2022 HEALTH AND MEDICAL GUIDE
SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY EDITION complimentary copy
Celebrating 50 YEARS OF
SEEING PATIENTS Since 1972, our trusted team of doctors have provided advanced eye care & surgery to help you see your best. • Cataract Surgery
• Diabetic Eye Disease
• Macular Degeneration
• Corneal Disease
• Glaucoma
• Retina Disorders
• Eye Emergencies
• LASIK Surgery
• Routine Eye Care
CHESTER COUNTY
EYE CARE 2 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
SCHEDULE YOUR EYE EXAM: (610) 696-1230 CHESTERCOUNTYEYECARE.COM
2022 MEDICAL GUIDE • 3
Carty Eye Associates M E D I C A L S TA F F F O R 2 0 2 2 Sagun Pendse, M.D. is our new eye surgeon and is now accepting patients. Dr Pendse has over 15 years of experience as an eye surgeon. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania and from Temple University Medical School, he completed his ophthalmology training at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia where he was a co-chief resident his Ànal year. He provides comprehensive eye care, including Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery as well as intraocular lens implants that correct astigmatism (Eyhance Toric), and correct both distance and near vision (Symfony, Vivity, and Pan Optic Multifocal lenses). Dr. Pendse also performs laser refractive surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. He operates at Wills Eye Main Line Surgery Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA and occasionally in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr Carty sees all patients post-operatively. Additionally, Dr Pendse is a clinical instructor at Wills Eye Hospital where he trains physicians how to perform cataract surgery.
Our Jennersville office will always remain open regardless of the status of Jennersville Hospital. We recommend that all concerned citizens contact Governor Wolf and your local representatives to request that a full time Emergency Room be open and available to residents in this area in the event of an emergency, as the closest alternative Hospital Emergency Rooms are too far away in an urgent situation.
Joshua Greene, M.D. is a retinal specialist and vitreoretinal surgeon who provides laser and surgical eye care for diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein and artery occlusions, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachments, retinal holes, macular pucker and epiretinal membranes. He performs intraocular injections of Lucentis, Eylea and Ozurdex and offers all current treatment for macular degeneration and retinal disease of the eye at our West Grove OfÀce as well as our Bryn Mawr location. Dr. Greene is on the retina service at the Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia.
James Carty, Jr., MD is a specialist in cataract surgery. He has performed more than 20,000 ophthalmologic surgical procedures in his career. He continues to perform secondary cataract procedures (Yag laser) and glaucoma laser procedures (SLT). David Densmore O.D., is an optometrist who provides full scope ocular care. He has been practicing with Carty Eye for over 20 years. In addition to providing prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, Dr. Densmore manages chronic eye conditions such as dry eye, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and the development of cataracts. His patients appreciate his thorough and straightforward approach to eye care.
Carty Eye Associates is located in Suite 211 of the Southern Chester County Medical Building on the campus of the Jennersville Tower Health Hospital in Jennersville, PA. It is open 5 days a week. Our other ofÀce is located in Suite 100, 830 Old Lancaster Road on the campus of the Bryn Mawr Hospital in Bryn Mawr, PA. It is open 6 days a week. You may reach us by phone at the Jennersville ofÀce at 610-869-0200 or the Bryn Mawr ofÀce at 610-527-0990. We look forward to providing you and your family’s eye care needs.
Jennersville | 610-869-0200
Bryn Mawr | 610-527-0990
Ste 211 | SCC Medical Ofſce Building at Jennersville Regional Hospital
Ste 100 | Bryn Mawr Medical Building North at Bryn Mawr Hospital
ADVERTISING DIRECTORY Directory
Occupation/Business
Page
Alfieri Cardiology ................................................... Cardiology ................................................ 25,35 Brandywine Urology ............................................... Urology ........................................................... 3 Carty Eye Associates ............................................. Eye Care ...................................................... 4,5 Chester County Eye Care ....................................... Eye Care ......................................................... 2 Delaware Opthalmology ......................................... Eye Care ....................................................... 31 DOS ....................................................................... Orthopaedics ............................................ 38,39 Harvest Market ...................................................... Nutrition/Wellness..................................... 22,23 Home Smart .......................................................... Home Solutions ......................................... 27,29 Jennersville Family Dentistry................................ Dentistry ......................................................... 7 Jenny Chen Family Dentistry ................................ Dentistry ....................................................... 15 Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry ................. Dentistry ......................................................... 9 KVIS & Coe ............................................................ Insurance ...................................................... 43 LaCommunidad...................................................... Health Center ................................................ 21 Lehigh Valley ......................................................... Hospital ........................................................ 17 Newark Urgent Care ............................................... Emergency Care ............................................. 19 Penn Medicine/Chester County Hospital ............... Hospital .............................................. 10.11.44 Premier Orthopaedics ............................................ Orthopaedics ................................................. 37 R&D....................................................................... Air Quality Solutions ....................................... 33 Rolling Hills........................................................... Rehabilitation Center ...................................... 36 Center for Advanced Eye Care ............................... Eye Care ....................................................... 41 The Summit .......................................................... Retirement Community .................................... 13 Webster Dermatology ............................................. Dermatology .................................................. 18 6 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
OCCUPATION DIRECTORY 2022 HEALTH & MEDICAL GUIDE is published annually by the Chester County Press, P.O. Box 150, Kelton, PA 19346. For more information please call 610-869-5553. Cover photo courtesy Cover design by Tricia Hoadley
Occupation/Business
Page
Air Quality Solutions ............................. 33 Cardiovascular Services ................... 25,35 Dentistry........................................ 7,9,15 Dermatology ......................................... 18 Eye Care ............................... 2,4,5,31,41 Emergency Care ................................... 19 Health Center ....................................... 21 Home Solutions ............................... 27,29 Hospital ................................ 10,11,17,44 Insurance............................................. 43 Nutrition/Wellness ........................... 22,23 Orthopaedics .............................. 37,38,39 Rehabilitation Center ............................. 36 Retirement Community .......................... 13 Urology .................................................. 3
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Consider Cardio Cardiovascular routines aren’t just helpful for our hearts and lungs. They are also beneficial to our minds, give us more energy, help us manage our weight and reduce the symptoms of 8 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
depression and anxiety. The key is starting small, with an exercise regimen that makes sense for your level, allotted time and age. You can always build in additional activity for later, once you’ve become more experienced with the cardio routine.
THE BENEFITS Cardio is best understood through four essential categories: endurance, balance, strength and flexibility. Beyond feeling better, there are specific health advantages associated with these exercises, including improved blood pressure and diabetes numbers,
better lipid profiles, and healthier outcomes for those suffering from osteoporosis or neurocognitive issues. MIX IT UP Switch out the types of movements and which day you do them. Incorporate a blend of strength training, aerobic activities and movement like walking or
running. Efficient regimens with lots of variety can have a direct impact on our health, our moods, our energy levels and, down the road, our morbidity timeline. MAKE IT SOCIAL Walking is perhaps the easiest way to make cardiovascular improvements; it’s also one of the best exercise routines to do socially. Those who
walk with others have far more accountability, tending to stick with exercise since others depend on their participation. We experience direct social benefits too, since fellowship helps with emotional well being, combats depression and loneliness, and supports general mental health. MAKE IT FUN Every-day routines can become boring over time,
so don’t forget to have some fun. Listen to your favorite songs; consider taking part in one of the more dance-focused programs that improve cardio health. Treat yourself to gadgets, workout clothes or useful equipment like a stationary exercise machine when you reach a new milestone. Invite friends, family, children or co-workers along; they’ll lighten the mood.
YOUR DAILY ROUTINE Whether you join a gym, or simply exercise at home, give yourself a dedicated period of exercise. And if you find you’re still too busy to carve out time? Consider expanding routine activities that can bolster wellness: Park further away at the grocery store. Go faster — or stay out longer — when you’re walking the dog. Forget the cart and carry your bags, if you can.
2022 MEDICAL GUIDE • 9
Treating High Blood Pressure High blood pressure impacts millions of people every day, creating the need for a network of health care professionals, treatments, prescriptive remedies and therapies. Ultimately, however, you play the biggest role. Here’s a look at the risk factors that lead to this increasingly common health issue, and what you can do to combat it. YOUR HEALTH Maintain your weight. Pay attention to the doctor’s recommendations when it comes to your body mass index, or BMI. This determines if a person is in a healthy weight range. If not, they join millions of other overweight and obese patients who are at risk for heart disease. Avoid smoking. If you already do, talk to your physician about quitting, since cigarette smoking is also risk factor in heart disease. Encourage others to stop smoking, too. YOUR DIET Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, since your diet can play such a huge role in high blood pressure. Don’t add salt; there’s already lots of it in the foods we eat. Look for foods that are low 12 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
in saturated and trans fats, and watch your cholesterol. Exercise, if only just for a few minutes each day. The recommendation from the surgeon general is at least 30 minutes on most days, but any regular activity can help you lower your blood pressure; it can help you maintain weight, too.
stores between doctor’s visits. Also, watch your cholesterol and glucose numbers. Cholesterol should be checked by a simple blood test at least once every five years. Discuss monitoring glucose with your physician, especially if you have diabetes.
YOUR NUMBERS Keep a close eye on your blood-pressure levels. Buy an at-home monitor, and take your reading at local pharmacies and grocery
YOUR NEXT MOVE Talk to your doctor, and be honest about where you are with heart wellness — including habits that put you at risk. They’ll discuss
diet and exercise tips that are shaped by your specific medical and family history. Consider widening your care-giving team beyond your general practitioner. A multi-faceted approach that also includes a pharmacist, nurse, dietitian and/or a community health worker can help you manage risk factors from a variety of critical angles. Keep a journal, so you can better monitor blood-pressure numbers, medication schedules and future appointments.
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The Benefits of Giving Blood Superheroes walk among us, but you won’t find them in capes or masks. Instead, they donate life-saving blood to help others. According to the American Red Cross, a single blood contribution can save as many as three lives. Donations are allowed five times a year, meaning you could potentially end up impacting hundreds and hundreds of people over the course of your lifetime. Here’s more information on how to become a super hero, too. INSIDE THE NUMBERS You might not know, but blood donations are 14 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
seasonal. The numbers plummet during the busy travel season each summer; inclement weather plays a role, too. But even on sunny spring days, fewer than 10 percent of those who are eligible actually donate blood, according to the American Red Cross. The non-profit conducts more than 200,000 annual blood drives in an effort to combat this critical shortfall. Some 80 percent of their donations come from mobile sites set up in local communities. The Red Cross provides blood to some 2,700 hospitals across America. WHY YOU SHOULD Depending on your blood type, you might be providing a critical resource
for patients who don’t have ready access to a badly needed transfusion. (For instance, only seven percent of Americans are O-negative, the so-called universal blood type that can be used by anyone.) In times of crisis, these donations are particularly important. Medical institutions can be overwhelmed by patient emergencies or surgery-related infusions, requiring a large amount of donor blood. But blood is actually always needed. If you don’t know your type, helpful technicians at your hometown blood bank can provide a test. BUILDING TRUST Hospitals, blood banks and organizations like the
Red Cross take precautions when collecting, processing, testing and distributing blood. This ensures your good health through the procedure, but also the safety and effectiveness of the donation once it arrives. Blood is comprehensively analyzed in labs to establish a definitive type, since they can’t be mixed, but also to check for infectious diseases. Provided information is kept strictly confidential; none of it can be released without your permission, unless directed by a judge. So whether you’re giving blood at in the offices of an area health-care provider or at a Red Cross mobile drive, you can be confident in the process.
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Self-Control While Dining Out It’s far easier to eat healthy foods and practice portion control in your own kitchen, but less so in an office setting when everyone is heading out to the hot new lunch spot. You are bound to be starting a new diet just as someone brings in a dozen donuts to brighten up a Monday or a huge cake to celebrate a co-worker’s birthday. The good news is there are steps you can take to get a better handle on what you should — and shouldn’t — eat when you’re away from home. BEFORE YOU EAT We’re all tempted by sugary or fatty foods with little nutritional value, but it’s far worse if you arrive with an empty stomach. Drink a cup of water or eat something healthy like a small apple before dining out. Portion control is easier when you’re not starving. Stick to the first part of any restaurant menu — the appetizers, small plates and salads. The deeper you go, the larger the portions. (Worse: You’ll eventually land on the desserts!) Pay attention to the calorie counts included on most menus nowadays. 16 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
Consider making a pact with someone else to split a meal at the restaurant, or to order something smaller and more nutritional. It’s always easier when you have someone on your team. WHILE YOU’RE EATING Make conversation. You can’t eat when you’re talking. Take smaller bites while you are eating, and thoroughly chew your food. It takes time for a message
of fullness to travel from your stomach to your brain, and this gives the body a chance to catch up. If the portions are unavoidably large, offer to share your order with a nearby colleague. If no one will take you up on the offer, commit to taking some of it home to eat another time. AFTER YOU EAT If it’s possible, tell everyone that you are walking back to the office,
rather than riding. Postmeal exercise helps work off some of your just-ingested lunch, while also increasing general wellness. When you get back, skip the elevator for the stairs. This kind of cardio can help burn even more calories, instead of converting them to fat. Avoid desserts or snacking, two every-day hazards in any workplace. Revert to drinking water. It helps with food digestion and can suppress your appetite.
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What is Self Care? We’ve all heard that we need to engage in self care to cope with the stresses of the COVID19 pandemic. But what does that mean? The pandemic has been stressful enough, but add in a national reckoning with race issues and a contentious election season and it’s easy to see how it would be important for us to tend to our mental, emotional and spiritual needs. “Practicing self care has often meant buying products and experiences to facilitate comfort and happiness,” writes WellandGood.com, “but with rates of loneliness and a number of other mental-health concerns surging, the pandemic has forced us to expand our understanding of what it means to effectively fill our own cup and heal with the help of both commodities and community.” That means that self-care no longer means just treating yourself to a bubble bath and a glass of wine, or buying a fancy new massage chair. Self-care during a pandemic also means finding ways to feel connected, even if opportunities to connect in person aren’t available. Here are some ways to stay connected and take care of yourself during the pandemic. Nurture Friendships Set up a weekly or monthly
video call to connect with a core group of friends. Attend virtual religious services as often as possible. Reconnect with a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. If you’re interested in making new friends, visit Meetup.com to find others in your area with similar interests and participate in virtual events. Start a journal Journaling can help with mental health by helping you manage anxiety, reduce stress and cope with depression, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Journaling allows you to prioritize problems, fears and concerns; help track symptoms to help you recognize triggers and to better control them; and provide an opportunity for positive selftalk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors. Consider some of these topics from Premier Health to get you started. • Name 10 things for which you are grateful. • Make a list of short-term goals. • Write down 10 words to describe yourself. • Name internal and external resources you have to help you through the pandemic. • Share something that has made you proud or happy in the past two weeks. • Write about current challenges in your life.
• Make a list of everything you’d like to say “no” to.
cleaning out your garage or basement.
Stay Active Taking a walk outdoors is a great way to get exercise and give your mental health a boost. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. That’s 30 minutes a day, five days a week. You could also get some exercise and declutter your living space by spending a day
Prioritize Sleep Getting enough sleep can seem like a luxury that’s hard to come by with busy schedules of commuting, work and family responsibilities. Making sleep a priority can have big benefits for your physical and mental health. In fact, some parts of our body’s immune response happen only during sleep, according to EverydayHealth. com. Make time for sleep and enjoy the many benefits.
2022 MEDICAL GUIDE • 19
Diet and Your Teeth When you think of food and oral health, brushing and flossing always come to mind. But what’s in the food itself can play a significant role, too. Obviously, food and drinks with high sugar content increase our chances of suffering from gum disease and tooth decay. But there are other dietary tips that can help us all to better oral health. Check out this list of food impacts before making the next grocery list. PLAN A HEALTHY DIET Consider eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein like chicken or fish. Try to avoid snacking, and not just because of the empty calories. Well-balanced meals help with saliva production, deemed the mouth’s first line of defense by the American Dental Association. SALIVA’S ROLE Saliva helps wash leftover food from our teeth and mouth, and dilutes acids found in food and drinks that can impact our dental health. More saliva is released while eating a full meal than with a quick snack. Also, make sure 20 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
you drink plenty of water through the course of the day. This helps balance our any bouts with dry mouth when the supply of saliva runs low. HOW YOU’RE IMPACTED Having poor dental hygiene can lead to gingivitis; hardened tartar creates gum inflammation. Periodontal disease is particularly dangerous for those who are or want to become pregnant, since they are far more likely to deliver babies either very
early or at a low birth weight. Both issues can have longterm health issues for the child. Regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings can help stave off the effects of periodontal disease, which infects the pockets around the roots of our teeth. The gums then pull away from the tooth, causing them to loosen and fall out. But what you eat can have a notable impact, as well. WHAT TO EAT Diet plays a key role in avoiding periodontal
disease, a serious issue with the gums that can lead to the loss of your teeth. Foods with vitamin A, like leafy vegetables, eggs and broccoli, help bolster oral wellness. Eating things with lots of vitamin C, including many fruits and vegetables, can also have a positive impact. Studies show that the antioxidant melatonin — found in cereals, but also available as a supplement — is also beneficial for those hoping to improve their periodontal health.
Avoid Common Injuries at Home A uncomfortably large range of injuries can happen outside of our direct control, including car accidents and medical malpractice. At the same time, however, we all are subject to entirely avoidable, much smaller accidents at home. Who hasn’t carelessly stumbled over something in their own living room? That’s why slips and falls consistently rank among the most common injuries. Here are some ideas on how stay safer while staying home. WHAT HAPPENS THE MOST According to experts, the most common injuries include dog bites, car crashes, health-care mistakes, slips and falls, and assaults and batteries. Negligent doctors, petty criminals and bad drivers are held accountable in a court of law. In some cases, landlords or property owners may be responsible for a loose board on an exterior stairway, or an unleashed dog. But we’re typically to blame for the rest 24 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
of these common injuries, as we’re so often injured while thoughtlessly going about our every-day lives. The average tumbles tend to be more embarrassing than necessarily hurtful, but they can also be quite serious. SAFETY AT HOME Your home is your castle; it’s also ground zero for slips and falls. Because most of them occur there, try to remove as many tripping hazards as possible. Most houses are designed to fit the needs of a young, healthy adult.
So, this is especially critical if you are older, prone to mishaps, or part of a larger family — and, in particular, if there are small children. Kids can be an X factor, leaving behind toys, shoes or other things that can trip a passerby. Those items are particularly hazardous if you, your friends or your family members are seniors, or suffer from a disability or chronic illness. TOP TIPS The average home can be made safer at a very reasonable price. Place non-slip rugs in areas
where falls may happen near doorways or halls. (“Non-slip” is the key word: Area and throw rugs can buckle, catching your feet.) Pay attention to increasing balance issues relating to aging, medical conditions or an emerging illness. Almost all hip fractures are caused by a fall; they’re also the most common cause of a traumatic brain injury. Consider storage options for children’s things. Install rubber mats and handrails in the bathtub or shower. Add more lighting, since we rely so much on our vision for balance.
2022 MEDICAL GUIDE • 25
Maintaining Healthy Vision Changes to our eyes can happen so gradually that they are difficult to notice. These changes can have a huge impact on our lives, impacting our ability to enjoy reading or watching television. If these issues continue to worsen, mobility can be limited. In worst-case scenarios, vision is completely lost. There are options to help, however, as you work at maintaining healthy vision. KNOW YOUR HISTORY The best way to predict what might happen with your well being is to understand the challenges family members have faced. Talk about their eye health, in particular if anyone you are related to has been diagnosed with a serious condition or disease. Many of these issues are hereditary, and that will provide a roadmap for health-care decisions down the road. Those at higher risk, for instance, might be scheduled more regular exams. OUTSIDE FACTORS Eye health is also impacted by what we eat, and what we weigh. Eating vegetables and fruit — in particular dark leafy greens like spinach, greens and 26 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
kale — is good for your eyes. So is eating fish high in fatty acids, like tuna, salmon and halibut. Don’t smoke, or quit as soon as you can. That can make you susceptible to a range of conditions which might lead to blindness. Being overweight increases your risk of diabetes, and that can also threaten your vision. REGULAR EXAMS Even if you think your sight is fine, schedule a regular comprehensive exam where your eyes are
dilated and then evaluated. Most people assume that these exams are simply the pathway to seeing better through prescription eye glasses or contact lenses. But doctors are also on the look out for common diseases of the eye such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, as well as age-related issues like macular degeneration. In some cases, these issues don’t present clear warning signs to the average person. An eye-care professional can catch them in their
early stages, when options are less limited. WHAT HAPPENS? In a comprehensive eye exam, the doctor or his professionally trained assistant places special drops in your eyes that widen — or dilate — the pupil. This allows more light to enter the eye, while also giving a broader field of view for the doctor. They’ll examine the eyes for early signs of disease or damage, and help you develop a care plan.
2022 MEDICAL GUIDE • 27
Workplace Health Programs If your workplace offers health programs to employees, it is wise to take advantage of them. Benefits These programs can lead to change at both the individual and the organization levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They can increase healthy behaviors, reduce risks for disease and improve current health among employees. For employers, these programs can benefit employee morale, reduce health care costs and increase productivity and retention. Workplace health programs might include health education classes; discounted or free access to fitness facilities; health insurance coverage for preventive screenings; a healthy work environment through initiatives such as smoke-free campuses, availability of healthy foods and safe working areas, according to the CDC. Types of Programs Here are more examples of more workplace health programs and how you can benefit. You might not realize your employer offers such programs, so do your research and see what’s available to you. 28 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
Onsite fitness center. RisePeople.com calls an on-site fitness center the “granddaddy of all corporate wellness program examples.” Not only will you save time by not having to commute separately to a gym, but you might be more likely to squeeze in a workout when it’s more convenient. Exercise programs. You might get a discount for certain exercise programs, such as Jazzercise, or classes might even be offered on-site.
Smoking cessation. These programs might include lifestyle coaching and counseling on prescription smoking cessation medications. Stress reduction. Counseling and education about stress can help you get started on a path to eliminating stress at work and home. Weight loss or nutritional counseling. If you’re looking to lose weight or address health issues through diet, these types of services can help you get started.
Health screenings and health risk assessments. These offerings can help you catch health conditions early or reduce your risk for developing new conditions. Rewards or incentives. Some employers offer rewards or incentives in exchange for utilizing workplace health programs. They could include cash incentives, discounts on your health plan premiums or the ability to earn points that can be redeemed for health-related products or services.
2022 MEDICAL GUIDE • 29
Silent Heart Attack We tend to think of a heart attack as something that comes on suddenly with unmistakable symptoms. While that is often the case, heart attacks also can arrive with milder symptoms that might be mistaken for other ailments, or simply chalked up to again. A heart attack can even occur without you ever knowing you’ve experienced one. This is called a silent heart attack and is more common among men. Typical Symptoms The most common symptoms of a heart attack are sudden chest pain or discomfort; feeling weak, light-headed or faint; pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back; pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders; and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Women are more likely than men to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and back or jaw pain, according to the American Heart Association. 30 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
Silent Heart Attack Basics Harvard Medical School points out that about half of heart attacks are mistaken for a less serious condition. Silent heart attacks account for 45% of heart attacks and strike men more than women. The symptoms lack the intensity of a classic heart attack and can be attributed to overwork, poor sleep or an agerelated ache or pain. The symptoms “can feel so mild, and be so brief, they often get confused for regular dis-comfort or another
less serious problem, and thus men ignore them,” Dr. Jorge Plutzky, director of the vascular disease prevention program at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, told Harvard Medical School. The fact that the patient has suffered a heart attack might not be discovered until they receive medical treatment later to address symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath or heartburn. The following symptoms could indicate you are suffering a heart attack,
even in the absence of severe chest pain, according to Harvard Medical School. • Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts several minutes, or goes away and comes back. It can feel like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, or pain. • Discomfort in other upper-body areas, such as one or both arms, the back, the neck, the jaw, or the stomach. • Shortness of breath before or during chest discomfort. • Breaking out in a cold sweat, or feeling nauseated or lightheaded.
2022 MEDICAL GUIDE • 31
Can You Boost Immunity? With the COVID-19 pandemic has come increased interest in boosting our immune systems. Advertisements for products that claim to boost your immune system are everywhere. But is there any truth to the claims that you can, in fact, increase your body’s immune functioning? According to Harvard Medical School, boosting our immune system is not a straightforward task, because of the complexity of the system. In fact, it warns, “For now, there are no scientifically proven direct links between lifestyle and enhanced immune function.” Overall Health is Important The best you can do, writes Harvard Medical School, is to keep your entire body healthy by making healthy lifestyle choices. That includes the following: • Don’t smoke. • Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. • Exercise regularly. • Maintain a healthy weight. • Drink alcohol only in moderation. • Get adequate sleep. • Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing 32 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly. • Try to minimize stress. • Keep current with all recommended vaccines. Vaccines prime your immune system to fight off infections before they take hold in your body. Immunity is Big Business In 2019, Fortune Business Insights said immunity supplements were a $16.32 billion industry. Supplements, probiotics
and virtually all kinds of health products claim to have benefits for immunity. Given the lack of research on the topic, however, you should look at these products with skepticism. The exception is among the elderly, who are prone to a condition called micronutrient malnutrition, in which the body is deficient in essential vitamins and minerals, which can impact immunity. Harvard Medical School recommends older people speak with their
doctor about this issue and whether they need dietary supplements. Probiotics do have a role in supporting the balance of bacteria in our guts, where research shows microbes help support our immune system. If those bacteria become imbalanced, probiotics can help restore balance. Too much of a good thing, however, can cause diarrhea and other health issues. Talk to your doctor before starting probiotics.
2022 MEDICAL GUIDE • 33
The Benefits of Swimming When you were a child, you may have loved swimming. Whether in a backyard pool or in an ocean or lake, there was no getting you to stop splashing around, and you may also have been on a town or school swim team, doing laps on a regular basis in practice and revving into high gear for a swim meet.
Now that you’re an adult and most likely not on a competitive swim schedule -nor is it likely that you have a summer with only leisure time -- it may be time to get back into the pool and start swimming laps again. Swimming has numerous health and fitness benefits, especially as you age, so the fun of the backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle can now add a fresh kick to your exercise regimen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimming is the fourth-most popular sports
activity in the United States, a top way to get regular aerobic exercise. The CDC reports that just 2 1/2 hours of swimming per week can help
decrease the risk of chronic illness. “Swimmers,” says the CDC, “have about half the risk of death compared with inactive people.”
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Swimming laps is a lowimpact aerobic exercise that works out your heart and puts minimal stress on joints while building endurance and helping to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus, the resistance of the water (12 to 14 percent more resistance than air) forces your body to work harder, toning biceps, triceps and back, chest, stomach and leg muscles for all-over toning benefits. Exercising in the water has several benefits over exercising on land. When
you swim, says the United States Water Fitness Association, 90 percent of your body is buoyant in the water, “so you are not hitting the floor as hard as you would on land. No pounding or jarring!” Flexibility improves; circulation increases; bone strength stays strong (important for post-menopausal women!); endurance grows; and you get the confidence charge of beating your prior lap times as you continue your swimming regimen. Also, the cooling effect of water disperses your
body heat more effectively, which can make exercising more comfortable than you would be on land in a hot gym or workout room. Additional benefits of swimming include: • Fitness. A swimming regimen can help strengthen your body and, of course, provides a great cardiovascular workout, provided you’re swimming at a good pace and not just gliding or floating. • Therapeutic effects. If you’ve had a back or other
bodily injury, your doctor may suggest swimming as a low-impact workout to help keep you in shape and help rehabilitate your injured body parts. • Stress release. Fitness overall creates calming hormones and is a smart element of a wellness plan. And when you’re swimming, you can forget about work, home and money pressures in your daily life. You may have heard that swimming doesn’t burn many calories compared with Continued on Page 36
2022 MEDICAL GUIDE • 35
Continued from Page 35
running, biking and other exercises. But at a brisk pace, you can often burn the same number of calories as you do with a brisk walk, a medium-level intensity aerobics class or a slow run. Everything you do for your health adds up. You’ll find online calculators projecting how many calories you’ll burn doing specific kinds of exercises, but keep in mind that calculators aren’t always accurate, and the number of calories you burn depends on your weight and gender and
clearly beneath the water, their lack of coordination isn’t noticed! • Water toning. If you use floatable hand weights and other in-water fitness equipment, muscles get strengthened and firmed. • Flexibility classes. In-water classes led by a trained and licensed instructor can help you improve your flexibility, important as you age, and also help you heal from injuries. • Water yoga. Relaxing yoga classes are now offered in the pool.
the intensity and duration of your workouts. In addition to lap swimming, you can add on benefits, such as toning and relaxation, with several in-water workouts, including: • Water walking. Moving forward, backward or sideward to work your muscles differently. • Water aerobics. If your knees can’t take on-land aerobics, do these fun exercises in water. Water’s buoyancy makes them easier. And some people claim that if no one can see their feet
• Water running. Flotation devices are used to lift you, and you can make running movements with your legs to get in a run without any jarring impact on your legs, knees, feet, hips or back. Consider pairing your lap swimming with one or more of the above in-water exercises to keep your interest level high, add variety to your workouts and keep your enthusiasm up, and keep a journal of your lap times and other fitness goals to further motivate you toward better health.
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Ask Your Pharmacist Your pharmacist is a health care professional who can play an important role in your health if you understand his role. ExploreHealthCareCareers.org says pharmacists 40 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
are, “medication experts and play a critical role in helping people get the best results from their medications,” and calls them one of the most accessible health care professionals, with most people in the U.S. living within 2 miles of a pharmacy.
Training Pharmacists usually have a doctor of pharmacy degree, complete a oneor two-year on-the-job training period and must pass two licensing exams. They may choose to further specialize their career by becoming board certified
in a particular area, such as ambulatory care, psychiatric care, infectious diseases or oncology. The Role A pharmacist’s basic role is to check prescriptions before dispensing medication to patients, to be
sure a patient receives the correct drugs and dosage to ensure safety. Pharmacists keep patients’ allergies and other medications they are taking in mind, to be sure they won’t have an adverse reaction. They answer questions patients might have about drugs and any side effects they might experience. Most people are aware of
those parts of a pharmacist’s job, but did you know your pharmacist also may offer consultation services for the management of complex diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension or arthritis, or give general advice on diet, exercise, and managing stress? That’s according to an article in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology
& Research, which examined a pharmacist’s role in the health care field. Pharmacists also may educate other health care professionals such as physicians or nurses about pharmacology-related issues or medication management and contribute most in the campaign to stop the inappropriate use of antibiotics, habit-forming
and aphrodisiac drugs, according to the article. Pharmacists also listen to patients’ symptoms and recommend over-thecounter medications to help. Before you message your doctor about an overthe-counter medication, first consider asking your pharmacist. They probably will be able to offer the advice you need.
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COVID Hit Children’s Waistlines The COVID-19 pandemic led to weight gain among children, new research shows. Anyone with children who participated in e-learning at home noticed the increased trips to the pantry and refrigerator during the daytime hours by children. And while there is some data about how much weight adults gained during the pandemic, now it appears that research has borne out parent’s concerns about their children’s eating habits and lack of exercise opportunities during the pandemic. An August 2021 article in the Journal of American Medicine concluded that “Youths gained more weight during the COVID19 pandemic than before the pandemic.” The study looked at the health data of a racially and ethnically diverse group of Kaiser Permanente Southern California patients’ health records. They looked at body mass index measurements from before, during and after the pandemic. The authors wrote that the weight gain was most pronounced in younger children and, extrapolated out to the entire country, may signify an increase in 42 • 2022 MEDICAL GUIDE
childhood obesity in the U.S. “The greatest change in the distance from the median BMI for age occurred among 5- through 11-year-olds with an increased BMI of 1.57, compared with 0.91 among 12- through 15-year-olds and 0.48 among 16- through 17-year-olds,” wrote the study’s authors. They also found that the percentage of overweight or obese children increased 8.7% among 5- through 11-year-olds, 5.2% among 12- through 15-year-olds and 3.1% among 16- through 17-year-olds. The authors concluded that long-term obesity trends should be monitored and
interventions may be needed to address health issues created by the trend. Suzannah Stivison, a pediatric nurse practitioner in Kensington, Md., told NPR that when children lost the daily structure of their school and extracurricular activities, they began looking for a sense of control that many found in eating. “One of the ways that we regained a routine and a schedule within our families was most likely, for a lot of people, around meals,” she said. “Eating became something we could control. And it was it’s also something we use for comfort.” We know from previous
research that children gain more weight during the summer months than when they are in school, possibly because they don’t have access to organized sports and physical education, according to NPR. The pandemic seems to have brought on similar effects. The good news is that parents can have a positive impact on their children’s weight by modeling good habits, such as exercising and keeping healthier foods at home, Stivison told NPR. They also should see an uptick in more healthy behaviors when they get back into school and into their routines.
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