Did you know that more women die due to heart disease each year than men?  Breast cancer and other cancers are perceived as the biggest risk for women, but it is heart disease coupled with menopause and the loss of heart protective estrogen that is the biggest risk for women.  In addition, men and women may present different symptoms of heart disease.

Classic symptoms for men include chest heaviness and burning that comes on with exertion, pain radiating to the neck and jaw, along with shortness of breath and sweating.  While women can have those symptoms, their symptoms may be more subtle such as some shortness of breath, more fatigue and general body aches.  Women may have back and neck discomfort and may just not feel well.  These symptoms may be vague enough that you are unsure of what is causing them.  Women also tend to experience physical symptoms as long as a month or more before experiencing heart attacks.

DuPage Medical Group’s Dr. Michael Schmidt says that women with heart disease may also experience palpitations or the feeling that their heart is racing.  Dr. Schmidt recommends women receive an imaging stress test instead of the common treadmill stress test for men.  Often called a nuclear stress test, it involves injecting a radioisotope and sending a patient through a scanner to study blood flow through the heart. 

If you think you are having a heart attack whether you are a woman or a man, don’t be shy about calling an ambulance immediately.  Dr. Schmidt says that it is ideal to get treatment right away.

Both women and men should take preventative action by exercising regularly; maintaining a healthy weight; keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels in check; not smoking; and reducing stress.

Read entire article in UticaOD.com

DuPage Medical Group’s Cardiology Department

American Heart Association Website on Women and Heart Disease

Dr. Janet Kamer, Clinical Psychologist of DuPage Medical Group’s Wheaton Medical Clinic will speak at a Veterans Benefits Fair held at COD.  Dr. Kamer will discuss military mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), and offer resources to veterans.  Dr. Kamer is a contributor to the Deployment Health & Family Readiness Library, and co-author of the Customer Feedback Initiative, which surveyed the deployment health needs of military members worldwide.

The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program (IWAP) is a free program that provides confidential assistance for Illinois Veterans with symptoms associated with PTSD or traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Staffed by health officials, this program aids Veterans as they transition to their everyday lives after serving their country.   

Sponsored by the College of DuPage Veteran’s Association (CODVA), the fair will be held in the Student Resource Center, Room 2800, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The program is offered free of charge and is open to the community.  Linda Chapa LaVia, Illinois Representative of the 83rd District and vice chair on the Illinois Veterans Affairs Committee will also be a guest speaker.  Her district covers all of Aurora, parts of North Aurora and Montgomery.  Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans service organizations will also present.

More information on Dr. Kamer’s Wheaton Office with DuPage Medical Group.

Diabetes has become the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century. To address the burden of this disease, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is issuing an urgent call-to-action for Americans to find out their risk for type 2 diabetes during the 20th annual American Diabetes Alert® Day.  More than six million Americans have diabetes, but don’t even know it.  Another 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
 
On American Diabetes Alert Day, held annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, the ADA encourages people who are overweight, physically inactive, and over the age of 45 years to take the American Diabetes Risk Test.  The risk test asks seven simple questions about weight, age, lifestyle and family history – all potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes.  People scoring 10 points or more are at a high risk for diabetes and are encouraged to schedule an appointment to see their doctor.  The risk test, in English or Spanish, is available by calling the Association toll-free at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or by visiting www.diabetes.org/alert or DuPage Medical Group’s Diabetes Care.

Among the primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes.  African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk, as are women who have had babies weighing more than nine pounds at birth. 

Unfortunately, people with type 2 diabetes can live for years without realizing that they have the disease. While people with diabetes can exhibit noticeable symptoms, such as frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst, most people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes do not show these overt warning signs at the time that they develop the disease.  Often, type 2 diabetes only becomes evident when people develop one or more of its serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage, or nerve damage that can lead to amputations. 

The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy.  Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities.  To obtain a copy of the diabetes risk test or for more information about diabetes (in English or Spanish), please visit www.diabetes.org/alert  or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit DuPage Medical Group’s Diabetes Care.

Learn more about Diabetes Care at DuPage Medical Group

According to an American Academy of Dermatology survey, Chicagoans ranked last in terms of their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward tanning and sun protection.  The survey was conducted in 32 U.S. metropolitan regions.

It’s never too late to start using sunblock products and taking other preventative measures against the sun and its harmful UV rays whether you are on the beach or shoveling snow in Chicago.

Naperville dermatologist and DuPage Medical Group physician Ashish Bhatia said sunburns are likely to occur near both water and snow.  “Snow and water are very reflective,” Bhatia said, “It’s just like amplifying the sun’s rays.”  People can get sunburns on cloudy days, too, since the UV rays penetrate through the clouds.

The sun’s rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Sunblock should be reapplied every 90 minutes, Bhatia said.  The use of hats and protective clothing is also helpful.  Certain medications and over-the-counter anti-aging products can make people especially susceptible to the sun’s damaging effects.

There are many sunblock products available, from sport sticks to sprays.  “There’s no longer any excuses, “Bhatia said.  “There’s a sunblock available for any skin type.  It’s just a matter of finding one that you like and that works for you.”  Dr. Bhatia said he uses Neutrogena Fresh Cooling body Mist sunblock (retailing for about $10 at local drug stores).  The convenient spray allows for coverage of those hard to reach areas of the body.

Dos and don’ts:

• Do apply sunblock even on cloudy days. Remember that areas near snow and water are common places to get sunburns.

• Do shop at sporting goods stores for special hats and other clothing that specifically offer UV protection.

• Do purchase a sunblock that has an SPF of at least 30. Higher SPFs are available, but do not offer much more incremental benefit.

• Don’t spend too much time directly in the sun unprotected between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the rays are the strongest.

• Don’t use last year’s leftover sunscreen. Purchase a fresh supply.

Source:
Dr. Ashish Bhatia, dermatologist at River North Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery-DuPage Medical Group, Naperville

Kane County Chronicle, May 25, 2007, Geneva White

Dr. Steven Sigalove photoCongratulations to Dr. Steven Sigalove for being unanimously voted to Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Central DuPage Hospital by his colleagues.  Dr. Sigalove served previously as vice-chairman and is committed to his two year term as Chairman. 

Board certified in Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sigalove brings an extensive research background along with advanced expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery and hand surgery. His clinical interests include reconstruction of the breast, chest wall, lower extremity, facial trauma and post bariatric surgery, as well as breast augmentation, liposuction and facial aesthetic surgery. In addition, he performs hand surgery including carpel tunnel decompression, trigger finger release and repairs of traumatic hand injuries.

Dr. Sigalove received his medical degree in 1997 from Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School in North Chicago. His General Surgery residency was at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center. He also completed a hand surgery fellowship at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in 2001. Prior to joining DuPage Medical Group, he completed his training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

He is affiliated with Central DuPage, Good Samaritan, and Edward Hospitals. He is also on staff at the Center for Surgery.

Dr. Sigalove practices at these locations: Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Naperville, and Warrenville.

Next Page →