Your Health Today - Winter 2015

your

health TODAY Winter 2014

7 flu facts Test your know-how /////////////////

A PLAN FOR JAMES

grhealth.org

Fabulous Fitness Trackers

TABLE OF contents

features 3 4

Tips for a safe and healthy winter Cancer Prevention Colorectal cancer screenings save lives

5

Color me healthy

6

Heart-Healthy Living Attack-proof your heart

7 8

Focus on Women Fabulous fitness trackers Neuroscience A plan for James

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Children’s Hospital of Georgia is five-time ELSO winner For the fifth year in a row, the Children’s Hospital of Georgia’s extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program has earned an Award for Excellence in Life Support from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. The award is recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Parents magazines as a criterion for top pediatric hospitals.

ECMO mimics the natural function of the heart and lungs in critically ill infants and children. CHOG pioneered the Southeast’s first ECMO program in 1985, and since then, more than 500 patients have received lifesaving support through this artificial heart-lung machine.

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Digestive Health Good morning, probiotics!

10

Family Health Soup-er days

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7 Flu facts

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In the News New Digestive Health Center offers high-tech, soft touch

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

Work out EVEN WHEN IT’S COLD [ Y]

es, you’ll need to bundle up, but by exercising outdoors on sunny winter days, you may boost your mood while staying in shape. Dress in warm layers, and be sure to warm up and stretch before your workout; your muscles are tighter and at greater risk of injury when your body is cold. Another tip: Head into the wind when you start out so that it won’t blow in your face on the way home when you’re colder.

Quick tips FOR CHAPPED LIPS

[ I]

f windy, cold winter weather is wreaking havoc on your lips, fight back. Start by using a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher, and combat dry air in your home by using a humidifier. Try not to lick your lips — it’s a temporary fix that can actually cause lips to chap even more. Finally, bundle up with a scarf to protect your face, especially on windy days.

Tips FOR A safe AND healthy winter Feed YOUR COLD foods do seem to ease cold symptoms and boost immunity. Homemade [ S] ome chicken soup sounds cliché, but scientific evidence suggests it may temporarily lessen cold symptoms. Honey soothes on contact, so try using it to ease nighttime cough and sleep disturbances. (A caveat: Never give honey to children younger than 1 because of the risk of infant botulism). The friendly bacteria found in kefir or yogurt may also boost your immunity and help prevent or reduce the severity of common symptoms.

Beat THE WINTER BLUES endless winter days getting you down? It’s actually the perfect time to get [C] loudy, inspired and do those things you’ve always wanted to do. Sign up for local art or

music classes and learn how to paint or play a new instrument. Visit the local library and rediscover the joy of leisurely reading a book. Or get down to it and tackle that messy, overcrowded attic or basement. You’ll earn a feeling of accomplishment and boost your mental health, too.

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CANCER prevention

DON’T WAIT Screening for colorectal cancer is typically performed by a gastroenterologist, a physician who cares for the digestive system. Schedule your screening by calling 706-721-1450.

COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENINGS

save lives

Don’t let embarrassment stop you .

[N]But embarrassment shouldn’t prevent you from protecting your health. o one likes to talk about colorectal cancer

In the United States, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths, after lung cancer. “With early detection and treatment, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent, but due to low screening rates, only about 40 percent of colorectal cancers are found early,” said Asha Nayak, MD, medical oncologist at the Georgia Regents University Cancer Center. In fact, it’s estimated that fewer than half of American adults over age 50 have been screened.

Screening: What to expect Screenings detect precancerous polyps — abnormal growths in the colon or rectum — that can be removed before invasive cancer develops. The American Cancer Society suggests that people ages 50 and older follow one of these five screening schedules. However, your physician may recommend a different schedule based on your personal risk factors, said Dr. Nayak.

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

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year. These simple tests look for blood in the stool.



Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years. The doctor uses a lighted tube, called a sigmoidoscope, to look inside the colon.

 

Combination of annual FOBT or FIT and sigmoidoscopy every five years.

Double-contrast barium enema every five years. This involves an enema with a barium solution and air pumped into the rectum, followed by X-rays of the rectum and colon.



Colonoscopy every 10 years. The rectum and entire colon are examined using a long, lighted tube called a colonoscope. The patient is sedated during the procedure.



Digital rectal exam. Your physician should check for abnormal lumps as part of your routine physical exam.

COLOR ME healthy

Stop cancer by shopping for colorful produce 1 5 ?

[H] “It’s easy: Just eat more fruits and vegetables,” said Sarah Deen, ow can we prevent as many as

in

cases of cancers

dietitian at the Georgia Regents University Cancer Center. A healthy, cancerfighting diet includes a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables. Make sure to add a variety of these “colors” to your shopping cart, courtesy of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

Red Tomatoes, kidney beans, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, pink grapefruit, cranberries, red apples, red grapes

Orange Carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, cantaloupe, peaches, mangoes, oranges

Yellow Yellow summer squash, corn, pineapple, lemons, turmeric, olive oil

Light Green Lettuce, celery, zucchini, cucumbers, asparagus, artichokes, limes, green grapes, green apples, kiwi

Dark Green Cabbage, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, beet greens, turnip greens, collard greens, many herbs

Blue and Purple Beets, purple eggplant, purple grapes, blueberries

White Onions, garlic, mushrooms, cauliflower, potatoes

Brown Cinnamon, nuts, brown rice, whole wheat, other whole grains, flaxseed

Phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables — the substance that gives these foods their color, flavor, fiber, and texture — can help fight off cancer-causing free radicals that damage your cells’ DNA. To ensure that you’re eating a balanced diet rich in a variety of colorful plant foods, fill at least half of your plate at every meal with raw or cooked vegetables and fruits, and turn to fruit and vegetables when you need a snack.

ASK A DIETITIAN Have more questions about how to fight cancer with food? Contact a GRU Cancer Center dietitian today at 706-721-0507 or 706-721-0708.

NCI GRANT TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO CANCER CARE The GRU Cancer Center has been awarded a five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute to lead the state’s only cancer research program focused on better access to clinical trials and cancer treatments for minority and underserved patients.

One of just 12 sites selected nationally, our center will lead a consortium with Morehouse School of Medicine, University Cancer & Blood Center in Athens, and the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University. The group will work together to increase awareness of and participation in NCI-sponsored clinical trials and other research, which can offer promising new approaches and treatments.

grhealth.org

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HEART-HEALTHY living

Attack-proof YOUR HEART

Follow this easy, practical plan

[“I]heart — how it works

f you think about your

24 hours a day to keep you alive — you’ll understand how important it is to keep this powerful muscle as strong as possible,” said Gyanendra Sharma, MD, of the Georgia Regents Chest Pain Center.

Here are some suggestions to keep your ticker in tiptop shape: Eat better. Choose a balanced diet with foods from all major food groups, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, beans, poultry, lean meats, and omega-3-rich fish.

Lower cholesterol levels. Limit dietary cholesterol to 300 milligrams a day (or 200 milligrams if you have coronary heart disease). If diet isn’t enough, ask your health care provider about taking a cholesterol-lowering drug.

Watch your blood pressure.

Use no more than about 1 teaspoon of salt a day. If lifestyle changes don’t work, your physician may prescribe antihypertensive medication.

Tackle those triglycerides. Start by following a low-fat, low-calorie diet and exercising regularly. If that doesn’t do the trick, talk with your physician about medications.

Sample soy. Eating soy protein in place of animal products reduces total cholesterol levels, the “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. Try soy as a milk alternative with cereal or in recipes.

Enjoy yourself. Take up a fun exercise to help lower blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, plus stay in

shape and reduce stress. Relax regularly with meditation, yoga, massage, or a nice, hot bath.

Benefit from breakthroughs. Visit your physician regularly to check on your heart health and to learn about new and improved tests to diagnose your heart problem and treatments that can help you feel your best.

KNOW YOUR RISK TODAY Want to know your heart attack risk in just 15 minutes? Coronary calcium scoring is one of the newest tests to find out if you are at risk. Call 706-721-2328 today to schedule a screening or visit grhealth.org/cardio.

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FOCUS ON women

Fabulous FITNESS TRACKERS

Strong — and stylish — options

[L]

ook around the gym, the office, or the mall,

and you will notice that more people are wearing fitness trackers. They are designed to help you get more activity throughout the day, challenging you to take the stairs instead of the elevator or burn enough calories to have that extra slice of pizza. “They motivate you to do more each day by tracking your steps, activities, calories, and sleep,” said Lisa Cummins, a certified athletic trainer at the Georgia Regents Sports Medicine Center, who wears her fitness tracker daily.

There are many options, from Fitbit® trackers and Jawbone UP® wristbands to Shine™ sensors. Before spending your money on an activity tracker, consider the following:

Clip-on or wristband?

The most common type of activity tracker is one that you wear on your wrist. You just put it on and go. Most of these trackers will record your steps and track your calorie intake with an app.

If watches and bracelets bother you, consider a clip-on model.

These measure distance, steps, and more while staying snugly clipped to your pocket, belt, or bra.

Trackers for swimming For the pool, invest in a waterproof tracker. Note that there is a difference between waterproof and water resistant. Trackers that are labeled “water resistant” are safe for wearing in the rain, but not for swimming.

Style and substance No matter how impressive the other features of the tracker seem to be, you won’t wear it if it isn’t comfortable and stylish.

Pay attention to design, color, and how it feels before you make your purchase. Also, if you use apps such as Runkeeper or MyFitnessPal, make sure to check that the tracker you choose is compatible.

STAY ON TRACK Our Sports Medicine Center offers sports-specific clinics to help you get fit and prevent injury. Make an appointment today by calling 706-721-PLAY (7529).

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neuroscience

A plan FOR JAMES

Local toddler is the first in the U.S. to receive groundbreaking treatment J K [W]prematurely, weighing only hen ames

ing was born

2 pounds, 12 ounces, his mom, Amanda — who is a University of Alabama alumna — told the nurses, “He’s going to be a linebacker for Alabama before we know it.”

Fast-forward a year later, and James is well on his way to “roll tide” — after all, he celebrated his first birthday with a football-themed party. But what a year it’s been. When he was just a few months old, James became the first child in the United States to receive groundbreaking treatment for craniosynostosis, a common condition that affects 1 in 2,000 live births worldwide.

Cranio-what?

When babies are born, their skulls are still forming, allowing room for their brains to grow and develop. But with craniosynostosis, the skull fuses too early and the brain is essentially trapped, forced to grow abnormally.

Babies with craniosynostosis soon begin to develop a strange shape to their heads, which was what Amanda and her husband, Brian, noticed just a few days after James was born.

James was quickly transferred from a community hospital to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia under the care of pediatric neurosurgeon Ian Heger, MD. While most babies with craniosynostosis are commonly treated with invasive surgery to reshape the skull, then must wear a protective helmet for a year or more, “To me that felt like we would be robbing him of being a normal baby,” said Amanda. [ 8 ]

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Dr. Heger, along with pediatric plastic surgeon Jack Yu, MD, had a different solution: a newly designed spring device about the size of a large paper clip that could be placed using minimally invasive surgery — just two very small incisions. The device is designed with a certain tension to release over a given amount of time and gently expand the skull as the child’s brain continues to rapidly develop and grow.

Prior to the surgery, said Amanda, “They did a phenomenal job from the moment we walked into the pre-op room and they began talking to us. I just felt very reassured by their ability to take care of this even though it was a new procedure. They knew the ins and outs of everything about it.” And afterward, “Even when we first got to go back and see him, we already noticed a difference in him,” said Amanda.

“Just a happy, bouncy baby” James had a second surgery a few months later to remove the

spring devices. Today, although he is slightly behind his milestones due to his prematurity, overall, “He is doing fantastic,” said Amanda. “His pediatrician says he is doing great for a preemie and his head looks completely normal.

“We are incredibly lucky to be so close to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. He’s been through a lot. My dad said it’s very obvious that there is something special in store for him to have gone through everything he has gone through and to come out OK. He’s just blossomed into this little ball of fun.”

JUST FOR KIDS Our Pediatric Neuroscience Center has the area’s largest team of neurologists and neurosurgeons, specially trained to care for the most important person in your life — your child. For an appointment or referral, contact us today at 706-721-5437 (KIDS).

DIGESTIVE health

Good morning, PROBIOTICS!

What these “good bacteria” can do for you — [P]on your yogurt or smoothie labels. These “good robiotics

you may have seen this word

bacteria” have gained popularity in recent years, but do you really know what they can do for you?

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, often either the same as or similar to those found naturally inside of us.

Our bodies contain many types of useful bacteria that actually help our bodily systems function properly.

Probiotics are typically found in food such as yogurt or fermented drinks. They are also sometimes sold as dietary supplements in pill form or even as a cream for the skin.

What’s all the fuss about?

Evidence suggests probiotics may relieve diarrhea, ease irritable bowel syndrome, and reduce symptoms of eczema. There is even some evidence that they may reduce the severity of colds and flu.

However, it is important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any health claims for probiotics. Scientists are still studying the effects of probiotics and how they may help fight off certain harmful bacteria.

“There are billions of bacteria inside the colon. It is believed that an imbalance in these bacteria may cause gastrointestinal symptoms and diseases. But probiotics may help restore this balance,” said Satish Rao, MD, director of the Georgia Regents Digestive Health Center. “The great thing is that most people who use probiotics experience zero side effects or have very mild gastrointestinal issues such as gas. However, those who are pregnant, nursing, or have underlying health concerns should consult their health care provider about any new supplements or complementary health approaches.”

PASS THE PROBIOTICS, PLEASE Wondering if probiotics can help your tummy troubles? Consult one of our digestive health specialists first. To make an appointment, call 706-721-9522 or visit grhealth.org/digestivehealth.

grhealth.org

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FAMILY health

Soup-er DAYS Comfort food that’s oh so good for you , [A]crock of savory, homemade soup.

A terrific and easy way

s the days grow shorter nothing beats a steaming

to improve your family’s diet, soup can provide a filling, yet lowcalorie meal that packs a lot of nutrients, protein, vitamins, and more into one pot.

Minestrone 2 tsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 medium carrots, chopped 2 ribs celery, including leaves, chopped 2 medium cloves garlic, chopped 8 cups water 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and cubed, or 15-oz. can no-salt-added diced tomatoes 1 small zucchini, cubed 1 tsp. pepper, or to taste 15 oz. can drained and rinsed navy beans ½ lb. fresh green beans, sliced ½ cup whole-wheat dried pasta (shells or elbow macaroni) 1 tbsp. dried basil, crumbled 1 medium clove garlic, whole 1 to 2 cups water (optional) 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese • Heat oil in stockpot over medium-high heat, then sauté onion, carrots, celery, and chopped garlic for 2 to 3 minutes.

• Add water, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, and pepper.

Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

• Add navy beans, green beans, pasta, basil, and 1 clove garlic.

• Add water if soup is too thick. Slightly mash soup ingredients with a potato masher to help thicken soup.

• Simmer for 15 minutes.

• Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serves 10. Per serving: 158 calories, 7 g protein, 30 g carbohydrates, 1 mg cholesterol, 2 g total fat (1 g saturated, 0 g polyunsaturated, 1 g monounsaturated), 6 g fiber, 51 mg sodium

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Spinach Pasta Soup 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth ½ cup water ¼ cup plus 1 tbsp. no-salt-added tomato paste ½ tsp. grated lemon zest (optional) ¼ cup orzo or pastina 6 cups chopped fresh spinach, patted dry or ½ of 10-oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained 2 sliced green onions ¼ tsp. pepper ¼ tsp. salt • In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together broth, water, tomato paste, and lemon zest, and bring to a boil.

• Stir in pasta, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until pasta is tender.

• Stir in spinach and green onions, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

• Season with pepper and salt.

Serves 4. Per serving: 95 calories, 4 g protein, 15 g carbohydrates, 1 g total fat (0 g saturated, 0 g polyunsaturated, 0 g monounsaturated), 3 g fiber, 222 mg sodium

NEED A “RECIPE” FOR GOOD NUTRITION? Visit our online Nutrition Center at grhealth.org/ health-encyclopedia for nutrition basics, recipes, tools, and tips.

Recipes reprinted with permission from The New American Heart Association Cookbook, 25th Anniversary Edition, © 2001 Clarkson Potter Publishers.

7 FLU FACTS

Test your know-how with this true-false quiz

[W] 1

hat you don’t know about the flu can be enough to make you sick

— literally!

See whether you’ve got the know-how to fight influenza by taking this true-or-false quiz.

Since flu season runs from November to April, it is useless getting vaccinated after the season begins.

False. While it is best to get vaccinated in the fall, a shot in January can still help keep you healthy, especially during the flu’s peak in February.

2

Once you get a flu shot, you have done all you can to prevent flu.

False. You can also eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise moderately, manage stress, and avoid drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

3

Flu is most often spread by intimate contact, like kissing.

False. Flu is generally spread when people cough or sneeze virusinfected droplets into the air.

4

Antibiotic medications aren’t helpful in treating flu symptoms.

True. Influenza is a viral infection, so it can’t be treated with antibacterial antibiotics.

5

The flu shot can actually cause you to get the flu.

False. However, you may have minor side effects like a runny nose, headache, sore throat, or cough.

6

If you got a flu shot last year, you don’t need to get one this year.

False. The flu vaccine is updated annually to include the most current strains of the flu.

7

Not everyone should get a flu shot.

True. The flu shot is not safe for people with a fever, who have egg allergies, who have had past severe reactions to flu shots, or who have Guillain-Barré syndrome, a nervous- and immune-system disorder.

2

YOUR BEST SHOT Some flu shots are approved for use in those as young as 6 months old and up. To schedule yours, make an appointment at Georgia Regents Medical Center today by calling 706-721-CARE (5733) or visit grhealth.org.

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IN THE news

New Digestive Health Center

OFFERS HIGH-TECH,

SOFT TOUCH

[F]friendly touches,- every detail in the new Georgiarom the high tech equipment to patient

Regents Digestive Health Center is part of center director Dr. Satish Rao’s vision, years in the making.

One-of-a-kind facility The 43,000-square-foot location is the only center of its kind in the country, combining multidisciplinary care for all digestive disorders into a single location, including: • Colonoscopy and colorectal care • Neurogastroenterology/Motility Clinic • Advanced endoscopy • Bariatric and Weight Loss Center • Minimally invasive digestive diseases surgery • Inflammatory bowel disorder care • Pancreatic care • Hepatology and Liver Care Center • General gastroenterology • Clinical trials The center specializes in care and treatments for complex digestive health disorders as well as general gastroenterology problems that affect 25 percent of the population.

Patient-centered care But Dr. Rao is perhaps most proud of the many patientfriendly features that were designed into the new space.

What patients won’t necessarily notice, but will benefit from, is high-tech equipment from Philips that ensures continuous monitoring from prep through recovery.

“Our vision was to create a beautiful new regional care facility and a national center of excellence that caters to the specialized needs of patients with digestive health disorders, bringing together our many services into one convenient location,” said Dr. Rao. “Our new Digestive Health Center achieves that, and we are very proud to offer this facility to patients here in the Central Savannah River Area and beyond.”

VISIT OUR CENTER For more information, visit grhealth.org/digestivehealth.

To make an appointment, call 706-721-1450.