CTMC Hill Country Health - Fall 2011 - (Page 2)

HEALTHBEAT Do-ItYourself Health COUNT Your moles People who have a lot of moles are more at risk for skin cancer (melanoma) than those with few moles, reports the American Cancer Society. There’s no magic number, but check your moles regularly—use a mirror if you have to—to watch for changes in size or color. Regular doctor visits and annual screenings are essential to good health, but you can do a few things at home to assess your risk for some common conditions. MEASURE Your waist Bigger waist circumferences are linked to an increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. How do you measure up? Elevated risk starts at 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women. TOUCH Your toes Extending your legs as you sit on the ﬂoor, try to reach your toes. If you can’t, it may be a sign of arterial stiffening—a precursor to heart attack and stroke—suggests a study in the American Journal of Physiology. CHECK Your gums If they’re red or swollen or you see excess plaque on your teeth around your gum line, start ﬂossing and talk to your doctor. Research suggests a link between your gum health and cardiovascular disease. The back of your hand Does the skin ﬂatten out slowly instead of returning quickly? You might be dehydrated. Add more water to your daily intake and watch for other signs such as sleepiness, headaches, weakness and lightheadedness. PINCH TRY THIS WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? Get an interactive, step-by-step look at how to measure your waist circumference at myhealthywaist.org. Click “Clinical Tools.” We’re Painting it Pink Last fall, CTMC associates helped raise more than $20,000 to support the local ﬁ ght against breast cancer with a variety of events, including the Pink Heals Fire Truck tour. October is shaping up to be another busy time of year for CTMC and its area partners in their ongoing ﬁght against breast cancer. A complete schedule of events is available at ctmc.org. Visit us online to learn more about what’s planned for October, including a special open house event for CTMC’s newly expanded Mammography Suite, featuring digital mammography and enhanced stereotactic imaging, in a peaceful, spa-like setting. ON OUR COVER: Ronnie Milsap brings his award-winning talent to the CTMC Stars of Texas Gala Oct. 9. See more about the Gala on p. 6 Hill Country Health is a quarterly publication of Central Texas Medical Center, a member of the Adventist Health System. President and CEO: Sam Huenergardt. Central Texas Medical Center, 1301 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, (512) 353-8979. The magazine is produced by CTMC’s PR & Marketing Department: Clay DeStefano: Administrative Director; Kale Bowen: Coordinator; Erin Moore: PR/New Media Specialist. Copyright © 2011 by McMurry. All rights reserved. Information in this publication is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or advice contained in this publication. 2 Central Texas Medical Center • www.ctmc.org Now printed on recycled paper! http://www.myhealthywaist.org http://www.ctmc.org http://www.ctmc.org http://www.ctmc.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CTMC Hill Country Health - Fall 2011

CTMC Hill Country Health - Fall 2011
Do It Yourself Health
Beat the Lunchbox Blues
Handheld Healthcare
Ronnie Milsap Coming to San Marcos

CTMC Hill Country Health - Fall 2011