Central Service Technician Position Open at JSC

April 29, 2013

Our progressive, multi-specialty medical practice is looking for an experienced, full-time Central Service Technician. Our ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2 years of experience with decontamination and sterile processing of instrumentation. Applicants should have the knowledge, skills and training to provide consistent, reliable service to our patients. A Central Service Technician certification is a plus.

This position will involve some travel between our local Roanoke and Salem, Virginia offices. The salary will commensurate with applicants' experience.

Are you qualified? If so, send your current resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

A Different Way to Fight Allergies

April 05, 2013

Science Daily recently posted an article about the benefits of Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), a method of treating allergies that doesn't require shots.

A scientific review of 63 published studies affirms that putting small amounts of purified grasses, ragweed, dust mites, pollen and mold, in liquid drips under the tongue is a safe and effective alternative to weekly injections of those allergens or the use of other medications, in treating symptoms of allergies and allergic asthma in some people.

The research, conducted at Johns Hopkins, examined over 5,000 participants' reactions to this newer form of allergy treatment. Results revealed "strong evidence" that in eight of 13 studies, drop therapy produced a 40% or greater reduction in coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest.

Associate professor of otolaryngology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and senior study investigator Sandra Lin said, "Our findings are clear evidence that sublingual immunotherapy in the form of allergy drops are an effective potential treatment option for millions of Americans suffering from allergic asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis."

The Jefferson Surgical Clinic's board-certified otolaryngologists are trained and certified to start patients on an SLIT program. Would you like to learn more about the method? Watch Dr. Lenkowski's video explaining more about the benefits of Sublingual Immunotherapy.

Know the Risk Factors of Colon Cancer

March 26, 2013

It's Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Like many cancers, early detection is instrumental in positive outcomes. More than 90% of colon cancer cases can be prevented with the recommended screens, which usually begin around age 50. It's one of the most treatable cancers if caught early, and it's one of the most easily detected.

According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, these are potential risk factors for developing colon cancer:

• Age over 50. More than 90% of colon cancer cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50. The average age is 72
• Colon polyps. Those are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. They're common and most are benign, but some become cancerous. Removing polyps when they're detected may reduce the risk of developing cancer.
• Family history of colon cancer. Close relatives (parents, siblings and children) of a person with a history of colon cancer are at a slightly increased risk of developing it themselves. 
• Genetic alterations. Changes in certain genes increase risk. HNPCC and FAP are two such alterations.
• A personal history of cancer. If you've already had colon cancer, you may have a recurrence. Women with a history of ovarian, uterine or breast cancer are at a somewhat higher risk as well.
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
• Diet and lifestyle. Results from studies vary, but some suggest that diets high in red meat and fat, and low in calcium, folate and fiber may contribute to a higher risk of colon cancer.
• Cigarette smoking.

If you believe you are at risk and haven't yet had a baseline colonoscopy or other screening, talk with your doctor about what's best for you.

3 Spring Cleaning Tips for People with Allergies

March 20, 2013

Spring is officially here!

If you're gearing up for a session of spring cleaning but are concerned about causing your allergies to flare up, try these tips to cut down on discomfort.

1) Dust with a slightly damp cloth. The dust and other allergens will cling to the cloth instead of flying up into your face or back into the air.

2) Clear away the clutter. Figurines, magazines and other items that sit on shelves and tables collect dust. Clearning off surfaces and getting rid of things you don't need or use will help you breath easier all year long.

3) Use natural cleaning supplies. Avoid products with strong smells, heavy chemicals, dyes and masking agents.

3 Symptoms that May Indicate Colorectal Cancer

March 19, 2013

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. To celebrate, learn to be aware of the following three symptoms that, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, could indicate the presence of precancerous polyps or colorectal cancer.

1) Blood in or on the stool.
2) Severe stomach pain and cramping that does not go away.
3) Unexplained and significant weight loss.

If you recognize these symptoms it's a good idea to schedule a screening test to further investigate the cause. And if you're 50 and over, it's important to have a screening done whether you're experiencing symptoms or not. Finding the presence of precancerous polyps or colorectal cancer early could save your life.

5 Tips for Allergy Relief at Home

March 14, 2013

When allergens trigger sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes, simple home remedies can help control the symptoms and provide relief.

1. Hot Tea. Green tea contains antioxidants that may inhibit allergic reactions, and the menthol properties of peppermint tea can reduce congestion. However, people with ragweed allergies should avoid chamomile tea, since the two plants are closely related.

2. Steam. Inhaling steam can ease nasal congestion. Fill a bowl with boiling water and, if you choose, a few drops of eucalyptus oil. (Take care not to get the oil on your skin. In concentrated amounts, it's toxic.) Drape a towel over your head, and then lean over the bowl to inhale the steam 5 or 10 minutes.

3. Shower. Pollen clings to clothing and hair. When you come in from extended time outdoors, rinse away the pollen with a shower, and toss your clothing in the washing machine.

4. Dehumidify. Dust mites - a common indoor allergen - thrive in humidity. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. It also helps control another common allergen: mold.

5. Create an indoor sanctuary. Make one room in your home an "allergen-free zone". Most people spend the largest part of their time in the bedroom. Replace carpeting with hard flooring, use allergen-proof coverings on the mattress and pillows, and in the summer keep the door closed and an air conditioner running to eliminate airborne allergens.

If your allergies are severe, consult with an allergist and other treatments, such as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and prescription antihistamines.

Earbud Safety

February 22, 2013

Did you see JSC's Dr. Geoffrey Harter's article on the dangers of earbuds recently published on Growing Up in the Valley, Roanoke's Family Fun Magazine website?

According to Dr. Harter, the prevalent hearing devices you see stuck in the ears of children, teenager, fitness junkies and commuters are, in fact, dangerous to your hearing.

Ear buds are particularly efficient at producing loud volume. They fit tightly in the ear and are much closer to the eardrum than ear phones. That tight fit ensure tall the sound energy is focused on the hearing mechanism, as opposed to ear phones, which allow some sound to escape.

Dr. Harter says that, while more expensive, noise-cancelling earphones are a safer alternative. If you do use earbuds, make sure the volume is low.

JSC's ENT Department to See Patients Only at their Franklin Road Office

January 03, 2013

Effective January 1st, 2013, the Jefferson Surgical Clinic ENT doctors will no longer be seeing patients at the Braeburn Drive location. All future appointments with Drs. Harter, Zachmann and Lenkowski will be at their 1234 Franklin Road S.W. office in Roanoke. ENT patient files and paperwork will automatically be transferred.

Jefferson Surgical's Braeburn office will continue to see neurosurgery and spine surgery patients.

If you have questions regarding the ENT department, please contact us.

Meningitis Epidural Statement

October 04, 2012

Jefferson Surgical Clinic is aware of the recent CDC and VDH reports of Aspergillus Meningitis cases associated with epidural spinal injections using Methylprednisolone acetate. JSC's Interventional Center does not use this drug in the administration of spine injections.

Jefferson Surgical Clinic and our associated physicians use the FDA approved drug Kenalog for all spinal injections administered at The Interventional Center.

Jefferson Surgical Clinic takes pride in offering the safest, most updated and effective treatments available. If you have further questions or have specific concerns regarding the Aspergillus Meningitis situation, please contact the Virginia Department of Health – Roanoke District at 540.283.5050.

Adolescent Hearing Loss

September 24, 2012

It’s a good thing that hearing aid technology is developing too. Because of loud music and machinery, more people need hearing aids at a younger age than ever before. And since hearing loss is also a common birth defect – about 12,000 babies are born with hearing defects each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – it’s important to evaluate your child’s hearing at an early age.

Have your child’s hearing professionally evaluated at regular doctor’s appointments, or make an appointment with an audiologist about once a year until he or she turns ten, and then once every other year until the age of eighteen.