your health today - spring 2012

yourhealthtodayVolume 2, Issue 2 • Your Guide to Healthy Living from Georgia Health Sciences Health System • georgiahealth.org

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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.


Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker

Blvd., 1st floor, Community Room


information

Breastfeeding Class

WHEN: April 17, June 5, July 24,

7–9 p.m.


Medical Center, 1120 15th St., West

Entrance, 1st floor, Patient and Family

Resource Library


information

Let’s Talk Cancer Support GroupWHEN: Second Tuesday of each

month, 5:30–7 p.m.


Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker

Blvd., 1st floor, Community Room


information

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

WHEN: Last Monday of each month,

6–7:30 p.m.


Medical Center, Augusta MS Center,

6th floor


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)


information

Trauma Support Group

WHEN: Third Wednesday of each

month, noon–1 p.m.


Medical Center


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

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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.

1120 15th Street, AD 1114 Augusta, GA 30912

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Connect to Georgia Health Sciences

georgiahealth.org • facebook.com/GHSMedCenter twitter.com/GHSMedCenter

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

your health today - spring 2012

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