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BWFM Quarterly Newsletter
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Balcones Woods Family Medicine
Spring 2016
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Summer Sun Protection
by Dr. Koren Weston |
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Summer is coming, which means more activity outside and more exposure to sunshine! The sun helps our mood, helps us sleep, gives us vitamin D, and small amounts can help with eczema, wound healing and other minor skin conditions. But too much sun can cause sunburns, photoaging (pigmentation and wrinkles), and skin cancer!
The best way to protect our skin and avoid excess sun exposure is to find shade or wear protective clothing (hats, shirts with UV protection etc.). About 20 minutes of sun exposure 3 times a week is generally enough to get adequate Vitamin D and still avoid the harmful effects of the sun. After that, if you're not able to get to shade or cover up, the safest thing for your skin is to apply sunscreen. We recommend using sunscreens with SPF 15-50. SPF stands for
sun protection factor and is a non-linear measure of how much longer it takes to get a sunburn compared with
not wearing any sunscreen. Ideally reapply every 2 hours (even SPF readings of 70 and above really don't protect any longer than that), and 15-30 minutes
before going out in the sun.
The sunscreen aisle can be overwhelming with all of its choices. But basically there are two main categories of sunscreens:
barrier protection with minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and
organic filters which include avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, etc. The older forms of the barrier creams leave a thick sticky white film over the skin - but newer forms have transformed these thick creams into smaller nanoparticles that leave a smoother, clearer thin film that soaks in more quickly.
You may have heard comments or read information about the dangers of sunscreen - that the chemical compounds may induce free radicals/ increase risk of cancer, etc.
When searching www.pubmed.gov
I did not find any studies to substantiate claims that sunscreens can cause increased risk of cancer. Studies do show they reduce risk of sunburn, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Studies also showed that people would have to use many times the usual amounts of sunscreen every day to possibly induce any significant increase in free radicals (cancer inducers).
For babies under 6 months old, it's best to just keep them away from direct sunlight by using sunshades over the car seats, umbrella shade, etc. Babies and children 6 months and older need sunscreen if they're going to be out in the sun for any significant amount of time. The tear-free barrier creams are generally best for younger children and especially those with more sensitive skin. Hopefully you can enjoy our hot Austin summer and some sunshine (but not too much) this summer!
Image Credit: skincancer.org
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Upcoming Public Lecture: Broccoli Sprouts for Autism, Breast Cancer Risk Reduction, Mold Exposure and More  |
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Please join us at our free
upcoming community lecture. You do not have to be a patient to attend, so you are welcome to bring friends or family along!
Broccoli Sprouts for Autism, Breast Cancer Risk Reduction,
Mold Exposure and More
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Brian Cornblatt, PhD |
by Brian Cornblatt,
PhD
Balcones Woods Family Medicine is honored to be hosting Brian Cornblatt, PhD as a guest speaker. He will be speaking on the research supporting the many uses of
sulforaphane, a product made from broccoli sprouts. It shows promising results in patients with environmental toxin related disease (mold, etc.), for breast cancer risk
reduction, and in Autism. Sulforaphane naturally helps the body turn back on an energy-producing system that is damaged by pollutants and toxins, and helps to clear these toxins from the body. Dr. Hausman-Cohen met Dr. Cornblatt at an integrative medicine conference and was delighted when he accepted her invitation to come and speak in Austin.
| When |
Thursday, May 19th |
| Where |
Atria at the Arboretum
9306 Great Hills Trail
Austin, TX 78759 |
| Time |
4:30 to 5:30 pm |
Dr. Cornblatt completed his PhD and post-doctoral work at Johns Hopkins University. His main research interests are focused on developing novel formulations composed of natural-based phytochemicals to minimize chronic inflammation and combating the threats of environmental toxins.
Dr. Cornblatt is currently
the Medical Director and Director of Product Support for Nutramax Laboratories Consumer Care, Inc.
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| Sick? We've got you covered! |
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Did you know that we save several appointments every day for sick/acute visits? While urgent care can be convenient ("doc-in-the-box" as we fondly call them), it typically does cost you a higher copay. We also know you and your medical history, and treat our patients with the time and care that you deserve! We can typically see you the same day, if not within 24 hours. Call us when you need us!
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What is a "3D" Mammogram, and Should I Get One?
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Image credit: FDA.gov |
As most women know, routine screening mammography is an important part of preventive health care. Traditionally, a mammogram takes a 2-dimensional picture of the breast tissue, which a radiologist examines for signs of breast cancer. However, a new technology has recently been developed - the 3D mammogram, also called tomosynthesis. With a 3D mammogram, an x-ray moves in an arc around the breast, taking multiple pictures that a computer reconstructs into a 3-dimensional image. The benefits of 3D mammography are twofold:
1) Fewer callbacks: If any abnormalities are found on a mammogram, the woman is called back for more images and possibly an ultrasound or biopsy of the area. Fortunately, after more investigation, most abnormal mammograms turn out not to indicate cancer - but these extra procedures can lead to additional cost and anxiety. With 3D mammograms, callbacks are reduced from 107 to 91 per 1000 women screened - a 15% decrease.
2) Improved breast cancer detection: No screening test is perfect, and cancer can occasionally be missed by mammogram. With 3D mammography, this happens less often. For every 1000 women screened with 3D mammograms, 5.4 cancers are detected, vs 4.2 with traditional mammography. This is an improved detection rate of 29%.
These benefits are more pronounced in women with dense breasts. Mammograms are harder to read in women with dense breast tissue, so they are at higher risk of callbacks and of a cancer being missed. We recommend that all women, and especially women with dense breasts, consider choosing 3D mammography over traditional 2D mammography. If you would like a 3D rather than traditional mammogram, ARA charges an additional $100, which they will bill to your insurance. If insurance denies it, ARA will apply a discount and you will pay $60 out of pocket.
We are happy to order your mammogram for you - and if you are overdue for your mammogram, you may also be overdue for your annual wellness visit - so call the office to schedule today!
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The Zika Virus:
An Integrative Suggestion to Decrease Risk
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Mosquito season is fast approaching for central Texas, and with it increasing news about the Zika virus. While outbreaks of Zika were first reported in 2015, t
he virus was actually first discovered in the 1940s in Africa. Over the last several decades the virus has been moving slowly eastward, making its first appearance in South America in 2015.
Now, cases have been reported in at least 30 states in the U.S. (mostly in travelers, but some sexual transmission), as well as more endemically in Africa, Southeast Asia, some Pacific Islands, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The Zika virus itself is closely related to dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile (which is much more common). All of these viral illnesses are frequently spread by a species of mosquito which is an aggressive daytime biter. All of these viruses also have "coatings," which typically have the feature of hemagglutinin "spikes" similar to those seen in the common viruses that cause flu and croup.
Most people who are exposed to the Zika virus have fairly mild symptoms, including transient low grade fever, body aches, rash, conjunctivitis, and muscle/joint pain. Rarely, people have had serious neurological symptoms. However, more concerning is the potential for harm to women who are pregnant or are planning to conceive. Mounting evidence shows that the virus can cause serious birth defects at any stage of pregnancy (though many babies conceived even during outbreaks are born healthy). Current recommendations for anyone at risk include avoiding or postponing travel to areas known to be at high risk for the virus, or to plan to delay conception until later (though experts differ on this). Women who have been exposed to, and recover from Zika, appear to be permanently immune.
Infectious disease specialists are continuing to debate the best approach to avoiding and managing possible infection, and investigation is ongoing. Work is being done on mapping the DNA of the virus; however, a vaccine for Zika is likely two or more years away.
Image Credit: CDC.gov
In addition to the normal mosquito precautions listed below, we have an integrative medicine suggestion that we believe can help you be less susceptible to Zika. Because Zika does have hemagglutinin spikes (as part of its defense against your immune system), we recommend if you are going to a mosquito-laden area that you take 1 lozenge or 2 tsp of Sambucus. This helps your body knock these porcupine-like spikes off the virus so your immune system can fight it effectively. Sambucus has been shown to have benefit against many of these viruses including flu, croup, herpes, mono, dengue fever and even HIV. You can also take this after exposure (i.e. you find yourself with mosquito bites that were unexpected). We recommend taking Sambucus as a daily preventive strategy if you are planning travel to the Caribbean area, South/Central America, Puerto Rico and Gulf Coastal areas which are most effected by Zika. Theoretically, the use of Sambucus may help lessen the severity or duration of symptoms, although there are no studies of the effect of Sambucus on the Zika virus. To learn more about Sambucus and its uses in treating cold and flu viruses,
click here to read Dr. Hausman-Cohen's article that was published in Austin Fit magazine.
News and evidence will continue to mount, but for now, to protect yourself, current recommendations (in addition to our recommendation of Sambucus) include:
- Wearing EPA-registered insect repellents when outside, such as those containing DEET
- Cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Keep mosquitoes out with air conditioning or intact window screens
- Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times.
- Find more info here: CDC Mosquito Bite Prevention
Additionally, because Zika has now been shown to have a sexual transmission component, it is being recommended for males returning from a Zika virus endemic area to avoid sexual contact or use condoms for 8 weeks, or for 6 months after active Zika infection. Females returning from an endemic area who do not have symptoms are advised to avoid becoming pregnant for 8 weeks.
At this point, most infectious disease specialists have been stressing that there is no need for major concern at this point in Central Texas, but awareness is always appropriate. If you have concerns regarding mosquito-born illnesses we are happy to see you for an appointment.
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Where is My Plan?
How to Find Your "Care Summary" on the Portal |
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Do you know how to find your plan on the Patient Portal? As soon as your visit note is completed by your provider (typically by that evening or within 24 hours), you will receive an email letting you know that it is ready to be viewed.
Step 1
You'll need to log-in to the
Patient Portal. Y
ou can also always find the link on our
website
as well.
Step 2
On the left-hand side of the home page, click on "My Health."
Step 3
Click on "Care Summaries."
Step 4
Your most recent Care Summary (what we call your "plan") will open automatically.
Want to find an older plan?
You can toggle the pull-down menu to find older Care Summaries.
You can download or print your Care Summaries at any time if you prefer.
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We want to extend a warm welcome to our new patients who recently joined us.
We know how lucky we are to have a supportive patient-community which helps us remain one of the few independent family practices in Austin. We appreciate you and want to thank you for your support of the medical home fee which helps us to continue to provide the top-quality, evidence-based care that you deserve.
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Upload Your Photo!
See our beautiful photos below? Share yours with us, too! We'd love to have your picture to go along with your medical record. It's super easy to upload a photo right from your computer or smart phone. Simply login to your
patient portal account
, click on "my profile" at the bottom left on the home screen, and upload a photo. Thanks!
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