DRA now offers the most advanced 3T Ultra High Field MRI at our Middlebury location, Turnpike Office Park, 1579 Straits Turnpike. 3T MIR provides unsurpassed image quality and resolution far outperforming all lower field strength MRI units.  The 3T MRI captures images with a level of detail, clarity, and speed never before possible, establishing a new benchmark in imaging.    

       Modern diagnostic tools truly make a difference in the detection of disease as early as possible.  DRA provides the quality, reliability, and peace of mind patients deserve and the diagnostic confidence fellow physicians have come to depend upon for their patients.  To schedule a MRI at DRA call 203-757-3TMRI(3867). 

MAMMOGRAPHY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

In his monthly column, Eric Hyson, MD, answers the most frequently asked questions concerning mammography, ultrasound and breast health.  Dr. Hyson is a partner at DRA and the Chief of Mammograpy at Waterbury Hospital.

WHAT DOES THE NEW 3T MRI SCANNER MEAN FOR BREAST MRI?  

3T refers to the magnetic field strength in the scanner (3 Tesla).  3T is twice the strength of the current strongest MRI scanners in the Waterbury area.  Breast MRI at 3T allows the collection of stronger signal from breast tissue and is more sensitive in the detection of breast cancer than MRI at lower field strengths.  The stronger signal also allows faster scanning times so the patient spends a shorter time in the scanner.  In addition, the new 3T MRI at DRA has a wide, less confined opening, making for a a more comfortable experience for the patient.  MRI is the most sensitive exam for the detection of invasive breast cancer and can provide critical information in the medical care of appropriate patients.  DRA's 3T MRI will improve the ability to provide that information.

     Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to break.  If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks.  These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine and wrist.

      Osteoporosis is largely preventable for most people.  Prevention of this disease is very important because, while there are treatments for osteoporosis, there is currently no cure. There are five steps to prevent osteoporosis:

    1.   Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium

              and vitamin D.

     2.   Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise.

                                 3.   Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

                                 4.   Talk to your healthcare provider about bone

                                           health.

                                  5.  Have a bone density test and take medication

                                           when necessary.

You can schedule your DEXA Bone Density Scan at our Waterbury office and for your convenience your mammogram (and ultrasound if appropriate) can be scheduled for the same appointment time.

    The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center along with the Dempsy family want to bring High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy to Waterbury.  Brachytherapy is a highly presise, targeted form of radiation therapy that tackles tumors from the inside, out, allowing eligible patients the benefit of effective treatment in five days instead of a minimum of 30 days.

      Cancer survivor, Patsey Demsey, traveled to New Haven for this treatment and is now determined to bring this treatment that helped her to the Greater Waterbury community.  The cost to purchase one HDR treatment device is $250,000 and then an additional $240,000 is necessary to retrofit a treatment room.  The Dempsey family has pledged their time and support to raising the money needed to bring this treatment to our community. 

      To donate on line go to www.leevercancercenter.org/HDR. To download a brocuhure for "Generations of Hope" go to generationsofhope.  For any additional information contact the Leever Center at 203-575-5555.

 CALENDAR & EVENTS   

May 21st    Home-to-Home Foundation's Annual

Bike Run & Family Picnic

May 22nd   Connecticut's Healthy Living Expo

Bartlem Park, Cheshire 8:00am -2:00pm

                                    June 4th     Komen Connecticut Race for the Cure

Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT

                                    June 10th   Girls Night Out (to benefit Girls Inc. of

Southwestern CT, Courtyard Marriott