WHY REGULAR SCREENING IS A MUSt · 2016-09-04 · management, surgery and diabetes. And should you...

Ease the burn:Control your heartburn

MammogramsWHY REGULAR SCREENING IS A MUSt

HealthFall 2013

MAMMOGRAMS

What women need to know now

2 Healthwise • www.southeasternhealth.org

Are MAMMoGrAMs reALLY Worth It? Th at’s something you might ask yourself in light of headline-making research that questioned the value of these breast x-rays. Th e research suggested that in a single year more than 70,000 women nationwide may be aggressively treated for breast cancer that would never have threatened their lives.

“Women are confused. And it’s no wonder,” says J. Leonard Lichtenfeld, MD, MACP, deputy chief medical offi cer for the American Cancer Society (ACS). “Even medical professionals disagree about the benefi ts and risks of mammograms.”

Still, both the ACS and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) advise women 40 and older to have regular mammograms. Th e ACS recommends yearly mammograms, and NCI suggests mammograms every one to two years.

Women with a heightened risk of breast cancer—such as those with a family history of the disease—should talk to their doctors about starting screening at a younger age.

still benefi cial “No one claims that mammograms don’t have fl aws,” Dr. Lichtenfeld says. “But they remain the most eff ective test available for women at average risk of breast cancer to fi nd the disease early, which usually—but not always—leads to a better outcome.”

Doctors have long known that one risk of mammograms is their potential for de-tecting breast cancers that will never become dangerous, Dr. Lichtenfeld says. What isn’t clear is how many women have those types of cancer and, as a result, undergo unnecessary treatment. Some estimates are as low as 5 percent of all diagnosed women. Others are much higher.

Doctors also know that “looking at women overall, mammograms do make a diff erence,” Dr. Lichtenfeld says. “For example, it is generally accepted that screening reduces deaths from breast cancer by at least 15 percent.”

Even so, doctors can’t yet tell with a high degree of certainty which tumors that show up on a mammogram are actually dangerous and which ones aren’t, Dr. Lichtenfeld says.

“We can’t tell an individual woman if a mammogram absolutely will hurt or help her,” he adds.

In the future, “we hope to have better tests,” Dr. Lichtenfeld says. Meanwhile, “what gets lost in the issue of overtreatment is how many lives mammograms save.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you are age 40 or older or have a family history of breast cancer and have not had your annual mammogram, call Lumberton Radiological Associates at 910-671-4000 to schedule an appointment.

www.southeasternhealth.org • Healthwise 3

inside this issue

HEALTHWISE is published quarterly as a community service for the friends of SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH, 300 W. 27th St., Lumberton, NC 28358, telephone 910-671-5000,www.southeasternhealth.org

SOUtHEAStERN HEALtH

President and Chief Executive Offi cerJoann Anderson, MSN, FACHE

Coordinator of Public RelationsAmanda L. Crabtree

2013 Southeastern Health board of trusteesFaye C. Caton, ChairwomanMichael T. Stone, Vice Chair/SecretaryChancellor Kyle CarterLarry ChavisDennis HempsteadJerry L. JohnsonWayland LennonAlphonzo McRae Jr.John C. Rozier Jr., MD

James R. RustMary Alice TeetsJoseph R. Th ompsonMichael P. WaltersW.C. WashingtonFred G. WilliamsCoble D. Wilson Jr., ex offi cio, Chair, Southeastern Health FoundationJoann Anderson, MSN, FACHE, ex offi cio, President and CEOMedical Staff Offi cersJoseph E. Roberts, MD, PresidentBarry E. Williamson, MD, President-ElectJames E. S. Parker, MD, Immediate Past PresidentSydney G. Short, MD, Secretary/TreasurerRichard Johnson, MD,

Chairman, Department of Medicine Terry S. Lowry, MD,

Chairman, Department of SurgeryMember: American Hospital Association; NCHA; Coastal Carolinas Health Alliance; Premier, Inc.;Th e Advisory Board Company.Accredited by: Th e Joint Commission

FALL 2013 (ISSUE 3) Please address all letters to: Southeastern HealthP.O. Box 1408Lumberton, NC 28359

Information in HEALTHWISE comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specifi c content that may aff ect your health, please contact your health care pro vider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations.

Copyright © 2013Coff ey Communications, Inc. HSM29481

When you need special careYou can view our online Medical Staff

Directory at www.southeasternhealth.org.

Click on Find a Physician.

Care and convenience. Southeastern Health off ers the high-quality care you need close to home.

Know your numbers. Understand the numbers that aff ect your heart health—and fi nd out how to improve your odds.

Walk right in. When your child needs a doctor, Southeastern Health’s convenient walk-in urgent care centers may be the answer you’re looking for.

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inside this issue

Health

Freedom of motion. Physical therapy at one of Southeastern Health’s many convenient locations can help you overcome injury and get back in action. Find answers on page 10.


PersoNALIZed, toP-NotChmedica l care —some people have to travel a

long way to get it. But you’re not one of them if you live in Robeson, Bladen, Cumberland or

Scotland counties. Th at’s because of Southeastern Health’s (SeHealth) drive to open medical clinics in

places where doctors have been in very short supply. More than two decades ago, SeHealth opened its fi rst

area clinic to make health care more available to resi-dents. Today it operates 32 primary care and specialty clinics.

Primary care clinics are scattered throughout each county. As a result, people in some of the most rural areas of the region have access to highly qualifi ed doctors, nurses and other health care providers.

SeHealth also regularly sends a mobile medical unit—a converted bus that serves as a fully functioning clinic—to

remote areas of Robeson County. “Because of this clinic on wheels, many of the county’s families are now more

likely to see a doctor when they’re sick,” says Lynn Wieties, MSN, vice president of the provider network for SeHealth. Th is traveling clinic gives families the chance to protect their health with regular check-ups, screening tests and immunizations.

And since busy schedules as well as distance can be a barrier to medical care, SeHealth also operates a walk-in clinic with evening and weekend

hours at the Walmart in Lumberton. “If it’s your lunch hour and you want to use it to be treated for a

sore throat that’s getting worse, you can do it,” Wieties says. “SeHealth is intent on removing obstacles that

might come between you and high-quality medical care.”

Why primary care matters Altogether, SeHealth operates 13 primary care clinics—and all of them play a vital role in safeguarding the health of area residents. Research clearly shows that people who regularly see a primary care doctor, such as a family physician, are typically healthier than those who don’t. Here’s why:

A primary care doctor can do much more than help you bounce back from strep throat or some other passing illness. “He or she knows your personal health history—and your family’s too,” says Fordham Britt, SeHealth director of physician services. In short, this doctor knows the risks you face—such as a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease at an early age—and will help you control them and stay as healthy as possible.

What’s more, SeHealth’s primary care clinics are certifi ed medical homes, and the care received in these clinics is truly patient-centered. Th is designation—by Th e Joint Commission, a national hospital-accrediting organization—means that our primary care clinics have demonstrated that their care takes into account every patient’s values and preferences for treatment.

“We treat our patients as whole people with individual needs,” Britt says. “Th ey’re not merely someone with a hurt knee, a linger-ing cough or another problem.”

To make care at these clinics even more responsive to patient needs, SeHealth is in the process of hiring fi ve patient coaches.

Strengthening our region

Expanding access to health care, growing our economy


Fordham Britt, Director, Physician Services

Lynn Wieties, Vice President, Provider Network

Need to see a specialist? Southeastern Health (SeHealth) is committed to making truly exceptional medical care readily available in our area. And that includes care provided by highly trained and experienced medical specialists.

That’s why we operate specialty clinics in 16 separate locations— so that distance won’t be a barrier if you need the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon, urologist or other specialist. Here is a list of all our specialty clinics.

Lumberton Urology Clinic815 Oakridge Blvd., Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-738-7166

Southeastern Diabetes and Arthritis Center106 Farmbrook Drive, Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-671-8556

Southeastern Eye Clinic4311 Ludgate St., Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-671-1981

Southeastern Digestive Health Center725 Oakridge Road, Suite C1, Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . 910-738-3103

Southeastern Neuromuscular Rehabilitation725 Oakridge Blvd., Suite A-1, Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . 910-735-2831

Southeastern Occupational Health WORKS725 Oakridge Blvd., Suite. A-3, Lumberton . . . . . . . . . 910-272-9675

Southeastern Orthopedics730 Oakridge Blvd., Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-738-1065

Southeastern Pain Management Clinic4308 Ludgate St., Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-671-9298

Southeastern Pulmonary and Sleep Center401 W. 27th St., Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-738-9414

Southeastern Surgical Center2934 North Elm St., Suite E, Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-739-0022

Southeastern Urgent Care Lumberton2934 N. Elm St., Suite B, Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-521-0564

Southeastern Urgent Care Pembroke812 Candy Park Road, Pembroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-521-0564

Southeastern Weight Loss Center2934 North Elm St., Suite F, Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-608-0307

Southeastern Wound Healing Center103 W. 27th St., Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-738-3836

Southeastern Women’s Healthcare4300 Fayetteville Road, Lumberton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-608-3078

All of our clinics are accepting new patients. You can find more details about the clinics, such as hours and medical staff members, at www.southeasternhealth.org. Click on Physician Services be-low Our Services, and then choose Specialty Clinics.

Among other things, these nurses and so-cial workers will help patients with diabe-tes and other chronic conditions establish personal goals to improve their health, such as stopping smoking. And the coaches will help them meet their goals.

Care of all kinds As important as primary care clinics are, SeHealth also recognizes the need for specialized care. That’s why it has opened a wide range of specialty clinics. These in-clude clinics that focus on eye care, wound care, digestive health, sleep, orthopedics, weight loss, women’s health, urology, pain management, surgery and diabetes.

And should you need a specialist’s exper-tise, the doctors at our primary care clinics can coordinate your care. They’ll see that any doctor you consult is aware of changes in your health or treatments you undergo. “This way nothing will slip between the cracks and compromise your health,” says Britt.

Improving our economy Importantly, the growth of SeHealth’s clinics is helping to grow the region’s economy. The steady rise in both primary and specialty clinics has created many new jobs in Robeson and nearby counties. They currently employ nearly 240 people. And those paychecks are helping employees buy or rent homes and afford groceries, gas and other items—purchases that, in turn, help create even more local jobs.

Most importantly, the clinics help area residents stay healthy. That’s good for them and the economy. “Adults are less likely to be sick and miss work for an extended period of time and children are less likely to miss school, which helps families financially,” says Wieties. “These clinics help local fami-lies and communities in very significant ways.”


Your Chest feels like it’s on fire, and you have a sour taste in the back of your throat. Ugh—it’s heartburn. Next time, you’ll think twice about that meat-laden pizza and chocolate cupcake dinner.

The occasional bout of heartburn, while uncomfortable, isn’t unusual. But if it hap-pens on a regular basis, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a serious but treatable condition.

heartburn basicsAlthough it’s called heartburn, it’s not your heart that’s at issue.

Instead, it’s the esophagus—the tube that connects your throat to your stom-ach. When you eat, your stomach produces acid to digest your food. If that acid backs up (refluxes) into your esophagus, it can trigger that classic symptom of a burning sensation in the chest or throat.

Put a lid on it: How to control acid reflux

You’re more likely to have reflux if you: ➜ Eat citrus foods. ➜ Eat chocolate or spicy, greasy or acidic

foods —such as tomato sauce. ➜ Drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol. ➜ Smoke cigarettes. ➜ Are overweight. ➜ Wear tight clothes. ➜ Eat too close to bedtime. ➜ Are pregnant.A hiatal hernia, when the upper part of

the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm, can also cause reflux. This is most common in people over age 50.

Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding foods that trigger reflux and quitting smoking, may help relieve heartburn. So may: ➜ Eating smaller, more frequent meals. ➜ Losing weight. ➜ Wearing loose clothing. ➜ Elevating the head of your bed. ➜ Not eating for at least two hours before you go to bed.

When to see a doctorFor occasional reflux, over-the-counter (OTC) antacids or H2 blockers (such as Pepcid AC or Zantac 75) can help. But if you’re taking OTC remedies two or more times a week, or you’ve been taking them for more than two weeks, it may be a sign of GERD—and a sign that you need to see a doctor.

Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, prescribe one or more prescrip-tion medicines, or recommend surgery to repair the passageway between the stom-ach and the esophagus.

Without treatment, GERD can have seri-ous consequences. It can cause changes to the esophagus that make swallowing difficult.

It may also make asthma symptoms worse, cause chronic coughing and cause tissue changes that can lead to cancer.

So, if skipping the pizza doesn’t prevent your reflux, it may be time to get help. Your doctor can tell you: You don’t have to put up with GERD.sources: American College of Gastroenterology; National Institutes of health

To find a gastroenterologist

affiliated with Southeastern Health, log on to www .southeasternhealth.org and click on Find a Physician.


Problems in the colonSmall sacs, called diverticula, can form in the lining of the colon. Th ey often don’t cause any problems. But sometimes they become infected or infl amed.

Colon

Diverticula

Coff ey infographic with information from the National Institutes of health

If You KNoW someone older than 60, you might know someone with diverticu-losis. About half of the people in this age group have it. Some younger people do too.

People who have this condition may never have symptoms and never need treatment. But for others, it’s a source of pain and bloating—and sometimes, symptoms much more sudden and severe, even life-threatening.

diverticula, defi nedDiverticula are small sacs that develop in the lining of the colon, also called the large intestine. Th ey form when spots in the wall of the colon become weak and bulge out. In many cases, these sacs cause no problem. Sometimes, however, they become infl amed or infected.

Why do diverticula form?Medical experts aren’t sure. One theory

is the lack of fi ber in diets of people in industrialized countries. Diverticulosis is rare in Asia and Africa, where high-fi ber diets are common.

One of the side eff ects of a low-fi ber diet is constipation, which can cause people to strain as they try to pass hard stool. Th at stress may weaken the colon and set the stage for diverticula.

What is diverticular disease?Diverticular disease is the umbrella term for two conditions:

Diverticulosis. Th e suffi x -osis means condition. Many people with diver-ticulosis often don’t have symptoms and don’t need treatment. Others might feel cramps, pain in the lower abdomen, bloat-ing or constipation.

Diverticulitis. Th e suffi x -itis suggests infl ammation, and that’s what diverticuli-tis is: an infl ammation of the diverticula.

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom. Sometimes it’s severe and sud-den. But it can be a mild and gradual pain too.

Complications of diverticulitis might include: ➜ Bleeding. ➜ Small tears, called perforations. ➜ Blockages. ➜ Infections.➜ Leakage from the colon into the abdo-men, which can be life-threatening.

how is it treated?When diverticular disease does cause problems, treatment often involves:

➜ Receiving oral or intravenous antibiot-ics to clear up infections and taking pain medication.➜ Fasting or following a liquid diet for a while, so the colon can rest.➜ Slowly adding more fi ber to the diet, in-cluding whole grains, fruits and vegetables.➜ In severe cases, being admitted to the hospital or having surgery.

Acute attacks of diverticulitis require emergency care.

sources: American College of Gastroenterology; National Institutes of health

Digestive distress? Call the Southeastern Digestive Health Center at 910-738-3103.

Understanding diverticulosis and diverticulitis

Gut reaction


MAYbe NuMbers aren’t your thing. But when it comes to having a healthy heart, there are some numbers everyone definitely needs to know.

And don’t worry; there’s no real math involved in learning your blood pressure, cholester-ol and blood sugar numbers—numbers that relate to your risk for heart disease. These figures can help you under-stand your risk and help you stay on a heart-smart path.

Blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hyper-tension, is a serious health threat. Among its conse-quences are heart attacks and strokes.

Have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years. A reading of less than 120/80 mm Hg is con-sidered normal.

Cholesterol. A blood test called a lipoprotein profile can reveal your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The bad kind of choles-terol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is the gunk that clogs arteries. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is the good type of cholesterol—you can remember this as the number you want to be high, not low. Triglycerides are a kind of fat that can in-crease heart disease risk.

Here are some numbers to strive for:

➜ A total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL of blood.

➜ An LDL of less than 100 mg/dL is optimal. The higher your LDL, the greater your risk of developing heart disease.

Know the figures that affect heart health

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➜ An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or above. HDL helps clear the bad cholesterol from arter-ies. An HDL level lower than 50 in women and lower than 40 in men actually increases the risk of heart disease.

➜ Triglycerides of less than 150 mg/dL. When this num-ber climbs higher than that, your heart disease risk rises.

Blood sugar. If your blood sugar is too high, it could sig-nal diabetes, a major risk for heart disease and a serious health concern on its own.

Your fasting glucose should be less than 100 mg/dL of blood. Starting at age 45, have this test done at least every three years. If you have diabetes risk factors, such as a family history of diabetes, get tested earlier and more often.

Protect your heart You can help keep your heart healthy by:

➜ Limiting salt, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol in your diet.

➜ Eating plenty of fruits, veg-gies, whole grains and foods made with whole grains.

➜ Getting regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise.

➜ Maintaining a healthy weight.

➜ Not smoking.If your doctor prescribes

medicines—for example, to control blood pressure or cholesterol—take them as directed.sources: American heart Association; National Institutes of health

To locate a primary care clinic near you, log on to www.southeasternhealth.org and click on Our Services and Physician Services, then Primary Clinics.


trY soMe tLC for Your ChoLesteroLWhat you eat can affect your blood cholesterol levels—for better or worse. To help keep your cholesterol numbers in a healthy range, follow these recommendations from the TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) diet.

Food group Servings Examples

Breads CerealsGrains

6 or more servings a day— depending on how many calories you need to reach or maintain a healthy weight

✓ Whole-grain breads and cereals, pasta, rice, potatoes, low-fat crackers and low-fat cookies

Vegetables Dry beansDry peas

3-5 servings a day ✓ Fresh, frozen or canned—without added fat, sauce or salt

Fruits 2-4 servings a day ✓ Fresh, frozen, canned or dried—without added sugar

Dairy products

2-3 servings a day of fat-free or low-fat varieties

✓ Fat-free or low-fat milk, buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese and cream cheese—cheeses with no more than 3 grams of fat per ounce

Eggs 2 or fewer yolks per week— including yolks in baked goods and in processed foods

✓ Egg whites or egg substitutes have no choles-terol and fewer calories than whole eggs

Meat PoultryFish

5 ounces or less a day ✓ Lean cuts of meat (such as sirloin tip, extra lean hamburger and rump roast) and poultry without skin

FatsOils

Amounts depend on how many calories you need

✓ Vegetable oils that are high in unsaturated fat (such as canola, corn, olive, safflower and soybean oils)

✓ Soft or liquid margarines that have unsaturated liquid vegetable oil as the first ingredient rather than hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil

✓ Salad dressings that have only 1 gram of satu-rated fat per serving

source: National heart, Lung, and blood Institute

A kitchen redo can benefit your heartYou’d love to do more to protect your family from heart disease. But where do you start?

How about the kitchen?After all, eating right is one

of the best ways to help your heart stay healthy.

Consider these tips for choosing and preparing foods:

✓ Keep a fruit basket or bowl with apples, oranges, bananas and other tasty fruits.

✓ Stock the fridge with low-fat or nonfat milk and other dairy products.

✓ Load the veggie drawer with crunchy carrots, broccoli and red peppers along with spin-ach, lettuce and other health-ful items from the produce aisle.

✓ Fill the bread box with whole-grain breads and rolls. Use whole-grain pasta when cooking.

✓ Go fish. Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, such as salmon and tuna, help protect against heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating at least two servings weekly.

✓ Lean toward beans. They can be used in many recipes instead of meat and are a more healthful source of protein. When using beef, choose lean cuts. Round steak, sirloin and flank steak are good choices, according to the AHA. Choose lean, white meat when buying poultry.

✓ Do an oil change. Replace butter and oils containing saturated fat with canola and olive oils. Use nonstick veg-etable oil spray for cooking.


Physical therapy

It does a

body good

the huMAN bodY is made for motion. But what if an injury or medical condi-tion brings some part of your body to a standstill? One solution might be physi-cal therapy.

Physical therapy is a fi eld of health care that helps people regain lost mobil-ity. Th e licensed professionals who provide it—called physical therapists—have either a master’s degree or a clinical doctorate.

Th eir extensive knowledge of anatomy enables them to treat conditions that compromise motion, balance and fl ex-ibility. To do that, physical therapists call on a wide range of interventions. For example: ➜ Th erapeutic or aquatic exercise. ➜ Massage. ➜ Biofeedback. ➜ Electrotherapy. ➜ Low-level laser therapy. ➜ Ultrasound.

Physical therapists often work closely with doctors to create treat-ment plans and track patient progress.

Some physical therapy is inpa-tient treatment—for example, for

rehabilitation after a stroke. Physical therapy, however, is also off ered on an

dIAbetes can wreak havoc on the skin, aff ecting how blood vessels nourish the body, requiring medicines that make skin itchy and dry, and suppressing the body’s ability to fi ght infection if bacteria sneak in via a small cut or blister.

Th ankfully, a little extra care can make a diff erence. Here are 10 must-dos for people with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association:

Diabetes: 10 ways to save your skin

10Keep skin clean, but

bathe less often to preserve moisture.

9Take warm to cool (not hot) baths

and showers.

8Use lotions to moisturize and

soften skin. Dry skin itches and cracks, letting infections take hold.

7Dry carefully be-tween toes, but

don’t use lotion there. The moisture may encourage fungal growth.

6Treat cuts right away.

5During dry and cold months, keep

the house humid.

4 Pamper your feet, checking them

every day for sores and cuts.

3Wear wide-toed shoes that � t well

to avoid blisters and sores.

2See your doctor or dermatologist

right away for any major cut or burn or for skin problems you can’t control.

outpatient basis, in clinics, private of-fi ces and hospitals.How could it help me? You might seek physical therapy to help relieve pain or prevent injury so you can stay active. In some cases, having therapy might help you avoid surgery.

Among the many things physical therapists can help with are:➜ Back, knee and shoulder pain ➜ Arthritis. ➜ Bladder control. ➜ Carpal tunnel syndrome. ➜ Diabetes. ➜ Fractures, sprains and strains. ➜ Headaches. ➜ Osteoporosis. ➜ Overuse injuries. ➜ Vertigo.

If pain or a medical condition is af-fecting how you move through life, ask your doctor about physical therapy. It might help restore the motion you’ve been missing.

Southeastern Health off ers physical therapy at a variety of locations includ-ing Lumberton, Red Springs, Pembroke

and Gray’s Creek. For more informa-tion, call 910-738-4554.

sources: American Academy of family Physicians; American Physical Th erapy Association

1And the No. 1way to protect

your skin? Keep glucose levels under control. This helps your whole body, including your skin, stay as problem-free as possible.

IF YOU HAVE A WOUND or sore on your skin that will not

heal, call the Southeastern Wound Healing Center at 910-738-3836 for an

evaluation. No referral is necessary.


Protecting

Several strategies that can help safeguard your spinehoW’s Your bACK?If it’s fi ne, that’s great news. But if you’re like many people, you’re all too familiar with back pain. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly everyone gets a sore back at some time in life. In fact, maybe your back hurts right now.

If so, take heart. Most back pain goes away on its own in a few days, reports the NIH. But having a sore back for even a short time can interfere with your job, your home routine and your life in general.

Th at’s why the best strategy is to stop back problems before they start.

Keep strong. You can help prevent back pain by strengthen-ing muscles in your abdomen and lower back. Th e American Association of Neurological Surgeons recommends doing

crunches and other ex-ercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles. Brisk walking, swimming and stationary bicycling are also good options for build-ing muscle strength and fl exibility.

Position yourself for health. When you’re standing, relieve pressure on your lower back by placing one foot forward and keeping your knees slightly bent. Sitting with your knees slightly higher than your hips also helps. Either way, keep your shoulders back and don’t slouch.

Lift with care. Lifting can be your back’s worst enemy. To protect yourself, keep your back straight, bend your knees and lift with your legs. Hold heavy objects close to your body, and don’t twist your back. If an object is too heavy to lift, get some-one to help.

Aim for health. Try to stay at a healthy weight, because extra pounds put a strain on your back. And don’t smoke—it raises your risk for back pain by reducing blood fl ow to the lower spine and causes spinal disks to degenerate.

Know when to get help. If you do develop back pain, anti-infl ammatory medicines can help provide relief while you heal. You can also try alternating heat and cold to the painful area.

But some back pain requires treatment. According to the NIH, you should see your doctor if your pain follows a fall or if you also have: ➜ Numbness in your legs. ➜ Trouble urinating. ➜ Weakness. ➜ Fever.

your back

Learn more Southeastern Health’s Rehabilitation Services have highly trained

clinicians in each of their clinics who are certifi ed in the McKenzie

method, or Mechanical Diagnosis and Th erapy, for treatment for neck,

back and peripheral joint pain.

For more information, call 910-738-4554.


soMe thINGs may be too good to pass up—including the opportunity to breast-feed your baby.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that breast milk is the perfect fi rst food. Here are just a few ways that nursing helps babies thrive:➜ Breast milk contains disease-fi ghting antibodies that help your newborn’s im-mune system fi ght off respiratory infec-tions, urinary tract infections, earaches and other illnesses.➜ Compared to formula-fed babies, breastfed babies have a lower risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have type 2 diabetes or asthma or to become obese.➜ Breast milk is easier to digest than for-mula for most babies, especially prema-ture babies. As a result, breastfed babies have less gas and fewer feeding problems than their formula-fed counterparts.

Breastfeeding may also promote brain development. Some research suggests

that babies who are nursed go on to score higher on intelligence tests than those who are fed formula.

GOOD FOR YOU tOONursing burns calories and can help you take off some of those leftover pregnancy pounds more quickly than if you were bottle-feeding. It also reduces your risk for postpartum depression and certain cancers, including breast cancer.

Th ese benefi ts for both babies and moms are a key reason why many doc-tors advise women to nurse their ba-bies for at least six months—12 is even better—after delivery. If that’s not feasi-ble, keep in mind that nursing your baby for even a short time is still benefi cial.

Southeastern Regional Medical Center off ers support by a lactation consultant for new mothers who deliver at the medi-cal center and wish to breastfeed their newborn. sources: American College of obstetricians and Gynecologists; offi ce on Women’s health

bY CAr or bY PLANe, you’ll want to stay healthy—and comfortable—when travel-ing during pregnancy. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Get the OK. Talk to your doctor before traveling, especially if you have any complications—such as high blood pressure—or if you’re at risk for prema-ture labor. Also, if you are traveling to another country, your doctor can let you know if you need any vaccines or might need to take other precautions.

Time it right. You’ll likely be most comfortable, energetic and mobile dur-ing your second trimester, so plan any big trips during that time if you can. If you’re f lying, check with the airline about its policy on f lying when preg-nant. Most allow f lying up until the last few weeks of pregnancy, but it’s best to double-check.

Drive safely. Wear your seat belt at all times. Try not to drive more than fi ve or six hours per day. And stop often to stretch your legs.

Fly in comfort. On longer fl ights, try to get up and walk around about every 30 minutes. (Th is is easiest to manage if you have an aisle seat.) See if you can sit in a bulkhead row, which can allow for the most leg room. Or opt for a seat over the wing in the midsection of the plane for the smoothest ride.

Energize and hydrate. No matter how you travel, take time for small, regular meals. Th at will help keep your energy up. And drink plenty of water. Avoid carbon-ated drinks and gas-producing foods (the resulting gas can be uncomfortable dur-ing travel).sources: American College of obstetricians and Gynecologists; Centers for disease Control and Prevention

Travel safely while pregnant

Breastfeeding helps your baby—and benefi ts you

For information about breastfeeding initiatives through Southeastern Health, contact Lactation Educator Teresa Neal at 910-671-5672 or [email protected].


As A PAreNt, you have a pretty good idea when your child has an illness or injury that needs more than a hug and an over-the-counter medication. When you can’t see your pediatrician—maybe it’s the weekend or after offi ce hours—you may think your only option for help is a hospital emergency department.

Th at is the best place to take your child if he or she is truly having a medical emer-gency. However, for nonemergency situa-tions you do have another choice: an urgent care center. You may be able to see a doctor more quickly—and for less money—at an urgent care center than at a hospital.

So how do you know which is the best place to take your child?

Consider urgent care for things such as:➜ A cold or cough that doesn’t get better in several days or a cold that gets worse and is accompanied by a fever.➜ A minor cut that might need stitches.➜ A rash, especially with fever.➜ A bout of vomiting and diarrhea that lasts for more than a few hours.➜ A severe sore throat or a problem swallowing.➜ A minor bone fracture.➜ An insect or animal bite.

We’re here for youIf your medical condition is life-threatening, call 911 im-mediately or go to the near-est emergency room. If your condition is not an emer-gency, consider the following options for walk-in care:

Southeastern Urgent Care Lumberton

southeastern health Mall, biggs Park Mall, 2934 N. elm street, suite b

910-272-1175open daily from

9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Southeastern Urgent Care Pembroke

812 Candy Park Lane910-521-0564 open Monday through

friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and saturday and sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Clinic at Walmart

5070 fayetteville road, Lumberton

910-739-0133open daily from

9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

But you’ll want to call 911 or go to the emergency department if your child has signs of a medical emergency. Th ose include:➜ Any signifi cant change in behavior, such as being confused, delirious or excessively sleepy or becoming increasingly less re-sponsive or alert.➜ A severe headache or vomiting, especially after a head injury.➜ Uncontrolled bleeding.➜ Problems breathing.➜ Increasing pain or severe, persistent pain.➜ Severe or persistent diarrhea.

You should also get emergency help if your child is unconscious.

Good things to know Urgent care centers don’t require an ap-pointment. Most have evening and some weekend hours, but they aren’t open 24 hours a day. Many of them off er services like x-rays, lab tests and medications.

Hospital emergency departments are open 24/7. Th ey are staff ed and equipped to handle any medical emergency.sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of emergency Physicians; National Association for Ambulatory Care

Urgent care or emergency care? How to know which one is best for your child


The causes of lymphedemaLymphedema happens in one of two ways.

It can be acquired. This is called second-ary lymphedema. It results from damage to the lymph system caused by:

✓ Surgery or radiation for cancer.

✓ Blood vessel surgery. ✓ Other surgical procedures, such as

liposuction. ✓ Cancer that causes a blockage of the

lymph system. ✓ Injury or infection of the lymph nodes.

Lymphedema can also be inherited. Abnormal development of the lymph sys-tem can cause primary lymphedema. It may cause swelling at birth or later in life.sources: American Cancer society; society for Vascular surgery

Your bodY reLIes on its lymph system to carry fluid away from soft tissues.

Sometimes breast cancer treatment can damage this system and cause lymphedema—a buildup of fluid in the fatty tissues just under the skin in the chest, breast or arm.

There may not be a way to prevent lymphedema, but early treatment may help reduce swelling and keep it from getting worse.

The cancer connection After it flows through tissues, the fluid drains back into your bloodstream through a one-way system of lymph vessels.

This fluid (called lymph) is filtered by nodes located throughout the body and clustered in the neck, un-derarm, abdomen, pelvis and groin.

Radiation treatment for breast cancer can damage nodes, and nodes are also removed during surgery. In either case, remain-ing healthy nodes may not be able to drain all of the lymph away, raising your risk of lymphedema.

The fluid usu-ally builds up slowly over time. It can start soon after surgery or radiation, or it can start many

For more information about lymphedema treatment, call Southeastern Rehab Services in Lumberton at 910-738-4554 or Southeastern Rehabilitation of Gray’s Creek at 910-779-1967.

Lymphedema

Why it happens and what you can do

months or even years after treatment. The more nodes that are affected, the higher your risk. Your chance of de-veloping lymphedema is highest if you have multiple nodes removed and also undergo radiation therapy.

Doctors don’t know why some women get lymphedema and others don’t. But you are at higher risk of developing it if you:

➜ Are overweight or obese. ➜ Are slow to heal or you develop an

infection after surgery. ➜ Have scar tissue in your lymph ducts. ➜ Have a tumor that affects your lymph

nodes.

find relief Talk with your doctor right away if you have signs or symptoms of lymphedema. They include:

➜ Swelling in the breast, chest, shoulder, arm or hand.

➜ An achy or full feeling in the affected area.

➜ Skin that feels tight or hard. ➜ Clothing or jewelry that feels tight

although you haven’t gained any weight.Treatment may involve complex de-

congestive therapy, which involves work-ing with a physical therapist to learn special exercises and develop a skin care regimen. It may also includes manual lymphatic drainage—a light massage that can help move lymph out of swollen tissues.

Being fitted for a special type of sleeve that compresses the arm is another option.sources: American Cancer society; National Cancer Institute


Healthyyy

recip e

Old-fashioned tomato soup

Ingredients1 tablespoon butter1 onion, fi nely chopped2 large garlic cloves, chopped1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes1 tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon dried thyme 1⁄8 teaspoon ground mace Pinch of cayenne pepper½ cup fat-free half-and-half cream Salt and freshly ground black pepper3 tablespoons snipped dill, for garnish

(optional)

Instructions✓ Melt the butter in a small Dutch oven over medium-high heat. ✓ Saute the onion until translucent, 4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until the onions are golden, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices, the sugar, thyme, mace and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer the soup until the tomatoes and onion are soft, about 15 minutes.✓ Let the soup sit 20 minutes, uncov-ered. Transfer it to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and reduce the mixture to a puree, either pulpy or completely smooth, as desired. Blend in the half-and-half. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.✓ Serve the soup hot, sprinkling one-fourth of the dill over each bowl, if using.

NUtRItION INFORMAtIONMakes 4 servings. Amount per serving: 105 calories; 3g total fat (2g saturated fat); 18g carbohydrates; 3g protein; <1g dietary fi ber; 586mg sodium; 425mg potassium.Source: American Institute for Cancer Research

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PAIDSenatobia, MSPermit #368

Southeastern Regional Medical Center300 W. 27th St.Lumberton, NC 28358

Main number 910-671-5000Phone registration 910-671-5096Billing and insurance 910-671-5047Financial assistance 910-671-5038Information desk 910-735-8110Human Resources 910-671-5562Gift shop 910-735-8164Home health 910-671-5600Medical equipment 910-738-3560

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Check out our website

www.southeasternhealth.org

ONE WAY IS to know that symptoms start suddenly—and you need to react just as fast. Call 911 right away if you or someone nearby displays any of these signs:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg.

Sudden confu-sion or trouble speaking or understanding.

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance or coordination.

Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

A clot-busting drug can often help people recover their abilities after a stroke. But it must be given within three hours of the fi rst symptom to work best. So check the time and remember when symp-toms began.sources: American heart Association; National heart, Lung, and blood Institute

Preventing strokes:

Is the glass half full?LooKING oN the brIGht sIde of life has already been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Now a study suggests it lowers stroke risk too.

Researchers looked at data from 6,044 Americans 50 and older enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study. Over two years, they documented 88 cases of stroke among the participants.

All the participants had taken a survey that plotted their opti-mism on a 3- to 18-point scale. Each additional point increase in optimism on the scale lowered stroke risk by 9 percent, according to results.

Researchers adjusted for factors that might aff ect stroke risk, such as chronic illness and psychological conditions.

Study authors theorize that positive thinkers take steps to promote their well-being, such as exercising and eating well. But optimism —which can be learned—may directly aff ect biology too.source: stroke, doI: 10.1161/stroKeAhA.111.613448

How can you tell if it’s a stroke?

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