oklahoma Archives | Comanche County Memorial Hospital

Regular Post

16 Oct

Swapping Red Meat for Chicken May Lower Cancer Risk

Cancer Care, Community Health, Healthy Living, Lifestyle breast cancer, cancer, cancer care, cancer centers, ccmh, comanche, comanche county memorial hospital, health care, hospital, lawton, lifestyle, oklahoma

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women aside from skin cancer. It affects around 1 in 8 women in the United States during their lifetime. 1

However, many factors influence the chance of a woman developing breast cancer. Due to the variety of these factors, some which are environmental and lifestyle choices, causes can be difficult to pinpoint.

That is to say, recent research often focuses on factors that lead to cancer which we can control such as nutrition.

A recent study in The International Journal of Cancer reports that consuming poultry instead of red meat may lower breast cancer risk after gathering data from over 40,000 women. 2

Red meat and breast cancer?

The data, derived from the Sister Study, included participants from the U.S. and Puerto Rico who were 35–74 years old. Participants also provided information that included their lifestyle factors, medical history, height, weight, diet, and other demographic information.

The participants also reported details about their food consumption, including type of meat consumption, portion sizes and level of “doneness” of meat.

Throughout the study, the research team reported 1,536 cases of breast cancer.

At the end of the study, the scientists concluded that women who ate more red meat had a 23% higher chance of developing breast cancer. 2

However, previous studies have not produced similar results. Some researchers have found no association, whereas others have shown a weak relationship between meat consumption and cancer.

Poultry and breast cancer risk?

The scientists calculated that those who ate the most poultry had a 15% lower risk of developing breast cancer compared with those who ate little poultry.

The scientists also controlled for a range of factors, including level of physical activity, household income, family history of cancer, race, vegetable consumption, dairy consumption, body mass index (BMI), birth control usage, and also alcohol consumption. Even with these factors considered, the results were still significant.

The effects of cooking methods on cancer risk

An earlier study discovered high consumptions of fried chicken increased breast cancer risk while intake of skinless chicken reduced risk.

A further study concluded that chicken cooked by any method was “significantly protective” against breast cancer. 3 The researchers in the latest study, however, found no link between the way people cooked meat and breast cancer risk.

However, other researchers report no links between meat consumption and breast cancer.

As always, research must continue before we reach a solid conclusion about the role of meat in breast cancer.

Limitations of the study

Although the study had a large number of participants, limitations, of course, exist. For example, the study was observational. It cannot easily explain cause and effect.

Furthermore, dietary information was only recorded at the beginning of the study. Participants may have had dietary changes throughout the nearly seven years of the study.

CCMH is proud to offer cancer care right here on our campus at the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma. To learn more, visit their website at ccswok.com.

Sources

1 American Cancer Society. How Common is Breast Cancer? 18 September 2019.

2 International Journal of Cancer. Jamie J. Lo, Yong-Moon Mark Park, Rashmi Sinha and Dale P. Sandler. Association Between Meat Consumption and Risk of Breast Cancer: Findings from the Sister Study. 2019.

3 Science Direct. Alacro L. Ronco, Eduardo De Stefani, Alicia Fabra.White meat intake and the risk of breast cancer: a case-control study in Montevideo, Uruguay. 20 May 2oo2.

Disclaimer

The Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not provide specific medical advice for individual cases. Comanche County Memorial Hospital also does not endorse any medical or professional services obtained through information provided on this site, articles on the site or any links on this site.

Use of the information obtained by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not replace medical advice given by a qualified medical provider to meet the medical needs of our readers or others.

Content is frequently updated, however, medical information changes quickly. Information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@ccmhhealth.com.

Regular Post

14 Oct

Alan Riddle, Project Manager with IT receives his yearly flu shot during our Annual Flu Vaccination and PPD Clinic.

International Infection Prevention Week — October 13 – 19

CCMH

Community Health ccmh, comanche county memorial hospital, health care, hospital, infection prevention, international infection prevention week, lawton, oklahoma

The 2019 theme for the International Infection Prevention Week is Vaccines are Everybody’s Business.

There are many different germs inside and outside of the healthcare setting. These germs spread in many different ways. For example, germs can spread from person to person and from objects to people. To stop germs from infecting people, healthcare professionals, patients and families need to work together to stay healthy.

It takes a chain reaction of events for infections to spread to others. The way to stop germs from spreading is by interrupting the chain. When you go into a hospital or other healthcare setting to receive care, you become vulnerable to catching infections. But the good news is that patients, their families and visitors can take steps to prevent infections by simply knowing the top infection prevention basics.

• Speak up for your care

• Keeping your hands clean

• Ask about safe injection practices

• Ask to have your room or equipment cleaned

• Ask questions about your medications

• Ask about vaccines you need to stay healthy

• Become familiar with healthcare-associated infections

Regular Post

11 Oct

Your Breast Cancer Risk as You Age

CCMH

Cancer Care, Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Women's Health breast cancer, cancer centers, ccmh, comanche, comanche county memorial hospital, health care, hospital, lawton, lifestyle, oklahoma

The American Cancer Society has named breast cancer as the most common type of cancer among American women other than non-melanoma skin cancer. Approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States battle breast cancer at some point during their lifetime.

Typically, we think of diseases such as breast cancer a problem experienced among older women. It is true that as you age, your chance of developing breast cancer also increases. However, women may develop breast cancer at any age.

In this article, we will examine the impact age has on breast cancer.

At what age do most women receive their breast cancer diagnosis?

Women over the age of 50 are more likely to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. In fact, the median age for this diagnosis is 62 years 1 old with most doctors giving a breast cancer diagnosis to women between the age of 55 and 64. As we age, abnormal changes in cells are more likely to occur.

What is the risk for each age group?

The SEER Cancer Statistics Review annually assess the risk of a woman developing breast cancer during her lifetime. According to the SEER, the risk that an American female develops breast cancer within the next 10 years is:

0.44% at age 30

1.47% at age 40

2.38% at age 50

3.56% at age 60

3.82% at age 70 2

What age were women who received a breast cancer diagnosis in recent years?

The SEER report showed 437,722 women received their breast cancer diagnosis in between 2012 and 2016. Of these women:

1.9% were 20–34 years old

8.4% were 35–44 years old

20.1% were 44–55 years old

25.6% were 55–64 years old

24.8% were 65–74 years old

13.7% were 75–84 years old

5.6% were 84 years and older

Certain lifestyle choices may help prevent breast cancer such as your physical activity level and alcohol consumption. However, many factors can affect a person’s risk of developing breast cancer cannot be controlled, such as family history and age.

Early diagnosis is key to treating breast cancer and keeping it from spreading to surrounding tissue and other parts of the body. If you are a woman age 40 or older, it is important to undergo a mammogram annually. Learn more at ccmhhealth.com/womens-health/womens-imaging/mammogram/.

Resources

1 Susan G. Komen. Breast cancer in women. 13 May 2019.

2 National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2016. Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, et al. (eds). April 2019.

Disclaimer

The Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not provide specific medical advice for individual cases. Comanche County Memorial Hospital does not endorse any medical or professional services obtained through information provided on this site, articles on the site or any links on this site.

While content is frequently updated, medical information changes quickly. Information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@ccmhhealth.com.

Regular Post

8 Oct

2019 March of Dimes “Nurse of the Year” Winner and Finalist

CCMH

Awards and Recognition, CCMH Providers ccmh, comanche county memorial hospital, health care, hospital, Kristen Turner, lawton, March of Dimes, March of Dimes Nurse of the Year, Meagan Garibay, oklahoma, Oklahoma Nurse of the Year

Left: NURSE OF THE YEAR WINNER – Surgical Services: Kristen Turner, BSN, RN, CPAN Right: NURSE OF THE YEAR FINALIST – Infection Control: Meagan Garibay, RN-BSN, CIC

Congratulations to Kristen Turner, RN, for winning Oklahoma March of Dimes Nurse of the Year in the Surgical Services category!

For the second year in a row, CCMH has had March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Winners in different categories and several nurses selected as finalists.

CCMH is proud to have two outstanding nurse finalists in two different categories for 2019.

Meagan Garibay, RN-BSN, CIC, was selected as a finalist in the Infection Control category.

Kristen Turner, BSN, RN, CPAN, was selected as a finalist in Surgical Services and won in that category.

Nurses are recognized in an array of nursing categories. Exceptional nurses employed in the state of Oklahoma are eligible. A selection committee of health care professionals review the confidential nomination forms.

The awards were presented October 3rd at the Annual Oklahoma March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Gala in Norman.

NURSE OF THE YEAR WINNER – Surgical Services: Kristen Turner, BSN, RN, CPAN

NURSE OF THE YEAR FINALIST – Infection Control: Meagan Garibay, RN-BSN, CIC

Regular Post

1 Oct

Garlic and Onion Consumption May Prevent Breast Cancer

CCMH

Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Women's Health breast cancer, cancer, ccmh, comanche, comanche county memorial hospital, health care, hospital, lawton, lifestyle, oklahoma

A recent study held in Puerto Rico took a look at onion and garlic consumption and the effect these vegetables have on breast cancer. The results may be very positive for some women.

About the study

Onions and garlic are part of the same plant family as chives, leeks and other species. Not only are they well-loved by many due to their rich flavor, but these vegetables may have disease-fighting characteristics. Some evidence also links them to curing diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.

In regards to cancer, multiple studies have examined diet and breast cancer risk. In summary, these studies discovered that the more of these vegetables individuals consumed, the lower their risk of developing various cancers became.

A team of researchers decided to look at the diets of women in Puerto Rico and compare their breast cancer risk. The team chose Puerto Rico for two reasons. Puerto Rico has lower breast cancer rates in comparison with the mainland U.S. A largely consumed condiment of Puerto Rico, “sofrito,” is also made mainly of onion and garlic.

The researchers published the results of the study in the journal Nutrition and Cancer.

How the researchers gathered data

Using clinical and hospital records, the team discovered 314 women who were breast cancer patients between 2008 and 2014. The women were between the ages of 30 and 79. The study also included 346 control participants.

To join the control group, participants could not have had cancer with the exception of nonmelanoma skin cancer. A food frequency questionnaire told the researchers about dietary habits including onion and garlic consumption, and specifically the sofrito consumption of each participant.

The team adjusted their findings for factors such as body mass index, education, age, history, and smoking status to name a few.

Astounding findings

The research team discovered that Sofrito consumers who ate it twice or more daily had a 67% lower breast cancer risk. The research team suspects that the flavonols and organosulfur compounds in onions and garlic may help prevent cancer. Specifically, the diallyl disulfide, S-allylcysteine, and diallyl sulfide in garlic and the alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides in onions have shown anticarcinogenic properties in studies involving humans and animals.

Although encouraging, the study did have the limitations of a small group of participants. The group of non-onion and garlic consumers was too small for comparison. Also, no standard Sofrito recipe exists. Sofrito is often homemade and includes additional ingredients such as tomatoes, bell peppers, black pepper, and cilantro.

Regardless, these results are encouraging to onion and garlic consumers hoping to eat a diet that may help prevent breast cancer.

Interested in learning about cancer care available right here in Lawton? Check out The Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma!

Resource

1 Taylor & Francis Online. Gauri Desai, Michelle Schelske-Santos, Cruz M. Nazario, et al. Onion and Garlic Intake and Breast Cancer, a Case-Control Study in Puerto Rico. 12 August 2019.

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Regular Post

23 Sep

Dr. Richard Brittingham receiving Bronze Star Award

Richard T. Brittingham, MD Receives Bronze Star

CCMH

Awards and Recognition, CCMH Providers Bronze Star Medal, ccmh, comanche county memorial hospital, health care, hospital, lawton, oklahoma, Richard Brittingham

On Friday, September 20, Colonel Richard T. Brittingham, U.S. Army, Retired was presented with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for his heroic actions while serving as a U.S. Marine during Combat Operations in the Republic of Vietnam in 1968. The presentation was held at the Marine Detachment Parade Field, 913 Randolph Road, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Dr. Richard Brittingham has been an internal medicine physician at CCMH for 26 years. Congratulations!

Regular Post

20 Sep

Vaping: Myths and Truths

CCMH

Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Uncategorized ccmh, comanche county memorial hospital, health care, hospital, lawton, lifestyle, oklahoma, smoking, vapes, vaping

There is an outbreak of lung injury from e-cigarette use or vaping. As of Septemeber 17th, the CDC reports 530 cases of lung injury due to the use of e-cigarette or vaping products across the US and its territories. The CDC also reports seven deaths from complications due to vaping across six different states. 1

The CDC said, “No consistent e-cigarette or vaping product, substance, or additive has been identified in all cases, nor has any one product or substance been conclusively linked to lung disease in patients.” 1

There is much we do not yet know about the effects of vaping, and that unknown causes much fear nationwide. Let’s shed some light on what we do know at this time.

Myth #1: Nicotine is the only chemical in vapes.

There is more to vaping than just nicotine. Vaping is a very popular method of marijuana use. Some individuals even vape herbs.

This is especially dangerous because there is not a standard among the types and amounts of chemicals in vaping products. This has also made it difficult to discover the exact harms of vaping. Each user’s experience is different due to different flavors, nicotine levels, and devices.

Myth #2: Nicotine causes cancer.

Nicotine is not a carcinogen. The other chemicals in tobacco products such as formaldehyde and lead, for example, cause cancer. Vape products don’t have these additives which has lead to the false belief that vaping is perfectly safe.

Nicotine is highly addictive, raises blood pressure, and can harm developing adolescent brains.

Myth #3: Vape products are safe because they don’t burn tobacco.

Clearly nicotine itself is not safe, nor is vaping harmless. There are all kinds of things you consume when you vape, many which are not regulated or well understood.

So just what do you inhale while vaping? You get nicotine. Nicotine comes from tobacco, and this is why e-cigarettes are a tobacco product. You also get the solvents, the flavors and heavy traces of metal exposure from the heating coil, as well as other tobacco metabolites.

Secondary concerns include the potential for harder drug use and the mental effects of addiction and dependence. Addiction and nicotine use are closely associated with other health disorders such as depression, stress, and anxiety. Depressions individuals may be more likely to abuse substances. These substances may lead to additional feelings of depression.

Truth #1: Vaping is an epidemic among our youth.

Although not everyone who vapes is a young person, there is a strong culture of vaping among teens and the slightly older Gen-Z adults. Vaping is cleverly marketed as the new thing in smoking, it’s new technology, and it is customizable with trendy colors, flavors, and sleek devices. There is an obvious appeal to it among the younger crowd, complete with the lie for parents that it’s safer than cigarettes.

Truth #2: Not everyone is aware of the dangers of vaping.

The US government, schools, and health organizations do an amazing job of informing our youth about the dangers of smoking cigarettes. Facts and media to inform youth of the harms of the vaping trend, however, are still catching up.

The medical community is fighting to catch up to this fast-growing trend. Research takes time. Until we have evidence which provides clear results for specific vaping regulations, the real dangers of vaping and e-cigarette remain concerningly unknown.

If you need help to break an addiction to nicotine or tobacco products, please reach out to one of our providers. You can find them on our CCMH Provider Directory.

Source

1 Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping.19. Sept. 2019.

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Regular Post

16 Sep

Local High School Students Volunteer for HazMat Training

CCMH

Volunteers Apache High School, ccmh, comanche county memorial hospital, Elgin High School, health care, hospital, lawton, Lawton Christian High School, Lawton High School, oklahoma, student volunteering, volunteering, volunteers

A total of eight local high school students from Lawton High, Lawton Christian, Elgin and Apache volunteered to go through the decontamination process. They changed into shirts and shorts and then were decontaminated as if someone was actually exposed to a dangerous chemical. This gave the team members the opportunity to practice their decon skills and to practice with their equipment.

Regular Post

12 Sep

Is White Meat Just as Bad for Cholesterol as Red Meat?

CCMH

Healthy Living, Heart and Vascular, Lifestyle ccmh, cholesterol, comanche, comanche county memorial hospital, diet, health care, hospital, lifestyle, meat, oklahoma

Many of us avoid red meat to maintain our low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol level. LDL is can increase your risk of heart disease risk. However, a newly published study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that red and white meat have similar effects on LDL. Before you give up and order steak and cheeseburgers at every meal, let’s take a look at the facts.

Details of the study

Led by scientists at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, the study examined whether cholesterol levels differed after consuming diets high in red meat compared with diets with similar protein levels from white meat or non-meat sources. Non-meat sources high in protein include foods such as nuts, legumes, grains, and soy products. The researchers also examined to see if the saturated fat in each diet affected each participant.

The study’s participants were one hundred and thirteen healthy men and women, ranging from ages 21 to 65. The group participated for four weeks by consuming either a randomly assigned high or low saturated fat diet. They also consumed either red meat, white meat, or non-meat food sources.

To reduce the chances that other factors would affect cholesterol levels, participants maintained their typical activity level and abstained from alcohol. They also worked to maintain their weight during the study period and adjusted their calorie intake if their weight changed.

Red meat, white meat, or non-meat?

After consuming both the red and white meat diets, LDL cholesterol was significantly higher compared with the non-meat diet, regardless of whether the diet was high or low in saturated fat. The high-saturated fat diets had a larger harmful effect on LDL cholesterol levels than the low-saturated fat diets, however. High-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol was unaffected by the protein source.

Conclusion of the study

Further research will surely ensue as the study had a number of limitations. The number of participants and the duration of the study was small. The study also excluded processed meats such as cold cuts, sausage, or bacon.

It is always best to consult with your physician about what diet is best for you. If you need a physician, please refer to our provider directory. When seeking protein sources yet maintaining a healthy LDL, there are a number of vegetables and legumes such as peas, beans, lentils, nuts and chickpeas to consider. Meat, as with all things, should be consumed in moderation.

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Regular Post

10 Sep

MTNRC Awarded Vohra “Center of Excellence” Certification for Wound Management

CCMH

Awards and Recognition ccmh, comanche county memorial hospital, health care, hospital, lawton, mcmahon tomlinson nursing and rehabilitation center, MTNC, MTNRC, oklahoma, Southwest Oklahoma, Vohra, Vohra Center of Excellence Certification, Vohra Wound Physicians, wound care, wound management

Dr. Vandergriff, MD and Mina Donnelly, LPN,
Wound Nurse.

McMahon Tomlinson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has been certified by Vohra Wound Physicians as a Center of Excellence for Wound Management. Only 10% of Vohra’s skilled nursing facility partners have qualified for this annual certification.

MTN&RC places a top priority on healing and rehabilitating their residents to return them to their homes. They admit patients with chronic or complex wounds because they are equipped to treat them with their specialized wound management program.

We have partnered with Vohra Wound Physicians to bring physician-led bedside wound care to our facility. A Vohra wound physician visits our facility weekly to treat our residents with wound and skin issues. This reduces the need to send our residents out to wound care centers or hospitals.

As long as facilities continue to provide more specialized services with complex ailments, the presence of a wound physician is an important link in providing superior care.

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