HAVE A SPOOKY SAFE

FALL INTO

Happiness

LAURIE BLACK

HALLOWEEN

MEET BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR

FALL ISSUEhealthy LIVING 2016 | A Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Publication

Healthy Living is published quarterly as a community service of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. There is no fee to subscribe. The information listed in this publication is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your healthcare provider. For questions or comments regarding this publication, please contact the Tallahassee Memorial Public Relations office at 850-431-3896.

2HAVE A SPOOKY SAFE

HALLOWEEN

3BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR

LAURIE BLACK

5LEARN YOUR RISK

FOR STROKE AND HEART ATTACK

6THERE'S A REASON

HIIT IS HOT

7FALL INTO

HAPPINESS

9READY, STEADY,

BALANCE

FOR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS:

1. Dress children in bright colors if possible. If their costume is dark, consider incorporating glow sticks or reflective strips.

2. Accompany your children on foot and carry a flashlight; use sidewalks and crosswalks.

3. Screen candy for open wrappers or tampered packaging before the kiddos dive in.

4. Make sure all little ghosts and goblins have well fitting costumes so they can’t easily trip or become entangled.

By: Sam Ashoo, MD, Emergency Medicine Physician at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare

Have a Spooky

On behalf of the emergency services team at Tallahassee Memorial, we hope you have a spooky safe Halloween with all of your little ghosts and goblins! To learn more about the emergency services

at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, visit TMH.ORG/Emergency.

Halloween is almost here and we want to help you enjoy the treats and stay clear of the tricks through a few helpful safety tips.

Safe

FOR PEOPLE ON THE ROAD:

1. Put away phones.

2. Turn off the radio.

3. Open car windows and pay attention to your surroundings while driving.

4. Drive slowly.

5. Anticipate sudden stops as you follow other vehicles.

FOR THOSE STAYING AT HOME:

1. Make sure there is a visible path to your house.

2. Keep porch or walkway free of clutter and well lit to avoid tripping.

3. Think of some non-food treats (ie: coloring books, crayons, etc.).

4. Restrain your pets. Even with the best-behaved pets, all the commotion for trick-or-treaters can cause them to become overwhelmed or overly excited.

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“I was six months late and even though I had yearly mammograms since I was in my forties, this time I was just so busy,” said Laurie.

With no pain, no change in shape or discoloration, Laurie wouldn’t have even thought about it but she described an “odd” feeling when she performed her routine self-breast checks.

This questionable concern is what led her to get her mammogram. Within days, she received a call from the radiologist. They wanted to give her an ultrasound-guided biopsy. The results turned her concern into reality — Laurie was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer.

“My whole world was rocked. It was the last thing I expected to hear. My husband, John, and I just sat quietly together and absorbed the information. Once things settled down, I started making phone calls to family and friends.”

Laurie was referred by her primary care physician to Robert Snyder, MD, general surgeon at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. He discussed the possibility of doing a lumpectomy – or removal of the malignant tissue while conserving the mass and contours of the breast. Before he did anything, he wanted an MRI for a more precise view. Much to Laurie’s surprise, they found another mass, twice the size as the other. They decided together that Laurie would have a

double mastectomy in addition to chemotherapy followed by radiation.

“Dr. Snyder is such a kind, warm-hearted person. He listened to everything I had to say, all of my concerns and respected everything I asked. My options were all outlined for me based on my results.”

It was a new day and although still somewhat apprehensive, Laurie faced her diagnosis head on. She pulled up to 1775 One Healing Place – it was a place Laurie had never seen before, one she dreaded to go. As she walked through the sliding glass doors, everything changed.

“I remember the first time I walked through the doors of the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center I was immediately welcomed. It wasn’t like walking into a doctor's office, I felt like I was at someone’s home. I could tell that everyone’s goal was to help me get through this and, just within days, they all knew my name. My initial fear faded and I started to feel much better.”

Laurie started her experience at the Cancer Center by meeting with Karen Russell, MD, FACP, medical oncologist to review her customized plan of care.

“When I first met Dr. Russell, we sat and got to know each other while talking through my treatments. I shared I was a big football fan and also explained I wanted to learn about my care in the most simplest of terms. I was so impressed when she literally got a pen and paper out and drew my plan of care out into a play diagram. She explained my cancer in football terms and walked me through everything. I just felt like she understood me and I walked away knowing exactly what was going on.”

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a type of medicine administered before surgery, was provided through a port, or small implanted IV access site in Laurie’s chest. Her chemotherapy lasted for 10 hours at a time, given every three weeks for a period of four and a half months. Her body had a positive response to the medication and

Life was good. At the age of 57, Laurie Black was a new grandmother and avid sports fan enjoying every bit of life. Between spending time with her new granddaughter and working for their family-owned business, Laurie was so busy she hadn’t realized she was overdue for her regular mammogram.

I remember the first time I walked through the

doors of the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center I

was immediately welcomed. It wasn’t like walking into a doctors office, I felt like

I was at someone’s home.

“

“

Lau ri e BlackCancer Survivor

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allowed her to progress with additional treatment. Laurie was then sent to Ovidiu Marina, MD, radiation oncologist, to begin her radiation treatment.

“My radiation was every day for 33 days. For someone who doesn’t like being still… this was the hardest part of my treatment. Dr. Marina encouraged me by sharing all the positive benefits that would come out of this, how it would help lower my chances of reoccurrences. He was such a warm, funny person and I respected how family oriented he was. Plus he had really great style! I just found him to be so relatable.”

Thrown a true curveball, Laurie reflects on the life lessons she learned along the way.

“My cancer journey looked daunting at first, but looking back on it, because of the support from my family and physicians, it was very doable. Throughout this experience I have learned that tomorrow isn’t promised and it’s important to live in the moment. I spend more time with my family and continue to be kind to everyone I meet. It’s so nice to know you can get the most advanced cancer care right here in Tallahassee through the Tallahassee

Memorial Cancer Center. I want other people to know you do not have to leave home to seek treatment. We have the best care right here.”

Laurie will continue her cancer journey with breast reconstruction performed by Alfredo Paredes, MD, plastic surgeon at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Once her reconstruction is complete, Laurie looks forward to living her life as fully as she can.

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

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R I S KLEARN YOUR

LEARN YOUR RISK FOR FREE AT

F O R S T R O K E AN D

H E A R T AT TAC K

TMH.ORG/Stroke & TMH.ORG/Heart

As the leader in advanced stroke and heart care in the Southeast, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) treats close to 750 strokes and about 500 heart attacks each year.

With this startling reality, TMH is focused on educating the community on their risks for these conditions. As a complimentary service, Tallahassee Memorial is offering stroke and heart attack risk assessments online to ultimately decrease and prevent future occurrences.

Each assessment takes less than three minutes to complete and offers an initial evaluation before determining next steps to leading a healthier life!

FITNESS TRENDS COME AND GO, but the popularity of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is still on the rise. HIIT describes any workout that alternates bursts of intense activity with fixed periods of active rest. Think sprint 40 yards, walk in place for 20 seconds, sprint for 40 yards, walk in place 20 seconds, etc. But there’s one format of HIIT has taken the fitness industry by storm and centers around the nation are taking note, including Premier Health & Fitness Center.

Tabata training is one of the most popular forms of HIIT. This format consists of eight rounds of high intensity exercises in a specific 20 seconds-on, 10 seconds-off interval and is designed to fit every fitness level, from beginner to advanced. Four minutes = one Tabata round. Higher intensity, shorter duration, powerful results — who doesn’t have time to try this fun, quick, and challenging routine?

Feeling motivated? Be sure to check out Tabata Sweat, a class offered every Monday & Wednesday at Premier Health & Fitness Center. This high energy class consists of cardio drills and strength building exercises. Modifications are offered to accommodate all fitness levels.

By: Tonya Smith, Programs Coordinator, Premier Health & Fitness Center

TO LEARN MORE about Premier Health & Fitness Center's group exercise schedule, visit TMH.ORG/Premier

THERE'S A REASON

isHIIT HOT

BE ACTIVE

FIND YOUR HAPPY& EAT HEALTHY

Changing of leaves, dropping temperatures, open windows, pumpkin flavored everything: the imagery associated with fall is iconic. We find new ways to create happiness within our lives as the season begins to change. Whether it be snuggles with a comfy blanket, coming together with the ones you love or walks in breezy weather, a happy life is a healthy life. Find what makes you happy this season.

INCREASE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIESYour windows beg to be open after you take a few deep breaths of crisp, clean fall air. While Florida’s seasonal weather is limited, no one can deny the difference between the still, dryness of summer and the breezy, lightness of fall. Alexander Vanderby, MD, Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program, says the health benefits associated with exercising outdoors and enjoying cooler weather are undeniable, “There is growing evidence that moderate amounts of exercise can decrease the risk of upper respiratory tract infections given the modification to the immune system.”

There are many ways to get you and your family outdoors this fall:

• Join a sports league.

• Have a picnic.

• Visit one of over 75 parks and trails Tallahassee offers.

• Take walks after dinner.

• Visit area festivals and fairs.

EAT SEASONALLYThe sight of pumpkins is a clear sign that fall is present. While they can be an adorable carving craft for the whole family, pumpkins are also used for their flavor and nutrition. While we can’t tell you that drinking a pumpkin spice latte everyday will improve your health, your family should take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Tallahassee Memorial Community Dietitian

Afaf Qasem, MS, RDN, LDN, encourages people to take advantage of the seasonal foods, “Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables will provide you with essential vitamins and minerals. For example, a one cup serving of pumpkin is considered a rich source of vitamin A which helps promote healthy vision, skin integrity and a strong immune system.”

GATHER WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILYThere is no doubt that Tallahassee is a football town. Regardless of what team you support, it is guaranteed you can find a fellow fan cheering on your team come Saturdays. Football season gives fans a reason to celebrate, but more importantly it gives friends and family a reason to come together. Being surrounded by the ones you love elevates your mood and allows those involved to feel a sense of community. Melvina MacDonald, LMHC, CEAP, Director of the Tallahassee Memorial Employee Assistance Program says, “Having positive, supportive friends and family is a critical component to people’s mental health and personal resiliency. Even the companionship of a pet has been known to stimulate brain chemistry that is associated to positive emotions.”

SIP ON HOT DRINKSMaybe it’s a habit to sip on coffee or tea to keep the caffeine buzz going at work. However, the changing of seasons allows us to feel a little less guilty and a little more comfortable with drinking hot drinks. Expert dietitians at Tallahassee Memorial explain, “Enjoying a cup of hot tea is not only relaxing, but a great way to get in some antioxidants that may help improve your health and prevent disease.” While the coziness alone makes hot drinks the perfect pair with sweater weather, the health benefits associated are worth it.

FALL INTO

HAPPINESS

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Many older adults and their families believe falling is a “normal” part of aging. This is NOT true. Falls can be prevented and it’s in YOUR power to prevent falls. There are very simple steps that you can take to assess your fall risk and prevent falls.

“I wasn’t hurt.” While the older adult who has fallen may not have been injured, falling can affect people in other non-visible ways. People may begin to limit their activities thinking moving around less will reduce their risk of falling. In actuality, the opposite is true.

Limiting your activity leads to further loss of muscle strength, flexibility and balance leading to even higher risk of falls. People may also begin to stay home thinking this will reduce their risk of falls however statistically, 78% of falls occur in and around a person’s residence!

“I am afraid my family will put me in a nursing home.” Falls are preventable and it is a team effort. Enlisting the help of an older adult’s doctor and family can result in a plan to evaluate and manage falls risks so that the older adult is able to remain independent and active.

Falls Prevention Program at Tallahassee Memorial TMH Physician Partners, Neurology Specialists offers an evidence-based Falls Prevention Program. The program identifies the risk factors or potential causes for falls and provides a treatment plan to prevent future falls. At your visit, you will complete a screening questionnaire and see a neurologist. When appropriate, you will be evaluated by a specially trained physical therapist and provided with a personalized and comprehensive care plan. For more information on the Falls Prevention Program at Tallahassee Memorial, call 850-431-7009 or visit TMH.ORG/Falls.

READY, STEADY BALANCEBy Teresa Hunter, PT, DPT Physical Therapist, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults in Florida? How about the fact that one in three older adults falls every year? Or that 20-30% of falls results in a serious injury that often has a devastating effect on the older adult’s ability to live at home? With such sobering statistics, would it surprise you to hear that only half of older adults who fall talk about the fall with their doctor?

Falls are a serious and growing problem for older adults throughout the country. According to the 2013 Florida Injury Surveillance statistics, in Leon County alone there were 25 fall-related fatalities, 362 fall-related hospital admissions and 1,368 fall-related emergency room visits.

Prevention is key – so why aren’t people talking about it?

Falls are not inevitable. Here are some ways to prevent falls:

• Exercise regularly to improve strength, flexibility and balance.

• Manage your medication with your doctor – adults taking more than 4 medications are at higher risk for falls.

• Have your vision checked annually.

• Inspect your home for hazards, such as low lighting, things you can trip over (throw rugs, cords), etc.

• If you are having problems with incontinence or urgency, talk with your doctor.

• If you are getting light headed when you stand up, talk with your doctor.

• If you are having dizziness, vertigo or balance problems, talk with your doctor.

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AN INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OFCLINICAL TRIALS.

HERE INTALLAHASSEE.

AT OUR CANCER CENTER, WE’RE OFFERING MORE RESEARCH OPTIONS THAN EVER BEFORE.

Paving the way for progress, clinical trials are how we advance healthcare

and ultimately, save more lives. For the first time, the Tallahassee

Memorial Cancer Center is proud to offer an international network of

clinical trials for cancer patients in the Big Bend.

TMH.ORG/CancerTrials

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare has embarked on a transformational program called TMH FOR LIFE. This program was created as a way to engage our public to take personal responsibility for their health and overall well-being.

Many people in our region are suffering with chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Most risks for these diseases are linked to lifestyle behaviors that can be modified to prevent the onset and reduce the severity of illness.

Join us for events and activities designed to help you know your numbers, be active, eat healthy and find your happy.

To learn more or sign up for future events, visit TMH.ORG/TMHFORLIFE

TMH FOR LIFE A healthy life is a happy life!

1300 Miccosukee Road Tallahassee, FL 32308