Northside Hospital
Winter 2011
His & Her
TIPS FOR CANCER PREVENTION
STRESS BUSTERS:
Meditate Tension Away MANAGING BACK PAIN With Physical Therapy GEORGIA’S LEADER In GYN Oncology
At your service
How to reach us Northside Hospital-Atlanta (404) 851-8000
Northside Hospital-Cherokee (770) 720-5100
Northside Hospital-Forsyth (770) 844-3200
Physician Referral (404) 851-8817
Behavioral Health
(404) 851-8960 Programs for adults and families are provided at 1140 Hammond Drive, Suite J-1075, Atlanta, GA 30342. Pre-assessment and registration are required. Insurance and state funding accepted.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Atlanta and Alpharetta: (404) 851-6023 Cherokee: (678) 493-1503
A medically supervised education and exercise program for people diagnosed with lung disease or recovering from lung surgery
Comprehensive Outpatient Diabetes and Nutrition Program
medication management
• Individual, group and family
Nutrition Consults
counseling and therapy
Atlanta and Alpharetta: (404) 459-1858 Forsyth: (770) 844-3274
• Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program
Designed to integrate recovery from alcohol or drug addiction to living substance free • Northside Recovery Residence
A supportive, structured, therapeutic residential setting for men and women • Vistas Day Program
Daily programming for persons with severe mental illnesses providing supportive, educational and rehabilitative groups and individual care
What’s new at Northside..........................................................................page 3 Special Feature: Cancer screening guide..........................................pages 4–7 Georgia’s leader in gynecologic cancers......................................... pages 8–9 Breathe away stress..................................................................................page 10 How to manage GERD........................................................................... page 11 Rest easy!.................................................................................................... page 12 Rules for a refilled nest........................................................................... page 13 Special care for special patients............................................................ page 14 Managing back pain with physical therapy........................................... page 15
Diabetes and Nutrition Education
Personal sessions or group classes to help you control your diabetes. Registered dietitians are available for individualized nutrition consults.
• Psychiatric assessment and
Contents
(770) 844-3822
Smoking Cessation Clinic (770) 844-3497
A six-week series to help people quit smoking
Oncology
Familial Ovarian Cancer Screening (678) 420-4100
Semiannual screening and genetic testing for those at risk for ovarian cancer Hereditary Cancer Program (404) 851-6284
A program to help assess, understand and reduce the risk of developing genetically influenced cancers Mammography
Stroke Center
(404) 851-6577
(404) 845-5265
Early-morning, late-evening and Saturday hours are available at many locations
Individual consultations, nutrition assessment, diet analysis and dietary planning
Comprehensive care, including the prevention and treatment of strokes
Exercise and Rehab
Imaging/Radiology Services
(770) 667-4400
Alpharetta, Atlanta, Dawsonville, Forsyth, Holly Springs, Johns Creek, Woodstock and Canton: (404) 851-6577
The Cancer Support Community (404) 843-1880
Bariatric Support Group (404) 845-5457
This free support group helps people who have had bariatric surgery maintain a healthy weight. Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (404) 851-6435 (770) 844-3639
ScreenAtlanta
Scheduling for the following locations:
A medically supervised exercise program for those recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery
Mobile mammography at convenient locations
Psychosocial and educational support for cancer survivors and their families
Urodiagnostic Treatment The Diagnostics Center for Urinary Incontinence (404) 459-1860
Northside Hospital A Woman’s Guide to Family Health
How to find us Call (404) 303-3900 for directions
Exit 11 (Holly Springs Road) Northside-Cherokee at Towne Lake Medical Office Building
Holly Springs Medical Office Building
HOLLY SPRINGS
is published by the Marketing and Public Relations Department of Northside Hospital, 1000 Johnson Ferry Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30342. There is no fee to subscribe. Contributing Writers
Emily C. Brown Kathy Kinsella Katherine Watson at Scottish Rite
Editor
Yolanda R. Lee
Or visit our website for printable directions:
northside.com
n
northside.com
Physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners on staff at Northside Hospital are not employees of the hospital but are private, independent practitioners qualified to hold privileges to practice at Northside Hospital.
Safe, effective options for diagnosing and treating urinary incontinence and other lower urinary tract disorders
Wellness
A Woman’s Place Atlanta: (404) 845-5125 Forsyth: (770) 844-3635
A specialty boutique that offers products from nursing needs to breast prosthetic forms, wigs and other specialized cancer care products Sleep Disorders Centers Atlanta: (404) 851-8135 Forsyth: (770) 844-3293 Cherokee: (770) 720-5112
Centers use the latest technology in diagnosing and treating sleep/ wake disorders
Images on pages 4,12,13 and 14 © istockphoto/ranplett/Stephanie Horrocks/Christopher Hudson/iofoto; images on pages 5,8,9,10,11 and 15 © 2011 Thinkstock
T
he Northside Hospital healthcare system provides a full range of services and is an ambassador for healthy living. See below for how to reach us and brief descriptions of some of our services.
Atlanta • Forsyth • Cherokee
What’s new at Northside Cancer treatment services expanded
N
orthside Hospital has expanded its outpatient radiation therapy cancer treatment services at its Canton and Cumming hospital locations. This expansion provides patients two additional locations in North Metro Atlanta at which to receive these services. Northside now offers radiation therapy services in Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs. Each center is staffed by radiation therapists, a medical physicist, a medical dosimetrist, R.N.s and support staff. While we provide radiation therapy for all cancers, the most frequently treated types of cancer at Northside Hospital centers are breast, prostate and lung. These centers offer intensity modulated radiation therapy,high dose rate brachytherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery for brain lesions and stereotactic body radiation therapy.
PCI services now available in Atlanta and Forsyth
E
ffective July 2010, all three Northside hospitals were approved by the state’s Department of Community Health to offer percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), previously called cardiac angioplasty. The Atlanta and Cumming locations currently offer this service and Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s program will be operational by spring 2011. These additional cardiac services represent a continued commitment by Northside to provide comprehensive cardiovascular care throughout North Metro Atlanta.
PCI is a nonsurgical procedure that unblocks arteries using a catheter with a small balloon attached to its tip. An alternative to coronary bypass surgery, PCI requires a one- or two-day hospital stay and a recovery time of about one week. The procedure is extremely effective, causes little pain and takes as few as 30 minutes to complete. An adult PCI program allows Northside to provide potentially muscle-saving heart services without transferring patients to another facility. No other facilities offer this service in Cumming and the same will be true for Canton once Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s service is operational. The Atlanta campus also renovated both existing cath labs and the critical and progressive care units through a generous donation from the Northside Hospital-Atlanta Auxiliary. A second cath lab also has opened in Forsyth.
Healing sounds for patients and visitors
T
he next time you visit Northside Hospital-Forsyth, you may hear something you wouldn’t normally expect … live music. The hospital has introduced “Healing Sounds,” a program bringing music into the hospital through live performances by local volunteer musicians. Research shows that music positively impacts the healing process, easing pain and reducing depression and anxiety. Northside Hospital-Forsyth hopes to provide an ongoing variety of live music performances throughout the hospital. WINTEr
2011
n
Special Feature: Cancer screening guide
For women: your guide to breast exams and
Y
mammograms
our to-do list is already packed. The last thing you want to worry about is having breast cancer. However, every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed. Thankfully, when caught early, breast cancer has a 98 percent cure rate. Here’s our no-excuses guide to getting tested.
6 reasons to get tested 1
You’re adding candles to the birthday cake. About one in eight breast cancers are found in women under age 45, while about two in three breast cancers are found in women over age 55, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Having children later in life also can increase your risk by 30 percent. 2 It’s in the family. Women with blood relatives having breast cancer carry a higher risk and double that risk if it was your mom, sister or daughter. Keep a health family tree and include the names, relation, disease and diagnosis age. Don’t forget your dad’s family, too. Northside’s Hereditary Cancer Program offers screening to detect cancer-causing gene mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. Call (404) 851-6284 to learn more. 3 You’ve added some pounds. Extra body fat can increase your estrogen and blood insulin levels, increasing your risk for breast cancer, especially after menopause. Curb weight gain by keeping a food diary or swap out large dinner plates for smaller versions.
Every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer.
n
northside.com
Ditch saturated fats and red meats for veggies, whole grains and lean protein. 4 You can’t find time to exercise. Exercise decreases your odds of getting breast cancer by keeping your weight in check. Can’t get to the gym? Skinny up your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away at work or doing calf raises in the grocery line. 5 You drink more than one alcoholic beverage a day. Women who drink two to five alcoholic beverages daily have a one-and-a-half times greater risk than women who don’t drink. Switch to sparkling water and fruit after that first glass of wine. 6 You discover a change in your breast. It could be discharge, a lump in your breast or an inward facing nipple—any breast change is important to communicate to your doctor. Becoming familiar with how your breasts look and feel can help you identify unusual changes.
When to start your breast exams
Ages 20 and older
Breast Self-Exam (BSE): A monthly BSE helps detect changes in your breasts and nipples. Mark your reminder in pink a week after your menstrual cycle, when your hormones are most stable and your breasts are less tender. Think visual—changes in contour or texture—and manual— feeling for any lumps or thickness in the skin. Questions? Contact Northside’s Breast Health Coordinator at (404) 851-6161. Clinical Breast Exam (CBE): Have this hands-on examination every three years and annually beginning at age 40. A doctor will knead the skin around the breasts and underarms to search for lumps.
Ages 40 and older
Mammogram: An annual mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, can find tumors that are too small to see or feel. Early breast cancer is often found on a mammogram before a lump can even be felt. Expect a few moments of compression as each breast is pressed between two plates.
5 mammogram excuses debunked As the regional leader in the fight against breast cancer, diagnosing and treating more cases of the disease than any other community hospital in the Southeast, Northside stands by the ACS and its recommendation that all women receive annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Don’t fall victim to the following common excuses to put off getting your mammogram: 1 I’m too busy. Mammograms take about 20 minutes, and the actual breast compression only lasts a few seconds. Northside makes it easy with 12 imaging locations in Atlanta, Forsyth and Cherokee, offering flexible hours that include early morning, late evening and Saturday appointments. To schedule a mammogram, call (404) 8516577. Throughout the year, Northside’s mobile mammography van travels around the community; call (770) 667-4400 to learn more.
2
I can’t afford it. Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans cover a percentage or the full cost of a screening mammogram once every 365 days. With the support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Northside funds mammograms and diagnostic services for qualified applicants who aren’t otherwise covered. 3 I’m afraid they may find something scary. Only one or two mammograms in 1,000 lead to a cancer diagnosis, according to the ACS. A mammogram increases your treatment options by catching breast cancer early; shared knowledge means better care. 4 I don’t have a family history of breast cancer. The ACS estimates that more than 70 percent of breast cancer patients don’t have a family history of the disease. 5 It’ll hurt. Worried about discomfort? Schedule your screening one week after your period when your breasts are less tender and limit caffeine a few days prior to the screen. You can also try taking a mild over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour before your mammogram.
WINTEr
2011
n
Special Feature: Cancer screening guide
A man’s guide to
Y
cancer screenings
ou’re healthy, with no aches or pains, so you don’t need to see your doctor, right? Wrong. You may not be sick now, but you need an annual checkup to stay healthy. During your routine exam, your physician may recommend cancer screenings, many of which can spot the disease when it’s still beatable. Discussing your age, health, family history and lifestyle will assist you and your physician in determining which screenings are appropriate.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer affects one in every six men. It’s the second most common cancer in American men after skin cancer. Prostate cancer usually has no symptoms in early stages. When caught early, chances of survival increase significantly. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men discuss the benefits and limitations of early detection beginning at age 50 if you’re at average risk, or at age 45 if you’re at high risk. Men at high risk include African-Americans and those with a first-degree relative (father, brother, son) diagnosed at an early age (younger than age 65). Men with several first-degree relatives having prostate cancer at an early age should discuss the pros and cons of early screening with their physician beginning at age 40.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in teens and the most common cancer in men ages 20 to 34. The ACS reports a man’s lifetime chance of having testicular cancer is about one in 300. Because treatment is so successful, the risk of dying is very low: about one in 5,000. Your healthcare provider may do a testicular exam as part of a regular checkup and, depending on your risk factors, may recommend monthly self-exams.
n
northside.com
Atlanta’s leader in prostate cancer care
A
t Northside Hospital, more prostate cancer cases are diagnosed and treated each year than at any other community hospital in Atlanta. Ninety-six percent of the cases are diagnosed in the earliest stages of disease, ahead of the national average.
Symptoms of prostate cancer Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: • Blood in urine or semen • Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, ribs or upper thighs • Trouble having or keeping an erection (impotence) • Painful or burning urination • Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
Screenings for men and women
Your best weapon against cancer? Early detection. Read on for screening recommendations for cancers that affect both men and women.
Lung cancer
As one of the most frequently treated forms of cancer at Northside Hospital, lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. People with earlystage lung cancer often don’t have any symptoms, and in many cases, it’s found when having an X-ray for another reason.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer often has no obvious early warning signs or visible symptoms. Subtle symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, constipation and fatigue may only appear when the disease is in an advanced stage, which is why it’s important to have regular screenings. When detected early, the five-year survival rate is more than 90 percent. Everyone should begin colorectal cancer screening by age 50. Screenings should be done every five to 10 years to detect and remove any precancerous polyps. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends that African-Americans begin routine screening at age 45. If you have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer, talk with your doctor about beginning screening even earlier.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. Periodically examine your skin to monitor any changes to existing moles or new moles. Starting at age 20, have your dermatologist or healthcare provider check your skin every three years.
The Cancer Support Community
T
he Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club Worldwide have joined together to become the Cancer Support Community (CSC)—the nation’s largest professionally led network of social and emotional support for cancer patients, their loved ones and caregivers. CSC-Atlanta, the organization’s Atlanta affiliate, is associated with Northside Hospital and continues to host educational, social and therapeutic programs to provide support, companionship and hope for their participants. Activities include: • Art therapy programs • Cooking demonstrations • Educational seminars • Gentle exercise classes • Stress reduction programs • Support groups and special programs for children Licensed therapists and trained professionals lead programs, offering encouragement and hope. Everyone whose life has been touched by a cancer diagnosis is welcome to participate. CSC services are free and offered in Atlanta, Forsyth and Cherokee. Visit www.cscatlanta.org.
Symptoms of lung cancer Report any of the problems below to your physician immediately: • A persistent or intense cough • Coughing up blood or phlegm tinged with blood • Harsh sounds accompanying breathing • Recurrent lung problems such as bronchitis or pneumonia • Shortness of breath
Early detection is key
Be prepared to discuss any symptoms or health changes at your doctor’s appointment. Follow up on your physician’s recommendations for screening and treatments to ensure you stay cancer free. WINTEr
2011
n
Georgia’s leader in
gynecologic cancers E
ffective treatment of gynecologic cancers can hinge on early detection. However, diagnosing gynecologic cancer can be difficult in the early stages. The signs and symptoms aren’t always clear and often resemble other conditions. Northside Hospital leads the Southeast in diagnosing and treating more cases of gynecologic cancers—endometrial, ovarian and cervical— than any other hospital in Georgia. The Gynecologic Oncology Program at Northside focuses on improving the overall patient experience through facility enhancements, new technology and compassionate care.
Innovative treatments Northside leads the way in treating gynecologic cancers with innovative and minimally invasive treatments to give better outcomes. Many of our surgeons are pioneers in laparoscopic surgery and are nationally recognized for their expertise. It’s this level of expertise that also guides Northside’s
n
northside.com
Advanced Center for Robotic Technology. Less scarring and shorter recovery times are two benefits of these innovative treatments. As one of the first hospitals in the Southeast to acquire a robotic surgical system, Northside now employs four robotic systems for more than 500 procedures every year. Giving doctors a three-dimensional view of the surgical area with finer and more complex control, robotic surgery has helped propel Northside to the top five percent of hospitals in the United States using these procedures to treat women. Northside’s Ovarian Cancer Program also integrates innovative treatments with the use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC)—a procedure in which heated chemotherapy solution is administered into the patient’s abdominal cavity during surgery to penetrate diseased tissue. More than 100 HIPEC procedures have been completed at Northside with minimal complications and excellent results.
At Northside Hospital, patients don’t have to choose between clinical excellence and compassionate care when fighting cancer. Dedicated gynecologic cancer inpatient unit As Atlanta’s leader in women’s health, Northside Hospital remains dedicated to accommodating the needs of women by providing a patient-centered experience. To provide complete care, Northside has dedicated an inpatient cancer unit specifically for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. Nurses and staff are specially trained in gynecologic cancer, chemotherapy and symptom management to provide resources, care and overall support.
Northside’s reputation and strength in cancer care At Northside Hospital, patients don’t have to choose between clinical excellence and compassionate care when fighting cancer. The Cancer Care Program, fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACOS) Commission on Cancer, combines expertise with compassionate care. Northside received an Outstanding Achievement Award based on full compliance in all 36 cancer-care standards set by
At Northside Hospital • More new cancer cases are diagnosed and/or treated than at any other hospital in Atlanta. • More cases of breast cancer and gynecologic (cervical, ovarian and uterine) cancer are diagnosed and treated than at any other hospital in Georgia. • Numerous cancer clinical trials provide opportunities that are often only available at university-based hospitals. • The National Cancer Institute selected Northside to join the NCCCP—one of just 30 cancer centers nationwide and the only program in the Atlanta area. • A myriad of resources and activities are available for patient support. • Metro Atlanta consumers voted Northside as Atlanta’s Most Preferred Hospital for Overall Healthcare Services for the past 14 consecutive years.* • Northside has received National Research Corporation’s Consumer’s Choice Award three times.* *Consumer surveys conducted by the National Research Corporation, an independent national healthcare market research firm.
ACOS. Northside was also recently chosen by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as an NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) location, expanding opportunities for clinical trials and research.
Leading-edge research “The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer hasn’t seen a significant change despite increased funding levels in the last 40 years,” says Benedict Benigno, M.D., Northside Hospital director of gynecologic oncology. Dr. Benigno, a world-renowned cancer surgeon, also founded the Ovarian Cancer Institute (OCI) at the Georgia Institute of Technology to generate more innovative, lifesaving research. Northside joins OCI’s mission for an “outside the box” and integrative approach to ovarian cancer research. The hospital provides OCI with tissue and serum samples, which are collected in operating rooms for research studies. Sharing tumor samples and medical histories has established a partnership between Northside Hospital and OCI yielding dynamic results and setting future goals—to develop a diagnostic test for ovarian cancer and new treatments for the disease. WINTEr
2011
n
Breathe away stress How meditation can help
F
or many women, stress is a constant companion. Long-term tension is exhausting; it can cause physical symptoms such as anxiety, back pain, constipation, diarrhea, depression, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, sleep problems and weight change. The best way to remove stress is to address whatever causes it. Changing the way you react to your stressors and practicing meditation are great ways to start.
Open up and say ‘om’ Meditation comes in many different forms, from yoga and tai chi to mantra meditation (the silent repeating of a calming word or thought) and guided meditation (using mental images that you find
Meditation can bring a sense of peace and balance to help your well-being and overall health.
10
n
northside.com
relaxing). Many techniques involve a quiet location, minimal distractions, specific posture, focus of attention and an open attitude. Each meditation form can bring a sense of peace and balance to help your well-being and overall health. Conditions aggravated by stress, such as allergies, cancer, depression, fatigue, high blood pressure, pain or substance abuse, could be improved through meditation. The best part about meditation is that it doesn’t have to be done in a formal setting or in a group class. You can practice techniques wherever and whenever you choose. Meditation can be as simple as focusing your attention on breathing deeply, engaging in prayer or reading your favorite text and reflecting on the meaning of the words. You can also incorporate meditation into everyday routines such as walking. Simply walk slowly, concentrate on each stride and repeat an action phrase in your head. For example: “lifting up my foot,” “putting my foot down” and “walking forward.” Before you know it, you’ll be headed down a less stressful path!
N
How to manage GERD
early half the adult population gets occasional heartburn. Most of us find relief by taking a pink liquid or tablet from the medicine cabinet … and swearing off garlic. But for more than 15 million Americans, heartburn is a daily condition, marked by difficulty swallowing, stomach pain, sore throat, hoarseness, weight loss and abdominal distress. Left untreated, this condition, termed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can scald tender throat linings with stomach acid backing up (refluxing) into the throat. Most GERD patients have a weak sphincter—the flap at the bottom of the esophagus—that doesn’t seal tightly enough to contain stomach acid. In some cases, GERD can lead to more serious disorders.
Fighting back Thankfully, GERD can be managed. If you suffer from its symptoms, talk with your physician and take preventive measures to change your lifestyle and eating habits with the following tips: • Avoid foods that cause reflux: coffee, chocolate, fatty or spicy foods, soda, mints, citrus products, onions, tomatoes, herbs and whole milk. • Eat smaller meals at more frequent times. Eat dinner at least three hours before bedtime. Don’t lie down immediately after eating. • Sleep with your head at least six inches higher than your feet. This position prevents acid from backing up into your throat. Use blocks to raise the bed frame or place a foam wedge under your pillow. • Avoid alcohol. • Lose extra weight and avoid tight clothes that put pressure on the abdomen. • Stop smoking. GERD is another reason to quit as tobacco weakens the sphincter.
When GERD becomes more serious
A
ccording to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one percent of adults in the United States develop a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus affects the lining of the esophagus and is a major risk factor for developing cancer. Although the exact cause isn’t known, Barrett’s esophagus is often found in those with chronic GERD. It’s important to get treated because sufferers usually don’t notice a change in symptoms, but the problem can be detected with endoscopy and biopsies.
Treating GERD and preventing cancer The Heartburn Treatment Center at Northside Hospital-Forsyth specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of GERD-related problems. Specialists in gastroenterology, surgery and ear, nose and throat care, along with the patient’s primary care or referring physician, use advanced technologies and therapies, working together to create an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Northside’s specially trained nurse coordinator assures easy navigation from education to treatment and recovery.
Stop suffering today! To learn more about the Heartburn Treatment Center at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, call (770) 844-3675 or visit northside.com.
WINTEr
2011
n
11
Rest easy! A woman’s guide to a good night’s sleep.
S
leep is a basic human need, as important for good health as diet and exercise. Particularly for women on the go, sleep gives our bodies rest, preparing us for the day ahead. Most people need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to function well the next day. However, according to the National Sleep Foundation, the average woman age 30 to 60 sleeps much less, often leaving her tired the next day.
But so does quality Getting the right amount of sleep is vital, but just as important is the quality of your sleep. Women are more likely than men to have difficulty falling and staying asleep. Biological conditions unique to women, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause, can impact a woman’s sleep. Understanding the effects of hormone changes, environmental factors and lifestyle habits helps put you to rest.
Having trouble sleeping? For more information or to discuss treatment options, visit northside.com or call the Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Center near you: Atlanta: (404) 851-8135 Forsyth: (770) 844-3293 Cherokee: (770) 720-5112
Quantity counts Sleep loss can make you more than just tired and cranky. It can make you less alert and attentive and more irritable and stressed—problems that can make your relationships suffer and productivity decline. Sleep loss also can prompt weight gain, make you more susceptible to sickness, and put you at risk for developing more serious medical conditions.
Getting your zzzs
N
orthside Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Centers offer these tips for getting a better night’s sleep: • Eliminate worries. If you’re concerned about something, make a list of the steps you’ll take to resolve the problem the next day. • Take a warm bath, drink a cup of warm milk or read a book before bedtime to help you relax.
12
n
northside.com
• Don’t nap during the day for longer than 20 minutes on a regular basis. Avoid naps after 5 p.m. • Make your bedroom more conducive to sleep—quiet, dark and comfortable. • Don’t read, watch TV or do work in bed for extended periods of time. • Finish eating at least two to three hours before your regular bedtime.
• Exercise regularly, but finish at least three hours (preferably six hours) before bedtime. • Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol after your evening meal. • Keep a regular sleep/wake schedule. However, don’t get into bed unless you’re sleepy. • For additional tips, visit northside.com/healthcast/Sleep.
Rules for a
G
refilled nest
ail’s best friend, Pat, is upset because her youngest child is moving out. Ironically, Gail is struggling with the opposite problem: just when she and her husband had begun relishing their child-free home, their 26-year-old daughter asked to move back home for a while. Besides feeling guilty about her lack of enthusiasm, Gail is anxious about establishing the groundwork for stress-free cohabitation. These days, Gail’s dilemma isn’t uncommon. How can you cope when the child you thought you had raised to live independently comes home to roost? Here’s help.
Accept your feelings Your job was to prepare your child to go out into the world. Now that he or she is back, you may be wondering where you went wrong. These feelings are perfectly normal.
Allay tensions Discuss your expectations from the start. Possible topics: • Household chores. Is your new “tenant” expected to help? If so, for which tasks will he or she be responsible? • Car use. Will your car be accessible to your child? • Family obligations. Will your child be sharing meals? If so, will he or she be expected home at a certain time? Will you expect to know your child’s whereabouts so that you won’t worry? • Financial obligations. Will your child be contributing to household expenses, utilities or rent? • Privacy. Discuss how much privacy you and your spouse require; ask your child to respect it.
Address the future Make it clear from the start that your arrangements are temporary. Inquire about your child’s long-term goals and how he or she plans to achieve them. In the meantime, enjoy the unique opportunities this time together offers. Many couples find the “crowded-nest” syndrome surprisingly rewarding. WINTEr
2011
n
13
Special care for special
patients
A look inside Northside Hospital Pediatric Imaging Center
F
rom broken bones to pneumonia or headaches to colitis, most children will need imaging services at some point in their lives, which can be a scary experience. Providing the best possible care for these very special patients requires specially trained medical staff members who understand the unique needs of children as well as state-of-the-art equipment specially designed or adapted for all ages and sizes. Who better to provide this care than Northside Hospital, whose very reputation is built on caring for the smallest of babies during their first days, weeks and months of life? Northside’s Pediatric Imaging Center, located in Alpharetta, offers high-quality, comprehensive imaging services for infants on up, in a safe, soothing and childfriendly environment designed especially for them.
The expertise to understand Children are not small adults. Diseases and injuries affect them differently. At Northside, our technologists, nurses and physicians are specially trained in unmasking the mysterious reasons behind a child’s illness. Each has chosen to work with children and is skilled in handling their special needs and anxieties. These specialists understand which technologies lead to the most accurate
diagnosis and they work with referring physicians to make sure that each exam is absolutely necessary. Our board-certified radiologist, who is fellowshiptrained in pediatric imaging, reads and interprets every child’s exam. We also collaborate with many other pediatric physicians with subspecialties in orthopaedics, neurology, ENT (ear, nose and throat), urology and gastroenterology to provide comprehensive care for your child. Both you and your pediatrician are always kept in the information loop and results are typically available in less than 24 hours. Faster results mean shorter waits for diagnosis and treatment.
State-of-the-art, tailored technology Children’s smaller bodies require adjustments to the way images are taken. The Pediatric Imaging Center offers the latest technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, X-ray and fluoroscopy—all tailored to the specific needs of pediatric patients of all ages and sizes. We ensure that the imaging technology we choose is the least invasive, provides the lowest radiation exposure and is the most comfortable for your child.
Quality care, close to home Northside Hospital’s Pediatric Imaging Center is conveniently located off of state Route 400, at 3300 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 150, on the Northside-Alpharetta Medical Campus, providing a shorter commute to and from the many pediatric physician practices in the area.To schedule an appointment, call (404) 851-6577.
14
n
northside.com
Managing back pain with
A
physical therapy
bout 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain in their lives with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and spasms. No two patients are the same and treatment options vary. Medication may not address the cause of the problem, but treatment doesn’t necessarily mean surgery. Physical therapy may be all that’s needed. Northside Hospital’s Spine Center makes evaluation and treatment of back pain as easy as possible. Each patient benefits from a conservative, coordinated and personalized approach—combining the expertise of specialists in neurosurgery, pain management, radiology and physical therapy—to determine the best treatment plan. All services are conveniently located on-site to expedite care.
A personalized treatment plan Physical therapy is designed to speed the healing process and get patients back to their normal routine through stretching, stationary or cardiovascular exercises, weight resistance and massage. During your first appointment, a physical therapist will ask you about your lifestyle and medical history; check your posture; and measure your muscle strength, range of motion, balance and coordination. Using a customized treatment plan, the therapist will teach you specific exercises to increase your flexibility, strengthen your back and abdominal muscles and improve your posture. He or she also may evaluate the ergonomics of your home and workplace to help you avoid future problems. Following the therapist’s prescribed techniques will help prevent pain and injury from returning. Any physical therapy, rehab and reconditioning program is an educational process. Your therapist will teach you what you’ll need to do to recover and resume your normal daily activities. You may require only a few sessions before you experience relief, or you may need to make permanent lifestyle changes.
Northside Hospital Spine Center
F
inding treatment for back pain shouldn’t be difficult. Northside Hospital’s Spine Center’s assessment and treatment doesn’t require a doctor’s referral. Two locations provide quality care close to home: Medical Tower at Northside Hospital 5670 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 950 Atlanta
Northside Hospital-Forsyth 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 400 Cumming
Most major insurance plans are accepted. To schedule an appointment, call (404) 459-1906. Learn more about back pain and listen to specialists discuss spine and back treatments by visiting northside.com/healthcast/spinecenter.
WINTEr
2011
n
15
1000 Johnson Ferry Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30342-1611
Atlanta • Forsyth • Cherokee
© 2011 Northside Hospital Inc. Printed on Recycled Paper Please Recycle This Publication
NCI Selects Northside Hospital To The Community Cancer Centers Program
THe NaTIoNal CaNCer INSTITuTe (NCI) HaS CHoSeN NorTHSIde HoSPITal to join the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) – one of just 30 cancer centers nationwide and the only program in the Atlanta area. Joining this exclusive national network gives Northside more opportunities to expand research, improve quality of care, promote an infrastructure to collect high-quality biospecimens, and establish connections to national research data. You’ll get the most advanced cancer care – comfortably close to home.
www.northside.com
NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Postage Paid Permit No. 1713 Atlanta, GA
