SKIN CANCER MYTHS AND FACTS

In Fitness and In Health

10 Easy Ways

to Colon Health/////////////////

yourhealthSpring 2015

TODAY

grhealth.org

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 grhealth.org.

Copyright © 2015 Georgia Regents Health System

4 Cancer PreventionA spotlight on skin cancer

5 Getting back to life

6 Heart-Healthy LivingTake control of high blood pressure

7 Focus on Women Waiting to conceive?

featuresTABLE OF contents

8

9

Neuroscience Mind over memory

Digestive Health10 easy ways to colon health

10 Family HealthIn fitness and in health

1112

15 quick tips for good health

In the NewsStroke care goes statewide

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“Medical Marijuana” Drug Trial at CHOG Offers Hope for EpilepsyThe Children’s Hospital of Georgia recently became one of only 20 sites in the nation to offer an experimental drug known as Epidiolex to help reduce seizures in children with severe epilepsy. Epidiolex’s main active ingredient is cannabidiol, a main ingredient in marijuana, which has shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in children suffering up to 100 seizures daily. The initial trial was approved for two patients by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as part of a compassionate use protocol, and a second trial will treat up to 50 patients in Augusta, Savannah, and Atlanta.

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Revitalize YOUR HEALTH this spring

Wake Up WITH BERRIES!

[S]moothies are the new and tasty way to sneak fruits and vegetables into your everyday diet. Mix up this easy Berry Blast Smoothie, packed with vitamin C: Simply blend

together a handful each of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, topped with a dollop or two of low-fat yogurt and enough juice or water for your desired thickness, until smooth. For even more health, throw in some kale or other dark leafy greens.

EATING green [A] ll of us can add more dark leafy greens to our diets — and the darker the leaf, the more nutritious.

Here’s an easy taste guide to help you decide:

Get More Spring IN YOUR STEP

[W]ake up from the winter by taking these easy steps to renewed energy and health. Take advantage of good sleeping weather by turning off the TV and smartphones

early and aiming for at least eight hours each night. Head outdoors to get at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week — but avoid exercising within four hours of bedtime. Make smart choices, and enjoy spring and summer’s new fruits and vegetables. Finally, freshen up your schedule to manage your levels of stress and anxiety.

Spring Clean YOUR UNUSED MEDICATIONS

[I] t’s a good idea to clean out your medicine cabinet periodically, but how should you dispose of unused and expired medications? Narcotics and other controlled

substances often carry instructions to flush unused medication down the toilet. For other medications, first remove the drug from its original container and place in a sealable plastic bag. Destroy and disguise it by mixing it with water, coffee grounds, or Kitty Litter, then toss. Before you throw out prescription containers, remember to first blackout or remove personal information.

+ Arugula: Peppery and slightly bitter+ Belgian endive: Crisp, nutty, and

slightly bitter+ Boston and bibb lettuce:

Sweet and mild

+ Escarole: Hearty and slightly bitter+ Iceberg lettuce: Crisp and mild+ Green and red-leaf lettuce: Mild

and delicate

+ Radicchio: Sweet and bitter crunch+ Romaine: Crisp and strong tasting+ Watercress: Sharp, mustard like flavor

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CANCER prevention

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A SPOTLIGHT ON skin cancerHere are the myths and facts you need to know

[H] oW Sun SmArt Are you? “Knowing the facts about

skin cancer can help protect us from the disease, yet many of us don’t really know the risks or how we can prevent skin cancer,” said Daniel Sheehan, MD, a dermatologic surgeon with GRHealth. Check your knowledge with the following myths and facts:

Myth: All types of skin cancer look and behave the same way.FACT: There are actually three types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and least deadly. It may look like a nodule, a sore, an inflamed growth, or irritated skin. Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a crusty or scaly patch of skin surrounded by red that

CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

resembles a tumor or nonhealing wound. Melanoma is the least common and most dangerous form of skin cancer, often looking like a new mole or developing within an existing mole.

Myth: You can only develop skin cancer on parts of the body regularly exposed to sunlight.FACT: Skin cancer can actually develop anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most likely to begin on parts of the body not exposed to sunlight.

Myth: I have dark skin, so I’m not at risk.FACT: Although those with fair skin do have an increased risk, the shade

of your skin does not protect you from skin cancer. Anyone with a history of excessive sun exposure can develop the disease.

Myth: Short of avoiding sunlight altogether, there’s no good way to prevent skin cancer.FACT: Protecting yourself from the sun IS the most effective way to combat skin cancer, but that doesn’t require staying indoors. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day — and reapply every two hours. Wear sun-protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves when you can, and avoid the sun when it’s strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Have you noticed a change in your skin or are you at increased risk for skin cancer? Don’t wait: Schedule an appointment for a screening with one of our dermatologists today. Call 706-721-3291 or visit gru.edu/dermatology.

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GETTING back to life You’ve survived cancer — what’s next?

[B] eIng dIAgnoSed And treAted for cAncer WAS An emotIonAl rollercoaster. But now that you’re a cancer survivor, you may be

wondering: How do I get off the rollercoaster? “Learning to face life again is another, very important step in your treatment,” said Samir Khleif, MD, director of the Georgia Regents University Cancer Center. For starters, you must safeguard your health as never before. Begin with:

YOU’RE INVITED!GRHealth offers a wide variety of welcoming support groups. Find the group that’s right for you at grhealth.org/classes.

Regular checkups. Keep your follow-up appointments religiously.

Alertness. Know the warning signs of cancer’s return, and report any suspicious symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Vigilance. Get regularly scheduled screenings for other cancers — not just the one you survived.

Acceptance. Accept changes, especially those affecting diet, weight, and sleep.

Motion. Exercise if possible. Ask your doctor for guidelines.

Good emotionsEven after you’ve survived cancer, it’s common to still feel anger, grief, or fear. Discuss your emotions with loved ones, counselors, friends, and other survivors. Releasing anxiety lets you come to grips with survival and helps loved ones be more supportive. Other practical ideas:

Survive one day at a time. As you do, your emotional upheaval will subside.

Recognize signs of survivor stress. Set priorities and do things you enjoy, but pace yourself, too.

Know when to say “no” to others and to yourself. Live like a survivor, not a shut-in. Attend support

meetings, worship services, or health lectures. Rediscover intimacy. If your

love life presents challenges, discuss them with your doctor or counselor.

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HEART-HEALTHY living

[H] oW’S your Blood pressure these days? “High

blood pressure means a reading of 140/90 mmHg or more,” said Vincent Robinson, MD, a cardiologist with GRHealth Heart & Cardiovascular Services. While certain risk factors are genetic, there are factors you can do something about. These include:

Eating and exercising better. That means a low-fat diet that’s loaded with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (think the DASH diet), and 30 minutes of exercise every day.

Quitting. If you smoke, your doctor can offer you quit-smoking options such as nicotine replacement therapy and medication. If you don’t smoke, avoid places where you know people will be lighting up.

Cutting back. Depending on your current health, cutting your salt intake may limit you to 1,500 mg a day or no more than 2,300 mg daily. Men should limit alcohol to no more than two drinks a day, and women and those over age 65 should stick to no more than one drink daily.

Indulging in potassium. Not having enough potassium in your system can lead to sodium buildup in your blood. For most adults, the recommended daily intake of potassium is about 4,700 mg

DON’T LET THE PRESSURE GET TO YOU

per day. Find it in a host of foods, including sweet potatoes, spinach, bananas, and tuna. Always ask your provider first before you take any potassium supplement.

Getting a handle on stress. Don’t let stress tempt you into unhealthy behaviors. Instead, relax into activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, and work on ways to cope with stressful situations.

Taking care of yourself. Sleep apnea, diabetes, and high cholesterol are just some of the health issues that can also impact your blood pressure. Work with your doctor to manage and treat these conditions.

Take Control OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSUREThe risk factors you need to know

Our complete care for high blood pressure includes risk assessments, medication management, and lifestyle changes.Schedule your appointment by calling 706-664-0584 or visiting grhealth.org/cardio.

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FOCUS ON women

Waiting TO CONCEIVE?Ensure your healthiest possible pregnancy

STILL WAITING? An evaluation by a fertility specialist starts with a discussion of family history, as well as blood and genetic tests. To get started, call 706-721-4959 or visit grhealth.org/womens.

[I] f you’re over Age 35 And plAnnIng to HAve cHIldren, you’ve got plenty of company. “Many women are postponing childbearing to their mid- to

late-30s due to societal and educational demands,” said Larisa Gavrilova-Jordan, MD, GRHealth Reproductive Medicine & Infertility Associates. However, age plays an important role in how easy it is to conceive, and women over age 35 naturally have a lower chance of pregnancy. If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for more than six months, a consultation with a fertility specialist can be beneficial in choosing a strategy to shorten the time to conception. Ensuring that you are at your optimum health is also important at this time and can help increase your chances of pregnancy.

Step 1: Eat a sensible diet. Make sure you get the right nutrients in your diet, along with

specific prenatal supplements that include folic acid.

Step 2: Abstain from alcohol, cigarettes, and — yes — coffee. 

Alcohol, smoking, and caffeine can all negatively affect fertility. However, you can limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg a day. Depending on how it’s brewed, that equals one cup or 8 oz. of coffee.

Step 3: Get moving. Physical activity tones muscles and improves your cardiovascular

health. Most importantly, it reduces stress, which can increase your chances of pregnancy.

Finally, when you become pregnant, make sure to get regular prenatal care. Discuss any preexisting conditions or medications you may be on, and if you’re over age 35, consider special prenatal testing such as amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling since your child may be at higher risk for chromosomal defects such as Down syndrome.

If you’ve waited to conceive, achieving pregnancy brings with it a special joy. When it happens, continue to ensure your and your baby’s good health throughout your pregnancy.

TAKE THESE STEPS:

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neuroscience

MIND OVER memoryWhen you should see a doctor

• Neglecting to bathe or change clothes

• Misplacing items in odd places, such as putting car keys in the refrigerator

• Constantly checking or hoarding things of no value

Still, these symptoms don’t always mean Alzheimer’s disease. Depression, drug interactions, thyroid issues, and poor nutrition are just some of the many reasons you or your loved one might be experiencing memory issues, and treatment is available.

[f]orgot WHere you put your car keys? It happens to all

of us, but as we get older, simple forgetting isn’t so simple. Many of us worry, “What if it’s Alzheimer’s?”

According to John Morgan, MD, of the GRHealth Movement and Cognitive Disorders Center, Alzheimer’s symptoms typically begin to appear after age 60. “But occasional forgetfulness doesn’t mean someone has Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Morgan. “If it happens regularly, however, it could be cause for concern.”

When to see the doctorIf you or a loved one shows any

of these symptoms, be proactive and schedule an appointment with your doctor:

• Forgetting things, especially information learned recently

• Forgetting common words and using odd words in their place

• Asking the same questions over and over

• Having trouble with everyday tasks such as preparing meals or playing a favorite card game

• Becoming lost in familiar places• Having sudden and unexplained

mood swings or dramatic personality changes

• Ignoring personal safety• Regularly repeating the same

story, word for word• Struggling to solve simple math

problems, pay bills, or balance a checkbook

A GOOD MENTAL WORKOUT

Want to stay mentally sharp? Stay physically active, be engaged in social activities, and develop a hobby. For more on what you can do or to schedule an evaluation, call the GRHealth Movement and Cognitive Disorders Center at 706-721-4581 or visit grhealth.org/neuro.

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easy ways TO KEEP YOUR colon healthyHow fiber, fruit, and fitness can help

[I] f you’re lIke moSt of us, your colon health isn’t

exactly top of mind. Colon cancer, however, is one of the most common cancers in men and women. Sherman Chamberlain, MD, a gastroenterologist with the Georgia Regents Digestive Health Center, offered these 10 easy habits to keep your colon healthy:

1 Boost calcium. Get it from almonds, low-fat milk, dark-

green veggies, cottage cheese, and yogurt. Men should limit calcium to 1,500 mg a day, as too much may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

2 Seek a bit of sun. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.

It comes mainly from sunlight (10 minutes a day is all you need), but can also be found in salmon, mackerel, fortified milk, and eggs.

3 Eat more fruits and veggies. They’re good sources

of fiber, which adds bulk to the waste that moves through your intestines.

4 “B” smart. Folic acid, an essential B vitamin, may reduce

your risk. Lentils, collard greens, chickpeas, asparagus, broccoli, peas, papaya, and oranges are good sources.

5 Butt out. Smoking can cause colorectal cancer, so if you

smoke, quit.

6 Get slim. If you’re overweight, ask your health care provider

about a weight-loss plan that will work for you.

7 Cut back on beef. Eating too much red or processed meat has

been linked to an increased risk, so choose chicken instead.

8 Ease up on alcohol. Drinking too much (more than one drink

a day for women; two for men) can cause colon problems, so if you drink, do so in moderation.

9 Stay active. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity at least five

days a week to help reduce your risk.

10 Get screened. The ACS also recommends that

all men and women get screened for colon cancer starting at age 50.

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DIGESTIVE health

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HEALTH CENTER We’re proud to announce our new state-of-the-art, 43,000-square-foot center designed to meet the unique needs of digestive health patients and their families. Call 706-446-4887 for an appointment. To watch videos of our new space or for more information, visit grhealth.org/digestivehealth.

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FAMILY health

IN fitness AND IN healthShape up with your spouse

START — AND STAY — STRONG At Georgia Regents Sports Medicine, our focus is on keeping you healthy and active. Want to help prevent or treat sports injuries? Contact us at 706-721-PLAY (7529) or visit grhealth.org/sports.

[S]tudIeS SHoW tHAt people WHo HAve tHe support of a fitness partner exercise more.

A natural choice? Your spouse! “Getting fit and healthy with your loved one means you can spend more quality time together, deepen your relationship and intimacy, and help ensure you really will grow old together,” said Monte Hunter, MD, director of the Georgia Regents Sports Medicine Program.

Try some of these ideas to keep you and your spouse in shape:

✔ Put it in your schedule. Your first step is to sit down with your calendars and determine when you can get together. Aim for a shared workout at least once or twice a week.

✔ Find your fun. Joining a gym or taking classes together is a great way to get into the fitness habit. Keep an open mind, explore each other’s interests, and be willing to learn a new sport or activity together.

✔ Forgo passive Friday night dates. Instead of dinner and a movie, head to an outdoor festival, take a romantic walk and picnic in a park, or dance the night away.

✔ Team up. Many communities have adult coed recreation teams or competitions, such as volleyball, softball, bowling, tennis, or golf. Find one you can both enjoy.

✔ Book an adventurous vacation. Consider an invigorating holiday, such as skiing in Vermont, kayaking in Hilton Head, biking on the East Coast, or hiking through North Georgia.

✔ Give the gift of fitness. Think of all the cool sports gear you could give, such as hiking boots, in-line skates, a mountain bike, workout wear, and more.

✔ Set ultimate goals. Completing a marathon or reaching the peak of a mountain might have seemed far-fetched at one time, but when you’re both working toward a common goal, anything is possible.

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GOT a minute?

[e]AcH of tHeSe tIpS requIreS only A mInute or So of your tIme.

1. Wash your hands. Scrub with soap and water for 20 seconds, or about as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.

2. Use safety gear when playing outdoors.

3. Ease back pain. Stand up straight and don’t slouch at your desk.

4. Look for the VIPPS seal when purchasing medicine on the Web.

5. Disinfect your kitchen sponge. Studies have shown that microwaving a wet sponge for one minute can kill almost all bacteria on it — better than bleach.

6. Scrub those fruits and veggies with water. Yes, even if you’re peeling

them, to remove dirt and pesticide residue.

7. Buckle up. This goes for adults and children.

8. Test your smoke alarms every month. And change batteries when you set your clocks ahead or back each spring and fall.

9. Read food labels. Look at serving size and fat, cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrates.

10. Learn the signs of stroke. Call 911 if you or a loved one experience numbness or weakness on one side, confusion or trouble speaking, vision problems, trouble walking or loss of balance, and severe headache.

11. Post the National Capital Poison Center number on all of your phones (1-800-222-1222).

12. Take a multivitamin, if needed. Talk to your doctor to find out.

13. Turn down the volume. Noises at or above 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss. For example: An MP3 player turned all the way up emits up to 120 decibels!

14. Just floss! Do it at least once a day.

15. Do a freezer check. Keep raw meat for no more than four months and cooked meats no more than two to three months. (And set your freezer to 0 degrees F or lower.)

MORE HEALTH TIPS Want more quick tips to keep your family healthy? Read our new Children’s Hospital of Georgia blog- CHOG blog! For everything health, safety, nutrition, and more, visit blog.gachildrens.org.Want to be healthier?

[I]nSIde HIS dIm offIce, lIt only by the slanting late afternoon

sun, David Hess, MD, leans over his laptop, a headset and microphone curling around his head. Miles away, inside the emergency room of a rural hospital, a patient has presented with the symptoms of stroke, and through the web-based REACH telehealth program, Dr. Hess is making the diagnosis and recommending tPA.

Since it launched in 2002, the Georgia Regents Neuroscience Center’s REACH program has reached and treated thousands of patients with stroke in 28 hospitals across Georgia and South Carolina much, much faster — and established interactive partnerships between

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IN THE news

GRHEALTH NEUROSCIENCE CENTER TAKES STROKE CARE STATEWIDE

GRHealth stroke specialists and referring physicians statewide.

This past fall, seven GRHealth neurologists expanded our statewide footprint by practicing there full-time, providing neurohospitalist and outpatient care for stroke and other neurological conditions, conducting research and clinical trials, and opening up more opportunities for medical student and resident rotations.

A new partnership in Savannah and other hospitalsThis new partnership comes on the heels of Georgia Regents Comprehensive Stroke Center’s accreditation as an Advanced

RENOWNED STROKE CARE To learn more about GRHealth’s Comprehensive Stroke Center, call 706-721-1691. To watch a video of Dr. Hess discuss the Neuroscience Center, and for more information, visit grhealth.org/stroke.

Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission (the first in the state and the second in the Southeast) — and is another example of the innovative solutions GRHealth has advanced to improve stroke care in the state and beyond.

As one of the GRHealth neurologists on staff at St. Joseph’s/Candler, Jill Trumble, MD, who directs the movement disorders program and the general neurology outpatient clinic, says that patients and the health system both benefit when neurohospitalists are on staff. “This model is the trend in health care now,” she said. “It allows for better care and less wait times.”