Tag Archives: Lawrence Journal World

Patient health journals beneficial when properly documented

Posted on by

Lawrence Journal-World newspaper

Go! Section August 15-21, 2011

by Stacey Hatton

Have you ever exited your physician’s office and realized you forgot to ask half of your questions?  Or you didn’t divulge the most integral symptoms you were experiencing?  Frustrating, right!?  How are medical providers to give an accurate diagnosis when they get limited pieces of the puzzle?

So What is This Journal?

Any type of recording of a patient’s medical history which is kept at home and updated by the patient, caregiver and/or guardian is this new trend. And according to the Daily Press (Newport News, VA, 2011), “A written record of your health history can help prevent many medical errors.”

Suggested Journal Details:

  • Hospitalizations and dates
  • Surgeries and dates
  • Major illnesses or chronic diseases (date of onset)
  • Allergies to medicines/foods and reactions
  • Medications (including herbals, supplements, and over-the-counter): the doses and frequency
  • Blood type
  • Immunizations
  • Family history of major diseases and ages
  • Blood sugar issues – include BS readings
  • Blood pressure problems – include BP averages

There are various ways to keep this record for yourself and/or your family. Keeping a folder or notebook accessible, which can be readily grabbed when you head out for appointments, emergencies or when an ambulance is called is advised. The children’s information pages should be made known to your babysitters as well.

Some families put their journals on a CD or a flash drive. Hand the flash drive to the hospital staff and they can download the information, and print it off for the emergency doctors and the chart.

Dr. Marc Scarbrough, a Hospitalist at Lawrence Memorial Hospital says, “It makes caring for the patient safer when we have an accurate list of their medicines, and when we know what medical conditions a person has and the surgeries/procedures they have had performed.”

“People who do not have this information in a printed form are putting themselves at risk for adverse events. It can lead to unnecessary tests or unwanted drug interactions,” reports Dr. Scarbrough.

Pros:

When it comes to healthcare, the days of paper charts are becoming a thing of the past. Not only are hospitals getting rid of paper, but your doctor’s office may be doing so as well.

Dr. Eric Huerter, an Internist from Reed Medical Group says his office uses electronic medical records and believes patients providing personal health journals would be beneficial.

For routine visits, these journals would be especially useful “for diabetics and asthmatics. Blood sugar and peak flow readings are hard to keep up with – but probably it would be most helpful with medication changes.”

Dr. Huerter says, “Primarily it’s a good thing when you are trying to get information in the computer record for that first visit.”

Cons:

The biggest concern of the health journal from a physician’s perspective is having excessive details. “If it is too thorough the most important issues could be negative,” says Dr. Huerter.

The Daily News reports, “You don’t need to record minor illnesses such as colds or strep throat… (just) don’t go overboard.”

It would be harmful that significant information could get lost because it isn’t in the correct program in the computer.

“People bringing in X-rays on CDs are always helpful,” says Dr. Huerter. It could be “frustrating if the (health journal) gets placed in its own electronic file.” A staff person “would have to update their electronic medical record (with the health journal facts).”

So keep in mind, while compiling your journal, countless facts can distract your provider from your main issues, and you don’t want them to stray from the true diagnosis because you got over-zealous with your journal!

— McClatchy Newspapers contributed to this story.

Lawrence dentist offering program on TMJ

Posted on by

(previously published in the Lawrence Journal-World news – 01.10.11)

Think teeth grinding can be a real pain?

Just ask Kate Whitsel, a junior at Kansas State University, who drives 90 minutes twice a month to Lawrence to visit dentist Jim Otten for severe TMJ issues.

But the road time, Whitsel says, has been worth it.

“I was told I would need surgery by one (dentist), and then another dentist said to see a TMJ specialist, Dr. Otten. After the first couple of weeks, I was a new person,” Whitsel says.

Jim Otten, a Lawrence dentist, uses two plastic sheets that leave marks on a mouthpiece that Kate Whitsel, 20, of Manhattan, wears to correct her teeth. Photo by Richard Gwin

Jim Otten, a Lawrence dentist, uses two plastic sheets that leave marks on a mouthpiece that Kate Whitsel, 20, of Manhattan, wears to correct her teeth.

Headache: It’s Enough to make You Grind Your Teeth! The Role of Bite Problems

When: 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Meeting Room A, 325 Maine.

Cost: Free. Register by calling 749-5800 or visiting www.lmh.org.

For others who suspect teeth grinding is behind restless nights and head and jaw aches and pains, Otten will give a program titled “Headache: It’s Enough to Make You Grind Your Teeth! The Role of Bite Problems” on Thursday as part of Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s ConnectCare series.

What causes TMJD?

The temporomandibular joints allow your jaw to open and close effectively, chew and speak. If the joints are defective, dislocated, or degenerated, facial or joint pain, jaw “clicking” or limitation of movement can occur.

Otten says, “There is a lot of confusion in the medical and dental community about what causes TMJD to occur and why. For example, why do some patients with degenerative changes in the joint have facial pain, and others don’t hurt at all?”

Patients need to be individually evaluated and treated. No one case is the same with TM problems.

“This disorder is generally progressive over time,” Otten says. “So for increased success, proper therapy has to begin early and be patient specific.”

Who is affected?

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports, “TMJ (disorders) are the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal condition, resulting in pain and disability (after chronic low back pain), affecting approximately 5 to 12 percent of the population. About half to two-thirds of those with TMJ disorders will seek treatment. Among these, approximately 15 percent will develop chronic TMJD.”

Otten says, “In our internal practice studies we have noted that approximately 65 percent of adults have verifiable degenerative changes in one or both TM joints. These numbers are also increasing in young women.”

He says that women seek treatment at a rate of nine to one over men, and women also have a significantly higher frequency of joint breakdown and more severe effects.

Otten also reports that in his practice, 15- to 45 year-old females are the “highest demographic group with profound problems of muscle hyper-contraction and/or breakdown in the TM joint.”

Diagnosis

According to the American Dental Association, a dentist can help identify the source of the pain with a thorough exam and appropriate X-rays. But some types of pain, the cause is not easily diagnosed.

Arthritis may be a culprit of TM problems, as well as dislocation or injury. If the physiology of the joint and surrounding muscles don’t fit together correctly (a poor bite) a TMJD diagnosis is probable.

Stress and teeth grinding (bruxism) are also considered as possible factors, according to the ADA.

Otten says while headaches may not occur for all TMJ disorder patients, it’s a frequent symptom.

Therapies

The overall premise for treating TMJ disorders is uncovering all the factors which lead to this painful condition.

“(We) look at all environmental, structural and physiologic factors as well as the genetic susceptibility and host resistance,” Otten says. “One of the primary therapies we use is bite (occlusal) splint therapy.”

This therapeutic device is not a typical night guard but is similar to physical therapy for your face and TM joints.

Otten’s office also teaches their patients how to avoid clenching their teeth throughout the day, as well as other techniques.

“The splint is used mostly at night and at times in the day when the patient may need some relief,” he says. “We can see 90 percent improvements in 90 percent of patients and sustain this over time.

“In general, men will grind their teeth away with very little pain and no physical symptoms,” he adds. “Women have more symptoms affecting the jaw joint and cartilage breakdown. They both require proper evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.”

K-State student Whitsel hopes her treatment will continue to alleviate her pain, which included a headache that persisted nearly seven months.

“I just couldn’t get rid of it,” she says. “I had muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders, too.

“Now my jaw is slowly moving back to where it should be, and I have less joint pain.”

Boost Children’s Self-esteem at all Age Levels

Posted on by

(published on 12.27.10 – Lawrence Journal-World)

Wouldn’t it be exceptional if every child would grow into a confident adult who was proud of himself? If at the birth of every child, the parents could approach a vending machine and pick out the character traits they want for their child?

“Brown eyes, sturdy tooth enamel and powerful leadership skills would be perfect!”

Since we’re not that evolved, we must rely on parenting skills to build self-esteem through all developmental stages.

Importance of good self-esteem

“Usually when we say (developing self-esteem), we mean how the children feel about themselves and their ability to do things they are asked to do,” says Julie Boydston, a licensed psychologist at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center.

Often families reaching out for help for their child ask how to better their child’s self-esteem.

Boydston says, “Children who have good self-esteem are better at accomplishing tasks, interacting with others and handling stressors in their lives.”

Parents contribute to child’s self-esteem

It’s not always fair to blame the parents if their child has poor self-esteem. However, according to Boydston, “Parents can play a large role in establishing positive self-esteem, right from the beginning.”

She says, “The best kind of parenting throughout a child’s life has a combination of warmth and structure.”

Developmental stages:

Infancy: The way a parent reacts to their infant is key to growing a confident child.

“Being able to respond and read cues when your child is hungry, tired and scared can help babies learn the world is a safe and predictable place,” says Boydston.

Toddlers: The personality of the child begins to show at this stage. Toddlers strive to perform tasks which were once done for them by the parent.

“Parents’ patience and understanding are important,” says Boydston. “Even though parents know toddlers can’t do everything for themselves, giving them a little space for this independence can do wonders for their self-esteem.”

Love and Logic, a parenting model developed in 1977 by Dr. Foster Kline and Jim Kay, suggests presenting the child options.

“One of the most powerful strategies for avoiding power struggles involves giving choices within limits. It’s all about sharing control. We can either share control by giving small choices …or wait for our kids to fight us for it over big issues,” say Kline and Fay.

School-age: This is when outside forces may attack a child’s self-esteem. They are interacting with new people and children. Bullies and other peers may begin to damage their self-worth.

Praising this age group is beneficial to building confidence. Telling the child you are proud of them for attempting something challenging is as important as when they do well with little effort.

Routines are important at this age, so “they know what to expect and when things will happen,” says Boydston. Maintaining mealtimes, a homework schedule and bedtime gives children security and comfort.

Teens: Adolescence routinely challenges a teen’s self-esteem. Teenagers are critical of themselves. It is such an ego-centric time of their life, which can make communicating with them a challenge.

Independence is a constant battle between teens and parents. Adolescents developmentally need to spend much time with friends instead of their family. Yet they need to know while they are away, they are missed by the family and are always welcome to join the activities.

Peer pressure can challenge any adolescent if they aren’t properly trained what to say when offered drugs, alcohol or sexual advances. Helping the teen have a collection of “appropriate answers” will help them feel in control in difficult situations.

Can We Talk?

Lynisha Thomas, a social worker for Lawrence High School, says there’s a program that builds self-esteem for Lawrence teens, called Can We Talk?

“It reaches at-risk kids of all backgrounds; teaching them about different cultures, and being more comfortable in their skin,” says Thomas.

Presently 80 students are involved with Can We Talk.

Do they need professional help?

If your child appears depressed, doesn’t find joy in activities they normally like, grades are suffering, they’re “acting out” at school and/or at home, or if they talk of hurting themselves or others, it’s recommended to seek professional help.

The American Psychological Association (APA) says, “Ask your child’s physician or another health professional. Ask family and friends. Contact your area community mental health center. Or, use the Psychologist Locator Service on the APA Help Center, www.apa.org.

Teeth Care for Kids: Lawrence Pediatric Dentists Offer Tips

Posted on by

previously printed in Lawrence Journal-World newspaper on 10.04.10)

Do you have a child who struggles going to the dentist? Freaks out in the dental chair? You might consider taking your child to a specialist.

Pedodontists, commonly known as pediatric dentists, are the pediatricians of the dentistry world. They spend up to three years of specialty training after completing dental school and only treat children.

Dr. Robert Jacobs opened his Lawrence pediatric dental practice in 1975 and has treated patients from several generations in some families.

“I went to him, and so did my three kids,” says Barb Wolf of Lawrence. “He’s patient with those kids who are nervous. My kids felt a little more relaxed when he would let them listen to their favorite songs. He is a great dentist.”

Brushing

“You should brush your child’s teeth when the teeth first erupt — around 6-9 months,” Jacobs says. “You want to get bacterial plaque off the teeth twice a day with either a washcloth or cotton swab. Water is fine, or a nonfluoride toothpaste. We don’t want children swallowing fluoride.”

He adds, “Some studies say white spots on permanent teeth might be linked to kids swallowing too much fluoride. When the child can spit out the toothpaste is when you can switch to fluoride toothpaste. Most kids learn to spit out toothpaste by 4 years.”

He also suggests using a small amount of toothpaste — smaller than the size of a pea.

Flossing

Jacobs says the new preloaded flossers are easier for parents to use.

“After kids have dinner where they’ve had stringy food, it’s a good idea to floss even young children’s teeth,” he says.

When kids are 4 or 5, they should be able to use flossers; however, children under 8 should only floss their teeth with parental supervision.

“If flossing is done incorrectly, damage to their gums can occur,” Jacobs says.

First visit to the dentist

“The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association recommend one or before the child is one,” says Dr. Jacobs. “Children need to have a dental home by the time they are 1 or 2, just in case there is trauma to the teeth or mouth.”

Dr. Jacobs says by the age of 3, children need to be seen twice a year.

Kelli Henderson, a pediatric dentist at Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrence, opened her practice in 2007.

Molly Thomas, mom of two from Lawrence, takes her children to Dr. Henderson.

“I appreciate their atmosphere for kids,” Thomas says. “The staff goes out of their way to make them comfortable, by showing them the instruments first and explaining what they’ll be doing beforehand.”

“Plus, video games, TVs over each chair and cool prizes make it a fun environment to come to,” says Henderson. “We do fun events in the office, like our Halloween Candy Buyback on Nov. 3, where kids can come and donate candy to our soldiers overseas and enter to win cool prizes like a Xbox 360.”

Common dental problems in kids:

Infancy

Natal teeth, which erupt prior to or shortly after birth, can be shocking to parents. Henderson receives calls on this condition.

“Improper cleaning of mouth and bottle/nursing habits that lead to high incidence of decay (are reported),” she says.

“Baby Bottle Caries” (cavities) can occur when milk, formula or juice are left on the teeth overnight. It is imperative to clean baby’s teeth after that last bedtime snack.

Toddlerhood

“In my experience, I would rather see a child use a pacifier than suck fingers or thumb,” Jacobs says. “It’s easier to give up a pacifier than the thumb. The child should break these habits before permanent teeth erupt.”

Fatigue and anxiety are the two main reasons for children being more oral. Helping the child to lessen the anxiety or fatigue and praising them for refraining from the behavior is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

“Reward systems for stopping sucking the thumb are most successful,” adds Jacobs. “Spicy stuff applied to the thumb doesn’t work.”

School-age

“Improper hygiene and (poor) snacking and diet habits are high risk for tooth decay,” Henderson says of this age group.

Thumb-sucking or other habits which alter proper alignment of permanent teeth are common. Also, sports-related trauma can occur.

Teenagers

Henderson says, “Teenagers’ improper hygiene habits and poor compliance, especially kids with orthodontic appliances and braces (are common.)”

Adolescents have more of a tendency to overdo it with soda, sports drinks, candy and chewing gum. These have high sugar content and are acidic, which can increase risk of cavities.

“Sports injuries from lack of properly fit athletic mouth guard” are common dental problems, too, Henderson says.

Graduating from pedodontists

Both Henderson and Jacobs refer their patients to a general dentist when the permanent teeth are in place.

“When their behavior and maturity allow them to feel comfortable in a more adult oriented setting (they refer them on),” Henderson says. “This age varies with each patient, but it’s usually in the teenage years.”