Lifestyle changes

The first option is an easy one, and something everyone should do regardless of their blood pressure reading: Lower sodium (salt) in your diet. While this mineral is needed by your body, it’s not needed in the amounts that most Americans consume.

“We know that eating a lot of sodium can increase your blood pressure over time,” said Matthew J. Sousa, M.D., interventional cardiologist, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “Instead of using salt to flavor what you eat, look at different spices that can add some zest, and try sodium-free marinades on meat. Pay special attention to processed and packaged foods you purchase, as some have a great deal of sodium.

“While the guideline is 2,300 mg of sodium per day total, a better aim is 1,500 mg a day if you want to reduce blood pressure.”

While reducing sodium alone can help with blood pressure, a few other things also help, according to Dr. Sousa:

• Exercise regularly: Aerobic exercise and strength training have been shown to lower blood pressure.
• Lose weight: When your weight increases, so does your blood pressure. A larger waistline also increases your risk for high blood pressure.
• Quit smoking: Smoking raises blood pressure.
• Limit alcohol: Alcohol can raise blood pressure, so it’s best to quit drinking. If you do consume alcohol, set your limit to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

“Making these lifestyle changes can really lower your blood pressure, and you may not need to do anything else,” Dr. Sousa said.

Adding medication

If diet, exercise and weight changes do not improve your blood pressure, your provider may recommend medications.

“Different medications are available to help by reducing extra water and sodium in your system, lowering your heart rate, or relaxing or opening blood vessels,” Dr. Sousa said. “Your provider will look at your age, blood pressure reading and other health indicators to determine what type of medication may work best.

“It may take trying different medications to determine what works best in your body, but they can work quickly and effectively to lower blood pressure.”

Renal denervation procedure

Some people continue to have high blood pressure despite using medications and making lifestyle changes.

Norton Heart & Vascular Institute now has a new option called renal denervation, which calms overactive nerves near the kidneys that can cause high blood pressure.

“We take a very thin tube into the artery that goes to the kidney and send electrical pulses to calm those nerves,” Dr. Sousa said. “It’s a simple, minimally invasive procedure that only requires minimal sedation, and the patient can usually go home the same day.” Norton Heart & Vascular Institute is the first in Kentucky and Southern Indiana to offer the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation (RDN) system.

The post Treating high blood pressure: What are your options? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

For some patients with high blood pressure, the nerves near the kidneys can become overactive. Applying radiofrequency energy to these nerves can help calm them, thereby reducing blood pressure. The new Symplicity Spyral renal denervation (RDN) system is the only one of its kind offered in the United States.

“We take a very thin tube into the artery that goes to the kidney and send electrical pulses to calm those nerves,” said Matthew J. Sousa, M.D., interventional cardiologist, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “It’s a simple, minimally invasive procedure that only requires minimal sedation, and the patient can usually go home the same day.”

Elevated blood pressure is a reading above 120/80 mmHg. For some people, blood pressure can reach a seriously elevated level categorized as advanced hypertension. Advanced hypertension, or Stage 2 hypertension, is defined as systolic (the top number) blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. This level of high blood pressure requires serious medical attention. If left untreated, stage 2 hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack and serious damage to the kidneys, eyes and brain.

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Heart attack symptoms in women are often more subtle than those in men, making them easier to overlook or confuse with other health issues. Unlike the stereotypical crushing chest pain associated with heart attacks, women’s heart attack symptoms can resemble the flu, heartburn or even an ulcer.

“It is critical that women understand what a heart attack can feel like for them, so they get immediate medical care,” said Li Zhou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Women’s Heart Program. “Any delay in seeking treatment can result in more damage to the heart muscle and can be life-threatening.”

Subtle signs: How heart attack symptoms in women differ

In general, heart attack symptoms in women may not include severe chest pain. Instead, women may experience:

• Unusual fatigue or exhaustion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain, indigestion or heartburn
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Breaking into a cold sweat
• Pain in the jaw, neck or upper back
• Pressure or pain in the chest that may come and go

These symptoms can go unnoticed or can be mistaken for less serious conditions, such as anxiety, gastrointestinal issues or muscle pain.

Almost 1 in 3 heart attack patients experience no chest pain at all — and this is more common among women. This is sometimes called a silent heart attack.

When to seek help for heart attack symptoms

If you suspect you are having a heart attack, do not wait. Call 911 immediately or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room.

While waiting for emergency services:

• Take nitroglycerin if it’s been prescribed by your doctor.
• Take aspirin only if a medical professional has previously advised you to do so — as it may interact with other medications.

Key differences in heart attack symptoms: Women vs. men

There are notable differences in how heart attacks present in men and women. Men often report pain and numbness in the left arm or side of the chest. In contrast, women may feel pain on the right side, in the back or not in the chest at all.

In some cases, chest pain in women is caused by microvascular disease — a condition affecting the small arteries of the heart rather than a typical blockage. This condition often is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure or inherited heart disease.

Other conditions that can mimic heart attack symptoms in women

Several other health issues can resemble heart attack symptoms in women, including:

• Panic attacks: Often mistaken for heart attacks, panic attacks can cause chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and a feeling of dread. These episodes typically involve sharp, stabbing pain that lasts only a few seconds and is localized.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Symptoms like acid reflux can cause burning chest pain that mimics a heart attack.
• Muscle strain: Especially in the chest or back, muscle injury can cause pain during movement or deep breathing.
• Stroke: Weakness in the arms or an inability to raise both arms evenly could indicate a stroke rather than a heart attack.

Risk factors for heart attack in women

• Smoking is a greater risk factor for heart disease in women than it is in men. 
• Not being active is a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Emotional stress and depression may affect women’s hearts more than men’s. Experiencing these can make it difficult to be active or make healthy choices. 
• Diabetes increases your heart attack risk. Women with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than are men with diabetes. Diabetes damages the blood vessels and can change the way people feel pain, so you may be at a higher risk for silent heart attack.
• Menopause causes drops in estrogen, which increase the risk of developing small vessel heart disease.
• Pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure (preeclampsia) or diabetes during pregnancy, can increase women’s long-term risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Family history of early heart disease may be a greater risk factor in women than in men.
• Other health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or inflammatory conditions, can increase the risk of heart attack. 

Heart attacks during and after pregnancy

Although rare, heart attacks during pregnancy or shortly afterward can occur. A common cause is spontaneous coronary artery dissection, a condition where a tear forms in a coronary artery, disrupting blood flow to the heart.

Awareness of heart attack symptoms in women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 267,000 women die from heart attacks each year. Understanding heart attack symptoms in women — and how they may differ from men’s — can be lifesaving. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek immediate medical care.

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After a mastectomy, a patient may wish to have breast reconstruction, which involves multiple steps to prepare for implants. Until now, implants were only available for average-size breasts. Now, a new Food and Drug Administration-approved option is available for larger sizes. Norton Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery providers performed the first implant procedure in Kentucky using MENTOR MemoryGel Enhance silicone implants.

“Despite being a standard part of post-mastectomy care, reconstruction options have not kept pace with the diverse needs of today’s patient population,” said Brian P. Thornton, M.D., plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Norton Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, who performed the first procedure with the new implant. “Patients who require a larger-volume implant than what was previously available now have an option that helps them feel whole again.”

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that 157,740 women underwent breast reconstruction in 2023. However, many more did not have access to a reconstructive implant that would restore their breast size to what it once was.  

Silicone implants are desired by many patients because of their natural look and feel. Often, they also are lighter weight.

“We want every woman to have an option to feel like themselves again after undergoing a mastectomy,” Dr. Thornton said. “Until now, this was not possible and made a breast cancer diagnosis that much more traumatic.”

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is available through Norton Healthcare’s Breast Health Program, accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The program offers comprehensive services, from screening through diagnosis, employing several patient navigators to make the patient journey seamless and as comfortable as possible.

“Patients who must undergo a mastectomy often have decreased self-confidence, concerns about their physical appearance and even feelings of loss,” Dr. Thornton said. “It’s important for every person needing this part of the healing process to have options and a path forward.”

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Many adults enjoy alcohol or use cannabis products for a variety of reasons. They may use these as ways to relax, but did you know that these substances can raise blood pressure? Here’s what you need to know about how alcohol and cannabis may raise blood pressure in adults.* 

Alcohol is a buzzkill for your liver

Alcohol is processed by the liver, which can handle only so much at a time. Too much alcohol can damage the liver over time. Drinking too much alcohol — beer, wine, or liquor — can raise the force your blood exerts on your arteries. What is “too much”? As with many substances, the poison is in the dose, which means — it depends on how much, your size, gender and age.

“We process alcohol differently as we age,” said Joshua H. Brandon, M.D., family medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates. “Men and women handle alcohol differently. Medications also can impact how your body responds to alcohol.” 

Moderate drinking is considered to be two drinks or less in a day for men and one drink or less for women. Binge drinking means four or more drinks for women, or five or more drinks for men during an occasion. Heavy drinking means eight or more drinks for women, or 15 or more drinks for men during a week.

A “drink” is:

• 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol
• 8 ounces of malt liquor with 7% alcohol
• 5 ounces of wine with 12% alcohol
• A shot or 1.5 ounces of liquor or distilled spirts (80-proof liquor)
  • 80 proof means the liquor has 40% alcohol.
  • Types of liquor include brandy, gin, rum, tequila vodka, and whiskey.

“Even moderate alcohol consumption can interfere with blood pressure medication,” Dr. Brandon said. 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: 

• Alcohol can alter the metabolism of a medication, speeding or slowing the clearance of the medication from the body and thus lowering or raising the blood levels of the medication.
• A medication can influence the absorption and metabolism of alcohol, potentially resulting in higher blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and other adverse effects. 
• Alcohol can alter the pharmacological effects of the medication, which can increase or decrease the effect of the medication on the body.

Cannabis is not a chill as you might think (at least for your heart)

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary active compound in cannabis. It’s what gives users a “high.” THC can cause temporary spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. How your body responds to THC depends on several factors, including:

• Dose
• Method — smoking, gummies, edibles
• Overall health, including the presence of chronic conditions
• The presence of other substances, such as medications, alcohol, or tobacco
• Age
• Frequency and duration of use

The side effects of cannabis taken with blood pressure medication include:

• Marijuana’s biggest-known impact is with opioids, sleep medications, muscle relaxants and alcohol, because all affect the central nervous system. Marijuana use combined with these may boost the effects of both.
• Marijuana may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, blood thinners or other pain relievers, including ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Marijuana may affect blood sugar levels. If you are taking medication or insulin for diabetes, you should be watched closely by a health care provider.  
• Marijuana may cause low blood pressure, which may affect people on high blood pressure medication. 

As cannabis becomes legal in more places, both for recreational use and for medical purposes, people should stay informed about the potential health risks. One small study showed a moderate increase in systolic blood pressure with cannabis use. The general consensus is more research is needed, especially in older adults. 

Blood pressure and substance use

High blood pressure is referred to as a “silent killer,” due to the lack of symptoms. Long-term high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

• High blood pressure is often symptom-free — hence “the silent killer.”
• Long-term high blood pressure  increases risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
• Alcohol and cannabis can make it harder to manage or detect changes in blood pressure.
• Getting blood pressure checked regularly is key — even if you feel fine.

No judgment, just things to know:

• Your first step should be awareness. Get a baseline blood pressure reading with your health care provider at your annual checkup. Keep track of your blood pressure using an at-home monitor. Check your blood pressure after alcohol consumption or cannabis use. 
• Be honest with your health care provider so they can give you the best care and offer options to keep you safe and healthy. This may help you make smarter choices for your health. 
• Little tweaks can add up, and your doctor can help by adjusting medications or explaining how much to cut back. 

Checking in with your heart

Heart health isn’t about giving up things you enjoy; it’s about understanding how your lifestyle may affect your health. Talk to your doctor honestly about your drinking, even if it’s an uncomfortable topic.

“It is important for your health care provider to know if you are using alcohol or cannabis, even if it’s moderate use,” Dr. Brandon said. “There may be potentially harmful interactions that you don’t know about.” 

*Disclaimer: Recreational cannabis use is currently illegal in Kentucky and Indiana.

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You used to bounce back after a weekend of yard work — now your back feels it for days afterward. You started having knee pain when you use the stairs. Or maybe your hands started feeling stiff in the mornings. Any of this sound familiar?

As the years go by, our bodies change, and certain symptoms remind us of the aging process. But how do you know when these body aches and pains are just part of normal aging? When are they signs of something that needs medical attention?

“It’s important to address discomfort early, rather than pushing through pain or limiting your regular movement,” said Joshua H. Brandon, M.D., family medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates. “Your primary care provider can suggest early interventions to help you remain active and independent for as long as possible.”

Normal aging aches and pains vs. red flags

As we get older, our bodies inevitably change. After age 55, normal signs of aging can involve some mild stiffness or achiness first thing in the morning, that improves as you move around. After being more active than usual, you might be more susceptible to general muscle soreness that resolves within a couple days. It might take longer to recover from physical exertion, compared with your younger years. Occasional joint stiffness, especially during weather changes, is common as well.

However, you should be aware of the red-flag symptoms when it comes to aches and pains associated with aging:

• Pain that interferes with your regular activities or hobbies you enjoy
• Pain that wakes you up at night
• Visible swelling or redness around joints
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in limbs
• Sharp pain with certain movements
• Pain that steadily worsens over weeks or months
• Discomfort that limits your daily activities or independence
• New symptoms that appear suddenly
• Over-the-counter medications not providing adequate pain relief

Common causes of aging aches and pains

As we age, a variety of factors can cause increased physical discomfort, including:

Arthritis: Over 50% of adults over 65 experience joint pain, with arthritis being one of the most common causes. Osteoarthritis, the wearing down of joint cartilage, is more common in older adults and often affects the knees, hips, hands and/or spine.
Inflammation: Our bodies may develop more chronic inflammation with age, which can contribute to general body aches, muscle pain, joint pain and discomfort.

Past injuries: Old injuries can reemerge as pain points with age. Whether you broke a bone playing high school sports or hurt your neck in a car accident many years ago, the pain may become noticeable again.

Muscle changes: Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass in older adults. This can put additional stress on joints and increase the risk for added strain during normal activities.

Underlying conditions: Your primary care provider can help rule out an underlying medical condition. Conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, peripheral vascular disease and other health issues also cause pain, stiffness or discomfort in muscles and joints.

How your primary care provider can help

Many adults avoid mentioning new aches and pains during checkups, thinking they’re just part of getting older or fearing they’ll be told to “just live with it.” The reality is that your primary care provider can be one of your greatest advocates in maintaining mobility and comfort as you age.

Your provider can help rule out serious conditions and develop management strategies to address your pain. This may include lifestyle recommendations, medications or referrals to specialists like rheumatologists, orthopedists, physical therapists or pain management specialists.

3 ways to maintain mobility with age

Staying ahead of the aches and pains that come with aging can help preserve your mobility and independence during your older years. Incorporating the following lifestyle habits can help improve your quality of life:

1. Stay active: Regular, gentle movement helps maintain joint function and muscle strength. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends strength training exercises for older adults twice per week.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: A healthy weight can avoid additional stress on your joints. This includes regular movement, such as walking, and proper nutrition.
3. Have regular checkups: Take notice of symptoms and share details with your provider to help find the best treatment for you. Don’t hesitate to speak up during appointments. Instead of just saying your knee hurts, take note of when it hurts, what makes it better or worse and how it affects your activities.

When it comes to aging, you don’t have to accept persistent pain or misery as an inevitable part of the process. While some bodily changes come with aging, you don’t have to silently endure extreme pain without any medical help. Your provider can help support you on the journey of aging gracefully.

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The value of primary care for seniors

When dealing with elderly parents, having a plan in place for health care, living arrangements and other considerations before the need arises is a good idea. It’s also important to have an established primary care relationship.

“We can catch issues early and set a baseline for health, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other aspects of health,” said Joshua H. Brandon, M.D., family medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates. “Then we can monitor changes over time.”

Primary care providers can help manage medications to avoid harmful drug interactions and can coordinate care services, including respite care or home care.

“We can make a plan for care services, home care or nursing home — whatever the family needs,” Dr. Brandon said. 

It also can be very helpful to have a primary care provider who knows the history and family dynamic of the aging parent.

“It can take time to build a relationship, so sooner rather than later is preferred,” Dr. Brandon said. 

When to offer support for aging parents

Knowing when or how to intervene in an elderly parent’s life isn’t always obvious. Here are some signs it might be time to start the conversation:

• Medication errors: forgetting doses or taking incorrect amounts
• A pattern of missed appointments
• No longer managing chronic conditions effectively
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Notable changes in mobility
• Behavioral changes, including mood swings or withdrawal from typical activities
• Memory lapses beyond normal aging

How to talk to your aging parent about health care

The goal here is to find a situation that works for everyone while maintaining healthy boundaries and open communication. If you’re starting this conversation with the older adults in your life, approach with empathy, patience and an open mind. Frame your talk around maximizing independence for as long as possible, not taking it away. Address concerns — both those of the adult children and the elderly parent — openly and honestly. If it feels appropriate to include siblings, other family members or friends, bring them into the conversation as well. 

Making the most of doctor appointments

It’s a good idea for the elderly parent to take a friend or family member to doctor appointments. Before the appointment, make a list of questions or concerns to take with you, so you don’t forget anything important. 

Norton MyChart lets you see and update medications, review past diagnoses and treatments, and check upcoming appointments. You also can email your care team, and you can set up proxy access for your loved one’s Norton MyChart account. 

Practical next steps

After you’ve had the initial conversations around caring for your aging parent, you can start taking basic next steps, including:

• Making any doctor appointments together, including routine checkups
• Establishing a shared calendar
• Creating a medication system to help with doses and timing
• Considering further or more intensive care services
• Looking at nursing homes or other choices for living situations.
• Considering the need for home health care

Moving forward

As you have these conversations with your loved one about what life might start to look like in the coming years, emphasize that it’s a partnership.

“Even small interventions can make a difference and help build a deeper relationship between adult children and their parents,” Dr. Brandon said.

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High blood pressure medication and sexual function

“We have a pretty good understanding about the link between high blood pressure and sexual dysfunction in men,” said Joshua H. Brandon, M.D., family medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates. “We understand less about how it affects women.”

High blood pressure does not usually have symptoms. In time, this condition does damage to the lining of the blood vessels throughout the body. As the arteries harden and narrow, blood flow to the entire body is reduced, including the penis. This can lead to a condition called erectile dysfunction, which makes it difficult to get and maintain an erection. High blood pressure also can affect ejaculation. 

For women, it is possible that high blood pressure reduces blood flow to the vagina. Some women may also experience:

• Lowered sex drive or arousal
• Difficulty having an orgasm
• Vaginal dryness

Erectile dysfunction, lowered sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm and other symptoms of high blood pressure can increase anxiety and relationship issues. 

There are several medications used to treat high blood pressure, and some of them may have sexual side effects. Some high blood pressure medicines can affect sex drive or the quality of sex.

• Water pills can decrease blood flow to the penis, which can make it difficult to get an erection. They also lower levels of zinc, which is needed to make the hormone testosterone. 
• Beta blockers especially older beta blockers such as propranolol, are often linked with sexual issues. 

Some high blood pressure medications may have fewer sexual side effects.

Other common medications and sexual health

Besides blood pressure medication, there are other kinds of drugs that can impact sexual function, including:

• Antidepressants (especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, known as SSRIs) 
• Antihistamines and allergy medications
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Diabetes medications
• Hormone therapies
• Parkinson’s disease and seizure medications

Taking control: Practical steps for better sexual health

If you think your medications are causing unwanted side effects, are impacting sexual activity or are affecting your quality of life, it is important to talk to your health care provider. You should always take medications as prescribed, and do not stop or start a medicine without direction from your provider. Consider keeping track of your medication schedule and any effects you notice around sex or intimacy, and share that with your health care provider. 

“We may be able to modify medications, adjust dosage, change prescriptions or recommend other changes you can implement,” Dr. Brandon said. 

It is very important to be as open and honest as possible with your physician. Here are some guidelines for talking about sexual health with your health care provider:

Make a list of side effects and questions you have before your appointment.

Find a way to start the conversation that feels comfortable. Here are some tips for talking to your doctor about this issue. Try saying things like:

• I’m having some concerns about my sexual health.
• I want to ask about a specific health issue.
• I am having issues with sexual desire/low libido/sexual performance.

Once you start the conversation, most providers will pick it up from there. If you sense your provider may be uncomfortable, ask for a referral.

Primary care providers are your ally in sexual wellness

Your provider is a valuable resource and adviser for all your health needs. It may feel uncomfortable, but you deserve to have your questions answered and find help. Sexual health is important for your overall well-being and quality of life.

“We can’t help if we don’t know there is an issue,” Dr. Brandon said.

Beyond medication: Additional Solutions

There are ways to manage sexual side effects of drugs, including antihypertensive medication, mental health medicine and other medications, including: 

• Mechanical aids such as vacuum devices or penile implants may help with erectile dysfunction. There’s also a vacuum device for women. Dilators may help people who experience narrowing of their vagina due to menopause. Devices like vibrators can be helpful to help improve sexual enjoyment and ability to achieve orgasm.
• Sex therapists can help people experiencing sexual issues that can’t be addressed by the primary care physician. Therapists often can do couples counseling.
• Behavioral treatments involve various techniques, such as addressing harmful behaviors or self-stimulation methods. 
• Psychotherapy with a trained counselor can help you address psychological factors that affect sexual function, including trauma from the past, feelings of anxiety, fear, guilt and poor body image. 

The next step

Sexual health is a concern at any age. Prioritize your overall well-being, including intimate relationships. Talk with your primary care provider about any concerns you may have.

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“If a patient has a suspicious finding on a screening, we move rapidly to make sure everything possible is done to get answers for them,” said Joseph Flynn, D.O., MPH, FACP, chief administrative officer, Norton Medical Group, and physician-in-chief, Norton Cancer Institute.

With two locations, Norton Cancer Institute Downtown and Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro, the center combines four multidisciplinary components to fight lung cancer: prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Lung cancer prevention: Smoking is the single biggest lung cancer risk factor, so smoking prevention and cessation are key. For anyone who smokes, the sooner you quit, the lower your lung cancer risk becomes. Norton Healthcare continues to expand smoking cessation options for patients and the public.

Lung cancer screening: Early diagnosis of lung cancer is critical. Low-dose CT scans, which can detect even the smallest tumors, are used to screen for lung cancer in individuals who meet established age and smoking history criteria. The center’s integrated screening component delivers two important benefits for patients:

• A navigator to assist patients through the screening process with education and resources
• Rapid access to a team of specialists if a suspicious finding is detected

Lung cancer diagnosis: The Comprehensive Lung Center works with patients and their primary care team to develop a treatment plan specifically for each patient’s physical and emotional needs. Fortunately, not all nodules identified by CT scan are cancerous, but when lung cancer is diagnosed, patients see a team of highly trained specialists who work together toward the common goal of a cure.

The Comprehensive Lung Center has specialists in cardiothoracic surgery, radiation, medical oncology, pulmonology and other disciplines, who are available to see the patient in one visit. This provides convenience for the patient and is important to the specialists who work together to develop a comprehensive care plan.

Lung cancer treatment: No cancer patient should have to wait to start the journey toward a cure. The Comprehensive Lung Center combines compassionate, whole-patient care with advanced technology and treatment. Customized treatment plans may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted molecular therapies for certain subtypes of lung cancer.

Patients have access to numerous clinical trials through Norton Cancer Institute’s research program.

Therapeutic and supportive care services include yoga, massage, art and music therapy, nutritional counseling, and support groups — all available from day one.

In recent years, research has demonstrated up to a 20% decrease in lung cancer mortality for people at high risk who undergo lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans.

“As with all forms of cancer, the earlier lung cancer is detected and the earlier treatment can begin, the better the chance for positive outcomes,” Dr. Flynn said. “Should you be diagnosed with cancer, we know you will have many questions and want answers right away. That’s why we offer same-day appointments with a cancer specialist.”

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Oaks Day honors women who have survived or are in treatment for breast or ovarian cancer. You’ll see this year’s 151 honorees walking the turf track in the Survivors Parade prior to the running of this year’s Oaks race.

This day also is an opportunity to talk about prevention and early detection of these cancers that affect nearly 300,000 people a year in the United States. Breast cancer alone is one of the top causes of cancer death in women — second only to lung cancer — according to the American Cancer Society. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show Kentucky’s rates of breast and ovarian cancer as similar to those of the entire nation: More than 133 women out of 100,000 women are expected to receive a new diagnosis of breast cancer in Kentucky this year, and 10 out of every 100,000 will get ovarian cancer.

Thankfully, high-profile events such as the Kentucky Oaks help call attention to these issues. However, they do more than that: They raise funds critical to bringing down these statistics. Churchill Downs will donate to two organizations, one of which is Norton Cancer Institute, the leading provider of breast cancer care in Louisville and Southern Indiana. Funds specifically benefit the Derby Divas Breast Health Center. In fact, Churchill Downs has donated more than $1 million in support to charities over 16 years to fund cancer screenings and care for underserved women.

We know that the breast cancer death rate has been on the decline since 1989. While there are constant innovations in cancer treatment, awareness and screenings have increased thanks to events such as the Kentucky Oaks — and the funding it raises.

If you’re taking a trip to Churchill Downs for this year’s Oaks, enjoy your day. But also be sure to recognize the importance of the pink (and teal) that you will wear. And know that just by being there, you are part of saving lives.

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