A Mammogram Just Might Save Your Life

Pain is a universal experience, but not all pain is created equal. Yep, were talking about chronic pain and acute pain. Understanding the differences can help you manage your symptoms better and find the right treatment.Acute Pain: The Short-Term VisitorAcute pain is like that unexpected guest who shows up suddenly but doesnt stay too long. Its usually linked to common illnesses or injuries like cuts, sprains, or even the aftermath of surgery. The good news? Acute pain typically goes away as you heal. But be cautiousif not managed properly, it can sometimes turn into chronic pain.Chronic Pain: The Unwanted Long-Term GuestNow, chronic pain is a bit more complicated. If your pain sticks around for more than three months, its considered chronic. This type of pain can be persistent and might require help from your healthcare provider to understand the cause and find the best treatment. According to the CDC, nearly 20% (51.6 million) Americans experience chronic pain.Effects of Chronic PainLimited mobilityLack of energyMuscle fatigue or tightnessAppetite changesDepression, anger, anxietyCommon Areas of Chronic PainBack painShoulder painKnee painHip painFoot painWhy Chronic Pain is a Big DealChronic pain doesnt just affect your body; it can take a toll on your mental health too. Research shows that people with chronic pain are four times more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety. Women are also 21.7% more likely to experience chronic pain than men. While opioids can help manage some pain conditions, they come with serious risks like overdose. Thats why its crucial to explore other pain management options.Managing Pain: What You Can DoManaging pain effectively often requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some strategies that can help:Physical Therapy: Helps improve mobility and strength.Massage: Relieves muscle tension and promotes relaxation.Non-Opioid Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can be effective.Exercise: Regular physical activity can help manage pain.Meditation and Relaxation: Techniques like mindfulness can reduce pain perception.Pain Management Services at Intermountain HealthIntermountain Healths Pain Management team aims to reduce the stigma associated with pain, improve patient access to pain management resources, and enhance the quality of life for those affected by pain. We offer a comprehensive approach to treating both acute and chronic pain, involving a variety of specialists and treatment methods.What We OfferInterdisciplinary Approach: Collaboration with physicians, nurses, dietitians, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialists, anesthesiologists, pharmacists, behavioral health experts, and physical therapists.Individualized Treatment Plans: Tailored to each patients unique needs.Multiple Methods for Treating Pain: Including physical therapy, massage, non-opioid medications, exercise, meditation, and relaxation techniques.Behavioral Health Counseling: To address the psychological effects of chronic pain.Interventional Procedures: For more targeted pain relief.Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: To help manage addiction and provide safer pain relief options.Understanding the differences between acute and chronic pain is the first step in managing your symptoms effectively. If youre dealing with chronic pain, dont hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider to explore your treatment options. You deserve to live a happy, productive life, even with chronic pain. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and its the perfect time to talk about the importance of breast cancer prevention and detection. At Intermountain Health, were dedicated to helping you stay ahead of cancer with our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic. Lets dive into why early detection is crucial and how we can support you.Why Prevention and Early Detection MatterBreast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but the good news is that early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Regular mammograms are a key part of breast cancer screening because they can detect cancer early when its most treatable. However, for those at high risk due to genetic factors, mammograms alone might not be enough.Maricel Purcell, a Cancer Genetics Nurse Practitioner at our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic, explains, Regular mammograms are a crucial component of breast cancer screening and can detect cancer early when its treatable. However, for individuals at high risk due to genetic factors, mammograms alone may not be sufficient.Understanding Your RiskKnowing your genetic risk can help you take proactive steps to protect your health.Understanding your genetic risk allows you to take proactive steps to protect your health. Having this information doesnt mean you will definitely develop cancer. It means you have the opportunity to take preventive measures and make informed decisions about your health, says Purcell.If you have a family history of cancer, especially if cancers occurred at a young age or if multiple family members are affected, you should consider seeing a cancer genetics provider. Indicators also include having a known genetic mutation in the family, multiple types of cancer in a single individual, or belonging to certain groups with higher prevalence of specific mutations.Personalized Care at Intermountain HealthAt Intermountain Health, we offer a range of services to help manage and reduce your cancer risk. Our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic provides:Genetic Testing: To identify specific gene mutations that increase cancer risk.Increased Screening and Surveillance: Including additional methods like breast MRI, which can detect cancers that mammograms might miss.Personalized Management Plans: Tailored to your specific risk profile to catch cancer early or reduce your risk.Lifestyle Recommendations: Tips on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to lower your cancer risk.Support Resources: Counseling and support groups to help you navigate your journey. Telehealth OptionsOne of the standout features of our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic is the availability of telehealth options. You can have video visits with our specialists without having to leave your house. This makes it easier than ever to get the care you need without the hassle of travel. Whether its a genetic counseling session or a follow-up appointment, our telehealth services ensure you stay connected with your healthcare team.Were shifting the focus from treatment to prevention as often as possible. And we do this all from the comfort of your own home, says Purcell.'Knowledge Is Power'Finding out you may be at high risk for cancer can be overwhelming, but youre not alone. For those feeling overwhelmed, I offer resources such as counseling and support groups and I ensure they know they are not alone in this journey, Purcell reassures.Sabrina Feldman, a vibrant 39-year-old from Denver, Colorado, recently embarked on a life-changing journey at Intermountain Healths high-risk cancer prevention clinic. With a family history of cancer, Sabrina always had a nagging feeling about her health. On the back of my mind, I could have a high risk, she shared. Her grandparents had died of ovarian cancer, but it wasnt until her cousin tested positive for BRCA 2 about four years ago that Sabrina started to connect the dots.Despite her sister testing negative for the gene, Sabrina decided to move forward with her own testing in September, assuming she wouldnt have it. Sure enough, I did have it, she said. This revelation set her on a proactive path to ensure her health and safety. I took all the proactive things. I figured any preventative things I can do to make sure I am healthy and safe and can live a long life without something being invasive.Her journey began with genetic counseling and imaging. As soon as the genetic counselor sent my primary care provider the results, she immediately called for imaging, Sabrina recalled. The day she went for her mammogram and sonogram was nerve-wracking. If I thought I didnt have BRCA 2 and I did, now every result would be the same. I panicked. Fortunately, the results came back in just five hours, and everything was negative. We have detected no abnormal cells, she was told, which brought immense relief.Sabrina then reached out to a medical oncologist for further options and opportunities. She met Lisa Ahrendt, MD, who was incredibly supportive. She was very clear, you know you are supposed to get the surgeries right away and your ovaries removed. So I was nervous going into the appointment. She kept saying when or if you decided to move forward. She heard me, she saw me. Nothing was scary.Dr. Ahrendt spent an hour discussing the best course of action for Sabrina, making her feel comfortable and understood. This is something youll have to deal with and monitor, it doesnt mean you have to take action, Dr. Ahrendt reassured her. Sabrina felt empowered by the knowledge and the support she received. Knowledge is power. You cant make any decisions until you have all the answers. Make sure you know that there are options.Sabrinas journey isnt over yet. She has a couple more screenings lined up and is considering her options carefully.The clinic has created a supportive community for Sabrina. This clinic created such a great community. Find a place that you feel comfortable and heard in is so important. With the help of a social worker and a streamlined team of specialists, Sabrina feels at ease. Its now out of my mind. Is this going to be looming over me forever? I felt like everything was there. It makes it so easy and so approachable.Sabrinas story is a testament to the power of knowledge and the importance of a supportive healthcare community. Her proactive approach and the care she received have empowered her to take control of her health and her future.At Intermountain Health, were here to support you with personalized care and comprehensive services. If you think you might be at high risk, dont hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment.

Weve all felt itthe quickened heartbeat, the rush of adrenaline, the tightness in our chest. Stress is a universal experience, but did you know it can actually be a good thing? Not all stress is bad. In fact, it can be a valuable tool in our daily lives when managed properly. In lifestyle medicine, understanding the nuances between good and bad stress is crucial for promoting overall well-being.Ever notice how a looming deadline can push you to focus and get things done? Thats good stress, also known as eustress. Its the type of stress that motivates you to rise to the occasion, sharpen your skills, and accomplish tasks. Whether preparing for a presentation, training for a marathon, or planning a big event, eustress provides the energy boost needed to meet challenges head-on. Good stress keeps life exciting and engaging, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and grow. Without it, life would lack the zest and purpose that come from setting and achieving goals.On the other hand, distress is the not-so-friendly type of stress that can take a toll on our health. Unlike eustress, which is short-lived and motivational, distress lingers and overwhelms us. Chronic stress from ongoing issues like financial troubles, work-related burnout, or strained relationships can lead to a host of health problems, including anxiety, depression, and even chronic physical conditions like hypertension. As Jake Veigel, MD, an expert in lifestyle medicine, puts it, "Chronic stress not only impacts your physical health but can significantly affect your mental well-being. It can lead to a constant state of tension and anxiety, making it difficult to enjoy lifes moments."Lifestyle medicine offers a holistic and practical approach to managing distress by focusing on adopting healthy habits that can significantly reduce the impact of chronic stress. Key aspects include nutrition, with an emphasis on whole foods to stabilize mood and energy levels; physical activity, which releases endorphins and reduces cortisol; and restorative sleep, as quality rest is vital for emotional regulation and coping with stress. Additionally, maintaining strong social connections provides essential emotional support, alleviating feelings of isolation.By using these practices, lifestyle medicine not only helps reduce bad stress but also uses the benefits of good stress. It supports a healthier and more satisfying life by encouraging us to face challenges and grow. As Dr. Veigel puts it, "It's not just about staying healthy; it's about living a life where we can thrive. Good stress can push us forward, and lifestyle medicine helps us handle the bad stress that can hold us back."