Sharp News Updates — April 2012

 Sharp HealthCare values its relationship with local media and we look forward to working with you to educate our community about important health issues. Following is a compilation of current health care topics.

Please contact Erica Carlson at Erica.Carlson@sharp.com if you are interested in speaking with one of our affiliated physicians or clinicians. To learn more about Sharp, please visit our Press Center.

Inside Sharp HealthCare

• Children to Play Robotic Surgeon for a Day — On Saturday, April 14, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center will welcome 20 students and parents from Liberty Elementary School's Robotics Club on their tour of robots in use in San Diego. The students, whose previous stops include the San Diego County Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit, will learn about robotic surgery at Sharp Chula Vista as they put on scrubs and simulate surgery using the hospital's da Vinci Si HD Robotic Surgical System. Other visuals, as well as interviews, will be available.

• Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet for "Take Back" Day — Don't forget your medicine cabinet while doing your spring cleaning. April 28 is National Drug Take Back Day, the perfect time to safely get rid of unwanted, unused or expired prescription medications. Last year more than 377,086 pounds of medication was collected, and this year Sharp HealthCare is a collection site. A Sharp-affiliated physician is available to discuss the importance of properly disposing of prescription drugs.

• New Program at Sharp Mesa Vista — No one knows for sure why Staff Sgt. Robert Bales reportedly opened fire on Afghan civilians causing a political and social firestorm, but his mental state has been widely called into question. Could post traumatic stress be a contributing factor? What are the signs of post-traumatic stress and how can our veterans get the help they need? With San Diego's large military population, Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital has started a new program for veterans that specifically addresses the root of combat stress that often plagues military personnel returning from combat. Dr. Susan Harvey, a Sharp-affiliated psychiatrist and a veteran, is available to discuss the unique mental strain put upon our troops and ways family and friends can recognize post-traumatic stress in their loved ones and get them the help they need and deserve.

National Trends Localized

• Kettlebell as Therapeutic Exercise — Kettlebell exercise combines cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training and is the ideal workout because it targets multiple muscle groups at once. Kettlebells are more time efficient and burns more calories than traditional exercises. Dr. Ben Fung, PT, DPT, chief kettlebell instructor, Sharp Memorial Hospital, is available to discuss and demonstrate how kettlebells are advantageous not only for those looking to get in shape, but also for those with acute pain as a therapeutic exercise program. Additionally, Dr. Fung is one of the few experts in the world of kettlebells who has researched and published on the topic with the American College of Sports Medicine.
  
• New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines — The American Cancer Society issued new guidelines indicating that women ages 30 to 65 can wait as long as five years between Pap tests if combined with the HPV test, known as "co-testing." The risk of getting cancer for a woman who is screened every three years with the Pap test is extremely low, and similar to the risk of cancer when screened every five years with both the HPV test and the Pap test. A Sharp-affiliated OBGYN is available to discuss the new recommendations and when a woman should have all health screenings.
  
• Shower Puffs = Dry Skin — Although lathering your body with soap and a shower puff may seem like it's good for your skin, it is actually removing vital oils that keep the skin moisturized. Dr. Curt Littler, a Sharp-affiliated dermatologist with the Department of Dermatology at Sharp Rees-Stealy Scripps Ranch, is available to explain how puffs can dry out and even irritate the skin causing eczema and inflammation.

Important Health Dates

• Alcohol Awareness Month — According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 17.6 adults in the U.S. are alcoholics.In light of National Alcohol Awareness Month in April, a representative from the Sharp McDonald Center is available to discuss alcoholism and the programs available for treatment.
  
• Child Sun Safety — It's springtime and for many parents that means little league and soccer season is here! While cheering on your little athlete, don't forget to protect your child from San Diego's powerful sun rays. Dr. Gargi Kubal, a Sharp-affiliated pediatrician with the Department of Pediatrics at Sharp Rees-Stealy San Diego, is available to share important sun safety tips for your child.
  
• It's Time to Speak Up: HealthCare Decisions Day, April 16 — Imagine your mother has slipped into a coma and isn't expected to recover. Would you know her health care wishes? For situations such as this, it's vital to have an advance directive in place and identify a health care "agent" who can speak for those who can't speak for themselves. John Tastad, advance care planning coordinator with Sharp HospiceCare, is available to discuss the importance of making health care decisions with your family and share dates for free seminars about this topic.