Living WELL with St.вЂЇDominicвЂ™s Summer 2013 Inside: heart disease in women 2 pelvic floor dysfunction 5 are x-rays harmful? 6 sun safety tips 7 bug bites that bug 8 Women and Cardiovascular Disease by Reid Cotton, M.D., Interventional Cardiologist, St. DominicвЂ™s вЂњWhat a strange thing man is; and what a stranger thing woman ... вЂќ вЂ” Lord Byron, 18th century 2 stdom.com I t does not take a rocket scientist to conclude that there are differences between men and women. From a cardiovascular perspective, this holds true as well. However, there is the perception that heart disease does not affect women as frequently as it does men, and therein lies a problem. WomenвЂ™s Hearts Are Different In a survey performed in 2012 assessing womenвЂ™s awareness of cardiovascular disease (that is, heart attack and stroke risk), the authors concluded that women still have a limited understanding of their risk as well as the unusual symptoms that can accompany a heart attack. The reality is that cardiovascular disease (again, heart attack and stroke related deaths) has been the number one killer of American women since 1908. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in every major developing country. By comparison, invasive breast cancer affects one in every eight American women in her lifetime. More Deaths than Breast Cancer Contrast the breast cancer death rate to the 270,000 women who die each year of a heart attack, reflecting a six-fold increase in death rate compared with breast cancer. Although the cardiovascular death rates have generally declined over the last four decades, the death rate for young women (ages 35вЂ“54) is increasing. Many experts believe the increase in young women is predominantly due to the obesity epidemic, which increases the risk of diabetes and other risk factors associated with heart disease. Risks and Prevention These facts are hard to swallow but clearly point to the importance of oneвЂ™s need to both understand the disease risk and its symptoms and also practice preventive behavior. In contrast to men, women are less likely to experience the classic вЂњelephant on my chestвЂќ feeling during a heart attack. Typical symptoms for women, which may occur together or separately, include: вЂў Shortness of breath вЂў Chest pressure, fullness, or tightness вЂў Indigestion вЂў Dizziness вЂў Cold sweat вЂў Nausea вЂў Arm, jaw, or upper back pain Immediate medical attention should be sought if these symptoms are present. If any of the symptoms mentioned above should occur with exertion, this should also prompt medical evaluation, as it may represent coronary disease. Call 9-1-1, and quickly! The proverbial вЂњan ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cureвЂќ is applicable here. Essentially, all of the cardiovascular risk factors are modifiable except for a family history of early heart disease. Therefore, addressing obesity, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and cholesterol, physical inactivity and diabetes can make a major difference in outcomes. Making the right food choices along with regular walking (or other aerobic exercises) reduces oneвЂ™s risk of heart attack and stroke. Recognizing the risks and symptoms of cardiovascular disease is crucial in order to improve the outcomes of women with this disease. Attacking the risk factors with lifestyle changes and medications, when appropriate, can make a big difference. An Extraordinary Offer! 99 Healthy Heart Screening $ roke have Heart attack and st one killer of been the number since 1908. American women A first line of defense is knowing your risk. St. DominicвЂ™s Healthy Heart program is an extraordinary offer and value. For just $99 you can receive: вЂў A calcium score вЂ“ a Heart Saver CT scan вЂў A lipid panel: total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose вЂў An electrocardiogram (ECG) (this is noninvasive) вЂў A peripheral vascular screening (this is noninvasive) вЂў A blood pressure evaluation вЂў A body composition: Body Mass Index (BMI) вЂў A nutritional consultation вЂў A consultation with a cardiac nurse with a risk evaluation to assess risk factors and risk of heart disease for the next 10 years This screening is only needed every five years. It is a great investment in your health. Call 601200-8000 to set up an appointment. Living Well Summer 2013 3 Yogurt Tossed Fruit Parfait SUPPORT GROUPS Brain Injury Support Group The Mississippi Brain Injury Association hosts a monthly support group for patients and families dealing with brain injuries. Fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at St. DominicвЂ™s Education Services. Free. Call 601-845-2694. Yield: 4 portions St.В DominicвЂ™s Chef Tony This light fruit offering takes advantage of the fruitful bounty during the summer months. Substituting Cheerios for the traditional granola reduces the fat, while still adding some whole grains. well Ingredients: 3cups fresh cut fruit, such as melon, strawberries, grapes 1 6 ounce container Yoplait Light strawberry yogurt 1 cup multi grain Cheerios Directions: Wash and cut/prepare fruit and place in medium bowl. Toss in light yogurt and portion into small bowls or glasses. Top with Cheerios just prior to serving. Each serving provides: Calories 128 Fat 3.4g Sodium 7mg Carbs 25g Protein 2g & S u m m er 2 0 1 3 COMMUNITY EDUCATION, HEALTH, WELLNESS AND FITNESS Community Heart Education Held at the St. DominicвЂ™s Centre Building. To register for Community Heart Education, call 601-200-8000. Are You Predisposed to Heart Disease? Presented by Scott Torrey, M.D. September 24 at 2 p.m. in the St. DominicвЂ™s Centre Holiday Nibbles and Sips Presented by Chef Tony November 19 at 11:30 a.m. in the St. DominicвЂ™s Centre Gentle Joints (Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program) The Club at St. DominicвЂ™s offers a low-intensity walking water class designed to help increase strength, endurance and flexibility. Held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. It is not necessary to be a member of The Club at St. DominicвЂ™s to participate. Cost: $35 for 12 classes or $60 for 24 classes. To register, call 601-200-4925.В Just for Seniors AARP Mature Driving Class This classroom refresher course is for motorists ages 50 and older. Completing the class qualifies you for a discount on auto insurance. Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Call 601-200-6698 to register. Senior Adult Computer Classes Self-paced classes designed to assist anyone wanting to improve their computer skills in the area of computer fundamentals, word processing, spreadsheets, Internet and email.В Classes are every Saturday.В Cost is $25 per person/per class. Call 601-200-6698 to find out more. 4 stdom.com stdom.com aware Cancer Support Group This group meets the second Tuesday of each month September through May in the St. Dominic Cancer Center, Education Room, First Floor at 9 a.m. For more information, call 601-200-3070. Caregivers Support Group A monthly support group for caregivers of St. DominicвЂ™s patients and caregivers in the community. This group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in St. DominicвЂ™s conference rooms. Free. Call Teresa Williams at 601-200-6768. Diabetes Support Group This group meets the third Monday of each month in the 6 West classroom at 10 a.m. For monthly topic information call 601-200-6718. NAMI Support Group National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a monthly support group for family members who have adult relatives suffering from a mental illness. This group meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. on the lower level of the St. DominicвЂ™s Education Department in the St. CatherineвЂ™s Classroom. Call 601-899-9058. Stroke Support Group A monthly support group for stroke survivors, family members and caregivers. Held the first Friday of each month on the second floor of Dominican Plaza in The Club conference room at 1 p.m. Free. No RSVP required, and refreshments are served. Call 601-200-3396. 15th Annual Senior Wel Entertainment, food lness Fest , senior service vendors and FREE health screenings . Call 601-200-6698 for more details. Thursday, Septembe r 5, 9:30 a.m.-Noon Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Physical Therapy by Chelsea Beyers, DPT P elvic floor disorders (PFDs) are a quiet epidemic in the lives of both men and womenвЂ”a disorder that many are uncomfortable even mentioning to their doctors. PFD is a term used to describe pain and trouble of the bladder, bowel or sexual function due to restriction of the muscles and nerves of the pelvis. Nearly one in four women has a PFD at any given time, and approximately one in 10 men experiences symptoms related to PFD during his lifetime. Specialized Therapy Pelvic floor physical therapy is a growing field that addresses many of the problems related to PDF as well as offering preventive services such as helping pregnant women prepare for an easier delivery and preventing postpartum complications. General Symptoms or Conditions Include вЂў вЂў вЂў вЂў вЂў Coccyx or Pubic Bone Pain Constipation Interstitial Cystitis Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pain / Weakness Following Cancer Treatments for Various Pelvic Organs (ovaries, cervix, prostate, bowel, bladder, etc.) вЂў Painful Intercourse (dyspareunia) вЂў Pelvic Organ Prolapse (bladder, rectum, etc.) Like other types of physical therapists, pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in treating physical problems; however, pelvic floor therapists address many of the issues that people are too embarrassed to talk about. Some of the common diagnoses treated by a pelvic floor physical therapist include the inability to control bowel or bladder function, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy and recovery, pelvic pain and urinary urgency/frequency in both men and women. Although PFD is more common among women, symptoms related to PDF affect millions of men each year. Physical therapists specializing in pelvic floor and womenвЂ™s health physical therapy use a wide range of hands-on techniques вЂў вЂў вЂў вЂў вЂў вЂў вЂў вЂў вЂў вЂў Penile or Scrotal Pain Pregnancy and Postpartum Pain Prostatitis Pudendal Neuralgia Rectal Pain Removal of Prostate Gland Urinary / Fecal Incontinence Urinary Urgency or Frequency Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia) Vaginal Tightness Limiting Intercourse (Vaginismus) to release restrictions of pelvic floor, hip, abdominal and low back muscles, and internal organs. Biofeedback training, relaxation and strengthening exercises are also used to retrain the muscles of the pelvis. The ultimate goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is to restore pelvic stability and function so that patients are able to participate in their daily and recreational activities without the worry of pain or embarrassment. If you believe that you may benefit from pelvic floor and womenвЂ™s health physical therapy or have any questions about pelvic floor dysfunction, speak with your doctor or call St. DominicвЂ™s Outpatient Rehabilitation at 601-200-4920. About Chelsea Beyers, DPT In the coming months, Chelsea Beyers, DPT, a physical therapist at St. DominicвЂ™s Outpatient Rehabilitation, will begin offering pelvic floor physical therapy. Beyers earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Sports Science at the University of Idaho in 2007. She completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She moved to the South after graduating in 2010 and has been practicing orthopedic physical therapy at St. DominicвЂ™s Outpatient Rehab. She has recently found a passion for WomenвЂ™s Health and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and is excited to offer this unique and underutilized specialty of physical therapy in the Jackson area. Chelsea Beyers, DPT Living Well Summer 2013 5 X-Rays: Too Much of a Good Thing? by Forrest Carson, M.D. Radiologist with Lakeland Radiology C omputed tomography, better known as a CAT scan, uses an array of X-rays to take images within the body with amazing anatomic detail. These images enable physicians to diagnose all areas of treatable disease, discover and stage cancer, monitor treatment response, investigate symptoms from a headache to abdominal pain and triage patients with surgical or traumatic illnesses. High-Dose Sunlight As with any medical procedure, CAT scans feature some risk. X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation, like sunlight. Each day, in sunlight, we are exposed to radiation, along with cosmic rays, radon, and other sources. But CAT scans can expose the patient to two to three times the amount of radiation they might normally get. For example, a head CAT scan results in as much radiation as a person would receive from eight months of natural exposure. Certainly, the information gained from a CAT scan balances the radiation dose. It is important, however, that the dose of radiation used is as low as is possible. Pregnancy and Youth Risk Be particularly aware if you are pregnant or have a young child, as the risk for radiation is different. There are several excellent patient information websites, such as www.radiologyinfo.org, for more information. Visit www.imagegently.org, and go to вЂњMy ChildвЂ™s Medical Imaging RecordвЂќ and write down what your child had done, where and when. This will decrease unnecessary repetitive exams. You should keep track of these exams like you track/ record your childвЂ™s vaccinations. With nearly 70 million studies performed last year in the U.S., CAT scans will continue to have a profound impact on patient care. At St. Dominic Hospital, we employ state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to dramatically lower the radiation dose on each of our CAT scans. All of our CAT scanners are accredited by the American College of Radiology. We review the appropriateness of each requested CAT scan and avoid redundant imaging when possible. The entire process is under constant oversight by our board certified radiologists. These suggestions will help lower the radiation dose during CAT scans. вЂў Take an active role in your health care and ask your primary care physician or radiologist if alternative exams such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or an ultrasound can be done instead of the CAT scan. MRI and ultrasound do not use ionized radiation. вЂў Most radiology departments use digital image acquisition which allows the CAT scan to be captured on CD or a USB flash drive. Keep a record of your exams and take your studies with you if you visit more than one facility to prevent redundant exams. 6 stdom.com вЂў Make sure you go to a facility accredited by third parties such as the American College of Radiology to ensure you are receiving the best care and that the lowest radiation dose is being used. вЂў Ask the medical imaging facility if it uses lead shielding for body parts that are not being imaged and if it has вЂњchild sizeвЂќ exam shields for kids. itвЂ™s not a dietвЂ¦ вЂњThe best part is ge.вЂќ itвЂ™s a lifestyle chan MeLisa Stewart of Ridgeland, MS lost over 70 pounds with St. DominicвЂ™s Healthy Weight Advantage. Sun Safety for the Entire Family W hile a small amount of exposure to sunlight is healthy and pleasurable, too much can be dangerous. Everybody needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D (which helps in the absorption of calcium for stronger and healthier bones), but unprotected exposure to the sunвЂ™s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause premature aging of the skin, the development of cataracts, and harmful effects to the immune system. The damage can also lead to skin cancer. In most cases, UV rays are absorbed by our skinвЂ™s melanin, our first defense against the sun. A sunburn develops when the amount of UV damage exceeds the protection that the melanin can provide. Protecting Yourself The best means of protecting yourself against the damaging effects of the sun is by limiting exposure and protecting the skin. Start with sunscreens. These tips from the American Academy of Dermatology apply to everyone, including babies older than six months. Remember, even dark skin needs protection from UV rays. Be sure to use sunscreen and sunglasses with UV protection when you are working in the yard or participating in sports. Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin. вЂњBroadspectrumвЂќ means the sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Re-apply about every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Seek shade when appropriate. Remember that the sunвЂ™s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade. But remember, sand, water and pavement reflect UV rays even while under an umbrella. Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, whenever possible. Cover your eyes. Over time, exposure to the sunвЂ™s rays can cause cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, cancer and other growths on the eye. The right pair of shades can make you look cool and provide UV protection, and they donвЂ™t have to be expensive. Adults and children who play outdoor sports should wear shades with impact-resistant lenses. And did you know childrenвЂ™s eyes have less natural protection from UV radiation than adults? So children need to wear protective sunglasses even more than adults. In addition to buying shades that block 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation, you should also look for brands that are: вЂў Able to screen 75 to 90 percent of visible light вЂў Gray with a uniform tint вЂў Free of imperfections and distortion вЂў Dark enough (If you can easily see your eyes when looking in a mirror, shop for a darker pair). MeLisa (Height 5вЂ™2вЂќ) Before HWA After HWA 3 years later Weight 243 lbs. 164 lbs. 175 lbs. Clothes Size 24 Size 12 Size 14 Health BP 138/92 BP 112/77 Consistent Physical Activity Minimal 4x per week high impact aerobics вЂњBefore starting St. DominicвЂ™s Healthy Weight Advantage, I weighed 243 pounds and was a size 24. After the program, I weighed 164 pounds and was a size 12. Three years later, I am holding steady between 175-180 pounds and wearing a size 14. My participation in the Healthy Weight Advantage program at St. DominicвЂ™s improved my overall health! I am happier, healthier, and over 70 pounds lighter. The Decision-Free meal plan was easy to follow, and the food was filling and delicious. I still use the HMR diet to supplement meals today. A shake for breakfast is easy. An entrГ©e is a quick and easy lunch during the workweek. The weekly classes led by Registered Dieticians kept me on track, motivated, and focused. The best part is that itвЂ™s not a dietвЂ¦itвЂ™s a lifestyle change. Using the tools I learned at Healthy Weight Advantage, I am confident that I will stay on the road to health and wellness.вЂќ вЂ”MeLisa Stewart MeLisa Stewart Before HWA MeLisa Stewart After HWA For more information, call St. DominicвЂ™s Healthy Weight Advantage at 601-200-6099. Living Well Summer 2013 7 St.В Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital 969 Lakeland Drive Jackson, MS 39216 Postmaster: Deliver within July 29вЂ“August 2 Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital Living Well is published by St.вЂЇDominicвЂ™s and is intended to provide information about the benefits of living well and taking an active role in your healthcare.вЂЇIf you have any questions or concerns regarding the content of this publication, please contact us at [email protected]. Printed on Recyclable Paper 10042M Bites that Bug You The summer months can be abuzz with insects. Keeping them off your back (and legs and arms) may help prevent the harmful conditions they can spread. M osquitoes can fly in the face of your summer fun. The bites arenвЂ™t just annoying. Some can cause lingering symptoms and potentially fatal infections. Infected mosquitoes spread West Nile virus if they bite you. Although anyone can contract the disease, older people and those with impaired immune systems are prone to more severe cases. This illness has been reported in every state. This virus sometimes triggers mild symptoms. But it can be more seriousвЂ” even deadlyвЂ”for some people, especially those ages 50 and older. Know the Signs Symptoms may appear five to 15вЂЇdays after a bite. Symptoms of the West Nile virus include: fever, headache, eye pain, muscle aches, joint pain, swollen lymph glands, and a rash. Advanced symptoms may include brain inflammation, paralysis, and coma. While thereвЂ™s no known cure, prescription medications can control the symptoms. Self-Care Using an insect repellent that contains DEET to ward off mosquitoes is one of the best strategies for everyone. Spray your skin and clothing. But donвЂ™t put repellent on or near a childвЂ™s hands, eyes, or mouth. To avoid bites from mosquitoes (which are often most active from dusk to dawn): вЂў Beware of shady, wooded areas at any time of day. вЂў Wear long pants and long sleeves outdoors. вЂў Get rid of standing water, where mosquitoes often breed. Keep rain gutters unclogged. Drain birdbaths, flowerpots, and other containers at least once a week. вЂў Keep mosquitoes out of your house by installing screens on windows and doors and fixing torn screens. Not letting bugs get the best of you can make for a healthy summer. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov. Do You Have West Nile? If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of the West Nile virus you should contact a physician to schedule an appointment. Call 601-200-8000 to find a St. DominicвЂ™s Family Medicine clinic near you. FREE beach mat from the spa Stop by the Sanctuary Body Spa Boutique located inside the Club at the Township on the first floor to pick up your FREE beach mat. We will have the latest tips on how to care for your skin this summer. You can check out our extensive line of sun care products. Limited supply of beach mats. Offer not open to employees of St. DominicвЂ™s. Stay connected! Like St. DominicвЂ™s on Facebook (www.facebook.com) or follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/StDomHospital) for the latest events, screenings and hospital news. Find Your Doctor 601-200-8000 Important Numbers St.вЂЇDominicвЂ™s 601-200-2000 Behavioral Health 601-200-3090 Cancer Services 601-200-3300 Center for WomenвЂ™s Health 601-200-4935 Diagnostic Imaging 601-200-6150 Family Medicine Clinton вЂ“ 601-200-4800 Flowood вЂ“ 601-200-4760 Madison вЂ“ 601-200-4750 FarlowвЂ™s Pharmacy 601-200-2900 Healthy Heart Advantage 601-200-2742 Healthy Weight Advantage 601-200-6099 Maternal & Newborn Care 601-200-6934 Mississippi Heart and Vascular Institute 601-200-2700 New Directions for Over 55 601-200-6698 Outpatient Rehabilitation 601-200-4920 Sanctuary Body Spa of St.В DominicвЂ™s Ridgeland вЂ“ 601-790-2222 Jackson вЂ“ 601-200-5961 St. DominicвЂ™s Cancer Boutique 601-200-5111 St. DominicвЂ™s Sports Medicine 601-200-6088 The Club at St.В DominicвЂ™s 601-200-4925