“Although some women are at higher risk, the fact is that all women are at risk for breast cancer,” says Julie Fasano, RN, (R)(M), ARRT, Lead Mammographer at Advocate Sherman Hospital. “Although breast cancer can’t be prevented at the present time, early detection provides the greatest possibility of successful treatment.”

That’s why it’s important to follow this three-step plan for preventive care.

What is the three-step plan?

Routine care is the best way to keep you and your breasts healthy. Regularly practicing all three steps is the best way to ensure you’ll prevent it. And if you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, chances are your good habits will have caught it early, thus increasing your odds of surviving.

Step 1: Breast self-examination (BSE)

The American Cancer Society (ACS) says that breast self-exams are an option for women ages 20 and older as a means of familiarizing themselves with their breasts so they can notice changes more easily. BSEs should be done regularly at the same time every month. Changes may include:

• Development of a lump
• A discharge other than breast milk
• Swelling of the breast
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Nipple abnormalities (for example, pain, redness, scaliness, or turning inward)

“BSEs teach you to know how your breasts normally feel so that you can more readily detect any changes,” Fasano says. “If you notice any of these changes, talk with your doctor as soon as possible for evaluation.”

Evidence suggests BSEs do not lower risk of death from breast cancer, but that’s not where their importance lies. BSEs are necessary to understand your body and to know when a change has occurred so further action can be taken. Talk with your doctor about their benefits and limitations.

Don’t have a doctor? Visit the Advocate Sherman Hospital physician finder.

Step 2: Clinical examination

“A clinical breast examination (CBE) by a doctor or nurse trained to evaluate breast problems should be part of a woman’s physical examination,” Fasano says. “Between ages 20 and 39, women should have a clinical breast examination (CBE) by a health professional every three years.”

After age 40, women should have a breast examination by a health professional every year. A clinical breast examination by a doctor or nurse is very similar to the procedures used for breast self-examination. Women who routinely practice Step 1 will be prepared to ask questions and have their concerns addressed during Step 2.

Step 3: Mammography

The most common imaging technique, mammograms are one the best tools for detecting breast cancer. “Mammograms detect problems before a lump becomes large enough to be felt and assist in the diagnosis of other breast problems,” Fasano says. “However, a biopsy is required to confirm the presence of cancer.”

Experts have different recommendations for mammography. Currently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening every two years for women between ages 50 and 74. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends yearly screening for all women ages 40 and older.

Both the National Cancer Institute and the ACS suggest that women at increased risk for breast cancer should talk with their doctor about getting mammograms at an earlier age. “Women should talk with their doctor about their personal risk factors before making a decision about when to start getting mammograms and how often,” Fasano explains.

The Center for Breast Care at Advocate Sherman Hospital is designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology for its dedication to improving women’s health. Click here for more information on the Center for Breast Care.

The program gave participants the opportunity to rotate every two weeks on each of the following units: 2 A/B, 4 A/B, 5 A/B and 6 A/B. They also worked day, evening and night shifts. “The feedback from the new grads was that the experience of floating to the in-house nursing units enriched their view on nursing practice,” says Jason Burger, RN, manager of the SHINE program. “They felt privileged to have this unique opportunity.”

The following nursing graduates participated in the program:

• Joellyn Hoekstra, RN, BSN
• Taryn Hudkins, RN, BSN
• Taneya Khalid, RN, BSN
• Dominika Pavone, RN, BSN

In addition to working on different nursing units, the new grads participated in six core curriculum classes led by Clinical Educator Jane Wrede, R.N., M.S.N. On May 30, the last day of classes, participants celebrated their success and offered feedback on the program. “The celebration was a chance to voice their opinions on how the program went and any recommendations for the next group of new grads,” Burger says. “Their feedback resulted in positive input resulting in continuation of the program.”

The SHINE program is designed to give participants an overview of how different nursing units work together throughout Advocate Sherman Hospital. In addition, the program gives new grads a great support system and allows participants to foster relationships with nursing staff. For Burger, his proudest moment was seeing the participants’ enthusiasm and energy.

“The new grads are deserving of profound respect and recognition for learning, training and the excellent nursing skills they delivered,” Burger says. “We appreciate the compassionate care that they brought to our patients.”

The next 12-week SHINE program will begin August 5, 2013.

If you have young kids or grandkids, first thing’s first: well done! It’s a lot of work being a parent, so high five for being super selfless. And because keeping the kids safe is so important, Dr. Neelam Narula, pediatrician on the medical staff at Advocate Sherman Hospital, is here with some advice.

There are a number of things every home has that can pose a threat to the ankle biters. Here’s a list of six of the most common. In each case, Dr. Narula has a solution that’s easy to get done. Some solutions may require a quick trip to the hardware store, while others are as simple as a temperature adjustment.

1. Scalding tap water

Danger: It’s common for a home’s water heater to be set above 120 degrees, and this can cause a scald burn to a child in seconds. Scalding hot tap water causes 3,800 injuries and more than 30 deaths a year, and many of the victims are children.

Solution: “Set your hot water heater to no higher than 120 °F (48.8°C), and always check the temperature of your tap and bath water to ensure it’s safe,” says Dr. Narula.

2. Unstable furniture

Danger: Each year, thousands of miniature explorers are badly injured when large TVs and heavy furniture tip over on them. At the time of the injury, the kids are often climbing, pulling themselves up, or falling against unstable furniture.

Solution: “Double-check the stability of large furniture. Anchor everything! Stoves, bookcases, shelves, or bureaus should all be securely fastened to the wall. Get rid of items that may tempt kids to climb.”

3. Window blinds

Danger: Hundreds of children have strangled to death after getting tangled up in cords or chains on window blinds. Window coverings sold before 2001 pose the most danger.

Solution: Secure the cords of older window coverings so children can’t reach them, or replace them with safer, cordless blinds. “Move cribs, beds, and other furniture away from windows,” says Dr. Narula. “Use only cordless window coverings in children’s sleep and play areas.”

4. Poorly stored chemicals

Danger: Since the turn of the century, the number of poisoning deaths has doubled among children. Many poisons are found in the garage, kitchen, or bathroom. They include pesticides, automotive products, weed killers, and cleaning/disinfectant products.

Solution: “Store harmful chemicals in their original, labeled containers—safely out of reach. Consider locked cabinets for storage. NEVER leave chemicals unattended when you are using them.”

5. Home trampolines

Danger: Backyard trampolines send tens of thousands of people younger than 20 to doctors and emergency rooms each year. Injuries range from sprains, broken bones, and cuts to neck and spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even death.

Solution: Plain and simple. Dr. Narula advises to “Avoid use of home trampolines. In gym classes or competitive sports, use a trampoline only with strict adult guidance and supervision.”

6. Small Magnets

Danger: Strange but true! Small magnets (found in many yummy-looking children’s toys) can wreak havoc on a growing digestive system. Significant damage to the intestine is possible, including obstruction and cutting of blood supply. Serious injuries result when two magnets in different parts of the intestine get stuck together.

Solution: “The safest route is to find toys that are free of magnets. If a favorite toy has a magnet or two inside, supervise play time to make sure the toy doesn’t become food.”

Looking for a wonderful primary care doctor like Dr. Narula? Just call 1-800-3Advocate or visit the Advocate Sherman Hospital physician finder and search under the Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics specialties.

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With warmer temps on the way this spring, many of us look forward to a renewed workout routine. Whether you enjoy running or playing tennis, being more active also means that your risk for orthopedic injury increases. That’s why it’s important to know the steps before, during and after your workout to help prevent injury.

According to Dr. Michael Kogan, an orthopedic surgeon on the Medical Staff at Advocate Sherman Hospital, common orthopedic injuries in the spring and summer include tendonitis, strains/sprains and fractures. Tendonitis is a common condition in which a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, often the result of an overuse injury. “In many cases, tendonitis is caused by a combination of both an inflammatory and degenerative process,” Dr. Kogan says. “This condition is common in older adults whose tendons are not as flexible.”

Strains and sprains are common injuries that share similar symptoms but occur in different parts of the body. “A strain occurs when a muscle has been stretched or possibly torn, while a sprain refers to a stretched or torn ligament,” Dr. Kogan says. The most severe of these common injuries is a fracture. “It’s a common misconception that a fracture does not equal broken, but a fracture is, in fact, a broken bone,” he says. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone often caused by overuse or repetition.

To help prevent these common orthopedic injuries, Dr. Kogan offers the following advice:

1. Listen to Your Body
He stressed the importance of listening to your body and modifying your workout routine accordingly. For example, if you experience pain or discomfort running two miles, consider changing your workout to only a mile or half-mile. He also recommends pursuing activities that have low impact on the joints, such as walking, biking and swimming. With any new activity, it is important to build your mileage over time to prevent injury while increasing endurance.

2. Warm Up and Cool Down
“One of the best ways to prevent injury during exercise is by warming up and cooling down,” Dr. Kogan says. “This should be part of every exercise regimen.” A warm up and cool down may include stretching exercise or low-impact aerobic exercise to prepare your body for the upcoming workout. A cool-down may include applying ice to sore muscles. “Apply heat pre-workout to help loosen up joints and muscles and apply ice for 20 to 30 minutes post-workout to minimize any swelling or inflammation,” Dr. Kogan recommends.

3. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is important to reduce muscle cramping during your workout. Drink fluids before, during and after exercise and carry a water bottle with you. Look for signs of dehydration, including feeling thirsty or tired during your activity. “Besides avoiding muscle cramps, hydration is key to preventing disorders of heat intolerance such as syncope (fainting), exhaustion and even heat stroke,” Dr. Kogan explains.

4. Work out in a Safe Environment The great outdoors can bring uneven terrain, rocks, tree roots, or hidden holes than can cause ankle injuries, so it’s important to watch your footing. Lightweight trail running or hiking shoes are designed to provide additional lateral support and may be a wise investment if you hit the trails often. According to Dr. Kogan, it is important to be mindful of the weather when planning your workout. “Avoid strenuous activities in hot, humid conditions,” he says.

5. Maintain Your Workout Routine
Continue your workout routine throughout the year by joining a local health club. The change from being inactive to active can be difficult on joints and muscles. “Our bodies don’t like change,” Dr. Kogan says. “If you can keep your workout routine at the same general level throughout the year, your body will be less prone to injury.”