CONNECTIONSNEWS AND HEALTH INFORMATION FROM SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP summitmedicalgroup.com

healthySPRING 2016

Imaging Centers Put

Patients First Page 4

Together 2 Goal Diabetes Campaign

New After- Hours Care

2 healthy connections ◆ Spring 2016

D iabetes is a serious medical condition in which the body cannot properly control the amount of sugar in your blood. Left untreated, or poorly monitored, the

effects of diabetes can damage your body and cause kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, vision problems, nerve damage, and more. We want to help you take control of your health. See page 3 for information on our Diabetes Live Well Plan, which can help patients manage their diabetes through proper diet, exercise, and medication when necessary.

As we continue to open new locations in central and northern New Jersey, we continue to add services to make your care with us more convenient. For example, Summit Medical Group offers state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services, including mammography, at 4 convenient loca-tions: Berkeley Heights, Florham Park, Livingston, and

A Message to Our CommunityWestfield. Find out more about our comprehensive Imaging Centers on pages 4-5.

Illness and injury can occur at any time. We’ve got you covered with extended hours such as our Pediatrics After Hour Service and our Walk-In Sports Injury Hours. Now open in additional locations — see page 7 for details.

Yours in good health,

Jeffrey LeBenger, MD Chairman of the Board and CEO Summit Medical Group

Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos, and more from Summit Medical Group.

facebook.com/summitmedicalnj

pinterest.com/summitmedicalnj

twitter.com/summitmedicalnj

youtube.com/smgnj

gplus.to/summitmedicalgroup

slideshare.net/smgnj

Sign up at summitmedicalgroup.com

Tweet

Like

Summit Medical Group Services Patients at our multispecialty practice have ready access to compassionate care from more than 600 highly qualified health care providers.

Take a look at what we have to offer—you may be surprised! Visit www.summitmedicalgroup.com for information on our specialties and services, plus related links.

• Acupuncture• Adolescent Medicine• Allergy• Ambulatory Surgery• Anesthesiology• Annual Wellness Visit• Audiology• Bariatric Surgery• Behavioral Health

Center• Breast Care Center• Cardiology• Cardiopulmonary

Center• CDL Physicals• Chiropractic Medicine• Colon and Rectal

Surgery• Community Health

Lectures• Complementary

Medicine• Concussion Program• Cosmetic Dermatology• Coumadin Clinic• Dermatology

• Diabetes Live Well Program

• Electrophysiology• Emergency Medicine• Endocrinology• Endoscopic Ultrasound• ENT• Extensivist Medicine • FAA Examinations• Facial Esthetics• Family Medicine• Fast Track Services • Gastroenterology• General Surgery• Genetic Counseling• Geriatric Services• Gynecology• Hand Therapy• Hematology• Hospitalists• Imaging• Immunology• Infectious Disease• Internal Medicine• Laboratory Services• Laparoscopic Surgery

• Laser Skin Resurfacing• LASIK• LGBTI Medicine• Male Infertility• Massage• Medical Research• Medication Manage-

ment• Nephrology• Neurology• Neurosurgery• Neurotology• Nutrition• Obstetrics• Oncology• Ophthalmology• Orthopedics• Otology• Palliative Care• Pediatric Behavioral

Health• Pediatric Cardiology• Pediatric Pulmonology• Pediatrics• Pharmacotherapy• Pharmacy

• Physiatry• Physical Therapy• Plastic Surgery• Podiatry• Preventive Medicine• Proctology• Pulmonology• Rheumatology• Sleep Disorders

Center• Speech Therapy• Spine Surgery Center• Sports Medicine• Surgical Oncology• Therapeutic Massage• Thoracic Surgery• Travel Medicine• Ultherapy • Urgent Care Center• Urodynamics• Urology• Vascular Screenings• Vascular Surgery• Vein Care Center• Weight Management

908-273-4300 ◆ summitmedicalgroup.com 3

Achieving Better Diabetes Control Together

Diabetes is a serious condition that can take a major toll on your health and quality of life. That’s

why Summit Medical Group is doing its part to improve the well-being of patients with type 2 diabetes. This spring, Summit Medical Group is joining forces with other health care organizations across the country in a campaign called Together 2 Goal. “The goal is to help one million patients with type 2 diabetes lead healthier lives,” says Laura Balsamini, PharmD, who oversees the campaign.

Helping Patients Meet Their GoalsIf you have type 2 diabetes or are at risk for the condition, you may notice some very helpful changes as part of the Together 2 Goal campaign. For example, Summit Medical Group has added two additional certified diabetes educators (CDEs) to its staff. CDEs are experts in managing diabetes and helping you make

the changes needed for better blood sugar control, decreasing your risk for complications, and improving your quality of life, Dr. Balsamini says.

“CDEs also lead quarterly workshops, which are evening programs focused on empowering patients and helping them manage diabetes,” she adds.

Another addition includes increasing patients’ access to emotional and behavioral support services. “Stress management is a huge component of managing diabetes,” Dr. Balsamini says. “Patients have all of the day-to-day pressures plus the added task of managing a complicated condition. Behavioral therapists can help them with these challenges.”

You may also notice an increase in outreach as part of the Together 2 Goal campaign. “Our patients lead busy lives,” Dr. Balsamini says. “We’ll increase contact with our uncontrolled patients to provide them with appointments, blood

work, and other care service reminders necessary to stay on top of their care.”

It Takes a TeamThere are many changes behind the scenes with the Together 2 Goal campaign you may not see, but will improve your care. Summit Medical Group has assembled a multidisciplinary team of experts, includ-ing physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and CDEs, to implement the changes involved in the campaign.

In addition, there’s greater commu-nication among providers who care for patients with diabetes. “This includes primary care physicians as well as endo-crinologists, other specialists, CDEs, and clinical staff,” Dr. Balsamini says. “Any diabetes patient who walks through our door will encounter a health care team well-versed in all of the resources available to them. Our providers share the com-mon goal of working together to help our patients live longer, healthier lives.”

DIABETES SUPPORT

4 healthy connections ◆ Spring 2016

CARE CENTERS

Put Patients FirstL ife doesn’t always wait for a 9 to 5 appointment. That’s

why Summit Medical Group’s diagnostic services are ready when and where you need them.

Four main imaging centers at the Berkeley Heights, Florham Park, Livingston, and Westfield locations offer state-of-the-art mammography as well as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging 365 days a year. X-rays can also be taken at all SMG satellite offices.

Extremity MRI AvailableThe Florham Park location even offers a high-field Tesla extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that allows patients to extend a hand, arm, knee, or ankle for scanning from the comfort of a chair.

Art Opening and Reception, Thursday, May 5, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.Did you know having a pet can help keep you healthy both mentally and physically? This art show features artwork that celebrates our animal companions in all their variety. St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center will receive 10 percent of the proceeds. Please bring a new or unused pet toy or canned food to donate. Refreshments and entertainment to be provided. Summit Medical Group, Lawrence Pavilion, Lower Lobby Gallery, Berkeley Heights, NJ Open to the public. Exhibit runs through Fall 2016.

Convenient Diagnostic Services

Save the Date

Pets Are Good Medicine Art Show

An additional advantage of SMG’s imaging is that each person can request a copy of the exam on a CD to be viewed by their specialist.

‘Mammography Saves Lives’While most people aren’t scheduled to return after a scan or X-ray, it’s a different situation with mammography. Radiologist Sue Jane Rivas Grosso, MD, who oversees breast imaging as the lead interpreting physician for the American College of Radiology and Mammography Accreditation Programs at SMG, is eager to remind women about the need for annual screening. Dr. Grosso often makes presentations to community members and other doctors about breast cancer and breast imaging.

There are different views about the best timetable for mammography, but “the bottom line is that screening mammography saves lives,” Dr. Grosso says, adding that women should begin having annual mammograms starting at age 40. This is in line with the recommendations of the American College of Radiology and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Dr. Grosso worries that mixed signals about when to start mammograms could set back the nation’s progress in finding breast cancer early. “We’re really good at detecting breast cancer in this country,” Dr. Grosso notes.

Put Patients First

908-273-4300 ◆ summitmedicalgroup.com 5

For Your Convenience: Related Resources

COMPREHENSIVE WEBSITEVisit the Imaging page of our website,

for a detailed description of our diagnostic imaging services, patient tools, practitioners, and locations where these services are offered: www.summitmedicalgroup.com/service/Imaging/.

Read All About It at summitmedicalgroup.com and use our Search tool

Mammography ServicesSearch: Digital Mammography

The 5-Step Monthly Self Breast ExamSearch: Self Breast Exam

Extremity MRI for Elbows to Fingers, Knees to ToesSearch: Extremity MRI for Elbows

SMG Has New Silent MRI ScannerSearch: Silent MRI Scanner

PODCASTSListen to our podcasts on these related topics. Visit our Newsroom under News and Health Info for SMG Radio and search by topic.

Imaging ServicesKathryn Vendemia, RT (R), associate director of Imaging, discusses the latest in diagnostic imaging and mammography services at Summit Medical Group.

VIDEOSNews & Happenings: Wide-Bore MRI at Summit Medical GroupSummit Medical Group’s premium wide-bore MRI sets a new standard in patient comfort and diagnostic technology. Learn more about this addition to our Imaging Department’s MRI suite. Visit our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/SMGNJ and search: News and Happenings Wide-Bore MRI.

3-D Mammography on the WayComing soon this year, SMG will begin offering another tool, tomosynthesis—also called 3-D mammography—to women who need it. The new equipment will help SMG evaluate women with very dense breasts. It will provide cross-sectional images that are similar to a CT scan.

And what if a mammogram shows an abnormality? The woman does not have to face the news on her own. A certified breast nurse navigator will be with her every step of the way. “The nurse navigator says, ‘take a breath, we’re going to handle it. We’re here for you,’ ” explains Kathryn Vendemia, RT (R), as-sociate director of Imaging.

SAVE & POST

Ap rilDermatology: Dispelling Myths and MisconceptionsThursday, April 7, 7 p.m.Marcelyn Coley, MD, DermatologistDoes eating greasy food cause acne? Is eczema contagious? Are sulfate-free shampoos better for the scalp than detergent -based shampoos? Will expensive moistur-izers prevent wrinkles better than less- expensive brands? Is Botox harmful? Join us to get answers to questions about conditions dermatologists diagnose and treat.

Contraception Successes: IUDs and ImplantsThursday, April 21, 7 p.m.Florham Park Campus, 140 Park Ave., Florham Park Conference Room (Enter “The Green at Florham Park” at Florham Park Road, across from the Wyndham Hotel) Susan Peck, MSN, APNAlthough unintended pregnancy rates in the U.S. have been static (approximately 51 percent) for many years, long-acting reversible contraception, such as intrauter-ine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants, may be reliable alternatives to prevent unwanted pregnancies and further lower unintended pregnancy rates. Join us to learn more about how long-acting reversible contraception may help you!

May Understanding Medicare Advantage and Your Medicare Options Presented by Horizon (Aetna and UnitedHealthcare representatives will also be on site.) Thursday, May 5, 7 p.m. Are you recently retired or approaching retirement and reviewing changes to your

Calendar of Events

health benefits? Learn more about your Medicare coverage options, such as Medicare Advantage, as well as how to enroll, when to act, and strategies for maximizing your benefits. Representatives from Horizon BCBSNJ, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Summit Medical Group Billing Office staff will be present.

Environmental Toxins: Practical Solutions for HealthThursday, May 12, 7 p.m.Michelle Bender, MD, PediatricianDid you know that exposure to environmental toxins can happen at home, in the workplace, and outside? Join us for a lecture on lessening and managing exposure to pollution, including by-products of plastics, heavy metals—such as mercury and lead— pesticides, bacteria, viruses, molds, and other respirables, such as tobacco smoke. Learn tips to improve air quality in your home year-round so you can protect your health and the health of your loved ones.

June Teen Depression: A Common, Treatable ConditionWednesday, June 1, 7 p.m.April Bickoff, PsyD, ACTStatistics show 10 to 15 percent of teens experience symptoms of depression, and an estimated one in eight teens will be diag-nosed with clinical depression. If you are a parent concerned about your teen’s psycho-logical well-being, join us for a lecture about risk factors for teen depression and how to recognize potential for self-harm. Treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and ways you can support treatment to help your teen achieve her or his goals for a bright outlook will be discussed. 

An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure Wednesday, June 15, 7 p.m.Sweeti Mehra, MD, Internist

SeriesConsidering Weight-Loss Surgery?

Mondays, April 11, May 9, and June 13, 7 p.m.Wednesdays, April 27, May 25, and June 29, 7 p.m.Berkeley Heights Campus, Lawrence Pavilion, Conference Center

Wednesdays, April 20, May 18, and June 22, 7 p.m.  Florham Park Campus, 140 Park Ave., Florham Park, Conference Room(Enter “The Green at Florham Park” at Florham Road, across from the Wyndham Hotel)

Robert Bell, MD, Bariatric Surgeon

Does being overweight or obese have a negative effect on your life? Learn how weight-loss surgery can help you improve your health, feel better, and get your life back! Join us for a review of surgical options, including discussion about lifestyle changes to keep you on track with a healthy weight after weight-loss surgery. To register, please call 908-277-8889 or visit summitmedicalgroup.com/events.

Sp ring 2016

All lectures are held at Summit Medical Group, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Lawrence Pavilion, Conference Center (near Café), Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922, unless otherwise noted. For your convenience, please park in lot 1 or 2 and enter through the Lawrence Pavilion. Reservations required: 908-277-8889 or summitmedicalgroup.com/events.

Free LecturesFind out how you can be the best advocate for protecting your health! Early detection is key to diagnosing cancer in its early stages, when odds are greatest for managing and curing the disease. Join us to learn when men and women should initiate cancer screening, including Pap tests, mammogra-phy, colonoscopy, prostate cancer tests, and lung cancer tests. 

Classes and events take place at Summit Medical Group, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922.

Sup po rt Gro up sBariatric Surgery Support GroupMondays, April 4, May 2, and June 6, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Berkeley Heights Campus, Lawrence Pavilion, Conference Center (near Café)Robert Bell, MD, Bariatric SurgeonJoin the founder and former medical director of the Yale–New Haven Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program to share concerns, setbacks, and triumphs with weight-loss surgery.Get answers about recovery and ways to manage lifestyle changes. Call 908-277-8950 to learn more.

Living with a Vestibular Disorder?Wednesday, May 11, 6 p.m. Berkeley Heights Campus, Lawrence Pavilion, Conference Room (near Café)Dina Leyden, PT, certified in vestibular rehabilitation Mike Likier, PhD, PsychologistShare experiences and concerns and learn strategies to manage and cope with your symptoms.Reservations are required. To sign up, call 908-277-8889 or visit summitmedical-group.com/events.

Breast Cancer Sup po rt ProgramsAll Summit Medical Group patients are welcome to participate.

Breast Cancer Support Group for Newly Diagnosed Patients (within one year of diagnosis)  Mondays, April 4, May 2, and June 6, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Carol Boyer, APN-C, Breast Nurse Specialist; Elizabeth Nikol, MSW, LCSW, ACT

This program is for those who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Patients are able to share concerns and advice about their experiences with breast cancer treatments and more.

Breast Cancer Survivorship Group for Patients Who Are a Year or More Post-DiagnosisMondays, April 18, May 23, and June 20, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.Carol Boyer, APN-C, Breast Nurse Specialist; Elizabeth Nikol, MSW, LCSW, ACTThis group is for breast cancer survivors who wish to receive support from others with similar experiences. It’s a forum for breast cancer survivors to share informa-tion and help each other manage common concerns. We alternate between traditional support groups and small group lectures of interest to survivors.

The breast cancer support groups meet from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Berkeley Heights Campus, Breast Care Center Waiting Area. Registration is not required.  For more information, please call 908-277-8670.

New Location: Breast Cancer Support Group at Florham Park Campus140 Park Ave., Room 1706 (near Café), Florham Park, NJ 07932

SAVE & POSTCalendar of Events

Sp ring 2016

Tuesdays, April 12, May 10, and June 14, noonKaren Loewen, RN, Breast Nurse Navigator; Margaret Clarke, LPCThis group is for all breast cancer patients—both newly diagnosed and survivors.Registration is not necessary. For additional information, call 908-277-8670.

Look Good, Feel Better (Sponsored by American Cancer Society)Monday, June 6, 10 a.m. to noonThis free program teaches beauty techniques to women who are undergoing cancer treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Class is limited to 10 participants. To register, call 800-277-2345 by May 9. Visit lookgoodfeelbet-ter.org to find out more. The group meets at the Summit Medical Group, Lawrence Pavilion Private Dining Room (next to the Café), 1 Diamond Hill Road, Berkeley Heights. Park in lot 1 or 2.

ClassesBasic YogaWednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.Chair YogaMondays, 11 a.m. to noonDina Leyden, PT, teaches both Basic and Chair YogaBerkeley Heights Campus, Lawrence Pavilion, Conference Center (near Café). A 10-class card ($100) is good at either class. To register for either class, call 908-277-8936.

Tai ChiThursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Risa Silverstein, MS, LAC, MSWBerkeley Heights Campus, Lawrence Pavilion, Conference Center (near Café). The cost for 10 classes is $80. To register, call 908-277-8936.

Summit Medical Group Welcomes 7 New Doctors

Barbara E. McDevitt, MDPediatrics After HoursBerkeley Heights973-436-1540Westfield908-673-7227Livingston973-436-1540

Sara Atalla, DOPhysiatryBerkeley Heights908-277-8646

Lama El Zein, MD, FAAFPGeriatric ServicesBerkeley Heights908-673-7157

Daniel Hart, MDTravel Medicine/ Infectious DiseasesLivingston973-436-1719

Meera Khedkar, MD, FACAAIAllergy/ImmunologyLivingston973-436-1560Florham Park973-404-9960

Frederick K. Shieh, MDGastroenterologyLivingston973-436-1408

Jessica Moore, PT, DPTPhysical TherapyFlorham Park973-404-9840

6 healthy connections ◆ Spring 2016

Information Sessions: Understanding Medicare Advantage and Your Medicare Options

Are you recently retired or approaching retirement, and reviewing changes to your health benefits? Learn more about your Medicare coverage options, such as Medicare Advantage, as well as how to enroll, when to act, and strategies for maximizing your benefits.

New Pediatric GroupSummit Medical Group welcomes the following new practice location to its family of highly qualified health care providers.

PEDIATRIC GROUP OF WEST ORANGE

Jacqueline A. Owens, MD, FAAP

Robert C. Rabinowitz, MD, FAAP

Jeffrey S. Saperstein, MD, FAAP

PEDIATRIC GROUP OF WEST ORANGE AT SMG395 Pleasant Valley WayWest Orange, N.J.973-731-6100

Representatives from Horizon BCBSNJ, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna will be presenting these 2016 information sessions as detailed below. (Summit Medical Group Billing Office staff will also be present at all sessions.)• Thursday, May 5: Presented by

Horizon (Aetna and UnitedHealthcare

representatives will also be on site)• Thursday, September 15: Presented by

UnitedHealthcare (Horizon and Aetna representatives will also be on site)All lectures begin at 7 p.m. and will be

held in the Conference Center at Summit Medical Group, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Berkeley Heights. Use the Lawrence Pavilion entrance.

Looking fo r a Physician?Check out our Physician Finder online at

www.summitmedicalgroup.com and scroll to “Find a Practitioner.”

OUR DOCTORS

908-273-4300 ◆ summitmedicalgroup.com 7

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Life Happens—And We’ve Got You Covered with Extended Hours

Your child’s fever spikes at dinner on a Tuesday night. You sprained your ankle playing

doubles tennis. Now what? Summit Medical Group knows that

illness or injury can occur at any time. That’s why we offer more hours to care for you and your family.

WHEN YOUR CHILD’S ILLNESS CAN’T WAIT, WE OFFER PEDIATRICS AFTER HOURS For infant, childhood, and adolescent health problems that cannot wait until routine office hours the following day, we offer our Pediatrics After Hours service. Our pediatricians provide exceptional care for infants, children, and adolescents to age 21. Pediatrics After Hours service is available at:

Berkeley Heights 1 Diamond Hill Road Hours: • Monday–Friday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. • Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Holidays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Some

holidays: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; to con-firm our holiday schedule for Berkeley Heights, please call 908-277-8601.)

Westfield 574 Springfield Ave. Hours: • Monday–Friday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. • Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Holidays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Several Internal and Family Medicine Offices also offer extended and walk-in hours. Check “Locations” at summitmedicalgroup.com.

Information Sessions: Understanding Medicare Advantage and Your Medicare Options

Livingston 75 East Northfield Road Hours: • Monday–Friday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. • Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Holidays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Some holidays: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call to confirm our holiday schedule for Livingston at 973-436-1540.)

INJURED IN YOUR SPORT, GAME, OR PRACTICE? GET IMMEDIATE CARE AND GET BACK IN THE GAME WITH WALK-IN SPORTS INJURY HOURS! Sports-related injuries are always unexpected. The only option for these injures used to be the emergency room … and hours of waiting. Our Orthope-dics and Sports Medicine clinic’s Walk-In Sports Injury Hours are dedicated to quickly diagnosing and treating orthopedic emergencies, including: • Fractures • Tears of muscles and ligaments• Bruising of bones • Sprains

Walk-ins welcome. No appointment needed. You are guaranteed to see an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist. Walk-In Sports Injury Hours are available at:

Berkeley Heights1 Diamond Hill Road Orthopedics DepartmentBensley PavilionMondays, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. 908-277-8704 Bridgewater215 Union Ave., Suite BMondays, 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.908-801-6940 Florham Park140 Park Ave. Orthopedics DepartmentMondays, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.973-404-9800

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDSummit

Medical Group

Summit Medical Group1 Diamond Hill RoadBerkeley Heights, NJ 07922

HEALTHY CONNECTIONS Jeffrey LeBenger, MD, chairman and CEO of Summit Medical Group. Healthy Connections is published by Summit Medical Group. The information within this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not meant to be a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. To add or remove your name from our mailing list, please call 908-977-9500. ©2016. Printed in U.S.A. Designed by StayWell

Postmaster: Please deliver within March 21 to 25

816M

Blood Clots: Are You At Risk?

8 Quick Tips to Prevent Blood ClotsYou can help prevent DVT and pulmonary embolism with these simple tips:• Stand up and move around every

two to three hours.• Stretch and exercise your legs

while sitting.

• Wear clothes that fit loosely.• Drink plenty of water. • Avoid beverages with alcohol or

caffeine.• Exercise regularly.• Maintain a healthy weight.• Do not smoke.

If you are recovering from a recent surgery or injury, are pregnant, or are planning to

travel on a long trip, you could be at risk for a blood clot. When a blood clot forms in one or more deep veins in your body, usually in the leg or thigh, it’s called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Blood clots can form, break free, and block lung arteries—called pulmo-nary embolisms—resulting in a medical emergency that can damage the lungs, harm other vital organs, and cause death.

Consider Your Risk DVT and pulmonary em-bolisms can strike almost anyone of any age. They occur more often in people with one of these risk factors:

• Age 60 or older• Long periods of inactivity • Smoking• Broken bones, major sur-

gery, or trauma• Some hormone therapies• Being overweight or obese• African-American heritage

Symptom TrackingDVT can occur suddenly, causing no symptoms until it’s too late. Symptoms you may experience are swell-ing, pain, and tenderness in the affected leg. The skin in the area may also feel warm, look discolored, or both.

Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.