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GoodHealth
IN
w w w.to u ro. co m
to u ro i n f i r m a ry
w i n t e r 2011
How Technology
Can Help Your Health
Prostate Problems:
Not Just an Older
Man’s Concern
Roll Up Your
Sleeve —
It’s Flu Shot
Season Again
in good health
Alcohol: Friend or Foe to
Women’s Health?
T
he news on alcohol is
confusing at best. On one
hand, researchers say that
moderate drinking helps prevent heart
disease and possibly stroke. On the
other hand, they say drinking increases
the risk of breast and other cancers,
as well as various other health
problems. So, before you raise your
glass for the holiday season, here’s
some information that may answer the
ultimate question: Is it healthy for
women to drink alcohol?
Heart-Healthy Benefits
Few experts doubt that light to
moderate drinking
helps protect the
heart — for
instance, evidence
suggests it can
reduce the risk of
dying from heart
disease by as
2
much as
alcohol. The only individuals
50 percent.
who seem to benefit from
The bottom line:
A woman’s
moderate drinking are
choice of
those with an increased
Women who choose to
spirits doesn’t
risk of heart disease. This
drink should do so in
seem to
includes women who:
moderation — sticking
matter. Wine,
•Have diabetes
beer and hard
•Are
older than age 50
to the recommended one
liquor all seem
• Smoke
drink a day.
to produce the
• Have high cholesterol
same heart
or blood pressure
benefits.
• Have a family history of
While no one is
heart disease
exactly sure how alcohol protects the
heart, researchers speculate that it
The downside of alcohol? It can
raises the amount of HDL, or “good”
increase a woman’s risk of breast
cholesterol, in the blood. This helps
cancer — even in moderate amounts.
slow the formation of the arteryDrinking is considered particularly
clogging plaque that can cause strokes
dangerous when mixed with hormone
and heart attacks.
replacement therapy.
Women are also more likely to have
The Rest of the Story
liver damage from alcohol than men.
Women need to weigh the evidence —
This may be because alcohol affects
good and bad — before deciding about
women differently than men. Women
have less of the stomach enzymes
that neutralize alcohol, so they process
it slower. They also have less water
in their blood to dilute alcohol.
As a result, women may experience
alcohol’s ill effects sooner and with
fewer drinks than men.
Back Pain? Pesky Periods?
Fibroids May Be to Blame
William von Almen, M.D. Variety of Symptoms
Pinpoint Condition
OB/GYN
Crescent City Physicians Fibroids can be as small
as fingernails or as
Fibroids are
large as melons. This
very common in
can make it easier
premenopausal
or harder for a
women ages 35 and older. These
doctor to detect
noncancerous tumors often cause
them during a regular
no symptoms, so many women aren’t
exam. However, heavy
aware they have them.
bleeding, low back pain, frequent
“Women should be concerned about
urination and these other symptoms
symptomatic fibroids because they can
should be reported to your doctor:
cause problems if left untreated. If you
• Unusual menstrual bleeding
feel any symptoms, contact your
• Enlarged abdomen
physician as soon as possible,” says
• Pain during intercourse
Fibroids can
William von Almen, M.D., OB/GYN
• Constipation
cause complications
with Crescent City Physicians.
• Heaviness or
Depending on their size, number and
fullness in the
if left untreated. If you
location, fibroids can lead to:
lower abdomen
feel any symptoms,
• Infertility
Fibroids Impact
• Anemia
contact your physician
Pregnancy
• Miscarriage or early delivery
as soon as possible.
Submucosal fibroids are
• Infection
the only type that seem
approach. Regular
Treatment, when appropriate, can
to lower the chance of
doctor appointments
pregnancy. They are the least
can help monitor your
ease these problems. But first, fibroids
common type of fibroid and grow
condition and over-the-counter pain
need to be detected. Fibroids can be
under the lining of the uterus. They
relievers and other remedies may help
detected by ultrasounds, CT scans,
MRIs or pelvic exams. That’s why it’s
are characterized by very heavy and
with minor symptoms.
important to recognize the symptoms
long menstrual periods. If you are
Only about 10 to 20 percent of
and report them to your doctor.
diagnosed with a fibroid, your doctor
fibroids cause serious enough problems
Also stay on schedule with routine
can determine its type.
to warrant medical treatment.
pelvic exams.
Women with fibroids who are
Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
Fibroids can now be treated through
planning to get pregnant should
is sometimes necessary. But newer
minimally invasive surgery with the
also talk to their doctors.
surgical treatments have become
help of the da Vinci Surgical System.
available that preserve this reproductive
The advanced robotic technology
Protect Your Health
organ. Your doctor can help you sort
assists surgeons in fibroid removal by
Talk to your doctor if you are
through the pros and cons of the
making small incisions and decreasing
concerned about fibroids. Most
various treatments available.
recovery time.
fibroids only require a watchful waiting
www.touro.com
winter 2011
3
in good health
Prostate Problems:
Not Just an Older Man’s Concern
Location is a problem when it comes to a man’s prostate. This
walnut-size gland is situated right near the bladder and urinary
tract. Because of this, the prostate can cause urinary and sexual
problems in men of all ages if it becomes inflamed or enlarged.
Even young men can develop prostate problems — and
should take steps to prevent prostate cancer. Men should make
it a priority to get regular checkups and screenings. Taking this
one step can help men protect their health. Take this quiz to test
your prostate health knowledge.
Richard Vanlangendonck, M.D.
Urologist
Crescent City Physicians
Circle the Correct Answer
1. A common prostate problem affecting men of all ages is:
A.An enlarged prostate
B.Prostate cancer
C.Prostatitis
2. An enlarged prostate:
A.Occurs in most men after age 50
B.Causes various urinary problems, such as an urge to urinate
more frequently
C.Both A and B
3. Healthy men should be screened for prostate cancer:
A.Every year starting at age 60
B. Every other year beginning at age 50
C.When recommended by their doctors
Check Your Answers
1. C. Prostatitis, or an infection of the prostate, is
believed to affect up to 50 percent of men at some
point in their lives. Symptoms may include chills, a fever,
pain in the lower back and genital area, an urge to
urinate more frequently and painful urination. If you
suspect you may have prostatitis, see a doctor.
2. C. Some researchers think that decreasing levels of
the hormone testosterone — a normal part of aging —
4
may cause the prostate to enlarge. Regular exercise and
other healthy lifestyle choices help control symptoms.
3. C. Beginning at age 50, men should discuss the pros
and cons of prostate cancer screening with their doctors.
Men may want to have this discussion earlier — by their
mid-40s — if they have a higher risk of the disease. This
includes African-Americans and men who have a father,
brother or uncle with prostate cancer.
Medicine 2.0: How Technology
Can Help Your Health
Y
ou may already use Facebook
to find old friends and your
smartphone to check email.
But did you know high-tech gadgets
and social networking sites can also
connect you with medical resources?
Depending on your health needs,
technology may be just what the
doctor ordered. If you’re looking for:
• Up-to-the-minute news about
disease outbreaks and disasters:
Turn to Twitter. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
sends instant updates, or “tweets,”
that are 140 characters or less. Read
them at http://twitter.com/
CDCemergency and
http://twitter.com/CDCgov.
• A deeper connection: Seek out an
online support group. Those at
www.dailystrength.org, for
instance, cover conditions from
acne to Zellweger syndrome.
• Health messages to share with
friends and family: Send an e-card.
Have a cousin who is newly pregnant
or a parent with diabetes? Share
words of support that link to reliable
medical information. Find a few
at www.cdc.gov/ecards or
www.niaid.nih.gov/ecards.
Take steps to ensure your
high-tech sources are reliable.
Look first to pages and services
sponsored by reputable
organizations. These include
the U.S. government, universities,
national associations such as the
American Heart Association or
hospitals. Also, carefully check
privacy policies before
sharing personal
information.
Connect with Touro
For information about
upcoming seminars
and health tips, “Like”
us on Facebook
(Facebook.com/Touro)
and “Follow” us on
Twitter at @
TouroInfirmary!
• Help managing chronic conditions:
Try a smartphone. Programs for
these phones are called applications
or apps. Some might give you
reminders about checking your blood
glucose if you have diabetes. Others
can send test results to your doctor.
You can also download a stress
management app from the
Department of Defense at
www.t2health.org/apps/
breathe2relax.
www.touro.com
winter 2011
5
in good health
Healthy Aging: What’s in Store for You?
Vernilyn Juan, M.D.
Family Medicine/
Gerontology Physician
Crescent City
Physicians
What’s the key to a healthy, happy
old age? Nutrition, exercise and good
luck, say the experts. Oh yes, and pick
your ancestors.
People older than age 65 are the fastest
growing segment of the population. The
challenge to these older people is how
to stay healthy and active during the
years ahead.
“As a geriatrician, I encourage my
patients to accept growing older and
maintain a healthy lifestyle so they can
continue living the best possible lives.
Do things in moderation and have fun,”
says Vernilyn Juan, M.D., a member of
Crescent City Physicians.
What’s Normal Aging?
What’s Not?
6
Early studies of old age were done with
nursing home residents. So, physical
decline and loss of function were thought
to be a normal part of aging.
But recent research on older people
who live in the community and are free
from disease finds that the physical
changes of aging are slight and gradual
and seldom interfere with the ability to
live independently.
Mental decline is no longer considered
normal. Medical conditions, many
of which are treatable, are often the
cause of mental confusion and
memory lapses in the old. The
overuse of medications can also
cause these problems.
Chronic illness is the true thief of
quality of life. People older than age
65 have the highest rates of arthritis,
heart disease and other health
problems. These diseases can
keep their victims at home,
frail and sedentary, and
some illnesses slow blood
flow to the brain, which
can affect the mind.
Rx for a Healthy Old Age:
Keep Moving
Research consistently shows that the
road to better health is paved with
physical and, perhaps, mental activity. It
may be too late for a 65-year-old to
prevent the onset of disease. But it’s not
too late to bring symptoms under control.
Regular exercise can slow or delay
the disability associated with many
diseases. It can lower cholesterol and
blood pressure and strengthen the
heart and lungs. It also can keep
joints flexible and protect against
diabetes. Exercise also helps with
weight control — obesity raises the
risk of losing mobility by 20 percent
in men and a staggering 40 percent in
women. Experts say the best way to
get a body moving is to do something
that’s fun and easy.
The research on mental exercise
is not as clear, but thousands of
clear-headed senior citizens credit their
vitality to working a daily crossword
puzzle or learning to use a computer.
The brain, like the rest of the body,
works better when it is well used.
Make Your Prime Years
Your Best Years!
Join Prime Years, a free program
at Touro for adults 55+ designed to
help you lead a healthy and active
lifestyle. Receive information about
upcoming health seminars and
screenings, social activities and
a discounted membership to the
Touro Wellness Center. Call
(504) 897-8500 or visit
www.touro.com/primeyears
to join!
Roll Up Your Sleeve—
It’s Flu Shot Season Again
A
sk anyone who has ever
suffered through it: The flu hits
much harder than a cold and
can linger for up to two weeks. That’s
up to 14 days of fever, cough, body
aches, severe headache and extreme
fatigue, not to mention possible
complications such as pneumonia.
To avoid being sidelined by a flu bug
this year, there’s one simple step you
can take: Get a flu shot.
Getting vaccinated for the flu every
year is the single best way to keep the
virus away, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
And the time to get your shot is now.
In fact, the CDC recommends
getting vaccinated as soon as
shots become available in your
community and ideally, before
December.
While the vaccine is
recommended for nearly
everyone, certain groups are at
higher risk for complications from
the flu, including:
• People ages 65 and older
• Children younger than 6 months old
• Pregnant women
• People with certain ongoing medical
conditions, such as diabetes, asthma
or heart disease
Why Bother?
The flu — short for influenza — is
a viral infection of the nose, throat and
lungs. Catching it is as easy as breathing
when an infected person coughs or
sneezes nearby. Symptoms include
fever, cough, sore throat and headache.
Getting vaccinated
for the flu every year is
the single best way to keep
the virus away, according
to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
Most healthy children and adults
recover easily with bed rest and fluids.
But older and chronically ill people may
develop life-threatening complications
such as pneumonia. Flu shots can
prevent most complications — and
save lives.
How Safe Is the Vaccine?
Tenderness at the injection site is the
most common side effect. You cannot
catch the flu from getting a shot,
because the vaccine contains no “live”
viruses. It does contain egg protein,
however. If you or a family member is
allergic to eggs, consult your physician
before considering the shot.
No One-Shot Deal
The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will
protect you from the same viruses
as last year. However, it is still
important to get an annual flu shot
because immunity decreases over
time. So roll up your sleeve!
Flu shots are generally safe for both
children and adults.
www.touro.com
winter 2011
7
Touro Infirmary
1401 Foucher Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
©2011. 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.
10313M
Events Calendar
Healthy Lifestyles Seminar
January 6, 6 – 7 p.m.
Kids Konnected at Touro Program*
A program designed to help children of cancer
patients cope with the disease
Robert Gardner, Ph.D
Girl Talk: Gynecological Cancer Support Group*
A discussion for women who have one of the
gynecological cancers
Robert Gardner, Ph.D
*For more information about Touro’s cancer
support groups, please call Robert Gardner, Ph.D
at (504) 897-8209.
Events are FREE and hosted at
Touro Infirmary, 1401 Foucher
Street, New Orleans, in the
second floor meeting rooms. To register for any
of these events, please call 504-897-8500 or
visit www.touro.com/events.
For a referral to a Touro primary care doctor or specialist,
call 504-897-7777 or visit www.touro.com/findadoc.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Touro Infirmary