Heath
Matters
Your
Fall 2011
the Power
of Sleep
Shut eye. Forty winks. Beauty sleep. Counting sheep.
Catch some ZZZs. No matter how you say it, sleep is an
invaluable component of keeping our bodies healthy
and our minds happy.
■ about one-third of your life is spent sleeping, and If you frequently wake up gasping for breath, excessively
this biological function has the power to boost memory and snore, experience severe headaches, are fatigued during the
positively impact other important functions. Not taking the day, or sleep restlessly, you may be suffering from a sleep
time to get enough sleep can have adverse effects on your disorder. Individuals with untreated sleep disorders, such
entire being—mind, body, and spirit. as obstructive sleep apnea, run the risk of developing other
When sleep patterns are not up to par, your mood and health conditions, including hypertension, congestive heart
neurological function may suffer. Some studies have shown failure, and stroke.
that lack of sleep can affect your ability to make the correct “In addition to reviewing clinical history and completing
decision in a situation—and driving while sleep deprived a thorough physical examination, the gold standard for
can even be as dangerous as operating a vehicle while diagnosing a sleep disorder is the polysomnogram—an
under the influence of alcohol. overnight sleep study performed in a specialized facility,”
says Leslee Hudgins, DO, neurologist with Loris Healthcare
Tossing and Turning? System. “If you suspect you may have a sleep disorder,
Problems sleeping can stem from a number of speak with a physician. He or she can help diagnose the
factors, including: problem and find the tools you need to regain a good
• breathing disorders • prescription and over- night’s sleep.”
• caffeine consumption the-counter medications
➔ For more information about the Sleep Center
• hormonal changes • stress
at Loris Healthcare System, call (843) 716-7578.
• mental disorders
INSIDE 2 Good Health 3 Yoga to End Pain 4 Moving on Up 6 Questions & Answers 7 Fall Events 8 New Diabetes
Tidbits Free Class Pass! When Children Should • PSA Testing Risk for Men
Switch to an Adult Doctor • Urinary Incontinence
Night Sweats:
healthy eating Not Just for Women
at Any Age ■ Your wife wakes uP in the middle of the night—
because you are drenched in sweat. Should you be worried?
■ whether it’s done while celebrating a special
While women typically experience night sweats during
occasion with a nice dinner at a restaurant or after
menopause, some men may also become flushed or feel
preparing a meal at home, eating is a necessary and
hot during the night. Night sweats can be the result of a
often pleasant part of maintaining health and energy.
variety of factors, including:
As you age, however, you may notice changes in your
• low testosterone levels
eating habits that can be attributed to a variety of factors,
• respiratory infection
including a reduction in lean body mass, prior illnesses
• stress
or health conditions, and changes in taste and smell.
• treatment for prostate cancer
No matter your age, be sure to include the following
nutrients in your diet to enhance your health:
Do Your Part
• calcium, found in low-fat dairy products, enriched
Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet
cereals, and dark, leafy greens
and regular exercise can help you reduce stress and reduce
• fiber, found in fresh fruits, vegetables, and
your risk of getting sick. However, if you continue to wake
whole grains
up sweating night after night, consult your physician.
• protein, such as lean red meat, chicken, fish, soy,
nuts, beans, and legumes ➔ To find a physician to meet your health needs, visit
• vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and orange veggies www.lorishealth.org or call (843) 716-7527.
Could You Recognize
a Stroke? ■ You’ve likelY heard stroke is the third leading
cause of death and the leading cause of disability
in the United States—but would you know if it was
happening to you or a loved one?
According to the National Stroke Association, a stroke
or “brain attack” takes place when a blood clot or
broken blood vessel keeps the brain from receiving vital
oxygen. Sufferers may exhibit a number of symptoms
including numbness or weakness in the face or limbs,
confusion, difficulty speaking, loss of balance or
coordination, and severe headache. If you think you or
someone you love is having a stroke, seek immediate
medical attention and act F.A.S.T. —
Face. Does one side of the face droop while smiling?
Arms. Does one arm not lift up like the other?
Speech. Is speech slurred?
2 Your Health Matters
Time. Call 911.
Sun Salutations
for Painless Days
Free Class Pass!
Cut out this coupon, and bring
it with you to participate in
one free yoga class at the
Center for Health and Fitness.
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, pain probably interferes with everything from sleep to completing simple
daily tasks. A recent study found that incorporating yoga into your exercise routine could not only decrease
fibromyalgia-related pain, but also ease depression, fatigue, and stiffness.
■ the overall benefits of yoga and strength. The hour-long program YOUr TIMe TO SPeAk
include enhanced circulation, begins with breathing exercises to
Because of the chronic presence of
flexibility, and strength, in addition to calm the body and focus the mind and
full-body pain, living with fibromyalgia
relief from pain and stress. For those ends with relaxation work. Attendees
can be an isolating experience. Loris
with fibromyalgia, yoga can provide can use exercise bands to enhance
Healthcare System’s Fibromyalgia and
additional benefits to emotional, a pose’s effect.
Arthritis Support Group offers patients
mental, and physical health. Many of the poses combine all
an outlet to express their frustrations
A study conducted at Oregon three areas. For instance, the tree pose
and successes.
Health & Science University incorporates strength as you engage
demonstrated the improved conditions your core and lift one foot to rest on The group meets at 11 a.m. on the
of fibromyalgia patients who had your calf. It requires balance to stand first Wednesday of every month at
completed an eight-week yoga course on one leg as you bring your hands the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic and
of breathing, meditation, and poses. The into a prayer position and flexibility Fitness Center and features speakers
participants experienced a 24 percent to stretch your hands and arms above such as physicians, massage therapists,
decrease in pain, a 30 percent decline your head. and nutritionists.
in fatigue, and a 42 percent reduction
“Many people with fibromyalgia often
of depression.
feel they are being judged by others
Taking the findings to heart, Loris
because the condition is not something
Healthcare System began offering
you can see,” says Kelly Strickland,
yoga classes in February of this
support group facilitator. “This support
year. Now, every Tuesday at 5 p.m.,
group is an open forum to voice how
community members can participate
you feel and share your experiences.”
in a mixed-level yoga class at the
Center for Health and Fitness. ➔ For more information about the
“A body in motion stays in motion,” Fibromyalgia and Arthritis Support
says Alison Hamilton, MBA, AFAA, Group, contact Outreach Services by
certified group fitness and personal calling (843) 716-7381.
trainer, fitness and yoga instructor
at the Center for Health and Fitness.
“Yoga is a practice that rejuvenates
and strengthens the body.”
A Class Preview
The weekly yoga class uses a variety
of poses to target balance, flexibility,
www.lorishealth.org 3
Graduating What
Pediatrics:
It is inevitable: Children grow into adults. Help your teen reach a
Parents
Should
Know
healthy adulthood by speaking openly about health changes during
this critical transformation.
■ teenagers have a tendencY it takes a little trial and error until
to think they know it all, but when it you find a provider you’re both
comes to topics surrounding health and comfortable with.”
changes in the body, they sometimes
clam up. While it’s normal for teenagers When Do We Make
to feel embarrassed when talking about the Switch?
such subjects, it is extremely important Most likely, your teen will let you
that parents establish an open line of know when he or she is ready to
communication early on about general see a different care provider. It’s not
health and wellness. This can help make uncommon for a teen to feel he or she
the transition from pediatric to adult care is too old for or be embarrassed by the
much easier for all parties involved. childlike atmosphere of a pediatrician’s
office—brightly colored walls and toys
Picking a Provider scattered in the waiting room floor total control of his or her care—
even though your child’s pediatrician probably do not match the cool, mature so help make this transition go
may provide superior care and comfort, image your teen is trying to pull off. more smoothly by encouraging your
your teen is maturing quickly and will regardless, your teen should see an teenager to have a more active role
need to make the switch to an adult adult care practitioner by age 18. in his or her healthcare management.
primary care physician, such as an “As an individual progresses from Allow your son or daughter to
internal medicine physician, a general childhood into adulthood, medical schedule his or her own appointments,
practitioner, or a family care physician. problems such as diabetes may call in prescription refills, and ask
“It is imperative that your teenager develop and be carried throughout the questions during medical office
feel comfortable with his or her new his or her lifetime,” explains Dr. Holt. visits. This can help your teen build
physician,” says ray Holt, MD, family “If a chronic condition develops, a confidence, knowledge, and comfort
medicine physician with Seacoast family physician or internist would be with health management. Also consider:
Primary Care. “To find the right fit for able to follow that medical problem • developing an online health
your teen, ask if he or she would feel from onset through the adult years.” record that your teen can access
more comfortable seeing a younger and edit as needed
or older care provider and if he or she Taking Charge • discussing the importance of
has a preference for gender. You do not As every parent knows, with preventive care
necessarily have to stay with the first adulthood comes great responsibility. • encouraging your child to maintain an
physician your child sees—sometimes Your teen will eventually have to take up-to-date list of medicines and dosages
4 Your Health Matters
Blooming
intoWomanhood
It’s generally recommended that a first visit to a
gynecologist be scheduled between the ages of 13
and 16, but many girls avoid this important appointment
for fear of a physical exam. While a physical exam is an
essential part of a well-woman checkup, it does not have
to be included in your daughter’s very first appointment.
“Some girls become so focused on having a physical
exam that they are terrified at the idea of seeing a
gynecologist,” says Linda McClain, MD, FACOG, board-
certified OB/GYN with Palmetto Associates for Women.
“I recommend bringing your daughter in for a general
consultation visit before she actually needs an exam.
The main goal of this first visit is to establish a trusting
relationship between gynecologist and patient and help
instill comfort and confidence.”
STARTING THe CONveRSATION
It can be embarrassing for both parent and daughter
to discuss scheduling an initial well-woman exam. Here
are some conversation tips to help make the process a
little easier:
• Ask her preference. Would she prefer a male or female
physician? Does she want someone older or younger?
Is she comfortable with going to your personal
gynecologist, or would she prefer to have her own?
• Give her options. Because a visit to the gynecologist
can seem a bit invasive, your daughter might be feeling
a little helpless. Allow her to have a sense of control
by giving her some choices, such as whether or not
she would like you in the room during the visit or if she
would prefer a morning or afternoon appointment.
• Discuss your personal experience. Sharing your own
first-time experience in a positive light can help put
your daughter at ease.
• Do not stress if you are a single dad. If you are a single
• relaying information regarding family medical history father, this topic can be extremely awkward to bring up
to your teen so he or she can accurately inform his or with your teenage daughter. If you are unable to start
her primary care provider the conversation, consider bringing in a trusted female
• reminding your child to schedule proper screenings figure, such as a close aunt or older cousin, to discuss
and physicals the importance of well-woman exams with your daughter
and talk about her preferences.
➔ To find a pediatrician or adult primary care provider
at Loris Healthcare System, visit www.lorishealth.org ➔ To find a Loris Healthcare System OB/GYN, visit
or call (843) 716-7527. www.lorishealth.org or call (843) 716-7527.
www.lorishealth.org 5
is Psa testing
Right for You?
Stacey Mott, community outreach coordinator with don’t
Loris Healthcare System, sheds some light on the
importance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) scores “Just
Deal”
and why you should know yours.
■ Q: What does having a high PSA score mean?
Mott: An elevated PSA score can be an indication of
an enlarged prostate or possible prostate cancer.
with it
■ Q: How are PSA scores obtained, and when should
a man have this test?
Mott: PSA scores are obtained through a simple
blood test. When screening for prostate cancer, it is
important to have a digital rectal exam done as well.
This test is recommended for men ages 40 to 75. Stress urinary incontinence is a troublesome condition
■ Q: There has been some controversy about the that affects nearly 15 million women in the United States.
reliability of PSA scores. Do men really need this test? While this condition can cause embarrassment and
Mott: There has been some controversy with PSA frequent urination for many women, it can typically
scores because an elevated score does not always be easily controlled. Loris Healthcare System OB/GYN
mean you have prostate cancer and a low score is
Denise Teasley, MD, FACOG, explains what can be done
not always indicative that you do not. However, if
prostate cancer is present, early detection means
to control stress urinary incontinence.
you will most likely be able to treat it quickly
■ Q: What causes stress urinary incontinence, and what
and less aggressively, increasing your chances of
signs should I look for?
successful treatment.
Dr. Teasley: Stress urinary incontinence often occurs
in women who have given birth or have pelvic organ
prolapse. Symptoms include involuntary urination
when coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
■ Q: When should I see my physician?
Dr. Teasley: You should not let this condition interfere
■ SePtember with your life. If it does, speak with your physician
is Prostate Cancer about methods to control it.
Awareness month.
To increase awareness, Loris ■ Q: What treatment options are available?
Healthcare System will be Dr. Teasley: Moderate cases can often be controlled
offering prostate screenings. with medication or pelvic floor muscle exercises. If
those don’t decrease symptoms, we perform what
For more information about
dates and times, call the is called a “sling procedure.” The procedure takes
Loris office at (843) 756-6319 less than an hour, and patients recover in just two
or the Sea Mountain office to four weeks. After making three small incisions, a
at (843) 399-9696. sling made of mesh is placed to support the urethra,
allowing the structure to prevent urine flow.
➔ To learn more about treatment options for stress urinary
6
incontinence, call (843) 716-7527.
Your Health Matters
FAll EvENTS
september, october, and november
Dinner with the Doctor Car Seat Safety ScreeningS
SerieS Interested in learning how you can better
protect your child in the event of a crash?
Finger Stick Screenings
A question and answer session will follow $20 full lipid panel, $10 cholesterol/glucose,
each lecture, and guests will enjoy a Join us for a car seat safety class to discuss
best practices, legal regulations, and types $3 glucose, free blood pressure
complimentary dinner. For more information For more information, please call (843) 716-7381.
or to register for any of the following, call of child safety seats, as well as to participate
(843) 716-7381. in hands-on car seat installation instruction. Thursday, September 22, 8 to 10 a.m.
For more information or to register, call North Myrtle Beach Aquatic and Fitness Center
(843) 716-7381.
Prostate Cancer Screenings: Why are Thursdays, September 1, October 6, and
they important? Saturday, October 29, 9 a.m. to noon November 3, 8 to 11 a.m.
Center for Health and Fitness Outreach Services Office at Loris
Speaker: Glenn Gangi, MD, urologist
with Adult and Pediatric Urology Center Community Hospital
of the Carolinas Look Good…Feel Better® Tuesdays, September 6, October 4, and
Loris Healthcare System is pleased to host November 1, 10 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, September 14, 6 p.m. the American Cancer Society’s Look Good…
Seacoast Medical Center cafe Myrtle Beach Mall—Belk Senior Day
Feel Better. Women undergoing cancer
treatment can learn skin care and makeup Wednesday, September 28, 9 to 11 a.m.
Hip and Knee Replacement: techniques, how to use turbans and scarves, Seashore Pharmacy in Calabash
What are the benefits? and much more. Free makeup and wigs will Wednesday, October 26, 9 to 11 a.m.
Speaker: Frederick J. Hamilton, DO, orthopod be available. Call (843) 716-7381 to reserve Seashore Pharmacy in Shallotte
your spot.
with McLeod Seacoast Orthopaedics
Wednesday, October 12, 6 p.m.
Monday, September 19, 2 to 4 p.m. Prostate Screenings
Center for Health and Fitness In recognition of Prostate Health Month,
Seacoast Medical Center cafe
Drs. Glenn Gangi and Andrew Grudzinski
The What, Why, How, and Where Childbirth Classes of the Adult and Pediatric Urology Center
This class is designed to help you of the Carolinas will provide prostate
of Diabetes: What is diabetes? Why do screenings to men in Loris and Little River
understand the processes of labor and
I need to treat it? How can I prevent delivery and to answer questions about in September. For more information about
diabetes? Where can I go for help? childbirth. The all-day class includes dates and times, call the Loris office at
Speaker: Ray Holt, MD, primary care interactive sessions, empathy belly exercises (843) 756-6319 or the Sea Mountain office
physician with Seacoast Primary Care for your support person, and a tour of the at (843) 399-9696.
labor and delivery suites at Loris Community
Wednesday, November 9, 6 p.m. Hospital. Lunch will be provided. For more Support groupS
Seacoast Medical Center cafe information or to register, call (843) 716-7290.
Saturdays, September 10 and November 12,
Fibromyalgia and Arthritis
eventS/claSSeS 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Support Group
Cost: $25 Whether you have been diagnosed with
AARP Safe Driver’s Course arthritis or fibromyalgia yourself or you
This course is designed especially for drivers Blood Drive are caring for a loved one suffering from
50 and older and may qualify South Carolina one of these conditions, join us to speak
Thursday, October 6, noon to 5 p.m.
drivers older than 55 for an auto insurance with others who understand what you are
Center for Health and Fitness
discount after completion. Registration is experiencing. For more information, call
required. For more information or to register, (843) 716-7381.
call (843) 716-7381. Sick Day Management
Friday, September 30, 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, October 5 and November 2,
Tuesday and Wednesday, November 15 and 16, Seacoast Medical Center 11 a.m.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Myrtle Beach Aquatic and Fitness Center
North Myrtle Beach Aquatic and Fitness Center
Cost: $12 AARP members, $14 nonmembers Know Your Numbers
NEW! Multiple Sclerosis
Friday, October 28, 10 to 11 a.m.
Seacoast Medical Center Support Group
Heartsaver® Adult CPR Are you looking for an opportunity to share
In this certifying class, you will learn your multiple sclerosis experiences with
about four life-threatening emergencies and Holiday Cooking Demo
someone who can relate? Loris Healthcare
will learn to perform CPR. Registration is Tuesday, November 8, 6 p.m. System is now offering an educational and
required. For more information or to register, Center for Health and Fitness positive multiple sclerosis support group.
call (843) 716-7381. Cost : $8 For more information, call (843) 716-7381.
Thursday, October 13, 4 p.m. Tuesdays, September 13, October 11, and
Center for Health and Fitness November 8, 6 p.m.
Cost: $20 Center for Health and Fitness
Diabetes Support Group
Looking for an opportunity to speak with
someone about your diabetes?
For more information, call (843) 716-7736.
www.lorishealth.org 7
Nonprofit
Organization
US Postage
PAID
Loris Community
Loris Community Hospital District Hospital District
24506
3655 Mitchell St.
Loris, SC 29569
This publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any
form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.
a new risk for Men
with Diabetes
■ a recent studY from the American
Cancer Society shows that men with diabetes
may have a higher risk of developing colon
cancer. Of the more than 184,000 American
adults who were evaluated, men with Type 2
diabetes were 24 percent more likely to have
colon cancer than men who did not have
diabetes. According to the study, the link
seemed to apply to men only.
Another surprising find is that men who
used insulin to manage their blood sugar
levels had an even higher risk, though
only slightly. While the research does
not indicate why this link seems to exist
between diabetes and colon cancer,
experts still recommend maintaining
healthy diet and exercise habits,
controlling weight, and
ave
quitting smoking to If you h
y seem
manage diabetes. es, it ma
diabet enu
elop a m
difficu lt to dev dical
your me
tha t meets ing crav
ings
hil e satisfy da
needs w e. To fin
ty cuisin
for tas an help,
ion al who c
profess -7527.
3) 716
call (84