How well do you know your neck?

risk of thyroid cancer has more than doubled over the past 20 years. Learn the basics of early-detection processing.

Most people do not realize the importance of their thyroid gland shaped like a butterfly in the neck responsible for regulating metabolism and energy. And even fewer know about thyroid cancer, or how it is treated. Yet it is the most common cancer of the endocrine system and cancer is the fastest growing among men and women in the United States, about 12 to 100,000 Americans are going to get; in 2010 he was diagnosed with a record number of 44.670 people, according to the American Cancer Society. The Shady Grove Adventist Hospital Thyroid Center provides specialized care to make the treatment easier and soothe your mind.

Processing 101

Most thyroid cancer is treated with surgery to remove the thyroid followed by treatment with radioactive iodine. Shady Grove Adventist Hospital Thyroid Center, under the direction of Vijay Varma, MD, offers a higher level of treatment with radioactive iodine for patients :. I-131

"I-131 goes to the thyroid gland, where it is absorbed by all the tissues of the thyroid, emits radiation and destroys cancer cells of the thyroid and weave of the thyroid" it. "the treatment process begins three weeks before the treatment I-131, with a diet low in iodine. This depletes the stable iodine body and allows the thyroid tissue to absorb more effectively the radioactive source. "

The treatment is delivered to the hospital in the form of one or more capsules, taken by the mouth. patients remain in the hospital for 48 hours. "There are relatively few side effects," said Dr. Varma. "Most patients do not feel anything unusual and pass the time reading, browsing the Internet or watching TV."

Read the signs

January is Thyroid Awareness months- the perfect time to learn more about thyroid cancer. Although thyroid cancer can be difficult to detect at an early stage, as it grows, symptoms may include:

• a small lump or nodule on the neck
• Problems with swallowing
• Hoarseness
• lymph nodes in the neck
• breathing difficulty
• pain in the throat or neck

most nodules are benign, but early detection is the key! Contact your doctor if you have questions about thyroid cancer signs

Teaming Up

thyroid cancer treatment at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital is a coordinated effort implying Dr Varma. the department of nuclear medicine; oncology nurses; January Papirmeister, browser cancer care; Robin Brannon, as oncology dietitian certified in the region; and Sarah Tinney, oncology social worker.

"The Thyroid Cancer Program Shady Grove Adventist Hospital offers exceptional quality and experience exceptional patient. The 48-hour hospital stay for the person undergoing treatment with I-131 is customized, coordinated, multidisciplinary care at its best, "says Debra Pollack, executive director of Adventist HealthCare cancer care services.

Watermelon

Watermelon may not be the official fruit of summer, but it is a popular choice and healthy when temperatures increase. There are over 50 varieties of watermelon with seeds or without. Watermelon is the most consumed melon in the US and is in its softness midsummer peak

watermelon is about 92 percent water. a portion of 2 cups watermelon contains about 12 ounces of water. A portion of 2 cups is also low in calories (about 80 calories) and 2g of fiber, which makes it an ideal snack or dessert for those of us watching our weight. The thirst quenching fruit is really a vegetable-filled with healthy nutrients. Watermelon is a concentrated source of lycopene, an antioxidant, a natural chemical that gives it its red color melon, and may help protect against certain cancers and heart disease. Watermelon is also rich in vitamins A and C, which are two important nutrients for a healthy immune system, hair and eyes

On your next trip to buy products, take care in choosing any a watermelon. look for one that :.

• Is it heavy for its size, firm, symmetrical and free from bruises and cuts or bumps
• A crust is relatively smooth and that is neither too bright nor too dull.
• one side of the melon should have an area that is distinguished by the color of the rest of the crust, displaying a yellowish tone or cream. This is the place that has been placed on the ground during ripening. If the fruit is not this, it may have been harvested too early

There are many ways to enjoy watermelon, the simplest being slicing and eating. Other ideas:

Add lemon to your water (melon). Mix one cup of fresh lemon juice, half a gallon of water, half a gallon of watermelon juice / puree and sugar (but easy does it!) To taste.

• Lightly brush watermelon slices with olive oil and place directly on the grill for a few minutes on each side.
• Cut the watermelon into small pieces size and throw it in the balsamic vinaigrette, a little feta and mint salad for a light and fresh summer.
• Replace the tomato with watermelon in your favorite gazpacho.
• Use the watermelon to make salsa and serve with crackers or multigrain to complement your main course. Mix one cup of diced watermelon with two tablespoons diced red onion; a jalapeno finely diced; lime juice; two tablespoons chopped cilantro coffee; salt and pepper to taste.
• Make a frozen yogurt watermelon puree with watermelon and low-fat vanilla yogurt together and frost.

Watermelons are also delicious and fun to learn! Did you know that early explorers used watermelons canteens? Visit the Council for the Promotion of watermelon at watermelon.org to see the facts and recipes in July National Watermelon Month more fun

Sources :. United States Department of Agriculture, fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov, watermelon.org, LifeWork Strategies EAP and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals.

Smooth Start to school

It's time again to school! There is often a flurry of activities in preparation for the start of school, and a range of emotions experienced by children (and parents too!) As part of the transition back to school. Children, for example, may feel nervous excitement gather with friends, interacting with their new teachers, and find their way around the classroom. Parents can welcome the consistent routine, but may be worried about how their child will adapt to change and greater accountability that comes with entering a new grade

Enjoy the last days summer holiday. consider the following strategies to minimize stress and back to school with a focus on the positive:

• Re-cap the days of summer. Talk and laugh with your children about the things you enjoyed most this summer. Consider pictures compiled into an album or write a story about the places you've visited. In other words, put the summer to end. Shift in family plans and objectives for the fall season; there is much to look forward to!
• talk to children what worries them, like making friends, homework, or use the bathroom. Validate their specific concerns. Reassure and remind them of the positive memories of past school years. Let them know that teachers make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
• Being oriented. Most schools offer social activities and formal guidance at the beginning of the school year to provide children and families with opportunities to learn from each other and their specific classes. Become familiar with the people and the environment can help to relieve stress. Ask if a school card is available or if your child can be paired with another student, or "friend" to help adapt to new people and surroundings.
• Establish a regular bedtime routine. Adequate sleep reduces crankiness in the morning. Provide the opportunity for your child to relax before bedtime, especially if your child has become accustomed to playing outside until dark. Practice getting up early one week before the start of school.
• Practice and note the information necessary to know and put it with the personal effects of your child. This should include your address and phone number, the name and number of an emergency contact, and can also include names of teachers and bus drivers and locker combinations.
• Review drop-off and pick-up procedures with your child. Make sure your child knows that he or she should go and what should be done after school. If possible, do a "practice run 'before the first day of school. Develop a buddy system with another family in the neighborhood.

Allow time for children to adjust. Remind them that everyone feels a little nervous about the first day of school and will become a daily routine in no time. Adjust your own schedule as possible. Give your children the evenings longer, especially during the first days.

Although it is normal to be anxious in any new situation, some children develop physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches related to the start of school. If you fear that your child's concerns go beyond the normal jitters back-to-school, talk with a doctor, a teacher or school counselor for your child

Sources :. American Academy of Pediatrics, Child Health, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, LifeWork EAP strategies, Lourie Center Reginald S., and Washington and medical advice Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals.For, consult your doctor.

Health is your spine?

Oh these bones, these bones oh, oh skeletal bones! Back pain, in particular, is a common reason for medical visits; Patients report dull pain acute pain that make it difficult to move. Back pain can occur quickly if you fall or lifting something too heavy, or it can deteriorate over time.

Poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, arthritis or osteoporosis, and overweight are some factors that can increase the risk of pain and back injury. It is important to find ways to reduce your risk, as a healthy spine is essential to overall health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, our spinal column gives the body structure, support, flexibility and protection of our spinal cord and organs.

There are several things you can do to improve your health of the spine and help prevent back pain and injury:

• In addition to your routine regular exercise, perform back strengthening and stretching exercises at least 2-3 times a week
• Maybe you're sitting behind a. office with legs crossed; be more aware of sitting and standing straight with your feet flat on the floor.
• Avoid heavy lifting. If you lift a heavy object, practice safe lifting techniques:
• Bend your knees and keep your back straight
• Do not turn your back as you carry large objects
• Spread your feet apart so that your legs bear more weight and pressure is released from the spine
• Talk to a professional about how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight health. Weight loss reduces pressure on the spine.
• practical work ergonomics. Good posture and position of the workstation reduces stress on muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments. If you sit for much of the day, take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch and walk.
• Get help to stop smoking. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases your body may not be able to get enough nutrients to the discs in your back if you smoke, and back pain can last longer long time.

If you suffer from back pain is acute or chronic, consult a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Examples of when to seek medical

• The pain becomes progressively worse
• pain radiating down the leg that
• numbness or tingling in the thigh or leg
• loss of strength
• changes Balance

do not wait until you experience back pain or injury to attend your spine. Instead, take a proactive approach to healthy spine; your back will thank you

Sources:. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the University of Maryland Medical Center, LifeWork Strategies, Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

- symptoms of heart attack and call 9-1-1

Research recently presented at the American heart Association (AHA) Scientific session in 2012 showed that people are more likely to die from heart problems during the winter months

you need to call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of heart attack :.

• chest pain, pressure or discomfort
• pressure Pain or discomfort in one of two arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Breathlessness
• cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

It is also important to note that women are more likely than men experience symptoms, including shortness of breath, nausea / vomiting and back pain or jaw, with or without chest pain.

despite the season, it is always important to follow a healthy lifestyle for the heart to help reduce your risk of a heart attack. This includes avoiding or limiting foods high in saturated fats, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and be physically active for 30 minutes a day, five times a week.

In addition to the research presented, AHA has recognized the importance role of hospitals in their conference. Twenty-six hospitals in the nation, including Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, received 2012 Gold Performance Achievement Award for providing the best quality care to patients with a heart attack.

This winter, remember that when it comes to heart attack, minutes count and call 9-1-1 is the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.

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