Ladies firstWhy you shouldn’t wait to see a doctor and other women’s health tips that could save your life

Ease the ache away

Find out how to relieve arthritis pain and live better

MEDICINE MADE BETTER | SUMMER 2015

Consider physical therapy. If you have severe arthritis, therapy directed at your bothersome joint might help you move better and keep further damage at bay.

Set reasonable goals. Do you want to go back to walking the dog or taking long strolls with your spouse — things you stopped doing because of your arthritis? Work with your doctor to come up with some goals and a plan for achieving them.

Learn a little more. Consider taking a class to learn more about arthritis, like the one offered at Rush Oak Park Hospital on July 28, or joining a support group for people with the disease. You might even meet new friends. “For an individual with arthri-tis, I think it is comforting to know that there are plenty of others out there with the same condition, and there are plenty of things you can do,” Finn says.

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Living with osteoarthritis can be a pain — literally. And finding relief for those stiff, achy joints can be a challenge.

But Katherine Finn, DO, a rheumatologist at Rush, believes people with osteoarthritis can do a lot to ease their pain. Here are her feel-better sug-gestions for living with arthritis:

Get going. Regular exercise is good for arthritis. “You’re actu-ally building the muscles that help protect the joint, and the re-sult is less pain,” Finn says. It’s a mood-lifter too. “You’re getting those endorphins flowing, and you just feel better,” she says. Your doctor can help you get started safely.

Ditch unwanted pounds. “Losing extra weight can help take some of the stress off joints and relieve some of the pain,” Finn says. But skip the crash diets, she says. Instead, adopt healthy habits you can sustain.

Find a medicine for you. Over-the-counter pain medications can help with arthritis. However, you should talk to your doctor about which drug is right for you — especially if you have other medical problems, Finn says. “The other thing to keep in mind is that each person is different,” she adds. “While acetaminophen may work wonderfully for one person, it may do nothing for someone else.”

Get your ZZZs. It’s harder to tolerate pain when you’re tired. “If you’re not getting restorative rest, you’re probably going to have a more heightened sense of pain,” Finn explains. Something keeping you up at night? Tell your doctor.

RA: The other arthritisWhen you hear the word arthritis, you probably think of osteoarthritis —

the gradual wearing away of joints that often occurs as people get older.

But there is another type of arthritis that many middle-aged and older

people have that also causes painful and swollen joints: rheumatoid

arthritis (RA).

With RA, the body’s immune system attacks the joints — most often

the ones in the hands, wrists, feet and knees. Over time, it may also affect

larger joints — such as the jaw, shoulders and hips — throughout the body.

Unlike most other types of arthritis, RA tends to affect the same joint on

both sides of the body. So if the right hand is affected, for instance, the left

one will be too.

In addition to joint problems, RA can trigger fever, fatigue, loss of ap-

petite and hard bumps — called rheumatoid nodules — under the skin

near the joints.

Medicines can ease the pain of RA and slow damage to joints.

ARTHRITIS

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Have arthritis? How to navigate the aches and pains

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Katherine Finn, DO

“My Aching Joints!” Listen to Dr. Finn address this topic at 6:30 p.m., July 28. See page 6 for details.

2 www.roph.org

3SUMMER 2015

It’s not life-threatening. But irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is life-changing, sometimes drastically. Consider its symptoms: re-curring abdominal bloating, pain and gas. Plus, chronic diarrhea, constipation or alternating bouts of both.

Sometimes those symptoms are mostly a nuisance. But IBS — which can’t be cured — may also be so severe that those with it may be afraid to leave their homes and bathrooms.

“Still, only about one out every four people with IBS seeks medical care, often because of embarrassment,” says Michael Brown, MD, a gastroenterologist at Rush.

That’s far too many missed opportunities since, with the right care, even severe IBS is highly treatable. “There’s no such thing as a hopeless case,” Brown says. “IBS doesn’t have to disrupt your life.”

An expert team Patients with IBS get state-of-the-art care at Rush Oak Park Hospital. That’s in contrast to what people with IBS frequently face. “I see so many patients who have only been given treatments that are documented to be ineffective,” Brown says.

Rush Oak Park Hospital is one of the few area hospitals where IBS patients have access to not just gastroenterologists, but other specialists as well. Also helping patients lead normal lives: a dieti-tian, since certain foods can affect IBS. Since stress makes symp-toms worse, your doctor can help you with ways to relieve stress.

This means patients benefit from truly comprehensive care. “We can hand-tailor treatment to what works best for each

person,” Brown says.Here’s a closer look at what’s offered: Dietary interventions. With a dietitian’s help,

patients often follow a diet that eliminates foods with certain carbohydrates, such as fructose and lactose. Multiple studies show that this diet helps ease symptoms, Brown says.

The latest medicine and remedies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three different prescription drugs for IBS. Doctors at Rush Oak Park Hospital tailor what drugs they prescribe based on individual patient needs — along with other effective treatments.

“We also counsel people about alternative remedies that evi-dence shows may improve symptoms,” Brown says. Among them: probiotics and herbal remedies, such as peppermint oil and arti-choke leaf extract.

One-on-one counseling. This includes psychosocial therapy to relieve the emotional toll of IBS symptoms and training in re-laxation techniques, such as deep breathing and guided imagery.

Education and empathy. “Many people fear IBS is all in their head,” Brown says. “But we explain that it’s a real disease. We take the time to help patients fully understand IBS — and all their treatment options.”

To make an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists who specialize in treating IBS, call (708) 660-4636.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Michael Brown, MD

IBS: You really can feel better We offer an innovative approach to treating the disease

“There’s no such thing as a hopeless case. IBS doesn’t have to disrupt your life.”

– Michael Brown, MD, gastroenterologist

No matter what your age, checkups are important. They’re one of the best things

you can do to stay healthy — for yourself and for others who depend on you.

4 www.roph.org

If your dad said, “It feels like there’s an elephant sitting on my chest,” chances are you’d dial 911 and tell the operator, “We think it’s a heart attack.”

But what if your mom said, “I’m totally exhausted, and I feel sick to my stomach”? Would you know that her nausea and extreme fatigue could be signs she’s having a heart attack?

Even though every 90 seconds a woman in the U.S. has a heart attack, many people don’t know a woman’s symptoms can some-times be different and more subtle than a man’s.

Know the symptomsFor both men and women, these are the most common signs of a heart attack: » Pain, pressure, squeezing or discomfort in the chest » Sudden cold sweats » Fatigue for no reason » Sudden dizziness or light-headedness

Women and heart attacks

Be aware of subtler symptoms

Well-woman checkups

It’s time to make you No. 1Lisa Ravindra, MD

Women are often first in line to help partners, kids, parents, friends and neighbors. But they also need to put themselves first at times. One impor-tant example: when it’s time to see a health care provider.

Regular checkups are the foundation of smart medical care.

“Checkups can help you learn what screenings and tests you may need and when you need them,” says Lisa Ravindra, MD, an internist at Rush Oak Park Hospital. “Screenings can help find conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease at their early stages, when treatments may be easier and more effective.”

At your checkups, you and your provider can discuss your health care needs and what you can do to stay healthy. Think of it as a dedicated place and time to ask questions or share concerns you have about your health.

“It’s usually best — and you’ll likely feel more comfortable — if you can develop an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider,” Ravindra says.

5SUMMER 2015

Women and heart attacks

Be aware of subtler symptoms

Well-woman checkups

It’s time to make you No. 1

» Sharp pain in one or both arms, the upper back, the neck, or the jaw » Shortness of breath for no apparent reason »Nausea or vomiting

Of these, the last three tend to be more common for women than for men. Women are actually twice as likely as men to vomit or be nauseated during a heart attack. They might also: »Have pain or pressure in the lower chest, stomach and upper

abdomen » Feel really tired » Experience sudden dizziness, with or without fainting

According to a survey by the American Heart Association, many women would be reluctant to call for emergency medical help if they thought they were having a heart attack. Yet it’s vital to get immediate help. Treatment is most effective if given within one hour after symptoms start.

So if you or anyone you know has one or more symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 right away.

But no matter who you see, being honest helps you get the best care possible. Your provider may ask you about things like: »Which prescription and nonprescription medications you take »Whether you smoke or use illegal drugs » Your family health history » Your sexual health » Your diet and exercise habits

Your answers can help your provider understand — and discuss — your risk factors for diseases that could affect your future. He or she can also make sure you are up-to-date on immu-nizations, such as those for pneumonia, the flu and tetanus.

Depending on your age and health, your provider may suggest routine screening for:

MAMMOGRAMS

Your breasts’ best friendMammograms can

help find masses in

the breast before

they can be felt. They

can also help spot

calcium deposits,

called microcalcifica-

tions, which can indicate cancer.

“A mammogram is the most

effective way to find breast cancer

early, when it is most treatable, and

early detection may prevent the

need for extensive treatment,” says

Paula Grabler, MD, director of breast

imaging at Rush Oak Park Hospital.

The American Cancer Society

recommends that women age 40

and older get a mammogram every

year. Women at higher-than-normal

risk for breast cancer may need

mammograms at a younger age. This

can include women who:

» Have a personal or family history of

breast cancer

» Have certain genetic mutations

» Had radiation therapy to their chest

area when they were between the

ages of 10 and 30

Come to “Demystifying Breast Imaging” on Oct. 20. See page 7.

Paula Grabler, MD

» Breast and cervical cancers » Diabetes » High blood pressure » High cholesterol

» Osteoporosis » Depression » Sexually transmitted infections

If you haven’t had a regular checkup for a while, put making an appointment at the top of your to-do list.

Healthy Motivations is the Rush Oak Park Hospital community wellness pro-gram. Unless otherwise indicated, classes are held at the Rush Medical Office Building, 610 S. Maple Ave., Room 2000, in Oak Park, and registration is required. Free off-street parking available anytime; free valet parking daytime only. Evening programs listed in red.

ANTI-AGING LOTIONS: DO THEY WORK?Wednesday, July 226 to 7 p.m.Lady Dy, MD, dermatologist

Can anti-aging lotions really keep your skin from wrinkling and sagging? Find out from a dermatologist at Rush Oak Park Hospital what works and what doesn’t when it comes to caring for your skin as you age.

MY ACHING JOINTS!Tuesday, July 286:30 to 7:30 p.m.Katherine Finn, DO, rheumatologistDoes the act of writing a check hurt more than just your bank account? Do you ex-perience joint aches and pains throughout the day during everyday activities, such as gardening or taking walks? These could be signs of osteoarthritis. Learn about osteo-arthritis from a rheumatologist at Rush.

MEN’S LUNCH WITH THE EXPERTS: UROLOGIC HEALTHWednesday, July 29Noon to 2 p.m.Rush Oak Park Hospital, Centennial Room, 520 S. Maple Ave. Shahid Ekbal, MD; Narendra Khare, MD;

Leslie Dean, MBBS, FRCSC; and Katherine

Marchese, ANP

Your urologic health can be the source of many health issues, including incontinence, CO

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Programs and Events

If you’re a woman with diabetes, the years lead-ing up to menopause — a time known as peri-menopause — can present challenges.

“Women with diabetes sometimes experience premature menopause,” says Judy Carter, MD, a doctor who works in the Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Care at Rush Oak Park Hospital. “You should talk to your doctor about managing your diabetes as you head into the change of life.”

In particular, you might want to inquire about these possible scenarios:

1 Estrogen and progesterone levels begin to drop during perimenopause. And that can cause your blood glucose

levels to fluctuate — or even go out of control.

2 You might mistake a hot flash caused by perimenopause for a symptom of diabetes. If you respond by consuming

extra calories to increase your blood glucose level, you could cause your blood sugar to surge.

3 Perimenopausal night sweats can disrupt sleep. So can the low blood sugar that may occur more often in mid-

life. And not getting enough sleep might make your diabetes harder to control.

Ask about hormones If you’re thinking about hormone replacement therapy for relief from perimenopausal symptoms, your doctor can help you weigh its benefits against its risks.

And if you use oral contraceptives, ask about those with very low doses of estrogen — they’re considered safer for peri-menopausal women than higher-dose ones.

With help from your health care team, the change of life doesn’t have to change how you live your life with diabetes.

Menopause

Dealing with diabetes

What do you know about diabetes? Get information and free screenings at the Diabetes Health Fair. See page 7.

Judy Carter, MD

6 www.roph.org

You can register for ROPH classes online at roph.org and by phone at (708) 660-4636.

SUMMER 2015

prostate/bladder cancer and erectile dysfunc-tion. The physicians from the Department of Urology at Rush will talk about the lat-est treatment options for your urologic health and be available to answer questions. Educational resources will also be offered. Spouses and partners are welcome and boxed lunches will be provided. No walk-ins, please.

ANNUAL BERWYN HEALTH FAIRWednesday, Aug. 59 a.m. to 2 p.m. Berwyn Public Health District, 6600 W. 26th St., BerwynBerwyn residents: Join Rush Oak Park Hospital and other local organizations ded-icated to good health in this annual health fair, which features health screenings and health education. Call (708) 788-6600 for more information.

PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASETuesday, Sept. 156:30 to 7:30 p.m.Charles Schubert, MD, vascular surgeon

Do you experience leg cramps while walk-ing? Do your legs sometimes feel numb or weak? These are symptoms of a circulatory disorder called peripheral artery disease (PAD). Come and learn more about PAD, including risk factors and the latest treat-ment options.

JUST FOR WOMENThursday, Sept. 175:30 to 8:30 p.m.The Carleton Hotel, 1100 Pleasant St., Oak ParkJoin us for an evening of entertainment, education and conversation on issues that are unique to women. Check out roph.org for the latest news on this event.

KNEE INJURIESTuesday, Sept. 296:30 to 7:30 p.m.Adam Yanke, MD, sports medicine specialist

Fall sports can wreak havoc on knees. Find out from a sports medicine specialist how to protect those knees and, if injured, ways to treat them so you can get back on your feet and out on the field.

DEMYSTIFYING BREAST IMAGINGTuesday, Oct. 206:30 to 7:30 p.m.Paula Grabler, MD, breast imaging specialist

Learn more about what doctors look at when reviewing mammograms and par-ticipate in a discussion about the value of mammography, recent recommendations regarding breast cancer screenings and issues surrounding breast cancer racial disparities in Chicago.

DIABETES FAIRFriday, Oct. 237 to 10:30 a.m.Rush Oak Park Hospital Medical Arts Building gymnasium, 500 S. Maple Ave.

This annual event provides education as well as free diabetes screenings, which include blood glucose screenings and lipid profiles. Fasting is required.

RADIATION THERAPY 101Tuesday, Oct. 2710 to 11 a.m.Gaurav Marwaha, MD

Cancer treatment puts stress on your body and your emotions. The more you know about how it works and what to expect, the better prepared you’ll be. Join a radia-tion oncologist at Rush Oak Park Hospital to learn how radiation therapy works to fight cancer and get insights on the best ways to navigate radiation therapy treatment.

ZUMBA GOLDFirst and third Wednesdays of the month (register for each session individually) 10 to 11 a.m.Rush Oak Park Hospital Medical Arts Building gymnasium 500 S. Maple Ave.RoseMary Spirrizzi, LCSW

Zumba Gold is a dance-based exercise class where participants learn and follow a va-riety of easy dance steps. Whether you are already active, haven’t exercised in a long time or have physical limitations, there’s a place for you. We’ll start the first 30 min-utes doing chair-based exercises followed by another 30 minutes of standing moves. Come for part or all of the class, and find a pace that’s right for you.

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CHECK OUT THE NEW ROPH.ORG! VIEW DOC PROFILES, REQUEST APPOINTMENTS, REGISTER FOR HEALTH CLASSES.

520 S. Maple Ave.Oak Park, Illinois 60304-1097

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DISCOVER RUSH OAK PARK HOSPITAL is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of RUSH OAK PARK HOSPITAL, 520 S. Maple Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304-1097, (708) 383-9300, www.roph.org

President and Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bruce M. ElegantVice President, Medical Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael R. Silver, MD Vice President, Hospital Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert SpadoniVice President, Patient Care Services . . Karen M. Mayer, RN, MSN, MHA, CHEVice President, Rush Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Melissa CoverdaleDirector, Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arlene CruzDirector, Marketing & Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Angela R. Spino

Information in DISCOVER RUSH OAK PARK HOSPITAL comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider.

PLEASE NOTE: All physicians featured in this publication are on the medical staff of Rush Oak Park Hospital or Rush University Medical Center. Some of the physicians are in private practice and, as independent practitioners, are not employees or agents of Rush Oak Park Hospital or Rush University Medical Center.

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Game overHow and why a sports injury can happen to you

Adam Yanke, MD

You’re driving hard down the court, getting ready to shoot the perfect basket, when you hear a pop and a searing pain shoots up your leg. You’ve ruptured your Achilles tendon. In sports, the thrill of playing can quickly turn into the agony of injury.

Part of the game “You can get hurt playing any type of sport,” says Adam Yanke, MD, a sports medicine specialist at Rush. “Injuries can be caused by a variety of things, including accidents, poor conditioning or training practices, not wearing the proper equipment, or inadequate stretching or warm-up before playing.”

Some common sports injuries include:Achilles tendon injuries. You can injure your Achilles tendon by stretching, tear-ing or irritating this thick cord (tendon), which attaches your heel bone to your calf muscle. »What it feels like: You know you’ve got

an Achilles tendon problem if you have pain that gradually gets worse with exer-cise. An injured Achilles tendon will also often feel painful and stiff in the morning.

»How it happens: Tendinitis is the most common cause of Achilles tendon inju-ries. These types of injuries often occur in middle-aged, part-time athletes who do not warm up or stretch properly before games or practices.Sprains. A sprain happens when you pull or tear a ligament. »What it feels like: If you have bruis-

ing, swelling, tenderness and pain or are unable to move your limb or joint, you’ve probably got a sprain. »How it happens: Some type of trauma,

such as a fall or blow that knocks a joint out of place, is usually the cause. Knee injuries. Because your knee is so complex with many different com-ponents, it’s vulnerable to a variety of injuries — often involving ligaments and cartilage. »What it feels like: “If you have a signifi-

cant knee injury, pain symptoms are al-most always followed by significant swell-ing in the next one to two days,” Yanke says. “Even more significant injuries, like tears of ligaments or tendons, are associ-ated with a popping sound or sensation, an inability to put weight on the knee, and limitations in your knee motion.” »How it happens: Landing wrong after

a jump, getting hit on the front or outside of the knee during a contact sport, or simply changing directions rapidly while running — there are lots of ways to hurt your knee.

Learn more about knee injuries from Adam Yanke, MD, on Sept. 29. See page 7 for details.