Health Topics
Snow Makes Memorable Day for Surgeon
When a late season blizzard stalled over North Dakota last April, urologist Cameron Charchenko, MD, found himself going the extra mile, quite literally. “It’s the first time I ever gave a patient a ride,” he said. The story of that snowy journey began earlier this year, when Dr. Charchenko saw a 62-year-old man who’d been catheter dependent for two years due to urinary retention.
“Prior to coming to us, the patient was recommended to drain his bladder multiple times per day with a catheter. Unfortunately this was rather painful and was putting stress on his kidneys.”
A surgical procedure called HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) could reverse the urinary retention, making a catheter unnecessary. HoLEP uses a laser to remove prostate tissue which can block the flow of urine.
Safety First for Fun in the Sun
As we head into summer, skin protection should be a priority for everyone, no matter what your age. One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and it’s showing up in younger people. In fact, the number of people under age 30 developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is increasing faster than any other demographic group, according to the Melanoma Research Foundation.
“The most significant increase in recent decades has been in girls ages 15-19, possibly because girls are more likely to sunbathe and use tanning beds,” said Camille Settelmeyer, DNP at CHI St. Alexius Health. “Tanning beds expose you to the same UVA and UVB rays as the sun but provides them at a higher intensity, significantly increasing your risk for skin cancer.”
Safe Options for Baby
Many families around the country are plagued with anxiety surrounding recent formula shortages. Many have been looking into homemade formula recipes including those using evaporated milk, corn syrup or other ingredients found in many kitchens.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against the use of these homemade formulas for a few reasons: First, infant kidneys are unable to regulate electrolytes like adult kidneys can. The use of these homemade formulas can cause serious electrolyte imbalances that can lead to seizures and even death in infants. Homemade formula containing corn syrup can contain botulism spores that can cause life-threatening infections in young infants. Finally, these homemade recipes can lack several essential nutrients needed for babies to grow.
Immunizations protect you for a lifetime
When it comes to protecting your health, immunizations are one of the most effective tools we have for minimizing the spread of infectious disease.
Vaccines have allowed us to control many infectious diseases that were once prevalent in this country and around the world, including polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Smallpox, one of the most harmful diseases in history, has been eradicated due to vaccines.
“The consequences of many of these diseases are substantial and may be fatal,” says CHI St. Alexius Health Pediatrician Menelik Mulu, MD. “Immunizations should be a priority for everyone, particularly those who are most vulnerable to severe disease such as infants, young children, the elderly and those who are immunosuppressed.”
Sleep is a Superpower for Super Days
Want to feel better every day? Getting enough ZZZZs at night is perhaps one of the most overlooked ways to improve your physical and emotional resilience.
Adults are recommended to get eight hours every night. School-age kids should get nine to 11 hours and preschool children should be sleeping 10 to 13 hours each night. But most Americans are missing out.
How to diffuse stress in your life
No matter how hard we try to avoid it, in today’s fast-paced society, stress seems to go with the package.
Stress can have a serious impact on your health. “Stressful lifestyles are linked to a variety of medical problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, digestive problems, cancer, sleep deprivation and a failed immune system,” said CHI St. Alexius Health Physician Afaq Sharieff.
The Power of Talking to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Parents often feel like their children aren’t listening. When it comes to drugs and alcohol, research shows parents’ words can make an impact on their children’s decisions. Youth were 50 percent less likely to use drugs if parents talked to them early and often about the dangers of substance use, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). In fact, an open and strong relationship with a parent is one of the most influential factors on adolescence and the decisions they make, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Heart disease begins in childhood
When most of us think about heart disease, we think of it as something we don’t have to worry about until later in life. But the truth is, the development of coronary artery disease starts in early childhood. The accumulation of plaque is a lifelong process so it’s important to practice healthy habits at a young age and to pass these along to your children.
Heart disease is the number one killer of all Americans. But it doesn’t have to be. “Heart disease is largely a preventable disease that is associated with many risk factors that are modifiable,” says CHI St. Alexius Health Cardiologist Peerawut Deeprasertkul, MD. “Armed with the right tools, you can help prevent heart disease from playing a major role in your life and that of your children.”