Tag Archives: SIU HealthCare

The bottom line: colorectal cancer screening saves lives

Written by Laura Bottom, SIU School of Medicine
6,500 adults are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year and 2,500 of those diagnosed die from this disease in Illinois, according to the American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer is the third leading cancer killer in both men and women in the U.S., but getting a regular colorectal cancer screening can save your life.
Here’s how it works: cancer is named for the part of the body that it is first discovered, it forms when cells in the body grow and divide out of control. Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum, which is part of the large intestine. Colon cancer usually starts from a polyp, a growth of cells on the lining of the colon that should not be there. Over time it could turn into cancer. “Regular colorectal screening is one of the most powerful tools for preventing colorectal cancer,” says SIU Center for Family Medicine’s Care Coordinator Sharron Wise, RN, BSN. “The screening can remove polyps before they develop into cancer, which can take 10-15 years and find it in its early stages when it is highly curable.”
Only 62.5% of eligible Illinoisans get regular colorectal cancer screenings (American Cancer Society). Don’t wait to be tested because precancerous polyps and early stage colorectal cancer do not always cause symptoms. If you do experience symptoms, it may be too late. These symptoms could include, but are not limited to:

Blood in/on your stool
Bloating or stomach pain that does not go away
Losing weight without knowing why
Fatigue
Diarrhea or constipation

Colorectal cancer can be easily prevented by keeping up to date with your screenings. Chances of developing colorectal cancer increase when you turn age 50, but if everyone aged 50 years and older had regular screening tests, at least 60% of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.
The Bottom Line: GET SCREENED TODAY!
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

No bread for me, I’m gluten-free

Written by Dr. Manjusha Das, SIU School of Medicine
The term “gluten-free” has become a universal term to describe another diet trend for some, but for others, it’s a necessity. The gluten-free diet was designed for those who suffer from Celiac disease, a severe inflammatory disease triggered by gluten.
What is Celiac disease?
Celiac disease, also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy, or Celiac Sprue, is a genetic immune disorder in which gluten triggers inflammation in the small intestine. For those who have Celiac disease, symptoms can range from severe abdominal pain and cramping to skin rashes, anemia and even bone loss.
How do I know for sure if I have Celiac disease?
If physicians have a low suspicion for the disease, they usually start with simple blood tests to detect specific antibodies. Those with Celiac disease produce antibodies, which are the body’s defense system, to start attacking the intestinal mucosa. However, diagnosis of Celiac disease must be made by small bowel visualization, usually by endoscopy, and with biopsy of the tissue. Certain signs of inflammation in the biopsy will confirm the diagnosis.
What is gluten and why do people take it out of their diet completely?
Gluten is an elastic protein found in wheat, rye and barley products. It is poorly absorbed by the gut, and can cause damage to the intestinal lining. Gluten continues to be broken down into smaller molecules, but for those with Celiac disease, one of these molecules causes severe damage. In order to prevent recurrence of symptoms, doctors recommend a life-long gluten-free diet.
Could another disorder be causing my symptoms?
Wheat allergy is also an autoimmune disorder that can cause similar symptoms, but it functions differently than Celiac disease. It is a true allergic reaction to gluten that usually occurs minutes to hours after ingestion of gluten. The distinguishing feature between a wheat allergy and Celiac disease is the antibodies that are present in a person with Celiac disease are not present in someone with a wheat allergy. However, both groups of patients will find relief of symptoms after starting a gluten-free diet.
Why do so many people say they feel so much better after going “gluten-free?”
Because eating too much gluten can contribute to damage to the intestinal wall, some people do feel better after eating a gluten-free diet, even if they don’t have Celiac disease or wheat allergy. Eliminating gluten from the diet will decrease inflammation.
If I don’t have Celiac disease, a wheat allergy or non-Celiac gluten sensitivity, would I still benefit from a gluten-free diet? While inflammation may subside, making you feel better, a strict gluten-free diet may prevent you from receiving essential vitamins and minerals. Adherence to a gluten-free diet should only be considered to treat specific diseases.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Supporting a friend who’s miscarried

By Lauren Murphy, SIU School of Medicine
According to the Association for Reproductive Health Professionals, approximately one in four pregnancies before 20 weeks will end in miscarriage. Although the cause of most early pregnancy losses is unknown, health care providers, including SIU Med School’s family medicine physician Dr. Tabatha Wells, say oftentimes, women blame themselves.
“When I counsel women who’ve miscarried, I reassure them that there is nothing she could have done to prevent it. But most women have trouble accepting this and remain convinced that they must have done something wrong,” explains Dr. Wells.
It’s that line of thinking that Dr. Wells warns can have a long-lasting emotional toll on women who have miscarried. That’s why she emphasizes the need for supportive friends and family following a miscarriage.
“Women often feel a mix of emotions, ranging from sadness and grief to devastation or even relief,” says Dr. Wells. “I try to help her realize that feeling sad or relief or other mixed emotions are perfectly normal responses.”
When comforting a friend or family member following a miscarriage, Dr. Wells says it’s about giving her whatever she needs. “Treat it as a death in the family, and know that everyone grieves differently. Some women will want to talk about it; some women won’t. If she wants to be distracted, distract her. Most importantly, be supportive and offer encouragement.”
Dr. Wells and Linda Childers and Teresa McUsic of Nurse.com offer the following suggestions for family and friends:

Listen to get a sense of what the pregnancy means to her: McUsic and Childers suggest, “Listen for the word ‘baby.’ Has the woman bonded?” Respond accordingly and withhold your own feelings.
Don’t deny her feelings: Avoid using “at least” statements, such as, “Well at least you got pregnant.”
Help her realize it wasn’t her fault: The reality is that nearly a quarter of pregnancies fail and, oftentimes, the reason goes unknown. A miscarriage isn’t necessarily a sign of infertility.
Acknowledge the loss and offer empathy: McUsic and Childers recommend, “Simply say, ‘I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you.’”
Give her time to heal: Whether she needs two weeks or two years, simply give her time. Don’t allow her to suffer in silence.

For other unique ways to care for a friend or family member following a miscarriage, visit http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelwmiller/ways-to-support-someone-who-has-had-a-miscarriage.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

A life-threatening pain in the neck

Written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
Just behind and below the collarbone is a tiny space that causes massive pain for many people. The thoracic outlet houses the many blood vessels, muscles and nerves that serve the entire arm. But because the space is so compact, pressure against the nerves or blood vessels in this area can cause debilitating symptoms known as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).
Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) and accidents tend to be the main cause of TOS, but habitual sleeping or working positions can also lead to TOS over time. “A painter, linesman, hairdresser, pro athlete or someone who continually reaches overhead and does the same repetitive motion every day is more likely to develop TOS,” Dr. Sapan Desai says.
“If you’re involved in an accident and your muscles swell to double their size, there’s no room for anything to get through,” Dr. Desai explains. “The veins and arteries can stop working, resulting in swelling in the arm and hand. The veins can clot, and you could actually lose your arm or the clots can travel to the lung and heart and create life-threatening pulmonary embolisms.”
There are three types of TOS:
1. Neurogenic, the most common type, can cause pain, numbness, neck pain, headaches in the back of the head, tingling and/or weakness in the affected arm and hand.
2. Venous causes swelling of the entire arm as well as pain and dark discoloration.
3. Arterial, the rarest but probably the most serious of the three, causes pain, coldness, paleness and cramps in the hand.
Dr. Desai, a vascular surgeon at SIU School of Medicine explains that the symptoms are often confused with other conditions and lead to unnecessary surgeries and expensive therapies. Dr. Desai is one of the only physicians in Springfield who routinely performs thoracic outlet decompression surgery, which is the only known cure for patients who suffer from TOS. Hear Dr. Desai explain thoracic outlet decompression surgery in this video.
In some cases, physical therapy can somewhat improve the symptoms of neurogenic TOS. Dr. Desai says that he requires patients with this type of TOS try physical therapy before considering an operation. By stretching the muscles in the neck, correcting posture and avoiding certain movements that may aggravate the symptoms, a few patients may find some relief. However, for most patients, the symptoms will continue or worsen, making TOS decompression surgery the best option for a cure.
Read more about Dr. Desai and thoracic outlet decompression surgery in SIU’s Aspects magazine.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Social media: friend or foe?

Written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are here to stay. Most of us know those people who just can’t bear to be off social media for a day, but is social media such a bad thing for everyone?
While many articles focus on the negatives of social media — bullying, fear of missing out, obsessive behaviors or relationship conflict — psychologists and counselors also feel that social network sites (SNS), when used with the right motivation, can provide benefits to a subset of patients with mental issues. Estimates show that by 2016 the world will have nearly 2.13 billion social network users, and mental health care providers are becoming more mindful of the impact.
“The studies regarding the benefits and disadvantages of social media are conflicting because there are so many variables,” says Dana Ingram, LCSW, psychotherapist at SIU School of Medicine. She says that in the past, she didn’t often consider social media’s influence on her client’s issues. But, with more than 73% of adults using SNS, “it’s always in the back of my mind now.”
“The power of the ‘Like’ button is amazing,” says Ingram. “Positive feedback on any type of SNS can really help increase self-esteem and confidence.” Many with social or general anxiety issues use SNS to build a sense of social capital and self-esteem. “It’s a safe, self-protective way to practice social skills and get feedback. By watching others and their interactions and responses, they can learn how to phrase things to sound supportive with little risk of embarrassment, giving them a little boost of self-confidence.”
Ingram also shares these benefits of social media:

Connects those going through similar life experiences or illnesses
Eases anxiety
Provides social support
Provides distraction from illness or problems
Inspires creativity
Connects friends and family who are not in close proximity
Connects people of similar interests

Connection can be especially important for those who are dealing with a newly diagnosed disease or the effects of the disease and treatment. Dr. Patricia Fank, who specializes in behavioral and psychosocial oncology, works with many of these patients. “Online social networks can help people who are looking for a way to keep friends and family apprised of their journey with an illness without having to tell the story numerous times,” she says.
“If the motivation to use social media is based on positive interaction that decreases feelings of anxiety and inadequacy rather than provoking it, then you’ll have positive results,” Dr. Fank says. “If the motivation is negative, the results will be as well.”
*names have been changed
Statistics gathered from to statista.com and Pewresearch.com.
Adapted from Social Media: Friend or Foe?
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Stranger danger: Keeping your kids safe in the cyber age

Written by Laura Bottom, SIU School of Medicine
Many parents monitor with whom their children play, where they go, what kind of music they listen to and the types of television programs they watch. Children are taught not to answer the door if they’re home alone and not to talk to strangers or give out information over the telephone.
But even caring parents can be unaware of dangers under their own roofs, literally at their children’s fingertips.
The Internet has changed the way we see the world and has created innumerable ways to communicate, gather information and make purchases. Unfortunately, along with this new wealth of access, children and adolescents can fall prey to predators lurking within the realm of cyberspace. Seemingly harmless computer activity can become dangerous for kids without the proper supervision and education.
Some online risks include:
– Cyber bullying
– Inappropriate chat room conversations and/or promotion of hate or violent behavior
– Easy access and exposure to pornographic materials
– Child predators posing as peersPhoto sharing that could prove regrettable later
– Disclosure of personal or household information to an unknown source and risk of identity theft
– Less time used for physical activity
– Lost time for developing social skills, face-to-face interaction and body language cues
Meghan Golden, a behavioral health consultant at SIU Center for Family Medicine/Memorial Counseling Associates, suggests some common sense parental supervision be applied to computer activity. “Bullying and other predatory activity has made it more important than ever for parents to ensure that they are able to see their children and adolescents’ online activity,” says Golden. “This can make it possible for parents to model appropriate online behavior and, if needed, take steps to protect their children from potential danger.”
To help children safely use the Internet and social networking sites, the experts at SIU recommend that parents:
– Limit the amount of computer time
– Explain the importance of keeping personal information private
– Teach them to never meet with anyone they’ve met online
– Use parental control features
– Remind children that not everything they read online is true
– Teach them to only post information they are comfortable with everyone seeing
– Monitor the content of the child’s personal social media page
– Teach children to use the same courtesy as if they were talking to someone in person
– Consider investing in web filtering programs to block inappropriate content on home computers
“The communication and research abilities of modern computers and smartphones are amazing, but having access to too much information can be a bad thing, especially when it comes to inappropriate websites,” says Michael Goldberg, a behavioral health consultant at the SIU Center for Family Medicine.
Goldberg warns parents to keep an eye on how their children are using their smartphones, too. If necessary, parents can consult their wireless providers about limiting Internet access for certain lines on their plans. Phones without access to the Internet or social media are also available.
With all of the technology available today, children are bound to surf the web and interact through social media pages. A smart parent makes sure his or her child does it in a respectful, safe and positive way.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Feeling SAD?

Written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
Having a hard time getting up and moving when your alarm clock beeps on these cold, dark mornings? Do you find yourself craving a mid-day nap or early bedtime a little bit more lately? Are you longing for grandma’s mash potatoes and mac ‘n’ cheese?
If you answered yes to these questions, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the winter blues.
SAD is a depressive disorder subtype that occurs most often during the winter months but subsides in the spring/summer. The main symptoms usually include increased sleep, increased desire to eat (especially carbohydrates), weight gain (probably from eating all the carbohydratesJ), irritability or other mood changes, and decreased energy, fatigue or sluggishness. People who suffer from depression year-round can also develop SAD in the winter, and “a significant percentage of the population who don’t suffer from clinical depression also report some of the symptoms of SAD during this time of year,” SIU School of Medicine counselor Jill Koester says.
“If your symptoms are disruptive to your normal life, psychotherapy may be able to help you recognize activity changes or steps to decrease or combat your symptoms, and sometimes taking medications during these months can help,” Koester says.
The Dos and Don’ts of SAD:
Don’t: Rely on sleep to help. While it’s tempting to cuddle up under those soft, warm blankets in the winter, increasing sleep too much can lead to discomfort, inability to complete needed activities and weight gain.
Do: Koester recommends planning activities in the evening if you tend to retreat to bed too early. Pack your lunch for the next day, plan a game night with the family or do a few chores each night before bed.

Don’t: Give in to the carbohydrate cravings.
Do: Work on strategies to combat cravings and ward off possible weight gain. Pack healthy snacks for daytime cravings. Stay active: join a gym or designate a specific space in your home for exercise. Many malls or large indoor areas allow indoor walking for free.

Don’t : Isolate yourself.
Do: Reach out to friends or family and let them know how you’re feeling. You might find someone who feels the same and can offer support and company. Schedule activities even when the desire to do so isn’t there – remaining social will help keep your mood elevated.

Don’t: Retreat indoors. While the cause of SAD is not certain, it seems that the reduced level of sunlight in these fall/winter months cause the onset. Reduction in sunlight can cause a decrease in serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that affects mood and causes depression.
Do: Get out into the light. Morning sun exposure and light lamps have been shown to be beneficial for individuals with SAD. Stepping out for 15-20 minutes during the day or even having windows to let the sun in can help. If it’s not too cold, take activities outside as much as possible.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Women: Take these numbers to heart

In the red

Written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
When supporters of the American Heart Association don their red shirts in honor of “Go Red for Women,” it’s not because heart disease chooses women over men; it’s the leading cause of death for men and women. Unfortunately for the fairer sex, the symptoms of a heart attack often present themselves differently, causing more untimely deaths for women. Almost two-thirds of women who die of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms, according the CDC, and sometimes women with heart disease mistake their symptoms for other health issues.
The most well-known symptom of heart disease is exercise-induced pain that gets better with rest. But the symptoms in women can be far different:
+ generalized fatigue
+ shortness of breath
+ tightness in the throat
+ jaw pain
+ back pain or arm pain
Actress Elizabeth Banks gives great insight into ignoring the warning signs of a heart attack in this humorous video.
Though setting aside the cheeseburger for a healthier, low-fat meal can benefit men and women, extra weight isn’t the only risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Other risk factors include:
+ diabetes
+ tobacco use
+ high LDL cholesterol
+ high blood pressure
+ family history of heart diseases
+ inactivity
+ alcohol consumption
Preventative measures are the same for both men and women: a healthy diet and exercise, avoid exposure to second-hand and first-hand smoke don’t use drugs that are toxic to the heart (for example, cocaine). And, it’s never too early to start teaching children to be heart-healthy. “Parents should pay attention to their child’s activity level and body weight and enforce a non-smoking policy,” says SIU cardiologist Dr. Gabor Matos.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Next Steps for Depression Treatment

Written by Karen Carlson, SIU School of Medicine
When you’re suffering from chronic depression, life seems, well, lifeless. What if medications and therapy don’t work?
Depression is a serious medical illness affecting more than 14 million American adults every year, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. Women are almost twice as likely as men to suffer from depression, although depression in men may be under-reported.
Psychotherapy and medication are the preferred methods of depression treatment. For those who haven’t reached success with those methods, some additional treatments are available. Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, psychiatrist at SIU School of Medicine, explains the next steps to ward off the shadows of depression.
1. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy – a specialized chair, looking like a dentist chair, this non-invasive treatment focuses magnetic fields on the brain. Magnetic pulses produced by the device are the same type and strength as a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Patients receive rapid magnetic pulses in 30-second intervals. The pulses, which feel like a tapping on the scalp, induce a small electrical current in the brain that the patient can’t feel. The charge stimulates brain neurons, which affects the “feel good” chemicals serotonin and dopamine. “With TMS, patients are alert, and there are almost no side effects,” Dr. Bennett says. “It’s extremely easy to endure, something somebody could get for 38 minutes a day and be ready for the rest of their day without feeling side

Dr. Bennett explains TMS.

effects. There may be some headache or scalp irritation, but it’s minimal.”
“TMS therapy brought me from darkness to light. It changed my life,” said Marie S., 63, who has suffered from chronic depression since she was 18. She underwent TMS therapy in 2012 and says the weight of depression has lifted. “I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t have the heaviness on my chest and shoulders. Things just seem better.”
Dr. Bennett was named a Medical Innovator for his neurostimulatory treatment methods for mental disorders, such as depression, that resist treatment. This 5-minute video describes TMS and includes a patient’s personal story.
Read more TMS Therapy at SIU School of Medicine in Aspects magazine.
2. Electroconvulsive Therapy – Also known as electroshock therapy, this is a safe and effective treatment with a high success rate for people suffering from various forms of depression.
3. Light Therapy – Exposure to full spectrum light provides relief for many people suffering with seasonal depression.
4.Vagus Nerve Stimulation – sometimes referred to as a “pacemaker for the brain.”
This device stimulates a particular cranial nerve alerting the electrical activity in the brain to control depressive symptoms that are resistant to treatment. This method of treatment has been shown to stimulate the area of the brain that affects mood and has been used to treat patients with epilepsy as well.
Ask your primary care physician or mental health provider about these FDA-approved treatments or call SIU HealthCare psychiatry at 217-545-8000.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

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