Three SVH providers spent early Thursday evening discussing serious health problems facing the patients they see at Sebasticook Valley Health – problems that are affecting millions of people throughout the United States: Lyme disease, skin cancer, and heart disease.
On May 10th in the SVH Boardroom in Pittsfield, several residents listened to and asked questions of family care provider Emily Cianchette, MSN, FNP-BC, who provided detailed information about Lyme disease; general surgeon Mohammad Niayesh, MD, FACS, who spoke about skin cancer; and cardiologist Michael Lemieux, MD, FACP, who discussed heart disease.
Ms. Cianchette provided detailed and current information regarding Lyme disease, which the state of Maine has been dealing with for years. Although not as prolific as in other states like Connecticut (where it originated) or New York, southern and central Maine have been reporting cases for some time: Ms. Cianchette reported that, “Every practicing physician I know has diagnosed patients with Lyme Disease in this area.”
Lyme disease is spread by the tiny deer tick, which people and animals can come in contact with when outside in wooded or rural areas. Often smaller than a grain of pepper, the deer tick is difficult to see initially without careful inspection, and although Lyme Disease can have visible symptoms like a “halo” rash surrounding the bite and flu-like symptoms, Ms. Cianchette noted that a third of all diagnosed cases do not report a halo rash at all. To prevent the disease, use spray products that contain DEET whenever going into these areas or places with large populations of ticks. Lyme disease is curable when detected early, although treatments can be ineffective with long-term health issues when not administered within the early stages of the disease.
Continuing with the theme of being safe when outdoors, Dr. Niayesh spoke next about sun safety. “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States,” he reported, “since the skin is the most visible organ of the human body.” Dr. Niayesh discussed the three types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Although basal cell cancer is the most common, melanoma is the most dangerous since it can spread to other organs quickly.
“You should check your skin every month at the very least,” advised Dr. Niayesh. “When detected early, skin cancer can be very curable.” Skin cancer, Dr. Niayesh stated, is diagnosed every year to over a million people, and knowledge of the risk factors, along with practicing sun safety, are key to staying healthy. Dr. Niayesh offered, “If you’re outside standing in the sun and your shadow is smaller than you are, you need protection from the sun’s harmful rays.”
Cardiologist Michael Lemieux spoke next on heart disease, its causes and treatments, and offered ways to keep the heart healthy throughout life. Offering a detailed description of angina and how it develops in humans over time, Dr. Lemieux strongly suggested that patients partner with their physician and a cardiologist before shortness of breath or chest pressure develop into something far more serious, like a heart attack. “For the most part, heart disease can be prevented and controlled with exercise, eating sensibly, and living a healthy life.” Avoiding risks like obesity, tobacco, sedentary lifestyle also help.
Obesity, stated Dr. Lemieux, is a very serious health problem now that is causing heart disease and other chronic problems for younger people. “It’s as though we cannot see how unhealthy we really are,” he stated. When asked by a participant if any amount of exercise could help to lead a healthier life within physical abilities, he quickly replied that any exercise helps.
“The more you move every day, the better off you are,” noted Dr. Lemieux. “Start with what you can manage and build on that over time. You would be amazed at how good you’ll feel.”
Shown: SVH’s new general surgeon, Mohammad Niayesh, MD, FACS, speaking about skin cancer during SVH’s recent Provider Forum