BestHealth FALL 2022 S e r v i ng t he f ami l i e s o f s ou t hea s t K an s a s An ounce of prevention Key screenings that can help you stay well A happier, longer life The benefits of becoming more socially active Healthy habits and a timely test 6 ways to lower your risk for colorectal cancer
2 nmrmc.com BEST HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of NEOSHO MEMORIAL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, 629 S. Plummer, Chanute, KS 66720, telephone 620-431-4000, nmrmc.com. Dennis E. Franks CEO Patricia Morris Communications Officer Wannetta Wiltse Volunteer Coordinator Information in BEST HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2022 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Prevention is the best medicine We’ve all heard the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: It’s always better to prevent health problems or catch them early, when they may be easier to treat. So if you’ve put off health screenings and doctor visits during the pandemic, why not commit this fall to getting back on track? I encourage you to read our story about health screenings for men and women as a starting point for a conversation with your primary care provider. It includes information about the importance of scheduling routine tests and exams—from cholesterol checks to colonoscopies. Speaking of colonoscopies, we have an article in this issue about ways to reduce your risk for colorectal cancer. Colonoscopies combine the power of prevention and early detection. But getting screened isn’t the only thing you can do. Our article also discusses lifestyle changes that may help lower your risk of the disease while contributing positively to your overall health. Of course, your mental health is as important as your physical health. We’ve all been through a lot in the past few years, and seniors, in particular, may have been affected by the loneliness of isolation. Our back cover story can help seniors recognize—and get help for—any depression or anxiety brought on by COVID-19 isolation. As always, we’re here for you. Our talented team of providers at Neosho Memorial considers it an honor to help keep you and your family healthy. Sincerely, Dennis E. Franks, CEO Why I became a nurse: When I was 20, I delivered food trays to patients at Neosho Memorial. I loved watching the nurses work and how they treated patients. I thought, “I would love to do that someday.” Little by little, I achieved that goal. After working in housekeeping two more years, I took classes and became a CNA (certified nursing assistant) for the next seven years. That made me want to go into nursing even more. I received a scholarship from the hospital that helped pay for nursing school, including books. That made it possible for me to work part-time so that I could focus on my studies. During nursing school, I was able to do most of my clinical training at the hospital, which was great. I earned my LPN (licensed practical nurse) certificate and, in 2018, my RN (registered nurse) degree. Now I work in Neosho Memorial’s surgical department. Why I enjoy working here: I love taking care of patients. Of course, I love my co-workers; they’re just like family. This is a great environment and a great hospital. I grew up here in Chanute—it’s my community. I’m giving back by staying local and helping people here. EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Courtney Huerter, RN
Best Health • Fall 2022 3 From brushing your teeth to reaching for something on a shelf, you depend on your rotator cuff—a group of muscles and tendons that form a cuff at the upper arm and shoulder— to help you perform all sorts of daily tasks. “The rotator cuff is the prime mover of our shoulder,” says Alexander Mih, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Neosho Memorial. “We use it to elevate the arm overhead and to rotate the arm away from our body.” But with wear and tear, over time this cuff can become inflamed and painful, causing difficulties with daily activities. The tendon may fray and even tear or detach from the bone. Being older than 40 and having a job that involves overhead activities (like painting) can raise your risk for rotator cuff tears. Less often, they result from falls or other acute injuries. The most common symptom of a rotator cuff tear is pain that is worse when you use or lift the affected arm. You might also have arm or shoulder pain when you sleep. And you may notice some arm weakness and loss of motion. Finding relief Many people are surprised to learn that their torn rotator cuff can be treated with nonsurgical rehabilitation therapy, Dr. Mih says. That’s because only part of the tendon is torn in most cases. Strengthening the intact tendon can compensate for the torn part, resulting in less pain. An occupational or physical therapist may teach you range-of-motion and shoulder-strengthening activities that you can perform at home. However, you might need surgery if your rotator cuff is torn completely or your pain persists despite nonsurgical therapies. The good news about surgery: “Large studies show that around 94% of patients achieve meaningful pain relief with their operation,” Dr. Mih says. Rotator cuff surgery is done on an outpatient basis. In addition to repairing the torn tendon, Dr. Mih removes any bone spurs that have rubbed against the tendon and caused it to tear in the first place. You’ll wear a sling for a few weeks after your surgery. And you’ll need to avoid using your shoulder for a month while your repaired tendon heals. Rehabilitation therapy will also be a part of your recovery. Most people are able to resume up to 90% of their daily activities at around three months after rotator cuff surgery. Alexander Mih, MD Seek relief. To make an appointment with Dr. Mih, call 620-432-5775. To learn more about how the orthopedic team can help, visit nmrmc.com/services/orthopedicclinic. Is a painful shoulder slowing you down? You may have a rotator cuff tear
4 nmrmc.com If you want to stay on top of your health, here are two words to remember: Get screened. Screening tests and exams help doctors find diseases and health problems before they produce symptoms. That’s when they’re typically easiest to treat. For example, if you discover through screening that your blood pressure or blood sugar levels are elevated, your doctor will work with you on any lifestyle changes or medications you may need that will help prevent complications like heart disease, kidney failure and type 2 diabetes. 4 key screenings Health screenings are based on things like your age and medical history. Your doctor can help determine what’s right for you. But here are four of the most common health screenings that all adults need. Blood pressure. High blood pressure that isn’t detected and treated can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, eyes, heart and other organs. Your doctor will check your blood pressure at your annual wellness visits and any other appointments. Cholesterol. Abnormal blood cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, raising the risk for conditions like stroke, heart attack, poor circulation in the legs and even erectile dysfunction. A blood test can reveal your cholesterol levels. Men should have regular cholesterol checks by age 30 and women by age 35. But your doctor may order a cholesterol test sooner, depending on your medical history and lifestyle risk factors, such as your diet. Colorectal cancer. There are several ways to be screened for colorectal cancer, and you should talk with your doctor about the best method for you. But there is only one method that both prevents the disease and can catch it early: a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a doctor can find and remove polyps in the colon before they might become cancerous. Most people should begin screening at age 45. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or who have other risk factors may need to start screening sooner. Diabetes. Elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels that aren’t well controlled can lead to many health complications, Take the TEST Screenings are a healthy choice
Two more screenings for women and men Breast cancer. Some experts recommend that women start getting mammograms at age 40 or 45, depending on your preference. Prostate cancer. Men should ask their doctor about a PSA (prostatespecific antigen) screening and a digital rectal exam. Have that conversation at age 45 if you have a family history of the disease or you’re African American. Otherwise, do that at 50. Stay on top of your health. Primary care providers are your best resource for preventive care. Find a complete list of our providers and their appointment information at nmrmc.com/ physiciansproviders. The skilled providers at NMRMC Family Medicine Clinic offer families exceptional care, close to home. Schedule a visit: 620-432-5588. Yi Ying Law, MD, general surgeon Q Tell us a little bit about you and your family. My husband and I are originally from Malaysia, and we were in Houston for the past few years. We now live in Chanute and have a baby. Q Why did you choose to become a surgeon? I wanted to become a surgeon because I enjoyed what a surgeon does on a daily basis, from draining abscesses to doing major operations. The ability to provide care when the patient needs it and the knowledge that I can take care of their problems bring me the most gratification. Q What can patients expect when they first meet with you? They can expect that I will want to understand their problems and their perspectives, that I will treat them with care and respect, and that I will always be happy to help them at any time. Q What are some of your hobbies? During my free time, I like to cook, hike and enjoy nature. Q What is your favorite healthy tip? Eat less salt and more fruits and vegetables— and exercise. including nerve damage, heart disease, strokes and foot ulcers. You should get tested if you’re 45 or older. You should be tested sooner if you have risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity or a family history of diabetes. W E L C O M E to the new physician Best Health • Fall 2022 5 Dr. Law is a surgeon at Neosho Memorial’s Surgery Center. For an appointment, call 620-431-2500.
A wellness path worth taking How to lower your risk for colorectal cancer Get the high-tech advantage. Learn more about AI-assisted, GI Genius colonoscopies at nmrmc.com/services/ gi-genius-colonoscopies. 6 nmrmc.com
Best Health • Fall 2022 7 If you could take steps to help prevent colorectal cancer—a leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths—would you? While there’s no surefire way to avoid colorectal cancer, there is one must-do medical test that definitely helps, as well as some healthy habits that can make a difference too. First and foremost, be screened. Getting recommended colorectal cancer screenings can help prevent the disease or detect it early, when it may be easier to treat. During a colonoscopy—considered the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening— doctors check the rectum and entire colon for cancer and growths called polyps. Since most colorectal cancers start as polyps, these can be removed during the test before they have a chance to turn into cancer. Other screening options (such as stool testing) can be good options too. “But if you get a positive result with other tests, the test you’ll need next is a colonoscopy,” says Matthew Leroy, MD, a general surgeon who performs colonoscopies at Neosho Memorial. “So I recommend colonoscopy, because it can identify and treat polyps all at the same time.” People at average risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 45. You may need to start earlier if you’re at greater risk for colorectal cancer due to, for instance, a personal or strong family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. If you smoke, commit to quit. “Smoking and any tobacco use significantly increases your risk of cancer, including colon cancer,” Dr. Leroy says. If you need help quitting, don’t hesitate to ask your health care provider for advice. Be active. A sedentary lifestyle raises your colon cancer risk, Dr. Leroy notes. Find fun ways to get moving throughout your week, like walking or riding a bike. Watch your weight. Reaching and keeping a healthy weight may help lower your risk for colorectal cancer. Eating smaller portions of fatty foods (fat packs more calories bite-forbite) may help tip the scales in your favor. Moderate your meat intake. Do you eat a lot of red meats or processed or smoked meats, such as hot dogs, sausage, deli meats or pepperoni? If so, your diet could be increasing your colon cancer risk. Try to limit your portion sizes of these meats and how often you eat them while aiming for an overall healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Know the risks of alcohol. Regularly drinking alcohol may raise your risk for colorectal cancer. A quick ‘yes ’ for an exciting technology When Matthew Leroy, MD, and colleagues heard about an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that could help them prevent more colorectal cancers, they knew they wanted to bring it to their patients. After the doctors talked to CEO Dennis E. Franks about the technology, the equipment was ordered by week’s end. That’s a win for patients and, in Dr. Leroy’s view, one of the strengths of Neosho Memorial. The GI Genius module uses AI software to highlight polyps during a colonoscopy, increasing the chances that a doctor will find and remove these precancerous growths. “Our administration is willing to listen when we have something we really believe in,” Dr. Leroy says. Matthew Leroy, MD
SENIOR HEALTH Why staying social is crucial Help is here. To schedule your free mental health assessment, call Neosho Memorial’s Senior Behavioral Care Clinic at 620-433-3800. Staying home during the COVID-19 outbreak kept many seniors safe from the virus. But being away from family and friends was also stressful and lonely for some. It’s important to remember the benefits of becoming more socially active. People who engage in meaningful activities with others tend to live happier, longer and more purpose-filled lives, says Jayme Collins, LCP, LMLP, director of the Neosho Memorial Senior Behavioral Care Clinic and psychotherapist. Social activities also help us improve our ability to think and learn, especially as we get older. Get the help you deserve What if you find yourself less than enthusiastic about socializing again? In that case, it’s worth taking a closer look at why, Collins says. “If you don’t feel like getting back in the groove, then maybe you’ve been feeling down more than you realized during the pandemic,” she says. You’ll want to be sure you’re not actually dealing with clinical depression or anxiety triggered by COVID-19 isolation. Anxiety can feel like constant worry. Depression signs include: ◆ Mood changes. ◆ Changes in eating and sleeping habits. ◆Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy. If you think you might be depressed or overly anxious, you can call the Behavioral Care Clinic to schedule a free assessment. The clinic offers tailored outpatient treatments, which may include therapy, medicines or both. Get to know Yi Ying Law, MD, a new general surgeon at NMRMC. Page 5 629 S. Plummer Chanute, KS 66720 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Welcome, Dr. Law!
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