Fall 2012 Healthy - Providence Alaska › ~ › media › files › providence ak... · 2015-07-17 · Fall 2012 HealthyAlAskA journAl of wellness & good eAHltH cAre AlAskA Road to

Fall 2012

HealthyAlAskAj o u r n A l o f w e l l n e s s & g o o d H e A lt H c A r e

AlAskA

Road to health afteR 50Helping you find your way

Make way for babyHow to have a healthy pregnancy

Keith is the first patient to enter the small exam room at Brother Francis Shelter, and he struggles to get out of his coat. He hasn’t been feeling well lately, and his runny nose and head-ache make him think he might have a sinus infection.

Seated next to him are his doctors for the evening, medical residents Kristofor Sargent, MD, and Joseph Prows, MD. They ask questions, give Keith a brief exam and discuss what he can do to relieve some of his pain. For those 25 minutes, Keith knows there are people who care about him. With no permanent place to call home, he may be at a low point now, but this visit assures him that he is not alone.

The Alaska Family Medicine Residency pro-gram has worked since 1996 to provide evening clinics twice a month at Brother Francis Shelter, a temporary refuge for Anchorage’s homeless people. The program not only provides much-needed experience to new doctors, but it also complements the Providence Mission of providing compassionate care to every person who seeks it, regardless of income or insurance status.

The clinic was part of more than $53 million Providence Health & Services Alaska gave back

to communities across the state in 2011. Brother Francis served nearly 3,384 homeless men and women that year, providing a place to sleep, shower and eat. The clinics fill another much-needed gap in health care, says shelter Director Dewayne Harris.

“For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve had interaction with medical services in years,” Harris says. “We have folks waiting to be seen, and we could use even more sessions to fill the need.”

Dr. Sargent says the evening clinics give the new doctors a chance to interact with an under-served population. Residents are assigned two shifts per rotation, and in that time they will see seven to nine patients.

Each shift is different, Dr. Prows says, and cases range from simple skin conditions to seri-ous heart and other organ problems.

“At the last clinic, we saw a lot of people and some very complicated cases,” he says. “We’re try-ing to make a difference.”

Compassion in a crisisFamily medicine residents care for Brother Francis clients

Medical residents Joseph Prows, MD (left), and Kristofor Sargent, MD, consult with a patient at the free clinic.

2 Healthy Alaska • Providence Alaska Medical Center

Free prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer is the

second leading cause of

cancer death in men age

50 and older. Regular

screenings are vital for

detecting cancer at

its earliest stage. free

screenings are available

Sept. 10-13 at Providence

Cancer Center. to make

an appointment, call

907-212-6870.

inside this issue

HealtHy alaska is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of: Providence alaska Medical Centerp.o. Box 196999anchorage, ak 99519-6999907-562-2211alaska.providence.org

ceo, providence Health & services alaskaBruce lamoureux

ceo, providence alaska Medical centerRichard Mandsager, Md

alaska region community Ministry Boarddavid G. Wight, chairKathy J. anderson, vice chair

information in HealtHy alaska comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. if you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may af-fect your health, please contact your health care provider. copyright © 2012coffey communications, inc.HsM28366

Coming to the providence campus? find your way around with our easy-to-navigate maps. Print them out before your

appointments. at our website, you’ll find them on the right side under “find Us.”

Go to alaska.providence.org/locations/pamc.

Fall 2012

AlAskAHealthy

12}

15}

Feature stories

8} Baby on board. Learn what you can do to have a safe pregnancy and a happy and healthy newborn.

Concussions. Learn to recognize the signs of concussions, how to treat them and – perhaps most important – how to help prevent them.

The weather outside is frightful. But you can stay safe (and maybe even warm) with these tips.

Keeping informedDo you know what you’re drinking? you’d be surprised what’s in some energy drinks. page 4

More than a luxury. Massage therapy offers many health benefits. page 4

What did you say? When it’s time for a hearing test. page 5

Highway to health. Don’t let your age take you off course. page 6

Why weight? today could be the day you start your weight-loss plan. page 11

Providence Alaska Medical Center • Healthy Alaska 3

Jamie Elswick, LMT, certified oncology massage therapist

Extra energy in a bottle or can helps explain the allure of energy drinks.

But before you guzzle one of these beverages, you might want to know what you’re putting in your body. Most contain caffeine, often in high doses. Some have more than 500 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to the amount in 14 cans of soda.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine—or drink these beverages in exces-sive amounts—you may become nervous or restless. You might even have heart palpitations.

“Energy drinks full of sugar and caffeine have been shown to increase blood pressure and heart rate,” says Ankie Amos, MD, FACC, a cardiologist with Alaska Heart Institute. “People should be aware that this can contribute to the dam-

aging effects of heart disease.”

Energy drinks also are not advised for children or adolescents because caf-feine may harm their develop-ing hearts and brains.

energy drinKs

take a close look at what's inside

Move in the morningIf you’re trying to lose weight, consider taking a brisk walk before breakfast. This kick-starts your metabolism, which helps you burn more calories during the day. source: american academy of Orthopaedic surgeons

Some well-deserved pampering is rea-son enough to get a massage. But there are also several health-related reasons.

Increasingly, massage is being used as a way to treat sports injuries, reduce stress and control pain.

IS It effeCtIve? Studies suggest that massage therapy eases several kinds of pain, including chronic back pain and cancer pain, the National Institutes of Health reports.

“Studies have shown massage reduces symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment—such as nausea, bowel function and fatigue—and can improve a person’s mood,” says Jamie Elswick, LMT, owner of Northern Raven Therapeutics and a certified oncology massage therapist who practices at Providence Cancer Center. “Massage

can also alleviate complications from surgical scars and lymph nodes affected by treatment such as surgery or radiation.”

For other health issues, massage may also: ✓ Boost the body’s immune system✓ Lower blood pressure✓ Make headaches less frequent✓ Relieve anxiety, depression and alco-hol withdrawal symptoms

Exactly how massage therapy does these things still isn’t clear. It may pro-vide stimulation that helps block pain signals sent to the brain. Or it might trigger the release of mood-improving chemicals, such as endorphins.

The health benefits of massage therapy

Ankie Amos, MD, FACC, cardiologist, Alaska Heart Institute

✓

4 Healthy Alaska • Providence Alaska Medical Center4 Healthy Alaska • Providence Alaska Medical Center

When choosing Mexican food, say sí to this and not to thatMexican food tastes so good, it can’t be good for you. Or can it?

Well, it’s true that deep-fried, loaded-with-cheese offerings can be packed with a lot of calories, fat and salt. But there are many healthy and delicious south-of-the-border options too.

Look closely at a restaurant’s menu before ordering. The better choices are likely to be grilled or broiled instead of fried. Consider chicken instead of beef, or fish prepared Veracruz-style, which uses tomato sauce.

Tell your server you’d like salsa instead of queso, for example, or extra let-tuce and chopped tomatoes instead of a full portion of cheese.

Also consider healthier Mexican fare such as bean burritos, soft tacos, corn tortillas and fajitas. Feel free to top off any dish with salsa, jalapeños and cilantro.

With just a little care, your culinary trip to Mexico—whether you’re eating out or cooking at home—can be fun, spicy and muy delicioso. sources: academy of nutrition and dietetics; american diabetes association; american heart association

A 150-pound person needs to walk 90 minutes to burn off one popular 343-calorie candy bar. Time needed to pace off a 118-calorie apple? Only 30 minutes.

source: american stroke association

10 signs you might have a problem with your hearingA hearing problem that is ignored may only get worse. It’s important to seek help if your hearing is less than ideal—treatments, such as hearing aids, medicines and surgery, can help.

How do you know if you might be losing your hearing? The National Institutes of Health recommends asking yourself the fol-lowing 10 questions:1. Do you have a problem hearing on the telephone?2. Do you have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background?3. Do you have trouble following a conversa-tion when two or more people are talking at the same time?4. Do people complain that you turn the tele-vision up too loud?5. Do people you talk to seem to mumble or not speak clearly?6. Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?7. Do you have trouble understanding the speech of women and children?8. Do you hear a ringing, roaring or hissing sound a lot? 9. Do some sounds seem too loud? 10. Do people get annoyed because you mis-understand what they say?

If you answer “yes” to three or more of these questions, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to have your hearing checked.

“Hearing loss affects not only individuals, but everyone around them,” says Jennifer Johnson, AuD, an audiolo-gist with Alaska Center for Ear, Nose and Throat.

“It is important to have a complete diagnos-tic hearing evaluation to identify what type and degree of hearing

loss you may have.”

Do the math

Jennifer Johnson, AuD, audiologist, Alaska Center for Ear, Nose and Throat

✓


eat a healthful diet. An eat-ing plan rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is key to avoiding many of the health problems that often occur in older adults. It’s also important to avoid saturated fats and to go easy on the salt.

50

The road to health after

OnCe yOu turn 50 years old, staying healthy can mean paying closer attention to the details. In fact, you may want a medical map to help keep things straight.

Fortunately, there is a map, and it’s relatively easy to follow. It starts with steps you can take on your own—lifestyle choices that can prevent or control many conditions that cause illness or premature death.

According to the National Institute on Aging, you can get on the road to health with these steps:

exerCise regularly. This can help you reduce your risk for many diseases. Exercise can also improve your balance and help you avoid falls. Try to get 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity—such as bicy-

cling, brisk walking or pushing a snowblower. On two or more days

of the week, you should also do muscle-strengthening activities

that work all major muscle groups.

“At any age, being physically active improves physical and mental well-being,” says Cathie Schumacher, MD, medical director of the Providence Senior Care Center. “You don’t need to run Mount Marathon or ride a bike across the United States. Just get out, walk and enjoy Alaska.”

stay engaged. Get out and have some fun.

Studies show that older adults who are involved in

hobbies or social activities live longer, healthier lives than their more isolated peers.

dOn’t sMOKe. If you’re a smoker, it’s important that you try to quit. Quitting will reduce your risks for cancer, heart attack and lung disease. In fact, quitting will likely add years to your life. You can find resources to help at www.smokefree.gov.

WatCh yOur Weight. Weighing too much or too little can in-crease your risk for a number of diseases or even premature death. Ask your doctor about your ideal weight and how to maintain it.

cHeck in For cHeckups anD More to stay on course for health,

you’ll need to keep in touch with your doctor.

all adults should have their blood pres-

sure checked at least every two years. It’s also

important to have your cholesterol checked

regularly—ask your doctor how often you need

this test.

and depending on your sex, age and health

risks, you may need additional screenings or

preventive measures, including a: ✓ flu shot.

✓ Mammogram. ✓ Colonoscopy. ✓ Mental

health screening. ✓ Pneumonia shot. ✓ Shingles

vaccination. ✓ diabetes screening. ✓ daily

aspirin to help prevent heart attack or stroke.

✓ Bone density scan to screen for osteoporosis.

✓ abdominal aortic aneurysm screening.

source: national institute on aging

Cathie Schumacher, MD, medical director, Providence Senior Care Center


Handwashing: A good habit that promotes good health

source: national institutes of health

if yOu dOn’t want to get sick, there’s a very easy and effective way to help you stay well: Wash your hands. Wash them well. And wash them often.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop germs from spreading—both from you to others and from others to you.

Wash your hands:BefOre

➜ Preparing food ➜ Eating food ➜ Caring for someone who’s ill ➜ Touching a cut or wound

after ➜ Preparing food ➜ Using the bathroom ➜ Changing diapers ➜ Sneezing, coughing or blowing

your nose

➜ Caring for someone who’s ill ➜ Touching an animal or its toys

five steps to followTo make sure your hands are well-scrubbed:1. Wet your hands, preferably under running water.2. Apply soap, and work up a lather by rubbing your hands together.3. Scrub well for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget to get the back of your hands and under your nails.4. Rinse.5. Dry your hands with a clean towel or under an air dryer.

Hand sanitizers are an OK sec-ond choice, if soap and water isn’t an option. Look for one that is at least 60 percent alcohol.source: Centers for disease Control and prevention

food Serving size Calories Calcium

Plain, fat-free yogurt 1 cup 127 452 mg

Orange juice with added calcium 1 cup 120 350 mg

Low-fat fruit yogurt 1 cup 232 345 mg

Part-skim ricotta cheese ½ cup 170 334 mg

Low-fat or fat-free American cheese 2 ounces (about 3 slices) 188 312 mg

Cooked soybeans 1 cup 175 298 mg

Firm tofu with added calcium sulfate ½ cup 97 204 mg

Cheese pizza 1 slice 240 200 mg

Raw broccoli 1 medium stalk 106 180 mg

Soft serve frozen vanilla yogurt ½ cup 114 103 mg

Macaroni and cheese 1 cup 230 100 mg

Cooked broccoli 1 cup 52 94 mg

Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop germs from spreading.

Look, Mom, it has calcium!

J. Brant Darby, DDS, pediatric dental specialist, Anchorage Pediatric Dentistry

tO Build lifelong strong bones and to help protect their teeth from decay, kids need calcium. Unfortunately, most girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 13 don’t get enough of this important mineral.

“Good nutrition is very important for proper growth and development,” says J. Brant Darby, DDS, pediatric dental

specialist at Anchorage Pediatric Dentistry. “A well-balanced diet that’s low in sugar and high in fiber with sufficient vitamins and minerals is the best way to ensure your child will stay healthy and develop optimally.”

Kids need 1,300 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day.Low-fat or fat-free milk is, of course, a great source of

calcium—1 cup has 300 mg of calcium. But it’s not the only way kids can get their calcium. Here are some other calcium-rich foods they may enjoy:

Just hOW MuCh would you extend yourself for someone you’ve never met?Quite a lot, if the person in question is your future son or daughter. Indeed, most

parents-to-be make many special preparations for their baby’s pending arrival, from choosing just the right name to putting fresh paint on the nursery walls.

What follows is your guide to some essential preparations that will help give your newborn a good start in life.

help your baby thriveArguably, the most important preparation a pregnant woman can make for her baby is to take good care of herself.

“A woman should begin paying attention to her health before pregnancy,” says Matthew Lindemann, MD, an OB-GYN at Denali OB-GYN Clinic and chairman of the OB-GYN department at Providence Alaska Medical Center. “A woman who is planning to become pregnant should first visit her provider to address any health issue she may have.”

For the nine months of pregnancy, you are your growing baby’s support system. Now more than ever before, you need to eat a well-balanced diet to fuel your baby’s growth. Get plenty of sleep, keep each prenatal appoint-ment and—unless your doctor tells you otherwise—be physically active.

Avoid anything that might harm your baby—especially alcohol, ciga-rettes, and any medicine or herbal supplement your doctor hasn’t approved.

Following these precautions boosts your chances of a problem-free pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Matthew Lindemann, MD, OB-GYN, Denali OB-GYN Clinic

Make way for

bbay


Choices aheadIf you haven’t already settled on a doctor for your baby, do so before your baby’s due date sneaks up on you. This is the doc-tor who will potentially see your child through well-baby visits, first sniffles, feverish infections and—sooner than you think—adolescence. All this means you’ll want to find a doctor you trust and can easily communicate with.

One way to find such a doctor is to personally interview several physicians so that you can learn about their office poli-cies and philosophy about child rearing.

Also, before your baby arrives, you’ll want to decide if you’re going to breast-feed or use formula. Both ways of feeding your baby are safe and nourishing.

Even so, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly encourages women to nurse their babies. A key reason is that breast milk contains disease-fighting antibodies that help babies fend off infections in the ears, lungs and bowels. Compared to formula-fed babies, infants who nurse also appear to be less vulner-able to sudden infant death syndrome, the AAP reports.

Nursing is good for moms as well. Breastfeeding burns calories, so it can help you shed leftover pregnancy pounds. Nursing also appears to make women

less susceptible to breast and ovarian cancers and hip fractures triggered by osteoporosis.

Yet another bonus: Breast milk doesn’t need to be measured, mixed or warmed. It makes your life easier, especially in the middle of the night, when your newborn will almost certainly want to be fed.

These and other advantages are why nursing your baby throughout the first year of life is ideal, according to the AAP. Still, any amount of time you breastfeed will benefit you both.

Something else to think about during pregnancy: whether to have a baby boy circumcised. At birth, most boys have skin that either nearly or completely covers the end of the penis. Circumcision removes some of this foreskin.

You may already know that you favor circumcision for religious reasons. Other-wise, you may be uncertain about the merits of the procedure. The AAP neither advocates nor advises against routine circumcision. Ask your doctor about po-tential medical benefits and risks.

Welcome, babyYou’re about to meet someone who will change your life—completely and wonder-fully. Every preparation you make will help ensure a smooth welcome for your baby.

parent-in-Waiting If you’re

a parent-to-be, don’t

retreat to the sidelines.

Support your partner in

ways such as these:

✓ encourage her to eat a

healthy diet.

✓ help her to get plenty

of sleep.

✓ encourage her to

exercise (unless her doctor

says otherwise).

✓ accompany her on

pregnancy checkups.

also, if you’re a smoker,

you should stop lighting up.

The secondhand smoke

from your cigarettes is

harmful to your develop-

ing baby.

source: March of dimes

parenting WitH proviDence Providence provides a

variety of classes taught

by highly qualified profes-

sionals with specialized

training in early childhood

and prenatal education.

Military discounts and

scholarships are available

for all classes.

Classes include:

✓ “Childbirth”

✓ “Baby Basics”

✓ “Breastfeeding 101”

✓ “New Parent Support”

✓ “Boot Camp for New

dads”

✓ “Postpartum Support”

✓ “expecting Multiples”

✓ “Infant and toddler

CPR”

to register, visit

alaska.providence.org/

healthyalaska.

Know the signs of laborNot all babies arrive when expected—that is, on their due dates. Thus, being ready for your baby also means knowing when your baby is finally ready to meet you.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, among the tip-offs that labor is either near or actually starting are:

Lightening. This is the feeling you may notice when the baby’s head moves down into your pelvis. Expect this sensation of dropping anytime from a few hours to a few weeks before labor begins.

An increase in vaginal discharge. This discharge may be clear, pink or slightly bloody.Membrane rupture. At the start of labor or during labor itself, the fluid-filled amniotic

sac that surrounds a baby during pregnancy breaks. Fluid then leaks from the vagina, in either a trickle or a gush.

Contractions. Ones that occur at regular intervals, get steadily stronger and keep oc-curring despite movement generally indicate true labor.

“I use the 5-1-1 rule,” says Matthew Lindemann, MD, an OB-GYN at Denali OB-GYN Clinic and chairman of the OB-GYN department at Providence Alaska Medical Center. “The rule is strong contractions each lasting one minute, recurring every five minutes for one hour.”

Childbirth education classes can teach you much more about labor and delivery and can also provide practical ways to manage labor pain.


Maternity center begins opening this falla neW MOther-BaBy unit is set to open this fall, the start of a multiyear expansion and modernization of the Maternity Center at The Children’s Hospital at Providence.

Opening in October, the Mother-Baby Unit will cater to the needs of mom and baby in a family-friendly environment. The new rooms are designed to include a private bathroom and shower, more space, and amenities to allow families to better care for their newborn. These include a baby-bathing sink, a couch that converts to a bed for guests, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, a DVD player and free Wi-Fi

access.“Because caring for your newborn starts in the hospital, we have

designed the Mother-Baby Unit to be as comfortable and convenient as possible,” says Kate Mohr, RN, assistant chief nurse executive of The Children’s Hospital. “From the catered room service to the scenic views, each decision was made with families in mind.”

As Alaska’s largest health care provider, Providence is the only resource for many specialized health care services in the state, such as advanced prenatal inpatient services and the Level III Newborn Intensive Care Unit. The new Maternity Center expands those services to serve the growing needs of Alaska’s communities.

“The comforts of the Mother-Baby Unit are complemented by the outstanding care of the staff and providers,” says Michael Acarregui, MD, chief medical officer of Providence Alaska Medical Center. “We partner with parents to ensure their baby receives the best care possible based on proven best practices.”

The Mother-Baby Unit is only part of the 85,782-square-foot Maternity Center, which is designed to provide all aspects of maternity care. The opening of the Mother-Baby Unit in October will be followed by three more units: the state-of-the-art Newborn Intensive Care Unit in March 2013 and the Labor & Delivery and Prenatal units in fall 2014. All maternity services will continue for patients and their families dur-ing the expansion.

What to expect when we’re expandingThe Maternity Center at The Children’s Hospital at Providence provides care otherwise unavail-able to families in Alaska. The new cen-ter, opening in phases, includes:

✓ October 2012: Mother-Baby Unit, which pro-vides care for mom and baby after baby is born

✓ March 2013: Newborn Intensive Care Unit, which provides care for extremely premature infants and babies who are critically ill or require surgery; includes private rooms and updated technology

✓ Fall 2014: Prenatal Unit, which provides care for women with high-risk pregnancies

✓ Fall 2014: Labor & Delivery Unit, which provides care for mom and baby during birth

Learn more about how you can support the project through com-munity philanthropy at www.providencealaska foundation.org.

Kate Mohr, RN, assistant chief nurse executive, The Children’s Hospital at Providence

Michael Acarregui, MD, chief medical officer, Providence Alaska Medical Center

cHeck it out!� experience the look and feel

of the spacious mother-baby

rooms and private bathrooms

through a 360-degree

virtual tour online at alaska

.providence.org/maternity.


stepping OntO your bathroom scale and discovering that you’ve gained 5 pounds can leave you feeling discouraged. But not nearly as discouraged as you’d be if the scale showed you were 30 pounds heavier.

When pounds start creeping up, you don’t want to let your guard down. A combination of healthy eating, exercise and changes in your behavior can help you lose that unwanted weight.

What can happenWeight gain becomes more likely as you age. Metabolism slows and, often, you become less active.

But weight problems can be further compounded if you’re not eating well. Just consuming 100 extra calories a day may cause you to gain a pound in a little more than a month.

Taking off 3 or 4 unwanted pounds as soon as they appear is easier than shed-ding the 30 pounds they might become down the road. So it’s smart to take action when the scale begins moving up.

“Whether you need to lose a couple of pounds or 30, changing your behavior can play a key part,” says Ron Solberg, DO, medical director of Providence Behavioral Health Services. “By removing the emotional triggers that cause poor diet and exercise and including positive

reinforcement, you have a better chance of being successful.”

For instance, if you can’t stay away from the cookies in your cupboard, don’t bring them into the house. And reward yourself every time you work out by set-ting aside a dollar and saving the money to buy something special.

Start by keeping track of what you eat and how much physical activity you get. This can help you monitor your progress and spot trends.

Maybe you’ll see that you tend to gain weight when life is busiest or you’re stressed and you don’t get regular exer-cise. Adjusting your schedule to work in time for a daily walk or a trip to the gym could make a difference.

Likewise, if you recognize you’re eating fast food too frequently, you might decide to change your habits. Cutting calories and becoming more active are the best strategies for staying trim.

Be sure to set short-term goals in addi-tion to your long-term targets. Keep them attainable, but challenging enough to keep you motivated.

two ways to take a measure of your weightAre you at normal weight? Two simple checks may answer that question.

The first involves a measurement of your waist. Readings greater than

35 inches if you’re a woman or 40 inches if you’re a man put

you at risk for weight- related health

problems.The second

check determines your body mass index (BMI). This

is a measurement of your weight in relation to your height. It’s a fairly reliable indicator of body fat for most adults, although not nec-essarily for athletes and older people. To cal-culate your BMI, visit alaska.providence.org/healthyalaska. BMI results are classified as follows:

✓ Below 18.5: Underweight

✓ 18.5 to 24.9: Normal weight

✓ 25.0 to 29.9: Overweight

✓ 30.0 and above: Obesesources: american dietetic association; national institutes of health

Act fast on unwanted pounds

Why weight?

A combination of healthy eating, exercise and changes in your behavior can help you lose that unwanted weight.


When yOu BuMp your head, your brain can take a beating too. The result: a concussion.

Here’s what you need to know about this all-too-common and potentially dan-gerous brain injury.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. It happens when you have a bump or blow to your head or a blow to your body that makes your head snap back and forth.

Though the brain is normally cush-ioned inside the skull, such jostling causes the brain to bounce against the inside of the skull. This can tear blood vessels, bruise brain matter and stretch the nerve cells of the brain, which keeps them from working properly—at least temporarily.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, one of the main signs of a concussion is confusion. Other signs include:

➜ Headache ➜ Memory problems, including an inability

to recall what happened before and after the trauma

➜ Loss of consciousness ➜ Nausea and vomiting ➜ Ringing in the ears ➜ Trouble with speaking, balance, muscle

coordination or reflexes ➜ Problems concentrating or learning ➜ Difficulty sleeping

➜ Sensitivity to light ➜ Loss of smell or taste“It is critical that injuries to your head

are evaluated and treated by a qualified medical professional with experience in concussion manage-ment,” says Erica Coady, PhD, neuropsycholo-gist and credentialed ImPACT consultant with Providence Behavioral Medicine Group. “One of the most widely used and scientifically validated computer-

ized concussion evaluation tools is the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing system. An ImPACT evaluation, in combination with a clinical exam, provides critical information used to manage the person’s recovery.”

While some symptoms may be appar-ent right away, others may not be noticed for days or even months, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

trauma dramaConcussions are an unfortunate but com-mon part of many sports. Falls, car ac-cidents and bike accidents are a few other sources of these brain injuries. Some con-cussions are more complex than others;

What is impaCt?Developed in the early 1990s, ImPACT is a 20-minute test that has become a standard tool used in the management of concussions for athletes from age 10 through adulthood. To learn more about ImPACT baseline and postinjury concussion test-ing available at Providence Alaska Medical Center, call 907-212-6935.

Erica Coady, PhD, neuropsychologist, Providence Behavioral Medicine Group

Heads up All about concussions

“It is critical that injuries to your head are evaluated and treated by a qualified medical professional with experience in concussion management.”—Erica Coady, PhD, neuropsychologist


Richard McEvoy, MD, orthopedic surgeon, Anchorage Fracture & Orthopedic Clinic

therefore, it is important to be evaluated if you experience any symptoms.

Multiple concussions are especially a concern. If you sustain a second concus-sion before the first one is fully healed, that additional trauma can lead to dan-gerous swelling in the brain. And that sec-ond blow does not have to be very strong to have dire effects, including permanent disability or death, reports the AANS.

A concussion can also cause ongoing problems with mental skills, such as prob-lem solving, planning and memory— especially if you’ve had more than one.

ease the acheA concussion usually gets better in two to six weeks. Meanwhile, recovering requires rest for the mind and the body. That means:

➜ Getting lots of sleep at night and rest-ing often during the day.

➜ Avoiding strenuous activities and con-tact sports.

➜ Forgoing activities that require a lot of mental concentration. Consider returning to school or work slowly—perhaps even going back part-time for a while.

For pain, over-the-counter medication

can help. In general, it’s better to take acetaminophen and to avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, which can raise the risk of bleeding in the brain. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.

Also see your doctor right away if you aren’t getting better or if you have addi-tional symptoms such as: ➜ Worsening headaches ➜ Vomiting ➜ Confusion ➜ Seizures

save your brainIf you’ve had a concussion, it’s important to avoid further blows and bumps to the head while you’re healing. If you’re an athlete, don’t return to sports until your symptoms are completely gone and you have your doctor’s OK.

To help prevent concussions: ➜ Always wear the appropriate safety

gear—including any recommended helmet. ➜ Be sure that you and your kids buckle

up when riding in a vehicle. ➜ Check your home for tripping hazards,

such as throw rugs and clutter. ➜ Protect kids from falls by using window

guards on the windows and safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

a parent’s game planParticipating in sports can be good for kids by helping improve motor skills, overall fit-ness and teaching social skills.

While organized sports are generally safe for kids, injuries do happen. Kids younger than 15 in the U.S. have more than 3.5 million sports-related injuries each year.

To help keep injuries from sidelining your child, it’s recommended that you:

✓ Seek a qualified coach who will create a posi-tive, safe learning environment for your child.

✓ Consider enrolling your child in organized sports programs that have certified athletic trainers educated in the prevention, recogni-tion and immediate care of athletic injuries.

✓ Help your child get in shape before he or she starts playing. Ask the coach about con-ditioning programs.

✓ Make sure that your child learns the rules and proper techniques of the sport.

✓ See that your child has all the protective gear needed and that the gear fits properly.

✓ Ensure that your child stays hydrated. ✓ Emphasize fun. Too much pressure to win

or to excel at a sport can lead to injuries. About 95 percent of sports injuries are mi-

nor bruises, muscle pulls, sprains, strains or cuts.

“Sudden sports injuries are often obvi-ous and occur in a dramatic fashion, but other injuries can creep up slowly and get progressively worse,” says Richard McEvoy, MD, orthopedic surgeon and certified sports

medicine physician at Anchorage Fracture & Orthopedic Clinic. “That’s true even for young kids who play only one sport. When parents and coaches pay attention to the warning signs, young athletes can often heal more quickly and avoid serious damage or a long-term problem.”

Many sports injuries that need medical attention have common warning signs:

✓ Joint pain particularly of the knee, ankle, elbow or wrist

✓ Significant tenderness and swelling over a specific point in a bone, muscle or joint

✓ Marked reduction in range of motion of a joint

✓ One limb or joint is comparatively weaker than the corresponding limb or jointadditional source: american academy of pediatrics

Want to learn more?attend a health talk about

sports injuries with Richard

Mcevoy, Md, at 6:30 p.m.,

Wednesday, oct. 3, in

room U2281 of the Providence

health Park tower U, located

at 3851 Piper St. in anchorage.

to RSvP, call 907-212-3145.

Other types of traumatic brain injuriesConcussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. But there are plenty of other dangers to the brain. Among them:

✓ Skull fracture—a break or crack in the skull bone. There are two types: depressed fractures (which occur when pieces of the broken skull press into brain tissue) and penetrating fractures (which occur when something, such as a bullet, pierces the skull).

✓ Contusion—an area of swollen tissue mixed with blood from broken blood vessels. It can be caused by a skull fracture or by jar-ring the brain, as when someone is violently shaken.

✓ hematoma—a hemorrhage (heavy bleeding) into or around the brain trig-gered by damage to a major blood vessel. source: national institutes of health


be a Healthy Alaskan this yearRun, walk and bike for a good cause and good health. Join Providence Alaska Medical Center in supporting these community events.

✓ Bonny Sosa tuesday Night Races Series Fall 2012

for many anchorage families, the tuesday night race series is a fall family

tradition. Come rain, snow, sleet, hail or wind, these races are never canceled. Whether you are a competitive runner or you just want to get out and see a new trail or meet new friends, this is the event for you. Three separate racecourses are set each week at a dif-ferent location around town. While the Munchkin and farm leagues usually stay on heavily used trails, the light-ning league courses have been known to follow narrow game trails, cross streams and slog through swamps. This race series runs for approximately nine consecutive weeks and concludes with an awards banquet and potluck at Kincaid park. The event is supported by The Children’s hospital at providence. for more information, visit www.muni .org/Departments/parks/Pages/Tuesday NightRaces.aspx.

✓ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Bike RideSaturday, Sept. 15, and Sunday, Sept. 16 The Bike Ms alaska ride takes you on an unforgettable, two-day journey that starts and ends in girdwood. full meals, generous amenities, stunning landscapes, stocked rest stops and spirited festivities are included. riders raise money to support Ms research, programs and services dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by Ms. for more information, visit bikewas.nationalmssociety.org.

✓ heart WalkSaturday, Sept. 15The heart Walk is a great family-friendly event designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living. it’s a 3-mile walk to fund lifesav-ing research and initiatives. When you join heart Walk, you join more than a million people in more than 300 cities across america in taking a stand against heart disease. for more information, visit www.anchorageheartwalk.org.

✓ oktoberfestSaturday, Sept. 29hosted by the anchorage running Club, Oktoberfest is a benefit for Bean’s Cafe and the Brother francis shelter. Oktoberfest donations include clothing, canned food and cash. This family-friendly race is complete with 5K and 10K races for adults and a quarter-mile race for kids. for more information, visit www.anchoragerunningclub.org.

✓ Zombie half Marathon and Kid’s Boogie Man 2KSaturday, Oct. 13Wear your best zombie costume for this late-season event on the Coastal and Chester Creek trails. This day features events for the whole family. The races will be held regardless of weather and trail conditions. for more information, visit www.anchoragerunningclub.org.

✓ Jingle Bell Run/Walk for arthritisSaturday, Dec. 8put on your reindeer antlers and running shoes, and join us for some holiday fun! Be one of 600 runners and walkers hitting the pathway to fight arthritis. The holiday-themed 5K run/walk and 1K Children’s run With the elves supports the alaska office of the arthritis foundation. This year’s course follows the university of alaska an-chorage trails around goose lake. run or walk in support of your loved ones living with arthritis. strollers and dogs are welcome. for more information, visit www.anchoragejinglebellrun.com.

✓ tour of anchorageSunday, March 3Celebrate the 26th tour of anchorage in 2013! see all of anchorage in a 50K, 40K or 25K route across town. Billed as a premier ski marathon, the tour is part of the american ski Marathon series, north america’s largest, longest-running citizens’ racing and touring series. for more information, visit www.tourofanchorage.com.


Matthew J. Madden, MD, medical director, Emergency Department at Providence Alaska Medical Center

severe Winter stOrMs are always a possibility in our area, so don’t take chances: Be ready for the worst before the snow flies.

Start by keeping the cold air out. Insulate your home’s walls and attic, and caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Get your car ready by having the antifreeze, tires, defroster, battery and other essential components checked.

essential supplies In case the power goes out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends having:

➜ A flashlight and extra batteries ➜ A battery-operated or hand-crank radio ➜ At least a three-day supply of food, primarily items

that don’t need cooking or refrigeration ➜ A first aid kit and a week’s supply of prescription

medications ➜ Extra blankets and sleeping bagsIt’s also a good idea to have drinking water available,

since extreme cold can freeze and sometimes break water pipes. Protect pipes by wrapping them in insulation or newspaper and plastic. Let faucets drip so that water keeps flowing. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let more heat reach the pipes.

If pipes do freeze, thaw them slowly with an electric hair dryer. In case pipes break, know where the shutoff valves are and how to use them.

dress warmly It’s best to stay inside during severe winter weather, but if you must go out, dress in layers with a water-repellent outer layer.

“Managing cold weather is about preparation,” says Matthew J. Madden, MD, medical director of the Emergency Department at Providence Alaska Medical Center. “Appropriate clothing such as insulated boots, hat and gloves are important to prevent frostbite. Maintain good hydration and avoid prolonged exposure to cold weather, especially if temperatures are dropping.”

If you must drive, take a cellphone, shovel, window scraper, flashlight and blanket. Have jumper cables in

case your battery dies and some sand or cat litter for traction.

If you’re trapped in your car during a winter storm, staying put is often the safest choice. Tie a bright cloth to the radio antenna as a signal for help. Keep warm by turning on the engine and heater about 10 minutes per hour. Keep the exhaust clear of snow, and crack a window for fresh air.additional source: Centers for disease Control and prevention

snow and coldKnow how to cope with winter’s


yOu’re a thOughtful hOuseguest. Among other friendly courtesies, you call before you drop by. But how much do you know about visitor protocol when a friend or loved one is hospitalized?

Some suggestions to keep in mind:Give well-wishes by phone if you’re

sick. If you’ve recently caught a bug or are just getting over one, it’s best to steer clear for now. A bad cough, fever or diarrhea are some signs to stay home.

Call ahead. Ask the nurse if children, flowers or food are allowed. If kids are OK and they’re not sick, remind them not to

run around or touch the equipment. Follow directions. Check for any in-

structions posted on the door to your loved one’s room. For example, sometimes it’s necessary to take special precautions, such as wearing a mask. If that’s the case, talk to the nurse before you enter the room.

Scrub those hands well. Remembering to wash or sanitize them before you enter and after you leave the room potentially helps avoid bringing germs or taking them with you.

sources: association for professionals in infection Control and epidemiology

Hospital visitorsHow to be a

good one

guarDian angels an

encouraging smile. a

hand to hold. a nod of

understanding. Many

patients are touched by

the compassionate care

of Providence staff and

volunteers who go above

and beyond to ease the

experience for patients

and their families. to rec-

ognize a special caregiver

through the Guardian

angel Program, visit

www.providencealaska

foundation.org or call

907-212-3600.

nonprofit org.

u.s. postage

paiDMerced, ca

permit no. 1186p.o. Box 196999 anchorage, ak 99519-6999

receive a free copy of our healthy-living magazine at your home. call 907-212-3145.

HealthyAlAskA

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Fall 2012 Healthy - Providence Alaska › ~ › media › files › providence ak... · 2015-07-17 · Fall 2012 HealthyAlAskA journAl of wellness & good eAHltH cAre AlAskA Road to