Your Health Today Summer 2015

your

health TODAY Summer 2015

Summer is here!

MAKE THE MOST OF IT

LIVING ON A PRAYER ONE SURVIVOR’S STORY

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grhealth.org

HEALTHY travels to you

TABLE OF contents

features 4

Cancer Prevention A guy’s guide to cancer screenings

5

Living on a prayer: One survivor’s story

6

Heart-Healthy Living Delicious food swaps

7 8 9 10

Focus on Women Put your best foot forward Neuroscience Beyond the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

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GRHealth is a healthy place to work The American Heart Association recently recognized GRHealth as a Gold-Level, Fit-Friendly Worksite for championing employee wellness — the only Augusta hospital to achieve this honor. Fit-Friendly Worksites implement activities and programs that encourage physical activity, nutrition, and culture enhancements that foster healthy living. Some of the healthy employee initiatives at GRHealth include: • Publishing and promoting • Providing “mindful eating” campus walking routes and and other healthy food programs choices in the cafeteria • Publishing health and fitness • Offering weight loss tips through an online programs at work newsletter • Implementing an employee • Maintaining a tobacco-free wellness program that environment includes coaching

Read all about it in CHOG Blog ///////////////////// Want to learn about a specific kid-related health topic? Read about it at CHOG Blog! The Children’s Hospital of Georgia has launched a new blog, focusing on everything about health, safety, nutrition, and more for children and families. CHOG Blog (visit blog.gachildrens.org) features weekly posts by CHOG specialists, including our child life specialists and safety experts from Safe Kids Greater Augusta. Recent posts have included suggestions on how to make meal times fun, advice on traveling with children, and delicious, kid-approved recipes.

Bookmark the site for easy reference, and to submit your ideas for future posts, visit blog.gachildrens.org/submit-your-ideas.

Digestive Health Ease everyday constipation

11

Acne at any age

Family Health Healthy travels to you

12

In the News c-Care aims to stop cancer

The material in Your Health Today is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment.

For more information, please call 800-736-CARE (2273) or visit our website at grhealth.org. Copyright © 2015 Georgia Regents Health System

Set the stage FOR A HEALTHIER NIGHT OUT [ Y]

es, you can still go out, enjoy great food but not feel weighed down afterward. How? When ordering, look for these keywords: steamed, poached, boiled, baked, broiled and grilled — and go ahead and box up half your entrée to keep portion sizes under control.

Drink a bottomless glass of water — not only cost-free but also calorie-free. Even order a dessert — but make sure it’s fruity. And if movies are on the agenda, plan out snacks ahead of time, like fruit, precut veggies, or air-popped popcorn.

Locally grown (VISIT LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS) [ I] n-season fruits and vegetables aren’t just delicious — they’re good for your health and for the environment. Those who shop at local farmers markets say they benefit from super-fresh produce and typically spend about $10 or less. Ready to go? The Augusta Market at the River is Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 8th Street Plaza; the Veggie Truck market is every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at 1850 Broad St. in Harrisburg; and the Evans Towne Farmers Market is every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. behind the Columbia County Library.

Make the

MOST OF YOUR Bored?

summer

EASY IDEAS FOR FAMILY FUN

I’m bored!” Score major points with these family-friendly activities. Hit a [ “M] om, bull’s-eye by filling water balloons for a game of dodgeball. Rent a kayak and paddle the Savannah River or Augusta Canal. Have a blast by organizing a neighborhood ballgame — or go even further by setting up an obstacle course, beanbag toss, and other fun games with prizes. Or try something completely different, like rock-climbing — Half Moon Outfitters near Whole Foods offers a climbing wall.

Cool, CRISP CUCUMBERS [H] ere’s one cool way to use summer’s bounty of cucumbers, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, recipefinder.nal.usda.gov.

1 teaspoon dill weed (optional), and 1 dash pepper (optional).

Add cucumber slices and mix until coated.

Peel and thinly slice one large cucumber.

Chill, and serve as a refreshing salad at your next cookout or picnic.

In a mixing bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon water,

Makes 2 servings; per serving: 90 calories, 7 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 2 g protein, 4 g carbohydrates, 1 g dietary fiber, 15 mg sodium grhealth.org

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CANCER prevention

PROCRASTINATING? WHO, ME? There’s no good reason to wait if it’s time for you to schedule a health care checkup. To find a doctor, call 706-721-CARE (2273) or visit grhealth.org.

Man up!

A GUY’S GUIDE TO

cancer screenings [ G]

uys, we know you’re tough. but even

if you’re healthy, you should still see a doctor regularly to make sure you stay that way. According to the Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, that also includes regular cancer screenings, which can help find cancer well before you experience any symptoms. Here’s a quick guide: Colon cancer: If you’re over age 50, your health care provider may recommend one of several tests every few years, from a colonoscopy to a double-contrast barium enema.

Oral cancer: Don’t skip those twice-a-year checkups.

Your dentist will examine your mouth and tongue for signs of oral cancer, including sores, red or white patches, bleeding, or loose teeth.

Prostate cancer: Screening tests include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

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blood test, and they’re usually performed together. The DRE is a physical exam, while the PSA test is a simple blood test. Screening usually starts at age 50, but ask your doctor to see if you should be tested.

Skin cancer: Starting at age 20, have your dermatologist or other provider check your skin every three years. You should also be checking your skin and existing moles for any changes.

Testicular cancer: Your health care provider may do an exam as part of a regular checkup, but you should also perform monthly self-exams starting at age 15 (testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in the teen years and the most common cancer for men ages 20 to 34). Your provider can explain in detail how to do them, but self-exams involve feeling each testicle for lumps, hardening, or enlargement.

Living on a prayer

Faith and family helped WENDY HUNTER GET THROUGH A SURPRISING DIAGNOSIS

[ B]

reast cancer was the

last thing on Wendy Hunter’s mind when she went to the doctor because of a painful, tender area under her ribs.

Her doctor scheduled a sonogram then noticed, “Oh, it’s time for your mammogram. Let’s schedule that too.”

The mammogram showed a spot, and the diagnosis came back — specifically invasive ductal carcinoma (grade 2), one of the most common breast cancers — “I was shocked,” said Wendy, who has no family history of cancer other than a second cousin.

Meeting cancer head on But knowing the diagnosis was better than worrying and waiting to find out. Wendy and her family relied on their strong faith to meet the diagnosis head on. “I couldn’t just curl up in a ball and cry and say ‘why me?’ It wouldn’t change anything, so I might as well go and deal with it as it comes.”

So she and her family, husband David; daughters Taylor, 21, Tracey, 17, and Taryn, 14; and son David Jr. (DJ), 19, shed their tears, then got ready to fight.

Wendy’s diagnosis came just before DJ was getting ready to graduate from Westside High School, so Mom made sure to work everything around his graduation activities so that

her surgery and other treatments wouldn’t keep her from being there for her son. “He graduated on May 29, and I made sure to start chemotherapy the day after,” she said.

Wendy had six cycles of chemotherapy at three-week intervals, followed by 37 rounds of radiation therapy. The chemotherapy and radiation were fine, but the shot of Neulasta, a medication to help rebuild white blood cells, was the toughest for her. “It was very achy and painful — like flu symptoms times 100,” she said. “It would put me down for a week after every shot … but lots of faith and family got me through.”

A strong network of support Wendy’s mom, Quola Wright, took care of dinners during treatment, while David helped out with the kids. Wendy also relied on a friend of a coworker who had gone through breast cancer. “She helped me a lot,” she said.

And through it all, the GRU Cancer Center was there, too. Breast cancer team lead Shou-Ching Tang, MD, was her oncologist, and with his help, and the support of the nurse navigator, Wendy could always rely on having her every question answered.

Treatment was a success, and Wendy went back for her first

BEST PROTECTION IS EARLY DETECTION Offering the area’s only 3-D mammogram for every patient at no additional cost.

For more information, visit grhealth.org/ breasthealth or call 706-721-XRAY

mammogram on March 23, which showed a clear scan.

“To anyone who’s been diagnosed, I would say don’t be afraid to ask questions. And if you want to cry, go ahead and cry. You don’t have to be strong all the time. Lean on your faith and a lot of prayer — that’s what got me through.” grhealth.org

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HEART-HEALTHY living

DELICIOUS food

swaps

Easy ways to make your favorite foods heart-healthy

[P]

lanning a steaming pasta alfredo for dinner,

followed by your mom’s famous gooey chocolate chip cookies for dessert? But wait: “In the right portions, you can actually enjoy your favorite guilty-pleasure meals without the guilt, thanks to some easy heart-healthy swaps,” said Sarah Schmidt, a registered dietitian with the GRHealth Heart and Cardiovascular Center.

Follow Schmidt’s simple suggestions to turn your favorite high-calorie recipes into healthy meals you can make every week, without sacrificing taste.

• Lower the sugar. You can usually reduce sugar by one-third without making a noticeable difference to the original recipe.

So if a recipe says 1 cup of sugar, use ⅔ cup. To enhance the flavor, spice things up with vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg.

• Reduce the fat. For baking, use half the butter/oil in a recipe and replace the other half with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas. Skim milk works in most recipes that call for whole milk. Also, choose heart-healthy fats when you can, like olive oil instead of butter. But be sure to still watch your portions!

• Cut the salt. Salt is crucial to baking, so don’t cut it out there, but other recipes can do with much less salt. Aim to reduce your salt intake by half, and replace it with your favorite herbs and spices.

• Make substitutions. Replace up to half of the flour in a recipe with whole-wheat flour. Use nonfat or low-fat yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise. Instead of two whole eggs, use one whole egg and two egg whites or swap it out with ¼ cup commercial egg substitute. Finally, bulk up pasta dishes with more vegetables. A good goal is to make half your plate fruits and vegetables!

swa p

LOWER THE SUGAR swa p

REDUCE THE FAT swa p

CUT THE SALT swa p

TAKE IT TO HEART Concerned about the toll your diet has taken on your heart health? To find a cardiologist, visit grhealth.org/cardio.

MAKE SUBSTITUTIONS

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grhealth.org

FOCUS ON women

PUT YOUR best FOOT FORWARD

Shoe shopping tips and tricks

[W]

hether you like to go footloose in

flip-flops or make strides in stilettos, you could be putting your feet at risk for injuries. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 90 percent of women wear shoes that are too small for their feet.

“Ill-fitting shoes can make walking difficult, increase the risk of falls or other accidents, and lead to foot problems,” said Scott Corpe, MD, a foot and ankle specialist at GRHealth Orthopaedics.

Wearing shoes that are too tight can cause painful bunions or bunionettes, which could require surgery if they become severe, as well as blisters, corns, calluses, and hammertoes.

Fit new shoes to your largest foot. Most people have one foot larger than the other.

Get measured. The size of your feet change (usually becoming wider) as you get older, so it’s wise to have your feet measured when you shop for shoes to ensure you are buying the right size.

Try on both shoes. Walk completely around the store in them to make sure they fit properly.

Check that you can wiggle all your toes. There should be a ½-inch space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe, about the width of your thumb.

Are you still undecided? If you have any doubt about fit when you try on shoes, just walk away.

If the shoe doesn’t fit Shoes don’t need to be “broken in” — they should be comfortable when you try them on at the store. Try these tips when shopping for shoes: Shop for shoes in the evening. Feet naturally swell and become larger during the day. Also, bring along a pair of socks appropriate for the activities you will be doing in the shoes you are trying on.

STAY GROUNDED From an ingrown toenail to a complex foot or ankle condition requiring multidisciplinary care, GRHealth Orthopaedics offers the area’s only foot and ankle specialists. Make an appointment today at 706-721-2741 or at grhealth.org/ortho. grhealth.org

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neuroscience

Beyond the bucket

Ice Bucket Challenge MAKES LOCAL IMPACT

[W]

hen brandy quarles,

research associate and events coordinator at the GRHealth ALS Clinic, first saw people dump ice over their heads to raise awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, she loved the idea — but never anticipated how much of an impact that one simple act would have.

“I was floored at how big the Ice Bucket Challenge became,” she said. “It was so moving that so many people took the time to do this and spread awareness about ALS.” ALS is a devastating disease that results in partial paralysis and premature death, usually from respiratory failure when the muscles used to breathe become paralyzed.

There is currently no treatment to prevent or cure ALS.

New awareness boosts funding With the challenge raising an astounding $100 million in just one month, some of those dollars came right here to Augusta. In fact, the GRHealth ALS clinic is the only clinic in Georgia certified by the national ALS Association. “We get funding from ALSA every year, but the funding was increased due to the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge,” said Quarles. “These monies went toward providing services in our

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multidisciplinary clinic that help our patients get the best quality of life — from speech, occupational, and physical therapy — to dietary counseling, respiratory therapy, and so much more.”

The challenge also helped drive local dollars through the clinic’s annual fundraiser, the Beat Feet for ALS Walk, which took place just after the Ice Bucket Challenge. The walk more than doubled the amount from the previous year, raising $140,000 to continue research and clinical trials that local ALS patients can participate in, as well as patient support, in the form of gift cards that patients can use for prescriptions, groceries, and transportation to and from clinic.

The entire clinic team took part in last year’s Ice Bucket Challenge, making the front page of the Augusta Chronicle. “Anything I can do to make the lives of our ALS patients better — that’s what I want to do,” said Quarles. “These are the strongest people I’ve ever met in my life.”

KEEP THE CHALLENGE GOING Our annual Beat Feet for ALS Walk is Saturday, Sept. 26, at downtown Augusta’s Riverwalk, benefiting the GRHealth ALS clinic and local ALS patients. To register, visit walk.alsgru.com. To learn more about our ALS clinics visit grhealth.org/als or call 706-721-4581.

DIGESTIVE health

EASE EVERYDAY

constipation Surprising causes — and easy solutions

[I]

t’s a subject few people wish to talk about

— even with their

doctors. Yet, at some point in our lives, most of us have had constipation.

What causes constipation?

If you suffer from constipation now and then, it’s probably no cause for worry.

“Lack of exercise, ignoring the urge to go, not drinking enough water, and not eating enough fiber through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can all lead to the occasional bout with constipation,” said Satish Rao, MD, director of the GRHealth Digestive Health Center.

Other causes, however, aren’t so obvious. Consider this: Check your medications. Certain antihistamines, diuretics, antacids, and vitamins, including iron and calcium supplements, can cause constipation. Many prescription medications can also be at fault. If medications are to blame, talk with your doctor about alternatives.

Take stock of your lifestyle. Sometimes a change in daily routine can bring about constipation. This might occur if you go on vacation or have an illness or injury. An increased activity level is your best bet to jump-start the body into functioning for you.

Examine your coffee and other habits. Alcohol use as well as the caffeine found in coffee and colas can tend to cause dehydration, which may lead to constipation.

Need more? Consider over-the-counter remedies, including soluble fiber, laxatives, and stool softeners. But talk to your doctor if your constipation persists for several weeks or if you experience bleeding, pain, or unusual symptoms. Chronic constipation may be a sign of more serious disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, slow transit constipation, dyssynergic defecation, colorectal cancer, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease.

With a little extra help, today constipation can be effectively treated and in many cases cured.

GET MOVING GRHealth Digestive Health Center is the area’s only freestanding center specializing in any disorder that affects your digestive tract. To schedule your appointment, call 706-446-4887 or, to learn more, visit grhealth.org/digestivehealth.

grhealth.org

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FAMILY health

Healthy travels TO YOU How to stay well this summer

[G]

etting sick is never part of anyone’s

summer vacation plans. Here’s how to guard against common health problems when traveling.

Jet lag Problem: Jet setting across two or more time zones can disrupt your body’s internal clock, putting a damper on your activities.

Prevention: If you have an important event at your destination, arrive a day or two earlier to give your body time to adjust. If possible, change your bedtime a few days before you leave — earlier if flying east and later if flying west.

Traveler’s diarrhea Problem: Ingesting contaminated water or food in undeveloped countries can result in diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

Prevention: Drink bottled water and use it to brush your teeth. Don’t eat lettuce or other leafy greens, and eat raw fruits and vegetables only if you peel them. Avoid food sold by street vendors, and in restaurants, choose food and drinks that are served hot.

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Altitude sickness Problem: Traveling to destinations higher than 8,000 feet can cause dizziness, nausea, headache, and shortness of breath.

Prevention: If possible, gradually increase your altitude to get used to the changes. Drink plenty of fluids, eat regular meals, and avoid alcohol. If you start to experience symptoms, descend as quickly and safely as you can. If you know you are at risk, talk to your doctor before your trip about medication that can reduce symptoms.

All travelers should also bring their insurance ID cards, lists of allergies and ongoing medical conditions, blood type, and prescription and over-the-counter medications in their carry-on bag. Certain vaccines are also recommended for travelers going abroad; learn more at cdc.gov/travel.

HAVE VACCINE, WILL TRAVEL If you’re traveling to certain countries, you’ll need to get a vaccine at least four to six weeks before your departure.

Start with your primary care physician. To find a doctor, visit grhealth.org/familymedicine.

ACNE AT

any age

Battling breakouts in your teens and beyond

[A]

lthough we think of acne

as kid stuff — an annoyance that vanishes along with bad perms and awkward proms — for some, pimples persevere well into adulthood. And for others, acne may not even rear its ugly head until age 30 or so.

What’s the deal?

Don’t blame the chocolate. “While many factors contribute to the formation of acne, it is clear that genes play a major role,” said Loretta Davis, MD, a dermatologist at GRHealth. “If your parents had troubled skin, chances are you will too.”

Acne erupts when the upper portion of the hair follicle becomes blocked with skin cells, which are dividing too fast and not shedding properly. The plugged ducts, in turn, cause sebum to build up behind the blockage. The result: a “whitehead” or “comedone” in medical terms.

When the pressure behind the blockage increases, the wall of the comedone ruptures, creating inflammation or a “pimple.”

When you’re a teen, raging hormones stimulate sebum production, which seems to flip the switch and trigger acne. As an adult, bad skin can be the result of hormones, oil exposure (anything from makeup and shampoo to cooking oil), and stress.

Clearer skin today The first step to clearer skin is prevention: identifying and avoiding anything that causes a breakout. Being careful about hygiene helps, too: Wash your face twice a day with ordinary soap and water.

If you’re battling a mild case of acne, try an over-the-counter medication that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

For serious acne, your doctor may prescribe tretinoin, commonly known as Retin-A. Antibiotics can curb cystic acne, which causes lumps and pustules. If antibiotics don’t work, isotretinoin, or Accutane, an oral medication, may help. However, because it has been linked to birth defects, Accutane is not an option if you’re pregnant or planning to conceive.

Don’t let acne, an annoyance at any age, affect the way you feel about yourself. With perseverance and the right treatment, you should be able to reduce or banish blemishes for good.

TREAT ACNE EARLY Studies have shown that early treatment can prevent acne from getting worse down the road. If you’re fighting stubborn acne, we can help. Call 706-721-CARE (2273) to schedule your dermatology appointment today. You can also visit grhealth.org/dermatology to learn more about our dermatology services.

grhealth.org

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IN THE news

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM AIMS TO STOP CANCER BEFORE IT STARTS [I]

f all preventable cancers —

including lung, breast, prostate, cervical, and colon — actually were caught and treated early, it’s estimated that 90 percent of these cancers could be cured, saving thousands of lives.

GRU Cancer Center’s c-CARE (cancer-Community Awareness Access Research and Education) program aims to do just that. The one-of-a-kind program is being developed here by the cancer center with support from the university’s College of Nursing and is funded by a three-year, $1.74 million grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation.

Lovoria Williams, MD, is the principal investigator on the first module, which will focus on lung cancer awareness and prevention.

“What we are intending to do with c-CARE is address cancer that can be detected early through screening and

intervene early to change outcomes,” said Dr. Williams.

According to Williams, the need is great: Richmond County residents experience a lung cancer diagnosis 13 percent more often than all Georgians, and 24 percent more often than all Americans. Not surprisingly, Richmond County adults also smoke at a higher rate.

That’s where community outreach can make a difference. Starting in fall 2015, c-CARE plans to reach out to 11 sites in Richmond County and one in Aiken County that serve minority and underserved populations. The goals are to increase community awareness of the new lung cancer screening guidelines; identify individuals who are at high risk and navigate them to screenings; and identify those who are tobacco smokers, educating them about cessation services.

Samir Khleif, MD, director of the GRU Cancer Center and leader of the c-CARE initiative said, “Launching the lung cancer module is a great beginning. We will soon create c-CARE modules focused on breast, cervical, colorectal, and other preventable cancers and expand c-CARE to reach more of Georgia’s neediest residents.”