Spring 2012 - Russell Medical Center

Medical news you can use
Inside this issue
4 Joining forces with UAB
8 Advanced surgical care
for women
13 From a patient's perspective:
HEALED!
www.russellmedcenter.com
SPR ING 2 0 1 2
Connections
R u ss e l l M e d i c a l C e n t e r
HealthExtra
{ Wellness news from the world over }
Could chatting on your cell phone raise
your risk for brain cancer? It’s possible,
says the World Health Organization’s
International Agency for Research
on Cancer. The organization recently
announced that limited evidence suggests that cell phone users may have
a higher incidence of a malignant brain
cancer known as a glioma. As a result,
it moved to classify the radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
A group of scientists from
14 countries met to assess the risks
related to cell phones. One study
showed that people who used cell
phones at least 30 minutes a day
for 10 years had a 40 percent
higher risk of gliomas. Overall,
however, the evidence linking
cell phones to cancer
was considered “limited.”
With more than 5 billion
cell phone subscriptions
worldwide, researchers
will continue to look at this
issue going forward. Of
particular concern are the
effects of cell phone use on
children, who may be more
susceptible to risks. Before
you panic, though, it’s important
to understand that cell phones are
classified as a 2B risk. This means
that it’s possible, but not certain,
they cause cancer in humans. Some
of the other 260 items in the same
category include engine exhaust,
gasoline and lead.
One study showed
that people who used
cell phones at least
30 minutes a day
for 10 years had a
40 percent higher
risk of a glioma, a
malignant brain
tumor.
2 Spring 2012
>M
assage away
low back pain
Looking for some relief from low back
pain? You might want to consider adding massage to your current treatment,
according to a new study in the Annals
of Internal Medicine.
Researchers tested both traditional
treatments and massage in 401 people
between ages 20 and 65 who had
chronic low back pain. They offered
three different treatments:
• relaxation massage
• structural massage, which is
designed to help soft tissue problems
• traditional back treatment with no
massage
Images on any of these pages may be from one or more of these sources:
© 2012 Thinkstock and © 2012 istockphoto.com
> Cellular phones
may be ringing up
cancer risk
Researchers found that patients who received massages improved
more after 10 weeks than those who only received traditional therapy.
—Annals of Internal Medicine
The people who
received massages
were scheduled for
a one-hour session
every week for
10 weeks. Those
using traditional therapy received treatments that included
painkillers, antiinflammatory drugs,
muscle relaxants or
physical therapy.
Researchers
checked on patient
progress at 10 weeks, six
months and one year. They
found that the patients who
received relaxation or structural massages improved more after 10 weeks
than those who only received the traditional therapy, though the differences
among groups decreased over time.
Although this study doesn’t mean
you should run to your local spa instead
of your doctor if you have back pain, it
might be a good idea to discuss with
your doctor whether to add massage to
your current treatment plan.
> Smoke-free
becoming the
norm
If you like to work and dine without
breathing in noxious cigarette
smoke, officials at the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) have some good news:
State laws prohibiting smoking are
becoming more common. Currently,
50 percent of all states have
passed laws promoting smoke-free
workplaces, restaurants and bars.
A number of other states ban smoking in one or two of these three
locales. The CDC expects the rest
of the nation will likely follow suit by
2020. Currently, only seven states
have no restrictions on smoking in
these areas. They are:
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• South Carolina
• Texas
• West Virginia
• Wyoming
Health experts say that cutting down
on exposure to secondhand smoke does
a lot to protect public health. People
who don’t smoke but who are exposed
to smoke from others can face serious
health consequences. The CDC estimates
that 88 million Americans breathe in
secondhand smoke each year. Of them,
46,000 will die from heart disease and
3,400 will die from lung cancer as a
result.
For a list of the smoke-free laws in
your state, view the full report on the
CDC website at www.cdc.gov.
88 million: The number of Americans breathing in
secondhand smoke each year.
—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Spring 2012 3
The cancer
center's new logo
is revealed.
Stronger together
O
Russell Medical Center partners with UAB Medicine
n Jan. 31, The Cancer Center at Russell
Medical Center (RMC) proudly announced a
newly formed joint venture relationship with
UAB Medicine. This new partnership, UAB Medicine–The
Cancer Center at RMC, is the first relationship of its type
for both parties and is designed to enhance oncology services provided in the Lake Martin and surrounding areas.
“Russell Medical Center has always been a leader in the
health care community of Alabama,” said Jim Peace, RMC
> Look Good...Feel Better!
Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite
and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self
confidence. Look Good...Feel Better is a free workshop
that teaches beauty techniques to women in active treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side
effects of cancer treatment. For more information, call
Rosemary Brigham, LBSW, at (256) 329-7888.
4 Spring 2012
president and chief executive officer. “This joint venture with
UAB Medicine is a continuation of the mission of our hospital and provides the stability of cancer services to the area
for years to come. We strive to provide the Lake Martin area
with the very best health care has to offer, and excellence
in cancer care, treatment, research and education and UAB
Medicine is synonymous with that reputation.”
Peace says by entering into this partnership, UAB
Comprehensive Cancer Center will work closely with
RMC’s medical oncologist and staff to support and grow
the local treatment program by providing access to UAB
Medicine’s best practices in cancer care, broader access
to clinical trials, continuing medical education for nurses
and oncologists, and access to the latest education about
advancements in treating and detecting cancer.
“It’s important for Lake Martin residents to know
that we didn’t sell our center,” said Peace. “We have
retained ownership of the building and its contents, and
employees continue to be our personnel. We have a new
logo bearing the UAB Medicine brand, which we proudly
display on campus. Patients will, in essence, receive
treatments from a UAB Medicine facility without having
to travel to Birmingham. It’s a win-win for Russell Medical
Center, UAB and residents of the Lake Martin area.”
“Our collaboration with UAB Medicine is incredibly
exciting,” said Mabry Cook, director of The Cancer Center
at RMC. “Our oncologist, Dr. Mary Emily Sheffield, and
our staff radiation oncologists have already brought so
much to our center. The joint venture further allows our
patients greater access to clinical trials and research.”
About the cancer center
The Cancer Center at RMC opened in June 2001 and
has a history of leadership, being only the second center in
the state to offer intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT),
a standard treatment modality for numerous cancers. The
center offers a multidisciplinary care team including a
medical oncologist, radiation oncologists, skilled oncology
nurses, a dosimetrist, a radiation therapist, a clinical
dietitian, a case manager and support staff.
If you need cancer care
To learn more, go to www.russellmedcenter.com
and click on the new UAB Medicine logo on the home
page.
“We look forward to working with Russell Medical
Center to leverage each other’s strengths and offer access
to leading-edge cancer care and research to Alexander
City and surrounding communities,” said Edward
Partridge, MD, director of the UAB Comprehensive
Cancer Center and immediate past president of the
American Cancer Society, Inc. “UAB Medicine’s more
than 350 cancer scientists and clinicians are making
discoveries every day, and with this new relationship we
can increase access to those discoveries in this region,
ultimately saving more lives.”
•
Top: (l–r) Royjimon Jacob, MD; Mary Emily
Sheffield, MD; Sharon Spencer, MD; Ed Partridge,
MD, director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer
Center; Jim Peace, president and CEO of Russell
Medical Center; Jim Neighbors, chairman of the
RMC board of directors; James Bonner, MD,
University of Alabama Health Sciences Foundation
chairman and president-elect; Lee Burnett, MD;
Mabry Cook, director of UAB Medicine–The
Cancer Center at RMC. Bottom left: RMC board
members Ralph Frohsin and Scotty Howell
discuss the joint venture with Sarah Beth
Gettys, RMC’s vice president of clinical services.
Bottom right: John C. Blythe, MD, RMC’s first
oncologist and former medical chief of staff,
greets John Brinkerhoff, executive administrator
of the UAB Medicine Department of Radiation
Oncology.
Spring 2012 5
Cooking
cleanly
F
ood poisoning can debilitate even the healthiest
person with a range of unpleasant symptoms. For
some individuals—including pregnant women,
newborns, older adults and those with compromised
immune systems or chronic diseases—foodborne illness
can be downright dangerous. Because more than half of
foodborne illnesses in the United States are contracted in
the home, a few simple steps in the kitchen can help you
avoid getting or making others sick.
Keep it clean
Be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and
warm water and thoroughly clean or disinfect all kitchen
surfaces, including appliances and the sink, as you work.
Reusable towels and washcloths should be washed daily in
hot water, and a 30-second stint in the microwave can kill
germs in the kitchen sponge. Areas such as the microwave
and refrigerator also need to be sanitized regularly, and
throw reusable grocery bags into the laundry periodically
on the hot cycle. Last, wash all produce—even those you
peel before eating.
Curb cross-contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when juices from raw
meats or other contaminants come in contact with cooked
or ready-to-eat foods. To avoid it, use separate, clean cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood, as well
as ready-to-eat foods. Wash cooking utensils after working
with each food, and never use the same plate for raw and
cooked foods. Discard marinades, or heat them to boiling
before re-using them.
At the store, put meat products and produce into plastic bags and keep them separated from other food in your
6 Spring 2012
cart. When unloading your groceries, place meat below
ready-to-eat foods in the refrigerator.
Find a safe temperature
When cooking, use a food thermometer to ensure
meat, poultry, eggs, fish and seafood reach a high enough
temperature to kill any potentially harmful bacteria. Place
the thermometer in the thickest part of the food, away
from fat, bone or gristle. (See “Is it hot enough?”)
Cold temperatures slow the growth of harmful bacteria, so it’s important to refrigerate cooked foods within
two hours. Check that your refrigerator is set to 40 F or
lower, and your freezer to 0 F or lower. Use shallow, airtight containers, bags or plastic wrap to store leftovers, and
toss them after three days.
•
> Is it hot enough?
Type ofUSDA-recommended
food internal temperature
> Steaks and roasts
145 F
> Fish
145 F
> Pork
160 F
> Ground beef
160 F
> Egg dishes
160 F
> Chicken
165 F
Setting healthy living goals
I
f you find yourself living a less than healthy lifestyle,
yet keep telling yourself that you’ll do something
about it tomorrow, it’s time for a heart to heart.
Lifestyle changes that are too ambitious, too vague or not
backed up by a plan rarely succeed. Yet by starting with
simple steps and working your way up to longer-range
goals, you'll find yourself on a path to healthier living.
Within Reach
Small steps lead to sustainable results. The key to lifestyle changes is to identify healthy goals that are attainable
because they are specific and measurable. Don’t try to take
on too much at one time. Be clear about what you want to
accomplish, write it down and visualize yourself reaching
that goal.
> Rather than: I will exercise more.
I will start walking three times a week for 30 minutes
at a time.
Pick an aerobic exercise/physical activity you enjoy. Start
with a reasonable weekly goal for one to three months.
Once you’ve reached that level, set a new bar to achieve—
such as five times a week for 45 minutes each time for the
next three months. Vary your routine with different exercises
if that helps keep you motivated, or exercise with a friend.
You’ll soon find yourself up to one hour of physical activity
every day—what many fitness experts currently recommend.
TRY
> Rather than: I need to eat better.
I will start each day by eating a healthy
breakfast.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so if you
find yourself grabbing unhealthy snacks throughout the
day, it may be because you started the day with an empty
tank. Perhaps you drink too much soda or rarely get
enough fruits and vegetables in your diet. Once you have
identified the eating habit you want to change, take steps
to correct it. Choose low- or nonfat milk or water instead
of sugary drinks. Aim for eating five servings of fruits and
vegetables daily.
TRY
> Rather than: I need to lose some weight.
I will lose 1 to 2 pounds per month, until I reach my
recommended weight.
Being active on a daily basis and eating more nutritiously
are great steps toward losing weight. Consider limiting
your television time and substituting an activity instead,
such as dancing to your favorite music, moving to an exercise DVD or fitting in some strength training. Eat less at
meal time—without feeling denied—by using a smaller
plate. Drink a glass of water before each meal so you won’t
feel so hungry.
TRY
> Rather than: I probably should see my doctor.
I will call today to schedule a physical with my
physician to discuss my health concerns.
Before starting an exercise or weight-loss program, especially if you’ve been inactive, it’s smart to have a complete
physical. Your physician can help identify lifestyle goals
that are pertinent to your health and make sure it’s safe for
you to start.
TRY
•
Spring 2012 7
Tackling the
complicated cases
Meet our newest physician
S
ome people just know what they were destined
to do with their lives from an early age. William
Moore, MD, is one of those people.
From the time he was in sixth grade, Dr. Moore knew
he wanted to be a doctor. Born in Sheffield, Ala., and
raised in Memphis, Tenn., Dr. Moore had a natural love
of science and discovering how things worked. He also
admired the doctors in his life, including his pediatrician
and ear, nose and throat doctor. While attending medical
school and completing his residency at the University of
Tennessee, he gravitated toward obstetrics and gynecology.
During this time he observed surgeons removing gallbladders and performing other procedures that surgeons
traditionally do. “But I like seeing patients regularly,” he
says. “I enjoyed surgery and I also enjoyed primary care—
and gynecology allowed me to do both.”
> Services offered by Dr. Moore
• Annual gynecologic exams
• da Vinci robotic procedures (including
hysterectomies)
• Endometrial ablation
• Hormone replacement therapy and counseling
• Incontinence procedures (including urethral slings
and injectable medications)
• Mammograms
• Pap tests
• Treatment for heavy periods
• Treatment for painful bladder syndrome
• Treatment for pelvic pain disorders
• Tubal ligation
• Uterine prolapse procedures
8 Spring 2012
Robotic surgery skills
Dr. Moore no longer practices obstetrics—“I delivered
my last baby on New Year’s Eve, 2006,” he says—but finds
plenty of other work to fill his time. As a gynecologist
who specializes in urogynecology and fertility, he enjoys
helping women fix or cope with embarrassing problems. For
example, pelvic organ prolapse (where organs bulge out and
create problems such as discomfort and incontinence) can
be complicated to treat—a challenge Dr. Moore enjoys.
Challenging cases and working at a hospital that’s
invested in the da Vinci surgical system are the reasons
Dr. Moore found his way to Alexander City and Russell
Medical Center from his practice in Clanton, Ala. He
received training on the da Vinci system and began
performing surgeries in November 2008. Now, more than
200 cases later, he’s a major proponent of the technology.
“The da Vinci system is such a phenomenal tool
for hysterectomies,” he says. “Introducing robotic surgery
into gynecology has been one of the greatest advancements
in recent years.” Traditionally, hysterectomies have involved
large incisions, and close to 60 percent of hysterectomies in
the United States are still performed this way, he says. The
da Vinci, however, only requires a few small cuts—or at
most, five “band-aid” incisions.
From the surgeon’s perspective, the system offers
improved vision (3-D and magnified views of the surgical
area) and better precision for more delicate surgeries,
thanks to the smaller tools the da Vinci uses (the surgeon
controls all of the machine’s movement). Dr. Moore also
uses the system to perform vaginal vault suspensions, which
correct vaginal prolapse; remove fallopian tubes, ovaries and
painful ovarian cysts; and remove scar tissue resulting from
endometriosis—a condition in which cells from the uterine
lining grow in other areas of the body. “Robotics has allowed
us to do much more complicated procedures than before,”
he says. “With access to the da Vinci, there’s almost no
reason to have your abdomen cut open.”
The majority of women are candidates for robotic
surgery, Dr. Moore says. The few exceptions are those who
have very large uteruses or who are in very poor health (for
example, people who have problems with heart and lung
function or are morbidly obese).
Downtime
When not in the office or operating room, Dr. Moore
enjoys relaxing with his wife and grown children, and taking trips to the beach and lake. He plays tennis and golf
regularly, though confesses he’s not so great at the latter. The
sometimes-hectic world of medicine has led him to enjoy
life’s quieter moments. “I guess you could say I’m sort of a
homebody,” he says, laughing.
•
> Do you have pelvic organ
prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the support
system of bones, muscles and connective tissue in
the pelvic area grows weaker and is unable to support
the uterus, bladder, urethra, cervix and rectum, leading to sagging. Vaginal delivery, surgery, pelvic radiation or trauma to the back or pelvis can sometimes
trigger the condition. Aging, menopause, certain
nerve and muscle diseases, smoking, obesity, chronic
coughing or straining (such as in constipation) and
heavy lifting can also increase your risk of developing
pelvic organ prolapse. Symptoms include:
• a feeling of bulging, pressure or heaviness in
the vagina
• difficulty initiating urination or a weakened
stream of urine
• feeling as though the bladder’s not completely
emptying
• urine leakage with intercourse
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, discuss
them with your health care provider.
Appointments
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Moore, call the
Women’s Pavilion at (256) 234-3477.
Dr. Moore and Dr. Katharine
Cooper are both currently
performing gynecological
da Vinci procedures at RMC.
> The benefits of da Vinci
robotic procedures
• Less blood loss
• Less postsurgical pain
• Faster recovery times
• Less risk of infection
• Less scarring
• Less surgical trauma
Spring 2012 9
Stay in the game
A
Avoiding sports injuries
ching backs, golfer’s elbow, runner’s knee,
muscle pulls … ouch! For springtime weekend
warriors hitting the pavement, golf courses or
trails after an inactive winter, anything can happen. And it
usually does—unless you stay in shape during the off season,
stretch appropriately and increase the level of your participation gradually in the first few weeks. A sudden burst of
activity can—and will—take a toll on an unprepared body.
Play it safe
Stay safe with these helpful tips for preventing sports
injuries:
> Start with a green light. Get a physical to make sure
you’re healthy before starting a new sport.
> Always wear proper protective equipment, clothing
and well-fitting shoes designed for the sport you’re doing.
Protective eyewear is important for impact sports. Helmets
are a must for bicyclists.
> Know and follow the rules of the sport to avoid
accidents.
> Warm up slowly and stretch out before and after exercising. Warming up gradually increases your heart rate and
can prevent muscle strain and joint injury.
> Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water before, during
and after your activity.
> Avoid playing when you’re tired or in pain.
Treat it right
If you get hurt, act quickly for the best outcome.
Treatment at home should begin with RICE: resting the
10 Spring 2012
injured area, applying ice and a compressive wrap, elevating it and giving it time to heal.
Diagnosing and treating overuse injuries can help
ensure they don’t turn into larger chronic problems. The
solution may be as simple as taking a break from the activity or modifying a technique. For a serious injury, seek
emergency care immediately.
If you have questions about preventing or treating
sports injuries, talk to a fitness expert or your doctor.
•
> What’s my sport?
Can you identify the spring sporting activity by its
leading potential injury?
1. walking
2. running 3. hiking
4. biking
5. golfing/tennis 6. softball/baseball
a. elbow pain
b. shin splints
c. shoulder pain
d. ankle sprains
e. achilles tendinitis
f. head injuries
Answers
1. b. shin splints. Shin splints are an irritation to the
tendons where they connect to the tibia bone.
2. e. achilles tendinitis. This painful overuse injury
occurs when the large tendon in the back of the ankle
becomes irritated and inflamed.
3. d. ankle sprains. This accidental injury is often
caused during activities over uneven ground or by
obstacles on a walking path.
4. f. head injuries. These are the main cause of
disabling injuries in bicyclists, so be sure to wear a
helmet.
5. a. elbow pain. Golfers and tennis players suffer
elbow injuries primarily due to incorrect technique,
gripping the club or racquet too hard or hitting the
ground frequently.
6. c. shoulder pain. Frequently seen in throwing
sports, rotator cuff tendinitis is a common cause of
shoulder pain.
High-tech
fitness
N
eed to add a little motivation to your exercise
routine these days? Or maybe just want to
make sure you’re getting the most out of your
regimen? The market is filled with great (and inexpensive!)
gadgets that can help you accomplish your goals.
 Heart rate monitors. Knowing your ideal heart
rate can keep you burning optimal amounts of fat and
calories—and keep the pounds coming off. Working out
in your target zone helps you avoid exercising at too low of
an intensity or overdoing it and risking injury. Some models are available in a less bulky wristwatch form and offer
additional measurements, such as steps taken, pace and
distance traveled. Want to monitor your heart rate without
an extra device? Try Modula d.o.o.’s free Instant Heart
Rate app, available at www.instantheartrate.com, which
monitors your rate right through your fingertip.
> Hot exercise trends
Some of the newest fitness trends are so hot,
they’re scorching!
Bikram yoga: Also called “hot yoga,” Bikram combines Hatha yoga with extreme temperatures: It’s
practiced in rooms often heated to 100 F or more. The
result? An extra-sweaty workout session.
Zumba®: This fitness craze combines Latin beats
with relatively easy-to-follow dance moves. Fans love it
because it makes working out fun, but it still packs a
big cardio punch and provides resistance and interval
training. You’ll work up a sweat and have fun at the
same time.
TRX® suspension training: This unique full-body
workout focuses on improving balance, flexibility, total
body strength and range of motion using your body
weight and a special suspension system. Used by
athletes and Navy SEALs, this super-intense workout
system has major fat-blasting potential.
Digital trainers are systems worn as
you work out and offer information
such as heart rate, speed, distance
and calories burned.
 Smartphone apps can also help you access virtual
exercise equipment, yoga trainers and step-by-step exercise instructions. Most only cost a few dollars, and free
apps abound, too. Try the American Heart Association’s
Walking Paths app, available at www.startwalkingnow.
org/WalkingPathApp.jsp, a GPS tracking app for your
walking, hiking or running regimen.
 Tracking systems are small, clip-on devices that
can track how many calories you burn, how many steps
you take, how far you walk, what time you go to bed, how
long it takes you to fall asleep and how long you slumber—24 hours a day, seven days a week—for a more complete health picture.
 Digital trainers are systems worn as you work out
and offer information such as heart rate, speed, distance and
calories burned as well as audio coaching and personalized
exercise routines. Some can tell you if you’re going too fast
or too slow as you run and sync with your MP3 player.
•
Spring 2012 11
Specialized
rehab
T
hey’re the problems no one likes to talk about,
the ones many people don’t know can be
treated. But whether you’re suffering from
lymphedema or from pelvic floor conditions, Russell
Medical Center (RMC) can help.
“Some of these people feel confined to their homes—
that’s the impact these conditions can have on patients’
lives,” says Krissy Vanderwall, DPT, a physical therapist
at Total Fitness at RMC who specializes in lymphedema
treatment and one of a small number nationwide certified
to treat pelvic floor disorders. She helped develop the specialized programs for lymphedema treatment and pelvic
floor disorders about four years ago. “We’re a small hospital, so many people don’t even realize they can get these
services without leaving the area,” Vanderwall says.
What are lymphedema and
pelvic floor disorders?
Lymphedema is swelling that occurs from an abnormal
accumulation of protein-rich lymphatic fluid. It's caused
by a blockage in the lymphatic system, a key component of
your circulatory and immune systems. The blockage makes it
difficult for lymph fluid to drain properly, causing a buildup
and resulting in swelling—usually in the arms or legs. The
condition may be caused by injury to lymph nodes as a
result of cancer treatments such as surgery and radiation, or
may be related to poor circulation and “leaky veins.”
Pelvic floor muscles are those muscles that support
the uterus, bladder and bowels and affect sexual function.
Pregnancy and vaginal delivery, weight gain, cancer, prostate issues or repetitive lifting can weaken these muscles.
Possible problems include urinary and fecal incontinence,
as well as pelvic organ prolapse, or when a pelvic organ
drops down into the vaginal opening.
For Jak Korte, rehabilitation services director at Total
Fitness at RMC, offering these programs complements the
hospital’s developing cancer care program. “It’s great to be
able to offer our cancer patients the specialized treatment
they need,” he says.
12 Spring 2012
Krissy Vanderwall, DPT (left), and Ronna
Blake, LPTA provide specialized
therapy treatments.
Getting help
Vanderwall urges anyone who thinks he or she may
have these conditions to seek treatment. She tackles
lymphedema with complete decongestive therapy (CDT)
three to five times a week, for up to 10 weeks. While
there’s no cure for lymphedema, CDT can be highly effective at managing the condition. The therapy involves:
• manual lymph drainage—light massage to redirect
fluid flow around blocked lymph nodes to healthy lymph
nodes, which can disperse excess fluid
• compression therapy—bandages and compression
garments to decrease limb volume and prevent the treated
area from refilling with fluid
• decongestive exercises—working muscles and joints
to improve fluid flow and decrease swelling of the limb
Patients also learn skin care tips and how to reduce
infection risk.
Treating pelvic floor disorders usually involves showing
patients how to correctly do Kegel exercises to strengthen the
pelvic floor muscles. (As many as 30 percent of patients don’t
do them properly, Vanderwall says.) Biofeedback, in which
a special machine shows when muscles contract and relax,
can help patients learn to tune in to their bodies and retrain
these muscles. Physical therapy techniques alone can reduce
incontinence and other issues in a majority of patients; when
combined with medication, they can almost be completely
cured, Vanderwall says.
In other words, you don’t have to suffer in silence
anymore.
•
Get back to enjoying life
To learn more about rehab services at Total Fitness at
RMC, call (256) 329-7138.
A patient's point of view
The healing begins here
From uncertainty to a renewed outlook, Wound Care and Hyperbaric
I
Medicine at RMC gave healing and hope in the time of need
n September 2011, Charlotte McCain was
terribly depressed. She had a successful coronary
artery bypass graft surgery weeks earlier at a large
hospital out of town, but her wounds weren’t healing,
more than likely complicated by her diabetes.
The chest scar from surgery and three wounds on
her left leg from the graft surgery were red, inflamed and
painful with an unpleasant odor—all the classic symptoms of infection. “I knew something was terribly wrong,”
she says. “I was at the point that I wanted to try anything
to feel better.” McCain’s son called the Wound Care and
Hyperbaric Medicine at RMC for her. “They told him I
didn’t have to have a doctor’s referral and to come in that
same afternoon to be seen,” she says.
At that first visit, a serious staph infection was
detected on her leg and chest, and she immediately began
a course of three antibiotic medications. She then began
a daily routine of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
Monday through Friday for 41 visits, she spent two hours
in the HBOT chambers breathing pure oxygen (normal
air is just 21 percent oxygen). This results in a high concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream that helps heal
wounds faster. “I was amazed at the improvement,” says
McCain. “I could see the progress every day.”
McCain says she was apprehensive about going
in the oxygen chamber at first. “I wasn’t sure what
it would feel like, but it wasn’t bad at all,” she says.
“I rested, watched TV or took a nap. It didn’t feel
closed in. The tube is large and clear and it’s easy to
see around you.”
Karen Treadwell, program director at Wound Care and
Hyperbaric Medicine at RMC, says being in the oxygen
chamber is like being 33 feet below sea level. “Most patients
experience some pressure in their ears, similar to what it
feels like driving at high altitudes or being in an airplane,”
says Treadwell. “It’s painless and doesn’t last long enough to
be too uncomfortable. In the first week’s therapy for all of
our patients, I can see the difference in the wound. I spend
a lot of time with them and it’s just a good feeling to know
that you’re helping.”
McCain is back to enjoying her regular activities
now that her wounds have healed. “I feel like I went
through the valley of the shadow of death from the 23rd
Psalm,” she says. “Everyone at the center supported me
physically, mentally and emotionally. I can’t believe how
much better I feel.”
•
Get help for problem wounds
Charlotte McCain is back to enjoying daily activities after
undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
If you have a wound that isn't healing, Wound Care and
Hyperbaric Medicine at RMC may be able to help.
Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at RMC
55 Alison Drive
Alexander City
(256) 215-7450
Spring 2012 13
Conquering your fears
How to overcome phobias
F
ear is a common emotion that can be helpful in
many situations. For example, fear of an intruder
may cue you to lock your doors at night, which
in turn can help keep your family safe. However, sometimes a fear can be irrational and overwhelming, especially
when the cause of that fear poses little real danger. These
types of intense and often debilitating fears are called
phobias.
A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder and is categorized in two groups: specific phobias and social
phobias. Specific phobias involve anxiety over
a particular object or event, such as a fear of
water (hydrophobia) or a fear of heights
(acrophobia). People with a phobia often
go to extreme lengths to avoid the cause of
their fears.
Social phobias generally involve an excessive fear of embarrassment or being watched
and judged by others. Someone suffering from
a social phobia may experience extreme fear
when meeting new people, speaking in
public or even eating in front of others.
This anxiety may cause actual physical
> How to tell your friends
and family
In a culture that celebrates courage, it can be
intimidating to open up about your fears. However, as
with any problem, the first step toward getting help is
admitting that you're struggling. Your friends and family are an important part of your support system, and
they may be able to help you as you seek treatment
for your phobia.
14 Spring 2012
> Helping your child cope with fears
While some childhood fears are natural, you can help your child cope with persistent, severe fear by:
• listening without judgment. Don’t
trivialize, and let your child know that
you're there to help.
• facing fears head on. If your child is
afraid of water, you'll only reinforce his
fears by allowing him to simply avoid it.
Help him gradually overcome his fears
at the community pool or through swimming lessons.
• providing positive approaches.
When your child is faced with something
scary, help her relax with deep-breathing
exercises and repeating a positive mantra,
such as, “I can do this.” You may also ask
your child to rate his or her fear on a scale
of 1 to 10. This exercise can help children
look at fears more rationally, which makes
the fear less overwhelming.
reactions, such as sweating or blushing, which can lead to
even more embarrassment and anxiety.
More than 19 million Americans suffer from specific
phobias, making them some of the most common psychiatric disorders. Specific phobias are twice as likely to occur
in women, and some evidence suggests that they may run
in families. Some common specific phobias include the
fear of:
• blood (hemophobia)
• enclosed spaces (claustrophobia)
• insects or spiders (entomophobia or arachnophobia)
• flying (aviophobia)
• snakes (ophidiophobia)
• high places (acrophobia)
phobia’s cause until you learn to conquer your fears.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to
control your thoughts and feelings regarding your phobia,
is another option.
Some phobias, particularly social phobias, may be
treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medications, typically antidepressants or beta-blockers. Living
a healthy, structured lifestyle and avoiding stimulants
like caffeine may also help some people suffering from
phobias.
•
Treating phobias
Several options are available for treating phobias.
Behavior therapy is a common treatment, which often
includes exposure or desensitization therapy. Potentially
helpful for specific phobias in particular, this type of
therapy involves gradual, repeated exposure to your
More than 19 million Americans suffer from
specific phobias, making them some of the
most common psychiatric disorders.
Spring 2012 15
P.O. Box 939
Alexander City, AL 35011
(256) 329-7100
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Physician Referral Line (256) 329-7149
Free skin cancer
screenings
pring has arrived, bringing with it long sunny days
and an array of outdoor activities. While we revel
in spring and look forward to summer, it’s also a
time to remember to be cautious in the sun and be aware
of the dangers of skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
More than 1 million new cases of
skin cancer will be diagnosed in the
United States this year. Basal
cell and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common
forms, and if detected and
treated early, have a greater
than 95 percent cure
rate. Melanoma Monday
stresses awareness, early
detection and prevention
of skin cancer.
> Melanoma Monday
Monday, May 7
2–5 p.m.
The Cancer Center at RMC and Steve Mackey, MD,
dermatologist, will provide free skin cancer screenings
to the community. No appointment necessary. For
more information, call Sandra Patten, RN, at (256)
329-7145.
Relay night!
Join us at
the Alexander City
Sportplex on
Friday, May 11,
at 6 p.m.
Relay For Life,
Tallapoosa County
T
Why we relay
he American Cancer Society Relay For Life
represents the hope that those lost to cancer will
never be forgotten, those who face cancer will
be supported and one day cancer will be eliminated. Relay
For Life is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a life-changing
experience. At Relay, every person in the community has a
chance to celebrate, remember and fight back. And every
person who participates joins others around the globe as part
of this worldwide movement to end cancer.
On Relay night
This year’s theme is “Color a World Without Cancer,”
emphasizing all the different types of cancer and their awareness
colors. If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor, please
contact the Relay For Life Tallapoosa County Committee at
(256) 329-7827. We have a very special reception planned to
honor survivors. The first lap around the Relay track is just for
you, and we want to make sure you get your invitation.
Photo courtesy of the Alexander City Outlook
S
Early detection is key!