RGV Medical Observer by MAE News Group LLC

Health News & Information

VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 10

Pretty in Pink Boutique

Not just a store, a haven of support and friendship for women in need.

A FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

You’ve Just Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: Now What? A Perspective by a Texas Oncology Nurse

America Cantu, RN, Sr. Nurse Medical Oncology Services, Texas Oncology–McAllen

Pretty in Pink Boutique is a specialized shop here in McAllen for women with Breast Cancer. It is a place to go where the people know exactly what you need; support and friendship, not just a salesperson. Their compassionate attention to all the details necessary to your care will help make a very difficult time just a little bit easier to deal with. The ladies at the Pretty in Pink Boutique have provided the following information for your education.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissue of the breast. It is considered a disease that differs by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves. Breast Cancer Continue page 5

As a Texas Oncology nurse, I’m often present when a woman learns she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s a gut-wrenching conversation, because this is some of the worst news that a woman can ever receive. Ultimately though, what weighs most on each patient’s mind is the question “Am I going to be ok?” Thankfully, the answer to that question is often a resounding, “Yes!” Although breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, it is one of the most treatable and survivable when discovered early. According to the American Cancer Society, women diagnosed with breast cancer that has not spread outside the breast have a higher survival rate. Steady declines in breast cancer mortality among women since 1990 have been attributed to a combination of early detection and improvements in treatment.

every woman should consider a few key things when she’s diagnosed. Here’s what I recommend women do, and NOT do, when they find out they have breast cancer.

DO: Take a Deep Breath, Organize Your Thoughts, and Take it One Step at a Time

Oftentimes patients tell me that when they’re diagnosed While the fight against breast with breast cancer, their minds cancer is unique for each patient, begin to race. They immediately

Can trying too hard to achieve happiness make you Unhappy? Can you define happiness? Happiness is something that makes you smile, right? Smiling has something to do with it, but happiness is so much more than a smile on your face. It is a feeling that can last for days and can be very contagious. Many people feel that happiness just comes naturally, and for some it does, but even those people who are genuinely happy all the time have moments where they are not so happy.

Others who are not naturally happy may need to try many things to find happiness but can trying too hard to achieve happiness make you unhappy? A person who searches for happiness may be searching all their life. Happiness isn’t something that you just come across at some point in your life, and you shouldn’t have to strive so hard to find it. Happiness Continue page 5

think of all of the people who may be affected by this news, what the treatment will be, and how this will change their lives. But at the moment of diagnosis, it’s important to take a moment to organize your thoughts and allow the reality of a breast cancer diagnosis to sink in.

DON’T: Listen to Friends and Family Tell Horror Stories about Breast Cancer

Imagined Ugliness?

Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder If having to suffer a disease or deformity isn’t enough, some patients are further afflicted with a psychological somatoform disorder called Body Dysmorphic Disorder. This chronic mental illness is commonly called imagined ugliness. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is when a patient complains about vague or superficial ailments or physical disfigurement, which leads to psychological distress and can render the person unable to function occupationally or socially. Dysmorphic Disorder Continue page 5

While friends and family mean well, they often share their own negative cancer-related experiences. It’s easy to listen and begin to think their stories apply to your particular situation, but that’s generally not true. Amazing advances have been made in breast cancer treatment over the years – many therapies today are less invasive, and there are more treatment options available that are very effective. Now What Continue page 5

Rio Grande Valley Medical Observer

The Medical Observer has become the premier health publication in the RGV. With a very wide distribution among hospitals, doctor’s offices and other health care facilities, it is an effective resource that disseminates relevant health information to patients and professionals. The Medical Observer has something useful for everyone including educational articles, news & current events and advertisements. Keep up the great work.

Nolan Perez, MD, FACG CEO, Gastroenterology Consultants of South Texas, PA Clinical Assistant Professor, Regional Academic Health Center

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You Can Be Healthy on a Budget There is a tremendous misconception that being healthy is expensive. Sure, anything can be expensive if you want it to be, but being healthy does not have to break your bank. Here are ten easy ways to save money while being healthier:

ery other night of the week. It may be quick, but it adds up, and not just in terms of the cost. Your scale will soon feel the effects too. Roasting a full chicken or turkey will be less money, as any leftovers can be used to make meals for several nights.

is a great way to eat beta hard look at your spendter without spending a cent ing habits and how wasteful aside from the grocery bill. it is to keep purchasing unIt is tempting to hit the vendhealthy foods and drinks that ing machines or the fast food barely get consumed in the joints while at work, but if first place. you take the time to bring something nutritious with 10. Find a partner in crime. If eating better and/or losing you each day, you will be 1. A gym membership is not weight is your mission, findless likely to grab the first necessary. A few inexpen- 5. If you are trying to lose ing a friend or family memdoughnut that appears in the sive items are all you need to weight, there are many free ber with the same goal can be lunchroom. burn calories inside (or outcalorie counters you can motivating. The two of you side) your home. There are download to your computer 8. Make sure you always go for can hold each other accountmany exercise videos that reor smart phone. Simply type regular medical and dental able for exercising and eatquire little or no equipment. in the foods and drinks you visits. Skipping your annuing right. You both can swap If you wish to take your exconsume, and the calories, al appointments can lead to healthy recipes you find. ercise outdoors, drive or, fat, protein and carbohysicknesses that go untreated, You can even shop together even better, jog to the neardrates will be automatically and can lead to more serious to split the cost of high volest school track and run laps, calculated for you. You can health issues. Most insurume produce or meats. This sprint the bleachers, do intersee what your daily intake is, ance companies cover an anway, none of it gets wasted, vals of push-ups and squats and where adjustments need nual exam, which means it is and you both are making a with jogging. The options to be made. free to you, and the best way healthy, and cheaper, investare endless—and they are all to prevent expensive mediment to your health. 6. One of the most obvious free. cal costs down the road. ways to be healthy and save Stop thinking that a healthy 2. If you have access to the Inmoney is to stop bad habits 9. Clean your cabinets regular- lifestyle requires a full bank ternet, then you have hunlike smoking and drinking. ly. This may sound like an account. The cost of being undreds of thousands of free These are costly habits not odd way to save money, but healthy far outweighs being a healthy recipes at your disjust in terms of money but all the processed junk food smarter eater and an avid exerposal. Simply type in the also in terms of health. you buy over time starts to ciser. Just ask those who have food you want, and you will collect in your pantry. Clear- already taken up the cause with 7. Packing a lunch that inget a long list of healthy reciing your kitchen of these money still left in their pockcludes some healthy snacks pes that you can print out and items will make you take ets. have for any day or night of the week. 3. Healthy food is not expensive if you know how to shop. Yes, fresh produce does add up, but if you find a good farmer’s market nearby, you can save nearly half of what you normally would spend at the supermarket. If there is not a farmer’s market nearby, consider buying frozen fruits and vegetables— they are nearly as healthy as fresh produce, yet cost significantly less. 4. Stop ordering take out ev-

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Anne Gardner Editor

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Can a Magnet Really Keep Me in Balance? Many of us have seen people walking around wearing magnetic bracelets or necklaces. They are not making a fashion statement, but rather trying to improve their health. There is a belief that magnets can be used to treat anything from pain and inflammation to increasing the flow of blood in the body. But is there real science behind this or is it just another gimmick created to trick people into thinking that they are doing something good for themselves? The answer is not so cut and dry. First, we need to understand the basis of magnetic therapy. Our bodies have electromagnetic fields. When magnets are worn on the body, they remove waste while letting important nutrients and oxygen flow through the body into our cells. The increase in blood flow re-

sults in less pain and inflammation. Many fibromyalgia sufferers rely on magnetic jewelry to ease their chronic pain. People who have severe arthritis are also among its users. Studies have been done in Europe and elsewhere to confirm these findings. However, researchers in the United States have found no link to magnets being an effective treatment for anything. In terms of balance, an ionized bracelet (made out of metal) has been advertised as restoring chi to a person’s body, ridding them of arthritis pain and inflammation, which would result in better overall balance and stability. However, a popular manufacturer of these bracelets was taken to court by the Federal Trade Commission who found their claims to be unsubstantiated. The court sided with the FTC saying that

the manufacturer had no evidence that the ionized bracelets led to better health or balance in any respect and was misleading its consumers. The magnetic jewelry is inexpensive and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Many professional golf players endorse wearing magnets as a way of improving their overall game. There are, however, certain restrictions with wearing the magnets. People with pacemakers are advised to talk to their doctor before wearing any magnetic jewelry, as it may interfere with the pacemaker’s effectiveness. Pregnant women should also speak with their OB/GYN before wearing magnetic jewelry. For those selling the products, they claim the effectiveness of the magnet can be felt as soon

as the jewelry is put on, while others claim it can take up to a few weeks before getting the full benefit of the magnetic therapy. Buying magnetic jewelry is easy, as there are hundreds of websites devoted to selling them. While some studies have shown the usefulness of magnets for a variety of health issues, other studies have produced no such results. Many magnet wearers swear they feel better after wearing them. The jury is still out on whether or not these magnets live up to their claims, so if you are considering trying one, you do so at your own expense. So far, there have been no known adverse effects from wearing magnets. But do not be surprised when what ails you is not so easily cured by something as simple as a piece of jewelry.

Rio Grande Valley Medical Observer 3

Understanding Health Changes in Women

As a woman ages, her hormones trigger different changes in the body. Most affected are her estrogens and progesterone levels. These make up her chemical system and help regulate and stimulate a woman’s body functions. Any imbalance can affect moods and thought process, as well as her overall health and wellness. In Her 20's At this age, a woman’s energy and enthusiasm may be at an alltime high. Most women at this age don’t have a care in the world, eating junk food and poor sleeping habits. At this point, women can still manage a very demanding job and abuse her body by working and socializing non-stop. What many women don’t realize, however, is that it is essential for women in their 20’s to maintain at least eight hours of sleep nightly. If they have an active sexual life and are taking birth control pills, they must also take other forms of vitamins and supplements. Studies have shown that birth control pills can deplete vitamins and minerals. Probiotic supplements, vitamins rich in zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium are recommended. In Her 30's Many women think of motherhood at this age, thus, a healthy lifestyle is crucial and must be maintained. Vitamins A and D are best recommended for producing a healthy reproductive system. Foods rich in vitamin A, such as milk, liver and eggs will help keep the body functioning regularly, as well. The idea is to have balanced hormones so that menstrual cycles can be regulated properly, thus encouraging fertile ovaries. At this age, particularly in the mid-30's, women must also be wary of uncomfortable PMS, polycys-

tic ovarian syndrome and ovarian cysts. Taking progesterone, which is usually sold in health stores and pharmacies, can best prevent such problems from developing. It's also best to consult a medical practitioner about this to prevent health problems later in life. In Her 40's This is the transition stage for women as menopause begins. The ovaries tend to trigger conditions similar to when they were going through puberty. But the changes can go on overdrive, bringing mood swings, night sweats, and heavy flow during menstruation, as well as hot flashes. Women's digestive system and thyroid function also tend to become weaker in her 40’s. Thus, they can feel slugging most of the time. Supplements with magnesium, iodine and Vitamin A, and food like liver, compounded with regular exercise, can make all these discomforts go away. In Her 50's Menopause takes its final stages when women reach their 50's. With their cycles gone, hormones begin to change hugely. They would need to take care of their endocrine

glands—which affect the ovaries, thyroids, adrenal and pituitary glands—to prevent diseases from surfacing. Taking progesterone supplements may be helpful as the body produces less of this now. Women may also feel an increasing discomfort with vaginal dryness. As a form of relief, taking ﬁsh oil and vitamin E should help. In Her 60's and 70's Maintaining an active and healthy body is the goal for women in their 60's. Their bones and muscles are not what it used to be, so taking more calcium supplements should prevent osteoporosis. They should also be eating food rich in anti-oxidants, as this can be their best defense against sickness. Chronic diseases, which may include diabetes, heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's, are considered major health risks at this age. To maintain good health, foods that are anti-inﬂammatory and rich in omega-3 fatty acids must be part of their daily diet. It is important that women know what to expect as they grow old. Knowledge allows them to prepare and take care of their overall health.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis Many women lead very painful lives and do not know what that pain is caused from. If you have ever experienced severe cramping, pain and irregular menstrual cycles, then you should talk to your doctor about whether or not you may have endometriosis. What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis occurs when the cells from the uterine lining called the endometrium grow in other parts of the sexual organ. These cells can be found in the fallopian tubes, cervix, and most commonly, the ovaries. It can cause extreme pelvic pain, as well as infertility and other health problems in many women. In some women, it can be so severe that it causes back pain, leg cramps, anxiety, headaches, and stomach problems. Some women may experience symptoms that can be even worse, causing severe pain during intercourse, and even during everyday life. The Primary Symptoms of Endometriosis There are two primary symptoms of endometriosis. The ﬁrst symptom is pelvic pain. This includes severe cramps during the menstrual cycle, cramps while not having a menstrual cycle, pain while urinating, painful intercourse, as well as lower back pain. The second primary symptom is infertility. The cells that grow can actually begin to block channels of the egg, and block growth spots in the uterus where the egg may try to attach. Finding the Endometriosis Your gynecologist can do an ultrasound of your uterus and other parts of your female organs to determine whether or not you have endometriosis. A regular ultrasound may be in or order, or your doctor may use a stronger ultrasound with a transvaginal ultrasound machine. This machine can help to de-

termine at a closer view whether or not there are signs of endometriosis. If you still have unexplained pelvic pain, but nothing has shown up on the ultrasound test, your gynecologist may suggest exploratory pelvic surgery to see if he or she can find any signs of endometriosis that the ultrasound may not have picked up. Treatment of Endometriosis While there is no known cure for this condition, there are measures to try and help a woman cope with the pain and issues that arise from this troubling and painful problem. Your doctor may decide to treat your condition with hormones such as estrogen, which has shown to work on some women. He or she may also prescribe different pain medications to help you cope with the pain that you experience. Pain medications may include codeine, morphine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, as well as other pain killing anti-inflammatory drugs. In extreme cases that are very painful and problematic, your doctor may suggest surgery to see if they can help heal some of the problems that have been caused by this condition. If you desire to get pregnant, surgery as well as hormonal therapies may help you to get pregnant even with the presence of this condition. Endometriosis can be very painful and can lead to the loss of enjoyment of life. Finding out that you have the condition is the first step so that you can get adequate treatment, and not be in pain without some form of relief. If you suspect that you have endometriosis, you should contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible so that they can determine whether or not you have it, and if they can devise a treatment for you so that you can get relief from the disorder.

Rio Grande Valley Medical Observer

When do Side Effects Outweigh the Necessity of a Medication? The purpose of medication is to make us feel better. That is usually the main reason that we go to the doctor’s, as we want to know what is wrong with us, and we want them to write a prescription for the medication that will cure us so that we can resume our normal life. The problem with medication is that while it can do a lot of good, it can also do some harm as well. The truth is that only one person can really decide if the side effects of a particular medication are going to outweigh the expected beneﬁts. That person is you. You are the one who is going to have to live with the consequences. Just because you are the one who has to make the ﬁnal decision, it doesn’t mean that

are going to be and what the possible side effects include. Keep in mind that just because the medication has some really serious side effects connected to it, doesn’t necessarily mean that you will experience them. More often than not, the odds of you experiencing the worst of the side effects are a long shot. The other thing that you should consider is that there are also some side effects that could only happen if you have a certain type of medical condition, or if you mix the medication with another substance. Substances that often trigger undesirable side effects include: you are alone. The ﬁrst person you need to talk to about the problem is your doctor. One

of the ﬁrst things you should ask them when they suggest a medication is what the beneﬁts

Got milk? I’m lactose-intolerant! Milk is considered by many to be a complete meal. It contains vitamins and minerals that are good for the whole body. Doctors, nutritionists and dietitians always promote consumption of milk because of its many health beneﬁts. But what if you feel discomfort after drinking milk or in fact eating any milk-based products? What if you realize that drinking milk or eating milk-based food doesn’t sit well with your stomach? If you ﬁnd this occurring frequently, you might be suffering from lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a condition when a person is unable to digest and absorb lactose. Lactose is the sugar contained in milk. The condition occurs when the small intestine doesn’t create enough enzymes, which help in absorbing food. Lactose intolerance can occur both early in life and also later in life. Premature babies can also suffer from the condition although some kids don’t manifest symptoms until they reach three years old. More than 30 million Americans are believed to be lactose intolerant. Bowel surgery, infections in the small intestines, and intestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, may cause

lactose intolerance. Signs of lactose-intolerance What happens when one consumes milk or milk-based products? A lactose-intolerant person would feel any of the following effects: - Diarrhea - Gassy stomach - Abdominal pains - Flatulence - Nausea - Bloating The discomfort usually disappears after a few minutes but may last up to a couple of hours. Some people can take medications to ﬁnd relief like anti-gas, anti-diarrheal or pain products. How to manage lactose intolerance The easiest way of managing the condition is to remove milk in one’s diet. This, of course, is easier said than done because milk is a very common ingredient in many food items like cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, etc. Decreasing consumption of milk and milk products is a better option. Most lactoseintolerant people can consume two to four ounces without feeling adverse symptoms. Anything more than that can cause digestive problems. Some milk products are also easier to digest like cheeses, milkshakes, rice milk, etc.

Manufacturers have also produced lactose-free food items like ice cream, chocolates, etc. Some milk brands have also reduced lactose. Milk is important because it’s a rich source of calcium, vitamin D, riboﬂavin, protein, etc. But if your body can’t really take milk, you can get these nutrients from alternative sources like: • Vitamin/mineral supplements • Fruits and vegetables • Juices When do you see a doctor? Being lactose intolerant is not considered a serious medical concern. But consider seeing a doctor if you suspect that your baby is lactose intolerant. Because milk is very important in an infant’s diet, your doctor should be able to advise how to manage your baby’s diet. Lactose-intolerant people can also consult with a physician or a nutritionist to know more about food substitutes. You want to make sure that you still get nutrients commonly found in milk. Lactose intolerance cannot be prevented or cured, but the good news is that the condition is not dangerous and can be easily managed. Understanding how to manage the condition is essential to maintaining a healthy life.

• Alcohol • Illegal drugs such as marijuana, heroin, or cocaine

• Other prescription drugs Some medications also react badly with things that you usually don’t have to worry about with normal medications. For example, most of the time, if you mix pills with a glass of milk or a couple of spoonfuls of yogurt, your stomach will have an easier time digesting them, however there are some medications that should not be mixed with any dairy products. The more questions you ask your doctor, the less likely it is that you will do something that could trigger a negative side effect. You need to examine the side effects that you could possibly experience, and weigh them against how you currently feel. How are the side effects going to affect your current quality

of life? If the side effects are going to make you feel worse than you currently feel, then the medication is probably not worthwhile for you to take. If the potential side effects are extremely severe, for instance, those that could be permanent or serious, you need to discuss the situation with your family as well as with your physician. If you are on a medication, and start to feel side effects that make you uneasy, it is important to see your doctor immediately and explain what is happening. By seeking medical help, you will reduce the risk of long-term complications. Your doctor will also make sure that you come off the medication safely.

Understanding Celiac Disease If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with celiac disease, you will know that this disease can be very hard on the human body. It can often go for years without being diagnosed, and that can lead to years of suffering. Fortunately, or unfortunately as the case may be, the disease is getting more attention as more and more people seem to be diagnosed with the disease. What is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the small intestine. This disease can happen at any time during life, including during infancy. A person can be genetically prone to get the disease or the disease can show up on its own. Many doctors have linked the use of glutens as the main culprit for flare ups of this disease. Symptoms of Celiac Disease There are many symptoms that can come with celiac disease. Chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, intermittent diarrhea, as well as bloating are the usual symptoms that present with celiac disease. There are some symptoms that can be present with this disease that one would not normally think of, and these may include depression, anxi-

ety, numbness and tingling, anemia, joint pain, skin rash, and mouth sores. Risk Factors Even though this disease seems to strike anyone, there are those out there that may be more at risk for this disease. People with thyroid disease, Down Syndrome, diabetes type one, as well as microscopic colitis may all be at risk for this disease. If you have one of these primary risk factors, and any of the above symptoms, a call to your doctor is in order. Complications from Celiac Disease There are many complications that can arise from this disease. Loss of bone density, cancer, malnutrition, malabsorption, as well as nerve damage. These complications can be mild to severe depending on how bad the disease is. It is very important to keep up with your condition and to ensure that you tell your doctor if you have any new symptoms or complications. Testing The testing that your doctor will do to determine whether or not you have celiac disease may differ from doctor to doctor, however most doctors will do a broad series of tests. Tests include an array of blood work, MRI and CAT

scans, colonoscopy, swallowing a camera pill, and any other tests that your doctor deems necessary. Make sure that you go to all the tests to help to determine if celiac disease is your problem. Treatment There are several different treatments available for this disease. Treatment includes switching to a gluten free lifestyle, which means not consuming any products that contain gluten. Also, it may be necessary to take steroids to help control inflammation of the intestinal lining, and vitamins to help combat malnutrition. Make sure that you follow the diet and nutritional guidelines and medications laid out for you by your doctor so that you have less complications and symptoms from the disease. Celiac disease can change your life and make life uncomfortable if it is not kept under control. Making sure that you follow dietary requirements, as well as taking medications for your condition, will help you combat flare ups as well as help diminish certain symptoms. While there is no cure as of yet, many of the remedies out there can help you live a full life with celiac disease.

Rio Grande Valley Medical Observer

Predicting the Risk of Relapse in Breast Cancer Patients Dysmorphic Disorder

A breast cancer diagnosis can be a terrifying time. Finding that ﬁrst lump and going in for a mammogram and further testing can be a horrifying experience for any woman. Knowing that you have cancer can be a horrible burden to bear, and while many women feel that they are at the end of a losing battle, many of these women are wrong. If caught

in the early stages, breast cancer can be treated. Even in the later stages, there have been success stories where women have made a complete recovery from breast cancer. Many of the women that have survived breast cancer have lived with the constant fear that their cancer may come back at any time. Any kind of cancer, includ-

Now What? DO: Educate Yourself about Breast Cancer Using Reliable Sources Unless there’s a history of breast cancer in a family, most women don’t know many details about the disease and try to gather as much information as possible. However, each case is different, so it’s important to first allow your doctor to understand and explain your exact circumstances. Then, Texas Oncology recommends visiting several reliable websites to learn more, including Breastcancer.org, Komen.org, and Cancer.org. DON’T: Just Search “Breast Cancer” on the Internet The Internet is a vast place, where it’s difficult to deter-

Relapse

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mine medical-based sources from misleading information. While it’s tempting to simply type the words “breast cancer” into a search engine, you’re likely to end up reading a lot of sensational information that most likely won’t apply to your experience at all. Reliable online information is posted by established organizations, like the American Cancer Society, which have standards for scientifically verifying and updating information. DO: Stay Positive When patients start to think about undergoing cancer treatment, it can be difficult to remain positive. So, at the time of diagnosis, we encourage our breast cancer patients to identify one thing that helps them

Breast Cancer What Is a Mastectomy? A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the whole breast, which includes the tissue bound by the axilla (armpit), the breastbone and the collarbone. Several types of mastectomy are performed, including but not limited to: • Partial (lumpectomy) • Simple or Bilateral • Modified radical • Radical • Subcutaneous What Is a Lumpectomy? Lumpectomy refers to the surgical removal of a malignant tumor in the breast, along with a small margin of the surrounding normal breast tissue. What is the next step after surgery? A woman who has undergone surgery for breast cancer may have a difficult time adjusting to the changes in her body. The surgery may have part of her breast altered or completely removed. Whether this loss is temporary or permanent, she would need a breast form to retain her body shape, balance and restore her self-image. The best people to talk to about this are your doctor, discharge nurse, or breast cancer nurse. What types of products are available for breast cancer patients? There are specialty products for breast cancer patients. Some of these products are breast prosthesis; this is basically an external, artificial breast shape that should be worn inside the bra or swimsuit. It can also be called as an external breast form. This is not an implant. The prosthesis is used as an equalizer for the purpose of appearance and balance of your body. They are made from silicon, fiber-fill or foam and they should be worn inside the bra's pocket or as an attachment to the body for those people that custom make the prosthesis to their needs. There are several types of prosthesis available, depending on the patient needs; we have partial prosthesis for lumpectomy patients, full silicone prosthesis for mastectomy patients, custom silicone prosthesis for

ing breast cancer, can come back at any time. No one is sure as to exactly why or how, but once you have had it, you are more susceptible to have it again. Most cancers come back within a ﬁve year period according to research conducted on cancer, including breast cancer.

patients that may have deep indentations on their chest wall or are looking for a close match of the breast they had before, swim prosthesis for water activities, reconstruction prosthesis, custom nipples and more. Advantages of breast prosthesis There is a definite need for breast prosthesis to be worn because of the body imbalance you can have due to the surgery but of course, wearing prosthesis is a matter of choice. There are many advantages for the ones that use them, for the most part, as this product simulates a woman's actual breast it helps with the appearance of having your breasts even. The patient can also get her self esteem to a better level because it may help her feel secure when she goes in public. With prosthesis, she can continue to wear the same clothes she has worn before her surgery and feel that she can still appear the same even with the changes to her body. The prosthesis can also help cover the scars brought about by surgery. It can provide warmth, as well as reduce problems that may arise. With only one part of the breast lost, muscle or skeletal problems could cause back, shoulder and neck problems if her body is not symmetrical. When to wear a Breast Prosthesis The physician can best tell when a woman can start wearing the breast form after surgery, but some women heal after two weeks while others take more than six weeks before they can start wearing silicone prosthesis. There are products available such as Camisoles for ladies that might need help with the draining pouches right after surgery. This is one of the main reasons we recommend the ladies to visit our office even before they have the surgery. As a patient you have the right to be informed what products are out there for YOU. What are mastectomy bras? A mastectomy bra is a specialized bra that has pockets in

relax and re-focus, so they can use this tool to stay positive throughout their fight against cancer. Staying close to friends and family can also help, as well as joining a breast cancer support group. DON’T: Ever Stop Asking Questions When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s important to be your own advocate. While you should put your trust into your oncology team and know that they’re providing you with the best care possible, you must also make sure that you’re comfortable with your treatment plan every step of the way! America Cantu is a Senior Nurse for Medical Oncology Services at Texas Oncology–McAllen, 1901 South Second Street in McAllen, Texas.

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the cup and holds the prosthesis that the patient needs to wear. These bras also provide the patient with more support on the straps and a wider coverage under the armpit. The mastectomy bras help to keep the prosthesis in place; it keeps the bra within the correct shape. There is a variety of colours and styles for these bras. This is what makes the bra different from any other bra but that doesn’t mean just breast cancer patients can wear them, anybody that is looking for more support should be able to use these bras. Regular bras don’t usually work with silicone breast prosthesis. A woman must be able to get a mastectomy bra to be able to use this. On the other hand if the patient gets a CUSTOM SILICONE PROSTHESIS the patient may be able to wear it with any type of bra and during any type of activities including swimming. Is there any other product that can help cancer patients? Yes, there are several other items that can be used during or after cancer treatments. Some of these products are Body lotions, Deodorants, Shampoos and Makeup for during or after radiation treatments. There are wigs, headwear, turbans and more. Do you need a Doctor’s Prescription? Yes, the doctor most likely could recommend what items the patient may need and how often the patient needs to receive them. As a provider we will need a prescription in order to work with your insurance and try to provide your services for these items. Most insurance should cover these items depending on the patient’s diagnosis and need. If you do not have a prescription or insurance, please call our office to see how we can still help you.

For more information about mastectomy items please call us at PRETTY IN PINK BOUTIQUE 956-630-0209 or stop by for a visit and a free makeover at our office: 4853 N. MCCOLL RD MCALLEN, TEXAS 78504.

Studies show that those affected with this disorder becomes anxious or distressed. Some become withdrawn and live isolated lives. Research shows that people afflicted with Body Dysmorphic Disorder commonly find flaws in these parts: • Skin • Hair • Weight • Nose • Toes Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder There is no single cause that can be pinpointed in the manifestation of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Causes may vary from person to person. It is, however, believed that combination of environmental, biological and psychological factors contribute to this disorder. History of abuse or abandonment may also play a role in the materialization of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Scientists believe that neurotransmitters in the brain may be the culprit. Neurotransmitters have a direct correlation in affecting one’s mood. Studies have also shown that some parts of the brain of someone with Body Dysmorphic Disorder did not develop fully. Biologically, it is also found

out that a person who came from a family with symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder may eventually have this illness. Signs and symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder This condition can affect both male and female. Studies have indicated that this disorder may start during the teenage years or early adulthood phase. The general signs of this disorder include social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and depression. Here are some of the most common symptoms: • Delusional thoughts and convictions • Obsession or fixation in one’s appearance and may zero in on superficial physical defect/s • Inability to focus on work or is extremely handicapped that one is unable to work at all • Inability to socialize or avoidance of social events • Self-medication which may lead to drug abuse or alcoholism • Extreme grooming and putting on too much makeup to cover up perceived defects • Excessive clothing to cover

Happiness There are certain things that bring natural happiness to life such as getting married, finding and buying a home, finding a good job, and having friends. However, instead of being happy that we have met these goals, most people struggle to find happiness as they strive to achieve their next goal, so there is always an inner struggle to increase the level of happiness that one feels. You can find happiness in simple things that you already experience or possess. Studies have shown that because there is constantly a struggle for happiness it can never be achieved. Now is the time to prove these studies wrong. Go out and find your happiness today. The past is simply the past. Don’t harbor ill feelings for others. This will only take up added room in your feelings that could be applied towards something happy. Instead, re-

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one’s physical imperfections • Obsession in cosmetic procedures • Persistent low self-esteem • Perfectionism (such as repeated cosmetic surgeries, etc) Is there hope? Medications and cognitive behavioral therapy are the best way to combat this disorder. Because there is no specific drug to treat Body Dysmorphic Disorder, depression medication, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is prescribed. It may take up to 12 weeks before obvious changes can be seen. Lifestyle changes will also help in the success of the treatment. These changes include: • Awareness of the warning signs • Regular communication with one’s physician • Engagement in physical activities like sports • Avoidance of drugs and alcohol, which can affect medication • Having a support group Body Dysmorphic Disorder may sound shallow to many but this condition should be taken seriously. Care and support for people suffering from this condition can make a huge difference. Continued from page 1

member great moments in your life and reflect on them often. Take the time to enjoy the sunshine. Sometimes something as simple as allowing the setting sunlight to touch your cheeks while you close your eyes can bring happiness to you; not rounding up the family and heading down to the carnival in town costing you hundreds of dollars to make everyone happy. Keep up with the things that are happening now, and find something positive in everything. This is a learned habit, and once you train your mind to consistently sort out something happy about the day, you will find that you soon seek out the positives in everything rather than the negatives. Love the ones you are with. Human contact is essential in finding happiness. You can make yourself unhappy if you don’t have any contact with

others. Bond with someone you don’t usually give time to do so with. Rekindle an old flame, call up your friends from your high school days, or visit your neighbors. Try to engage in a conversation with someone at least one time a day outside of your household. Take time to do something that you like to do for yourself. Make a list of things you like to do in order of importance, and do them. Allow yourself time to think these things through before starting on your list. Set reasonable goals for yourself and don’t put something down on your list that can’t be done today. For example, if you can’t travel to Paris don’t put it down. Happiness will come about when you least expect it, but make sure that you don’t force it; after all, you want to be happy, so why struggle with unhappiness in your quest to find it?

Rio Grande Valley Medical Observer

So how is it that high heeled, pointed toe shoes hurt our feet?

Sandra Y. Blanco, DPM Podiatrist

Fashion trends nowadays involve shoes that are not exactly comfortable to walk in. High heeled shoes, high wedge shoes, ballerina flats, and flip flops can hurt our feet. A lot has to do with our foot types, level of activity, and how long we are wearing these shoes. It is typical of us (women) to go to the store, try on some shoes that we know feel “just a little bit” uncomfortable and still buy them because they look “perfect” with a certain outfit. We tend to lie to ourselves and say that we will only wear them on a “special” occasion for a “short” period of time. The reality is that we end up wearing them for several “special” occasions and longer (usually almost all day or all night) than a “short” period of time, long enough to cause blisters, calluses, and foot pain that can go on for days. We even go through injuries (ankle or foot sprains) and pretend we are OK only to wear the most fabulous shoes because we like the way they make us look or just to be fashionable.

We need to consider our foot type. If you have deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, wearing high heeled narrow shoes are deﬁnitely going to hurt your feet. It makes sense that if you have a bunion and hammertoes you would look for wider shoes with a tall toe box (front area of the shoe) to accommodate your hammertoes. But why? Wide shoes and shoes with more room in the front area sound so ugly! Who wants to wear that? Because women with bunions and hammertoes that wear narrow, high heeled shoes will develop blisters, corns and, calluses especially on the top of the toes since they rub against the shoe. No matter if you wear them for a short period of time, they will cause pain. Another thing that pointedtoe and high heeled shoes can cause are neuromas. Pointedtoe and high heeled shoes can cause toe to be forced into the toe box which in turn can compress and swell nerves in the foot. The symptoms of a neuroma appear gradually and include burning, numbness, tingling and pain. A neuroma, if left untreated and continually aggravated by narrow, high heeled shoes can lead to nerve damage that will make it difﬁcult to walk without having severe pain to

Fabulous or Foolish?

So how much better are strain on the plantar fascia make us look great at any Ankle sprains are common ﬂat shoes for our feet? when you walk. As opposed cost. But is it really worth

your foot.

while wearing high heeled shoes. High heeled shoes cause your foot and ankle to move in a supinated position which puts you at risk of losing your balance and spraining your ankles.

While flat shoes may not be as bad for you as high heels, they can still cause long term problems. Again, you have to consider your foot type. Do you have a high arched foot or a flat foot? Do you have a Metatarsalgia or pain to the flat foot that is so severe your ball of the foot is also caused ankles tend to roll inward? Do by high heeled shoes. High you have deformities such as heels force the body to redis- bunions and hammertoes astribute the body's weight to sociated with flatfeet? the balls of your feet which Because flat shoes have no can lead to joint pain and in- support for the arch in your flammation. foot and no support for your The Achilles tendon can heels several problems may also be affected when wearing arise. Some of these include high heels. When the front of strain on your Achilles tenthe foot moves down in rela- don, calf pain, and heel pain, tion to the heel, the Achilles as well as severe progressive tendon tends to tighten. Your flattening of the arch which calf muscles also shorten and can cause ankle problems. tighter. Women who have Most female patients that worn high heels most of their come in complaining of heel life and then try to transition pain have what is called planto flats tend to suffer from tar fasciitis (heel spur synAchilles and heel problems. drome). This is inflammation High heeled shoes often of the plantar fascia at its cause pain by irritating a origin in the heel bone. The bony prominence some wom- plantar fascia is a band of tisen have on the back of their sue that originates on the heels called a Haglund's de- heel and attaches to the ball formity or “pump bump.” of your foot. Plantar fasciitis This problem is common in is the most common cause of women who wear high heels heel pain and I see it every almost every day. It can lead day in our office. Most female to blisters, bursitis, or Achil- patients will say they feel les tendinitis. In 1994 a study better when they wear shoes was done that advised women with a small heel rather than not to wear shoes with a heel flats. The reason for this is higher than 5.08cm to main- that when wearing heels, as tain comfort and decrease the mentioned before, your foot is supinated and there is less risk of injury.

Male Menopause: Fact or Myth

Now here’s more proof that indeed men and women are created equal – there is growing evidence that men also undergo an agerelated hormonal change that most women experience in their mid 40’s or early 50’s. For women, this stage is termed as menopause. For men, this condition is called by many names–“male menopause,” “man-opause,” “andropause,” and “viropause.” The World Health Organization however, has yet to recognize any of these names as an ofﬁcial term. Literally, menopause in women means the cessation of the monthly menstruation cycle. Arguably, men of course don’t have a monthly period so why would they experience similar symptoms? Medical experts explain that while the estrogen levels of women drop during the menopausal age, the testosterone levels of men, on the other hand, also decrease with age. The drastic drop in the production of estrogen and testosterone is seen as the main reason as to why both men and women experience similar physiological and psychological conditions. Symptoms of menopause vary for each woman, but generally most women

complain of hot ﬂashes, depression, fatigue, and sudden mood changes. Surprisingly, men also report that they feel the same discomforts when they reach the “andropausal age.” In fact, in the early morning and late at night, they often suddenly feel the rush of heat from the nape, down the neck and up into the face, and at times, the hot ﬂashes are unbearable. Men going through “male menopause” also have mood swings. They tend to get irritated easily and get angry for no reason. A more serious condition men also suffer at this stage is depression. They also feel insecure and useless - feelings which are usually only associated with women. Like women during menopausal age, men also feel less interested in sex during this stage of life. However, the decrease in libido for women during menopausal age signals the time when they are no longer capable to bear a child, while for men, it’s a different story. A 60, 70 or even an 80 year old man is still fully capable of fathering a child. While more and more men reportedly experience this condition akin to menopause, medical ex-

perts are still in a heated debate if indeed male menopause is a real occurrence. In fact, some doctors warn that the symptoms are not simply “andropause,” but are the telltale signs of some other serious illnesses. Findings of Cenegenics® Medical Institute published in the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, for example, proved that andropause is linked with cardiovascular disease. Mayo Clinic also pointed out that menopause-like conditions for men could actually be symptoms of kidney failure, liver disease, or as symptoms of a thyroid disorder. Real or not, a physiological disease or simply a state of mind, male menopause is gaining attention these days. In fact, support groups for men who purportedly suffer from andropausal syndromes are mushrooming online offering advice as to how to go through these age-related changes. Even local communities have centers helping men to overcome this phase. So, if you happen to have a male boss in his mid 40’s or early 50’s, and he suddenly snaps at you without any reason – let it pass. He might be going through male menopause!

to ﬂat shoes where there is absolutely no support to the arch and increased strain on the plantar fascia.

Pain on the back of the heel caused by Achilles tendinitis is also common especially if one goes from wearing heels to flats. Flats cause a lot more strain on the Achilles tendon. Some female patients suffer from progressively painful flat feet in which one of the main supporting tendons of the foot is dysfunctional. This is called PTTD or posterior tibial (PT) tendon dysfunction. Women who suffer from this condition aggravate it when wearing flat shoes, especially trendy ballerina flats. These have absolutely no arch support whatsoever and cause strain on the PT tendon, plantar fascia, and other arch structures giving rise to a painful flat feet with plantar fasciitis and in the long term possibly even arthritis.

it to put our feet through so much pain? As a woman it would be hypocritical of me to say no as I myself have worn ill-ﬁtting shoes for the sake of fashion. However, as a foot doctor I can advise you to listen to your feet. By recognizing pain as a warning sign, wearing high heels or ballerina ﬂats in moderation and seeking medical attention when problems are in their early stages, you can still look fabulous on your feet.

As women, we want to keep up with fashion trends and wear the shoes we think

Is Your Metabolism Fat Burning or Sugar Burning When you are a teenager you seldom have to think about how your metabolism works. As long as they are relatively active, most teens can eat pretty much whatever they want, and not have to really worry about gaining any weight. As you age, your metabolism slows, and you start to worry about how your jeans fit, and you find yourself pondering questions like does my metabolism burn fat, or is it burning sugar instead. The whole purpose of metabolism is to help the cells burn energy. Without some metabolism, the body couldn’t function. Strictly speaking, your metabolism converts the foods that you eat into a simple sugar that your cells can process, so your metabolism is sugar burning. However, as you age, your cells don’t require as much energy, and instead of burning it, they store it. This stored energy presents itself as fat. If you are trying to lose weight, you want to encourage your metabolism to burn as much fat as possible. This means that your cells will need more energy than they are getting from the foods you eat, and will start to use the fat surrounding them. When this happens you will find that moving is easier, that you have more energy, and that you are happier with the way that you look. The key to encouraging your metabolism to burn

more fat is to going to be a combination of exercise and improved eating habits. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to give up the foods that you love, nor do you have to find the funds for an expensive gym membership. The first thing you have to do is convince yourself that you are going to exercise more often. This is not nearly as difficult as you might think. To burn more fat, you need to exercise in short bursts. This means that going for a sunset walk at night, dancing along to your favorite song as you wash dishes, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make a huge difference. If you decide that you want to create a more formal workout routine that will give your metabolism a bigger boost, you should try to find a friend who is willing

to work out with you. Exercising is always easier when you have a partner. Getting off the couch and getting some exercise is just one of the things you are going to need to do to encourage your metabolism to pick up the pace. You are also going to need to figure out how you can change your diet. Once again, this doesn’t have to be complicated. Making just a couple of simple changes, like replacing a can of soda with a bottle of water, and eating several small meals, instead of one or two large ones, is very effective. Once you have managed to increase your metabolic rate, you will find that you have more energy, you look better, your confidence returns, and your doctor is less worried about future health problems.

Rio Grande Valley Medical Observer

Chiropractic Advice for Moms-to-Be on the spinal disks. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases, as well.

Jana Hendrick D.C. Hendrick Chiropratric

Blaine Hendrick, D.C. Hendrick Chiropratric

As many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real and can be more than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, may result in severe discomfort. Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies.1-3 This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby's head presses down on a woman's back, legs, and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. And for those who already suffer from low-back pain, the problem can become even worse. During pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. Although a woman's sacrum-or posterior section of the pelvis-has enough depth to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight still increases the stress on her joints. As the baby grows in size, the woman's weight is projected even farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress

Health and Safety

• Supplementing with at least 400 micrograms of folic • Wear flat, sensible shoes. acid a day before and durHigh or chunky heels can ing pregnancy has been exacerbate postural imbalshown to decrease the risk While these changes sound ances and make you less of neural tube birth defects, dramatic, pregnancy hormones steady on your feet, espesuch as spina bifida. Check help loosen the ligaments atcially as your pregnancy with your doctor before tached to the pelvic bones. But progresses. taking any vitamin or herbeven these natural changes al supplement to make sure designed to accommodate the • When picking up children, it's safety for you and the bend from the knees, not growing baby can result in baby. the waist. And never turn postural imbalances, making your head when you lift. pregnant women prone to havHow Can Your Doctor of Avoid picking up heavy obing awkward trips and falls. Chiropractic Help? jects, if possible. What Can You Do? Before you become preg• Get plenty of rest. Pamper nant, your doctor of chiropracThe ACA (American Chiyourself and ask for help tic can detect any imbalances ropractic Association) recomif you need it. Take a nap in the pelvis or elsewhere in mend the following tips for if you're tired, or lie down your body that could contribpregnant women: and elevate your feet for ute to pregnancy discomfort or a few moments when you possible neuromusculoskeletal Exercise need a break. problems after childbirth. • Safe exercise during pregPregnancy Ergonomics: Many pregnant women have nancy can help strengthen Your Bed and Desk found that chiropractic adyour muscles and prevent discomfort. Try exercising • Sleep on your side with a justments provide relief from at least three times a week, pillow between your knees the increased low-back pain gently stretching before to take pressure off your brought on by pregnancy. Chiand after exercise. If you lower back. Full-length ropractic manipulation is safe weren't active before your "body pillows" or "preg- for the pregnant woman and pregnancy, check with your nancy wedges" may be her baby and can be especially doctor before starting or helpful. Lying on your left attractive to those who are trycontinuing any exercise. side allows unobstructed ing to avoid medications in blood flow and helps your treating their back pain. Doc• Walking, swimming, and kidneys flush waste from tors of chiropractic can also stationary cycling are relaoffer nutrition, ergonomic, your body. tively safe cardiovascuand exercise advice to help a lar exercises for pregnant • If you have to sit at a com- woman enjoy a healthy pregwomen because they do not puter for long hours, make nancy. require jerking or bouncing your workstation ergonomChiropractic care can also movements. Jogging can be ically correct. Position the help after childbirth. In the safe for women who were computer monitor so the avid runners before becomtop of the screen is at or eight weeks following labor ing pregnant-if done carebelow your eye level, and and delivery, the ligaments that fully and under a doctor's place your feet on a small loosened during pregnancy besupervision. footrest to take pressure gin to tighten up again. Ideally, off your legs and feet. Take joint problems brought on dur• Be sure to exercise in an periodic breaks every 30 ing pregnancy from improper area with secure footing to minutes with a quick walk lifting or reaching should be minimize the likelihood of treated before the ligaments around the office. falls. Your heart rate should return to their pre-pregnancy not exceed 140 beats per Nutrition state-to prevent muscle tenminute during exercise. sion, headaches, rib discomStrenuous activity should • Eat small meals or snacks fort, and shoulder problems. every four to five hourslast no more than 15 minrather than the usual three From the ACA utes at a time. large meals-to help keep References • Stop your exercise routine nausea or extreme hunger 1. Östgaard HC, et al. Prevalence of Back Pain in Pregnancy. Spine immediately if you notice at bay. Snack on crackers or 1991;16:549-52. any unusual symptoms, yogurt-bland foods high in 2. Berg G, et al. Low back pain during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol such as vaginal bleeding, carbohydrates and protein. 1988;71:71-5. dizziness, nausea, weakKeep saltines in your desk 3. Mantle MJ, et al. Backache in pregness, blurred vision, indrawer or purse to help nancy. Rheumatology Rehabilitation creased swelling, or heart stave off waves of "morn1977;16:95-101. palpitations. ing sickness."

Congratulations to two very special people who have recently become parents for the ﬁrst time, Drs. Blaine and Jana Hendrick. We wish the best of luck, health and happiness to them and their newborn son, Reece.

Little Things

Ten little fingers Ten little toes One little nose Tiny eyes closed What a time A Mystical, Magical Time Time passes Time grows Time flies Time slows One more notch upon the wall One more tenny, one size up One more shirt, passed on down Then one day Caught unawares A babe in your hands Ten little fingers Ten little toes One little nose Tiny eyes closed The babe Of a babe A new father, Enters a new world Where did the time go? Did I teach him all he needs to know? It seems only yesterday That I held him as my own Ten little fingers Ten little toes One little nose Tiny eyes closed

What’s the “Kissing Disease?”

Have you seen one episode of the hit TV musical Glee where the character Santana said something about the “kissing disease?” If you think that this is a disease that was invented by the creative minds of TV writers, think again. Mononucleosis is commonly called the “kissing disease” because the virus is transmitted through the saliva. People in a relationship are most susceptible to getting this because of kissing but keep in mind that it is not the only way of acquiring it. Mononucleosis can also be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, sharing bottled drinks or through using glasses or utensils infected with the virus. Although not as contagious as the common cold, mononucleosis is still a cause of concern. Also known as Mono, this condition is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and most commonly occurs among teenagers from 15 to 17 years old, although it can be obtained at any age. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is another culprit of this disease. The increase of cell growth of lymphocytes due to EBV or CMV can generally cause inﬂamed lymph glands, fever, and sore throat. Signs and symptoms of Mono The symptoms of Mono are very similar to those of ﬂu. A person suffering from Mono will feel lethargic. Patients

also report having headaches or sore throat. The lymph nodes in the neck will eventually become painful. A closer look at the throat will show swollen tonsils with whitish-yellow film. Incubation period of the virus may last from four to eight weeks. Other common symptoms of Mono include: • Fatigue • Fever • Skin rash (pink measles-like rashes) • Drowsiness • Loss of appetite • Headache • Inflamed tonsils Some rare symptoms may also manifest: • Nose bleed • Shortness of breath • Hives • Chest pain • Increase in heart rate Complications of Mono If left untreated, mononucleosis can progress to more serious illness. Complications can lead to liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), and hepatitis (liver inflammation). The spleen may also become enlarged and in severe cases, may lead to rupture. A sharp pain in the spleen may require surgery. Some other complications may include anemia, inflamed heart, low plate counts, and problems in the nervous system like meningitis, GuillanBarre syndrome or encepha-

litis. How will a doctor test for mononucleosis? Apart from checking swollen lymph glands, swollen liver and spleen, the doctor would also need to do some blood tests. An increase in white blood cells (WBC) and abnormal appearance of white cell can be signs of this disease. The infected person will also have to undergo monospot test wherein blood will be drawn and tested for the presence of heterophile antibodies. These antibodies appear in reaction to infections. Treatment of Mono Steroids like prednisone and antiviral like acyclovir will be given to the patient. Amoxicillin and clavalunate may also be given and more often rash will occur. However, this doesn’t mean that the patient is allergic the medicine. It is a usual reaction. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also be taken for fever or pain. To help alleviate the symptoms, it is recommended to: • Drink lots of ﬂuids (water and fruit juices) to keep from dehydration • Take a lot of rest • Gargle with warm salt (halfteaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) The term “kissing disease” may sound trivial and funny to some but don’t be lulled into believing that mononucleosis is not a serious condition.

What is a Stomach Imbalance? Everyone has days when they simply don’t feel like themselves. It is not unusual for this problem to originate in their stomach. Most people assume that the reason that they don’t feel one hundred percent normal is because they are developing a cold. The truth is that it could be something much different. The reason your stomach feels jittery is because of an imbalance in your gut. The human stomach is full of bacteria. The amount of bacteria that resides in your stomach is incredible. No one knows for sure just how many different types of bacteria that there are in the human stomach, but trillions is the conservative estimate. The bacteria are a crucial part of the digestive system. When there is an imbalance in the stomach’s bacteria, there can be some really serious consequences. The good news is that getting the bacteria balanced again isn’t that difﬁcult, and once you have done this, you will start to feel like your self again. One of the interesting things about the bacteria in your stomach, is that while it has always been widely accepted that the purpose of the bacteria was to help with the digestion of foods, many experts believe that the digestive bacteria is also an important part of the human immune system.

Why Balance is Important Not all of the bacteria that are in your gut are healthy or good for you. In fact, there are some bad bacteria mixed in with the good. A small amount of bad bacteria is not a big deal, however if the bacteria becomes imbalanced, and the amount of bad bacteria starts to overtake the amount of good bacteria, you will start to feel ill. Health problems that are commonly connected to a lack of the proper balance of the types of stomach bacteria include: • Depression • Flu • Autoimmune issues • Allergies • obesity • Chronic nausea Preventing an Imbalance

the type of foods that the good bacteria like are considerably different than the foods that the bad bacteria thrive on. The best way to keep the bacteria in your stomach balanced is by staying away from foods that are rich in sugars and fats. The bad bacteria love junk food and fast food. The more often you dine on french fries and candy bars, the greater the odds are that the bacteria in your stomach will become unbalanced. You should also watch the amount of antibiotics you take. Some doctors have noticed that the longer some people stay on certain types of antibiotics, the harder it was to maintain a proper balance of gut bacteria. Treating an Imbalance

The best way to prevent the bacteria in your stomach is to know your body. The quicker you are about identifying the signs that you are not feeling 100%, the sooner you will be able to take the steps needed to restore balance so that you can resume your normal, active lifestyle.

The simplest and quickest way to restore balance to your stomach is by going on probiotics. Some probiotics can be found in supplements, but the healthiest way to get them is by eating the proper foods. Foods that are a good source of probiotics include: • Green vegetables • Onions Knowing your body is only • Bananas one of the ways to help main• Artichokes tain a perfect balance, and it is apparent that a eating a Once you have restored the healthy diet is an important bacteria in your stomach to a key to maintaining this bal- properly balanced level, you ance. In order to survive, bac- are going to ﬁnd that you feel teria, even gut bacteria, need better overall. to be fed. It turns out that that

Understanding What Potassium Does to The Body Calcium, vitamin C, B-complex, and iron are just some of the important vitamins and minerals that a person needs. You will also ﬁnd tons of news articles encouraging people to get enough nutrients to function properly. But one important nutrient that doesn’t really get much attention is potassium. Potassium is a nutrient responsible for the overall well-being of a person. The #1 health beneﬁt of potassium is that it helps carry the oxygen to the brain, allowing it to effectively send signals to the body. Potassium also maintains

healthy kidneys and can help prevent kidney stones from developing. The nutrient is also a great booster, giving you energy to last the whole day. Understanding Hypokalemia Physicians recommend that people eat balanced meals to maintain good health. Unfortunately, there are those who suffer from hypokalemia, a condition where one has too little potassium in the body. The condition is usually caused by poor nutrition. However, some pre-existing conditions can also contribute to low potassium levels like diarrhea,

chronic kidney failure, and taking certain medications, among others. When one suffers from hypokalemia, he will feel general muscle cramps, aches and weakness. One may ﬁnd it hard to get up because of lack of energy. In some cases, a patient may feel constipated or experience abnormal heart rhythms. Too much potassium is bad! But before you head to the supermarket and stock up on potassium-rich foods, keep in mind that too much of anything can also be bad. Hyperkalemia is the condi-

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tion when one has too much potassium in the body. This is commonly caused by kidney problems, which prevent the kidney from getting rid of the excess nutrient. It can also be caused by insufﬁcient hormone production. Similar to people with hypokalemia, those suffering from hyperkalemia may feel nausea, irregular heartbeat, or weak pulse. You may also feel tingling in the body or numbness. In extreme cases, hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrest. Sources of Potassium The medical community has always preached about getting

a balanced meal. It should be a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients to help the body function properly. The recommended daily intake of potassium for active adults is between 1,500 to 4,200 milligrams. Athletes require more to replace lost electrolytes. There are a lot of foods that are rich in potassium. Apricots contain the highest amount of potassium with 1,380 per 100mg serving and followed by bran wheat at 1,160 per 100mg serving. Tomato puree and raisins are also at the above-1000 level. Other foods that are rich in potassium include bananas

(400), mixed nuts (600), potatoes (600), veal (420), etc. But don’t just rush to the nearest supermarket to grab all the apricots you can ﬁnd. You don’t need to eat three apricots daily to meet the average daily intake. Keep in mind that other foods contain potassium. It’s still best to eat a balanced meal so you get all the nutrients needed by the body. Potassium is very important to keep the body functioning properly. With a little knowledge and effort to have balanced meals, you don’t have to suffer from hypokalemia or hyperkalemia.

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Dealing with Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes can be serious and can be life threatening for the mother and the fetus when it is not properly treated. Fortunately, with all of today’s technology, many mothers who find out that they have gestational diabetes will not have much to worry about if they follow everything that their doctor tells them to do. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a mother who has not had any form of diabetes in the past suddenly develops the signs and symptoms of diabetes during pregnancy, and the problem generally goes away after the birth of the child. The disease is diagnosed either via blood test or drinking a glucose solution that is given to the expectant mother typically at the start of the second trimester. It may be given earlier or later depending on the mother’s history, and if any symptoms are present. Risk Factors There are many different risk factors for gestational diabetes such as having gestational diabetes with a previous pregnancy, family history, maternal age, being overweight, ethnic background, and poor obstetric care. Although all these risk factors can contribute to the onset of gestational diabetes, some women do not have any known prior risks, and just develop the disease for no known reason. Complications of Gestational Diabetes There are many complica-

tions that can arise from gestational diabetes, and this is why it is very important to always make sure that you see your obstetrician regularly. Complications can include large birth weight, birth defects, low blood sugar, high red blood count, cesarean birth, and having to use forceps or vacuum extraction during birth, which can put the baby at risk. Some studies now link gestational diabetes with preeclampsia, but more research is being conducted to prove or disprove this particular piece of information. Treatment There are many different methods of treatment for ges-

tational diabetes out there. For many, a change in lifestyle will help to make sure that the diabetes is kept under control. Changing what the pregnant mother eats, such as including more vegetables and healthier foods can help the outcome of the gestational diabetes greatly. Exercise can also be helpful in the treatment of this condition. Some studies have even suggested that taking a folic acid supplement can help with this particular disease. If lifestyle changes do not work, the pregnant mother may then need to go on a pregnancy safe medication for the treatment of her gestational diabetes. Many women respond

A cancer diagnosis, no matter what type, can always be a very big upset and a major problem. Cancer kills many people across the world each day, and there don’t’ seem to be many cures in sight. Fortunately, if caught early enough, the type of cancer known as ovarian cancer can be treated, and women can have a high chance of recovery. What is Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian cancer is a cancer that attacks a woman’s ovaries. This cancer can be fast progressing, in some cases moving to the fallopian tubes, uterine lining, cervix, and other parts of the female organs. Ovarian cancer oftentimes goes undetected until the late stages, as it does not present itself with many symptoms in

the beginning stages. Women that get screenings each year have a better survival rate, as it can be detected early on and treated. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer There are many symptoms of ovarian cancer. These symptoms include abdominal pain, pelvic pain, indigestion, frequent urination, bloating, lower back pain and lack of energy. Bleeding may also be present if the cancer has spread to the lining of the uterus or the cervix. If you have any of these symptoms, get to your gynecologist as soon as possible especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Testing for Ovarian Cancer Your doctor will have sever-

well to a treatment medication that may include insulin. The pregnant mother must make sure that she stays on the medication for her health, and for the health of the unborn child. If proper control, and all the precautionary measures are taken, the prognosis for gestational diabetes is very good. The mother and the doctor must work together to ensure that the health of the child and the mother are maintained throughout the pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can cause complications if left untreated or not treated slightly suspects that she may diately so that all the proper properly. No matter the risks have this disease, she needs measures can be taken immeor complications, if a mother to consult her doctor immediately.

Get the Facts: Ovarian Cancer al different tests to see if you have ovarian cancer. Just because you have the symptoms above, does not mean that you have ovarian cancer. Those symptoms can also come with many other illnesses as well. Your doctor will want to do a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, MRI or CAT scans, as well as (if there is suspected cancer) a biopsy of the affected area. Many doctors will also order a broad variety of blood work as well. Once your doctor has completed all of their testing, they can tell you whether or not you have ovarian cancer. It will be classified in four different stages. The first stage is when the cancer is still confined to one ovary, second stage is both ovaries and other places in the pelvic region, the third stage is

beyond the pelvis including the lymph nodes of the abdominal area, and the fourth stage means that the cancer has spread to other organs in the body. Your doctor will tell you what stage you are in, and what the best method is to treat your particular stage of cancer. Treatment for Ovarian Cancer The treatment for ovarian cancer is similar to the treatment of other cancers. Depending upon the severity, many doctors will have you go in for surgery. This surgery will remove the affected area, or you may have to undergo a complete hysterectomy to remove all of the affected areas. If the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis, all surgical options to remove the masses

will be exhausted. After your surgery, you can expect to undergo weeks of chemotherapy, and possibly radiation to help remove any remaining cancer cells that may be left in your body afterwards. Diet changes, spiritual guidance, as well as family may also help in your cancer treatment. Be sure to always go to your appointments and keep up with your treatments. If caught early enough, you will have a good prognosis with ovarian cancer. Even late stage ovarian cancer patients have been known to pull through with flying colors. Early treatment is the key, so if you even suspect that you may have this cancer, be sure to get to your doctor as soon as possible.

10 Rio Grande Valley Medical Observer

What to do When a Baby Says "Ouch"

If you have a baby, you know what the word worry means. The constant watching of your child to make sure that they do not get hurt, or that they do not feel well can be an enormous responsibility; and when they get sick or hurt, we have to make sure that they are properly cared for. With a young baby, it can be hard to tell when they are in pain, as they cannot properly tell us that why they hurt. When a baby starts talking they may learn words and just repeat them such as the word “ouch.” They may hear an adult or sibling say ouch and just be saying the word because babies like to repeat words. In other cases though, there may be something wrong, and we will need to respond to our baby saying ouch. If your baby starts to say ouch, make sure that you check the baby over well for any kind of marks, bites, scratches or anything that may have caused the baby to

it may poke at its tummy. Also watch to see if the baby is fussy at all. If the baby seems grumpy and you cannot seem to get the baby comfortable, you should contact your doctor to let them know what is going on so that they can determine whether or not an office visit is necessary. If your baby does not show any signs of illness or any signs of unhappiness, the chances are that the baby has just picked up the word around have said ouch. If you do not diatrician as soon as possible. the house. Check with famsee anything wrong externally If your baby has a fever over ily members as well as other with the baby, check the inside 101 degrees, make sure you children to see if anyone has of the baby’s mouth. Some- take the child to the emergensaid the word ouch around the times teething will make the cy room or urgent care center infant. If they have not, or if baby say ouch, as teething can immediately. you are still worried that your be a very painful process for If your child is saying ouch, child may be in pain, a quick an infant. and does not have a fever, visit to your doctor will help After you have checked the watch for signs that the child to calm your fears. When in mouth, be sure to check the may be hurting somewhere on doubt, always check with your temperature of the child. If their body. A baby will have doctor when your baby says the child has a fever it may a tendency to poke or pull at ouch so that you will feel betbe saying ouch due to a head- whatever is hurting them. If ter knowing what your child ache, cold or other issue. If an ear is bothering the child, is saying, and you will know your child has a fever make it may pull or poke at that ear. that your child is not in pain. sure that you contact your pe- If the baby has a tummy ache

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When cancer does come back the second time, it can be harder to ﬁght, as it can try to get to different locations, and your body is already in a weakened state by the ﬁrst round of treatment. This is why it is important for advancements in tests used to determine the risk of relapse in cancer patients. There are two main tests for breast cancer patients as of now to determine the relapse of breast cancer. A tissue sample can be taken and measured to see if there is any sign or biomarkers that might clue the tester in to whether or not the cancer will be back. Bone marrow tests can also help to determine whether or not there is a genetic disposition for the cancer to return to the body. Biomarkers in tissue samples and blood samples can help to determine when the cancer will be back. These biomarkers are essential in predicting if the cancer will be back. More research is being done into different ways to test these biomarkers so that in the future they could even predict cancer before the patient is

even diagnosed the ﬁrst time. There is more biomarker research going on each day to help determine what advancements can be made to help diagnose cancer. Hopefully in the future, a simple blood test will be able to tell whether or not a person has certain biomarkers that can determine the risk of breast cancer, and if the person has already had breast cancer, it will be able to determine whether or not the carcinogens will be back or not. Predicting if breast cancer will return is imperative for women’s health. Knowing that the cancer may return can help a woman and her doctors to prepare for further treatment down the road. There have even been studies showing that certain immunotherapies may work before the cancer returns. As more research is done to biomarkers and breast cancers, the better off we will be to understand in knowing if the cancer will return, and how to prevent the cancer from returning. With proper research and information, the help that the tests and biomarkers can give people with breast cancer will be immense.

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Tips for Dealing with Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that can affect practically anyone. It typically makes itself known in patients in their early teenage years, and usually stays with them until a few years after adulthood. However, the rashes can affect anyone, and they can cause some serious mental and emotional trauma. It’s not a life-threatening condition by any means, but the proper care and treatment of eczema will help minimize the scarring and other side effects. One of the best and easiest changes to make if you are suffering form eczema is to begin changing your shower routine. Simply taking the hottest shower that you can possibly take will upset and agitate your eczema, and will make it more red and ﬂaky. This in turn will cause more outbreaks as your skin is no longer in proper condition. This isn’t to say that you should take cold showers. You should take comfortably warm showers, and not linger in the shower for longer than you need. This may seem like a big sacriﬁce but the sooner you can get rid of the skin symptoms, the less likely the body is to scar. The next tip for dealing with eczema is to begin using moisturizing cream to keep the skin supple. This is the best preventative measure that can be made to minimize the upset skin. Try to apply it twice a day both morning and night. Right after the shower is preferable to right before, as it will last on your skin for much

longer. Be gentle when you rub the lotion in, and don’t scrape. You don’t need to use too much before you will start seeing great results. Oatmeal based lotions will help with eczema and give your skin a makeover with that extra staying power. Analyzing your diet is another tool that you can use in your arsenal to fight against eczema. The patients who are able to keep it at bay the best are the ones that take measures even when they don’t have visual symptoms. Foods high in oil and sugar are not as good for the skin as are healthy foods. You should look at your diet, and be sure that the food you are eating is in line with what you need to fend off eczema. Once you have done all you can on your own, it is important to see a dermatologist if you are still having issues. A dermatologist can prescribe steroid creams that are prescription only. These are the big guns in the fight against eczema and are only given out after the home remedies are tried. If you try the list, and still come up short, a dermatologist will be able to facilitate this process. No matter what happens, it is important to not worry too much about your skin. No matter where you have the eczema, you can find the confidence you need to function in everyday life. No ones body is perfect, and this condition affects more than most people think.

Stress: Its Effect On Us & Our Loved Ones Stress is a part of our lives whether we like it or not. It can be caused by everyday events, emergency situations, or life-altering experiences. We can feel it physically - our blood pressure rises, we develop headaches, and stomach problems arise. For some, stress becomes a moment of glory like in the case of a doctor operating on a patient to save his or her life. But for many, stress is not so easily dealt with, and the results can be costly; even devastating. A serious problem develops when an abundance of stress starts to interfere with relationships. Marriages can suffer, friends may begin to disappear from our lives and family members may keep their distance. One of the biggest effects stress has, though, is on children. When stress starts to affect our family lives, it is time to sit back and take a hard look at ourselves, and how we can improve the situation. When a person is seriously stressed, and not just the normal every day stress that most people experience, the body soon begins to react in a negative way. Skin problems, hair loss, insomnia, and reduced immunity are just some of the physical reactions that can occur when we are under extreme stress. Mentally, a mind that is overstressed will result in forgetfulness and a lack of concentration. In extreme cases, stress can lead to alcohol and drug abuse. All this begins to affect relationships. For those who are married, stress can lead to many things including a disconnect with our spouse as a result of a decreased interest in intimacy and an increase in arguing. It can also lead to feelings of inadequacy when it comes to taking care of each other and our families. As stress levels increase, it eventually spills over to the relationship we have with our children, and that is where the real problems occur. Children, especially younger ones, do not understand stress and the overwhelming feeling that adults often have, and of the many responsibilities that adults must take on. When we are stressed, we begin to lose focus, which means we may unknowingly forget to do things for our children and not provide them with what they need. Under stress, we may also lose patience and start lashing out at every little event that happens no matter how insignificant it is. When a child lives in an environment with constant yelling and an inattentive parent, he or she can turn to someone or something

that may be detrimental to the child’s well being. It is at this point, that we must realize that our stress has taken on a life of its own, and must be managed immediately. A child’s physical and emotional stability takes precedence over any stress that a parent might be feeling. Luckily, no one has to suffer through this alone. If stress is becoming a problem and affecting our relationships, then it is definitely time to stop and take stock of what we could be losing. The main goal should be finding a way to better manage the stress and realize that taking care of ourselves is as important as taking care of our loved ones. If we begin to fall apart on our family, we cannot, and should not, expect them to not be impacted by our actions. With children, especially, setting a good example is essential so that when they get older and are faced with stressful situations, they know how to handle them responsibly and maturely.