a healthy tomorrow - loma linda university medical...

Should You Go to the eR oR uRGent CaRe CenteR? See paGe 3.

a healthy tomorrow

I n f o R m at I o n f o R a h e a lt h Y l I f e St Y l e to daY

j u l / au G 2 010

Catch Vision Problems Early—Schedule an Eye

Exam Today!See page 6.

Below-the-Belt Conditions Women Don’t Talk About■ burn hazardS

■ JoinT Pain in young adulTS

■ go nuTS for your hEalTh!

newS You Can uSe

2 | loma linda university medical center | www.lomalindahealth.org 1-877-558-6248

joint pain Can

affect Young

adults, too

joint pain isn’t just for older adults. according to u.S. department of health and human Services research, more than 16 percent of adults ages 18 to 44 reported joint pain in the past month.

If your job requires repetitive movements or you play sports like soccer or football, you may be at higher risk for joint pain or even arthritis. to protect your joints, avoid repetitive motions when possible, wear protective gear, and don’t overwork sore or damaged joints.

excess weight also stresses the joints, especially the knees. Controlling your weight can help. maintaining a healthy weight can also lower your risk of developing osteoarthritis.

mild joint pain can often be treated with RICe (Rest, Ice, Compression, elevation) and over-the-counter pain relievers. See a doctor if you have severe pain, the joint looks crooked, or you can’t move or put any weight on the joint.

3 Below-the-Belt conditionsWomen Don’t Talk Aboutyou might feel awkward talking

about certain problems with your closest friends, let alone your doctor. But telling your doctor you leak urine when you sneeze or that you have very heavy periods is the first step toward a solution. Plus, you’re not alone. nearly one in four women 20 and older has symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder, such as urinary incontinence or pelvic prolapse. Here are three common conditions you should mention to your doctor:1. many women leak urine when they laugh, sneeze, or lift something. stress incontinence is especially common in pregnant women and those who have had a large baby. But women can often reverse stress incontinence with Kegel exercises, which strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. other treatments include medicines, dietary changes, and surgery.2. every woman’s menstrual cycle is different, but some have especially

difficult periods. several issues—from tumors to stress—could be to blame. see your doctor if you soak through a pad or tampon every hour, or your period lasts longer than seven days. He or she can recommend medicines or treatments to lighten your flow.3. another common condition causes painful intercourse and a full feeling in your pelvis. Pelvic prolapse occurs when weakened muscles cause the uterus and other organs to “sink” into the vagina. it’s twice as common in women who have given birth vaginally. your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, or medicine. For severe cases, a device called a pessary can hold the uterus in place. surgery is also an option.

For information on women’s services provided at Loma Linda, log on to our Web site at www.lomalindahealthforwomen.org.

Be aware of Burn hazards

every day, more than 400 kids end up in emergency departments with burns. and every day, two of those victims don’t survive.

In toddlers and younger children, most injuries are scald burns sustained from hot liquids or steam. extremely hot tap water, a cooking pot tipping over, or spills from a hot drink cause many of those injuries. older kids are typically burned by flames through direct contact with matches, lighters, or fireworks.

experts recommend setting household water heater thermostats no higher than 120 degrees to regulate sink and bath temperatures. never leave food unattended on a stove. always supervise children near anything hot—from radiators to ovens.

equip your home with smoke alarms on every floor and near every room where family members sleep. families should establish an escape plan in case of fire. this plan should include two exits from every room and a central meeting place outside.

1-877-558-6248 www.lomalindahealth.org | loma linda university medical center | 3

healthY ChoICeS

should you Go to the ER or Urgent Care Center?

is that cut deep enough for stitches? should you take your son to the

emergency room for a sprained wrist? sometimes, the impulse is to rush to the emergency room (er), but urgent care centers might be a better option. How do you know which facility is appropriate? read on to find out.

Is It Life-Threatening?you should go to the er for life-threatening injuries or serious illness. examples of this include: ■ chest pain■ trouble breathing■ unusual abdominal pain■ sudden dizziness or weakness■ confusion or changes in mental status■ unstoppable bleeding■ changes in vision some patients face hours of waiting because of overcrowding in emergency rooms. er visits increased 26 percent in 10 years, while the number of ers decreased by 14 percent.

Bumps, Bruises, and So Forthurgent care centers are designed to treat minor injuries and illnesses that aren’t life-threatening. the average wait time to see a doctor or nurse is about 15 to 45 minutes, and generally, the visit will cost you less than what you’d pay going to the er. some of the most common conditions treated at urgent care centers include: ■ Fever■ Back pain■ sprains, strains, and fractures■ lacerations■ sore throat■ ear infection■ minor cuts most centers are open seven days a week, and you don’t need an appointment. services such as X-rays, lab testing, and on-site pharmacies are usually available at most urgent care centers.

remember, urgent care centers are for situations that aren’t life-threatening. in the case of a true emergency, you should go to the er.

urgent Care locationsloma linda • 909-558-6641Loma Linda University Medical Center – East Campus 25333 Barton Road, Loma Linda9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day Beaumont • 951-845-0313Loma Linda University – Beaver Urgent Care81 South Highland Springs Ave., Suite 100, Beaumont7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day

Should You

Be Concerned

about Skin

tags?

Skin tags are small, painless, flesh-toned skin growths. especially for women, they get more common with age. people who are overweight or have diabetes are also more likely to get them. Some experts think friction within skin folds causes tags. losing weight if you’re overweight might help prevent them.

Skin tags are usually harmless, but if you notice growth or changes, see your doctor. he might do a biopsy to ensure it’s not cancerous. also, talk with your doctor about removing a tag if rubbing against clothing irritates it or it otherwise bothers you.

some adults are puzzled when they look in the mirror and notice

for the first time that their cheeks are flushed. they may also have redness on their nose, chin, forehead, and neck. the cause of their “blush” could be rosacea, a chronic skin disorder that can affect people of all ages and races. it mainly targets fair-skinned people between the ages of 30 and 60—women more often than men.

Besides a blushed appearance, rosacea can cause bumps and thin red lines across the skin. the skin may feel dry or tight. those with severe rosacea may have a large, swollen nose.

Half of rosacea sufferers also experience eye problems. For example, they may have gritty, burning, dry eyes or swollen eyelids. some people get these eye symptoms before they have skin symptoms. Preservative-free artificial tears and warm compresses on the eyes can help ease the discomfort.

Ease Rosacea by Relaxing researchers aren’t certain why approximately 14 million people in the u.s. have rosacea. But they do know that some factors are more likely to trigger flare-ups. one of the biggest factors is stress.

if you have rosacea, stress-management strategies may help you avoid outbreaks:


if rosacea Has you seeing red, Self-Care Tips Can Help

health and BeautY

■ When you feel tense, take a few deep breaths and picture yourself in a calm setting.■ try a few gentle stretches.■ Play soft music or read.■ Practice meditation or yoga.

Other Smart StrategiesBesides stress, other things can cause flare-ups. to avoid these triggers, try these tips:■ Watch what you eat. avoid alcohol, hot drinks, caffeine, citrus fruits, and spicy foods.■ if you can, avoid temperature extremes.■ Protect your skin from the sun year-round by covering up or wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (sPF) of 15 or higher. try a sunscreen made for children. it’s less likely to irritate your skin.■ don’t use skin care products with alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, acids, or fragrances.■ avoid intense exercise. choose shorter, more frequent workout sessions that won’t make you flushed.

While treatment cannot cure rosacea, it can make your skin look clearer. treatment may include antibiotic pills or products that you apply to your skin. other medicines can prevent eye problems from getting worse.

Cocoa butter does not Prevent Stretch Marks during Pregnancy a study asked newly pregnant women to apply either a cocoa butter lotion or a lotion without cocoa butter to their belly throughout their pregnancy. Stretch marks occurred in a similar proportion of women in both groups.


Orange-Walnut Salad

● 2 cups coarsely chopped romaine lettuce (about 6 leaves)

● 1 cup arugula ● 1 cucumber, peeled, quartered

lengthwise, seeds removed and chopped

● 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion ● 2 navel oranges, peeled and

chopped ● 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts ● 1 tablespoon walnut oil ● 1 tablespoon vinegar ● 2 ounces blue cheese

layer ingredients in a large salad bowl. Just before serving, sprinkle with walnut oil and vinegar and crumble blue cheese on top. toss lightly just before serving. Makes four servings. Each serving contains about 152 calories, 6 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, and 203 milligrams sodium.

take nuts off your “bad food” list. nuts—though chock-full of

fat—are nutrition superstars, mainly because nearly all their fat is the kind your body needs.

true, nuts contain lots of calories and should be eaten in moderation, but they’re low in saturated fat and filled with mono- and polyunsaturated fat—the good fats that are part of a healthy diet. and for their size, they pack an amazing wallop of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Nuts Can Aid Heart HealthWomen who eat more nuts are less likely to have cardiovascular disease, studies show. as part of a healthy diet, nuts can help reduce both total cholesterol and unhealthy low-density lipoprotein (ldl) cholesterol. it appears that eating nuts also somehow hampers inflammation in the blood vessels, a major culprit in developing heart disease.

Walnuts shine here. they have more polyunsaturated fat than other nuts and seem to raise healthy high-density lipoprotein (Hdl) cholesterol as well

as lower unhealthy ldl cholesterol. Walnuts are also a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Give the lowly peanut some respect, too. it contains the amino acid arginine, which can have positive effects on blood vessels. Peanuts also bring to the table impressive amounts of folate and niacin.

almonds, on the other hand, are the best nut source of vitamin e, an antioxidant important to heart health. almonds are also high in calcium—good for heart, muscle, and nerve function, as well as bones and teeth.

A Weapon Against Weight Gain?although going nuts for nuts could result in more calories, studies show adding nuts to a low-calorie diet actually may help weight loss. one reason might be that the high amount of fiber, protein, and fat in nuts helps dieters feel full on fewer calories.

What’s a healthy amount? dietary approaches to stop Hypertension (dasH) is sponsored by the national Heart, lung, and Blood institute. the dasH diet, designed to help lower

Go Nuts for your Health!

blood pressure, calls for four to five servings of nuts, seeds, and beans a week. a dasH serving of nuts is one-third cup, or 1.5 ounces. a peanut butter serving is 2 tablespoons.

Get your regular heart check up with your doctor. For a referral to a primary care physician at Loma Linda, call 1-877-lluMC-4u.


foCuS on eYe health

diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related

macular degeneration can rob you of your sight. But you may not notice changes in your vision right away. thankfully, there are ways to detect these diseases early, when they are most treatable.

a dilated eye exam—one where the pupil is widened with drops to allow a closer look at the eye—can help your eye doctor find eye disease at an early stage. if you are under age 60, don’t have any special risk factors, and aren’t having vision problems, see the eye doctor for a thorough exam about every two to four years.

if you are age 60 or older, or are at risk for any of these possible causes of blindness, you may need more frequent exams.■ Glaucoma can strike anyone. But african-americans older than 40, anyone older than 60, and people with a family history of the disease are most at risk. if you are at high risk, get the exam at least once every two years. ■ Diabetic eye disease can affect people with diabetes at any age. if you have diabetes, go for an exam once every year. ■ Age-related macular degeneration is more common in people who are older than age 60. However, it can

occur at any age. Women are at higher risk than men, as are those who are caucasian, obese, smoke, or have a family history of the disease. anyone older than age 60 should have the exam every two years.

ask your doctor how often you should have an eye exam.

in general, the healthier you are, the greater your odds of avoiding health risks to your eyes. these strategies can help:■ include foods rich in vitamins a, c, and e in your diet. Good examples include oranges and strawberries (vitamin c), almonds (vitamin e), and carrots (vitamin a). ■ exercise regularly. ■ Keep your blood pressure under control. ■ avoid smoking. ■ Wear protective eyewear when working with strong chemicals such as oven cleaner, operating motorized equipment, or playing sports such as racquetball or basketball. ■ Protect your eyes from ultraviolet (uv) light by wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when in the sun.

Schedule your eye exam today. Call Loma Linda University Health Care Ophthalmology at 1-877-lluMC-4u.

Know your risk and Get Checked for Eye Disease

Catch Vision

problems early

in Children

It’s best to catch vision problems while a child is very young. later, problems are harder to correct. Vision problems are often mistaken for learning disabilities once kids start school. experts recommend that an ophthalmologist examine all infants by 6 months of age.

Infants’ eyes move around a lot, just like infants’ arms and legs. at about 3 months, infants should be able to track you with their eyes in a room. at 6 months, babies have fairly normal vision. they have vision of about 20/40, which would pass the drivers’ test.

Check whether your baby’s eyes move together. when you view photos of your baby, look for a red glow in the eyes. white or black is not normal.

If you see crossed eyes or think there might be other visual problems, see a pediatrician. he or she can tell you whether you need to see a specialist.

Pet grief recovery

Wednesdays, July 7 through

August 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This group provides insight and support for people grieving the loss of a pet.

divorce recovery group

Wednesdays, September 8 through

November 10, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Supporting separated and divorced persons in moving from brokenness to wholeness.

head injury & Trauma Spinal

Support group (hiTSS)

Fourth Monday of each month,

6 to 8 p.m.

All survivors and family members welcome.

adult heart Transplant

Support group

Third Sunday of each month,

2 to 4 p.m.

For anyone who has had or may need a heart transplant. Family and friends are welcome. Mended hearts

Fourth Friday of each month,

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For all heart patients and their families. Call for more details.

always in My heart

Second Monday of each month,

7 to 8:30 p.m.

Fourth Tuesday of each month,

9:30 to 11 a.m.

A bereavement class for parents who have lost a baby.

classes & programs


jul/auG 2010

If you do not see a class or event you are looking for, or for more detailed information, call 1-877-LLUMC-4U.

lupus and rheumatic

Support group

Third Thursday of each month

Call for details and to register.

Classes/Programs birth and beyond Education Classes

•Preparing for Childbirth•Baby Is Coming•Sibling Preparation• Breastfeeding Basics•Health and Fitness in Pregnancy• Infant/Child CPR • It’s Time to Eat•Baby Is Home•Life With Baby•Baby Bonding Yoga•The Art of Infant Massage•Moms Joining MomsCall for details and to register.

Winning with diabetes

A series of five sessions on types, causes, and self-management. Spanish classes available.

Volunteers needed

Help us make a difference in the lives of our patients. Please visit www.lomalindavolunteers.org for more information.

free Metabolic and bariatric

Surgery Program Seminar

Monthly, 6 to 7 p.m.

Call for details and to register.

Prenatal Class

Second Monday of each month,

5:30 to 7 p.m.

English and Spanish classes

Providing information for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Cardiac and Pulmonary

rehabilitation

7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For those with chest pain, heart attack, bypass surgery, or lung disease. Call to register.

Center for health Promotion Executive health By appointment only. A complete medical history and physical with assessment of potential risk factors.

Weight Management

orientation

3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Call for dates.

lean Choices

Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m.

12-week program that gives you tools to lose weight and develop a healthy lifestyle.

optifast

By appointment only.

A 26-week medically supervised program for people with 50 or more pounds to lose.

international Travel

Walk-in Clinic

Wednesdays, 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Providing a full range of vaccinations for travel as recommended by CDC.

Special Events Executive fitness and Martial arts Kola Cares for Kids radiothon August 17 and 18, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Listen on 99.9 FM. All pledges will benefit our Children’s Hospital.

KATY 101.3 FM Cares

auction and radiothon

Friday, August 6, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All pledges and sold auction items will benefit our Children’s Hospital.

7+1: health for body, Mind &

Soul—Eight Steps for Total

Well-being

July 14 through 21, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Improve and maintain your health, reduce your risks for lifestyle related diseases, reverse disease processes, and much more.

Support groups diabetes Support groupFirst Tuesday of each month,

6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Diabetes experts provide educational and resource information each month.

Women’s Cancer group

Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m.

For women with a diagnosis of cancer. Spouse and family members are welcome.

grief recovery group

Mondays, July 12 through August 23

7 to 8:30 p.m.

For adults who have experienced the death of a loved one.

nonprofit org.u.s. Postage

PAIDloma linda university

medical center

Loma Linda University Medical Center11234 anderson st.loma linda, ca 92354-2804

Postmaster: Please deliver between June 21 and 25.

A Healthy Tomorrow is published by loma linda university medical center to provide general health information. it is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician. © 2010. all rights reserved. Printed in the u.s.a.

Ruthita J. Fike ceo/administrator

Tammy Veachexecutive director of marketing

Jemellee Ambroseeditor-in-chief

Shelly Mooremanaging editor

Printed on recyclable Paper 964m

a healthy tomorrow

Loma Linda University Medical Center and Speaking of Women’s Health present

TakeActionLights,

Camera,

Be StrongBe HealthyBe In Charge

F R I D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 2 | R I V E R S I D E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

Hosted by

To register or for additional information,

please call 1-877-LLUMC-4U

or visit lomalindaevents.orgTake a day out for yourself

to focus on your health and well being.

A $35.00 ticket includes:• Continental breakfast• Lunch• Free health screenings• Beauty Tips• Exhibits• Keynote speakers• Breakout sessions• Two free gift bags

hot flashes

linked to

thinner Bones

women who have hot flashes and night sweats during menopause could face greater risk for osteoporosis. Researchers comparing the bone density of women with and without these symptoms found symptomatic women were more likely to have thinner, weaker bones. Bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, a disease common among older women and marked by easily broken bones. Keep bones strong through exercise and a diet rich in calcium and vitamin d. talk with your doctor about a bone mineral density test; it’s the best way to check bone health.

Menopause, vol. 16, no. 2

a healthy tomorrow - loma linda university medical...

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