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touro infirmary
summer 2 01 0
Attention Men: Doctors Are
Good for Your Health
Asthma, Allergies and You
Be Prepared
When Disaster
Strikes
in good health
Attention Men: Doctors Are
Good for Your Health
M
en tend to put off medical
care and overestimate their
own health, according to a
recent survey commissioned by the
American Academy of Family
Physicians (AAFP). The study’s
findings confirm what many health
experts—and many women—have
observed firsthand. When it comes to
managing personal health, men are
missing the mark. Consequently, men
are missing opportunities to detect and
address medical problems in their
early stages, when many conditions
are more treatable and less threatening
to overall health.
One of the biggest obstacles to
improving the health of men is men
themselves. They don’t make their
health a priority. Many men are
unaware that simple
screening tests
and lifestyle
2
changes can dramatically improve their
quality of life.
Screenings Men
Can’t Live Without
The Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality and other medical organizations encourage men to undergo
regular health screenings to detect
serious health problems early. Men
should ask their doctors about tests
for the following:
• High cholesterol. Beginning at age
35, men should get their cholesterol
checked regularly—at least every five
years. Men younger than age 35
could benefit from cholesterol testing
if they smoke, have high blood
pressure or diabetes, or have a family
history of heart disease.
• High blood pressure. All men
should get their blood pressure
checked at least every
Men: Stay Healthy
at Any Age
For helpful information on
men’s health and a checklist
for important screening tests,
visit www.touro.com/
healthymen.
two years—or more often, if recommended by a healthcare provider.
• Diabetes. Men should schedule a
blood glucose test for diabetes if they
have elevated cholesterol or blood
pressure. They should also have this
test if they notice symptoms of
diabetes, such as frequent thirst and
urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Healthy men should get screened
every three years, starting at age 50.
• Colorectal cancer. Screenings
should begin at age 50, or earlier if
there is a personal or family history
of colorectal polyps. Tests for hidden
fecal blood should be conducted
annually. Your healthcare provider
may order additional screening
tests, such as a sigmoidoscopy
or colonoscopy.
Tips for Partners
If the man you care about avoids
preventive medical visits, don’t give
up on encouraging him to put his
health first. According to the AAFP
men’s health survey, 78 percent of
respondents who have a spouse or
significant other acknowledge that
their partner influences their decision
to see the doctor.
For men, it’s time to consider
demonstrating strength, wisdom,
and leadership in a new way. When
tempted to delay a medical visit,
consider your value as a provider
and role model. Taking care of
yourself enables you to take care
of those who mean the most to you.
Do You Know What
a PSA Test Is?
A
prostate-specific antigen
(PSA) test is used to screen
for prostate cancer and
monitor men who already have the
disease. It measures a protein in
the blood that is produced by the
prostate gland, which makes much
of the fluid in semen. Although
prostate cancer is the most common
cancer in men, it often grows slowly
and usually isn’t fatal. Nineteen
men out of 100 are diagnosed with
the disease, but only four out of
every 100 who develop this cancer
die of it.
Controversy surrounds the
PSA test because it isn’t considered
to be a totally accurate indicator
of prostate cancer. It’s possible
to have a high PSA level but not
have cancer. In fact, only 25 to
30 percent of men with an elevated
PSA level who have a biopsy actually
have prostate cancer. High PSA
levels can be caused by harmless
conditions such as benign prostate
enlargement or inflammation. Also,
it’s possible for someone with a
normal PSA level to have cancer.
Another concern related to
prostate screening is that treatment
for prostate cancer sometimes
reduces a man’s quality of life.
Surgery or radiation may cause
incontinence, or the inability to
control urination, and erectile
dysfunction. And, it’s not clear
that treating all tumors saves lives.
Because of these complications,
doctors disagree on when to begin
screening for prostate cancer. The
American Cancer Society recommends that men ages 50 and older
who have a life expectancy of at
least 10 more years have a yearly
PSA test and digital rectal exam
(DRE), a physical exam of the
prostate through the rectum. For
men at high risk, such as AfricanAmericans or those with a father,
brother, or son who has had prostate
cancer, screenings may begin
between ages 40 and 45. But, in 2002
the U.S. Preventive Services Task
Force found that there wasn’t enough
evidence to justify recommending
routine screening for prostate cancer
with PSA testing or DREs.
If you’re concerned about prostate
cancer, talk with your doctor. He or
she can suggest a screening schedule
that’s right for you.
June Is Men’s Health Month
Guys, now is the time to take
charge of your health. If you
haven’t had important health
screenings recently, contact
a doctor by visiting
www.touro.com/findadoc.
www.touro.com
summer 2010
3
in good health
Asthma, Allergies, and You
Dr. Leonard Glade,
Internal Medicine and
Pulmonary Medicine
Although spring most
readily comes to mind
when we think of allergies, many of the
same allergic triggers that can make
us miserable in the spring persist into
summer. Add heat, humidity, and air
pollution into the mix, and you have
the recipe for summer allergies.
People who have summertime
allergy-induced asthma often feel
miserable at the time of year when
they want to be outside the most. As
the days of summer arrive, school lets
out and much-anticipated vacations
finally begin, you’re dealing with
sneezing, wheezing, and coughing
once again.
Summer allergy symptoms caused
by pollen are called allergic
rhinitis (hay fever).
Airborne allergens
also can trigger
asthma, a condition in which
the airways
narrow, making
breathing
difficult and
leading to
coughing,
wheezing, and
shortness of breath.
Common symptoms
of summer allergies and
asthma can include:
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
4
• Itchy eyes and nose
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Nasal stuffiness
• Itchy mouth or throat
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Tight feeling in the chest
What Causes Summer Allergies?
Just as in spring, the greatest summer
allergy trigger is pollen—tiny grains
released into the air by male trees,
grasses, and weeds for the purpose of
fertilizing other plants. When these
pollen cells get into the noses of certain
people, they send the immune system
into overdrive.
The immune system, mistakenly
seeing the pollen as foreign invaders,
releases antibodies—substances that
normally identify and go after bacteria,
viruses, and other illness-causing
organisms. The antibodies attack the
allergens, which leads to the release of
chemicals called histamines into the
blood. Histamines trigger the runny
nose, itchy eyes, and other summer
allergy symptoms.
Trees are generally done pollinating
by late spring, leaving grasses and
weeds as the greatest contributors
to summer allergies.
How Are Summer Allergies and
Asthma Diagnosed?
If your watery, itchy eyes and runny
nose aren’t going away and they’re
interfering with your life, it’s probably
time to see a specialist to find out what
is triggering your summer allergies.
If you notice that your asthma and
allergy symptoms crop up—or worsen
—during the days of summer, there’s a
good chance you have summer allergyinduced asthma. To find out for sure,
make an appointment to see your
doctor, who may decide to do formal
allergy testing to learn exactly what
you may be allergic to.
How to Deal with Summer
Allergy Triggers
It’s nearly impossible to completely
avoid summer allergies if your triggers
are all around you. However, you can
ease sniffling, sneezing, and watery
eyes by preventing and avoiding
exposure to your main summer
allergy triggers. Here are a few tips:
• Use a HEPA air filter for the
bedroom.
• Resist the idea of “airing out the
house” and keep windows and
doors shut.
• Try to stay indoors whenever the
pollen count is really high (pollen
counts usually peak in the morning).
• Keep your doors and windows closed
whenever possible during the
summer months to keep allergens
out. Use an air purifier, if possible.
• Clean the air filters in your home
often. Also clean bookshelves,
vents, and other places where
pollen can collect.
• Wash your bedding and rugs in
hot water (at least 130 degrees
Fahrenheit) to eliminate dust
mites and other allergens.
• Vacuum twice a week. Wear a mask
because vacuuming can kick up
pollen, mold, and dust that are
trapped in your carpet.
• Also wear a mask when you mow
the lawn to keep grass pollen out
of your nose.
There are ways
to help you get through
the summer
allergy season.
• Keep the
humidity in your
house between 30
and 50 percent to
prevent the growth
of dust mites, which
thrive in humid climates.
• Wash your car once
a week.
How Are Summer
Allergies Treated?
Summer allergies are
treated in the same way as
spring allergies, with a
number of over-the-counter and
prescription medications. Overthe-counter allergy drugs include:
• Antihistamines reduce sneezing,
sniffling, and itching by blocking the
effects of histamine (the substance
produced during an allergic reaction)
in the body.
• Antihistamine/decongestants
combine the effects of both drugs.
• Eye drops relieve itchy, watery eyes.
• Nasal irrigation with warm water and
salt can help clear out mucus to open
sinus passages. The saline solution
can be administered through a
squeeze bottle or a Neti pot—a
device that looks like a small teapot.
• Nasal spray decongestants should be
avoided due to their addictive quality.
Even though you can buy these treatments without a prescription, it’s a good
idea to talk with your doctor first to
make sure you choose the right one.
If over-the-counter remedies don’t help,
your doctor may recommend one of
these prescription medications:
• Corticosteroids reduce inflammation
in the nose. They are usually given in
nasal spray form, pills, or shots.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists
such as Singulair block some of the
chemicals (leukotrienes) involved in
allergic reactions and asthma.
• Allergy shots expose the body to
gradually increasing doses of the
allergen until you become tolerant to
it. They can relieve allergy symptoms
for a longer period of time than oral
and nasal allergy medications.
Dr. Leonard Glade is board certified in
Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine.
He is a graduate of LSU Medical School and
completed a pulmonary fellowship. He is the
Medical Director of Pulmonary Services and
ICU at Touro Infirmary and specializes in the
treatment of all lung diseases.
www.touro.com
summer 2010
5
in good health
An Active Social Life
Can Help You Stay Healthy
S
pending time with friends and
family is enjoyable. And, as it
turns out, it is good for your
health.
A study published in The Lancet
Neurology found a socially integrated
lifestyle helped protect older adults
against dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease.
Memory loss by itself can devastate
your quality of life. However, a study
by Harvard School of Public Health
researchers concluded older adults
who have an active social life have a
slower rate of memory decline, while a
study published in the American Journal
of Public Health found older adults who
felt socially isolated were more likely to
have poorer health than those more
socially connected.
But what if your family lives far away
and your immediate circle of friends is
dwindling? Here are some ways to
kick-start your social life.
• Participate in senior sports
leagues or exercise
programs. Get your doctor’s
approval before you sign up.
• Check out your
community’s senior
center. You may find a
variety of activities—from
computer classes to yoga
—that you can join.
• Investigate your library.
Many libraries offer much
more than books, including
free concerts, craft classes,
movie showings, and
discussion groups.
6
• Give back. Many older adults find
that helping others through volunteer
opportunities can give them a deeper
sense of purpose.
To find a volunteer program, check
these resources:
• Senior Corps, www.seniorcorps.
gov, a federal government program
that has matched more than
500,000 people ages 55 and older
with community programs
• VolunteerMatch, www.
volunteermatch.org, which
connects people to more than
72,000 nonprofit organizations
Whichever avenue you choose,
spending time with others is a win-win
situation. It increases your enjoyment
of life and prolongs it by improving
your mental and physical health.
Staying Healthy at 50+
To view or download this chart
with helpful tips for maintaining
good health and important
screening tests for older adults,
visit www.touro.com/
healthyover50.
Be Prepared when
Disaster Strikes
T
he devastation caused by
Hurricane Katrina taught
Americans at least one important lesson: natural disasters can strike
quickly and force families like yours to
evacuate your neighborhood and
possibly lose everything you own.
However, families can and do
survive dangerous circumstances and
are better able to do so if they make
preparations in advance. Knowing what
to do is your best protection—and your
responsibility.
These suggestions can help you plan
for the worst.
Be Informed
Your local emergency management
office or American Red Cross chapter
is a great place to start.
Seek Answers to
These Questions:
• Does our community have a public
warning system? What does it sound
like and what should I do when I
hear it?
• Where is the closest public shelter
to my home?
Create a Family Disaster Plan
Your plan should specifically address
how to prepare and respond if a
disaster occurs.
To create your plan:
• Meet with your family
and discuss why you
need to prepare for
disaster.
• Decide what to do
in every kind of
possible disaster.
Everyone should
know what to do if
all family members
aren’t together when
disaster strikes. Teach
children how and
when to call 911 or
your community’s
For more information,
emergency contact
number.
visit Governor’s Office
• Develop an
of Homeland Security &
emergency
• Make a
Emergency
Preparedness
at
communication
checklist of
plan. If family
things to take if
www.getagameplan.org.
members are
you must leave
separated from one
your home. Include
another during a
medications, imporflood, tornado, or other
tant papers and
disaster, have a plan for
documents, eyeglasses and
getting back together. Ask an
hearing aids, medical contact
out-of-town relative or friend to be
numbers, family albums and irreyour “family contact.” Family
placeable possessions, bottles of
members should call the contact and
water, and nonperishable food.
tell him or her where they are. Be
• Keep enough food and emergency
sure everyone knows the contact’s
supplies in your home to meet your
name, address, and phone number.
needs for at least three days.
• Be familiar with escape routes from
• Keep a portable, battery-operated
your neighborhood. Know several
radio and extra batteries on hand.
routes in case certain roads are
Listen to local radio for news and
blocked or closed.
instructions. Local authorities will
• Plan where you’d take your pets if
provide the most appropriate advice
you had to go to a public shelter
for your particular situation.
where pets aren’t permitted.
www.touro.com
summer 2010
7
Touro Infirmary
1401 Foucher Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
©2010. Articles in this magazine are written by
professional journalists or physicians who strive
to present reliable, up-to-date health information.
Our articles are reviewed by medical professionals
for accuracy and appropriateness. No magazine,
however, can replace the care and advice of
medical professionals, and readers are cautioned
to seek such help for personal problems.
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Non-Profit Org.
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PAID
Touro Infirmary
For a referral to a Touro primary care doctor or specialist,
call 504-897-7777 or visit www.touro.com/findadoc.
Aging Well: FREE Ortho Expo
Exercise-related injuries and joint wear and
tear are two culprits that can slow down
your active lifestyle and exercise habits.
You are invited to attend this free expo to
learn how to stay in the game when it
comes to sports and exercise.
Join Touro experts for short
interactive seminars to learn about
the most common types of exercise
and sports-related injuries and how
to prevent and treat them.
Weekend Warriors:
Stay in the Game—
Dr. Richard Meyer
Avoid the common injuries and
pitfalls of mature athletes; learn
how to keep your knees healthy,
the athlete’s ankle, foot care and
repair for runners, injury prevention tips, and stretching.
Shoulder Spoilers—
Dr. Lance Estrada
A discussion of
common causes of
shoulder pain and
injuries, including bone spurs, rotator cuff
tears, and overuse syndromes that occur
from weight lifting and tennis, including
prevention and treatment options.
Keeping Kids in the Game for Life—
Dr. Kevin Watson
Young athletes, parents, and coaches are
invited to learn helpful injury prevention
tips and participate in interactive demonstrations of stretching and flexibility
exercises.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
8:30 a.m.–Noon
Touro Infirmary
1401 Foucher Street
Presidents Room (2nd floor)
This event is FREE and
open to the public;
however, space is
limited and reservations are
required. To register, call
504-897-8500, or register online
at www.touro.com/events.