Health + Medical

HEALTH + MEDICAL www.valcomnews.com | June 2012

Cover photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/comedynose

A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers

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Health & Medical • June 2012 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2012 • Health & Medical

Health & Medical • June 2012 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2012 • Health & Medical

Doctors Request Medicare Cover Lifesaving Test Special to Valley Community Newspapers A new, less invasive way to screen for colorectal cancer could help save thousands of lives-if more people could access it.

The test is a virtual colonoscopy, which doctors say is as effective as standard colonoscopy for detecting cancer but often easier on the patient. The problem is, while most major insurance companies cover the procedure, Medicare does not.

An answer An American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) study, published Feb. 23 in Radiology, found that virtual colonoscopy works as well in those ages 65 and older as it does in adults ages 50-64 and can serve as a frontline colorectal cancer screening tool for seniors. This is consistent with the ACRIN National CT Colonography Trial for patients 50 and older, published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2008. Now that there is proof that virtual colonoscopy works very well, including in those ages 65 and older, Colon Cancer Alliance and other experts say Medicare should cover seniors for this life-saving test.

CT colonography employs X-rays and virtual reality technology to produce three-dimensional images of the colon that permit a thorough and minimally invasive evaluation. It also requires no sedation.

The disease Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Yet despite the known benefits of screening, studies indicate that millions of Americans age 50 and older are not being screened for the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 30,000 colorectal cancer deaths each year could be prevented if all those age 50 and older were screened regularly. Studies at National Military Medical Center have shown that availability of the virtual exam significantly boosted screening rates.

The doctor’s advice As C.Daniel Johnson,M.D.,of the Mayo Clinic,explained,“CT colonography is a perfectly viable colorectal cancer screening tool for the traditional Medicare-age population. Wider availability made possible by Medicare coverage of CT colonography would attract more seniors to be screened for colorectal cancer-which is so successfully treated when detected early. Making CT colonography more available to seniors ultimately could save lives.”

For more information, visit www .acrin.org. (NAPSA)

Health & Medical • June 2012 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2012 • Health & Medical

Health & Medical • June 2012 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2012 • Health & Medical

Entertainer lends his voice to raise awareness of atrial fibrillation Special to Valley Community Newspapers

Photo courtesy, NAPSA GETTING IN RHYTHM with Barry Manilow. The singer, songwriter and performer is one of the more than 2.5 million Americans living with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

For award-winning singer, songwriter and performer Barry Manilow, it’s always obvious when a song is out of rhythm.

But when his heart went out of rhythm 15 years ago, Manilow realized he still had something to learn about rhythm. Manilow is one of the more than 2.5 million Americans living with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

AFib is a serious heart disease that causes your heart to race and beat out of rhythm. While some people with AFib may not feel symptoms, others may feel palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness and anxiety. People are often not aware that AFib can have serious consequences, including permanent heart damage, heart attack, heart failure, stroke and death.

In fact, they might not truly understand AFib. Manilow admits that he had never heard of the disease before he was diagnosed. “The first time I felt AFib, I was at a point in my life when I was busy and pushing myself very hard,� he said. “So, when I first started feeling a strange sensation in my chest, I tried to ignore it. At first, it just felt like my heart was skipping a series of beats every so often.�

However, Manilow’s symptoms soon became more intense and prolonged, growing so disruptive over time that he couldn’t focus.

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“It felt like there was a fish flopping around in my chest,� he said. That was when Manilow decided that it was time to take action. “I went to the hospital, and I started working closely with my doctor. Learning that something was wrong with my heart definitely motivated me to take the disease seriously.�

Manilow spent the next several years in and out of the hospital, struggling to keep his heart in rhythm. He has undergone three surgical procedures and has been cardioverted several times-a procedure where the heart is shocked back into normal rhythm. The constant interruptions eventually became a major obstacle for Manilow’s lifestyle and career. He would go into AFib while on tour, during media interviews and even right before a performance. “Once, I had to be cardioverted on the same day that I was scheduled to do a live concert on national TV for the Fourth of July,� Manilow said. “I was literally in the hospital just a few hours before walking on a stage to sing in front of an audience of millions. Talk about bad timing.�

Manilow partnered with Get Back in Rhythm, a national AFib education campaign, to increase awareness of the disease.

His participation has been valuable not only for educating the public, but also for making himself a more informed patient. “I honestly had no idea that AFib was so common or that so many people have it. Then, I learned that many patients don’t feel any symptoms at all,� he said. “That blew me away, because when See Afib, page 11

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Health & Medical • June 2012 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

AFib: Condition can have serious health consequences Continued from page 10

I go into AFib, there’s no way to ignore it. My symptoms are sudden and can be very frightening. They definitely impact my quality of life.”

In addition to symptoms, there are longterm health risks that accompany AFib when the disease isn’t managed appropriately.

“AFib has a lot of health risks,” Manilow said. “They can become permanent if you don’t get your heart back in rhythm.”

Among these risks, being out of rhythm can permanently change the shape of your heart and cause it to work harder and harder over time. The longer your heart’s in AFib, the more difficult it is to get it back in rhythm and the worse the disease will become. Although Manilow’s AFib continues to be a challenge, he hopes that his participation in Get Back in Rhythm can improve awareness of the disease, and serve as an example to other patients living with AFib and their caregivers.

“I’ve never shared my experience before.

After all that I’ve learned about AFib and its risks, I’m excited to be getting the word out,” Manilow said. “AFib needs more awareness. Patients need more education. No one should settle for a life out of rhythm.”

Visit www.GetBackInRhythm.com to take a survey to learn more about whether you are at risk for AFib. Barry Manilow is one of the more than 2.5 million Americans living with atrial fibrillation (AFib). (NAPSA)

Family doctors offer online health tips for caregivers Special to Valley Community Newspapers If you’re feeling stressed out, tired or unhealthy as a result of your caregiving duties, you are far from alone.

According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), nearly three out of four caregivers who care for a family member or friend who is disabled, elderly or has physical or mental limitations said caregiving had at least some impact on their health. Nearly six in 10 caregivers said they lose sleep at least sometimes.

“Caring for a loved one is a tremendous responsibility, which can have a big impact on your own health and well-being,” said Glen Stream, M.D., MBI, president of the AAFP. “Caregivers need to know that there are resources available to help them provide the necessary care while also keeping their own well-being in mind.”

The AAFP’s award-winning website, FamilyDoctor.org, offers practical tips for balancing work and caregiving, dealing with lifechanging events, keeping older adults safe, improving communication with a relative with dementia, and depression in older adults.

Nearly two-thirds of caregivers surveyed said they were frustrated by having to go to multiple resources for information on a specific health issue. More than half of caregivers felt there was no single online resource for highly credible health information on caregiving.

These findings demonstrate that caregivers need a comprehensive clearinghouse of information. Understanding caregivers’ need for timely and practical information, FamilyDoctor.org has significantly expanded information on the Seniors page. All content is reviewed by family physicians.

“The scientifically accurate information found on FamilyDoctor. org empowers patients to make informed decisions,” Stream said.

“And information helps lead to more constructive discussions between patients and their physicians.”

Photo courtesy, NAPSA IMPACTED GENERATIONS. A national survey found that 72 percent of caregivers said caregiving impacts their own health. FamilyDoctor.org can help reduce the burden.

The survey found that nearly two-thirds of caregivers who manage the health of those for whom they provide care sought information from their physician or health care provider. Of those, 96 percent sought information from a primary care physician.

Family physicians care for all ages and are able to not only address the health care issues affecting the elderly, but also offer resources for caregivers to help maintain their quality of life.

“Family physicians provide a patient-centered medical home for their patients. They coordinate care across all settings, including doctors’ offices, nursing homes, hospitals and many other services that make up our complex and confusing health care system,” Stream said. (NAPSA) To learn more about caring for seniors, visit www.familydoctor.org.

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2012 • Health & Medical

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Health & Medical • June 2012 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Education and Empowerment Training Hosted by Greenhaven Estates Senior Living

Whether you are a family member, professional provider or want to further your education, you are invited to learn how to help support and care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

All seminars are free and open to the public.

Refreshments provided.

Be Informed Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 6:30 pm Senior Living at Manteca, presents:

Linda Nickolisen, Executive Director, Prestige

Behaving vs. Misbehavin’ Is your loved one resistant to assistance with care? Or has difficulty sleeping or wandering?

Learn why these behaviors occur and what you can do to improve your quality of life and theirs! As a Best Friends Master Trainer, published writer and speaker, Linda Nickolisen brings her expertise on memory care to others with a real life approach.

Tuesday, July 17th, 2012 6:30 pm

David Troxel, M.P.H., author and speaker, presents:

The New Trends in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

David Troxel, M. P.H. is the author of five notable books including A Dignified Life, the Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care and an expert on the best practices for Alzheimer’s care and other forms of dementia. David has vast experience in the fields of Alzheimer’s disease, staff development and training and is both national and internationally known as a leading expert on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

In this presentation, David will share the latest information on how people living with dementia can continue to lead a purposeful and meaningful life. David will be autographing his book and it will be available for purchase.

Greenhaven Estates Senior Living 7548 Greenhaven Drive Sacramento, CA 95831 License #347004312

Greenhaven Dr

S Land Park Dr

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5 Rose Tree Way Alder Tree Way

Lake Front Dr

7548 Greenhaven Dr

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012 6:30 pm

Frances Kakugawa, presents:

Words of Inspiration for the Caregiver

Frances Kakugawa has written many insightful and moving books that will both help and inspire all who struggle as caregivers for loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Come for a poignant, inspirational session which will make you feel you are not alone and hear some of her lessons learned that can make a difference in your life as a caregiver.

Whether you are a caregiver, a professional dealing with the disease, or just someone who knows a caregiver or who may someday be in this position yourself, Frances Kakugawa will provide you with great comfort and wisdom. Frances will be autographing her book and it will be available for purchase.

Greenhaven Estates

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Seating is limited. To reserve a seat for you and a friend or colleague, call Liz Robertson at 916.427.8887 or email at erobertson@prestigecare.com

Greenhaven Estates Senior Living 7548 Greenhaven Drive Sacramento, CA 95831

Prestige Senior Living

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2012 • Health & Medical

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Health & Medical • June 2012 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

A Hysterectomy that Fits Your Lifestyle 5 inch scar 2-3 nights in hospital Long recovery

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Visit sutterwomens.org/mis to learn more about your surgical options.

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2012 • Health & Medical

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