Taking your next breath may be as easy and natural as blinking your eyes. Yet for someone who’s been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), taking every precious breath can be an overwhelming task. A person with PF may experience shortness of breath, making it difficult to carry out normal daily activities, such as walking the dog, climbing stairs or playing with their grandchild.

September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month – a time set aside to bring awareness of those who have been impacted by PF worldwide. Pulmonary fibrosis is a scarring of the lungs. Over time, the scar tissue can destroy normal lung tissue, making it difficult for oxygen to get into the bloodstream. Low oxygen levels and stiff scar tissue causes individuals to have shortness of breath, particularly when walking and exercising.

PF is not just one disease – it can also be linked to more than 200 different causes combined under the group of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Although some interstitial lung diseases don’t cause scar tissue, when an ILD does scar the lungs, it’s identified as pulmonary fibrosis. According to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, one recent study estimated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis affects 1 out of 200 adults age 60 and over in the United States – translating to more than 200,000 people living with PF today! Approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and as many as 40,000 Americans die from PF each year.

It can be challenging for doctors to figure out what causes pulmonary fibrosis. Sometimes they can identify one or more causes of the disease and other times the cause is unknown or “idiopathic”. Five main categories of identifiable causes of pulmonary fibrosis include drug-induced, radiation-induced, environmental, autoimmune and occupational. In the United States, environmental and autoimmune causes seem to be the most common types of PF.

The rate of progression of PF varies with every patient. To help individuals live longer and healthier lives, treatment often includes a combination of oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and medications to help reduce inflammation and scarring. In addition, healthy lifestyle habits including diet, exercise, awareness about the disease, and assisting those living with PF can help. Many patients also find joining a local or online support group helpful.

Freeman Lung Institute specializes in high-quality care and offers information on the latest treatment and therapy options to help PF patients live a stronger life.  Talk to your primary care physician about PF today or call our office! For more information, call 417.347.8315 or visit freemanhealth.com/lung.

About the Author

Grant Pierson, DO, specializes in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. He is currently seeing new patients at the Freeman Lung Institute.

The breast cancer treatments are over and now it’s time to return to work. Life after breast cancer means returning to some familiar things and also making some new choices. After a marathon of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment that may last six months to a year, women are eager to get back to a normal life again, and that often includes getting back to work. Transitioning from breast cancer treatment patient to breast cancer survivor is embracing the “new woman” and entering into the “new normal.”

Returning to work post-treatment can be an emotional experience for many women who often feel conflicted between wanting to go on with life and being able to cope with the daily pressures. On one hand, women look forward to returning to a work routine and on the other hand, they dread it. Adding to the awkwardness are the after-effects of treatment such as fatigue resulting from chemotherapy and/or the accumulated effects of other treatments as well as a phenomenon some people call “chemobrain” – mental changes such as memory deficits and the inability to focus.

Adding to the frustrating mix, co-workers tell survivors how they look and ask questions about treatment. How open women are with their co-workers about their breast cancer and health after treatment is a personal decision. Some co-workers will be understanding and offer help while others may be uncomfortable discussing it or resent that they had to take on extra duties on days when the person was absent. Others may ask intrusive questions about the breast cancer, the person’s health, why they’ve been gone or even avoid them. Based on the relationship with co-workers, women can decide if they want to share anything, what works best for them and their situation, think ahead about how they will handle other people’s reactions and have a plan for what and how much they want to share.

It’s important for women to make sure they’re medically cleared by their health care provider before returning to work. They can also talk with their employer about possible options, like flex-time, job sharing, working from home or other options that may help ease them back into the demands of a job. For some people, the transition to working full-time may be easy, and for others it may take some adjustment.

The benefits of going back to work include helping ladies keep their sense of who they are and how they fit in. It might even boost their self-esteem, not to mention their income. Returning to their job also reminds women that they have a life apart from breast cancer – they are a valued employee, a great boss or a trusted co-worker.

Sometimes breast cancer can make women feel isolated and lonely, and being around people can be a great comfort. Support groups, online chat forums and social media groups offer the chance to air challenges with others that have had breast cancer. This, too, helps with the healing process to speak openly and honestly about the post-surgery struggles.

The good news is, with time, little by little, most women start to feel like their regular selves once medications are completed and the exhaustion subsides. It takes time for the “new you” to settle in. Truly, time heals many wounds and having a job can divert attention away from the stressors of the breast cancer journey and allow women to refocus on other things in life and create their own “new normal.”

About the Author

Lesa Deardorff has worked at Freeman Health System for 32 years and served as director of radiology services for 16 years. She oversees the Freeman Radiology Department, which offers advanced technology and top-of-the-line ultrasound, x-ray, nuclear medicine, CT, PET/CT and mammography services. To learn more, visit freemanhealth.com/services/radiology or call 417.347.6611.

A stroke can happen to anyone at anytime and anywhere. Today, stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death. Approximately 13 million people suffer strokes worldwide each year.  The good news? The majority of strokes are preventable!

The American Stroke Association promotes the “Simple 7” as an easy way to decrease your risk of having a stroke. These are seven areas of life in which even basic changes will help lower your stroke risk.

It may seem overwhelming to think of all seven at once. Most people will do better if they implement one or two suggestions at a time, such as developing a routine for checking your blood pressure every day and recoding it on a calendar. After a few weeks, consider adding walking around the neighborhood three to four times a week. Gradually add in a new habit here and there. In a year, you will look back and be amazed at your progress.

1. Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a symptomless “silent killer,” and it is the single most common risk factor for stroke. Over 50% of patients who experience a stroke have chronic high blood pressure. The excessive pressure damages blood vessels and leads to serious health problems.

• Take your blood pressure medicine as prescribed.
• Check your blood pressure with a machine at home or at kiosks in pharmacies and department stores.
• Keep a journal on your phone or in your wallet.
• Share the journal with your healthcare provider at your medical appointments.
• If you notice the numbers trending higher than usual, give your provider a call.

2. Control your cholesterol. Cholesterol accumulates and causes dangerous narrowing in your blood vessels.

• Eat a diet low in fatty and fried foods.
• Take your cholesterol medication as prescribed.
• Have your cholesterol levels checked regularly.
• Be aware of your LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels.

3. If you are diabetic, manage your blood sugars. People with diabetes are 2 – 3 times more likely to suffer a stroke.

• Eat a diet low in sugar.
• Take your diabetes medications as prescribed.
• Notify your healthcare provider if your blood sugar levels are outside the target range recommended by your physician.

4. Decrease and stop smoking. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor meaning it causes the blood vessels to tighten up. Narrowing of the blood vessels increases blood pressure which leads to many health risks.

• Ask your healthcare provider what kind of support they can offer you in your journey to get healthy by quitting smoking. They may be able to prescribe medications, patches or gum to assist you through the withdrawal from nicotine.
• Replace the old habit with a new, healthier habit. Find an alternative to turn to when you are tempted to light up.
• Cravings typically last only a few minutes. Look for a way to distract yourself and push through the craving.

5. Get active. Get moving to get your blood pumping, shed extra pounds and lower your blood pressure.

• Check with your healthcare provider to ask if you need to have any activity restrictions.
• Keep it simple – start with walking or exercising a little more than you usually do. Work up to five days per week. Add five minutes a week until you are at 40 minutes three to four times a week.
• Find an exercise buddy – a friend, neighbor, even a pet – to keep you accountable and to make it more fun.

6. Lose weight. Excess weight creates extra stress on your heart and contributes to multiple health issues.

• Set reasonable and attainable short and long term weight loss goals.
• Celebrate small successes with non-food rewards.

7. Eat healthier. Our bodies use what we eat to build and repair itself. If we only provide it with “junk” food, our bodies will suffer. Enjoy an occasional less-than-healthy treat along the way, but focus on providing healthy building blocks for your body.

• Eat a “Mediterranean diet” high in fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid “drinking your calories” in sugary drinks.
• Find a friend or join a group to share the journey – and recipes!

So, where are YOU going to start? Remember, keep it simple – just one small task at a time. If you have a little setback, just jump back on board and keep going! You got this!

Sharlyn Splean MSN, RN, SCRN

Reference: www.stroke.org

What if there was a medication-free, zero-cost way to reduce your stress level, help you live longer and even improve your satisfaction with your life as a whole? What if it was available right here in our community?

An analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study of Aging found that individuals who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when controlling for age, gender and physical health. Additionally, Mayo Clinic says volunteers with chronic or serious illness can even experience declines in pain intensity and depression.

How is this possible? Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, leading to a profound impact on physical and mental health. People who volunteer also report higher levels of happiness, satisfaction and self-esteem. They also have lower stress levels, which can in turn lower their risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and depression.

At Freeman, our volunteers make patients and their families more comfortable through personal attention, dedication and a genuine desire to enrich the lives of others. They visit patients, deliver flowers, answer phones and give directions. They can even provide clerical support or ring up sales in a Freeman Gift Gallery.

Freeman volunteers also enjoy benefits including:

• Free flu shots
• Prescription discounts at QuickMeds Pharmacy™
• Discounts at Freeman Health Essentials, Freeman Gift Gallery and Freeman Hearing Center
• Low-cost health screenings
• Meal credit on the days you work 3 or more hours
• Health and educational seminars
• Annual appreciation dinner
• Annual Christmas dinner party
• Bi-annual luncheons
• Complimentary apparel

Learn more about volunteering at Freeman here, or call 417.347.4603 for more information.

We often live by the numbers – how many hours we work each day, the balance of our checkbook, the grade on a final exam, how many toys we have, how much we spend on a pair of jeans, which smart phone model we acquired. We wear them as a badge of honor. Imagine your life, the very tone of your day every day, decided by the number on the scale. Our worth is far greater than these numbers. Yet this is the reality of living with an eating disorder.

Science cannot tell us with absolute certainty what causes eating disorders. Genetics and biology are key factors, and events such as teasing, bullying, medical illnesses and trauma may trigger eating disorders, as well. Eating disorders often occur alongside other illnesses, like alcohol or substance use, anxiety and depression. They grow within a culture that values one life over another and stigmatizes bodies through racism, homophobia, sexism, poverty and more.

Not only are these potentially deadly illnesses, but they also damage every piece of the body from the immune system to the heart and bones and everything in between. Normal blood work and lab results may be found in some patients, and those who suffer may fiercely believe “it’s not that bad.” However, their health is in danger now and for the rest of their life.

Only 10 percent of those with an eating disorder receive treatment. Treatment relies on a multidisciplinary team of providers; you do not have to take on this fight on your own. Every team member is vital to taking your recovery into the real world – you, as the expert in your own life; a physician and nursing support to watch over your health; a dietitian not to teach what to eat, but to help you dramatically alter your relationship with food; a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner to treat co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety; and a psychologist or therapist to help you and your family find healing and a life worth living.

If you remember any number at all, make it this one – with effective treatment, 60 percent of those with eating disorders reach full recovery. Know that whether you appear healthy (or not), it doesn’t seem “that bad” or you aren’t sure if you can afford it, recovery is possible.

About the Author

Dr. Jenny Copeland, Clinical Psychologist, practices at Ozark Center. Dr. Copeland specializes in the treatment of eating disorders. She has extensive experience in psychological assessment and treatment of people with diverse clinical concerns. Visit ozarkcenter.com to learn more about Ozark Center services.

Our kidneys are incredibly high-tech filters. They are constantly monitoring and working to keep our bodies as healthy as possible. Kidneys filter our blood and keep the things we need, like water, sugar, proteins and electrolytes, and discard the things we don’t need, like urea, ammonia and drug metabolites, which make up our urine. Kidneys are high-tech filters because they do so much in addition to filtering. Kidneys regulate blood pressure, make sure our bodies aren’t too acidic or alkaline, and release certain hormones that tell bone marrow to make red blood cells and activate vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium.

Kidneys are amazing but in some people, they break down. When kidneys gradually lose their function, a patient is diagnosed with kidney disease. When kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes build up in the body. An estimated 30 million people, or 15 percent of U.S. adults, are estimated to have kidney disease. Nearly half of the 30 million people with severely reduced kidney function aren’t aware of having the disease. This is because kidneys are incredibly efficient organs. They are able to work at their normal capability with significant kidney damage, so no symptoms typically arise until the damage is critical. The only way to find out for sure if you have kidney disease is through specific blood and urine tests.

A number of factors contribute to kidney disease. If you have a few or many of the following conditions, visit your doctor to be tested for kidney disease. Symptoms for the disease rarely show, so testing is imperative. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity increase the risk of kidney disease. Smoking, a family history of kidney disease, abnormal kidney structure and old age are other potential causes.

There are always measures one can take to prevent kidney disease or lower the risk of increasing kidney damage. Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, making lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking, are ways to reduce the risk. Also, make sure to follow the instructions on over-the-counter medications. Taking too many of certain pain relievers can damage your kidneys. Prevention and management are the biggest steps you can take to living a happy, peaceful and healthy life. Start today.

About the author

Dr. Talal Khan has been with Freeman Kidney Center for more than three years. He earned his medical degree at Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, completed his residency in internal medicine at State University of New York, Buffalo, N.Y., and completed his fellowship in nephrology at Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa. Dr. Khan is board certified in internal medicine, hypertension and nephrology.

The words “coach class syndrome” may sound relatively harmless, but heart specialists have a more serious name for it – deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It happens when blood clots form in the body’s deep veins, particularly in the legs, and left untreated, it can be fatal.

DVT can develop after long plane rides with particularly cramped seating and leg room. Other factors, such as low cabin pressure, low humidity and dehydration, can also contribute to developing DVT during a long flight. People with a history of cardiovascular disease or stroke and those who have had previous blood clots are at risk for DVT. However, the condition can also affect healthy, athletic people, and you don’t have to fly to get it.

Despite the name coach class syndrome, DVT can also affect those on the ground. Women who are pregnant or taking hormonal birth control can be at risk due to increased estrogen levels, which can cause blood to clot more easily. Staying stationary for extended periods of time can also increase risk of DVT because the veins deep in the legs require muscle movement to force blood back to the lungs and heart.

Once a blood clot has formed in a deep vein, a new problem can arise – the clot can break off, traveling through the bloodstream to obstruct a vessel in the lungs, creating a pulmonary embolism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 900,000 Americans develop DVT each year and up to 100,000 of them die from complications like pulmonary embolisms.

In the past, standard treatment included an extended hospital stay for anticoagulant and blood thinner drug therapy. During this therapy, patients walked a tightrope – too little medicine could lead to catastrophic clotting, but too much could cause life-threatening major bleeding.

Today, cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists, can use a tiny catheter to remove the blood clot faster and more safely than they could with past treatment methods. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a specially designed catheter into the vein and through the clot. Once the blood clot is isolated, clot-busting drugs are delivered, and high intensity vibrations break up the clot. The surgeon then removes the catheter with any remnants of medication, allowing the blood to again circulate through the vein. The entire procedure takes less than two hours.

Even if you are at risk for DVT, you can take steps to prevent it. As with many health conditions, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and lowering your blood pressure can lower your risk. When traveling, try to get up and move at least once every four hours. If you are stuck in your seat, work your leg muscles by stretching your legs or flexing your feet. Staying hydrated and wearing compression stockings can also help.

Contact your doctor if you are concerned about your risk for DVT or if you have symptoms of DVT, such as leg swelling or pain, warm skin on your leg, red or discolored skin on your leg or tired legs. If you experience sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden coughing or severe lightheadedness, seek immediate medical attention because these could be signs of a pulmonary embolism.

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About the author

Raymond Vetsch, MD, is a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at Freeman Health System. Vetsch joined Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute in Joplin in 1998. He is a nationally recognized surgeon of human heart valve transplants, and he specializes in complex and innovative valve procedures. To learn more about cardiovascular health, visit freemanhealth.com/heart or freemanhealth.com/heart-assessment.

While diabetes affects more than 30 million people in the U.S., another 84 million people have prediabetes, a condition that produces higher than normal blood sugar levels because the body no longer processes blood sugar properly. No signs or symptoms present themselves, but those with prediabetes have a good chance of progressing into type 2 diabetes.

The process of moving sugars from the bloodstream and into cells starts working improperly when an individual has prediabetes, much the way it does with type 2 diabetes. When sugar enters the bloodstream after eating, the pancreas secretes insulin, which helps your body’s cells take in sugar. With prediabetes, not enough insulin is made and high amounts of sugar remain in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar.

Factors that increase the risk of developing prediabetes include dietary patterns, weight, inactivity, age, family history, sleep problems and age. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits can significantly help prevent or delay prediabetes, as well as progression to type 2 diabetes.

Managing weight and keeping the body healthy is essential to preventing prediabetes. A 40-minute brisk walk five times a week is an easy way to get some non-vigorous exercise. A standard meal should consist of 50 percent fruits and vegetables, 30 percent grains/starches and 20 percent protein. A variety of foods ensures necessary nutrients are entering the body. Liquids such as coffee, tea and water should be consumed regularly throughout the day to remain hydrated. Eating the correct portion sizes also helps to regulate and maintain weight. These amounts should be consumed every day:

• Fruits – 1½ to 2½ cups
• Vegetables – 2 to 3½ cups
• Grains – 5 to 10 ounces
• Protein – 5 to 7 ounces
• Dairy – 3 cups
• Oils – 5 to 8 teaspoons
• Solid fats and added sugars – small amounts

Exercising and eating right are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Doing so can be difficult, but dedication, taking precautions for safety and education can help prevent and manage prediabetes.

March 27, 2018, is American Diabetes Association Alert Day®, a one-day “wake-up” call for individuals to take a look at their risk for developing diabetes. Freeman Health System encourages people to take the one-minute type 2 diabetes risk test. The test can be found at diabetes.org/alertday.

About Susan Pittman

Susan Pittman, RD, LD, CDE, leads the Freeman Health System Diabetes Education team. Certified through the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators, she provides nutritional counseling to patients with diabetes and those at-risk of developing the disease. For more information, call Diabetes Education at 417.347.5700.

Modern technology harnesses the power of the internet to access a wealth of information instantly, almost anywhere. Freeman Health System recognizes the importance of providing accurate health information, and has positioned itself as the source for information you can trust. We help you take advantage of technology by offering free access to our mobile-friendly health resource libraries, where you can find condition-specific information, whenever you need it.

Have you ever wanted to test your knowledge about stroke or understand how to determine your body mass index? Where would you look for information about treating obesity – would you ask a friend, read a magazine or consult your healthcare provider? While these can be a good starting place, your success in developing a healthy lifestyle depends on your ability to find accurate information and how well you understand and apply what you learn.

Current offerings include BARIATRIC and DIABETES libraries, as well as other tools found in the Health Resources section at freemanhealth.com. Our website enables you to learn in an interactive environment, and content is arranged with you in mind, so information is easy to find. Articles, quizzes and videos are available to teach you about each condition, helping you to make well-informed decisions about your health.

Quality of life requires good health and possibly a little luck. Learning about health helps you develop a healthy lifestyle and puts you in control. Turn to Freeman as your source for trusted, accurate health information. If you need a place to start, explore our website, take advantage of our free online risk assessments and use them on a regular basis. Try keeping BMI and blood pressure readings in a journal to track your risk of diabetes and stroke. And most of all, take time to enjoy life, eat healthy, get some exercise, celebrate successes, nurture friendships, keep learning and let Freeman help you become the best version of you that you can be – you deserve it.