SURGERY NOW A SAFE TREATMENT OPTION FOR EPILEPSY
Newswise — Around 100,000 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed each year. The disease is usually treatable with medication, but when that doesn't work surgical re-sectioning of the brain is another option that thanks to new technology is now safer and more effective than ever before.
"Prior to operating on a patient we identify the area of the brain in which the seizures are emanating from and then take that area out," says Richard Naftalis, M.D., neurosurgeon on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center.
Because the portion of the brain that's removed was not functioning properly anyway, the surgery has no negative effect on patients. The procedure isn't new, but because of better techniques it has greatly improved over the years and is now considered safer and much more effective. "As microneurosurgery has come along and the learning curve in terms of people who do this type of surgery improves and patient volume improves, the risk to the patient is minimal and the outcome is good," says Dr. Naftalis.
In fact, four-out-of-five patients who now undergo this procedure are cured of their seizures and as many as 80 percent of epileptic patients are considered candidates for this surgery.
For more information about Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS HEARTBURN-FREE
The holidays offer plenty of opportunities to overindulge. But it's overeating frequently, rather than what you actually eat, that's a leading cause of heartburn.
"First of all, you don't want to overeat," says Catherine Yaussy, M.D., a gastroenterologist on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. "Also, so many holiday parties are late at night, but you want to be careful about eating too late."
Heartburn occurs when food and acid from the stomach back up into the sensitive esophagus. Overeating is a trigger because the stomach becomes full and fatty foods are digested more slowly, so the foods stay in the stomach longer.
To cope with heartburn that occurs twice a week or less frequently, the American Gastroenterological Association offers these tips:- Don't lie down within two to three hours of eating—let gravity help with digestion.- When sleeping, use pillows to elevate your head 4 to 6 inches.- Lose weight if needed.- Stop smoking.- Eat smaller meals more frequently.- You also can try over-the-counter antacids such as Rolaids® or Tums®, or acid-reducing medications, such as Pepcid® or Zantac®.
Talk to your doctor if:- Your heartburn strikes more than twice a week.- Over-the-counter remedies don't help.- You're prone to ulcers or other related problems.- You have trouble swallowing.- You have chest pain.
Another helpful tip is to choose foods that don't alleviate or trigger heartburn symptoms, such as rice, yogurt, high-fiber foods, apples, chamomile tea, and chewing gum.
Foods to avoid include chocolate, coffee, alcohol, fried and fatty foods, mint, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits and juices, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and vinegar.
For more information about Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
SEASON'S EATINGS: EVEN WITH DIABETES, THE HOLIDAYS CAN BE SWEET
From Thanksgiving dinner to Rose Bowl tailgate parties, healthful holiday eating is a real challenge, especially for the 18 million Americans living with diabetes and the millions more with pre-diabetes, or impaired glucose tolerance. But by planning ahead and making smart food choices, you can keep glucose levels under control without losing your holiday spirit.
Balanced eating is key, says Jan Burke, a certified diabetes educator and dietitian at the Baylor Garland Diabetes Center. Protein and most veggies aren't going to increase blood sugar levels much, but foods that contain carbohydrates, such as starches, milk and fruits, will.
"We encourage people to load up on protein and non-starchy vegetables, taking smaller portions of dishes like stuffing that are higher in fat, carbohydrates and calories," Burke says.
Holiday sweets are not taboo, she adds, but they can be included in small portions and as part of your meal plan. You can substitute sweets for other carbohydrates in the meal, such as a roll or baked potato.
Burke says that with company parties, travel, shopping trips and out-of-town guests, time management for people with diabetes is even more critical this time of year.
"Try to maintain consistent mealtimes, continue monitoring your blood sugar and keep exercising," she advises.
The holidays can sabotage the best of intentions, so here are a few tips:-Call your host ahead of time to see what's on the menu.-Eat a small snack at home first to curb hunger.-At buffets, scan the offerings and make a few good choices before filling your plate. Use a smaller dessert plate for portion control.-For potlucks, bring a low-calorie, low-sugar dish that's healthy for everyone.-If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation.-Remember the reason for the season: people, not food. Focus on enjoying the festive atmosphere and sparkling conversation.
For more information about Baylor Medical Center at Garland, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
FOLLOW THESE TIPS FOR SERVING SAFE LEFTOVERS
One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is the leftovers, but if you don't keep and reheat them properly, leftovers can make you sick. If we aren't careful those "day-after" meals can be dangerous.
"A lot of times people think they have the flu and many times they may have a food-borne illness due to improper handling of the food during preparation, cooking and storage, " says Kristen Albani, R.D., Baylor Medical Center at Irving. The following tips can help ensure that you have safe leftovers this year after Thanksgiving:
- Don't let food sit out all day. "As far as refrigeration of leftovers you want to do that immediately," says Alvarez. "You don't want foods to sit out more than two hours because bacteria can grow on them." - Make sure the containers you store leftovers in are not more than two-inches deep. When refrigerated, the food is able to cool down to a safe temperature quickly. "Basically you want to make sure that you don't stack things so high that there's not adequate circulation for the food to cool off appropriately." - Make sure to re-heat food in a oven-safe dish in the oven. Make sure the food is warmed to at least 165 degrees. - Leftovers should not be kept in the refrigerator for more than four or five days. If you ever doubt the freshness of your leftovers because of their smell or appearance throw them out. It is always better to be safe. For more information about Baylor Medical Center at Irving, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
NINE KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT DIABETES
November is American Diabetes month and currently there are more than 5 million Americans living with diabetes who don't even know it and are not getting the care they need.
Physicians on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Irving say that knowing what puts you at risk for diabetes can help you prevent and identify the disease, so ask your physician these questions at your next checkup:
1. What are my most important risk factors for diabetes?2. How do you screen for diabetes? How often should I have this screening?3. What is pre-diabetes and how do you screen for it?4. What is my desirable body weight and how can I achieve it through healthy eating and exercise?5. What lifestyle changes can I make to help prevent Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes from developing?6. Does smoking increase my risk for diabetes?7. What are the most common symptoms of diabetes that I should watch for?8. Where can I go for more information about diabetes?9. What is a normal blood sugar level?
For more information about Baylor Medical Center at Irving, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR MEN MADE SIMPLE
Andrew Sambell, M.D., a urologist on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie, notes that it's important for men, as well as women, to be screened regularly for health problems. That's because many health problems can be treated more easily if they are identified quickly.
"There's a lot of variability in recommended screenings based on the individual," he says.
Men with family histories or other risk factors might be screened earlier and more frequently for certain conditions. But there are certain screenings most doctors perform routinely, such as:- blood testing to measure electrolytes, kidney function and cholesterol levels- blood pressure checks- digital rectal exam for cancer- prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer, beginning at age 50, or 40 if you have a family history- colonoscopy at age 50, repeated every 10 years if results are normal
"A lot of screening is more specific to women, such as thyroid function. But I think that's a disease we're going to see more in men," Dr. Sambell says.
He also notes that osteoporosis screenings for men at high risk are becoming more common, as are tests for low testosterone levels. Men are living longer than ever due to success in treating cardiovascular disease. To maintain your quality of life during these extra years, it's important to be screened for these conditions, now.
For more information about Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
Baylor Medical Centers at Dallas, Garland, Irving and Waxahachie, are affiliated with the Dallas-based Baylor Health Care System.
RSS