Central Florida Health News June 2022

largest Asian restaurant company, is now open in Jacksonville. This is the 36th store in the US, as well as the first in the state and Southeast US. It opened to the public on March 18, 2017.

Jacksonville is the most populous city in the Sunshine State, as well as home to the largest FilipinoAmerican community in Florida. The longawaited arrival of Jollibee in the city has

get to try Jollibee's signature menu items such as the world famous Chickenjoy. This dish is delicately breaded to be crispylicious on the outside and juicylicious inside. The well-loved Jolly Spaghetti is a favorite of both kids and kids-at-heart because of its signature sweetstyle sauce, loaded with chunky slices of savory ham, ground meat, and hotdog. Other classic menu favorites include the juicy and cheesy Jolly Hotdog, and the Peach Mango Pie, which is made with real Philippine sweet mangoes and a flaky golden brown crust.

tude of excited Jollibee patrons waiting to get their hands on their Jollibee favorites, but also first-timers waiting to have their own Jollibee experience," said Jose Miñana, Jollibee Foods Corporation's Group President for North America. "There's no greater joy for us than serving the needs and tastes of Jollibee fans in the community. At Jollibee, we aim to bring families together for happy moments over great tasting food with superior value, served with warm and friendly service – our own brand of joy."

The brand has become a symbol of nostalgia and warm childhood memories for many overseas Filipinos in the U.S. To many, Jollibee is the go-to restaurant of Filipinos for both special

volume 12 | issue 4 | june 2022

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Men’s Health

EDITION

THE LOWDOWN ON LOW TESTOSTERONE See JOLLIBEE page 15

ENROLL PAGE 12

THE ENDORSED PUBLICATION OF THE POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

HEALTH CARE FOR MEN IS NO JOKE!

Top 3 Things Men Over 45 Need to Do

EASING THE URGE

Treatment Options For Enlarged Prostate

POP QUIZ: SAY WHAT?!

Hearing Loss Facts That May Surprise You

Aging and Decreased Hormone Production

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2017 forecast:

ARNP, FNP-C

Roan Cadavona,

Ritu Aparajita,

Kollagunta Chandrasekhar,

Nurse Practitioner Vascular Surgeon Cardiologist

MD, FACC

• Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine • Executive Director the Heart Function Clinic, Low Risk Chest Pain Center and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital • President of Medical Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital • Chairman of Cardiology for Lake Wales Medical Center • Clinical Associate Professor, FSU College of Medicine

A Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who earned her MBBS at University of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center and a residency in general surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey. She’s co-authored more than two dozen journal articles. She was recently nominated for the American Medical Association Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession.

Ritu Aparajita, MD, RPVI

…brings a high level of education and experience in Cardiac Catheterization, Electrophysiology and working in the Cardiovascular Progressive Care unit. He serves a vital role in providing patients with optimal cardiovascular care through counselling and screening, as well as disease prevention and management strategies.

• Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner • Member of Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

8 10 Pop Quiz!

14 The Lowdown on Low T

7 HEALTH COMMUNITY LETTER 15 HEALTHY AGING 5 PCMA LETTER 16 CALENDAR 6 BODY, MIND & SPIRIT 18 HEALTHY COOK 4 PUBLISHER’S

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page 11

See JOLLIBEE

been the talk of the town since 2016.

With the openin "As Jollibee g, Floridi get to try debuts in Florida Jollibee's signatu ans will anticipate seeing , we items such re menu not only a as the world tude of excited multiJollibee patron famous Chickenjoy. ing to get their This dish is s waithands on their delicately bread ed to favorites, but Jollibee be also first-tim on the outside crispy liciou s ers waiting to have their and juicylic own Jollibe ious inside. The e experience," said well-loved Jose Miñan Jolly Spaghetti is a a, Foods Jollibe favorite of both Corporation's e kids Group Preside and kids-at for North nt -heart becaus America. "There e of its signatu greater joy 's no for us than re sweetserving the needs and style sauce, loaded tastes with the community. of Jollibee fans in chunky slices of savory At Jollibee, we bring familie aim to ham, ground s together meat, for happy moments over and hotdog. great tasting Other food with superior value, classic menu served with faand friendly warm vorites include service – our the own brand of joy." juicy and cheesy The brand has Jolly Hotdo g, become a symbo nostalgia and the Peach Mango and l of warm childho Pie, od memwhich is made ories for many with overseas Filipin the U.S. To many, Philippine sweet real os in Jollibee is the restaurant of goes and a flaky mango-to Filipinos for golden both special brown crust.

STEAKHOUSE

Jollibee's U. S. with first Fl expansion continues orida locatio n opening

Jacksonville, FL - After much ipation and anticexcitement, Jollibee largest Asian restaurant compa , the now open in ny, is Jacksonville.

This is the 36th store in the US, as well as the first in the state and Southeast US. It opened to the public on March 18, 2017.

Jacksonville is the m ost populous city in the Sunshine State, as well as home to the largest Filipin American comm ounity in Florida. The longawaite d arriva l of Jollibee in the city has

Appetizers:

Rockville, MD American cuisine - When it comes to , there are few more iconic things than slabs of marble steakhouses. The d grills, the oozing meat, the sizzling butter, and ping bravad o, maybe even the driphat or two for a cowboy ambiance—i t's to make even fictional steako enough Swanson mistyphile Ron eyed.

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Health Care for Men Is No Joke!

As we age, our bodies change, and so do the needs our bodies have. Some aspects of aging are different for men than they are for women. Central Florida Health Care nurse practitioner Huey Metts discusses the three most important things men older than 45 should be doing for their health. Read more, page 9.

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Men’s Health

Hormone Prod

d uction

THE LOWDOWN LOW TESTOS ON Aging and Decr TERONE ease

EDITION

19 20 20 22

E ONE! THE ENDO RSED PUBL ICATION OF POLK COUN TY MEDICAL THE ASSOCIATI ON

Top 3 Things Men Over 45 Need to Do

HEALTH CARE FOR MEN IS NO JOK E!

Treatment Optio URGE ns For Enlarged Prost ate

EASING THE

Hearing Loss FactsWHAT?!

That May Surpr ise You

POP QUIZ: SAY

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Meet Your Providers…

K.S. Chandrasekhar, MD, FCC

Hearing loss is a problem that affects nearly 50 million Americans, and many don’t know their hearing loss is having a negative impact on other aspects of their lives. Unfortunately, there are many common misunderstandings and myths concerning hearing loss. Take our quiz and test yourself on the ins and outs of hearing loss.

Easing the Urge

Like many men, John Sutphin first began to notice he was having a bit of difficulty urinating when he was in his 40s, but he didn’t consider it serious enough for medical treatment.

Sutphin consulted BayCare Medical Group’s Dr. Kenneth Essig, a Winter Haven urology specialist. We spoke with Essig to learn about common treatments for enlarged prostate.

In recent years, low testosterone has gained awareness thanks to increased coverage in the news and media. To better understand the impact of testosterone levels in men, we spoke with Watson Clinic urologist Dr. Mark Swierzewski.

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I

f you’re anything like me, you probably put off going to the doctor until it’s absolutely necessary. The problem with that is that bodies are a bit like cars in that preventive maintenance and regular checkups become even more important as we age.

Research shows that men, in particular, are less likely than women to visit doctors for checkups, preventive care, mental health, and injuries. Often, that care is critical to a longer, healthier life.

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Juanita Halter, Cinda Shelby

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Because June is the month when we take a closer look at health issues that affect men, I want to hammer home a most basic, essential point: Men, take care of your health. Here is a simple checklist for age-appropriate care.

Erika Aldrich, Mary Joye, LMHC, Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, Dr. Joy Jackson, Paul Catala

•B lood Pressure: Get screened annually starting at age 40. (If you have high blood pressure, you may need to be checked every year.)

Ritu Aparajita, MD; Dr. Alex Kennon, MD; Chelsea Hollier, OD

• Colon Cancer: Get screened regularly starting at age 45, but start earlier if your family has a history of colon cancer.

• Cholesterol Screening: Get screened every five years starting at age 35. (If you have high cholesterol, you may need to get checked more often.)

• Diabetes Screening: Get screened every three years starting at age 44.

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

CONTRIBUTING ARTIST Dawn Lewandowski

DELIVERY DLS Distribution Published by Central Florida Media Group in cooperation with the Polk County Medical Association

• General Checkup: Get screened every three years.

• Osteoporosis Screening: Discuss with your doctor if you’re 50 or older.

• Prostate Cancer Screening: Consult your doctor starting at age 55.

Wear Blue Day is Friday, June 17. Whether you do it for yourself or your friend, brother, dad, boyfriend, spouse, or boss, show them you care about them and their health by wearing blue. As always, thanks for reading Central Florida Health News. HN MS. KAIA 4 | CFHN

56 Fourth Street Northwest, Suite 100 Winter Haven, Florida PHONE 863.248.7537 Copyright © 2022 Central Florida Media Group. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This issue of Central Florida Health News is a trademark of Central Florida Media Group. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. Central Florida Health News makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. In the event of an error found herein however, neither the publishers or advertisers will be held responsible, nor do the publishers accept any liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in advertising and promotional materials. Furthermore, the opinions and claims expressed in advertisements and promotional materials do not necessarily reflect those of the Polk County Medical Association or Central Florida Media Group and do not imply an endorsement.

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INTRODUCTION

PCMA LETTER

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POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 4315 Highland Park Blvd, Suite B Lakeland, Florida 33813 863-644-4051

2022 OFFICERS JAMES J. BOOKER, MD President

GEORGE LYLE, MD Secretary

STUART PATTERSON, MD Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES RALPH NOBO, JR., MD, Chair

GEORGE LYLE, MD STUART PATTERSON, MD GARY SCHEMMER, MD SERGIO SEOANE, MD ARVIND SONI, MD

Y

ou probably already know that June is when we celebrate Father’s Day, but did you know it’s also an important month for men’s health? June is Men’s Health Month, making it a great time for us here at Central Florida Health News to highlight issues of particular importance to men.

One common health issue that men often encounter as they age is an enlarged prostate. This condition causes weak urine streams and other urinary symptoms, including increased frequency. In this edition, we speak with BayCare Medical Group urologist Dr. Kenneth Essig about potential treatments for these symptoms.

If you’re a middle-aged man, you may be wondering what specific aspects of your health you should

— — — — — —

JACKIE COURTNEY Executive Director 4315 Highland Park Blvd Suite B Lakeland, Florida 33813

Sincerely,

James J. Booker, MD

be more attuned to. That’s where Huey Metts comes in. Metts is a nurse practitioner with Central Florida Health Care, and we had the opportunity to pick his brain about what he considers to be the most important things men older than 45 should be doing for their health.

Another common concern of men as they reach their 40s and beyond is hormone levels — specifically testosterone. Inside, Watson Clinic urologist Dr. Mark Swierzewski explains the symptoms of low testosterone and when to seek advice.

Last but not least, don’t forget to test your skills with our Pop Quiz, which focuses on common hearing loss myths. You may be surprised by some of them! HN

Some of the benefits of a PCMA membership include the following: ✱ Physician referrals ✱ Medical malpractice discounts with The Doctors Company ✱ Ongoing relevant communication ✱ Access to CME Programs ✱ Workers compensation insurance benefits ✱ Complimentary Socials/ dinners ✱ Strong PCMA physician representation in Central Florida Health News and Central Florida Doctor publications ✱ Listing advantages in the annual Central Florida Physicians Directory & Medical Providers Guide ✱ Physician and medicine advocacy at all legislative levels.

If you’d like more information about becoming a PCMA member or need to check your membership status for renewal, contact our Executive Director Jackie Courtney at (863) 644-4051 or email director@ polkcountydoctors.com.

James J. Booker, MD

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Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Winter Haven President, Polk County Medical Association

CFHN | 5

PCMA LETTER

BODY, MIND & SPIRIT

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health Help for Men

by MARY JOYE, LMHC

M

en have significantly been less likely to seek mental health help due to the stigma of what constitutes selfconfidence and bravery. It is an old joke that men do not like to ask for directions. They are taught from childhood to be strong, never wrong or lost. To a man, admitting you’re lost is tantamount to announcing incompetence or an inability to navigate simple geography.

This was a bigger problem before there was a GPS, of course, but the metaphor exposes the touchy nerve of feeling psychologically lost. Asking for mental health help can feel like a loss of manhood, and it affects the moral compass.

In truth, it takes more bravery to ask for help than to suffer in silence and an extreme case study is a proving ground of a good role model to ask for help.

Australian 60 Minutes recently interviewed Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the reporter asked him about his feelings when he went to Bucha. Zelenskyy replied, “I felt pain. I felt anger. I felt a desire for revenge. Then I felt a

lack of understanding…how could you torture that many people and do this to humanity?”

When Zelenskyy’s eyes welled up with tears, the reporter asked if being a leader was hard because you do not want to show weakness.

Zelenskyy’s answer was riveting: “I’m not afraid to show weakness…I do not want to lose my humanity. I want to keep my humanity, and getting used to war is the worst possible habit.”

So true. Getting used to keeping a stiff upper lip in the face of atrocity will serve no one and the name of his political party came from his comic parody show, Servant of the People.

In order to serve, Zelenskyy has had to plead for help. Never underestimate the power of a former comedian, as that is what he was.

They are not risk averse, and he has shown that when asking for help with his famous but darkly humorous statement, “I don’t need a ride, I need ammunition.”

Sometimes life imitates art.

Another comedian did not fare so well. Robin Williams often played a therapist in films

like Good Will Hunting. Art imitates life in this case, but the world was shocked when he took his life after a series of illnesses and rejections. Society does not “allow” men like Robin Williams to be sad. It is also known he was suffering from a degenerative brain disease, which he also hid. It could not have been easy for him to make the show go on, as sometimes it simply cannot.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in men because they choose more lethal methods than women. They also choose to selfmedicate their feelings with alcohol and drugs three times more than women do.

It is time to open the discussion and remove the stigma of mental health help for men.

Our mental health is in our brains, and our brains are in our bodies. It is physical and not merely psychological and modern science proves that more every day as brain imaging progresses. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out and ask for it. In time, the stigma will decrease as mental health awareness increases. HN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Joye, LMHC, PA, is a licensed mental health counselor with offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit winterhavencounseling.com.

6 | CFHN

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Zooming in on health in your community. photos by ADVENTHEALTH FOR WOMEN

Darth Vader and Stormtroopers visit the Da Silva family to celebrate Star Wars Day at AdventHealth for Women.

ewborn baby boy Nicolas Penagos Da Silva sporting a “Tiny Trooper” N onesie during his visit from Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers on Star Wars Day.

Darth Vader and Stormtroopers visit newborn baby boy Nicolas Penagos Da Silva. centralfloridahealthnews.com

ewborn baby Emanuela A Stormtrooper visits baby Emanuela N Kavaliauskas and her proud parents Kavaliauskas dressed in Star Wars R2D2 character onesie. on Star Wars Day. CFHN | 7

FEATURE PREVENTION

POP QUIZ!

compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH Information provided by AARP.org and hearinghealthfoundation.org

3. How many children ages 12 to 19 are estimated to have a sign of hearing loss in one or both ears?

A. One in five C. One in 15 B. One in 10 D. One in 20 4.

Hearing loss is caused by the cumulative effect of many different factors over time. Which of the following factors contribute to hearing loss?

A. Genetics D. Smoking and diabetes B. Certain medications E. All of the above C. Exposure to loud noises 5. True or false? Noise exposure is the most avoidable cause of hearing loss.

6. True or false?Hearing loss can have a negative effect on the rest of your health because the “cognitive load” created by hearing loss takes away resources the brain uses for other functions.

7. Hearing loss has been shown to increase one’s risk of which of the following health concerns?

A. C ognitive decline and dementia B. Falls

9.

D. All of the above. Hearing loss can be treated in most cases, improving those areas of your life that were affected.

10. A. Get it treated as soon as possible. Since your brain can lose the ability to process sounds due to hearing loss, the longer you wait to treat hearing loss, the harder it is to treat.

11. True. While our brains can “forget” how to process sounds due to hearing loss, the good news is that our brains can relearn how to hear.

8 | CFHN

8. T rue or false? Even a mild hearing loss can adversely affect your cognitive capabilities as well as your work, home, and social life.

9. Treating hearing loss and using a hearing aid properly has a correlated increase in which of the following other areas of health?

A. Outlook and mood B. Mobility and independence C. Communication and social interaction D. All of the above 10. How long should you wait to get hearing loss, even mild hearing loss, treated?

A. Get it treated as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the harder it will be to treat your hearing loss because your brain loses the ability to process sounds.

B. Get it treated after a few years because hearing aids are like glasses and will fix your hearing loss immediately.

C. You can wait as long as you want because hearing aids will restore your hearing to 100%.

D. None of the above 11. True or false? The brain’s neuroplasticity means that treating hearing loss, such as with hearing aids, allows the brain to relearn how to hear.

5. True. The most preventable cause of hearing loss is noise exposure.

6 True. Research has shown that hearing loss can have a negative effect on many other areas of your health.

7. E. All of the above. Hearing loss can negatively affect your physical, mental, and emotional health.

8. True. Hearing loss can have a negative impact on all areas of your life.

H

earing loss is a problem that affects nearly 50 million Americans, and many don’t know that their hearing loss is having a negative impact on other aspects of their lives.

Unfortunately, there are many common misunderstandings and myths concerning hearing loss. Take our quiz and test yourself on the ins and outs of hearing loss.

2. Approximately 48 million people live with hearing loss in the U.S. What percentage of those with hearing loss are younger than 65?

A. O ne-quarter, or 25 percent B. One-third, or 33 percent C. One-half, or 50 percent D. Two-thirds, or 66 percent

C. Social isolation D. Depression E. All of the above

ANSWERS: 1. False. While hearing loss is more common as we age, it does not only affect the elderly, and it can be prevented.

2. D. Two-thirds, or 66 percent. Two out of every three people in the U.S. who suffer from hearing loss are younger than 65.

3. A. One in five. In a 2010 study, one out of five children from ages 12 to 19 showed signs of some hearing loss in one or both ears.

4. D. All of the above. Hearing loss is generally caused by the cumulative effects of different factors, which is why it is common as we age.

Say What?!

These Facts About Hearing Loss May Surprise You

1. True or false? Hearing loss is an inevitable part of getting older and cannot be prevented.

centralfloridahealthnews.com

COMMUNITY HEALTH

As Men Age, Their Health Care Needs Change

by TERESA SCHIFFER sponsored by Central Florida Health Care

A

s we age, our bodies change, and so do the needs our bodies have. While this is true for everyone, there are also many differences in the way we age as individuals, depending on such factors as family history, environment, and sex. Some aspects of aging are different for men than they are for women. As June is Men’s Health Month, we spoke with Huey Metts, a nurse practitioner with Central Florida Health Care, about some of the most important things men over the age of 45 should be doing for their health.

“If a man wants to take care of his health, he needs to do three things,” Metts says. Those three things are: watch his diet, get exercise, and take all medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Metts recommends that a man eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, saying, “It doesn’t matter what you eat, as long as you eat nutritiously and don’t overeat.”

Being physically active is just as important as eating right. The key is making sure you get enough exercise.

“Exercise at least three to four times a week for 30 to 40 minutes, and if you’re over 50, you should try to incorporate at least five days.

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help control high blood pressure.”

When it comes to exercise, choosing an enjoyable activity is key to continuing with it regularly.

Establishing yourself as a regular patient with your healthcare provider can help you keep up with the various tests that are advised for men older than 45. If, for example, you have a family history of colon cancer, you should be screened regularly. Ideally, you should begin having colonoscopies performed 10 years prior to the age at which your family members were affected.

“You should walk because it’s low-impact, or you can swim or you can ride a stationary bike,” Metts suggests.

However, it’s important that men consult their primary care physician prior to jumping into an exercise routine.

“Before you start any exercise program, you need to get a checkup – a physical as well as blood work,” he explains. “You want to know if you have high cholesterol, if you are diabetic, and if you have high blood pressure.

Then you need to keep track of those tests. If you’re a diabetic, you should be seen at least three to four times a year, depending on if your diabetes is well controlled or not.”

Exercise is imperative to good health, Metts says, because you want to make sure you keep your blood pressure under 140 over 85.

“Diet and exercise will help you keep that under control. If you’re diabetic, it will help you control your diabetes. It will help you control your cholesterol, and it will definitely

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Any kind of training that you do is fantastic.”

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If you are overweight, a cardiology workup can help detect issues before they become major problems.

Kicking tobacco is always advised. As Metts explains, “If you smoke, that’s going to increase your blood pressure. It’s going to increase the chance of you losing your feet, because as you smoke it constricts your blood vessels, and that constricts the blood going to your feet. You can go blind. You can kill your kidneys, as well as give yourself a heart attack or stroke.”

Finally, if your physician prescribes a medication to take regularly, Metts urges men to do so exactly as instructed.

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FEATURE PATIENT

EASING THE URGE Urologist Explains Treatments For Enlarged Prostate

by PAUL CATALA

L

ike many men, John Sutphin first began to notice he was having a bit of difficulty urinating when he was in his 40s, but he didn’t consider it serious enough for medical treatment.

The 72-year-old retired Kissimmee police chief says he had a urinary catheter put in during triple bypass in January 2021 and experienced difficulty urinating after it was taken out.

A urinary catheter again was inserted following another three-week hospital stay, and this time he had it for four months.

That’s when Sutphin, who spent 30 years in law enforcement, says he contacted BayCare Medical Group’s Dr. Kenneth Essig, a Winter Haven urology specialist.

“I got out of the hospital with the catheter. I went through tests, bladder tests, and a urodynamic test in March 2021 – they all showed my prostate wasn’t working,” he says. “I went a few weeks later for a cystoscopy, and that’s when I realized I was going to have (prostate) surgery.”

10 | CFHN

It wasn’t long after that the Lake Wales resident joined the approximately 50 percent of men in their 50s and 75 percent of men in their 70s who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate.

“After the prostate laser surgery, about four or five days later, they took the catheter out and I was able to pee right then and I have not had a problem since. It’s like nothing ever happened to me,” he says. And that’s the result Essig of BayCare Medical Group strives to attain with all his patients.

Essig, 61, who began practicing in Winter Haven in 1997, began working in urology because of the variety of patients he treats and the ability to “fix things definitively” with solutions rather than just managing medical problems. He says preventing prostate problems, particularly regarding BPH, is almost impossible and “it’s a natural function of aging. Prevention is not really something the medical community has a handle on yet.”

Still, Essig adds there is a selection of ways to minimize the impact and the long- and shortcentralfloridahealthnews.com

which shrinks the prostate. However, those take about six months to become effective, and a patient has to be committed to taking for months or years.

If medicinal treatments aren’t as effective as they should be, Essig recommends GreenLight Laser Therapy (GLT) or UroLift.

GLT is an outpatient procedure that uses laser technology to remove overgrown prostate tissue and can restore natural urine flow sometimes within 24 hours of the procedure.

That can be contingent on a patient’s medical history and overall health condition.

DR. KENNETH ESSIG

term problems associated with BPH. Among those are a slow stream of urine; starting and stopping while urinating; the inability to empty the bladder completely; bladder irritation or discomfort; waking up multiple times at night to urinate; and the inability to control the bladder.

Essig says when a patient visits, he discusses symptoms with him and looks first for the simplest solution. He says sometimes the problem is as simple as a man is just consuming too many fluids or caffeine before going to bed, which then causes him to wake up several times a night to try to urinate.

“If they’re drinking so many fluids that their bladder and body can’t keep up with it, I just suggest to people to moderate their food, liquid, and caffeine intake. Once people do that it often takes away symptoms they thought were from an enlarged prostate, when in fact, those symptoms were just from too much caffeine and too many fluids,” says Essig, who attended the University of Cincinnati medical school from 1983 to 1988 and did his residency training there. He finished his residency at the State University of New York at Syracuse.

UroLift utilizes tiny implants to lift and hold enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it can’t block the urethra. Among the advantages of this treatment: There is no cutting, heating, or removal of prostate tissue.

Essig says to determine what treatment is best for a patient, he uses a scope to look at the bladder and inside the prostate and makes measurements to determine whether a UroLift or GLT procedure is best. He says he’s found UroLift to be 70 percent to 80 percent effective, and GLT to be about 80 percent to 90 percent effective.

The treatments, which take about 30 minutes, are done on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia. Side effects include possible burning, irritation, and blood in the urine for about a week.

“Very soon after, you should notice significant benefits to the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate,” Essig says. “They’re some

of the most common procedures. I’ve done thousands of them.”

Another procedure Essig and other urologists use for BPH is implantable InterStim Therapy, designed mostly for those who feel the need to the bathroom too often, such as five to seven times per night, every hour. Although mostly used for females, it can be used on men. InterStim Therapy targets the bladder using a device that sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves to reduce symptoms of bladder control problems.

In addition to drugs and surgical procedures to relieve BPH and problems associated with it, Essig says some diet modifications also can help, such as diets high in lycopene such as tomatoes, guavas, watermelon, papaya, and pink grapefruit.

“They may reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer. But the science on that is very vague right now,” he adds.

The bottom line for men such as Sutphin is if you find yourself with a weak urine stream, getting up frequently at night to urinate or going to the bathroom during the day due to the feeling of an incompletely empty bladder, it’s time for a check-up.

“If those are issues, then understand that’s not something that you have to tolerate and just live with. In fact, there’s medical therapy and minimally invasive outpatient procedures that can address or even cure those kinds of problems,” says Essig. HN

If the problem continues, Essig says he then begins behavioral or fluid modification before proceeding to drug treatments. He says he generally prescribes alpha-blockers, such as Tamsulosin or Rapaflo, that relax the involuntary muscles around the prostate.

“They can do wonders within a couple of days,” he explains.

Other drugs for BPH include Finasteride, centralfloridahealthnews.com

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FEATURE EDITION

THE LOWDOWN ON LOW T Understanding the Causes of Decreased Hormone Production

by TERESA SCHIFFER

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n recent years, low testosterone has gained awareness thanks to increased coverage in the news and media.

Consequently, men have been seeking treatment for low testosterone in higher numbers.

about 40 percent of men over the age of 45 thought to be affected. While a decrease in testosterone levels is a normal part of getting older, there are also some health conditions that can cause this hormone to drop.

Testosterone is the hormone that gives men their “masculine” characteristics, but it also helps maintain and develop other important physical characteristics, such as muscle mass, bone density, and adequate levels of red blood cells.

“Low testosterone is typically part of the aging process and the result of decreased production of testosterone,” Swierzewski says. “The cause of low testosterone is typically multifactorial.”

The range of testosterone considered normal is typically 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. Low testosterone, often referred to as low T, is diagnosed when levels fall below 300 ng/dL. To better understand the impact of testosterone levels in men, we spoke with Watson Clinic urologist Dr. Mark Swierzewski. Swierzewski has more than 20 years of experience in men’s health, and he’s been involved in the research and treatment of such issues as low testosterone, sexual function, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

DR. MARK SWIERZEWSKI 14 | CFHN

Low testosterone is fairly common, with

Hypogonadism, the medical term for having low testosterone, is divided into two types – primary and secondary. Primary hypogonadism is caused by a decrease in the amount of testosterone produced by the testicles. Secondary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with the pituitary gland and it is not sending out adequate messengers to the testicles to produce testosterone.

There are a number of conditions that can occur alongside hypogonadism, with diabetes being perhaps the most common.

This is why it is important to consult with a physician who is knowledgeable in the causes and treatment of hypogonadism if it is suspected that low testosterone is a centralfloridahealthnews.com

problem.

“The most common symptom of low testosterone is irritability,” Swierzewski says, “which is followed by fatigue and malaise.

Decreased cognitive function also can be a sign or symptom of low testosterone. Typically, sexual side symptoms are not as common, but lower libido or decreased sexual function can be a sign of low testosterone.”

Diabetes, sleep apnea, and mood disorders are some common factors in men that can contribute to low testosterone levels, but there are other diseases that can cause hypogonadism that a patient may not be aware of. Generally, men are not tested for testosterone levels during a routine physical examination.

However, if the patient expresses concern about symptoms associated with low testosterone, the physician may deem it wise to perform some screenings.

“Patients who are being evaluated and treated for low testosterone should be evaluated for risks of having underlying diseases,” Swierzewski says, including diabetes, sleep apnea, and mood disorders. “Patients with low testosterone should also be evaluated with a prolactin to ensure they do not have a pituitary tumor that may be causing disruption of the testosterone production access in the body. Although these prolactin producing tumors are not common, they should be part of the screening process of men with low testosterone.”

Older men who have had a testicle removed are at greater risk for low testosterone, as are individuals who have suffered a head injury that may have impacted the function of the pituitary gland. HIV can also lead to hypogonadism.

When a physician or urologist determines that low testosterone is the cause of a man’s symptoms, the most common form of testosterone replacement is an intramuscular injection of oil-based testosterone administered every week or every other week. This is the safest and most effective method of replacing testosterone and is usually covered by insurance if the patient is being treated by their regular doctor. It does not require a patient to visit a freestanding men’s health clinic, most of which are not covered by insurance plans.

There are also topical testosterone treatments available, as well as extended released implantable pellets. These treatments have various pros and cons that should be thoroughly discussed beforehand. Topical treatments can be available at a local pharmacy via prescription, whereas testosterone implants are often offered by specialists who may or may not be covered by a patient’s insurance.

When properly administered, testosterone replacement therapy has plenty of benefits.

“Properly treated low testosterone can increase a man’s feeling of well-being and stamina, and reduce the symptoms of irritability, fatigue, and malaise,” Swierzewski says. “There is some evidence of improved cognitive function as well as an ability to maintain lean body mass. Additionally, there is some evidence that it has a positive effect on diabetes. It can also improve libido and sexual function.” HN centralfloridahealthnews.com

HEALTHY AGING

Action Plan for Healthy Vision CHELSEA HOLLIER, O.D. outine eye exams can help your eye doctor prevent, diagnose, and treat vision problems and eye disease in children and adults. In addition, the National Eye Institute recommends several ways to maintain healthy vision.

1. Get an annual dilated eye exam. Having your annual eye exam done allows you to stay current on your glasses and contact lens prescriptions. Your eye doctor can detect eye disease and vision problems by dilating your eyes. Many eye diseases don’t have symptoms in their early stages but can be seen during dilated eye exams. The eye is the only place in the body blood vessels and nerves can be viewed directly, so having your eyes dilated, in some circumstances, can also reveal certain systemic diseases.

2. Know your family’s vision history. Many eye conditions (including macular degeneration, glaucoma, corneal dystrophies, keratoconus, etc.) can be hereditary. Genetics also plays a role in some eye diseases that are the leading causes of blindness, so knowing your family’s ocular history allows for an even more thorough eye exam.

3. Maintain contact lens hygiene. Maintaining contact lens hygiene can prevent eye infections.

There are a few Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to contact lens hygiene: Do: • Wash your hands before putting contact lenses in or taking them out.

• Replace your contact lens case every 1-3 months and replace your lenses based on your doctor’s recommended wearing schedule.

• Use fresh solution to clean and store contacts Don’t: • “Top off” the solution in your contact lens case.

• Wear contacts while swimming or showering.

• Share contacts with friends or family 4. Wear sunglasses outside. Ultraviolet (UV) rays exposure has been proven to be a cause of cataracts and macular degeneration. Specific lenses and sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays; look for glasses that show the UVA/UVB protection levels. Your sunglasses should protect your eyes from 99% of UVA and UVB rays.

5. Live a healthy lifestyle. Some vision problems can be caused by systemic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Eat right to protect your sight! Green leafy vegetables and foods high in omega 3s such as tuna and salmon can benefit your eyes.

Abstain from smoking, as tobacco products create a higher risk of developing cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration.

6. Give your eyes a break. Today, most people use computers and digital devices for work, school, and everyday life. Long periods of time on phones, computers, and tablets can cause eye fatigue, dry eye, and headaches. We tend to blink less often when using electronic devices, causing dry eye syndrome—making it a habit of blinking more often and using over-the-counter lubricating drops while using the computer can prevent and relieve dry eye symptoms. Don’t forget to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a rest while on the computer.

In addition to getting routine exams, visit your eye care professional if you have: • Sudden decreased vision • Eye pain • Drainage or redness of the eye • Double vision • Floaters (tiny specks that appear to float in your vision) At Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, we can help protect your vision! Call us at 800-282-3937 to schedule your next exam or visit us online at EYESFL.COM.

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This column is sponsored by Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Dr. Chelsea Hollier is a board-certified optometrist who sees patients at the Lakeland-Highlands location for Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida. She specializes in primary care optometry and is currently accepting new patients.

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June 2022 | CALENDAR RECURRING ONLINE EVENTS BrainFlex Wellness Club This “body, mind, and spirit” approach to aging well is geared towards seniors looking to stay sharp and fit as they age. The class incorporates four key concepts: exercise/meditation, social connections, interactive nutrition education, and brain training/life-long learning. The goal is to slow or prevent cognitive decline and improve quality of life. This class takes place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3876883694.

Before the class, please download and print class materials from www.BrainFlexWellness.com. If you have any other questions, please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth. com.

Caregiver Support Group – Weekly This group meets every Monday at 11 a.m. to discuss caregiver concerns and provide fellowship and support for one another. Meetings are currently taking place online using the Zoom platform. You can join the recurring meeting using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86739398714, or email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com for more information.

Diabetes Support Group Virtual On the second Monday of each month, St. Anthony’s Hospital hosts a virtual support group for diabetics from 12 – 1 p.m., led by a certified diabetes care and education specialist. Educational information is provided, followed by an open discussion. Access to a microphone and camera is required to attend this free online meeting. For more information, please call 855-269-4777 or go to www.baycare.org/events.

Functionally Fit – Virtual Exercise During this online class, participants are guided through a series of functional strength training exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness, mobility, motor control, and balance. Caregivers are encouraged to join in on the exercises. This workshop is delivered through Zoom teleconferencing platform and takes place every 3rd Thursday of the month from 2 – 3 p.m. The link to join is https://us02web. zoom.us/j/3876883694. For more information, please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com.

Monthly Caregiver Support Group

Music Therapy Join board certified music therapists on the first Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. The Maturing Minds Music Therapy group uses neurologic music therapy techniques to boost brain and behavior functions, such as memory, communication, attention, and movement. The meetings are taking place online using Zoom. The link for the recurring meeting is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3876883694. Please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com if you have any questions.

Restorative Yoga Cancer Program Virtual This is a stress reduction yoga program designed to help cancer patients cope with their treatments and improve their quality of life. Learn techniques such as regulated breathing, visual imagery, meditation, and various stretching poses to improve balance, flexibility, and strength. The class is taught by a registered yoga teacher and exercise specialist. Microphone and camera access is encouraged but not required. The free lessons will take place from 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. every Wednesday. Register online at www.baycare.org/events or call 855-269-4777 for more information.

EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS June 1 – Maternity Center Orientation Virtual Prepare for delivery at BayCare by attending a virtual tour of the Maternity Center. This is a free class for expectant mothers. One support person may also attend. The class will take place from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. There will be several more sessions throughout June as well. For more information, please visit www.baycare.org/events or call 855-269-4777.

June 2 – Supporting Motherhood & More Virtual A support group for women who are experiencing unexpected and difficult emotions related to their pregnancy and postpartum. Participants must have access to a camera and microphone in order to participate in this virtual program. The group meets online from 12 – 1 p.m., on June 2 and 6, and from 7- 8 p.m. on June 16. You can learn more and register for this free event that is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital by visiting www. baycare.org/events.

(Previously Met at Faith Assembly)

This monthly group meets to share advice and experiences, and encourage one another. The group meets at 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month using the Zoom online platform. The link to join the meeting is https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/89447209844. If you have any questions, please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com.

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centralfloridahealthnews.com

compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER

June 3 – Ribbon Cutting for Waterlake Family Dentistry At 9:30 a.m. celebrate the opening of a new and modern dental office offering personalized care in a comfortable setting to patients in Lakeland and surrounding areas. The office is located at 5347 N Socrum Loop Rd in Lakeland.

June 6 – Pregnancy and Beyond: Hypertension and Preeclampsia Virtual This is a free, informative virtual class only for expectant mothers. Learn about preeclampsia and its symptoms with the goal of protecting your health during and after pregnancy. Access to a microphone and camera is not required to attend this program, but it is encouraged. One support person may attend with the mother. This class will be held from 7 – 8:30 p.m. You can find more information and register online at www.baycare.org/events.

June 7 – Breastfeeding Support Group Virtual This is a group solely for breastfeeding mothers, to allow them a safe environment in which to support each other, assisted by certified breastfeeding consultants. Access to a camera and microphone is necessary. The free event will take place from 10 – 11 a.m. Sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. You can find more information at www.baycare.org/events/, or call 855-269-4777.

June 7 – Bariatric Support Group This free in-person support group will be held from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Mease Dunedin Hospital Physicians Office Building, Suite 400, at 646 Virginia St in Dunedin. All attendees must wear a face mask over their nose and mouth at all times while inside the building. For more information, please call 855-269-4777.

June 10 – Fitbit 101 If you have a Fitbit, bring it with you to this free in-person class to learn all about how it can help you stay healthy by monitoring your fitness. Everyone must wear a face mask over their nose and mouth at all times while inside the building. This class is offered from 1 – 2 p.m. at BayCare Health Hub (Bardmoor) TechDeck, located at 8787 Bryan Dairy Rd in Largo. You can register online at www.baycare. org/events/, or call 855-269-4777 for more information.

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June 11 – Hoopin’ for Health Basketball Tournament This is a one-day, three-on-three basketball tournament open to adults 18 years and up. Spots are limited so sign up now by searching for “Hoopin’ for Health Basketball Tournament” on www.eventbrite.com The tournament will be held at Lakeland Family YMCA, located at 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd in Lakeland, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

June 18 – Boot Camp for New Dads Virtual BayCare Health Systems is offering a virtual class just for expectant fathers, taught by a certified facilitator. Access to a camera and microphone is encouraged but not required. The $25 course will cover fatherhood, life changes, relationship changes, and hands-on experience. Previous participants will be involved with their own infants to offer their personal wisdom. You will receive course materials by mail before the class. This class will be held at 10 – 11:30 a.m. You can get more information by calling 855-2694777, or go to www.baycare.org/events to register online.

June 21 – Breastfeeding Class Part 2: Key Points and Q&A Virtual This free online class is only for expectant mothers and one support person who have completed the Understanding Breastfeeding course offered by BayCare Health System. Access to a camera and microphones is encouraged but not required. A certified lactation nurse will lead the class in reviewing the key points of breastfeeding and then answer any questions. The virtual class will take place from 6:30 – 8 p.m. For more information, you can call 855-2694777, or register online at www.baycare.org/events/.

June 24 – Stop the Bleed: Bleeding Control Basics Course From 5 – 6:30 p.m. you can learn what to do in the event of a bleeding emergency at Lakeland Regional Health, in the Kathy Hunt Conference Room, located at 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd in Lakeland. This course is designed for non-medically trained members of the community to better prepare people on how to respond to trauma. If you have any questions, please email Courtney.simmons@ mylrh.org, or go to www.eventbrite.com to register for “Virtual-Bleeding Control Basics (B-Con) Course.”

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HEALTHY COOK

Fire Up the Grill for Summer Flavor

by CAROL CORLEY

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rilling is a popular way to cook in Florida much of the year, but as summer arrives, it can turn dinner into a fun, social occasion. Instead of being isolated in the kitchen, the cook can tend to the grill while nearby guests get to smell a preview of dinner.

Before you get started, make sure the grill racks are clean and coated with vegetable spray. Don’t forget to have a squirt bottle prepared to manage flare-ups!

Dry rubs are recommended over sauces during cooking because sauces tend to char the food. Unlike the slow cooking of barbecuing, grilling uses hotter temperatures to cook foods faster and is preferred for tender meats.

A great choice to start grilling with might be lamb with rosemary.

Grilled Rosemary Lamb Chops (Adapted from food.com) Ingredients: Lamb chops, 4, about 3/4” thick Rosemary, 1-1/4 teaspoon Thyme, 1/2 teaspoon leaves Garlic, 2 teaspoons minced Olive oil, 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, 1/4 cup Sea salt to taste Cayenne pepper, 1 dash if desired

Directions: Place all ingredients except lamb in a bowl and mix well. Place chops in a zip lock bag and pour ingredients over chops, making sure to cover all sides. Marinate in the mixture at least one hour, preferably overnight.

When ready to grill, allow chops to come to room temperature, and discard marinade. Grill on the barbecue or under the broiler for about 3-1/2 minutes per side, depending on the desired degree of doneness.

No need to overcook.

Grilled Chicken Breast (Adapted from tasteofhome.com) Ingredients: Chicken breast, 4 boneless, skinless halves Lemon juice, 1-1/2 teaspoon Vinegar, 1/4 cup balsamic Olive oil, 2-1/4 tablespoons Lemon-pepper seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon Directions: First, tenderize the chicken breasts by placing them between 2 pieces of parchment or plastic and smack them a few times with a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the thicker parts of the breasts. Then place the chicken breasts in a bowl to which vinegar, oil, lemon juice, and lemon pepper have been mixed. Place covered chicken in marinade into the refrigerator for half an hour to an hour, then remove chicken breasts and discard the marinade.

Finally, on a grill preheated to medium, place the chicken breasts using tongs. Grill covered for 5-7 minutes per side.

The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165F. Allow chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Grilled Honey Balsamic Glazed Fruit (Adapted from tasteofhome.com) Ingredients: Peaches, 8 medium, halved and pitted Balsamic vinegar, 2/3 cup Honey, 2/3 cup Salt, to taste French vanilla ice cream

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Directions: Combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt in a small saucepan and cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes or until blended.

Take out 1/2 cup for brushing peaches. Then boil the remaining mixture for 4-6 minutes until it begins to thicken, and remove from heat. Brush peaches with some of the reserved balsamic mixture then grill on a greased rack over medium heat until caramelized, about 6-8 minutes on each side. While grilling, continue to brush with reserved balsamic mixture.

Serve with French vanilla ice cream and glaze.

centralfloridahealthnews.com

Meet Our Doctor HEART NEWS

Dr. Aparajita is a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon and has been serving the Polk County community for the past 1 year. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at University of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship in vascular surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York and a residency in General Surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey.

Dr. Aparajita is also a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK (MRCS Ed) and completed her Basic Surgical Training in RITU APARAJITA, MD, RPVI England soon after her medical school. ore than 25% of American seniors have diabeKSC Cardiology Dr. Aparajita is the co-author of more than two dozen journal articles, tes, and 10% to 15% of people with diabetes publications and oral presentations, including topics such as endovascular thrombosis, aortic aneurysm repair,like stroke, have legtreatment and orforfoot ulcers.

Simple things managing your diabetes and peripheral artery disease and other vascular conditions. performing daily care can helpa teaching preventposition ulcers, Additional posts and foot volunteer work include at which can be difficult to Hofstra Northwell of Medicine and as a amputation.

Member of the Public and than 80% of amputations treat and may School eventually require More Professional Outreach Committee as well as the International Relations begin withatfoot ulcers, so regimented Committee the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS).care and prevention are essential.

Dr. Aparajita was recently nominated for the American Medical Every year, more than Award 70,000that people withphysicians diabetes have a lower extremity Association (AMA) Inspiration recognizes who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical amputation. Amputation rates are two to four times greater in the black profession.

Grilled Vegetables

Key Steps for Preventing Amputations

(Adapted from food.com, Giada de Laurentis) Ingredients: Yellow squash, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, 3 each, seeded and sliced lengthwise Asparagus, 1 pound trimmed Green onions, 10, roots cut off Cremini mushrooms, 12 Rosemary leaves, 1/2 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped Basil leaves, 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped Italian parsley leaves, 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped Garlic cloves, 2 minced Olive oil, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons Salt and pepper to taste

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population than in the white population. Evidence shows that most amputations in patients with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease can indeed be prevented!

RITU APARAJITA, MD, MRCS (Ed), MBBS Tips for preventionSpecialty: of ulcers and diabetic foot amputations Vascular & Endovascular Surgery • Inspect your feet daily Wear clean dry Joining KSC Cardiology•November 9, socks 2020

Directions: Brush vegetables with 1/4 cup of oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place vegetables in batches on a grill preheated to medium-high, and grill until tender and lightly charred, about 8-10 minutes for the bell peppers, a bit less for most of the other vegetables, and only 4 minutes for asparagus and green onions.

Whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil with the balsamic vinegar and herbs in a bowl to blend, then drizzle over the vegetables.

Serve warm.

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• Wash your feet daily • Do not smoke • Do not pick at or remove calluses, • Buy shoes that fit properly corns, bunions, or warts yourself • Schedule monthly foot checkups • Trim your toenails carefully with your primary doctor or • Do not go barefoot, even around podiatrist your home Every individual who has lost protective sensation must regularly and properly examine their feet on a daily basis. This is the single-most effective way to protect feet in the absence of the pain warning system.

Footwear selection: A person with normal sensation in their feet can wear almost any shoe style with little risk of injury. However, if the patient has lost protective sensation, poorly designed or improperly fitting shoes can seriously complicate the condition of the feet. Once the patient has lost protective sensation, they should never wear narrow-toed shoes or boots, heeled shoes, shoes with vinyl tops, thongs, or any shoe that is too loose or too tight. Ideally, this person should ideally receive special assistance in selecting the appropriate style and fit of shoes. The shoes should fit the shape of the foot, and there should be at least a half-inch between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.

In addition to causing loss of protective sensation, neuropathy can also affect the autonomic nerves in the foot, which can lead to dry, cracked skin and an increased probability of foot injuries and wounds. Therefore, proper moisturizer and emollient application is of supreme importance in the prevention of ulcers.

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Contact Meghan Young | 863.354.5017 This column is sponsored by KSC Cardiology, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Dr. Aparajita is a fellowship-trained vascular and endovascular surgeon. She is a co-author of 20+ journal articles and publications and was recently nominated for an Inspiration Award by the American Medical Association (AMA).

centralfloridahealthnews.com

CFHN | 19

HEALTHY SKIN

Actinic Keratosis: What It Is and How to Treat It

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ctinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a skin condition that, when left untreated, can turn into skin cancer. It’s most ALEX W. KENNON, common in people over the age of 40 MD, FAAD who have had years of untreated sun exposure. Here’s how it can affect your life, when it’s time to see a doctor, and preventative measures you can take to avoid developing actinic keratosis.

What is the condition?

Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that forms after years of sun exposure. It can also show as hard and wart-like, and can cause itching, burning, bleeding, or crusting on the affected area. It’s most commonly found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of the hands. It grows slowly over time, getting worse as you age and through repeated sun exposure without adequate protection against UV rays. Left untreated, there’s a 5 to 10 percent chance actinic keratosis will develop into squamous cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.

When should you see a doctor?

It can be hard to evaluate at home whether a spot is cancerous or noncancerous, so it’s best to have any questionable spots evaluated by your dermatologist. Seek guidance especially if new patches arise, grow, or if bleeding occurs. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and problems are best caught early. In fact, most spots are treatable if noticed soon after arising. Squamous cell carcinoma typically is not a life-threatening cancer if detected and treated early.

What are preventative treatments?

Some people are at a predisposed higher risk of actinic keratosis, but steps can still be taken to prevent it. Those who have red or blonde hair or blue or light-colored eyes should take extra precautions, as well as those with a history of sun exposure or who freckle or burn easily in sunlight. Those who work outdoors or have a weakened immune system should also take extra care. Protect yourself by limiting sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

This column is sponsored by Lakeside Dermatology, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

Dr. Alex W. Kennon, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who is fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Florida State University and completed his dermatology residency at Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Lakeside Dermatology has offices in Sebring and Winter Haven.

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MEDICAL ADVICE

Embracing a Safety Culture

by DR. JOY JACKSON

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n the United States, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in children ages 19 and younger. In all Florida residents, unintentional injuries are the fourth-leading cause of death.

The effects of injuries can also impact the injured person’s family, friends, coworkers, employers, and communities.

Fortunately, most injuries can be prevented. June is National Safety Month, an annual observance to encourage a culture of safety and to remind everyone to play their part in preventing unintentional injuries.

Water Safety Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 through 4 in the nation. Florida has the third-highest rate of drowning deaths in the nation.

Unlike in movies, drowning can be silent.

Someone can drown quietly, in as little as 30 seconds, and in as little as one inch of water. Abide by these tips to help keep water activities fun, refreshing, and safe for the entire family: • Actively supervise children whenever in or around the water – this means scanning the pool every 30 seconds and staying within arm’s reach of any children.

• Use a Water Watcher Tag – these tags help determine a single individual who is responsible for actively supervising swimmers.

• Install barriers between homes and water sources. This could be a screen enclosure, pool fencing, self-latching gate, or a door alarm at home exit points.

• Learn CPR. • Learn to swim from a certified instructor.

Look for certified instructors for both

children and adults in your area. For a list of swim lessons available in Polk County, visit Polk.FloridaHealth.gov.

Poisoning Deaths from unintentional poisoning are the leading cause of death from unintentional injury in Florida. Included in this category are poisonings caused when an individual ingests too much of an external substance such as drugs, medications, and biological substances, but did not intend to cause harm. Young children are more likely to experience poisoning from ingesting a harmful substance, such as household cleaners, unattended medications, etc. One of the most common causes of poisoning deaths among the adult population is recreational drug poisoning or overdose.

In 2017, more than 70,000 people in the United States died from a drug overdose; 68% of those deaths involved some sort of prescription medication. Safety tips to avoid an accidental poisoning include: • Keep medicine out of sight of children, even if it is daily medication.

• Keep medicine in a medicine cabinet or locked medication box.

• Give medication to children by strictly following the dosing guide that comes with the medication.

• Choose child-resistant packaging whenever possible.

• Never refer to medication as “candy.”

• Dispose of medication safely.

• Create a secure area for household cleaners, this can be a high cabinet or the garage.

• Keep cleaning products in their original containers so they are easily recognizable. HN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Joy Jackson, an internal medicine physician, serves the community as director of the Florida department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk). For more information about DOH-Polk, visit mypolkhealth.org. Follow DOHPolk on Twitter at twitter.com/FLHealthPolk.

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Check Out Healthy and Safe Swimming!

Look at inspection scores Before heading to a public pool, hot tub/spa, or another place with treated water, check to see if the latest inspection results are online or onsite.

Do your own inspection Before getting into any treated water, do your own inspection.

Check the following items if they pass your inspection.

Water’s pH and free chlorine or bromine concentration are correct.* Proper pH and disinfectant levels help stop the spread of germs in the water. CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8. The free chlorine concentration should be at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs/spas. The free bromine concentration should be at least 3 ppm in pools and at least 4 ppm in hot tubs/spas.

Drain at the bottom of the deep end is visible.

Crystal-clear water allows lifeguards and other swimmers to clearly see swimmers underwater.

Drain covers at the bottom appear to be secured and in good repair.

Lifeguard is on duty. If not, safety equipment, such as a rescue ring or pole, is available.

If you find any problems during inspection, do NOT get into the water.

Tell the person in charge so the problems can be fixed.

PHOTO BY JESSICA TOY

*Use test strips to test pH and free chlorine or bromine PHOTO BY JESSICA TOY concentration. Most superstores, hardware stores, and pool-supply stores sell test strips. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.

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EDITOR’S DOSE Zooming in on health in your community. photos provided by ADVENTHEALTH

Ready for the Summer?

JESSICA McDONALD, EDITOR

jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

W

hile the ominous warning that “winter is coming” may ring true for Northerners in the fall, Floridians have a different fear: the summer. If you haven’t noticed, we seem to have flown through spring and crashed headlong into summer because we’re already sweltering with temperatures in the 90s. While that means that school is out and it’s time for fun in the sun, it also means we have to be especially mindful of the heat.

Here are some summer health tips to keep in mind: Humidity: While I won’t weigh in on everyone’s favorite saying, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” it wouldn’t hurt to keep said humidity in mind.

Our bodies cool themselves through the evaporation of sweat, but high humidity keeps your sweat from evaporating as quickly. That means your body can’t cool itself as efficiently. So when you make outdoor plans, be mindful of the humidity and plan accordingly.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 3 Commissioner Robert Stuart visited AdventHealth Orlando on May 10 in recognition of Nurses Week, which was May 6-12.

They toured a clinical unit and presented a proclamation expressing appreciation and declaring the week Nurses Week in Orlando.

There are more than 8,000 registered nurses across AdventHealth’s Central Florida campuses and over 187,000 nurses in Florida. According to estimates from the Florida Hospital Association, there could be a shortfall of more than 59,000 nurses by 2035.

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Hydration: When your body sweats, you’re losing water. It’s imperative that you replace that water. Dehydration can affect muscle efficiency, cardiovascular health, and mental clarity — making it crucial. Just remember that by the time you’re thirsty, you’re already behind on your water intake. It’s best to hydrate consistently instead of waiting until your thirst motivates you.

Timing: If you’re making plans to be outdoors, make sure you aren’t exposing yourself to the sun during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the U.V. rays are the strongest. You can further protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and keeping your arms and legs covered with lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Make sure you are familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion and make sure to keep an eye on pets and children. Summer can be a lot of fun as long as you take the right precautions! HN centralfloridahealthnews.com

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