Vital Care PT - June 2019

Vital Care PT - June 2019

MONTHLY

JUNE 2019

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H ow to B est C are for M en in Y our L ife T his M onth

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

Vital Care Patients ENTER TO WIN Find the misspelled word in this newsletter and call 623-544-0300 for your chance to win a $10 gift card! CALL 623-544-0300 Contest is for past and present Vital Care PT patients only. There are two equally important observances that take place during the month of June: Father’s Day and National Cancer Survivors Day. While the former tends to get more hype, these two holidays actually have a crucial connection. Aside from skin cancer diagnoses, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. In fact, according to Cancer. net, an estimated 174,650 men in the US will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Even though this cancer affects a great number of men (perhaps even someone you know), it doesn’t seem to get the preventative attention that it deserves. Throughout my many years working in my practice and looking at patient medical histories, I’ve noticed an alarming number of men who have prostate cancer listed on their medical history form. In fact, It seems like I have seen

more men with prostate cancer than women with breast cancer listed on their medical history form. Yet, I have never heard the media talk about prostate cancer or seen any advertisements for foundations or events to raise money for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer just isn’t talked about or marketed like other cancers. Hearing about any cancer diagnosis is perturbing, but I am concerned about the lack of prostate cancer awareness. After spending some time pondering the connection between Father’s Day and National Cancer Survivors Day, I decided now was an ideal time to spread awareness about prostate cancer, the screening process, and the survival rates. Oncologists know there are a number of risk factors that contribute to prostate cancer, such as geographical location, family history, age, and racial background. Approximately 60% of cases are diagnosed in men over 65, and the risk of prostate cancer is 60% higher in black men than white men. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the growing tumor doesn’t push against anything to cause pain, so it can go unnoticed for many years. In a few rare cases, men with a prostate tumor might experience trouble or pain with urination, but experiencing these symptoms isn’t usually indicative of cancer. The lack of symptoms associated with this type of cancer led doctors to create two primary means of screening: the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate. It is found Unfortunately, there aren’t usually any obvious early warning signs for prostate cancer.

primarily in semen, with very small amounts released into the bloodstream. When there is a problem with the prostate, such as tumor growth, more PSA is released. The test involves a physician drawing a small amount of blood from the patient’s arm to examine his levels. While the risk of men, especially men over the age of 65, being diagnosed with prostate cancer is high, approximately 95% of cases are detected when the cancer is confined to the prostate, which results in high survival rates. The Prostate Cancer Foundation states that the 5-year survival rate in the United States for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is 99%. In other words, the chance of the cancer spreading, or of a man dying from his prostate cancer, is generally low. However, prostate cancer comes in many forms, and some men can have aggressive prostate cancer even when it appears to be confined to the prostate. While it’s certainly not a fun topic, being aware of and sharing information about the prevalence of this type of cancer and the methods of screening might be the most important Father’s Day gift you can give this year. Be sure to go to Pcf.org to find out more. –Andrea McWhorter

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DID YOU KNOW THAT MAY WAS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH?

M y E xperience with M elanoma — A bby P rescott

With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer experienced by the American population. Due to the lack of awareness and subsequent prevalence of this kind of cancer, the Skin Cancer Foundation named May Skin Cancer Awareness Month with the hope of making prevention strategies better known and understood, gathering funding for the creation of lifesaving programs, and giving those who have been diagnosed a platform to share their story and connect with people in similar situations. While I grew up knowing that skin cancer was widespread, I never imagined that I would have to deal with it myself. But just two years ago, I was diagnosed with melanoma, a form of skin cancer that arises when the pigment-producing cells mutate and become cancerous. It is also known both in the medical community and society at large as the most serious form of skin cancer due to how quickly it can spread. Fortunately, my dermatologist detected and biopsied my cancerous mole early, and I was able to have an in-office procedure to have it removed. While I am very thankful for my cancer’s early detection and quick treatment, I still don’t feel 100% comfortable opening up to people about my experience. Writing this article was a challenging process. But I figured if my story could help educate others, then I’d better do my part to share. When I was pregnant with my first daughter back in 2007, I developed cystic acne under my jaw line. With all the hormones associated with pregnancy, I wasn’t too worried about it. I assumed that with time, it would go away. Ten years and another daughter later, it was still there, so I went to a dermatologist to get some answers. While I was there, she asked me if I would be interested in doing a cancer screening. I figured, “Why not?” While they determined that none of my moles looked alarming, they took three for biopsy just in case. Five days later, I received a call from their office informing me that one of my moles was, in fact, melanoma. Because the cancer hadn’t metastasized, they could do slow Mohs procedure, which requires a surgeon to remove the visible skin cancer and a bit of normal-looking skin around it, and then test to make sure they had clear margins in removing it. While this treatment is much more ideal than having to undergo multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation as millions of others have had to suffer through, the “slow” part of the Mohs procedure stems from the fact that it takes longer for the surgeon to get the results. I had to wait 11 days after the procedure to hear whether or not they had retrieved all of the cancer from my body. It was the longest 11 days of my life. By the grace of God and the precise work of my doctors, I was cancer free. While the whole process of being diagnosed, undergoing treatment, and then waiting for the results definately left me with some residual mental and emotional strains that I’ve spent months navigating, I now only have to go in for follow-up appointments once every six months.

the reality of a melanoma diagnosis, I’m asking you all to take my advice to heart. If you are planning on spending time outside, wear protective clothing and a hat, reapply sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF every 80 minutes, and go in for check-ups at least once a year. Additionally, if you notice any unusual moles anywhere on your body, make sure that you have them checked as soon as possible. If you aren’t sure whether or not a mole is unusual, try the ABCDE test:

• A is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.

• B is for irregular border. Look for moles with irregular, notched, or scalloped borders — all of which are characteristics of melanomas.

• C is for changes in color. Look for growths that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color.

• D is for diameter. Look for new growth in any mole larger than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters)

• E is for evolving. Look for changes over time, such as changes in size, color, or shape. Moles may also develop new signs and symptoms, such as itchiness or bleeding. Thank you all for taking the time to read my story. For your sake and your family’s sake, please learn as much as you can about skin cancer signs and symptoms, and take care of yourself.

I tell you all this because even though skin cancer is surprisingly common, few people do anything to prevent it. As someone who has dealt with

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SUDOKU

At Vital Care Physical Therapy, we rely on a variety of factors for continued growth. Out of all of them, none is as crucial as the support of the wonderful patients who come to us for help during their rehabilitation journey. Check out what these patients had to say about their experiences: S uccess S tories OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST was limited on how I could sit and stand, and I couldn’t bend in certain positions. Andrea and Abby listened to my explanation in order to find the source of my pain. They prescribed exercises that would help me strengthen my core. “I am thrilled with how strong my core is now! Thanks to Andrea and Abby’s awesome, helpful care, I have learned how to manage this situation and prevent it from getting to the point it was before. My favorite part (aside from no longer feeling pain) is that I didn’t require any drugs, injections, or surgery to get better! “Prior to my first visit, I was in a lot of pain. It wasn’t necessarily debilitating, but I

“Thank you so much to Andrea, Abby, and the rest of the Vital Care team. My life is so much more doable thanks to you!”

MISO SOUP WITH MUSHROOMS AND KALE

–Jeanne B.

“I had a severe rotator cuff injury and surgery. This was the second injury and surgery on my left shoulder. It was a complicated surgery, this time involving new techniques.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 splash olive oil • 4 oz. mushrooms, sliced • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 4 cups water • 1 cup vegetable broth • 3 tbsp yellow miso paste • 8 oz. extra firm tofu, pressed and drained • 3/4 cup kale • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

“The Vital Care team knew exactly how to guide me through the long recovery. Their approach, techniques, high spirits, and genuine concern have made this experience MUCH more effective and pleasant than my first experience at another facility.”

DIRECTIONS

1. In a stock pot or Dutch oven, heat oil to medium. Add mushrooms and sauté until mushrooms just begin to shrink. Add garlic, water, broth, miso, and tofu.

–Joel Avey

2. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Stir in kale and rice vinegar; cook until kale softens.

4. Divide into bowls and serve.

Inspired by SeriousEats.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

(623) 544-0300 Fax: (623) 544-0239 www.VitalCareRehab.com

I nside 14545 W. Grand Ave. #108 Surprise, AZ 85374 How to Best Care for Men in Your Life This Month PAGE 1

THIS ISSUE

Abby Shares Her Story PAGE 2

Miso Soup With Mushrooms and Kale

Success Stories PAGE 3

Exploring the River of No Return PAGE 4

JOURNEY DOWN A RIVER OF NO RETURN

The Unspoiled Beauty of Central Idaho

There’s more to Idaho than potatoes. Sitting square in the center of the Gem State is one of the largest contiguous areas of protected wilderness in the U.S. While the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area may not roll off the tongue as easy as Yellowstone or Yosemite, this 2 million-acre swath of mountains, gorges, and alpine lakes offers something for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes.

old-fashioned hiking. Some, like the Middle Fork Lodge, offer five- star accommodations, located conveniently close to one of the area’s many natural hot springs. Those with the right permits will find the rivers and lakes full of fishing opportunities, and the surrounding pine forests are teeming with game.

RIVER OF NO WHAT, NOW?

The name of the wilderness may sound a little ominous at first — who wants to travel down a river of no return? — but in truth, it’s a title from times gone by when canoes and small watercraft could travel down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River swiftly but couldn’t fight the current going back up. Today, those same rapids make the Middle Fork a wildly popular whitewater rafting destination, with plenty of local and out-of-state enthusiasts making a return journey every summer.

LODGES? I JUST WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL.

For those looking for a truly unplugged experience, backpacking to the many campsites scattered throughout the region can be an incredible journey. If you spend a night beside the crystal-clear waters of Langer Lake, hundreds of miles away from any light pollution, you’ll find peace, quiet, and a sky bursting with stars. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a truly untamed part of the United States, Idaho is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.

RAFTING ISN’T FOR ME. WHAT ELSE YOU GOT?

If crashing down 300 Class III rapids isn’t your speed, the Frank Church Wilderness has plenty of other ways to enjoy the wild mountain country. There are several lodges that were grandfathered in to the wilderness area, most of which are only accessible by jet boat, light aircraft, or good

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