Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Fall 2018

If you’ve smoked for many years, you don’t need to be reminded of your high risk for lung cancer, a disease that until recently has been hard to detect in its early stages. But that is changing, thanks to low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening. Here’s why you might consider it: Typically, lung cancer doesn’t cause symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body. That’s why it often has a poor prognosis. If lung cancer does develop, regular screening may help find it early—when treatment may be more effective. A CT scanner uses X-rays to take detailed pictures of your lungs. The scan takes just a few minutes. SCREENING GUIDELINES The need for screening depends partly on your smoking history and age. Different groups have somewhat different guidelines. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends getting screened if, for instance, you: » » Are in the age range of 55 to 80. » » Currently smoke or quit less than 15 years ago. » » Were or still are a heavy smoker, such as someone who smoked a pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years. You will want to discuss with your doctor the potential downsides of being screened. These include the possibility of a false alarm (finding something that looks like cancer but turns out to be benign after an imaging test or a biopsy) and exposure to radiation. And if you still smoke? Lung cancer screening doesn’t replace the need for quitting. That’s still your best defense against the harmful effects of smoking. Additional source: American Cancer Society Cardiac rehab It helps you feel better as your heart heals It’s normal to be worried about your return to normal life when you’ve had a heart attack or any type of heart surgery. How much activity is too much—or too little? What kinds of foods should you eat? Can someone teach you how to tamp down your stress after all that you’ve been through? You can find the answers to these and other questions in a cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) program. WHAT IS CARDIAC REHAB? Cardiac rehab helps people who have heart problems, such as heart failure or angina, recover their health. It typically includes a progressive exercise program, nutrition lessons, education on heart-healthy living and mental health counseling. And it’s all done under medical supervision. Sometimes cardiac rehab begins before someone leaves the hospital. It may continue for several months after the person goes home, either at the hospital or in a community rehab center. Your rehab will be tailored to fit your specific health needs. Exercise will begin slowly and progress as your abilities improve. If you smoke, you may be referred to quit-smoking classes. You’ll get help if you need to lose weight. Cardiac rehab can help reduce your risk for future heart problems, and it can help you lead a more heart-friendly lifestyle. Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health LUNG CANCER SCREENING Is it right for you? MAKEAN APPOINTMENT To schedule a lung cancer screening, call CMH Imaging Center at 417-328-6447 . citizensmemorial.com 11 LIVING WELL