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Good Medicine for Pennsylvania

Date: January 23, 2008	Media Contact:	Chuck Moran
		Pennsylvania Medical Society
For Immediate Release		(717) 558-7820

Dear Readers: Welcome to “Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier. This monthly column is brought to you as a public service of the Society’s Institute for Good Medicine.

How’s Your Cervical Health?
Recent media coverage about the latest research and advances in the prevention, detection, and treatment of cervical cancer and HPV (human papilloma virus) has prompted many women to pay more attention to their cervical health. That’s good news. The bad news is that 50 percent of Pennsylvania’s cervical cancer cases are diagnosed among women age 50 or over.¹

Fellow Medical Society member Charles A. Castle, MD, a Lancaster County Ob/Gyn adds, “Younger women are more concerned with pregnancy and birth control so they schedule regular pelvic exams and pap tests (cervical cancer screening). Unfortunately, once they’ve passed their childbearing years, many women come in less often. And those missed visits can mean the difference between an easily-treatable, pre-cancerous lesion and cervical cancer.”

How often you should have a pap test depends on a variety of factors, including age and health history. No matter what, schedule an annual gynecologic exam – for peace of mind and for your good health. For more information about cervical cancer prevention, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health and click on Women’s Health and the American Cancer Society.

Asthmatics – Make a Plan
Now that winter weather is here, Pennsylvania’s 1.5 million asthma sufferers need to pay attention to seasonal asthma triggers, particularly as they spend more time indoors.

Allentown physician Howard A. Israel, MD, past president of the Pennsylvania Allergy and Asthma Association, explains that second-hand smoke, mold, dust mites, pets, fireplaces, and nitrogen dioxide (a byproduct of indoor fuel-burning appliances) are among several triggers that can bring on asthma attacks. “One of the most important steps in relieving symptoms and preventing attacks is controlling the factors that trigger them. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve symptoms, including developing an asthma management plan with your doctor.”

Since not everyone reacts the same way to the same asthma triggers, it’s important to note which factors cause wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. If you have asthma, write down the triggers, review them with your doctor, and work with him/her to create a personalized action plan to prevent attacks.

A downloadable asthma action plan is available at www.myfamilywellness.org/asthmaplan and should be carried at all times. Students should provide a copy to school nurses and teachers; adults should keep a copy in the car.

And please remember, adults and children with asthma should get a flu shot every year. It’s not too late. Want to know more? Visit the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania’s website, www.lunginfo.org.

How are you doing with those resolutions?
Did you resolve to quit smoking, eat less, or get more exercise in 2008? My Medical Society colleagues and I know how hard it can be to stick to New Year’s resolutions, especially as time passes. But we can help.

1. Do one thing. Medical Society board member and Northumberland family practitioner Kristine Perle, MD, suggests that you make just one resolution—but one that really matters to you. “Take small steps and you’ll be more likely to succeed. Instead of saying you’ll lose 50 pounds, make it 5 to start.”
2. Involve your doctor. “One of the greatest benefits of reviewing your resolution with your doctor is having someone to hold you accountable, someone who also has a stake in your health. That can make all the difference,” adds Dr. Perle. If you feel need an extra boost, your doctor can suggest additional resources such as support groups, reading material, or if appropriate, medications or aids that can help.

And if you didn’t make any major changes, don’t forget to schedule age-appropriate screenings such as mammogram, prostate cancer screening, colonoscopy, or pap test. Even small changes can make a difference – and that can make for a happier and healthier 2008. Visit our Medical Society’s Family Health and Wellness website for more on keeping your resolutions.

¹PA Department of Health, Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction. 

The patient-doctor relationship has been the priority of the Pennsylvania Medical Society since its founding in 1848. The Medical Society listens to concerns of both patients and doctors to improve the delivery of health care services. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Medical Society, visit its website at www.pamedsoc.org or its consumer website at www.myfamilywellness.org.

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