Hannibal Regional Healthcare System News Archive
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells and produce energy.
“The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown,” says Dr. Cassidy Leonard-Scott, pediatrician with Hannibal Regional Medical Group. “Often the cause is the body’s immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Other possible causes are genetics and exposure to viruses or other environmental factors.”
At the onset of type 1 diabetes, the damage to the insulin-producing cells is sudden and severe. “Once a significant number of insulin producing cells are destroyed, little or no insulin will be produced and must be replaced,” says Dr. Leonard-Scott. “If insulin is not produced to let glucose into the cells, sugar will build up with the bloodstream which can cause life-threatening complications.”
Because it begins so suddenly any child with signs or symptoms of diabetes should see a doctor for testing. Consider visiting with your doctor if your child experiences increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unintended weight loss, irritability and other mood changes, fatigue, weakness or blurred vision.
“Once diagnosed with diabetes, maintaining a normal blood sugar level will help reduce the risk of any complications down the road,” says Dr. Leonard-Scott. “At this time, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with insulin, diet, and lifestyle to prevent complications.”
To schedule an appointment at Hannibal Regional Medical Group call (573) 629-3500.
While choosing toys for your children over the holidays, do not overlook the importance of selecting toys which will promote active learning. Dr. Julia Roberts, pediatrician with Hannibal Regional Medical Group offers a few tips to help you choose toys that will encourage your children to learn while engaging in play. “Active learning occurs when children learn or strengthen skills through play,” shares Dr. Roberts. “Toys can help children with their problem solving skills as well as encourage them to be active and explore new things.”
Select toys that encourage exploration and problem solving. Children are able to practice new skills over and over through play. “When children play with toys that give them an opportunity to figure something out on their own, or with little help, they are building logical thinking skills and becoming problem-solvers,” shares Dr. Roberts. Items such as puzzles, blocks, nesting blocks or cups, and art materials are good choices to help children learn and use their problems solving skills.
Find toys that encourage your child to be active. Toys that encourage children to be active are helping them practice current physical skills and develop new ones. “Choosing toys that encourage physical activity will help your children develop motor skills and make them more confident to try more activities,” says Dr. Roberts. Some toys that encourage active play are balls of different shapes and sizes, tricycles or three-wheeled scooters (with appropriate safety gear), gardening tools and plastic bowling sets.
Choose toys that encourage cross-generational play. Adults and children can play almost anything together, but some toys are designed for adults to play as well. Children as young as three can play board games and they are fun for all ages to play. “Playing board games together will help your children learn to count, matching and strengthen memory skills,” says Dr. Roberts. “Children will also learn listening skills and self-control as they learn to follow the rules.”
The time for kids to head back to school is quickly approaching and as your family adjusts to the new school year, it’s a good idea to take some precautionary measures to set your kids up for a safe, healthy year. Dr. Deborah Baumann, pediatrician with Hannibal Regional Medical Group, has a few tips to help make sure your children will have a great year.
Alert the school of health concerns. One of the most important things you can do to ensure your child remains healthy is to make certain the school is aware of your child’s health care needs and knows how to address them. “If your child takes any medication, or experiences common health problems such as severe allergies, asthma or physical restrictions, it’s a good idea to prepare your school nurse or administrator for potential health issues prior to the first day of school. Remember to also provider proper medicine and dosage information, as well as emergency contact and physician information” shares Dr. Baumann.
Schedule a well-child visit. An annual well-child visit with your child’s pediatrician will help ensure your child is healthy before returning to class. “A well-child visit is one of the best things you can do to keep your children healthy. Annual visits are recommended until kids head off to college. It’s a good time for parents to visit with us and share any concerns” says Dr. Baumann. Well-child visits are also a good time to complete any needed sports physicals, update any prescriptions or have any other necessary forms signed.
Establish good hygiene habits and know when to stay home. We have likely all heard about the importance of proper hand hygiene and it is no different for kids. It is a good idea to help kids establish a habit of washing their hands before eating and after bathroom use and remind your kids that there are times when it’s ok not to share. “Help your children understand that there are certain things that shouldn’t be shared. These items include eating utensils, drinking cups, water bottles, grooming articles, etc. It is especially important to keep this in mind during cold and flu season” says Dr. Baumann.
If your child is sick, please don’t send them to school. If your child is running a fever, is vomiting or having diarrhea, please stay home and rest. If more symptoms appear or continue to worsen, consult with your healthcare provider.
Manage stress and re-establish routines. Back-to-school time can be overwhelming and a bit stressful for kids and parents, but too much stress can lead to a variety of health issues. “You can help your children manage stress by talking to them about anything that’s bothering them” notes Dr. Baumann. “Schoolwork and after-school activities are important, but don’t forget that it’s also important to take time to relax and spend time together as a family.”
At least one week before school begins, shift your children from flexible summer sleep hours to bedtime schedules that fit the school year. “To help re-establish a good sleep routine, turn off all screens to include computer, television and phone 30 minutes prior to sleep” says Dr. Baumann. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends teenagers sleep 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.”
To contact Hannibal Regional Medical Group call 573-629-3500.
During the Christmas season children will receive a variety of toys - but some of them come with potential safety risks if it is not age appropriate or if the warning labels are ignored. Dr. Julia Roberts, Pediatrician with Hannibal Regional Medical Group, has a few tips to help make this Christmas a safe one.
Buy age appropriate toys. When choosing toys as gifts, age matters. Small items are not the safest choice for young children. For children under age three, choose toys that are at least 1 inch in diameter and 2 inches long, so they will not lodge in a child’s mouth or throat. “It is also important to watch for pull toys with longer strings as they could be a potential strangulation hazard for babies,” notes Dr. Roberts. “If you are purchasing gifts for an older child be sure to keep in mind younger siblings as well. If you purchase a toy for an older child that has several small parts try to keep it separate from the younger siblings toys.”
Be cautious about toys containing button batteries or magnets. Children can have serious stomach and intestinal problems – including death – after swallowing button batteries or magnets. “Button batteries or small magnets can be in a variety of items - not just toys,” notes Dr. Roberts. “If children swallow batteries or magnets it could lead to serious medical problems and you should call your healthcare provider immediately.” In addition to toys, button batteries may be in musical greeting cards, remote controls, hearing aids, and other small electronics. Small, powerful magnets may be part of building toy sets.
Avoid choking hazards. “Test your child’s toy to see if there are any small parts that can break off and check to see if the toy you choose has small parts - if they can fit inside a paper towel roll they are potential choking hazards,” notes Dr. Roberts. Don’t forget to discard any plastic wrapping or other toy packaging once the gifts are opened. When storing toys, remember to store toys for older kids separate from toys for younger kids.
To contact the pediatrics office at Hannibal Regional Medical Group call (573) 629-3500.
Summer is quickly approaching and with it comes the urge to shed your shoes. However, choosing to go without proper footwear can lead to problems for your feet and may put a damper on your summer fun. Podiatrist Dr. Edward Cline often sees more sprained ankles and broken bones during the summer months due to sports related injuries or people being active outside doing yard work or playing with their family. Another issue Dr. Cline sees is from people who have been outside barefoot or wearing unsupportive shoes and they have ended up with splinters, stepped on broken glass or had another injury.
Summer isn’t the time to dismiss wearing the proper footwear. “You really should not be going outside barefoot, at all” notes Dr. Cline. “You don’t want to get sunburned on your feet which could lead to melanoma or you don’t want your foot getting cut by a piece of wood or glass that could be hidden. Those are two very common problems I see this time of year.” Don’t forget to consider comfort and protection when it comes to your footwear. Some flip flops are very inexpensive, but they are flimsy and will likely lead to a foot injury. Choose sandals that will support your feet - and if you know your feet will be in and out of water make sure they don’t have foam in them. The foam will hold water and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Dr. Cline also recommends discarding any old, worn out, beat down shoes. While it may seem like a good idea to keep them to do your “dirty” work in, they could have holes in them or the traction may be worn down which could lead to falls or cuts on your feet.
Not just during the summer, but all year around, women need to remember to choose footwear which provides support and protection. “Ballet flats are an example of what could be a bad shoe to wear - and most women don’t realize that because they’re comfortable” says Dr. Cline. “Most flats have little to no support and little protection. When you are looking for flats, find something that gives you arch support and protects your feet.” Heels and wedges could also lead to problems because it’s similar to walking on your toes all day. Pointed toes are also bad for your foot health and could lead to permanent damage. “I recommend tracing your foot on a piece of paper, then tracing the outline of your shoe. If it looks like a tight and uncomfortable fit, it will not be good for your feet” shares Dr. Cline.
“Summer is a good time of year to have your children’s feet checked. Before they start a new season of sports, they should have previous injuries checked. Their shoes may need to be adjusted or a brace may be needed to help support an area that has been previously injured.” says Dr. Cline. Another important thing to remember is not to put your children in hand-me-down shoes. Financially it can make sense, but allowing your children to wear previously used shoes may put them at risk for an injury. “With all the wear and tear the shoes have been through, they may no longer be supportive or protect well and could lead to bigger problems than the cost of buying a new pair of shoes for the season,” notes Dr. Cline.
If you are experiencing problems with your feet, help is only a step away. Dr. Cline sees patients in Hannibal and at outlying HRMG locations and is ready to help guide you on your journey to better health. To contact Dr. Cline’s office call 573-629-3500.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. This fast movement can cause the brain to bounce or twist in the skull causing chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
“Concussions are difficult to accurately diagnose due to the varying signs and symptoms of the injury,” shares Dr. James Tucker, Family Medicine physician at Hannibal Regional Medical Group. If your athlete becomes injured during practice or a game and begins acting dazed or stunned, moves clumsily, answers questions slowly, loses consciousness (even briefly) or can’t recall events prior or after the hit or fall it is time to seek the care of a healthcare professional. “If it is a possibility your child has sustained a concussion during a game, they should be removed from play and be evaluated by a medical professional,” notes Dr. Tucker. “The athlete should remain out of play on the day of the injury and should only return with permission from a healthcare professional.”
Repetitive head trauma is increasingly dangerous and early identification may have long term benefits. To help prevent concussions on the field make sure your child follows the rules their coach sets for safety and the rules of the game. Make sure athletes are wearing protective equipment that is well maintained and fits properly. “Wearing a helmet does help reduce the risk of serious brain injury or a skull fracture,” says Dr. Tucker. “However, there is not a helmet that can totally prevent concussions. Even with a helmet, it is important for athletes to try their best to avoid hits to their head. Proper technique should be instructed before full contact drills or practice.” Healing from a concussion takes time, along with mental and physical rest. Each person recovers at a different pace and should follow a gradual return to play and return to school process.
“If available, baseline testing before the season is a great way for healthcare professionals to determine the severity of a suspected concussion,” says Dr. Tucker. Baseline testing is used to assess the athlete’s balance and brain function and is compared to post-injury results to help identify the effects of the injury. To maintain the best results for comparison, baseline testing should be completed annually.
To contact Dr. Tucker’s office call (573) 629-3500.
By: Marie Frankenbach, BSN, RN, Stroke Educator Hannibal Regional
Did you know that in the United States, approximately 800,000 individuals have strokes each year? Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in America, killing nearly 130,000 people a year. That’s 1 in every 20 deaths. However, early treatment and preventative measures can reduce the brain damage that occurs as the result of a stroke.
Stroke usually refers to the loss of brain function due to a disturbance in the blood flow to the brain. When this occurs, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. Damage from a stroke may be temporary or permanent. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain, how much the brain is damaged, how quickly treatment begins, and other factors. Strokes can be classified into two major categories: ischemic (lack of blood) and hemorrhagic (bleeding). Approximately 87% of all strokes are ischemic and the rest are hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain. If the artery remains blocked for more than a few minutes, the brain can become damaged. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when blood vessels in the brain leak or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain or around the brain. A TIA (transient ischemic attack) is often called a “mini stroke” or “warning stroke”. The difference between a TIA and a stroke is that the blockage is transient, or temporary. Symptoms are exactly the same as stroke, but usually last less than five minutes. Even if symptoms go away, emergency help should be called immediately. A TIA is a warning sign that a person is at high risk for a stroke. Stroke can occur at any age. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and take immediate action. Classic stroke symptoms can be remembered by the acronym FAST. This stands for: (1) Face – sudden weakness or droopiness of the face, problems with vision (2) Arm – sudden weakness or numbness of one or both arms (3) Speech – difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or garbled speech (4) Time – time is very important in stroke treatment. Time is Brain, call 911! The quicker treatment can begin, the more successful the outcome. It is very important to note the time the first stroke symptoms began because this could influence potential treatment. Stroke victims who receive treatment within specific time frames from the time symptoms begin are more likely to survive and recover more quickly and are less likely to have permanent disabilities. The treatment of a stroke depends upon the type of stroke, the time that has passed since the first symptoms occurred, and the patient’s other medical problems. For individuals who have an ischemic stroke, the goal of treatment is to restore blood flow to the affected area of the brain as quickly as possible. TPA, sometimes called a “clot buster”, can be given preferably within three hours upon the onset of symptoms. Stroke patients who receive tPA within 90 minutes of symptom onset are almost three times more likely to recover with little or no disability. The American Stroke Association/American Heart Association updated guidelines for acute ischemic stroke to recommend the use of stent retrievers for eligible patients. While tPA is a drug to dissolve a clot, a stent retriever is a medical device used to pull it out. Continued treatment for the stroke patient includes secondary prevention with medications such as aspirin, warfarin, and certain cholesterol-lowering medications. In some cases, physical, occupational, or speech therapies may help patients recovering from stroke. In order to lower your risk for stroke, you should take your medications appropriately, follow up with your physicians as directed, and make lifestyle changes which may decrease risk factors for recurrent stroke. Some risk factors include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco/alcohol/illegal drug use, physical inactivity, and obesity. It is important to work with your healthcare providers to decrease your chances for stroke/TIA as much as possible. If you are experiencing a stroke, call 911.
