Over 224,000 men and women will be diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States this year. In 2014, over 70 percent of the people who developed lung cancer will die from the disease. The high number of deaths is due in part to lung cancer being found after it has spread. After years of research, recent studies show the benefits of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung scans as a screening tool for the early detection of lung cancer.

"Research has shown that screening reduces death from lung cancer among people at high risk," said Dr. Timothy Cole, chest fellowship-trained radiologist working with Bon Secours Richmond Health System. "The National Lung Screening Trial found that use of LDCT lung scans in high-risk patients reduced lung cancer mortality by 20% and all-cause mortality by 6.9%."

Low-dose CT scans use X-ray technology to take high-resolution images of the lungs from different angles, allowing physicians to gain a clearer picture of the lungs to identify potentially cancerous spots that are too small to identify with standard X-ray. The scans also use lower doses of radiation than standard CT. It's important to know that not everyone needs a scan, only people who meet certain high-risk screening guidelines recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. 

So, who would benefit from having a LDCT lung scan? Heavy smokers at least 55 years or older who have smoked the equivalent of a pack a day for 30 years, or smokers at least 50 years old who have smoked a pack a day for 20 years and have at least one of the additional risk factors below.

Additional risk factors:

* Radon exposure

* Job-related asbestos exposure

* History of cancer

* Family history of lung cancer

* COPD (emphysema)

* Pulmonary fibrosis

During the month of November, Bon Secours is offering LDCT lung screenings for $129 (regularly $229). If you, or someone you know, would benefit from having a LDCT lung scan performed, please call 804-359-WELL (9355) or 804-627-5660 to speak with one of our scheduling representatives. The key to surviving lung cancer is early detection and treatment. LDCT lung scans are helping to make that possible.

By Dr. Timothy Cole

Commonwealth Radiology Associates

Sources: American Cancer Society, New England Journal of Medicine, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network

As we head into the holidays, the American Diabetes Association encourages us to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Diabetes touches many lives in the United States:

• Nearly 30 million children and adults have diabetes.
• Another 86 million Americans have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
• The total cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. is $245 billion. 

Making lifestyle changes can help prevent and/or control diabetes. Studies show that making these three changes will help to reduce your chances of getting diabetes:

• Losing 7% or more of your weight, if you are overweight. If you weigh 200 pounds, losing 7% of your weight means losing 14 pounds.
• Getting at least 2� hours (150 minutes) of moderate activity a week. Moderate activity gets your heart pumping. It includes walking quickly, playing basketball, or dancing fast.
• Eating a diet low in calories and saturated fat.

If you are at risk for diabetes or need help managing your existing condition, Bon Secours Medical Group has several physicians in convenient locations who specialize in diabetes and endocrinology.  

Care Diabetes and Endocrinology

Rekha Nugaram, MD, FACE, and Uma Muthyala, MD

3660 Boulevard, Suite G, Colonial Heights, VA 23824 

804-526-5566

11601 Ironbridge Road, Suite 209, Chester, VA 23831 

804-285-6858

Richmond Diabetes and Endocrinology 

Douglas Johnson, MD; Gregory Cook, MD; and Robert Sealand, MD

8220 Meadowbridge Road, MOB I, Suite 313, Mechanicsville, VA 23116 804-764-7686

7001 Forest Avenue, Suite 2500, Richmond, VA 23230

804-287-7570

Sources: The American Diabetes Association and Healthwise

Exercise Video

Feel Good Stretching Routine  Relaxing Cool Down Stretch Workout

Dr. Sealand attended the University of the South for his undergraduate degree. He received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. In addition, Dr. Sealand completed an endocrine fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.  

Board certification: 

Dr. Sealand is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association.

What do you enjoy most about being an endocrinologist? 

"The challenge of learning about my patients and better understanding the disease process that is affecting them. With this knowledge, I can then put a treatment plan together to help my patient and improve his or her life."  

Why did you choose Bon Secours Health System? 

"Bon Secours Health System has an excellent reputation, plus the physicians I work with are good men and excellent clinicians."

What do you enjoy outside of your work? 

"Spending time with my family and computers."