HEALTH & FITNEss 2002
Peas 10, Section A The Kings Mountain Herald
Kiles MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL
Health News from
Kings Mountain Hospital
Thursday, December 5, 2002
Hospital performing area’s only Interstim Therapy Treatment
decrease stimulation to the nerves.
“To implant the Interstim
Therapy requires only minimally
invasive surgery,” says Patel. In
fact, he compares the placement
of the device to that of a pacemak-
er. Small leads are placed by nee-
dle around the peripheral nerves
extending into the lower back.
The lead is what receives stimula-
tion from the pager device and
sends a signal to the nerves.
These nerves essentially tell the
bladder how to function. A bat-
tery pack is then connected to the
leads. From here, the patient is
able to regulate the stimulations
to the bladder by operating the
pager-like device.
“The amazing thing about this
treatment is that it is patient con-
trolled,” says Patel. “The patient
is able to decide when and how
often stimulation is needed.”
Another great thing about
Interstim Therapy is that it is a
reversible treatment. The leads
and battery pack can be removed
at any time. The treatment is per-
By MISSY SHEAFF
Kings Mountain Hospital
Hospital. Patel has received
extensive training in Urology
from the University of North
Carolina-Chapel Hill and
Carolinas Medical Center and the
credentials necessary to perform
this particular therapy. “In order
to perform Interstim Therapy a
urologist must pass intense cre-
dentialing, including multiple test
and a proctorship,” says Patel.
“It’s important that those per-
forming this procedure are well-
trained in Urology and/or Neuro-
Urology.”
So how does it all work? It’s
actually pretty simple. A candi-
date for treatment must seek ini-
tial testing to determine his or her
response and possible success
with the treatment. The Interstim
Therapy is an implantable device
that uses mild electrical stimula-
tion of the sacral nerve that influ-
ences the behavior of the bladder
and pelvic floor muscles.
Stimulation is regulated by a
small pager-like device that
allows patients to increase or
Interstim Therapy. Have you
ever heard of it? If not, what
you're about to learn will amaze
you. Moreover, Kings Mountain
Hospital and Carolinas Medical
Center are the only facilities in the
region performing this state-of-
the-art treatment.
Interstim Therapy is a treat-
ment for urinary control that
offers a revolutionary approach
for managing urinary retention,
urinary urge incontinence and uri-
nary urgency-frequency syn-
drome. Most patients treated are
those who have failed or could
not tolerate more traditional treat-
ments such as medications, diet
modification and biofeedback.
The therapy has a success rate of
85 to 95 percent, which is remark-
able considering the treatment has
only been around for five years. =
Dr. Manish Patel is the individ-
ual to be thanked for bringing this
treatment to Kings Mountain
Nasal symptom
formed as an outpatient proce-
dure and usually takes 20 to 30
minutes. Patel says that a follow-
up appointment is suggested
every six months to a year.
Many people of all ages suffer
from bladder control symptoms
and there are limited options to
help relieve these symptoms. The
Interstim Therapy is chosen as a
solution after other traditional
methods have been tried. When
available treatments or medica-
tions are not effective, patients
may have to manage bladder con-
trol through use of external means
such at catheters or absorbent
products. The Interstim Therapy
offers another solution to these
symptoms as well as the opportu-
nity to enjoy life without the wor-
ries of bladder control.
“Kings Mountain Hospital pro-
vides a more than sufficient
atmosphere for this type of proce-
dure,” says Patel. “It’s an excel-
lent facility and most of all con-
venient for those not wanting to
travel away from home for med-
The findings of a recent
survey are nothing to sneeze
at. Despite the fact that mil-
lions of Americans suffer
from allergy-like symptoms
year-round, most only treat
their conditions during aller-
gy “season.” That's a mis-
take, say health care
providers, because nasal
symptoms may be caused by
irritants such as smoke,
strong odors, change of
weather and indoor aller-
gens such as house dust
mites, mold and animal dan-
Flu season hits in January,
You can-and should -get
your flu shot before the flu
season strikes. There's plen-
ty of flu vaccine available
and lots of time to be immu-
nized before influenza raises
its ugly head in January,
stresses the Visiting Nurse
Associations of America
(VNAA).
“We urge each of you
and your family members to
see a health care provider or
public health department
about getting immunized
before flu season peaks,
which typically happens
between January and early
March,” said Gregory
Poland, MD, professor of
medicine and clinical phar-
macology at the Mayo Clinic
and Foundation, Rochester,
Minn.
Discover
Over the past few years,
massage therapy has gained
a healthy following of
patients and doctors. The
treatment-which many once
considered only to be for the
wealthy-is being used more
Changing
der. These “triggers” may
bother people no matter
what time of year it is.
Year-round nasal symp-
toms may be caused by a
condition known as perenni-
al nonallergic rhinitis
(PNAR). According to the
Journal of Managed Care
Supplement, an estimated 35
million patients suffer from
this condition.
PNAR may be difficult
to distinguish from nasal
allergies, making it harder to
diagnose and treat. Health
Influenza vaccination is
recommended for anyone
who wants protection from
influenza and for persons 65
years of age and older, peo-
ple with chronic illnesses,
health care workers, some
healthy children (6-23
months of age) and persons
who live with or care for
high-risk persons, according
to recommendations issued
by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
(CDQ).
“Each year in the United
States, the flu is associated
with more than 20,000
deaths, more than 114,000
hospitalizations and strikes
at least 1 in every 10 adults
annually,” said Carolyn
Markey, RN, President and
CEO of VNAA. “A simple
the deep-down benefits of
frequently for treating mus-
cular and arthritic condi-
tions, sports injuries and
chronic pain.
In fact, the National
Certification Board for
Therapeutic Massage &
Kings Mountain Hospital-
For The
Detter
care providers say the signs
and symptoms of PNAR to
watch for include:
*Onset and progression
of nasal congestion, runny
nose and postnasal drip
without itching.
*Symptoms after irritant
exposure.
Year-round occurrences
of symptoms.
An Allergy IQ survey
found that most adults
understand what can trigger
their nasal symptoms
(smoke, perfumes, pollution)
flu shot significantly reduces
a person’s chances of getting
influenza.”
The flu often strikes hard
and fast normally around
January, leaving many peo-
ple bedridden for days,
accounting for missed days
at work and school in
healthy individuals, and
leading to serious complica-
tions among the elderly and
chronically ill.
How Influenza Spreads
Influenza viruses are
easily transmitted via
droplets of respiratory secre-
tions that can be easily
spread by sneezing and
coughing. The virus can also
be spread by direct contact
with infected persons.
Persons who get the flu
experience onset of high
Bodywork (NCBTMB) esti-
mates 20 million Americans
spend between $2 and $4
billion annually on visits to
massage and bodywork
practitioners, totaling
approximately 75 million
Eg
but many do not seek treat-
ment year-round for their
PNAR.
In fact, according to the
survey, only three in 10
knew that a nasal spray may
effectively treat symptoms
caused by strong odors. In
addition, 55 percent did not
know that a prescription
nasal spray could treat
symptoms caused by pollu-
tion and only 36 percent
knew that it may effectively
treat symptoms caused by
weather changes.
FLONASE® (fluticasone
propionate) Nasal Spray, 50
mcg, is the only leading pre-
scription anti-inflammatory
nasal spray proven to effec-
tively treat the triggers of
PNAR. For best results,
FLONASE should be
used daily. If side effects
occur, they are generally
mild and may include
headache, nosebleed or sore
throat.
“The high awareness of
triggers, coupled with the
low awareness of treatment
Dr. Manish Patel
ical care.”
For more information on this
procedure or Interstim Therapy,
please call 704-869-0075.
triggers are present year-round
options by nasal symptom
sufferers, is surprising,” says
Dr. Jennifer Derebery, an
otolaryngologist at the
House Ear Clinic in Los
Angeles, CA. “People
should see their health care
providers regularly-especial-
ly when they may not be
able to avoid triggers.
Prescription medicines, like
FLONASE, can help treat
their PNAR.”
For more information
visit www.flonase.com.
have you had your shot?
fever, chills, a dry cough,
headache, runny nose, sore
throat, muscle and joint
pain, and extreme fatigue
lasting several days to
weeks.
Who Should Not Be
Vaccinated
Persons who should not
receive influenza vaccine are
those who have had previ-
ous reactions to the vaccine
or are allergic to eggs (the
viruses used in the vaccine
are grown in chicken eggs).
Adults with a fever should
wait until symptoms disap-
pear or consult a health care
provider about receiving an
influenza vaccination.
However, vaccines may be
given in the presence of
minor illnesses with or with-
out fever, particularly
visits each year. Treatment
benefits include physical
relaxation, reduced anxiety,
increased circulation and
pain relief.
Many of today’s seniors
use massage therapy to treat
has been made with one thing in mind - to strengthen
the health of our community through resources right
here at home.
At Kings Mountain Hospital, we believe in the power
Since its beginnings more than 50 years ago, Kings
Mountain Hospital has made many advancements.
Today, the range of specialty care now available right
here at home includes orthopaedics, urology, gastroen-
terology, physical therapy, laparoscopic surgery, cardi- of positive change and in the health and well-being of
ology and others. Every advancement over the decades you and your family, now and in the future.
SZ
¥
Kings Mountain Hospital
Carolinas HealthCare System
wuww.carolinashealthcare.org
among children with mild
respiratory tract infections.
About the Vaccine
Influenza vaccine is safe
and effective. The most com-
mon side effect is soreness at
the injection site that can last
up to two days. Some peo-
ple may have mild fever or
feel tired for a day or two
after receiving the vaccine.
Flu vaccine does not
cause influenza. Manufac-
turers make the vaccine with
inactivated or “killed”
strains of the viruses pre-
dicted to be prevalent dur-
ing the upcoming season, so
you cannot get influenza
from a flu shot. The predom-
inant strains change annual-
ly, so last year’s flu shot will
not protect you from this
season's virus. As with any
massage
ailments such as arthritis
and muscle aches, that are
associated with growing
older. The therapy has also
been shown to be beneficial
to pregnant women.
Pregnant massage:
* Helps relieve depression,
anxiety and nervousness
caused by hormonal change.
* Helps increase circula-
tion, which reduces swelling
and improves oxygen sup-
ply to the baby.
* Helps relieve muscular
discomfort such as cramp-
ing, tightening, stiffness and
knots.
Why the newfound
acceptance for a practice
that’s been around for hun-
dreds of years? Many thera-
pists attribute massage’s
current popularity to
increased public knowledge.
For instance, more peo-
ple today are aware of the
health risks associated with
stress than in the past and
‘massage therapy has been
shown to relieve stress and
many of the negative aspects
associated with it.
Other treatment methods
such as acupuncture and
herbal medicine have grown
in popularity as well. In fact,
the National Institutes of
Health reports one-third of
U.S. consumers polled said
vaccine, a flu shot may not
protect 100% of susceptible
individuals.
For more information on
influenza vaccination, con-
tact your physician or local
healthcare provider, or visit
the CDC's Web site at
www.cde.gov.
Visiting Nurse Associations
of America
VNAA was created in
1983 and is the official
national association for free-
standing, not-for-profit,
community-based home
health organizations known
as Visiting Nurse
Associations. VNAA repre-
sents nearly 200 VNAs in
over 400 locations nation-
wide. VNAs provide more
than 2.5 million influenza
immunizations annually.
therapy
they visit an alternative
medicine specialist once a
year.
As alternative medicines
grow in popularity, more
and more health plans are |
covering massage therapy
and bodywork services. A
recent survey showed 15
percent of HMOs offer mas-
sage in their coverage.
Health plans that do
cover massage, often look to
work with therapists who
have been certified by
groups such as the
NCBTMB.
The NCBTMB is an inde-
pendent group founded to
foster high standards for
therapeutic massage and
bodywork. The group's
actions (and those of groups
like it) have helped many
alternative medicines gain
legitimacy in the eyes of
healthcare professionals
insurance companies.
It’s also recommended con-
sumers look for massage
therapists or bodywork
practitioners who have been
certified by such programs-
that way people can be more
confident that their chosen
therapist is competent, well-
trained and has the appro-
priate knowledge and skills
to treat conditions.
and