BRCA: What you need to know

The Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene (BRCA) is responsible for approximately 5% of breast cancer cases in America. Though the overwhelming majority of cases diagnosed are not associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2, the risk is still present.  Before you go to your doctor to request a BRCA genetic test, here a few things to know. 

Cancer is disease resulting from a gene that has gotten out of control. Genes tell the cells what to do, specifically what type of protein to create.  The Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes (BRCA1 & BRCA2) are codes for proteins that help to maintain the stability of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).  BRCA1 is associated with increased risk of breast, cervical, uterine, colon, and pancreatic cancers.  BRCA2 is associated with increased risk of ovarian, pancreatic, bile duct, gallbladder, and stomach cancers. 

Men can also be affected with male breast cancer from these genes.  Additionally, BRCA1 in men is associated with increased risk of testicular cancer, and BRCA2 is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer.

Not everyone needs BRCA genetic testing.  Only people who have a strong family history for breast and ovarian cancer should be tested for BRCA.  If you have a sister, mother, or aunt who was diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer before menopause or a brother, father or uncles who was diagnosed with breast cancer, then discuss this with your physician.  Remember an association is not a definite diagnosis, so speak with your doctor to determine risk factors prior to genetic testing.  If you do not know your family history, then it may be reasonable to have the BRCA test.

Routine breast self-exam and mammography remain the best ways to screen for breast cancer.  Make it your mission to regularly schedule your annual mammogram starting at age 40 or earlier if you have a family history; remind your sisters, friends, and family to do the same.  Though Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t until October, health awareness is necessary year round and can be the difference between life and death. 

Be well.

Pollen & Allergy Season

Everything is yellow: cars, sidewalks and windowsills.  The air is filled with pollen as trees, grass and flowers bloom in abundance.  Spring marks nature’s awakening and allergy season is in full force. But  common symptoms can be easily alleviated through a few easy tips. 

Pollen particles are breathed into the nose and mouth causing irritation.  The ears, nose, and throat are all connected, and it is not unusual to have an itch in your ear, tickle in your throat, and a sneeze in your nose.  These can also be accompanied by headache, fatigue, and nasal congestion.

To lessen the impact on your health, try to follow these tips:

—Avoid touching your eyes, for whatever is on your hands could bother your eyes, which can add to nasal issues, too.

—Watch the pollen count just as you keep an eye on the weather report.  When the pollen count is high, avoid outdoor exercise. People who suffer from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD/emphysema) can be particularly susceptible to changes in the pollen count.   Save the grass cutting for another day and pray for a good rain to wash away some of the pollen.

—With the switch from furnace to air-conditioner as winter turns to spring, change the filters so when cool air is forced through your home, you are not aerosolizing pollen, dander, mold, and other allergens.

—Keep the windows closed even though spring’s warmth is inviting.  You want to keep as much pollen out of the house as possible, for once it’s in, it’s nearly impossible to get out.  Vacuum your carpets more frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to remove as much pollen from your living space. Clean your garage, carport and/or the entrances to your home to further keep pollen outside.

—Keep the top up on the convertible, as well as the sunroof and windows closed to keep from taking pollen into your eyes, nose, and lungs at 65 mph.

—A few drops of eucalyptus oil in the shower can help clear the sinuses.

—A cool cloth over the eyes can calm irritation.

—Acupuncture has been shown to improve allergy symptoms.

Dr. Morris

—If irritation persists, especially during recurring seasons, consider allergy shots.  These inject a tiny amount of offending allergen to familiarize your body so it creates its own antigen.

—Neti Pots are very popular to rinse the sinuses with soothing salt water; however, there have been some cases of serious infection associated with them.  Keep the Neti Pot clean as directed. Do not use tap water for the Neti Pot treatment; instead use distilled water or previously boiled water to prevent amebiasis, which can infect the brain, causing meningitis.   An alternative is to use a squeeze-bulb nasal saline spray purchased from a pharmacy for nasal irrigation.

—The jury is out on the effectiveness of honey for control of seasonal allergies.  Remember, people with food allergies and children under 12 months should not eat honey.  Talk to your doctor prior to beginning any healthcare regime.

With care and a fresh box of tissues, you can breathe easily through allergy season.

Be well.

Red is the Color

February is red – the Chinese Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Heart Health Month.  Red is the color of luck, valentines, and the heart.  So, February is a perfect time to increase awareness about coronary artery (heart) disease.

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for both women and men in America.  Every year almost one million Americans have heart attacks.  About 600,000 Americans die from heart disease annually.  In fact, more Southerners die of heart disease compared to those who live in Western states. 

Without blood and breath there is no life, the heart needs a blood supply for nutrients to pump oxygen containing-blood throughout the body. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries feeding the heart become clogged.  This condition causes stroke, heart failure, and heart attacks. Risk for heart disease increases as we age. 

Know your risk for heart disease! 

1. Do you smoke?

2. Do you have high blood pressure?

3. Are you overweight?

4. Do you have diabetes?

5. Did your mother or father die of a heart attack before the age of 50?

6. Is your cholesterol high?

7. Are you sedentary?

If you answered yes to anyone to those questions, then you are at increased risk of heart disease and/or having a stroke or hear attack.  Talk to your doctor about reducing your risk.  Stop smoking. Cigarette smoke contains tar and materials, which cause stickiness in blood vessels supplying the heart.  Imagine a sink pipe with loads and loads of grit inside, consequently less and less “stuff” gets through the pipe. 

Oftentimes high blood pressure doesn’t have symptoms, yet it causes life-threatening damage.  By losing as little as 10% of bodyweight can reduce blood pressure and risk of heart disease.  It’s very important not to ignore diabetes if diagnosed, for it can result in blindness and kidney failure in addition to increasing risk of heart attacks. 

I know we all are tired of hearing about eating right and exercising; however it really does work. Have your cholesterol checked annually if female over the age of 45 and if male, over the age 35. Incorporating more grains in your diet can help to lower your cholesterol.  Move more.   

The Million Hearts initiative is a national charge to prevent 1 million deaths from heart attack and stroke in the next 5 years. It’s as easy as ABCS – aspirin therapy when appropriate, blood pressure control, cholesterol control, and smoking cessation.

Honor the contributions of African-American physicians this Black History Month by knowing and reducing your risk for coronary artery disease. Leaders in the field of heart health were: the first African-American cardiologist, Dr. Daniel Hale; the hematologist & developer of modern blood banking techniques,Dr. Charles Drew; and the first African-American woman to perform heart surgery, Dr. Myra Logan.    

Let’s fight heart disease to create a healthier tomorrow!  Be well.

WInter Travel Health Tips

We are in the dead of winter and, thankfully, the ground hog has forecasted an early spring.  In the meantime, how do we travel in the winter weather with our health intact? Here are a few winter travel health tips.

Before you leave home

Going away is no reason to not take your medications, without which you could potentially end-up in a hospital far from home.  Invest in a daily-labeled pillbox for medications.  Or take prescription bottles in a carry-on, in case your luggage gets lost.   Talk to your doctor about insulin that does not require refrigeration.  Oftentimes, needle boxes are present in airport bathrooms for proper disposal.  Carry contact information for both your pharmacy and physician.  If you will be away for an extended period, make certain you have enough medications.  Your bathroom medicine cabinet will not be available, so pack remedies for heartburn, diarrhea, sleep, headache, etc.  Whatever ails you most often. 

On your way

Who doesn’t get cranky when they’re hungry?   Ward off drops in sugar level and resulting changes in attitude.  The brain requires a steady, constant supply of glucose (sugar) to preform optimally.  Reach for nuts, popcorn, and apples when travelling for quick healthy snacks.  Be prepared for interruption of normal meal times and limited food choices; pack snacks for the plane, train, and bus.

Cold and flu season is peaking now.  Wash hands or use hand sanitizer with lightly soiled hands.  Wipe doorknobs, car handles, and light switches with anti-bacterial cloths or alcohol pads.  Cough into your elbow, not hand.  Don’t travel if you have the flu.  No one wants your bugs!

Remember the crying babies on the plane?  It’s due to the increase in pressure in their ears.  If you already have a cold and must fly, your ears/nose/sinuses can be plugged. When you feel pressure - swallow or chew gum.  Talk to your doctor or pharmacists for over-the-counter remedies for decongestants prior to flying.  Airplanes are dry environments, bring hydrating eye drops, spray mist, and avoid alcohol drinking, which can cause dehydration.

When you arrive

Try to acclimate to a new time zone as quickly as possible.  Treat the new time zone, just like your home time zone.  If you eat at noon at home, eat lunch at noon in the new time zone.  Stay awake if it’s daytime when your reach your new destination.  Resist the temptation, however great, to lie down for just a little nap --  you’ll delay adjusting to the new time zone and may set yourself up for many sleepless nights. 

If you’re going to the mountains, remember there is less available oxygen at high altitudes resulting in shortness of breath.  Give your body time to acclimate to the new environment.  Gloves become critically important to protect from frostbite. Dress in layers to protect yourself from cold. Don’t forget to protect your feet from cold and water by closely examining shoes for worn-out soles and wear thick socks. Ears, noses, and cheeks require earmuffs, scarves, and hats.  Sun is especially reflective against the snow; keep sunblock and lip balm close at-hand to protect skin and lips from sun damage. 

Travel can be easy and fun with just a few steps to prepare for a healthy adventure and safe return home.  Be well.

Influenza

Flu season is in full force and often creates a flood of questions.   Let’s demystify the flu and answer the most frequently asked questions.  When we do this, you also will understand why getting a flu shot can be life-saving. 

What is the flu?  Influenza (the flu) is a virus, which is most active between October and May each year.  A unique quality about a virus is that it constantly adapts as it infects people by rearrangement of the virus’ genetic material.  That’s why the flu is tricky, as it changes from year to year.  H3N3 is the predominant type of influenza virus that has been identified this year.

Why must one be vaccinated annually?  Since all viruses change when they infect humans or animals (the genetic code transforms the virus so that it can more readily infect the cell).  Consequently, from year to year as the influenza virus changes, a vaccine must be developed to reflect the virus mutation.  The flu shot causes the body to produce antibodies to fight a specific flu strain, which is what we want.  Since antibodies decrease over time, and the virus changes, it necessitates a flu shot on an annual basis.  This year the flu shot protects against three specific influenza types H1N1, H3N3, and B.

Should I get vaccinated now?  If you have not been vaccinated, it’s not too late!   Get a flu shot since the flu can attack as late as May.  It takes about two weeks for the body to be protected against the flu – which explains why one can get the flu even if recently vaccinated.

Who should get the flu shot?  Anyone over the age of six months should be vaccinated as well as pregnant women, care-givers, and the elderly (over 65 years).  This is especially true for people who have chronic illnesses – asthma, emphysema, and diabetes.   The elderly, children, and chronically ill are at greater risk for complications for the flu resulting in hospitalization and death. According to the CDC, over 3,700 people have been hospitalized and 20 children have died due to the flu so far this season   People who have egg allergies, prior severe reaction to flu vaccine, or Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) should talk to their doctor to determine if you should receive a flu shot.  

What medicines work against the flu?  Relenza (zanamivir) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir), anti-viral medications, are effective against the flu.  However, they only work within the first 24-48 hours of flu symptoms.  Most healthy people will recover from the flu without medical intervention.  But members of at-risk populations, including, but not limited to lung disease and diabetes, may benefit from medications.  See your doctor early if you suspect you have the flu and they can determine if you need a medication. 

What to do if you have the flu?  Stay home from work or school to recover so you won’t infect others.  Rest, drink liquids, wash hands, and use over the counter remedies for symptom management.  Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for guidance.  If you have confusion, difficulty breathing, or are unable to keep liquids down, see your doctor.  In children, watch out for bluish color, crying without tears, lethargy (no energy), fast breathing, rash, and irritability. If you see this, do not delay: seek medical attention! 

If you are in one of the high-risk groups, talk to your doctor about your risk for flu.  If you have not had a flu shot, get one ASAP!  Be well.