Issuu

Medical Degree: Residency: Board Ceftified: Special Clinical /nleresfsj

Sharon Adler, M.D.

Carmelina Luongo, M.D.

25 Newell Rd., Suite E-32

CCOG Women's Health Group

Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 582-8074

25 Newell Rd., Suite D-28

Sackler School Of Medicine Danbury Hospital Obstetrics/Gynecology Adolescent gynecology, high risk obstetrics, infertility, and menopause

Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 584-4240 Medical Degree: Residency: Board Eligible: Special Clinical /nferesfs;

Boston University School of Medicine George Washington University Medical Center Obstetrics/Gynecology Adolescent medicine, urogynecology, laser and hysteroscopic surgery

Vicky Biondi, M.D. CCOG Women's Health Group

25 Newell Rd., Suite D-28 Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 584-4240 VA Commonwealth University Medical School Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, CT

Medical Degree: Residency: Board Certified: S pe ci al Clinica

I /nteresls;

Obstetrics/Gynecology Advanced laparoscopic surgery

f) -$l

lacob Marcovici, M.D., F.A.C.0.G, Advanced OB/GYN Care Bristol Hospital 40 Brewster Road, Level D Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 585-3295

Medical Degree: Residency: Board Certified:

Amy S. Breakstone, M,D. CCOG Women's Health Group

Special Clinical /nteresfs:

25 Newell Rd., Suite D-28 Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 584-4240 Medical Degree: Residency: Board Cerlified: Special Clinical /nferesfs:

SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine Stanford Medical Center Obstetrics/Gynecology High risk obstetrics, infertility, menopause, laparoscopic surgery ultrasound

Medical School of the Hebrew University, lsrael University of lllinois at Chicago Obstetrics/Gynecology, advanced training in urogynecology Women's health issues including innovative gynecological surgical procedures, including lasers and advanced laparoscopy, problems of urinary leaking and reconstructive surgery for uterine/ vaginal prolapse problems of infertility, inegular bleeding, pelvic pain, menopause, contraception, tubal ligation and reversal

Suzanne E. Miller, M.D. CCOG Women's Health Group 25 Newell Rd., Suite D-28

Robert M. Chmieleski, M.D., PhD

Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 584-4240

(GYN only) 699 Terryville Ave. Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 583-7741

Medical Degree:

Medical College of Virginia Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA

Residency: Board Certified: S peci

Medical Degree: Residency: Board Certified: Special Clinical /nterests;

Kenneth K. Rhee, M.D.

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Cli nical /nferesfsr

University of Oklahoma Medical School University of Connecticut Health Center Obstetrics/Gynecology Menopause, infertility, vaginal surgery

277 West Street

Gynecologic surgery

Bristol, CT 060'10 (860) 589-7762

Jayne C. Cluett, M.D. 277 West St. Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 582-5515 Medical Degree: Residency: Board Certified: S peci

Cli n

Rutgers Medical School

St. Barnabas Medical Center, NJ 0bstetrics/Gynecology

cal /nferesfs;

Surgery, menopause, endocrinology and

infe(ility

Medical Degree Residency: Board Ceftified: Special Clinical

Wendy M. LatshaU M.D. CCOG Women's Health Group

25 Newell Rd., Suite D-28 Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 584-4240

' /nteresls:

Tulane University School of Medicine Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University

0bstetrics/Gynecology Teenagers,infertility

Medical Degree: Residency: Board Certified: Special Clinical /nferesfs:

University of lllinois College of Medicine St. Vincent's Hospital, NY Obstetrics/Gynecology lnfertility, pelvic pain, high-risk obstetrics

Certified Nurse Midwives: Polly Moran, CNM Miwako Ohta-Agresta, CNM Michelle Plyler, CNM Ozuka Okafo, CNM Melissa Boll, CNM

For more information about any of these physicians, please call TeleNurse at 860-585-3516. Visit ou r website at www.bristol hospital.orq. www.bristolhospital.org

of Contents

SUMMER

Features

g 4 What Happens After You Have the Baby?

THOMAS D. KENNEDY, III PRESIDENT, BRISTOL HOSPITAL

I 5 Bristol Hospital Focused on the Future....Now o ;

MARKETING & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

MARY PAT CAPUTO DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

Sleuth-Anti-Reflux Screening

6 8 Electrodiagnostic Medicine: ? tr) Diagnosing Muscle and Nerve Conditions

TARA D, SCATTERDAY EDITOR

Pointsforparents.............4 With Women in Mind........6 Health Shorts...... ..............7

LINDA ARMSTRONG VICE PRESIDENT,

Leave A Legacy

0 Rtternatives to Hysterectomy

(l)

Seniority.. lnside/Out

..........9 ........11

rF l+r

Saint Francis Care RegionalCancer Program at Bristol Hospital Nursing Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT

Certifications: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, Oncology Certified Nurse I

Bristol Hospital, Brewster Road, Bristol

860-585-3400

.9 lci

HealthSense magazine is published by the Public Relations Department of Bristol Hospital. HeallhSense is designed to provide you with current information about Hospital and Health Care Group. lt

HealthSense. His correct number is 860-585.0000. HealthSense apologizes for any inconvenience to his patients.

health, health care and Bristol

PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN ATASHIAN

in the

Oncology Ceftified Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Nursing from University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHRIS AMOROSINO MARY PAT CAPUTO IACOB MARCOVICI, MD MARILYN PITMAN TARA SCATTERDAY

The telephone number for Steven R. Hunter, MD was incorrectly listed spring 2004

F :(s

MARTABEDNARZ DESIGNER

CORRECTION:

= z.

_(I)

2OO4

ROBERT L. MESSIER, JR, Chairman ofthe Board Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group

(l)

Sense

is not Psychiatry Bristol Hospital Counseling Center Medical Degree: Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

Residency: Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York Board Cedified: Psychiatry and Neurology Bristol Hospital, Brewster Road, Bristol

(l)

860-583-5858

intended

replace

professional medical advice. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily rellect the oprnion of Bristol Hospital or its medical staff. Contents may be reprinted with written permission and proper credit. We welcome your comments and questions. Write to:

Healthsense Public Relations Department Bristol Hospital

q) =

PO. Box 977

Hospitalist

Bristol,

Bristol Hospital lnpatient Services

E-mail: info@bristolhospital.orq

Medical Degree: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury Ny

Residency: University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT Board Eligible; lnternal Medicine Bristol Hospital, Brewster Road, Bristol Healthsense/Summer 2004

CT 06011-0977

or visit our Web site at www.bristolhospital.orq

@zoo+ BRrsroL HosPrrAL a SAINT FRANCIS Care Partner

for Parents What Happens after You Have the Baby? After nine months of anticipation, the babl'has finall1' arrived. Now what? It's a question that most first-rime parents often agonize over after the babl'comes. Here's a short breakdown of what )'ou can expect after deliver)' and until ),ou leave the hospital.

lmmediately after delivery: The babl' will be dried off and her mouth and nasal passages will be suctioned. Her umbilical cord will be clamped and cut. Your ph1'sician andf or nurse will do an Apgar assessment at one and then at fir.e minutes to ertaluate babl/s heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflex response and color. You can begin breastfeeding, if vou're both willing and able. You and babv will receive identification bracelets minutes after deliverv. After we are sure that baby is stable, t'ou can have her with vou for as long as you'd Like. We will still need to be sure that she staYs warm' Skin to skin contact works well, or sometimes a warm cozl blanket around both ofyou helps. drops will be administered within an hour to protect against bacteria, and an iniection blood clot. Babv will be weighed, measured and head circumference will be taken. will be given to help babr"s

Antibiotic ointmenr or

e1'e

of vitamin I{

While you are with us. Bristol Hospital offers LDRPs (Labor-Delivery-Recovery-Postpartum rooms) so that )'ou won't have to be moved after delivering the baby Your babt' will have her first bath and will be placed under a radiant warmer to keep her warm during that event' Babv will undergo a complete pediatric exam'

Before you go home: You have a lot to learn before you

everything t'ou need to know. We offer â‚Ź!o home, and we have many $/ays for you to discover of the Newborn Channel via television 24 hours a da1' as time, as well nurse teaching registered fashioned one-on,one good old home. !ile also send you home newborn taking your feel make confident topics that should include all resources satellite. Both 1'ou as a backup. which serves teaching plan with a written

Your babl' r.vill also have a metabolic screen, which means a nurse will take a small amount of blood from her heel to test for PI(U or phenvlketonuria, hvpothvroidism and 13 other diseases as well as her level <>f bilirr-rbin. A hepatitis B vaccination u'ill be offered and a hearing test aclministered. Pictures are available for purchase, and a website listing is available for showing off Your new babr''s photo and particulars to friends and famill' across the country. After you are discharged: The postpartum visit with Families Are First supplements r.our hospital stay with a complimentarv outPatient follow-up visit for mom and babr'. Parents are proyided with a comprehensive plan of care, including health assessment of both, parent education, and emotional support. Coordinated bv a registered nurse, and working in association with obstetricians and pediatricians, the postParchance to ask 11111 f.isi1 giye s neur m6thers the opportr-rnity to discuss an1'physical concerns thet'mat'har.e, as well as give them the quesrions about the babl''s behavior and care. This program is open to an\rone deliverine a babv at Bristol Hospital and provides great support to the first time mom, or the mom that is breastfeeding for the first time.

For a complete listing of Bristol Hospital's OB/GYN physicians, see page 2. Visit our website at vrrvrrwbristolhospital.orq for a listing of programs offered through Families Are First, or call TeleNurse at 860-585-3516 for more information.

www.bristolhospital.org

t i

re...Now

Hosp {la"*.s*.-

Charitable, nonprofit groups play an important role in our Iives, extending help in many ways, from grving seniors a hot meal, to Jinking up children with good role models. Help may also come in the form of fighting a terrible disease, leading a spiritual experience or bringing beauty to your wodd through the arts. These special orgatizaaons like Bristol Hospital need financial assistance from people like you in order to continue their good deeds. More than 70 percent of Americans contribute to the nonprofit groups of their choice throughout their lifetimes. Only around 6 percent continue this support

through a gift in their will or estate plan. By making these "planned gifts", you can continue to help orgarrizations like Bristol Hospital that are making an important difference in your community. HealtbSense caught up

with Tom Barnes, Chairperson

of the Bristol Hospital Development Foundation and Chairman of the Board of the Barnes Group, to get his take on why "leaving alegacy" is so important: HS: Tom, why is that you speak so fervently about

Leave a Legacy?

TB: Bristol was quite fortunate to have 10 to 1 5 families vzho took an extensive interest in the community's well being. Their thoughtfulness, pride andwisdom provided the basis for many long-term philanthropic orgarizaions. And, our city is all the better because of these commitments. Perhaps, that's why people enioy raising their families in Bristol. Most of the families who dedicated their service to Bristol's future are gone. And a whole new generation of community leaders has emerged. I believe they are coming to a new understanding that their thoughtfulness, planning and wisdom are essential for out community's well being. Thus, Leaving a Legacy through thoughtful giving becomes a priority. And, Jike before, Bristol will be all the better for it.

Tom I{ennedyprovided and still provides as president and CEO. a remarkable job. Bristol Hospital's ratings in nationai survelrs places us near the top among similar institutions again and again. That's no accident. It took great skill, careful planning and the right personnel. As first cousin to the Fuller Barnes fami\,, I feel privrleged to offer my skills and devotion to this longstanding commitment.

Tom and his staff do

HS: What's in the Hospital's future? TB: If one takes the time to think about it, the Hospital is the most valuable asset in our communit\'. It is a major source of employment. It requires extensive skill and education to fulfill its mission. That skill is available to anyone in our communifi, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. It's financiallv stable, in an era of sweeping changes in health care financing. It's governed bv communiq'trustees who devote hundreds of hours of time to ensure qualit,v and access to all. It's in partnership with a major non-profit that affords it access to capital resources and clinical skills usualll' available onl1' 21 large institutions. Its doctors are hghly trained and weli thought of, as is the staff. And finallr; survey after survey proves the communitv knows itt delivering high qualiw of care. The success of one campaign after another is realll' the communiq' casting their vote of confidence. To quote Charles I{uralt, the work we do at Bristol Hospital "creates a chain of memories from birth to death." What we do makes a difference in our communiq. a

HS; What can a Legacy Society accomplish at Bristol Hospital?

TB: \Well, there are 26 inaugwal members. Soon we hope to have 50. And then we'll plan to have 100. It's not for us to predict the financial value of these legacies. The value is in the hearts and minds of the donors. \We don't expect millions, but life is full of little surprises. HS: How can someone become a member of the Bristol Hospital Development Foundation Legacy Society?

HS: Why do you leel a special kinship for Bristol Hospital? TB: The Barnes Family, especially Fuller Barnes' family was largely responsible for beginning a hospital in Bristol. Their commitment has never wavered, as evidenced by the longterm and stable leadership of Fuller's son, Hap Barnes. Personally,

was impressed b1' the exemplary leadership

Healthsense/Summer 2004

TB: It's really simple: let the Hospital know of 1,our intent tcr include Bristol Hospital in your Will. An interested person mav also want information on our charitable gift annuitv program. Tom l{ennedy, president of Bristol Hospital or Linda McGurn, director of development, will respond to an1, question, in total confidence, immediatell'. Please call them at 860-585-3365.

ln Mind ' tt '' to the Nlavo Clinic, eler.en million w()men relt-on r\ccordins tubal sterilization as a means of contraception. Traditionallt', this has meant havins vour tubcs tiecl throush an incision in

vour abdomcn. Therc'.s a nerr'option ior r.rtomen r,vho urant permanent birth control. It can bc perfbrmed u'ithourt anv incisions and has a quick rccover\- period. Ai'ailable at tsristol Hospital, Essure is a non-surgical stcriliz,a,tl<>n option tor women perfirrmcd unclcr light ancsthesia. /\ hYstcrosc()pe, a narrow camera connected to a vicleo monitor, is insertccl through vour cen'ix into \'()Llr Lrtcrlrs ancl a soft, micro-insert is placed intrr

the fhllopian tubes (scc illustration at right). Essnre is desisncd to caLrsc tissue grorvth in ancl arouncl thc micro-insert fbrming a blockase oi the failopian tubc ()\'er a three-month period. Unlike tubal lisation (har-ins thc tr-rbes tied), therc are no incisions into the abc'krmen, no burning or cutting oi the fallopian tubes, ancl there arc n() slttllres to talic care rlf or rcm()\'e. The procecl,rre generalll talies about 30 minutes, rvith most \\()men ablc to leave the hospital in a little morc than an hour. There is a three-month saitinu periocl after thc procedr-rre

dlrring rvhich s,omen mllst usc another tirrn-r of birth control. Afier that, research shos-s that lrssure is 99.8'2, effective in Pre\-enting Pf egnancv.

Amv Breakstonc, NID, a medical partner at Central Connecticut OB/GYN Group ancl sutseon at Bristol Hospital tr,Lbal obstruction in Bristol "Thi s procecl-rre provides Centel-. Hospi tal'.s net' Periopcrativc

performcd the tirst Essure

ior \\'()men," savs Dr. Breakstonc. "Tl-ris procedr:re can provicle women a wal to return to normal activities rnorc cluickh' and rvith feu'er

a safc and krn'-risk option for sterilization

cnrnplicaticrns." ot'

,,1.rk-1,6111'doclor-fbr

ca//-l-rlt\rr.re at 860-585-J5/

ltore ittf'orntaliott alnrrl

E.rstrre,

For a complete listing of Bristol Hospital's OB/GYN

physicians, see page 2 of HealthSense.

h-r,r.,

What is a Nurse Midwife? Certif-ied nr-rrse midrvir.es are spcciallt'trained nurses s'ho s'ork

in collaboration rvith a phlsician caring fbr mothers in prenatal and postnatal care, delir,erins babies and providing primarv

svnecolcxtical care fbr their patients. Thcl have completed advanccd trainins in rr,omcn'.s health and mids.iiert', sraduating trom one of tl-re more than 30 advanced edr-rcetion pr()qrxms accreditecl bv the r\mcrican Collese of Nr-rrse-Nlids-ives. \bu mav be atvare that nursc midrvives fbr centuries har.e pror.ided rvomen r.r'ith fhrnilv-oriented, personalizecl obstetrical care, and ottered education, ach'ice and support to mothers-to-be and their families - bcfore, dr-rring and aiter childbirth. \bu mal not know that ccrtit'iecl nurse mids-ir-cs also prx.ide lifclonq svnecol()gical care fiom adolcsccnce throush thc postmenopausal vears. ln aclclition to pcriorn-rinu prenatal check-ups, delivering babies, givinlr adr-ice rrn nlttrition, breast-feedinu, birthinu methods and other natal issue s, nurse midwives also prcx.ide sr-necological services, lilic pap smeats and peh'ic c\ams. Certifled nurse midrvives can cr-en t'rite prescriptions irrr patients. If lou u'oulcl like more iniormation about Bristol Hospital's ccrtified nurse mids.ir-cs, contact Ctrhzt/ Conntcilurt O|tsfefic.r/C),ttuol(tg' Grotrp at 860-584-4240 or call TeleNr-rrse at 860-585-351 6.

What You Need to Know About Whole Grains Whole grains are the seeds of specific grasses and contain so many nutrients that they could almost constitute a meal in themselves. They include: protein, fiber, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The three main parts in each grain include the endosperm, the germ and the bran. Whole grain products contain all the parts of the grain. However, when white flour products are produced the germ and the bran are removed taking with them much of the nutritional value. Whole grains can have a tremendous effect on women's health because they contain many of the vitamins and nutrients the body needs to regulate hormones. Try these whole grain foods (make sure the products are whole grain products and not merely white flour), generally available in your local grocery r6i health food store: hot and cold cereals, muffins, bread, crackers, pancakes, waffles, pasta, sprouts and iOOkgd gfains.

tAdapted ftom the Healthworld websilel

www.bristolhospital.org

Shorts SLEUTH-New Way to Screen lor Anti-Ref lux Surgery Candidates Ordinary manometry or acid reflux studies, without impedance (obstruction) measurements, may no longer be adequate to provide all of the diagnostic answers to determining which patients are appropriate

candidates for anti-reflux surgery. A new reflux monitor, called the SLEUTH, detects all reflux events,

whether they are acidic or nonacidic.

This new monitor shows that persistent symptoms are due to either nonacid reflux or they are not associated with any reflux at all. Only impedance testing can differentiate between these two categories and appropriately guide a surgical decision or the medical management of these patients. The SLEUTH technology is currently in use at the Connecticut Gastroenterology lnstitute at Bristol

The wodd's largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine, is located in Bethesda, Maryland. This component of the National Institutes of Health serves both the health

Hospital. Ask your physician for a referral, or contact 860-585-3838 for more information.

professions and the general public with its award-winning health information website, MEDLINEplus.gov. The site is comprehensive, non-commercial and easy-to-use. For example, to find information on the topic of women's health, iust click

on "Health Topics," then click on "\Xl" A quick scroll down leads you to "N(/omen's Health Issues." What you'lI find on the page is impressive. If there

Roadside Athletes: Watch Your Eyes

has been news released through the major media oudets during

the last 30 days, you'll be able to link direcdy to the full news article. In addition, you'll find quality-filtered links to overviews,

frequently-asked-questions, clinical trials and nutrition guidelines.

Information of a practtcal nature is provided with a link to "General Screenings and Immunizations Guidelines for Women," p.rt out by the National Women's Health Information Center. Incidentally, all of the resources provided by MEDLINEplus.gov are conveniently credited to the authoring orgarizatton Additional links on the page include

research, specific conditions/aspects, treatment, directories, law and policy, organizaaon statistics and seniors. And, "\7omen's

Health Issues" is only one of the 600+ topics available on MEDLINEplus.gov! Using MEDLINEplus.gov definitely surpas ses qping in your current health concern on your favorite search engine. Make it your first stop for health-related online searching! Visit

www.bristolhospital.org for a link to MEDLINEplus.gov. -Nlaily

Pitntan,

Dimtu of Bistal HoEitalUltrary Serticu

Healthsense/Summer 2004

lf you run, jog or walk along the

side of a highway or heavily traveled thoroughfare, you may want to consider wearing protective eyewear. A March 2004 article in the American Journal of Ophthalmology reports three cases of roadside walkers and runners who suffered severe eye injuries when a small piece of metal was apparently kicked up from the road by a passing vehicle. All

three injuries were potentially vision-threatening, with tiny metallic fragments cutting through the cornea and lodging deep in the eye. Although the risk of such an accident is small, doctors recommend that roadside athletes protect their

eyes with lenses made of impact-resistant material. For a referral to an ophthalmologist, contact TeleNurse at 860-585-35

[Reuters Heatth, April 23, 2oo4]

Diagnosing Muscle and Nerve Conditions address that persont complaint. In needle EMG, I insert tini'needles into muscles. Thev

The Wellness Center's Angela L. Aldam, M.D.

is a physiatrist

a doctor who diagnoses,

have an electrode that records electrical activiq'and shows a fesponse on the screen.

treats and prevents disabilities. Her training includes four years of medical school and a

I compare the readings with

four-year residency program in physical medicine and rehabilitation. HealthSense asked Dr. Aldam to explain the nature and

normal

functioning data from standard populations. fast the nerves are working, how big the response is, and if there's abnormal electrical activin.

I look at how

benefits of one aspect of her practice, electrodiagnostrc medicine.

Q: l've heard the needle

Q: Dr. Aldam, what is electrodiagnostic medicine? A: Electrodiasnostic medicine or F,MG is

used

in diagnosine conditions in

the

muscles and nerves - conditions that are causing pain, numbness, or weakness. !7e

use needle EN{G and nerve conduction studies (lrJCS) to evaluate whether nerves and muscles are working well or whethet there are diseases present. Q: What are the most common disorders you can diagnose with electrodiagnostic medicine? A: Carpal tunnel svndrome (CTS) and pinched nerves at the neck and back (or radicukrpathr). EMG is also helpful in diagnosing some specific diseases including muscular dvstroph)' and peripheral neuropathies, like diabetic neuropathr'.

Q: Why haven't I heard of EMG before? A: You may not ha-u'e heard of it because it's only something vou have done if you have a condition that requires it. If )'ou've had a pinched nerve or catpal tunnel )'ou've probabll' had EMG at some point. EN{G is commonlv done before surgerv on carpal tunnel sYndrome to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severitl'.

Itt

also commonlv used to evaluate

how severe radiculopathf is or to look for other evidence

t""t

be painful.

A: Part of EMG usualll' "un does inrrolve

what's causing the pain.

Q: Walk me through the EMG testing procedure. A: It talies about 45 minutes and is verv individualized. A primarl'care phi'sician will refer a patient to me, usually on an ourpatient basis. The patient explains the svmptoms. I perform a pht'sical exam, create a working list of possible causes of the pain and then put touether an individualized test to trv to

placing small needles about a half centimeter or a centimeter deep into the muscles. The needles are similar to acupuncture needles with a Teflon coatins that helps them slide in. There is some pain, but onlv during the insertion of a needle the initial poke. - particuladv those Many people don't need the needles at all, with carpal tunnel, because the nen e conduction tests tell us what we need to know. An EN{G for a pinched nen'e might take two to eight needles. If the patient knows r.vhat to

expect, it's not

bad. The anxien' about the test is usualll

worse than the test itself.

Q: How do I prepare for the tests and what will I need to do after testing? A: There are no preparations betbre the test and no side eFfects after the test.

Q: How quickly are results available? A: Usualli'I can notifi'the primary care physician within the same da1'. Q: Why would people choose to come to the Bristol Hospital

Wellness Center for electrodiagnostic medicine? A: A big reason to come here is convenience. \\"e're right here in Bristol. Manl,people I treat have trouble with mobilin; so traveling long distances and taking time off to go out of the area is a hardship.

i l I

I I I

Seniors at Risk of Cycling Accidents Parents are understandably worried when their children start

reduce blood cholesterol by 10 to 14 percent if used as

riding bicycles, but the highest rate of fatal cycling accidents occurs among older adults. In 2000, 71 percent of bicyclerelated deaths occutred among adults aged 50 and over. In 2001., neaily 12,000 bikers over age 65 required emergency room treatment. Only 38 percent of adult bike riders wear helmets regulady; as a result, they are more than twice as likely as children to die from head injuries suffered in a

directed. Now an orange juice, Minute Maid Premium

cycling accident.

New Orange Juice May Lower Cholesterol Margarine-like spreads (Benecol and Take Control)with

plant stanols and sterols added have been found to

[Journal of Trauma Nursing,July-september 2003]

Heart Wise, has plant sterols added lor similar cholesterol-lowering benefits. An eight-ounce serving of the orange juice contains one gram of plant sterols, exceeding the FDA requirement that a product have at

least .65 gram per serving for claiming a possible cholesterol-lowering effect. lvayo clinic Health

Letter, May2004l

Post Menopause-Take Charge of Your Health According to theJubilee Report, which examined the lifestyles of women over the age of 50, 65 percent of women are happier once they are past menopause. As life expectancy rises, women today can expect to live one-third of their lives after menopause. This gives rise to celebration for women who are looking forward to continuing their favorite activities such as gardening, swimming, biking, reading and skiing. At the same time, growing older brings an increase in health risks. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects more than28 million [ms1ls2n5-80 percent of whom are women. Heart disease, specifically heart attack and stroke, is the most common cause of death in women over 50. And, according to the American Cancer Sociery approximately 180,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be reported by U.S. women. Now is the time to take charge of your health: ISee your doctor regulady and share your personal health history $ee page 2 f

yu need hep selecting a gynecologist.) IGet yorrr daily dose of calcium and vitamin D

lE,at a healthy diet low in fat and cholesterol lExercise regulady and maintain an ideal weight Healthsense/Summer 2004

r--

Iacob Marcovici, MD Director, Aduanced OB / G\TJ Care Center at Bristo/ Hospita/

many new technologies and more alternatives to h1'sterectoml' than ever before. Some options include:

Thousands of women each year experience abnormal uterine bleeding and noncancerous growths of muscle

tissue,

or fibroids, in the uterus. An

estimated 80 percent of all women in the U.S. have uterine fibroids, according to statistics from the National Uterine

Fibroids Foundation (NUFF). More than one in four U.S. women will have a h)'sterectom), b,v the time the1, are 60 according to the Centers for Disease Control and old, ),ears (CDC). A large number of these women might Prevention benefit from alternative interventions that in some cases offer minimallf invasive procedures with a quick recovery period (usually 24 hours) and a more rapid return to normal activities. A h1,51s1s616m), is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus, and can save the lives of women with certain q'pes of cancer or uterine hemorrhage. Of the more than 600,000 American women each 1rs21 who have a hysterectomy at an annual cost in excess of $5 billion, more than one-third of those h),sterectomies were to treat fibroids or abnormal ute(ine bleeding, according to the CDC. Today there are manl' options to treat noncancerous uterine conditions that are less invasive, have a lower risk of

side effects, have quicker recover)' periods and are less expensive. And some maintain the abiliq'to become pregnant, unlike h1,51s1ectom\'.

What is Abnormal Bleeding? Abnormal bleeding results from iregular o-u.ulation or other problems with the uterus including fibroids, polyps and adenoml'e5i5 (when the Lining of the uterus grows into the wall of the uterus). Other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding can include an abnormal pregnanqi such as tubal pregnancy

or impending miscarriage, thlrleid disorders, or from blood that does not clot propedl'. Women may suffer from prolonged or hear,1' periods with lower back pain or have symptoms of pelvic pain or cramping and pelvic pressure as a result

fibroids.

What are my Options? Man1, rv611.n todav assume that a h1'slelectomy is the only

option for treating chronic abnormal bleeding. But, there are

I I

Laparoscopic Techniques

- fibroids can be removed using a narrow telescope-Like instrument inserted throush the abdomen, leaving the uterus intact. Hysteroscopy - Small fibroids in the uterine cavitv can be removed using a small telescope-like instrument inserted through the vagina into the uterus. Endometrial Ablation - A procedure that permanenth' removes the lining of the utefus by electrocautef)', laser or heat energy. D & C - Dilation (opening of the cervix, the entrance into the uterine caviq) and curettage (removal of the lining of the uterine caviq,). Uterine tissue is then sent to the lab for further testing. Uterine Artery Embolization - The size of verv large fibroids can be reduced by blocking their blood supplv through the use of a small catheter inserted into the groin. Myomectomy - The removal of fibroid tumors from the uterus through the abdomen using a laparoscope or h)'steroscope.

How do I get more lnformation? Sometimes h1'sterectomf is the best choice for certain conditions such as some q/pes of cancer, but not alwavs. If )/our doctor recommends h1'sterectomt', ask about alternatives and find out what your options are. For more information about alternatives to hysterectom)', contact Dr. Marcovici at

860-585-3295,

or call TeleNurse at 860-585-3516 for

physician rcferral.

lacob Marcovici, MD, FACOG is an obstetrician and gynecologist with advanced training in laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and urogynecology. He has a special interest in women's health issues including: Total care for the pregnant woman

r r r r r r r r r

lnnovative gynecological surgical procedures, including lasers and advanced laparoscopy

Problems with urinary incontinence and

reconstructive surgery for uterine/vaginal prolapse Problems with infertility lrregular bleeding

Pelvic pain Menopause Contraception and tubal ligation and reversal Sexually transmitted diseases He is accepting new patients and can be reached at 860585-3295. He speaks English, French, Romanian and Hebrew.

0ut Untitled: Life's Journey A moving collection of musical performances featuring Bristol Hospital physicians, employees and friends to benefit Bristol Hospital Home Care's Hospice and Palliative Care program.

Bristol Hospital Home Care and Hospice has produced a CD featuring Bristol Hospital employees, physicians and local musicians performing a variety of exciting and moving music that is being released in fall 2004.

Musical performances include: Deborah Sculco, MD (guitar) Richard Guerierre, llD (organ and vocal) Jeffrey Palmer (Celtic harp) Carolyn Tharson, MD (vocal) Virginia Tjan-Wettstein , MD (piano)

Anna Nebrat, RN (vocal and accordion) Nathan Oakes (piano) Katharine Corgan (piano and vocal) Ann Balchunas (mountain dulcimer) Knute Ogren (piano and vocal)

Joseph Robles, MD (guitar) To order

your copy, fill out the order form below For more information, contact Bristol Hospital Home Care at 860-585-4752.

SHIPPING INFORMATION Name Address

State-Zip

City Phone

!Pleaseacceptmydonationof$-forthepurchaseof-CD(s)tobegiventoapatientwhileintheHospital.

Untitled: Life's Journey CD

PAYMENT OPTIONS: Check enclosed for $

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for

visa

Name as it appears on credit card

Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

CDs

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Number Signature

Please make checks payable lo Bristol Hospital Development Foundation. Please mail check and order form to: Bristol Hospital Home Care Agency

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O. Box 7040

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Connecticut Spine & Pain Center at Bristol Hospital Receives CARF Accreditation The CTSpine and Pain Center at Bristol Hospital has received its re-accreditation from the Commission on

of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and is one of only two hospitals in New England to obtain this status. accreditation assures that this program has set a high standard of excellence and has dedicated its efforts to provide effective, high-quality medically supervised interdisciplinary treatment to chronic pain sufferers. The CT Spine and Pain Center provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the management and treatment of cancer, and acute and chronic pain and can provide patients with a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan to help ease chronic pain and improve quality of life. For more information about the CT Spine and Pain Center, call 860-585-3040. Healthsense/Summer 2004

Bristol Hospital a

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