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CEDARS-SINAI NEWS | LIFE | HEALTH

Cold, hard facts on cold-water exposure P. 4

LESSONS FOR LIFE A patient’s trust in her doctors helps her manage cancer—and get back to simple pleasures P. 6

FALL 2022

For one orthopaedic surgeon, good medicine is a joint effort P. 12

Volunteers support healing—and healers P. 14

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Laura Grunberger SENIOR EDITOR

Sarah Spivack LaRosa ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Cassie Tomlin Nicole Levine

PROJECT MANAGER

Karen Link DESIGN

DISTINC_ CONTRIBUTORS

Lisa Fields Victoria Pelham Carrie St. Michel Rosanna Turner EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL NETWORK

Jill Martin

VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC INTEGRATION, CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL NETWORK

Mary Clare Lingel

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS

Duke Helfand

cedars-sinai.org/csmagazine Cedars-Sinai is published three times a year. TO UNSUBSCRIBE please go to giving.cedars-sinai.org/unsubscribe Provide the code that appears above your name, your full name as listed on the mailing, your mailing address, your email, title of piece received and request type (unsubscribe from all Cedars-Sinai mailings or only Cedars-Sinai). MAIL

Senior Editor 6500 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1900 Los Angeles, CA 90048 EMAIL groupeditorial@cshs.org ©2022 by Cedars-Sinai. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical advice. It has not been designed to replace a physician’s medical assessment and medical judgment. Always consult first with your physician regarding anything related to your personal health. Cedars-Sinai does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex in admission, treatment or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the public civil rights coordinator at 310-423-7972.

CEDARS-SINAI NEWS | LIFE | HEALTH

FALL 2022

HERE & NOW

12 A LIFE IN RHYTHM

For one orthopaedic surgeon, good medicine is a joint effort

2 NEWS FEED

Stories from the Cedars-Sinai landscape

PREPARE & PREVENT

LIFE & HEALTH

Cold-water exposure is trending, but little research has confirmed its benefits

JoAnn Wesley, 75, put faith in her guiding principles and her doctors to overcome a complex cancer diagnosis

JUST LESSONS CHILLING? FOR LIFE

16 AT-AGLANCE

Busting myths about natural deodorant, recognizing early signs of depression and anxiety in kids and teens, research on racial disparities in cancer treatment and more

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NEWS FEED

STORIES FROM THE CEDARS-SINAI LANDSCAPE

EAST HOLLYWOOD

Cedars-Sinai employees volunteered to make care packages for My Friend’s Place, which supports kids experiencing homelessness.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

Taylor Forman holds her son, Asher Forman, born in July, and her father, Jeff Paul, holds a picture of his father, Arnold Paul (pictured with wife, Yvette). All were born at Cedars-Sinai.

Thanks to an unprecedented $100 million gift from the Shapell Guerin Family Foundation, Guerin Children’s—a new, state-of-the-art pediatric facility—began welcoming patients this summer. The space is designed to maximize the comfort of our young patients and their families.

SANTA MONICA

Cedars-Sinai physicians Dr. Irina Dralyuk (second from left) and Dr. Anjaparavanda Naren (second from right) volunteered at the Greater Los Angeles Great Strides fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at Crescent Bay Park.

WEST ADAMS

After a two-year pandemic hiatus, free Cedars-Sinai Healthy Habits exercise in the park classes returned for the summer.

MANHATTAN BEACH

Cedars-Sinai clinicians, including Dr. Michael Manuel, rode in the 10th annual Skechers Tour de Pier stationary cycling event, which raised more than $1 million for cancer charities. 2

CEDARS-SINAI — FALL 2022

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute sponsored the 2022 West Coast Lifeguard and Junior Lifeguard Championships as part of its partnership with the California Surf Lifesaving Association.

TORRANCE

Sarandon Bracero was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 42—before she was even old enough to qualify for screening. Sarandon, a dancer who exercises daily, underwent chemotherapy and surgery. She is now cancer-free and participating in a Cedars-Sinai clinical trial to monitor for signs of cancer recurrence. “You really need to listen to your body,” Sarandon says. “If something is off, don’t assume it will correct itself.”

PASADENA

Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai, honored scientist and activist Dr. Jane Goodall with an honorary Heart of Huntington Award in recognition of her support for hospital caregivers.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

Kathy Patrick (right) donates quilts to patients in the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, including Kathy Engelberg (left). “My hope is that the quilts bring comfort to these people, for whom I know radiation and chemotherapy are scary,” she says.

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PREPARE & PREVENT

JUST CHILLING? Cold-water exposure is trending, but little research has confirmed its benefits.

by Lisa Fields

as someone in your social media feed been touting the benefits of cold-water plunges or ice baths lately? Cold exposure has been trending on TikTok and other platforms, with enthusiasts claiming that the practice helps them feel happier, healthier and more energized. There may be minor benefits to cold-water exposure, but very little research has confirmed the advantages. You may or may not want to withstand the discomfort of a chilly dunk for uncertain rewards. “Nobody knows exactly why it even helps you,” says Tracy Zaslow, MD, a primary care sports medicine physician at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute. “Maybe it’s changes in adrenaline or cortisol— or even dopamine. There are a lot of hypotheses, as opposed to data.” 4

CEDARS-SINAI — FALL 2022

For years, professional athletes have been submerging in postgame ice baths to reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles. But the practice has expanded to a growing number of nonathletes, many of whom practice advice shared by Wim Hof, an extreme athlete from the Netherlands who’s best known for withstanding freezing temperatures while swimming and hiking. “His name is almost synonymous with the practice, although not everybody’s following the specific Wim Hof Method,” Dr. Zaslow says. “He’s considered one of the leaders of the movement.”

WHAT RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT COLD EXPOSURE

The popularity of cold-water exposure has outpaced research into the subject. Of all the possible benefits of cold exposure, soothing sore muscles may be backed with the most evidence. “There have been a couple of studies showing that there may be some decreased soreness after people were immersed in cold water for about 10 minutes versus those who did not do any cold therapy,” Dr. Zaslow says. “When you’re in cold water, your blood vessels constrict, so there’s less blood flow to the area. Then there’s less swelling and inflammation, leading to less pain.” Many people claim that cold exposure helps boost moods, but this hasn’t been proven. “The study that showed it might be helpful for mental health looked at people who took a course in swimming in cold seawater,” Dr. Zaslow says. “But exercise can improve your mood and wellbeing. To me, it’s a soft case that it was the cold water providing the aid.” The same is true of longevity claims. (Picture older men who assert that their morning swim in a cold lake helped them reach their 80s.) “I haven’t studied these claims, but I say it was the swimming,” Dr. Zaslow says. “I don’t know if the temperature of the water matters. Physical activity has been shown to extend lifespan, so it’s hard for me to say if it’s physical activity versus the cold.” Some people practice cold exposure to boost the immune system, but the research isn’t definitive. “The idea would be that the cold water is stimulating your immune system,” Dr. Zaslow says. “If a decrease in colds or other viral illnesses is noted, it could be the cold-water immersion, but most likely, there are many factors that contribute.” RISKS OF AN ICY PLUNGE

Cold-immersion tubs are popping up in gyms, spas and other locations, but are they worth trying? As with other health and fitness fads, ask your doctor first. Risks associated with cold exposure include frostbite, hypothermia, heart arrhythmias and even heart attacks. “It’s not a completely benign activity,” Dr. Zaslow says. “Talk to your doctor to make sure that no harm comes from a fun activity that is intended to help your health.” Researchers haven’t determined an ideal amount of time to submerge or a preferred water temperature. “Some studies are looking at freezing temperatures,” Dr. Zaslow says. “A lot of them are looking at 50 to 70 degrees, so the recommendations are all over the place.”

BEST COLD-EXPOSURE PRACTICES

If you’re curious about cold exposure, build up your tolerance gradually, and don’t stay submerged for more than 10 or 15 minutes to avoid complications. “Working toward your goal slowly is the way to go,” Dr. Zaslow says. “Start with a few minutes at a time and add to that so that you can acclimate yourself over weeks.” Afterward, warming up properly should help you avoid harm. “When you get out, you want to immediately take off the wet clothes and put on warm, dry layers and drink something warm,” Dr. Zaslow says. “You don’t want to jump into a flaming hot shower right away. That will cause your blood vessels to relax or dilate, and you could pass out.” Sitting in cold water may not be as beneficial as exercising in cold water, so cold plunge tubs may not be worthwhile. “A cold plunge tub is like a one-man hot tub, but it’s freezing,” says Dr. Zaslow. “I would definitely advocate for physical activity to promote strength and health. The exercise is probably the big key to gaining health benefits, whether immersing in cold water or not.”

“ Cold-water immersion is not a completely benign activity. Talk to your doctor to make sure that no harm comes from a fun activity that is intended to help your health.” —Dr. Tracy Zaslow

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LIFE & HEALTH

CEDARS-SINAI — FALL 2022

LIFE LESSONS A patient with a complicated cancer diagnosis trusts in her doctors. by Cassie Tomlin photos by Alexis Hunley

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t 75, JoAnn Wesley lives by these guiding principles: “Everybody needs somebody to show them love and Know when to have faith and take your hands off a care, and I have so many who do that,” JoAnn says. problem. Even when you’ve spent your last, give freely. “And I’m thankful I’m still here, at least for one more day An attitude of gratitude will attract even more happiness. and one more night.” Sitting in her daughter’s home in Northridge on a balmy afternoon, JoAnn’s faith and optimism abound: ROUGH LANDING “Honey, I have no complaints,” she says. “If I was not JoAnn was born in Arkansas and grew up in Muskegon, feeling good—and I am—I still would have no Michigan, where she spent summers picnicking on complaints, because God has been good.” Lake Michigan with her four younger siblings. After Yet in January 2020, barely a month after she’d moved high school, she worked in aerospace fabrication to Los Angeles and two months before pandemic manufacturing jet engine parts. She’s long retired, but shutdowns, a health crisis caught JoAnn totally off guard. JoAnn still stops to gaze up at airplanes; she loves to One afternoon, she developed a violent stomachache contemplate the hands that so skillfully turned them and had trouble breathing. She swore she was fine, from melted metal to lofty machines. but her daughter called an ambulance, and not a minute Over the past couple of decades, JoAnn and her sister too soon. At a nearby emergency room, scans detected Shirley Booker kept each other company in their small a life-threatening pulmonary embolism—a blood clot city—thrift shopping and occasionally keeping tabs on in her lung. In the intensive care unit, special medication local funerals just in case they’d missed an obituary for broke up the clot. But scans of her abdomen showed someone they knew. But in 2019, JoAnn’s daughter there was more to worry about: several large and Kimberly Wesley, an assistant nurse manager at Cedarsconcerning masses. Sinai, suggested that it was time to slow down. Kimberly A battery of tests confirmed early ovarian cancer and encouraged her mother to move closer so they could take low-grade kidney cancer, as well as a benign growth in care of each other. That December, after some her pancreas. convincing, JoAnn left home and settled into the Faced with such dire diagnoses after a near-death bedroom Kimberly had built for her. experience, JoAnn could have slumped to the lowest But no sooner had JoAnn acclimated to the traffic and lows. But she rode it out, leaning on her faith, her family near-perfect weather than cancer diagnoses upended her and her highly synchronized squad of caregivers—who new routine. in turn relied on her perpetual trust and enthusiasm.

CEDARS-SINAI — FALL 2022

Kimberly Wesley

TOP-NOTCH TEAMWORK

(left) assembled

Immediately, Kimberly assembled a “slew of doctors” to help untangle JoAnn’s conditions. She started with Kristin Taylor, MD, a gynecologic oncologist who’d just opened an office at nearby Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, only 5 miles from home. At their first visit, the Wesleys met the brilliant surgeon they had anticipated. But as much as they were comforted by Dr. Taylor’s quiet and humble determination, they were relieved that she was so funny and encouraging. “We knew this would be complicated, and we had a lot of anxiety,” Kimberly says. “Dr. Taylor immediately took my mother on and felt like family to us. She was just as determined to get to the bottom of it as we were.” Dr. Taylor leaned into the intricacy of her patient’s situation and collaborated with JoAnn’s other specialists to determine which cancer to address first, and how. “It was a messy puzzle to sort out—but it’s my job to work through those complexities and reassure my patients they’re in good hands,” Dr. Taylor says. “At first, I may not have all the answers, but I have a plan to get them as best I can, with a top-notch team. We put our heads together and do the work in the background so we can walk patients through step by step.” In June 2020, Dr. Taylor removed the tumor in JoAnn’s ovaries. For two weeks, JoAnn was hospitalized. There without family due to COVID-19 protocols, she was lonely, but she made it through. Chemotherapy treatments at Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Tarzana lasted until

"a slew" of CedarsSinai doctors to help untangle her mother’s conditions.

COMPLETE CANCER CARE IN TARZANA JoAnn chose Dr. Taylor as her doctor because she’s close to home—but the two connected for so much more. Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center is home to leading-edge, comprehensive cancer care serving the San Fernando Valley and beyond. Patients have access to a vast network of top surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who develop personalized care to achieve the best possible outcomes. Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center specialists provide the full spectrum of cancer support services and treatment on-site, including dedicated and compassionate geneticists, nutritionists, case managers, social workers, rehabilitation experts and physical therapists. Patients receive complete, quality care at one central hub.

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November 2020. That December, Amit Gupta, MD, an expert in urologic oncology at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, removed the cancer in her kidneys. Doctors are monitoring her pancreas, and she’s now cancer-free. “My doctors and my nurse Sharlene Batres checked on me every day and kept Kim updated,” JoAnn says. “It was overwhelming being away from my family, but all my caregivers are so kind and interested in the best care for me.” MANY MILESTONES

Dr. Taylor says JoAnn can attribute her recovery, at least in part, to the open and trusting relationship between her family and physicians. “JoAnn is incredibly centered and calm—she inherently trusted us, which felt really good,” she says. “I always wanted to do my best for her, as I do for all my patients.” JoAnn continues to see Dr. Taylor every three months. At appointments, while they celebrate JoAnn’s continued health, they celebrate Dr. Taylor’s successes as well. Through the course of her treatment, JoAnn has cheered as Dr. Taylor got engaged, married and had her first child. “She watched it all unfold and was really excited for me,” Dr. Taylor says. “To celebrate personal milestones and be able to share them is really special. JoAnn is like an adopted grandma to me.”

CEDARS-SINAI — FALL 2022

“

We put our heads together and do the work in the background so we can walk patients through step by step.

”

— Dr. Kristin Taylor

JoAnn’s family

STILL BLOOMING

and friends

These days, it doesn’t take much to make JoAnn happy: She goes to church, pokes around thrift shops, feeds the ducks at a nearby park and picks out bright, floral outfits to wear to her appointments. She’s prone to fits of laughter and often can be caught burying banana peels, despite her daughter’s protests, in her potted petunias, geraniums and impatiens to fertilize the soil. She’s grateful for her doctors, who took charge but always considered her wishes. She’s grateful for Eldridge Hodge, Kimberly’s boyfriend, who cooks for her every day; Nakoya Summers, her granddaughter, who takes her on outings and to appointments; and Shirley, who came to Northridge to care for her for months. Mostly, she’s grateful for Kimberly. “To have my daughter to take care of me toward the end of my life is a blessing,” JoAnn says. “If I left this world today, I could say I had a wonderful life.”

rallied around her to support her healing.

KRISTIN TAYLOR, MD Dr. Taylor joined Cedars-Sinai in 2019. She graduated from Weill Cornell Medicine and completed her residency at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and her fellowship at University of California, San Diego Health. She grew up in the small town of Charleston, Illinois. Because she knows how difficult it can be to access quality care outside city centers, providing patients with the best care close to home is a mission near to her heart. Dr. Taylor, her husband and their 1-year-old daughter love to listen to the birdsong from their home in peaceful Benedict Canyon, but they also appreciate that they’re just 15 minutes from the city, where they enjoy weekend brunches.

Scan the QR code to make an appointment with Dr. Taylor.

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HERE & NOW

A LIFE IN RHYTHM For one orthopaedic surgeon, good medicine is a joint effort.

by Sarah Spivack LaRosa photos by Bill Pollard

CEDARS-SINAI — FALL 2022

ean Rajaee, MD, is a team player. Captain of the drum line in high school, he still relishes the flow of a squad all working in unison. “When you have 10 people playing on a drum line, it doesn’t work if one person is on their own vibe,” Dr. Rajaee says. “It’s the same kind of precise performance in the operating room. I really enjoy seeing the energy and synergy happening. When you put your hand out and someone knows what to hand you because they know what you’re thinking—that’s when the performance is successful.” As co-director of the Cedars-Sinai Center for Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery and an expert orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Rajaee’s first order of business as head of a patient’s care team is to make clear exactly what joint replacement is. “People think you’re chopping out half their leg,” says Dr. Rajaee. “Really, you’re resurfacing the ends of their bones so that they don’t grind—you’re putting new tops on these bones.” A born problem-solver, Dr. Rajaee was drawn to orthopaedics while at Tufts University School of Medicine because there are often definitive solutions to healing patients’ joints. “I found it very gratifying to see someone who was unhappy with their quality of life, someone who couldn’t walk, become the happiest person in the world after the surgeon operated on them,” Dr. Rajaee says. Solutions to orthopaedic problems are getting more advanced all the time. Dr. Rajaee co-leads arthroplasty research at Cedars-Sinai, investigating how technology such as robotic-assisted surgery can improve hip- and knee-replacement techniques and outcomes. Numerous studies suggest that as many as 20% of total-kneereplacement patients are dissatisfied. This can be for a variety of reasons, and Dr. Rajaee and his team are dedicated to improving that number. “Robotic techniques are reducing the number of joint-replacement failures, and we are also hoping to improve the number of people who show early recovery,” Dr. Rajaee says. “Cedars-Sinai is on the cutting edge of research, which means our care services are also on the forefront of what’s available.” As co-director of the Arthroplasty Fellowship, Dr. Rajaee is shaping the next generation of hip and knee specialists. “My goal is to help train them to have the best tools, skills and confidence when they leave here,” he says. While most of his surgeries use computer and robotic technology, he tailors techniques and tools to everyone he treats. “Each patient has unique needs, and I customize the care I provide for their needs and anatomy,” Dr. Rajaee says. And he is on every patient’s team for the long term.

“With every person I operate on, it’s like I married them for the rest of my life,” Dr. Rajaee says. “If that patient calls me in six years with an issue, I immediately feel a sense of responsibility.” Dr. Rajaee was drawn to medicine watching his father’s career as president and owner of an imaging facility. “I kind of grew up in the world of his office, where I was exposed to physicians, and it seemed very glamorous,” Dr. Rajaee says. “I also liked seeing a problem on an X-ray or MRI and knowing the physician could do something for that patient.” Dr. Rajaee’s foundational team was his family. A child of Iranian immigrants, he fondly remembers his early years in Arcadia, California, gathering for lively group dinners and family cruises to the Caribbean (complete with obtaining rum cake to enjoy back in the states). “Family is always there as your support. Throughout my education and medical training, I felt that encouragement,” he says. “And I’ve extended that now to what I want with my own wife and two kids.” Dr. Rajaee could easily work around the clock juggling his research, training and clinical responsibilities. But his weekends and evenings are dedicated to the home team: his wife, Ariana (“my rock”), and their two young children. His 4-year-old daughter is developing a passion for music to match her dad’s. “She lip-syncs and makes up words to songs—she’s just the most energetic little girl I’ve ever met,” Dr. Rajaee says, beaming. “No matter how inconsistent my work schedule is, I will be there for my family. They’re the base.”

TEAM CAPTAIN From high school drum line to present-day operating room, Dr. Rajaee is a pro at leading teams of people to march in the same direction. He even organized an elaborate groomsmen dance for his wife at their wedding (the viral video is highly Googleable). Here, he shares tips for helping a team deliver peak performance for peak patient satisfaction.

› › › › ›

Get all players involved and reinforce that everyone is important. Empower team members to speak up so all voices are heard. After establishing expectations and responsibilities, execute the job. When the job is done, discuss how to do it even better next time. Take time to celebrate achievements together.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Help for the Healing— and the Healers Cedars-Sinai volunteers support not just patients and visitors, but staff, too. They are recovered patients and their resilient friends, teenagers, professionals, and retirees. United by compassion—and a light blue uniform—CedarsSinai’s diverse and dedicated volunteer force is the gentle current of help for patients, visitors and staff alike. Volunteers attend to families in surgical waiting areas, deliver flowers and medications, and play musical instruments for patients. They’re driven by their deep connections to Cedars-Sinai—and the scientifically proven mood boost associated with continued acts of service. And Cedars-Sinai employees are eager to give time and energy, too. Hundreds of staff volunteers clean up the L.A. River or feed Angelenos in need at monthly events that deepen the medical center’s connection to community partners. This work is never done: Cedars-Sinai is always accepting applications for new volunteers. Apply online at cedars-sinai.org/volunteer-services, or for more information, call 310-423-8044.

BY THE NUMBERS

volunteer pianists play for patients, visitors and staff in the central lobby

198

high school students volunteered over the summer for community service credit and hands-on healthcare experience

460

shifts recorded over six months by specially trained volunteers who assist older patients who would otherwise be alone in the Emergency Department

108,043

hours logged by volunteers at the medical center from July 2021 to June 2022 14

CEDARS-SINAI — FALL 2022

AT-A-GLANCE

Anxiety and Depression in Youth Untreated mental health challenges can lead to poor physical health and chronic disease—even in children and teens. Many young patients are only diagnosed with anxiety disorders or depression when families notice behavioral problems—but these aren’t the only indicators of social and emotional distress. Parents and caregivers should learn the early signs of anxiety and depression and seek help when kids need it, says CedarsSinai pediatrician Frances Pang, MD. RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS Pediatricians regularly screen all patients 12 and older for depression—and a federal task force now suggests they also check for anxiety in patients 8 and older. Look for subtle shifts in kids and teens that could signal a serious issue, like changes in sleep habits or appetite; increased headaches, stomachaches and tantrums; or a decline in school performance. It’s normal for young people to get sad, angry or worried after a bad test score or an argument with a parent—but when the stress subsides, they should bounce back, Dr. Pang says. If symptoms persist or your child or teen loses interest in fun for more than two weeks, consult your pediatrician. INTERVENE APPROPRIATELY Following an anxiety or depression diagnosis, physicians can help families identify an appropriate mental health professional— depending on the patient’s symptoms and family’s needs—who can recommend treatments and behavioral modifications. Older children and teens can even meet with a therapist virtually. If a psychiatrist determines that a young patient should try medication, even for a short while, physicians will first assure the patient is otherwise healthy. MOVE FORWARD Grief, divorce and other upheavals can impact your child or teen’s mental health, but young people can also spiral over smaller struggles, like disputes with friends. In every instance, seek solutions together, with guidance from a physician.

“ Children and adolescents are in a huge period of growth and development. If anything is holding them back, we want to get on top of it right away.”

Research Roundup RACIAL DISPARITIES SHOW UP IN CANCER TREATMENT Black and Latino patients sometimes miss out on lifesaving liver cancer treatment, according to a Cedars-Sinai study that analyzed national data. These patients were less likely to receive immunotherapy compared with white patients, even though immunotherapy is more effective than traditional chemotherapy for advanced-stage liver cancer. Historically, racial and ethnic minorities have been underrepresented in clinical trials for cancer. The research team says a comprehensive approach is needed to eliminate disparities in access to experimental treatments. AI EXPANDS KNOWLEDGE Cedars-Sinai clinicians are harnessing artificial intelligence to expand knowledge about devastating medical problems. Heart: Researchers are using AI to sort through heart scans to predict heart attack risk, analyze echocardiograms to better detect rare conditions, and eventually distinguish between risk of fatal and treatable sudden cardiac arrest. Stroke: Radiologists have developed AI to make detection of life-threatening strokes quicker and more accurate. The software processes CT scans to detect blood clots that travel to the lungs and other conditions, flagging the most dangerous cases. Cancer: Collaborators have developed AI software that could one day predict, based on CT scans, a patient’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer. SERENITY LOUNGES REDUCE STRESS IN NURSES A nurse-led study shows that “Serenity Lounges”— break rooms equipped with massage chairs and other relaxation tools—reduced feelings of stress, anxiety and burnout among nurses. When nurses used a massage chair for as little as 10 minutes, it provided them with mental and emotional relief, allowing them to return to patient care better equipped to handle stress. ROBOTICALLY ASSISTED, MINIMALLY INVASIVE LUNG TRANSPLANTS ARE HERE The Smidt Heart Institute team at Cedars-Sinai performed the first-ever robotically assisted lung transplant earlier this year. Minimally invasive surgery uses incisions of 3 inches or less, cutting procedure time by about five hours. The robotic method adds two tiny “porthole” incisions to make way for a camera and robotic instruments. This allows for more precise movements, which speeds recovery.

—Dr. Frances Pang @CEDARSSINAI

AT-A-GLANCE

Sniffing Out the Truth About Natural Deodorant

It’s no secret that natural products often imply they’re safer or healthier than their traditional counterparts. When it comes to deodorants and antiperspirants, you’re right to be on guard. Claims that natural deodorants are safer or healthier don’t pass the smell test. “Some of the enthusiasm for natural deodorants seems to be driven by fears and myths that have been repeatedly debunked,” says Nabeeha Siddiqui, MD, a Cedars-Sinai primary care physician in Culver City. “You won’t find any solid scientific or medical evidence showing these deodorants are better for you.” Picking a natural deodorant because you like its scent or how it works for you is a valid choice, she says. But being scared by dubious claims, well, stinks. FACT: ANTIPERSPIRANTS ARE SAFE, EVEN IF THEY CONTAIN ALUMINUM. Rumors persist that antiperspirants containing aluminum are linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute conducted independent investigations and agree that there is no credible scientific evidence that breast cancer and antiperspirants are linked. Studies also debunked the link between aluminum in antiperspirants and Alzheimer’s.

“ Some of the enthusiasm for natural deodorants seems to be driven by fears and myths that have been repeatedly debunked.” — Dr. Nabeeha Siddiqui

Unlike natural deodorants—which don’t block sweating but instead mask or prevent odor—antiperspirants are considered over-the-counter drugs that are subject to FDA regulation. FACT: “NATURAL” IS AN EMPTY TERM. The FDA has never established a regulatory definition for “natural” in cosmetic products like deodorant. Any personal care product can claim to be “natural,” Dr. Siddiqui notes. FACT: EVEN “NATURAL” PRODUCTS CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE SKIN REACTIONS. Skin irritation and allergic reactions are the most common health issues caused by antiperspirants and deodorants—and they can happen with traditional or natural products, Dr. Siddiqui says. Ultimately, what you swipe under your arms to feel comfortable—whether it’s an aluminum-containing antiperspirant, natural deodorant or nothing at all—is a personal choice. Check labels to sniff out any ingredients you have known sensitivities to and pick the one that works best for you.

CEDARS-SINAI — FALL 2022

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FRANCES PANG, MD p. 15

KRISTIN TAYLOR, MD p. 11

WEEKDAYS, NOON – 9 P.M.; WEEKENDS, 9 A.M. – 6 P.M.

8501 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 201 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-385-3345

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SEAN RAJAEE, MD p. 12

18133 Ventura Blvd., Suite 300 Tarzana, CA 91356 818-981-3818

PEDIATRICS

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

18133 Ventura Blvd., Suite 401 Tarzana, CA 91356 310-423-9825 NABEEHA SIDDIQUI, MD p. 16 PRIMARY CARE

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GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

BEVERLY HILLS 8767 Wilshire Blvd. 2nd Floor Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-248-7000

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PLAYA VISTA 12746 W. Jefferson Blvd. Suite 2000 Playa Vista, CA 90094 424-315-2220

Holiday hours may vary. Please check our website for more information.

TRACY ZASLOW, MD p. 4

PEDIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE

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