Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/144990
From the President Welcome to the Latest Issue of LiveWell Dear friends and neighbors, CORPUS CHRISTI Let's face it, getting sick can be scary. A lot of fears accompany ill health, sometimes leading people to put off treatment until further down the road when things become more complicated. In this issue of LiveWell, we hope to shed light on common worries associated with certain procedures and treatments that could lead to an earlier start at a healthy life for you and your loved ones. For example, as we get older, a big "c" word—colonoscopy—is something that may be looming in the back of our minds. It's probably not the first thing any of us want to do during a day off from work or other responsibilities. But did you know it's a relatively painless effort that takes less than an hour? And during the procedure, a physician can identify and remove troublesome polyps before they have the chance to become cancerous? That's important to remember when you consider colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. As for surgery, many people have fears when it comes to going under anesthesia and may avoid life-saving treatments altogether because of their worries. Anesthesia is an area on which few of us have a firm grasp. But behind the mystery is a skilled clinician working to make sure you wake up alert and as comfortable as possible. In this issue, we explore the different kinds of anesthesia you can expect during a procedure to empower you during your choices for care. Another condition often accompanied with a fear of seeking help is postpartum depression. There's a taboo associated with being depressed when it seems everyone else is celebrating the fact that a baby is born. But again, there's no need to fear. More than 15 percent of moms experience some form of these feelings after having a child, while estimates put the figure even higher because some women are afraid to seek help. With the right counseling and medication, more women than ever are overcoming their anxieties and experiencing the joy that comes with a newborn. If we can leave you with one thing from this issue, it's this: There is no need to fear seeking help for treatment for these or many other health issues. Early detection, treatment or even just the simple phrase help "heal me" can get you started on a journey to renewed mental and physical health. Whatever the care you seek, we at CHRISTUS Spohn Health System are committed to keeping you informed and involved and making sure you receive the highest-quality care we can offer. The summer is a perfect time to complete your to-do list for your healthcare needs. So, put away those fears and live well—just remember the sunscreen! Sincerely, Pam Robertson President and CEO CHRISTUS Spohn Health System Table of Contents 3 You've Got a Fitness Friend 4 Colonoscopy? Who, Me? 5 Feeling No Pain—Anesthesia Demystified 6 Baby Blues, You're Not Alone 8 Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me 10 2 CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi–South 5950 Saratoga Blvd. Corpus Christi, TX 78414 361.985.5000 CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center 1415 Santa Fe St. Corpus Christi, TX 78404 361.887.4521 COMMUNITY HOSPITALS CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice 2500 East Main St. Alice, TX 78332 361.661.8000 CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville 1500 East Houston Highway Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2000 CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg 1311 General Cavazos Blvd. Kingsville, TX 78363 361.595.1661 LiveWell is produced by the CHRISTUS Spohn Marketing Department. What would you like to see in our magazine? Sen d your requests and story ideas to spohnlivewell@ christushealth.org. President and CEO: Pam Robertson, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System Publisher: Michele Mora-Trevino, Executive Director of Marketing & Community Relations Editor: Linda Powell, Marketing Specialist Contributing Writers: Sammie Grunwald, CHRISTUS Spohn Foundation Steven Alford, Communication Specialist Contributing photographers: Sammie Grunwald, Linda Powell, Steven Alford On the Cover: Claudia Shelton spars with her personal trainer during a "fun-out" at the Colston Family Wellness Center. Photo by Raymond Gray Party With a Purpose! 14 CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi–Shoreline 600 Elizabeth St. Corpus Christi, TX 78404 361.881.3000 Generosity as Priceless as Life 13 CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi–Memorial 2606 Hospital Blvd. Corpus Christi, TX 78405 361.902.4000 All-in-One Advanced Care 11 12 CHRISTUS Spohn Health System locations near you: A Gift of Peace Celebrating 25 Years www.christusspohn.org