Health Matters June 2011

HEALTH MATTERS The East County Observer • JUNE 2011

Summer season offers fresh and healthy fare. / 6

COVER STORY: Ten years ago, Helen Hutchings died on an operating table when surgeons pushed a blood clot into her heart. / 5

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Health Matters

YourObserver.com

JUNE 2011

now open

Family First

Dr. Karen Bigby and Dr. Andrew Burg both recently opened family practices at the Sarasota Memorial Health Care Center at Heritage Harbour.

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

as cost effectively as possible.”

A native of Guyana, South America, HERITAGE HARBOUR — East County Bigby knew she wanted to be a doctor from residents will have more choices the time she was 3 years old. for their medical care after a pair After receiving a doctor’s kit for of family practice physicians Christmas, Bigby began treating recently opened their doors at the anyone who would let her.

Sarasota Medical Care Center at “I would get out my Heritage Harbour. stethoscope and practice Dr. Karen Bigby and Dr. on anyone who sat still long Andrew Burg both opened family enough,” Bigby says. “It’s always practices last month as part been my goal, and I’m actually of First Physicians Group at very pleased to be able to do Heritage Harbour. what I do.”

Dr. Karen Bigby “We have an absolutely Bigby earned her medical beautiful office that’s very degree in 1992 from State conveniently located,” Bigby University of New York — says. “On the first floor we have Syracuse Health Science Center. urgent care, a MRI, CAT scan, lab She went on to complete a draw stations and an ultrasound three-year residency program in machine — almost everything family medicine at St. Joseph’s a patient could need could be Hospital. gotten in this building. From the After taking a month off to waiting room, you can look out have her son, Charles, now 15, and see the golf course, so if you Bigby and her husband, Chuck, have to be sick and go to the moved to Florida, where she Dr. Andrew Burg doctor, this is not a bad place to began working at Bayfront be.”

Medical Center, in St. Petersburg.

“There’s the option for the patient She then went into private practice before to get everything done at one place serving as a faculty member for the in network, so it doesn’t cost them residency program at Bayfront. anymore,” Burg says. “You can’t buy time, Bigby spent 15 years practicing in St. luck or a longer lifespan, but you can try Petersburg before moving to Parrish about to get them solutions to their problems a year ago. She continued to work on the

other side of the Sunshine Skyway, but eventually, the commute got the best of her.

She began searching for alternate opportunities, and in May, Bigby opened her family practice at the Sarasota Memorial Care Center at Heritage Harbour as part of First Physicians Group at Heritage Harbour.

“It’s a lovely drive, but it’s exhausting,” Bigby says. “I started looking at opportunities in Manatee County, and this was a neat opportunity that came up. I’m looking forward to growing the practice at this location and hopefully working the next 20 years in Manatee County before retirement.

“Family medicine is unique in that you get to know the families well, (not only your patients), but the family dynamic, their spouses and their children,” Bigby says. “As a family doctor, I see myself as being a team with my patients, helping patients toward good health, and if there are medical issues, helping to manage those medical issues.”

When she’s not hard at work, Bigby enjoys spending time with Chuck, with whom she celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary June 14, son Charles and daughter, Jamilla, 20. She also enjoys reading, watching movies and gardening and other outdoor activities.

Similar to Bigby, Burg also decided at a young age that he wanted to be a physician.

When he was 5 years old, Burg lost his grandfather to a series of heart attacks; and after seeing the devastated look in his father’s eyes, Burg decided he wanted to help prevent that same feeling from happening to others.

“It hit me hard,” Burg remembers. “That helplessness and I guess hopelessness — that really bugged me, and it still does.”

After receiving his undergraduate degree from Washington University, Burg went on to medical school at Universite Louis Pasteur, in Strasbourg, France.

INFORMATION First Physicians Group at Heritage Harbour ADDRESS: 1040 River Heritage Blvd., Bradenton PHONE: 917-7100 HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; urgent care 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily After completing his residency in general medicine in 1998, Burg and his wife, Bee, returned to the United States, where he completed a second residency at University Hospital in Stony Brook, N.Y., before moving to Florida in 2006.

“I got to be a little more of a people person,” Burg says of choosing general medicine. “It’s about communication and problem solving. It’s very varied. If I can help some people avoid unnecessary premature death, then that’s the best way to remember my grandfather whom I didn’t know that well.”

Prior to joining the First Physician’s Group, Burg worked for Pinnacle Medical Group and Lakewood Ranch Primary Care.

Burg decided to join First Physician’s Group as a way to continue helping patients through the use of a modern health care system.

“It’s an opportunity to provide health care with this very modern health care (development) system,” Burg says. “They give you what you need, so you can focus solely on the patient and provide the best possible patient care. It was a no-brainer.

I’m very happy.”

When he’s not hard at work, Burg enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, Naomi, 10, Noah, 8, and Nathan, 2.

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@ yourobserver.com.

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YourObserver.com

JUNE 2011

Health Matters

3

technique

Fine Tuning

Dr. Erick Calderon and Dr. Jason Okuhara, of Lakewood Ranch Cardiovascular Consultants, are using a new heart catheterization technique that offers fewer complications and a quicker recovery time.

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

abnormalities, fistulas and other injuries to the artery, among other potential LAKEWOOD RANCH — John Parsons complications, Calderon said. couldn’t shake his disbelief after he Patients who have had cardiac awoke from heart surgery at Lakewood catheterizations through the groin must Ranch Medical Center. lie flat for four to six hours after their After a cardiac catheterization procedure because of potential bleeding procedure that had at the access site. twice left him unable In fact, immediately to get up for hours, after surgery, nurses he now could get up must apply pressure The cardiac catheterization almost immediately. to the incision area for procedure involves passing “It was amazing,” up to 20 minutes; if a thin, flexible tube, called a remembers Parsons, the bleeding doesn’t catheter, into the right or left a resident of Tara Golf stop, other forms of side of the heart. The catheter and Country Club. “It pressure must be is threaded into the heart using was 100% better (than added. an X-ray machine that produces my last two surgeries).

The radial artery, real-time pictures, as the doctor The recovery was so although more works to break up blockages, much faster. You could difficult to navigate put in stents or performs other move your arms. You because of its procedures. could do anything. smaller size, is more Using this technique, No pain. It was compressible, making physicians now often can incredible.” it easier to stop accomplish many heart-related In Lakewood bleeding after surgery, repairs that used to require openRanch, Drs. Erick among other benefits. heart surgery.

Calderon and Jason “A lot of Okuhara, of Lakewood those potential Ranch Cardiovascular Consultants, are complications have been eliminated,” perfecting a new technique in which Calderon says of using the radial artery as they perform cardiac catheterizations an access. by accessing the radial artery through Not only does performing a cardiac the wrist rather than the femoral artery catheterization through the radial through the groin. artery decrease a patient’s recovery Although the femoral artery has time significantly, but also it can reduce been the traditional access point for associated medical costs. Patients are cardiologists for decades because of its more able to leave the hospital sooner, large size, doctors also recognize there and costly medical complications often are more risks associated with using it can be avoided, Calderon says. for surgery. Such risks include bleeding Calderon and Okuhara began using the

THE PROCEDURE

Pam Eubanks

Drs. Jason Okuhara and Erick Calderon said they are thrilled with how patients are responding to their new technique for performing cardiac catheterizations. radial artery for cardiac catheterizations about five months ago after seeing studies that showed the method was safer for patients. The cardiologists have been so pleased with the results that they are doing procedures that way 100% of the time unless there is a reason they cannot, Calderon said.

“We felt committed to delivering our patients the best treatment options available to them,” he said. “We’re joining the 5% to 10% of the practices in

the country that are doing the procedure this way. The patients love it. It’s a big difference for them.”

Calderon and Okuhara thanked Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and its team for their support, because performing cardiac catheterizations through the radial artery requires different equipment and training than typically used for the procedure.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@ yourobserver.com.

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Health Matters

YourObserver.com

JUNE 2011

research

Treatment Options

Making a Difference

ONE CHILD

Florida Clinical Research Center LLC moved three weeks ago to its new location on Cooper Creek Boulevard.

AT A TIME.

best business practices and principles in the private sector (through) quality and COOPER CREEK — There’s not a day efficiency. It’s the best of both worlds. that goes by that Dr. Andrew Cutler isn’t After establishing FLCRC in Orlando, focused on helping someone.

Cutler and his family moved in 2004 to the Whether he’s working directly with a East County. Shortly thereafter, the Panther patient or researching a pharmaceutical Ridge resident established a Bradenton company’s new medicine, Cutler location. On June 3, FLCRC remains dedicated to helping relocated to its new facility, everyone that walks through his located at 8043 Cooper Creek door the best he can.

Blvd., Suite 107, to accommodate “As a doctor, I like being able its growing staff and increasing to spend time with someone number of trials. and do a good job,” Cutler says.

“We started out relatively “There’s a lot of pressure now to small, but we’ve grown a lot,” see people quickly. It’s one thing Cutler says. “We’ve been very well to be efficient, but there’s a point accepted, and it’s a privilege to at which you can become too fast serve the community here.”

Dr. Andrew Cutler and quality suffers.”

FLCRC continually looks for As the CEO and chief medical people who have certain medical officer of Florida Clinical Research Center conditions such as Attention Deficit LLC, Cutler works with individual patients Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar disorder, and their families and caregivers with the schizophrenia, depression and insomnia, goal of providing them with the benefits of among others, to apply for studies to help newly developed treatments. test new medicines.

“We always try to help the individual FLCRC conducts FDA-supervised clinical person, but our big goal is to help a lot of trials of both new medications that have other people (as well),” Cutler says. “These already been approved and are already new medicines that are approved can help on the market for mental and physical thousands of people.” conditions.

Founded by Cutler in 1998 in Orlando, Once a trial is complete, Cutler and his FLCRC is a private research facility that staff continue to work with each patient at works with pharmaceutical companies to no cost until it’s safe to transfer care. study new medicines and help get them “If you commit to us, then we’ll commit FDA-approved and on the market. to you,” Cutler said. “We really believe in “About 10 to 15 years ago, research being good neighbors to the community.” was done exclusively at universities or For more, visit www.FLCRC.com.

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@ academies,” Cutler says. “We’re doing yourobserver.com. private academic quality research using

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YourObserver.com

JUNE 2011

cover story

THE INCIDENT

Courtesy photo

Helen Hutchings enjoys riding her three-wheel bicycle in her Creekwood neighborhood.

Second Chance

One night at dinner in 2001, Marlene and David noticed Helen’s heart rate seemed irregular. They took her to the hospital, where doctors later performed a cardiac catheterization procedure.

During the surgery, however, doctors pushed a blood clot into her heart. Helen was dead on the operating table for four minutes until they were able to revive her.

“The cardiologist called us and said they did their best,” says Marlene, a retired nurse. “She (could have been) brain dead because they couldn’t get her heart going for about four minutes.”

However, Helen shocked family members and doctors when she was ready to leave the hospital just one week later.

“She walked out on her own with a walker,” she says. “She’s very, very strong.”

Since the surgery, Helen — who suffers from high cholesterol and high blood pressure — has done everything she can to stay in good health and active.

“Her goal is to live as long as her dad did and to live as healthily as possible,” Marlene says, noting Helen’s father died at 96.

Ten years ago, Creekwood resident Helen Hutchings died on an operating table when surgeons pushed a blood clot into her HEALTHY LIFESTYLE heart. Today, Helen, now 92, enjoys riding around the East County Helen grew up as a sports enthusiast, community on a three-wheeled bike with her son and daughter-in-law. even playing baseball and basketball and

MANATEE COUNTY — Helen Hutchings smiles as she reclines on a bicycle-like exercise machine at Westminster Towers in Bradenton, where she’s getting her daily dose of physical therapy.

The equipment is much like the threewheeled bike she rides alongside her son, David, and daughter-in-law, Marlene, in their Creekwood neighborhood.

5

SUPPORT NETWORK And if she didn’t tell you, you’d never know she’s a member of a rare group: She died and was brought back to life.

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

Health Matters

Helen pauses after about 15 minutes of pedaling before moving on to her next task.

Although Helen still is recovering from a bleeding ulcer, she is eager to get back to the comforts of home.

“I’m looking forward to playing bingo and cards again,” she says. “And (David) and Marlene and I will go (ride our bicycles).”

For 92, Helen looks like a picture of perfect health. Her skin is bright. Her smile radiant and her step assured.

cheerleading in high school in Northern California.

While living in Sacramento, Calif., she led a walking group until she moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to David and Marlene. There, she led yet another group of walkers.

“I’ve always exercised,” Helen says.

However, it wasn’t until after Helen moved to Pennsylvania that doctors diagnosed her with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. And ultimately, it

Marlene Hutchings says senior citizens, especially those who are living alone, should have a support network in place to help ensure they are safe.

Helen Hutchings, for example, gets visits from several neighbors and friends, as well as from the Rev. David Baehr, of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and members of the church’s Legion of Mary and Jesus group, Marlene Hutchings said.

BY THE NUMBERS

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. The disease kills 2,200 Americans each day, with an average of one death every 39 seconds.

was those diagnoses that led her to that operating table in 2001.

Following the incident, Helen lost some of her short-term memory and her body still shakes, particularly on the right side.

Still, Helen considers all those minor complications, and for the most part, she still moves about easily.

Since 2001, Helen has had two more stents placed into her heart — one in 2005 and another in 2006. In 2009, she had a pacemaker installed.

“She’s very resilient,” Marlene says.

Helen says the incident made her appreciate life more. She is careful to take the medicines prescribed to her every day as well as to exercise and eat more healthily.

The exercise, in particular, not only helps with Helen’s mental clarity and overall feeling of good health, but also it increases her circulation by preventing blood from pooling in the legs and forming clots.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@ yourobserver.com.

now at Lakewood Ranch Medical Group Sheryl Okuhara, DO Internal Medicine Dr. Okuhara specializes in internal medicine for adult patients. She is now scheduling new patients.

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Health Matters

YourObserver.com

JUNE 2011

nutrition

Food Fare for a Super Summer Dietician and clinical nutrition manager Corista Williams shares plenty of fruits and vegetables for season’s eatings.

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor MANATEE COUNTY — The hot summer months often may be called the “lazy days” of summer, but the hot summer months are no time to relax on good eating habits, says dietician Corista Williams.

In fact, the summer season boasts plenty of fruits and vegetables that are easily accessible and rich in nutritional value.

Seasonal foods such as avocados not only are high in soluble fiber and potassium but also contain hearthealthy monounsaturated

fat and nutrients that reduce cholesterol levels, among other benefits. Similarly, cartenoids, found in Valencia oranges, promote immunity and even reduce the risk for some forms of cancer.

“They are great foods in the summer because of their nutritional values and water content,” Williams said. “I enjoy shopping for seasonal fruits at a local farmers market when they are at their peak.”

Williams says although these foods are excellent sources of nutrition, individuals should be careful to eat a variety of foods to make sure they receive the

Pam Eubanks

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center dietician Corista Williams said individuals should be careful to drink plenty of water during the hot summer months. balanced nutrition necessary for good health.

“It is important to focus on your overall eating habits to

Summertime tips Additionally, the summer heat makes it important to drink plenty of water, especially when engaged in low to moderate activities that last less than an hour.

“You do not have to have visible perspiration to become dehydrated,” dietician Corista Williams says. “Swimmers can become dehydrated, too.

Swimmers or those who just splash around in the

water should drink plenty of fluids before, during and afterward, even if (they) do not feel thirsty.”

Williams noted sports drinks with electrolytes such as Gatorade or Propel are more appropriate when individuals are engaging in moderate to high-intensity activities that last for one hour or more.

Additionally, food safety becomes more important

as families gather outside for barbecues, head to the beach or participate in other outdoor festivities, Williams says. To reduce the risk of food-borne illness, individuals should wash their hands before, during and after handling food and keep hand sanitizers and towelettes within reach.

Cold foods should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and items such as meats, cheeses and dairy products should not be left

achieve and maintain a healthy eating lifestyle,” she says.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com. out of refrigeration for more than two hours, Williams says. If the temperature rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, those items should be refrigerated after only an hour, instead.

“Summer days are filled with hours of activities in the sun,” Williams says.

“Before planning your next summer outing, be sure to pack the appropriate foods and beverages to maintain adequate hydration and energy.”

Super for Summer

Avocados — In season June through January. Despite popular belief, avocadoes are fruits, not vegetables. This fruit is packed with folate, vitamins E, C and B6, potassium and soluble fiber.

They also contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, as well as nutrients that reduce cholesterol levels, promote healthy vision and potentially protect against cancer.

Valencia Oranges — In season January through August. This fruit contains cartenoids, bioflavonoids and the antioxidant vitamin C, which promote a healthy heart, vision, immunity and reduced risk for some cancers. The deeper the orange/ yellow color, the more carotenoids they have.

Mangoes — In season May through September. Like Valencia oranges, this fruit contains cartenoids, bioflavonoids and the antioxidant, vitamin C, which promote a healthy heart, vision, immunity and reduced risk for some cancers.

Watermelon — In season April through July. This fruit delivers lycopene, a powerful carotenoid, as well as anthocyanins, which may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and reduce cancer risks.

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If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to take heart and take action. Dr. Erick Calderon and ♥ Dr. Jason Okuhara with Lakewood Cardiovascular Consultants, ♥ invites you to schedule a consult and preventative cardiovascular testing to keep your heart and health the best it can be. We offer a complete ♥ ♥ on site for your convenience.

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Health Matters

physician spotlight: Dr. ANDREW BURCHARD Dr. Andrew Burchard became Hillstrom Facial Plastic Surgeries new associate about 18 months ago.

SARASOTA — Dr. Andrew Burchard never dreamed he would be a plastic surgeon.

The idea never crossed his mind. In fact, if you had told him he would be working toward his board certification in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, he would have thought you were crazy.

But that all changed in 2008, when Burchard first began training in facial plastics at Tufts Medical Center in Burchard Boston. A year later, he completed a fellowship in facial plastic surgery at the University of Toronto; and it was there that Burchard developed a love for the specialty.

“It was something I fell in love with,” Burchard says. “I realized I really had a knack and a love for it. ... It was very exciting, fun and (interesting).

Now, the Boston native has brought his expertise to the East County, as Hillstrom Facial Plastic Surgery’s new associate.

Burchard assumed his new position about 18 months ago, after Dr. Robert Hillstrom recruited him from Boston.

Burchard received a letter from Hillstrom in January 2009 while he was doing his fellowship in Boston.

The Edgewater resident first decided he wanted to become a physician when he was in middle school. Burchard attended a family wedding and sat next to a dermatologist at the reception. The two

talked about school and medicine and from that point on Burchard focused all of his attention on medicine. He graduated in 1997 from Colgate University with a degree in neuroscience After working at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for two years, Burchard went on to earn his medical degree in 2003 from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He then completed his residency at Tufts Medical Center in 2008 and his fellowship at the University of Toronto in 2009.

Burchard earned his board certification in head and neck surgery in April 2009 and became board eligible for certification in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in June 2010.

Since joining Hillstrom, Burchard has been practicing both head and neck surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Burchard handles general ear nose and throat cases, such as chronic sinus infections, allergies and head and neck cancer, among others, as well as reconstructive surgery.

In addition, Burchard also sees trauma patients with soft tissue and facial lacerations, bond trauma and nasal injuries, among others.

“It’s a multifaceted field,” Burchard says. “I love the fact then when people come to see us it can be for head and neck, reconstruction or aesthetic surgery and the variety you see with that group of patients.”

When he’s not at work, Burchard enjoys spending time with his wife and 21-month-old son, Aiden, diving, traveling, golfing and sailing.

— Jen Blanco

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3938 SR64 East, Bradenton, FL 34208

941-746-5900

WHEN YOU JUST DON’T FEEL LIKE YOURSELF WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED In the discreet and comfortable setting of Serenity Place, you will find the area’s only voluntary, inpatient program dedicated to seniors who are suffering with feelings of anxiety, loss, confusion or depression.

Compassionate care is provided in a quiet, private wing with 16 rooms and full access to the exceptional care at Doctors Hospital.

If you, a friend or family member are having a hard time coping, the first step to feeling better is getting help.

Please call - 941-342-4461

for more information. Available 24/7.

A NEW PROGRAM THAT HELPS ADULTS 55 AND OVER 53948

5731 Bee Ridge Rd. | Sarasota, FL 34233 | www.DoctorsofSarasota.com

58704

JUNE 2011

Health Matters

YourObserver.com

JUNE 2011

YourObserver.com

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