Florida Health News - May 2010 issue

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MAY ISSUE • 2010

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S e r v i n g P a l m B e a c h G a r d e n s , R o y a l P a l m B e a c h , We l l i n g t o n , B e l l e G l a d e , L a k e Wo r t h , L a n t a n a , B o y n t o n a n d B o c a R a t o n

Wellington 5K Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer

Also in this issue

Can Physicians Be Unfairly

Targeted for Treating Pain? The Facts in the Case of

William Hurwitz MD ..............2 If Your Feet Could Talk They

Would Say… ........................3 Wellington 5K Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast

Cancer..................................4 With Long-Term Exercise,

Being 80 Is Just a Number ..5 Olive Oil May Protect

Against Bowel Disease ........6 Memo to boss: 11-hour

days are bad for the heart....7 Grandparents Play Vital Role

for Autistic Children ..............8 Did you know that the loss of one pound of weight

On May 7th, 2010 the ThinkPINKkids organized the second 5K “Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer”. This was held at Wellington High School. Over 350 children and adults attended and enjoyed performances by the high school drum line, cheerleaders, dance team, and Sunny 104.3 DJ Rick Shockley. PAGE 4

reduces four pounds of

pressure from each knee! ....9 Fitness: Walking for

wellness..............................10 Headaches .........................11

Diabetes Screening Day ....12 Medical Community

Business Networking..........13 Kids' Psychological Problems

Have Long-Term Effects.....14 Doctor arrested, held on million dollar bond. PAGE 9

Diabetes Screening Day

PAGE 12

Medical Community Business Networking. PAGE 13

SFRO and FMA Thoracic

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2 MAY • 2010

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Can Physicians Be Unfairly Targeted for Treating Pain? The Facts in the Case of William Hurwitz MD

P rection?

By Dr. Mark Schor

Board Certified in Internal Medicine and works for U.S. Hospitalists

alm Beach County has been aggressively cracking down on offices and individual physicians who prescribe large amounts of pain medication. But can the pendulum swing too far in the wrong di-

It is well recognized that physician's fear of regulatory scrutiny (DEA, state medical boards), is a major contributor to the problem of under treatment of pain. The first irony is that there is a legal liability for under treatment. In a California landmark lawsuit, lawyers convinced a jury that under treatment of pain in an 85 year old lung carcinoma patient was reckless negligence and awarded the family 1.5 million dollars. The Board of Medicine has also disciplined physicians for under treatment.

An even worse outcome is illustrated by the experience of William E. Hurwitz, M.D, of Virgiana. In 2004 Hurwitz, was convicted of over 50 counts of distribution of narcotics originally sentenced to four 25-year sentences and forty-six 15-year sentences, all of which were to be served concurrently, and was fined $2 million (U.S.). During the prosecution of the first case, all of Dr. Hurwitz's property was seized. After Dr Hurwitz' practice was closed two patients killed themselves apparently because of their severe untreated pain.

His conviction was overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on August 22, 2006, due to errors by the trial judge that essentially prevented the jury from considering Hurwitz's defense—that he was prescribing the medication in good faith as part of the regular practice of medicine. Nevertheless in a second trial he was sentenced in 2007 to a reduced amount of four years and nine months.

Dr. Hurwitz maintains that he was duped by his patients, and that the enforcement tactics being applied in the War on Drugs unfairly target law-abiding physicians, leading to a situation where physicians must choose between providing compassionate care and accepting personal liability for what their patients do with prescribed medications. His case has potentially serious ramifications among all practitioners of pain medicine, and is considered by many to be a drastic example of the overreach of anti-drug law enforcement efforts.

The chief difficulty is that “physicians are trained to treat patients, not to be detectives,� says Dr. James N. Campbell, a Johns Hopkins University neurosurgeon specializing in pain, who was a witness for Dr. Hurwitz. When treating people with chronic pain, physicians have to rely on what patients tell them because there is no proven way to diagnose or measure it. physicians are especially gullible because they have a truth bias: they are trained to treat patients by trusting what they say. physicians are not good at detecting liars even when they have been warned, during experiments, that they will be visited at some point by an actor faking some condition (like back pain, arthritis or vascular headaches). In six studies reviewed by the Cornell researchers, physicians typically detected the bogus patient no more than 10 percent of the time, and the physicians were liable to mistakenly identify the real patients as fakes. Another difficulty is that physicians cannot be held responsible if some patients misuse or sell the drugs.

SALES & ADVERTISING Grace Edwards Phone: (561) 319-6919 gedwards@floridahealthnews-online.com Michael Antoine Phone: (561) 685-3245 sales@floridahealthnews-online.com PUBLIC RELATIONS Phone: (561) 267-5232 ranjita@floridahealthnews-online.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Sergio Aguilar (561) 716-5054 WEB SITE www.floridahealthnews-online.com CONTRIBUTING ARTICLES U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ARA Content, Hispanic PR Wire, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, METRO Editorial Services, Family Features, Florida Health News is a newspaper published every month in Palm Beach county and surrounding areas. Copyright 2010, all rights reserved by SEA Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher does not accept responsibility for advertisement error beyond the cost of the advertisement itself. All submitted materials are subject to editing. Š SEA PUBLICATIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Printed in United States.

Please recycle this newspaper.

To conclude, I can’t improve on a quote from Dr. Hurwitz:

“The quasi-criminal liability imposed on physicians distorts clinical information and medical judgment, impedes the development of clinical expertise, undermines the ethical commitments necessary to medical practice, and leads to the abandonment, wasted lives, and deaths of patients with intractable pain. Holding physicians liable for the misbehavior or dishonesty of their patients turns physicians into policemen and is, in principle, incompatible with effective medical care�.

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CONTACT US P.O. Box 213424 Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421 info@floridahealthnews-online.com

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MAY • 2010

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If Your Feet Could Talk They Would Say…

Dr. Shelley D. Plumb Dr. Shelley D. Plumb, DPM, Moves to New Practice

On May 10th, 2009, Dr. Shelley Plumb moved to a new practice in the South Florida area. Formerly with South Florida Foot and Ankle, Dr. Plumb has now joined

LA Podiatry Group

Dr. Plumb is very excited about this new venture and would enjoy the opportunity to continue to work with you, your family and friends at her new practice. LA Podiatry Group has 2 locations to serve you; West Palm Beach and Wellington For an appointment, please call the main office at

561-433-5577

2326 S. Congress Ave, Ste 1A, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 3347 State Rd 7, Ste 204, Wellington, FL 33449 Make Sure To Tell A Friend!

he feet are indisputably one of the most abused parts of our body. Unfortunately, abuse now means rebellion later. Thankfully voiceless, our feet do send us signals reflecting current abuse and upcoming doom. For most of us signals of pain, fatigue, and swelling are perceived as inevitable consequences of a hectic day. Pay close attention to the quiet signals your feet send. These symptoms could be the beginning of a significant medical condition, if left untreated, can be debilitating and can limit activity. If your feet could talk, you might be surprised at what they have to say….

**What is that smell?! Foot odor can be both bothersome and embarrassing. Foul smelling feet can reflect an underlying fungal condition that can be easily remedied. Tinea pedis, also referred to as athlete’s foot, is a common fungal condition that affects the feet. There are many type of athlete’s foot. Each type of athlete's foot has slightly varied treatment. Tinea pedis commonly presents as scaling, flaky skin, and may include a foul smelling discharge. Symptoms may include itching and pain. Mild forms of tinea pedis may present with no symptoms. If you notice

PART I

a foul smelling odor from your feet, a visit to your local podiatric specialist may be in order. A general foot exam will most likely reveal signs of tinea pedis that can be readily treated with proper foot hygiene and the appropriate antifungal topical agent. In severe cases, oral antifungal medication may be necessary.

Professional treatment is important, especially if you are a diabetic or a patient with a compromised immune system. Fungal infections can lead to secondary bacterial infections, which if left untreated, can lead to hospitalization and possible surgery. **You are a pain in the arch! Pain in the arch and heel are not uncommon in today’s active

society. One of the most common causes of arch and heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. When this band becomes tight and pulls on surrounding structures symptoms may include pain on the bottom of the heel and in the arch. If treated early, this condition can be easily managed with stretching, proper shoe gear, and the appropriate arch support. If ignored, symptoms can escalate to severe pain possibly requiring oral antiinflammatory medication, surgical options, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. **You expect me to fit into what?! Going out for a night on the town? Think twice about that 5 inch heel with a pointed toe.

Shoe gear with adequate arch support, and adequate room in the toe box is important in maintaining muscular balance. If this balance is disrupted continuously with inappropriate shoes resulting symptoms may include pain and swelling. Long term complications may include structural problems such as hammertoes, bunions, and arthritis. An ounce of prevention is definitely warranted in this situation. By wearing the proper shoe gear with proper support, you may save yourself from future treatment medical treatment.

**Why are my nails thick and discolored? Toenails that are thick and discolored may be the sign of a serious underlying medical condition. Onychomycosis, a fungal condition of the nail plate leads to toenails that become thick and discolored. If left untreated this condition can spread to other nails and can potentially lead to complete loss of the nail, pain, and potentially serious bacterial infections. Special care must be taken diabetic and immunocompromised patients. Treatment options may include proper hygiene and nail care techniques. Topical and oral antifungal medication is often indicated. Consult with your local podiatrist.

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4 MAY • 2010

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Wellington 5K Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer By Dr. Amy Aqua

One in every 8 women, or approximately 13%, will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. There are over 2 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.

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hese sobering statistics are not lost on the youth of Wellington. Last spring, with the help of their parents and Flora Rigolo, a dedicated teacher sponsor, several students at Wellington High School started thinkPINKkids Wellington, an organization whose goal is to raise money for breast cancer research and patient support. “We felt frustrated by the number of people we knew battling breast cancer, and we needed to do something to help,” explains Ben Aqua, Vice President of the club.

ThinkPINKkids Wellington’s participants starting the “Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer” at Wellington High School.

thinkPINK members, under the guidance of ESE Coordinator Kristina Fernandez, sold candy grams during the holidays. Other schools in the county also adopted their cause. Hidden Oaks Elementary School in Lake Worth, led by principal Sari Myers and teacher Dana Verbiest, raised over $1,000 with bracelet and t-shirt sales. Wellington High School’s club has also had several new activities this year, including a dodge ball tournament. Held in February, the tournament had 150 student participants and 250 spectators from all Wellington middle and high schools. The event was enjoyed by students, parents, and teachers alike and raised $1,500.

ThinkPINKkids originated in Minnesota when two middle school students decided to donate a portion of the money they earned doing various summer jobs to breast cancer research. Ben’s family was at a national baseball tournament in Cooperstown, N.Y. when they heard the boys’ story. As they had several friends and family diagnosed with this disease, they decided to bring the cause to Wellington.

Their first event was Think Pink Day, held at Binks Forest, New Horizons, and Elbridge Gale Elementary Schools. Students who donated to the club could wear pink or red instead of their uniforms. They made $1,000 and are holding the event again this April. This year, Panther Run and Wellington Elementary Schools are joining Binks Forest, New Horizons, and Elbridge Gale students in their endeavor. ThinkPINKkids Wellington’s biggest activity last year was the 5K “Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer” held at Wellington High School. Over 350 children and adults attended, and enjoyed performances by the high school drum line, cheerleaders, dance team, and Sunny 104.3 DJ Rick Shockley. “It is important for our students to learn what an incredible impact

Mayor Darell Bowen speaking to ThinkPINKkids Wellington’s participants.

they can have when they work together for a common goal," said Mrs. Rigolo.

Thanks to the support of the community and local business sponsors, thinkPINKkids Wellington raised over $10,000 in their first year. They donated $7,000 to Dr. John Cleveland, Scripps Florida’s Professor and Chairman of the Department of Cancer Biology, who “find(s) it very inspiring that they understand the power of giving at such a young age and realize how effective they can be in helping change the lives of others.” The club donated the remainder to Your Bosom Buddies, II, a support group for breast cancer patients based out of Wellington Regional Medical Center.

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During the 2009-2010 school year, thinkPINKkids Wellington clubs expanded to other schools in the community. “We had so much fun and success at putting together the activities for our club at the high school level that we wanted to encourage students at all levels to help with our cause,” said WHS club President Lindsay Rosenthal.

A club was formed at Binks Forest Elementary School, sponsored by third grade teacher Ann Jacob. Students created and donated reindeer candy canes to pediatric patients at Palms West Hospital and held bracelet sales. Wellington Landings Middle School

ThinkPINKkids Wellington realized their second annual 5K “Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer,” on Friday, May 7th at the Wellington High School Track. It was another fun-filled event for the whole family, and with feature performances by the WHS dance team, varsity and JV cheerleaders, and many others. There was also face painting, massages, pink hair extensions, and various snacks were available for a donation. All proceeds were donated to Scripps Florida and Your Bosom Buddies, II. ThinkPINKkids Wellington President Lindsay Rosenthal hopes for even more success the second time around. “I expected many people to participate in the walk this year. And the community came together and had a fun time while also supporting a great cause.” Hopefully their hard work will ultimately lead to a cure for this disease.

Thanks for joining us in the Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer.

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MAY • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

With Long-Term Exercise, Being 80 Is Just a Number

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In 1977, Jimmy Carter was president, Close Encounters of the Third Kind was in theaters and smoking was still permitted in most public buildings. That was the year Lawrence Golding, now 81, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, started a no-frills, boot-camp-style exercise class for men, held weekdays at lunchtime in a building on campus. ome of those men, aged 30 to 51 when the class began, stuck with the program for more than 20 years. And today they're reaping the benefits of that commitment.

Now graying and many of them grandfathers, they have cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are better than when they were younger, and their aerobic capacity, flexibility and strength have not shown expected age-related declines. "My definition of aging is when you can't do the things physically that you used to do when you were years younger," said Golding, who led the exercise class until it was disbanded a couple of years ago because of logistical issues with parking and finding a meeting space on campus. "People who exercise regularly continue doing the things they used to do when they were in their 20s." Along with a healthy diet, staying mentally active and socially engaged, exercise is emerging as one of the key ways of staving off chronic diseases and, in general, staying healthier in old age, experts say.

It's never too late for seniors to start exercising, he said. "Even people in their 70s still have a tremendous capacity to improve their strength, flexibility and aerobic capacity," Bortz said.

So how much should middle-age people or seniors strive for? At least three, 30-minute sessions of exercise a week, though more is better, Bortz said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends five sessions a week.

At UNLV, Golding led a 45-minute class weekdays from September to May. There was no boom box, no equipment -- just Golding counting repetitions from the front of the room. Experienced class members did three sets of 50 sit-ups and three sets of 20 push-ups, for example.

The men, all white, all sedentary and most mildly overweight, quickly showed improvement. Within two to three years, participants, regardless of their age, on average performed better on tests of flexibility,

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In fact, next to maintaining a healthy weight, exercise in men was found to be the most important factor in warding off heart failure, or the loss of ability to pump blood that can lead to death, according to a study published in mid-2009 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Among men who exercised five or more times a week, 11 percent developed heart failure, compared with 14 percent who didn't exercise, the study found.

Physical activity is just as important for women. A study of 27,000 women with an average age of 55 found that, over the course of 11 years, those who exercised were 40 percent less likely to have a heart attack than women who were sedentary. The study was published in late 2009 in Circulation. "The most important organ in an older person's body is their legs," said Dr. Walter Bortz, a professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. "If your legs stay good, everything else takes care of itself. You don't fall down and break your hip. Your heart stays good. You don't get frail. Your sex stays good, your brain stays good and you cost less money."

Bortz, who is 80 and has written several books on aging and exercise, finished the Boston Marathon on April 19 in about 7 hours 30 minutes -- his 40th marathon in as many years.

strength and aerobics than incoming freshman, Golding said.

Among the 20 who continued coming to class -- 3½ times a week for more than 20 years -- low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the bad type, dropped 27 percent after the first year and 60 percent over 20 years. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the good type, increased by 60 percent after the first year and continued to improve for the next 15 years, according to research published in 2009 in Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport.

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Total cholesterol (LDL, HDL and other lipid components) dropped nearly 18 percent after year one and 40 percent over 20 years, the study found. Triglyceride levels decreased every year, including 23 percent after the first year and 61 percent over 20 years. The men also lost an average of 27 pounds, though the improvements in cholesterol profiles were independent of weight loss, according to the study.

And, as they sweated together, friendships developed, with the men ribbing one another if someone slacked off and didn't show up for awhile. "It became a positive addiction after awhile, and people were pretty upset when we ended the class," Golding said. "These men were beating the aging process."

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6 MAY • 2010

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Study finds diet rich in oleic acid may prevent development of ulcerative colitis.

ncreasing your intake of olive oil may help protect against ulcerative colitis, a new study finds.Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers in the lining of the rectum and colon, resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. This study found that people whose diet was rich in oleic acid were far less likely to develop ulcerative colitis. Oleic acid is a monosaturated fatty acid found in foods such as olive oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, butter and some margarines. This study included more than 25,000 people, aged 40-65, in Norfolk, U.K. who were recruited between 1993 and 1997. None of the participants had ulcerative colitis at the start of the study. By 2002, 22 participants had developed ulcerative colitis. The re-

searchers compared the diets of these people to those who didn't develop the disease and found that those with the highest intake of oleic acid were 90 percent less likely to develop ulcerative colitis. "Oleic acid seems to help prevent the development of ulcerative colitis by blocking chemicals in the bowel that aggravate the inflammation found in the illness," study leader Dr. Andrew Hart, of the University of East Anglia's School of Medicine, said in a news release. "We estimate that around half the cases of ulcerative colitis could be prevented if larger amounts of oleic acid were consumed. Twoto-three tablespoons of olive oil per day would have a protective effect," he said. (SOURCE: University of East Anglia, news release)

Drug Maker Recalls More Than 40 Allergy, Cold Meds for Kids Medicines involved in the voluntary action include Tylenol, Tylenol Plus, Motrin and Benadryl

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cNeil Consumer Healthcare on Friday recalled more than 40 of its liquid cold and allergy products for children because some of the medications may not meet federal quality standards. The medicines involved in the voluntary recall include Tylenol, Tylenol Plus, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl. These medications have been sold in the United States and 11 other countries, the company said. "This recall is not being undertaken on the basis of adverse medical events," McNeil said in a statement on its Web site. "However, as a precautionary measure, parents and caregivers should not administer these products to their children." "Some products in the recall may have a higher concentration of active ingredient than specified while others may have inactive ingredients that don't meet testing requirements," the company explained. Others may contain particles, while still others may

contain inactive ingredients that do not meet internal testing requirements. McNeil worked with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in reaching the decision to issue the recall. "We want to be certain that consumers discontinue using these products and that they know what to do if they have concerns about a specific product," FDA Commissioner of Food and Drugs Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg said in a statement. "While the potential for serious health problems is remote, Americans deserve medications that are safe, effective and of the highest quality. We are investigating the products and facilities associated with this recall and will provide updates as we learn more, Hamburg added. (SOURCE: McNeil Consumer Healthcare)


MAY • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

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Memo to boss: 11-hour days Take Your Child To Work Day are bad for the heart People working 10 or 11 hours a day are more likely to suffer serious heart problems, including heart attacks, than those clocking off after seven hours, researchers said on Tuesday.

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he finding, from an 11-year study of 6,000 British civil servants, does not provide definitive proof that long hours cause coronary heart disease but it does show a clear link, which experts said may be due to stress. In all, there were 369 cases of death due to heart disease, non-fatal heart attacks and angina among the London-based study group -- and the risk of having an adverse event was 60 percent higher for those who worked three to four hours overtime. Working an extra one to two hours beyond a normal seven-hour day was not associated with increased risk. "It seems there might a threshold, so it is not so bad if you work another hour or so more than usual," said Dr Marianna Virtanen, an epidemiologist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and University College London. The higher incidence of heart problems among those working overtime was independent of a range of other risk factors in-

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Ana Chabria, Sharon Mineo, Ada Rodriguez, Sam Mineo, Julie Mineo and Alex Mineo.

By: Guido Ghiragossian

cluding smoking, being overweight or having high cholesterol. But Virtanen said it was possible the lifestyle of people working long hours deteriorated over time, for example as a result of poor diet or increased alcohol consumption. More fundamentally, long hours may be associated with work-related stress, which interferes with metabolic processes, as well as "sickness presenteeism," whereby employees continue working when they are ill. Virtanen and colleagues published their findings in the European Heart Journal. Commenting on the study, Gordon McInnes, professor of clinical pharmacology at the University of Glasgow's Western Infirmary, said the findings could have widespread implications for doctors assessing patients' heart risks. "If the effect is truly causal, the importance is much greater than commonly recognized. Overtime-induced work stress might contribute to a substantial proportion of cardiovascular disease," he said.

ndependent Imaging participated in Take Your Child to Work Day on Thursday, April 22 at its two locations, 3347 State Road 7, Suite 100 in Wellington and in Royal Palm Beach, by combining a unique experience between the extraordinary minds of the staff and highly developed facility, inspiring,

A

Eating Nuts May Help Cholesterol Levels

n analysis of studies has produced what its authors describe as a precise description of the beneficial effects of nut consumption on cholesterol and other heart-related fats. It provides "the best evidence yet that eating nuts reduces LDL cholesterol and improves the blood lipids profile," said Dr. Joan Sabate, who chairs the nutrition department at the Loma Linda University School

intriguing and delighting patients and children alike. Featured above, Sharon Mineo, part of the marketing team at the Wellington location, with her children Alex, Julie and Sam witness the infinite beauty of the human body and its immutable life after a PET Scan. (Below) The Mineo kids join Dr. Eric Baumel, who makes innovation the hallmark of all he sets his sight on.

of Public Health in California and was a coauthor of the report, published in Archives of Internal Medicine. Sabate said that the type of nuts eaten doesn't seem to matter. The study found essentially the same results for walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamias and pistachios. "Nuts are a matrix of healthy nutrients, and the most obvious reason for the cholesterol-lowering effect is their unsaturated fat content," Sabate said. "Nuts also contain fiber, vegetable protein, phytoesterols and other antioxidants.", he added.

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Phone: (863) 393-0004 Fax: (863) 393-0600

w w w. A l l Fo r O n e H H C . c o m


8 MAY • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Cardiology Partners, PL BOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGISTS LISTEN TO CONCERNS OF YOUR HEART

• Dr. Chandra Venugopal • Dr. Amarnath Vedere • Dr. Mauricio Melhado

• Dr. Jean Foucauld • Dr. Neerav Shah • Dr. Elizier Hernandez

3347 State Rd. 7 Suite 203 Wellington, FL 33449

(561) 793-6100 • Fax (561) 793-1974 941 S.E. First Street Belle Glade, FL 33430

(561) 996-8799 • Fax (561) 996-8805

Grandparents Play Vital Role for Autistic Children

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Many help with child care, treatment decisions and political advocacy, survey finds.

hildren with autism often have more than just their parents in their corner, with a new survey showing that many grandparents also play a key role in the lives of kids with the developmental disorder. Grandparents are helping with child care and contributing financially to the care of youngsters with autism. In fact, the report found that grandparents are so involved that as many as one in three may have been the first to raise concerns about their grandchild prior to diagnosis. "The amazing thing is what an incredible asset grandparents are for children with autism and their parents," said Dr. Paul Law, director of the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. "They have resources and time they can offer, but they also have their own needs, and they're impacted by their grandchild's autism, too. We shouldn't ignore them when we think about the impact of autism on society." At the start of the IAN project, which was designed to partner autism researchers and their families, Law said they got a lot of phone calls from grandparents who felt left out. "Grandparents felt that they had important information to share," he said.

"There is a whole level of burden that isn't being measured. Grandparents are worried sick about the grandchild with autism and for the parent -- their child -- too," said Connie Anderson, the community scientific liaison for IAN. "If you're looking at family stress and financial burdens, leaving out that third generation is leaving out too much." "For many years, what I heard from families was, 'My parents don't accept my child with autism,' " said Cathy Pratt, chair of the board of directors for the Autism Society and director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University in Bloomington. But, the increasing incidence along with greater awareness of autism has helped bring grandparents back into the family fold, she said. "Now that people understand more and more, autism has become a family disorder. More and more grandparents are stepping into a supportive role, and aunts and uncles are, too," she said.

Why Spouses of Dialysis Patients Get Kidney Disease Too

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Similar health habits may be to blame, study finds.

shared home environment and similar health habits may help explain why spouses of kidney dialysis patients are at increased risk for developing kidney disease, according to a new study. "We were surprised to find that the risk of developing chronic kidney disease for spouses of hemodialysis patients is just about as high as it is for blood relatives of these patients," Dr. Hung-Chun Chen, in the nephrology division at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in Taiwan, said in a National Kidney Foundation news release. The researchers looked at the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 95 spouses and 196 first- and second-degree relatives of 178 dialysis patients. They found that chronic kidney disease was much more common among the spouses and rel-

atives of the patients than in a control group of people who weren't married or related to dialysis patients. Compared to the control group, the spouses of dialysis patients had higher rates of smoking, use of herbal medicines and analgesics (painkillers), and high blood pressure. The researchers also found that diabetes was a significant risk factor for chronic kidney disease in the spouses of dialysis patients. Diabetes can be caused by obesity and poor health habits. The study is published in the May issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases. "In light of these findings, it is critically important that spouses of dialysis patients receive careful screening for chronic kidney disease, in addition to first-degree relatives. Education about the role of environmental factors and health habits in increasing the risk of developing CKD is essential, as well," Dr. Kerry Willis, senior vice president for scientific activities at the National Kidney Foundation, said in the news release. More information (SOURCE: National Kidney Foundation)


MAY • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

T

Did you know that the loss of one pound of weight reduces four pounds of pressure from each knee!

his May, Apogee Home Health is celebrating National Osteoporosis and Arthritis Awareness and Prevention Month. A staggering 44 million Americans are estimated to be affected by low bone mass, and one osteoporotic fracture happens every 20 seconds! The good news is that with proper knowledge, many life-threatening consequences can be avoided – even after being diagnosed with osteoporosis. “We’re passionate about educating people on the importance of bone health and osteoporosis prevention and treatment,� explains Nilo Galang, founder of Apogee Home Health. “National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month provides an excellent opportunity for us to help increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of prevention, early detection, and treatment of osteoporosis and arthristis, as well as strategies for managing the disease.�

Treatment aims at reducing your pain and discomfort and preventing further disability. Exercise is necessary to maintain healthy joints, relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Your exercise program should be tailored to you as an individual. If you work with one of Apogee Home Health’s physical therapists, they will help to design an individualized program, which should include:

• Low-impact aerobic activity (also called endurance exercise)

• Range of motion exercises for flexibility • Strength training for muscle tone

The Arthritis Foundation recommends 30 minutes of daily exercise to help prevent or control arthritis pain. Exercise helps strengthen muscles around joints, thereby providing better joint support and protection as well as enhancing flexibility. Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the most common type of arthritis, and affects more than 27 million Americans. Known as the "wear-and-tear" kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage. Fortunately, exercise or movement can help reduce OA pain, increase mobility, and lead toward a more active, independent life. "Physical activity can actually reduce pain naturally and de-

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crease dependence on pain medications," explains Patience White, M.D., chief public health officer of the Arthritis Foundation. "Even minor lifestyle changes like taking a 10-minute walk three times a day can reduce the impact of arthritis on a person's daily activities and help to prevent more painful arthritis." Walking contributes to healthier joints, heart and lung, as well as help manage your weight and delay or prevent the onset of arthritis in the knee. In fact, the loss of one pound of weight reduces four pounds of pressure from each knee!

In conjunction with National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, Apogee Home Health wants to remind you that Medicare provides coverage of bone mass measurements for those at clinical risk for osteoporosis. Medicare’s bone mass measurement benefit can aid in the early detection of osteoporosis before fractures occur, provide a precursor to future fractures, and determine rate of bone loss. In the United States today, 10 million individuals already have osteoporosis and 34 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for this disease.

Apogee Home Health’s Medical Director, Dr. Cappiello, is board certified in rheumatology and internal medicine, practicing in Boynton and Delray Beach. As Arthritis and Rheumatology Specialists of South Florida, they are committed to not only relieving patients of their pain and symptoms, but, most importantly, treating the underlying cause of their medical condition. “Apogee Home Health offers a wonderful orthopedic specialty program to their patients with arthritis and osteoporosis,� advises Dr. Cappiello. “As their Medical Director, I strongly recommend their services to my patients, family, friends, you and yours.�

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Become B ecome P Part art of O Our ur F Family amily T Today! oday! | T Tel: el: 561.278.3272 | Fax: Fax: 888.446.0193

Grand Opening of Ira’s Pharmacy

n May 3rd 2010, Ira’s Pharmacy, located in Lake Worth, celebrated their Grand Opening. Ira’s Pharmacy not only has an old world charm but also efficient personalized service and discounted prices. Entertainment provided by “Tony Martinelli�, Vitamin Consultations, Blood Pressure and Diabetes Screening marked the grand event. Ira’s Pharmacy fills prescriptions with little or no wait time. The delay is made pleasant by offering customers a free cup of coffee or an ice cream. The pharmacy works in conjunction with the South Medical Florida Supply Company providing durable medical equipment.

Please join Apogee Home Health and Dr. Cappiello in spreading the word about prevention and early detection of osteoporosis, arthritis and the bone mass measurement benefit covered by Medicare. For more information, please contact Maria Galang at Apogee Home Health: 561.278.3272. To learn more about National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, please visit The National Osteoporosis Foundation website http://www.nof.org/

Doctor arrested, held on million dollar bond WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Bond was set at over one million dollars for Dr Lucy Valencia Friday morning.

Valencia, who has offices in Wellington and South Bay, has been charged with five counts of trafficking Oxycodone and five counts of unlawful prescriptions.

From left to right: Steve & Denise Ploumatsakus, Prokopi Panagakos and George Drogaris.

For more information please call: (561) 353-1292.

Investigators from the Palm Beach County Multi-Agency Diversion Task Force say that they sent undercover agents posing as patients to the doctor's offices in South Bay and Wellington.

Dr Valencia, according to her arrest report, did not conduct proper medical examinations prior to writing prescriptions.

Detectives at Valencia's first appearance told the judge that the doctor is considered a flight risk and that's why a high bond was requested.

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Ira’s Pharmacy carries a wide selection of discounted Vitamins and Supplements.


10 MAY • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Fitness: Walking for wellness Walking is one of the easiest ways to get the exercise you need to stay healthy.

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xperts recommend at least 2½ hours of moderate activity (such as brisk walking, brisk cycling, or yard work) a week. It's fine to walk in spurts of 10 minutes or more throughout your day and week.

Key points

Before you start, talk with your doctor to make sure it's okay for you to begin a walking program. Start with a short-term goal. For example, walk for 5 or 10 minutes every day. Or increase your number of steps by 300 to 500 each day. After you've made walking a habit, set a longer-term goal. You may want to set a goal of walking briskly for at least 30 minutes a day or work up to 10,000 steps a day. You can try to do this 5 days a week or more. You can wear a pedometer to track your steps each day. To stay motivated, find a walking partner, such as a family member, friend, or coworker. Daily dog walks are also a great way to keep up your walking routine.

What do you need to know to start a walking program?

You don't have to walk all at once. You can split it up. It's fine to walk in spurts of 10 minutes or more at a time. If you use a pedometer, you might be surprised to see how many steps you take by simply doing chores and errands or by taking walking breaks during the day. There are many ways to walk more without going on a long walk. Use the stairs instead of the elevator, or park farther away from work or a store. Instead of emailing or phoning a coworker or neighbor, walk over. When you meet with someone or visit with a friend, suggest taking a walk instead of staying inside. To get the heart-healthy benefits of walking, you need to walk briskly enough to increase your heart rate and breathing, but not so fast that you can't talk comfortably.

Why walk for wellness?

Brisk walking is a form of aerobic exercise. This is exercise that increases your heart rate for an extended time. Aerobic exercise helps strengthen your heart, lungs, and muscles. A strong heart carries more blood, along with oxygen and nutrients, to the rest of the body. Aerobic exercise also lowers blood pressure and can help you stay at a healthy weight. Walking and other aerobic exercise also can improve your mood

How can you make a walking program part of your life?

Think of walking as an easy way to burn calories and stay fit while you go about your daily routine. You can make walking an important part of your life by getting friends and family to join you and by finding new ways to put steps in your day.

Walk with others

Ask family members, friends, and coworkers to join you. Set goals together. Join a walking group or club. Set a goal to take part in an organized fitness walk. Walk a dog every day. Plan family outings around walks together. Being physically active with kids sets an example they'll follow as they grow older.

and energy. Regular exercise helps prevent anxiety and depression. Walking also keeps your bones healthy. It is a weight-bearing activity, which means that it works the muscles and bones against gravity. This can help reduce your risk of osteoporosis and broken bones. Walking, like all physical activity, burns calories. Being active is important for staying at a healthy weight.

Add steps whenever you can

Schedule walks on your daily calendar. Buy a pedometer at a sporting goods store. A pedometer counts how many steps you take. The first time you wear it, count how many steps you normally take in a day. Wear your pedometer every day, and set a goal for increasing the number of steps each day. At first, try to add 300 to 500 steps to your day. Then work toward 2,000 more steps a day. A good longterm goal is to get 10,000 steps a day.

Instead of watching TV or going out to eat, go out for a walk. At work, get up and move around once an hour. When possible, walk to the grocery store, doctor appointments, work, school, or shopping. You could walk a lap around the grocery store before you start shopping. Park your car farther away from work or other places you're going. Walk around your neighborhood or around a park. Walk during TV commercials. Be safe Know your surroundings. Walk in a well-lighted, safe place. Carry a cell phone for emergencies. Wear comfortable shoes and socks that cushion your feet. Pay attention to your walking surface. Use sidewalks and paths. If you usually walk outside and the weather is bad, take comfortable shoes to the mall and walk several laps inside. Drink plenty of water. Take a water bottle with you when you walk.

Where to go from here

Now that you have read this information, you are ready to plan a walking program that suits you.

Talk with your doctor

If you have questions about this information, take this newspaper with you next time when you visit your doctor.

Advertise with us! Florida Health News has the audience you want. Call us:

(561) 319-6919 (561) 267-5232 E-mail us: info@floridahealthnews-online.com


MAY • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Headaches

15,000 doctors across Germany stage walkout 15,000 doctors in Germany strike over pay dispute; minimum hospital service still offered

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ERLIN (AP) -- Some 15,000 doctors across Germany are staging a walkout to press for higher pay and better working conditions, a union said. Doctors at about 200 public clinics in most German states were on strike and 4,000 gathered for a

protest in Munich, the Marburger Bund union said in a statement. The walkout is scheduled to last all week, but the union stressed it could continue indefinitely if the towns and cities running the clinics don't make a better offer. Minimum service is guaranteed in all hospitals. However, the union recommends that patients go to university clinics, private or church-run hospitals. The negotiations over pay and working conditions broke down April 8. The employers are offering a 2.9 percent wage increase, as well as bonuses for night and standby duty, but doctors want a 5 percent raise and better pay for on-call services.

Dr. Sharma has relocated his office in Belle Glade to 1200 South Main Street, Suite 101 (opposite the Old Glades General Hospital). Dr. Sharma will be seeing patients at this location along with his nurse practitioner Grace VanDyk. He is currently accepting New Patients and the office accepts most insurances

Please call 561-996-7742 for an appointment.

F

Shekhar V. Sharma, M.D.

Board Certified in Internal Medicine

or all those billions of people living on earth, headache is a very well known condition. From simple headaches, which can occur occasionally due to stress or a myriad of reasons, to more intense headaches that normally brings the patient to the doctor's office. A 'simple' headache can be due to a very complex issue that can be misunderstood and misdiagnosed by the layperson. I have seen simple headaches in the office, which most commonly are related to stress, and lack of sleep. After much questioning and probing of the patient’s history I do find a lot more reasons behind this problem. One of the reasons I have found in my patients is sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person generally snores when he/she sleeps and stops breathing for several seconds. This gives rise to low oxygenation of the brain that causes headaches the next day when the person wakes up or it may occur anytime during the day. I have seen headache related tumors in the brain, which can go undiagnosed without an MRI or CAT Scan of the brain. Majority of the time the CAT Scans and MRI of the brain can be normal in a patient with headaches. That at least rules out dangerous issues like tumors, but not all vascular issues or aneurysms or bleed.

vascular accident) by doctors. One may also have an AV (arteriovenous) malformation of the brain that can hemorrhage and cause severe headaches and paralysis. Severe uncontrolled blood pressure can cause headaches too. Sometimes headaches have no known cause, and no known treatment except pain medications. Any good doctor should spend adequate time and clinical judgment to come to a diagnoses.

If headaches are severe, and all the scans are normal in an emergency room situation, then the doctor can do a spinal tap to rule out other causes which may be viral or a subarachnoid bleed.

Dr. Sharma is a Board Certified Internist who has been in practice for the past 19 years. His office is located at 3347 State Road 7, (Palomino Park) Suite 200, Wellington, Fl 33449. His office is currently accepting new patients. For an appointment please call (561) 795-9087.

Another reason for headaches is a stroke referred to as CVA (cerebro

Various medications have been used to calm and treat the symptom of headaches. Most often I have not seen any single drug to be the total panacea for this malady. I advise anyone out there not to ignore one’s own symptoms. Do not self diagnose or be a ‘Google’ doctor to yourself, because you could be doing untold harm to yourself. Consult your physician immediately if you have signs of a headache that does not seem to go away.

PALM BEACH PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATES, INC. State of the Art Office Building with Imaging Center, Sleep Lab Coming Up

Southern Blvd.

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Lake Worth Rd.

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State Road 7 (441)

Forest Hill Blvd.

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On Staff: At Palms West Hospital, Wellington Regional Medical Center 9 AM - 5 PM MONDAY - FRIDAY SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE 24 HOUR SERVICE AVAILABLE

3347 State Road 7 Suite 200 Wellington, FL 33449

Tel: (561) 795-9087 • Fax: (561) 753-8730

SPECIALIZING IN: • Diagnosis of Complex Illnesses • Cholesterol Management • Diabetes • Cardiac Care • EKG/24 Hour Heart Monitoring/Spirometry • Hypertension • Geriatric Concerns • Osteoporosis ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

1200 South Main Street Suite 101 Belle Glade FL 33430

Tel: (561) 996-7742 • Fax: (561) 753-8730


12 MAY • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Diabetes Screening Day

Diabetes Screening Day at Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Trudy Lampela, R.N. taking a participant’s blood pressure.

Jodie Thollander, RD, LD, Registered Dietitian.

Diane M. Brown doing Cholesterol / Glucose Screening.

Jeremie Wayde doing a Cholesterol / Glucose Screening.

Susan Gauthier, Center Director for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, with an event participant.


FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

MAY • 2010

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13

Medical Community Business Networking

Shekhar Sharma, M.D., Krishna Tripuraneni, M.D., M.B.A. and Bland Eng, F.A.C.H.E.

Bob Bloom and Walter Surin.

Meghan Malynn, Tony Pollak and Stacey Parsons.

Bradley Feuer, D.O., Ileanna Feuer, D.O., Robert Victome, D.D.S. and Monique Barbour, M.D.

Terri Wescott and Dr. Xiaorong Dai.

n event Medical Community Business Networking was held on april 29, 2010 by the Board of Managers of the Palm West Chamber of Commerce Medical Committee. This event was attended by area physicians and business owners.

Tensy Caine and Eliezer Hernandez, M.D.

Dr. Daniel Ghiragossian, Mary Martinez, Dr. Arthur Hansen, Dr. Lori Lane and Katiann Susich.

Jaene Miranda, Anna Lee, Richard Burgio, Keith Raymond and Marcello Fabbri.

Duccio Baldari, M.D., Erik Olson, Bill Dalton and Mohan Pillai.

Craig Cuden, James Paisley and Mauricio Melhado.

PALM BEACH GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS, LLC

Ana Chabria, Vikram Tarugu, M.D. and Khushbu Lakhani.

Patricia McDermott and Julie Kime.

Kelly Conroy, Bruce White and Debbie Jordan.

Dr. Hugo Hernandez and Marcos Kornstein.

Call Us Today If You Suffer From Any Of The Following: Abdominal Pain Bleeding Chest Pain Cirrhosis of the Liver Colitis Constipation Crhons Disease Diarrhea

Digestive Diseases Statistics Dysphagia Gallstones Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Hemochromatosis Hemorrhoids Hepatitis

Jaundice Lactose Intolerance Liver Disease Nervous Stomach Pancreatis Stomach and Duodenal Ulcer Ulcerative Colitis

Krishna Tripuraneni, M.D., M.B.A. Thomas Flannery, M.D. Two Convenient Locations:

WELLINGTON

BELLE GLADE

1157 South State Road 7 Wellington, Florida 33414

1200 South Main Street #102 Belle Glade, Florida 33430

561.795.3330

561.996.5600

At Palm Beach Surgery Center we provide a safe and friendly enviroment, with a highly qualified and dedicated staff. A variety of procedures such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, gastroplications, ERCP, Liver Biopsy, 24 PH Monitoring/BRAVO can be done at our facility thus avoiding the need for hospitalization.

www.wellingtongastroenterology.com


14 MAY • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Kids' Psychological Problems Have Long-Term Effects Lower pay, fewer marriages among those who had depression, substance abuse in youth, study finds.

Hospice of Palm Beach County provides care to all who need and want it, regardless of insurance or financial status. Donations, grants and proceeds from fundraising events supplement the insurance reimbursement to ensure that cost for services is never an issue for our patients or their families. Nearly 900 highly trained employees and more than 600 caring volunteers make this a program that excels in innovative care and quality service to our community.

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Referrals and Admissions: (561) 227-5140 General Information: (561) 848-5200 or (888) 848-5200

Call our toll free number (877) 494-6890

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hildren who experience psychological disorders such as depression and substance abuse appear to be headed for a financially depressed adulthood, new research suggests. Those who experience mental health difficulties as youngsters are less likely to get married or maximize their educational opportunities, and they are also likely to see their lifetime income diminished by as much as 20 percent, the study authors found. The research, released online in advance of publication in an upcoming print issue of Social Science & Medicine, is the first of its kind, the authors noted. "This study shows childhood psychological disorders can cause significant long-lasting harm and can have far-reaching impact on individuals over their lifetimes," study author James P. Smith, corporate chair of economics at the non-profit RAND Corp., said in a news release. The research team's observations were gleaned from general data and a 2007 survey gathered by a large ongoing study that tracked 5,000 American families for four decades. The study included siblings from the same family, which permitted a comparative look at brothers and/or sisters with and without

psychological problems during childhood. Those with a history of psychological difficulty while young earned an average of more than $10,000 less per year as adults compared with their trouble-free siblings. Extrapolating on this figure, the authors suggested that if one assumes that one out of 20 adults has suffered from some form of psychological difficulty when young, then the cost across the lifetime of all Americans is more than $2.1 trillion. Those with a troubled childhood were found to be both 11 percent less likely to marry and a half-year behind the curve in total schooling, the researchers found. The authors suggested that recurring mental issues could explain their findings, given that more than one-third of children with psychological problems go on to have adult issues as well. "Our findings illustrate what the enormous potential might be of identifying and treating these problems early in life," he added. (SOURCE: Social Science & Medicine, news release, May 13, 2010)

At Any Age, Helmets Make Riding Safer

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Cyclists urged to put a lid on brain injuries and deaths.

s summer approaches and many Americans start to dust off their bikes, blades and assorted motorized vehicles, the nation's emergency department doctors are trying to direct public attention toward the importance of wearing safety helmets to prevent serious brain injury. "People are riding bicycles, motorcycles and ATVs [all-terrain vehicles] more often at this time of year," Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), said in a news release. She stressed that people need to get in the habit of wearing a certified safety helmet, because it only takes one tragic crash to end a life or cause serious life-altering brain injuries.

Citing National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, the ACEP experts note that every year more than 300,000 children are rushed to the emergency department as a result of injuries sustained while riding a bike. Wearing a helmet that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards could reduce this figure by more than two-thirds, the organization suggests. But children aren't the only ones who need to wear helmets. In fact, older riders account for 75 percent of bicycle injury deaths, the ACEP noted. Among bicyclists of all ages, 540,000 seek emergency care each year as a result of an accident, and 67,000 of these patients suffer head injuries. About 40 percent experience head trauma so serious that hospitalization is required. A properly fitted helmet can prevent brain injury 90 percent of the time, according to the NHTSA, and if all bicyclists between the ages of 4 and 15 wore a helmet, between 39,000 and 45,000 head injuries could be prevented each year. With May designated as motorcycle safety month, the ACEP is also highlighting the benefits of helmet use among motorcyclists. Gardner and colleagues encourage people of all ages to wear helmets every time they go for a ride on a bicycle or motorcycle, but also when roller skating, rollerblading, skateboarding and/or engaging in a highcontact sport. (SOURCE: American College of Emergency

Physicians, news release, May 4, 2010)


FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

S

MAY • 2010

15

SFRO and FMA Thoracic Symposium

Tara Stoch, D.O., Olga Bechtold, M.D., and Katiann Susich.

outh Florida Radiation Oncology and the Florida Medical Association presented the Thoracic Journal Club on April 22nd 2010 at the Breakers West Country Club. Presenters included Dr. Neil Warshoff, Dr. Nir Goldstein, Dr. Sunil Gandhi, Dr. Jeffrey Buchsbaum and Dr. Kishore Dass.

Alex Mirakian, M.D., Edit Tolnai, M.D. and Rogelio Choy, M.D.

Dr. Kishore Dass speaking to the audience.

Vickram Tarugu M.D., William Heitman, Jeffrey Buchsbaum, M.D. and Krishna Tripuraneni, M.D., M.B.A.

Mary Martinez and Kathy Ward.

Kishore Dass, M.D., and Ben Han, M.D.

Lisa Ryavecpa, Dr. Yvette Laclaustra and Karen Bernier.

Arthur Hansen, D.P.M., Darcy Warshoff, Shekhar Sharma, M.D., Sharon Mineo and Tara Stoch, D.O.

Eric Baumel, M.D., and Jack Newcomer, M.D.

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FOR ADVERTISING IN THIS SECTION CALL: 561-319-6919 • 561-267-5232



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