April 2007: Health Briefs from Baylor Health Care System
A Simple Screening: Colonoscopy Could be a Great Lifesaving Test
A 50th birthday is a major milestone and not just for the reasons you might think. It’s also the age when most doctors recommend you have a colonoscopy, a simple screening test against colon cancer.“Colon cancer is one of the few cancers for which we have safe and effective screening,” says Jody Houston, M.D., a gastroenterologist on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine. “Screening allows us to identify and remove polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous.”
Why is that important? According to the American Gastroenterological Association, almost all cases of colon cancer start with the development of polyps, abnormal growths in the lining of the colon. Polyps may start out benign, but years later can turn cancerous. Doctors recommend removing them early, long before there are any symptoms.
“The most common symptoms of colon cancer are abdominal pain, alteration in bowel habits and passing blood,” says Dr. Houston. “But by the time patients have these symptoms, they’re usually at an advanced stage of the disease. That’s why we recommend screening—so we can catch cancers early when they’re typically treatable.”
Yet despite the strong evidence that screening can help save lives, not everyone complies with screening guidelines. And that can be frustrating for doctors.
“Even though the overall mortality from colon cancer has decreased as a result of screening, compliance remains poor and two-thirds of patients are symptomatic at the time of diagnosis,” says Dr. Houston.
“We need to do a better job of encouraging screening for everyone,” adds Dr. Houston.
So what is a colonoscopy? During a colonoscopy, patients are sedated while a slender, lighted scope is inserted into the body to allow the doctor to look for polyps or other abnormalities in the lining of the colon. If a polyp is found, it can be removed and sent to the lab for testing.
Be Prepared for an Emergency: Tips for Stocking Your Home First-Aid Kit
Since most minor accidents and injuries happen close to home, it’s important to keep a well-stocked first-aid kit within easy reach. Emergency physicians on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas recommend the following supplies as suggested by The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP):- First-aid manual and local emergency phone numbers
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin
- Assorted bandages and gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antihistamine
- Antiseptic wipes
- Cold packs for injuries and burns
- Elastic wraps for sprains
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Latex gloves
- Oral medicine syringe for children
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
Checklist for a Healthy Heart
For most people, “it’s not a lack of knowing what’s good for your heart, but rather a lack of doing it,” says Karla J. Lee, M.D., a cardiologist on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine.“Many people wouldn’t put anything but the best gas in their cars,” says Dr. Lee, “but frequently they don’t give the same consideration to what they eat. They know the optimal pressure for their car tires, but have little knowledge of their own blood pressure.”
The consequence of neglecting our body may not appear until later in life, but at that point, “unlike our cars, we just can’t trade it in,” says Dr. Lee.
So begin now to make small changes:
Step by step. Whether it’s a major project at work or making healthy lifestyle choices, “it’s not an all-or-nothing proposition,” says Dr. Lee. “Each step you take makes a difference for your heart.”
Start young. Given that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in both men and women, start making healthier lifestyle choices earlier in life.
Kick the habit. Smoking, including smoking cigars and pipes, greatly increases the risk of heart disease. Some studies show that smoking cigarettes doubles your risk. People exposed to secondhand smoke are also at increased risk.
Check your cholesterol. The National Institutes of Health reports that for every 10 percent reduction in cholesterol, your risk for heart disease is reduced by about 20 percent. Ask your doctor about a lower target for your cholesterol level.
Get moving. A half hour of exercise most days can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress and keep your heart healthier. Vigorous, aerobic exercise may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Always check with your physician before beginning an exercise program.
Pay attention to your body. “One of my patients who normally runs three miles a day told me he was only able to run a mile without stopping,” says Dr. Lee. “He had a 95 percent blockage in the main artery to his heart. He probably saved himself irreversible heart damage by knowing his body and seeking help sooner.”
Lose weight. Being overweight or obese increases your blood pressure and cholesterol and places you at greater risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Even a modest weight loss of 10 pounds can lower your risk.
Tips to Avoid the Diabetes Epidemic
It’s easy to have habits that can lead to type 2 diabetes. High-calorie, high-carbohydrate and high-fat foods line the shelves of our grocery stores and the sides of our roadways. And portion sizes have grown so much it’s hard to recognize a proper serving.Not surprisingly, U.S. diabetes rates are skyrocketing and the disease is being diagnosed in children. Yet it’s important to take steps to stave off the disease. Developing diabetes can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease and your odds of eye, kidney and nerve damage as well.
Start by taking a look at your diet and exercise habits. “There’s no better medication than good diet and exercise for preventing type 2 diabetes,” says Joseph Milburn, M.D., medical director of the Diabetes Center and a physician on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Irving.
Dr. Milburn recommends a reduced carbohydrate and lower-fat diet along with regular exercise.
“It doesn’t have to mean joining a gym. It can be as simple as walking. Try to find something you enjoy doing and you’re more likely to continue to take part in it as time goes on,” he adds. Be sure to talk with your physician before beginning or increasing an exercise program.
If you develop diabetes, medications can help:
- enhance insulin secretion
- promote more effective glucose uptake into tissues
- control appetite
- manage blood sugar levels
A Shot Against Cancer
In 2006, the FDA approved a vaccine against four types of human papillomaviruses (HPV), the viruses that can cause cervical cancer. The vaccine can be used in girls as young as 9 years-old to help prevent both cervical cancer and cervical dysplasia, abnormal cells that are not cancerous, but might lead to cancer.“It can be given as late as the early 20s, with the caveat that it’s best given to women who were never exposed to HPV, so ideally, it should be administered before a woman becomes sexually active,” explains Jonathan Oh, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano.
Thanks to routine Pap smears, the cervical cancer rate in the United States has plummeted. Today, fewer than 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. Yet, “it can be devastating,” says Dr. Oh. “Treatment usually involves surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. It’s a very serious disease with the potential for significant complications and side effects.”
Worldwide, cervical cancer is common. It’s a huge health concern in developing nations, especially in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. And cervical dysplasia is prevalent here in the United States.
“We could potentially save billions of dollars in medical spending, and spare women anxiety and invasive, painful tests following abnormal Pap smears, with this vaccine,” says Dr. Oh.
Because the vaccine combats only the four most common types of HPV, it doesn’t rule out the need for annual Pap smears. It greatly reduces, but doesn’t eliminate, a woman’s odds of developing cervical cancer. Also, the vaccine does not contain any mercury.
Some people oppose the vaccine, fearing that young girls may misunderstand its benefits and believe that they can have intercourse with no protection.
“I don’t know if that’s true or not,” says Dr. Oh, “but I’m in favor of the vaccine. I have a young daughter, and she will have it when she’s old enough.”
There’s still debate over whether to vaccinate boys, since they carry HPV, but don’t seem to develop complications from it.
The vaccine is not required for school, and parents who are interested in having their daughters immunized should talk to their physicians.
The Dangers of High Heels
Is keeping up with the latest fashion trends becoming a pain? Experts say some of the season’s hottest shoes could not only be uncomfortable, but may even lead to some long-term health problems.Two, three, four-inch heels—what starts out as a fashion statement can lead to serious health problems.
“There have been a number of studies that demonstrate that high heels have a profound effect on your feet and ankles and also on your back,” says John Coen, M.D., orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano.
And now there’s new research that suggests they can do real damage to knee joints as well.
“Especially when the heels are over an inch-and-a-half, the studies indicated that there were marked increases in strain in the front of the knee, in the area around the knee cap and also in the medial compartment of the inside portion of the knee which interestingly enough are the areas where we most commonly see knee complaints,” explains Dr. Coen.
“The foot is designed to be walked on when it’s flat so when you put three-inch heels underneath it it’s going to change things,” adds Dr. Coen.
So does this mean your style has to fall completely flat? Not necessarily.
“I encourage people to look critically at their shoes and make sure that they’re comfortable, especially if they’re going to walk long distances,” says Dr. Coen. “If you’re going to wear something that’s stylish, be sure to limit the amount of time that you pursue style over substance,” adds Dr. Coen.
Dr. Coen also adds that wearing high-heels for extended periods of time over the long-term can often lead to arthritis.