News from Diagnostic Radiology Associates

Once again I have to say how much I love my job! Being the Chairwoman for tgif is one of my favorite things to do as a representative of DRA and CCAVT. The photo to the right is Debbie Atkinson of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Vein Therapy and myself at Waterbury Hospital's 19th Annual TGIF last week with Scot Haney and Teresa LaBarbera of WFSB. DRA and the CCAVT were once again the event's premier sponsor. It was a great night at the Villa Rosa and Scot and Teresa are the most wonderful people. They do such an incredible amount of charity work for organizations around the state of Connecticut and are so gracious and fun- loving - I just can't say enough nice things about them!

Congratulations to the entire tgif committee on a great job! If you are planning on attending next year remember that we sold out three weeks prior to the event this year so RSVP early! Thank you to everyone for their support of this fantastic women's wellness forum and especially to Gege, Sue, and Deb for all their hard work.

Donna Johnson

Community Relations Liaison

May is Osteoporosis Prevention Month

Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. Simply put, it is a condition in which the bones become weak and can break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, from a simple sneeze. About 85-90% of adult bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and 20 in boys. Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can help to prevent osteoporosis in later life.

5 Steps for Bone Health

1.) Get daily recommended amounts of calcium & vitamin D

2.) Engage in regular weight-bearing & muscle-strengthening exercise

3.) Avoid smoking & excessive alcohol

4.) Talk to your doctor about bone health

5.) Have a bone density test & take medication when appropriate

Risk Factors

Being female
Older age
Family history
Being small & thin
Certain race/ethnicities (Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic)
Low sex hormones
Diet
Inactive lifestyle
Smoking & Alcohol abuse
Certain mediations (some steroids & anticonvulsants)
Certain diseases (anorexia nervosa, asthma)

To determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis talk to your doctor and based on a medical assessment your doctor may recommend a bone density test. A bone density test can detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs, predict your chances of fracturing in the future and determine your rate of bone loss. To schedule a bone density test call our Waterbury office at 203-756-8911. If convenient we can schedule your yearly mammography at the same time.

"Busting Mammo Myths!"

In this monthly column Eric Hyson, MD answers the most frequently asked questions concerning mammography, ultrasound and breast health in general. If you have any questions you would like answered please contact us here at DRA.

"Do you recommend any naturopathic treatments for breast cancer?"

The answer to this question should be tailored to the individual breast cancer patient, and is best discussed with her/his oncologist. Naturopathic treatments certainly can play a role in the treatment of cancer patients, although they should not be to the exclusion of main-stream medical treatments which have been scientifically proven to be potentially life-saving. The patient's oncologist is in the best position to recommend the treatment combination that would provide the greatest benefit, while taking into consideration the patient's individual preferences.

SAVE THE DATE!

Are You Dense Inc. is dedicated to informing the public about dense breast tissue and its significance in the early detection of breast cancer. The organizations goals are simple:

Educate the public about dense breast tissue
Improve the condition of women diagnosed with breast cancer by raising awareness
Advocate changes to public policy and breast cancer detection guidelines
Support new and existing research in the early detection of breast cancer

Please join us on the 28th for an evening of great music, prizes, exhibitors, food and fun. If you wish to join the fun by sponsoring a band, advertising in the MusicFest Program Booklet, purchasing tickets for your employees, friends or family please contact jcappello@areyoudense.org If you would like more information about the Are You Dense? go to www.areyoudense.org. I hope to see many of you there. Stop by the DRA booth and enter our free raffle!

PLACE: Quassy

DATE: Saturday, August 28, 2010

TIME: 3:00PM - 9:00PM

TICKETS : Adult $30.00/$40.00 at the door

Children $10.00/$15.00 at the door