"DOCTOR, CAN WE TALK?": TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM

Talking to your doctor can be difficult. Regardless of your diagnosis, hearing about it may leave you feeling frightened or overwhelmed. Good communication with your doctor will help improve the quality of the care you receive.

Here are some ways to improve communication with your health care team:

1. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE THE CONSUMER: As a patient, it is important to remember that you are a consumer of health care. The best way to begin making difficult decisions about health care is to educate yourself.

2. BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU TO YOUR APPOINTMENTS: It is always helpful to have support, and the person can serve as a second set of ears. He or she may also be able to think of questions to ask your doctor or remember details about your symptoms you may have forgotten.

3. PREPARE A LIST OF QUESTIONS BEFOREHAND: This way, you won't forget to ask about something that was important to you. Make your questions specific and brief because your doctor has limited time. Once you're at your appointment, ask your most important questions first.

4. WRITE DOWN YOUR DOCTOR'S ANSWERS: Taking notes will help you remember your doctor's responses and instructions. It also allows you to go over the information later when you have more time to concentrate or do research.





source: http://www.oncologynurseadvisor.com/

UNDERSTANDING LOW BLOOD PRESSURE - THE BASICS

Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure(less than 90/60) with no symptoms. Chronic low blood pressure with no symptoms is almost never serious. But health problems can occur when blood pressure drops suddenly, and the brain is deprived of an adequate blood supply. This can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Sudden drops in blood pressure most commonly occur in someone who's rising from a prone or sitting position to standing. This kind of low blood pressure is know as postural hypotension. The risk of both low and high blood pressure normally increases with age, due in part to normal changes during aging. In addition, blood flow in the brain declines with age, often as a result of plaque buildup in blood vessels. An estimated 10% to 20% of people over age 65 have postural hypotension.

The cause of low blood pressure isn't always clear. It may be associated with the following:

1. Pregnancy

2. Hormonal problems such as an underactive thyroid, overactive thyroid, diabetes, or low blood sugar.

3. Over-the-counter medications

4.Overdose of high blood pressure drugs

5. Heart failure

6. Heart arrhythmias

7. Widening, or dilation, of the blood vessels

8. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke

9. Liver disease

Sudden drops in blood pressure can be life-threatening. Causes of this type of hypotension include:

1. Loss of blood from bleeding

2. Low body temperature

3. High body temperature

4. Heart muscle disease causing heart failure

5. Sepsis, a severe blood infection

6. Severe dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or fever

7. A reaction to medication or alcohol

8. A severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis

Normal blood pressure is usually in the range of 120/80. In healthy people, especially athletes, low blood pressure is a sign of good cardiovascular health. But low blood pressure can be a sign of an underlying problem - especially in the elderly - where it may cause in adequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. Please contact your physician for further information, or if you feel that you may have low blood pressure.

source: http://www.webmd.com/

SEPTEMBER IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION MONTH

Atrial fibrillation, often referred to as "afib" , is an irregular heartbeat, a rapid heartbeat, or a quivering of the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria. Atrial fibrillation is due to a malfunction in the heart's electrical system, and is the most common heart irregularity, or cardiac arrhythmia.

Different patients have different symptoms. Some patients describe afib as feeling like skipped heartbeats, followed by a thud and a speeding up or racing of the heart. Others describe it as an erratic heatbeat, strong heart palpitations, or simply a rapid heart rate. For still others, it feels like fluttering, butterflies, or even a flopping fish in the chest. Others have chest and throat pressure that mimics a heart attack, or constriction around the left bicep. For some people, afib doesn't stop, and may continue for hours, days, weeks, months, or even years.

While atrial fibrillation may not sound serious, and is often considered to be a minor health issue, it can actually be quite risky and potentially even life threatening.

If you have any of the above symptoms, or an questions concerning afib, please contact your doctor.

source: http://www.stopafib.org/

CONGRATULATIONS TO RUTH ATKINS...SHE IS THE WINNER OF OUR AUGUST EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION RAFFLE. GOOD WORK, RUTH!

ONLY A FEW MONTHS REMAIN UNTIL THE BIG END OF THE YEAR RAFFLE. THE FOLLOWING EMPLOYEES ARE STILL IN THE RUNNING:

CHRISTINE ANDRUS

RUTH ATKINS

DAVID BOWMAN

BARB CAMERON

LARRY COOK

JULIE WONSEY

HAPPY LABOR DAY FROM HARBOR HEALTH HOME CARE

BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH TIPS

Could it possibly be back-to-school time already? As the remaining days of summer fly by, be sure to take some time ot prepare your child to head back to school or start school for the first time.

1. OBTAIN A PHYSICAL

School and sports physicals are an important part of each school year, even if they are not mandated by the school. Yearly physicals enable your health care provider to monitor growth and development, update immunizations, determine risks for sports participation, and discuss safety issues. If you did not plan ahead for a physical with your child's primary care physician, urgent care centers do offer walk-in service for sports and school physicals for a flat fee. Some communicate their imformation back to the PCP to maintain continuity of care - make sure you know if your center offers this service.

2. BACKPACK SAFETY

Choose a backpack with wide shoulder straps and make sure your child uses both straps evenly across the back. Slinging the weight over one shoulder can lead to muscle strain. Advise your child to pack lightly. A backpack should never weigh more thatn 10-20 % of your child's body weight. Rolling backpacks may be a fun choice for your child to lighten the load, but take note that they are difficult to haul upstairs and do not roll well in the snow. Remember to avoid identifying marks such as a name on your child's backpack, although initials are considered to be safe to use.

3. TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Don't you wonder why we emphasize buckling up with all other forms of transportation except buses? You are in luck if your school uses buses with seatbelts - just make sure your child uses one at all times. If the bus does not have them, encourage your child's school to install seatbelts or lease buses with them. If your child travels to school by car, make sure she uses an approrpriate car safety seat or booster seat. If your teen is driving to and from school, make sure you require seat belt use, restrict the number of teens in the car, discourage eating and drinking, and forbid texting or talking on cell phones. Many crashes involve driver distractions and occur while novice drivers are traveling to and from school. If your child bikes to school make sure he or she always wears a helmet regardless of the distance, wears bright clothing, and obeys traffic rules. Walking to school certainly has its health benefits, but its share of dangers as well. Make sure the route is well let and safe with crossing guards at major intersections.

4. EATING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

Most schools send school cafeteria menus home enabling you to plan your child's lunches in advance. Pack a nutritious lunch on days your child prefers not to eat the school's main course.

5. BULLYING

When one child picks on another, be it physical, verbal, or social, it is called bullying. Bullying can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, over the internet, or through cell phones. Whether your child is being bullied, is the bully, or witnesses bullying, make sure he knows that bullying is not alright.

6. DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS

Children learn best when we teach them how to create an environment conducive to learning. Set up a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the house that offers privacy. Make it well lit and comfortable. Keep the TV off during study time, and make it a point to supervise all computer and Internet use. Be available to answer questions and offer assistance but never do your child's homework for her.

7. MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER

Since your child has probably grown accustomed to staying up late and sleeping in over the summer, try to make that first morning back to school easier by a more gradual return to the school year sleep schedule. Make sure your child knows that he is not alone feeling a bit uneasy about the start of school. Everyone - kids, parents, teachers, and principals - has butterflies on the first day back and needs to adjust to the new routine. Teachers will do their best to ensure that all students feel as comfortable as possible. Point out the positive aspects of school - fun activities and classes, seeing old friends and making new ones, fresh school supplies and clothes.

As you make the last memories of summer 2011, give your child a better start physically, emotionally, and academically this school year by incorporating these tips into your back-to-school plan.

source: http://www.peters.patch.com/

SEPTEMBER IS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Ovarian cancer is a growth of abnormal malignant cells that begins in the ovaries. Cancer that spreads to the ovaries but originates at another site is not considered ovarian cancer. Ovarian tumors can be benign or malignant. Although abnormal, cells of benign tumors do not metastasize(spread to other parts of the body). Malignant cancer cells in the ovaries can metastasize in two ways: directly to other organs in the pelvis and abdomen, or through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts of the body. While the causes of ovarian cancer are unknown, some theories exist: Genetic errors may occur because of damage from the normal monthly release of an egg. Increased hormone levels before and during ovulation may stimulate the growth of abnormal cells.

Different types of ovarian cancer are classified according to the type of cell from which they start:

EPITHELIAL TUMORS: About 90 percent of ovarian cancers develop in the epithelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers the ovaries. This form of ovarian cancer generally occurs in postmenopausal women.


GERM CEL CARCINOMA TUMORS: Making up about 5 percent of ovarian cancer cases, this type begins in the cells that form eggs. While germ cell carcinoma can occur in women of any age, it tends to be found most often in women in their early 20s. Six main kinds of germ cell carcinoma exist, but the three most common types are: teratomas, dysgerminomas, and endodermal sinus tumors. Many tumors that arise in the germ cells are benign.


STROMAL CARCINOMA TUMORS: Ovarian stromal carcinoma accounts for about 5 percent of ovarian cancer cases. It develops in the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and those that produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. The two most common types are granulosa cell tumors and sertolileydig cell tumors. Unlike with epithelial ovarian carcinomas, 70 percent of stromal carcinoma cases are diagnosed in Stage 1.


The stages of ovarian cancer are determined by how far the cancer has spread. The stage of ovarian cancer at diagnosis is the most important indicator of prognosis.


STAGE I: Cancer is limited to one or both ovaries.


STAGE II: The tumor involves one or both ovaries and extends to other pelvic structures.


STAGE III: The tumor involves one or both ovaries, and one or both of the following exist:


1. The cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen


2. The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The tumor is limited to the true pelvis but with histologically proven malignant extension to the small bowel or omentum


STAGE IV: Growth of the cancer involves one or both ovaries and distant metastases to the liver or lungs has occured.


source: http://www.ovariancancer.org/