Health - SRMCprostate cancer. ˜ is likely cancer ˚ ghter may also reduce heart disease risk. Enjoy them this way: Add sliced tomatoes to sandwiches and chopped ones to om-elets,

EAT REDSUPERSTAR

FOODS packed with

powerful nutrients.

Weight-loss surgery can change your life.

HealthealthealthSummer 2013

WANT SOME REDHOT nutrition advice? Hit the produce aisle for some red fruits and veggies. � ey’re packed with powerful plant chemicals and other substances that are good for you. Learn more about four superstar foods.

StrawberriesBenefi ts: Strawberries are rich in anthocyanins—chemicals that may protect the heart and repair damage to DNA that can trigger cancer.Enjoy them this way: Sprinkle fresh strawberries on your morning cereal, stir them into yogurt or try them in a fruit kabob. When they’re not in season, make a smoothie with frozen strawberries.

TomatoesBenefi ts: Tomatoes get their ruby red color from a chemical called lycopene. It may protect against several cancers, especially prostate cancer. � is likely cancer � ghter may also reduce heart disease risk.Enjoy them this way: Add sliced tomatoes to sandwiches and chopped ones to om-elets, or serve stu� ed cherry tomatoes as an appetizer—tomatoes are an incredibly versatile food. Drink some tomato juice or eat some spaghetti sauce too. � e lycopene

in processed tomatoes may be more easily absorbed by the body than the lycopene in fresh ones.

Red peppersBenefi ts: � is veggie is a super source of vitamin C, which can help � ght infec-tion, heal cuts, and keep teeth and gums healthy. Red peppers also contain plant chemicals that � ght in� ammation and may protect against cancer and heart disease.Enjoy them this way: Skip the chips and nibble instead on crunchy red peppers dipped in a low-fat salad dressing. Or try them as a pizza topping.

CranberriesBenefi ts: � ese little red gems are a good source of vitamin C and � ber. And they may help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, gum disease and stomach ulcers.Enjoy them this way: Cranberries may normally grace your plate only during the holidays, but you can savor them year-round. Toss dried cranberries into a home-made trail mix or your favorite green salad for extra color.

Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Cancer Society; American Institute for Cancer Research

Eat red

What about red meat?Red fruits and veggies may merit extra servings, but that’s not the case with red meat.

Eating too much red meat—whether it’s prime rib or hamburger—increases your risk of colon cancer, the American Institute for Cancer Research warns. Red meat contains compounds that damage the lining of the colon, a possible reason for its link to colon cancer.

Typically, red meat also has more saturated fat—which raises blood cholesterol and hurts your heart—than chicken, fi sh, legumes and other types of proteins.

None of this means that you have to give up red meat entirely. But do go easy on it. Keep portions small—a serv-ing should only be 3 ounces or about the size of a deck of cards. And choose lean cuts. � ese include fl ank steak and red meat with the words round, loin, or sirloin on the package.Additional source: American Heart Association

2 Healthwise • www.southeasternhealth.org

HEALTHWISE is published quarterly as a community service for the friends of SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH, 300 W. 27th St., Lumberton, NC 28358, telephone 910-671-5000,www.southeasternhealth.org

SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH

President and Chief Executive Offi cerJoann Anderson, MSN, FACHE

Coordinator of Public RelationsAmanda L. Crabtree

2013 Southeastern Health Board of TrusteesFaye C. Caton, ChairwomanMichael T. Stone, Vice Chair/SecretaryChancellor Kyle CarterLarry ChavisDennis HempsteadJerry L. JohnsonWayland LennonAlphonzo McRae Jr.John C. Rozier Jr., MDJames R. RustMary Alice Teets

Joseph R. � ompsonMichael P. WaltersW.C. WashingtonFred G. WilliamsJoann Anderson, MSN, FACHE, ex offi cio, President and CEOCoble D. Wilson Jr., ex offi cio, Chair, Southeastern Health FoundationMedical Staff Offi cersJoseph E. Roberts, MD, PresidentBarry E. Williamson, MD, President-ElectJames E. S. Parker, MD, Immediate Past PresidentSydney G. Short, MD, Secretary/TreasurerRichard Johnson, MD,

Chairman, Department of Medicine Terry S. Lowry, MD,

Chairman, Department of SurgeryMember: American Hospital Association; NCHA; Coastal Carolinas Health Alliance; Premier, Inc.;� e Advisory Board Company.Accredited by: � e Joint CommissionPlease address all letters to: Southeastern HealthP.O. Box 1408Lumberton, NC 28359

SUMMER 2013 ISSUE 2

Information in HEALTHWISE comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specifi c content that may aff ect your health, please contact your health care pro vider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations.

Copyright © 2013Coff ey Communications, Inc. HSM29191

When you need special care

You can view our online

Medical Staff Directory at

www.southeasternhealth.org.

Click on Find a Physician.

A bright future. Southeastern Health and Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine partner to benefi t the community.

Triumphant results. Read about Cindy Masse’s struggle with weight and the life-changing results she achieved after having the sleeve gastrectomy procedure.

Seeing inside. Southeastern Health off ers multiple imaging techniques for better diagnostic capabilities.

11}

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inside this issue

Healthealthealth

Tired of the headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms of sinusitis? � is condition signifi cantly aff ects an individual’s physical, functional and emotional quality of life. Find answers on page 12.

Tired of the headaches, congestion, fatigue and

www.southeasternhealth.org • Healthwise 3

rigorous on-site visit is made to thoroughly assess the applicant. After this process, the Commission on Magnet reviews the completed appraisal report and votes to determine whether Magnet recognition will be granted.

An organization seeking to reapply for Magnet recognition must provide documented evidence of how Magnet concepts, performance and quality were sustained and improved over the four-year period since the hospital received its initial recognition.

Living up to high standards“We’re a better institution today because of the Magnet recognition we achieved four years ago,” says Teresa Barnes, vice president of acute clinical services for SeHealth. “It has raised the bar for

patient care and inspired every member of our team to achieve excellence every day. It is this commitment to providing our community with high-quality care that helped us become a Magnet facility, and it’s why we continue to serve as a Magnet hospital today.”

Being recognized as a Magnet facility for the second time is a great achieve-ment for SeHealth. It is proud to belong to the Magnet community—a select group of 378 health care organizations out of nearly 6,000 health care organiza-tions in the U.S.

SeHealth was initially designated a Magnet hospital in 2009. Hospitals must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet concepts and demonstrated im-provements in patient care and quality.

Southeastern Health receives highest nursing credential with prestigious Magnet recognition…againSOUTHEASTERN HEALTH (SeHealth) has again attained Magnet recognition as part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. � is credential is the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice.

“Magnet recognition is a tremendous honor and re� ects our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care to this community,” says SeHealth President and CEO Joann Anderson. “To earn Magnet recognition once was a great accomplishment and an incred-ible source of pride for our nurses. Our achievement of this credential for an additional four years underscores the foundation of excellence and values that drives our entire sta� to strive harder each day to meet the health care needs of the people we serve.”

� e qualifying processTo achieve initial Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands wide-spread participation from leadership and sta� . � e process begins with the submission of an electronic applica-tion, followed by written documentation demonstrating qualitative and quantita-tive evidence regarding patient care and outcomes.

If scores from the written documenta-tion fall within a range of excellence, a

EXCELLING in nursing carein nursing care

Southeastern Health Vice President of Acute Clinical Services Teresa Barnes, standing at left, and Chief Nursing O� cer Renae Taylor, standing at right, celebrate on Wednesday, March 20, with more than 100 employees as they listen to a representative from the American Nurses Credentialing Center announce over speakerphone that Southeastern Health has achieved redesignation as a Magnet organization.


Get up, move on Replacing a hip, knee or other joint can end years of painDAVE GUFFEY’S PAIN started a decade ago. It began in one knee but soon involved both. He’d always been ac-tive—football in college, racquetball and basketball for recreation—and he had a job that required hiking across university stadiums and climbing arena stairs to see athletes and coaches.

He knew his knees were wearing out. Cortisone shots, braces and pain pills no longer helped ease the pain. “Both knees were bone-to-bone,” he recalls. “I couldn’t

walk 10 minutes without feeling pain.”

At 59, Gu� ey decided to trade in his old knees for new ones.

Knees are the most commonly replaced joints in the U.S. Doctors do more

than 500,000 of the surgeries a year, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In

the No. 2 spot: hips, with nearly 200,000 replaced

every year.Replacement surgery can be

done on other joints, too, includ-ing those in the ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow and � ngers.

Why joints failHealthy joints are cushioned by a smooth layer of cartilage that allows the joint bones to

move without much pain or friction. Bones

themselves are living tissue and need a constant supply of blood to grow, remain healthy and make repairs.

When joints are damaged—by injury, arthritis, or simple wear and tear, for example—cartilage can disappear. Bones can lose some of their blood supply, and in� ammation can trigger � uid that over-� lls the joint.

� e result? Pain, sti� ness and swelling that can a� ect walking, standing, sitting or sleeping. Muscles around the joint start to decline as using the joint becomes increasingly painful.

What’s involved?Replacement joints are designed to mimic how a normal joint moves. � ey generally have two or more parts that � t together, and the parts are made of various materials—including stainless steel, chrome, titanium, ceramic and wear-resistant plastics.

Surgery to replace a hip or knee usually takes two hours or less. � e surgery team removes the damaged joint and replaces it with an arti� cial one, called a prosthesis. Arti� cial joints come in many forms and sizes. Surgeons decide which one to use based on a number of factors, including a patient’s size, health and lifestyle, and the amount of damage to the joint.

Is it time?Most people who get new hips, knees or other joints are older than 65. But a trend over the past decade is for people in their 40s and 50s to have joint replacement surgery.

Joint replacements usually last 10 to 15 years. People who have the surgery at a young age may face needing a second one later on.

If you’re considering joint replace-ment surgery, check with your primary care doctor to make sure you’re healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and the operation, advises the American College of Rheumatology. An orthopedic surgeon can then help you sort through the maze of options available for replacing your joint.

To learn more about joint replace-ment surgery, visit www.orthoinfo.org.

We have orthopedic surgeons who can replace your worn-out joints. Call � e Orthopaedic Center at 910-618-0441or Southeastern Orthopedics at 910-738-1065 to make an appointment.


7heart disease risk factors

for womenHigh cholesterol.

High blood pressure.

Smoking.

Inactivity.

Obesity.

Diabetes.

Stress.

� ink positive—all of these can either be treated or controlled.Source: American Heart Association

Get ready, get set, get a mammogram

To schedule a mammogram at LRA, call 910-671-4000.

GOOD FOR YOU: You’ve decided to sched-ule a mammogram. � e American Cancer Society recommends that women 40 and older get the test every year.

A mammogram, a low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts, often � nds breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Whether this is your � rst mammogram or you’re a veteran of the test, it’s good to follow these tips:Before your appointment: Consider sched-uling your appointment at Lumberton Radiological Associates (LRA), a part of Southeastern Health. LRA is certi� ed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a high-quality mammography facil-ity. Choose a date for your appointment that’s about a week after your period ends (if you’re still menstruating). Your breasts will be less swollen and tender at that time, which will help make the mammogram

more comfortable and the images clearer.Exam day: Wear pants, shorts or a skirt so you can easily remove your top and bra before the exam. Don’t use deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, ointment or perfume under your arms or on your breasts that day. � ese can create spots and shadows on the x-rays. During the exam, each breast will be compressed in the machine for a few seconds while a series of pictures are taken.Afterward: Mammogram results are usually available within 30 days. Call if you haven’t heard by then. Don’t panic if you’re asked to come back for more x-rays or other tests. It doesn’t mean you have cancer—the doctor just wants to follow up on something.

Additional sources: American College of Radiology; Offi ce on Women’s Health; Radiological Society of North America


about a follow-up test, called colposcopy, that’s sometimes needed.

How it works� e Pap test is often done along with a pelvic exam. During the test, a special brush or other instrument is used to col-lect some cells from in and around the cervix so they can be examined in a lab.

� e test is used to diagnose abnormal cell changes, which can be caused by

the human papillomavirus (HPV). Since treating these cells usually stops cervical cancer from starting, getting the Pap test regularly is the best way to prevent this disease.

When and how often do you need a Pap test? Here’s what the American Cancer Society recommends:➜ Starting at age 21, women should have a Pap test every three years.➜ After age 30, the Pap test should be combined with the test that looks for the HPV virus. Women should have the two tests every � ve years. Or women can continue screening with just the Pap test every three years.➜ If you’re over 65 or have had a hysterec-tomy, ask your doctor if you still need Pap tests.

Based on your health history, you might need more frequent screenings.

If the results are abnormalAbnormal Pap test results do not usually mean cancer. But to help � nd out, your doctor might recommend a colposcopy.

During this exam, a lighted instrument placed just outside the vagina is used to magnify the view of the cervix. First, a vinegarlike solution is applied to the cervix to make any abnormal areas easier to see.

If the doctor sees abnormal cells, a bi-opsy may be done at the same time. He or she will remove a small sample of cervical tissue so that it can be examined in a lab to determine whether it might be cancer or pre-cancer.

Colposcopy is usually painless, though you may feel some discomfort if it in-cludes a biopsy.

Afterward, your doctor will discuss with you your results and any additional treatment you may need.

Southeastern Women’s Healthcare o� ers general women’s health services, including pap smear screenings. To learn

more or to schedule an appointment, call 910-608-3078.

Additional sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Pap test: Why you need itAS A WOMAN, your best defense against cervical cancer is to have Pap tests on a regular basis. Here’s why:

� e Pap test helps prevent cancer by � nding cell changes in the cervix that can be treated before the cells turn malig-nant. � e test can also help doctors � nd cervical cancer early enough to treat it successfully.

In other words, this test can save your life. Read on to learn more about it—and

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 910-608-3078.


A boonA boonA boonour regionour regionour region

forforforour regionour regionour region

forour regionour regionour region



Southeastern Health and Campbell University

partner to bring in new doctors,

new dollars

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT for both Southeastern Health (SeHealth) and the new Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. � eir partnership, which started ear-lier this year, will open pathways for Campbell students and excit-ing teaching opportunities for SeHealth physicians.

And the advantages of this col-laboration will extend far beyond the walls of these institutions. According to Joann Anderson, president and CEO of SeHealth, it won’t just improve health care in the area.

“It will also bring renewed hope and economic bene� ts to our com-munity,” Anderson says.

New faces, new enthusiasmStarting summer 2015, the new partnership will bring third- and fourth-year medical students to SeHealth to train alongside expe-rienced physicians. � ere will also be a program for residents—new physicians who are getting further training after their internships.

� is will make SeHealth a teaching hospital, and Anderson is excited about that. “Having students and residents coming through can be a boost. It gener-ates excitement and keeps you

sharp,” she says.� e physicians at SeHealth are

also eagerly anticipating the arrival of new medical students and profes-sionals. Some have already volun-teered to lead programs to train specialists if there is enough interest.

But the most immediate bene� t will be in the area of primary care. � e need for primary care provid-ers is especially high in areas like rural Robeson County. According to John Kau� man, DO, dean and chief academic o� cer of the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, North Carolina ranks 34th in the U.S. for number of pri-mary care physicians per capita.

Osteopathic physicians have a tradition of practicing in under-served areas, and Anderson and Dr. Kau� man believe they will make a di� erence here. � ey say that students and residents are likely to put down roots in the community during their training and then decide to practice locally.

“We will train the next genera-tion of family doctors, pediatricians and other primary care physicians for the Lumberton and Robeson County area,” Dr. Kau� man says.

Having more primary care physicians will help SeHealth meet an important new benchmark established by the A� ordable Care Act (ACA). Its goal is to promote a model of high-quality primary care called the patient-centered medical home, which encourages patients to participate in their care and develop strong relationships with their physicians.

“Everything is aligning for us to meet the ACA guidelines and also make a di� erence in the commu-nity,” Anderson says.


Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine Dean John Kau� man, DO, and Southeastern Health President and CEO Joann Anderson sign a partnership agreement.

Prepped for excellencePrimary care physicians see a wide variety of health issues in their patients, and training at SeHealth will prepare the new students and residents to deal with all sorts of medical scenarios.

“� ey will be exposed to surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, emergency services—every spe-cialty area,” says Anderson. � ey’ll also work directly with primary care physicians who have their own practices in the community.

To make the most of this diverse training, students need personal attention. And SeHealth already has a track record for excellence in that regard. Students from Campbell University’s physician assistant and pharmacy programs already bene� t from SeHealth’s expertise.

“A physician assistant student recently told me how valuable it is for her to work with a physician here,” Anderson says. � e student said she made giant steps in her training as a result of working with SeHealth patients.

� at’s what happens when the

sta� physicians are enthusiastic about working with their students. And it will pay o� in the skill level of the graduating students and residents.

“Our program will provide prac-tical insights that they can apply to their practice in the real world,” Anderson says.

Helping the communityEstablishing those practices is a major goal of SeHealth’s partner-ship with Campbell University. � e in� ux of physicians—both in the hospital and in community prac-tices—will help improve the health of the community.

“It will allow us to do more health screenings, to focus more on health education and to have more time to spend with patients,” Anderson says. � at can help people manage their illnesses, keep some conditions from becoming chronic and even keep people from becoming ill in the � rst place.

“SeHealth is very committed to ensuring that the people of SeHealth North Carolina get the highest quality of care possible,”

Anderson says. � ese new physi-cians will help accomplish that.

� ey’ll also help in another area—the economy. As community members, they will buy homes or pay rent, buy gas and groceries, and make many more contribu-tions to the local economy. And the new medical school and teaching hospital may also attract established physicians to move to the area. � at’s how health care can become the driver of economic growth, and it can happen here.

“We have a study of the pro-jected economic impact of the medical school on the surrounding communities,” Dr. Kau� man says. “It estimates about $300 million over about 10 years.”

No downsideHope can be contagious, and in this case it can extend to local peo-ple who are interested in becoming physicians. “We encourage them to apply to the new medical school,” Dr. Kau� man says. “We believe they will be more likely to stay and become local physicians.”

All together, the new partner-ship is set to bene� t our region. Anderson has seen these gains in other communities, and she looks forward to watching them unfold here.

“Campbell University has a great reputation. � ey are committed to doing this in the best possible way,” Anderson says. “I see so many bene� ts this will bring to our region, and we’re happy to be part of it.”


A SURGICAL TEAM at Southeastern Regional Medical Center performed their � rst da Vinci Single-Site cholecystectomy on Feb. 21. � e patient’s gallbladder was removed through one tiny incision in the belly button, making the procedure virtually scarless. Led by Eric Velazquez, MD, of Southeastern Weight Loss Center and Southeastern Surgical Center (both part of SeHealth), the team removed the gallbladder using Single-Site instruments on a da Vinci Surgical System. � e minimally invasive procedure is traditionally called a laparo-scopic cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). Using robotic assistance, surgeons removed the gallbladder through an incision of approximately 1 inch.

� e way of the future� e U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the specialized Single-Site instruments for use with the da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic surgical system widely used in complex minimally invasive surgery, in December 2011.

“Neither robotic surgery nor single-incision surgery is new, but combining the two to remove the gallbladder requires additional training and special equipment,” says Dr. Velazquez. “To be one of the � rst hospitals to o� er this technically advanced surgery demonstrates SeHealth’s leadership in providing patients with the most up-to-date, minimally invasive surgical options.”

Dr. Velazquez is one of a small group of surgeons in the country who has received

training to perform the surgery.“Single-Site instruments used with the

da Vinci platform are the next step in the evolution of surgical technologies,” Dr. Velazquez says. “We are truly excited to be a leader today in the surgical treat-ment of tomorrow.”

Potential bene� ts of Single-Site gall-bladder surgery may include:➜ Virtually scarless results.➜ Minimal pain.➜ Low blood loss.➜ Fast recovery.➜ A short hospital stay.➜ High patient satisfaction.

� e surgery can be performed in about one hour with a typical hospital stay of less than 24 hours.

How it worksDuring the procedure, the surgeon sits comfortably at a console, viewing a 3-D, high-de� nition image of the patient’s anatomy. � e surgeon uses controls below the viewer to move the instrument arms and camera. In real-time, the system translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and � nger movements into more precise movements of the miniaturized instru-ments inside the patient.

Unlike traditional robotic surgeries requiring three to � ve small incisions, this new technology allows for a single incision in the belly button through which instru-ments are placed and the diseased gallblad-der is removed.

A variety of usesMost people who require gallbladder removal are candidates for the robotic,

Southeastern Regional Medical Center surgeon removes gallbladder through belly button incision with da Vinci Surgical System

Visit us at www.southeasternhealth.org/surgicalcenter to � nd out more about the da Vinci Surgical System used at Southeastern Regional Medical Center.

Eric Velazquez, MD

Tiny incision,big results


Weight-loss surgery off ers life-changing resultsAnyone who watches television these days has seen more than their fair share of com-mercials promoting weight-loss programs. Weight seems to be on the minds of many, and rightly so, given the risk factors associ-ated with obesity.

“Aside from dealing with the daily challenges of obesity, people fi nd themselves aff ected by the comorbidities associated with this condition,” says Eric Velazquez, MD, of Southeastern Weight Loss Center and Southeastern Surgical Center. “� is reason makes patients and their primary care physicians seek an adequate solution to such a devastating disease.”

WEIGHING THE OPTIONSCindy Masse, 49, of Rowland, is no stranger to struggles with weight. Although she has always enjoyed exercising, she was never able to maintain a healthy weight.

“I read where some 90 percent of people that lose weight gain it back,” says Masse. “� is really motivated me to fi nd a more permanent solution to my weight issues.”

� is motivation prompted Masse to attend an information seminar on surgical weight-loss options. During the seminar, Dr. Velazquez, a surgeon with fellowship training in bariatric surgery, explained several diff erent types of weight-loss surgeries and the benefi ts and precautions that went with each procedure.

While Masse entertained having the lap band procedure for some time, she ultimately

decided, along with Dr. Velazquez, that the sleeve gastrectomy procedure was best for her, taking into account her history and lifestyle.

“Bariatric or weight-loss surgery has shown over the years to be the most success-ful treatment for morbid obesity,” says Dr. Velazquez. “Among the existent surgical options is sleeve gastrectomy, which is the reduction of the size of the stomach by 75 to 80 percent using small incisions.”

TRIUMPHANT RESULTSSince her surgery in September 2012, Masse has lost close to 60 pounds and is continu-ing to lose weight at a steady pace. She is well on her way to achieving her goal of losing a total of 80 pounds by her one-year surgery date anniversary.

According to Dr. Velazquez, the sleeve gastrectomy procedure reduces the capac-ity the stomach can hold and, paired with lifestyle and dietary modifi cations, can enable patients to achieve an excess weight loss of 59 to 62 percent.

Patients typically leave the hospital two days following the surgery and are able to eat any type of food as long as it is in keep-ing with their weight-loss plan.

“Not only have I reduced the amount of food that I eat, but I also work out fi ve to six days per week,” Masse says. “I do some type of cardio workout every time I exercise and mix and match other types of exercise, such as light weights, yoga and circuit training.”

BONUS SIDE EFFECTSSince having the weight-loss surgery, Masse has seen a number of improvements in her health.

“My blood pressure and cholesterol are normal now, and I no longer have sleep apnea,” she says.

Following bariatric surgery, several of the conditions associated with obesity are either greatly improved or completely re-solved. Among these conditions are type 2 diabetes, acid refl ux, sleep apnea, hyperten-sion and high cholesterol.

Masse says since her surgery she often has to resist the urge to tell strangers she encounters who may be dealing with weight issues about the benefi ts of the surgery.

“I know there are people who have been struggling like I have, and I feel as though they don’t realize how important it is to take the step to look into weight-loss surgery and change their lives,” Masse says. “� is one procedure can save your life.”

single-incision surgery. According to the American College of Surgeons, surgery is the recommended treatment for gallblad-der pain from gallstones and nonfunction-ing gallbladders.

More than 1 million people in the U.S. have their gallbladder removed each year. Most of these surgeries are performed with tradi-tional laparoscopy using several incisions.

SeHealth o� ers various types of robot-assisted surgeries. In addition to gallbladder removal, surgeons perform robot-assisted surgery in:➜ Hysterectomy.➜ Myomectomy (removal of � broids).

➜ Endometriosis resection.➜ Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (re-moval of the fallopian tubes and ovaries).➜ Adrenalectomy.➜ Splenectomy.➜ Hiatal hernia.➜ Nissen fundoplication for re� ux disease.

SeHealth also o� ers a wide range of minimally invasive conventional laparo-scopic surgeries.

For information about robotic and other minimally invasive surgeries at Southeastern Regional Medical Center,

call 910-671-5499 or visit www.southeasternhealth.org.


Considering?To fi nd out more about

surgical weight-loss options,

including sleeve gastrectomy,

call the Southeastern Weight Loss Center, an affiliate of Southeastern Health, at 910-608-0307.

Cindy Masse has achieved sustained weight-loss success after undergoing the sleeve gastrectomy procedure.

physicians in the area to o� er this technology.

“� e Balloon Sinuplasty devices are a true advance in sinus care because, in many cases, it can be done without removing any tissue or bone,” Dr. Campbell says. “� at means faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort. In fact, many of my patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours and have had signi� cant improvement in their symptoms.”

Backed by specialized study� e international, multicenter study, CLEAR1, published in the prestigious journal Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery2, con� rmed at all time points (i.e., 24 weeks, one year and two years) earlier clinical validation that the Balloon Sinuplasty instruments are safe and e� ective for opening blocked sinuses. � e CLEAR study reported:➜ 91.6 percent functional patency rate at one year; 70 patients (217 sinuses)3.➜ No serious adverse events at two years; 65 patients (195 sinuses)4.➜ Symptom improvement for 85 percent of patients across the two-year post-surgery period5.

Sinusitis patients who are considering their options can learn more about the Balloon Sinuplasty technology

by calling Campbell ENT at 910-738-1038.

1. � e CLinical Evaluation to Confi rm SAfety and Effi cacy in the PaRanasal Sinuses (CLEAR)—multicenter, prospective, non-randomized study. 2. Bolger, W., et al, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery 2007; 137: 10-20. 3. Kuhn, F. A., et al, “Balloon Catheter Sinusotomy: One-Year Follow-up,” Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery 2008; 139, S27-S37. 4. Weiss, R. L., et al, “Long-term Outcome Analysis Balloon Catheter Sinusotomy,” Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery 2008; 139, S38-S46. 5. As reported by patients using SNOT-20.

Proven technology in treating chronic sinus infections now available at Southeastern Regional Medical Center

Jeff ery Campbell, MD

A CLINICALLY PROVEN, minimally invasive technology for treating chronic sinus in� am-mation is now available at Southeastern Health (SeHealth). � e Balloon Sinuplasty system by Acclarent uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses.

Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., a� ect-ing 37 million Americans each year. People with sinusitis have headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms. � is condition signi� cantly a� ects an individual’s physi-cal, functional and emotional quality of life.

Limited optionsHistorically, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: ➜ Medical therapy, such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids.➜ Conventional sinus surgery, such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Medical therapy can help alleviate symptoms for as many as 80 percent of pa-tients, but it is inadequate for the rest. For them, sinus surgery is often the best option. However, FESS is a conventional surgery that requires bone and tissue removal in or-der to open up blocked sinus passageways.

In lieu of a more desirable treatment, ap-proximately 900,000 people each year elect to live with painful sinus conditions.

A better way� ere is an alternative solution in endo-scopic sinus surgery—the Balloon Sinuplasty technology. A small, � exible

balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passage-

way. � e balloon is then in� ated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus

drainage and function. Je� rey Campbell, MD, of Campbell

Ear, Nose and � roat, is one of the � rst

Visit www.southeasternhealth.org/sinussurgeryto learn more about sinus surgery at Southeastern Regional Medical Center.

Balloon relief for sinusitis

What’s with all the sneezing?

Find out what’s going on. Southeastern Health’s Laboratory o� ers allergy testing. Ask your doctor or call 910-671-5072 for more information.

THE MEDICAL TERM is allergic rhinitis. But many of us know this sometimes-miserable condition as hay fever.

Its symptoms are set into motion by an allergic reaction—not to hay, but often to pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. Sometimes the allergies are linked to mold, pets, cockroaches or dust mites.

Hey, do you have hay fever?Allergic rhinitis may not be life-threatening, but it can be life-disrupting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 13 million Americans visit a doctor each year with symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

If pollen is causing your allergies, symptoms may be worse in spring and fall. (� at’s seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever.)

Allergies to pets, mold and dust can cause problems year-round (perennial allergic rhinitis).

What to do nextYour doctor can help pinpoint what you’re allergic to and devise a treatment plan, which may have several parts:➜ Getting allergy shots (immunotherapy).➜ Using medications, such as nasal sprays, eye drops or antihistamines.➜ Avoiding allergy triggers. For example, you might try closing your windows at night to keep out pollen and mold. Your doctor might advise you not to mow the lawn or at least to wear a pollen mask when doing so.Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Proven technology in treating chronic sinus infections now available at Southeastern Regional Medical Center


SOMETIMES DOCTORS need to see inside the body to help diagnose or treat diseases. Often they can accomplish this with-out surgery—thanks to modern medical imaging. � e following brief descriptions cover some of the most commonly used techniques.

X-ray. This is the oldest and most often used imaging test. The preferred way to diagnose broken bones, x-rays also have many other uses, such as to take an im-age of the chest or to assess damage from arthritis.

X-rays are a form of radiation that can pass through the body, allowing an image to be recorded on the other side. Bones and other dense matter absorb the most x-rays and look white; soft tissues appear in shades of gray because more rays pass through them.

Mammogram. A mammogram is a spe-cial type of x-ray exam used to image the breasts, often to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms can detect breast tumors early, when treatment has the best chance of success.

Ultrasound. An ultrasound doesn’t rely on radiation. Instead, the technique uses sound waves and their echoes to create pictures that can provide, among other things, a breathtaking first look at a grow-ing fetus.

Ultrasound is also used to view in-ternal organs, since it is very good at imaging soft tissues, and to guide biopsy tests. Doppler ultrasound can track blood � owing through vessels and is used to detect narrowing in leg or neck arteries.

Computed tomography (CT). CT scan-ning uses x-rays and a computer to create cross-sectional images of organs, blood ves-sels and other types of tissue in great detail.

For example, CT can show � brous tissue in organs and other details that aren’t visible with regular x-ray exams.

Multiple x-ray beams are sent through the body at di� erent angles, producing thin images, or slices, that are assembled by a computer and viewed on a monitor.

CT is often used to get images of the head, abdominal organs or pelvis. It can help detect cancer, spinal injuries and other conditions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MRI also captures detailed cross-sectional images, but with a strong magnetic � eld and radio waves instead of x-rays.

While MRI can be used to view almost any part of the internal structures of the body, some of the more common uses are to view the brain and the spinal cord to evalu-ate back pain.

Positron emission tomography (PET).PET scans can reveal details about the chemical activity of organs, so doctors can see how well they are functioning.

� ese images are taken by detecting the energy from particles released by a short-lasting radioactive substance put inside the body.

PET scans can help doctors detect cancer, monitor its treatment, or study the heart or the brain.

On the horizon: More and better usesKeep in mind that these imaging tech-niques have many more uses.

As technology advances, the ways in which imaging is used to diagnose and help treat conditions are expanding all the time.

Sources: American College of Physicians; American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America

It’s all in the

To learn more about the imaging techniques o� ered at Southeastern Health, call 910-737-3170.

Today’s imaging techniques help doctors help youDETAILS


MRI

X-RAY

MAM

MOGRAM

Prep time: 20 minutesCook time: 20 minutesNumber of servings: 4

IngredientsFOR TURKEY BURGER:12 ounces 99% fat-free ground turkey½ cup scallions (green onions), rinsed and

sliced¼ teaspoon ground black pepper1 large egg1 tablespoon olive oil

FOR SPREAD:2 tablespoons light mayonnaise1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

FOR TOPPINGS:4 ounces spinach or arugula, rinsed and

dried4 ounces portobello mushroom, rinsed,

grilled or broiled, and sliced (optional)4 whole-wheat hamburger buns

Directions✓ Preheat oven broiler on high temperature (with the rack 3 inches from heat source) or grill on medium-high heat.✓ To prepare burgers, combine ground tur-key, scallions, pepper and egg, and mix well. Form into 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick patties, and

coat each lightly with olive oil.✓ Broil or grill burgers for about 7 to 9 minutes on each side (to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees).✓ Combine mayonnaise and mustard to make a spread.✓ Assemble ¾ tablespoon spread, 1 ounce spinach or arugula, several slices of grilled portobello mushroom (optional), and one burger on each bun.

Nutrition informationServing size: 1 burger with toppings. Amount per serving: 299 calories; 11g total fat; 2g saturated fat; 89mg cholesterol; 393mg sodium; 5g total fi ber; 29g protein; 26g carbohydrates; 424mg potassiumSource: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Healthyyy

recip e

Turkey club burgerLighten up your traditional hamburger with lean ground turkey—less saturated fat, without less � avor

Hint: To grill portobello mushrooms, scrape o� the gills from underneath the mushroom caps. Lightly coat caps with olive oil, and grill or broil for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until tender. Slice and set aside until burgers are ready.

Tomato and red pepper dipIngredients1 jar (12 ounces) roasted red peppers, rinsed and drained1 can (15 ounces) white beans, rinsed and drained¼ cup tomato paste, preferably reduced sodium2 garlic cloves, minced3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise1 teaspoon dry oregano1 teaspoon ground cumin¼ teaspoon ground chili powder or a pinch of cayenne

pepperSalt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions✓ Coarsely chop peppers. Place in food processor or blender and puree. Add beans, tomato paste, garlic, mayonnaise, oregano, cumin, and chili powder or cayenne. Process to smooth puree. Season to taste with salt and pepper.✓ Let stand one hour before serving. Keeps up to three days, tightly covered and refrigerated.

Nutrition informationMakes 2¼ cups. Amount per 2-tablespoon serving: 32 calories; 1g total fat (1g saturated fat); 6g carbohydrates; 1g protein; 1g dietary fi ber; 120mg sodium; 190mg potassium.Source: Adapted from American Institute for Cancer Research


Caring follows you homeTHE PARAMEDIC PARTNERS program is a collaborative e� ort to assist Southeastern Health (SeHealth) in reducing preventable readmissions to Southeastern Regional Medical Center. � e program is geared toward patients with discharge diagnoses of congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarc-tion and adult respiratory illness.

Lumberton Rescue & EMS, our partner in this program, visits patients who are discharged with the target diagnoses after they are transitioned to the outpatient community for services. � e paramedics assess the patients in their homes and ensure that they:➜ Understand their discharge instructions.➜ Have their medications � lled.➜ Have a safe and healthy environment in which they are able to live and care for themselves.

If an intervention is needed that may necessitate an earlier appointment or additional services, the patient’s primary care provider (PCP) may be contacted by the paramedic or a transitional nurse.

� is program ensures that these

patients are equipped to participate in their health care needs, while having the autonomy of being at home. It also allows the PCP to oversee each pa-tient’s needs as we strive for a home medical model system within our commu-nities of service.

� e program began the � rst week of February and initially serves the ZIP codes of 28358, 28359 and 28360. � is is a voluntary program of which patients have the opportunity to opt out. � ere is no cost associated with

the visits by the paramedics. � e paramedics have

completed training to care for patients in this setting in addition to the pre-hospital education they have received.

Lumberton Rescue & EMS is a valued partner

within the community that has a similar mission and

values as SeHealth. Both organiza-tions are aligned to improve the health care services within the community and to create a healthier environment in which we live.

Nonpro� t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSenatobia, MSPermit #368

Southeastern Regional Medical Center300 W. 27th St.Lumberton, NC 28358

Main number 910-671-5000Phone registration 910-671-5096Billing and insurance 910-671-5047Financial assistance 910-671-5038Information desk 910-735-8110Human Resources 910-671-5562Gift shop 910-735-8164Home health 910-671-5600Medical equipment 910-738-3560

R E A C H U S N u m b e r s t o k n o w

Check out our website

www.southeasternhealth.org

Documents

Health - SRMCprostate cancer. ˜ is likely cancer ˚ ghter may also reduce heart disease risk. Enjoy them this way: Add sliced tomatoes to sandwiches and chopped ones to om-elets,