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ON THE GO WITH LITTLE TIME TO SPARE? TAKE FIVE MINUTES TO ABSORB THESE FIVE DIGEST VERSIONS OF th r ive's FEATURED ARTICLES FROM THIS ISSUE. PANCREATIC MATTERS The pancreas is a vital organ that plays two chief roles: managing blood sugar levels and aiding the digestive process. Two of the most common pancreatic conditions are pancreatitis, in which the pancreas is inflamed, and pancreatic cancer. There are currently no screening tools available for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, causing the majority of cases to be diagnosed in the later stages. Researchers are currently working on developing an early screening blood test. There are lifestyle changes that can help protect your pancreas. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and quitting smoking are among them. Turn to page 8 to learn more. HEALING A HEART When Alton Kinsey began experiencing disturbing symptoms, she thought stress and too much caffeine were to blame. Her symptoms persisted, so she scheduled a checkup. Alton's doctor identified a problem with her heart and referred her to a cardiologist, who diagnosed her with bigeminy, a condition in which every other heartbeat is affected by a type of arrhythmia. When medication didn't give Alton the relief she sought, a cardiac electrophysiology team at NewYork- Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital performed an ablation procedure that stabilized her heartbeat and let her leave the Hospital feeling like she had her life back. Read more of Alton's story on page 13. TODDLER TRANSITIONS Moving a toddler from a crib to a big- kid bed requires time and patience. The right time to make such a change will vary for each child. Signs that a toddler is ready to transition include climbing out of the crib on a regular basis or expressing a desire for a bed. When a toddler is ready, it can help to include him in the bedding selection process. Take steps to childproof his room and get him excited about this new chapter. Consistency is key to making the transition. Placing the new bed where the former crib was and keeping the same bedtime and nightly routine can help make the change smooth. Learn more helpful tips on page 16. BIRTH DEFECTS Birth defects in newborns affect about four percent of infants annually in New York State. Birth defects are either structural, meaning a part of the body did not develop properly, or functional, meaning a body system's function is impaired. Prenatal screenings can help detect birth defects early to improve outcomes and allow treatment to begin as soon as possible. The causes of the majority of birth defects are unknown; however, infections, health issues, and drug and alcohol use during pregnancy, as well as inherited conditions, can cause birth defects. Women can help prevent birth defects by taking folic acid and leading a healthy lifestyle. Get the full story on birth defects beginning on page 18. PALLIATIVE AND HOSPICE CARE Palliative care helps patients cope with the physical, emotional and spiritual pain associated with managing a debilitating disease or injury. Palliative care can benefit patients with acute or chronic conditions, no matter what their prognosis is. Hospice care provides care and comfort to terminally ill patients with life expectancies of six months or less. The program also extends support to patients' families, both during the patient's life and afterwards. The goal of both programs is to improve the quality of life for patients and families. Advance directives may also help. Through advance directives, patients can express care preferences and facilitate less stressful healthcare decision- making in advance of facing a serious illness. Read more on page 24. SP RIN G 2 017/ / W W W.N Y P.O RG / BRO OKLY N 30 T A K E F I V E / YO U R H E A LT H C H E AT S H E E T