June 2016 - SWGA Health Beat by Albany Herald

JUNE 2016 #1 Health Magazine in Southwest Georgia

Firework Safety and Common Injuries

Everyday Steps to Sun Safety What is Sickle Cell and Who Gets It?

Look Inside for Dr. Oz!

Men: Stay Healthy at Any Age

From the Desk of the President

Erin Cannington, M.D. Allergy and Asthma Clinics of Georgia

El-Roy Dixon, M.D. Dixon Eye Care

Dr. Hans Chang Albany Diagnostics

James Palazzolo, M.D. Sleep Apnea Centers of America

Keisha Callins, M.D. Albany Area Primary Health Care

Kelly Miller, FNP-BC Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center

TIFTON ALBANY AMERICUS BAINBRIDGE SYLVESTER THOMASVILLE VALDOSTA CORDELE MOULTRIE AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Features 3

Collaborations Impact SWGA’s Physician Needs

Firework Safety

Everyday Steps to Sun Safety

What is Sickle Cell?

Happiness Can be Found

Men: Stay Healthy at Any Age

Boost Energy at the Office

EVENT CALENDAR Email upcoming events to: swgahealthbeat@gmail.com

June 2016

Each Wednesday Free Lung Cancer Screenings 8:00 am - 11:00 am Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center 919 S Broad St, Thomasville Our providers will offer free, low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer. Screenings are available to individuals ages 55–74 who are current smokers or who have quit smoking within the last 15 years. *Screenings by appointment only. Please call 229.584.5454 to schedule your appointment today.

June 14 Lunch and Learn: Lymphadema 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm SGMC Dining Rooms 1 & 2 2501 North Patterson Street, Pearlman Cancer Center invites all breast cancer survivors to a Lunch and Learn on Lymphedema. Stephanie Kurrie, DPT, ECS, CLT of Valdosta Physical Therapy will share information on Lymphedema. RSVP to Nicole Pearson by June 11th by calling (229)259-4616.

June 11 Lake Blackshear Loop the Lake 5K / 10K / Half Marathon 1-Mile Fun Run / Stroller Roll Saturday, June 11, 2016 Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club 2459-H U.S. Hwy 280 West, Cordele 770-633-5511 In its 10th year, Loop The Lake is organized by Dr. Edward Hellman and benefits GraceWay Recovery Residence. Tift Regional is one of the event’s sponsors. The scenic 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and one-mile course winds along the lake shore and through Georgia Veterans State Park. The event includes chip timing, a cook-out, race photos, T-shirts and awards. For more information, visit www.loopthelake.com, send an email to race@loopthelake.com or call 770-633-5511

June 14 Stroke and Head Injury Support Group 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Spring Country Club, TiftonPearlman Cancer Center Conference Room, 209 Pendleton Drive, Valdosta, GA You are not alone. Join us for a time of fellowship and refreshments with others who understand what you are going through. Recieve education from experienced professionals. For more information, please call 229-2594292. June 14 Breastfeeding Class 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm OB Classroom (2nd floor) Tift Regional Medical Center This class everything you need to know about breastfeeding including preparation, instruction and helpful tips. The class is held

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from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Registration is required. Please call 229-353-7605 or register below. Please include number of guests in the required field. June 25 Prepared Childbirth 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Meeting Room 3 (first floor at Tift Regional Medical Center) The Prepared Childbirth Classes will cover general topics relating to labor, delivery, and basic care of your baby. We do suggest that you bring a partner with you for class. Free of charge. Registration required. (229) 353-7605

Recurring Events Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group Third Tuesday each month | 3 pm at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center cafeteria private dining room Chair Yoga Sowega Council On Aging Wednesdays | 11 - 11:45 am at Senior Life Enrichment Center Call 435-6789 to register • FREE • Age 60+ Line Dancing Sowega Council On Aging Mondays | 11 am Advanced, Wednesdays | 3 pm at Senior Life enrichment Center Call 435-6789 to register • FREE • Age 60+

Why You Deserve a Good Night's Sleep Many family caregivers make their way through the day in a sleep-deprived haze. As they yawn repeatedly and guzzle coffee all day long, they may remember a time before caregiving, when they awoke refreshed and eager to greet the day after a night of restorative sleep. Wouldn’t it be nice to feel that way again? Caregivers can have trouble sleeping for a variety of reasons: • Frequently awakening to assist a loved one in the middle of the night • Worrying about issues like finances or their loved one’s health • Inadequate nutrition • Use of stimulants like caffeine to stay awake during the day • Lack of exercise due to time constraints • Feeling guilty for sleeping or napping when there’s so much work to be done

sleep as a priority, rather than a luxury, may be an important step in preventing a number of chronic medical conditions.” Here are three benefits you can reap by prioritizing sleep in your caregiving life. Sleeping can help you avoid weight gain Have you ever noticed how you seem to feel hungry all day after you’ve tossed and turned the night before? You may find yourself raiding the pantry in search of cookies or potato chips. And no matter how much you munch, you still might feel hungry. It’s not your imagination. Your appetite is controlled by hormones secreted by the body at night. When you sleep poorly, your appetite hormones get out of whack. This can lead you to feel you need to stuff yourself with chips and cookies even when you’re not

alert and possibly keep you from packing on the pounds. Sleeping can stave off the blues

Jack Hartley is the owner of JWH Service Partners, Inc. d.b.a. Home Instead Senior Care #585. Home Instead Senior Care provides seniors with Companionship, Light Housekeeping, Medication Reminders, Meal Preparation, Errands, Doctor Visits and more. For information go to www.homeinstead.com/585.

Tossing and turning night after night certainly can make you feel depressed. You might be able to cope with an occasional sleepless night, but who wouldn’t feel irritable, impatient or mentally exhausted when that single episode morphs into weeks of insomnia? This moodiness caused by poor sleep isn’t necessarily a temporary problem. Researchers are starting to correlate chronic sleep deprivation with longterm mood disorders like anxiety and depression. When you get a solid seven or eight hours of sleep on most nights, you may find yourself feeling more patient, calm and capable as you go through your day. You already make sacrifices to provide care for a loved one; your mood should not be among them. You deserve to nurture your mental well-being with regular restful sleep. Sleeping well may make you a safer driver

The Family Caregiver Alliance reports that nearly three-quarters of people who care for a family member with dementia experience problems sleeping. And while a good night’s rest can make you feel refreshed and happy, sleeping also might help you ward off a host of medical problems. Sleeping should not be viewed as an extravagant act. Quite to the contrary, sleep is necessary to your mental wellbeing and serves an essential health function. According to Harvard University, “Treating

legitimately hungry. This type of eating can cause you to gain weight, which saps your energy and might make you less able to perform your caregiving functions. In contrast, when you get an adequate amount of sleep you stand a better chance of getting through the day without craving junk food. When you’re well-rested, you can satisfy your hunger with foods like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These wholesome foods will give you energy, help you feel more

Picture this: You’re driving your loved one to a medical appointment. As you wait at a red light, you suddenly realize the driver behind you is honking. The light turned green, and you didn’t notice. Did you momentarily nod off? This very scenario plays out day after day among people who are sleep deprived. Studies show a lack of sleep leads to fatigue and inattention. In fact, the Institute of Medicine estimates 20 percent of all motor vehicle accidents can be attributed to drowsy driving. A good night’s sleep can help sharpen your motor skills and reflexes. After a restful night, you’ll not only feel more alert as you get behind the wheel, but you’ll likely be able to navigate traffic easier and

more safely. A few helpful tips for getting a good night’s sleep If you now feel inspired to make sleeping a higher priority, here are a few practical tips for how to get all the Zzzs you need: 1. Go to bed at the same time every night. 2. Rise at the same time every morning. 3. Avoid stimulants like caffeine. 4. Get some exercise, preferably in the fresh air, every day. 5. Make your bedroom an inviting and relaxing place by keeping the environment dark and cool. 6. If your caregiving duties require you to get up frequently during the night, arrange for respite care [https://www.homeinstead.com/ home-care-services] on a regular basis so you can get some uninterrupted sleep. Sleep should not be viewed as a luxury for anyone. The restorative functions of sleep make it one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Give yourself—and your loved ones—the gift of rest. It likely will make you a happier caregiver in the long run.

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Breast is Still Best: Why Your Milk Matters to Your Baby!!! Enlightenment Breastfeeding has amazing benefits for mom and baby. It is recommended that mothers breastfeed for at least 6 months. Infant formula was originally created to help babies when mothers were not available to provide breast milk, but has become the more common milk for babies. In all honesty, it may seem difficult to breastfeed for several reasons – it may hurt, not being sure how to do it well, not knowing if baby is getting enough, not having help to manage a household or other children, impact on sleeping patterns, need to get back to work, and lack of designated locations in the workplace or public areas to breastfeed. Education Although breastfeeding can be challenging, there are many short-term and even long-term benefits for mom and baby. Mothers can burn off calories picked up during pregnancy; have faster healing after delivery; and have stronger bones. Babies will be healthier; may have fewer

infections; and have less risk of obesity, chronic disease (e.g. diabetes), and cancer later in life. Empowerment Breast milk alone is preferred, but some milk is still better than no milk. Breast milk is all-natural and custom-made by your body for your baby, and cheaper than formula. If baby does not latch on well, you could still pump. Get a good breast pump and make a pumping plan that fits your schedule. If you are good at it, try to help someone else. Encouragement Please don’t be hard on yourself if breastfeeding is challenging, you are not alone. Keep trying and for the sake of your baby, don’t give up. Ask for help – talk with your doctor, midwife, pediatrician, or lactation consultant; there may be things you can do to help increase and maintain your milk supply. Give it your best efforts and give your baby the best milk life has to offer.

Quote Of The Month: “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it’s destination full of hope. “

~ Maya Angelou ~

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From the Desk of the President Collaborations impact Southwest Georgia’s physician needs

Joel Wernick, FACHE President Chief Executive Officer housing will soon be available. Good neighbors help each other and Phoebe is proud to partner with our friends in Moultrie as we both grow the next generation of doctors. With the guidance of Phoebe’s residency director, George Fredrick, MD, Colquitt Regional Medical Center was approved for a 9 resident rural family medicine track. Beginning this July, residents will train their first year in Albany at Phoebe and finish their last two years in Moultrie at Colquitt Regional Medical Center. We applaud the stewardship of Colquitt Regional’s leadership for making this long and lasting investment in physician manpower. One of the maxims the Phoebe Board adopted over 20 years ago when forming its family medicine residency was to produce high quality graduates. We are proud to boast Phoebe has the second highest board pass rate among the nine other programs in Georgia. Equally important, Phoebe’s family medicine residency program was recently approved to expand its program from 15 to 24 residents a year by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. This not only signifies an increase in improving access to care for citizens of this region, but also a significant boost to region’s economy as each new physician contributes over $1 million in job creation and purchased services Phoebe continues its relentless efforts to train future doctors to meet the ever-growing healthcare needs of Southwest Georgia. It is a matter of working together to train and retain the best primary care doctors in our communities, and Phoebe is proud to be a partner in this effort.

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Great collaborations are happening in Southwest Georgia! Phoebe is proud of its strong partnerships working together to address our region’s critical need for primary care physicians. Through collaborative training opportunities, we continue to focus on building an enduring foundation so our community has predictable access to primary care physicians. Indeed medical and health career education is one of the less well known community benefits of your local non-profit health system. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, a tremendous supporter of these collaborations, said it best at the recent groundbreaking for the Southwest Georgia Medical Student Housing Complex on Phoebe’s campus, “Rural healthcare is truly a tremendous crisis in our state. We celebrate, today, what will have a reaching impact across Southwest Georgia and beyond. This footprint will ensure that our goals for healthcare will become a reality.” He is spot on. One of the greatest predictors of health outcomes is the ratio of physicians to population. It’s also been proven: the more physicians we can bring to Southwest Georgia to train, the more we have stay in our area to meet the demands of an aging population. One recognized barrier to residency program selection in Southwest Georgia was temporary housing. From a signature gift of one million dollars through the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the project vision started becoming a reality. In addition, thanks to the many generous donors to the Phoebe Foundation including individuals; local businesses; phoebe volunteers and employees; and collective support of the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta University – Medical College of Georgia, Southwest Georgia Area Health Education Center, and the Georgia South Family Medicine Residency in Moultrie, student

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Fireworks Safety

With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals. Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first. If they're legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800°F (982°C) — hot enough to melt gold. • Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries. • Never try to make your own fireworks. • Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents. • Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest. • Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them

while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off. • Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year. • Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud. • Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time. • Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can. • Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don't flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention — your child's eyesight may depend on it. If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice). Call your doctor immediately. Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Take extra precautions this Fourth of July and your holiday will be a blast! Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD Date reviewed: July 2013

This information was provided by KidsHealth®, one of the largest resources online for medically reviewed health information written for parents, kids, and teens. For more articles like this, visit KidsHealth.org or TeensHealth.org. © 1995- 2016 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. All rights reserved.

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Everyday Steps to Sun Safety Article Courtesy of Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center

With summer time quickly approaching, most people like to be outdoors. The benefits come with a dangerous tradeoff. Each year more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the US. Whenever you’re outdoors, be smart about it. Everyday Steps to sun safety: Seek the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm, when the sun's rays are usually strongest. Do not burn. It only takes one sunburn to increase your risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer; suffering five or more sunburns doubles your lifetime risk. Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. A tan is never safe, whether you acquire it on the beach or in a salon. New sunlamps used in tanning salons emit UVR doses as much as 12 times that of the sun. Occasional indoor tanning bed use almost triples your chances of developing melanoma. In general, it is far safer to obtain vitamin D through D-rich foods and/or dietary supplements.

Cover up with clothing, broad-brimmed hat & UV blocking sunglasses. Clothing can be your most effective form of sun protection, particularly bright or dark colored fabrics. Hats with a brim of 3" or greater offer significant protection from the sun for the face. Sunglasses block 99-100% of the sun's UV rays shielding your eyes and the surrounding skin from skin cancer. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, daily. If used correctly, SPF 15 sunscreen would prevent sunburn 15 times longer than if the product weren't used. However, a high SPF alone is not enough. SPF measures protection against UVB, but not against the sun's deeply penetrating UVA rays, causing as much or even more damage. Always use SPF products with "broad spectrum" protection. Use sunscreen every day, year-round, in every kind of weather. • Sunlight reflects off snow, ice, sand and water, intensifying UVR effects by up to 80%. • Overcast days; 70-80% of

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UVR travel through clouds. • At high altitudes (mountains), the thinner atmosphere filters out less UVR. Examine your skin headto-toe once every month: • Start with your head and face. • Check hands (including nails), elbows, arms, underarms, torso and trunk. • Use a hand mirror and a full sized mirror to check your back, the back of your neck, and other hard-to-see places. • Check legs and feet, including soles, heels, toes, and nails. Look for skin changes of any kind. A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode or bleed or a sore that does not heal within two weeks could be signs of melanoma. How to check: o Asymmetry o Border is irregular o Color changes or appears pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black or multicolored o Diameter is bigger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser) o Evolves or changes in any way (change in texture, size, or thickness; appears after age 21)

See your dermatologist once a year for a professional skin exam Regular total-body checkups are the best way to make sure your skin is healthy and stays that way. Visit us online at GaDerm.com for to schedule your annual exam at the location nearest you. Taking great care of patients is what the Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center staff, led by a group of board certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeons, and highly trained assistants, most love to do. Georgia Dermatology's providers and staff are very experienced and handle each patient's condition with skill and professionalism. Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center specializes in general and surgical dermatology, the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin disorders including: skin cancer diagnosis, skin cancer removal, Mohs skin cancer surgery, skin exams, mole removal and treatment of psoriasis, eczema, acne, rashes, warts and other skin irritations.

Beat burnout; phthalates Q: My dad has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and my kids are 13 and 17 and struggling in school. On top of that, I used to love my job, but the company's been sold twice in five years, downsized at every turn, and I'm doing the work of three people. Sometimes I just want to get in my car and drive away. What's wrong with me? -Maria C., San Diego

DID YOU KNOW? COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

Many people opt for bottled water hoping to avoid the potential pathogens lurking inside of regular tap water. But consuming bottled water contributes to the ever-growing problem of discarded plastic bottles and other waste, and you may not be getting what you think when choosing bottled water over tap water. The National Resources Defense Council says sales of bottled water have tripled in the past 10 years to around $4 billion per year, fueled largely on the premise that bottled water comes from crystal-clean springs or untouched glaciers. According to U.S. government estimates and industry experts, as much as 40 percent of bottled water is derived from tap water. The NRDC says even one brand of "spring water" was found to come from a well in an industrial facility's parking lot near a hazardous waste dump. Also, many bottled waters are exempt from the Food and Drug Administrations bottled water standards because the FDA says its rules do not apply to water packaged and sold within the same state. When waters are covered and tested, they may be subject to weaker regulations than regular tap water. What's more, even if bottled water is thoroughly filtered, data suggests that plastic bottles could be putting your health at risk. According to the organization Ban the Bottle, water contained in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles can absorb chemicals from the plastic the longer the water is in storage. These include a chemical called antimony, a white metallic element that in small doses can cause nausea, dizziness and depression. In large doses, antimony can be fatal. Bottled water that is sitting in a hot area can leach the chemicals even faster.

A: Our guess is that you're suffering from burnout, an alltoo-common condition that combines physical and emotional exhaustion from handling ongoing -- and seemingly neverending -problems and depression. A new study of 1,386 teachers in New York City revealed that 10 percent of women and 7 percent of men registered that combo of mental exhaustion and signs of depression, such as not taking pleasure or interest in things you once enjoyed, like your job. And burnout takes a toll: It's associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, being overweight and diabetes. But Maria, don't despair. You can cool down your burnout and protect your health without running away from home! Try these techniques: Move it! Don't tell yourself you'll exercise tomorrow. Do it today. Take a 10-minute walk (heading for 30-60 minutes daily; after you've mastered that, go for 10,000 steps daily). It'll ease mild depression and counteract burnout's damage to your cardiovascular system. Practice mindfulness. In a University of Wisconsin study, many teachers who practiced mindful meditation prevented burnout. Draw a line between home and work. Getting texts from your kids while you're working and checking work email at home boosts burnout. Set aside 15 minutes after dinner to read office email, ask your kids to call/text you just once after school (unless there's an emergency), and no digital devices in the bedroom. Get help. There are eldercare organizations, support groups and visiting-nurse services that can help you manage your father's illness. Take advantage of them pronto -- it's good for Dad, too!

Q: I keep hearing about the damage certain chemicals in plastics can do to kids, and I don't know how to protect mine! Suggestions, please. -Jonda H., Tampa, Florida A: Exposure to phthalates and BPA/BPS in plastics is a problem. A report by Belgian researchers, delivered at the recent Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Boston, highlights how phthalates in tubing used to help manage the care of children in pediatric intensive-care units increased their blood levels of phthalates a whopping 18 times, putting those kids at an increased risk for ADHD. Premature infants also end up with higher blood levels of phthalates, and that may contribute to future health complications. Additional animal studies indicate that phthalates, as well as BPA/BPS, are associated with damage to the liver and reproductive system, and may contribute to cancer and other systemic problems. Plus, a study by the Milken Institute School of Public Health in Washington, D.C., found that folks who regularly ate fast food had up to 40 percent higher levels of metabolized phthalates in their blood than those who passed by the drive-thru. Grain (especially bread, cake, pizza, burritos) and meat were the two major sources. The chemical gets into the food through the production process and packaging at the restaurant. Now, you can't dodge all phthalates and BPA/BPS, but you can avoid nutritionally empty, overly processed fast foods. You also can buy products that come in glass, store your foods in glass and avoid taking receipts (they have BPA; wash your hands if you do handle them). When storing foods in plastic, make sure your containers are labeled with the recycling numbers 1, 2, 4 or 5; avoid 3, 6, 7. As for kids' toys, opt for all-natural products, and keep plastics out of baby's mouth. And remember: Your kids (and you) will thrive if you also focus on getting plenty of physical activity (60 minutes minimum daily), eating 5-9 servings of produce a day, and getting plenty of sleep.

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Study shows hydroxyurea as a viable option for some children who have sickle cell anemia NIH-supported work aimed at children at high risk of stroke A sickle cell anemia study has found that the drug hydroxyurea is as effective as blood transfusions in children to reduce blood flow velocities in the brain, which is a key risk factor for stroke. The findings appear in The Lancet and were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology. Some children living with sickle cell anemia are at increased risk of stroke. The degree of risk is measured using a technique called Transcranial Doppler, which can determine the velocity of blood in the brain. Children who have high Transcranial Doppler velocity measurements have increased risk for stroke. The current standard of care for children with sickle cell anemia who are at high risk of stroke is regular blood transfusions. The National Institutes of Health-supported study sought to answer whether daily administration of hydroxyurea was no worse than blood transfusions as a means of lowering the velocity of blood flow. The Transcranial Doppler with Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWiTCH) study was stopped early due to the early achievement of positive results in November 2014. Hydroxyurea is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat sickle cell anemia. Researchers supported by the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) studied 121 children and divided them into two groups: one that received transfusions and one that was transitioned from transfusions to daily doses of hydroxyurea. “We wanted to provide the medical community with another way to help treat children who are at the greatest risk of stroke,” said Russell Ware, MD, Ph.D., one of the study’s principal investigators at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Ohio. “While blood transfusions are an effective option, there are questions about the longterm consequences of regular transfusions. Now families and healthcare providers have an additional treatment option with

COURTESY OF WWW.NIH.GOV

hydroxyurea.” Part of the challenge is that children who receive regular blood transfusions must also be managed to avoid the danger of iron overload. Chelation, or iron-reduction, therapy is needed for those receiving transfusions. Researchers from 26 sites recruited children ranging in age from 4 to 16 years old. Those who participated in the TWiTCH study received treatment for a two-year period. The study authors indicated that the findings suggest that hydroxyurea could be effective at reducing risk of stroke, though this was not a primary goal of the study. “No child should ever have to face the prospect of suffering through a stroke,” said Gary H. Gibbons, MD, director of the NHLBI. “Our vision is that NHLBI’s research efforts will realize a stroke-free generation of children living with sickle cell anemia. Studies like this are vital for moving us toward this worthwhile goal.” ### Part of the National Institutes of Health, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) plans, conducts, and supports research related to the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases; and sleep disorders. The Institute also administers national health education campaigns on women and heart disease, healthy weight for children, and other topics. NHLBI press releases and other materials are available online at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov. About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov. NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health

Living With Sickle Cell Disease COURTESY OF WWW.NIH.GOV

If you or your child has sickle cell disease (SCD), you should learn as much as you can about the disease. Your health care providers are there to help you, and you should feel comfortable asking questions. Pursue a Healthy Lifestyle Like all people, you or your child should strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes: • A nourishing diet • Enough sleep • Regular physical activity

accommodate your child. Get Ongoing Care Make and keep regular appointments with your SCD doctor or medical team. These visits will help to reduce the number of acute problems that need immediate care. Avoid seeing your doctor only when you or your child has an urgent problem that needs care right away. Your SCD medical team can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life. Coping With Pain

People with SCD often tire easily, so be careful to pace yourself and to avoid very strenuous activities. Don’t smoke and try to avoid second-hand smoke. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation and drink extra water to avoid dehydration.

Every person experiences pain differently. Work with your doctor to develop a pain management plan that works for you. This often includes over-the-counter medicines, as well as stronger medicines that you get with a prescription.

Prevent and Control Complications

You may find other methods that help your pain, such as:

Avoid situations that may set off a crisis. Extreme heat or cold, as well as abrupt changes in temperature, are often triggers. When swimming, ease into the pool rather than jumping right in. Avoid overexertion and dehydration. Take time out to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not travel in an aircraft cabin that is unpressurized. Take your medicines as your doctor prescribes. Get any medical and lab tests or immunizations that your doctor orders. See a doctor right away if you have any of the following danger signs: • Fever • Stroke symptoms • Problems breathing • Symptoms of splenic enlargement • Sudden loss of vision • Symptoms of severe anemia If your child attends daycare, preschool, or school, speak to his or her teacher about the disease. Teachers need to know what to watch for and how to

• A heating pad • A warm bath • A massage • Physical therapy • Acupuncture • Distracting and relaxing activities, such as listening to music, talking on the phone, or watching TV Mental Health Living with SCD can be very stressful. At times, you may feel sad or depressed. Talk to your doctor or SCD medical team if you or your child is having any emotional problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child is feeling very depressed. Some people find counseling or antidepressant medicines helpful. You may find that speaking to a counselor or psychiatrist, or participating in a support group is helpful. When families and friends provide love and support to people with SCD, they can help to relieve stress and sadness. Let your loved ones know how you feel and what you need.

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Busting Acid Reflux Myths (BPT) - We're sitting too much and it's dangerous. The average American spends more than seven hours sitting every day, and the more time you sit, the higher your risk of serious, potentially life-threatening health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So, what can you do about it? Fortunately, there are simple changes you can make during the day - anywhere, even at the work place - to improve your wellness and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. As part of the American Diabetes Association's(R) Wellness Lives Here(SM) initiative, the Association encourages everyone to get active for National Get Fit Don't Sit Day(SM) with these 10 tips for the workplace and beyond.

Park a few blocks away from the office each morning and walk to work.

This allows you to start off your mornings energized and ready to take on the workday. If you take public transportation, get off one stop earlier to squeeze in some light exercise before 8 a.m.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Waiting for the elevator often takes just as long as walking up the stairs, so why not use this opportunity to get your heart rate up? Plus, you'll get the chance to work your leg muscles. Get up and move around the office once every 90 minutes. When you're nose-deep in work, it's easy to lose track of time. Set up reminders on your phone or email every 60-90 minutes to get up and do a quick lap around the office. You can use this time to fill up your water bottle, go to the bathroom or catch up with coworkers. Ask questions and discuss issues face-to-face. Rather than sending an email every time you have a question, go to your coworker's office to discuss the issue face-to-face. This gives you a good excuse to get moving and a chance to more effectively hash out solutions in person. Use your lunch break to

16 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | June 2016

move around outside. So many Americans today work through their lunch break. When possible, take advantage of this time to walk outside and soak in the nice weather. Fresh air and vitamin D are often all you need to stay focused and push through the afternoon slump. Stand up and stretch. If you don't have time to walk around the office every 90 minutes, use the opportunity to stand up and stretch instead. Stretching is a great way to increase energy levels, reduce muscle tension and get your body moving. Pace around the office during conference calls. Conference calls are the perfect time to be active. Put clients and coworkers on speaker, or use your mobile phone during meetings to move around without any trouble. Do chair exercises at your desk. You've been wanting to tone your arms for the summer - why

not achieve your goals at the office? When you need a break, do a few reps of chair sits. You can even alternate between chair exercises and push ups! Hold standing or walking meetings. Many coworkers will welcome the opportunity to stand and stretch their legs for a moment. If you have a two-person meeting, consider going for a walk. Fidget when you work. Small movements and quick exercise breaks add up, especially in a sedentary work place, so challenge yourself to stand, stretch or even tap a foot to bring motion into otherwise still parts of your day. Just remember to keep it professional! Making a point to move throughout the day puts you on the right track toward wellness. For more ideas on how to increase physical activity and maintain a healthy lifestyle, download the Association's etool kit today to incorporate the principles and activities of National Get Fit Don't Sit Day into the workday and beyond.

HAPPINESS CAN BE FOUND By Stephanie M. Freeman I have always been a very optimistic kind of person and I recommend this way of living to most anyone. A few days ago I had one of those days that tested my optimism, a day when if something was going to go wrong it went every way to get there. I spent the whole day working and training in the gym and ended it with a boot camp class that I have to admit was a half hearted class. When I was done I got to my car to make my drive home and I was overjoyed that I would have the silence to get my mind together from such a hectic day. When I got home I began doing my regular chores and as I headed off to bed I grabbed my computer to do some last minute work. Let me first say I have been working with a few different young girls in high school on their running. As I opened my email and was glancing through I noticed an email from one of the young ladies I have been working with saying she was sorry she would not be able to join our group for any more runs. She went on to say she appreciated all of our work but her boyfriend didn't feel comfortable with her doing this anymore. She then said she was sorry but she did't want to lose him and be alone so she wanted to spend more time with him. In that moment of reading this I stopped, took a breath and my heart sank to the floor. I sat there for a few more minutes in silence while contemplating exactly what I wanted to reply back to her. There was so much rolling through my mind to say from all the wisdom I have learned through my own life, but all I decided to respond was thank you and we will miss you but I did add at the end when times change please come back and join us. I've pondered and thought over this letter so much since I read it. I kept thinking to myself, this is a person who is truly interested and capable of running and learning more about this wonderful sport I could help. Then I had those thoughts of geezzz, how I was at 17 years of age. How having a boyfriend control every little thing I did was so cool to me, and how hearing wisdom like I wanted to give this child meant nothing to me at that time. I had to learn these things for myself, and I certainly did. I remembered days like this child was feeling, feeling so alone because the boyfriend never called or feeling like you had to do this or that because "he" said so...Then of course feeling like I must do this because she

ASK DOCTOR K HPV VACCINE IS VALUABLE FOR BOYS AS WELL AS GIRLS

Stephanie M. Freeman is a model, a runner, a trainer, and a brain injury survivor from here in the state of Georgia. She is the founder of the nonprofit brain trauma organization Share Your Strong with a sole mission to bring health and awareness to brain trauma, while encouraging and inspiring the lives of people going through this silent epidemic. She speaks and helps educate on this injury from 23 years of her own experience. She is a part of the Brain Injury Advisory Council with The Brain Injury Association of America.

is doing that and he thinks she is prettier than me.... Blah blah blahhhh All of the bonding I do with these younger ladies have helped me discover so much with life. Actually has helped me see so much of the mistakes I made with friends and family in my past. I was like a junkie for other peoples approval, permission, information, and maps for my own life's purpose, like I notice with a good bit of the younger generation I deal with. It was like I had hidden away passions, dreams, and desires in a closet for the certain person. Or allowed what people saw as "The right way to life" and "The right things to do" to actually be right for me, when it was all wrong. It took me spending time away and facing a fear that this child had in the letter I got, being alone. I simply had to declutter my life of people, places and even objects that gave me that negative non-optimistic vibe. Believe me when I say it is not an easy task but it can be done. To sum up this whole entry I will say a few pieces of wisdom I hand my ladies so often and it is this. Everyone is all worthy of happiness! I believe this and know deep in my soul that this is what everyone alive is looking for in life. But what I also know and know of complete truth is it cannot be found until you find and know yourself completely...

DEAR DOCTOR K: A friend says that my young son should get the vaccine that protects girls against cervical cancer. That doesn't seem to make sense. Can you explain? DEAR READER: Your friend is right, and here's why. The vaccine is against a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). There are more than 100 strains of HPV; about 40 of these strains can be transmitted by sexual contact. So-called low-risk strains cause genital warts. High-risk strains can cause cancers of the cervix, anus, penis and throat. I'll call these the HPV-related cancers. Not all of these cancers are caused only by HPV, but the virus is an important cause of each. Most cases of cervical cancer in women in the United States are caused by HPV. In other words, HPV can cause cancers in men, and can be passed by men to women through sex. So giving the vaccine to boys protects them when they become men, and protects women with whom they may have sex. HPV is very common. Most sexually active adults become infected with HPV before the age of 50 -- and most of them don't know they have it. It doesn't cause symptoms in most people. However, infected adults can still transmit HPV to their sexual partners regardless of symptoms. Safe sexual practices such as using condoms can reduce the risk of infection. Fortunately, many people with HPV infection never develop cancer from it. However, people with HPV infections -- including people with "silent" infections that cause no symptoms -- are at much higher risk for getting HPVrelated cancers. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that boys receive one of two forms of the vaccine -Gardasil or Gardasil 9. The vaccine is given in three

doses. Ideally, it is given to boys when they are 11 or 12 years old, because that's the age at which it works best. However, it can be given to boys as young as 9 or to men as old as 26. It is particularly important in teenage or young adult males who have sex with other men. The Gardasil vaccine (also known as HPV4) was approved for boys in the United States in 2009. The vaccine protects against two low-risk strains of HPV and two high-risk strains. These four strains of HPV are responsible for most cases of genital warts and HPV-related cancers. The Gardasil 9 vaccine covers five additional strains of the virus. Even though the vaccine has been shown to benefit boys later in life, and to benefit those with whom they have sex, not all health insurance companies pay for the vaccine. Don't ask me why; ask them. Just as giving boys the vaccine also benefits the people with whom they have sex later in life, the same logic applies to girls: The vaccine not only protects them, but also their sexual partners later in life. Even with a vaccine, men and women should also remember to prevent HPV the old-fashioned way: by practicing safe sex. (This column is an update of one that ran originally in May 2013.) (Dr. Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School. To send questions, go to AskDoctorK.com, or write: Ask Doctor K, 10 Shattuck St., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02115.)

June 2016 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 17

(BPT) - We're sitting too much and it's dangerous. The average American spends more than seven hours sitting every day, and the more time you sit, the higher your risk of serious, potentially life-threatening health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So, what can you do about it? Fortunately, there are simple changes you can make during the day anywhere, even at the work place - to improve your wellness and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. As part of the American Diabetes Association's(R) Wellness Lives Here(SM) initiative, the Association encourages everyone to get active for National Get Fit Don't Sit Day(SM) with these 10 tips for the workplace and beyond.

Park a few blocks away from the office each morning and walk to work.

Rather than sending an email every time you have a question, go to your This allows you to start off coworker's office to discuss your mornings energized and the issue face-to-face. This ready to take on the gives you a good excuse to workday. If you take public get moving and a chance to transportation, get off one more effectively hash out stop earlier to squeeze in solutions in person. some light exercise before 8 a.m. Use your lunch break to move around outside. 18 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | June 2016

So many Americans today work through their lunch break. When possible, take advantage of this time to walk outside and soak in the nice weather. Fresh air and vitamin D are often all you need to stay focused and push through the afternoon slump. Stand up and stretch. If you don't have time to walk around the office every 90 minutes, use the opportunity to stand up and stretch instead. Stretching is a great way to increase energy levels, reduce muscle tension and get your body moving. Pace around the office during conference calls. Conference calls are the perfect time to be active. Put clients and coworkers on speaker, or use your mobile phone during meetings to move around without any trouble. Do chair exercises at your desk. You've been wanting to tone your arms for the summer - why not achieve your goals at the office?

When you need a break, do a few reps of chair sits. You can even alternate between chair exercises and push ups! Hold standing or walking meetings. Many coworkers will welcome the opportunity to stand and stretch their legs for a moment. If you have a two-person meeting, consider going for a walk. Fidget when you work. Small movements and quick exercise breaks add up, especially in a sedentary work place, so challenge yourself to stand, stretch or even tap a foot to bring motion into otherwise still parts of your day. Just remember to keep it professional! Making a point to move throughout the day puts you on the right track toward wellness. For more ideas on how to increase physical activity and maintain a healthy lifestyle, download the Association's e-tool kit today to incorporate the principles and activities of National Get Fit Don't Sit Day into the workday and beyond.

Step up your summer beauty regimen with help from expert dermatologists

(BPT) - While magazines make summer beauty look simple, in reality it's anything but. From bloat to breakouts, summer is wrought with beauty challenges. The experts at the Mayo Clinic offer advice on eight of the most common beauty and health concerns of summer. 1. Maintaining a healthy (natural) glow While tanning beds offer a quick-fix to achieving a golden glow, they also cause exposure to damaging UV radiation which can cause premature aging as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. If you'd like a sunkissed glow without the risk, consider using a sunless tanning product. Whether in the form of a lotion, spray or done as a professional service at a salon, sunless tanning offers a safe alternative to both tanning beds and sunbathing. 2. Ingrown hairs Swimsuit season often means shaving more frequently, which can result in painful and unsightly ingrown hairs. These hairs grow out of the skin slightly and then curl back underneath the skin. To avoid

ingrown hair, use a lubricating shave gel followed by a sharp, single-blade razor. Shave in the direction of hair growth and avoid pulling the skin taut. 3. Sunburn It's easy to get lost in the fun of the summer sun. Avoid sunburn by dressing in light layers and using a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Remember, sunscreen generally stays at original strength for three years. If you do get sunburn, take a cool bath or apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water. Then apply moisturizer, aloe vera lotion or gel or a low-dose hydrocortisone cream. 4. Bloat Ice cream, hot dogs and fried goodies are cornerstones of traditional summer festivals. Unfortunately, too much of these types of foods can leave you feeling bloated and sluggish. Fight bloat by eating fresh foods grown locally, such as carrots, tomatoes, melons and berries. Want a healthier cool treat? Try freezing grapes for a no-guilt sweet dessert. 5. Cracked nails

Pool chemicals, hot sun, gardening and building sand castles can all cause cracked nails. To protect nails, keep fingernails dry, clean and rub moisturizer into the nail beds and cuticles. Consider applying a nail hardener to add a protective layer against summer elements. If brittle nails persist, ask your doctor about biotin, a nutritional supplement that may help strengthen weak fingernails.

lead to acne. Some chemical treatments can leave the skin more sun-sensitive, so natural treatments such as tea tree oil, azelaic acid and even green tea extract are a smart choice in reducing inflammation. Another potential cause for acne can be outdated cosmetics. Make sure the products you use are kept clean to avoid bacterial buildup and avoid using them past their expiration date - six months is a good rule of thumb.

6. Healthy, hydrated skin Staying hydrated is a summer must, but skin hydration isn't as simple as drinking water. Dehydrated skin feels rough and loses elasticity. To maintain proper hydration, avoid prolonged exposure to dry air or chlorinated water. When bathing, use a gentle cleanser instead of soap and avoid using skin care products that contain alcohol. Moisturize immediately after cleansing. Also try incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet such as spinach, blueberries or salmon.

8. Beautiful legs From swimsuits to shorts, summer is the time most people show off their legs. This can be uncomfortable for some when faced with common leg woes such as spider veins and varicose veins. Several options are available to combat these issues which range from sclerotherapy and laser surgery, to more advanced techniques such as vein-stripping. To learn more, visit mayoclinic.org to find out what treatment is best for you. To discuss these and any other persistent skin or summer-related health concerns, make an appointment with Mayo Clinic Dermatology today.

7. Acne Sunshine and heat can cause the body to sweat. This combo clogs pores and can

June 2016 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 19

COURTESY OF WWW.AHRQ.GOV

20 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | June 2016

Get the Screenings You Need Screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms. Blood pressure checks and tests for high blood cholesterol are examples of screenings. You can get some screenings, such as blood pressure readings, in your doctor's office. Others, such as colonoscopy, a test for colon cancer, need special equipment, so you may need to go to a different office. After a screening test, ask when you will see the results and who you should talk to about them. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever been a smoker, (smoked 100 or more cigarettes in your lifetime) get screened once for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). AAA is a bulging in your abdominal aorta, your largest artery. An AAA may burst, which can cause dangerous bleeding and death. An ultrasound, a painless procedure in which you lie on a table while a technician slides a medical device over your abdomen, will show whether an aneurysm is present. Colon Cancer. Have a screening test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened earlier. Several different tests can detect this cancer. Your doctor can help you decide which is best for you. Depression. Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. Talk to your doctor or nurse about being screened for depression, especially if during the last 2 weeks: • You have felt down, sad, or hopeless. • You have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things. Diabetes. Get screened for diabetes (high blood sugar) if you have high blood pressure or if you take medication for high blood pressure. Diabetes can cause problems with your heart, brain, eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves, and other body parts. Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Get screened one time for HCV infection if: • You were born between 1945 and 1965. • You have ever injected drugs. • You received a blood transfusion before 1992. If you currently are an injection drug user, you should be screened regularly. High Blood Cholesterol. If you are 35 or older, have your blood cholesterol checked regularly with a blood test. High cholesterol increases your chance of heart disease, stroke, and poor circulation. Talk to your doctor or nurse about having your cholesterol checked starting at age 20 if: • You use tobacco. • You are overweight or obese. • You have diabetes or high blood pressure.

• You have a history of heart disease or blocked arteries. • A man in your family had a heart attack before age 50 or a woman, before age 60. High Blood Pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. High blood pressure can cause strokes, heart attacks, kidney and eye problems, and heart failure. HIV. If you are 65 or younger, get screened for HIV. If you are older than 65, ask your doctor or nurse whether you should be screened. Lung Cancer: Talk to your doctor or nurse about getting screened for lung cancer if you are between the ages of 55 and 80, have a 30 pack-year smoking history, and smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years. (Your pack-year history is the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day times the number of years you have smoked.) Know that quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. Overweight and Obesity. The best way to learn if you are overweight or obese is to find your body mass index (BMI). You can find your BMI by entering your height and weight into a BMI calculator, such as the one available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesit y/BMI/bmicalc.htm. A BMI between 18.5 and 25 indicates a normal weight. Persons with a BMI of 30 or higher may be obese. If you are obese, talk to your doctor or nurse about getting intensive counseling and help with changing your behaviors to lose weight. Overweight and obesity can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Get Preventive Medicines If You Need Them Aspirin. If you are 45 or older, your doctor or nurse can help you decide whether taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack is right for you. Vitamin D to Avoid Falls. If you are 65 or older and have a history of falls, mobility problems, or other risks for falling, ask your doctor about taking a vitamin D supplement to help reduce your chances of falling. Exercise and physical therapy may also help. Immunizations: • Get a flu shot every year. • If you are 60 or older, get a shot to prevent shingles. • If you are 65 or older, get a pneumonia shot. • Get a shot for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Get a tetanus booster if it has been more than 10 years since your last shot. • Talk with your health care team about whether you need other vaccinations. You can also find which ones you need by going to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines. Take Steps to Good Health Be physically active and make healthy food choices. Learn how at http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ Category/nutrition-and-physical-activity. Get to a healthy weight and stay

there. Balance the calories you take in from food and drink with the calories you burn off by your activities. Be tobacco free. For tips on how to quit, go to http://www.smokefree.gov. To talk to someone about how to quit, call the National Quitline: 1-800-QUITNOW (784-8669). If you drink alcohol, have no more than two drinks per day if you are 65 or younger. If you are older than 65, have no more than one drink a day. A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

Men visit the doctor less frequently than women You know your body better than anyone else. Always tell your doctor or nurse about any changes in your health, including your vision and hearing. Ask them about being checked for any condition you are concerned about, not just the ones here. If you are wondering about diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or skin cancer, for example, ask about them.Men and women have many similarities and many differences. Comparing the sexes can be complicated, as many such comparisons come with caveats that can explain many differences. But the disparity between how often men visit their doctors and women visit theirs defies such explanations, and men may want to start emulating women to ensure long-term health. Various studies indicate that men are less likely to visit the doctor and tend to report ill health less frequently than women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that, in the United States, women are more likely to visit the doctor and participate in annual exams than their male counterparts. Similar studies have indicated this is not a distinctly American phenomenon. In a 2011 survey sponsored by insureBlue.co.uk, more than one in five men admitted they had not visited a general practitioner or other healthcare professional in the last 12 months. Only 14 percent admitted to being happy to see a doctor if they had to, while one-third revealed that they only go to a doctor if their partner encourages them or in the case of a medical emergency. Each man is different, so there is no one reason that men tend to visit the doctor less frequently than women. Women may place greater emphasis on preventative care than men, and women may be more comfortable with physicians because preventive care for women typically involves visiting gynecologists more than once per year. Men who do not visit the doctor frequently may not get the preventative care necessary to defend against illness and reduce risk of injury or disease. As a result, men may be living with undiagnosed illnesses or be selfmedicating when problems arise. Men should visit their doctors at least once each year to have general physical examinations, which should include blood tests. Such visits also provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns men might have with their physicians.

June 2016 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 21

Feel rushed at the doctor's office? Boost energy at the office COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

Maintaining energy throughout the workday can sometimes be difficult. For busy professionals, compromised energy levels can be especially problematic, causing workers to fall behind and maybe even forcing them to work extra hours just to catch up. While infrequent days of low energy should not pose too great a threat, working professionals who routinely find their energy levels sagging by the end of the workday might want to take certain steps to boost their energy and ensure their productivity doesn't wane. 路 Make sure you're getting enough sleep. Failing to get adequate sleep can have an adverse impact on your career. According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, failure to get enough sleep, even for just one night, can impair a person's ability to function by affecting his or her ability to focus and access high-level cognitive functions. A panel of experts from sleep, anatomy and physiology, as well as pediatrics, neurology, gerontology and gynecology convened by the National Sleep Foundation in 2015 recommended adults between the ages of 26 and 64 get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Make a concerted effort to get more sleep if you're falling short of those recommended guidelines. 路 Eat a productivityfriendly lunch. If afternoons are when your productivity really starts to drop off, it might be time to reconsider what you eat for lunch. The body, which converts the foods we eat into glucose that energizes our brains and promotes alertness, processes different types of foods differently. So the food you eat for lunch may affect your energy levels for

the rest of the day. For example, eating pasta provides a quick burst of energy because pasta releases glucose quickly. But that burst is often followed by a noticeable downturn in energy levels sparked by fading glucose levels that make it difficult for the brain to focus. In contrast, fruits and vegetables aid in the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps the brain stay motivated and engaged. Including some fruits and vegetables in your lunch or snacks may just lead to a more productive workday. 路 Squeeze in a midday workout. Numerous studies have shown the many benefits to daily exercise, but professionals may not know that exercise can help improve their productivity at the office. A 2005 study from researchers at the thennamed Leeds Metropolitan University in England asked 200 workers to answer questions regarding their productivity on days when they exercised at lunchtime and days when they did not exercise. Sixty percent said their job performance, including their ability to meet deadlines and manage their time, improved by a considerable amount on the days when they exercised. 路 Limit caffeine consumption. According to the Mayo Clinic, consuming more than 500 to 600 milligrams of caffeine per day can contribute to insomnia and lead to feelings of nervousness, restlessness and irritability, among others. While that afternoon cup of coffee might provide an immediate jolt, it could be contributing to sleeping problems that will affect your productivity in the days to come.

22 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | June 2016

(BPT) - For patients and physicians alike, the current health care environment has never been more promising, but it's also frustrating. While there are more medical advancements and treatment options than ever before, the importance of the doctor-patient relationship has taken a backseat in the health care continuum. For most people, this means scheduling a visit with a primary care provider can take weeks, and diagnostic testing and specialist appointments can take even longer. Office wait times are on the rise while individuals increasingly receive limited access to their doctor - often 10 minutes or less per visit. This impacts not just the patient experience, but outcomes as well. Many physicians feel that in order to ensure optimal care, creating a stronger doctor-patient relationship is essential. More and more of them are turning to concierge medicine as an alternative. Concierge medicine is a membership-based personalized care program where patients have direct access to their physician, spend a great deal more time with their physician than the health care system traditionally allows for and focuses on prevention and wellness in addition to acute care and disease management. This type of program is a growing phenomenon which has been embraced by thousands of physicians and patients who recognize time is the essence of quality with regard to patient care. Gregg Marella, M.D., of Medham, New Jersey, is one such example. Dr. Marella states, "With concierge medicine, patients get more of my time. I can set aside space specifically for any problems or issues that arise. Health care is more immediate and responsive." Choosing the concierge model allows Dr. Marella to offer true continuity of care, which has already made a big difference. For instance, a patient came to him reporting symptoms that Dr. Marella thought sounded like a possible brain tumor. When tests confirmed Dr. Marella's suspicions, he recommended a neurosurgeon. Unlike the typical health care model in which a primary care physician has very limited time to devote to a patient's direct care, let alone a referral visit, the concierge approach gave Dr. Marella the freedom to attend the neurosurgeon appointment with the patient, which turned out to be quite helpful. "Visiting a specialist doctor like a neurosurgeon can be very challenging and stressful," he admits. "My presence allowed my patient to listen emotionally to what the neurosurgeon was communicating while I could listen clinically, which in this case allowed me to optimize time frames and provide more streamlined care for my patient." But this is hardly the only instance where the concierge model has improved care levels. Another one of Dr. Marella's patients suffers from severe anxiety and fears to leave his family's home, or even his bedroom. Because Dr. Marella sees fewer patients in the concierge model of care, he's been able to make house calls to perform bloodwork and other tests his patient requires. The patient's mother has been very impressed. "I can't tell you how important Dr. Marella's home visits are. In that regard it's been a miracle. I've had nothing but great experiences with Dr. Marella and the concierge medicine model of care." In an age when medical discovery holds more promise than at any time before, too many physicians and patients are missing out on one of the most powerful tools of treatment - a stronger doctor-patient relationship. For that, physicians need time with their patients and patients need access and time with their physicians. Concierge medicine is helping to make both possible. To learn more about how concierge medicine is changing the health care landscape, and how physicians like Dr. Marella are successfully implementing a hybrid or full concierge medicine program into their medical practice, visit www.paragonprivatehealth.com.

FIND HEALTHY FOODS WHILE ON THE GO

Balsamic Bruschetta Courtesy of allrecipes.com

"Simple appetizer - the balsamic vinegar gives it a little kick. Best if the mixture has 1 or 2 hours to blend flavors before serving."

Ingredients

COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

Nice weather often equates to an uptick in road trips. During such trips, motorists and their passengers will need to take breaks to refuel both their vehicles and their bodies. Rest stop and convenience store snack options are often unhealthy, and it can be difficult for nutrition-minded travelers to find acceptable fare. But a little creativity coupled with some smarter choices can ensure road trips don't derail healthy diets. 路 Bring food along. One of the easiest ways to eat healthy while traveling is to bring meals and snacks with you. Look for portable foods that may not require much refrigeration, such as fruit bars or trail mix. If you have room in the car for a small cooler or insulated lunch packs, fill them with fresh fruits and sandwiches. Opt for lean lunch meats like chicken and turkey. Avoid using cheese or dressings like mayonnaise that can quickly spoil. Some other easily portable foods include applesauce cups, oatmeal packets (all you need is hot water from a rest stop) and low-sodium, low-fat jerky. Pack plenty of water, a healthier choice than soft drinks that will also keep you hydrated when sitting in the car for extended periods of time. 路 Find healthy fast food. If packing food is not an option or if you just prefer the convenience of getting something along the way, you can still make informed choices. Opt for foods that are roughly 500 calories or less and boast plenty of protein and whole grains to help you feel full longer. You may not be

able to enjoy low-sodium foods, as many fast food options go heavy on the salt. Just steer clear of extra condiments that only increase those already considerable sodium levels. If you must opt for fast food, do not order sides of fries or chips, which will only make meals less healthy. Also, avoid sugary sodas. Many fast food restaurants offer some healthy fare, such as grilled chicken sandwiches. Order such sandwiches plain or with extra lettuce and tomato for a healthy crunch. Order sandwiches on whole-wheat buns when possible. Kids' meals tend to have healthy portion sizes. If possible, purchase a kid's meal and opt for a side of sliced apples or another healthy alternative. 路 Make smart choices at sitdown restaurants, too. It's important to stay focused on healthy fare even when you pull off the highway and patronize more traditional sitdown restaurants. Again, think smaller portions. Consider splitting an entre^ae with another person in your traveling party. Some chains will offer the nutritional information right on the menu, or put a special symbol next to their healthiest offerings. Substitute steamed vegetables for starchy or fattening side dishes and always ask for sauces to be served on the side. It's not always easy to eat healthy when traveling. But travelers can often find healthy fare, even if they need to bring it along themselves.

8 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 loaf French bread, toasted and sliced

Directions In a bowl, toss together the tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Mix in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. Serve on toasted bread slices.

June 2016 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 23

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24 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | June 2016