Your Health Connection Spring 2010

SPRING/SUMMER 2010

n o i t c e Conn Health

your

your source for healthy living

Allergy Relief • Cancer Treatment • Dermatology • Gastroenterology • Healthcare • Medical Training • Podiatry

A publication of The Times-Herald

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Center for Allergy & Asthma............7 Crossroads Podiatry........................2 MedaPhase Inc...............................5 Radiation Oncology Services...........4 Tanner Medical Group.....................3 The Summit Healthplex...................6 University of West Georgia..............7 West Georgia Gastroenterology Associates, P.C................................8

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YOUR Health

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Spring means flowers in full bloom and allergies in high gear Sneezing is not always the symptom of a cold.

Sometimes, it is an allegic reaction to something in the air.

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ealth experts estimate that 35 million Americans suffer from upper respiratory tract symptoms that are allergic reactions to airborne allergens. Pollen allergy, commonly called hay fever, is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States.

Worldwide, airborne allergens cause the most problems for people with allergies. The respiratory symptoms of asthma, which affect approximately 11 million Americans, are often provoked by airborne allergens.

Overall, allergic diseases are among the major causes of illness and disability in the United States, affecting as many as 40 to 50 million Americans.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a specific reaction of the body’s immune system to a normally harmless substance, one that does not bother most people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one substance.

Types of allergens that cause allergic reactions include pollens, house dust mites, mold spores, food, latex rubber, insect venom and medicines.

The signs and symptoms of airborne allergies are familiar to many.

■ Sneezing, often with a runny or clogged nose ■ Coughing and postnasal drip

Is it an allergy or a cold?

There is no good way to tell the difference between allergy symptoms of runny nose, coughing, sneezing and cold symptoms. Allergy symptoms, however, may last longer than cold symptoms. Anyone who has any respiratory illness that lasts longer than a week or two should consult a healthcare provider.

Itching eyes, nose and throat Watering eyes ■ Conjunctivitis ■ “Allergic shiners” (dark circles under the eyes) ■ ■

Prevention Complete avoidance of allergenic pollen or mold means moving to a place where the offending substance does not grow or where it is not present in the air. But because relocating is not always a reliable solution, there are other ways to reduce exposure to offending pollens.

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Remain indoors with the windows closed in the morning when the outdoor pollen levels are highest.

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Wear a face mask designed to filter pollen out of the air if you must work outdoors.

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Take your vacation at the height of the expected pollinating period and choose a location where such exposure would be minimal – like vacationing at the seashore or on a cruise.

If you have a dust mite allergy, pay careful attention to dust-proofing your bedroom. Wall-

to-wall carpet, blinds, feather pillows and closets full of clothes can trap dust and make dust control nearly impossible.

Pets, chemicals and air conditioners / filters are other sources of allergens which may need to be addressed in your home.

Medicines If you cannot adequately avoid airborne allergens, your symptoms can be controlled by medicines. You can buy medicines without a prescription that can relieve allergy symptoms.

Your health care provider can prescribe antihistamines and topical nasal steroids if the overthe-counter medicines do not provide the relief or cause unwanted side effects such as sleepiness.

Another available treatment is immunotherapy, or a series of allergy shots, which gives you a chance of reducing allergy symptoms over a longer period of time. Immunotherapy involves subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of increasing concentrations of the allergen(s) to which you are sensitive.

– National Institutes of Health

YOUR Health

Connection

OF WEST GEORGIA

Don’t let allergies spoil YOUR fun!

Eugene S. Hurwitz, M.D. 37 Calumet Pkwy., Blvd. F, Suite 201

NEWNAN, GA

770.683.4050

Lily G. Hwang, M.D.

Erinn T. Gardner, M.D.

Allergy & Asthma Specialists Board Certified

19 Eastbrook Bend

PEACHTREE CITY, GA

770.487.2218

www.caawg.com

No Waiting For Appointments

OTHER LOCATIONS:

Bremen • Carrollton

• Villa Rica

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YOUR Health

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Up to a third of breast cancers could be avoided Less eating and more exercise are two lifestyle factors which could reduce risk; genetics remain as another factor.

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etter treatments, early diagnosis and mammogram screenings have dramatically slowed breast cancer, but experts said the focus should now shift to changing behaviors like diet and physical activity.

“What can be achieved with screening has been achieved. We can’t do much more,” said Carlo La Vecchia, head of epidemiology at the University of Milan. “It’s time to move to other things.”

La Vecchia spoke during a research conference in Barcelona last month and cited figures from the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Those figures estimate that 25 to 30 percent of breast cancer cases could be avoided if women were thinner and exercised more. The agency is part of the World Health Organization.

His comments are in line with recent health advice that lifestyle changes in areas such as smoking, diet, exercise and sun exposure can play a significant role in risk for several cancers.

Dr. Raul G. Zunzunegui, who is a member of the Comprehensive Breast Care Center team with Tanner Medical Group in Carrollton, says don’t discount the role genetics plays in breast cancer risk and that younger women should remain cognizant of it.

“Family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (mother or sister) carries the most weight for risk,” says Zunzunegui. “The risk is further increased if first-degree relatives had breast cancer in the pre-menopausal years (under 50).

If there is a family history in women under 50, young women should be familiar and comfortable with self-breast exams and have annual

exams by their primary care doctor or gynecologist.”

Zunzunegui also agrees with La Vecchia and other experts on the effects lifestyle changes have on breast cancer.

“Whether there is a family history risk or not, women should learn about the risk factors they can control to decrease breast cancer risk,” Zunzunegui says. “Maintaining a healthy weight, a diet low in fats

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The United States last year saw more than 190,000 new cases and 40,000 deaths.

When faced with breast cancer, where will you turn?

Located less than 25 miles from Newnan, Comprehensive Breast Care Center in Carrollton offers the closest, most expert care for diagnosing and treating breast cancer.

At Comprehensive Breast Care Center, the primary focus is breast health and the evaluation and treatment of breast disease. You will receive specialized care and prompt answers to your questions in our compassionate environment, as well as access to the state-of-the-art diagnostic resources and advanced treatments available through Tanner Health System and Tanner’s Roy Richards, Sr. Cancer Center.

The staff is specially trained to provide essential diagnostic tests, such as in-office breast biopsies with ultrasound, as well as surgical treatment for breast cancer.

The patient care team at Comprehensive Breast Care Center is led by Raul G. Zunzunegui, MD, who is: Susan G. Komen Fellowship-trained in breast surgical oncology Board-certified in surgery

and limiting alcohol consumption are habits that are good for breast health.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The United States last year saw more than 190,000 new cases and 40,000 deaths.

The American Cancer Society web site says the connection between weight and cancer risk is complex. It says risk appears to increase for women who gain weight as adults, but not for women who have been overweight since childhood. The cancer society recommends 45 to 60 minutes of physical activity five or more days a week to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

– The Associated Press contributed to this story

Fellow, American College of Surgeons Member, American Society of Breast Surgeons Fluent in Spanish Comprehensive Breast Care Center 157 Clinic Avenue, Suite 302-A Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: 770.812.5886 Located in the West Georgia Specialty Center, adjacent to the Roy Richards, Sr. Cancer Center on the campus of Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton

www.compbreastcare.org www.tannermedicalgroup.org

YOUR Health

“Relationship building is one of the core values that the UWG School of Nursing strives to instill in its graduates. It has facilitated this by creating a forum for nursing graduates to maintain a professional relationship with the school, keep us informed of their success or contact us if they need additional support, such as employment opportunities, references, etc. Many of our faculty members have graduated from UWG, and I am a ’98 graduate of the RN-BSN program.

We are living proof that the School of Nursing is committed to building relationships and career success.”

Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing OFFERED AT

NEWNAN CENTER

770-254-7280 • newnan.westga.edu

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WEST GEORGIA

Gastroenterology ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Providing Complete Gastrointestinal Care

We specialize in Colon Cancer screening and in the diagnosis and the treatment of : Reflux and Heartburn • Stomach and Digestive Disorders • Crohn’s and Colitis • Hemorrhoids • Hepatitis • Liver, Pancreas and Gallbladder Diseases

www.westgagastro.com

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We are pleased to announce the opening of our Newnan office in late April, 2010.

Our Providers:

Services Available:

Howard Seeman, M.D. Dr. Seeman is a graduate of Columbia University and Boston University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at St. Mary’s Hospital/Yale University School of Medicine and a fellowship at Griffin Hospital/Yale University School of Medicine Affiliated Hospital Program. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Dr. Seeman has been in private practice in Carrollton since 1991. He specializes in esophageal reflux and colon cancer screenings.

Thelma Lucas, M.D. Dr. Lucas is a graduate of The University of Illinois at Urbana and The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago.

She completed her residency and fellowship at The University of Illinois Hospitals and Clinics. Prior to joining West Georgia Gastroenterology Associates in 2007, Dr. Lucas served as Medical Director of Liver Transplantation at The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and at Rush University Medical Center. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. She specializes in Diseases of the Liver.

• Colonoscopy • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy • Esophagogastrodueodenoscopy (EGD) • Esophageal Manometry • Bravo pH Probe • Capsule Endoscopy (Pill Cam) • Hemorrhoid Banding • ERCP

John Arledge, M.D. Dr. Arledge is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.S. degree in Biology. He completed medical school at the Medical College of Virginia. He completed his residency at the Medical College of Virginia and his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of South Florida. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He is also a Flight Surgeon rank of Major in the Georgia Air National Guard Savannah. Dr. Arledge joined West Georgia Gastroenterology Associates in September 2008.

Newnan

Bypass

✯

Elizabeth Scholl, PA-C

Please call 770-251-5559 to schedule an appointment.

www.westgagastro.com

Jackson St.

Mrs. Scholl is a graduate of University of Scranton with a B.S. degree in Biology and a Masters degree in Biochemistry. She received her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Iowa College of Medicine. She has been with West Georgia Gastroenterology Associates since 2002.

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Franklin St.

Temple

Ave.

58 Hospital Road MOB Suite 204 Newnan, GA 30263 770-251-5559 phone 770-251-5022 fax

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In many cases, good health starts with your feet It’s always important to put your best foot forward and your body will thank you later.

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ust follow a simple rule – be kind to your feet. Think about it, years and years of wear and tear can be downright hard on your feet.

It can lead to disease and bad circulation. And foot problems are sometimes the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and nerve or circulatory disorders.

One way to practice good foot care is to check your feet often or have a family member check them.

If you discover a problem, your family doctor can help or you can see a podiatrist (doctor who treats feet).

Another easy step to take is remembering to always put your feet up when you are sitting down.

This helps to keep blood moving to your feet, as does stretching, walking or having a gentle foot massage.

Avoid pressure from shoes which don’t fit right. Also, sitting and / or crossing your legs for too long can create circulation issues down the road.

Though practicing good foot health helps reduce the risk of many foot ailments, some common problems can still occur.

Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, is one of those problems which can arise. The infections happen because our feet are in shoes most of time. Shoes are warm, dark and moist – a perfect place for fungus to grow.

Other common ailments include dry skin, corns and calluses, warts, bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoe, and spurs. Swollen feet may be an indicator of more serious health problems.

Just remember... good foot health can help pave the path to overall good health.

More than 5 million U.S. adults deal with psoriasis Many people believe in making a strong first impression, particularly when it comes to business, social interaction or even dating.

But what happens when a skin issue – such as a blemish or an inflammed red patch – is visible for everyone to see? Panic and/or embarrassment usually sets in.

More than 5 million adults in the United States are faced with this dilemma or one similar to it each and every day. These adults have a chronic skin disease called psoriasis, which causes scaling and inflammation.

In its typical form, psoriasis results in patches of thick, red (inflammed) skin covered with silvery scales.

These patches, which are sometimes referred to as plaques, usually itch or feel sore. Most often, the patches occur on the elbows, knees, parts of the leg, scalp, lower back, face, palms and soles of the feet. But in reality, they can occur anywhere on the body.

Individuals may experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Itching and pain can interfere with basic functions such as self-care, walking and sleep.

Psoriasis is driven by the immune system, especially involving a type of white blood cell called a ‘T’ cell.

Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and diseases.

In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake and become so active they trigger other immune responses which leads to inflammation and rapid turnover of skin cells.

Doctors generally treat psoriasis in steps based on severity, size of the area involved and the patient’s response to earlier treatments or a ‘12-3’ approach. In step 1, medicines are applied to the skin. Step 2 uses light treatments (phototherapy).

And step 3 involves taking medicines by mouth or injection.

– National Institutes of Health

Crossroads Podiatry

– National Institutes of Health

Make sure the shoe fits When buying new shoes, follow the guidelines below to make sure you get the perfect fit which can prevent many foot problems later: ■

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Your shoe size may change as you age so always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.

Most of us have one foot that is slightly larger than the other. Fit your shoe to the larger foot.

Don’t buy shoes without first trying them on and be sure

to walk in the shoes to make sure they feel right. Also, don’t buy shoes which feel too tight and hope they will stretch.

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Stand up when trying on shoes. You need about 1/2 inch between your toes and the end of the shoe.

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Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.

Dr. Everett J. Mason III • Board Certified Foot Surgeon

Medical and Surgical Treatments: • Diabetes • Gout • Arthritis • Heel Pain

• Bunions • Hammertoes • Corns • Ingrown Nails

New Outpatient Surgery Center!

License # 038-343

Two Locations in Coweta

Thomas Crossroads - Sharpsburg • Hospital Road - Newnan

770 -251- 8940

YOUR Health

Do you have Psoriasis?

Dr. Mark Ling is conducting a research study testing an investigational medication for chronic plaque psoriasis. If you are 18-70 years of age and have at least 10% of your body surface area covered with psoriasis you may be eligible.

Study medication, study-related office visits, and all study-related procedures are available to qualified participants at no cost. Compensation for time and travel may be available.

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Acne seems to break out at the worst of times. For the typical teenager, it can be a constant battle trying to control the breakouts.

They’ve tried every available over-the-counter remedy, and still keep getting pimples.

Not Another Pimple!

Dr. Mark Ling is conducting a research study testing an investigational topical medication. If you or your child are between the age of 12 and 40 and have facial acne, you may qualify for this study. All office visits and study drug are provided at no charge and participants may be eligible for reimbursement for time and travel.

MedaPhase, Inc. was founded by Dr. Mark Ling to research new treatments for skin disease. Dr. Ling is former Director of Dermatology Clinical Research at Emory University. He trained at Harvard and Duke and is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Dermatology. MedaPhase is in Newnan and serves the southern Atlanta region.

Is A Toenail Fungus Infection preventing you from wearing sandals?

Toenail fungus infection (“onychomycosis”) is an extremely common infection of the nails by fungus. The infection is stubborn, difficult to treat, and results in unsightly and often painful toenails. Treatments are often slow, time-consuming and far from 100% effective.

If you have this difficult to treat condition you may be eligible to participate in a research study conducted by Dr. Mark Ling, testing a topical investigational medication for the treatment of toenail fungus infection. All study visits and study medication are provided at no cost to you and qualified participants may be eligible for compensation for time and travel.

If interested, please contact the research staff at 770-252-6900.

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Occasional ‘acid reflux’ is common, but its persistence can lead to other health problems See your health-care provider if you have had symptoms and have been using antacids or other over-the-counter reflux medications for more than two weeks.

Everyone has seen those television commercials spotlighting the dreaded “acid reflux” and those products to get rid of it.

Acid reflux – also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) – occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter opens spontaneously for varying amounts of time and doesn’t close properly. It then causes digestive juices – called acids – to rise up into the esophagus (the tube which connects the mouth to the stomach).

When acid reflux occurs, food

or fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth. And when refluxed acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it may cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat typically called heartburn or acid indigestion.

Occasional acid reflux is common. Persistent reflux that occurs more than twice a week is considered gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can lead to more serious health problems. People of all ages can have GERD. The main symptom of GERD in

adults is frequent heartburn. Many children under 12 years of age with GERD do not have heartburn. Instead, they may experience a dry cough, asthma symptoms or trouble swallowing.

Some factors which may contribute to GERD in adults are anatomical abnormalities such as a haital hernia, obesity, pregnancy and smoking. Common foods which can worsen reflux symptoms include citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks with caffeine or alcohol, fatty and fried

foods, garlic and onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods and tomatobased foods.

Experts advise to see your healthcare provider if you have had symptoms of GERD and have been using antacids or other over-the-counter reflux medications for more than two weeks. And depending on the severity, treatment may involve lifestyle changes like eating small, frequent meals or raising the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches, medications or surgery.

– National Institutes of Health

Understanding radiation therapy 60 percent of people with cancer take radiation therapy to battle the disease.

If ever there was a buzz word in today’s health circles, most people would likely point to the word – cancer.

The disease hits families near and far on a daily basis. The mere understanding of the treatment of killing cancer and its cells plays a vital role in a person’s pysche when faced with that daunting task.

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment which uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and stop them from spreading. At low doses, radiation is used as an x-ray to see inside your body and take pictures, such as x-rays of your teeth or broken bones. The radiation used in cancer treatment works in much the same way, except that it is given at higher doses.

Two forms of radiation therapy can be given – external beam (when a machine outside your body aims radiation at cancer cells) or internal (when radiation is put inside your body, in or near the cancer cells).

Sometimes, it is necessary for people to get both forms of the therapy.

Most people with cancer need radiation therapy. In fact, about 60 percent of people with cancer take radiation therapy to battle the disease and in some cases, is the only cancer treatment needed.

What the radiation does – when given in high doses – is kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. The therapy can be used to treat cancer and / or reduce symptoms (such as reducing sizes of tumors to reduce pain and pressure).

The therapy does not kill cancer cells immediately. It takes days or weeks of treatment before cancer cells begin to die. Then, cancer cells keep dying for weeks or months after radiation therapy ends, too.

Radiation not only kills or slows the cancer cells, but it can also affect nearby healthy cells. However, the healthy cells almost always recover after treatment is over.

The therapy does not hurt while it is being given, but the side effects that people may get from the treatment can cause pain and discomfort.

– cancer.gov

Healthcare occupations are a thing of the future When you look at the 20 fastestgrowing occupations, one industry stands alone – healthcare.

The U.S. Department of Labor statistics indicate that between the years 2008 and 2018, healthcare will generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs. Those jobs are more than any other industry and will largely be in response to the rapid growth of the elderly population.

Healthcare provided 14.3 million jobs for wage and salary workers in 2008. According to the above Labor report, 10 of the 20 fastestgrowing occupations are healthcare related.

The largest segment of the healthcare industry is RNs (registered nurses) with about 2.6 million jobs. Projected employment numbers for RNs in 2018 are 3.2 million jobs according to the Dept. of Labor.

In Coweta County, students wanting to become registered nurses can look no further than the University of West Georgia Newnan Center. The center offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

The UWG School of Nursing,

which is based in Carrollton, is also the only provider in northwest Georgia which offers both BSN and MSN nursing education. Plus, UWG offers a RN-BSN degree.

The BSN degree is fast-becoming a requirement or preference for jobs at large employers such as Tenet Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Catholic Healthcare and others.

The job titles cited as requiring or preferring the BSN include case manager, clinical care coordinator, nurse manager, infection control nurse, quality improvement coordinator and patient care manager.

A story in the Dec. 2009 issue of U.S. News and World Report also points out other lesser-known healthcare occupations will increase.

The story refers to under-the-radar careers such as X-ray technician, lab technician or physical therapist assistant as appealing careers due to less schooling. Other promising postions will be at the intersection of healthcare and education – school psychologist and medical and public-health social worker.

And at a time when jobs are scarce, healthcare is the star of the future.

YOUR Health

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770-502-2175

770-502-2175 770-502-2175

CAMPUS 1755-1825 Highway 34 East • Newnan, GA 30265 GEORGIA BONE AND JOINT, LLC www.georgiaboneandjoint.org 770-502-2175

SUMMIT ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY CENTER 770-252-7510

SUMMIT URGENT CARE 770-502-2121

GEORGIA PAIN CARE www.gapaincare.com 770-252-7557

GEORGIA REHABILITATION & IMAGING OF WARM SPRINGS MEDICAL CENTER www.garehab.com 770-254-7850

SUMMIT HEALTHPLEX PHARMACY 770-252-7500 www.summithealthplex.com

SUMMIT OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE 770-502-2112

SOUTHERN CRESCENT SURGICAL ASSOCIATES www.thescsa.com 770-502-2150

www.summithealthplex.com

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ey ars!

Close to Home, Convenient, State-of-the-Art

Celebrating Success in Cancer Treatment

Years ago, the Radiation Oncology Services – Newnan (ROS) physicians developed a unique clinical program still in active use today: New Patient Tumor Conference (NPTC). NPTC provides a weekly forum for treatment planning and peer review. All new ROS-Newnan patients have the benefit of this built in second opinion. During NPTC, the treating physician presents new cases to our team of eleven ROS physicians for their input and approval of the treatment plan. Through a collaborative effort, NPTC ensures that all patients receive treatment consistent with both ROS and national standards.

The Newnan center has expanded to include two linear accelerators.

Dr. Rao, Dr. Santiago and the ROS-Newnan team provide state-of-theart technology to include: ■

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

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Image Guided Radiation Therapy

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Partial Breast Radiation

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Stereotactic Radiation Therapy

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Prostate Seed Implants

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High Dose Rate Brachytherapy

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Gamma Knife

Radiation Oncology Services–Newnan 211 Millard C. Farmer Industrial Blvd. | Newnan, GA 30263 | 770-254-9600

At ROS-Newnan, we recognize that the word cancer has different meanings depending on one’s perspective.

We deliver quality cancer care at all levels throughout a patient’s ROSNewnan experience. In addition, we provide technology and expertise in an environment of compassionate care. It is through the efforts of many that the fear associated with cancer can be replaced with understanding, acceptance and hope.

ROS-Newnan extends a heartfelt thank you for the support of the communities we serve.

Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) in radiation therapy since 1995.

www.radonc.com