatening conditions. And because therapy is
less invasive, these procedures involve less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to open surgery. Interventional radiology treatments are a well-accepted choice for many conditions and are especially appropriate for patients who are in frail health or who have already undergone numerous surgeries. Drs. Arla and Rahman recognized Dixon, a former smoker with high blood pressure, had risk factors for peripheral artery disease. The two collaborated to ensure Dixon’s medications were optimized to control risk factors such as high cholesterol, and then Dr. Rahman successfully treated the blockages in her legs, using minimally invasive techniques. These included an angiogram to locate the blockages; atherectomy to remove the plaque buildup; angioplasty, which uses a balloon to open up a narrow artery; and a stent to keep the artery open for improved blood flow. “I never even had a surgery in my 63-year lifetime, so naturally I was a little afraid,” Dixon admitted, “but Silver Cross was great. The staff and the doctors always asked how I felt. I went from having excruciating leg cramp pains that woke me up at night and hardly being able to walk from a parking spot to the store to going out and shoveling snow in January. My doctors worked together and explained how much better I was going to feel. I was worried I’d have to quit my job and now I feel like a 30-year old with new legs!” she happily added. About Peripheral Artery Disease PAD is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries to the legs, stomach, arms, and head — most commonly in the arteries of the legs – which deliver blood from the heart throughout the body. When the arteries are blocked, blood flow is restricted and prevents oxygen from reaching tissues. This can cause pain, sores, or even dead tissue that can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Some patients experience pain or heaviness in their legs while walking, which makes exercise or climbing stairs difficult. Blockages can occur in other arteries too, including the mesenteric arteries, which provide blood flow to the intestines, and renal arteries, which supply the kidneys. For more information about peripheral artery disease treatment at Silver Cross, or for a physician referral, visit www. silvercross.org
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4 | HEALTH & FIT | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019
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Silver Cross Emergency Medical Services System
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Approved customized use of logo for co-branding to communicate a partnership
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Life
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Calcification in the coronary arteries is the earliest indicator of heart disease. Calcium artery scoring (Heart Scan) is ideal for men over age 45 and women over age 55 who smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of premature coronary artery disease. The scan produces a score that identifies your level of calcium deposits. A higher score means you have more plaque in your coronary arteries, putting you at greater risk for a heart attack. Find out your risk and what you can do to lower it. To schedule your $49 Heart Scan today, call (815) 300-7076. silvercross.org/heart
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Recovering at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home
T
he main goal of rehabilitation is to improve one’s quality of life and regain mobility and/or speech after a fall or illness. At Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (OLA), we strive for patient success and a positive rehabilitation experience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “this year one out of every four older adults will fall and 20 percent of those people will suffer a serious injury, such as a broken hip.” Taking preventative measures for safer living conditions when living independently or proposing a move to a senior living community are discussions not to be avoided. Respite care is also a great way to allow a loved one to experience a senior living community without the threat of permanence. If a fall or illness occurs and physical, occupational and/or speech therapy are
needed, OLA is equipped and ready to meet your recovery needs. OLA applies a person-centered approach to the daily recovery of patients. Patients undergo physical and occupational therapy 6-7 days a week and speech therapy 3-5 days a week tailored to each individual’s recovery plan. Rehab works on improving strength, mobility, balance and enhancing confidence. Therapists evaluate a patient’s home situation and needs in order to further develop therapies and activities that will help them reach their maximum level of independence. Therapists, both physical and occupational (PT/OT), closely monitor and guide patients through their exercises. They will vary intensity, monitor pain thresholds, educate about exercises patients can do on their own time or when returning home and offer support. Speech pathologists work with
patients on needed improvements with swallowing and/or clearer communication. Just like improving leg strength requires exercise, improving speech requires talking. OLA rehabilitation patients can expect a productive, yet enjoyable rehabilitation experience filled with daily therapies, meals, activities, mass for those interested and socialization! Call and learn more about Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home’s rehabilitation services today at 815-7256631.
SM-CL1712584
2018
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The growing threat of diabetes
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iabetes diagnoses are on the rise, and the numbers are jaw dropping. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with diabetes totaled 108 million in 1980. By 2017, the International Diabetes Foundation was reporting that figure had risen to 425 million adults, with estimates that it may be as high as 629 million by 2045. Diabetes is not just a global health issue, but a financial concern as well. The IDF reported that diabetes caused at least $727 billion in health expenditure in 2017. Despite its prevalence and the financial toll it takes on families across the globe, many people, including parents, admit they are in the dark about warning signs of diabetes. In fact, in 2018 researchers with the IDF released a report indicating that four in five parents have trouble recognizing the warning signs of diabetes. That can be detrimental to their own health as well as the health of their children. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that symptoms of type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease, often develop slowly and can be so mild that people do not notice them. However, people who notice any of the following symptoms should discuss them with their physicians immediately: • increased thirst and urination, • increased hunger, • fatigue,
• blurred vision, • numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, • sores that do not heal, and • unexplained weight loss. Parents who notice their children exhibiting any of the above-mentioned symptoms should ask their youngsters if they are feeling unusual in any other ways, as kids may not think to report symptoms to their moms and dads. In addition, parents should call their children’s pediatricians if they notice any symptoms that may be indicative of diabetes. Much is still unknown about diabetes, including, in certain instances, its causes. For example, the NIDDK says that scientists think that type 1 diabetes is caused by genes and environmental factors, including viruses, that may trigger the disease. Research as to the potential causes of type 1 diabetes is ongoing. Lifestyle factors and genes play a role in the formation of type 2 diabetes. For example, being overweight, obese and physically inactive are factors that increase a person’s likelihood of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, a healthy diet and routine exercise can be great ways for people to reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance, genes and family history are some additional factors that scientists have linked to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes diagnoses are on the rise across the globe. More information about diabetes is available at www.niddk.nih.gov.
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Lockport Woman Urges Other Women Not to Ignore Symptoms of Heart Disease
W
hen Pamela Frontera of Lockport cheered for the Bears against the Broncos in Denver several weeks ago, she had a lot to be grateful for! Not only did the Bears beat the Broncos, Frontera was in the stands cheering them on…an amazing feat for a woman who had open-heart surgery at Silver Cross Hospital less than two months earlier. In July of this year, Frontera received the unfortunate news she had three blocked arteries in her heart.
“Before I found out about my heart blockages, I thought I was just slowing down due to my age. Now I share my story with as many women as I can and encourage them to get checked out and not to dismiss any symptoms,” the 66-year-old explained. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women over age 25 in the United States, and while the death rate from cardiovascular disease has decreased in men, it’s increased in women, dispelling the myth that heart disease is just a man’s disease. Frontera didn’t experience typical symptoms of heart disease such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, pain in the neck, jaw, throat, or upper abdomen. She experienced flu-like symptoms and dizziness. Women’s Symptoms are Different In fact, women’s symptoms of heart disease like Frontera’s can be different than men. Women may feel a fullness in the center of their chest, break out in a cold sweat, experience pain in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach, have shortness of breath without chest discomfort, nausea or vomiting. Frontera’s story began in July, when she woke up feeling so lethargic she could barely get dressed. She also had a troubling pain across the middle of her back. That’s when she asked her husband to take her to the emergency room at Silver Cross Hospital.
Pamela Frontera of Lockport A stress test followed by an angiogram performed by cardiologist Parag Jain, M.D., F.A.C.C., detected three blocked heart arteries that would require coronary artery bypass surgery. Frontera’s surgery was performed at Silver Cross by noted thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Pat Pappas, who has over 25 years of experience performing heart surgery. When she recovered, she began cardiac rehabilitation at Silver Cross. “There’s a comfort in wearing the heart monitor during my Pat Pappas, MD sessions that gives me some reassurance that I am exercising at a level I can tolerate,” she added. “My family was amazed at the care at the hospital, every step of the way was great,” she added. “When I found out I needed heart surgery I already had tickets to see the Chicago Bears play in Denver in September – so I figured there was no way I would be recovered in time to go. But, with the encouragement of my medical team and family I was able to make the trip and see the game!”
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Frankfort Man Back to Favorite Hobbies after Heart Surgery at Silver Cross
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ichael Buchanan of Frankfort loves to stay active. At 72, he works full-time, fishes, gardens and sings in the Lincoln Way Area
Chorale. Not much slows him down. So when he started feeling unusually fatigued earlier this year, especially while cutting the grass, he took notice. Then, with his wife’s encouragement, he made an appointment to see his doctor. “I noticed when I was cutting the grass that I had to sit down four or five times, in the past I could usually do it all in one session. I felt like I was going to pass out or go to sleep. When I told my wife, she encouraged me to get to the doctor,” he explained. Buchanan has diabetes and a family history of heart disease, so his primary doctor referred him to Dr. Joseph Stella, an interventional cardiologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Dr. Stella performed an angiogram and found two blocked arteries in Buchanan’s heart that would require coronary bypass surgery to improve blood flow to the heart. The condition is referred to as atherosclerosis – a slow, progressive cardiovascular disease that is the result of plaque build-up in the arteries in or leading to the heart. “When I first received the news from the cardiologist about my heart blockage, my first thought was – ‘this can’t be happening to me,’ ” he said. In fact, he’d never experienced typical symptoms of heart disease such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back. Recovered and Back to What He Loves Buchanan had heart surgery at Silver Cross in May, performed by Dr. Pat Pappas, a well-known thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon with over 25 years of experience. After he recovered from surgery, Buchanan spent time in the outpatient cardiac rehabilitation at Silver Cross Hospital where he wore a heart monitor during exercise to gauge progress and to ensure his heart is handling the workload properly. “I was a bit nervous when I started cardiac rehabilitation, I wasn’t sure what to expect or if I could keep up. The staff have been so encouraging and now after several weeks of rehabilitation I have increased my endurance by walking on the treadmill and strengthening my muscles with weights,” said Buchanan. “A diagnosis or treatment for a heart condition can be lifechanging, even frightening,” explains Brendan Casey, Director of Cardiology, Endoscopy and the Interventional Lab at Silver Cross. “The goal of the Silver Cross Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is to provide individualized, progressive exercise
Michael Buchanan of Frankfort
and education to help participants and families recover from the cardiovascular event and prevent future heart problems. Our program is designed to improve the functioning of the heart and lungs, strengthen muscles, and help our patients confidently live their best life.” “I am so thankful to Silver Cross Hospital for the superb care they gave me, the staff and physicians were just so knowledgeable. I am back to doing the things I love to do like gardening and fishing,” he added. “My wife and I take regular walks and I can even cut the grass in one pass again!” For more information about Silver Cross Hospital’s heart and vascular program, visit silvercross.org/heart
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HarborChase of Plainfield Offers Unsurpassed Hospitality and Endless Possibilities Located at 12446 S. Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, HarborChase of Plainfield Assisted Living and Memory Care offers an active and engaging retirement lifestyle, full of new friends, awardwinning cuisine, generous amenities, superior concierge services and energizing social events. To help cultivate its emphasis on hospitality, the community is staffed 24 hours a day with associates and concierge. “At HarborChase of Plainfield, we want residents to enjoy life, make friends, and experience a high level of independence and freedom,” said Leonard Gibson, Executive Director at HarborChase of Plainfield. “Every inch of our community has been thoughtfully designed and created to cater to the wants, needs and desires of our residents. We take care the little things so you’ll have more time to indulge your interests.” HarborChase has a variety of upscale features for residents to enjoy. Luxury parlors and seating areas are also conveniently spread across the community. The community also offers a true all-day dining experience for residents and their loved ones to enjoy. HarborChase’s culinary team is committed to creating dining experiences that residents will find extraordinary and irresistible. “We pride ourselves in providing farm-to-table, from scratch meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients,” said Gibson. “Our culinary team is focused on both surprising and delighting our residents. Our chef-developed menu is focused on healthy, nutritious, flavorful and regionalized cuisine. Our chef creates meals that keep our residents excited. Menus consist of resident requests, local favorites and creative creations.” The Life Enrichment program at HarborChase helps to enhance independence and choice for residents. It was created to provide a wide and pleasing variety of fitness classes, cultural events, learning opportunities, entertainment options, religious programs and group
events. To help maximize participation, residents are encouraged to request specific classes and experiences. “We work hard to ensure that residents have fun and energizing things to look forward to every day,” said Gibson. “Whether its live entertainment, an educational class, a movie, a shopping excursion or an organized fitness class, our associates strive to make sure that there is truly something for everyone to look forward to and enjoy every day.” While HarborChase has upscale amenities and an emphasis on enjoying life, residents also enjoy a perfect combination of convenience and care. The community offers a variety of care levels, including: assisted living, memory care, respite care and day retreats. Residents receive the appropriate level of support needed to nurture and maintain independence for as long as possible. “We truly believe in making every moment count for our residents and their loved ones,” said Gibson. “We want to compassionately focus on each person’s interests, abilities and strengths.” In addition to their levels of attention and care, HarborChase offers a number of additional care services. Available services include: MD, therapy, support groups, auditory clinics, psychology and podiatry. “At HarborChase, all care partners and associates are carefully selected, not only for their caregiving knowledge and expertise, but also for their warm and caring hearts,” said Gibson. “Our paramount desire is to create an exceptional day for each resident which surpasses both resident and family expectations. Our associates are truly dedicated to our core values of respect, attentiveness, integrity, stewardship and excellence.” For more information or to schedule a personalized tour and complimentary chef-prepared lunch, call (815) 267-3510.
10 | HEALTH & FIT | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019
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12446 S. Van Dyke Road | PlainďŹ eld, IL 60585 | www.HarborChase.com JHN_HealthFit_110319.indd 11
Find us on
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Find relief from menopause symptoms
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enopause is a natural part of the female aging process. During menopause, a woman’s body, which was once primed for reproduction, is no longer able to produce children. Part of menopause is the cessation of menstruation. However, changes to one’s period is not the only signal that menopause has begun. Menopause is a hormonal process that is different for just about every woman. The health and wellness resource Verywell Health advises that there are no hard and fast rules to menopause, and its start, duration and ending vary from woman to woman. For many, the transition will take around four years. The symptoms women will experience are unique, but there are some that are relatively common. Addressing symptoms for comfort becomes a joint venture between women and their doctors. Hot flashes Hot flashes are known as vasomotor symptoms. They are often described as a sudden sensation of heat in the chest, face and head followed by flushing, perspiration and sometimes chills, advises Harvard Medical School. Up to 80 percent of women experience hot flashes during menopause. The Mayo Clinic says that hormonal replacement therapy is an effective way to alleviate hot flashes. For those who can’t take hormones or prefer not to, lowdose antidepressants also may decrease menopausal hot flashes. Gabapentin for seizures and clonidine for high blood pressure are other drugs that may be used off-label for hot flashes. Osteoporosis Doctors may recommend medication or supplements to prevent or treat osteoporosis. A reduction in estrogen, which occurs during menopause, is directly related to a decrease in bone density. Hormone replacement may be effective, and vitamin D supplements may help as well. Women whose bone mass was less than ideal before menopause may find that they are at a greater risk for osteoporosis than those who had good bone mass. Weight gain Women who are in perimenopause or menopause may find that excess body fat develops, especially around the waist. Healthline advises that women may have to cut more calories and increase physical activity in order to combat weight gain. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps a person feel full and is low in calories.
Vaginal dryness The Mayo Clinic says that estrogen can be administered directly to the vagina using a cream, tablet or ring. This can help relieve vaginal dryness. For those who prefer nonhormonal avenues, lubricants also can add moisture to make intercourse more comfortable. It is important for women to be honest with their doctors about menopause symptoms. Together they can work out a plan of action that can include natural and medicinal remedies for common symptoms.
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Professional Medical Profile
Unique individuals who provide specialized medical services
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Silver Cross Hospital & BMI Surgery Leading the Charge to Treat Obesity through Weight-Loss Surgery
merican’s obesity epidemic continues to soar. In fact, more than one in three American adults today is considered “obese.” In Will County, the numbers are just as concerning, with 29% of adults obese, putting them at heightened risk for developing other serious health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes and cancer. In fact, over 325,000 deaths are attributed to obesity-related conditions every year. Since 2003, Silver Cross Hospital and BMI Surgery bariatric surgeons Christopher Joyce, M.D., and Brian Lahmann, M.D., with BMI Surgery, have been leading the charge locally, helping nearly 7,000 individuals live healthier and happier lives after weight loss surgery. These two highly-skilled bariatric, general and laparoscopic surgeons are pioneers in their field, performing Will and Grundy counties’ first gastric bypass, laparoscopic gastric bypass, adjustable gastric bands, and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. As compared to other bariatric surgeons around the country, Drs. Joyce and Lahmann have extremely low complication rates and their patients lose an average of 82% of their
excess body weight one year after gastric bypass. Together with Silver Cross, BMI Surgery is an accredited center to perform metabolic and bariatric surgery by MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program). Drs. Joyce and Lahmann also consistently rank in the Top 1% of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction. “We believe patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach,” said Dr. Lahmann. “Our patients see an exercise physiologist, dietitian, cardiologist, psychologist, pulmonologist, and bariatric nurse to get them ready for surgery.” “We carefully screen everyone to ensure their success and safety. And our comprehensive program also includes pre-and post-surgery education, exercise classes, nutritional supplements and a monthly support group,” Dr. Joyce added. Patients, who are interested in losing weight, can meet the doctors at a free Obesity & Your Health informational session any Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in their office on the Silver Cross Hospital campus. Not only are these physicians passionate about helping patients regain their lives, but they are positive role models. Dr. Joyce is
Christopher Joyce, MD and Brian Lahmann, MD an accomplished athlete competing in hundreds of endurance events, including several Boston Marathons and Ironman Competitions. He also serves as a proctor, training other surgeons around the country in the latest bariatric techniques. He has served as President of the Illinois Association of Bariatric Surgeons and is currently the Delegate of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery to the AMA. Specially trained in minimally invasive surgical procedures, Dr. Lahmann is a past winner of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons’ Laparoscopic
Skills Competition, as well as the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons TOP GUN Laparoscopic Skills Competition. Dr. Lahmann lectures nationally and has published several articles on laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. He co-founded and developed BMI Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital. Both surgeons have consistently been recognized for outstanding patient satisfaction by Silver Cross Hospital since 2005. For more information, visit bmisurgery.org *Will County Community Health Status Assessment Report, 2018
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Health screenings men should discuss with their physicians
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outine doctor visits are a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. As noted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, even men who feel healthy and live active lifestyles must make routine visits to their healthcare providers. Such visits can assess risk for future medical problems and offer men the opportunity to update vaccinations. Routine health checkups also give doctors a chance to screen for medical issues. Doctors consider a man’s age and other risk factors to determine when and how frequently he will need certain medical screenings. For example, while men between the ages of 40 and 64 are often advised to get blood pressure screenings at least once per year, those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, and other conditions may need more frequent screenings. No two men have the same medical histories, which only highlights the need for men of all ages to schedule annual physical exams with their physicians. Such exams can reveal potential problems and also make for great opportunities to discuss more specific medical screenings with their physicians. The following are some general screening tests and guidelines recommended for all men between the ages of 40 and 64, courtesy of the USNLM. Prostate cancer The USNLM notes that most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their physicians. Ethnicity and family history are some of the recognized risk factors for prostate cancer. As a result, African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer in a first degree relative younger than 65 should discuss screenings beginning at age 45. There are pros and cons to prostate cancer screenings, and these should be part of men’s discussions with their physicians. Colorectal cancer All men between the ages of 50 and 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Physicians may recommend colorectal screening for men under age 50 with a family history of colon cancer or polyps. In addition, physicians may consider screenings for men under 50 who have a history of inflammatory bowel disease.
Cholesterol The USNLM advises men to have their cholesterol levels checked every five years. Men with certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, may need to be checked more often. Diabetes Diabetes screenings are recommended every three years for men age 45 and older. Men who are overweight and younger than 45 should ask their physicians if they should be screened before they reach 45. Osteoporosis Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, but that doesn’t mean men are immune to this condition marked by a weakening of the bones due to tissue loss. Fractures after age 50, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and low body weight are some risk factors that can make men vulnerable to osteoporosis. Health screenings can catch diseases and other conditions in their early stages when they’re most treatable. Such screenings should be a vital part of men’s health routines.
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Local cardiologist says be aware of heart attack warning signs
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s winter weather approaches, a local cardiologist reminds us that physical activity done outside on a cold day can literally be a killer for those at risk of heart attack. Although heart attacks occur during every season of the year, Dr. Syed Ahmed, board-certified cardiologist with Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists, says the combination of strenuous exercise and breathing in cold air makes winter prime time for cardiac events. “Multiple things happen in your body when you, for example, shovel snow,” says Dr. Ahmed. “Exercising makes your heart rate go up, lifting snow can increase your blood pressure, and breathing in the cold air causes your lungs a lot of stress. These three stressors result in a lot of strain on the heart, which can lead to the rupture of plaque in blood vessels. This is why there are more heart attacks in extreme weather.” Winter heart attacks occur more frequently even in more temperate climates, such as Los Angeles, where there is a 33 percent increase compared to summer months. Researchers say the holidays might add to winter stressors, when many overindulge in food and drink, abandon their exercise routines and delay seeking medical treatment for symptoms. Dr. Ahmed says heart attacks result from blockages in the coronary arteries. Plaque composed of cholesterol, fat and other substances develop over time along the inside of arteries that supply blood to the heart. “Plaque can rupture and spill into the vessel, blocking blood flow to the heart,” Dr. Ahmed says. “Stress, anxiety, physical activities and other reasons can cause plaque to rupture.” Because a resulting heart attack can damage or destroy heart tissue, quick medical intervention is critical. Dr. Ahmed says the most common symptom of a heart attack is discomfort, pain or pressure in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes. The feeling might leave and return. Pain might also occur between the shoulder blades or in the neck or jaw, in one or both arms or in the stomach. Some people having a heart attack feel no pain at all. They might become weak, lightheaded, short of breath, nauseated or break out in a cold sweat. “Please do not wait if you’re having symptoms of a heart attack,” Dr. Ahmed says. “We’ve seen people wait hours before calling 911, and they end up with extensive,
Syed Ahmed, MD permanent damage to their hearts.” Dr. Ahmed says the symptoms might be confusing. “You might not think you are having a heart attack,” he says, “but the best thing to do is go to a hospital emergency room. Heart attacks are the number one killer in the United States among men and women. You’re not burdening anyone. You’re not bothering anyone. We are there to save your life. That’s what we are here for.” Dr. Ahmed also advises regular physician check-ups that include cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes screenings. If you would like to find out if you’re at risk for a heart attack, contact the Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists at 815-705-1000 or visit www.morrishospital. org/cvspecialists. Morris Hospital also offers a $35 Heart Healthy blood test screening at the hospital and the Morris Ridge Road Campus in Channahon that checks cholesterol and glucose for diabetes. For more information, visit www. morrishospital.org/wellnesswednesdays. For a free heart attack warning signs magnet, go to morrishospital.org/magnet.
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Take another step toward living alonger, healthier life.
Wellness WEDNESDAYSCREENINGS Every Wednesday at Morris Hospital or weekdays at the Ridge Road Campus in Channahon • $35 Heart Healthy Screening - blood test to check total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose for type 2 diabetes.
• $40 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Screening - ultrasound test to check for blockages in the arm and leg arteries.
Schedule your appointment today.
Call 815-416-6089! Easy to understand results available within one week. Payment required at time of service.
• $40 Carotid Artery Screening - ultrasound test to check for blockages in the carotid arteries in your neck which can lean to stroke.
• $40 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening - ultrasound test to check for enlargement of the abdominal aorta at the center of your chest and abdomen.
• $100 Artery Screening Bundle - have all three artery screenings above at a discounted price.
• $50 Vitamin D Screening - not enough Vitamin D can lead to weak and soft bones, while too much can damage bones, soft tissue and kidneys.
• $50 Testosterone Screening - as a man ages, testosterone in the body • $75 Hepatitis C Screening - recommended for everyone born between 1945-1965 who has never been screened.
• $125 General Health Screening - blood test including a comprehensive
www.morrishospital.org
chemistry panel, complete blood count, thyroid stimulating hormone, and lipid panel.
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