Mary McCurdy - PinnacleHealth

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ALL vein treatments ARE NOT DONE IN VAIN Whether multiple pregnancies or a family history of spider and varicose veins have created an unsightly appearance, or you suffer from discomfort due to a lifestyle or trauma, there is hope in treating cosmetic and physical venous ailments. The Capital Region Vein Center (CRVC) offers women and men options in both inpatient and outpatient treatments for those experiencing leg aching, heaviness, swelling, physical changes such as skin color, ulcers and restless leg syndrome. Typical candidates include men and women ages 40–60 (patients can be both younger and older) who find themselves with venous insufficiency, red spider veins and varicose veins, as well as anyone who must stand or sit for a lengthy period of time due to a job. Stuart Pink, MD, medical director for the Capital Region Vein Center, is a Cardiologist who can diagnose and treat both arterial and venous disease. Compared to 20 years ago, the latest treatments for venous disease cause less scaring, pain, and recovery time. This also translates to less time required in having to take off work. Common outpatient procedures include: • Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) • Sclerotherapy • Phlebectomy RFA is a medical procedure where heat generated from the high frequency alternating current is used to treat varicose veins. RFA replaced vein stripping, which had a 3–4 week recovery time. It’s the most common and preferred treatment at the CRVC. The patient only is restricted the day of the procedure and does not require general anesthesia. His or her recovery time is less than 24 hours, and the chance of a complication is less than four percent. Patients are able to return to work the next day. CRVC also performs sclerotherapy and phlebectomy to treat varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. It involves an injection of a solution (generally a salt solution) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Phlebectomy is a treatment for superficial varicose veins. The procedure involves the removal of the varicose veins through small 2–3mm incisions in the skin overlying the veins. The procedure may be performed in hospital or outpatient settings. Based on the individual patient’s complaints and an accurate ultrasound study, Dr. Pink can determine the root of the problem—whether arterial or venous—and treat the disease with today’s latest technology. A referral is only required for RFA or when the individual’s insurance company requires it. Patients can self refer, but they need to contact their insurance provider prior to scheduling a visit for specific instructions. Most sclerotherapy and phlebectomies are an out-of-pocket expense; therefore, no referral required. If you would like to learn more about the CRVC, visit pacrvc.com or call (717) 920-4500. 6 (717) 231-8900
vitamin D and you Vitamins are essential nutrients for optimal health. Many times we think of a vitamin as a daily supplement; however, extra “boosts” aren’t necessary if proper nutrition is consumed through daily diet. One essential vitamin that is often overlooked is vitamin D. Vitamin D is critical in helping to build strong bones and teeth, and absorb calcium. Without it, bones can become thin, brittle or misshapen. A deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Sitting in direct sunlight without sunscreen for twenty minutes is enough to meet the daily requirement. Sunscreen blocks out UV rays—the same UV rays that your skin needs to absorb vitamin D. “Twenty minutes without sunscreen will not lead to sunburn for most people,” explained Renu Josh MD, Chief Endocrinologist at PinnacleHealth, adding that the benefits it provides such as improved muscle strength, dental health and cancer prevention (especially colorectal cancer), are significant. The normal blood levels of vitamin D are defined as at least a value. These values differ between summer and winter and therefore, it is advisable to check levels at winter time when they may be at their lowest. According to research, people up to age 50 should take 200 IU, while anyone age 51–70, 400 IU is important. People over 70 should take 600 IU daily. • mild deficiency is considered 20–30 ng/ml • moderate deficiency is 10–20 ng/ml • less than 10 ng/ml is considered severe • toxicity is usually considered with blood levels greater than 100 mg/gl Remember, too much of a good thing is not good. Nausea, constipation, confusion, abnormal heart rhythm and kidney stones can result in overdoses. It is important to be aware of your levels so you can be conscious of maintaining your food intake properly and your need for supplements. S O U R C E S O F V I TA M I N D • Sunlight (best source) • Cod liver oil • Salmon • Mackerel • Tuna or sardines canned in oil • Cheese • Milk, regardless of whether it’s whole, nonfat, or reduced fat (nearly all milk in the U.S. is fortified with the vitamin) • Egg yolks • Beef or calf liver PinnacleHealth offers free screenings for osteoporosis, and programs to help educate the community how to prevent a deficiency. Nutritionists are also available to help with diet and exercise maintenance. The osteoporosis clinic is designed to treat osteoporosis through comprehensive clinical care, medication administration and education. The clinic is staffed by an endocrinologist, nurse practitioner and a nurse educator. Good vitamin D and calcium intake to maintain bone health is important at all ages—at a young age for preventative measures and at an older age for maintenance Osteoporosis affects over 10 million Americans, with women four times more likely to develop it than men. Studies have also linked vitamin D deficiency with depression and fatigue, often present in the winter months, when sun exposure is decreased. Talk to your physician about your need for calcium and vitamin D. Also discuss any medications you may be taking to see if they interfere with the absorption of the these supplements. PinnacleHealth Osteoporosis Clinic • Treats osteoporosis through comprehensive clinical care • Diagnoses osteoporosis by use of a DXA scan • Prescribes oral medication • Administers IV medication • Educates patients on the disease, treatment plans, nutrition and exercise guidelines and fall prevention • New treatments for people on Bisphosphonates To learn more about our Osteoporosis Clinic, call (717) 791-2540. You can also visit pinnaclehealth.org to find more resources. pinnaclehealth.org 7
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Mary McCurdy - PinnacleHealth

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