Kentucky Doc Magazine is committed to promoting our region’s products, services and professionals that physicians and physician practices have at their disposal. Delivered to your practice on a monthly basis, we are your personalized resource. Is there a service, product, professional or event you’d like to know more about? Please feel free to contact, Kris Martin, Editor of Kentucky Doc Magazine. Email: whosyouraudience@yahoo.com

Swine Flu Vaccination

H1N1 vaccination clinics will be held Saturday, December 5 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at two locations:

*Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road
*Southland Christian Church (Building F), 5001 Harrodsburg Road(co-sponsored by the Jessamine County Health Department)

The health department will continue to post the latest updated information on the clinics on its Flu Hotline, 288-7529, and online at www.LexFluCrew.com.

Patients with congenital heart disease will have a chance at a treatment without a major open heart surgery. Cardiologists at the Rush University Medical Center has developed a minimally-invasive transcatheter valve replacement. Patients involved in a clinical trial had this implant, and are presently recovering. This gives hope to patients that would otherwise undergo multiple open heart surgeries. The valve replacement procedure uses a bovine pericardial heart valve that is compressed into a balloon as small as a pencil, threaded from a major vein in the leg into the circulatory system, and is deployed across the pulmonary valve.

Real Fake Leg

Prosthetic legs have evolved to lightweight and more friendly. The old prosthetics were designed just to allow patients to stand with both legs, but walking and climbing the stairs were difficult, and running was impossible. Then bendable prosthetics were developed. Now a prosthetic that looks like the real thing gives people who lost their legs a better chance to live normal lives, and wear clothes that they otherwise would not wear with the old cyborg-like prosthetics.
One particular design was called LISA, which stood for lightweight, inconspicuous, shapely and active. Running is now possible, and women can even wear shoes with heels, as the ankles can be adjusted with a button.

Siemens has formed a partnership with video graphics company NVIDIA to create a 3D visualization system for expecting parents to get up and close with their fetus. The system uses a PC to process images from a Siemens ACUSON S2000 and NVIDIA's 3D Vision glasses to produce stereo visuals of the child. The system is currently on show at the RSNA 2009 conference in Chicago.

The clinical images, obtained with the ACUSON S2000™ ultrasound system, are further enhanced using Amnioscopic Rendering, a Siemens- exclusive technology that produces photo-realistic 3D images of the fetus. While conventional 3D ultrasound technologies use two-dimensional monitors for the evaluation of 3D images, utilizing NVIDIA 3D Vision technology, users can experience 3D images in real 3D, vastly improving the overall ultrasound experience.
The experience was demonstrated at the Radiological Society of North America’s Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, which showcases the world’s most cutting-edge science, education, and technology in radiology and medical imaging. Siemens’ fourSight Workplace, which manages clinical images, clips and 3D/4D volume data to enhance department workflow, utilizes a Dell Precision T5500 workstation driven by an NVIDIA Quadro FX 3800 professional graphics card, a Samsung 2233RZ 22-inch, 3D Vision-ready LCD, and NVIDIA 3D Vision glasses to demonstrate how patients and their doctors can view remarkable, high-resolution, three-dimensional sonograms in true 3D.

Quad buffered stereo is enabled with 3D stereoscopic glasses and displays, driven by NVIDIA Quadro FX high-end and ultra-high end solutions.

Public Health Marks World AIDS Day - December 1.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health is recognizing Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day, an observance set aside on the same day each year to raise HIV and AIDS awareness, increase HIV education and fight HIV stigma and discrimination.
This year’s World AIDS Day theme is Universal Access and Human Rights. The theme’s focus is ensuring access to HIV prevention services, medication and timely, effective HIV treatment and care services to infected people.
More than 1 million people are living with HIV in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates someone in the U.S. gets infected with HIV every 9.5 minutes, amounting to 56,300 new infections annually. While great strides have been made in providing access to HIV/AIDS services, a significant number of infected people who are in need of antiretroviral therapy and other treatment do not have access to it.
In 2007, up to 30 percent of those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Kentucky were aware of their status but not receiving regular primary health care. Additionally, CDC estimates that 21 percent of those living with HIV disease are unaware they are infected, and hence do not receive care. African-Americans account for 48.6 percent and Hispanics 18 percent of HIV-positive people who are unaware of their status and respectively have nine times and three times the rate of undiagnosed HIV infections than Caucasians.
“The Kentucky Department for Public Health HIV/AIDS Branch continues to work diligently to reduce the number of new HIV infections, increase the proportion of HIV-infected people in Kentucky who are aware of their status, and ensure that people living with HIV and AIDS have access to prevention, care and support services,” said Sigga Jagne, manager of the DPH HIV/AIDS Branch. “Awareness and public education are very important pieces of what we do.”
The HIV/AIDS Branch is particularly focused on education and outreach among racial/ethnic minorities and men who have sex with men (MSM) due to the disproportionate impact on these communities.
As of Dec. 31, 2008, 5,015 AIDS cases have been reported in Kentucky since Public Health began tracking cases. According to DPH, 46 percent of cases were MSM, 37 percent were African-American, and 7 percent were Hispanic. Additionally, 46 percent were residing in the KIPDA area development district (which includes Jefferson County).
The HIV/AIDS Branch, in collaboration with local health departments and many community-based organizations, provides free or low-cost HIV testing. To mark World AIDS Day, many of these agencies will offer free “rapid tests” at events and hold candlelight vigils to raise awareness of HIV issues and remember those who have died from AIDS.
To find out about events and activities going on in your community throughout December, please contact the HIV/AIDS Branch’s prevention program at (502) 564-6539 or 1-800-420-7431.

For more information about HIV/AIDS and World AIDS Day, please visit http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/epi/hivaids.htm or http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/.

Gene increases effectiveness of drugs used to fight cancer and allows reduction in dosage

Researchers at the University of Granada have found a suicide gene, called 'gene E', which leads to the death of tumour cells derived from breast, lung and colon cancer, and prevents their growth. The importance of this new gene is that its use to fight cancer can reduce the potent drugs that are currently used, so that could mean more effective treatment for cancer. This research was conducted by Ana Rosa Rama Ballesteros, from the Department of Anatomy and Human Embryology at the University of Granada. Its aim was to study the possibility of reducing the dosage of drugs currently administered to cancer patients using combination therapy with suicide gene E. Scientists from the UGR have shown that the bacteriophage phiX174 killer gene called E, can be used to induce death in tumour cells. So far, attempts to use many chemotherapeutic (cytotoxic) agents similar to the E gene have shown severe limitations resulting from their toxicity and their poor affinity with the tumour.
The results of this research suggest the possibility of reducing the concentration of chemotherapeutic agents in current use with cancer patients. Thus, in lung cancer cell line A-549, scientists from the UGR achieved a 14% inhibition of tumour growth and reduced by 100 times the dose of Paclitaxel agent when it was combined with gene E. In the case of colon cancer, the results were similar. However, the most relevant fact was found in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7, in which the dose of the chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin, was reduced by 100 times, reaching up to a 21% greater inhibition of tumour proliferation when combined with gene E. Currently, researchers from the UGR are in the process of obtaining a patent for gene E.

New Wound Dressing, Full of Antibiotics, Dissolves When Wound Has Healed.

Despite advances in treatment regimens and the best efforts of nurses and doctors, about 70% of all people with severe burns die from related infections. But a revolutionary new wound dressing developed at Tel Aviv University could cut that number dramatically. Prof. Meital Zilberman of TAU's Department of Biomedical Engineering has developed a new wound dressing based on fibers she engineered -- fibers that can be loaded with drugs like antibiotics to speed up the healing process, and then dissolve when they've done their job.

Painless Needles

Painless needles are one way technology is improving society. Needles are always scaring young children and even adults. Now with the new painless needle pediatricians can give vaccinations pain free. Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology call theses new needles micro needles. They are made from silicon, metal, glass or biodegradable polymer. Theses needles are 500 times smaller then ordinary hypodermic needles, which are too small to irritate nerve endings. These new needles will consist of 400 embedded micro needles will be glued to a patch that will gently puncture the skin. Now with this new technology society can have pain free shots.

What Is Bone Cancer (Sarcoma)? What Causes Bone Cancer?

Bone cancer is an uncommon cancer that begins in a bone. It can originate in any bone in the body, but the long bones that make up the arms and legs are most commonly affected. Several types of bone cancer exist. Some types of bone cancer occur primarily in children, while others affect mostly adults. Primary bone cancer is cancer that starts in the bone. In general, the term "bone cancer" does not include cancers that begin elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasize) to the bone. This is known as secondary bone cancer; it starts in another part of the body and then spreads to the bone. Unlike primary bone cancer, secondary bone cancer is common in cases of advanced cancer. Bone pain is the most common symptom of primary bone cancer. Primary bone cancer is a rare type of cancer and the cause of most cases is unknown. The four most common types of primary bone cancer are:
1. osteosarcoma
2. Ewing sarcoma
3. chondrosarcoma
4. spindle cell sarcoma

Osteosarcoma: It is the most common type of bone cancer and mostly develops in children and young people who are between 5 to 20 years of age. It is the third most common cancer in young people (after leukemia and brain tumors). It usually develops in the femur or tibia.

Ewing sarcoma: It also usually develops in children and young people who are between 10 to 20 years of age, although 10 percent of cases develop in people who are over 20 years of age. Ewing sarcoma usually develops in the pelvis, thigh bone, or shin bone.

Chondrosarcoma: This uncommon type of bone cancer usually develops in adults who are between 40 to 50 years of age. Chondrosarcoma begins in the cartilage cells before spreading to the bone. The most common sites for chondrosarcoma to develop are in the pelvis, thigh bone, upper arm bone, shoulder blade, and ribs.

Spindle cell sarcoma: This uncommon type of cancer is very similar to osterosarcoma in terms of its symptoms and treatment, except that it affects older adults who are aged 40 or over.

There are some even rarer types of bone cancer:

Chordoma: It is a type of cancer that starts in the base of the spine and usually affects men between 40 to 50 years of age.

Angiosarcomas: It is a type of cancer than can start anywhere in the skeleton (sometimes in multiple sites at once) and usually affects adults who are 20 years of age or over.

Outlook

The most essential factor in determining the likely outlook for cases of bone cancer is whether the cancer has spread from the bone to other parts of the body (metastasis). The most common places in the body for the cancer to spread to are the lungs. Secondary lung cancer can be challenging to treat. If bone cancer is diagnosed before it spreads out of the bones, the outlook is positive because a cure is often achievable. This type of cancer is known as localized bone cancer. If the bone cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the outlook is not as favorable because a cure is often not possible. This type of bone cancer is known as metastatic bone cancer. Bone cancer is usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.

Heart attack patients are exposed to a radiation dose equal to about 725 chest X-rays over the course of their hospital stay, according to research presented Monday at the American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Florida.The radiation comes from tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, cardiac catheterizations, and artery-clearing angioplasties.Too much radiation can increase the risk of developing some cancers, although the benefits of such tests typically outweigh the risks when it comes to diagnosing and treating heart attacks. The cancer risk associated with an angioplasty or with a CT scan -- which delivers about 500 times more radiation than an X-ray -- is hard to measure.
Patients shouldn't be afraid to ask their doctor if a test is truly necessary. "There's nothing wrong with patients asking their doctor, 'How will this test change what you do for me?' If it doesn't, that test may not be necessary."

Routine Mammograms Should Start At 50 Not 40 Says US Expert Panel

An independent medical expert panel that advises the US federal government on preventive and primary healthcare recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years and suggests instead that the decision to start regular screening before the age of 50 should be an individual one.The recommendation, dated November 2009, comes from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a leading independent panel of private-sector experts in prevention and primary care, sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The full statement with supporting documents is available on the AHRQ website.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography for women under the age of 50 and that for women younger than this the decision to have mammograms every two years should be an individual one that takes into account the patient's individual context, including "the patient's values regarding specific benefits and harms".
The main reason for raising the age band from 40 to 50 comes from a new systematic review that incorporates a randomized controlled trial that showed the risk reduction from screening is greater for women aged 50 to 59 than for those aged 40 to 49. The USPSTF said that the trial estimated that the "number needed to invite for screening to extend one woman's life as 1904 for women aged 40 to 49 years and 1339 for women aged 50 to 59 years", and although the relative risk reduction is nearly the same for the two age groups, risk for breast cancer rises steeply from age 40 onwards, thus the absolute risk reduction from screening as shown by the number that would have to be invited, is greater for those aged 50 to 59 than for women aged 40 to 49.In their new Screening for Breast Cancer statement the USPSTF also recommends:Regular biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74. Only 40 percent of the lives saved by mammographic screening are of women aged 40 - 49.

LFCHD hosting two H1N1 vaccination clinics Nov. 7

After providing more than 1,600 H1N1 shots last Saturday to kids with chronic health conditions, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is now turning its attention to the remaining target groups.

LFCHD will host H1N1 vaccination clinics 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (or until the vaccine runs out) Saturday, Nov. 7, at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, 1600 Man O’ War Blvd., and Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road. The shots will be free.

The clinics will target high-risk priority groups identified by the CDC:
• pregnant women
• people between the ages of 6 months through 24 years
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• people ages 25-64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
• health care and emergency services personnel.

Anyone with a fever Saturday or with egg allergies cannot get the shot.

Additional clinics in November will also target the priority groups, while those who live or work in Fayette County will be focused on during December clinics. The clinics will be held based on availability of the vaccine and could be rescheduled or postponed if there are any delays on the vaccine’s shipment. The health department will post the latest updated information on the clinics on its Flu Hotline, 288-7529, and online at www.LexFluCrew.com.

All H1N1 shots provided by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will be free.

For additional information, become a fan of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/LFCHD.

Special H1N1 vaccination clinic for kids to be held at Henry Clay High School

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will host a special H1N1 vaccination clinic for children under the age of 18 with chronic health conditions 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (or until the vaccine runes out) Saturday, Oct. 31, at Henry Clay High School, 2100 Fontaine Road. The shots will be free.

Chronic conditions include, but are not limited to, Type 1 diabetes, neurological disorders and severe asthma requiring daily medication or the use of rescue inhalers more than twice a week. If a parent is unsure if a child should get the vaccine, they should contact their primary care physician for guidance. Any child with a fever Saturday or with egg allergies cannot get the shot.

Health officials stress that while a few thousand shots will be available that day, there will be limited supplies of the vaccine at the clinic and some people might be turned away. Additional clinics in November will target other priority groups identified by the CDC: pregnant women, people between the ages of 6 months through 24 years, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, people ages 25-64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems and health care and emergency services personnel.

Those who live or work in Fayette County will be focused on during December clinics.

The clinics will be held based on availability of the vaccine and could be rescheduled or postponed if there are any delays on the vaccine’s shipment. The health department will post the latest updated information on the clinics on its Flu Hotline, 288-7529, and online at www.LexFluCrew.com.

All H1N1 shots provided by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will be free.

For additional information, become a fan of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/LFCHD.

Lexington Residents Raised More Than $60,000 to Help Save Lives from Breast Cancer

Today, the American Cancer Society announced that more than $60,000 was raised at its inaugural Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Over 550 dedicated community members participated in this inspirational five-mile walk to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate people about this disease and raise funds and awareness to create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays.

The money raised through Making Strides helps the American Cancer Society to save lives by helping people stay well by taking steps to prevent cancer or find it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking research; and by fighting back by encouraging lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.

This year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer flagship sponsor was Kroger and media sponsors were 96.9 KISS FM and ABC 36.

It is not too late to make a donation to Lexington’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. For more information, contact Elizabeth Kelly at 859-260-8287 or email Elizabeth.Kelly@cancer.org. You can also visit http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/lexington.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Go Red For Women Heart Health Symposium & Luncheon is Nov. 6

Saint Joseph Health System is Central Kentucky Goes Red sponsor

When the American Heart Association presented the Go Red For Women Symposium and Luncheon last year, Central Kentuckians packed the room.
The matter at hand, women’s cardiovascular health, clearly had touched a nerve, and attendees wanted to learn more about heart disease and stroke, women’s perhaps surprisingly high risk, and what could be done about it. They came to the right place.
And they will again in 2009. This year’s Go Red For Women Heart Health Symposium & Luncheon, set for Friday, November 6 at Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa, will offer breakout sessions, a lively keynote speaker, survivor stories and a top-of-the-line luncheon. Registration opens at 9 a.m., breakout sessions start at 9:30 and the luncheon begins at 11:30.
Go Red For Women is an American Heart Association movement to educate women about heart disease. Long thought to be a man’s concern, it is also a woman’s health risk and, in fact, it’s women’s top health threat. It is the No. 1 killer of women and men alike—and actually kills more women than men.
One reason this has been misunderstood is that women’s heart disease warning signs may be different from the well-publicized crushing chest pain that men report, although women also could experience that, too. But other warning signs might be pain in the back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; and nausea, cold sweat or lightheadedness. These are alarms to call 9-1-1 immediately.
This message—learn, and act fast if you suspect something is wrong—is a central focus of the Go Red For Women Heart Health Symposium & Luncheon. But that’s only one facet of this diamond. The event’s breakout sessions are State-of-the-Heart Fitness for Women, with James “Eddie” Phipps of Saint Joseph Cardiac Rehabilitation; “Heart Disease” – One Hidden Diagnosis and Its Effect on Women, with Mubashir Qazi, M.D., FACC, FSCAI; and The “Unami” Factor – The Latest in Heart Healthy Cooking, with Whitney Brown, director of consumer affairs for the Kentucky Beef Council.
Then the luncheon shifts into high gear, with a great meal, the Macy’s fashion show featuring cardiovascular disease survivors telling their stories, and guest speaker Eliz Greene, whose program is titled, “The Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart.”
The Go Red For Women Heart Health Symposium & Luncheon benefits the American Heart Association, which funds education, advocacy and research—including more than $3.5 million in active awards at UK—to fight heart disease and stroke.
Those who want to attend the event may purchase tables of 10 for $500 each, or individual tickets for $50. For more information or to secure seats, call (859) 278-1632.

Health department launches special flu website

To help provide the most updated information about the flu, including H1N1, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has launched a special website, www.LexFluCrew.com.

“The people of Lexington have several questions about the flu this fall, and we are using LexFluCrew.com to provide answers and calm any fears,” said Kevin Hall, LFCHD spokesman. “Along with our Facebook and Twitter accounts and our Flu Hotline, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is reaching people in new and exciting ways.”

The LexFluCrew.com site will be used to provide information on vaccination clinics, volunteer opportunities and more, as well as answer frequently asked questions.

“We’re excited about offering this service to Lexington residents and look forward to continuing our educational efforts about the flu,” Hall said.

For additional information, become a fan of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/LFCHD. The Flu Hotline can be reached at 288-7529.

Health department schedules H1N1 vaccine clinics for public

Lexington residents wishing to fight the flu this fall will get their first shot at the H1N1 vaccine through a series of weekend clinics hosted by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department starting Saturday, Nov. 7.

The clinics will target the priority groups identified by the CDC: pregnant women, people between the ages of 6 months through 24 years, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, people ages 25-64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems and health care and emergency services personnel.

The clinics will be held based on availability of the vaccine and could be rescheduled or postponed if there are any delays on the vaccine’s shipment. The health department will post the latest updated information on the clinics on its Flu Hotline, 288-7529, and online at www.LexFluCrew.com.

The H1N1 vaccine clinic schedule is:

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 7
o Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, 1600 Man O’ War Blvd.
o Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 21
o Tates Creek Middle School, 1105 Centre Parkway
o Jessie Clark Middle School, 3341 Clays Mill Road

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5
o Henry Clay High School, 2100 Fontaine Road
o Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road

• 1-5 p.m. Dec. 6
o Henry Clay High School, 2100 Fontaine Road
o Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 12
o Beaumont Middle School, 2080 Georgian Way
o Lexington Traditional Magnet, 350 N. Limestone

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 19
o Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, 1600 Man O’ War Blvd.
o Tates Creek High School, 1111 Centre Parkway

LFCHD will also be hosting a large-scale drive-thru clinic 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14 in the parking lot at Lexmark.

All H1N1 shots provided by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will be free.

For additional information, become a fan of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/LFCHD.

Get update to lead healthy lifestyle

Everyone love to have a healthy lifestyle. If you’re reading Health & Wellness Magazine, chances are you’re already engaging in a healthy lifestyle. But a healthy lifestyle also includes being an active and informed member of your health care team. If you or someone you love is sick, find out as much as you can before you even set foot in the doctor’s office or hospital. Generally, the time you get to spend with a health care provider is very limited so take that time to ask questions, and if you don’t understand, ask again. No matter how insignificant your questions may seem, they could mean the difference in a diagnosis or even the prevention of an error in your care.

Health & Wellness Magazine would like to do its part in helping you become an informed consumer. And we’re accomplishing that goal by bringing you information. For example, did you know that besides non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found in women? That’s a pretty timely fact considering October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Get involved by reading, asking and engaging. After all, taking part in your own health care is all about information. And so is Health & Wellness Magazine. If you’d like to hear about a specific topic or event in the Bluegrass, please let me know. You can reach Kris Martin, Editor of Health & Wellness Magazine at whosyouraudience@yahoo.com

Hip Replacement through the Anterior Approach

Hip replacement using the anterior approach is being practiced in a few operating rooms around the country. Patients heal faster with fewer restrictions and complications, but it's still not offered as an option in most U.S. hospitals. Dr. Jonathan Yerasimides is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville who specializes in hip and pelvis surgery and has performed over 1,100 hip replacements since completing his residency at the University of Louisville in 2005. To know more about hip replacement, contact Dr. Jonathan Yerasimides, Norton Medical Plaza at Old Brownsboro Crossing, 4950 Norton Healthcare Boulevard, Suite 303, Louisville, KY 40241 - (502) 394-6341.

FALLS CONTINUE TO BE LEADING CAUSE OF INJURY FOR ELDERLY

As the population continues to get older, and government officials debate rising healthcare costs especially among this population, predicting and preventing injuries and improving overall health for the elderly will be a priority. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for people 65 years and older; in fact 1/3 of all those 65 or older fall each year. Of those falls one out of ten results in serious injury or death. Locally managed and operated, Kentucky Orthopedic Rehab Team (KORT) is an outpatient physical and occupational therapy and sports medicine practice. KORT therapists work with patients to make sure they understand their condition, and give patients the tools they need to recover quickly and prevent further injury. With more than 20 years experience in the Physical Therapy Industry, KORT operates over 35 clinics throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana, with more board-certified specialists than any other physical therapy provider in Kentucky. For more information visit www.kort.com

Help Our Kids from Growing Up Fat

Alarming statistics have been reported about the overwhelming increase in the number of children suffering from childhood obesity in the United States. As parents we need to be aware of this problem, understand the contributing factors for this trend, and be mindful of ways to adapt habits to give our children the best chance to live a long, healthy life. There is no doubt childhood obesity has become a serious problem. As fitness professional, I have dedicated myself to educate and help people overcome issues like childhood obesity. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 859-221-4479. Willie B. Ray

Beating Breast Cancer

“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” says Carl Gilford of Susan G. Komen for The Cure. Fortunately, women around the country are paying attention to breast health, shares Judy Hatch, breast cancer nurse navigator of Central Baptist Hospital. “If found in early stages, which is before or at stage one, you have a 98 percent survival rate,” tells Gilford. Always make self-care a priority. “Restful sleep and healthy eating habits can help improve strength and emotional reserve,” says Dr. Amanda Merchant, clinical and health psychologist of Bluegrass Health Psychology.

If you have been diagnosed, do not be afraid to lean on others. “It is important to strike a balance between having time to yourself to digest and work through your emotions as well as talking through your feelings with others. Social support is one of the most healing and constructive resources for coping,” emphasizes Dr. Janelle McNeal, psychologist of McNeal Psychological Services. It is not an easy time and it is normal to feel stress, denial, anger and sadness. “Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed with depression or anxiety and seek out psychological treatment to help you through the challenge,” encourages Merchant. Nobody is meant to travel alone.

Is Hormone Therapy Right for You?

Few topics in medicine have created more confusion for millions of women than the controversies surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For many years, physicians recommended HRT to menopausal women, based upon studies demonstrating significant health benefits and protection against everything from heart disease and osteoporosis, to colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Then, in a sudden about-face, along came a study that led to a mass discontinuation of HRT. Findings from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) suggested that the risks associated with HRT use outweighed any benefits. The new evidence showed an increased risk for heart disease, breast cancer and strokes. Current guidelines for hormone replacement therapy have unfortunately confined its use to short-term symptom treatment only, using the lowest dose possible. There is good evidence to support that bio-identical hormone supplementation may be the best option for providing a safer alternative to the synthetic options of the past. A better understanding of the seemingly conflicting evidence suggests that hormone replacement therapy provides significant health benefits and disease protection for many women. To know more about it, contact Paul L. Hester, MD, Preventive-aging Medicine. Also visit www.bemedispa.com

Why Are My Medications Dispensed With Those Hard-to-Open Caps

Are you among the millions of patients who from time-to-time struggle with opening the caps on medication containers -- trying to line up the arrows, or attempting to push and twist at the same time? Why are those challenging tops used anyway? The answer to that question rests with a federal law known as the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. This statute established a national requirement that such closures be used when prescription medication to be taken orally is dispensed to the patient. The goal was to reduce the potential for children to be poisoned after gaining access to medication containers. And that statute has worked extremely well – it is frequently cited as the best example of a piece of public health legislation that has fully achieved its goals. The number of childhood poisonings caused by kids getting into prescription containers and ingesting the tablets or capsules has plummeted, the best measure of success. It is important to bear in mind the goal of this legislation and these sometimes challenging requirements – protecting the lives of our children. In light of that, perhaps a little inconvenience can be borne more readily. For more details, contact Joseph L. Fink III, Professor of Pharmacy Law and Policy, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy.

Flu – Be Fully Prepared!

An early major flu season due to swine flu seems likely. While it does not appear more deadly than regular flu, many more will get it, and many more will likely die. So take it seriously! At onset of flu symptoms – cough, muscle aches, fever, headache – see your healthcare provider immediately! Tamiflu, despite potential temporary psychiatric effects, is the Rx I would use. Always check with your healthcare provider before initiating any nutrients to be sure they are okay for you. Be prepared, because it will likely be the worst flu season of our lifetime and many will die. If you need help locating supplements, contact the Midway Center for Integrative Medicine at 859-846-4445. Watch for the new Midway Foundation website www.theMidwayFoundation.com - learn our vision and meet our leadership.

Increasing Water Leads to Decreasing Weight

There are a lot of different ideas on how much water our children and we should be drinking per day. Some say eight glasses of 8 ounces per day, some say more, some say less. What’s the answer, and how does this even relate to weight loss? As everyone is a different shape and size, it makes sense that everyone has a different number of cells that need hydrating. So, the higher one’s weight, the more cells they have that need hydrating, and the more water they need to consume. The truth is, even if a professional calculated the exact amount out for someone, it can change on a daily basis based on physical activity and the temperature outside. If you’re trying to shed a few pounds, this need increases even further. Want to burn a few more calories? Drink cold water. You will burn about 20 more calories for each liter you drink. 2 liters (about 70 ounces) then is an extra 40 calories. Over the year, that’s an extra 4 pounds less just from drinking that water cold. So, keep working on trimming down that waistline and treat your body to some nice cold refreshing water. For more tips on how you can improve your health or shed some unwanted weight, call Lexington’s only board certified bariatricians (non surgical weight loss) at Medical Bariatrics of Lexington. (859) 263-SLIM (7546) or visit us online at www.lexingtonkyweightloss.com.

You Are What You Eat

Every day in our veterinary practice, I am asked multiple times, “Doc, what should my dog/cat eat?” And I respond with that dreaded vague answer, “Well, it depends.” And it does. There is no one-size-fits-all prescription for pet diets, but hopefully I can give you some food for thought. The questions and controversy surrounding the pet food industry are unprecedented. The recent pet food recalls have caused many owners to doubt the safety of commercial pet foods entirely. The good news to be found amid such tragedy is that it has led to a heightened awareness and closer monitoring, which should lessen the likelihood of future such incidents. Feel free to ask your vet for his or her specific recommendations, or if there are certain food types that should be avoided based on your pet’s history. To get more details, contact Whitney Maynard Rauth, DVM, Southland Veterinary Hospital, 300 Southland Drive. Can be reached at 859-278-2386 or southlandvet@gmail.com,
www.southlandvet.com

Sexual Healing

Statistics show that some 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men experience some type of sexual disorder. Sometime things are an easy fix. For most, they often find that sex hormone deficiency is the culprit. Supplement the hormones and Viola! The magic is back. Sometimes it’s more complicated. That’s where the help of a sex therapist may offer a solution. Michelle Stillwagon, a Marriage and Family Therapist who will soon be certified as a Sex Therapist shares some thoughts on how sex therapy can help your sex life. To find out more about resources for sexual health contact Michelle Stillwagon, MA, LMFT at (502) 417-or michellestillwagon@gmail.com or Chaz Hester, PA-C @ 859-266-LIVE(5483).

American Cancer Society Is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Educate your patients on the importance of staying well and share with them all of the wonderful programs offered by the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society has made great efforts to fight back against breast cancer. In fact, Making Strides against Breast Cancer is their premier event to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer. More than just the name of a walk, it describes the amazing progress the American Cancer Society is making to defeat this disease. This event celebrates breast cancer survivors, educates women about early detection and prevention, and raises money to fund lifesaving research and to support programs to help us reach a day when no one will have to hear the words “You have breast cancer". The event is held at The Kentucky Horse Park on Sunday, October 25, 2009. Visit http://makingstrides.acsevents.org to find a Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk near you! Then share the inspiration with your co-workers, your family, and your friends and organize a team to participate in the event.

90+ Shooters in Golf

Expert advice by Nick Bayley, Professional Golfer. Nick Bayley has discovered from extensive analysis just one golf swing fault that could be stopping you from ball striking consistency and success. And now you can take a simple 2 minute golf swing test to see if you have this swing fault or not. To take the Golf Swing Test log-on to www.yourgolfswingtest.com

Addressing the Inter-relationship of Healthcare and Housing in Clinical Practice

A primary desire of all health care professionals is to help each patient maintain their independence as much as possible. Whether due to aging or disability, everyone desires to remain in their own home and familiar surroundings. Universal design is about a new way of viewing design, eliminates isolation, and is inclusive of all users regardless of circumstance. It is important to consult a professional when seeking someone to evaluate a living environment, make recommendations, and perform modifications. To be assured of using a competent and knowledgeable professional, the physician can recommend the expertise of a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS). The CAPS program was designed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Remodelors Council, and the NAHB Seniors Housing Council to meet the needs of an aging population and to assure professional standards in this specialized segment of the construction industry. The program was developed for general contractors, architects, home remodelors, designers, and health care consultants. Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists are trained in the unique requirements of the aging population and those with disabilities, home modifications, and solutions for barrier-free living.

Chris Vandiviere is Vice President of Universal Design Group, a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist, and has over 20 years experience in the construction industry. He is a member of the Kentucky Association of Gerontology, Kentucky Guardianship Association, and the Kentucky Association of Senior Services. Universal Design Group has three Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists on staff and is a member of the America Association of General Contractors. He can be reached at (859) 983-1856 for consultations. www.udgspaces.com

Certified Bariatricians

Bariatricians are licensed physicians who have sub specialized in weight loss. They help patients lose weight in non- surgical ways. A board-certified bariatrician means that physician has had extra training and testing through the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) and the American Board of Bariatric Medicine (ABBM). ASBP-trained and board certified bariatricians address the obese or overweight patient with a comprehensive program of nutrition, exercise, lifestyle modifications and potentially the prescription of appropriate medications if the patient has met all the strict guidelines set forth by the ASBP. They teach behavioral, psychological and nutritional ways to reach goals. They help the post-surgical patient learn how to maintain the weight loss or help them to lose any weight regained.

We are pleased to announce that Lexington now has board-certified bariatricians to help your patients with their non-surgical weight loss goals. Dr. Swindler and other physicians at Medical Bariatrics of Lexington are Lexington’s only board -certified bariatricians and have helped over 1,000 patients lose over 280,000 lbs. They are located in Hamburg and are ready to help you help your patients affordably. For questions, call (859) 263-SLIM (7546) or learn more about them at www.lexingtonkyweightloss.com

The da Vinci Surgical system

The da Vinci Surgical system provides surgeons with an alternative to both traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, putting a surgeon's hands at the controls of a state-of-the-art robotic platform. The da Vinci System enables surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision.

For the patient, benefits may include:
1. Significantly less pain
2. Less blood loss
3. Less scarring
4. Shorter recovery time
5. A faster return to normal daily activities
6. And in many cases, better clinical outcomes

Breast Cancer "Dipstick Test" Being Developed at Harvard

Imagine simple test that, with a few drops of urine, could detect breast cancer. Could it be possible? Yes, at Harvard, it is being developed. Researchers and scientists from Harvard’s Children's Hospital in Boston are working to develop a simple breast cancer "dipstick test" to detect breast cancer at very early stages. Marsha Moses, director of the Vascular Biology Program at Children's Hospital, has been working on the exciting research area of bio-markers that use biological compounds that could signal or warn patients about the potential risk of developing cancer breast cancer.

The MMP-9 and ADAM-12 biomarkers data has been licensed to a biotech company that will work on a simple breast cancer dipstick in which a few drops could be rapidly used to asses the risk of a woman to develop breast cancer. In this way certain drugs, that inhibits angiogenesis, could be administered without even knowing where the tumor is. The breast cancer dipstick test is not available commercially yet but we will probably see it soon in the market.

Chemoprevention: Drug Therapy to Prevent Cancer

Chemoprevention is a new buzz word in cancer prevention. It involves the use of drugs such as tamoxifen and raloxifene to lower the risk of cancer. Learn about the basics of chemoprevention and how it works.

Drugs to Prevent Cancer
Cancer is taking over heart diseases as the number one killer in developed countries. Cancer deaths account for 25% of all deaths in the United States. In the fight against cancer, chemoprevention has emerged as a new and exciting weapon. By definition, chemoprevention is the use of drug to prevent a disease from occuring. Ideally, use of chemopreventive agents will help the body to recognized mutated cells and remove them from the system before they grow and divide uncontrollably.

One of the most celebrated chemopreventive agent is tamoxifen. Clinical trials show that tamoxifen reduces the risk of developing breast cancer in women at high risk for breast cancer by 50%. Tamoxifen, however, has a small probabiliy of serious side-effects. It may cause uterine cancer and blood clots.
Despite the evidence that it reduces the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk women, tamoxifen has not been widely accepted for chemoprevention largely because of the lack of evidence that survival is improved in women who receive tamoxifen as a chemopreventive agent, and a small risk of serious adverse events, including uterine cancer and blood clots in the legs or lungs.
Raloxifene is another drug that has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of breast cancer. It is often used in the context of treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene's side effects are not as seious as tamoxifen.
Aspirin is another poster child for chemoprevention. Clinical trials show that use of low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 30-60%. It is suggested that aspirin affects colorectal cancer through the COX pathway.Aspirin in combination with statin not only reduces risk of cancer but also reduces risk of heart diseases.
Erlotinib has been shown to prevent oral cancer in people at high risk for the disease. Erlotinib is believed to inhibit tumor growth by targeting the EPGR (epidermal growth factor receptor).

Pill Identifier Use for Non-Medical Professionals

If you've ever been unable to identify a pill, a pill identifier is a useful tool for your home health arsenal. Find out what they are and who can benefit from their use.

Have you ever picked up a prescription at the pharmacy, only to get home and find that the pills in the bottle aren't the same as the ones you usually take? Have you ever found an unidentified pill on the bottom of your purse? If either of these situations have happened to you, then you've had a good reason to use a pill identifier.

A pill identifier can be an online tool or a book that is used to help identify pills that are prescription or and over the counter types. Online versions of the pill identifier usually allow you to search by shape, color, size, or imprint of a pill. Books may classify pills by color, size, and shape as well. The pill identifier can assist you identifying pills before you take them so that you don't take the wrong medication and suffer harmful effects.

There are several popular pill identifiers available online and in print. Physician's Desk Reference, a well-known drug reference handbook, contains a section that shows pictures of pills in different dosages. Online versions are more plentiful, with popular versions found at WebMD, Drugs.com, and RxList.com. These Web sites make it easy for users to enter information and view results based on their input.

SBRT 'Highly Effective' in Early Lung Cancer

A high-tech type of radiation treatment called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been demonstrated to be a "highly effective" treatment in early-stage lung cancer for patients who are not eligible for surgery, according to a study co-authored by a University of Kentucky physician.

The treatment uses very large doses of high-energy radiation (x-rays) aimed directly at tumors with great precision and accuracy, thus sparing the surrounding, healthy tissue from damage. The process has been compared to "painting" with radiation.

Dr. Ronald McGarry, clinical associate professor and vice chairman of radiation medicine at the UK College of Medicine, says SBRT is becoming the new standard of treatment for early-stage lung cancers that cannot be treated surgically.

To know more about this treatment, Wait till next week, KentuckyDoc is coming soon...

Human Papilloma Virus Infection and PreventionIn the Adolescent population

With the recent availability of a quadrivalent vaccine against Human papillomavirus (HPV), there has been a surge of published information about this infection in both the scientific and lay press. Medical-care providers desire more detailed information about HPV in order to answer the frequently-asked questions posed by their patients and their patient’s parents/guardians. It’s important to have a thorough and accurate understanding of the incidence/prevalence; risk factors for infection; pathophysiology; disease consequences of infection; updated screening guidelines for disease detection; and the latest information about HPV immunization including the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines, efficacy in both viral-naïve and non-naïve populations, persistence of cross-neutralizing antibody levels, delayed anamnestic response to viral challenge and potential adverse events from vaccine.

This article covers information that will enable you to diagnose, manage and prevent HPV infection in your patient population. Dr. W. David Hager, M.D., Women’s Care Center have discussed this in detail in our KentuckyDoc magazine.

Got EMR?

What is going on with your EMR implementation? If you’re a physician or a physician practice manager, this topic has certainly come up in the past year. Although the question has come up, you may have very well not done anything yet. With the promise of Federal Government incentives, payer penalties and the horror stories of deinstallation from some of your colleagues, you may likely be frozen in place, too confused or too scared to take the plunge. How can you overcome this inertia? After all, you’re in the business of practicing medicine not Information Technology!


The good news is there are more resources than ever before to help with a structured software selection process. Also, there are IT companies that offer healthcare consulting and that have staff with clinical experience and healthcare software experience that can prove invaluable as you move forward with an EMR selection and implementation. There is a vast array of EMR vendors; sometimes the most difficult step is narrowing the field.

If you would like more information about this article, read our KentuckyDoc magazine, coming out next week.

NEW STATEMENT TO MEDICAL COMMUNITY DEMANDS A DIGNIFIED DIAGNOSIS OF DEMENTIA

“Medical advances in memory testing, brain imaging, spinal fluid markers and genetic testing have improved the sensitivity and accuracy of the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease allowing earlier recognition and intervention.” says Greg Jicha, M.D., Ph.D. of the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Center. “Early detection of disease allows active and meaningful participation in medical treatment decisions, adaptation to the disease process, and future planning by persons afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease directly. This is something we simply didn’t see, even a few short years ago.”

In recognition of the changing landscape of Alzheimer’s, in 2008, the Alzheimer’s Association hosted four regional town hall meetings with more than 800 participants, including 300 people living with the disease. The 2008 report Voices of Alzheimer’s Disease examined the rich dialogue at these town halls and identified diagnostic challenges and dissatisfying interactions with the medical community as two major challenges articulated by people living with the disease. The new, innovative Principles for a Dignified Diagnosis, release in February 2009, are insights from people living with the disease on how to improve that experience.

Read this article in detail in our KentuckyDoc magazine.

Referring Patients to Worksite Wellness and Health Programs

How frustrating it must be for our physicians today to know that Kentucky continues to rank among the unhealthiest in America. In many cases, a physician has little opportunity to provide specific instructions to patients about starting a health lifestyle and evaluating their behavior change continuum, before moving on to the next overweight patient with high blood pressure.

Well Docs, there is good news! Today, it is more and more likely your patients can take advantage of a wellness program offered by their employer, which provides employees with a structured way to start taking physician advice to engage in a healthier lifestyle. Despite the recession and recent cutbacks in some benefit programs, companies are continuing to add wellness and health programs to help better manage company and employee health care costs.

Stephanie Marshall, State Wellness Director has discussed more about it. To read this article in detail, wait till next week!!! Our KentuckyDoc is coming soon!!!

Kentucky doc magazine reach 100% of physicians licensed in Central Kentucky.

Reach 75% of health care office managers and executives in central Kentucky practices.


Our magazine issued every month all over central Kentucky.


Things to be covered in the magazine:

• Doc spotlight will be an interview with a doctor and highlighted in every issue.



• History of famous doctor who advanced in their medical career.



• Lifestyle advertising section and many more...

Confidence is what a patient wants to feel when choosing a doctor. Our magazine will guide you in selecting the best Doctors in various specialties in all Kentucky counties—is designed to provide just that.

Awaiting for more health article?

Kentucky Doc is on the way to reach you!!!