news.bswhealth.comnews.bswhealth.com/media_storage/BL111613_McKinney_bookLR.pdf · 3 Citrus fruits. Say no to grapefruits and oranges, as well as tomatoes and tomato-based foods,

November 2016

Baylor Scott & White

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Diane Atkinsonattributes her success to quality surgery and dedication to rehabilitation PAGE 6

‘‘I was very impressed with the attentive care after my knee replacement.

‘‘

KIDS AND GERMSHow to build your child’s immune system PAGE 4

BaylorHealth.com/McKinney

FdBL111613_McKinney.indd 1 10/7/16 2:21 PM

Help you create a care plan. In addition to your medical treatment, our team can help you create a care plan that meets your current and end-of-life wants and needs, including symptom management, emotional and spiritual support and other therapies.

Provide consultation as needed. � e palliative care team is available for consult for all patients with serious illnesses, even while you or your loved one continues treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Caring for a loved one with a life-threatening illness—and the decisions that often accompany that—can be incredibly di� cult. � at’s why Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney Supportive and Palliative Care goes above and beyond to:

Help you and your family cope. Our consultation services can help you face the complex physical, psychological, social and spiritual problems that often accompany advanced illness.

Provide access to a team of experts. Our team includes dedicated physicians and nurses who are experts in pain and symptom management, as well as chaplains, occupational therapists, social workers, nutritionists, speech therapists, music practitioners, child life specialists and volunteers who are trained to assist you with the issues that arise when dealing with a critical illness.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOUTo learn more about Supportive and Palliative Care at Baylor Scott & White, visit BaylorHealth.com/PalliativeCare today, or call 469.764.2607 to contact McKinney Supportive and Palliative Care directly.

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney, 5252 W. University Drive, McKinney, TX 75071. President: Kyle Armstrong; Marketing/Public Relations Manager: Jennifer Estes. Baylor Scott & White – McKinney Main Number: 469.764.1000; Parent Education Classes: 1.800.4BAYLOR (1.800.422.9567); Baylor Scott & White – McKinney Breast Center: 469.764.7000; Baylor Scott & White – McKinney Physician Referral: 1.800.4BAYLOR. Visit BaylorHealth.com/McKinney or call 1.800.4BAYLOR for information about Baylor Scott & White – McKinney’s services, upcoming events, career opportunities and more.

Baylor Scott & White Health Mission: Baylor Scott & White Health exists to serve all people by providing personalized health and wellness through exemplary care, education and research as a Christian ministry of healing.

The material in Baylor Scott & White Health is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before under taking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney or Baylor Scott & White Health. Photographs may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Baylor Scott & White Health is published by MANIFEST LLC six times a year for friends and supporters of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney. © 2016 Baylor Scott & White Health. If you are receiving multiple copies, need to change your mailing address or do not wish to receive this publication, please send your mailing label(s) and the updated information to Robin Vogel, Baylor Scott & White Health, 2001 Bryan St., Suite 750, Dallas, TX 75201, or email the information to [email protected].

3 Reasons Your Allergies Are Worse This WinterFor many Texans, allergies aren’t just a springtime issue. Here are three common sources of winter allergies, plus steps you can take to minimize them.

Your furnace. When the weather cools down, your furnace kicks on, releasing dust, mold spores and other irritants that have collected there. To combat this, consider cleaning your ducts and placing a new HEPA � lter before turning the heat on for the � rst time.

Mountain cedar. Pollinating from December to March, this tree is a major cause of allergies, also known as “cedar fever.” Reduce your exposure by keeping windows closed, minimizing outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, and washing your face and hands after being outside.

Freshly cut holiday trees. You’re bringing home more than the spirit of the season. You’re also introducing pollen and mold spores to your home. Avoid this by getting an arti� cial tree or choosing the Leyland cypress, a hybrid that doesn’t produce pollen. (To be sure, rinse it off before bringing it in.)

This many American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Men, starting at age 40, talk to your doctor about your personal risk for prostate cancer and when you should begin screening.

ALLERGY QUESTIONS, ANSWEREDLearn more about what causes allergies, how to minimize your exposure and when to seek treatment. Visit BaylorHealth.com/Allergies for an overview.

Could You Have Unhealthy Cholesterol?Discover why high cholesterol is a problem and whether you might be at risk. Visit BaylorHealth.com/CholesterolRisk today.

CHOLESTEROL:

TAKING THE ‘GOOD’ WITH THE ‘BAD’You’ve heard the word “cholesterol,” but do you know what it means? Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that’s found in each of your cells. Your body uses cholesterol to manufacture vitamin D, cell membranes, hormones, and acids that help with digestion. Your body makes all the cholesterol you need, but you also consume cholesterol in foods like eggs, butter, red meat and cheese.

There are two types of cholesterol:3 LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol

can cause plaque to build up in your arteries and contribute to the development of heart disease.

3 HDL, or “good,” cholesterol helps carry bad cholesterol to your liver so it can be removed, and by keeping blood vessels healthy, good cholesterol may help protect against heart disease and stroke.

Having the right amount of each type of cholesterol is important for your heart health. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

MORE

1in7©Thinkstock

Got GERD? Avoid These Trigger FoodsDoes your food � ght back? For individuals with gastroesophageal re� ux disease (GERD), eating certain foods can worsen symptoms. Here are four types of food to avoid, along with healthy alternatives.

3 High-fat foods. Avoid deep-fried foods, high-fat meat and dairy products. Instead, opt for low-fat foods like poultry and � sh.

3 Citrus fruits. Say no to grapefruits and oranges, as well as tomatoes and tomato-based foods, like pasta sauces, pizza and salsa. Choose high-� ber fruits like apples and berries, and try olive oil and garlic on pizza and pastas.

3 Spicy foods. Mexican foods and dishes that contain chilies may be triggers. If you do indulge, adjust the level of heat until you avoid symptoms.

3 Chocolate. Limit foods with high quantities of cocoa and fat, like chocolate bars. To get your � x, try chocolate Greek yogurt instead, which may not aggravate symptoms.

Get ReliefTo learn more about GERD and other digestive disorders as well as available treatments, visit BaylorHealth.com/McKinneyDigestive today.

MORE

©Thinkstock2 BaylorHealth.com/McKinney

QUICK HITS

Compassionate Care When It Matters Most

FdBL111613_McKinney.indd 2 10/11/16 9:07 AM

3 Reasons Your Allergies Are Worse This WinterFor many Texans, allergies aren’t just a springtime issue. Here are three common sources of winter allergies, plus steps you can take to minimize them.

Your furnace. When the weather cools down, your furnace kicks on, releasing dust, mold spores and other irritants that have collected there. To combat this, consider cleaning your ducts and placing a new HEPA fi lter before turning the heat on for the fi rst time.

Mountain cedar. Pollinating from December to March, this tree is a major cause of allergies, also known as “cedar fever.” Reduce your exposure by keeping windows closed, minimizing outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, and washing your face and hands after being outside.

Freshly cut holiday trees. You’re bringing home more than the spirit of the season. You’re also introducing pollen and mold spores to your home. Avoid this by getting an artifi cial tree or choosing the Leyland cypress, a hybrid that doesn’t produce pollen. (To be sure, rinse it off before bringing it in.)

This many American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Men, starting at age 40, talk to your doctor about your personal risk for prostate cancer and when you should begin screening.

ALLERGY QUESTIONS, ANSWEREDLearn more about what causes allergies, how to minimize your exposure and when to seek treatment. Visit BaylorHealth.com/Allergies for an overview.

Could You Have Unhealthy Cholesterol?Discover why high cholesterol is a problem and whether you might be at risk. Visit BaylorHealth.com/CholesterolRisk today.

CHOLESTEROL:

TAKING THE ‘GOOD’ WITH THE ‘BAD’You’ve heard the word “cholesterol,” but do you know what it means? Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that’s found in each of your cells. Your body uses cholesterol to manufacture vitamin D, cell membranes, hormones, and acids that help with digestion. Your body makes all the cholesterol you need, but you also consume cholesterol in foods like eggs, butter, red meat and cheese.

There are two types of cholesterol:3 LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol

can cause plaque to build up in your arteries and contribute to the development of heart disease.

3 HDL, or “good,” cholesterol helps carry bad cholesterol to your liver so it can be removed, and by keeping blood vessels healthy, good cholesterol may help protect against heart disease and stroke.

Having the right amount of each type of cholesterol is important for your heart health. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

MORE

1in7©Thinkstock BaylorHealth.com/McKinney 3


As a parent, you’re compelled to protect your little one

from every little thing. You wipe down shopping cart handles and restaurant tables and sanitize whatever has hit the � oor. But are you doing your child a disservice by driving away all germs?

Marjorie Milici, MD, a pediatrician on the medical sta� at Baylor Pediatric Center in Dallas, examines our obsession with sanitization.

Q: We’ve been taught that germs are bad. Shouldn’t I do everything in my power to keep my child from them?A: Germs are inevitable. You can’t shield your child from them all the time. And that’s OK.

“Being exposed to germs when you’re little is not such a bad thing,” Dr. Milici says. “� ey’re going to be exposed to them sooner or later. � e sooner they’re exposed, the sooner they can start to build up immunity.”

And building the body’s natural defenses isn’t just for cold and � u viruses.

“A strong immune system will help your child � ght o� infections, allergies and asthma, and maybe even cancer one day,” Dr. Milici says.

Are You Oversanitizing?Clearing up the uncertainty around children and germs

Q: Does that mean I should be pro-germ?A: Well, not so fast. As with many things in life, moderation is key when it comes to germs. Hand washing and general hygiene are still highly recommended. You don’t want to get your child sick deliberately.

“But keeping everything superclean is not a good idea, either,” Dr. Milici says. “Always using hand sanitizer and washing the paci� er every time it falls may leave them vulnerable later on.”

Q: When my child does get sick, can I request medication from my doctor?A: It’s best to let your child’s immune system go to work whenever it can.

“In general, antibiotics should be reserved for bacterial infections,” Dr. Milici says. “Not only are they largely ine� ective against viral infections, but also if they are used too frequently, they won’t work as needed.”

General hygiene is still highly

recommended.

©Thinkstock

Because breathing is essential to everything you do, it’s

understandable that a lung condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may limit your interests and activities.

After all, “when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters,” says Mark Millard, MD, medical director of the Baylor Martha Foster Lung Care Center in Dallas. “But the vast majority of people are going to be able to maintain a good quality of life as long as they follow some simple advice.”

FOR ASTHMAIdentify the instigators. “Knowing what triggers your asthma is important,” Dr. Millard says. “For some, it’s pollen; for others, it’s dust. Or maybe it’s a cleaning product you use on your � oors.” Seek out the source of your � are-ups, and do your best to avoid them.

Learn the Rules of Two®. Talk to your doctor if you use a rescue inhaler more than two times a week, if asthma symptoms wake you up at night more

than two times a month, or if you re� ll your quick-relief inhaler more than two times a year. In these cases, a provider can work with you to control your symptoms.

FOR COPDStop smoking. “Ninety percent of COPD management is not smoking,” Dr. Millard says. “It’s by far the best thing you can do to keep the condition under control.” Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.

Request rehab. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a mix of education, functional training and support to help you develop techniques to breathe better. Ask your doctor for a referral to a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

FOR BOTHManage your meds. Quality medication is available for both asthma and COPD. “Medication can often reverse the symptoms of asthma,” Dr. Millard says. “And with COPD, medication combined with

rehabilitation reduces symptoms and not only improves quality of life but probably also quantity of life.”

Stay active. “� e most important thing you can do for your health besides stopping smoking is being active,” Dr. Millard says. “It allows you to recapture lost lung function.” If it has been awhile since you’ve exercised, start slow and work your way up. And be sure to carry your rescue inhaler at all times.

Breathe New LifeBy managing your lung disorder, you open up possibilities

©Thinkstock

ASK YOUR DOCTORYour family physician can answer questions about your child’s health. To fi nd a physician on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White – McKinney, visit FindDrRight.com or call 1.800.4BAYLOR.

4 BaylorHealth.com/McKinney


As a parent, you’re compelled to protect your little one

from every little thing. You wipe down shopping cart handles and restaurant tables and sanitize whatever has hit the � oor. But are you doing your child a disservice by driving away all germs?

Marjorie Milici, MD, a pediatrician on the medical sta� at Baylor Pediatric Center in Dallas, examines our obsession with sanitization.

Q: We’ve been taught that germs are bad. Shouldn’t I do everything in my power to keep my child from them?A: Germs are inevitable. You can’t shield your child from them all the time. And that’s OK.

“Being exposed to germs when you’re little is not such a bad thing,” Dr. Milici says. “� ey’re going to be exposed to them sooner or later. � e sooner they’re exposed, the sooner they can start to build up immunity.”

And building the body’s natural defenses isn’t just for cold and � u viruses.

“A strong immune system will help your child � ght o� infections, allergies and asthma, and maybe even cancer one day,” Dr. Milici says.

Are You Oversanitizing?Clearing up the uncertainty around children and germs

Q: Does that mean I should be pro-germ?A: Well, not so fast. As with many things in life, moderation is key when it comes to germs. Hand washing and general hygiene are still highly recommended. You don’t want to get your child sick deliberately.

“But keeping everything superclean is not a good idea, either,” Dr. Milici says. “Always using hand sanitizer and washing the paci� er every time it falls may leave them vulnerable later on.”

Q: When my child does get sick, can I request medication from my doctor?A: It’s best to let your child’s immune system go to work whenever it can.

“In general, antibiotics should be reserved for bacterial infections,” Dr. Milici says. “Not only are they largely ine� ective against viral infections, but also if they are used too frequently, they won’t work as needed.”

General hygiene is still highly

recommended.

©Thinkstock

Because breathing is essential to everything you do, it’s

understandable that a lung condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may limit your interests and activities.

After all, “when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters,” says Mark Millard, MD, medical director of the Baylor Martha Foster Lung Care Center in Dallas. “But the vast majority of people are going to be able to maintain a good quality of life as long as they follow some simple advice.”

FOR ASTHMAIdentify the instigators. “Knowing what triggers your asthma is important,” Dr. Millard says. “For some, it’s pollen; for others, it’s dust. Or maybe it’s a cleaning product you use on your � oors.” Seek out the source of your � are-ups, and do your best to avoid them.

Learn the Rules of Two®. Talk to your doctor if you use a rescue inhaler more than two times a week, if asthma symptoms wake you up at night more

than two times a month, or if you re� ll your quick-relief inhaler more than two times a year. In these cases, a provider can work with you to control your symptoms.

FOR COPDStop smoking. “Ninety percent of COPD management is not smoking,” Dr. Millard says. “It’s by far the best thing you can do to keep the condition under control.” Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.

Request rehab. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a mix of education, functional training and support to help you develop techniques to breathe better. Ask your doctor for a referral to a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

FOR BOTHManage your meds. Quality medication is available for both asthma and COPD. “Medication can often reverse the symptoms of asthma,” Dr. Millard says. “And with COPD, medication combined with

rehabilitation reduces symptoms and not only improves quality of life but probably also quantity of life.”

Stay active. “� e most important thing you can do for your health besides stopping smoking is being active,” Dr. Millard says. “It allows you to recapture lost lung function.” If it has been awhile since you’ve exercised, start slow and work your way up. And be sure to carry your rescue inhaler at all times.

Breathe New LifeBy managing your lung disorder, you open up possibilities

©Thinkstock

See a SpecialistFinding it hard to catch your breath? A pulmonologist can help. To fi nd one on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White – McKinney, visit FindDrRight.com or call 1.800.4BAYLOR.

MORE

BaylorHealth.com/McKinney 5


SURGERY AND REHABAtkinson’s groundwork paid o� quickly. � e day of her surgery, she was up and walking, and that week she began daily physical rehabilitation at home.

“My surgeon told me he’d done his job and replaced the knee, but now it was up to me to do the rehab,” the 73-year-old Atkinson says.

Seven weeks after surgery, she achieved one of her personal goals: She and Dennis slow danced together during an evening out.

“Everyone was applauding,” she says. “We’ve always loved to dance, and it’s something we hadn’t been able to do.”

PROTECTING THE NEW JOINTFollowing through on rehabilitation is an essential part of recovering after joint replacement, says Craig Goodhart, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on the medical sta� at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Carrollton. So is what he calls “prehabilitation”—exercises to make sure you have good � exibility and strength in the joint and surrounding muscles before the operation.

“� at will add to the longevity of the new joint,” he says.

For a long-lasting joint, Dr. Goodhart advises people to stay active but stick to low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, biking and golf while avoiding repetitive pounding movements like running and jogging. Yoga is also good because it helps improve � exibility, balance and strength, all of which are essential to protecting your joints, especially as you age. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, too.

A physical therapist can o� er guidance on exercises and activities that will be helpful and how to do them correctly to avoid injury.

ENJOYING LIFE AGAINSince her � rst night back on the dance � oor, Atkinson has resumed her daily walks and routine activities such as grocery shopping on her own. A retired nurse, she understands the importance of following doctor’s orders.

“I think one reason I’ve done so well is that I really did the rehab,” she says. “I worked hard at it.”

“One of my goals after knee

replacement was to dance with my husband again—

and we did.”—Diane Atkinson

Revising a ReplacementMost modern joint replacements will last 15 years or longer, says Craig Goodhart, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Carrollton. If, however, there is an infection or instability or misalignment in a new knee or hip—from years of rigorous activity, for example—joint revision surgery is an option. With a revision, doctors will evaluate the cause of the concern and address it in a second joint replacement.

A new hip or knee can keep you moving for years to come. Here’s how to get the most out of your joint replacement

WHEN DIANE ATKINSON � rst met with her orthopedic surgeon about her knee pain—the result of past injuries and osteoarthritis—he told her she’d need a knee replacement

in the not-so-distant future. � at day came about four years later, when she could no longer do many of the things she enjoyed, such as taking daily walks, going to yoga classes and dancing with her husband, Dennis.

Before her surgery at a Baylor Scott & White medical center in May 2016, her surgeon encouraged her to do whatever exercises she could to strengthen her knee. Her care team also prepared her for what to expect after surgery, including her role in a successful recovery.

Make It Last

REAL PATIENTS. REAL STORIES.




Diane Atkinson with her husband, Dennis



SURGERY AND REHABAtkinson’s groundwork paid o� quickly. � e day of her surgery, she was up and walking, and that week she began daily physical rehabilitation at home.

“My surgeon told me he’d done his job and replaced the knee, but now it was up to me to do the rehab,” the 73-year-old Atkinson says.

Seven weeks after surgery, she achieved one of her personal goals: She and Dennis slow danced together during an evening out.

“Everyone was applauding,” she says. “We’ve always loved to dance, and it’s something we hadn’t been able to do.”

PROTECTING THE NEW JOINTFollowing through on rehabilitation is an essential part of recovering after joint replacement, says Craig Goodhart, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on the medical sta� at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Carrollton. So is what he calls “prehabilitation”—exercises to make sure you have good � exibility and strength in the joint and surrounding muscles before the operation.

“� at will add to the longevity of the new joint,” he says.

For a long-lasting joint, Dr. Goodhart advises people to stay active but stick to low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, biking and golf while avoiding repetitive pounding movements like running and jogging. Yoga is also good because it helps improve � exibility, balance and strength, all of which are essential to protecting your joints, especially as you age. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, too.

A physical therapist can o� er guidance on exercises and activities that will be helpful and how to do them correctly to avoid injury.

ENJOYING LIFE AGAINSince her � rst night back on the dance � oor, Atkinson has resumed her daily walks and routine activities such as grocery shopping on her own. A retired nurse, she understands the importance of following doctor’s orders.

“I think one reason I’ve done so well is that I really did the rehab,” she says. “I worked hard at it.”




Revising a ReplacementMost modern joint replacements will last 15 years or longer, says Craig Goodhart, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Carrollton. If, however, there is an infection or instability or misalignment in a new knee or hip—from years of rigorous activity, for example—joint revision surgery is an option. With a revision, doctors will evaluate the cause of the concern and address it in a second joint replacement.

A new hip or knee can keep you moving for years to come. Here’s how to get the most out of your joint replacement

WHEN DIANE ATKINSON � rst met with her orthopedic surgeon about her knee pain—the result of past injuries and osteoarthritis—he told her she’d need a knee replacement

in the not-so-distant future. � at day came about four years later, when she could no longer do many of the things she enjoyed, such as taking daily walks, going to yoga classes and dancing with her husband, Dennis.

Before her surgery at a Baylor Scott & White medical center in May 2016, her surgeon encouraged her to do whatever exercises she could to strengthen her knee. Her care team also prepared her for what to expect after surgery, including her role in a successful recovery.

Make It Last

REAL PATIENTS. REAL STORIES.




Diane Atkinson with her husband, Dennis


7 SIGNS IT MIGHT BE TIME FOR JOINT REPLACEMENTIf you’re living with hip or knee pain that’s making you miserable, you may be considering whether joint replacement is right for you. “The most important factor in deciding to have a hip or knee replaced is how much pain it’s causing you and how much it’s affecting your quality of life,” says Charles Toulson, MD, MBA, medical director of orthopedic surgery and joint replacement and an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney.

Here are seven signs you might be ready:3 Tests show advanced arthritis or

significant damage to the joint.3 Your doctor feels that other surgical

procedures are unlikely to help.3 Your pain keeps you up at night and

isn’t relieved by rest.3 Your pain makes it difficult to walk,

bend or climb stairs. 3 Your pain isn’t relieved by medications,

or you are experiencing side effects from those medications.

3 You have difficulty performing routine daily tasks.

3 Your joint pain is causing you mental or emotional distress.

“The decision to undergo joint replacement is a personal and complex one that should be made with your physi-cian,” Dr. Toulson adds. To learn more about whether it’s right for you, talk to your doctor.

Joint DecisionsTalk to your doctor to find out if joint replacement surgery could be right for you. To learn more about joint replacement at Baylor Scott & White – McKinney, visit BaylorHealth.com/McKinneyOrtho today.

MORE


Listen closely. Is your body trying to tell you there’s trouble?

THE SYMPTOMS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES are often subtle, which might explain why so many people in the U.S. don’t know they have the

disease. A whopping 8.1 million Americans have undiagnosed diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. � eir bodies don’t use insulin properly, leading to too much glucose (sugar) in the blood, putting them at risk for potentially devastating complications, including high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease and loss of limbs.

Psst … You Could Have Diabetes

©Thinkstock

“Diabetes can cause a lot of issues throughout the body,” says Donald Wesson, MD, MBA, senior vice president of Baylor Scott & White Health Weight Management Services and named president of Diabetes Health & Wellness Institute at Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center, an a� liate of Baylor Scott & White Health. “We can certainly prevent or delay the issues, but it’s imperative we identify them early. � e interventions we have available o� er the best chances of success when used early on.”

Ideally, diabetes is diagnosed by detecting high blood sugar before symptoms begin to appear. � is is done with a simple fasting blood sugar test. Everyone should be screened for diabetes starting at age 45, but you should talk to your doctor about starting

sooner if you are overweight, have a close relative with diabetes, have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels, had gestational diabetes (during pregnancy) or are inactive.

Also, pay attention to your body and alert your physician if you have any of the following � ve common diabetes symptoms.

1 INCREASED URINATION. � e blood can only accommodate so much excess sugar before it

expels it through the urine. “Increased urination is typically the � rst symptom people have,” Dr. Wesson says. “As diabetes gets more advanced, the body is trying to get rid of the increased

sugar, and so it’s making a whole lot of urine.” And because you’re urinating more frequently, you also may notice increased thirst.

2FATIGUE. Extreme tiredness often is a byproduct of increased urination, Dr. Wesson says. “For

one thing, you’re losing a lot of � uid, and that can make you feel tired,” he says. “But you also have to remember that one of the problems with diabetes is that your body is not able to adequately use sugar. So if you’re losing that energy in the urine, you have less of it to support your daily activities and will become tired more easily.”

3BLURRY VISION. Diabetes a� ects every part of the body, including the eyes. High blood

sugar causes the lenses of the eyes to swell, which can blur vision. With medication to stabilize blood sugar levels, however, blurry vision usually self-corrects, Dr. Wesson says.

4SLOW-TO-HEAL CUTS AND BRUISES. If you notice even minor cuts and bruises are taking

longer than usual to heal, get to your doctor promptly. Delayed healing can be a sign of advanced diabetes. “Prolonged high blood sugar—we’re talking over many months or even years—can injure blood vessels both small and large,” Dr. Wesson says. “� at compromises the amount of blood � ow to the tissue that’s required for healing.”

5NUMBNESS, PAIN OR TINGLING IN HANDS OR FEET. � ese too are symptoms

of advanced diabetes and should be checked out by your doctor. “High blood sugar for a prolonged period of time can also hurt nerves,” Dr. Wesson says. “Called diabetic neuropathy, it’s when the nerves activate on their own, causing pain and tingling for reasons we don’t understand.”

“Diabetes can cause a lot of issues throughout the body. We can certainly prevent or delay the issues, but it’s imperative we identify them early.”

—Donald Wesson, MD, MBA



Listen closely. Is your body trying to tell you there’s trouble?

THE SYMPTOMS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES are often subtle, which might explain why so many people in the U.S. don’t know they have the

disease. A whopping 8.1 million Americans have undiagnosed diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. � eir bodies don’t use insulin properly, leading to too much glucose (sugar) in the blood, putting them at risk for potentially devastating complications, including high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease and loss of limbs.

Psst … You Could Have Diabetes

©Thinkstock

“Diabetes can cause a lot of issues throughout the body,” says Donald Wesson, MD, MBA, senior vice president of Baylor Scott & White Health Weight Management Services and named president of Diabetes Health & Wellness Institute at Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center, an a� liate of Baylor Scott & White Health. “We can certainly prevent or delay the issues, but it’s imperative we identify them early. � e interventions we have available o� er the best chances of success when used early on.”

Ideally, diabetes is diagnosed by detecting high blood sugar before symptoms begin to appear. � is is done with a simple fasting blood sugar test. Everyone should be screened for diabetes starting at age 45, but you should talk to your doctor about starting

sooner if you are overweight, have a close relative with diabetes, have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels, had gestational diabetes (during pregnancy) or are inactive.

Also, pay attention to your body and alert your physician if you have any of the following � ve common diabetes symptoms.

1 INCREASED URINATION. � e blood can only accommodate so much excess sugar before it

expels it through the urine. “Increased urination is typically the � rst symptom people have,” Dr. Wesson says. “As diabetes gets more advanced, the body is trying to get rid of the increased

sugar, and so it’s making a whole lot of urine.” And because you’re urinating more frequently, you also may notice increased thirst.

2FATIGUE. Extreme tiredness often is a byproduct of increased urination, Dr. Wesson says. “For

one thing, you’re losing a lot of � uid, and that can make you feel tired,” he says. “But you also have to remember that one of the problems with diabetes is that your body is not able to adequately use sugar. So if you’re losing that energy in the urine, you have less of it to support your daily activities and will become tired more easily.”

3BLURRY VISION. Diabetes a� ects every part of the body, including the eyes. High blood

sugar causes the lenses of the eyes to swell, which can blur vision. With medication to stabilize blood sugar levels, however, blurry vision usually self-corrects, Dr. Wesson says.

4SLOW-TO-HEAL CUTS AND BRUISES. If you notice even minor cuts and bruises are taking

longer than usual to heal, get to your doctor promptly. Delayed healing can be a sign of advanced diabetes. “Prolonged high blood sugar—we’re talking over many months or even years—can injure blood vessels both small and large,” Dr. Wesson says. “� at compromises the amount of blood � ow to the tissue that’s required for healing.”

5NUMBNESS, PAIN OR TINGLING IN HANDS OR FEET. � ese too are symptoms

of advanced diabetes and should be checked out by your doctor. “High blood sugar for a prolonged period of time can also hurt nerves,” Dr. Wesson says. “Called diabetic neuropathy, it’s when the nerves activate on their own, causing pain and tingling for reasons we don’t understand.”

“Diabetes can cause a lot of issues throughout the body. We can certainly prevent or delay the issues, but it’s imperative we identify them early.”

—Donald Wesson, MD, MBA


HAVE DIABETES? 5 LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO MAKE If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, meeting with a certified diabetes educator one on one and attending a diabetes self-management class are two great ways to get off on the right foot, says Jennifer Kaltenbach, RD, a certified diabetes educator at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney. Here, she shares five more things you’ll need to do to live well:

1. Consume carbohydrates carefully. “It’s important to eat small amounts of carbohydrates at meals and snacks throughout the day to help keep your blood sugar stabilized,” she says.

2. Monitor your blood sugar. Knowing how your blood sugar changes throughout the day—and keeping a log of it—can help you better understand your body’s responses to food, exercise and medications.

3. Live an active lifestyle. Regular physical activity (with your doctor’s approval) helps insulin work better, lowers blood sugar and can help you achieve a healthy weight, Kaltenbach explains.

4. Maintain a healthy weight. “Losing as little as 5 percent of your body weight can help improve blood sugar levels significantly,” she says.

5. Take medications as directed. If your doctor has prescribed medications, learn how they work and educate yourself about possible risks (like low blood sugar) and how to handle them.

Questions? Start HereFor information on diabetes-related topics, including nutrition, support, insulin and medications, visit BaylorHealth.com/McKinney and search “Diabetes Education Toolkit” today.

MORE


Living with a chronic disease—or caring for a loved one who is—can be physically and emotionally exhausting. And it’s a reality for many of us. Nearly half of American adults have at least one chronic health problem, and many have spouses or children who care for them.

So how does being a caregiver a� ect an otherwise healthy person? What

e� ect does a caregiver’s well-being have on an

ailing loved one? And can anything be done to make things easier? � ese are questions that could begin to have answers within the year, thanks to a preliminary study by Baylor Scott & White Health and Baylor University.

EXAMINING RELATIONSHIPSFunded by a $50,000 grant from the Collaborative Faculty

Research Investment Program, the study involves a newly developed survey that will be completed by at least 150 individuals (75 patient-caregiver pairs) over � ve months.

� rough these surveys, study authors Kristen Tecson, PhD, a biostatistician at the Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, and Lindsay Wilkinson, PhD, an assistant professor of sociology at Baylor University, hope to gain further insight into the welfare of patients and their caregivers. � is includes how factors like spirituality, age, gender, race and disease diagnosis a� ect quality of life and how well patient-caregiver pairs cope.

IDENTIFYING WAYS TO HELPAlthough data collection will be completed in May 2017 by the Center for Community Research and Development at Baylor University, the researchers’ work will have just begun. “We hope to analyze the results to build a series of recommendations for patient-caregiver pairs that could help

improve well-being for both parties,” Dr. Tecson says. � e recommendations may include expressive journaling, support groups or individual counseling sessions.

“� e struggle of watching a loved one decline, coupled with the time and � nancial burdens associated with being a caregiver, pose a cyclical threat to the well-being of the caregiver and the patient,” Dr. Tecson and Dr. Wilkinson note in their proposal. “It’s our hope that through this research we can � nd ways to alleviate some of the physical and emotional hardships of caregiving to help stop that cycle.”

ADVANCING MEDICINE

ABOUT THE STUDYLooking for Links in Patient-Caregiver Well-BeingSurveys are used to explore how chronically ill patients and their family caregivers infl uence one another’s welfare.

Key ContributorsBaylor Scott & White Health

Baylor University

Get the LatestVisit BaylorHealth.com/AdvancingMedicine and research.sw.org to learn about more discoveries like this at Baylor Scott & White.

MORE

Lifting a Heavy BurdenResearchers seek to understand the connection between patients and their family caregivers—and fi nd new ways to support them both

TIPSHEET

YOUR FAMILY HEALTH TREEBy knowing what diseases run in your family, you can develop a plan with your doctor to watch out for them in your own life.

� Go to BaylorHealth.com/Tipsheet and download a document to fill out the next time your family gets together.

TOOL

HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESS?Recognizing the symptoms of stress in your life—and how you react to them—is an important step toward managing it.

� Take an assessment at BaylorHealth.com/ResponseToStress to identify your particular stress profile.

VIDEO

‘I’M STILL ABLE TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE.’When Jennifer Sheppard found out she had Crohn’s disease, a digestive disorder, Baylor gave her the tools to get back to what she enjoys.

� Visit BaylorHealth.com/MyStory to watch Jennifer’s story.

RECIPE

ROAST TURKEY WITH CRANBERRY ORANGE GLAZEThis delicious, citrusy baste is sure to make a tasty statement at Thanksgiving—or anytime.

� Head to BaylorHealth.com/Recipe for the ingredients and instructions.

©Thinkstock10 BaylorHealth.com/McKinney


Living with a chronic disease—or caring for a loved one who is—can be physically and emotionally exhausting. And it’s a reality for many of us. Nearly half of American adults have at least one chronic health problem, and many have spouses or children who care for them.

So how does being a caregiver a� ect an otherwise healthy person? What

e� ect does a caregiver’s well-being have on an

ailing loved one? And can anything be done to make things easier? � ese are questions that could begin to have answers within the year, thanks to a preliminary study by Baylor Scott & White Health and Baylor University.

EXAMINING RELATIONSHIPSFunded by a $50,000 grant from the Collaborative Faculty

Research Investment Program, the study involves a newly developed survey that will be completed by at least 150 individuals (75 patient-caregiver pairs) over � ve months.

� rough these surveys, study authors Kristen Tecson, PhD, a biostatistician at the Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, and Lindsay Wilkinson, PhD, an assistant professor of sociology at Baylor University, hope to gain further insight into the welfare of patients and their caregivers. � is includes how factors like spirituality, age, gender, race and disease diagnosis a� ect quality of life and how well patient-caregiver pairs cope.

IDENTIFYING WAYS TO HELPAlthough data collection will be completed in May 2017 by the Center for Community Research and Development at Baylor University, the researchers’ work will have just begun. “We hope to analyze the results to build a series of recommendations for patient-caregiver pairs that could help

improve well-being for both parties,” Dr. Tecson says. � e recommendations may include expressive journaling, support groups or individual counseling sessions.

“� e struggle of watching a loved one decline, coupled with the time and � nancial burdens associated with being a caregiver, pose a cyclical threat to the well-being of the caregiver and the patient,” Dr. Tecson and Dr. Wilkinson note in their proposal. “It’s our hope that through this research we can � nd ways to alleviate some of the physical and emotional hardships of caregiving to help stop that cycle.”

ADVANCING MEDICINE

ABOUT THE STUDYLooking for Links in Patient-Caregiver Well-BeingSurveys are used to explore how chronically ill patients and their family caregivers infl uence one another’s welfare.

Key ContributorsBaylor Scott & White Health

Baylor University

Get the LatestVisit BaylorHealth.com/AdvancingMedicine and research.sw.org to learn about more discoveries like this at Baylor Scott & White.

MORE

Lifting a Heavy BurdenResearchers seek to understand the connection between patients and their family caregivers—and fi nd new ways to support them both

TIPSHEET

YOUR FAMILY HEALTH TREEBy knowing what diseases run in your family, you can develop a plan with your doctor to watch out for them in your own life.

� Go to BaylorHealth.com/Tipsheet and download a document to fill out the next time your family gets together.

TOOL

HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESS?Recognizing the symptoms of stress in your life—and how you react to them—is an important step toward managing it.

� Take an assessment at BaylorHealth.com/ResponseToStress to identify your particular stress profile.

VIDEO

‘I’M STILL ABLE TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE.’When Jennifer Sheppard found out she had Crohn’s disease, a digestive disorder, Baylor gave her the tools to get back to what she enjoys.

� Visit BaylorHealth.com/MyStory to watch Jennifer’s story.

RECIPE

ROAST TURKEY WITH CRANBERRY ORANGE GLAZEThis delicious, citrusy baste is sure to make a tasty statement at Thanksgiving—or anytime.

� Head to BaylorHealth.com/Recipe for the ingredients and instructions.

gave her the tools to get back to what she enjoys.

� Visit BaylorHealth.com/MyStoryto watch Jennifer’s story.

Recognizing the symptoms of stress in your life—

react to them—is an important

©Thinkstock

WHAT’S ONLINE

BaylorHealth.com


ONLINE

Caring for the Whole YouBaylor Scott & White – McKinney offers support groups that benefit the mental and emotional well-being of patients and their families, as well as classes and events that promote community wellness.

� To learn more about what we offer, visit us at BaylorHealth.com/McKinney today.

WHAT’S ONLINE

BaylorHealth.com


More than 7,000 babies had a

great start here.Over the last four years, the Women and Infants Center at Baylor

Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney has welcomed more

than 7,000 newborn infants. Our technologically advanced fa-

cility includes spacious labor and delivery suites and a Level III

neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with private suites for infants

who need more specialized care. Our family-centered philoso-

phy allows new families to remain together throughout the entire

birth process. So whether this is your first pregnancy or a happy

expansion of your family, you can trust the hospital that is ex-

perienced in caring for thousands of tiny lives. Baylor Scott &

White – McKinney.

5252 W. University Dr., McKinney, TX 75071

To find out more about our maternity services, call 1.800.4BAYLORor visit us online at BaylorHealth.com/McKinneyBabies.

MEDICAL CENTERMCKINNEY

Number reflects service line specific patient visits since 2010. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers, Baylor Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare or Baylor Scott & White Health.©2016 Baylor Scott & White Health BMCMCK_528_2016 SOM

Community CalendarNovember & December 2016 Registration required for all events unless otherwise indicated. ➜ Call 1.800.4BAYLOR to register.

CHILDBIRTH AND FAMILY EDUCATIONPower Prepared Childbirth is a one-day version of Prepared Childbirth. Nov. 19 or Dec. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $15.

Basics of Baby Care teaches infant care and development. Nov. 3 or 17, Dec. 1 or 15, 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. No charge.

Breastfeeding Class is designed to discuss the many benefits of breastfeeding your baby. Nov. 10, Dec. 8 or 22, 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. No charge.

Infant Safety and CPR teaches basic skills but is not a certification course. Nov. 12 or Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to noon. $35.

©Thinkstock

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDBAYLOR SCOTT &

WHITE HEALTH

Baylor Health Care System Marketing Department 2001 Bryan Street, Suite 750 Dallas, TX 75201


Documents

news.bswhealth.comnews.bswhealth.com/media_storage/BL111613_McKinney_bookLR.pdf · 3 Citrus fruits. Say no to grapefruits and oranges, as well as tomatoes and tomato-based foods,