Celebrating Life andFall Fashion

Thursday, October 16

Saks Fifth AvenueThe Shops at Willow Bend6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Physician panel featuring Alicia Starr MD, Lynn Canavan, MD, & Joshua Lemmon, MD, discussing

the latest advances in breast cancer.

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Reception.

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors.

Call 469.443.3450 to RSVP.

Scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, is one of the most common spinal deformities, affecting 12 million people worldwide. The majority of people with scoliosis experience few problems but some with progressive curves can experience debilitating pain. So what are the symptoms of scoliosis, and what signs should you be looking for in yourself, your children or your grandchildren? Alexis Shelokov, M.D., medical director of the Baylor Scoliosis Center sheds light on spotting scoliosis.

The spine is designed so that when viewed from the side it forms an extended “S”, with the upper back arcing outward and the lower back bending inward. But when observed from the back, the spine should be seen as a straight line.

Signs and symptoms of scoliosis include: •Backpain•Visiblecurveorhump•Unevenshoulders•Leglengthdiscrepancy•Prominentshoulderblade•Unevenwaist•Elevatedhips•Leaningtooneside•Familyhistoryofscoliosis

If a scoliosis curve progresses, the spine may rotate in addition to curving side to side. This may cause the ribs to stick out farther on one side of the body. Nurses and physicians often check for this and other back deformities by utilizing the forward bend test. The test involves an individual standing with their feet together and then bending forward with straight knees and dangling arms.

Grand Opening ofBaylor Research Institute

Clinical Trials Office – North

Saturday, October 49 to 11 a.m.

Baylor Regional Medical Center at PlanoMedical Pavilion I, Suite 800

•Freescoliosisscreeningsforchildrenand adults

•Freephysicianconsultswithorthopaedic and cardiac physicians

•Freebloodpressurescreenings•Freegiftsforallageswhilesupplieslast

•Freebrunch

Registration required: 1.800.4BAYLOR.

Clearing Out

NEWS YOU CAN USE!

Barrett’s esophagus is a complication of GERD,oracidreflux,whichisprevalentintheUnitedStatesmainlybecauseoftheobesity epidemic. Stomach acid back up irritates the lining of the esophagus and causes damage, leading to Barrett’s esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus doesn’t always cause cancer, but leads to increased risk, so doctors monitor people with the condition carefully. Historically, doctors have removed the esophagus if cancer developed. Now, Baylor Plano offers new technology doctors use to treat the damaged tissue before it becomes cancerous.

“We use a special catheter to generate high-frequency radio waves. Heat burns off the Barrett’s and allows normal tissue to grow in its place,” says Paul Anderson, M.D., a gastroenterologist on the Baylor Plano medical staff. The day-surgery procedure takes about 45 minutes, and people are generally back to their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

1 2 3IN THE SHOWER: Put one hand behind the head. With fingers flat (do not use fingertips), move hand over entire breast area. Use right hand for left breast, left hand for right. Move your hand in a vertical (up and down) motion. Check for lumps, knots or thickenings.

IN FRONT OF A MIRROR: With your hands at your sides, look for changes in the shape, size or skin texture or your breasts. Raise arms above the head and check for any changes. Also check nipples for any crust or discharge.

LYING DOWN: To examine the right breast, place a pillow under the right shoulder and place right hand behind your head. Follow the same technique used in the shower, using the left hand to examine the right breast. Switch pillow to left shoulder, put left hand behind head and repeat steps with right hand for left breast.

Three ways to perform a breast self-exam:

Spotting Scoliosis

If your feet and back hurt, experts say that it could be from wearing high heels. Studies show that high heels over an inch and a half affect your feet, ankles and back.

Research suggests that consuming too many sugary soft drinks could increase a person’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study, conducted in mice, doesn’t prove the link but does give evidence associating poor diet with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s risk.

“Exercisepositivelyaffectsyourreactiontostressby boosting your mood,” says Jill Bass, director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor Plano. “After lengthy exercise, people can experience feelings of joy because of endorphins, which are released during exercise by the pituitary gland in the brain.”

HealthQuicks For more information or a referral to a physician specializing in scoliosis, call toll free 1-800-4-BAYLOR or log onto www.TheBaylorScoliosisCenter.com.

Questions About Breast Cancer AnsweredIn honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Lynn Canavan, M.D., breast surgeon on the Baylor Plano medical staff, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about breast cancer.

1. How can I lower my risk for breast cancer?You can help lower your risk for breast cancer by changing a few habits. Research shows that physically active women are 25 percent less likely to develop breast cancer. Women who play sports in their free time, especially those who have been through menopause, have the lowest risk of breast cancer. In addition, reducing the amount of alcohol you consume can also help lower your risk. The American Cancer Society suggests that you average less than one drink a day.

2. How does my family’s medical history affect my risk?A small percent of breast cancer cases are hereditary, often passed down through abnormalities in genes BRCA1 or BRCA2. If your mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. You also may be at a higher risk if you’ve had a father or brother with breast cancer or two or more second-degree relatives, grandmothers, aunts or cousins, with breast cancer. Provide your physician with the most complete medical and family history you can, and if you’re interested, they can refer you to a genetic counselor to further discuss your risk.

3. How do I perform a breast self-exam? Self-exams are an important part of the early detection process because they help you learn what your breasts feel like, increasing the chances that you will notice if a change occurs in your breasts. It is recommended that women begin monthly breast self-exams at age 20. For tips on performing a breast self-exam, see the sidebar below.

4. What is a diagnostic mammogram?A diagnostic mammogram evaluates a woman who may have received abnormal results on a screening mammogram. The diagnostic mammogram focuses on the section of the breast in question. A sonogram may be done at the same time to complete the evaluation of the abnormality.

5. When should I see a doctor?See your doctor if you notice any change in your breasts, such as a new lump, persistent pain that does not improve after a menstrual cycle, skin changes, bloody or spontaneous nipple discharge, dimpling or puckering of the skin or nipple. You should also see your doctor for a regular breast exam every three years in your 20s and 30s and yearly after age 40. A baseline mammogram should be done between 35 and 40. Age 40 is when you should begin having an annual mammogram. This test is important in early diagnosis of breast cancer. In addition, if you are in a high risk group for developing breast cancer you may consider also having a breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) each year once you turn 30. Studies have shown that MRIs are better at detecting tumors in women genetically predisposed to breast cancer.

6. Does my diet affect my risk for breast cancer? Research has shown that some foods may help lower your risk of breast cancer. Fruits and vegetables are filled with phytochemicals, which help prevent disease. Consuming more vitamin D may also help boost your immune system. Good sources of vitamin D include salmon, fortified milk, olive oil, chicken and beans.

7. What is a biopsy?A biopsy is a process that involves removing breast tissue for testing. A surgical biopsy completely removes an abnormality. A needle biopsy samples an abnormality by taking a small piece of tissue. This is usually done in an office setting. The majority of biopsies can be done by needle biopsy. This is the preferred method as it allows your doctor to plan ahead for the next steps, if you are diagnosed with cancer. The majority of women who undergo a biopsy are NOT diagnosed with cancer. During a needle biopsy the breast is numbed, so you usually do not experience pain, but you may experience some pressure or discomfort. If a biopsy is necessary you and your doctor will discuss which method is best for you depending on where the abnormality is located, your health and preference.

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October & November 2008 Events All programs held at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, in Plano Conference Room A/B, Garden Level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a program, please call 1.800.4BAYLOR (422.9567).

One Mutant CellTuesday, October 7. 12 to 1 p.m. Lunch provided. Kathy LaTour, editor at large for CURE magazine, author, public speaker and senior lecturer in writing and communications at Southern Methodist University will discuss her battle with breast cancer. Ice cream social, 1 to 2 p.m.Diabetes Support GroupThursdays, October 9 & November 13. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Neck Knowledge and Back AdviceFriday, October 10. 12 to 1 p.m. Learn about back health and how to treat neck pain. Lunch provided.Saturday Mammography ClinicsSaturdays, October 11 & 25; November 8 & 22. Appointments begin at 8:30 a.m. Baylor Women’s Imaging Center at Plano, Medical Pavilion I, Suite 450.Living Well With Cancer Information Session Mondays, October 13 & November 10. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner provided.Weight Loss Surgery Informational SeminarTuesdays, October 14 & 28; Wednesday, November 5 & Tuesday, November 18. 6:30 p.m. Presented by Nick Nicholson, MD, bariatric surgeon. Baylor Plano’s surgical weight loss program offers three options: gastric banding, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy to help you try to achieve a healthy weight. For location information please call 1.800.4BAYLOR. Us Too Prostate Cancer Support GroupTuesdays, October 28 & November 18. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner provided.Celebrating Life & Fall Fashion Thursday, October 16. Physician panel featuring Alicia Starr MD, Lynn Canavan, MD, and Joshua Lemmon, MD, discussing the latest advances in breast cancer: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Reception: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Willow Bend, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano. Look Good, Feel BetterTuesday, October 21. 6 to 8 p.m. Dinner provided. Diabetes Self Management ProgramClasses offered at various times. To register call 469-814-6896.Your Health This Month Friday, October 24. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free breast cancer risk assessments, bone density and blood pressure screenings will be provided. Cholesterol and glucose screening will be available for $15. Living With Advanced Breast Cancer WorkshopMonday, October 27. 6 to 8:45 p.m. Manish Gupta, MD, oncologist on the Baylor Plano medical staff will present a free educational workshop for women and their loved ones affected by breast cancer. Light dinner served.Catch Your BreathWednesday, November 5. 12 to 1 p.m. Gary Erwin, MD, pulmonologist on the Baylor Plano medical staff will discuss symptoms and treatment options of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Lunch provided.Diabetes SeminarMonday, November 10. 12 to 1 p.m. Barbara Kocurek, PharmD, BCPS, CDE will discuss the latest medication and treatment options for diabetes. Lunch provided.Your Health This Month Friday, November 21. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free breast cancer risk assessments and education, lung volume screening and lung cancer education and diabetes and nutrition education will be provided. Cholesterol and glucose screening will be available for $15. Continental breakfast provided.

How can I satisfy my chocolate craving without going overboard on calories?

Elizabeth Schaub, R.D., Baylor Plano dietitian provides a few ideas for low-calorie chocolate desserts.

•ChocolateBananaSplit: Top a banana with ½ cup of low fat frozen yogurt, low fat or fat free cool whip, and cover with chocolate sprinkles or 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips.

•StrawberryDunkers: Dunk strawberries in chocolate flavored cool whip for only 25 calories per 2 tablespoons.

•DessertJumble: Eat ¼ cup of your favorite assortment of granola, nuts, raisins, and chocolate chips.

•DarkChocolateMousse: Whip fat-free chocolate pudding with skim milk until nice and fluffy, then layer with low fat or fat free cool whip and top with dark chocolate sprinkles.

•IceCreamSandwich: Freeze 2 tablespoons of vanilla cool whip between 2 squares of chocolate graham crackers.

•CocoaParadise: Relax with a hot cup of low-sugar hot cocoa.

•CandyFix: Eat 2 small squares of dark chocolate such as Hershey’s® Miniatures or Kisses.

The websites referenced herein are provided solely for the convenience of the reader. Neither Baylor Health Care System, Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, nor their subsidiaries, affiliates, or community medical centers own these websites or control their content or privacy, and the reference to these websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the entities that own the websites or of the information, products, or services offered by them. Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano or Baylor Health Care System. Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. ©2008 Baylor Health Care System. MOD 08146. 7thED. 40,000. 9/08

4700 Alliance Blvd.Plano, Texas 75093

Calendar of EventsBaylor Plano Has The Answers

New ACL Injury Prevention Program Female athletes are three to four times more likely to tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in their knees.

But girls can learn ways to reduce their risk. Research has proven that ACL injury prevention programs can reduce the incidence of ACL injuries in female athletes. So the physical medicine and rehabilitation department at Baylor Plano is now offering an ACL Injury Prevention program for girls ages 13 to 18.

The six-week program, supervised by a licensed physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist at Baylor Plano, includes sessions held twice a week. The program helps athletes improve overall, focusing on:

• Performance

• Agility

• Strength

• Speed

• Power

For more information or to register, call 1.800.4BAYLOR.