September 2016 - SWGA Health Beat

SEPTEMBER 2016 #1 Health Magazine in Southwest Georgia

What is Cancer?

Superfoods that Support Eye Health Be Proactive about Bone Health

Look Inside for Dr. Oz!

5 Things to Know about Zika Virus

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

Judith Hatch, DC Holistic Healthcare

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

What is Cancer?

8

The Risk of Re-Infection

10

Don’t Let Fractures Break You

14

Why You Need Vitamin E

17

Ask Dr.K

19

Healthy Dish Recipe

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

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.

September 9 Breastfeeding Class 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm OB Classroom - 2nd Floor This class everything you need to know about breastfeeding including preparation, instruction and helpful tips. The class is held 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.

Free of Charge (229) 353-7605 September 9 Stroke and Head Injury Support Group 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Pearlman Cancer Center Conference Room, 209 Pendleton Drive, Valdosta, GA

September 2016

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.

September 13 Free Childbirth Eduction Class 9:00 am - 3:00 pm What to Expect Before and After Delivery Labor and delivery unit tour • Signs of labor Relaxation and breathing techniques Epidural and pain management • Birth plans Postpartum and newborn care Breastfeeding education Instructors are certified by the Academy of Childbirth Educators.

The childbirth class is offered free of charge. Please pre-register for this class.

Lunch is provided.

Archbold East Tower Auditorium A&B (229) 228-2808 dmcook@archbold.org September 15 Life with Diabetes Support Group SGMC Diabetes Management Center, 3018 North Patterson Street Join us for a time of learning about life with diabetes. This support group is open to the public.

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For more information, please call 229-4337200.

September 20 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+

What exactly is cancer?

COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

Cancer can affect anyone.

Sometimes it strikes with no warning, while other times people may have a genetic predisposition. Various medical organizations say there are between 100 and 200 different types of cancer.

Everyone has heard of cancer, but some are still unsure of what cancer is.

Defining cancer The organization Cancer Research UK defines cancer as abnormal cell growth.

Cancer cells are cells that divide in an uncontrolled way.

New human cells normally grow and divide to form new cells as the body requires them. As healthy cells grow old or become damaged, they die off and new cells take their place. However, when cancer develops, this process goes haywire. Damaged cells become even more abnormal and can survive when they would normally die. These cells keep multiplying and eventually can form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors. This is the case in most cancers, with the exception of leukemia, wherein cancer prohibits normal blood function due to abnormal cell division in the bloodstream.

Not all lumps in the body are tumors. Lumps that remain in place and do not spread to other areas of the body can be

harmless or benign. According to the American Cancer Society, cancerous tumors are malignant, which means they can spread into, or invade, nearby tissues. Cancer stages actually are determined based by how far cancerous cells have spread beyond their point of origin.

Cancer stages Cancer is staged according to particular criteria based on each individual type of cancer.

Generally speaking, lower stages of cancer, such as stage 1 or 2, refer to cancers that have not spread very far.

Higher stages of cancer, such as 3, mean cancer has branched out more. Stage 4 refers to cancer that has spread considerably.

Common forms of cancer Cancer can occur just about anywhere in the body.

Cancers of the breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers affect males and females in high numbers.

Classifying cancer involves understanding where the cancer originated. Cancer Treatment Centers of America offers these classifications: • Carcinomas begin in the skin or tissues that line the internal organs.

• Sarcomas develop in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or other connective tissues.

• Leukemia begins in the blood and bone marrow.

• Lymphomas start in the immune system.

• Central nervous system cancers develop in the brain and spinal cord.

Cancer is treated in various ways and depends on the cancer’s stage, type and effects on the body. A person’s age as well as his or her current health status also may play a role in treatment decisions made by both the patient and his or her medical

another potential cancer treatment. The side effects of each treatment vary, and there are ways to mitigate these effects.

Why does cancer occur?

Cancer develops for various reasons — some of which may not be fully understood. The National Cancer Institute states genetic changes that cause cancer can be inherited from a person’s parents.

Cancers can also arise during a person’s lifetime as a result of errors that occur as cells divide or because of damage to DNA COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION that results from While cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in the United States, with only heart certain disease claiming more lives, there is a silver lining environmental to the cancer cloud. Statistics released by the exposures.

American Cancer Society show that more people Cancer-causing than ever are surviving cancer. The cancer death substances rate in the United States has dropped by nearly 25 percent since its peak in 1991. Many factors no include the doubt contribute to the decline in cancer-related chemicals in deaths, but the decline in smokers may be near tobacco smoke. the top of that list. In addition, advances in cancer Ultraviolet rays research and treatments and highly effective from the sun also campaigns educating men, women and children about the dangers of cancer are also contributing have been linked to the decline in cancer-related deaths. to cancer.

Learning more about cancer can help people reduce their risk team. Surgery may be for developing this potentially conducted to remove a tumor, deadly disease. Individuals while chemotherapy employs should always speak with their chemicals to kill cancerous cells. Radiation therapy, which physicians if they have specific questions about cancer. uses X-rays to direct radiation toward cancerous cells, is

Did you know?

September 2016 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 3

Minding Your Men: Much Ado About Men’s Health Enlightenment Most women pay more attention to their health and therefore, can play an important role in helping to improve the health status of the men in their lives. In fact, the health of men has a significant impact on women, the family, and the community. Women often live longer than men and will often see their husbands, boyfriends, fathers, brothers, sons, and friends face medical challenges and even die prematurely. When the men become sick, women will naturally take on the responsibilities of caregiver, in addition to their many other responsibilities.

Education Women can help men to prioritize their health by understanding some of the barriers to seeking care: 1) It may be difficult to take time off work to attend appointments; 2) As head of household, men often prioritize the needs of their families at the expense of their own health; 3) Men have been taught to be strong and may not report health problems or illness until late; 4) Men, unlike women, do not think of doctors as partners in preventive medical care; and 5) Men may not realize that their fate can

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changed by lifestyle changes (diet and exercise).

Empowerment Men do a great job with many things but taking care of themselves is not usually one of them. Women should embrace the positive influence they can make in the health of their men. Make yourself a health partner (not a pest), pay attention to changes in behavior, and be reasonable about when to be persistent if you are concerned.

Encouragement Women are in a unique position to influence men to prevent disease and promote their health. Make it your business to help your men seek medical help regularly and not to delay treatment when there is a problem. Constantly remind the men in your life that they are of irreplaceable value to you, your family, and their community.

Quote Of The Month: “I did then what I knew how to do.

Now that I know better, I do better� ~ Maya Angelou ~

Heat and Hydration

Cancer’s effect on sexuality

COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

Fatigue, nausea and emotional symptoms are common side effects of cancer treatments. Cancer can impact all areas of emotional and physical wellbeing, but few may know that cancer also can affect sexuality.

Although it is entirely possible for men and women undergoing cancer treatments to have healthy, intimate relationships, the Mayo Clinic notes that many people find that cancer causes a range of side effects that make sex more difficult. Men experiencing pelvic cancers may experience difficulty with sexual activity both during and after cancer treatment than those who have other cancers. In fact, erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual side effect of cancer treatments among men.

Erectile dysfunction for men or the inability to achieve intimacy for women are not the only sexual side effects of cancer treatment.

Cancer’s affect on emotions and self-identity plays a large role in how people think about intimate behavior. Disappointment in the way one’s body looks, whether through weight loss/gain, hair loss, mastectomy or other physical side effects of cancer treatment, can impact one’s sexual identity.

The American Cancer Society also says that sexual desire and energy levels change during treatment. Individuals may have less interest in sex

because of the physical and emotional demands of cancer treatments.

Furthermore, medications and the treatment itself may lead to side effects that make it challenging to engage in intimate behaviors.

Cancer and subsequent treatments also may have an effect on fertility, and this is something that both men and women need to be aware of. Menstrual cycles may become irregular, potentially making conception more challenging. Cancer patients should discuss their plans to have children with their physicians before choosing treatment plans. After treatment, testing to assess fertility and if it is the right time to once again try for children may be necessary, as a pregnancy during or just after chemotherapy can be complicated by birth defects, advises the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Treatment-related sexual changes can be long-term and permanent, or they may transient. Patients should speak with their health care team about any concerns regarding their cancer’s affect on sexuality. While some men and women may be hesitant to discuss sexuality with their physicians, they should know that doctors have experience discussing sexuality and cancer treatments with their patients, and that experience can calm any concerns patients may have.

It is that time of year in Georgia. From now until about September, if there was one thing that defines southern Georgia, that word would be HOT. The human body is made up of mostly water and keeping it well hydrated is very important for your health. When an athlete has a heat injury it tends to make the news, especially if the athlete dies. Heat injuries can involve getting cramps, feeling nauseous and having headaches, seizures and other nuisance symptoms but extremes can result in your body overheating, destroying organs and even death.

Athletes are at more risk because their athletic activity involves the generation of heat as a by product of their muscle activity. They appear to be more newsworthy as well. Do non-athletes have heat injuries? You betcha.

Non athletes are at more risk because their lack of fitness does not condition their bodies to get rid of excess heat as efficiently as an athlete can.

Not only is hydration important at preventing heat injuries but also beneficial at preventing gout attacks, kidney stones, general kidney health and a variety of other illnesses. What are some simple steps at insuring adequate hydration? The easiest is just trying to drink enough fluids so that your urine is relatively clear. The kidney is basically a filter and when your urine is colored, it implies that the kidney is trying to retain water and it puts a lot more stress on that vital organ. Kidney disease is very prevalent in southwest Georgia.

When your weight changes on a daily basis, the majority of that change reflects variation in hydration. You do not gain muscle mass or lose fat quick enough for that to change your weight significantly on a daily basis.

If you do athletic activities and note that your weight changes after exercise, the water lost needs to be replaced. Losing about 2 pounds after exercise means you have lost mostly 2 pounds of water. That means you need to drink about a liter of water to replace that water lost. Athlete or not, people sweat at different rates.

Having an idea of what your well hydrated weight is allows you to follow your hydration

T. Scott McGee, M.D.

state in addition to just striving to keep your urine relatively clear. There are fancier ways of accomplishing this goal that we will not get into but I would be glad to address them in another article if there is interest.

Losing as little as 2 percent of your bodies water significantly decreases your athletic capabilities and performance. It takes at least a day for your bodies systems to adjust so keeping on top of hydration keeps you from getting behind. The kind of fluids that help are largely those that do not have caffeine or alcohol, both of which dehydrate you. Water, sports drinks, Sprite, 7 up and others hydrate you whereas tea, coffee, Coke and others do not. All of us benefit from keeping hydrated whether it is to improve athletic performance or just to stay healthy.

Dr. McGee is a local physician who spent time in the military, specifically Special Operations Command, where teaching medics and soldiers how to deal with extremes of environment and how to maintain themselves is key to operational success.

Additionally he has personal experience having participated in triathlons, marathons and other athletic endeavors. He is the team doctor for Lee County, Darton College and other athletic teams.

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Father of five fights bladder cancer with immunotherapy

(BPT) - About 90 percent of people diagnosed with bladder cancer are over the age of 55.1 So when Kevin Williamson, a father of five who lives in Chicago, was diagnosed at age 43, it was the last thing he expected.

According to the National Cancer Institute, bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the U.S., and about 76,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year.1 "Bladder cancer can often be detected early because it commonly causes blood in the urine or other noticeable urinary symptoms, such as having to urinate more often than usual, pain or burning during urination, or feeling as if you need to go immediately," said Dr. Matthew Galsky, Director of Genitourinary Medical Oncology at the Tisch Cancer Institute at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. "Signs of advanced bladder cancer may include lower back pain, loss of appetite and weight loss, swelling in the feet and bone pain. However, all of these symptoms could be related to conditions other

than bladder cancer so it's important to discuss them with your doctor."

Kevin was diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer, meaning the disease had spread beyond the bladder to other organs. When bladder cancer is diagnosed at later stages about 40 percent of people will live five or more years, compared to 96 percent of people who are diagnosed in its earliest stages.1 A firm believer in taking charge of his health, Kevin and his wife were proactive about his care and worked closely with his doctor on a treatment plan. He initially had surgery to remove his bladder, but, unfortunately, some of the cancer could not be removed, and he was given chemotherapy to try to shrink the remaining tumors.

"Unfortunately, the disease continued to spread, so my wife and I did a lot of research and spoke to my doctor about other potential treatment options, including medicines being studied in clinical trials," said Kevin.

In July 2014 he entered a clinical trial studying a type of treatment that works with a

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person's own immune system. The body's immune system is designed to detect and protect the body against cells that are perceived by the body as foreign or abnormal. For example, it can recognize normal cells that have become cancerous, and can eliminate those abnormal cells. However, cancer is smart, and it has found ways to camouflage itself from the immune system. Cancer immunotherapy is a class of medicine designed to work with the body's own immune system. Immunotherapy can also affect normal cells.2 "My family - and especially my wife - has definitely been my rock and support system through this whole process," Kevin said. "It's still too early to know will happen, but for right now, I'm happy to take every day as it comes and spend time with my family."

For more information about bladder cancer, talk with your doctor or visit the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network's website at http://www.bcan.org.

Bladder Cancer Fast Facts:

Men are about three to four

times more likely to get bladder cancer than women.3Caucasians are diagnosed with bladder cancer about twice as often as African Americans or Hispanic Americans.3Smokers are four to seven times more likely to get the disease than nonsmokers.4Additional risk factors include environmental exposure to chemicals such as those used in industrial workplaces. 4SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Bladder Cancer.

National Cancer Institute website. http://seer.cancer.gov/statfact s/html/urinb.html. Accessed April 18, 2016.American Cancer Society. Cancer Immunotherapy. http://www.cancer.org/acs/gro ups/cid/documents/webconte nt/003013-pdf.pdf. Accessed January 8, 2016.American Cancer Society. Key statistics for bladder cancer. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/ bladdercancer/detailedguide/ bladder-cancer-key-statistics.

American Society of Clinical Oncology. Bladder Cancer: Risk Factors. 2015. http://www.cancer.net/cancertypes/bladder-cancer/risk-fact ors.

10 Tips to Help Mo m Sur vive Busy Back to Scho o l Sche dules

COURTESY OF THE VERANDA MEDICAL CENTER

1. Sleep – One way moms can insure a smooth transition for the entire family is to have a

schedule. Bedtimes (for Mom too!) should be

set. This nighttime routine will help everyone to sleep better.

2. Meal Planning – Breakfast is the most

important meal of the day. Try planning

breakfast for the week. Smoothies, egg bakes,

and overnight oatmeal are all simple prep time recipes to try. The idea is to add variety to

breakfast instead of always reaching for a fast

option such as a granola bar.

3. Sched ule Annual Appo int ments – Once school and athletic schedules have been distributed,

App. With Cozi you can receive reminders via text.

8. Car Organizer – Because you live in your car,

take the time to prepare a crate or box you can

keep in your trunk with items you may need for games, activities, and practices.

Suggestions include: 2 extra bottles of water,

baby wipes, hand sanitizer, trash bags (for wet or muddy clothes), plastic ponchos, first aid

kit, extra socks and even extra set of clothes for each child.

9. Fr iend s – We all need friends, and moms are

no exception. Take the time to be with those

that are your biggest cheerleaders. Whether this

now is a great time to schedule annual

means lunch, scheduling a walk, or just

kids, but for Mom and Dad too.

are something we all need.

physicals and dental appointments, not just for

4. Yo u’ve Got to Mo ve it! – Don’t fall into the

grabbing a coffee for 20 minutes, friendships

10. Remember – Mom must take care of herself

habit of just sitting at your office or in your

FIRST if she is going to be the best caretaker of

around your child’s football practice field is

day to decompress. To just be.

car. Even 10 minutes of walking briskly

beneficial. Walking will clear your mind and help your heart.

5. Hydrate – Keep a large water bottle with you in your car. This helps you drink more, but

also keeps you from driving through and

ordering a diet drink.

6. Emergency Stash – Load up on healthy snacks

that you and your kids like. Snack packs of

nuts, granola, peanut butter crackers, protein

bars and individual hummus packs, are great snacks that will keep you from grabbing a

cookie, burger or candy bar. Just be careful of all snacks and make sure you aren’t snacking

too much.

7. Calendar – For many, the schedules become overwhelming. Make sure you find the best

calendaring system. A Google calendar works

great if you have a Gmail account. Many moms

love apps such as Cozi and Mom’s Daily Planner

her family. That means take 15 – 30 minutes a

Presto it’s PESTO CHICKEN! Back to school time means busy afternoons/evenings for moms. Moving kids from one activity to another is an easy distraction from healthy cooking. Don’t rush to the drive-thru, this is a simple chicken recipe that your family will love and can become a weekly staple.

Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken INGREDIENTS • 4 chicken breasts • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 1/2 small jar of pesto • Salt and pepper to taste PREPARATION: Add your broth in your crock pot first, and then add the chicken. Throw your pesto on top of the chicken. Cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3-4. *** If you would rather grill, take your 4 chicken breasts and marinate them in a plastic bag with the ½ jar of pesto. These can marinate all day in the refrigerator. No need for the chicken broth. Just take out and grill!

Serve over pasta, on a salad or as sandwich.

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The risk of re-infection: What the prescription anti-fungals won't do (BPT) - About 35 million Americans suffer from toe, finger, and athlete's foot fungus, and with so many over-thecounter and prescription products, it's hard for consumers to choose the right option. "Patients not only need to treat the infection but also break the cycle of re-infection," as said by Mahmoud Ghannoum and Nancy Isham.* The hardest part is deciding what product to recommend to help diminish re-infection.

Prescription drugs, OTC and alternative remedies, all have their benefits and drawbacks, but how do you know what is the most effective solution?

You know that your customers who suffer from toe, finger, and athlete's foot fungus are desperate for a cure and that's very difficult to achieve. Regardless of the mode of treatment, fungal reinfection rates are high. Ghannoum and Isham go on to say, "even in cases where the infecting fungus has

been entirely eradicated by antifungal therapy, patients remain at risk

that they don't consider troubling. These sufferers also tend to

Expensive topical prescription drugs only treat the nails, while other cosmetic treatments only treat the nail appearance. for re-infection."* The #1 OTC brand recommended by your colleagues for over 18 years is Fungi-Nail® Toe & Foot®. It treats the underlying fungal infection, helping to eliminate it, stop the spread of fungus and reduce the chance of reinfection, if used as directed.

Over 73% of sufferers have experienced toe or finger fungus 2- 4+ times over the past two years.

In addition, the typical sufferer experiences mild to moderate infections

treat at least once a day for 1-3 months and generally don't continue treatment after the initial clear up of the infection.

Based on a Gallup study, two out of three sufferers said they have had relapses and product satisfaction and effectiveness rates among OTC's and Rx products are the same.** Expensive topical prescription drugs only treat the nails, while other cosmetic treatments only treat the nail appearance. As you're well aware,

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fungus lives around the nail and on the surrounding skin, so it is important to treat the infected skin in order to get to the root of the infection. According to Gallup, 44% of sufferers use products to improve the appearance and condition for toe and foot fungus.** To help reduce the chance of reinfection, sufferers should continue to treat the affected skin with topical anti-fungals like Fungi-Nail Toe & Foot®.

Although the best treatment is prevention, finding the right treatment option once you have contracted toe or foot fungus is critical.

Outbreaks can last up to a year or more, with a year or less between them. What sufferers really need to win the fight against fungus is a treatment that kills on contact, stays where it's applied, and treats the affected area. As the trusted brand for treating fungus by pharmacists, Fungi-Nail® Toe & Foot® can be used as

part of a healthy foot care routine to help reduce reinfection.

Compliance and persistency are an issue with anti-fungal sufferers.

Only 19% report they use the product until new, healthy tissue has grown back - which can take up to a year.‚Ć Educating patients on the use of antifungal OTC's is critical so they can mitigate the risk for re-infection.** Fungi-Nail®Toe & Foot® treats the underlying fungal infection, helping to eliminate it and reduce the chance of reinfection.

Fungi-Nail® also contains Clear Guard® technology that seals in medicine right where it's needed and locks out moisture. It is formulated with a nourishing oil base, so it doesn't dry out the already cracked, irritated skin further.

Many competitive OTC anti-fungals contain alcohol which can dry out and irritate the skin.

Instead the proprietary Fungi-Nail® formula

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customers, so you know that each fungus sufferer is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Talk to your fellow pharmacists and find out why they've been recommending Fungi-Nail®Toe & Foot®, the fungus experts® for

nearly two decades.

About Kramer Consumer Healthcare Kramer Consumer Healthcare provides high value, high quality selfcare products in specialty categories and

segments.

Kramer Consumer Healthcare is nationally certified as a Minority Business Enterprise and a Women's Business Enterprise *Ghannoum, MA, Isham, Nancy (2014) Fungal Nail Infections

(Onychomycosis): A Never-Ending Story. **Multi-Survey Sponsors, 2013 Gallup Study of Nail Fungus, May 2013, †2009 Persuadable Research Study, FungiNail Toe & Foot Study, October 2009

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helps to soothe and calm the skin. This is a key benefit for people suffering from toe or foot fungus, and those with diabetes or psoriasis, runners and other athletes.

Fungi-Nail®Toe & Foot® has three convenient options for consumers, including the original 1oz. solution, an easy to use pen, and an ointment with a brush applicator to treat larger areas on the foot and help get in between the toes where fungus thrives. Fungi-Nail® Toe and Foot® is a costeffective way to help your customers fight fungus while helping cure their infection. It is also the ideal treatment option for consumers who may take medications as it does not have harmful side effects such as liver damage like many oral fungus prescription drugs, or cause irritation to the skin like topical fungal prescription products.

You spend your days listening to your

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Don't let fractures break you: Know your risks for osteoporosis and be proactive about your bone health (BPT) - In the U.S. alone, someone breaks a bone as a result of osteoporosis every 20 seconds.[1] Breaks that occur as a result of osteoporosis, a chronic disease caused by excessive bone density loss, often take more than just a cast to heal the bone.[2,3] These bone breaks, or fractures, may not just be the result of a fall or injury, but rather a symptom of a larger underlying issue.[2] Osteoporosis weakens bones over time, making them thinner, more brittle and more likely to break.[2] The disease affects more than 10 million Americans,[4] contributing to more than two million osteoporotic fractures every year.[5] Additionally, once an initial fracture due to osteoporosis has happened, the chances of another are much higher - twice as likely, in fact.[3] What's more, osteoporosis is often asymptomatic. It cannot be seen and may not be felt, and therefore often goes undetected until a bone breaks.[2,6] "Fractures from osteoporosis can have a significant impact on a person's life," explains Susan Randall, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, Senior Director of Science and Education for the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). "The consequences of this type of fracture can be life-altering, making it difficult for these individuals to get around and do things on their own as they might have before a fracture."

Randall tells us that although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are steps that can be taken to help slow its progress. Regular exercise and proper nutrition, including getting recommended daily amounts of calcium and vitamin D from food first and supplementing for shortfalls, can help slow the deterioration of bone.[7] Treatment plans may also include prescription medications that can help slow bone loss, build new bone, increase bone density and reduce fracture risk.[8] "Knowing your risk factors for fracture should be a priority for all of us as we age," Randall urges. "This is especially important for women, as they can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density in the five to seven years following menopause."

This is why Randall encourages women to talk to their doctor today about a bone density test to understand if they may be at risk for osteoporosis. And, even if someone has been diagnosed with osteoporosis and is taking steps to manage it, these tests can help doctors understand how bone density changes over time.[9] While you can't make this disease go away, with the proper long-term plan, you can manage your bone health over time and help reduce your risk for future fractures.[8] It's up to each individual to remain vigilant and dedicated to making bone health a priority every day. To find more information about osteoporosis risk factors and treatment options, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation at www.nof.org. This article was developed jointly by Amgen Inc. and the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

References:

[1] National Osteoporosis Foundation. Donate. Available at: https://www.nof.org/supportnof/donate/. Accessed April 2016.

[2] National Osteoporosis Foundation. What is Osteoporosis? Available at: http://nof.org/articles/7.

Accessed April 2016.

[3] International Osteoporosis Foundation. Stop at One. One Fracture Leads to Another.

Available at: http://share.iofbonehealth.org/ WOD/2012/patient_brochure/W OD12-patient_brochure.pdf.

Accessed April 2016.

[4] Wright NC et al. The recent prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass in the United States based on bone mineral density at the femoral neck or lumbar spine. J Bone Miner Res. 2014 Nov;29(11):2520-6.

[5] Singer A et al. Burden of illness for osteoporotic fractures compared with other serious diseases among

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postmenopausal women in the United States. Mayo Clin Proc.

2015 Jan;90(1):53-62. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.09.011.

Epub 2014 Dec 4.

[6] International Osteoporosis Foundation. Who's at Risk?

2015. Available at: http://www.iofbonehealth.org/w hos-risk. Accessed April 2016.

[7] Cosman F et al. Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis International.

2014 25(10):2359-2381. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00198014-2794-2.

[8] International Osteoporosis Foundation. Treating Osteoporosis. Available at: http://www.iofbonehealth.org/tre ating-osteoporosis. Accessed April 2016.

[9] National Osteoporosis Foundation. Bone Density Exam/Testing. Available at: https://www.nof.org/patients/dia gnosis-information/bonedensity-examtesting/. Accessed April 2016.

ACA and diabetes screening guidelines; medical tourism is risky business Q: I'm using the health-care exchange in New York state, and my plan won't cover diabetes screening at my doctor's office because the government recommendations say I'm not at risk. I'm 38, and everybody in my family, including me, is overweight. My mom and grandmother have diabetes!

Don't you think I am at risk? - Angela C., Corning, New York

Did you know?

COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills up to half its users, annually killing roughly six million people each year. The WHO notes that more than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use, while more than 600,000 deaths can be attributed to nonsmokers being exposed to secondhand smoke.

While many in the United States may understand the threat that smoking poses to their overall health, the WHO notes that studies indicate knowledge about the specific health risks of tobacco use is not widespread. A 2009 survey of smokers in China found that less than 40 percent of smokers knew that smoking tobacco causes coronary heart disease, while only 27 percent were aware of the link between smoking and stroke. It’s also important that smokers recognize that cigarettes once characterized as “light” or “low tar” are not healthier than more traditional cigarettes. While the US Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of such terms in cigarette sales within the United States, smokers traveling or living overseas should be mindful that other countries may not operate under such restrictions. In addition, the American Cancer Society notes that there is no proof that cigarettes sold as “all natural” and marketed as having no chemicals or additives are any safer than traditional cigarettes and that the best way for men, women and children to avoid the dangers of tobacco is to never smoke or to quit immediately.

A: Angela, clearly you're at risk for prediabetes or even fullblown Type 2 diabetes. So, we did some research and found that in Corning, you can go to the Guthrie Corning Hospital for a free diabetes screening and a free nutrition class. Fortunately, there are lots of places around the country, such as hospitals and pharmacies, that offer free screening for Type 2 diabetes.

But why doesn't every healthcare exchange plan encourage screening for prediabetes and diabetes? We think we have the answer.

According to a study done by researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the United States Preventive Services Task Force issued a recommendation that diabetes screening be done only on folks ages 40 to 70.

Under the Affordable Care Act, "all services recommended by the USPSTF must be fully covered by insurers." Not recommended? Not necessarily covered. And that's why, say the researchers, more than half of the people at high risk (those younger than 40 or older than 70), especially folks who are in racial or ethnic minorities, no longer qualify for screening. We say a big "BOO!" to the USPSTF for this oversight.

In the U.S., 14 percent of the overall population has diabetes, and 38 percent has prediabetes. So to lower future health-care costs and prevent further sickness, these guidelines need revision to reflect current data, not just past (and out-of-date) studies.

And in the meantime, if you're diagnosed with prediabetes or Type 2, get proactive: Work with a diabetes educator, nutritionist and your doc to adopt a lifestyle (physical activity, healthful nutrition, stress reduction) that will keep you healthy. And remember, it's easier to prevent chronic illnesses like Type 2 diabetes than to reverse them.

Q: I'm thinking about finding a place to get plastic surgery that is less expensive than in the states.

Is there a way to find a reputable practice? -- Sharon G., Seattle A: You're talking about medical tourism -- and that's not something we advise! Up to 750,000 U.S. residents travel abroad for care annually, and cosmetic surgery, dentistry and heart surgery are the most commonly sought-after procedures. Unfortunately, it can be risky business, especially if you let price and a fancy brochure become the deciding factors!

It's sometimes hard for people to grasp how wellregulated and safe our medical care is compared with that in many parts of the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that when you go abroad for cheaper care: 1. You may face communication problems that can lead to medical misunderstandings.

2. In many places, doctors reuse needles and have other unsafe injection practices.

3. Medications may be counterfeit or of poor quality.

4. The blood supply may be from paid donors, upping the risk of transmission of infections, including HIV. 5. Resistant bacteria may be more common than in the U.S. Just recently, the CDC released a report on 21 people from six states who traveled to the Dominican Republic for cosmetic surgery in five facilities there. They all were infected with rapidly growing mycobacteria, and many (92 percent from one clinic) required corrective surgery and (78 percent from that same clinic) a three-month-long course of antibiotics to recover.

That's why going abroad for cheaper care isn't a smart move. But if you opt for it anyway, thoroughly check the qualifications of the doctors and the credentials of the facility.

Take copies of your medical records and medications, and make sure an English speaker is onboard. Get copies of your medical records before you return home, and be aware that health-care insurers here sometimes refuse to cover treatment for complications incurred abroad.

September 2016 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 11

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12 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | September 2016

Going outside?

Follow these tips to protect your face

(BPT) - It's time to embrace the pleasures of summer: long vacations, poolside lounging, and al fresco dining with great views. While soaking up the sun can be fun, it can also pose significant risk for your skin. According to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the majority of Americans are not regularly using sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun's harmful UV rays.

More than half of women are not using sunscreen regularly on their faces, one of the most exposed areas of the skin, according to the Melanoma Research Alliance.

Besides the fact that the sun's UV rays can prematurely age your skin, exposure can also lead to melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, and one of the most common cancers in young adults, especially young women.

"Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the most important steps you can take to help protect your skin and prevent melanoma. Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher every day can help keep your skin healthy looking and beautiful at any age," says Dr. Rocio Rivera, L'Oréal Paris director of scientific communications.

As your hours in the sun increase this season, here are a few tips to help keep your skin protected - minimizing your risk and maximizing your fun.

Protect your face.

When you're going to spend time outside, apply a broadspectrum SPF 15 or higher to any exposed skin, even on a cloudy day. "It is important to apply and re-apply broad spectrum SPF sunscreen daily and every two hours if you are swimming or sweating to ensure proper continuous protection," says Dr. Rivera. Also, incorporating skincare products formulated with broad spectrum SPF like Revitalift Bright Reveal Day Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 from L'Oréal Paris is a cinch and ensures your skin is hydrated and protected.

Consider a faux tan.

If you are not a sun person, don't worry. There are many self-

tanning options that can help you get a natural-looking glow without baking in the sun or under the lights of a tanning bed. Try a wash-off bronzer or a self-tanning serum that can be mixed with your favorite SPF moisturizer. But always remember to apply SPF even if you are going faux.

Don't forget eyes, ears, lips and hands.

Every part of your body that's exposed to the sun needs protection, so don't forget to wear lip balm with SPF and apply broad spectrum sunscreen to your ears. Along with being a chic summer accessory, sunglasses are a must for shielding your eyes from the sun. Some research shows that exposure to UV rays can damage your eyes, according to the organization Prevent Blindness.

Wear a hat.

A wide-brimmed hat is a classic summer look for good reason: it will block about half of UV rays. Since harmful rays can still bounce off surfaces, it's important to think of a hat as additional protection, not a substitute for sunscreen.

Apply, reapply and repeat.

After a couple hours, the protection in sunscreen starts wearing off, even if you're not doing anything athletic. Set a timer reminding yourself to reapply, especially if you are swimming or sweating.

This summer, don't take a vacation from sun protection for your skin.

Since 2013, L'Oréal Skin Expert Paris has donated $750,000 to the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) to support the fight to prevent melanoma. For the next three years, L'Oréal Skin Expert Paris will continue supporting the MRA by donating $250,000 a year to this worthy organization. In addition to obtaining a "healthy looking glow" through Sublime Bronze products, remember to wear a broad spectrum SPF each day to help keep your skin beautiful at every age and help prevent melanoma. To learn more about the cause, visit www.itsthatworthit.org.

September 2016 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 13

Why you need vitamin E - and how to get your daily dose (BPT) - You get your fill of vitamins C and D by eating oranges and soaking in a little sun each day, which is good for your body and mind. Small habits like these can have a big impact on your overall health and help you feel your best each day. However, vitamins C and D aren't the only vitamins your body needs to thrive.

Take vitamin E, for example. This overlooked vitamin is essential to our wellbeing and yet, many people don't know anything about it. Let's take a moment to learn about the super vitamin, and what you can do to get your daily intake.

What are the benefits of vitamin E? Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is an antioxidant and therefore helps improve immunity levels. Here are the possible benefits of vitamin E, and how it can specifically enhance your health. * Fights summer colds: Winter isn't the only time you can catch a cold. In the summer, vitamin E can boost your immunity to prevent sickness during the warmer months. * Extends cell life: What's the secret to aging well? While there are many factors that can influence aging, vitamin E can extend cell life to keep skin in great shape for years. * Repairs damaged cells: With vitamin E oil, you can also repair damaged cells.

Specifically, vitamin E can be used to treat sunburns and scars. * May reduce risk of heart disease and cancer: There's still much to be discovered about vitamin E. Currently, doctors and scientists are testing whether vitamin E can reduce the risk of serious health conditions, like heart disease and cancer. * Reduces risk of cataracts and other eye issues: Maintain eye health and prevent serious eye diseases by getting your daily intake of vitamin E. * May slow down cognitive decline: Studies have found that a higher intake of vitamin E in older individuals can reduce cognitive decline and can even slow down the progression of diseases like Alzheimer's.

How can I get more vitamin E in my diet?

Lakatos lists these five foods as examples of what you can include in your vitamin Erich meal plan.

They are also packed with omega-3s, vitamins like B12 and D, and contain 25 percent less saturated fat than other eggs.

* Pistachios: A protein-packed snack, pistachios are also a rich source of vitamin E you can take on-the-go.

* Avocados: Add an avocado to your salad or make guacamole to get the benefits of this healthy, vitamin E-rich fruit.

* Spinach: When preparing salads, toss some spinach into the mix. This dark, leafy green is also high in calcium.

* Olives: Whether you like to eat olives as a snack or use olive oil when cooking, you can expect to increase your vitamin E intake by including olives in your diet.

* Eggs: Eggland's Best eggs contain 10 times more vitamin E than ordinary eggs, which is equal to 25 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin E.

Making Vitamin-E focused meals is simple and delicious. Here's one recipe you can try at home today!

EBLT Bowl Ingredients: 2 Eggland's Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs 1 bag spinach 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 6 pieces of turkey bacon, cooked and chopped 1 avocado, sliced salt & pepper to taste 1/2 cup whole grain croutons (optional) Dressing: 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt) 1 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Preparation:

The US Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E in individuals 14 years and older is 15 mg.

Instead of taking supplements to get the recommended daily dosage, however, save your money and add vitamin-rich foods to your diet. "The simplest way to increase your vitamin E intake is to follow a healthy diet that focuses on eating vitamin E-rich vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and lean forms of protein," says Lyssie Lakatos, a registered dietitian.

In a large bowl combine spinach, onion and tomatoes.

Place all of your salad dressing ingredients together in a jar and shake until completely combined.

Top spinach mixture with two hard-cooked eggs per bowl, sliced avocado and croutons.

Drizzle with dressing and enjoy!

14 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | September 2016

Superfoods that support kids eye health (BPT) - The start of the school year means a laundry list of to-do's for parents. From shopping for school supplies to scheduling an annual physical, it's a hectic yet exciting time for the entire family.

As kids settle back into the groove of the school year, you can ensure they are prepared with the right pencils and notebooks, but if they are straining to see the teacher, learning will be a challenge.

"The first step is to have your child's vision checked annually by a doctor," says registered dietitian, Tammy Lakatos. "The next step is to maintain healthy vision which parents can easily do by providing a wholesome diet rich in vitamin-packed foods proven to support eye health."

While carrots have a reputation as an eye-healthy food, there are many other options that keep kids seeing sharp. These five superfoods will help keep your kids' eyes healthy so they can better focus at school.

Berries Bulk up on berries to maintain that perfect vision.

Blueberries, blackberries and strawberries are packed with eye-healthy vitamin C. Bonus: because vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system, it will help stave off the coughs and colds that often come along with the start of school.

Nuts and seeds When kids crave crunch, seeds and nuts are the perfect choice. English walnuts, raw almonds, flax seed and sunflower seeds are satisfying on top of yogurt or in a homemade trail mix. Plus, these nuts and seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which research shows can help support vision.

Eggs

Green Eggs and Ham Cups Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Makes 12 cups Ingredients: 7 Eggland's Best Eggs (large) 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped 1/4 cup onions, finely chopped 1/2 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped 3/4 cups extra lean ham, diced Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste Shredded cheese of your choice (optional) Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. SautĂŠ onions and broccoli over medium heat until soft.

Add spinach, ham and continue cooking until spinach is wilted.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and seasonings.

Add vegetable and ham mixture to eggs.

Coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray and fill each muffin cup with egg/veggie mixture.

Top with shredded cheese.

Bake 15-17 minutes or until eggs spring back or toothpick comes out clean.

Cool on a rack and remove from pan. Enjoy warm or room temperature. *Egg cups can be rewarmed in the microwave or toaster oven if desired.

This breakfast staple can boost eye health, but keep in mind not all eggs are created equal.

Eggland's Best eggs come from hens fed a wholesome, all-vegetarian diet that results in a superior egg packed with eye-healthy nutrients such as 38 percent more lutein, three times more vitamin B 12 and five times more vitamin D than ordinary eggs.

Dark green vegetables Antioxidants in kale, spinach and broccoli help keep eyes healthy and prevent disease. Each vegetable contains high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which studies have found lowers the risk of advanced macular degeneration and cataracts.

Citrus fruit Oranges make awesome snacks or meal add-ons.

Because citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C, you're not only giving your child a naturally sweet treat, you're helping support eye health. Plus, the smell of citrus will awaken the senses to help fight the afternoon slump.

Want a tasty recipe kids will love that incorporates multiple eye-healthy superfoods? Get into the backto-school spirit and try these Green Eggs and Ham Cups for breakfast or lunch. For more recipe ideas, Lakatos recommends visiting www.egglandsbest.com.

September 2016 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 15

Avoid bed bugs while traveling with these hotel tips

(BPT) - The summer travel season is upon us, offering an opportunity for families across the U.S. to reconnect. The goal is simple - to make memories that last a lifetime. Bedbugs are the very last souvenir you want your family to bring home. A recent study conducted by the University of Kentucky found that bedbug reporting on online review sites and social media have a "...big impact on purchasing decisions."

It's no surprise that both leisure and business travelers would avoid a bedbuginfested hotel.

General managers across the country are feeling the financial bite from bedbugs.

According to the same University of Kentucky study previously mentioned, a single online review that mentions bedbugs lowers hotel room value by $38 for business travelers and $23 for leisure travelers.

What exactly is the state of the current hotel-related bedbug problem? Recent studies found that about 74 percent of pest professionals reported problems with bedbugs in hotel rooms, a truly staggering figure. This rise in bedbugs is coupled with a changing public perception, with 43 percent of people now expressing the attitude that bedbugs are a concern.

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An occurrence of bedbugs can also massively impact a hotel's brand reputation. Exposure to legal action continues to rise jeopardizing hotel shareholder equity. Just recently, a Virginia woman sought $5 million in a lawsuit over bedbugs. A federal judge ruled in her favor and a jury will hear her case.

So, how can a hotelier and a hotel guest both prevent becoming the latest Trip Advisor bedbug-related casualty? Well, there are a number of things that each can do to win this battle. Let's take a closer look. * Education is key. Research proves that two-thirds of travelers surveyed by the University of Kentucky last year couldn't identify a bedbug. Hotel staff and individual travelers are encouraged to be able to recognize a bedbug in its different life stages as well as signs of bedbugs in and around beds. * Forward thinking in bedbug prevention has savvy hoteliers and travelers investigating the root of the problem. Savvy hoteliers are designing hotel rooms to be more bedbug resistant. * Hoteliers and homeowners are adopting preventative measures for their mattresses and/or box springs such as an active mattress liner that kill bedbugs.

ActiveGuard(R) Mattress Liners go on like a fitted sheet and can save time, money and energy preventing bedbug infestations from establishing.

While recent reports may show that bedbugs are winning, the war is not over.

Embracing technology, educating oneself and taking a preventative approach to this blood-sucking pest can lead to victory for both hoteliers and travelers.

HEALING

ASK DOCTOR K

By Stephanie M. Freeman I had the privilege and honor of turning another year older last month. Upon this transformation in my life I found myself taking a look at life in a perspective I have never done so before. I turned 38 years old last month and I can say confidently that my past year was a complete and total year of healing. A different type of healing, a healing of my soul...

It is my opinion we all heal in different ways and on different levels. My past year of healing has been brought to me through ways most people would never view as a healing. My healing has come to me through heartache, disappointment, void, love, speaking, and most of all through sharing what I have learned.

The perspective we take on our lives dictate the level in which we heal I have finally learned. With saying that, I will also say I aquired this through throwing my hand full force into training people over the past year, and mostly younger individuals. With each child I have trained I have connected and bonded on a professional and a more spiritual type of level with them. Every child that I have worked with has shown me a significant part of myself. The piece of myself I always battled with to accept...These children have been such a light to my eye. I have seen their greatness a mile away and they never even knew it was there until I awoke it in them.

Or I like to say I uncovered their eyes to the brightness.

Growing up I always felt that unworthy feeling. I had many reasons for this, mainly because I suffered severe anxiety from a brain injury and of course the whole adolescence stage is about finding ourselves.

Somehow I never felt "Good Enough" for anyone or any situation, and looking back today I see so clearly and understand my anxiety played such a big role in this. My thinking as a child was my disability from the brain injury made me different from people and people thought of me different, when really the only disability I had was my thinking.

But I ultimately went searching like most kids for that validation.

Which in turn lead me down wrong roads, to wrong people, and definitely in wrong places.

Luckily I always held onto an

ANTIVIRAL MEDICINES HELP EASE SHINGLES PAIN

By Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D.

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 non-profit 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.

inner vision and held faith so strong I could stand on it that I pulled myself up and out of places in my life I drifted.

Training these children through this year has helped me see the world with different eyes, a completely different perspective.

It has given me clarity of every uneven road I have taken in my life for validation or truth. And the greatest lesson I have uncovered with these kids has been a lesson I have uncovered for my own soul. This lesson has been that illumination is frightening. When I say those words I am saying I have learned how brightness of an individual can be so discerning to a world of darkness.

Each child has confided in me with stories of issues they encounter after winning or achieving goals. When I hear these stories from them I always give the advice I know, which is you will always have naysayers on your journey. You will hear you are doing too much or you aren't doing enough. Trust in you and know what you want and where you stand. But the best advice I give them is stay strong through it all and never give up!

When I speak these words to these kids I always see in my minds eye the little girl I once was searching for those words.

Searching for the validation, always wondering why or what to do to be accepted. Then when this vision comes to me I have the knowing in my heart I have always had. I know I am on the right path in life and I know this is a miraculous healing taking place in my soul...

To end, I want to share the wisest lesson I've cultivated over my now 38 years. That every single heartache, pain, dysfunction, and even every piece of happiness has been of absolute value. But not of value for only my own life, but for value to that of someone else's life. I am so grateful and blessed to say I have finally learned this lesson in my life. That this life is only given to us to be given away.

DEAR DOCTOR K: I've been diagnosed with shingles. What can I take for the pain?

DEAR READER: Shingles, also known as herpes zoster or just zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains in your body's nerve tissues. It is inactive, but it can be reactivated later in life. This causes shingles.

When the virus reactivates, it causes a burning or tingling sensation in the affected areas. A few days later, the virus causes a blistery rash. Your affected skin may be so painful and sensitive that you cannot even stand having your clothing touching the area.

One patient of mine with shingles on his forearm switched for several weeks to wearing a short-sleeved shirt to the office, something he never had worn to work before.

If you're over age 50 and have had shingles pain for less than three days, the current recommendations call for doctors to prescribe antiviral medicine to kill the virus that causes shingles. (If you are younger than 50 and very uncomfortable from shingles that began in the last three days, your doctor may still prescribe antiviral therapy.)

The two medicines recommended most often are famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These antiviral medications not only help shorten the days of pain that you have, they also help reduce the risk of longlasting shingles pain, a condition called postherpetic neuralgia.

The pain that accompanies shingles can be intense. If the antiviral medicine does not provide enough relief, you can take additional pain medicines. Start with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. If necessary, your doctor will prescribe more potent pain medicines; these include codeine, tramadol and (when

the pain is very severe) oxycodone.

Some studies led doctors to add corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone to the treatment of shingles.

However, as more studies of this treatment have been completed, it looks as though these medicines may offer more risks than benefits.

You should also gently rinse your skin rash and blisters once or twice daily with cool water. Your doctor may suggest that you use antibiotic ointment on open areas.

Shingles usually takes seven to 10 days to run its course. Blisters may take several weeks to disappear completely. The duration of pain is highly variable. Most people's pain decreases within two or three months.

However, a small number of people develop postherpetic neuralgia and continue to have pain for many months, or even years.

Different medications from those used during the attack of shingles are effective.

These include tricyclic drugs, gabapentin and pregabalin.

These drugs alter the way your central nervous system perceives pain signals. If the pain is severe, then the more potent drugs used for the pain of shingles may also be helpful. These include oxycodone, morphine and methadone.

Other treatments for postherpetic neuralgia being evaluated, but as yet unproven, include capsaicin, topical lidocaine and acupuncture. A shingles vaccine is recommended for most adults age 60 and older. Even though treatment is effective, nothing beats preventing the condition in the first place.

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

18 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | September 2016

Orange Roasted Salmon Courtesy of allrecipes.com

Ingredients 2 oranges, sliced into rounds 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 5 (6 ounce) salmon fillets 1 tablespoon lemon pepper 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1/2 cup orange juice 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey

Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

In a small bowl or cup, stir together the lemon pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Place the slices from one of the oranges in a single layer in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place a layer of onion slices over the orange. Drizzle with a little bit of olive oil, and sprinkle with half of the herb mixture.

Place the dish in the preheated oven, and roast for about 25 minutes, or until the onions are browned and tender. Remove the dish from the oven, and increase the temperature to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Push the onion and orange slices to the outer edge of the baking dish, and place the salmon fillets in the center. Season with the remaining half of the herb mixture. Whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice and honey in a small bowl. Pour evenly over the salmon.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the salmon is opaque in the center. Remove fillets to a serving dish, and discard the roasted orange. Garnish fillets with roasted onions and fresh orange slices.

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

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