Forrest General`s Spirit of Women—making changes for you! Forrest

Transcription

Forrest General`s Spirit of Women—making changes for you! Forrest
Forrest General’s Spirit of Women—making changes for you!
Forrest General is going online with Spirit magazine. Check it out to learn
about Forrest General’s services, inspiring stories and tips on taking action for
your health!
With more than 6,500 members, Forrest General is Mississippi’s exclusive
Premier Spirit of Women hospital. Join the movement toward better health by
calling FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445, from 2 until 10 p.m. daily.
Welcome to BNP Media’s Digital Magazine v3.0
Here is some information to help you get started:
The digital magazine is very similar to a normal print magazine,
but here we have more power and features to utilize since it’s
online and digital. At the top of the screen is the navigation bar.
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Thank you for visiting—we hope you enjoy your experience.
created by:
FALL 2009
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pg. 15
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ly
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a
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Doctors
ey
S h a r e How T h
Kicked Their
its
Own Bad Hab
l
The Top 4 Health
Discoveries You
Need to Know
About pg. 16
Anti-Aging:
Can Hormones
Keep You
Young? pg. 24
Get Your Man to Goal:
Men’s Health
Simplified pg. 14
What’s Cooking:
Squash Your
Way to Healthy
Eating pg. 6
$2.99 U.S. $3.99 CAN
www.spiritofwomen.com
A Road Map
to Your Health!
Get on board with Spirit of Women this fall and join us for a journey of looking good and feeling great all year long.
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SW09094SOW2-3.indd 1
9/1/09 11:09:31 AM
, viruses
life exposed to bacteria
We all travel through to resist illness by being
and disease. We want e road to resistance is paved
strong and immune. Ththat can help you stay healthy
s
with prevention habit e. Move and maintain a
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tion and overall health, mmy Tells You” event near
“Trusting What Your Tu men.com/seminarseries
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Banish all purchases fro
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about how much better you
would feel in mind,
body and spirit if you got
rid of the stuff that
“junks” up your life: bad
food, toxic friends who
drain you, unnecessary pu
rchases, and bad
habits like smoking, drinki
ng too much or the
abuse of prescription or
recreational drugs.
De-junk your life in all asp
ects for fresh energy
and a new lease on healt
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STOP at rest stops
when you are tired
. It is not a
sign of weakness to
need a nap or to ne
ed a
nightly dose of eight
hours of sleep. In fa
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research shows that
women who get en
ou
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sleep are at lower
risk for everything fro
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disease to weight ga
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learn
more about sleep, sle
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website at sleepfoun
dation.org
SW09094SOW2-3.indd 2
9/1/09 11:09:37 AM
C O N T E N T S
F a l l
2 0 0 9
F e a t u r e s
D E P ART M E N TS
Get Your Man to Goal:
men’s Health Simplified..............14
Help the men in your life stay active and at
the top of their game.
Breast cancer............................ 5
Healthy Eating: Squash it!........ 6
Forrest General CEO retires..... 8
The Top 4 Health Discoveries
You Need to Know About.......16
A look at the latest medical breakthroughs
that can help you keep your good health.
Family Health:
Prevent diabetes......................... 9
Can Hormones
Keep You Young?...................... 24
How to decide whether hormone therapies are
right for you as you age.
6
26
W I T H
Ask the Doc:
Kicking a bad habit.................. 15
How I Did It:
‘I will walk again’................... 18
No More Denial:
How to Take Action
for Your Health.................26
Try these tips for confronting common
medical issues: quitting smoking,
losing weight, getting a checkup,
and genetic testing.
Correction: In the Summer 2009 “Healthy
Eating” article, Mr. Oleg Opalnyk, executive chef at the Parkview Adventist
Medical Center in Brunswick, Maine,
was incorrectly identified as female.
U.S. Hospital Report:
Total pelvic floor health........ 10
Healthy Aging:
Phyllis George.......................... 20
Doctors Hall of Fame............. 25
New, improved Web site........... 28
On the road: las vegas.......... 29
Spirit Central: Find a Spirit of
Women hospital near you..... 30
14
S P I R I T
Lessons from Nature
The fall season is a celebration of the
power of nature to nurture and protect itself
against the challenge of winter. What a
lesson for our own lives and health!
To nurture and protect ourselves and our
families, we need to take ACTION each
and every day to make health and healing a positive priority.
This issue of Spirit of Women is a great tool to help you
and your family on a practical path to wellness:
• Protect yourself and those you love from diabetes, a silent
and growing epidemic in our country.
• Discover quick ways to change bad health habits.
• Help the men in your life be their healthiest ever.
• Read about the top discoveries in women’s health.
Learn how to stop denying health issues in your life.
Create ageless beauty and ongoing health.
Join Forrest General Hospital and Spirit of Women in a
concerted effort to be “naturally” healthy. Good health is
taking good actions today. Please let us know what activities and habits have changed your life and health by contacting [email protected].
Giving thanks for health this season and beyond,
•
•
Evan Dillard, CEO
Forrest General Hospital
The only magazine in America presented for the whole health of women and their families by American hospitals and their physicians. Spirit of Women, 2424 North Federal Highway, Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431.
For general information or advertising inquiries, call 561.544.0755, fax 561.544.8149 or write [email protected]. Visit us on the Web at www.spiritofwomen.com. Information contained herein is
not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional. Copyright © 2009, Spirit of Women. Spirit of Women
magazine is a publication of the Spirit of Women Health Network under the editorial and creative direction of Sharon Bittner and Tanya Abreu. Corporate and media management by Joshua
Davis. Published by BNP Media II, L.L.C., edited by Elizabeth Brewster and designed by Breanna Fong.
4
SPI RIT O F WOM EN
FA L L 2 0 0 9
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
Breast Cancer Patient
Gives Back While
Waiting for a
Cure
If it weren’t for the red bandana tied atop her head, you would
never know that Jennifer Ladner, 33, had recently struggled through
some of the most difficult months of her life. With an infectious
laugh, a smile that can light up a room and a personality that draws
you in and makes you feel right at home, she is a testament to the
power of positive thinking and a good dose of faith.
Ladner, a young wife and the mother of a six-year-old and an
11-month old, was diagnosed with breast cancer on February 16,
2009. Ladner and her doctor discovered the lump in her breast
during her six-week checkup following the birth of her youngest
child, Liam. She had a second opinion a year later after the tumor
had grown and was eventually referred to oncologist Lisa Bond,
M.D., at Forrest General’s Cancer Center, who suggested
chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. Ladner, who is also working
toward a degree in child and family studies at Jones County Junior
College, says that a combination of being a student, a mother,
owning her own vending machine business and her grandmother’s
death all caught up with her, probably pushing her disease along, as
the tumor doubled in size in a matter of one month. Ladner
completed her eight prescribed chemotherapy treatments in June,
which was very successful, shrinking a tumor that started at over six
centimeters down to the size of a nickel. Following surgery that
successfully removed all of the cancer in July, Ladner may face the
possibility of one more round of chemo.
From the moment she was diagnosed, nurses at Forrest General’s
Cancer Center urged Ladner to contact Dawn Gillis, director of
local breast-cancer advocacy organization Waiting For A Cure. At
first, Ladner was reluctant to call, because she didn’t feel she was
enough in need for the organization to help her.“I wasn’t sure I was
going to call, and I didn’t really want anything, but I called Dawn
anyway, telling her,‘I don’t know why I’m calling you…,” said Ladner.
When Gillis told her that she would be with her for her first chemo
treatment at the Cancer Center, she was overwhelmed.“I was so
grateful, because it’s terrifying trying to be brave and be a mom.
When she showed up the first time, I knew she was someone I
needed to be around. She showed up and made it a lot easier to
confront,” said Ladner.
With her first treatments behind her and a strong support team
of family, Forrest General Cancer Center staff and Waiting For A
Cure supporters surrounding her, Ladner began to realize that being
a wife, mother and student just wasn’t enough — she wanted to do
more. The desire to keep busy led her right back to the organization
that she felt had given her so much during her time of need. Ladner
called Gillis again, this time wanting to know how she could help
others in her same situation. It just so happened that Waiting For A
Cure had commissioned a hand-painted, specially designed glass
ornament featuring the Cancer Center swan to raise funds for
Forrest General Cancer Center patients. Now, behind a kitchen
table covered in boxes, stacks of clear cellophane and spools of pink
ribbon, Ladner has found a way to give back — one ornament at a
time. Thanks to Ladner’s labor of love, each ornament comes
beautifully packaged for gift giving in clear cellophane with a pink
ribbon. The ornaments are on sale for $20 at Forrest General’s Gift
Shop or through Waiting For A Cure. Ladner is also working on
developing a necklace for mastectomy and other breast cancer
patients that features eight pink beads — one for each chemo
treatment — with eight ribbons that can be removed, counting
down each treatment.
Ladner was further surprised by her daughter’s school, Thames
Elementary, when they hosted a “Mr. and Miss Thames” Pageant,
raising $1,300 for Waiting for A Cure. Since that time, Waiting For
A Cure has begun helping Ladner cover costs for a sitter to watch
her kids during her treatments. Ladner added that others are helping
in great ways, including one friend who helps her by picking up
laundry and returning it the next day, clean and folded.“I am in awe
of everyone and the amount of compassion they have for me and my
family,” said Ladner.“I couldn’t have had more support than I have
received from people here in Hattiesburg, and I have gained some
wonderful friends.”
Gillis says that Ladner has touched the hearts of all Waiting For
A Cure members.“Her strength and determination at this
vulnerable time in her life has been unmatched by anything I have
seen before,” said Gillis.“Although she is fighting the battle of her life,
she still insists on being a part of helping other patients in their
journey to recovery. She is one special lady who has had a profound
impact on my life.”
If you were to ask Ladner how her life has changed since the
diagnosis, her eyes would most likely overflow with tears. Never
letting the tears dampen her smile, Ladner would tell you that
throughout her experience so far, she has found out that she is truly
loved.“It’s incredible how kind people can be, to little old me,” said
Ladner. She adds that even though she gets scared every day, she
tries to stay busy and cram as much as she can into each day that she
is given.“I don’t want to sit here and be sick — I realized that cancer
would take some of my time, but I wasn’t going to let it take all of it.”
For more information on Forrest General’s Cancer Center or to
find out how you can help patients like Jennifer through Waiting
For A Cure,w call
at 1-800-844-4445,
w w. sFGH
p i r i t o f wOnCall
omen.com
FA L L 2 0 0 9
S P I R I Tthen
O F Wpress
O M E N1. 5
H E A L T H Y
E A T I N G
SQUASH
By Bev Bennett
Y
OU MAY PRIZE SQUASH
for its autumnal good looks,
or rue your overly ambitious
plantings if you’re a gardener
facing a bumper crop of zucchini. But when you start cooking with
squash, you’ll appreciate the nutritional
treasure you’ve got.
Both tender summer squash, including yellow crookneck and zucchini,
and the hard-shell winter varieties,
such as butternut, acorn, and buttercup, provide a package of vitamins
and minerals that can reduce your risk
of heart disease and certain cancers,
according to nutrition experts.
“It’s awesome,” says Dr. Linda Ho,
affiliated with the Medical Center of
Plano in Plano, Texas. As a cook and
medical authority, she recommends
squash because it’s high in potassium:
“That’s very important for blood pressure,” says Dr. Ho.
BETA-CAROTENE BENEFITS
The deep orange colors in winter
squash offer clues to the vitamins and
beneficial substances (phytochemicals) in the gourds.
Winter squash are high in beta-carotene, according to Mary K. Sanford,
a registered dietitian at the Parkview
Medical Center, Pueblo, Colo.
“Beta-carotene in winter squash is
valuable to prevent oxidative damage
that contributes to heart disease,” says
Sanford. In addition, the beta-carotene—which your body may convert
to vitamin A—could reduce your risk of
certain cancers, she says.
PACKAGE DEAL
You’re also getting a generous bundle
of nutrients for few calories, which
is a health advantage because you
can feel free to eat your fill of squash,
according to Dr. Ho.
And both winter and summer squash
h
contain dietary fiber that “helps you
feel full and keep your gastrointestinal
tract clean,” she says.
MAKE IT HEALTHY
Despite all the virtues of squash, you
could diminish its nutritional value
if you prepare it with fat and sugar,
Sanford says. She suggests steaming
or grilling—not batter-frying—zucchini,
and baking or grilling winter squash
or serving it in soup.
Whatever healthful preparation
method yyou p
prefer, Dr. Ho
recommends
squash
recomm
mends squas
ash as
as
an ide
ideal
way
to
get
more
d al
m
ore
colorful
fruits
and
colo
co
lorful
vegetables into
your diet. •
COOKING TIPS
The tough skin makes hard-shell squash challenging to peel and dice.
HERE’S A TIP TO MAKE THE PROCESS EASIER:
Pierce squash in several places with a paring
knife. Place the squash in a microwave oven.
Microwave for 2 to 4 minutes on high, just
enough to soften but not cook the squash.
When the squash cools down, peel and dice.
6
SPI RIT O F WOM EN
A06 HealthyEating_fnl.indd 6
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To prevent zucchini and yellow crookneck
ookneck
squash from becoming mushy after cooking,
ooking,
remove some of the moisture beforehand.
and.
First, cut the squash in half lengthwise.
se.
Then, sprinkle lightly with salt and set
et
aside for 15 minutes. Wipe off the
accumulated liquid and salt with a
paper towel, and proceed with
your recipe.
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
9/1/09 12:38:51 PM
Seven-Vegetable Couscous is a variation of a classic
North African dish. You can prepare the recipe using
vegetable broth and serve it as a vegetarian entrée.
Or, make the delicious mixture of vegetables and grains
as a side dish with roast chicken.
Having your squash and eating it too
Don’t feel guilty if you want to keep an arrangement of butternut and acorn squash as an edible
decoration. Winter squash will survive for a couple
of months in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Better yet, the amount of beta-carotene in the squash
increases during storage.
Potassium and fiber (1 cup sliced, raw)
Squash Type
Butternut
Yellow (crookneck)
Zucchini
Potassium
493 mg
276 mg
296 mg
Dietary fiber Calories
2.8 g
2.5 g
1.2 g
63
25
18
SEVEN-VEGETABLE COUSCOUS
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium yellow crookneck squash, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½-inch
cubes (see note)
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (see note)
1-¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
1 cup couscous
¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
Hot sauce (see note)
HEAT oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. ADD
onion and garlic. COOK, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or
until onion is tender. ADD yellow crookneck squash, zucchini,
butternut squash, cumin, cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper
and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. COOK for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until aromatic.
ADD chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to
low. Cover and SIMMER for 5 minutes or until squash is
almost tender. STIR in peas, tomatoes and couscous. Cover
and SIMMER for 5 minutes, or until vegetables are heated
through and couscous swells and is tender. SET ASIDE, covered, for 10 minutes.
Remove skillet lid. FLUFF couscous with a fork. SPRINKLE on
cilantro. TASTE and adjust salt if desired. Serve with hot sauce.
Makes 6 entrées or 8 side-dish servings.
Per serving (using refined-wheat couscous, not whole-wheat):
190 calories | 3 grams total fat | 6.5 grams protein |
35.5 grams carbohydrates | 300 milligrams sodium |
4.5 grams dietary fiber
Note: If desired, use 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
(available in supermarket produce sections) in place of the whole squash.
It may be necessary to cut the cubes into smaller pieces.
You may skip the hot sauce and increase the red pepper flakes to
½ teaspoon.
w w w.
w spiritof women.com
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F
SPI RIT O F WOM EN
7
9/1/09 12:39:19 PM
B ILL O LIVER R ETIRES AS
F ORREST G ENERAL CEO
This summer, Forrest General President and
CEO Bill Oliver retired after 14 years of
outstanding leadership and service as the hospital’s
top administrator. On July 1, Evan Dillard, who
previously served as the hospital’s Chief Operating
Officer, assumed responsibilities at the helm of this
organization that has served the Pine Belt
Bill Oliver
community for over 50 years.
“Bill’s outstanding accomplishments are due to a combination of his
vision and integrity,” said Richard Preusch, Chariman of Forrest
General’s Board of Trustees. “His leadership has elevated Forrest
General Hospital to its position as the regional leader in quality
healthcare for our citizens, an employer of choice for its employees, and
in meeting the technological needs to its physicians. Because of his
humility, we will never appreciate enough the contributions Bill has
made to our community. I am grateful for the leadership qualities I
have learned from Bill and look forward to receiving his wise counsel in
the future. I wish Bill the best in his future pursuits.”
With his retirement, Oliver looks back on a long
list of accomplishments for the hospital and its staff,
as well as for healthcare across the state. During
Oliver’s tenure, Forrest General grew in size and
quality, offering new services and setting the
standard for medical care in the Pine Belt. This is
evidenced by many of the hospital’s most recent
Evan Dillard
achievements, including Joint Commission
certification of the advanced primary Stroke Care Center, renovations
in the Women and Children’s area, Emergency Center and operating
rooms, and a newly-opened Wound Healing Center. Following his
retirement, Oliver will continue to assist the hospital in areas of
philanthropy as President of the Forrest General Healthcare
Foundation and with government relations in Jackson and
Washington, D.C.
During Mr. Oliver’s tenure, Forrest General has undergone
tremendous growth and expansion throughout its facilities, including
8the addition
S P I R I T O F of
WO
MEN
FA L L 2 0 0 9 Cancer
w w w. Center,
spiritof wo
m e n . c o m Center,
Forrest
General’s
LiveWell
water well, tower and power sub-station, 28th Place and several Pine
Grove program facilities. Since assuming responsibilities as COO in
the spring of 2008, current CEO Evan Dillard has continued this
legacy of growth by focusing on several key areas, including the
development of Forrest General’s eight service lines: Heart and
Vascular Services, Surgical Services, Women and Children’s Services,
Oncology, Neuroscience/Orthopedics, Medicine, and Behavioral
Health and Emergency Services. Dillard has also been instrumental in
enhancing the hospital’s physician relationships by creating a Chief
Medical Officer position and the CMO Council, a group of physicians
in key medical positions who work with the Chief Medical Officer
regarding operational issues in the hospital. Numerous expansions and
renovations are underway at the hospital, including a recent expansion
of the Critical Care Unit. The addition of 12 new beds in this unit,
opened this summer, allows the hospital to care for a greater number of
critically-ill patients in a setting specifically designed for the level of care
they need. Under Dillard’s leadership, hospital staff and physicians and
the community can only look forward to further growth and
improvements for Forrest General.
Dillard brings great experience to the hospital, having served in the
healthcare industry for 28 years as a manager, COO and CEO. He has
a history of service on company Boards and was involved in establishing
the Birmingham Regional Emergency Services System. Prior to Forrest
General, he worked at various hospitals including the University of
Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, the Birmingham Baptist Health
System and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. He currently serves on
the Advisory Bank Board for BancorpSouth in Hattiesburg and is a
member of the Rotary Club. Dillard is committed to enhancing Forrest
General for the present and also preparing and improving it for future
generations who will continue to count on the hospital’s
comprehensive, compassionate healthcare. Dillard often notes his
passion for “winning by the numbers” — showing Forrest General’s
high caliber of healthcare through patient satisfaction and other quality
survey results. Forrest General staff, physicians and administrators
wish Mr. Dillard the best in his new role and are looking forward to
participating in creating the future of Forrest General.
F A M I L Y
H E A L T H
THE DIABETES EPIDEMIC:
Protecting
your family
By Kelly Burgess
D
IABETES IS A NATIONAL
health crisis that affects 24 million people in the United States—
and one of them could be you
or a member of your family, says Dr. Kashif
Munir, medical director of the Joslin Diabetes Center at Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Md. That’s why
knowing how to prevent and manage this
chronic disease is so important.
nt.
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
A09 Family Health.indd 9
FA L L 2 0 0 9
SPI RIT O F WOM EN
IMAGE SOURCE/IMAGE SOURCE/GETTY IMAGES
DIABETES BASICS
Diabetes can be either type
DIABETES INCREASES
1 or type 2, according to
YOUR RISK OF:
the American Diabetes Association. Type 1, which affects
1. Heart disease
about 10 percent of those
2.
2 Stroke
with diabetes, prevents the body
3.
3 Kidney damage
from producing insulin and can
be
4.
n
4 Eye problems
treated with insulin injections, diet
5.
5 Nerve damage
Memorial Health Services in Fremont,
and exercise.
Mich. Diabetics often struggle with
Type 2 is the most common form:
sleep apnea, hypertension, hypercholesterol and depresEither the body does not produce enough insulin, or the
sion, and their risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney, eye
cells ignore the insulin. Obesity, poor diet and a sedentary
and nerve damage is dramatically increased.
lifestyle are the primary triggers, in addition to a cluster of
risk factors called cardio metabolic syndrome: high blood
PREVENTION STRATEGIES
pressure, elevated triglycerides, low levels of HDL, abdomiHow can you help prevent diabetes in your own family?
nal obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, and elevated
Dr. Vincent Francescangeli at Pocono Health System in East
blood glucose.
Stroudsburg, Penn., recommends regular exercise, maintaining
If you experienced gestational diabetes while pregnant or
a healthy body weight, and scheduling annual physicals.
suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you’re also at
And be sure to ask your healthcare provider about being
greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. “The best thing
tested regularly for diabetes. Diabetes screening blood tests
a woman can do after she has a baby is lose the weight,”
include the fasting plasma glucose test and the oral glucose
says Dr. Nirmala S. Kumar, an endocrinologist at North
tolerance test, which can also determine if you are pre-diaColorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colo.
betic, with blood glucose levels higher than normal but not
When diabetes does strike, it can affect every aspect of
considered diabetic. •
your life, explains Dr. Mark Byland, affiliated with Gerber
9
9/1/09 2:10:47 PM
U. S. H O S P I T A L
R E P O R T
total
Middle m anagement:
pelvic floor health
for women
By Maya Dollarhide
W
ith the exception of
Elvis, a pelvis is usually a private matter. So private, in fact,
that many women opt to suffer in silence rather than seek
treatment for common pelvic health conditions like
urinary tract infections, incontinence, heavy periods,
fibroids, and pelvic organ prolapse.
But most pelvic problems can be alleviated with simple treatments, say physicians, so there’s no need to
be shy. “Even though some of these conditions can be
chronic, all of them can be very manageable,” says
Dr. Nancy Hockley, affiliated with Parkview Hospital
in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Pelvic health basics
There are many reasons for poor pelvic health, says
Dr. Jennifer Bailey, affiliated with Forrest General
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Hospital in Hattiesburg, Miss. Incontinence, for example, can be caused by
obesity, poor pelvic floor muscle tone,
and vaginal atrophy. Other problems in
the pelvic region, like recurring urinary
tract infections, may be caused by an
allergic reaction to a new spermicidal
cream, failing to empty your bladder
completely, pelvic organ prolapse, or
just plain genetics.
“It’s especially important during the day
to be mindful of recruiting the pelvic floor
muscles to minimize gravity and compensate for the downward pressure exerted
by functional movements like sitting, standing, lifting, etc.,” says Missy Lavender,
founder/executive director of the Women’s Health Foundation in Chicago.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Urinary tract infections mainly affect the
urethra and the bladder, making you feel
as if you need to urinate frequently, and
often causing intense pain when you do
so. An untreated infection can spread to
your kidneys and damage them, so it’s
important to treat urinary tract infections
with appropriate antibiotics.
Unsweetened cranberry juice or cranberry tablets may help prevent these
infections, Dr. Hockley adds.
HEAVY PERIODS AND FIBROIDS
If your periods sometimes bring heavy
blood loss and excruciating cramps,
you may have a hormone imbalance or
irregular cycles linked to obesity, the two
most common causes of heavy periods.
You can help alleviate discomfort by
taking ibuprofen, using oral contraceptives or using a progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD).
Uterine fibroids (benign tumors that
grow in the uterus) can also
cause heavy periods, in addition to pelvic pain, distention of the uterus or back
and leg pain. Several medical and surgical treatments are available that can
shrink or eliminate fibroids.
INCONTINENCE
Women who are pregnant or who have
given birth often suffer from incontinence
due to stress and strain on the pelvic
region. “During pregnancy there is stress
on the bladder, pelvic muscles and supportive ligaments, causing the bladder
to shift downward and making it difficult
for the urethra to shut,” says Kim Snyder,
a physical therapist affiliated with The
Women’s Hospital in Newburgh, Ind.
Snyder says some women can be successfully treated for incontinence in three
to six weeks, by working with a physical
therapist. Treatment may include relaxation training, manual mobilization of
soft tissue and lumbopelvic joints, and
strengthening the pelvic floor with Kegels (see story at upper right). Biofeedback treatments may also be helpful.
“[Physical therapy] sessions, which
can last between 30 and 40 minutes, can be a comprehensive learning
opportunity to recruit muscles that are
hard to locate and very often have suffered injury,” says Lavender.
Urinary urge incontinence is treated
with a combination of behavioral modifications—eliminating caffeine, emptying the bladder every two hours—and
medication. Sacral neuromodulation, a
procedure where a small electrode is
placed near the nerve controlling the
bladder, can also be helpful. “For temporary relief, Botox injections into the
bladder also help,” says
Dr. Hockley.
6 Steps for
Doing a Kegel
왘 Find your pelvic floor muscles
by using them to stop and start
your urine flow.
왘 Empty your bladder
if necessary.
왘 Contract your pelvic floor
muscles.
왘 Hold for three seconds.
왘 Relax for three seconds.
왘 Repeat nine more times, three
times a day.
PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE
Pelvic organ prolapse usually affects
women over 40 whose pelvic floor muscles have become damaged or weak,
causing the organs that surround and
support the vagina to fall from their normal position. The symptoms can be mild
or serious, ranging from pain during sex
to a feeling that something is falling out
of your vagina or rectum, according to
Dr. Jeannette Rivera, affiliated with Danbury Hospital in Danbury, Conn. These
symptoms “usually appear towards the
end of the day, especially if [you’re] very
active,” says Dr. Rivera.
Surgery is often the best fix, but doctors suggest that you first try non-invasive treatments such as a pessary
(a device worn in the vagina for
support), estrogen replacement
therapy or electrical stimulation to muscles on the
pelvic floor. •
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U. S. H O S P I T A L
R E P O R T
Local Resources for Total Pelvic Floor Health for Women
ARIZONA
MESA
Banner Desert Medical Center
Ellen Schneiderman, RNC, MSN,
Banner Desert Medical Center
Women’s Services
480-512-4908
TUCSON
Tucson Medical Center for Women
Karen L. Narum, OGNP–CTMC
520-324-3106
NORMAL
BroMenn Healthcare System
Integrative Health for Women,
BroMenn Medical Group
309-268-2640
INDIANA
FORT WAYNE
Parkview Hospital
Parkview Women’s Health Center
260-672-6500
INDIANAPOLIS
CALIFORNIA
MOUNTAIN VIEW
St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers
317-865-5864
El Camino Hospital
The Women’s Hospital at
El Camino Hospital
1-800-216-5556
St. Elizabeth Regional Health
Lafayette Obstetrics and Gynecology
765-449-0331
UPLAND
San Antonio Community Hospital
Physician Referral Service at
San Antonio Community Hospital
909-985-3627
COLORADO
GREELEY
North Colorado Medical Center
Kris Howard, RN, BSN, Manager,
Spirit of Women
970-392-2222
PUEBLO
Parkview Medical Center
Pat Pate, Women’s Services
719-584-4618
CONNECTICUT
DANBURY
Danbury Hospital
Danbury Hospital Women’s
Health Services
1-800-210-1764
LAFAYETTE
NEWBURGH
The Women’s Hospital
High Point Rehab Services at
The Women’s Hospital
812-842-2820
SOUTH BEND
Memorial Hospital
Memorial Health Discovery Center
574-647-6800
IOWA
SIOUX CITY
St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center
My Nurse
712-279-3333 or
1-800-ia-health
KANSAS
FORT SCOTT
Mercy Health Center
Larry Seals, D.O.—Obstetrics/
Gynecology, Southeast Kansas
Surgical Specialists
1-866-446-2014
INDEPENDENCE
DELAWARE
NEWARK
Christiana Care Health System
Gretchen Makai, M.D.,
Christiana Care Department of
Obstetrics & Gynecology
302-733-6510
FLORIDA
TITUSVILLE
Parrish Medical Center
Women’s Care
321-268-6110
WEST PALM BEACH
Good Samaritan Medical Center
561-650-6023
12
Mercy Hospital
Sue Sohaei, D.O., FACOG;
Brett Boice, D.O.—Obstetrics/
Gynecology, Southeast Kansas
Surgical Specialists
1-866-446-2014
MICHIGAN
ALLEGAN
Allegan General Hospital
Physician Referral
269-686-4231
FREMONT
Gerber Memorial Health Services
Brenda Dulaney-Connell, RN, MSN,
Women’s Health Services Coordinator
231-924-7139
GEORGIA
ATLANTA
Piedmont Healthcare
A.C. Richardson Center for
Comprehensive Pelvic Health
404-605-2590
MINNESOTA
ST. CLOUD
St. Cloud Hospital
Physical Therapy—Women’s Health,
St. Cloud Hospital Rehabilitation Center
320-229-4922, ext. 71019
ILLINOIS
KANKAKEE
MISSISSIPPI
HATTIESBURG
Provena St. Mary’s Hospital
Kimberly A. Hall, PT, DPT,
Director of Rehabilitation Services
815-937-8220
Forrest General Hospital
FGH OnCall
1-800-844-4445, then press 1
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TUPELO
North Mississippi Medical Center
Women’s Hospital
1-800-THE-DESK (1-800-843-3375)
FAIRFIELD
MISSOURI
CHESTERFIELD
FINDLAY
St. Luke’s Hospital
St. Luke’s Hospital Physician
Referral Service
314-205-6060
JOPLIN
Freeman Healthcare
Freeman Physician Referral
800-29-REFER (73337) or
417-347-3767
NORTH KANSAS CITY
North Kansas City Hospital
Patricia Mooney-Smith, M.D.,
Heartland Women’s Health Care
816-452-3300
MONTANA
GREAT FALLS
Benefis Health System
Dr. Rollin Bearss, Dr. David Guth,
Dr. Bill Hall, Dr. Brian Malloy, Benefis
Physician Associates
406-771-1174
NEBRASKA
OMAHA
Nebraska Methodist Health System
Physician Referral
402-354-8888 or 800-958-6498
Mercy Hospital Fairfield
Kristin Sams, PT and Jenni Love, PT
513-870-7101
Blanchard Valley Health System
Caughman Health Center
OB/GYN Services
419-427-0809
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS
Hillcrest Hospital, a Cleveland
Clinic Hospital
Medline
440-312-4533
ZANESVILLE
Genesis HealthCare System
Genesis NurseLine
1-800-948-4949
PENNSYLVANIA
DUBOIS
DuBois Regional Medical Center
The Women’s Health Center of DuBois
814-371-WOMN (9666)
EAST STROUDSBURG
Pocono Medical Center
Radhika K. Ailawadi, M.D.,
Urogynecologist, PMC Physician
Associates: Obstetrics and Gynecology
570-426-2700
INDIANA
Indiana Regional Medical Center
Jamie L. Chichy, DPT,
Indiana Total Therapy
724-349-2278
LANCASTER
NEW JERSEY
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP
AtlantiCare Pavilion at the Park
Carol Glowacki, M.D.
1-888-569-1000
TEANECK
Holy Name Hospital
Ask A Nurse
1-877-HOLYNAME (1-877-465-9626)
NEW YORK
MINEOLA
Winthrop-University Hospital
Division of Urogynecology &
Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
516-663-3010
NORTH CAROLINA
BOONE
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System
Beverly Womack, M.D.;
Carrington Pertalion, Certified Nurse
Midwife, Harmony, Center for
Women’s Health & Vitality
828-268-8970
OHIO
CINCINNATI
Mercy Hospital Anderson
Mercy Anderson Outpatient
Rehabilitation and Therapy
513-624-4577
DAYTON
Kettering Medical Center
Sue Shibley, Pelvic Control Center
937-436-9825
Lancaster General Health Women &
Babies Hospital
Deborah M. Schrodi, PT/CLT-LANA
717-544-3773
TENNESSEE
MORRISTOWN
Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System
Dawn Poythress, Director,
The Women’s Center
423-522-4393
TEXAS
HOUSTON
The Methodist Hospital
Tinnie Choi, Nurse Coordinator, Center
for Restorative Pelvic Medicine
713-441-5800
LONGVIEW
Good Shepherd Medical Center
Healthy Hotline
903-315-GSHS (4747)
VIRGINIA
FREDERICKSBURG
Medicorp Health System
Pelvic Floor Health
Mary Washington Hospital
Rehabilitation Services of
North Stafford
540-288-2519
NEWPORT NEWS
Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center
Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center
Mary Immaculate Hospital
Bon Secours Health Line
757-889-CARE (2273)
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H E A L T H
M E N ’ S
Get your man to goal:
Men’s
Health
SIMPLIFIED
By John P. Abbott
I
F YOUR FAVORITE MEN
treated their bodies as well as
they would a prized sports car—
taking them in for routine maintenance, calling in a pro at the slightest
sign of trouble—they’d be much more
likely to live longer and run smoother.
PROSTATE HEALTH
Prostate issues top the list for men’s
health screenings. Prostate cancer is the
most common type of cancer in men.
“All men ages 40 and older should
be screened to check their prostate
health,” says Dr. Stephen Thomas, affiliated with Freeman Health System in
Joplin, Mo. “We also recommend colorectal screening starting at 50, with
a colonoscopy and additional rectal
exams every year after age 50.”
THE ABCS OF ED
Erectile dysfunction isn’t just an issue
of male vanity: ED is often a warning
sign of more serious health problems.
“ED can be due to low testosterone,
high blood pressure, diabetes and
stress,” says Dr. Thomas. “By ignoring
the symptoms, [you] may be ignoring
the underlying cause.”
HEART ACHES
The heart of the matter for many men is
cardiac disease, especially for those 55
and older. “A man’s risk is determined
by several factors, including family history of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and stroke,” says Dr. Inderpreet
Sachar, affiliated with Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, N.J. “It’s very important
to know one’s risk factors for heart disease early in life.”
THE WOMAN’S PLACE
“Women can play an incredible role in
a man’s health,” says Dr. Sachar. “For
example, they can encourage him to
stop smoking, and make a calendar
for him for scheduling age-appropriate
screenings. Making an exercise schedule for your partner—and better still,
joining him—can keep you both fit.” •
Prevention:
THE BEST CURE
5 ways a man can prevent
health problems
1. Stop smoking. Cigarettes
increase the risk of not only
heart disease but also lung,
pancreatic and bladder cancer.
2. See a physician regularly.
3. Get regular screenings for blood
pressure, cholesterol, prostate
cancer and coronary artery
disease, especially if there’s a
family history of these diseases.
4. Eat a balanced diet.
5. Exercise regularly.
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A S K
EXPERT ADVI CE
EXPERT ADVI CE
EXPERT ADVI CE
T H E
EXPERT ADVI CE
D O C
EXPERT ADVI CE
Q: What new health discovery made you
change one of your own habits?
DR. HARVEY COHEN
Internist/Geriatric Medicine
SAN ANTONIO COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
UPLAND, CALIF.
JACK ALTERMAN/JACK ALTERMAN STUDIOS
I think the Lap-Band [minimally invasive
weight-loss surgery] is an excellent procedure for permanent
weight reduction. I’ve been obese for a good part of my
life—I could hardly walk from my car to my office. A few
days before Thanksgiving last year, I had Lap-Band obesity
surgery, and it has really changed my life.
Since then, I have lost 85 pounds. I still have 80 more
pounds to lose, and I will. I walk a half hour a day, because
exercise is very important. I park my car at the end of the
parking lot to get in those extra steps. And the amount of
food I eat has greatly decreased. I get full more quickly, and
I’ve stopped eating many of the carbohydrates and instead
eat more fish and salads. Within the next five or 10 years,
we will have medicines to control satiety. Until then, the LapBand is the cat’s meow.
DR. QANTA AHMED
Sleep Disorders Medicine
WINTHROP-UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
MINEOLA, N.Y.
Recently, there has been evidence that lack
of sleep affects work performance. There are enormous
benefits to sleep—physically, mentally, for performance and
memory. Since 2000, when I became a sleep specialist,
I have made a huge attempt to avoid curtailing my sleep.
I’ve made my bedroom a sanctuary—it is peaceful, with no
phone, no television, no pets. And although it is tempting to
watch late night TV after a long workday, I no longer do.
I’ve also discovered my own sleep needs: 9.5 hours.
People who do rotating shifts, like doctors, can have longterm sleep problems. When I know I’m going to have a late
night, I make up for it by taking a nap.
PREVENTING FLU
If you’re not in the habit of getting an annual flu shot,
you may want to make a change. The Centers for
Disease Control recommends a vaccine for anyone
who wants to reduce his or her risk of getting the flu,
and especially for those who are at high risk of serious
flu complications, including pregnant women, people
over 50, children between six months and 19 years
old, people with chronic medical conditions, and those
who live with or care for high-risk people.
For up-to-date information on the flu this season,
visit bewellpassiton.com.
DR. KAVITHA SHASHIKUMAR
Infectious Disease
HUGULEY MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER
BURLESON, TEXAS
What I am continually learning about preventing disease has changed my life. One thing we have
found out is that the lower a woman’s body fat is, the better
it is for prevention of [diabetes and breast cancer]. I realized
that if I lifted weights, I could reduce my body fat. Now, I
work out six or seven days a week for 20 to 30 minutes,
which is what the American Heart Association recommends,
and do weight training three times a week. I am now more
toned and fit, have less body fat, burn more calories and
am far less likely to become obese. Weight training also
protects you against osteoporosis. •
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H E A L T H Y
L I V I N G
By Susana Ramos
F
1
ROM BREAST CANCER TREATMENT TO
infertility and fibroid surgery, there’s lots of good
news about women’s most pressing health issues.
Here’s a look at the latest medical breakthroughs
that can help you keep your good health.
BREAST CANCER:
TAILORED TREATMENT PLANS
A new gene expression test called Oncotype DX may
help determine whether a woman with early-stage breast
cancer would actually benefit from post-surgery chemotherapy. Oncotype DX looks at 21 different genes within a woman’s tumor and records their activity levels. The test results,
given on a scale of 0 to 100, correlate with the chances
that the cancer will return. Physicians can then use the results
to provide the most effective method of treatment for each
patient. While Oncotype DX is already being used, the
National Cancer Institute is also sponsoring the Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (Rx), or TAILORx, to
understand even more how genes play a role in determining
the risk for cancer recurrence.
2
YOUR HEART NEEDS SLEEP TOO
TOP
4
HEALTH DIS
THE
As you juggle work, family and everything in between,
n,
sleep may be the first thing to fall by the wayside. But
ut
new research about the effects of sleep deprivation suggests
stss
that you should make shut-eye a priority.
“Sleeping less than five hours per night can increase our
ur
risk for heart disease by up to 45 percent,” explains Dr. Anne
ne
e
Redding, a neurologist and board certified sleep specialist a
att
Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk, Va. “It can also increase the risk for hypertension (high blood pressure).”
Also associated with cardiovascular disease is elevation of the c-reactive protein, produced by the liver. Studies show that
getting little or no sleep directly contributes to c-reactive protein elevation, which in turn increases your risk for heart disease.
So why is it so difficult to get enough zzz’s? “Many of us think that we can control when and how often we need sleep, but this
isn’t the case,” says Dr. Redding. “You can’t catch sleep; it has to catch you.”
Starting small, however, definitely helps: “Cutting out caffeine, exercising, beginning a bedtime ritual and creating a sleep log are all great first steps,” she adds.
A shot in the arm
As the country gears up for the newly
developed swine flu vaccines this fall, don’t
forget about getting a regular flu shot too.
Anyone who’s at higher risk for serious flu
complications—or who lives with or cares
for someone at high risk—should get a flu
shot, according to the Centers for Disease
Control. To find out more about flu shots,
click on bewellpassiton.com.
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3
FIBROID SURGERY IN A DAY?
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, up to
80 percent of women develop uterine fibroids. These muscular tumors
that grow on the wall of the uterus are most common in women who are in
their 40s and early 50s.
While many women live with these benign tumors without problems, those
who suffer painful symptoms from fibroids typically opt for surgery. Now, a new
laser procedure is making same-day surgery possible. Instead of removing the
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9/1/09 2:38:39 PM
3 MEDICAL ADV
ADVANCES TO KEEP AN EYE ON
•
Sweet news for dark chocolate lovers: A University of Illinois
study showed
showeed that people
peo who ate a 22-gram dark chocolate bar each
day lowered
d both their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Another
bonus? Rese
Researchers
earchers ar
are also testing to determine whether dark chocolate can de
decrease
ecrease sym
symptoms of PMS.
•
Sexual enhanc
enhancement for women: A new testosterone-based
gel ca
called
a lled LibiG
LibiGel, now in trials, could eventually be the fi rst
FDA-approved drug used to treat female sexual dysfunction.
A recent
recent clini
clinical trial showed a 238 percent increase in sexual
satisfaction. LibiGel has also passed the FDA’s safety and
satisfaction
efficacy phases.
•
4SCOVERIES
Fighting adult acne: Aczone, the first FDAapproved topical treatment for acne in a decade,
may help adult sufferers. Patients who used
Aczone reported a 24 percent reduction
in acne inflammation within the first
oa
two weeks of use, and up to
ion within
n
48 percent reduction
12 weeks.
WOMEN’S
enabling them to mature well enough to properly
connect to the egg,” explains Dr. Sherman Silber, director of the Infertility Center of St. Louis for
St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo. The eggs
can then be fertilized.
And for women who are pregnant, one of
the latest innovations in prenatal care is called
centering. Instead of shorter individual visits, a
small group of women spends up to two hours
together per visit with their physician. The centering pregnancy model encourages patients to openly discuss general
pregnancy questions and topics with the physician during
each session, as it’s likely that other women in the group are
going through the same issues. “Being able to share your
experience with these other women provides support that a
physician may not be able to give,” says Cara Starkey, a
midwife at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, Fla. •
( you need to know about )
uterus through the abdomen, the surgeon places four small
needles into the fibroid. Laser fibers guided by magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) then shrink the fibroid with thermal
energy. Unlike a hysterectomy or myomectomy, this procedure
requires only a local anesthetic, and you can usually go home
the same day.
4
WHEN IT’S TIME FOR A BABY
An early-stage study at Northwestern University is making waves in fertility treatments where a woman’s eggs
have been removed and stored for later development in the
woman’s follicles. “This three-dimensional culture system is
an amazing new technology that actually encloses follicles,
This year, Spirit Girls’ Night Out is featuring
the latest news in women’s health. To find out more,
click on the Spirit Girls’ Night Out Web site at
www.spiritofwomen.com/spiritgirlsnightout.
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9/2/09 7:47:01 AM
H O W
I
D I D
I T
I WILL
walk again
By Diane Toops
T
VOWING TO FIGHT
ERESA NELSON WAS A 28-YEAR-OLD
Teresa’s road to recovery began when she woke up after
single mom with three young children when she
more than seven hours of spinal surgery. Placed on a venhopped on the back of a friend’s motorcycle in
tilator, she spent three weeks in a special bed—shipped to
1983. Minutes later, she was flying through the
the hospital on the night of her accident—that turned 22 out
air after her friend took a curve too fast, landof 24 hours a day. Then, a body cast
ing Teresa on her back and ultimately in
that went from her neck to her hips was
a hospital bed, unable to feel her legs.
made for Teresa, and she was transThe diagnosis: paralyzed for life.
“Faith, a positive
ferred to a regular bed.
It was a diagnosis Teresa was deter“I remember [my neurosurgeon] tellmined to fight with every bone in her
attitude,
ing me that I would be paralyzed for
body—and ultimately she prevailed. “I
the rest of my life,” says Teresa. As a sinrecently put down hardwood floors in
gle woman raising three children who
several rooms of my home, and have
and
were 5, 10 and 11 at the time, Teresa
tiled two rooms, remodeled a bathroom,
vowed to put up the fight of her life so
and am now working on putting up a
she could take care of her family.
new picket fence and several gates, all
“I was still totally paralyzed from the
on my own,” says the 54-year-old grandwill carry us far.”
breastbone down,” says Teresa, “but
mother of two in Midland, Texas.
when [the doctor] came into my room I
Although she still walks with a limp and
– Teresa Nelson
told him, ‘God is going to let me walk
can’t run, Teresa says she is profoundly
again. I don’t know how to explain it,
grateful for the active life she has been
but as sure as I’m lying in this bed I WILL walk again.”
able to lead. Inspired by the medical professionals who took
Teresa says she wasn’t depressed so much as determined.
such great care of her, she went back to school eight years
Even though she was in a body cast, she asked a family
after her accident to become a registered nurse, and today
member to bring her a rope exerciser from home.
she works at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas.
“It’s the old pulley type you hook on a door knob, with
“I love what I do, and my experience from the accident
loops for your hands and feet,” she explains. “I requested an
has played a role in every aspect of my life,” says Teresa.
IV stand to use in place of the door knob, had someone put
“A simple thing like walking is something I don’t take for
my feet in the loops, and a sheet tied around my knees to
granted anymore.”
determination
compassion
for life
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keep my legs together. Then I used my hands
ands in
the other loops to move and exercise my legs.”
egs.”
‘GIVE IT YOUR ALL’
Later, Teresa was flown to a rehabilitation
on
facility in Dallas and began going to thererapy every day. “Therapy was so painful,”
ul,”
she remembers. “[But] one day in the therapy
erapy
room, I looked around at the other patients
nts there,
and I said, ‘Come on people, let’s show them
em what
we’ve got. Move a toe or finger if you can, just
j t give
i
it your all.’ And so it went.”
Taking her own advice, Teresa concentrated hard on her
rehab. One day, she made a toe move slightly.
“I still could not feel anything, though, so I tried the parallel bars,” she says. “With a belt around my body cast, the
therapists lifted me into a standing position and I grabbed
the bars. My arms trembled from trying to hold my body up,
and again I concentrated so very hard. My foot moved just
barely, but it moved.
“From then on, every day I used the parallel bars. One
day I took a small step, then another. I still could feel nothing,
though. Each day that passed I grew stronger, tried harder,
and one day I was supporting my weight with my legs.”
Miraculously, after three months Teresa was walking with a
body cast and two canes. “They flew
me home, and the most precious sight was arriving at the
airport and seeing my children,” she says emotionally.
DETERMINATION LEADS TO INSPIRATION
After a year, Teresa was able to get rid of the body cast,
and eventually the canes. Today, her three adult children are
still an inspiration to her, along with the two grandsons she
baby-sits for—and another grandchild is on the way.
“I have learned from my experience and the years since that
we are capable of so much,” she says. “Faith, a positive attitude, determination and compassion for life will carry us far.”
Teresa says she is living proof that even the smallest steps
count. “I have such enthusiasm for life,” she says. “Life has its ups
and downs, but if I stumble and fall, I pick myself up again.” •
Do you know a special woman who has worked hard to change her own and other people’s lives? We’d like to share her story in Spirit of Women magazine! Please tell us her
name, phone number or e-mail address, and what she has accomplished, along with your name and phone number or e-mail address. Send your information to Sharon Bittner
at Spirit of Women, 2424 North Federal Highway, Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431; e-mail [email protected].
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
A18 How I Did It_fnl2.indd 19
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9/1/09 2:51:59 PM
H E A L T H Y
A G I N G
Meet our National Ambassador
for Healthy Aging:
Phyllis George
By Diane Toops
A
perfect combination of beauty and
talent, and a strong advocate for
women’s healthcare, Phyllis George
is the queen of transitioning to new challenges and aging gracefully.
BEAUTY FROM W
WITHIN
Phyllis says she begins
each day with
b
an attitude of thankfulness,
and her
th
daily regimen a
also includes meditation. “My friend Mary Anne Rogers
Phyllis George on
Kentucky Derby
Day 2009
taught me a great stress-relieving technique: You simply lie down with your
feet elevated above your heart,” she
says. “It’s amazing what 20 minutes
of breathing deeply, listening to music
and calming your mind can do to
make you feel refreshed.”
Phyllis also works out three to four times
a week for 30 minutes, and watches
what she eats—but doesn’t deprive herself of any foods she loves. “The trick is
portion control,” she says. “I grew up on
good old-fashioned Southern cooking,
and I refuse to give it up!”
YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD
Phyllis learned at an early age that life
can be stressful and that how you deal
with it plays a big part in how you look
and feel. “I have the distinct honor of
being the first and only Miss America
to have the crown literally fall off my
head as I walked down the runway,”
she says. “I knew right then that I had
to put my best face forward and realize
that with every peak comes a valley.” •
Do you know an outstanding older woman who’s an ageless beauty? We’d like to share her story in Spirit of Women magazine! Please tell us her name, phone number or
e-mail address, and how she stays vibrant and active, along with your name and phone number or e-mail address. Send your information to Sharon Bittner at Spirit of Women,
2424 North Federal Highway, Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431; e-mail [email protected].
20
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PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNETH HAYDEN PHOTOGRAPHY, LOUISVILLE, KY.
“I’ve learned a lot of lessons,” says
the 60-year-old former
Miss America,
f
first lady of Kentucky
and
first female
Kent
sports broadcaste
broadcaster, adding that her life
has not always be
been seamless or easy.
“One of my tips on how to look and
feel young is no
not being afraid to try
new approaches to solving old problems. You can’t ge
get stuck in a rut.”
Phyllis’ attitude toward health integrates an active lifestyle rich with joy,
family, friends an
and laughter.
“One of the reasons
I am so excited
rea
to serve as Spirit’s first National Ambassador for Healthy Aging is that women’s healthcare is one of my deepest
passions,” says PPhyllis. “I look forward
to spreading the message of good
health as a pos
positive, preventive and
vibrant approach to getting older.”
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
9/1/09 3:02:38 PM
AFLURIA®—A FLU VACCINE TO ASK FOR
The Word Is Out.
Pass It On.
Help protect yourself and those
around you with a flu vaccine
from a reliable source.
Thimerosal-free and latex-free*
A single-use, vaccine-filled syringe
that’s just for you
Reliable—a vaccine that’s there when needed
From a trusted influenza vaccine manufacturer
with more than 40 years’ experience
Important Safety Information
Afluria® is indicated for active immunization of persons
18 years of age and older against influenza disease caused
by influenza virus subtypes A and type B present in the vaccine.
The indication is based on the immune response elicited by
Afluria®; no controlled clinical studies have demonstrated a
decrease in influenza disease after vaccination with Afluria®.
Afluria® should not be administered to individuals with
hypersensitivity to eggs or chicken protein or other components
of Afluria®, or to anyone who has had a life-threatening reaction
to previous influenza vaccination.
The most common injection-site adverse reactions were
tenderness, pain, redness, and swelling. The most common
systemic adverse reactions were headache, malaise, and
muscle aches.
Vaccination with Afluria® may not protect all individuals.
Immunocompromised persons may have a diminished immune
response. If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6
weeks of receipt of prior influenza vaccine, the decision to
give Afluria® should be based on careful consideration of the
potential benefits and risks.
Please see brief summary of full prescribing information
on adjacent page.
*Afluria® is also available in a latex-free, multidose vial formulation containing
thimerosal as a preservative.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription
drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch,
or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
To learn more about Afluria®, visit www.afluria.com.
© 2009 CSL Biotherapies, Inc., 1020 First Avenue, PO Box 60446, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0901
www.CSLBiotherapies-US.com
Printed in USA
9F218
05/2009
SW09094CSL-1.indd 1
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CSL Biotherapies
BRIEF SUMMARY OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
®
AFLURIA
Influenza Virus Vaccine
Suspension for Intramuscular Injection
Before administering or prescribing, please consult full prescribing
information, a brief summary of which follows. Some text and references
refer to full prescribing information.
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
AFLURIA® is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to eggs or
chicken protein, neomycin, or polymyxin, or in anyone who has had a life-threatening
reaction to previous influenza vaccination.
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
If GBS has occurred within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccination, the decision
to give AFLURIA® should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits
and risks.
5.2 Altered Immunocompetence
If AFLURIA® is administered to immunocompromised persons, including those
receiving immunosuppressive therapy, the immune response may be diminished.
5.3 Preventing and Managing Allergic Reactions
Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be available to manage possible
anaphylactic reactions following administration of the vaccine.
5.4 Limitations of Vaccine Effectiveness
Vaccination with AFLURIA® may not protect all individuals.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1 Overall Adverse Reactions
Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been observed during
postmarketing surveillance in individuals receiving AFLURIA®.
The most common local (injection-site) adverse reactions observed in clinical studies
with AFLURIA® were tenderness, pain, redness, and swelling. The most common
systemic adverse reactions observed were headache, malaise, and muscle aches.
6.2 Safety Experience from Clinical Studies
Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse
reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a vaccine cannot be directly
compared to rates in the clinical studies of another vaccine and may not reflect the
rates observed in clinical practice.
Clinical safety data for AFLURIA® have been obtained in two clinical studies (see
Clinical Studies [14]).
A US study (Study 1) included 1,357 subjects for safety analysis, ages 18 to less than
65 years, randomized to receive AFLURIA®, Influenza Virus Vaccine (1,089 subjects)
or placebo (268 subjects) (see Clinical Studies [14] for study demographics). There
were no deaths or serious adverse events reported in this study.
A UK study (Study 2) included 275 subjects, ages 65 years and older, randomized to
receive preservative-free AFLURIA® (206 subjects) or a European-licensed trivalent
inactivated influenza vaccine as an active control (69 subjects) (see Clinical Studies
[14]). There were no deaths or serious adverse events reported in this study.
The safety assessment was identical for the two studies. Local (injection-site) and
systemic adverse events were solicited by completion of a symptom diary card for 5
days post-vaccination (Table 1). Unsolicited local and systemic adverse events were
collected for 21 days post-vaccination (Table 2). These unsolicited adverse events
were reported either spontaneously or when subjects were questioned about any
changes in their health post-vaccination. All adverse events are presented regardless
of any treatment causality assigned by study investigators.
Table 1: Proportion of Subjects With Solicited Local or Systemic Adverse
Events* Within 5 Days After Administration of AFLURIA® or Placebo,
Irrespective of Causality†
Solicited
Adverse event
Local
Tenderness
Pain ¶
Redness
Swelling
Bruising
Systemic
Headache
SW09094CSL-2.indd 1
Study 1
Subjects ≥ 18 to < 65 Years
Placebo §
AFLURIA ® ‡
n=268
n=1089
Study 2
Subjects ≥ 65 Years
AFLURIA ®
n=206
60%
40%
16%
9%
5%
18%
9%
8%
1%
1%
34%
9%
23%
11%
4%
26%
26%
15%
Solicited
Adverse event
Malaise
Muscle aches
Nausea
Chills/
Shivering
Fever ≥ 37.7°C
(99.86 °F)
Vomiting
Study 1
Subjects ≥ 18 to < 65 Years
Placebo §
AFLURIA ® ‡
n=268
n=1089
20%
19%
13%
9%
6%
9%
3%
2%
Study 2
Subjects ≥ 65 Years
AFLURIA ®
n=206
10%
14%
3%
7%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
* In Study 1, 87% of solicited local and systemic adverse events were mild, 12% were moderate, and 1% were
severe. In Study 2, 76.5% were mild, 20.5% were moderate, and 3% were severe. In both studies, most solicited
local and systemic adverse events lasted no longer than 2 days.
† Values rounded to the nearest whole percent.
‡ Includes subjects who received either the single-dose (preservative-free) or multi-dose formulation of
AFLURIA®.
§ Thimerosal-containing placebo.
II Tenderness defined as pain on touching.
¶ Pain defined as spontaneously painful without touch.
Table 2: Adverse Events* Reported Spontaneously by r 1% of Subjects
Within 21 Days After Administration of AFLURIA® or Placebo, Irrespective
of Causality†
Adverse Event
Headache
Nasal Congestion
Cough
Rhinorrhea
Pharyngolaryngeal
Pain
Reactogenicity
Event
Diarrhea
Back Pain
Upper Respiratory
Tract Infection
Viral Infection
Lower Respiratory
Tract Infection
Myalgia
Muscle Spasms
Subjects
AFLURIA ® ‡
n=1089
8%
1%
1%
1%
Study 1
18 to < 65 years
Placebo §
n=268
6%
1%
0.4%
1%
Study 2
Subjects 65 years
AFLURIA ®
n=206
8%
7%
5%
5%
3%
1%
5%
3%
3%
0%
2%
2%
3%
0.4%
1%
2%
2%
1%
0.5%
0.4%
1%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0.4%
* In Study 1, 63% of unsolicited adverse events were mild, 35% were moderate, and 2% were severe. In Study
2, 47% were mild, 51% were moderate, and 3% were severe. In both studies, most unsolicited adverse events
lasted no longer than 5 days.
† Values greater than 0.5% rounded to the nearest whole percent.
‡ Includes subjects who received either the single-dose (preservative-free) or multi-dose formulation of
AFLURIA®.
§ Thimerosal-containing placebo.
6.3 Postmarketing Experience
Because postmarketing reporting of adverse reactions is voluntary and from
a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their
frequency or establish a causal relationship to vaccine exposure. The adverse
reactions described have been included in this section because they: 1) represent
reactions that are known to occur following immunizations generally or influenza
immunizations specifically; 2) are potentially serious; or 3) have been reported
frequently. The following adverse reactions also include those identified during
postapproval use of AFLURIA®, Influenza Virus Vaccine outside the US since 1985.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Transient thrombocytopenia
Immune system disorders
Allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock and serum sickness
Nervous system disorders
Neuralgia, paresthesia, and convulsions; encephalopathy, neuritis or neuropathy,
transverse myelitis, and GBS
Vascular disorders
Vasculitis with transient renal involvement
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Pruritus, urticaria, and rash
General disorders and administration site conditions
Influenza-like illness (e.g., pyrexia, chills, headache, malaise, myalgia), injection-site
inflammation (e.g., pain, erythema, swelling, warmth), and induration
6.4 Other Adverse Reactions Associated With Influenza Vaccination
Anaphylaxis has been reported after administration of AFLURIA®. Although
AFLURIA® contains only a limited quantity of egg protein, this protein can induce
immediate hypersensitivity reactions among persons who have severe egg allergy.
Allergic reactions include hives, angioedema, allergic asthma, and systemic
anaphylaxis (see Contraindications [4]).
8/5/09 10:56:03 AM
10:56:03 AM
The 1976 swine influenza vaccine was associated with an increased frequency of
GBS. Evidence for a causal relation of GBS with subsequent vaccines prepared from
other influenza viruses is unclear. If influenza vaccine does pose a risk, it is probably
slightly more than one additional case per 1 million persons vaccinated.
Neurological disorders temporally associated with influenza vaccination, such as
encephalopathy, optic neuritis/neuropathy, partial facial paralysis, and brachial
plexus neuropathy, have been reported.
Microscopic polyangiitis (vasculitis) has been reported temporally associated with
influenza vaccination.
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1 Concurrent Use With Other Vaccines
There are no data to assess the concomitant administration of AFLURIA®, Influenza
Virus Vaccine with other vaccines. If AFLURIA® is to be given at the same time
as another injectable vaccine(s), the vaccine(s) should be administered at different
injection sites.
AFLURIA® should not be mixed with any other vaccine in the same syringe or vial.
7.2 Concurrent Use With Immunosuppressive Therapies
The immunological response to AFLURIA® may be diminished in individuals receiving
corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapies.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with
AFLURIA®. It is also not known whether AFLURIA® can cause fetal harm when
administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. AFLURIA®
should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
AFLURIA® has not been evaluated in nursing mothers. It is not known whether
AFLURIA® is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human
milk, caution should be exercised when AFLURIA® is administered to a nursing
woman.
8.4 Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use
In four clinical studies, 343 subjects ages 65 years and older received AFLURIA®.
Hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibody responses in geriatric subjects were lower
after administration of AFLURIA® in comparison to younger adult subjects (see
Clinical Studies [14]). Adverse event rates were generally similar in frequency to
those reported in subjects ages 18 to less than 65 years, although some differences
were observed (see Adverse Reactions [6.2]).
Manufactured by:
CSL Limited
Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
US License No. 1764
Distributed by:
CSL Biotherapies Inc.
King of Prussia, PA 19406 USA
AFLURIA is a registered trademark of CSL Limited.
Based on June 2009 revision.
spiritofwomen.com/seminarseries
W O M E N ’S G A S T R OI N T E S T I N A L H E A LT H
Trusting
what your
Tummy
tells
You
Digestion plays a significant role in staying healthy.
Come explore both diagnosis and treatment options
for digestive disorders such as stomach distress and
intestinal tract diseases, and improve your quality
of life. You will learn how to listen to and trust the
knowledge your body provides, to maintain your
overall health and well-being.
Visit spiritofwomen.com/seminarseries for more
information and to find an educational seminar at a
Spirit of Women hospital near you.
Trusting what your Tummy tells You is powered by Spirit of Women®, a
national network of hospitals and healthcare providers across the United
States that ascribe to the highest standards of excellence in women’s
health, education, and community outreach.
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
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8/17/09 10:35:46 AM
8/26/09
8/5/09 10:28:53
10:57:49AM
AM
S T R A T E G I E S
A G I N G
Can
Hormones keep you
young?
By Ann Meyer
3 Hormone
replacement
therapy options
I
T SOUNDS
too good to be
true—anti-aging hormones
that can magically bring back your youth. And it is
too good to be true, as the American Medical Association recently announced at its annual meeting, declaring
that there’s no scientific proof to support such claims.
But that doesn’t mean hormone therapies can’t play a
role in helping you cope with the age-related symptoms of
changing hormone levels, like menopause.
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“When a patient comes to us now, I would say to her,
‘Yes, hormone replacement will get rid of hot flashes, but it
does increase your risk of cancer,’” says Dr. Sison.
But even if you’re a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy, it’s most effective when it’s carefully tailored
to your body.
“Progesterone in itself is not good and estrogen is not bad,
but when they’re not in appropriate balance, our systems
are altered,” says Dr. Karla Akwa, who represents BroMenn
Healthcare System as director of BroMenn Medical Group’s
Integrative Health for Women in Normal, Ill.
“NATURAL” HORMONES
In recent years, natural or bioidentical hormones have been
touted as a safer, more effective type of hormone replacement
therapy, but the AMA has also discredited that idea: Bioidentical hormones have not been scientifically proven to be more
effective than conventional hormone replacement therapy. •
B2M PRODUCTIONS/DIGITAL VISION/GETTY IMAGES
HORMONE THERAPY PROS AND CONS
If your menopause symptoms are severe, your doctor may
suggest that you consider hormone replacement therapy. It’s
a decision you need to weigh carefully, because research
from the National Institutes of Health suggests that hormone
replacement therapy causes an increased risk of breast
cancer, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in the legs,
explains Dr. Antonio Sison, chairman of the department of
obstetrics and gynecology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in Hamilton, N.J.
1. Oral tablets
2. Transdermal patch
3. Vaginal ring
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
9/2/09 7:54:44 AM
First Annual Doctors
Hall of Fame Inducts
Ten Physician Honorees
Pictured are members and family honorees of the inaugural group of
inductees for the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation Doctors Hall of
Fame. Pictured, first row, from left are John David Wicker, Jennifer
Wicker McRae and Carol Wicker, family of inductee Ralph Wicker, M.D.,
deceased. Pictured second row, from left, are inductees Dawson Conerly,
M.D.; Richard Clark, M.D.; Charles Parkman, Jr., M.D.; Thad Waites,
M.D.; Joe Campbell, Jr., M.D.; and Ralph Abraham, M.D. Not
pictured is Lewis Hatten, M.D. Also inducted this year are Mary Clark,
M.D. and Philip Rogers, M.D., deceased.
TEN LOCAL PHYSICIANS were honored as the first group of inductees into the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation Doctors Hall
of Fame. The following physicians were inducted into the Hall of Fame for 2009:
Ralph E. Abraham, M.D.
Dr. Abraham is recognized in
the community as a mentor and
leader in general and thoracic
surgery. He currently serves as
Medical Director of Forrest
General’s Nutrition Support
Team and is past-President of the
Mississippi Chapter of the
American College of Surgeons
and Mississippi Thoracic Society.
Joe H. Campbell, M.D.
Dr. Campbell joined Forrest
General’s medical staff in 1987,
establishing his career as a
physician leader. He currently
serves as Chairman of Forrest
General’s Department of
Anesthesia and as Assistant
Director of the Department of
Surgery, and is past President of
the Mississippi Society of
Anesthesia.
her practice until her retirement
in 1989. During her years at
Forrest General, she served as
Chairman of the hospital’s
Pediatrics Department.
Following her death in 2002,
Dr. Clark’s legacy lives on in
generations of children who
thrived under her care.
Richard H. Clark, M.D.
Dr. Clark is a surgeon with
particular interest in thoracic
and vascular surgery, who
collaborated with nine other
physicians to establish
Hattiesburg Clinic, later serving
as its second president. He was
also instrumental in the
formation of the Southeast
Mississippi Air Ambulance
District.
General’s Hospice, the Lowery
A. Woodall Outpatient Surgery
Center, and Pine Grove’s Next
Step Program.
Lewis E. Hatten, M.D.
Dr. Hatten joined Forrest
General’s medical staff in 1974 as
the first Fellowship-trained
vascular surgeon in the state of
Mississippi. He currently serves as
co-Medical Director of Forrest
General’s Wound Healing
Center, and is committed to
many community organizations.
Charles J. Parkman, M.D.
Dr. Parkman, who specializes in
critical care and pulmonology, is
deeply involved with the American
Lung Association of Mississippi,
and was instrumental in
establishing the hospital’s
Nutrition Support Team and
Pulmonary Rehab Program.
offer to the healing process, and
was active on Forrest General’s
Nutrition Support Team.
Following his death in 2005, the
Philip Rogers Quality Award was
established to honor his greatest
qualities — mentor, innovator,
humanitarian and leader.
Thad F. Waites, M.D.
Dr. Waites is a well-respected
cardiologist who currently serves as
Medical Director of Forrest
General’s Cardiac Catheterization
Lab. He also serves as Governor of
the Mississippi Chapter of the
American College of Cardiology.
Ralph T. Wicker, M.D.
Dr. Wicker, who served as the only
full-time neurosurgeon in the
area for 12 years, was instrumental
in developing the hospital’s
Dawson B. Conerly, M.D.
neurosurgical unit and in
Dr. Conerly, also a founding
bringing a spinal cord injury
Mary Clark, M.D.
physician of Hattiesburg Clinic,
prevention program to the area.
Dr. Clark established her
was the first physician to hold the Philip W. Rogers, M.D.
Following his death, Dr. Wicker’s
pediatrics practice in Hattiesburg title of Chief of Surgery at
Dr. Rogers, Forrest General’s first reputation as “miracle worker” is
in 1951 as the only female
Forrest General, and also served nephrologist, was dedicated to the evident in the thousands of lives
physician in town, maintaining
as medical director of Forrest
benefits that proper nutrition
touched during his career.
The hall of fame is organized by the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation to honor those physicians
who have contributed to the improvement of healthcare in Hattiesburg, and to the growth and excellence
of Forrest General Hospital. Any physician serving Forrest General who meets the specified criteria,
whether they are still practicing, retired or deceased, may be nominated for this award. A call for
nominations will be released early next year. For more information on the Forrest General Healthcare
Foundation, call 601-288-4396.
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
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SPI RIT O F WOM EN
25
H E A L T H Y
B O D Y
No More Denial: How to
take
action
for your
health
By Elizabeth Brewster
I
T’S HUMAN NATURE TO AVOID UNPLEASANT
things for as long as possible. But when denial keeps
you from making changes that could improve your health
and even prolong your life, it’s time to face reality.
Whether it’s that smoking habit you’ve been “quitting” for
years, or the medical screening tests you’re going to schedule as soon as you have some time, you owe it to yourself to
take action now. “People may know what the right thing to
do is, but [sometimes] they have difficulty getting around to
doing it,” says Dr. David Bosscher, an osteopathic physician
with Allegan General Hospital in Allegan, Mich.
In fact, “denial is a defense mechanism in a sense,” agrees
Dr. Antonette Acosta-Dickson, a family physician affiliated
with North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Mo.
“It becomes unhealthy when it starts to impact your health.”
GOING SMOKE-FREE
Although smoking is a controllable risk factor
for many serious conditions, such as heart
disease and stroke, it’s a common cause
of denial behavior because it’s both a
strong addiction and a strong habit, says
Dr. Bosscher. “For 10 years, [patients] will
say, ‘I’m trying to quit’ every time I ask them about it,” he
says. “But people that are really trying to quit are willing to
set a quit date. That gets you out of denial and into an active
phase of trying to stop your smoking habit.”
Dr. Bosscher says research suggests that smokers are more
likely to quit when the issue is raised persistently and in a
friendly way, with emphasis on the smoker’s ability to control the process. Talking to others who have successfully quit
can help too, he says: “All of a sudden you feel a sense of
empowerment, and also a sense of urgency that you really
need to do something about this.”
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LOSING WEIGHT
Denial about those extra pounds
can range from refusing to acknowledge their existence to downplaying
the negative health effects, according to
research reports. And most people won’t refer to themselves
as obese even when it’s accurate, says Dr. Catherine Sam,
an OB/GYN with St. Elizabeth Regional Health in Lafayette,
Ind. “It makes them feel like they have a medical problem,
and it has a negative stigma,” she says. “You think, ‘It wouldn’t
take me long to lose the weight.’ Or some say, ‘Everybody in
my family is big, so it’s just a genetic problem.’”
4
Strategies to
Denial
Overcome
1 Make a plan and tell others about it.
2 Set a deadline for action.
3 Consider all the negative things that will happen
if you don’t take action.
4 Join a support group.
Women in particular tend to deny the changes that aging
can cause in their metabolism, making it more difficult to
maintain a healthy weight or lose weight, adds Dr. Sam.
Approaching weight loss as a way to lessen the risk of such
conditions as diabetes, high cholesterol and many other diseases, rather than strictly a cosmetic issue, can help, she says.
“I tell them … they will feel good about themselves [after weight
loss],” says Dr. Sam. “Maintaining that motivation [to lose
weight] is the hard part, to be consistent with diet and exercise.”
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
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8/27/09 10:25:33 AM
CHECKING IN
WITH THE DOCTOR
For some people, just making an
appointment for a checkup can unleash
all sorts of unwanted emotions about possible
health problems. “Change is not always comfortable,” says Dr. Acosta-Dickson. “When things are ‘fine,’
people like to go with the status quo and let things proceed.
There are people who haven’t been to the doctor in five, 10
years who say, ‘I feel fine. Why should I worry about my
blood pressure and my cholesterol?’ But isn’t it worth your
time and effort now so you can have a better quality of life
when you get [older]?”
Concern and encouragement from a family member can
help some people overcome their denial, says Dr. AcostaDickson, while others may be motivated by a friend’s or
relative’s experience with a major health event such as a
heart attack or cancer.
Maintaining a regular schedule of checkups also helps
insure that you stay current on screenings and immunizations. For more information about preventative care, click
on www.spiritofwomen.com/lifestages.html.
IMAGE SOURCE/IMAGE SOURCE/GETTY IMAGES
GENETIC TESTING
Because some of the more than
1,000 available genetic tests do
target incurable or untreatable diseases, there’s still an element of
denial in some people’s decisions
about whether or not to do the testing, particularly
if they have a family history of disease, says Dr.
Bosscher. But many genetic tests can help find
conditions where early diagnosis is crucial.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1), for
example, is a genetic disease that can cause
serious lung and/or liver disease, but it’s often
misdiagnosed as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An accurate diagnosis through genetic testing
can help you avoid serious complications by taking preventive measures,
such as not smoking. The Alpha-1
Association (www.alpha1.org)
provides detailed information about Alpha-1 symptoms and testing at
www.alpha1health. •
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9/2/09 10:01:09 AM
Forrest General Unveils
NEW AND IMPROVED
Web Site
F
ollowing months of planning and preparation, Forrest
General is proud to unveil a new and improved hospital
web site, with lots of great information that’s just a click or
two away. This new site, which is located at forrestgeneral.com,
contains most of the important information provided by Forrest
General’s previous site, plus much more! Visitors to this site can
research important health information on everything from
cardiac care to cancer, and find answers to questions about
services available at Forrest General. With a new, fresh look and
user-friendly navigation tools, this web site is the Pine Belt’s
source for healthcare information, designed to enhance the
overall patient experience at Forrest General.
Take a look at some of the great features of the new site:
- Oncology
• Helpful information on a
- Neuroscience and
variety of topics, including
Orthopedics
the eight service lines
Medicine
offered at Forrest General:
- Behavioral Health
- Heart and Vascular Services
- Emergency Services
- Surgery
- Women’s Services
The web site also offers important information on additional
Forrest General services, including Forrest General’s Wound
Healing Center, Stroke Care Center, Pine Grove Behavioral
Health, Rehabilitation Services, LiveWell Center and Forrest
General Wellness. Visitors to the site can also find information
on the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation and Forrest
General’s Spirit of Women program, designed to inspire women
to take action for their health. In addition to the FGH
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OnCall service, web site visitors can e-mail a question to
an experienced OnCall nurse or view an extensive health library,
a physician directory, register for events and classes, view new
babies through the web nursery and find links to great health
resources! The site also includes a timeline of Forrest General
history, vital information on how to minimize your risk for
health problems, and tips on how to avoid accidents and
traumatic injury.
Stay tuned to the web site in the coming months for even more
additions, including:
• Additional patient resources,
• Expanded sections on the
including maps and
Forrest General Healthcare
directions, downloadable
Foundation, Home Care and
forms and health
Hospice, LiveWell Center and
information
Forrest General Wellness
• Answers to Frequently Asked
• Health assessments
Questions
• Online registration for events
• Online donations
Be sure to check out the new forrestgeneral.com and learn
something new about Forrest General and your health!
For more information, call FGH OnCall at
1-800-844-4445 or visit forrestgeneral.com.
O N
T H E
Girlfriend Getaways:
R O A D
By Elizabeth Brewster
ON
I
T MAY BE THE QUINTESSENtial bachelor party setting, but Las
Vegas is fast becoming a haven for
girlfriend getaways too. Beyond all
the glitz and gambling is a vacation
destination tailor-made for shopping,
spa-ing, and hanging out in the sun.
“Women are coming here to get
away and have a relaxing weekend,”
says Alicia Malone, a spokesperson
for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
What is there to do in Vegas besides
hitting the casinos? Grab some girlfriends and see for yourself.
SHOP TILL YOU DROP
In the past 10 years, Las Vegas has
evolved into a major shopping destination, says Malone. Well-known designer brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and
Prada cater to well-heeled shoppers
with stores in the major hotels, while
oversized malls offer bargains.
Las Vegas Premium Outlets, located
just a few minutes from the Strip, combines the best of both worlds, with top
designer names like Armani and Dolce
& Gabbana discounted at 150 outlet stores. Las Vegas Outlet Center, an
indoor mall with 130 shops at the south
end of the Strip, sells Coach, Liz Claiborne, Gymboree and more. Fashion
Show mall tops them all with 250-plus
shops and seven department stores.
ON WITH THE SHOW
Big productions in Las Vegas feature
more than just showgirls these days.
Six resident Cirque du Soleil shows are
based at different hotels on the strip,
including “The Beatles LOVE” at the
Mirage Las Vegas. Or, take in a Broadway-style production of “The Lion
King” at Mandalay Bay Theatre
or “Phantom” at the Venetian.
THE SPA SCENE
Las Vegas’s spas live up to the
city’s reputation for over-the-top
entertainment. At Wet, The Spa
at Treasure Island, you and your
favorite friends can indulge in
“The Heiress” package, a bevy
of beauty treatments including
a golden body scrub, a golden
wrap and a massage with gold
oil followed by a sprinkling of
gold dust.
Caesars Palace recently opened
Qua Baths & Spa featuring the “Social Spa-ing” concept with communal
areas. Try ultra-heat therapy in the Laconium Room, or unwind in the 55-degree
Arctic Ice Room under falling snow.
If you’re staying at Bellagio, you can
sample the spa with a “For the Ladies”
package. It comes complete with aromatherapy massage, a Vichy shower
body exfoliation, and an all-natural
hydrotherapy bath.
SWEETS TO THE SWEET
What girlfriend getaway is complete
without chocolate? Head straight to the
mother lode at Jean-Philippe Patisserie
at Bellagio, home of a glass-enclosed,
floor-to-ceiling chocolate fountain certified as the world’s largest by Guinness
World Records.
3 GREAT OUTDOOR
DINING SITES IN VEGAS
1. Social House at Treasure Island
Pan-Asian cuisine on an outdoor patio
overlooking the “Sirens of TI” show
2. Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Resort
Al fresco French dining with a view of
the Bellagio fountain displays
3. Bartolotta at Wynn Las Vegas
Italian specialties served in private
cabanas surrounding a lagoon
Only 15 minutes from the Strip on
the way to Hoover Dam, the Ethel M
Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden (2 Cactus Garden Drive,
Henderson) offers free self-guided tours
daily plus a factory store for tasty souvenirs. Or, take a chocolate fondue
break at one of the Ethel’s Chocolate
Lounge eateries in the Las Vegas area,
including one in the Flamingo Hotel. •
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8/27/09 10:32:27 AM
S P I R I T
C E N T R A L
W
hen it’s time to choose a hospital, choose one that strives to
be more than a place that treats disease. Choose a partner
for health and wellness in your community — choose a Spirit of
Women hospital near you. Our hospitals are dedicated to the highest
standards of excellence in women’s health outreach and care in
body, mind, and spirit. Our hospitals are dedicated to making better
health easier. Learn more at spiritofwomen.com.
Florida
Titusville
Parrish Medical Center
321.268.6111
www.parrishmed.com
West Palm Beach
Good Samaritan Medical Center
561.650.6196
www.goodsamaritanmc.info/spirit
Arizona
Mesa
Banner Desert Medical Center
480.512.3852
www.bannerhealth.com
Keyword: BDMC Spirit
Tucson
Tucson Medical Center
520.327.5461
www.tmcaz.com
California
Santa Clara County — Los Gatos
El Camino Hospital Los Gatos
800.216.5556
www.elcaminohospital.org/womens
Santa Clara County — Mountain View
El Camino Hospital
800.216.5556
www.elcaminohospital.org/womens
Upland
San Antonio
Community Hospital
909.920.4740
www.sach.org
Colorado
Boulder
Boulder Community Hospital
720.854.7562
www.bch.org
Greeley
North Colorado
Medical Center
970.392.2222
www.bannerhealth.com
Keyword: NCMC Spirit
Pueblo
Parkview Medical Center
719.584.4000
www.parkviewmc.org
Connecticut
Danbury
Danbury Hospital
203.739.7000
www.danburyhospital.org
Stamford
Stamford Hospital
203.276.1000
www.stamfordhospital.org
Delaware
Newark
Christiana Care Health Services
800.693.CARE (2273)
www.christianacare.org
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Georgia
Atlanta
Piedmont Hospital
404.605.5000
www.piedmonthospital.org
Illinois
Decatur
Decatur Memorial Hospital
217.876.8121
www.dmhcares.org
Kankakee
Provena St. Mary's Hospital
815.928.6100
www.provena.org/stmarys
Normal
BroMenn Healthcare System
309.454.1400
www.bromenn.org
Pekin
Pekin Hospital
309.353.0662
www.pekinhospital.org
Indiana
Fort Wayne
Parkview Hospital
260.672.6500
www.parkview.com
Greensburg
Decatur County Memorial Hospital
812.663.1325
www.dcmh.net
Indianapolis
St. Francis Hospital
& Health Centers
317.865.5864
www.stfrancishospitals.org
Lafayette
St. Elizabeth Regional Health
765.449.5133
www.ste.org
Newburgh
The Women's Hospital
812.842.4652
www.deaconess.com
South Bend
Memorial Hospital of South Bend
574.647.7800
www.qualityoflife.org
Mississippi
Hattiesburg
Forrest General Hospital
1.800.844.4445 then press 1
www.forrestgeneral.com
Iowa
Sioux City
St. Luke's Regional Medical Center
712.279.1850
www.stlukes.org
Tupelo
North Mississippi Medical Center
800.843.3375
www.nmhs.net
Kansas
Fort Scott
Mercy Health Center
620.223.2200
www.mercykansas.com
Missouri
Chesterfield
St. Luke’s Hospital
314.434.1500
www.stlukes-stl.com
Independence
Mercy Hospital
620.332.3248
www.mercykansas.com
Joplin
Freeman Health System
417.347.1111
www.freemanhealth.com
Kentucky
Louisville
Norton Healthcare
502.629.1234
www.nortonhealthcare.com
Maine
Brunswick
Parkview Adventist Medical Center
207.373.2000
www.parkviewamc.org
Maryland
Glen Burnie
Baltimore Washington
Medical Center
410.787.4367
www.bwmc.umms.org
Michigan
Allegan
Allegan General Hospital
269.686.4361
www.aghosp.org
Fremont
Gerber Memorial
Health Services
231.924.7139
www.gerberhospital.org
Minnesota
St. Cloud
St. Cloud Hospital
320.251.2700
www.centracare.com
North Kansas City
North Kansas City Hospital
816.691.2000
www.nkch.org
Montana
Billings
St. Vincent Healthcare
406.237.8700 OR 877.SPRT WMN
www.svh-mt.org
Butte
St. James Healthcare
406.723.2662
www.stjameshealthcare.org
Great Falls
Benefis Health System
406.455.5545
www.benefis.org
Miles City
Holy Rosary Healthcare
406.233.2600 or 800.843.3820
www.holyrosaryhealthcare.org
Nebraska
Omaha
Nebraska Methodist Health System
402.354.6156
www.bestcare.org
New Jersey
Atlantic County
AtlantiCare Women's
Health & Wellness
1.888.569.1000
www.atlanticare.org
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
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8/26/09 10:20:28
9:17:49 AM
SW09094
Hamilton
Robert Wood Johnson
University Hospital Hamilton
609.586.7900
www.rwjhamilton.org
Zanesville
Genesis HealthCare System
740.454.5913
www.genesishcs.org
Teaneck
Holy Name Hospital
1.877.HOLY.NAME (465.9626)
www.holyname.org
Pennsylvania
Camp Hill
Holy Spirit Health System
717.763.2100
www.hsh.org
New Mexico
Albuquerque
Lovelace Women’s Hospital
505.727.6086
www.lovelace.com
DuBois
DuBois Regional Medical Center
814.371.9666
www.drmc.org
East Stroudsburg
Pocono Health System
570.476.3655
www.pmchealthsystem.org
New York
Buffalo
Kaleida Health
716.859.5600
www.kaleidahealth.org
Mineola
Winthrop-University Hospital
1.866.WINTHROP
www.winthrop.org
Patchogue
Brookhaven Memorial Hospital
Medical Center
631.654.7100
www.brookhavenhospital.org
North Carolina
Boone/Linville
Appalachian Regional
Healthcare System
828.262.4100
www.apprhs.org
Hickory
Frye Regional Medical Center
800.339.8758
www.fryemedctr.com
Erie
St. Vincent Health System
814.452.5000
www.stvincenthealth.com
Indiana
Indiana Regional Medical Center
724.357.8088
www.indianarmc.org
Lancaster
Lancaster General Hospital
717.544.5511
www.lancastergeneral.org
York
York Memorial Hospital
800.436.4326
www.mhyork.org
South Carolina
Myrtle Beach
Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
843.692.1000
www.grandstrandmed.com
Spartanburg
Spartanburg Regional
Healthcare System
864.560.6864
www.SpartanburgRegional.com
Tennessee
Morristown
Morristown-Hamblen
Healthcare System
423.586.4231
www.mhhs1.org
Texas
Bryan
St. Joseph Regional Health Center
979.776.3777
www.St-Joseph.org
Burleson
Huguley Memorial Medical Center
817.293.9110
www.huguley.org
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi Medical Center
361.761.1416
www.ccmedicalcenter.com
Houston
The Methodist Hospital
832.667.5874
www.methodisthealth.com
Longview
Good Shepherd Medical Center
903.315.GSHS (4747)
www.GoodShepherdHealth.org
Odessa
Medical Center Hospital
432.640.1017
www.mchodessa.com
Plano
Medical Center of Plano
214.473.7317
www.medicalcenterofplano.com
Waco
Hillcrest Health System
254.202.2000
www.hillcrest.net
Virginia
Fredericksburg
MediCorp Health System
540.741.1100
www.medicorp.org
Newport News
Mary Immaculate Hospital
757.889.CARE (2273)
www.bshr.com
Norfolk
Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center
757.889.CARE (2273)
www.bshr.com
Portsmouth
Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center
757.889.CARE (2273)
www.bshr.com
Suffolk
Bon Secours Health Center
at Harbour View
757.889.CARE (2273)
www.bshr.com
Statesville
Iredell Health System
704.873.5661
www.iredellmemorial.org
Ohio
Cincinnati
Mercy Hospital Anderson
513.624.4500
www.e-mercy.com
Fairfield
Mercy Hospital Fairfield
513.870.7000
www.e-mercy.com
Findlay
Blanchard Valley Health System
419.423.5424
www.bvhealthsystem.org
Kettering
Kettering Medical Center
937.395.8600
www.khnetwork.org
Mayfield Heights
Hillcrest Hospital, a Cleveland
Clinic Hospital
440.312.4500
www.hillcresthospital.org
We are thrilled to
an
Spirit of Women’s nounce
First
National Ambass
for Healthy Aging,
ador
Phyllis George!
You may remembe
r Phyllis George as
M
First Lady of Kent
ucky, co-anchor of iss America,
“CBS Morning
News”, host of th
ree Super Bowl br
oadcasts and
five Rose Bowl pa
rade
satility, intelligence s. Phyllis epitomizes the ver, drive, and succes
s that IS the
spirit of today’s wo
man. Her attitude
towards health
is one that integr
ates an active life
style rich with
moments of joy, fa
mily, friends, and
laughter.
For more info cont
act: Martha Hixson
,
(859) 312-0483
, [email protected]
m.
Our featured Insp
ira
Humorist and Au tional
thor,
Jean Gatz, CSP
Through her keyn
ote speeches and
new book,
“Mama Said Ther
e’d Be Days Like
This—Stories and
Strategies for a Le
ss Stressed Life”,
Jean weaves
entertaining and
inspirational storie
s with insightful
suggestions you ca
n use to approach
ea
with renewed appr
eciation and persp ch day
ec
tive.
For more info cont
ac
(225) 769-6800 t: Jean Gatz, CSP,
, [email protected]
om
For a comp
lete list
Bureau, including of members of Spirit of Women Sp
the
ea
women.org/indx-s se premier speakers, visit spiritof- kers
peakers.html
w w w. s p i r i t o f w o m e n . c o m
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8/27/09
8/26/09 10:40:36
9:17:54 AM
Discover the latest breaking
news in women’s health,
including the importance of
flu prevention.
For flu shot locations visit
bewellpassiton.com
Presented by your local
Spirit of Women hospital and
media partner, Reader’s Digest.
Laugh with us,
learn with us,
and stay healthy.
Bring your mom, your daughter, and
your friends to participate in activities,
screenings, and exhibits. Events are
taking place in October across the
country and in your community.
spiritofwomen.com/spiritgirlsnightout
The Be Well. Pass it On.™
campaign is supported in part by
SW09094SGNO32.indd 1
Spirit Girls’ Night Out® is powered by Spirit of Women®, a national
network of hospitals and healthcare providers across the United
States that ascribe to the highest standards of excellence in
women’s health, education, and community outreach.
8/11/09 10:48:48 AM