UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
June 18, 1997 Contact: Sarah Ellis (303) 315-5571 June Health Tips from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center 1) A unique first-trimester diagnostic program is launched at University Hospital in Denver. 2) Tips for treating insect stings and snake bites. 3) Surgical implant can provide instant relief for urinary incontinence. 4) Advice for maintaining a good posture.
Unique First-trimester Diagnostic Program Launched at University Hospital in Denver
A new program has opened at Denver's University Hospital that identifies patients in the first trimester of pregnancy whose fetuses are at risk for problems. Detailed ultrasound techniques in the first trimester of pregnancy are used to determine abnormalities such as Down's syndrome and other chromosome problems.
"We believe this technique is more sensitive and more effective than waiting for non-invasive testing in the second trimester," said John C. Hobbins, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and chief of obstetrics at University Hospital. "Through a combination of tests we can adjust the risks for all patients earlier in the pregnancy, with no risk to the fetus as compared with amniocentesis or chorion villous sampling (CVS). Also, some diseases can be treated in utero when detected within the first trimester of pregnancy."
Take the Sting Out of Summer
Some stinging insects inject a remarkably toxic venom that can cause a bad reaction. Symptoms like hives, pallor, vomiting or breathing problems may indicate an allergic reaction to a sting or bite. If this happens, get medical attention immediately.
If you're stung or bitten by an insect, don't rub the sting or try to squeeze out the stinger. "The best method is to flick off the bug and then scrape around the wound gently with a blade or credit card," said Michael Yaron, MD, assistant professor of emergency medicine and wilderness medicine specialist at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. "Squeezing to try to remove the stinger only injects more venom." Wash the area with soap and water and apply calamine lotion.
"If you are bitten by a snake, don't apply a tourniquet, don't try to suck out the venom, and don't apply ice," Dr. Yaron said. "If the bite is on a limb, immobilize that limb and get to a hospital for evaluation as soon as you can." While most snakes aren't poisonous, some snake bites can cause symptoms like severe pain, nausea, weakness, blurred vision, breathing problems, paralysis and convulsions.
Surgical Implant Can Provide Instant Relief for Incontinence
One of the most promising developments in treating urinary or bowel disorders is a small electric neuromodulator, developed by Richard Schmidt, MD, professor of urology and surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. The device, which has been offered through Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved trials since 1980, is resulting in immediate relief for many patients.
"The device is implanted in the abdomen, and two wires are threaded through the tailbone to stimulate nerves around the bladder or colon," Dr. Schmidt said. "This stimulation acts as 'electrical massage therapy,' relaxing the muscles so they are more responsive and easier to control."
The implant is currently awaiting final FDA approval in the United States, and has been used for several years in Europe and Canada.
Your Mother Was Right: Stand Up Straight
While good posture can slow down some effects of aging, poor posture can lead to physical problems such as back and neck pain, headaches, herniated disks, bursitis and tendonitis.
Priscilla Krumholz, physical therapist, rehabilitation medicine at University Hospital in Denver has some suggestions for improving your posture:
ï Keep your weight down. You'll avoid placing extra pressure on your back and abdominal areas.
ï Avoid staying in one position for a long time.
ï Sleep on a firm mattress with egg crate-type padding. Your pillow should be big enough only to maintain the normal curve of your neck.
ï Practice good posture: Sit straight with your feet on the floor and tighten your abdominal muscles. Stand with weight on both feet; wear comfortable shoes, not high heels.
ï If you have more than a slight posture problem, have your posture evaluated by a physical therapist.
University Hospital is the Rocky Mountain region's only academic tertiary care and referral center. Located in Denver, Colo., the hospital is part of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center campus, one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system.
The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system. Located in Denver, Colo., the campus includes schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, graduate school and two hospitals.
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