Sharp News Updates — September 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

• Cancer Fighting Foods — Tracy Childs, a representative with the Cancer Project, will be teaching a six-course series of classes hosted by the Sharp Memorial Hospital Cancer Institute entitled Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Series. During each class, students will be taught lessons on two nutrition focus areas. They’ll also enjoy a live cooking demonstration and plentiful samples of delicious cancer-fighting foods. Tracy is available to speak about secret nutrition and cooking tips that have been shown to help with the prevention or survival of cancer and other chronic diseases.
• From Top Gun to Health Care — Meet Steven Lee — a full-time emergency room nurse at Sharp Grossmont Hospital and a full-time pilot for Delta Airlines. Learn the incredible story about his days as a Naval fighter pilot and how he got into the health care field. Also, get the scoop on how he balances his airtight schedule and family dinner time.

National Trends Localized

• Couples Therapy for Partners With PTSD — Researchers have found that couples therapy shows promise for partners with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The partner with PTSD reported reduced symptoms, and the couple reported increased relationship satisfaction from couples therapy, according to researchers in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Nancy Burlak, manager of outpatient services at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, is available to discuss the use of couples therapy for partners with PTSD in its own program.
• Increase in H3N2 Swine Influenza Cases — According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, there has been a "big increase" with the H3N2 variant swine flu cases. People have been catching this new swine flu primarily from exposures to infected pigs at state and county agricultural fairs. This year's seasonal flu vaccine will not provide protection against H3N2, but people should still receive a flu shot this fall. A Sharp-affiliated physician is available to discuss the importance of getting vaccinated for the flu.  

Important Health Dates

• National Celiac Awareness Day — Approximately 1 in 133 people have celiac disease; however, only 3 percent of those afflicted have been diagnosed. A Sharp-affiliated physician is available to explain this autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine.
• National Suicide Prevention Week — Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. with a suicide occurring every 15.2 minutes, and the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds. Sept. 4 to 10 is dedicated to help those in need. A Sharp-affiliated psychiatrist is available to discuss how to assess if a loved one is suicidal and to offer recommendations for intervention.
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Month — An estimated one in every six men will develop prostate cancer at some point in his lifetime. A Sharp-affiliated oncologist is available to discuss the risk factors for prostate cancer and ways to reduce the risk of developing this disease.