Sharp News Updates — March 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.

Inside Sharp HealthCare

• Colorectal Cancer — March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are not getting regular colorectal cancer screening tests as they should. Dr. John Person, Department of Gastroenterology at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, explains the myths and facts behind your likelihood of developing this disease, as well as important screening recommendations.  
  
  
• A Gift That Keeps Giving — March 30 is Doctors' Day. In celebration of this day, Sharp tends to see more donations than normal through the Guardian Angel Program. It's the perfect way for patients to say "thank you" to physicians by making a donation in their honor, which is then invested into Sharp's care for patients. To date, Sharp's Guardian Angel Program has received more than $2 million in donations. Guardian Angel doctors are adorned with a special pin for each donation made in their name. A physician who recently received a 250th pin is available to share the story.
  
  
• Shoulder Pain — According to the National Centers for Health Statistics, more than one quarter of Americans suffer from chronic pain of some sort. It is important for those physically active to understand how to treat an injury before it becomes a long-lasting problem. In accordance with March being National Athletic Training Month, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon from Sharp Grossmont Hospital is available to discuss how to treat a number of shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff repair, frozen shoulder and shoulder replacement. More information on the subject will be discussed at a shoulder pain seminar on March 12.        

National Trends Localized

• Deadly Asthma Attacks — New York Times journalist Anthony Shadid recently died from an abrupt asthma attack. The potential dangers of this condition are widely under-recognized, even though the condition affects nearly 19 million adults and 7 million children, as reported by the CDC. A Sharp representative is available to give tips on how to avoid asthma attacks and the steps one should take if they feel they are experiencing symptoms.
  
  
• Is a Gluten-Free Diet for Everyone? — Gluten-free food products have more than doubled in sales since 2006. According to research published in BMC Medicine consumers generally perceive gluten-free items to be healthier. A Sharp-affiliated dietitian is available to discuss the symptoms of gluten sensitivity and the misconception that these products are healthier for all eaters.
  
  
• Just Keep Swimming — According to the American Journal of Cardiology, swimming reduces blood pressure and improves artery health in elderly adults. CDC reports one in three U.S. adults as having high blood pressure, making it important for adults to maintain an exercise regime into their elderly years. A Sharp-affiliated physician is available to talk about the benefits of swimming as opposed to other types of exercise.

Important Health Dates          

• Beware of Trans Fats — Although trans fats can make food taste good and help them last longer on grocery store shelves, they are extremely hazardous to your heart. Not only do they raise cholesterol levels, they also cause inflammation. In light of National Nutrition Month in March, Kelly Dutcher, a registered dietitian with Sharp Weight Management and Health Education, is available to explain the top 10 foods that contain the highest levels of trans fats, plus healthy and easy-to-prepare alternatives to try.        
  
  
• Spring Allergies — Spring is quickly approaching, which means allergies are also coming for the 35 million Americans affected. A Sharp-affiliated physician is available to discuss preventative measures one should take to avoid the onset of spring sniffles and sneezing and also what medications and household habits will help mitigate symptoms.
  
  
• St. Patrick's Day — St. Patrick's Day is known to be one of the most popular drinking days of the year, meaning San Diego is sure to be populated with green beer, clovers and, of course, drunks. It is important to regulate your alcohol intake, especially on a day when heavy drinking is encouraged. Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, which according to the World Health Organization affects 50,000 people each year in the U.S. A Sharp representative is available to discuss the causes, symptoms and risks of alcohol poisoning.

Emergency Department Trends    

• Bath Salts Still a Problem — In spite of the efforts to make bath salts less available to our youth, Sharp ERs are still seeing patients who have taken the dangerous synthetic drug. A Sharp ED director is available to explain what bath salts are, as well as such serious negative side effects as agitation, paranoia, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.         
  
  
• Late Flu Season — You may have thought you beat the flu this year, but San Diego is having a late flu season making flu cases more popular than normal in the ED this spring. A Sharp ED director is available to discuss symptoms and when to know if you need to go to the ER.