tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30739355024777089332024-03-05T04:46:54.946-08:00Healthcare And FitnessTransformation of health is often seen in health and fitness. finding ways to lose weight or have better health, then look no further. Make sure the school health care you receive enough calories.Obat Herbalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13062753240498983901noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-38362114954785394512013-07-16T07:54:00.000-07:002013-07-16T09:04:26.667-07:005 Methods For Treating Chronic Pain<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A common scenario - A guy goes to his doctor and tells him he’s experiencing pain all over his body. His doctor asks him to be more specific, so with his index finger, the man points out the painful areas. His knee. (Ouch!) His back. (Doh!) His stomach. Even his earlobe hurts when he touches it. The doctor pauses, then deadpans, “Your finger’s broken.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">OK, sure, it’s a goofy joke, but when you live with chronic pain from an old injury or a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis, getting the right treatment—and lasting relief of the noncomic variety—can be difficult. All joking aside, many Americans are in this same boat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">According to a recent report from the Institute of Medicine, 116 million of us—more than all the people with heart disease, cancer and diabetes combined—suffer from chronic pain. While pain management is starting to get the national attention it deserves, you need relief now. We’ll help you make informed decisions about dealing with your chronic pain by understanding treatment from all angles, from physical approaches to behavioral techniques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pain Medications</b><br />Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can provide a first line of defense against chronic pain, but regular takers should exercise care, says Perry Fine, M.D., president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. “Even with mild analgesics [painkillers], you need to proceed with care because these can cause damage to the body if taken in excess,” Fine says. These side effects include ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage and addiction. Fine says he also cautions against prescription-strength pain relievers for most chronic pain sufferers. For acute injury with severe pain, high-dose pain medications can help mobilize a person and allow the body to heal. “This isn’t the case for most people experiencing prolonged chronic pain,” Fine says, “and is only advised for a small, select group of individuals for whom there are no better or safer solutions.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Complimentary and Alternative Medicines</b><br />When you’re serious about solving your pain problems, don’t rule out any treatments. Alternative therapies can complement traditional treatments, says Loren Fishman, M.D., co-author of Yoga for Arthritis: The Complete Guide and Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis: A Journey to Health and Healing. “By using two, three or even four methods, I’m often able to increase a patient’s relief,” Fishman says. "Maybe it’s acupuncture and injections and then yoga to improve posture and psychotherapy to help with the coping.” Fishman, who teaches yoga, is also an advocate of meditation. He includes five to 10 minutes of it at the end of his yoga classes. “Meditation gives people a place they can rest and leave all their troubles at the door,” he says. “They know those troubles will be there waiting for them when they emerge, but in the meantime, they are trouble-free, and this gives them comfort and hope.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Exercise and Nutrition</b><br />It’s the last thing you may want to do when you’re hurting, but exercise is a proven pain reliever, and for many chronic pain sufferers. Before you begin an exercise regimen, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy. Therapists teach exercises and proper body mechanics as well as offer real-world tips to help minimize pain as you go about your daily life. This might include using a foam roller—or even just a tennis ball in a sock—to work out troublesome spots. Fine also recommends a balanced diet (no surprise) and a daily combination of aerobic, stretching and strengthening exercises like walking, yoga and swimming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Interventional Procedures</b><br />When conservative methods aren’t enough, interventional therapies may be needed to complement other treatments. Interventional therapies like injections and nerve blocks are treatments that directly interact with the areas of the body involved in the pain. Trigger-point injections—injecting a local anesthetic into trigger points in the musculature around the back— can be helpful for people with chronic lower-back pain and neck pain. But because interventional therapies can be overused, practitioners must exercise restraint. “The real key is to find someone you trust, who’s well trained and is going to be thoughtful about how much and how often, and what the balance of benefits and burdens are,” Fine says.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy</b><br />Just like physical therapy helps your body, cognitive behavioral exercises can help you learn to change the way you think and feel about your pain. “It’s similar to psychological treatment for people with phobias and anxiety. And it’s probably the most empowering thing you can do, but it does take time,” Fine says. And doing behavioral exercises certainly doesn’t mean saying no to other options. “If something’s treatable we want to treat it, but if it’s chronic and can’t be completely cured, the real role of a chronic pain physician is helping you make the best of your situation and optimize your overall health,” Fine says.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Manage Your Pain Close to Home</b><br />Help is closer than you think. Gwinnett Medical Center–Lawrenceville’s Pain Management program is committed to maximizing patient comfort, using every tool at the team’s disposal to ease pain. “Pain is unique to each patient we treat,” says Richard Reisman, M.D., director of GMC’s Pain Management program, “so every patient receives an individualized treatment plan to meet his or her goals.” To learn more about our pain management program, call </span><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent">678-312-5200.</span></span><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The program strives to:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">Determine the cause of pain</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">Assess levels of pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue and function</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Discuss treatment plans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Discuss whether your condition will get completely better or if you will always have pain </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Set goals for pain levels and function</span><div style="text-align: left;">
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-4852223039382418282012-08-06T09:20:00.000-07:002013-02-18T07:58:47.045-08:00Virtual Health<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Late last year, gamers snagged health headlines. In a span of three weeks, players mapped the structure of a protein enzyme that plays a key role in how the AIDS virus reproduces. In comparison, researchers have been working on this project for more than a decade. How did the gamers do it? By playing Fold.it, an online game produced by the University of Washington that presents complex puzzles that attempt to unlock the protein structure of diseases and other substances. Because proteins are a part of so many diseases, knowing their structure can help develop drugs that target them better.<br />
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According to the game’s website, “Players can design brandnew proteins that could help prevent or treat important diseases.” It works. Four scientific peer-reviewed papers list Fold.it gamers as authors, and this may be just the beginning. A number of puzzles are left to be solved. Just think, your gaming abilities could create the next big health headline.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Post Your Progress</b><br />
If you’re having a hard time sticking to your health goals, consider linking up with like-minded members of Facebook, Twitter or Flickr or programs such as Weight Watchers or SparkPeople. According to two studies published last year in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, people with health concerns who used online programs were more likely to be successful if those programs gave the users confidence in their ability to make healthy changes. Both studies concluded that improving social support, self-efficacy, outcome expectations and self-regulation is what led to healthier habits.</span><br />
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<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Apps a Plenty</span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
Let’s face it. Your smartphone is a computer. It’s just</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> smaller and cooler. And application developers the</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> world over have found ways for it to help you be</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> healthier. Here are a few of our favorite apps:</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Calorie Count</b>: Food journaling can help you keep the</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> pounds away, but logging your meals can be a chore. With</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> this app, no typing is required. Just talk into your phone, and</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> the voice recognition software logs your meals and physical</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> activity. Using a simple calories-in, calories-out measure,</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> a graphic balance scale keeps you in check. Available at</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> caloriecount.about.com.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>NAP26</b>: Twenty-six minutes is the perfect amount of time to</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> nap, according to NASA. In fact, it could increase your alertness</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> by 54 percent! This nap app will guide you through a perfect</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> power snooze based on this principle. NAP26 lulls you to</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> sleep using sound vibrations that match natural sleep patterns,</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> and then wakes you after 26 minutes. Available at nap26.com.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Instant Heart Rate</b>: As your heart beats, it brings</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> oxygen-rich blood to the fingertips, which causes an almost</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> imperceptible change in color. The Instant Heart Rate app</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> monitors these color changes to determine your overall</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> heart rate by having you hold your index finger lightly over</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> the camera on your smartphone for 10 seconds. Available at</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> instantheartrate.com.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Virtual Health at GMC </b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>MedGift</b><br />
GMC offers MedGift to patients. MedGift is a social network that connects patients with family and friends to share updates on their health and care. But unlike other social networks, MedGift offers much more: the MedGift Gift Registry, the first patient gift registry.<br />
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The MedGift Gift Registry provides an online listing of the support – both tangible and intangible – you need to assist you during your treatment, recovery and daily life. From prayers to a home-cooked meal or even help with personal medical expenses, the MedGift Gift Registry lets friends and family know how they can help. The MedGift Gift Registry offers three sections: Needs, Wants and Wishes. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>GMC HealthConnect</b><br />
GMC HealthConnect is an online tool that allows you and your doctor to communicate about non-urgent healthcare matters anytime, anywhere. GMC HealthConnect makes managing your health easy and convenient! One of the most convenient features of GMC HealthConnect is the online Personal Health Record (PHR). This service allows you to store, view and update all your health information in one secure place. You decide who has access to your medical history, ensuring your privacy.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Connect with GMC</b><br />
GMC is committed to transforming healthcare on social media. Stay informed by liking us on facebook or follow us on twitter. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<a href="http://www.coastradar.com/beach-holidays/world">http://www.coastradar.com/beach-holidays/world</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-76225422179155699942012-08-03T12:48:00.000-07:002013-02-18T08:09:26.180-08:00Life After Cancer. Now What?<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">After kicking cancer to the curb, your No. 1 priority is staying healthy. “You have to understand what makes your body healthy and do away with things that cause it harm,” says Kimberly Hutcherson, M.D., a radiologist at Gwinnett Medical Center and a breast cancer survivor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Proper diet and frequent exercise are essential. Plus, both have the added ability of battling fatigue, a common long-term side effect of cancer, Dr. Hutcherson says. So load your plate with fruits and veggies and take that daily walk. And if you drink or smoke, minimize alcohol intake and throw out those cigarettes for good. “You have to take control of your wellness and change your lifestyle,” Dr. Hutcherson says. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Establish a follow-up plan</b><br />
When cancer treatment ends, it’s critical to have a follow-up care plan in place, says Stephanie Jardine, R.N., education project manager for the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). Jardine is also involved with Journey Forward, a collaboration of cancer organizations, including the ONS, that focuses on improving survivorship care.<br />
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What should be in that plan? Regular medical checkups to test for recurrence of cancer and to discuss any new symptoms, and regular screenings, such as Pap tests, mammograms and colonoscopies. Your specific plan will depend on the cancer you’ve survived and the treatment you underwent. <br />
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But as a guideline, for the first two or three years after treatment, you can expect to see your oncologist every three to four months, or, depending on your situation, you may see your primary care physician instead. After that, appointments are scheduled once a year.<b></b><br />
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<b>Coping with body changes</b><br />
Just as a fight with cancer may strengthen relationships, it also can throw spousal roles and family dynamics for a loop. “Role confusion happens throughout treatment,” says Michele Galioto, R.N., director of education for the Oncology Nursing Society.<br />
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“Body image changes, and it can affect both physical and emotional intimacy.” A mastectomy, which is surgery to remove the breast, can affect the way a woman feels about herself, and for men, side effects of prostate cancer treatment can include erectile dysfunction. If sexual problems are creating a divide, speak to your healthcare provider, she stresses. More than likely, he or she can help with information, medication, medical devices or some combination.<br />
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Other physical changes related to treatment range from fatigue to difficulty swallowing. Know that you’re not the only one experiencing these physical changes and that help and support are available.<br />
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<b>Managing stress and anxiety</b><br />
Perhaps one of the toughest burdens survivors carry is something that can’t be physically measured. It’s the intangible stress that comes the moment the diagnosis is delivered. “Pain is easy to pinpoint,” Galioto says. “Anxiety and distress are often underrecognized. It’s a conversation to have even if you’re five-plus years out.” Don’t let your cancer-fueled concerns take over your life and keep you from enjoying survivorship.<br />
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Your physician may need to prescribe an antidepressant, or you may need to find new outlets for your stress, such as a new hobby or form of exercise. You may even need to find a good social worker to lean on and provide guidance as you find your footing, Jardine suggests. Drewitz believes that survivors should take time each day to reflect and be thankful for life after cancer. “Once you get to this point, no matter what age, you have to say, ‘I’ve been given a second opportunity,” he says. “A very important part of cancer recovery is to find peace every day.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Find a Cancer Support Group to Join Near You</b><br />
Connect with other cancer survivors through one of GMC’s cancer support programs. Visit<br />
gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/cancersupport.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.northwesterncollege.edu/location/chicago-campus">http://www.northwesterncollege.edu/location/chicago-campus</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-63555675606463231912012-08-02T07:36:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:17.733-07:00Take Aim: 7 Steps To Keep Your Health On Target After A Ministroke<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As with a stroke, time is of the essence in seeking medical treatment for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ministroke. So knowing the symptoms before they happen is essential. “Most TIAs produce symptoms that are very similar to those of a stroke, but they typically go away in a few minutes or hours,” says Theresa Dorfling, cardiology manager at Gwinnett Medical Center. The most common symptoms include sudden onset of:</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Vertigo or dizziness</span> </li><li>Muscle weakness of the face, arm or leg, usually on one side</li><li>Numbness or tingling on one side of the body</li><li>Loss of vision or other vision disturbances</li><li>Trouble speaking, writing or reading</li><li>Confusion or loss of memory</li><li>Difficulty recognizing objects or people</li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Changes in senses such as hearing or touch </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Loss of bladder or bowel control</span></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Want to reduce your risk for stroke, especially if you have had a TIA? Here are the key steps.<br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzxWgwbMA4jDn8sk193qTR1nX6DLRYrm51lXn0a3Jf-S6RTIitJ9mDtYa-xeYjR6xMZ8uQfelZjc5w63FVnH5DkGW2BKsJ2JBKW7-77W_KIssbQTVPmz6D5XAYgZHZnsz7dGnIrfmnjY/s1600/Happy+Senior+Couple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzxWgwbMA4jDn8sk193qTR1nX6DLRYrm51lXn0a3Jf-S6RTIitJ9mDtYa-xeYjR6xMZ8uQfelZjc5w63FVnH5DkGW2BKsJ2JBKW7-77W_KIssbQTVPmz6D5XAYgZHZnsz7dGnIrfmnjY/s400/Happy+Senior+Couple.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Know Your Family History</b><br />A good place to start making healthy changes is evaluating your risk. If a close relative has had a stroke, your odds of having one are increased. Your doctor may want you to take extra precautions to reduce your other risk factors.</span><br /><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Manage Your Blood Pressure</b><br />High blood pressure is the No. 1 risk factor for a TIA (and stroke), according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). But it’s also a treatable risk factor, says Mark J. Alberts, vascular neurologist and spokesman for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. <br /><br />“If you reduce your blood pressure, you reduce your risk of stroke substantially,” he explains. Most of the following steps can help keep blood pressure at a healthy level, but regular monitoring of blood pressure—by your doctor, at home or both—is important. If lifestyle changes don’t help, your doctor might prescribe medication.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Watch What You Eat</b><br />A diet low in fat, cholesterol and sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can help reduce blood pressure, Alberts says. Many experts recommend the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which focuses on these healthy basics and others, including monitoring portion size and reducing sugar intake. <i>GMC's registered dieticians can develop a personalized plan to help you manage your weight through diet. <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/nutrition-and-weight-management/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=155&wwparam=1343917365">Click here to learn more</a>.</i></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Get Moving</b><br />Exercise is another proven way to manage blood pressure. If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, Alberts says, 30 minutes of physical activity every day is recommended. “If you can’t do that,” he adds, “even 30 minutes every other day has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke.” <i>GMC offers fitness classes that you will get you looking and feeling great. For more information, <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/programs-classes/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=233">click here</a> and search "fitness classes".</i><br /><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Manage Related Health Conditions</b><br />High cholesterol, diabetes and atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm) are risk factors for TIA. Medication may be needed, but high cholesterol and diabetes usually can be controlled hrough diet and exercise. Regular checkups and screenings are important to stay on track. Stress may be another factor in managing high blood pressure. <br /><br /><b>Quit Smoking</b><br />“If you smoke you should stop, because it can reduce your risk of stroke substantially,” Alberts says. There are many programs and strategies to help you kick the habit, which is a smart move for every aspect of your health. <i>GMC offers a smoking cessation program. </i></span><i><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent">For more information, call the GMC Smokers Quit Line at 678-312-2053</span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>.</i><br /><b><br />Positive Changes for Life</b><br />Other risk factors for stroke include being older than 55 and being African American. You can’t change these facts or your family history. But if you have had a TIA, you can take charge of your life to reduce your risk.<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent">GMC provides a full continuum of stroke care that is nationally accredited. Our hospitals in <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/facilities/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=48">Lawrenceville</a> and <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/facilities/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=49">Duluth</a> feature dedicated acute care stroke units as well as stroke rehabilitation programs and services. </span></span><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"><br /></span></span><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent">At GMC we are committed to providing the highest possible quality of care.</span></span><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"> We hold a Joint Commission Certification as a Primary Stroke Center. Further, our <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/rehabilitation/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=191">Glancy Rehabilitation Center</a> earned the Stroke Specialty Program Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). We are also an American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get with the Guidelines<sup>®</sup> Gold Plus designee.</span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-61314963953779613872012-07-30T09:08:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:17.750-07:00Balancing Act: How To Navigate The Highs and Lows of Female Hormones<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Men and women are different, and sometimes these differences are amusing. C’mon, ladies: Who hasn’t joked about a lovable man in her life who refuses to ask for directions or who inexplicably lost the drive to make sane wardrobe choices after a certain age? But when men turn the tables, their humor is frequently hormone-related, from endless PMS jokes to the occasional whispered reference to “a roller-coaster ride.” (Yes, we heard you.) <br /><br />But is hormone humor doing women a disservice? To help answer this question, we must understand how many of the physical and emotional symptoms attributed to hormones are deserved (as well as which are normal and which aren’t). From your first mood swing to your last hot flash, we’ll walk through the various life stages to see how hormones affect our bodies, minds and emotions—and find out who gets the last laugh.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv_TxmE59hyvMoZCMe15l1xQIaa9WQsg33-8zgIrXOwoIozVEcNF049YUGRoUC7U316Zd09b-cOOpqdtAeIgXYrLwaOUvDlFZ6qxxLf8VYyrZRCRs78niE_ohlpr50gX3q6wHcSKK_Ic/s1600/lady+in+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv_TxmE59hyvMoZCMe15l1xQIaa9WQsg33-8zgIrXOwoIozVEcNF049YUGRoUC7U316Zd09b-cOOpqdtAeIgXYrLwaOUvDlFZ6qxxLf8VYyrZRCRs78niE_ohlpr50gX3q6wHcSKK_Ic/s320/lady+in+field.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>EARLY ADULTHOOD</b><br />What’s normal: Women entering their reproductive years experience significant hormonal variations. Margery Gass, M.D., executive director of the North American Menopause Society, likens this ebb and flow to a musical crescendo. “For a woman to be cycling normally and fertile, her hormones are playing an intricate symphony each month: Certain ones go up, other ones go down, there’s a peak in the middle, they drop at the end, and then you have a period. So there’s a pattern that is fairly predictable,” Gass says.<br /><br />Even when things go normally, there are side effects to deal with, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). About 60 percent of women experience PMS, according to Scott Isaacs, M.D., an endocrinologist and author. In his book Hormonal Balance, Isaacs explains how progesterone, which teams with estrogen to regulate fertility and menstruation, figures in. “The high progesterone levels just prior to menstruation are responsible for fluid retention,<br />food cravings, mood swings and premenstrual syndrome,” Isaacs writes.<br /><br />What you can do: To manage PMS, Isaacs suggests dietary changes such as cutting back on or eliminating caffeine; eating small, frequent meals; avoiding excess fat, salt and prepared foods; and limiting fiber if you have bloating issues as it tends to exacerbate the sensation. He also recommends losing weight if necessary. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Obesity contributes to fluid retention by increasing pressure inside the abdomen, making it harder for blood to return to the heart,” Isaacs says. One activity that helps is exercise, yet women often feel lethargic during their period. “Progesterone tends to make you sleepy, reducing your activity level. But working your muscles reduces fluid retention by forcing blood into the heart,” he writes.<br /><br />What’s abnormal: Other PMS symptoms could be a sign of an androgen disorder. Although they are typically considered “male” hormones, androgens (such as testosterone) play an important role in hormonal balance for women. According to Isaacs, excess androgens, or hyperandrogenism, is the most common hormonal disorder in young women, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause.<br /><br />“We see PCOS in about 10 percent of women, with symptoms beginning around the time that a girl has her first period,” Isaacs says. PCOS symptoms include irregular, heavy or painful menstrual cycles, deepening of the voice, and facial hair growth. Insulin resistance, which occurs when the body produces insulin but doesn’t use it correctly, may be a factor. “It’s known that insulin resistance is the underlying cause of PCOS because insulin stimulates the body to produce excess androgen hormone,” Isaacs says.<br /><br />What you can do: Fortunately, PCOS and insulin resistance usually can be addressed with the same medications. “Treatments for insulin resistance almost always improve androgen levels and symptoms of androgen excess,” Isaacs writes. Your doctor may prescribe anti-androgen medications (such as certain types of birth control pills) or insulin resistance medications, many of which are also prescribed for diabetes.<br /><br /><b>PREGNANCY AND POSTPREGNANCY</b><br />What’s normal: Beyond backaches and morning sickness, hormones also run high during pregnancy. For example, prolactin (produced by the pituitary gland) stimulates milk production during and after pregnancy to make breastfeeding possible, and it can have other effects.<br /><br />“High prolactin can suppress estrogen after pregnancy, and it’s probably one of the reasons women who are breastfeeding don’t always have a menstrual cycle,” Isaacs says. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can have beneficial as well as unwelcomed mental and physical side effects. Hormones can give your skin that “pregnancy glow,” but can also leave you feeling forgetful or preoccupied with “baby on the brain.” Your hair may thicken and your nails grow stronger, yet constipation and hemorrhoids can be a problem. You can thank hormones (at least in part) for all of it.<br /><br />What you can do: Exercising, eating a high fiber diet and making sure you’re fully hydrated can combat both constipation and hemorrhoids. Fight forgetfulness and stay on track with handy reminder lists that travel with you each day.<br /><br />What’s abnormal: Losing the pregnancy weight can be difficult, but some women who have trouble may have a thyroid disorder: postpartum hypothyroidism. “There’s a gradual revolution back to normal hormone levels, and there’s certainly an increased risk for hypothyroidism during pregnancy and for up to one year after having a baby,” Isaacs says.</span><br /><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What you can do: Although postpartum hypothyroidism normally resolves itself, it may do so only after a new mom has gained significant weight. “It can also be misdiagnosed as postpartum depression, so it’s definitely something to watch out for,” Isaacs says.<br /><br /><b>PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE</b><br />What’s normal: “Perimenopause is in some ways like puberty in reverse: Hormones have gone out of their normal pattern, and that can cause emotional and psychological stress similar to PMS,” Gass says. “If a woman begins having hot flashes and night sweats but they go away quickly, chances are her ovaries have started producing hormones again. This fluctuation can be challenging.”<br /><br />What you can do: To alleviate perimenopause symptoms, the North American Menopause Society says short-term hormone therapy (HT) is one option, at least for women who begin HT close to menopause. HT’s benefits decrease as women age, and long-term use may raise breast cancer and stroke risk for some women. Because every woman and her symptoms are unique, HT is something you must decide for yourself, Gass says.<br /><br />“Women should seek help when the symptoms are bothering them. That is the indication for hormone therapy. Moderate to severe hot flashes or symptomatic vaginal problems are valid reasons to seek help and therapy; hormones if that’s right for you, and other therapies if that’s not right for you,” she says.<br /><br />What’s abnormal: Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body produces too little thyroid hormone, can be mistaken for menopause because early symptoms may be similar (weight gain, hair loss, mood swings, dry skin and depression) and because thyroid problems often increase with age.<br /><br />What you can do: If testing reveals a potential thyroid problem, a thyroid hormone medication may be prescribed, along with a combination of diet and exercise, and periodic blood testing. See your doctor to know for sure.<br /><br /><b>LIFE AFTER HORMONES</b><br />After menopause, which becomes official one full year after a woman’s final period, hormones return to a natural low point, as they were prepuberty, Gass says. And while there are still plenty of issues to contend with—including bone health—she emphasizes not waiting until this stage to start considering healthy habits.<br /><br />“Yes, osteoporosis is one of those things that seems to get worse with aging, but a lot of things that get worse with aging are things we should be paying attention to before we get there,” Gass says. “You don’t want to wait until you’re 55 or 60 to start getting your weight in line. And the same thing goes for heart health and bone health. You want to be living a healthy lifestyle your entire life, and then menopause will not be a big health issue for you. You’ll just keep doing the healthy things you’ve been doing.”</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>FORETELLING YOUR HORMONAL FUTURE</b></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Scientists in a recent study believe they’ve found a way to predict</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> the timing of menopause. That means women who want</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> to have children could more accurately manage their biological</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> clocks. Although not all experts agree we’re there yet, the idea</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> is intriguing. But could the saying “Just because you can doesn’t</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> mean you should” hold true here?</span><br /><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ceylon Rowland, M.D., a board-certified gynecologist at</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Gwinnett Medical Center, says the ability to predict menopause</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> may be closer than we think, but that doesn’t necessarily make</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> it a good idea. According to Dr. Rowland, the genetic timing of</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> a woman’s eggs is not the only issue in pregnancy. If a woman</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> were to know that menopause would occur later than usual, say,</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> age 57, she might wait to have children only to discover fertility</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> issues or experience pregnancy complications related to chronic</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> medical conditions.</span><br /><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“Most health professionals would counsel women that unless</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> you have a compelling reason, it’s probably better to get pregnant</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> sooner rather than later,” Dr. Rowland says. “It’s really helpful</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> information to have, but the whole phenomenon of delaying</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> childbearing has a number of concerns.”</span><br /><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Consult an Expert</span></b><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Schedule an appointment with an</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> expert Gwinnett Physicians Group</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> OB/GYN today to discuss questions</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> you have about hormones. Call</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 678-312-7500 or go online to</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1882669133">gwinnettmedical</a></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://center.org/gpg">center.org/gpg</a>.</span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-80156294819356010172012-07-27T12:08:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:17.768-07:00Like This, Try That: Try Something Different On The Produce Aisle<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With the variety of fruits and vegetables available at most supermarkets, a trip down the produce aisle could be a culinary adventure. (Rutabagas! Star fruit! Bok choy!) Most of us, though, tend to stick to a tried-and-true itinerary, from broccoli and potatoes to apples and oranges. It could be that we don’t know what to do with a parsnip. Or we may have developed a distaste for brussels sprouts in childhood, then never tried them again as adults. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But the routine of the same fruits and vegetables leads to boredom, which in turn puts us at risk for not consuming the recommended 4.5 to 6 cups of fruits and vegetables daily. "Each time you go to the grocery store, pick up one new fruit or vegetable to try,” says nutrition consultant Keri Gans, R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association and author of The Small Change Diet. “You’re bound to find something you like.” Here are a few suggestions to get you started.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Nlef4zUzRmdU_UG6D31Oz87woX3BWLvdA1W1kKHDvYibNuwmaQhIowM9clORuqfMqPT5k-MQ2ZzvO7cRaCcx17YSNJsS_BLtjNUUo8tfkbdmaSoG9giIHQKKJSTR7UEuPkHL2W7wDzE/s1600/group+of+apples.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Nlef4zUzRmdU_UG6D31Oz87woX3BWLvdA1W1kKHDvYibNuwmaQhIowM9clORuqfMqPT5k-MQ2ZzvO7cRaCcx17YSNJsS_BLtjNUUo8tfkbdmaSoG9giIHQKKJSTR7UEuPkHL2W7wDzE/s320/group+of+apples.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><a name='more'></a><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">You Like: Apple, Try: Pears</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">WHY: Pears have a similar “crunch factor” as apples and come in about as many varieties, usually with more fiber. Plus, they’re a great source of vitamins C and K, which play a role in blood clotting and may boost bone strength.<br /><br />SUGGESTED SERVINGS: “Anything you can do with an apple, you can do with a pear,” says Gans, who suggests adding thinly sliced wedges to a salad. For a summer dessert, brush pear halves with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then place face-down on the grill and broil until tender and caramelized. Top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">You Like: Kidney Beans; Try: Garbanzo Beans<br /></span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">WHY: Their versatility has made garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, the world’s most widely consumed legume. They’re high in folate, iron and protein, making them a wise choice for a vegetarian entrée, and their high fiber content promotes bowel regularity. To save on prep time, Gans suggests buying low-salt canned beans, then doublerinsing (to remove any sodium added as a preservative or extra flavoring).<br /><br />SUGGESTED SERVINGS: Grind into hummus with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice, then use as a dip for crudités or substitute for mayonnaise when making egg or tuna salad. Or add the whole beans to pasta with lemon juice, prosciutto, roasted asparagus, chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">You Like: Oranges; Try: Clementines<br /></span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">WHY: “Oranges can sometimes be hard to peel and the juice may run on your hands and get messy,” says Gans, who reaches instead for a clementine when she’s ready for a citrus fix on the run. The smaller-sized fruit is easier to peel but retains the orange’s high levels of vitamin C, potassium, folate and fiber.<br /><br />SUGGESTED SERVINGS: The fruit is delicious eaten out of hand but also could be sectioned and added to a baby spinach salad topped with cranberries, feta cheese and walnuts.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">You Like: Carrots; Try: Beets</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">WHY: Golden and red beets are low in calories but high in fiber, manganese and folate, and their amino acid profile may help the body extract a more complete protein from the meats and fish you’re already serving.<br /><br />SUGGESTED SERVINGS:<br />Think beyond boiling: Gans’ preferred method of preparation is oven roasting, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs. (Try this also with asparagus, carrots, or even caulifl ower and broccoli.) “It adds a sweet, intense flavor without leaching the vitamins and minerals,” she says.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Open Mouths, Open Minds<br />There’s no guarantee that every new food you try will please your palate, but that shouldn’t be an excuse to stop sampling, says Cris Hartley, R.D., L.D., CDE , manager of Gwinnett Medical Center’s Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“When my clients say, ‘I don’t like broccoli,’ I ask them, ‘Well, when’s the last time you tried it?’ ” Hartley says. “Tastes change as we grow older, and to enjoy a new food it’s often just a matter of finding the right way to prepare it.” A good way to acclimate to a new fruit or vegetable, or even whole grains, is to include it in a salad or soup, where the flavor mixes with others. “In addition to expanding your menu options, adding more vegetables can help your overall health,” Hartley adds. “People with conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome and diabetes can be helped by the right diet.”</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nutrition Help Is Just a Call Away<br />GMC’s <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/facilities/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=60">Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center</a> can tailor a nutrition plan to your needs. For more information, call 678-312-6040 or e-mail dnec@gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-30631981328190805492012-07-26T08:55:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:17.786-07:00Action Plan for Managing Arthritis Pain<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You might remember your grandmother walking with a cane or your grandfather wincing while holding his cup of coffee. The pain from their arthritis may have kept them from going on walks, and they certainly weren’t going to the gym. After all, who wants to exercise when they’re in pain, right? But today, medicine teaches us to think differently about arthritis and exercise. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtyKfGffNKZNqtvVBwvuptK_cmvwimuZnHGbTYkWh0ArsTKc5FCcAYk7ge3TbCqxtRnv2Y91HrBBlpGboyJm6vRo_njBBfPPmqJngEp54RANMZNxkDgpndf3jgjSNihByOMrOiHZwrcg/s1600/30457588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtyKfGffNKZNqtvVBwvuptK_cmvwimuZnHGbTYkWh0ArsTKc5FCcAYk7ge3TbCqxtRnv2Y91HrBBlpGboyJm6vRo_njBBfPPmqJngEp54RANMZNxkDgpndf3jgjSNihByOMrOiHZwrcg/s400/30457588.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Many expert groups and medical consensus panels have come out with treatment recommendations for individuals with osteoarthritis,” says American Council on Exercise (ACE) spokeswoman Robyn Stuhr, M.A., who created an osteoarthritis course for ACE. “And regular exercise is at the heart of those treatment recommendations.”</span><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Why Exercise is Important?</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's natural to want to stop moving when you feel pain, but forgoing exercise does more harm than good over time. “If you restrict your activity, you will lose strength, range of motion and stamina, which can actually increase joint pain and decrease your ability to perform a variety of daily activities,” Stuhr says. “Instead of accelerating joint degeneration, the right exercises can actually slow the progression of osteoarthritis and help you to maintain an active lifestyle.” </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It’s a degenerative joint disease and the type of arthritis that many of us associate with aging. Osteoarthritis typically affects the hips, knees, hands, lower back and neck. When the cushion between bones, called cartilage, breaks down, the bones rub against each other. This causes pain and decreased movement. Although arthritis is common among the aging population, age isn’t the only thing that can lead to joint pain. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Exercise Type: Strength Training</b><br /><br />Examples: Free weights, weight machines, resistance bands, isometric exercises (exercises that tighten your muscles without moving your joints), resistance exercises like standing calf raises or leg extensions.<br /><br />Why it matters: Strength training is key in an exercise program for people with arthritis, because toning the muscles around the joint helps to protect the joint. “Strengthening exercises increase muscular support to the joints to decrease joint stress and decrease pain,” Stuhr adds. “Improved muscular efficiency also enables individuals with OA to perform various types of health-promoting, calorie-burning exercise.” </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tips for success: It’s important to work the muscles around the joints that have arthritis. If you have arthritis in the knee, then you’ll work the quadriceps and hamstrings. Stuhr advises: “For guidance on which exercises are most appropriate for you, work with a physical therapist or certified personal trainer with experience in arthritic conditions. Studies have shown that quadriceps weakness can contribute to pain and dysfunction in individuals with knee OA, but full leg extensions are often not the best choice. This is where guidance from a knowledgeable professional is key.”<br /><br /><b>Exercise Type: Cardiovascular Fitness</b><br /><br />Examples: Walking, bicycling, swimming<br /><br />Why it matters: Cardiovascular exercise is important for multiple reasons. First, it helps to maintain heart health. Plus, it contributes to your overall health and boosts your energy. But perhaps the most important benefit for people with arthritis is weight loss. Losing weight reduces strain on the joints. There’s a “multiplier effect” with weight loss. If you lose five to 10 pounds, you could be taking off more pounds of pressure every time you step down.<br /><br />Tips for success: Avoid high-impact exercises like running and jumping, which jar the joints.<br />“Generally, low-impact cardiovascular activities such as walking, water exercise, cycling or using an elliptical trainer have been shown to be well tolerated by individuals with OA,” Stuhr says. She adds that people with arthritis can follow the government’s recommendations for cardiovascular exercise—30 minutes a day of moderate exercise most days of the week.<br /><br />“However, individuals with arthritis may have to vary their exercise regimens to decrease stress on affected joints,” she says. “For example, instead of walking five days a week, 30 minutes each time, their joints may better tolerate walking every other day and splitting the 30-minute walk into two 15-minute shorter walks.”<br /><br /><b>Exercise type: Flexibility</b><br /><br />Examples: Basic stretching, yoga<br /><br />Why it matters: There aren’t enough studies for experts to produce standardized recommendations for flexibility training. But experts agree that flexibility is an important part of an exercise program. Range-of-motion exercises, Stuhr says, decrease joint stiffness and help maintain normal range of motion. Flexibility is important for training your body and enhancing your range of motion for everyday activities. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Tips for success: Gentle range-of-motion exercises can be done daily, Stuhr says. But if it hurts, stop. You shouldn’t work out to the point of pain. A little bit of slight discomfort to feel the stretch is fine.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visit <a href="http://gwinnettjointprogram.com/">gwinnettjointprogram.com</a> if you are suffering from joint pain to learn about the state-of-the art treatments offered at GMC.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Three Tips for Healthier Joints</b><br />In addition to an exercise regimen that combines strength training, cardiovascular fitness and flexibility, there are other steps you can take to help make your joints stronger. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><ol style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Got milk? A diet that includes calcium and vitamin D can help protect bones and joints. If you aren’t getting the recommended amount of calcium (1,000 milligrams for adults 19 to 50; 1,200 mg for 50 and older—that’s the equivalent of about three to four glasses of milk a day), talk to your doctor about a supplement. <br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Limit repetitive activities. Prolonged positions and repetitive actions can be hard on affected joints. “Variety, crosstraining and low- to moderate-intensity interval training are extremely helpful,” says Edward Gilbert, M.S., CSCS, exercise specialist for GMC’s Gwinnett SportsRehab.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Cushion joints. Protect your joints from shock and</span><span style="font-size: small;"> vibration, Gilbert says, by wearing supportive shoes or padded</span><span style="font-size: small;"> weightlifting gloves.<br /><br /></span></li></ol>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-6772695427832698792012-07-24T05:51:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:17.805-07:00Healthy Travels: What You Need to Know to Vacation Safely With Diabetes<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Toothbrush? Check. Someone to feed the cat? Check. Boarding pass? Check. When you’re about to head out of town for vacation, the details are daunting. But when you’re a traveler with diabetes, they can be even more overwhelming. You need to consider more than reservations and stopping the mail; you have to worry about your health and how you’ll keep your blood sugar levels in control when you’re away from home. Never fear. If you have diabetes, a little R & R is a definite possibility. It just takes a little extra planning, and that’s what we’re here to help with.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIap88x4eyWqaNQBP0VQS-TGyXX73TxJnnrdvvJOTEOfCs2VgORts1a7CWgVKeR_2Pq7P-BqlXbdo4IqCDTSMU8c4FxHMY4duC7ozT4V37G9zstys930N-WezgV7U4ITLYPLIdWSHEq8U/s1600/marriage+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIap88x4eyWqaNQBP0VQS-TGyXX73TxJnnrdvvJOTEOfCs2VgORts1a7CWgVKeR_2Pq7P-BqlXbdo4IqCDTSMU8c4FxHMY4duC7ozT4V37G9zstys930N-WezgV7U4ITLYPLIdWSHEq8U/s400/marriage+car.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Planning and Packing Pointers</b><br />“The most important thing you can do is plan ahead,” says Davida Kruger, a nurse practitioner and author of The Diabetes Travel Guide. “If you have diabetes, you don’t have the luxury not to plan.” In addition to scheduling a checkup with your healthcare provider for four to six weeks before you leave, it means answering such questions as:</span><br /><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Where are you going? If your destination requires special inoculations, be sure to plan ahead for those, as many healthcare providers’ offices don’t keep a supply on hand.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">What will you be doing and in what kind of terrain? “If it’s going to be extra hot, think about your</span><span style="font-size: small;"> fluid intake,” Kruger says. Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up as you go. If you’ll be on a beach or</span><span style="font-size: small;"> doing some hiking or a lot of walking, be sure to take the right shoes and socks to protect your feet.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">How long will you be gone? “You can’t leave diabetes behind,” says Marti Funnell, a certified diabetes educator and chair of the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP). “It’s packed</span><span style="font-size: small;"> with you.” The <a href="http://ndep.nih.gov/">NDEP</a> recommends taking twice the amount of diabetes medication and supplies—</span><span style="font-size: small;"> including an extra glucose meter—you think you’ll need. If you’re traveling with a companion, split</span><span style="font-size: small;"> the supplies between your two bags in case yours is lost, damaged or stolen.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">What will you do in an emergency? Kruger recommends finding out what healthcare facilities and pharmacies are at your destination. “You also should ask your healthcare provider for a hard copy of your prescriptions and carry those with you,” she says. She</span><span style="font-size: small;"> advises writing down your medications and dosages and carrying that list in</span><span style="font-size: small;"> your wallet and your suitcase. Do the same with the settings on your insulin</span><span style="font-size: small;"> pump, if you use one. And always wear a bracelet or necklace that says you</span><span style="font-size: small;"> have diabetes.</span></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>On Your Way</b><br />They say getting there is half the fun. While commercial airlines have mostly dispelled that notion, proper education and planning can make your flight uneventful, if not enjoyable. Here are a few things to consider:</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Security check. To find out about TSA regulations concerning medications, visit <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/travelers%20">www.tsa.gov/travelers </a>and choose <b>“Travelers with Disabilities & Medical</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Conditions.”</b> You should be able to carry on any medications you need. Keep</span><span style="font-size: small;"> them in their original containers separate from other liquids you’re carrying,</span><span style="font-size: small;"> and alert a TSA agent when you go through security.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Flight plan. If possible, request an exit row or bulkhead seat so you have</span><span style="font-size: small;"> more legroom. And ask for an aisle seat so you can get up to walk during the</span><span style="font-size: small;"> flight, to reduce your chance of blood clots.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Carry on. You never know how long it could be before you’re reunited with</span><span style="font-size: small;"> checked bags, so always carry on your medications, supplies and snacks. Store</span><span style="font-size: small;"> them under the seat in front of you instead of in the overhead bin. That way, if</span><span style="font-size: small;"> the seat belt light stays on, you can still access whatever you need.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Snack attack. No matter how long your trip, being in control of your food</span><span style="font-size: small;"> will help ensure you don’t put yourself in danger. “If you assume you’re going</span><span style="font-size: small;"> to get something to eat during the flight, you could be unpleasantly surprised,”</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Funnell says. The airline might not serve meals or turbulence could delay the</span><span style="font-size: small;"> food service. Good eats to pack include a sandwich on whole-grain bread,</span><span style="font-size: small;"> cheese cubes, granola bars and dried fruit.<br /> </span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">In the zone. If your trip takes you across time zones, be sure to factor that</span><span style="font-size: small;"> into your testing and medication schedule.<b><br /></b></span></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>You Have Arrived</b><br />You took a vacation to have fun, right? There’s no reason you can’t relax and enjoy your time. If you’ve planned well, you’ll be set up to feel your best.</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Indulge within reason. Sampling the local cuisine is a fun part of the vacation experience. Enjoy food in portion sizes consistent with what you have at</span><span style="font-size: small;"> home so your blood sugar stays in a range that makes you feel good.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Keep moving. If you do eat more, plan more activity into your schedule to</span><span style="font-size: small;"> compensate. On the flip side, if your vacation schedule includes more activity</span><span style="font-size: small;"> than normal, be sure your blood sugar doesn’t get too low. Funnell recommends</span><span style="font-size: small;"> testing more often so you have a better sense of where your levels are.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Rest up. “Sleep and stress can impact your blood sugar,” Funnell says.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> If you’re getting up earlier or staying up later to enjoy activities, plan a</span><span style="font-size: small;"> midday nap.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Sick day. Montezuma’s revenge isn’t fun for any tourist, but it can be particularly dangerous if you have diabetes. “Be sure to discuss a sick-day plan</span><span style="font-size: small;"> with your healthcare provider before you leave,” Kruger says.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Stay on some sort of schedule. “It can be easy to miss your medication</span><span style="font-size: small;"> doses if your routine is different,” Funnell says. That doesn’t mean you can’t</span><span style="font-size: small;"> be spontaneous, but if you always test your blood sugar after work, you might</span><span style="font-size: small;"> need to create a different cue in your head or set an alarm.</span></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Mobile Monitoring</b><br />Whether you’re taking a weekend road trip or a monthlong excursion around the globe, keeping your blood sugar under control when your schedule is thrown for a loop can be tricky. Apps for smart phones and online trackers can help. “There are some wonderful resources out there,” says Ellen Roberson, R.N., CDE, a diabetes education coordinator at Gwinnett Medical Center’s <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/facilities/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=60">Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center</a>. “And you can easily enter in information no matter where you are.” If you travel with a laptop or smart phone, <a href="http://diabetestracker.org%20/">diabetestracker.org </a>can help you chart your blood glucose levels, and <a href="http://tracker.diabetes.org/">MyFoodAdvisor</a> can help you find foods that fit with your eating plan. Apps like <b>GoMeals</b> track nutritional intake and find restaurants. These resources help you integrate a blood glucose logbook, carbohydrate and insulin tracking, and customizable schedules. Use the Internet to help you find products that will keep you on track.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Diabetes and Nutrition News</b><br />Stay connected with Gwinnett Medical Center’s Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center. Visit<br /><a href="http://facebook.com/gmc.dnec">facebook.com/gmc.dnec</a>.</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-41913548895581956972012-07-20T07:04:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:17.823-07:00A Workout For Every Mood<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You select your day's outfit based on your mood. </span><span style="font-size: small;">For greater fitness success, tailor your exercise routine to your disposition. If you want to exercise consistently, you need to learn to work with your mood. That means not forcing yourself to do the same old routine if you’re not feeling up to it. You’ll just get frustrated with yourself and want to quit. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should opt for an hour on the couch either. So depending on how you feel on any given day, try one of these workouts on for size.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5UarJG61w_LcOyyopwUWlD4qsSRBR0dvYgdDBP9gKLB_i7rci9P8eAwjb07shy6Kg6fxp9zLdyfvNpsiKtf2Drur_TT30aD9MqyR8IH7SqjHKvmpvLC6eAIaY4pC9cFeI6jxBNRRRfM/s1600/tai+chi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5UarJG61w_LcOyyopwUWlD4qsSRBR0dvYgdDBP9gKLB_i7rci9P8eAwjb07shy6Kg6fxp9zLdyfvNpsiKtf2Drur_TT30aD9MqyR8IH7SqjHKvmpvLC6eAIaY4pC9cFeI6jxBNRRRfM/s400/tai+chi.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><a name='more'></a><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>LONELY</b><br />Try: A group class or a semiprivate session with a trainer<br />Why it will work: Exercising with others will help you feel connected. If you’re looking for interaction, joining a group class is a no-brainer. But teaming up with a friend or family member for a personal training session works, too. The more intimate environment will allow you to talk and motivate each other. And splitting the cost for one-to-one help is a plus.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>ANGRY</b><br />Try: Kickboxing or water aerobics<br />Why it will work: You’ll get to work out your aggression—or be forced to relax. When angry, some people need to let it out. Maybe you scream or rough up a pillow. Next time, try taking your aggression out on a punching bag. Kickboxing offers a total body workout and allows you to leave your grievances at the gym. Another option, at the other end of the aggression spectrum, is water aerobics. Water is soothing and refreshing, and it provides a fair amount of resistance, forcing you to slow down and relax.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><b>RUSHED</b><br />Try: Circuit training<br />Why it will work: You’ll be done in 30 minutes. With little or no equipment, you can get a head-to-toe workout in your living room. Just set up five to seven exercises that work different parts of the body, such as lunges, push-ups, crunches, arm curls (using weights or water bottles) and leg lifts. Rotate through until you’ve done three full sets of each. Between each rotation, do one to two minutes of cardio—jumping jacks, running in place or up-downs.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>BORED WITH YOUR ROUTINE</b><br />Try: Tweaking it<br />Why it will work: Making a small change can go a long way psychologically. You’re content, you’re motivated and you’re ready to get moving. But the thought of doing your same-old same-old is making you drag your feet. No need to compose an entirely different exercise program. Just tweak yours. If you usually walk around the neighborhood, try taking your route backward or mix things up by sprinting for 30 seconds every few minutes. At the gym, do your usual resistance training, but with free weights instead of weight machines. Skip high-impact aerobics and catch a boot camp class instead. Or instead of spin class, ride a bike outside and enjoy the fresh air.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>STRESSED</b><br />Try: Pilates, yoga or tai chi<br />Why it will work: Any mind-body activity that requires you to focus on your breathing can be an effective distraction from your worries. No matter what activity you choose, focus your attention inward, Matthews suggests. Be cognizant of the muscles you’re using and the way your body adapts to different movements. Feel every breath, and listen to your heartbeat. Above all, remember that your workout is for you—no one else. Remember that and you’ll have a clear mind in no time.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>ENERGETIC</b><br />Try: A spin or dance class<br />Why it will work: Matching your workout to your energy level will get you superior results. Anytime you’re feeling particularly motivated, take full advantage of it. On those days, sign up for that high-intensity spin class or take Zumba, a Latininspired dance class. Or take any activity you enjoy to that next level. Really giving it your all when you’re feeling good will help make up for those lazier days.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>UNMOTIVATED</b><br />Try: Going for a walk<br />Why it will work: Maybe you can’t bear to drag yourself out of bed to brush your teeth, get dressed, drive to the gym and work out, but persuading yourself to slip on some shoes and walk around the block is reasonable. Once you get out there, you may become more motivated. Try varying the speed. Walk at a moderate pace for five minutes and then alternate with one minute of power walking. Before you know it, you’ll be strolling around the block a second time.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Get Help Getting in Shape</b><br />Are your ready for Summer vacation? Get your body beach-ready with personal training sessions at GMC. Sign up by calling 678-312-2803. To learn more about fitness and conditioning programs at GMC, visit<a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=294"> gwinnettmedicalcenter.org</a>.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-10588480962090676472012-07-17T12:19:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:17.841-07:00Keys To Survival: Overcoming A Heart Attack or Preventing One<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Someone in the U.S. has a heart attack nearly every 34 seconds. Knowing the signs of a heart attack saves lives. Plus, you can take steps to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and free of heart disease. Here are five survival strategies you need to know.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGf3h47AhH8vHmuO1ie-FxHcEbBBrS3KI4j1uYOZaSvOP-q_Lh5IwPqBePABu5vwz13bFUlP9s0GJVZRigkHZ790fXJgA9nzrcGlSNUmlI2b9AsFMUHyeJSvo2GZSeBS5evAWpiq-Zmqw/s1600/11.07+Know+My+Numbers+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGf3h47AhH8vHmuO1ie-FxHcEbBBrS3KI4j1uYOZaSvOP-q_Lh5IwPqBePABu5vwz13bFUlP9s0GJVZRigkHZ790fXJgA9nzrcGlSNUmlI2b9AsFMUHyeJSvo2GZSeBS5evAWpiq-Zmqw/s320/11.07+Know+My+Numbers+Button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">SITUATION: YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE HAVING A HEART ATTACK.<br />Survival strategy: Call 911. During a heart attack, the blood supply to the heart is interrupted by a blockage in one of the arteries, explains David C. Goff Jr., M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Working Group for the Public Health Action Plan to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke. When the heart muscle isn’t getting blood, it’s also not getting oxygen, and it begins to die. That’s why it’s important to get care as soon as possible. “Call 911,” he says. “And don’t wait more than 15 minutes. People think if they keep waiting, it will pass … but it’s much better to overreact than underreact.” <br /><br />Once you’re at the hospital, doctors can open the blockage two ways. The first uses clot-busting drugs, which are given intravenously. “They are most effective within 90 minutes of the onset of symptoms,” Goff says. “The longer you wait,” adds Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D., author of Prevent a Second Heart Attack, “the greater the area of the heart muscle that dies; the less likely you are to survive.” The other treatment option is a surgical procedure called <a href="http://gmcheart.com/carotid-angioplasty">angioplasty</a> during which the <a href="http://gmcheart.com/our-team/cardiothoracic-surgeons">cardiologist</a> inserts a catheter into the artery and inflates a tiny balloon to widen the artery. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><br />During a heart attack, time saved is heart muscle saved. In fact, any delays in providing timely care can impact the heart’s ability to recover from a cardiac event. <a href="http://gmcheart.com/our-services/lifenet">LifeNet </a>will help close the gap between the damage potentially caused by a heart attack and a patient’s arrival at Gwinnett Medical Center.</span><br /><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">SITUATION: YOU THINK YOUR CO-WORKER MIGHT BE HAVING A HEART ATTACK.<br />Survival strategy: Know the signs, and act fast. You might think you know what a heart attack looks like. “People tend to think of the things they see on TV, which are very mdramatic,” Goff says. “That happens, but oftentimes, it’s much more subtle— pressure in the chest or discomfort in the jaw.” Hills suggests an acronym—LIFE—to remember the symptoms of a heart attack.</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Left—pain in the left shoulder, left arm, left jaw or left side of the back</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Indigestion or nausea, which is rare for men,</span><span style="font-size: small;"> but more common in women</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Fatigue</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Exertion—shortness of breath with or without</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">chest discomfort</span></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you observe these symptoms and think someone is having a heart attack, call 911. “My mantra is: When in doubt, check it out,” Brill says. “Otherwise, it could be too late.”</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">SITUATION: YOU HAVEN’T HAD A HEART ATTACK BUT THINK YOU MIGHT BE AT RISK.<br />Survival strategy: Make lifestyle changes. “We believe that 75 to 80 percent of heart attacks in the United States today are preventable through lifestyle change, through good control of risk factors and through medications,” Goff says. The most important lifestyle change is to quit smoking. <br /><br />In addition, Goff says, eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in fatty meat products and sodium. Get about 30 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, and keep your body mass index (BMI) under 25, he explains. Brill notes that you can’t do anything about some risk factors—like getting older or your family history—but she, too, argues that simple, everyday changes make a difference. <br /><br />Goff explains that while you can’t eliminate stress from your life, you can adjust how you react to it. “Some people respond to stress in positive ways,” he says. “They go running. Or they meditate or pray or listen to music.” Those who drink heavily or smoke cigarettes to cope with stress, or release their stress through anger, are harming their health.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">SITUATION: YOU’VE SURVIVED A HEART ATTACK.<br />Survival strategy: Take rehabilitation seriously. For people who survive a heart attack, what happens next is important, Goff says. “For most people, that should include a formal <a href="http://gmcheart.com/our-services/cardiac-wellness-center">cardiac rehabilitation program</a>, which includes monitored physical activity to help the person get back into good physical condition,” he says. Depending on the person’s needs, the program should also focus on lifestyle factors. He adds that medications, such as those that lower cholesterol or blood pressure, may be given. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">SITUATION: YOU’RE YOUNG AND THINK YOU’RE IMMUNE TO HEART ATTACKS.<br />Survival strategy: Think again. And study up. Heart disease can start at a young age and catch up with you quickly. “The first thing you can do is to take charge of your own health,” Brill says. “Know your numbers, and do what it takes to manage these numbers.” Because high cholesterol and high blood pressure are significant risk factors for heart disease, it’s important to have your levels tested. If they are high, your doctor can recommend lifestyle changes to get these numbers under control or prescribe medications. It’s also important to know your weight and make sure you keep it in a healthy range.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Learn about common heart conditions and how to manage them with our <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/cardiac-services/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=299">Cardiac Patient Education Library</a>.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-39764236489586061762012-07-16T11:21:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:17.860-07:00Do Your Diabetes Homework<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Keeping complications from turning into major concerns is about more than just glucose testing. Learn to control the disease by doing your homework. In school, you probably dreaded homework. But what if your well-being—even your life—had depended on it? Perhaps you would’ve rushed home from the bus to get started rather than dragging your feet by watching TV, playing outside or (gasp!) cleaning your room. <br /><br />Doing your diabetes homework can, in fact, affect your health and quality of life. Think of daily glucose monitoring as part of your course load; it’s mandatory if you want a healthy grade, but there’s still some homework to be done. And a big part of this homework is managing your ABCs: “A” relates to your A1c levels (average glucose over the past two to three months), “B” refers to your blood pressure, and “C” to cholesterol levels.<br /><br />To help you ace your diabetes management, we’re assigning some worthwhile homework—making note of things you should be doing daily beyond managing your blood glucose levels—to help keep diabetes complications from becoming major health problems. <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fCVECA1FmoT2o9mdNrzjULMBXhEIXYQ3c36a9yXBZ9Y-2E027RB8XsY93qNlrpu5qILcDFwdxqUibgV93hZmHylxDnDmEtpDUuHh0qGffBU9r9fYPsigDR97_eRpB_002LoChLuTH8E/s1600/class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fCVECA1FmoT2o9mdNrzjULMBXhEIXYQ3c36a9yXBZ9Y-2E027RB8XsY93qNlrpu5qILcDFwdxqUibgV93hZmHylxDnDmEtpDUuHh0qGffBU9r9fYPsigDR97_eRpB_002LoChLuTH8E/s320/class.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ASSIGNMENT: PROTECT YOUR EYES.<br />When it comes to caring for your eyes, glucose isn’t your only concern. Along with high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina, which is the lining at the back of your eye. This is known as diabetic retinopathy, and it’s the most common eye problem among people with diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are also more likely to develop glaucoma and cataracts. “The best thing you can do day in and day out to prevent eye problems beyond keeping your blood glucose in control is to get and keep your blood pressure under control,” says Hope Warshaw, a dietitian, certified diabetes educator and author of several books, including Real-Life Guide to Diabetes: Practical Answers to Your Diabetes Problems. “I don’t think that’s always an obvious connection for people with diabetes, but it needs to become one.”<br />EXTRA CREDIT: Get an annual eye test, including a dilated retinal exam, which allows your eye doctor to see the back of your eye and check for problems, recommends the American Diabetes Association (ADA).</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ASSIGNMENT: SHOW YOUR FEET SOME LOVE.<br />Feet are a major concern in diabetes care. Foot problems such as calluses are more common and develop more quickly in people who have type 2 diabetes, according to the ADA. And because diabetic neuropathy (or nerve damage) may cause you to lose feeling in your feet over time, you might not notice a callus until it’s already broken down and developed into an ulcer. With daily foot care, you can keep calluses from building. Most experts recommend using a pumice stone right after showering and a good moisturizer to keep your feet soft, as well as keeping your toenails neatly clipped straight across to help prevent them from becoming ingrown. But be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before performing any foot care—especially if you have little or no sensation in your feet.<br />EXTRA CREDIT: Increase the blood flow in your feet, and improve your health, by taking daily walks.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ASSIGNMENT: BE GOOD TO YOUR TEETH AND GUMS.<br />Good dental hygiene is important for everyone, but when you have diabetes, it becomes even more critical. “You’re more likely to experience problems with your teeth and gums than people without diabetes, especially if your blood sugar isn’t controlled,” Warshaw says. “And dental problems like a tooth infection or mouth sores can actually cause your glucose to become elevated, so it’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums.” Use a soft toothbrush at least twice daily, floss, and keep your mouth moist to avoid dry mouth, which increases your cavity risk. Try sugar-free gum or candies or simply drinking more water.<br />EXTRA CREDIT: Be sure to see your dentist at least twice a year, and tell him or her that you have diabetes.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ASSIGNMENT: KEEP YOUR SKIN MOISTURIZED.<br />Dry skin doesn’t get as much attention as other complications, but it’s another unwanted side effect of high blood sugar. Resist the urge to scratch, Warshaw says. “Scratching that itch can cause sores and lead to infection, which individuals with diabetes are more prone to anyway,” she says. The ADA recommends applying a moisturizer to your skin while it’s still damp from your shower or bath to help seal in moisture, paying special attention to your elbows, legs and heels.<br />EXTRA CREDIT: Your lifestyle has an impact on your skin’s moisture, so eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and exercise to keep your skin healthy.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ASSIGNMENT: GET TO OR STAY AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT.<br />We know there’s a connection between type 2 diabetes, heart disease and being overweight or obese, but that’s only part of the picture, according to Lee Kaplan, M.D., Ph.D., spokesman for The Obesity Society. “While obesity can be a cause of diabetes in people who are genetically susceptible to it, only about 20 percent of people who are obese have type 2 diabetes,” Kaplan says. That said, if you are overweight or obese, dropping just a few pounds goes a long way to managing your ABCs. It lowers cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure in one fell swoop, according to the ADA.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">EXTRA CREDIT: Get serious about weight loss by setting a reasonable goal. A loss of just 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight can yield measurable health benefits.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ASSIGNMENT: DEFEND AGAINST THE FLU<br />Having the flu isn’t pleasant for anyone, but individuals who have even well-controlled diabetes are at greater risk for flu complications, including hospitalization and death. This makes vaccination mandatory. “The flu shot is an annual preventive measure and a CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] recommendation,” Warshaw says. The CDC also recommends a pneumonia vaccine for people with diabetes.<br />EXTRA CREDIT: To further decrease your risk, the ADA recommends that your friends and loved ones also get a flu shot.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">ASSIGNMENT</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">: TAKE YOUR GLUCOSE MEDICINE</span><br /><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We all want to be healthy, but for some, taking medications feels like a daily reminder that all is not well. “People seem to want to avoid blood-glucose lowering medication, but that’s not the recommended approach for type 2 diabetes today,” Warshaw says. “There are many different kinds of medications designed to address the various reasons why blood glucose is out of control and insulin resistance is up, to get your glucose under control and keep it there.” Experts recommend that you begin taking a blood glucose- lowering medication that targets insulin resistance as soon as you’re diagnosed.<br />EXTRA CREDIT: Pay attention to how your body responds to your blood-glucose-lowering medications and talk to your doctor about reactions or concerns you have.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ASSIGNMENT: TARGET YOUR EFFORTS BASED ON YOUR RISKS.<br />Many people who have diabetes worry about complications that may not be a concern for them, and ignore the more likely scenarios. “A big fear is, ‘I’m going to lose my sight or my feet.’ But the reality is, the large-vessel diseases—heart disease, heart attack and stroke—are typically a bigger concern in type 2 diabetes,” Warshaw says. “So it goes back to managing your ABCs.”<br />EXTRA CREDIT: Ask your healthcare provider what complications you’re most at risk for, so you can gear your daily actions toward preventing them.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Find an Online Community in Gwinnett Connect with GMC’s Diabetes & Nutrition<br />Education Center (DNEC) at <a href="http://facebook.com/gmc.dnec">facebook.com/gmc.dnec</a>. The certified dieticians at DNEC are here to help you. The can develop a customized plan to meet your specific needs and goals. To learn more, visit <a href="http://gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/dnec">gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/diabetes.</a></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-8850615261791482472012-07-11T08:20:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:17.881-07:00Tips For Runners On Staying Hydrated<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Endurance athletes, especially those who train in hot and humid weather, are at constant risk of dehydration. The risk becomes greater the longer the workout, or when athletes train or compete more than once a day. Some risks include:</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Cramping.</b> If exercisers lose too much fluid in sweating without replacing the lost fluid and electrolytes (like sodium and potassium), they risk becoming dehydrated. Endurance athletes can use sports drinks to replace fluid and electrolytes -- in combination with water -- to help ward off dehydration and muscle cramps.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dehydration.</b> Dehydration can diminish energy and impair performance. Even a 2% loss of body weight through sweating (i.e., three pounds for a 150-pound runner) can put athletes at a disadvantage. </span></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">An easy way to determine how much fluid you need during a workout is to notice how sweat-soaked you are afterward. Read the tips below so that you can perform at your best, but stay safe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEMTXSCHcItaGmwv26Bvx8ZwawrrM440ri1137C4Ui7XzoGcWdefRVWYydclRyR0FGU1gqCQCGpnUZaZvrDglqOaWJbr6_zfVsxkDBThfmvpgc6z7lcUMbds4JX_I26UR7vRw5_aIVXM/s1600/jogging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEMTXSCHcItaGmwv26Bvx8ZwawrrM440ri1137C4Ui7XzoGcWdefRVWYydclRyR0FGU1gqCQCGpnUZaZvrDglqOaWJbr6_zfVsxkDBThfmvpgc6z7lcUMbds4JX_I26UR7vRw5_aIVXM/s320/jogging.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><ul><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If sweating is light (your skin is moist and a little sweat is visible around your collar), drink 4-6 ounces every 15 minutes.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If sweating is moderate (your skin and clothes are noticeably wet), drink 8-12 ounces every 15 minutes.</span> </li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If sweating is heavy (your skin, clothes and hair are completely drenched), drink 13–16 ounces every 15 minutes.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Because endurance events last longer than most sports, endurance athletes run a higher risk of over hydrating,<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>so be prepared with a hydration plan. Remember to take fluids throughout the day. It is<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>important for endurance athletes to begin workouts and competitions hydrated. Hydration does not<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>occur during the event.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Start out hydrated on the day of an endurance event by drinking a sports drink, then using fountains,<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>coolers and other beverage opportunities as triggers for drinking throughout the day.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hydrate 2-3 hours before training and competitions. Aim for at least 16 ounces of fluid during this<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>time and add another 8 ounces of fluids 10-20 minutes before the event.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Drink to replace sweat, but do not over drink (see guidelines above). Endurance athletes, especially<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>inexperienced runners who tend to run slowly and stop for more fluid breaks, risk over hydrating,<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>which can lead to a dangerous condition called hyponatremia. Hyponatremia occurs when an athlete<span style="font-size: small;"> takes in too much fluid and the sodium level in their blood drops too low.</span></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">GMC's <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=194">Gwinnett SportsRehab</a> offers a comprehensive <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=307">running rehabilitation program</a>. Our certified physical therapists will work with you in the event of injury to get you back faster and arm you with the necessary tools to heal and prevent future injury. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-46837782560253517862012-07-10T13:01:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:17.975-07:00Watch Bariatric Patients Tell Their Story Of Triumph And Transformation<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are times when dieting and exercise alone are not the answer. Sometimes losing excess body weight and keeping it off requires more than simply changing habits. We offer a range of proven bariatric surgical options as well as a complete support program to help patients lose weight and keep it off. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1183128930">T</a><a href="http://gwinnettbariatrics.com/">he Center for Surgical Management at Gwinnett Medical Center–Duluth (CSWM)</a>, has the expert staff to offer the latest surgical weight loss and weight management options. CSWM's goal is to help patients successfully deal with obesity-related medical conditions in the safest, most effective way possible for them. Watch as patients share their stories of triumph and transformation. </span></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fkap4LlOmbw" width="560"></iframe>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-87972254445666438882012-07-06T07:36:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:18.073-07:005K Training Guide + 6 Tips For Running The Race<div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Running a 5K race can be a daunting task. There are several things that you need to remember to do before, during and after the race that will make the experience much easier. So if you are just getting started with training, we have a 5K running plan that will ensure that your are ready for the race. Also, be sure to check out the six tips that will help you be prepared for the race, stay focused during the race and finish the race strong.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8FUOf2Igwh51NiFgn2yZJqmEPC3NB_vjz8dcQp9v_HN-3i-goiIkDxkrk7ItIeFM8XSktNRvscFnR91Uf505bQiylOspLIA6bI9kiztYLmUvTiyYnnSyBd6m9BxN7PCo8anNRUByPkU/s1600/5K+Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8FUOf2Igwh51NiFgn2yZJqmEPC3NB_vjz8dcQp9v_HN-3i-goiIkDxkrk7ItIeFM8XSktNRvscFnR91Uf505bQiylOspLIA6bI9kiztYLmUvTiyYnnSyBd6m9BxN7PCo8anNRUByPkU/s640/5K+Run.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /> <h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1. Practice</b></span></h2><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once you have decided to enter a 5K race your next step is to begin practicing. Don’t show up the day of the race not having trained your body. You could end up with serious injuries. Figure out your weak spots while you are training. If you find yourself getting tired half way through the race, focus your attention on training a bit harder for that leg. Stay true to your workout plan during the race. Practicing prior to the big day will prepare you for what's to come.</span></div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. Rest</b></span></h2><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The night before the race, get plenty of rest. You should do your workout early in the morning and get to bed at a decent hour. You will be more focused and ready to run the day of the race if you've had adequate rest the night before. Relax and don't over think the next day's events.</span></div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. Hydration</b></span></h2><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before you begin the race, hydrate your body. Drink plenty of water. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will reduce the risk of dehydration during the race. Take a bottle of water along with you to the race. While most races hand out water along the way, being prepared with your own is important.</span></div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>4. Stretch</b></span></h2><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before the race begins, stretch your muscles. Warm up your body by doing stretches from head to toe. Stretch everything from your neck to your hamstrings. Warm up completely. You will find that it will pay off in the end. Save yourself injuries and put in the time stretching before the race.</span></div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>5. Pace Yourself</b></span></h2><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the race begins, pace yourself. While most runners will take off out of the gate fast, they find themselves losing momentum toward the end. If you start off your first half mile pacing yourself, your finish will be stronger. Save your energy for the last half mile of the race and give it all you've got. It will be more rewarding to have a solid finish than to finish barely hanging on.</span></div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>6. Give It All You've Got</b></span></h2><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Save your strength for the finish. When you approach the half way mark you should be picking up the pace to finish strong. Give it all you've got in your last quarter mile. Not only will you sprint past runners, you will have an easier time finishing if you give it that extra push.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Test out your new 5K running skills at the <a href="http://www.buttondowndash.com/">Button Down Dash</a>. Join GMC at the inaugural race. <a href="http://www.active.com/10k-race/duluth-ga/button-down-dash-5k-and-10k-2012">Register today</a>. </div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-31377720178269065662012-07-05T10:48:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:18.172-07:00It's Your Knee. Keep It That Way.<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">People vary in more ways than gender, race and size. This is especially important when considering the best treatment for your knee osteoarthritis. The <a href="http://www.conformis.com/Patients/ConforMIS-Patient-Specific-Implants/iTotal-Total-Knee-Replacement-Device">iTotal</a> is designed to fit your anatomy and only your anatomy so you can get back to doing what you love. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOnDLWxVN0ikHo1AUqYl2VTbslTfB_kd3d3DJ0agDVt8F9MY_J7_g2J7mcIxDD3Zx3hEDuLMg2ktEZTd-_6dUoVbj8O0zWvnT3PO1TwX6BTaCRuYCJbR7CMVb-21yzUbZG4JrpSx_pLE/s1600/running+couple+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOnDLWxVN0ikHo1AUqYl2VTbslTfB_kd3d3DJ0agDVt8F9MY_J7_g2J7mcIxDD3Zx3hEDuLMg2ktEZTd-_6dUoVbj8O0zWvnT3PO1TwX6BTaCRuYCJbR7CMVb-21yzUbZG4JrpSx_pLE/s320/running+couple+cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://www.conformis.com/">ConforMIS</a> iTotal (the "i" stands for individualized) is a patient-specific <img align="right" alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.conformis.com/uploadImages/iTotal_thumb.jpg" width="142" />knee implant intended for use as a total knee replacement for patients with knee joint and disability. The iTotal is appropriate for patients of any age whose conditions cannot be solely addressed by the use of an implant designed to treat only one or two of the three knee compartments. </span></div><h2 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The iTotal implant is designed to fit your anatomy</span></h2><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Combining proven total knee replacement (TKR) principles with the unique advantages of a ConforMIS patient-specific knee system, ConforMIS has developed the only personalized total knee replacement implant designed to conform precisely to your own unique anatomy. The ConforMIS approach is based on the principal that because people vary in more ways than gender, race and size, so should their implant. ConforMIS implants are personalized to fit your knee and only your knee.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Personalized implants offer unique advantages versus traditional knee replacement. Because each ConforMIS implant is designed specifically for you, the implants have articulating surfaces that better match your natural shape. Traditional knee replacements offer "off the shelf" implants in a limited range of sizes making it necessary for a surgeon to make sizing compromises during surgery. Because your ConforMIS implant is designed to fit only your knee, sizing compromises common with traditional implants are eliminated. Traditional knee replacements require the surgeon to cut bone during surgery in order to fit your anatomy to the "off the shelf" sized implants. ConforMIS <strong>designs the implant to fit your anatomy</strong> therefore allowing the surgeon to preserve as much of your bone as possible. </span></div><h3 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">iTotal CR Features:</span></h3><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" type="disc"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Made for each individual, based on their anatomy </span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">No sizing compromises common with traditional non-personalized implants </span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Implants that better match your natural shape </span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">More bone preservation than traditional total knee replacement procedures </span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Designed to restore the natural shape of your knee </span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">More bone preservation allows for potential treatment options in the future </span></li></ul><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a commitment to continue to transform healthcare for our patients, we offer this revolutionary treatment option, and our specialty-trained <a href="http://physicians.gwinnettjointprogram.com/directory/list.asp?dbase=main&setsize=10&display=Y">orthopedic surgeons</a> are here to help you get back to what you love. GMC offers comprehensive <a href="http://gwinnettjointprogram.com/procedures">joint care</a> that includes knee and hip replacements. To learn more about iTotal, visit<a href="http://www.conformis.com/"> conformis.com</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. </span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-37838036089697410832012-06-28T09:00:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:18.269-07:00Intimidated By The Gym?<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8gRSevcjDQDAiL-roIS9nLPDoJ3X4-tjSUiPPsZD4RvYIH2eMSamBrc4CK-VvzF_3PeVH_ZDTtYDGIooUGAx0S0seaAFdm7XV2UeOtkR_q7vRk1pHjUJrHkglLhaEwyWnuyiBL3cN-o/s1600/exercise+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8gRSevcjDQDAiL-roIS9nLPDoJ3X4-tjSUiPPsZD4RvYIH2eMSamBrc4CK-VvzF_3PeVH_ZDTtYDGIooUGAx0S0seaAFdm7XV2UeOtkR_q7vRk1pHjUJrHkglLhaEwyWnuyiBL3cN-o/s320/exercise+class.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Don’t let fear keep you from getting the exercise you deserve. To show you there’s no reason to be “gymtimidated,” we will shed some light on the common reasons people fear the gym.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>GYMTIMIDATION #1: I’M NOT FIT ENOUGH FOR A GYM.</b><br />“People think, ‘I’m too out of shape to be here,’ ” says Neal Pire, a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. “Clients have said to me, ‘I really want to train with you, but I want to get in shape first.’ Everyone expects the people [in gyms] to look like bodybuilders and runway models.” Granted, different gyms have different personalities and patrons, and some of them do cater to the hard-body type. That’s why it’s important to get a tour and talk with some of the members before signing on the dotted line. You can also ask friends and co-workers for a referral. You’ll get an insider’s view and, in some cases, they may earn a referral discount or reward. Some gyms provide a free pass for a week. Take advantage of these offers, and shop around. Wherever you decide to call your workout hangout, don’t worry about what others are thinking of you. Chances are, they’re too focused on their own workouts to pay much attention anyway.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>GYMTIMIDATION #2: I DON’T KNOW HOW TO USE THE EQUIPMENT.</b><br />This is a valid concern for two reasons: First, using equipment properly is the key to a successful workout. And second, using equipment improperly puts you at risk for injury. The most important thing at the gym is to use proper form. More so than weight, it matters how you lift it. But there’s an easy solution: Choose a facility with certified trainers on staff, and ask for help. “A lot of clubs, traditionally, have provided one gratis training session with each new member,” Pire says. “Your trainer will teach you how to make your way around the room, and how to use the machines effectively and safely.” Want to try something new after your free session? Ask a skilled member. <br /><br /><b>GYMTIMIDATION #3: I CAN’T RUN AS FAST AS THE WOMAN NEXT TO ME OR LIFT AS MUCH AS THE GUY TWO MACHINES OVER.</b><br />I used to shield the display on my elliptical machine to keep others from spying me entering my weight or workout time. But it soon dawned on me—nobody’s taking notes on my exercise routine. When I see someone hop on a machine next to me, work out for 10 minutes and split, I think nothing of it. I have no idea if he or she was warming up, cooling down, back for a fourth round or starting slow after an illness or injury. Most importantly, it doesn’t matter. We’re not here to judge, and you won’t be either. Go at your own pace, and remember that you need only compete against yourself.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Exercise Etiquette</b><br />Once you get over your major gym fears, you may still have some trepidation about going to an unfamiliar place. That’s normal, says Edward Gilbert, M.S., CSCS, exercise specialist at GMC’s <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=196">Gwinnett SportsRehab</a>. But keep his top dos and don’ts in mind, and in no time you’ll “fit” right in.</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do restack your weights properly when you’re finished using them.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Don’t linger on equipment when you’re not using it. Get up between sets to allow someone else a turn. (Hint: If someone asks if he can “work in” with you, this is what he means.)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do wipe down your equipment when you’re finished so it’s clean for the next person.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Don’t expect lengthy social interaction. The gym can be great for socializing and meeting new people, but keep conversations short. If you want to talk more, suggest grabbing coffee later or exchanging phone numbers.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Do keep your cellphone on silent, and if you need to take a call, step outside.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;">Need a Gym?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Are you interested in working out, but don’t know where to go? Try <a href="http://gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=294">GwinnettSportsRehab’s</a> two open gyms. Call Edward Gilbert at 678-312-2810 for more information. </span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-17032989997699249242012-06-22T06:06:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:18.468-07:00Considering Skipping Out On Rehab? Think Again!<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You’re recovering from an injury or just had surgery. As you pack your bags to go home, your doctor prescribes six to eight weeks of rehabilitation therapy. “Ugh, what’s the point?” you ask. Well, we’ll tell you. Before you assume that rehabilitation is a painful waste of time, it’s important to understand its purpose and the realities of what to expect.<br /><br />Here are the most common types of<a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/rehabilitation/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=190"> rehabilitation</a> and what you can expect from each, so you can stop dragging your feet—and start feeling better.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcANJImZ6w64qxpEkdoazMAXVkXlkOvxbTBJMD0JauJ-TF6YIcV2gERNJXXHIu9C2xhnw1d7MBJq5bV7-DUXcjqJ3L_4swd_AGA-zPcIMC0UCaLVzSj_rz-QWJg-KLIXydaYyF0q5Ymk/s1600/litegait+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcANJImZ6w64qxpEkdoazMAXVkXlkOvxbTBJMD0JauJ-TF6YIcV2gERNJXXHIu9C2xhnw1d7MBJq5bV7-DUXcjqJ3L_4swd_AGA-zPcIMC0UCaLVzSj_rz-QWJg-KLIXydaYyF0q5Ymk/s320/litegait+019.jpg" width="210" /></a></span></div><a name='more'></a><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://gwinnettsportsmed.com/physical-and-occupational-therapy"><b>PHYSICAL THERAPY</b></a><br />WHO NEEDS IT: Individuals with brain, spinal cord or musculoskeletal injuries; those with chronic and progressive diseases and disorders; and those recovering from major orthopedic surgeries like <a href="http://gwinnettjointprogram.com/procedures/total-knee-replacement">knee</a> or <a href="http://gwinnettjointprogram.com/procedures/total-hip-replacement-overview">hip</a> replacements.<br /><br />HOW IT HELPS: It helps patients gain or regain strength, balance, stability and range of motion. Your physical therapist will push you enough to help you keep making progress and moving toward your goals without injuring yourself. Particularly after <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=298">orthopedic surgeries</a>, it’s critical that the patient get moving the right way to avoid lifelong limitations and future injuries.<br /><br />WHAT TO EXPECT: <a href="http://gwinnettsportsmed.com/physical-and-occupational-therapy">Physical therapy</a> may include physical activity, body-mechanics training or hands on treatment. Rehab isn’t torture. It can be challenging and sometimes uncomfortable, but the discomfort will be manageable. Believe it or not, most patients come to enjoy—and even look forward to—their sessions. With the right attitude, it really can be as much fun as it is work.Your therapy also may include enjoyable activities like a massage or a warm paraffin wax or heating pad application to ease muscle tension and improve flexibility.<br /><br /><a href="http://gwinnettsportsmed.com/physical-and-occupational-therapy"><b>OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY</b></a><br />WHO NEEDS IT: Individuals faced with physical, mental, emotional or developmental challenges that affect their ability to complete everyday tasks.<br /><br />HOW IT HELPS: Patients work around their challenges to regain their independence and become a productive member of their homes and communities. Occupational therapy is usually concurrent with and complementary to physical therapy. It’s about helping the patient return home and reenter society as smoothly as possible with their new limitations and challenges.<br /><br />WHAT TO EXPECT: <a href="http://gwinnettsportsmed.com/sports-rehab-therapists">Occupational therapists</a> may help patients make changes to their home to make getting around easier, or teach them how to use adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs or modified tools and utensils. They can also offer guidance to family members on how and when to help. The focus is on helping patients adjust to their “new normal,” so to speak—finding new ways to achieve normal tasks. Sessions usually take place at home, work or in the community so patients can get hands-on practice navigating their environment. The goal is to get them comfortable living independently and feeling capable doing day-to-day activities on their own after the therapy has ended.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=309"><b>SPEECH THERAPY</b></a><br />WHO NEEDS IT: Individuals suffering from <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=309">speech</a>, language and <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=310">swallowing</a> difficulties caused by a surgery; injury; disease; defect, such as cleft palate; developmental delay; or a traumatic event, such as stroke.<br /><br />HOW IT HELPS: Patients strengthen the muscles of the mouth, throat and vocal cords to communicate more effectively.<br /> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">WHAT TO EXPECT: A speech therapist will first identify your unique needs, strengths and weaknesses using a series of questions and tests. Speech therapy can be challenging, intense work, but it can also be a lot of fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and be prepared to get a little silly. Speech therapy often involves a lot of throat, mouth and tongue exercises that can evoke a smile from even the most serious person. It’s not uncommon for patients to sing or even laugh during speech therapy, and that’s a good thing. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.gmcheart.com/our-services/cardiac-wellness-center"><b>CARDIAC REHABILITATION</b></a><br />WHO NEEDS IT: Individuals who have heart disease, usually recovering from a heart attack or surgery.<br /><br />HOW IT HELPS: Patients stabilize and recover from a cardiac event or surgery and, through diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and counseling, learn to slow or reverse the progression of<br />heart disease.<br /><br />WHAT TO EXPECT: Cardiac rehab is a comprehensive type of rehab that may include a combination of one-on-one <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/nutrition-and-weight-management/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=155">nutrition counseling</a>, <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/programs-classes/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=233">smoking-cessation classes</a> and <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=294">physical activity</a>. It’s an all-angles approach that really works. Studies show that patients recovering from heart attacks who attend cardiac rehabilitation have lower mortality rates than patients who didn’t go through rehabilitation. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Prepare for Your First P.T. Appointment<br />Be prepared for your first physical therapy appointment. Visit <a href="http://gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/sportsrehab">gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/sportsrehab</a>, then click “Gwinnett SportsRehab FAQs.” You can also click “<a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=197">Gwinnett SportsRehab Team</a>” to learn about the therapists who will treat you. GMC offers <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/rehabilitation/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=284">inpatient</a> and <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/rehabilitation/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=285">outpatient </a>rehabilitation in Lawrenceville and Duluth. </span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-51413641302748474782012-06-20T08:40:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:18.584-07:00Traditional Knee Replacement vs. Personalized Knee Implant<style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .2in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Every year, approximately 581,000 knee replacement procedures are performed across the United States. The procedure is designed to help those suffering from arthritis and other forms of knee pain that can inhibit everyday life and keep them from doing what they love. Sometimes medication and changes in activity level aren’t enough. If that is the case, a total knee replacement procedure at </span><a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/facilities/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=49" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gwinnett Medical Center –Duluth</a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> can offer a long-term solution.</span> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_anAF-zj1037zrs6XlDER5_WMrEn7zsFzkMySU_kd5TgQHTYaox5BNGHRMbwY6oh_uJRYZGfj4wFLyLigNmIQOPwCmFc6uthoqtaX9Ix6s2qTzXHHaytipeKyESRwQOvvU5tsoA8IaZk/s1600/knee+rehab+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_anAF-zj1037zrs6XlDER5_WMrEn7zsFzkMySU_kd5TgQHTYaox5BNGHRMbwY6oh_uJRYZGfj4wFLyLigNmIQOPwCmFc6uthoqtaX9Ix6s2qTzXHHaytipeKyESRwQOvvU5tsoA8IaZk/s320/knee+rehab+pool.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br /> <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The pain associated with knee replacement ranges from moderate to severe. Knee pain can occur during rest or times of activity. Total knee replacement surgery is a viable option for people suffering from a variety of symptoms including: severe knee pain that limits everyday activities, moderate or severe knee pain during rest, chronic swelling and inflammation that does not improve with rest or medications, lack of pain relief from anti-inflammatory medications and an inability to bend and completely straighten the knee. </span><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The procedure is not limited to a specific age; symptoms like these occur in all age groups. As a matter of fact, an orthopedic surgeon bases the recommendation for surgery on a patient’s disability and pain, not age. <a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">While total knee replacement provides individuals with one solution, it is not the only one. Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth offers a variety of alternatives including a more personalized approach that does not involve total joint replacement. A patient that chooses this procedure will receive a personalized implant that resurfaces the joint instead of replacing it. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The personalized implant offers unique advantages versus the traditional knee replacement procedure. It is patient-specific, meaning the implant is tailored specifically to the patient’s needs and offers a fit unique to the patient’s individual size and shape. The implant provides a natural, anatomic feel and alignment. The procedure can be less invasive than traditional knee replacement, and patients often experience a faster recovery. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Whether it’s total knee replacement or a personalized implant, the decision to have surgery should be made by the patient, their family and their orthopedic surgeon. And when the decision is made, Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth<span> </span>will be ready to help.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Learn more about total knee replacement and personalized implants at <a href="http://gwinnettjointprogram.com/procedures.">gwinnettjointprogram.com/procedures.</a></span></span></div><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-58183574040350938202012-06-19T10:56:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:18.683-07:00Get Real: Reality TV Habits That Can Lead To Heart Disease<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Whether it’s a race around the world, an exercise in living with strangers or a desperate (and let’s face it, unseemly) attempt to pair off on a deserted island, reality shows capture our attention. If you watch reality shows, and statistics suggest you probably do, you might identify with the common personality types and the attributes that put them at risk for heart problems. See if you recognize any of these personalities from your own life—and learn what you and your loved ones can do to help improve their heart health.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsVWjs9ObLBGXdN3QjHjJUXqx_VgTqCsYsM0ZkYSGlIvDfBm-Q4jFNrOOzYyJil8isjTTJKB0WEU71XiLt5Yzfv_H6-tChP9OjYYxhNFnab14C4IgBRSNPadnNk8YDFsHjnPKNsKfSLc/s1600/OLD+SCHOOL+TV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsVWjs9ObLBGXdN3QjHjJUXqx_VgTqCsYsM0ZkYSGlIvDfBm-Q4jFNrOOzYyJil8isjTTJKB0WEU71XiLt5Yzfv_H6-tChP9OjYYxhNFnab14C4IgBRSNPadnNk8YDFsHjnPKNsKfSLc/s320/OLD+SCHOOL+TV.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>THE PARTIER</b><br />RISKY BEHAVIORS: Smoking and excessive drinking.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />THE SITUATION: According to the <a href="http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/">National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute</a>, cigarette smoking causes one in five deaths. When you smoke cigarettes, chemicals enter your bloodstream and damage cells, blood vessels and the heart itself. “Smoking is the worst thing you can do for your heart,” says Richard H. Carmona, M.D., a former U.S. Surgeon General and an advisory board member of the educational program “Time to Talk CARDIO.”<br />And while the occasional beer or glass of wine in the evenings isn’t a threat, excessive drinking is.<br /><br />STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: If you are a bit of a partier, the most important thing you can do is quit smoking. Your doctor can help you through the process or recommend resources. If drinking is about socializing with friends, try to find other ways to engage, such as meeting for coffee or lunch—or even at the racquetball court—to help minimize the urge to drink and maybe even do something healthy instead.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>THE OVERWEIGHT JOKESTER</b><br />RISKY BEHAVIORS: Poor eating habits, lack of physical activity.<br /><br />THE SITUATION: An increase in unhealthy eating habits and a decline in physical activity in the U.S. have contributed directly to the rise in obesity. And obesity is a key risk factor in heart disease and other health conditions. “We believe, and our data indicates, that only half a percent of Americans are actually following our [heart-healthy] diet,” says Ralph Sacco, M.D., immediate past president of the American Heart Association.<br /><br />STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: The American Heart Association recommends a diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruit, fiber-rich whole-grain foods, fish twice a week and lean meats. Plus, reducing your intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and added sugars will make a big difference. In addition, strive for less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol and less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium each day. And make sure you’re exercising enough: at least 150 minutes per week. Just 30 minutes a day, five days a week is all it takes to get started on the road to better health.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>THE BAD BOY</b><br />RISKY BEHAVIOR: Ignoring doctor’s orders or not going to the doctor at all.<br /><br />THE SITUATION: Without knowing your current numbers, you won’t know your heart-health risk, and you won’t know what actions are necessary. “The three numbers we want people to know and control are blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol,” Sacco says. “The first step [toward heart health] is identification of where people are in terms of ideal cardiovascular health.” The next step is following your doctor’s orders, be it a lifestyle change or a medication prescription.<br /><br />STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: First, if you haven’t been to the doctor in a while, check the ’tude at the door, and make an appointment for a physical. Then, make sure you ask questions and understand your health risks. Ask about blood test results, your individual risk and any preventive steps you should take.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>THE BLAMER</b><br />RISKY BEHAVIORS: Blaming poor health on genetics and failing to see the impact of one’s own choices.<br /><br />THE SITUATION: “For cardiovascular disease and stroke, genetics is important, but it<br />doesn’t account for the majority of the risk,” Sacco says.<br /><br />STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: Are you guilty of blaming your parents for your bad cholesterol levels? Rather than pointing fingers, take charge. “If your grandfather died in his 50s, you know you need to do something about your heart health,” says Gordon A. Ewy, M.D., who has been recognized as a “CPR Giant” by the American Heart Association for his work in CPR and defibrillation. Even if your family history is working against you, you can take steps to reduce your risk. By getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats, you can make a difference.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>THE MOTHER FIGURE</b><br />RISKY BEHAVIORS: Not recognizing her own risk and failing to put herself first.<br /><br />THE SITUATION: For a lot of women, their own health takes a back seat to jobs, families and other commitments. Whether it’s packing lunches, chauffeuring young children to soccer practice or caring for ailing parents, a woman’s work is never done. But a lot of women don’t realize their own heart risk. The bottom line is that more women than men die of heart disease in the U.S.<br /><br />STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: Recognize your risk. Heart disease is the leading cause of death of American women (and men, too). Women need to make sure they take time for themselves—time to see their physician and to exercise, for example. Get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked, and if you have risk factors, address them early. Although you may have responsibilities for your family and your job, you also have a duty to eat right, exercise and take care of yourself. “The greatest asset any of us has is our health, and we take it for granted,” Carmona says. “Each of us should have a goal of pursuing optimal health.”</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>THE OVERACHIEVER</b><br />RISKY BEHAVIOR: Takes on too much—with stress as the result.<br /><br />THE SITUATION: “There are indirect relationships between heart disease and stress,” Sacco says. When you’re stressed, he explains, your pulse and blood pressure increase, and many people find themselves nibbling on unhealthy snacks to cope.<br /><br />STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: “The first step is to recognize that stress is linked to your health,” Carmona says. “And understand what your stressors are.” Then, you can work toward avoiding major stressors and learning how to cope. If you can’t eliminate the stress in your life, find healthy ways of dealing with it, such as exercise, yoga, meditation or talking with a friend. “Sometimes it might also involve talking to a professional,” Carmona says.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>THE YOUNG GUN</b><br />RISKY BEHAVIOR: Feeling invincible.<br /><br />THE SITUATION: “When you’re in your 20s and 30s, you think you’re going to live forever,” Ewy says. “The last thing you worry about is your health.” The main problem that needs to be addressed, he explains, is obesity. “The number of extremely obese people is really striking,” he says. And now is the time to take care of it. “When you gain weight in your 20s, it gets harder to take it off in your 40s and 50s,” Sacco says.<br /><br />STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: “It’s never too early to start changing your behavior,” Sacco says. “The things you do in your 20s definitely have an impact by your 50s and 60s. We want people to start as early as possible.” The sooner you stop smoking, for example, the greater your chance of living longer. Likewise, Sacco says, now is the time to make physical activity a regular part of your day to ensure you maintain a lifelong healthy weight.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Consult the Heart-Health Experts<br />To learn about the cardiology services provided at Gwinnett Medical Center, visit <a href="http://gmcheart.com/">gmcheart.com</a>.</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-76186906165865220142012-06-19T07:09:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:18.780-07:00Get Dad To The Doc<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Does the man in your life avoid going to the doctor like, well, the plague? It’s not uncommon for men to skip routine visits. But the consequences of ignoring their health could be detrimental. Half of men between ages 18 and 50 don’t even have a primary care physician, and one-third haven’t had a checkup in more than a year, according to a 2011 survey commissioned by <i>Esquire</i> magazine. Honor dad this Father's Day by giving him the gift of health. And just in case dad would rather be anywhere but the doctor, here are four common excuses, and a game plan to counteract them. </div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9W94Dlb6JlOYX5ydFu1W36SWM4uNrrpRiTJWWW_E_cHRz3FCWtVy4_V9_0nkSo0YaDT6uknXdxrP_YRPJCgcpmpDmtVdGHvQqb2A1R4B7WBj_VBPyax2lta2aS76jOUrHFQ4bby-8o0/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9W94Dlb6JlOYX5ydFu1W36SWM4uNrrpRiTJWWW_E_cHRz3FCWtVy4_V9_0nkSo0YaDT6uknXdxrP_YRPJCgcpmpDmtVdGHvQqb2A1R4B7WBj_VBPyax2lta2aS76jOUrHFQ4bby-8o0/s320/family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Excuse: "I feel fine."</b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some guys feel good on a day-to-day basis. They see themselves as strong, capable and active, so why bother with the doctor? <br /><br /><b>Game plan:</b><br />When a warning light appears on your car’s dashboard, the damage is already done. Similarly, by the time your body feels run down, it can be difficult to fix. You never feel high cholesterol. Waiting until there are symptoms such as chest pains is way too late. Life-threatening conditions take root in a man’s early years, so the sooner you pay attention to your health, the better. Heart disease starts when people are in their 20s and teens. It starts early, and if it’s diagnosed early, it can be stopped and reversed. The key to preventing heart attack and stroke is to diagnose it early on and make lifestyle changes that will reverse the progression of the disease. Your physician can help you spot and prevent many deadly diseases, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, pneumonia and depression. Simple steps like getting flu shots, checking blood pressure and cholesterol levels and monitoring your weight can lengthen the life of your engine.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Excuse: "I don't have time."</b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, he knows he should see a doctor. The problem is he can’t find the time. After all, he may be working and caring for young children in addition to elderly parents. To complicate matters, the doctor’s office is far away and closed on weekends. Twelve percent of men told the American Academy of Family Physicians that “time” is their biggest deterrent.<br /><br /><b>Game plan:</b><br />It’s important to find a doctor’s office that accommodates your schedule. Choose one close to work or one that is open on weekends. Some doctors encourage email correspondence and allow you to request prescriptions online. And remember, the reward for carving out a little time for your health now may be a lot of time in the future, plus the energy to enjoy it.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Excuse: "I don't want to talk about it."</b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Women are more comfortable talking about their health. They’ve been getting annual exams since they were 18, they read health magazines, they chat about personal issues with girlfriends—it’s part of their culture, says Maria Regan, author of Help Your Man Get Healthy: An Essential Guide for Every Caring Woman. “In contrast, men’s conversations tend to revolve around face topics like work and sports,” she says. “They don’t want to share anything that makes them feel like they’re in a weaker position or they have a problem.” <br /><br /><b>Game plan:</b><br />It’s easier for a guy to avoid a problem if he doesn’t talk about it. A physician will ask how often you smoke, drink, eat vegetables and exercise, and about your family’s medical history. Simply starting this conversation usually can help you identify positive goals. This leads to action, and action leads to empowerment. That’s something even the strong, silent type can appreciate. Steven Jonas, M.D., co-author of Help Your Man Get Healthy, says he experiences this when managing his own health. When he suffers running injuries, the simple act of calling a doctor makes him feel better because he knows recovery is in sight: “I call it therapeutic appointment making.”</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Excuse: "Exams are so uncomfortable."</b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No one enjoys disrobing to be poked and prodded by a near-stranger. Plus, men are encouraged to get prostate exams and colonoscopies at 50, and that sounds unpleasant.<br /><br /><b>Game plan:</b><br />One of the most important things a man can do is find a general practitioner whom he trusts and feels comfortable with. This will put him at ease and might lead to better medical results. “Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men,” Jonas says. A rectal exam at your checkup can help find this disease, and detecting cancer early is key to survival. Advances in medical equipment have made colonoscopies much more comfortable than they used to be as well, Jonas adds. It’s important to talk with your doctor about when and how often to get screened, because timing can vary. And if something does make you uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about your concerns.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Need a Doctor for Dad? Look No Further Than GMC<br />To find a primary care physician near you, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/physician.</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-38930275818706412842012-06-11T07:34:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:18.879-07:00Suffering from Pelvic Floor Prolapse: Know Your Options<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="content"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"></span></span>About 200,000 women have prolapse surgery each year in the United States.<sup>1</sup> Risk factors for prolapse include:</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li>Age</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Hysterectomy</li><li>Collagen quality</li><li>Smoking</li><li><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent">Multiple vaginal deliveries</span></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"></span></span>One in nine women who undergo a hysterectomy will experience vaginal prolapse and 10% of these women may need surgical repair of a major vaginal prolapse<sup>2</sup><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"></span>. </div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Vaginal prolapse occurs when the network of muscles, ligaments and skin that holds the vagina in its correct anatomical position weakens. This causes the vagina to prolapse—slip or fall—from its normal position.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Uterine prolapse occurs when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken, reducing support for the uterus. The uterus then slips or falls into the vaginal canal. <span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent">Typically, prolapse of the vagina and uterus gradually worsens over time and can only be fully corrected with surgery. Learn about treatment options, which include a minimally invasive technique using a robot.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMibMiyvKT3-JfKogo3VGVFOVzp9gfSadM_d9y6SLEnsy6Hj0GhfoTgjJ5HO9fQzfQ04I7MrdkHRO_VxGuhFQx8uwWuo24Nm-8om0VOIC9SznuyxwUV3pQGbDrC-JBI1VtpSVYrta4Xnk/s1600/da_Vinci_action_024003+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMibMiyvKT3-JfKogo3VGVFOVzp9gfSadM_d9y6SLEnsy6Hj0GhfoTgjJ5HO9fQzfQ04I7MrdkHRO_VxGuhFQx8uwWuo24Nm-8om0VOIC9SznuyxwUV3pQGbDrC-JBI1VtpSVYrta4Xnk/s320/da_Vinci_action_024003+copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The da Vinci surgical robot is lead by a specialty-trained physician.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Prolapse can cause the following symptoms:</div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li> A feeling of heaviness or pulling in your pelvis</li><li> Tissue protruding from your vagina</li><li> Painful intercourse</li><li> Pelvic pain and difficulties with urination and bowel movements</li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The most effective way to correct vaginal prolapse and resolve symptoms is called sacrocolpopexy.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In this procedure, surgical mesh is used to hold the vagina in its correct anatomical position. The mesh remains in place permanently. Sacrocolpopexy can also be performed following a hysterectomy to treat uterine prolapse and provide long-term support of the vagina.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Three approaches to sacrocolpopexy</b></div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li> <b>Open surgery</b>—A 6- to 12-inch horizontal incision is made in the lower abdomen in order to manually access the pelvic organs, including the uterus. While the success rate of open abdominal sacrocolpopexy is high, recovery time can be long, including a five- to six-day hospital stay.</li><li> <b>Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy</b>—A minimally invasive alternative, this approach is generally considered to be technically challenging due to the extensive suturing and dissection required coupled with the limitations of traditional laparoscopic technology.</li><li> <b>Robotic sacrocolpopexy</b>—A less invasive surgical procedure that uses the <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=384">da Vinci® robot</a>, this delicate operation delivers unmatched precision and is performed through a few tiny incisions.</li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For most women, robotic surgery offers numerous potential benefits over a traditional open approach to sacrocolpopexy, including:</div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li> Significantly less pain<sup>3</sup></li><li> Less blood loss and fewer blood transfusions<sup>4</sup></li><li> Minimally invasive surgical option for women with large, numerous or difficult to access fibroids<sup>5</sup></li><li> Fewer complications and a lower risk of infection<sup>3</sup></li><li> Shorter hospital stay<sup>3</sup></li><li> Faster recovery and return to normal activities<sup>3</sup></li><li> Small, dime-sized incisions for minimal scarring<sup>6 </sup></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"><sup></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent"><b>For a physician referral, call 678-312-5000 or <a href="http://physicians.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/" target="_blank">click here to find a doctor</a> and search “robotic surgery.” <a href="https://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/surgical-services/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=399">Request a free testimonial and education DVD about robotic hysterectomies.</a></b></span></span></span><br /><br /><sup>1</sup><i>Boyles SH, Weber AM, Meyn L. Procedures for pelvic organ prolapse in the United States, 1979-1997. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2003 Jan;188(1):108-15. Abstract.</i><br /> <sup>2</sup><i>Marchionni M, Bracco GL, Checcucci V, Carabaneanu A, Coccia EM, Mecacci F, Scarselli G. True incidence of vaginal vault prolapse. Thirteen years of experience. Journal of Reproductive Medicine 1999 Aug;44(8):679-84. Abstract. </i><br /> <sup>3</sup><i>Piquion-Joseph JM, Navar A, Ghazaryan A, Papanna R, Klimek W, Laroia R, Robot-assisted gynecological surgery in a community setting; Journal of Robotic Surgery (2009) pp. 1-4 </i><br /> <sup>4</sup><i>Visco AG, Advincula AP, Robotic Gynecologic Surgery; Obstetrics and gynecology (2008) 112 (6), pp. 1369-1384 </i><br /> <sup>5</sup><i>Advincula AP, Song A, Burke W, Reynolds RK; Preliminary Experience with Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy; Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (2004)11(4):511–518</i><br /> <sup>6</sup><i><a href="http://www.brighamandwomens.org/patient/robotics" target="_blank">www.brighamandwomens.org/patient/robotics</a></i></span></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-76776643604379058402012-06-11T06:21:00.001-07:002012-06-11T06:21:46.451-07:00Hello WorldHello WorldAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-52232423109536915572012-06-08T07:29:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:18.974-07:00This One's For the Girls<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In your role as wife, mom and career woman, your health may have fallen on your priority list to somewhere between cleaning the garage and detailing your dryer’s lint trap with a toothbrush. Well, give the toothbrush a rest. It’s time to give your well-being VIP status. Starting today, use this handy, by-the-decade guide to good health. The dryer lint can wait. Your well-being? Not so much.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9GFQlbM_TxUUi5pWYTIjHOAfKyKDm1HdTJooxIJwCFKCTxagu0715D3T7p2CvQlWN-M6u0AdrFX3DNdu8m4XTnr1_eoD9Y28DRJoQAm1HRB2G2PYAx-YZQWjChlc51YAF01sAdvaLA0/s1600/3+generations+of+women.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9GFQlbM_TxUUi5pWYTIjHOAfKyKDm1HdTJooxIJwCFKCTxagu0715D3T7p2CvQlWN-M6u0AdrFX3DNdu8m4XTnr1_eoD9Y28DRJoQAm1HRB2G2PYAx-YZQWjChlc51YAF01sAdvaLA0/s320/3+generations+of+women.JPG" width="242" /></a></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">In Your 20s</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Focus on: Establishing a healthy lifestyle that includes annual checkups and practicing safe sex.<br /><br />Stay-healthy strategies: Annual screenings and doctor appointments? Those may sound like things more suited to your grandparents, but it’s important that you start a healthy ritual of annual checkups with your primary care physician and your OB/GYN now. Also, ensure future health success by maintaining your weight, eating a healthy diet and incorporating exercise into your routine.<br /><br />Screenings to schedule: Start getting Pap tests and a clinical breast exam every two years at age 21, and get screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia yearly after you become sexually active. Schedule a physical with your primary care physician to check your blood pressure and to determine which immunizations you need. You should get a tetanus booster every 10 years. In addition, the Office on Women’s Health recommends those 26 and younger (to age 9) complete the HPV vaccine series.<br /><br />DIY: Take a daily multivitamin that contains folic acid, calcium and vitamin D.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">In Your 30s</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Focus on: Getting enough sleep and keeping the numbers on the scale from creeping up.<br /><br />Stay-healthy strategies: If you are juggling a family and a career, make sure sleep and exercise aren’t the last things on your to-do list. If you’re not pushing a stroller yet but would like to be soon, bring it up to your OB/ GYN. She will cover all the preconception details you need, from which vaccines are necessary now to the importance of getting enough folic acid.<br /><br />Screenings to schedule: If your previous Pap tests have been normal, schedule one every three years, starting at age 30. Continue to get your blood pressure checked at your annual physical—hypertension is often tied to weight gain.<br /><br />DIY: Conduct a breast self-exam once a month, and talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">In Your 40s</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Focus on: Taking time for yourself and staying in tune with your mental health. <br /><br />Stay-healthy strategies: Dealing with growing children, aging parents and a demanding career can take its toll. And remember, exercise provides you with the perfect trifecta by boosting feel-good hormones, taking a whack at your stress and keeping your <a href="http://gwinnettbariatrics.org/bmi-calculator">BMI</a> within the healthy range, so make time to get moving. Finding an exercise buddy can help you stay on track and give both of you a sympathetic ear to vent to. And don’t forget about contraception. Talk to your doctor about long-term solutions.<br /><br />Screenings to schedule: Pap tests every three years are still on the table; you should also schedule a mammogram every one to two years. And beginning at 45, have your cholesterol<br />checked every five years, and get tested for diabetes every three.<br /><br />DIY: Add strength training to your workout routine to preserve muscle mass and bone density. Both are important as you age.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">In Your 50s</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Focus on: Getting enough fiber and scheduling the screenings you need—they’re essential!<br /><br />Stay-healthy strategies: If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings or trouble sleeping, speak to your doctor about possible treatments.<br /><br />Screenings to schedule: This time in your life brings new and necessary screenings. As you<br />continue mammograms and Pap tests, you’ll also want to sign up for a colonoscopy at 50 and get your thyroid checked. Keep on top of your heart health by continuing to have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked every two years and five years, respectively—and more often if levels are elevated.<br /><br />DIY: Taking an aspirin a day after age 55 may lower your risk of stroke, but speak to your doctor first to find out if it’s the right move for you.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">In Your 60s</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Focus on: Planning for the future and continuing your healthy ways.<br /><br />Stay-healthy strategies: It’s never too late to start exercising. No matter what age you<br />start, you get the benefits. Just be sure to clear any new regimen with your doctor first.<br /><br />Screenings to schedule: Good news! If you’re over 65 and your previous Pap tests were normal or you’ve had a hysterectomy (unrelated to cancer), you can cross these off your list. Instead, focus on getting a bone density screening at 65 and every two years after that. Continue getting mammograms after 65 (every one to two years), diabetes testing (every three years), blood pressure checks (every year) and cholesterol screenings (every three to<br />five years). Also, ask if you need a shingles vaccine (at age 60) and a pneumonia shot (at age 65). Colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years, so you’re due again.<br /><br />DIY: Keep your mind sharp by trying something new, whether it’s enrolling in a class or taking on a new hobby.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tools to Help You Succeed<br />GMC’s <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/facilities/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=58">Care-A-Van</a> offers mammograms throughout the community. Call 678-312-4760<br />to schedule the Care-A-Van to come to your organization or event. For an appointment on<br />the Care-A-Van, call 678-312-3444. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our expert exercise physiologist at<a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=196"> Gwinnett SportsRehab</a> can develop a <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/gwinnett-sportsrehab/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=294">customized exercise program</a> regardless of your fitness level. Call </span><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent">678-312-7440 for our Lawrenceville office or </span></span><span id="content"><span id="ctl00_cphcontent_ctl00_gvLoosePageData_ctl02_lblContent">678-312-2803 for our Duluth location. </span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-85837802729487094152012-06-08T06:22:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:19.070-07:00Get The Facts On Nutritional Supplements<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nutritional supplements can help balance your diet, but get the facts on what works, what doesn’t—and when they could be downright dangerous. About half of all Americans take dietary supplements, whether to patch nutritional holes in their daily diet or in an attempt to bolster their brainpower, boost their mood or keep the spring in their step.<br /><br />Popping a pill with breakfast is far easier than preparing three square meals a day, but experts emphasize that the products are called supplements for a reason—they’re best used as an addition to a well-balanced diet, not a replacement for one.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/">Office of Dietary Supplements</a>, part of the <a href="http://nih.gov/">National Institutes of Health (NIH)</a>, sponsors dietary research and summarizes scientific literature about supplements for health professionals and consumers. Free consumer <a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/">fact sheets</a> run through the benefits of, recommendations for and warnings about dozens of supplements, including these popular ones.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsTef6xNuJMgX5x06m20OmCPqKzduhMdy7629SOgVyfDHJvjqKzRBtgNSweLSlpjiMeDtCXe54i6NIEAGYkuh-H8aIU5zSlpZ2pvu5tz9ZN1ODXtk7Vp_gWvazolTB6l31HPRL85jGqs/s1600/food+pyramid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsTef6xNuJMgX5x06m20OmCPqKzduhMdy7629SOgVyfDHJvjqKzRBtgNSweLSlpjiMeDtCXe54i6NIEAGYkuh-H8aIU5zSlpZ2pvu5tz9ZN1ODXtk7Vp_gWvazolTB6l31HPRL85jGqs/s320/food+pyramid.jpg" width="319" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Calcium</b><br />The mineral is important for strong teeth and bones, which store more than 99 percent of the calcium in the body. As bones break down, the body pulls calcium from reserves to rebuild and remodel. (An increased intake of dietary calcium also appears to reduce PMS symptoms, but the same effect doesn’t occur with increased intake through supplements.)<br /><br />Dietary sources: Dairy products; leafy greens such as kale and broccoli; canned fish with bones; calcium-enriched citrus juices.<br /><br />Daily dose: The daily Dietary Reference Intakes for adults 19 and older is 1,000 milligrams a day; for women after 50, that goes up to 1,200. The NIH recommends not exceeding 1,200 mg a day, and consuming more than 2,500 mg a day could lead to adverse health effects.<br /><br />Dangers: Calcium can affect how the body absorbs certain antibiotics and bone-building bisphosphonate drugs, such as Boniva. Usually, taking the drugs at different times of the day will prevent the interaction.</span><br /><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Coenzyme Q10</b><br />Antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is part of every cell in your body. Without it, the body can’t convert carbohydrates and fats into energy that cells can use. But, as with so many other things, its quantity flags with age. The NIH considers it “possibly effective” for decreasing additional cardiac problems for heart attack patients, lowering blood pressure and slowing the decline of early Parkinson’s disease.<br /><br />Dietary sources: Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and tuna; liver; whole grains.<br /><br />Daily dose: A balanced diet usually provides sufficient amounts; there is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA). As a supplement, intake may range from 30 to 200 milligrams per day, ideally consumed with a meal containing fat, because CoQ10 is fat-soluble. The American Heart Association cautions that larger clinical trials are needed to study the safety and effectiveness of CoQ10 supplements.<br /><br />Dangers: Taking CoQ10 supplements with high blood pressure medications could cause blood pressure to drop too low. Also, it could decrease the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin.<br /><br /><b>Fish Oil/Omega-3 Fatty Acids</b><br />The omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help healthy hearts stay healthy while lowering high triglycerides, a risk factor for coronary disease, by 20 to 50 percent. Omega-3s also seem to expand blood vessels, which could lead to a modest drop in high blood pressure. The NIH considers fish oil only “possibly effective” as a treatment for a host of other conditions, from rheumatoid arthritis to depression.<br /><br />Dietary sources: Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, albacore tuna or lake trout. (The American Heart Association suggests at least two servings per week; a serving is 3.5 ounces cooked or three-fourths cup flaked.)<br /><br />Daily dose: Total omega-3 intake of 1 to 4 grams per day— but no more than 3 grams from capsules daily without a healthcare provider’s supervision. A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon has about a gram of omega-3 fatty acids.<br /><br />Dangers: Birth control pills may interfere with fish oil’s triglyceride-lowering capabilities. Taking fish oil and medications to lower blood pressure may drop blood pressure<br />dangerously low.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Zinc</b><br />An essential trace element, the metal zinc is necessary for the body’s growth and maintenance, including a strong immune system, wound healing and healthy vision.<br /><br />Daily dose: RDA for adults is 8 to 11 milligrams a day.<br /><br />Dietary sources: The body absorbs zinc from animal foods such as meat and poultry more readily than from plant foods, although it’s found also in legumes, mushrooms, cheese, and pumpkin and sunflower seeds. A healthy diet plus a multivitamin covers most people’s needs.<br /><br />Dangers: Zinc might reduce the effectiveness of some antibiotics, so take them at least two hours before a zinc supplement (or four to six hours after). Calcium supplements could decrease dietary zinc absorption, while zinc in turn can affect the body’s ability to absorb copper and iron.<br /><br /><b>Iron</b><br />Iron fuels red blood cells as they course through the body, delivering oxygen to cells and returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. The World Health Organization suggests that 80 percent of the world’s population may be iron-deficient.<br /><br />Dietary sources: Iron-rich foods include beef, lamb, chicken, pork, fish and beans.<br /><br />Daily dose: The RDA to prevent iron deficiency in adults is 8 mg a day for men 19 and older, 18 mg a day for premenopausal women. More than 45 mg a day could cause adverse health effects.<br /><br />Dangers: Iron is the most common cause of poisoning deaths in children, so kids younger than 18 shouldn’t be given iron supplements unless under a physician’s orders. Iron can also decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics, bone-strengthening bisphosphonates and other specific drugs.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b><br /><br /><b></b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>A Dose of Caution</b><br />Dietary supplements may share shelf space with drugs at the store, but they’re not the same. Michael Naughton, Pharm.D., director of pharmacy services at Gwinnett Medical Center, explains how important differences between the two affect how they’re labeled, marketed and regulated. It’s wise to inform your healthcare provider about supplements you’re taking, because some may cause adverse reactions or side effects when combined with medications.</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Drugs (pain relievers, cough syrup, antacids, etc.) can claim to treat, cure or prevent disease, and require approval from the Food and Drug Administration before they’re sold to the public.</span> </li><li>Dietary supplements<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>(vitamins, minerals, extracts,<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>herbs) can’t legally claim to<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>treat disease; instead, labels<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>may describe how the ingredients<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>normally affect the body<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>in phrases like “calcium builds<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>strong bones.” The manufacturer<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>is responsible for truth in<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>labeling, and the FDA must show<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>that a supplement is unsafe—not<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>just ineffective—before the<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>agency can restrict its use.</li><li>Consumers should be wary<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>of what they read on supplement<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>labels, especially if it<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>seems too good to be true, says<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Naughton, who adds that the<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Federal Trade Commission, not<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>the FDA, investigates claims<span style="font-size: small;"> about misleading labels.</span></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Need a Plan? Ask a Registered Dietitian<br />Make an appointment with one of GMC’s <a href="http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/nutrition-and-weight-management/GMCContentPage.aspx?nd=155">registered dietitians</a> to help create a nutritionally complete meal plan for you. To schedule an appointment, call 678-312-6040. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3073935502477708933.post-85919545707833813452012-06-04T12:37:00.000-07:002012-08-09T15:47:19.171-07:00It Might Not Be Breast Cancer<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Suspicious lumps and bumps don’t always mean cancer. Have you ever had “a scare”? Maybe you were doing a breast self-exam or merely lotioning up after a shower. Whatever you were doing, it was no less than a shock when you felt a lump. You ask:</span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Is that what I think it is?” </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">“How long has it been there?” </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Oh my goodness, I have cancer.” </span></li></ul><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because of effective breast cancer awareness campaigns—which have done wonders in helping increase mammogram prevalence and breast cancer survival rates—when women feel changes in their breasts, they may automatically assume it’s cancer. But that’s far from the reality. About 80 to 85 percent of all breast lumps are not cancer, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. So if a lump isn’t cancer, then what is it? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4jfuP0hZ7FT4c8xeQp4MJ-Qn04IPKgBuoJFGxTD1IEF4t87aDcWUtiYS8EdLkfSPvMfxgKF_ZfJc1q-6ud6wdM6mkaoSYC-LuORv8bu27mNhcDDERLVcHxd4HJzv2WwF0Mf-7Sq3Z-0/s1600/Diverse+Women.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4jfuP0hZ7FT4c8xeQp4MJ-Qn04IPKgBuoJFGxTD1IEF4t87aDcWUtiYS8EdLkfSPvMfxgKF_ZfJc1q-6ud6wdM6mkaoSYC-LuORv8bu27mNhcDDERLVcHxd4HJzv2WwF0Mf-7Sq3Z-0/s320/Diverse+Women.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>OUR CHANGING BREASTS</b><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They may seem unchanging, but breasts are “very dynamic organs". “Breasts change during every monthly cycle, and they also change a lot throughout life, too.” Blame it on hormones, says Shahla Masood, M.D., president of the World Society for Breast Health. “The function of the breast is to provide nutrition to children. The life cycle of breast tissue completes with pregnancy, and the breasts are under continual change until menopause.” Still, that doesn’t mean you should ignore breast symptoms. </span></span><br /><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s important for a woman to be familiar with her breasts. Breast self-exams should start in young women and annual mammograms at 40. If you notice anything, especially that’s changed, hurts or won’t go away, don’t hesitate to have it checked. It likely will be one of the following benign breast conditions.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>CYSTS</b><br />WHO’S AFFECTED: Mostly premenopausal women, although cysts can occur after menopause as well, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.<br />WHAT THEY ARE: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in many places in the body. Breast cysts are almost always benign and are usually too small to feel. Large cysts can be felt under the skin and are sometimes painful. They have no effect on breast cancer risk.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">DETECTION: No biopsy needed. Cysts can be diagnosed with a breast ultrasound.<br />TREATMENT: Usually none is necessary. Cysts may come and go on their own. If painful or large enough to interfere with a clinical breast exam, cysts can be aspirated (the fluid removed) or removed entirely.<br /><br /><b>FIBROADENOMAS</b><br />WHO’S AFFECTED: Mostly young women ages 15 to 35.<br />WHAT THEY ARE: Fibroadenomas are well-defined lumps that can feel rubbery or hard. They are benign tumors that have no effect on breast cancer risk.<br />DETECTION: They are usually detected with mammography.<br />TREATMENT: “None is necessary, so you may choose to do nothing,” Masood says. “Removal with a minimally invasive procedure is available, though, if the mass bothers you.”<br /><br /><b>HYPERPLASIA</b><br />WHO’S AFFECTED: Undefined, although risk appears to increase with age.<br />WHAT IT IS: Hyperplasia refers to an abnormal multiplication of cells. It is typically found in the lobules (milk-producing glands) or in the milk ducts. There are two types of breast hyperplasia: usual and atypical. Both types raise the risk for breast cancer. Usual hyperplasia can increase risk by two times and atypical by five times.<br />DETECTION: Hyperplasia is generally detected after an abnormal mammogram or clinical breast exam and is diagnosed with biopsy.<br />TREATMENT: Usual hyperplasia is typically monitored closely, and atypical hyperplasia is generally treated with surgery to remove the abnormal cells and ensure there are no cancerous cells in the area. In either case, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent breast cancer screenings.<br /><br /><b>Intraductal Papillomas</b><br />Who’s affected: Mostly women between the ages of 30 and 50.<br />What they are: Small lumps in breast ducts. They do not raise the risk of breast cancer unless abnormal cells are present.<br />Detection: Intraductal papillomas are the most common cause of nipple discharge from a single duct. They are not easily seen on mammograms, if at all, but may be felt by a physician during a clinical breast exam.<br />Treatment: Intraductal papillomas can be removed with surgery.<br /><br /><b>Fibrocystic Breast Condition, or Fibrocystic Change</b><br />Who’s affected: “Fibrocystic change is a recurring process that is very common,” Masood says. The condition affects more than half of all women. It most commonly begins in the 30s and goes away after menopause.<br />What it is: Changes to the breast throughout the menstrual cycle that cause the breasts to swell, feel lumpy and be painful. Lumpy breasts are not the same as having breast lumps. No cause has been detected, although some women have reported that caffeine and diet may affect their symptoms.<br />Detection: Pain may come and go or may be present throughout your cycle. Breasts may feel thick or lumpy, but the lumps will move when you push on them as though they are not affixed to anything. Some women have nipple discharge, although if it is clear, red or bloody, see your doctor right away.<br />Treatment: No treatment is necessary. To reduce pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever,<br />apply heat or ice and wear a well-fitting bra. <br /><br /><b>Mastitis (Infection)</b><br />Who’s affected: Usually women who are breastfeeding.<br />What it is: Bacteria enter the breast through a crack in the nipple, causing tissue to be inflamed. The swelling causes pain and redness and puts pressure on the milk ducts.<br />Detection: You may have a fever, pain and other flu-like symptoms. One breast may be enlarged. Clogged ducts cause the breast to be sore. You may notice small, red lumps on the breast that are sore to the touch.<br />Treatment: Infections are treated with antibiotics. Continue breastfeeding, and drain the breast as much as possible. Beforehand, massage the breast, starting at the outside and working your way in. Apply warm, moist towels to the area several times a day. After a few days, if the lumps do not go away or increase in size or redness, or if you have severe pain,<br />see your doctor.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>When to Call Your Doctor</b><br />Never hesitate to call your doctor about any breast symptoms, the National Cancer Institute recommends. Be sure to make an appointment if you have:</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">A lump in your breast or underarm</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Thick or firm tissue in your breast or underarm</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">A change in size or shape of your breast</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Nipple discharge that’s not breast milk</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">An inverted nipple</span> </li><li>Changes in the breast skin, including itchiness, reddening, dimples or puckers </li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When you see your doctor, be prepared to answer the <span style="font-size: small;">following questions:</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">What are your symptoms?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">When did you first notice the change?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Is it in one breast or both?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Have there been changes since the symptoms appeared?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">When was your last period?</span></li></ul><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our board-certified, breast radiologist specialize in women's health, and they are here to help you. To schedule an appointment, call 678-312-3444. To learn more about women's imaging, visit <a href="http://gmcimaging.org./">gmcimaging.org.</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0