Page 13 - Boca Club News - December '24

Boca Club News, Page 13

From The Professionals’ Desks
From The Professionals’ Desks

Another Word from the Editor
At the risk of being redundant—in that I complimented Dale Brown on another recent column of hers, something I rarely do because I am so proud of all the excellent and informative
columns provided by our writers every month in their respective areas of expertise that I would soon overdo it—I cannot resist pointing out how perfectly she has stated in her column
here the very message that I have been wanting to express to many in my own life. Thank you, Dale. No wonder you are a Certified Life Coach. — NAS, Editor

Healthy Answers – A Guide to Healthy Living:

“Now Can We Please Get Along?”

By Dale Brown, B.S., M.A., C.E.C. whole new avenue in which to receive information. What than in the past. People have friends over for dinner 45%
Dale is a motivational speaker who you watch and who you listen to influences your view. less often than they used to. Fenced backyards, coupled
has spent many years as a Certified Where you live and how you were raised plays into your with the disappearance of front porches and verandas, have
Life Coach and has written numerous perspective. This may be understandable, but it would made residences more private. At least a minimum of three
articles and e-books relating to self- appear to me that people are just plain angry over any hours a day are spent indoors watching TV, surfing the net,
improvement and ways to build a and everything. This misdirected anger is often harmful texting or talking on the phone. Even in gated communities
high-performance team. She is the to others in your path, especially to those you love. where many people know one another the tendency is still
author of the book, “Small Steps... Sometimes it takes a reality check for someone to one of privacy. When the doorbell rings I can assure you
Big Changes: The Personal Stories realize that words and gestures are hurtful and unkind. it will not be a neighbor stopping by unexpectedly for a
of a Life Coach.” Her education and years of experience This is an example of an incident that happened to me cup of coffee.
in physical fitness and training of elite athletes has enabled recently: I was pulling into a parking space at Publix, As we look to a new year there is no better time to turn
her to sharpen her knowledge in many health-related areas. which in itself can be dangerous. Thinking that the driver over a new leaf. Let us all take a step back and accept
The following introduces a new approach to Ms. Brown’s of an oncoming car didn’t see me, I gave my horn a blast. others for who they are, regardless of whether we share
series of columns devoted to many topics that deal with With that the driver threw me the middle finger with a their opinions. Try if you will to rethink your new year
the mind/body connection and the importance of living a nasty remark and expression to go along with it. resolutions and make a list that might go something like
healthy lifestyle. Dale, a Bocaire resident, can be reached As he hurried off I clearly said within earshot, “I didn’t this:
at dalebrown@lovingmondays.com. deserve that, I simply thought you didn’t see me.” Upon I accept the will of the people even if I don’t agree.
As I sit down to write this article I’m saddened with all my return I was surprised to find a note on my windshield I will try to understand the differences of opinion and
that has transpired during this very contentious election that read, “I’m sorry, I’m just so used to people blowing why so many disagree with one another.
our country endured. Maybe things didn’t go your way, but their horns for no reason that I overreacted. You’re right, I will keep my cool and try not to stress over what I
regardless of the outcome America has spoken. We now you didn’t deserve it!” This may be a stretch as an act of cannot control.
have to accept this truth and move on with our lives with kindness, but to me it was enough to restore my belief that I will temper my strong views and be willing to listen
hope that what divided us can someday bring us together. people are basically kind at heart. They might just need a to another perspective.
As I reflect on this past year I’m concerned by how many little wake-up call. I will make this year a “year of acceptance.”
people have become disconnected with friends and family It begs the question, “Why is this happening and why have I will channel my energy into living a more purposeful
members. You may have found yourself scratching your people become disconnected?” It might be a byproduct of life.
head wondering why it’s so hard to talk to even your closest external factors such as excessive exposure to social media, I will share the holidays with friends and family and
relations if you disagree. Why have people disengaged from or internal factors such as anxiety, stress, depression or lack promise to get along, even if we don’t see eye to eye.
one another just because they see things differently? of sleep. Disconnection happens when something gets in the In conclusion, I’d like to thank all my fellow readers
These times may seem troubling, but it’s not all that way of the energy flow between people. It could stem from a who have supported me and read my column throughout
different from what our forefathers lived through and misunderstanding, misinterpretation, miscommunication or the years. Your comments, notes and compliments have
survived. It’s the challenges that have changed. We live simply from one person becoming distracted. been my inspiration. I wish all of you Happy Holidays and
in an age of technology and the internet has opened up a There are other reasons, too, that cause more isolation a very healthy New Year!
Medical Matters: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

By Richard Nagler, M.D., a member About 25% of patients with diverticulitis will develop There are two types of surgery. A primary bowel resection
of Broken Sound Club and retired complications from it. Pus may collect in an affected pouch and where diseased segments of the colon are removed, and the
physician. After graduating from the form an abscess. Intestinal blockage may develop secondary to remainder of the colon segments hooked back together. This
University of Pennsylvania and New scarring. A fistula, which is an abnormal connection between can be accomplished by laparoscopic or open surgery.
York University’s School of Medicine, other sections of the colon or other abdominal organs such as When the degree of inflammation is too severe or
Dr. Nagler served his internship and the liver, bladder, skin or pelvis may occur. extensive and it is impossible to remove all the infected areas
residency at Baltimore City Hospital The most ominous complication is the rupture of an and hook back the normal segments, a temporary colostomy
and Johns Hopkins. He followed that infected pouch spilling fecal intestinal contents into the is done with a normal segment of colon attached to an
with a Fellowship in Gastroenterology abdominal cavity causing peritonitis, which is a medical external bag to put the colon at rest and await the calming
at Yale University School of Medicine, and was then Chief emergency. down of the infection with medical treatment. Once this has
of Gastroenterology at Fitzsimons General Army Hospital The diagnosis is made by having the patient describe been accomplished the segments can be hooked up and the
in Denver. He returned to the Yale Medical School for one the symptoms, how frequent they are and how severe. colostomy closed.
year as an Assistant Professor of Medicine before opening Are they continuous or occasional, is there anything that After surgery, usually after six to eight weeks when
his own successful private practice in Internal Medicine makes symptoms worse or better, is there fever, any pain in everything has subsided, a colonoscopy should be done to
and Gastroenterology. During that time, he also served for urination, any rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits and rule out an underlying colorectal cancer (CRC) the risk of
ten years as Chief of Medicine at Huntington Hospital in what medications are they currently taking? which is 33% higher in these patients.
Huntington, N.Y. On physical examination, palpation of the abdomen To some extent the development of diverticulitis can be
Diverticulosis is a medical condition where small bulging will detect any tenderness, keeping in mind that there are diminished by physical exercise, which promotes regular
pouches form in the lining of the digestive system, almost other conditions to consider, such as appendicitis and pelvic bowel function and lowers pressure in the colon. Eating
all in the large intestine (colon). These openings are usually inflammatory disease. less red meat and more fiber such as fruits, vegetables and
multiple, easily visualized during a routine colonoscopy as A CBC and urine test will show signs of infection, and a whole grains soften waste material and help it pass faster in
a screening procedure. stool examination can rule out another infection, especially the colon. Good hydration also softens waste and accelerates
What happens is that naturally weak areas in the wall when there is diarrhea. its passage. No smoking, weight reduction and avoidance of
of the colon, most commonly on the left side, give way Colonoscopy is not an option because of the danger of opioids, NASAIDs and steroids are recommended.
under pressure from gas, feces or straining due to inefficient perforation. A CT scan is effective in identifying inflamed
defecation. They protrude outward through the wall. It is or infected pouches, the severity of the process and any
found in more than 40% of adults and 60% of seniors. associated pathology, such as cancer of the colon.
Most people with diverticulosis never develop any Treatment depends upon the severity of the signs and
symptoms. However, 4% (about 200,000 people) will symptoms of the disease. For mild cases, which are most
develop diverticulitis when one or more of these pouches common, patients can be treated at home. A liquid diet for
become inflamed or infected with bacteria-laden waste. These several days complemented by oral antibiotics for seven to
patients have diverticulitis with constant and persistent sharp 10 days is usually successful in inducing a remission.
abdominal pain, usually on the left side of the abdomen, but Thereafter, the follow-up shows that 33% will have no
it can occur on the right side as well. Nausea and vomiting, further episodes, 33% will have some later mild episodes and Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
chills, fever, abdominal tenderness and a change in bowel 33% will be hospitalized eventually with a more serious bout Palm Beach County and is a privately
habits–more often constipation, but diarrhea can be present. with the disease. owned and managed company.
GI bleeding is common. In the hospital IV antibiotics, IV fluids and rest with only Captain’s is committed to providing
The risk of developing diverticulitis increases with age, liquids permitted orally is the regimen, and if an abscess has dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
obesity, smoking, lack of physical exercise and diets high formed the insertion of a drainage tube is done. Surgery is South Florida Airports and Seaports.
in animal fats and low in fiber. Certain medications are mandated when there is a large abscess, a fistula, obstruction, To reserve your vehicle: PBCVH212
associated with an increased risk, such as steroids, opioids, perforation with peritonitis, multiple frequent serious 561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com
some antihypertensives and NSAIDs. episodes and a weakened immune system.