Is notalgia paresthetica the correct diagnosis?

Q: I have had discomfort on my skin on the top of my breast and under my right arm where my bra sits. There is no rash, redness or any sign of anything. A dermatologist called it notalgia paresthetica and gave me this diabetic foot cream made from peppers. I tried it for a while but when the weather got warm, the cream gets hot and the area gets red and burns so I don’t use the cream anymore. I put a tissue under my bra to help ease the pain/itch caused from my clothing on that area. I have had this for over a year. What is your take on this?

A: Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a neuropathic syndrome presenting on the skin of the mid back. In fact, if you were to reach behind you to scratch the area, it would commonly be just out of reach. This common disorder may present with pain, burning, tenderness, and small red, tan or excessively bright pigmented skin patches thought due to scratching of the area. Many patients with the condition have a history of neck pain or spasms, neck injuries, prior neck trauma such as that from a motor vehicle accident, fractured vertebra, or interscapular pain. Secondary skin changes including eczema and infection may be observed. The condition is most commonly observed in adults between the ages of 40 and 80. It is not life threatening and conditions can subside and exacerbate.

Treatment therapies include TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) of the neck, spinal manipulation, physical therapy, massage, cervical traction, oral NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and more. BOTOX has been reported as being successful in the treatment of notalgia paresthetica. Research has determined that topical treatments such as the one you discontinued may be soothing but are rather ineffective and unsatisfactory in reducing symptoms.

While the etiology remains unclear, the likely mechanisms include neuropathy from degenerative cervical/thoracic disk disease or nerve impingement, or localized sensory innervation of the affected areas of skin. A collective bundling of specialists that includes a dermatologist, neurologist, pain management specialist, physical therapist and more may be necessary to cover all the bases and bring you some relief if NP is your true diagnosis.

Your pain isn’t in the normal location for the condition described above and you don’t have a rash, so while I don’t question your physician, I would feel better if you were to get a second opinion. Is there a possibility you are wearing poorly fitting undergarments that exacerbate your symptoms? Lots of women are known to place tissues under the bottom elastic to cushion the area and relieve discomfort. Or, you might have mastalgia, breast tenderness and burning pain that waxes and wanes. You don’t indicate whether you are on any medication such as a diuretic that might cause similar symptoms, nor do you indicate your age. If you are somewhere in the 30 to 50 age range, you might have hormonal changes going on, shingles, costochondritis, and other causes for your discomfort. Both of these latter possibilities can be treated. Did your last mammogram reveal any abnormalities that might lead you to another diagnosis?

Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Managing Chronic Pain” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.

ULTRAVIOLET SAFETY

UV light exposure without protective skin protection can damage skin cells, cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, burning we refer to as sunburn, injury to the eyes, and skin cancer. Our eyes are particularly sensitive to UV radiation. Brief exposure can result in corneal inflammation, watery eyes water and vision that may become blurred. By the time we go home from the beach or a picnic at the end of a day, some damage has already occurred and while it is easy enough to see the harmful effects to our skin, we don’t always recognize that our eyes are also affected. We may then top this off with a trip to a tanning salon when we feel we can’t get sufficient time in the sun but feel we must look good for an upcoming event. The result may appear to help us look “healthy” but the damage to our bodies is enormous.

This is not to imply everyone should remain indoors when the sun is overhead but there are methods to limit damage through wearing a hat, long-sleeved shirts and pants, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen. Sunscreens are rated according to what is known as a Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The higher the SPF, the more protection an individual will receive from UVB radiation. For example, a number 15 may absorb more than 92% of UVB radiation. A 30 may absorb 96.7%, and a 40 may absorb as much as 97.5% of radiation. Television reports may include a ultraviolet index as part of the weather forecast during hot summer months. An index will range from 0 to 11, with the higher number being extreme. Zero implies minimal protection will be required (sunglasses and perhaps a lower SPF15 screen), while eleven will indicate extra steps should be taken if a person anticipates sun exposure. Generally speaking, mid-day sun between the hours of 10 AM to 2 PM is best avoided and remembers that not all sunglasses will block 100% of UV rays.

Extended periods of UV exposure has been linked with cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (inflammation of the cornea) that can cause a temporary loss of vision, and other unwanted conditions. Individuals with low vitamin C and other antioxidants may be at an increased risk of retinal damage from high energy visible radiation. Therefore, it is important to protect our eyes by wearing good wrap-around sunglasses, even on hazy days because cloud cover doesn’t affect UV levels significantly. Further, some medications including tranquilizers, tetracycline, sulfa drugs, diuretics and birth control pills can increase body sensitivity to UV and HEV radiation. You may wish to speak with your health care provider regarding spending time out of doors if you are on such products.

Oddly enough, we tend to think of sun exposure to our skin and eyes primarily during the summer months as the main cause of UV exposure but welders, library workers where document review might utilize Mineralights, working in buildings equipped with mercury vapor lamps or in biological laboratories where germicidal UV light is used are but a few of the possibilities for work-related exposure. Some medical and dental offices even use UV radiation to kill bacteria. Those individuals at potential risk from UV radiation exposure include lighting technicians, forensic experts, dermatologists, construction workers, foresters, and a host of other, unnamed professions. Sunlight is the primary source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in our lives today so keep in mind that some UV exposure is essential for good health because it stimulates the production of vitamin D in the body. It’s the excesses that may be unhealthy. On the positive side, however, UV lamps treat psoriasis and jaundice in newborns.

No one, light or dark-skinned, should be afraid of going out of doors during this glorious time of year but protection and moderation are key. Above all, keep in mind that your children may be spending more time out of doors than you do and they are more susceptible to retinal damage from those damaging rays. Protect them as well with good sunglasses and sunscreens that should be applied every few hours a day when they are exposed.

Monthly Awareness – June 2013

June is the time when most schools close for the summer, families picnic and take to nearby beaches, and when many individuals climb into their cars for a trip miles away to visit friends and relatives. We tend to be much more active as warmer weather approaches than we are when we hunker down in our homes during winter months. It’s no surprise then that June has been designated as National Safety Month. It’s not that we love our children less or take risks we wouldn’t at other times of the year, but summertime makes us slightly more carefree.

Each year thousands of individuals have heat-related illnesses, either during working or leisure hours. The body normally cools itself through sweating but sometimes with high humidity levels, sweating isn’t sufficient. A person can develop heat rash, cramps, exhaustion and even heat stroke. Prevention begins with water, rest and shade.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been examining methods of reducing the number of motor vehicle accidents that occur annually. Such ideas as reducing state blood alcohol levels from 0.08 to 0.05 or lower, requiring ignition interlocks for all offenders, increasing the use of high-visibility enforcement and more have been recommended. We may grumble, but it’s their way of keeping us safe and that’s a good thing.

We can do a great deal at home to reduce problems that arise by keeping emergency telephone numbers handy and actually showing other household members where to find them, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, having a first aid kit available for scrapes and more serious injuries, and keeping guns in locked cabinets. We can initiate new household rules that no toys remain on staircases, that extension cords do not cross areas of traffic, that scatter rugs aren’t in areas where seniors might get tangled up and fall, and more. Frayed electrical wiring should be repaired at once and furnaces cleaned annually. Families should have an escape plan in the event of fire and a backup plan to be doubly safe. If the backup plan is through a window, there should be no air conditioner or other item preventing that space from being used.

Lawn mowers appear to be rather harmless pieces of equipment but thousands of people are injured each year from accidents – many of which can be prevented. The grass guard on the side of the machine should not be removed, since it prevents sticks and stones from being thrust with enormous force from the side of the machine and breaking windows or injuring a nearby pet or person. Ear protection and long pants should be worn for protection.

Hot tap water can scald anyone but seniors and children appear most susceptible. In fact, burns from hot water account for 100 deaths and approximately 1,500 hospital visits every year. Temperature gauges set at 140 degrees can cause a serious burn within three seconds, while gauges lowered to 120 degrees will take 10 minutes for serious burns to occur.

Gardening is both pleasurable and rewarding but attention should be paid to protect skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Sun blocks with an SPF of 15 or higher should be used several times throughout extended periods of outdoor exposure. Gloves can protect hands from cuts and skin irritations. Mosquitoes, ticks and bees may be present. Insect repellent containing DEET should be used, and pants should be tucked into socks to prevent critters from biting. Read labels on chemicals that may be used in the garden. Water or drinks with electrolytes should be on hand to keep a person hydrated; all this may appear to be excessive but it’s better to be safe than sorry. When it comes to moving rocks or digging, stress is place on both the back and heart. Try pacing yourself to rest, hydrate and tackle those long-overdue projects at a slower pace.

The bottom line? We are subject to accidents every hour of every day and need to do all we can to limit distractions, use equipment properly, and protect ourselves from injury. Pay attention to signs of any heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, headache and nausea, take frequent breaks, and enjoy the glorious month of June. But remember, put safety first. Your family and loved ones are important and they cannot do without you either. Stay safe.

May Monthly Awareness – Arthritis

Arthritis affects more than 46 million Americans, a figure that may rise to an astonishing 67 million or more people by the year 2030. While there are more than 100 types of arthritis, the two most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), described as inflammation of one or more joints in the body. The many types have several common characteristics such as symptoms of pain and stiffness that may be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, comes on slowly from normal wear and tear as an individual ages, or may occur more rapidly because of injury or infection. Healthy cartilage is smooth, flexible, and allows for easy movement of joints; however, when OA begins, the surface of that cartilage softens, becomes pitted and cracked. Over time some areas of cartilage may completely wear away, underlying bone may be exposed, and movement will become painful and difficult. The individual may lose some range of motion and the joint may become stiff.

Diagnosis might be made with the assistance of X-rays that will typically reveal joint destruction and a lack of cartilage or an MRI that can evaluate the severity of joint damage – particularly that present in the shoulder, spine and knee areas. A physician may also choose to perform joint aspiration to zero in on OA which will allow him or her to rule out other types of arthritis.

All the joints of the human body are susceptible to the disorder but the most common sites affected are those that bear weight – the spine, hips, knees, and feet, followed by the neck, hands and lower back.

Treatment is aimed at controlling pain, perhaps through non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen which are available over-the-counter without prescription. When OTCs fail to provide relief, a physician may recommend corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joint.

There is no cure for OA but with proper care under the guidance of a good health care specialist, most people can obtain some relief from the symptoms they face on a daily basis and can continue to lead reasonably normal lives.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that presents with pain, stiffness, inflammation and a loss of joint function. It results when an individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to painful inflammation, stiffness and swelling. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few months to a lifetime that may go into remission on occasion or may be constant.

Diagnosis can be made through blood drawing for the presence of specific antibodies, a CRP (C-reactive protein) level and other testing associated with the disorder

Treatment is geared toward controlling joint damage and reducing pain through a number of available products from analgesics for pain relief to NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation. For those individuals with moderate-to-severe RA, a class of drugs known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatics (DMARDs) such as methotrexate that has the ability to slow the progression of the RA may be prescribed. Whether male or female, young or old, exercise is important, as may be meditation and other forms of relaxation. Avoid triggers such as stressful situations whenever possible, consider massage, heat and/or ice packs. The more you know about the various forms of arthritis, the easier it will be to recognize symptoms when they occur and the better your options will be to bring the condition under control..

Whether you or a loved one has OA, RA, or one of the many other forms of arthritis, the affected individual should be under the care of a primary care physician and perhaps a rheumatologist, a specialist trained to diagnose and treat diseases of joints, tendons, muscles and bones. A great deal can also be learned by contacting the Arthritis Foundation in your area.

Arthritis affects more than 46 million Americans, a figure that may rise to an astonishing 67 million or more people by the year 2030. While there are more than 100 types of arthritis, the two most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), described as inflammation of one or more joints in the body. The many types have several common characteristics such as symptoms of pain and stiffness that may be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, comes on slowly from normal wear and tear as an individual ages, or may occur more rapidly because of injury or infection. Healthy cartilage is smooth, flexible, and allows for easy movement of joints; however, when OA begins, the surface of that cartilage softens, becomes pitted and cracked. Over time some areas of cartilage may completely wear away, underlying bone may be exposed, and movement will become painful and difficult. The individual may lose some range of motion and the joint may become stiff.

Diagnosis might be made with the assistance of X-rays that will typically reveal joint destruction and a lack of cartilage or an MRI that can evaluate the severity of joint damage – particularly that present in the shoulder, spine and knee areas. A physician may also choose to perform joint aspiration to zero in on OA which will allow him or her to rule out other types of arthritis.

All the joints of the human body are susceptible to the disorder but the most common sites affected are those that bear weight – the spine, hips, knees, and feet, followed by the neck, hands and lower back.

Treatment is aimed at controlling pain, perhaps through non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen which are available over-the-counter without prescription. When OTCs fail to provide relief, a physician may recommend corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joint.

There is no cure for OA but with proper care under the guidance of a good health care specialist, most people can obtain some relief from the symptoms they face on a daily basis and can continue to lead reasonably normal lives.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that presents with pain, stiffness, inflammation and a loss of joint function. It results when an individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to painful inflammation, stiffness and swelling. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few months to a lifetime that may go into remission on occasion or may be constant.

Diagnosis can be made through blood drawing for the presence of specific antibodies, a CRP (C-reactive protein) level and other testing associated with the disorder

Treatment is geared toward controlling joint damage and reducing pain through a number of available products from analgesics for pain relief to NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation. For those individuals with moderate-to-severe RA, a class of drugs known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatics (DMARDs) such as methotrexate that has the ability to slow the progression of the RA may be prescribed. Whether male or female, young or old, exercise is important, as may be meditation and other forms of relaxation. Avoid triggers such as stressful situations whenever possible, consider massage, heat and/or ice packs. The more you know about the various forms of arthritis, the easier it will be to recognize symptoms when they occur and the better your options will be to bring the condition under control..

Whether you or a loved one has OA, RA, or one of the many other forms of arthritis, the affected individual should be under the care of a primary care physician and perhaps a rheumatologist, a specialist trained to diagnose and treat diseases of joints, tendons, muscles and bones. A great deal can also be learned by contacting the Arthritis Foundation in your area.

http://askdrgottmd.com/6816/

Arthritis affects more than 46 million Americans, a figure that may rise to an astonishing 67 million or more people by the year 2030. While there are more than 100 types of arthritis, the two most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), described as inflammation of one or more joints in the body. The many types have several common characteristics such as symptoms of pain and stiffness that may be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, comes on slowly from normal wear and tear as an individual ages, or may occur more rapidly because of injury or infection. Healthy cartilage is smooth, flexible, and allows for easy movement of joints; however, when OA begins, the surface of that cartilage softens, becomes pitted and cracked. Over time some areas of cartilage may completely wear away, underlying bone may be exposed, and movement will become painful and difficult. The individual may lose some range of motion and the joint may become stiff.

Diagnosis might be made with the assistance of X-rays that will typically reveal joint destruction and a lack of cartilage or an MRI that can evaluate the severity of joint damage – particularly that present in the shoulder, spine and knee areas. A physician may also choose to perform joint aspiration to zero in on OA which will allow him or her to rule out other types of arthritis.

All the joints of the human body are susceptible to the disorder but the most common sites affected are those that bear weight – the spine, hips, knees, and feet, followed by the neck, hands and lower back.

Treatment is aimed at controlling pain, perhaps through non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen which are available over-the-counter without prescription. When OTCs fail to provide relief, a physician may recommend corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joint.

There is no cure for OA but with proper care under the guidance of a good health care specialist, most people can obtain some relief from the symptoms they face on a daily basis and can continue to lead reasonably normal lives.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that presents with pain, stiffness, inflammation and a loss of joint function. It results when an individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to painful inflammation, stiffness and swelling. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few months to a lifetime that may go into remission on occasion or may be constant.

Diagnosis can be made through blood drawing for the presence of specific antibodies, a CRP (C-reactive protein) level and other testing associated with the disorder

Treatment is geared toward controlling joint damage and reducing pain through a number of available products from analgesics for pain relief to NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation. For those individuals with moderate-to-severe RA, a class of drugs known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatics (DMARDs) such as methotrexate that has the ability to slow the progression of the RA may be prescribed. Whether male or female, young or old, exercise is important, as may be meditation and other forms of relaxation. Avoid triggers such as stressful situations whenever possible, consider massage, heat and/or ice packs. The more you know about the various forms of arthritis, the easier it will be to recognize symptoms when they occur and the better your options will be to bring the condition under control..

Whether you or a loved one has OA, RA, or one of the many other forms of arthritis, the affected individual should be under the care of a primary care physician and perhaps a rheumatologist, a specialist trained to diagnose and treat diseases of joints, tendons, muscles and bones. A great deal can also be learned by contacting the Arthritis Foundation in your area.

http://askdrgottmd.com/6799/

Alcoholism is a world-wide epidemic. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates there are at least 140 million alcoholics in the world including males and females from astonishingly young ages to senior citizens, who have an uncontrollable desire to consume alcohol beyond the ability to control it – regardless of the consequences which are almost always devastating.

The signs cannot be denied. An alcoholic will drink alone, hide the stash in unlikely places, refrain from participating in hobbies and activities that once provided great pleasure, may have problems at work, will make up fictitious meeting dates or functions outside the home to allow sufficient time for drinking, have problems at home, miss important family functions, and can drink to blackout without even knowing it. This latter sign is truly frightening. A person may carry on a conversation with you, perform an activity, drive a vehicle, appear to function normally, and later on or the next day have absolutely no knowledge of the occurrence. The issues the alcoholic faces are extensive, damaging, hurtful, and will affect everyone around. Dependence can be a gradual process, beginning slowly and escalating. Over time, the balance of gamma-amino butyric acid in the body that controls impulses falls out of balance, increasing the craving for alcohol.

There are a number of reasons for the person to take up the habit. Perhaps a parent, grandparent, friend or someone the person looks up to drinks on a regular basis and appears to be in control, the life of the party, so to speak. Alcohol is portrayed in advertisements and on television as glamorous and exciting. It may help boost low self esteem or appear to reduce perceived stresses in life. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In actuality, alcohol can cause depression, undermines judgment, lowers inhibitions, causes memory loss, increases blood pressure readings, initiates cardiac complications, increases the risk for developing diabetes/cancer/thinning bones, causes erectile dysfunction in men, leads to domestic abuse, gastrointestinal problems and failed marriages — to name a few issues. And, as if medical concerns aren’t enough, the alcoholic runs the risk of losing everything important – spouse, children who once respected the parent, job, and home. If an alcoholic is old enough to sit in a bar, he or she will likely be a smoker for the double hit – tobacco and alcohol that lead to that wanted double “high”.

The typical alcoholic will experience a loss of appetite and may suffer from a vitamin and mineral deficiency. Supplements to include vitamin B complex, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin C may be recommended. Amino acids to include carnitine, glutamine and glutathione may help stabilize blood sugars and lessen stress. Alcoholics are often vitamin A deficient but supplements taken beyond the recommended daily allowance should only be used under the supervision of a physician, since elevated doses can damage the liver.

To admit to being an alcoholic and willingly seek help before virtually everything important is lost, is a huge step toward recovery. Treatment options might include a do-it-yourself program, a variety of residential programs, counseling, and ultimately regular (daily) AA meetings. Drugs such as Antabuse can be prescribed by a physician that will cause nausea, vomiting, headaches and flushing if an alcoholic drinks while medicated; Re Via may suppress the urge to drink; Chlordiazepoxide taken for up to a week may help detoxify the patient – although total abstinence is mandatory; and Campral may work toward restoring the chemical balance in the brain. Campral is most effective when coupled with simultaneous counseling.

While the alcoholic will be totally concerned only about him-or-herself, the support of family members and friends is vital if success is to occur. Those family members and friends who live in the same household will likely require a helping hand, as well. Teens can attend Alateen meetings, while adults will find support in Al-Anon.

Alcoholism can be genuinely devastating for everyone involved. It is expensive, destructive and hurtful. Despite all the negatives, it is a self-induced disease that we must recognize as such.

http://askdrgottmd.com/6702/

March – Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in our country for both men and women. In fact, The American Cancer Society estimates more than 100,000 new cases of colon cancer and more than 40,000 new cases of rectal cancer will develop this year alone. Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine known as the colon. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last few inches of the colon. Together, they are commonly referred to as colorectal cancer.

Colon and rectal cancers begin in the digestive system that processes food into energy. Once food is chewed and swallowed, it travels to the stomach where it is partially broken down and sent to the small intestine which is about 20 feet in length. The small intestine further breaks down the food and most of the nutrients contained therein. From there, it passes on to the large intestine which is about 6 feet in length. The colon absorbs water and acts as a holding facility for stool that ultimately passes through to the rectum for evacuation.

Cancers of the colon and rectum have numerous features in common; however, their treatments differ. They commonly develop slowly over a number of years, beginning as a small clump of cells known as adenomatous polyps, small tissue growths that enlarge into the center of the colon or rectum. Polyps can be benign and are not always cancerous in nature but one type known as an adenoma can advance to become cancerous; more than 95% of colon and rectal cancers are adenocarcinomas.

Most individuals with early cancer don’t have any symptoms that commonly only develop as the disease advances. Early signs and symptoms include a change in bowel habits to include diarrhea or constipation, rectal bleed, dark stools, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain or cramping, and blood in the stool. It should be noted that everyone has periods of constipation or diarrhea now and then. This does not represent colon cancer but is more likely linked with food consumption, stress, or numerous other possibilities. Changes that last for a week or more, whether those listed above or differing, should be reported to your physician or gastroenterologist who may choose to do blood work such as a complete blood count to test you for anemia, order a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, PET scan, or other testing. If he or she leans toward the possibility of colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or barium enema might be ordered. If polyps are detected, the polyp will likely be removed during colonoscopy for biopsy.

Those at increased risk include individuals with a known family history of polyps or colorectal cancer, and who may themselves have ulcerative colitis, a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, being on a low-fiber/high-fat diet, leading a sedentary lifestyle, heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco usage, and obesity. This leads us to understand there are things we can do today in the form of a healthful diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from excessive smoking and alcohol that can go a long way toward keeping our bodies healthy.

Cancer is categorized into four stages. Stage I indicates the cancer has grown through the mucosa of the colon or rectum but hasn’t spread. Stage II indicates it has grown into or through the colon or rectum wall but hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage III implies it has invaded those lymph nodes but hasn’t spread to the rest of the body. Finally Stage IV designates malignancy. Treatment will depend on the stage of cancer presented and will essentially include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation as the three main options.

At a minimum and beginning at the age of 50, individuals – both men and women – should have a fecal occult blood test annually as part of a routine examination, undergo a sigmoidoscopy every five years, and colonoscopy every 10 years unless a gastroenterologist or medical specialist recommends sooner. Thanks to advances in prevention coupled with early detection and early treatment, there are more than a million people in our country who are colorectal cancer survivors. Become one of them. Make an appointment with your doctor and get the checkup that may save your life.

February – Heart Health Awareness

The heart is an organ that supplies blood and oxygen to all parts of the body. It is located within the chest cavity, weighs approximately 10 ounces and is about the size of a man’s clenched fist. It pumps on average between 50 and 70 times per minute unless we’re physically fit athletes, 86,400 times a day, more than 31 million times each year, and so it goes. It has four chambers – two upper and two lower. Oxygen-rich blood is pumped away from the heart through arteries and returns for re-oxygenation through veins. A cardiac cycle is a two-cycle sequence of events that occur each time the heart beats. The first, known as the diastole phase, indicates a relaxation period when blood flows into the atria and ventricles. The second, known as the systole phase, is one of contraction forcing blood throughout the body. By the way, that vascular system away from the heart and back again is about 60,000 miles long.

We take so much for granted in our lives, in part to hope our own hearts will last 80 or more years in most cases. Americans are living longer than ever before and our hearts just keep on beating without us doing anything. That’s simply amazing.

We awaken in the morning to a good cup of coffee or tea and hopefully a healthful, nutritious breakfast We brush our teeth to prevent decay. We may exercise to remain limber and stay healthy. We dress warmly in the winter time to hopefully prevent getting a cold. However, when we run late we may pass up breakfast for a calorie/cholesterol laden donut and latte at the corner store. We hit the vending machines at our place of work during break time – not for a fresh apple or banana but for a candy bar or fast-food pastry loaded with all the bad things we love so much. We take the elevator because it’s faster and easier, rather than using the stairs for an easy cardio workout. We park in a garage or on the street as close as possible to our places of employment rather than leaving home five minutes earlier each morning and enjoying a brisk walk in the fresh air. And still, we expect our hearts to keep on pumping. So, what do we collectively do to keep our hearts working like a well-maintained electrical system? In some instances, not a whole lot.

February is heart health month. Let’s take the time to make better choices, even if it’s only for one month. The act requires minimal planning and can make a great deal of difference in the big picture. Let’s awaken with sufficient time to sit down to eat a balanced breakfast. We’ll pack a few snacks such as an apple, pear, orange or banana to cover periods in the work day when we get hungry. We can include raw vegetables such as carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, celery, broccoli and peppers for a late-day healthful snack. Let’s save the money we would feed into those vending machines and put it in a piggy bank. Who knows, with time it might pay for that monthly parking pass or grow to be a down payment on a new car or vacation. We’ll review those stressful periods we face daily and attempt to find better ways of dealing with them than we have done in the past. Let’s pass by the elevators and opt for the stairs instead. It’s a good workout, we might drop a little unwanted weight, and it’s free.

Visit a physician annually for an examination and other testing he or she might deem appropriate. We have all been brought to our knees when a doctor tells us we weigh too much, have too high a cholesterol level, or that we have abnormal blood tests. This will likely require the use of medication we might prefer not to take. Some things we have no control over, but if we do everything we can to take charge of our health, we will be better off in the long run. Who knows, the next month might be a permanent life-saving measure we can all be proud of.

January – Cervical Health Awareness

The United States Congress has designated January as Cervical Health Awareness month. Each year almost 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the US alone, despite the fact that some forms of the condition can be prevented through regular screening.

That astonishing figure doesn’t take into consideration the number of reported sexually transmitted diseases in the US. At least half of all sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV at some time during their lives. High-risk forms of HPV can cause growths on tissues of a woman’s cervix that, over time, can lead to cervical cancer.

The most common test for detection of cervical abnormalities is the Pap Test. The Pap is generally performed by a physician at least once in every three-year period for females under the age of 21 who have been sexually active for three years and for all women over the age of 21. [Read more...]