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Advanced GItests and care New therapy for lung and liver cancers Specialized care for at-risk pregnancies
New Gamma Knife technology for brain lesions Coronary artery calcium scans
The material in Your Health Today is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment.
For more information, please call 800-736-CARE (2273) or visit our website at georgiahealth.org.
Copyright © 2012 Georgia Health Sciences Health System
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Inside this issue
12
Page 3Tips for a safe and healthy spring
Pages 4–5
Focus on Women• Premature menopause
• Specialized care for at-risk pregnancies
Pages 6–7
Cancer Prevention• Thyroidectomy without
visible scarring
• New therapy for lung and liver cancer
Page 8
Heart-Healthy Living• Coronary artery calcium scoring
Page 9
Neuroscience • New Gamma Knife technology for
brain lesions
Pages 10–11
Family Health• Advanced tests and care for GI
problems
• The importance of pediatric orthopedics
Page 12
In the News• Winning the Consumer
Choice Award
ALS Support Group Lunch and Learn
WHEN: Second Thursday of each
month, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Lunch is
served.
WHERE: Georgia Health Sciences
Medical Office Building, 4th floor,
Room 4306
CALL: 706-721-2681 for
reservations
Autism Support Group
WHEN: First Tuesday of each month,
6–7 p.m.
WHERE: Georgia Health
Sciences Children’s Medical
Center, 1446 Harper St., 1st floor,
Family Resource Library
CALL: 706-721-5160 for more
information
Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group
WHEN: Third Thursday of each
month, 5:30–7 p.m.
WHERE: Georgia Health Sciences
Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker
Blvd., 1st floor, Community Room
CALL: 706-721-1634 for more
information
Breastfeeding Class
WHEN: April 17, June 5, July 24,
7–9 p.m.
WHERE: Georgia Health Sciences
Medical Center, 1120 15th St., West
Entrance, 1st floor, Patient and Family
Resource Library
CALL: 706-721-9351 for more
information
Let’s Talk Cancer Support GroupWHEN: Second Tuesday of each
month, 5:30–7 p.m.
WHERE: Georgia Health Sciences
Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker
Blvd., 1st floor, Community Room
CALL: 706-721-0550 for more
information
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
WHEN: Last Monday of each month,
6–7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Georgia Health Sciences
Medical Center, Augusta MS Center,
6th floor
CALL: 706-721-1411 for more
information or to make reservations
Weight Loss Surgery Seminars
WHEN: Second and fourth Thursday
of each month
WHERE: Columbia County Library
(second Thursday); Georgia Health
Sciences Alumni Center (fourth
Thursday)
CALL: 706-721-2609 for more
information
Trauma Support Group
WHEN: Third Wednesday of each
month, noon–1 p.m.
WHERE: Georgia Health Sciences
Medical Center
CALL: 706-721-4633 for more
information
A shoulder to lean onSupport groups at Georgia Health Sciences Health System
georgiahealth.org2
For a complete list of classes and support groups, visit georgiahealth.org/classes.
Children and swimming lessons
With warmer weather, your family may head
for the lake or pool. But remember this: drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in children under age 14. Yet for developmental reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming classes for children only after they reach age 4. Teaching children to swim at an appropriate age is important, but it won’t necessarily prevent drowning. Don’t leave children unsupervised around water.
Flip-flop flaps
Their easy, breezy style make flip-flops a
wardrobe staple in spring and summer. But this flimsy footwear offers little support or protection for your feet. Flip-flops can lead to stress fractures, tendonitis, sprained ankles, ligament injures, cuts, scrapes, stubbed toes and other accidents and disorders. To protect your feet, look for sturdy flip-flops that bear the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
Spring clean your makeup kit
Liquid or creamy makeup can harbor bacteria
and cause eye infections. That’s why ophthalmologists recommend replacing mascara, cream eye shadow and base within three months after opening. Therefore, it’s a good idea to clean your makeup kit at the beginning of every season. Don’t share your makeup with others or use anyone else’s makeup. Also, avoid using open makeup testers in stores, as this is a common route for infection.
Anticipating allergies
Do you dread spring because of seasonal
allergies and the sneezing, itching, runny nose and watery eyes they cause? If so, you may take prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines. But did you know that these medications are more effective if taken before exposure to allergens? What’s more, pollen starts building up much earlier than you might think. If you suffer from spring allergies, don’t wait for symptoms. Speak to your physician about the best medications to take and the best time to take them.
Tips for a safe and healthy spring
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Focus on Women
Premature menopause can also cause early and
unexpected infertility.
Making a diagnosis If you are worried about missed periods, consult your
physician. There are a number of potential reasons for
this problem, but it’s important to identify the cause.
Your physician will perform a physical exam and
blood work to rule out other conditions like pregnancy
and thyroid disease. He or she may also measure your
levels of estradiol to see if your ovaries are failing, and
possibly perform a follicle stimulating hormone test, the
key test in diagnosing menopause.
Irregular periods, hot flashes, sleeplessness—
these signs of menopause are generally experienced
by women between ages 45 and 55. “But some women
have these symptoms in their 30s due to premature
menopause that is not surgically induced,” says Adelina
Emmi, MD, an OB/GYN who specializes in reproductive
endocrinology at Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center.
Risk factorsThe risk of early menopause is greater for women
who have:
• undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• a personal or family history of autoimmune
disorders such as hypothyroidism, Graves’ disease
or lupus
• unsuccessfully tried to become pregnant for more
than a year
• a mother or sister who experienced premature
menopause
“If you are under age 40 and have experienced any of
these conditions, speak with your physician,” Dr. Emmi says.
The signs and symptoms Like menopause, premature menopause can cause:
• irregular, skipped, lighter or heavier periods
• hot flashes and night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• decreased sexual desire
• sleeplessness
• emotional changes
Premature menopause When “The Change” comes early
georgiahealth.org4
Overcome bladder problems with robotic surgery
With menopause, many women experience incontinence, bladder prolapse or overactive
bladder. Brent Parnell, MD, a urogynecologist who specializes in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at Georgia Health Sciences Women’s Center, offers a full range of treatments for these conditions, including da Vinci robotic surgery for minimal scarring, shorter recoveries and less pain.
Depend on Georgia Health Sciences Menopause Program
This program offers all the resources needed to diagnose menopause, treat its symptoms and help you manage related health risks. Treatments may include bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, if needed. To schedule an appointment, call 706-721-CARE (2273), or visit georgiahealth.org/women.
I f you want to give your baby a strong start in
life, it’s important to do all you can to have a full-
term pregnancy. “Premature babies—or those born
more than three weeks early—are at increased risk
of medical and developmental problems,” says Paul Browne,
MD, associate professor and section director of Maternal-
Fetal Medicine at Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center.
Signs and symptoms Your obstetrician may inform you that you are at
risk of a preterm birth or you may experience these
signs and symptoms:
High-risk pregnancy?Get the specialists and facilities you deserve
5georgiahealth.org
Any pregnancy can become high risk
So why take a chance? Depend on Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center. We are uniquely prepared
to deal with the complications of pregnancy and care for premature infants. We offer: • board-certified maternal-fetal medicine physicians
who specialize in high-risk pregnancies • the area’s only Regional Perinatal Center for high-risk
pregnancies• the area’s only Level III D neonatal intensive care unit • the area’s largest team of neonatologists, who
specialize in treating ill or premature infants • a team of pediatric specialists including cardiologists,
pulmonologists, neurologists and others
Get baby off to a healthy startTo schedule an appointment with a skilled OB/GYN,
call 706-721-CARE (2273). For more information, visit georgiahealth.org/women.
• regular or frequent
contractions
• constant, dull
backache
• vaginal spotting or
bleeding
• watery vaginal
discharge or a
change in vaginal
discharge
• menstrual-like cramps
• a feeling of pressure in your pelvis
• diarrhea
“If you suspect you’re in premature labor, call your
physician’s office,” Dr. Browne says.
Specialized care for special patients Although many obstetricians provide high-risk care,
only those with additional fellowship training become
board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center staffs such
physicians. They will work with your primary obstetrician
to manage your pregnancy, whether you’re at risk
of preterm or multiple births, you’re an older mother
or you have diabetes, high blood pressure or other
chronic conditions.
A Perinatal Center and state-of-the-art NICUWe also operate 1 of 6 state-designated Regional
Perinatal Centers with all the resources you’ll need to
help you carry your baby as long as possible. In addition,
the Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center
operates the area’s only Level III D (highest level)
neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Georgia Health Sciences
Medical Center is 1 of 6
state-designated Perinatal
Centers prepared to
handle pregnancy
complications.
Cancer Prevention
Thyroid cancers develop in the cells of the
thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ at
the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple.
“Although thyroid cancer is not common in the United
States, rates are increasing dramatically. A component
of this may be related to technological advances that
allow for earlier detection of thyroid nodules,” says
David Terris, MD.
Dr. Terris is the surgical director of Georgia Health
Sciences Medical Center’s Thyroid and Parathyroid
Center. The only center of its kind in the area, it is
staffed by endocrinologists, surgeons and radiologists who
deliver streamlined multidisciplinary care for patients
with cancer and other problems of the thyroid and
parathyroid glands.
Thyroid cancerRobotic surgery eliminates neck scars and hospitalization
georgiahealth.org6
Dr. Terris featured on CBS’ “The Doctors”
Dr. Terris appeared on a segment of CBS’ “The Doctors” on Nov. 30, 2011, to demonstrate his
breakthrough robotic facelift thyroidectomy. To view a clip of the segment, visit georgiahealth.org/ent.
Don’t let thyroid problems impact your health
Call 706-721-CARE (2273) to schedule an appointment with an experienced endocrinologist.
Signs and symptoms Thyroid nodules are generally discovered during
routine exams, but may cause:
• a lump at the base of the neck
• difficulty swallowing
• hoarseness
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck
See your physician if you experience these symptoms.
He or she may recommend a biopsy to determine if your
nodules are benign or malignant.
“If the biopsy indicates cancer or if the nodules are
pressing on the throat or causing trouble swallowing, a
thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove all or part of the
thyroid gland, may be needed,” Dr. Terris says.
A new surgical option Traditional thyroidectomies require hospitalization
and a 3- to 4-inch incision in the neck, which leaves a
visible scar. Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center
offers a more advanced option. It is the only hospital in
the Southeast offering robotic facelift thyroidectomy for
thyroid nodules. The procedure is performed through an
incision behind the ear to avoid visible scarring.
“The robotic system also delivers high-definition
images and allows for unparalleled surgical precision,
facilitating outcomes,” Dr. Terris says.
Radiation oncologists at Georgia Health Sciences
Cancer Center are now offering a non-surgical
therapeutic alternative for select patients with
lung, liver and certain other cancers. Known as stereotactic
body radiotherapy (SBRT), it uses high doses of targeted
radiation therapy to ablate, or destroy, tumors that have not
spread. SBRT does not harm healthy surrounding tissue.
A paradigm shift “Radiation therapy has traditionally been delivered in
small doses over a course of about six weeks to kill cancer
cells. This small dosage allowed patients to tolerate the
therapy while minimizing side effects,” says Theodore
Chung, MD, PhD, medical director of Radiation Oncology
at Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center.
But new technologies are now allowing physicians to
safely deliver large doses of radiation therapy, while still
minimizing side effects. Patients are immobilized with
special equipment and treated with therapy over just a
three-day period.
“SBRT may be appropriate for patients who are not
good candidates for surgery or for extended courses of
radiation and have one or possibly two early-stage tumors
that have not spread,” Dr. Chung says. “With SBRT,
there’s no hospitalization, general anesthesia or incision,
so patients can get back to their normal routines quickly,
without fear of bleeding or infections. What’s more,
studies indicate that patients experience better outcomes
with SBRT than with surgery.”
7georgiahealth.org
New hope for lung and liver cancer patientsStereotactic body radiotherapy
About Dr. Chung As a nationally renowned radiation oncologist,
Dr. Chung brings advanced training and experience to
cancer patients in the CSRA and beyond.
Dr. Chung trained at Johns Hopkins, was awarded
the American Cancer Society’s “Junior Investigator
Award,” and has been named one of America’s Top
Doctors every year since 2009. He has more than
20 years of clinical and research experience.
Georgia Health Sciences researchers advancing cancer care
Physicians at Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center also conduct groundbreaking research to
revolutionize cancer care. Dr. Chung and his colleagues are investigating how molecularly derived compounds can be used to boost the effects of radiation therapy in cancer patients. When used together, the two therapies are far more effective than either single treatment.
Your path to wellnessTo schedule an appointment with Dr. Chung, call
706-721-2971. For more information, visit georgiahealth.org/cancer
Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center offers
leading-edge radiation therapy.
Heart-Healthy Living
Coronary artery calcium scansWhat’s the score?
georgiahealth.org8
The first step in preventing heart disease is
understanding your individual risks, such as high
cholesterol, high blood pressure and other factors.
But you may be unaware of one risk factor: specks of
calcium, called calcifications, in the walls of the coronary
arteries that supply blood to your heart.
“Fortunately, a test known as a coronary calcium scan
can measure the calcium in the walls of these arteries,”
says Sheldon Litwin, MD, a cardiologist at Georgia
Health Sciences Cardiovascular Center. “The test lets
physicians calculate a score that helps estimate your
heart attack risk and guide treatment options.”
Are you a candidate?Anyone who may be at risk for developing heart
disease can benefit from calcium screening. But the test
is particularly beneficial in men between ages 45 and 75,
and in women between ages 55 and 75.
The simple, noninvasive test uses computed
tomography (CT)
technology to produce
images from which a
physician will determine
your calcium score. The
scan takes less than five
minutes, and there’s no
pain or discomfort.
Benefits of the test The test may allow
your physician to detect
calcifications in the early
stages and develop a
strategy to prevent a heart attack. It also reduces the
need for more invasive and expensive tests and provides
you with peace of mind.
Using your calcium score, along with your other risk
factors, your physician can determine your likelihood of
having a heart attack or dying from heart disease and
customize a treatment plan based on your individual risks.
Easy access to coronary artery calcium scans
In our efforts to prevent heart attacks, Georgia Health Sciences is now offering coronary artery calcium
scans without a physician’s referral. Most insurance plans do not yet cover this valuable test, but the cost of the scan and physician interpretation is just $100, with payment due at the time of screening. You’ll be notified of the results as soon as possible after completing the test.
Protect your heartTo schedule an appointment with a cardiologist,
call 706-721-CARE (2273). To schedule a scan, call 706-721-XRAY (9729) or visit georgiahealth.org/cardio.
The test lets physicians calculate a score that helps estimate your heart attack risk.”
—Sheldon Litwin, MD
Neuroscience
9georgiahealth.org
Brain power New Gamma Knife technology for brain lesions
Brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations,
trigeminal neuralgia and other abnormalities
in the brain are frightening diagnoses. To make
matters worse, some patients then learn that traditional
brain surgery is too risky for them.
But Georgia Health Sciences Gamma Knife Center,
the only center of its kind in Eastern Georgia and the
only center in Georgia attached to a children’s hospital,
offers new hope. The center has implemented the most
advanced technology on the market, making lifesaving
Gamma Knife surgery available to adults and children.
What is Gamma Knife surgery? Gamma Knife surgery is a type of highly
sophisticated radiation therapy that has been
around for years. There’s no knife, no incision.
“The procedure uses hundreds of beams of radiation
focused on the exact location of the abnormality in the
brain, making it much more effective than conventional
radiation therapy,” says John Vender, MD, a neurosurgeon
and director of the Georgia Health Sciences Gamma Knife
Center. But the old technology was limited in the size of
lesions it could treat and the areas it could reach. And it
could not treat larger tumors or lesions in multiple sessions.
New technology, new hope That’s all changed, thanks to a new generation
of Gamma Knife. Known as Leksell Gamma Knife®
Perfexion™ with the eXtend™ program, the technology
overcomes these limitations.
“With the Perfexion, we can reach a wider array of
targets in a single session. The faster treatment times allow
us to treat multiple brain metastases more effectively, which
enhances patient comfort,” Dr. Vender says.
“The Perfexion can also treat areas of the brain,
skull base and regions of the head and neck that were
unreachable with the older technology. And, with the
addition of the eXtend technology, we can treat large
tumors in two to five sessions, something we could not do
before.”
The treatment can also be used for:
• pituitary tumors
• tumors of the skull base, sinuses, throat and
upper neck
• Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors
• certain types of epilepsy and chronic pain syndrome
• other disorders
If you need a neurosurgeonFor more information or to schedule an appointment
with a skilled neurosurgeon, call 706-721-CARE (2273) or visit georgiahealth.org/neuro.
Gastrointestinal problems can
interfere with your
daily routine, cause
embarrassing symptoms and
indicate serious medical
conditions. Yet they can
be difficult to diagnose
and treat without
specialized training,
advanced technology and
multidisciplinary care.
Understanding the brain-gut connection
“Many digestive disorders are
caused by disruptions in how food, gas or
waste move through the digestive tract—a process known
as motility,” says Satish Rao, MD, a globally renowned
neurogastroenterologist and motility specialist at
Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center.
This process generally occurs through rhythmic
muscle contractions. But when the nerves and muscles do
not work properly to cause these contractions, the process
is disturbed, causing digestive problems.
Fortunately, Georgia Health Sciences operates a
Motility Clinic that is 1 of only 10 in the nation to be
designated a “Center of Excellence” by the American
Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society.
Advanced technology makes the differenceThe clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art
technology to diagnose and treat complex and subtle
disruptions of motility in the:
• esophagus, to diagnose and treat heartburn, pain
and swallowing disorders
• stomach, to diagnose and treat gastroparesis, or
delayed gastric emptying, and abdominal pain or
discomfort
• small intestine, to find the cause of gas and
bloating and treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
or bacterial overgrowth
• large intestine or colon, to identify the cause
of and treat constipation, diarrhea or IBS
• pelvic floor and rectum, to find the
cause of fecal incontinence or difficulty
with bowel movements and treat
it. Treatments include biofeedback
therapy.
Family Health
Find the cause of your GI problemAt the area’s only Motility Clinic
georgiahealth.org10
The only multidisciplinary GI care in Georgia
Digestive disorders often affect multiple areas of the body and require multidisciplinary
care, which can be difficult to find. As an academic medical center, Georgia Health Sciences offers that care. Our gastroenterologists, hepatologists and neurogastroenterologists work closely with surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, otolaryngologists (ENT doctors), urogynecologists and urologists to coordinate care and foster positive outcomes. For more information, visit georgiahealth.org/digestivehealth.
Don’t let motility problems undermine your active lifestyle
Call 706-721-9522 to schedule a quick, convenient appointment with an esteemed motility expert.
dysplasia of the hip,
scoliosis, spondylolysis,
spina bifida, leg length
discrepancy and
musculoskeletal injuries
in children from birth to age 16.
Treatments include injections and aspirations to
relieve pain and promote healing as well as prescriptions
for bracing, orthotics and medications. When needed, the
team also offers a full range of traditional and minimally
invasive arthroscopic surgeries.
A multidisciplinary treatment team Care is coordinated with pediatric
anesthesiologists, oncologists and other
specialists as well as orthopedic surgeons
with training in virtually every subspecialty.
Your child will receive multidisciplinary
care not found in any other area facility.
Your child will also have access to
sports medicine physicians as well as
physical and occupational therapists
who care exclusively for children in
a dedicated pediatric rehabilitation
center.
Get the specialized orthopedic care
your child deserves. After all, he or she will
live with the outcome for years to come.
Children aren't just small adults. Their growth
and development often create unique medical
problems. Take, for example, their bones.
“Unlike adults, whose bone growth is complete,
children have growing tissue known as growth plates
near the end of long bones,” says David Cearley, MD, a
pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Georgia Health Sciences
Children’s Medical Center. “During childhood and
adolescence, these growth plates are the weakest areas of
the skeleton, making them vulnerable to injury.”
Special bones, special careIf your child suffers a musculoskeletal disorder,
look for a physician who understands the developing
skeleton and has the specialized training needed to
diagnose and treat kids.
You’ll find such specialists at the Children’s
Medical Center. It staffs the area’s only pediatric
orthopedic surgeons. These physicians
are fellowship trained, the highest level
of training for physicians, and treat
patients throughout the Southeast.
Comprehensive care The team offers a full range of
diagnostic tests, including X-rays,
ultrasounds, magnetic resonance
imaging scans and computed
tomography scans. They also
deliver advanced care for bone
tumors, brachial plexus palsy,
cerebral palsy, club foot,
congenital limb defects,
No bones about itKids need specialized orthopedic care
georgiahealth.org 11
For healthy bones To schedule an appointment with a pediatric
orthopedic specialist, call 706-721-CARE (2273) or visit georgiahealth.org/ortho.
Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center staffs the area’s only pediatric orthopedic surgeons.
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Connect to Georgia Health Sciences
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At Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center,
our physicians and employees care deeply about
the well-being of every person we treat, from the
premature infants in our neonatal infant care unit to the
children and teens with heart disorders or cancer in the
Children’s Medical Center to seniors undergoing heart
procedures at our Cardiovascular Center.
Patients in our area have now recognized this
commitment by selecting us as Augusta’s top-rated hospital
for overall quality and image in a consumer health care
survey conducted by the National Research Corporation.
A consuming passion, passionate consumers Local patients select Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center as area’s top hospital
The company, which conducts the nation’s largest
consumer health care study of its kind, has given Georgia
Health Sciences Medical System its 2011/2012 Consumer
Choice Award for our area. The award is based on a
survey of 3,200 health care facilities named by consumers
in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
“Consumers are becoming more educated than ever
and taking an active role in their health care. As a result,
they are demanding the comprehensive, coordinated
and multidisciplinary care they receive at an academic
medical center such as Georgia Health Sciences,” says
David S. Hefner, executive vice president of Clinical
Affairs. Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center offers a
range of specialists, medical technologies and therapies
not available at other area facilities.
“This award shows that we are meeting the needs
of our patients by delivering advanced solutions to their
problems in a caring, compassionate environment,”
Hefner says. “We are honored by this award.”
Georgia Health
Sciences Medical
Center was selected
as Augusta's top-rated
hospital for overall
quality and image.
In the News