May has been designated as the month to observe and spread brain cancer awareness. As one of North Idaho’s premier comprehensive cancer care providers, Beacon Clinic believes informing and educating people about health issues is critical, and this is an ideal opportunity to bring attention to this devastating disease.
Brain tumors are relatively rare; less than 1% of individuals develop a malignant brain tumor in their lifetimes. However, brain cancer can be deadly, particularly for certain types. Brain cancer causes over 18,000 deaths every year.
Most individuals who develop a brain tumor are over 80 years old. However, brain cancer can afflict an individual of any age; roughly 5% of brain tumors develop in individuals under 20 years old.
Understanding Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are growths of abnormal cells within or near the brain that develop when mutations in a cell’s DNA cause the cell to reproduce continually. There are several different types of brain tumors, each presenting different symptoms and treatment options. Outcomes are generally significantly better when cancers are detected early.
Tumors can originate within the brain itself, known as primary brain tumors, or metastasize from other parts of the body, termed secondary brain tumors. The location, size, and malignancy of these tumors vary, influencing symptoms and treatment strategies. Some tumors are noncancerous (benign), but others are aggressive and malignant. However, even benign tumors can cause serious damage to health, as they can put pressure on the brain and affect its functioning.
Brain tumors are characterized by the specific types of cells from which they originate. Gliomas, originating from glial cells, encompass various subtypes, such as astrocytoma and glioblastoma, with the latter being the most common malignant brain tumor. Other categories include choroid plexus tumors, embryonal tumors, germ cell tumors, pineal tumors, meningiomas, nerve tumors, and pituitary tumors.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of brain tumors is paramount for early intervention. Still, there is a wide variation among symptoms depending on a tumor’s location, size, and growth rate. Common indicators include persistent headaches, nausea, vision changes, neurological problems such as weakness or numbness, cognitive impairment, personality changes, and seizures. Patients experiencing these symptoms need prompt medical evaluation. Diagnosing a brain tumor will usually require imaging with a brain MRI, but tests may also include a CT scan, lumbar puncture, MR spectroscopy, biopsy, or other tests.
Treatment Options
The management of brain tumors hinges on several factors, including tumor type, size, location, and overall health status. Treatments commonly include surgical resection, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of therapies. A multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists is often used to optimize a positive outcome while minimizing side effects and preserving a higher quality of life for the patient.
Although the information provided here is general, hopefully, it sensitizes people to this disease that affects the lives of over 25,000 Americans and their families every year. The efforts of Beacon Clinic and other healthcare organizations to highlight brain cancer awareness can promote education, advocacy, and support for these individuals and families.
Beacon Clinic Can Help
Through public outreach initiatives, communities can help ensure that those who may exhibit symptoms take the necessary steps to investigate early detection options. As we commemorate Brain Cancer Awareness Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to understanding, supporting, and advocating for those impacted by cancer. If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumor or any other cancer, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Beacon Clinic to find out how we can support you in developing a comprehensive care plan and obtaining the treatment you need.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a challenging condition that affects children and teenagers. At one time, JIA was referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; however, JIA is not simply a “kid” version of the adult disease. Instead, it is a distinct autoimmune or autoinflammatory disorder.
Autoimmune conditions, including arthritis caused by an autoimmune issue, are addressed by medical specialists called rheumatologists. Beacon Clinic in Coeur d’Alene has recently expanded its services by adding rheumatology to its slate of specialties, and our clinic staff can assist patients with JIA.
If a child has JIA, parents must understand its nature, symptoms, and how to support their young ones to help them cope with the difficulties they face and provide essential support.
Understanding JIA
JIA is the most prevalent type of arthritis in kids and teens, typically causing joint pain and inflammation in various parts of the body, including hands, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. Like all autoimmune diseases, it develops when the immune system is mistakenly prompted to attack the body’s healthy cells and tissues. With JIA, the child’s immune system targets the synovium, the tissue lining around joints that lubricates them to make movement smooth and painless. Rather than helping the body heal, the immune reaction releases compounds that cause inflammation, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving.
The term “idiopathic” means that what causes JIA is unknown. Researchers believe that specific genes, when activated by external factors like viruses or bacteria, may contribute to the development of JIA. Importantly, there is currently no evidence linking the disease to factors such as specific foods, toxins, allergies, or a lack of vitamins.
Signs and Symptoms of JIA
JIA manifests in various forms, all of which affect the musculoskeletal system and cause joint inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Common symptoms include chronic joint pain or stiffness, swollen or warm-to-touch joints, fatigue, blurry vision or eye inflammation, rash, and high fever. The severity and category of symptoms vary among the types of JIA.
Diagnosing JIA
Diagnosing JIA is a complex process. Because it is not a disease or condition caused by a specific bacteria or virus, diagnosis involves several stages of investigation. Parents who notice symptoms of JIA in their children should consult with their child’s physician. The doctor will review your child’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, undertake lab tests to rule out other causes, and sometimes order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. If JIA is suspected, your physician will likely consult a rheumatologist to evaluate the patient and make a comprehensive diagnosis. Parents must be proactive in seeking medical attention if they suspect their child may have JIA.
Supporting Your Child with JIA
JIA is a lifelong condition, but there are effective treatments for managing the condition that can alleviate pain, maintain mobility, and prevent long-term joint damage. For children with JIA, parents play a crucial role. Here are some tasks where parental support is critical:
- Medication Management: Ensure your child takes prescribed medicines as directed by healthcare professionals.
- Physical Therapy: Collaborate with your child’s physical therapist to establish a regular exercise program. This helps keep muscles strong and flexible, promoting joint health.
- Education: Learn about JIA alongside your child. Your child’s care team and online resources can provide valuable information and support, keeping you up-to-date on the latest studies and treatments.
- Monitoring and Communication: Keep track of your child’s symptoms and episodes, taking notes to share with the healthcare team. Monitor their responses to medication and provide reassurance and support during medical appointments, therapies, and tests.
- Positive Reinforcement: Despite the challenges, maintain a positive and reassuring attitude. Encourage your child to pursue their interests and hobbies, fostering a sense of normalcy and a “can do” attitude toward managing the condition.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis presents unique challenges for both children and parents. Understanding the nature of the disease and its symptoms and being actively involved in your child’s treatment plan are crucial steps toward managing JIA effectively. By taking a proactive role, parents can empower their children to lead fulfilling and happy lives despite the challenges posed by this autoimmune disorder. If you suspect your child has JIA or is experiencing symptoms, please schedule an appointment at Beacon Clinic for a proper diagnosis and, if appropriate, advice on treatment and management.
Except for specific procedures that require a hospital stay, many cancer patients prefer to live at home while they are being treated. This is understandable, as the comforts of home can help a patient adapt to the other changes in their lives as a result of cancer treatment. However, it can require some adjustments.
The choice to live at home can require accommodations to account for the patient’s condition and modification of their regular schedule. Many patients will also need home help – someone who can be present to assist the patient and to take over some basic household chores such as cooking meals, shopping, cleaning, or doing laundry. Home help can also include coordinating and managing the patient’s schedule and environment.
While family members may be able to undertake this caregiver role, there are also home help services that specialize in caring for those with medical needs. Sometimes, the best option is a combination of both family and professional care. Beacon Clinic offers a range of services for cancer patients, including referrals for home health services and supportive services including help for family or friends who take on the role of caregiver.
Home Help for Cancer Patients
- Get Nutritional Advice
Undertaking basic household tasks like meal preparation can be highly taxing on someone who is undergoing cancer therapy. Fatigue, weakness, and nausea can also depress the patient’s appetite. This combination of factors often means the patient will not have the energy or interest to maintain a healthy diet. However, eating sufficient food and getting enough key nutrients is essential for optimal outcomes. Eating the right foods is especially important when a patient eats less, so patients and their home caregivers should work with a nutritionist. At Beacon Clinic, our supportive services for cancer patients include nutritional counseling.
A nutritionist specializing in cancer care will consider the patient’s specific needs. For example, if the patient is undergoing chemotherapy, the nutritionist will know which foods can trigger chemotherapy side effects like nausea and caution the patient to avoid them. A nutritionist can also recommend tasty meals that help strengthen the immune system and stimulate the body’s healing processes.
- Optimize the Sleep Environment
Sleep is one of the cornerstones of a good recovery program for any ailment, and especially so for cancer, when getting good sleep despite discomfort or pain is difficult. One way to help is by optimizing the patient’s sleep environment. Generally, people sleep best in a dark, cool, quiet room. If the patient usually shares a bed with a partner, they will need to discuss whether this is still the most comfortable solution.
A mattress change might also be needed, especially if the patient often feels achy at night, and an adjustable bed may also help. In addition to optimizing the room and bed, home caregivers can improve the sleep environment by always ensuring the sheets are clean, the pillows are fluffed, and the bed is always prepared when the patient is ready for sleep or a nap.
- Embrace Technology
Technological solutions like personal alarms could be a great way for patients to stay connected with emergency services and with caregivers, even within the house. These devices can be worn around the neck or on the wrist, and they allow patients to call for help if they fall, can’t get out of bed, are hurt, or need any other assistance. Even in a small house, a cancer patient who feels weak may not have the energy to call out, or a caregiver may be out on an errand or performing a chore, so using a device is helpful. This simple step can give patients and their caregivers peace of mind. Today, there are devices with different features and uses, including telehealth sensors that can be distributed around the house to monitor patients and their condition.
- Make Changes When Necessary
Changes to the home might be necessary, especially if the patient goes through a difficult period or is experiencing increasing debilities. For example, it might make sense to relocate the patient to a different room closer to the bathroom or modify a downstairs room so they don’t have to navigate a staircase. Rearranging the bed’s location to the middle of the room so it is more accessible or placing a small table near the bed so the patient can easily access whatever they need without having to get up are minor modifications that can make a big difference in easing burdens. Walking aids, an ergonomic chair, a shower bench, or grab rails on the bed and near the toilet can also help a patient to be more independent.
- Coordinate and Organize Wellness Services
When going through or recovering from cancer treatment, patients might need a range of services. They can benefit from financial counseling, gentle movement classes, and holistic therapies like acupuncture or massage.
Managing the different facets of care can get chaotic, so it is important to schedule all of these services well in advance so they don’t conflict with each other or with medical appointments. When scheduling appointments, caregivers should bear in mind that cancer patients undergoing treatment can tire easily, so they should not book more than one service per day. They should also keep some days free of appointments. Even the simple task of getting ready to leave the house and adhere to a schedule can feel burdensome, so giving a patient some “down” days may be more beneficial to their well-being than having to leave the house for a massage.
While living at home means that a cancer patient will need outside support, being able to live in the comfort and familiarity of home can improve a patient’s mental health and reduce the trauma of cancer treatment. To learn more about how to provide caregiver support or for help managing all the facets of care, please reach out to Beacon Clinic. We offer comprehensive cancer care services, including immunotherapy, oral chemotherapy, targeted therapy, access to clinical trials, and supportive services.
Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and other cancer treatments are often accompanied by side effects that make it difficult to function.
Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, hair loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, and susceptibility to infections, bruising, and bleeding. Similarly, radiation therapy can cause effects such as fatigue, nausea, headaches, and blurred vision. Immunotherapy, designed to stimulate your body’s immune system to fight disease, can lead to fatigue, nausea, bowel problems (constipation and diarrhea), and skin problems, among other things.
These effects can be disheartening and unpleasant in themselves on top of the discomfort, infirmities, or pain you may be suffering from the cancer itself. Under these circumstances, you must pay particular attention to your diet. Even if you lack an appetite, it is critical that you keep eating to bolster your health and fortify your body to cope with the challenges it is undergoing. Even more, your food choices can either intensify these side effects or reduce them. The food you consume can also affect the speed of your recovery. For these reasons, Beacon Clinic offers nutritional counseling to our cancer patients.
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How Certain Foods Can Affect You During Cancer Treatment
Certain foods and drinks are more nutrient-dense and less irritating for the body. Raw fruits and vegetables have been shown to strengthen the immune system. Nutritional counseling will educate you on how certain foods will affect you during cancer. We can help you develop a diet that addresses your dietary needs based on the type of treatment you are undergoing and your overall physical health. We can discuss things to watch out for and different strategies that may enable you to address the various side effects that you may experience.
As a general rule, dietitians will recommend getting a good balance of protein, healthy fat, and carbohydrates for all cancers. The plant-based proteins found in beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds offer high levels of vitamins and minerals, so they are almost always great choices. Regarding meat, chicken and wild-caught fish are your best choices. Healthy fats can be found in avocados, walnuts, grapeseed oil, and olive oil. For carbohydrates, stay away from processed foods and lean toward carbohydrates like bran, oats, and whole wheat.
When you have cancer, you want to stay away from any foods that can cause inflammation. Many of these inflammation-causing ingredients are found in heavily processed food, so avoid processed meats, fried foods, and almost all snack foods like chips, cookies, cakes, and mass-market cereals.
Another thing to watch out for is foods that are highly likely to contain pathogens that can cause food poisoning. This means steering clear of raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs, unwashed fruits or vegetables, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Hydration is always important for health and is especially important during cancer treatment. Adequate hydration keeps your body functioning and helps flush waste and toxins. Water is always the best choice because it does not irritate your stomach. However, beverages like milk and fresh orange juice are also beneficial, as they provide vital nutrients like Vitamins D and C. Again, stay away from processed drinks like sodas, especially those with high amounts of caffeine.
While it won’t hurt to have an occasional glass of wine or a can of beer, avoid excessive amounts. In general, check with your doctor to make sure it is okay to consume alcohol and avoid heavy alcohol consumption. Also, talk to your doctor about caffeine consumption if you are a heavy coffee drinker. Tea, however, has been shown to have potentially beneficial effects on those fighting cancer.
In addition to nutritious foods, you may have to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D and calcium. Not only do many cancer treatments deplete your body, but you may have difficulty obtaining essential nutrients if your appetite is low, your treatments make it difficult to keep food down, or you are consuming less food.
Find Nutritional Support at Beacon Clinic
As you undergo treatment, remember that your body works hard to make you healthy. To do this, you need to give your body the necessary nutrients. Even if you were conscientious about your dietary choices before cancer, recognize that your diet may change significantly as you undergo cancer treatment. While the guidelines above are generally helpful, remember that each patient’s cancer is unique, and each patient responds differently to treatments. When you work with a nutritional counselor at Beacon Clinic, your counselor will focus on your particular needs in developing recommendations.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or have embarked on cancer treatments and would like to work with a cancer center that provides nutritional counseling and other cancer support services, please contact Beacon Clinic to schedule an appointment today. Since 2018, we have been at the forefront of offering comprehensive cancer care services to patients in North Idaho. Beacon Clinic will help guide you through your cancer journey.
When considering autoimmune conditions, gout often stands out as one of the more distressing conditions that can be experienced. Manifesting itself through sudden, intense attacks, gout presents symptoms such as acute pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints. Notably, the big toe frequently becomes the epicenter of these discomforting episodes, with the pain often described as a sensation akin to the toe being engulfed in flames. During an attack, the affected joint becomes hot, swollen, and exquisitely tender, making even the lightest touch or the weight of a bedsheet unbearable.
Characterized by its sudden onset, gout symptoms typically emerge during the night. The distinctive signs include intense joint pain, which can linger for days to weeks. Inflammation of the area is marked by the joint becoming red, and an individual will notice a gradual reduction in the affected joint’s range of motion as the condition progresses. People with gout will often experience a cycle of ebb and flow when it comes to symptoms. Unfortunately, as with all autoimmune conditions, there is no cure for gout, making it critical for those with gout to work with a healthcare provider who can develop strategies for staving off flare-ups and managing symptoms when they do arise.
Untreated gout has the potential to escalate pain levels and cause irreversible joint damage, so prompt medical attention is crucial if you find yourself experiencing sudden, intense joint pain. Moreover, if a fever and signs of inflammation accompany the pain, this may indicate a potential infection requiring immediate medical care.
Deciphering the Roots of Gout
Gout attacks arise from the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals within the joints. This causes inflammation and searing pain. These crystals form when elevated levels of uric acid, a byproduct of the body’s breakdown of purines – naturally occurring substances – are present in the bloodstream. Purines are not solely confined to our internal workings; they are also present in certain foods like red meat and purine-rich seafood such as anchovies and mussels. Contributing to this mix, alcoholic beverages – especially beer – and drinks sweetened with fructose can tip the scales toward higher uric acid levels in the bloodstream.
Ordinarily, uric acid dissolves in the blood, eventually passing through the kidneys into urine. However, imbalances can occur either through excessive production of uric acid or inadequate elimination by the kidneys. In such instances, uric acid accumulates, crystallizing into sharp, needle-like structures within a joint or surrounding tissue, setting off the painful combination of symptoms: inflammation, swelling, and tenderness.
Factors That Can Elevate the Risk of Gout
Although no specific cause can be pinpointed, evidence shows that a confluence of factors can heighten the risk of developing gout:
- Dietary Choices: A diet rich in red meat, shellfish, and fructose-laden beverages escalates uric acid levels, fostering an environment conducive to gout.
- Excess Weight: The correlation between excess weight and increased uric acid production, coupled with compromised kidney function, intensifies the risk of gout.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions such as untreated high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart and kidney diseases contribute to an elevated risk of gout.
- Medications: Certain medications, including low-dose aspirin, thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and anti-rejection drugs, can inadvertently increase uric acid levels.
- Family History: A familial predisposition to gout heightens the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Age and Sex Dynamics: Gout tends to be more prevalent in men, with an increased susceptibility between the ages of 30 and 50. However, post-menopause, women’s uric acid levels align more closely with those of men, making them susceptible to gout.
- Recent Surgical Procedures or Trauma: Gout attacks can be triggered in some individuals by recent surgeries, trauma, or even vaccinations. These events can stimulate the immune system to respond in unexpected ways.
If there are indications that you are more susceptible to gout, or if you are seeking management of an existing condition, please reach out to Dr. Dustin Dinning, a rheumatologist at Beacon Clinic. With active management, you can find effective treatment for managing your gout. Take control of your well-being; contact Beacon Clinic today and let our staff help you navigate the path towards relief and comprehensive gout management.
