TEXAS Health H He alt lh lt YOUR GUIDE TO HEALTH C A R E I N T H E K A U F M A N A R E A 5Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack Ladies— find your guide to midlife health inside. Understanding and managing common prostate problems Safety tips for kids at play REGISTER FOR PRIZES—SEE INSIDE! SPRING 2006 Brighten Someone’s Day Would you like to brighten the day of a friend or loved one who’s in the hospital with a hand-delivered message? With a free service now available from Presbyterian Healthcare System, you can send him or her a free e-mail greeting. More than 15,000 greetings, which are being sent from across the United States, have been received system-wide over the past two years. Take a look at how this great service is making a difference in the lives of patients: • A college freshman who was away at school sent her hospitalized grandmother a personal message to lift her spirits. • To help his wife through the process of labor and delivery, a father -Õ`Ê9ÕÊ-Ì>ÞÊ ÀÊ-Õ`Ê9ÕÊ¶ 7 When your body aches, you’re running a fever and your cough is out of control, going to work is out of the question. But what about the doctor? Should you see your physician or stay in bed? “Visit your physician if you have a fever above 103˚, vomiting or severe diarrhea, or if your coughing and congestion doesn’t improve in five days,” says Sara Zaleta, M.D., internal medicine physician and pediatrician on the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman. If you have… …cold symptoms (fatigue, sneezing, coughing, runny nose), you may want to stay at home to rest and use over-the-counter medication to ease your symptoms. 2 Texas Health SPR I N G 2 0 0 6 …flu symptoms (fatigue, body aches, dizziness, fever, coughing), call your physician’s office as you may be able to take anti-viral medication if your symptoms are caught in the first 48 hours of the illness. …a sore throat, a rapid strep test at your doctor’s office can quickly determine whether or not you need antibiotics. “When in doubt, call your physician,” says Dr. Zaleta. “He or she can evaluate your symptoms and recommend your best course of action.” To schedule an appointment with a primary care physician on the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman, call 1-800-4-Presby (1-800-477-3729). e-mailed his wife messages “from their baby” every hour of their birthing experience from his laptop. The messages were compiled and delivered to the wife once or twice a day. To send a message, simply visit www.phscare.org and fill out an online form with up to 1,000 characters (the letters and spaces of your message). Select the hospital where the patient is staying and click “submit.” The message is then received by a hospital volunteer or employee, who prints and delivers the e-mail to the patient’s room! xÊ7>ÞÃÊ ÌÊ,i`ÕViÊ9ÕÀÊ i>ÀÌÊÌÌ>VÊ,Ã ÀiÊÌ>Ê£ÊÊiÀV>ÃÊiÝ«iÀiViÊ>Ê i>ÀÌÊ>ÌÌ>VÊi>VÊÞi>À°ÊÀÌÕ>ÌiÞ]ÊÞÕÊV>Ê VÌÀÊ>ÞÊv>VÌÀÃÊÌ>ÌÊVÀi>ÃiÊÞÕÀÊÀÃ° A “A healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent a heart attack,” says James B. Park, M.D., F.A.C.C., cardiologist on the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospitals of Dallas and Kaufman. “The damage to the heart during a heart attack is irreversible. Living healthfully, having regular check-ups and talking with your doctor about any concerns can significantly reduce your risk.” Follow these top five tips to reduce your risk of heart attack. 1 2 Know your blood pressure and cholesterol. Normal blood pressure for adults is a systolic reading of less than 135mm Hg and a diastolic reading of less than 85mm Hg. Cholesterol is a leading contributor to the buildup that can cause heart attacks. The optimal levels are total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or below, HDL (“good”) cholesterol at 60 mg/dL or above and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol below 100 mg/dL. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if your cholesterol is high. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid highfat items such as fried or battered foods and consume more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. 3 4 5 Quit smoking. Smoking is a major contributor to coronary heart disease, which often leads to heart attack. Quitting—or never starting—can drastically reduce your risk. Get adequate exercise. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day. Enjoy activities such as walking, gardening or playing sports. Know your family history. Your family history can help your doctor better evaluate your risk of heart attack and help you take measures to reduce your risk. When evaluating your family history, look for an immediate family member who was considered at high risk or who experienced a heart attack before age 60. For referral to a cardiologist on the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman, call 1-800-4-Presby (1-800-477-3729). ,/Ê*"7, Many foods can lower your cholesterol, and thus reduce your risk of heart attack. Try adding the following to your meals on a regular basis. Olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fat, which lowers cholesterol. Nuts contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Almonds, pecans and walnuts are good choices. Fish such as salmon, lake trout and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit the heart. Oats and barley have Beta Glucan, a soluble fiber. Soluble fiber may lower your total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends eating at least three servings (about 2 ounces) daily. Fruits and vegetables are packed with soluble fiber. The 5 to 9 A Day for Better Health program recommends five to nine servings daily, which may include foods such as apples, citrus fruit, carrots and sweet potatoes. Sources: www.americanheart.org, www.usda.gov and www.5aday.gov w w w. p h s c a r e . o r g 3 Protect Your Prostate Information Every Man Should Know to Keep Common Prostate Problems from Getting out of Control W What is the size of a walnut and can cause embarrassment, pain or even death? The prostate gland. “Despite its small size, the prostate gland can pose serious health complications for some men,” says Mark Sij, D.O., internal medicine physician on the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman. “The good news is that with education and proper medical attention, these complications can often be avoided or caught early.” Read on to learn about three of the most common prostate problems men might experience, how men can recognize these problems early and what treatment options may be recommended. Acute Prostatitis What it is: prostate infection Signs/symptoms: fever, chills, pain in lower back and between the legs and pain when urinating Cause: bacterial infection Treatment: drink plenty of liquids and see your doctor, who may prescribe an antibiotic 4 Texas Health SPR I N G 2 0 0 6 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate) What it is: enlarged prostate that may block the urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder) Signs/symptoms: difficulty urinating, “dribbling” after urinating and an urge to urinate frequently Cause: aging Treatment: your prostate should be monitored for increased size and problems; take medication or undergo surgery to remove part of the prostate for improved urine flow as recommended by your doctor Prostate Cancer What it is: one of the most common cancers diagnosed in American men and the cause of approximately 30,000 deaths each year Signs/symptoms: difficulty beginning urine flow, painful or burning urination, difficulty having erections, painful erections and blood in urine or semen Cause: unknown, though men with a family history of prostate cancer are at increased risk Treatment: watchful waiting, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or surgery to remove part or all of the prostate Catch It Fast! If left untreated, prostate problems can result in a variety of complications ranging from incontinence to metastatic prostate cancer. However, through regular physician visits and annual prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and digital rectal examinations, you can have the upper hand against a range of prostate problems. “As men get older, it’s common to experience problems with the prostate— whether it enlarges or is attacked by cancer,” says Mark Sij, D.O., internal medicine physician on the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman. “Fortunately, with early detection and appropriate treatment, prostate problems can often be stopped in their tracks without causing any long-term effects.” For referral to a physician on the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman who can perform a prostate screening, call 1-800-4-Presby (1-800-477-3729). Calling All Kids—Welcome to Dr. Meredith Byington P Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman is pleased to welcome Meredith Byington, M.D., to the hospital’s medical staff. Dr. Byington will open her private practice in Crandall this spring. of whom they would choose for their own children. Dr. Byington says, “I am really looking forward to practicing in the Kaufman area. As a nurse I enjoyed working in the pediatric clinic with Parkland’s Homeless Outreach Medical Services program. That strong desire to work with children continued during medical school, and I have always wanted to be out in the community. Pediatric and adolescent care is greatly needed in Crandall and the surrounding communities, and I hope to fill that need.” Dr. Byington is a Texas native and a graduate of Mesquite High School. After completing an undergraduate degree in nursing, Dr. Byington went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and completed her pediatric residency at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Upon graduating from residency, Dr. Byington was the recipient of the Greater Dallas Pediatric Society White Hat Award. She was selected for this award by her colleagues, who were asked to choose a pediatrician using the criteria In addition to caring for her patients, Dr. Byington is the mother of three children between the ages of 5 and 8. She and her family have lived in Combine, where she is active in the community, for nine years. Dr. Byington’s practice is located at 1317 North Highway 175, Suite 800 in Crandall. Office hours are Monday through Friday, and she accepts all major insurance plans. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (972) 472-3800. Playing It Safe Accidents happen, but how can you make your school-age children as safe as possible? Y Your children are likely striving for independence by the time they begin school, but it’s important to continue to monitor their activities and teach them the essentials of basic safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that injuries are the leading cause of death in children and adolescents ages 1 to 21. “One of the most effective ways parents can reduce the risk of an accident is by making sure children are supervised by adults while they’re playing,” says Sara L. Zaleta, M.D., internist and pediatrician on the medical staff of Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman. “Also avoid dangerous equipment like trampolines and four-wheelers for your child’s safety.” To further nurture your child’s safety, keep these age-appropriate tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics in mind. At age 5, children are tempted by many things, including bikes, streets, fire, cars, firearms and water. Teach your child what play is acceptable and what is not. At age 6, children can’t properly judge the sound, distance or speed of a moving car. Teach your children about street safety and make sure they’re always wearing a helmet while biking. At age 8, children are usually large enough to use a lap belt without a booster seat. Keep in mind that all children younger than 8 should use an age- and size-appropriate car seat, and that children are safest in the back seat. At age 10, your child may be developing an interest in sports. Make sure an adult always supervises his or her sports events and related activities and that he or she is using the right protective equipment for the sport. Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman provides emergency medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Should your child experience a life-threatening accident or emergency, call 911 immediately. w w w. p h s c a r e . o r g 5 Ê7>½ÃÊÕ`iÊ ÌÊ`viÊi>Ì Ê >Ê ÌiÊ ÜiÀiÊ {äÊ ÃÊ ÌiÊ iÜÊ ÎäÊ >`Ê xäÊ ÃÊ ÌiÊ iÜÊ {ä]Ê >Ê Ü>Ê>ÃÊÕVÊÌÊÊvÀÜ>À`ÊÌÊÊÌiÊ``iÊÞi>ÀÃÊvÊiÀÊ vi]ÊÃÊÌ½ÃÊ«ÀÌ>ÌÊÌÊÌÊiÌÊi>ÌÊV«V>ÌÃÊ}iÌÊÊÌiÊÜ>Þ° iÀi½ÃÊ >Ê }Õ`iÊ ÌÊ i«Ê ÞÕÊ ii«Ê ÞÕÀÊ i>ÌÊ Ê ViVÊ >`Ê «ÃÃLiÊV«V>ÌÃÊ>ÌÊL>Þ° F From changes in family dynamics to promotions or near retirement at work, midlife is a promising and eventful season. To ensure you’re able to take in all that life has to offer you, it’s vital to nurture your health and well-being. “During midlife, women are often nearing the completion of raising their kids and are moving into new stages of their lives,” says Clark Griffith, M.D., OB/GYN on the medical staff and clinical vice-chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. “Unfortunately, because of all of these changes, a woman may not pay adequate attention to what’s going on with her body, which can potentially lead to a number of serious health conditions.” To ensure your health thrives through midlife’s opportunities and beyond, take the following tips to heart. W ha t t o W a t c h Hormones. The hot flashes, emotional swings and decreased libido of menopause are all synonymous with midlife. While menopausal counseling is a good first step to dealing with the emotional aspects of menopause, what’s a woman to do about bothersome physical symptoms? “The emotional fluctuations associated with menopause used to be considered the norm until many women experienced a dramatic improvement in their quality of life with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT),” says Michael M. Bond, D.O., family Texas Health SPR I N G 2 0 0 6 practice physician on the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. “However, in 2003, science revealed some untoward risks of HRT. Despite these risks, some women may choose to initiate or continue to use HRT to control adverse symptoms of menopause. This is a decision that should be made in consultation with a woman’s primary care physician.” Heart. Recently, it has become common knowledge that the incidence of heart disease in postmenopausal women exceeds that of men, according to the National Institutes of Health. Despite this knowledge, heart disease (especially a heart attack) is often misdiagnosed in women because of the atypical symptoms women experience such as shortness of breath and unexplained fatigue. (For more information, read “5 Ways to Reduce Your Heart Attack Risk” on page 3.) Cancer. During midlife, breast and ovarian cancers become evergrowing threats to a woman’s health, according to the American Cancer Society. Fortunately, with early diagnosis through appropriate screenings, these common cancers are treatable and often curable. Bones. According to the National Dairy Council, the majority of bone mass is accumulated during the childhood and teenage years. Once you enter midlife, any lack of bone density catches up with you, possibly resulting in fractures and loss of independence later in life. Through bone density screenings, you can catch bone loss early and begin treatment to rebuild your bone mass. Waist. As your age increases, your body’s metabolism decreases. With a lower metabolism, fewer calories are required to maintain weight. “Women who are unaware of their bodies’ metabolism rates may continue eating the same amount of food they always have without increasing the amount of time they spend exercising,” says Dr. Griffith. “When this happens, women may find themselves adding on extra pounds during midlife, which can lead to a variety of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.” The Screenings You Need During Your Midlife Years To protect your health during midlife, undergo these screenings as recommended by The National Women’s Health Information Center.* Where to Go Though some products promise to put your body in superb shape in three weeks or less, your best bet at tiptop health through your 40s and 50s isn’t an instant fix. Rather, it’s making lifestyle changes that may take time to see results. However, improved health is a key benefit if you follow through. “The most important thing a woman can do to protect her health is establish a relationship with her primary care physician,” says Dr. Bond. “If you don’t have a good relationship with your primary physician, find a new physician. After all, if you can’t communicate with your physician, you won’t get the information you need to maintain optimal health through midlife and beyond.” For referral to an OB/GYN or other primary care doctor on the medical staff of Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman, call 1-800-4-Presby (1-800-477-3729). Screening Frequency Involves Pelvic exam and Pap smear Yearly Physical examination of the pelvis; a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix to test for cervical cancer Clinical breast exam Yearly Clinician manually examines the breasts to locate any abnormalities Mammogram Annually or biannually, beginning at age 40 The breast is placed between two plates and imaged with X-ray technology Colonoscopy Every 10 years (if not undergoing sigmoidoscopy), beginning at age 50 A colonoscope (thin, flexible tube) is inserted in the rectum and led through the colon to find potentially cancerous polyps (abnormal cell growths) Sigmoidoscopy Every 5 years (if not undergoing colonoscopy), beginning at age 50 An endoscope (thin, flexible tube) is inserted in the rectum and led through part of the colon to find potentially cancerous polyps (abnormal cell growths) Bone density screening Every 1–2 years or at physician’s recommendation, typically beginning at age 40 X-ray technology is used to visualize the foot, spine or hip to determine whether a woman is near or experiencing osteoporosis Blood pressure screening Yearly A cuff is placed on the arm to measure blood pressure levels Blood glucose testing Yearly A blood sample is taken and blood glucose levels are determined Cholesterol testing Annually or at physician’s recommendation A blood sample is taken and cholesterol levels are determined *Recommendations are for otherwise healthy individuals. Women with a family history of particular conditions or other risk factors may need to undergo screenings more regularly or beginning at an earlier age. Ask your physician when you should start the above tests. Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman offers mammogram, colonoscopy, bone density testing and a variety of other diagnostic procedures. To schedule an appointment call (972) 932-7390. w w w. p h s c a r e . o r g REGISTER FOR PRIZES—SEE INSIDE! Texas Health Magazine 8440 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 850 Dallas, Texas 75231 w w w. p h s c a r e . o r g Texas Health is published by Presbyterian Healthcare System. This information is intended to educate about subjects pertinent to health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. The physicians on Presbyterian Healthcare System’s medical staffs are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Presbyterian Healthcare System or its hospitals. For a source listing on a specific article in this issue, please call 1-800-4-Presby(1-800-477-3729). © 2006 Texas Health Resources NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID PRESBYTERIAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM