September is Prostate Health Month

spring
fall 2013
2013
Simply Health
magazine
www.culpeperhealth.org
September is
Prostate Health Month
Urologist Robert Cadoff,
MD, points out the
prostate gland on an MRI.
Turn to page 12.
Thinking about Joint
Replacement?...
we can help.
When Christian Goebel needed his knee
replaced, he turned to Culpeper Regional
Hospital, and he couldn’t have been
happier. Now he’s back to running his
business and doing what he loves most –
water sports.
Culpeper Regional Hospital’s Joint Replacement
Program offers Joint Camp for those about to
undergo surgery, as well as anyone who may be
on the fence about getting surgery. At Joint Camp,
you learn about arthritis and the need for joint
replacement, preparation for surgery and the
surgery itself, anesthesia options and recovery,
physical therapy, and discharge options. For more
information, call 540-829-4283 or 540-829-5712.
“Culpeper Regional’s Joint Camp really helped me to
understand my surgery and gave me the opportunity to
ask any questions that I had. I was very impressed.”
culpeperhealth.org
– Christian Goebel of Luray, Virginia
inside this issue
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To subscribe, just go to www.culpeperhealth.org
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Feature stories
Audiology. Hearing
problems are so
common they’re often
ignored. But Culpeper
ENT can help.
Prostate health.
During Prostate Health
and Cancer Awareness
Month, find out if you
should be screened.
Ask the doctor.
What to do if you
think you may have
an overactive or
underactive thyroid.
Keeping informed
Dynamic duo. Two new CT scanners
at CRH provide more comfort and
better diagnostic capabilities. page 7
FALL 2013
SIMPLY HEALTH MAGAZINE
is pub lished for the friends and
patrons of CULPEPER REGIONAL
HEALTH SYSTEM.
If you would prefer not to receive this
publication, please call 540-829-8813.
Give us your name and address, and we
will remove you from the mailing list.
Information in SIMPLY H E ALT H
MAGAZINE comes from a wide range of
medical experts. If you have any concerns
or questions about specific content that
may affect your health, please contact
your healthcare provider.
Models may be used in photos and
illustrations.
Copyright © 2013
Coffey Communications, Inc.
HSM29661
Culpeper Regional Health System
501 Sunset Lane
Culpeper, VA 22701
www.culpeperhealth.org
H. Lee Kirk, Jr.
President & CEO
Greg Napps
Chief Operating Officer
Sandy Boone
Director of Marketing & Strategic Relations
Katy Magura
Communications Coordinator
Dave Cmeyla
Photographer
Molly Mueller and Sarah Mahoney
Contributing Writers
Looking for a healthcare partner?
Go to www.culpeperhealth.org and “Find a Physician”
to search for a provider who is right for you. Or call our referral line
at 866-693-DOCS (3627).
Chronic pain. Even when there is
no cure, there are many ways to take
control. page 8
Compassion 2 Care. Who gives to
the Foundation and why? The answers
may surprise you. page 9
Will you leave a legacy?
A planned gift to Culpeper Regional
Hospital can create a naming opportunity
of remembrance for a loved one and
fulfill the vision of providing high-quality
healthcare in your community.
For more information about gift
planning with the Foundation, visit
www.culpeperhealth.org/giftplanning.
www.culpeperhealth.org • Simply Health Magazine
3
Hearing
loss
WHY YOU MIGHT
NEED A SPECIALIST
MANY PEOPLE associate hearing loss
with old age, but the truth is, anyone
can be affected. As the most common
form of sensory impairment, hearing
loss can affect people of all ages. In the
United States alone, over 36 million
adults report having some degree of
hearing impairment.
“I think today, hearing loss
is determined more by our
Managing Your Tinnitus
occupation and our day-to-day
October 3 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
living habits than it is by aging,”
Culpeper Public Library
says D. Krystin Farrell, AuD,
Culpeper ENT presents a free seminar on
CCC-A, Audiologist at Culpeper
the possible causes of tinnitus (ringing
ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat).
of the ears) and treatment options.
Individuals working in highFor more information, see the
noise environments, such as
Calendar of Events in this issue.
farming, factories, construction,
To register, call
and the military, are at a higher risk
540-829-8484.
of developing problems with hearing.
Loud hobbies like attending concerts or
hunting can also be detrimental if a person
doesn’t wear earplugs for protection.
Save
the date
D. Krystin Farrell, AuD, CCC-A, tests a patient’s
hearing in a sound-treated booth.
“Anytime you walk away from an
event or activity and think, ‘Whoa, my
head feels full,’ you probably have at least
some sort of temporary hearing loss, if
not something that becomes permanent,”
Dr. Farrell says.
Listen up
Despite its prevalence, many people
do not recognize they have a hearing
impairment. Instead, they blame their
inability to hear on others not speaking
clearly. Signs also include turning up the
TV or radio to the maximum volume and
having difficulty hearing a familiar voice
over the phone.
“Many times patients say, ‘I can
hear it, but I can’t understand it.’ That’s
hearing loss,” says Dr. Farrell. “Hearing
loss doesn’t mean you lose sound or
volume altogether — it means you lose
quality and clarity.”
Hearing loss can make a person
feel isolated and withdrawn because
of an inability to follow conversations
and to contribute. His or her quality of
life is often adversely affected, as well
as relationships with family, friends,
and co-workers.
On average an individual will make
excuses for their hearing loss for 7 to
10 years before seeking medical advice.
If you are having difficulty hearing or
understanding people in certain situations,
you should have your hearing checked.
Likewise, if you notice a family member or
friend having trouble, you should discuss it
with him or her.
The Culpeper ENT team includes (left to right):
Amy Cole, Senior Medical Office Assistant; Bruce
Redmon, MD, Otolaryngologist; Rebecca Dodson,
LPN and Patient Care Specialist II; Stephanie
Adams, Senior Medical Office Assistant; and
D. Krystin Farrell, AuD, CCC-A, Audiologist.
4
Simply Health Magazine • www.culpeperhealth.org
“Most of the time, it’s not hard to
get your hearing checked; it’s just
being aware that there is a problem
in the fi rst place,” says Bruce
Redmon, MD, Otolaryngologist
at Culpeper ENT.
Need help?
For patients of all ages who may
need their ears or their hearing
checked, Culpeper ENT houses
both otolaryngology and audiology
in one location, creating a patient
experience that is both convenient
and efficient.
“You can take care of the whole
gamut for hearing loss in one place,
whether the treatment is medical,
surgical, or rehabilitative,” says Dr.
Redmon. “In the long run, it saves
the patient time and money to
come to us fi rst.”
Dr. Redmon specializes in
diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose,
and throat pathologies. He will listen
to a patient’s history; will perform a
physical evaluation of the ears, nose,
and throat; and may refer the patient
to Dr. Farrell for a hearing evaluation.
“Most of the time, they can be
seen by the audiologist the same
time they see me,” says Dr. Redmon.
As an audiologist, Dr. Farrell
specializes in hearing and hearing
disorders. She assesses and
diagnoses hearing loss and provides
counseling to assist patients in
understanding their condition. If
there are significant medical findings
during the hearing evaluation, Dr.
Farrell will refer the patient to
Dr. Redmon for consultation.
To evaluate the patient’s hearing
and determine the type of hearing
loss, Dr. Farrell will do several short
tests in a sound-treated booth. Dr.
Farrell and Dr. Redmon will then
discuss the fi ndings to determine
the appropriate plan of action.
“It’s a teamwork approach,” says
Dr. Redmon. “We confer about a
given case to come up with the best
solution for the patient’s problem.”
usually is reversible. Dr. Redmon
will work with the patient to
treat the condition with medicine
and/or surgery.
If the hearing loss is permanent,
Dr. Farrell will provide aural
rehabilitation by counseling the
patient on his or her condition
and helping the patient learn
to use assistive devices and
other techniques.
“Typically the fi rst line of
attack is amplification,” she says.
“Together, we look at what the
patients do on a regular basis,
what kind of environments they
are in, and then try to fi nd the best
hearing device that’s going to assist
their listening needs.”
Culpeper ENT offers a variety of
hearing device manufacturers and
other assistive listening devices
at the office to help patients find
the best option for them. Dr.
Farrell works closely with each
patient to determine how well the
device is working and if he or she
should try a different model or
another option.
“Hearing loss is not lifethreatening; it’s life-altering,” says
Dr. Farrell. “It changes how we
interact with the world and with
people in our day-to-day lives. It’s
how you choose to handle those
differences. It’s up to the person
to decide how they’re going to
handle it. Are they going to use
amplification? Are they not going
to use amplification? What are the
consequences if they do or they
don’t? And then being OK with
whatever they choose.”
Continued on page 6
Treatment options abound
When the hearing loss is conductive
(caused by problems with the ear
canal, ear drum, or middle ear) it
Dr. Redmon discusses the anatomy
of the external ear with a patient.
D. Krystin Farrell, AuD, CCC-A,
and Bruce Redmon, MD
Meet the
specialists
Culpeper ENT
633 Sunset Lane, Suite B
Culpeper
540-829-8484
Bruce Redmon, MD, has been
practicing otolaryngology for
33 years, with 20 years spent in
Culpeper. While specializing in
general otolaryngology, he has a
special interest in sinus surgery
and endocrine surgery of the head
and neck (thyroid and parathyroid
glands). In addition to helping
with hearing loss, Dr. Redmon
treats diseases of the ear, nose,
and throat. He performs routine
tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies,
endoscopic sinus surgery,
parathyroid surgery, reconstructive
nasal surgery, head and neck cancer
surgery, facial plastic cosmetic
surgery, and other procedures.
D. Krystin Farrell, AuD, CCC-A,
has been an audiologist for seven
years and joined Culpeper ENT in
2012. She began her studies in sign
language and interpreting. Dr. Farrell
says she pursued audiology so she
could be an advocate for patients,
listening to them and helping to
explain their hearing loss. Dr. Farrell
offers custom-molded earplugs for
both swimming and loud activities.
She also does OSHA hearing
screenings, in addition to hearing
evaluations, counseling, and custom
hearing device selection and fitting.
www.culpeperhealth.org • Simply Health Magazine
5
Hearing loss
Continued from page 5
We listen too
No matter what a person
chooses, Culpeper ENT offers
an all-encompassing approach
to hearing healthcare,
providing a comprehensive
range of options for patients
with hearing impairments.
“We care about our patients
and try to do what’s best for the
patient in every case, using the
most up-to-date methods and
treatments,” says Dr. Redmon.
10
Need your
ears checked?
Are you over 55 and have not
had your hearing evaluated? Take
advantage of free screenings in the
community or call 540-829-8484
to schedule an appointment
at Culpeper ENT.
6
Simply Health Magazine • www.culpeperhealth.org
signs
you might have
a hearing problem
SOME THINGS IN LIFE are
worth keeping. Your hearing
is one of them.
It’s important to seek help if
your hearing is less than ideal —
treatments that can help include
hearing aids, medicines, and
surgery. A hearing problem that is
ignored may only get worse.
How do you know if you
might be losing your hearing?
The National Institutes of Health
recommends asking yourself the
following 10 questions:
1 Do you have a problem
hearing on the telephone?
2 Do you have trouble hearing
when there is noise in
the background?
3 Do you have trouble following
a conversation when two
or more people are talking
at the same time?
4 Do people complain that
you turn the television up
too loud?
5 Do people you talk to seem to
mumble or not speak clearly?
6 Do you fi nd yourself asking
people to repeat themselves?
7 Do you have trouble
understanding the speech of
women and children?
8 Do you hear a ringing,
roaring, clicking, buzzing, or
hissing sound a lot?
9 Do some sounds seem
too loud?
10 Do people get annoyed because
you misunderstand what
they say?
If you answer yes to three
or more of these questions, you
should schedule an appointment
with your doctor to have your
hearing checked.
Maximum outcome,
minimum dose
CRH Medical Imaging Center acquires Siemens
SOMATOM Defi nition AS CT scanners
CULPEPER REGIONAL HOSPITAL
(CRH) Medical Imaging Center
has expanded its capabilities with
the recent installation of two new
large-bore, low-dose scanners
(20-slice and 64-slice) that make
the imaging process easier than
ever for patients while providing
outstanding results.
A CT (computed tomography)
scan focuses on certain parts of
the body, such as the kidneys,
liver, chest, and head, while it
rapidly moves x-ray tubes around
the specific site to be imaged,
creating a cross-sectional picture.
An electronic detector picks up
and records this information,
which is then interpreted by a
board-certified radiologist.
Patient-friendly design with
small-dose features
CRH patients may now experience
medical imaging in a new light with
the focus being on their comfort —
while achieving exceptional results.
Technologists spend less time
at the machine and more time
with the patient because of the
advanced automated technology.
The 78-centimeter gantry (opening)
and system design allows for easy
positioning and access for patients
of all sizes, and with consistent,
high-quality images, the need for
rescans is greatly reduced.
“With these new scanners, we
can reach our goal to maximize
clinical outcomes while keeping
our patient-centered focus,”
says Teresa Ford, Director of
Medical Imaging.
Along with the patient-friendly
design, these new CT scanners
offer several advanced radiation
dose-reduction features, and
the award-winning automated
technology platform enables dose
optimization at the push of a
button. With state-of-the-art Safi re
image reconstruction software,
doses are reduced by as much as
60 percent across a wide range of
clinical applications.
Exceptional clinical benefits
One of the important benefits of
the new Siemens CT scanners is
exceptionally high image quality.
Th is image quality is excellent even
for patients of a larger size, those
who are short of breath, or those
who have elevated heart rates. The
scanners also help enable fast and
confident diagnosis, especially
in examining patients with acute
chest pain, abdominal pain, and
suspicion of stroke.
According to Ford, “Although
we are a community hospital,
CRH has the latest technology and
state-of-the-art equipment. It is
important that we offer a complete
array of services in order to save
our patients the time and expense
of traveling long distances.”
The Medical Imaging Center is
open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.
to 6 p.m., and one of our skilled
radiologists or certified, specially
trained imaging technologists are
happy to help you or answer any
questions you may have.
To schedule an appointment at
the Medical Imaging Center,
please call 540-829-8855.
For more information, please
call 540-829-4144 or visit
www.culpeperhealth.org.
Precision and perfection: Siemens
64-slice SOMATOM Definition AS
CT scanner
Our services
Culpeper Regional Hospital (CRH)
Medical Imaging Center offers a wide
variety of tests to assist in diagnosis
and treatment of many illnesses
and injuries. The tests include:
✓ CT scan
✓ Diagnostic ultrasound
✓ Digital mammography
✓ Fluoroscopic imaging
✓ General x-ray
✓ Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI)
✓ Nuclear medicine scan.
Our Imaging Department is fully
equipped with a picture archiving
and communication system (PACS),
allowing images to be digitally
transmitted to or received from
other healthcare facilities.
In addition, MRI, nuclear
medicine, ultrasound, and
mammography are accredited by
the American College of Radiology,
which signifies that CRH provides
services to our community at
the highest standards of the
radiology profession.
www.culpeperhealth.org • Simply Health Magazine
7
Seeking
relief
Looking for
a physical
therapist?
Culpeper Regional
Hospital (CRH) has
two locations for
physical therapy and
rehabilitation:
from chronic pain
WHAT CAN YOU DO when chronic pain
takes a leading role in your life? Limiting
the part pain plays is achievable by taking
action in four pain-management steps:
1. Gather information
Chronic pain is defi ned as any pain that
lasts six months or longer, has many
causes and can be hard to treat, and
interferes with your ability to enjoy
life. Luckily, there are many types of
treatments available. The more you know,
the closer you are to fi nding relief.
2. Meet with your doctor
Your primary care physician will help
determine the cause of your pain. You may
undergo imaging tests or be referred to a
pain specialist for further evaluation. In
some cases, no cause will be found. Th is
may be very frustrating, but it doesn’t take
treatment out of the picture.
3. Create a plan
Healthcare professionals will help you
create a strategy which may draw upon a
variety of treatment options and include
standard medical care, along with
complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) treatments, such as:
➜ Physical therapy and rehabilitation
➜ Medication
➜ Acupuncture
➜ Biofeedback, electrical stimulation, or
cold laser therapy
➜ Relaxation therapies, such as massage,
reflexology, or reiki
➜ Chiropractic care
➜ Relaxation techniques, such as
meditation or yoga.
Doctors have come to understand
that chronic pain has both physical
and psychological components. That’s
why cognitive behavior therapy,
8
Simply Health Magazine • www.culpeperhealth.org
antidepressants, and general counseling
are recommended in a pain control plan.
Research into CAM therapies is
ongoing, and evidence is often limited.
Still, some therapies might help with
certain types of pain. For example:
Back pain: Acupuncture, massage
therapy, and spinal manipulation
(adjustments performed by chiropractors
and other health professionals) may help.
In fact, two major medical groups now
list these as options when back pain
doesn’t improve.
Arthritis: Acupuncture may
provide a small improvement in
pain and joint function. The popular
dietary supplements, glucosamine and
chondroitin, don’t relieve arthritis knee
pain for everyone, but may for some.
Always talk with your doctor about
any therapies you’re considering. Even
supplements labeled “natural” can cause
side effects or interact with other medicines.
4. Follow through
✓ Powell Wellness
Center Physical
Therapy &
Outpatient
1005 Golf Drive,
Culpeper
540-829-4162
✓ Madison Physical
Therapy & Rehab
1480 N. Main St.,
Suite B, Madison
540-948-3620
Looking for
a massage
therapist?
Powell Wellness Center
Health & Fitness offers
30-minute, 60-minute,
and 90-minute massage
therapy sessions with
nationally certified
massage therapists. To
make an appointment,
call 540-829-4741.
Making progress means
committing to your plan and
staying with it. Managing your
CRH PRESENTS
stress, staying active, and
fi nding a support network
are all helpful. Pain may
A healthcare Q&A with Dr. Daniel Halpert,
still play a part in your
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
life, but it won’t run
the show!
Monday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m.
To learn more, visit
Country Club of Culpeper
the American Chronic
Free and open to the public
Pain Association at
Please join us for this interactive
www.theacpa.org.
discussion
on pain management.
You can also learn about
To
register,
call 540-829-4754 or
CAM therapies online at
email
Karin
Butler at kbutler@
www.nccam.nih.gov.
culpeperhospital.com.
Ask the Expert
Sources: American Chronic Pain Association;
American Psychological Association; National Institute
of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Generosity
DONATIONS MADE by Culpeper
Regional Health System (CRHS)
employees through the Compassion
2 Care Employee Engagement
and Giving program, as well as
generous contributions made
from the community through the
Compassion 2 Care Community
Engagement and Giving program,
are one reason the Culpeper
Regional Hospital (CRH)
Foundation is able to offer funding
for many of its award-winning
programs and services. Th is
ensures our community receives
the fi nest healthcare available.
CRHS employees promote
the highest quality of life and
well-being for every individual
in our community on a regular
basis through their work, and
they are also major donors to
the Foundation.
“Employees make significant
contributions to the overall health
of the community every day, not
only through their tireless efforts
on the job, but also through
payroll deductions and one-time
gifts to the CRH Foundation,”
says Mike Alexander, Foundation
Development Officer.
“Not everyone knows that CRH is
a nonprofit organization affi liated
with the University of Virginia
Health System, which holds a
49 percent interest,” Alexander
says. “The CRH Foundation’s role is
to support the hospital and health
system with additional funding
and aid for a variety of areas, such
as cancer, cardiovascular, and
children’s care, as well as the Free
Clinic of Culpeper.”
In addition to employees, CRH
receives fi nancial contributions
from a variety of donors throughout
the community. Community
members, grateful patients,
businesses, civic groups, and
foundations all donate for many
reasons, such as in honor of their
favorite physician or nurse; in
memory of a loved one; or to
improve and save the lives of
family, friends, and neighbors
who come to CRH for care.
Where the giving goes
Whatever the reason for giving,
100 percent of every gift goes to
its intended purpose and makes a
meaningful difference in the care
our patients receive.
There are many funds that both
the community and employees
can contribute to. One of the most
popular is the Area of Greatest Need.
These funds are allocated based on
the specific needs of the hospital
and health system and can change
from year to year. CRHS employees
also contribute to and support the
Humanitarian Fund, which benefits
inside
and out
employees who have a significant
need that they can’t meet on their
own, such as an expensive medical
test; a large or unexpected bill;
or, as was the case recently, a
devastating house fi re for which
help and support was needed.
“Not only are employees making
a difference on the job, but off the
job as well, through their generous
participation in the Employee
Engagement and Giving program,”
Alexander says.
“In addition, donations from
community members, businesses,
and groups are an investment in
the overall health and quality of life
in our community, helping where
it’s needed most.”
The CRH Foundation is grateful
for all contributions and wishes
to thank all who help make a
difference every day with their
compassionate gifts.
For more information on
the CRH Foundation or the
Compassion 2 Care Employee
or Community Engagement
and Giving programs, contact
the CRH Foundation at
540-829-8817 or
foundation@culpeperhospital.com.
Compassion 2 Care
The CRH Foundation provides an invaluable service to our community and
health system by raising funds for urgently needed medical equipment,
community health and education, cancer care, trauma and critical care, and
women’s and children’s services. Everyone can contribute — but you may
not know that some of the biggest contributors and supporters are CRHS
employees themselves.
www.culpeperhealth.org • Simply Health Magazine
9
Meet our
new practitioners
AT CULPEPER Regional Health System, we are dedicated to bringing you the highest-quality care close to
home. With our community continuing to grow, we are working diligently to expand our provider base
and specialties so that you can receive the medical care you need without traveling long distances. We are
pleased to announce the addition of these practitioners to our community.
10
ZAREEN BABAR, MD,
FAMILY MEDICINE
UVA Primary Care – Culpeper Family
Practice
1200 Sunset Lane, Suite 2210, Culpeper
Medical school: University of Health
Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Residency: New York Medical College,
Valhalla, NY, and Wyckoff Heights Medical
Center, Brooklyn, NY, in family medicine
Board certification: Family medicine
CAROL DODSON, FNPBC,
BREAST CARE
UVA Breast Care Program – Culpeper
541 Sunset Lane, Suite 103, Culpeper
Graduate school: Master of science,
women’s health nurse practitioner, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Post master’s certification: The George
Washington University, Washington, DC,
for family nurse practitioner
Certification: Family nurse practitioner and
women’s health nurse practitioner
ROBERT CADOFF, MD,
UROLOGY
UVA Urology – Culpeper
541 Sunset Lane, Suite 102, Culpeper
Medical school: University of Arizona
College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
Residency: Medical Center Hospital of
Vermont, Burlington, VT, in urology
Board certification: Urology
ADAM JOHNSON, MD,
PEDIATRICS
UVA Primary Care – Wilderness Medical
Center
4376 Germanna Highway, Locust Grove
Medical school: Virginia Commonwealth
University School of Medicine,
Richmond, VA
Residency: Duke University Medical Center,
Durham, NC, in pediatrics
Board eligible: Pediatrics
SHANDR A DAY, MD,
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
UVA Specialty Care – Culpeper
541 Sunset Lane, Suite 103, Culpeper
Medical school: Wright State University
School of Medicine, Dayton, OH
Residency: Ohio State University Medical
Center, Columbus, OH, in internal
medicine
Fellowship: University of Virginia Health
System, Charlottesville, VA, in infectious
disease
Board certification: Infectious disease and
internal medicine
SAI KUCHIBHOTLA , NPC,
NEPHROLOGY
Bluemont Nephrology
420 Southridge Parkway, Culpeper
Graduate school: Master of science, nurse
practitioner, The Ohio State University,
Columbus, OH
Certification: Nurse practitioner
Simply Health Magazine • www.culpeperhealth.org
MANUEL ORTA COBO, MD,
PEDIATRICS
UVA Pediatrics Culpeper
633 Sunset Lane, Suites A and C, Culpeper
Medical school: University of Medicine and
Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
Residency: Miami Children’s Hospital,
Miami, FL, in pediatrics
Board eligible: Pediatrics
JOSEPH TK ACIK, ACNPBC,
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Culpeper Regional Hospital – Ridgeline
Physician Services
501 Sunset Lane, Culpeper
Graduate school: Master of science, acute
care nurse practitioner, University of
Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Certification: Acute care nurse practitioner
WENDY REGAL, MD,
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Culpeper Regional Hospital – Skyline
Emergency Physicians
501 Sunset Lane, Culpeper
Medical school: University of Texas Health
Science Center, San Antonio, TX
Residency: Synergy Medical Education
Alliance/Michigan State University,
Saginaw, MI, in emergency medicine
Board certification: Emergency medicine
FANNIE UTZ, MSN, FNPBC,
FAMILY MEDICINE
UVA Primary Care – Madison Primary
Care
1480 N. Main St., Suite A, Madison
Graduate school: Master of science,
family nurse practitioner, James Madison
University, Harrisonburg, VA
Certification: Family nurse practitioner
JILL SAGONDAGUERRERO, MD,
ANESTHESIOLOGY
Culpeper Regional Hospital – Anesthesia
Concepts
501 Sunset Lane, Culpeper
Medical school: The George Washington
University School of Medicine and Health
Sciences, Washington, DC
Residency: West Penn Allegheny Health
System, Pittsburgh, PA, in anesthesiology
Board eligible: Anesthesia
To learn more, visit
www.culpeperhealth.org
and click on “Find a Doctor”
or call our toll-free physician
referral line at 866-693-DOCS
(866-693-3627).
www.culpeperhealth.org • Simply Health Magazine
11
PROSTATE HEALTH AND CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
What you need to know
SEPTEMBER is Prostate Health and Cancer
Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time
to learn more about prostate health,
screening, and cancer.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland,
found below the male bladder, which
begins to develop before birth and keeps
growing until adulthood. The prostate
gland produces part of the seminal fluid
that helps protect and nourish sperm. There are several types of cells in the
prostate gland which may be affected by
cancer, most often in older men age 65
and up. The incidence of
prostate cancer increases
with age and is very rare in
men under 40 years of age.
Most prostate cancers tend
to be slow-growing.
“Prostate cancer is the
most common cancer
in men other than skin
cancer and is the second
leading cause of cancerrelated death among men,”
says Robert Cadoff , MD,
Urologist at UVA Urology –
Culpeper. “Prostate cancer
is typically a very slowmoving cancer and can be
Robert Cadoff, MD, encourages questions
during a consultation.
treated successfully.”
Using a visual
aid, Dr. Cadoff
discusses the
anatomy of the
urinary tract
with his patient.
12
Simply Health Magazine • www.culpeperhealth.org
Should you be screened
for prostate cancer?
Screening for prostate cancer is a way to
test for the disease. Th is form of cancer
can often be found early by testing the
amount of PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
in a man’s blood or through a DRE (digital
rectal exam). The PSA is age-adjusted,
rising in older men. A rapid rise of PSA
in an individual can be an indication of
prostate cancer.
Recently, the American Urological
Association (AUA) released new
guidelines, which recommend screening
men for prostate cancer between the ages
of 55 and 70 who have a life expectancy of
10 to 15 years and who have discussed the
option with their healthcare provider.
“It’s important to discuss screening
with your doctor to determine whether you
should be tested,” says Dr. Cadoff. “Some
things to take into consideration include
age, health, and the benefits and side
effects of both screening and treatment.”
Speaking with a physician about
screening should take place around
age 50 for men who are at an average
risk of prostate cancer. Men at a higher
risk include African American men
and men who have a family history of
prostate cancer, such as an immediate
family member — father,
brother, grandfather, or
uncle — diagnosed at an
age younger than 55. It
is important that these
individuals talk to their
doctors sooner.
The American Cancer
Society recommends that
men have a chance to
make an informed decision
with their healthcare
provider about whether
to be screened or not
and to get information
about the risks, as well as
possible benefits of prostate
cancer screening.
What are some signs and
symptoms of prostate cancer?
Often prostate cancer causes no
symptoms, so it’s difficult to detect in its
early stages. Many times symptoms are
from benign, noncancerous growth of the
prostate (voiding difficulties) rather than
the cancer itself. If an abnormal PSA or
prostate examination suggests that you
may have prostate cancer, your doctor
may recommend a biopsy. Th is involves
removing and examining samples of
prostate tissue and is the only defi nitive
way to test for prostate cancer.
How is prostate cancer treated?
Prostate cancer is commonly
treated with radiation, surgery, or
hormones — or a combination of
these methods. Some cases aren’t
treated right away but are watched
closely to see how quickly the
cancer progresses — a process
called “watchful waiting.”
Watchful waiting is most
often recommended for men
who are older than 70, men
who may have other serious
medical problems, or men whose
prostate cancers are growing very
slowly. In these cases, the side
effects of treatment could cause
more medical problems than
the cancer itself.
Can prostate cancer be prevented?
Since the exact cause of prostate cancer
is unknown, it’s hard to prevent the
disease, but there are some things you
can do to lower your risk. Maintaining
a healthy diet that includes vegetables,
fruits, whole grains, and lean protein,
as well as foods low in saturated fat and
high in fiber, is one thing you can do. In
addition, engaging in regular physical
activity and staying at a healthy weight
are also helpful.
“If it’s good for the heart, then it’s good
for the prostate as well,” says Dr. Cadoff.
“A healthy diet and regular exercise
can lower your risk, as well as help you
respond better to treatment, if that
becomes necessary.”
If you have questions or concerns about
prostate cancer, cancer screening, or
prostate health, talk to your doctor. The
best health option for you will depend
on your age, your medical condition,
and your feelings about screening
and treatment.
For more information
or to make an appointment
with Dr. Cadoff, call UVA
Urology – Culpeper at
540-829-1919.
Meet Urologist
Robert Cadoff, MD
Robert Cadoff, MD, is a board-certified
urologist practicing full-time at UVA Urology –
Culpeper, located at 541 Sunset Lane, Suite
102, next to UVA Specialty Care.
Dr. Cadoff has experience in general adult
urology, including urological oncology. General
adult urology focuses on the urinary tracts of
males and females and on the reproductive
Robert Cadoff, MD
systems of males. The organs covered by urology include the
kidneys, the ureters, the urinary bladder, the urethra, and the
male reproductive organs.
Before his arrival in Culpeper, Dr. Cadoff was the Surgical Director at Ironwood
Physicians in Arizona. He was also an adjunct professor of clinical medicine at
Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT, and has been published in the Journal of
Urology as well as AUA Today.
www.culpeperhealth.org • Simply Health Magazine
13
Ask the doctor
Advice from Nabeel Babar, MD
Q
A
What are the symptoms of
an overactive or underactive
thyroid, and how do I get tested?
The thyroid is an important
gland found in the neck,
below the Adam’s apple, that
secretes a hormone responsible
for activating your metabolism,
which determines how your body
burns energy. The thyroid gland
impacts your weight; your energy
levels; and other vital areas, such
as heart function and bowel habits.
Essentially, the thyroid affects every
system of your body indirectly, so
if it is over- or underactive, it can
cause you to
feel unwell —
and unlike
your usual self.
Individuals
with an
underactive
thyroid have
hypothyroidism.
Nabeel Babar, MD,
The most
Endocrinologist
common cause,
UVA Specialty
Care – Culpeper
especially in
541 Sunset Lane,
females, is an
Suite 103, Culpeper
540-829-1919
autoimmune
disease called
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The
immune system reacts against the
thyroid, causing inflammation,
which damages the thyroid and
renders it inactive.
Generalized fatigue and weight
gain are two of the most common
symptoms of hypothyroidism, along
with sensitivity to cold. Also, the
nervous system can be impacted,
causing symptoms that mimic
depression. Constipation, dry skin,
and hair loss often occur, and
women of reproductive age may
experience irregular periods.
Conversely, an overactive
thyroid signifies hyperthyroidism.
Graves’ disease, which also is an
14
autoimmune disease, is one of
the common causes. Instead of
damaging the thyroid, the immune
system makes it grow larger and
produce too much hormone.
The symptoms of
hyperthyroidism are opposite
of hypothyroidism. You may
lose weight and feel restless or
anxious. Patients may also develop
heart palpitations — a rapid
heartbeat you can feel in your
chest. Other symptoms include
tremors, heat intolerance that
can cause excessive sweating,
and frequent bowel movements.
Similar to hypothyroidism, women
may also experience menstrual
irregularities. Bulging eyes are an
additional symptom associated
specifically with Graves’ disease.
Individuals may have one or
more of these symptoms, but you
don’t have to have all of them, and
each patient is different.
Talk with your doctor
If you are experiencing any
combination of these symptoms, I
recommend you speak with your
primary care physician. Your doctor
can do a TSH (thyroid stimulating
hormone) screening test, which is
Simply Health Magazine • www.culpeperhealth.org
a blood test that helps determine
if you have an underactive or
overactive thyroid.
TSH is a hormone that controls
the amount of thyroid hormone the
thyroid produces. It comes from
the pituitary gland, located in the
middle and base of the brain, which
regulates all hormone-producing
glands in the body, working like a
thermostat for a heating system.
If your thyroid levels are too high,
the pituitary gland detects that and
stops making TSH.
If you have a low TSH level, it
means you have a hyperactive
(overactive) thyroid. The pituitary
gland is trying to decrease your
thyroid levels by stopping the release
of TSH. If you have a hypoactive
(underactive) thyroid, the pituitary
gland will try to stimulate your
thyroid by making more TSH, so
your level will be high.
If the results of the test are
abnormal in either direction,
your doctor may refer you to an
endocrinologist, a specialist in
hormonal disorders. If the TSH level
is normal, you most likely do not
have a thyroid problem; however, if
you still have concerns, I encourage
you to see an endocrinologist.
4
STEPS
FOR A
CHECK
CHECK YOUR NECK FOR THYROID PROBLEMS
To do a neck
check, you need
a glass of water
and a handheld
mirror. Here are
the steps:
Unless it’s causing trouble, you probably don’t give your thyroid much thought. But this small, butterflyshaped gland at the base of your throat controls some of your body’s most important functions, including
your heart rate and metabolism. And it needs your attention — attention in the form of a neck check. A neck
check can help you spot a nodule — or lump — in the thyroid. Almost 10 percent of adults develop nodules
at some point, and they’re more common in women than men. Most nodules don’t cause problems. Still,
some can secrete extra amounts of thyroid hormones and trigger thyroid disease — causing symptoms such
as an irregular heartbeat, nervousness, and rapid weight loss — and some can be cancerous. That’s why all
nodules need a doctor’s attention.
Ask the doctor
Advice from
Nabeel Babar, MD
Thyroid
area
1
Locate your thyroid
by holding the mirror in
your hand and focusing on
the lower front of your neck
while holding your head
back. Your thyroid is located
above your collarbones and
below your voice box.
2
3
Take a drink of water
and swallow while still
holding the mirror with
your head tilted back.
Look at your neck as
you swallow, checking for
any bulges. (Don’t mistake
your Adam’s apple for your
thyroid gland. Your thyroid
gland is located further
down on your neck than
your Adam’s apple and
closer to your collarbones.)
4
Tell your doctor if
you notice any bulges. You
may have a nodule or an
enlarged thyroid gland.
A doctor should evaluate
the bulge to rule out
cancer or to determine if
you need treatment for
thyroid disease.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; American College of Endocrinology; Hormone Health Network
The endocrinologist will test the
levels of your Free T4 and Free T3
thyroid hormones. Th is will confi rm if
the thyroid is under- or overactive and
determine how much of each hormone
is being produced.
Then, we can begin treating the
condition. There are varying options
of treatment based on the disorder,
but all will help reduce or eliminate
your symptoms so you can lead a
normal, healthy life.
What is endocrinology?
Endocrinology is the medical specialty that focuses on disorders
and diseases that affect an individual’s endocrine glands and
hormone production. As an endocrinologist, Dr. Babar diagnoses
and treats diabetes, thyroid conditions, pituitary disorders,
metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, low testosterone, calcium
disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, and other hormone
conditions. Although these issues can be lifelong, they can be
easily managed with the help of an endocrinologist.
www.culpeperhealth.org • Simply Health Magazine
15
Serving
CULPEPER REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
501 Sunset Lane
Culpeper, VA 22701
you
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Jacksonville, FL
Permit No. 1176
To learn more
about Culpeper
Regional Health
System, please visit
our website at
culpeperhealth.org.
Make the
You can help your
child do well in school
“HOW WAS SCHOOL TODAY?”
That’s a question you’re bound to ask
often during the school year.
As a parent, there’s much you can do to
make sure that your child’s response is a
positive one. Consider the following tips
to help your child succeed at school.
Help make homework a habit. Set
aside ample time for tackling homework,
and create a permanent study spot that
allows your child to concentrate. Be sure
that the TV stays off during homework
time. Also, be available to answer
questions and provide guidance—but
never do your child’s homework.
Boost brainpower with breakfast.
Regular breakfast-skipping is tied to
lower school performance. Breakfast helps
provide fuel to learn.
Make sleep a priority. Kids who are
chronically sleep-deprived are more
likely to have problems learning and
paying attention and are at higher risk of
being overweight than their more rested
classmates. School-age children generally
need at least 10 hours of shut-eye every
night.
Be a positive force. Express interest
and excitement about the school year.
Encourage initiative and curiosity. Praise
your child when he or she participates
in school activities and tries new things.
Your positive attitude is likely to be
contagious.
Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Academy of
Pediatrics; National Institutes of Health
Tap into our
health library at
www.culpeper
health.org.
Under “Select
a health topic,”
scroll down to
“Children and
parenting.”