August is Children’s Eye Health Awareness Month Importance of Breast Feeding
LOOK inside for CNN story: Health Value Of Drinking Coffee Daily
Meet our Residents Back to School
Erin Cannington, M.D. Allergy & Asthma Clinics of Georgia
Lisa Seymour Integrity Hospice
Anthony Burke, D.O. Cardiology Affinity Clinic
James Palazzolo, M.D. Sleep Apnea Centers of America
Keisha Callins, M.D. Mercer University School of Medicine
Kelly Miller, FNP-BC Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center
TIFTON ALBANY AMERICUS BAINBRIDGE SYLVESTER THOMASVILLE VALDOSTA CORDELE MOULTRIE AND SURROUNDING AREAS
229-888-9319 ken.boler@albanyherald.com
robin.mcdade@albanyherald.com
Majors / National Sales
Moultrie / Sylvester / Tifton Sales
Colleges / Medical Sales
Medical
RECURRING EVENTS PHOEBE PUTNEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Third Tuesday each month at 3pm at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Cafeteria Private Dining Room.
Wednesdays at 11:00 to 11:45am at Senior Life Enrichment Center Call 435-6789 to register ~ FREE Ages 60 & up
Mondays at 11:00am Advanced Wednesdays at 3:00pm at Senior Life Enrichment Center Call 435-6789 to Register ~ FREE Ages 60 & up 2 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | August 2017
But Hartley doesn’t just want to be from southwest Georgia, he wants to be in southwest Georgia. “I’m very humbled to be in the position that I’m in, and I don’t take it lightly that I get to take care of people here. I’m really excited to be back in south Georgia.”
That dream came true in June, when Phoebe welcomed Hartley and six other PFMR Class of 2020 members to Albany. “It’s been incredible so far. The reception from the community blew me away,” Hartley said. Hartley’s graduate studies focused on rural healthcare and rural hospital closures, and he is passionate about improving access to quality healthcare for people in our region. “I knew I
Hartley knows the PFMR program is preparing him to be that kind of physician and community leader. It is the only physician residency at Phoebe, so the residents don’t have to compete with others for hands-on experience. “In larger cities, you’d be behind residents in obstetrics or pediatric surgery. Here, I’m first in line,” Hartley said. “When you combine the quality of the community physicians and the quality of the program with the level of cases we work, I don’t think you can get a better quality experience. It’s a great place to learn.” Hartley hopes his story will inspire younger south Georgians with an interest in medicine to follow in his footsteps and help fill the need for physicians in this area. It was the perfect path for him, and he hopes it will be for others as well. Hartley said, “I have to pinch myself every day when I wake up knowing I get to do what I’ve wanted to do for so many years.”
GET YOUR GREENS WITH OUR FRESHLY-PREPARED
SALADS Crisp and full of flavor. Enjoy a variety of mixed green salads prepared with ribbon-cut carrots and fresh lettuce like crisp chopped romaine, baby spinach, baby kale and red leaf lettuce. And loaded with toppings.
498471-1
loves southwest Georgia. “I’m as Moultrie as you can get,” the Colquitt County native said. From the time his parents brought him home as a newborn until he left home to attend the University of Georgia (UGA), he lived in the same house. “Moultrie is one of those really quality southern towns. It’s a good place to raise a family and a good place to be from,” Hartley said.
After earning his undergraduate degree, Hartley also obtained a master’s degree in Health Policy and Management from UGA and attended the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). During medical school he completed multiple clinical rotations at MCG’s Southwest Campus in Albany and became familiar with the Phoebe Family Medicine Residency (PFMR) program. “I got to know a lot of the faculty and staff, and I saw how the residents really seemed to enjoy coming to work and how much respect they got from the staff and patients. I really liked the program, and definitely saw myself being a part of it.”
wanted to be a practitioner in a rural area that a lot of physicians aren’t attracted to. I felt a connection to this area,” Hartley said. “As physicians, we’re leaders in our community. To be an ambassador and an advocate for your community in healthcare is very important.”
THESE ARE SOME GREAT GREENS! August 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 3
4 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | August 2017
DRINKING MORE COFFEE LEADS TO A LONGER LIFE, TWO STUDIES SAY By Daniella Emanuel, CNN
Coffee’s health history: Where do we stand now? - It’s thumbs up today, but the news on coffee has not always been positive. Take a look at the arguments for and against coffee through the centuries. (CNN) Greater consumption of coffee could lead to a longer life, according to two new studies published Monday. The findings have resurfaced the centuries-old conversation on coffee’s health effects. One study surveyed more than 520,000 people in 10 European countries, making it the largest study to date on coffee and mortality, and found that drinking more coffee could significantly lower a person’s risk of mortality.
Both studies were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The second study was more novel, as it focused on nonwhite populations. After surveying over 185,000 African-Americans, Native Americans, Hawaiians, JapaneseAmericans, Latinos and whites, the researchers found that coffee increases longevity across various races.
“The fact that we saw the same relationships in different countries is kind of the implication that its something about coffee rather than its something about the way that coffee is prepared or the way it’s drunk,” he said.
People who drank two to four cups a day had an 18% lower risk of death compared with people who did not drink coffee, according to the study. These findings are consistent with previous studies that had looked at majority white populations, said Veronica Wendy Setiawan, associate professor of preventative medicine at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, who led the study on nonwhite populations. “Given these very diverse populations, all these people have different lifestyles. They have very different dietary habits and different susceptibilities -- and we still find similar patterns,” Setiawan said. The new study shows that there is a stronger biological possibility for the relationship between coffee and longevity and found that mortality was inversely related to coffee consumption for heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. The study on European countries revealed an inverse association between coffee and liver disease, suicide in men, cancer in women, digestive diseases and circulatory diseases. Those who drank three or more cups a day had a lower risk for all-cause death than people who did not drink coffee.
“We looked at multiple countries across Europe, where the way the population drinks coffee and prepares coffee is quite different,” said Marc Gunter, reader in cancer epidemiology and prevention at Imperial College’s School of Public Health in the UK, who co-authored the European study.
Epidemiology and Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said people should be wary of this finding. “Even if it was in some way true, it doesn’t make sense to me, because by smoking, you increase your mortality several-fold. Then, if you reduce it by 10% drinking coffee, give me a break,” said Ascherio, who was not involved in the study. “I think it’s a dangerous proposition because it suggests that a smoker can counteract the effects of smoking by drinking coffee, which is borderline insane.”
The biological benefits -- and caveats
The studies complement work that has been done on coffee and mortality, he said, and it has been reasonably documented that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death.
Coffee is a complex mixture of compounds, some of which have been revealed in laboratories to have biological effects, Gunter said.
With all observations from previous studies, however, it’s difficult to exclude the possibility that coffee drinkers are just healthier to begin with, Gunter said.
Studies have shown that certain compounds have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce risk for illnesses like Parkinson’s disease.
People who avoid coffee, particularly in places like the US and Europe where drinking the beverage is very common, may do so because they have health problems. Their higher mortality rate could be a result of them being less healthy to begin with.
In the European study, people who were drinking coffee tended to have lower levels of inflammation, healthier lipid profiles and better glucose control compared with those who weren’t. It is still unclear which particular compounds provide health benefits, but Gunter said he would be interested in exploring this further. Both studies separated smokers from nonsmokers, since smoking is known to reduce lifespan and is linked to various deceases. However, they found that coffee had inverse effects on mortality for smokers too. “Smoking doesn’t seem to blunt the effects of coffee,” Gunter said. “It didn’t matter whether you smoked or not. There was still a potential beneficial affect of coffee on mortality.” However, Dr. Alberto Ascherio, professor of
“I think that the solid conclusion is that if you’re a coffee drinker, keep drinking your coffee and be happy,” Ascherio said. And if you’re not? “I think you can go on drinking your tea or water without a problem.” Meanwhile, Gunter and Setiawan stand a bit more firmly on coffee as a health benefit. “The takeaway message would be that drinking a couple cups of coffee a day doesn’t do you any harm, and actually, it might be doing you some good,” he said. “Moderate coffee consumption can be incorporated into a healthy diet and lifestyle,” Setiawan said. “This studies and the previous studies suggest that for a majority of people, there’s no long term harm from drinking coffee.”
August 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 5
Let’s Talk WOMEN’S HEALTH
UN-BURN MY HEART: TIPS FOR TACKLING YOUR HEARTBURN ENLIGHTENMENT
Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart yet it is often described as a burning feeling or discomfort in the middle of the chest or upper belly. It is usually associated with eating certain foods which increase stomach acids (tomatoes, citrus fruits and their juice, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee/ caffeinated products, and alcohol); eating foods with a high amount of fats/oils; eating spicy foods; eating large meals; stress; lack of sleep; smoking; menopause; medications; or conditions that place extra pressure on your stomach like pregnancy, obesity, or constipation. Occasional heartburn is not unusual but if it occurs over a long period of time or requires long-term use of medication to relieve symptoms, you should discuss with your provider.
EDUCATION
with Keisha R. Callins, MD. MPH Mercer University School of Medicine
Heartburn is due to an irritation of the esophagus (tube that connects your throat to your stomach). The stomach naturally produces acid to help digest your food. However, this irritation occurs when acid escapes from the stomach into the esophagus and causes a burning sensation. This may occur because your stomach has produced extra acid or the ligaments of the esophagus are not working well. This may also occur due to a hiatal hernia (when the upper part of the stomach pushes up into the chest). Over the counter medications can usually address your mild or occasional heartburn. However, if symptoms
Lisa Seymour, RN and Integrity Hospice CEO, Robert Reed
IIntegrity Integr ritttyy Hospice Hosspicee 498150-1
(229) (229 9) 349 6390 63 390 1216 Dawson D Rd Ste e 113 Albany Dougherty Dou ugherty GA 31707-3867 31707-3867
6 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | August 2017
persist or get worse, please consult your healthcare provider. Your initial assessment and treatment may include a discussion about changes in food choices and possibly even a trial of medication.
EMPOWERMENT
Self-awareness of the triggers for when your heartburn occurs and what causes your heartburn, are the first steps to manage this problem. If the problem persists after treatment or the medication does not seem to be working well, you may need to consult a doctor who specializes in stomach issues (gastro-enterologist) or a surgeon. They may need to do additional tests to help identify the problem.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Changes in lifestyle such as what you eat and maintaining a healthy weight are one of the most important things that you can do to prevent and treat heartburn. Have a heart and please do not ignore the signals that your body gives you about your heartburn.
~ Joshua Graham ~
Advanced Digital Hearing Aids
ADVANCED DIGITAL HEARING AIDS
$1,000 OFF Not to be combined with any otherEXPIRES offer.
498448-1
7-17-17
Advanced Digital Hearing Aids " ! # Located behind Sunoco Gas Station Karen Lang-Kuntz, H.A.S
Board Certified for more than 18 years. Owned and operated by Karen since 1998
HOURS: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Vickie Ellis, LPN Licensed Hearing Care Trainee
August 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 7
For Immediate Release If you want to get in shape, but don’t want to go the gym, you can dance your way to better health with ASU Community Dance Education Classes. Registering for adult ballet and modern dance is easy. Simply pick up a class schedule and registration packet from Albany State University’s Gillionville Campus Dance Office (Building F, Rm. 104), or email your request for the same. Fall classes are held in the Physical Education Building dance studio, Bldg. E, Room 108 from Aug.15 to Nov. 30th. For more information, email or call Elizabeth Delancy at elizabeth.delancy@asurams.edu or 229.317.6991.
SKIN CANCER TREATMENT ~ SKIN EXAMS MOHS SURGERY ~ MOLE REMOVAL
496696-1
8 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | August 2017
help protect and maintain those precious cells that are responsible for a lifetime of healthy skin, Mustela’s baby skin care products are formulated with Avocado Perseose, a patented natural ingredient, which protects the natural cellular richness of the skin. Keep baby’s skin healthy by moisturizing daily with a lotion such as one from Mustela’s four baby lines, which are formulated with natural ingredients to meet the needs of normal, dry, eczema-prone and very sensitive skin types. (Family Features) When it comes to parenting, there’s no one-child-fits-all handbook. There are times when caring for a little one can be a far cry from the snuggles and smiles that make it all worthwhile. Healthy skin is critical to a baby’s long-term health and happiness, and it can impact both baby and family quality of life. Caring for a baby’s skin from birth helps avoid skin conditions such as diaper rashes, eczema and other irritations, which are often the source of many sleepless nights. With these simple tips from the baby and child skin care experts at Mustela, having a happy, healthy baby isn’t as challenging as it may seem.
Aside from the obvious odor-reducing reasons, prompt diaper changes are an important part of keeping your baby healthy. A soiled diaper may be uncomfortable, but even more importantly, it’s a breeding ground for bacteria and skin irritation. Keep diaper cream on-hand to treat any irritations that arise and use it on a regular basis to prevent future outbreaks.
Research has shown that a baby’s skin is extremely fragile during the first two years of life, which is when the skin is developing its protective barrier. To
Cradle cap can cause crusty, yellow patches to form on your baby’s head that can be a bit unsettling and unsightly, but with a little extra care they can be easily eliminated. The key to keeping your baby’s scalp healthy is to prevent cradle cap from the beginning rather than just treat the symptoms. Look for a baby shampoo designed for cradle cap that allows you to massage the scalp and a soft brush to use after bath time to keep your baby’s head clean.
Without proper care, harmful sun rays and radiation can affect your child’s skin not only now but also in the long-term. Limiting time outside, using sun-blocking shades and applying sunscreen can all help mitigate the risks. Look for sunscreen that is formulated for babies as it can better protect from sun damage without irritating their delicate skin. Consult your pediatrician before using sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months. Also, remember perspiration and water can reduce sunscreen’s effectiveness and reapplying at least every two hours offers continuous protection. Find more ways to care for your baby at MustelaUSA.com. Photo courtesy of Isobel Benesch, @Belandbeau #13795 Source: Mustela
Bath time is a great opportunity for parents to bond with their baby, even while taking care of necessary business. For some babies, the water can be scary, so be sure to use a cheerful, reassuring tone to soothe nerves. Also ensure your baby is well supported, not only for safety, but for an added sense of security. Though you may think you need to bathe your baby daily, many pediatricians recommend bathing 2-3 times a week to keep skin from becoming dehydrated and protect natural moisture levels. Using a baby micellar water is an easy way to keep skin clean between baths and on-the-go without stripping it of natural protective oils.
August 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 9
THE IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING
childhood cancers. Scientists don’t know exactly how breast milk reduces the risk, but they think antibodies in breast milk may give a baby’s immune system a boost.
August has been designated as National Breastfeeding Month to highlight the importance of breast milk for a baby and the benefits which extend beyond basic nutrition. In addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients a baby needs, breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect a baby from illness. Scientific studies have shown that breastfeeding is good for the mother’s health, too.
Breastfeeding may also help children avoid a host of diseases that strike later in life, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and inflammatory bowel disease. For babies who aren’t breastfed, researchers have documented a link between lack of breastfeeding and later development of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Breastfeeding can also protect a baby from developing allergies, help prevent childhood obesity and lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In addition, breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s stress level and risk of postpartum depression.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, although any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial. Numerous studies from around the world have shown that stomach viruses, lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and meningitis occur less often in breastfed babies and are less severe when they do happen. Exclusive breastfeeding (meaning no solid food, formula, or water) for at least six months seems to offer the most protection. One large study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences showed that children who are breastfed have a 20 percent lower risk of dying between the ages of 28 days and one year than children who weren’t breastfed, with longer breastfeeding associated with lower risk. A mother’s breast milk is specifically tailored for the mother’s baby. Breastfeeding’s protection against illness lasts beyond a baby’s breastfeeding stage, too. Studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce a child’s risk of developing certain
Natural as the breastfeeding process is, problems can occasionally arise. Some mothers have difficulty latching with their baby. When a mother does latch, other issues can sometimes surface, growing worse very quickly and interfering with the mother’s milk production. For this reason, it’s vital for the mother to get help right away if there is any difficulty with breastfeeding at home. Contact the baby’s pediatrician, and don’t stop asking for one-on-one guidance. Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton offers free breastfeeding classes. These educational sessions cover breastfeeding preparation, instructions and helpful tips. Call 229353-7605 or visit the calendar of events at www.tiftregional.com to register. Affinity Pediatrics, a service of Tift Regional Physician Group, is accepting new patients. Affinity Pediatrics is located in Tifton at 39 Kent Road, Suite 5. Call 229-353-PEDS (7337) to make an appointment. Learn more at www.affinity-pediatrics.com.
Preserving & Restoring... you ur precious your gift gif ft of sight!
“Southern “S Sout uth the her ern rn Hospitality Hosossppitita H Hospit tality tality alit ali l tyy ffor lity or Gr Gra Gracious racious racious acicio ac cious us Living� Livivivin ing ng�
Now Acc epting New Patients P Accepting
MAGNOLIA PLACE OF CAIRO offers you gracious retirement living and the assistance you need to maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle. Designed to meet each resident’s individual needs. MAGNOLIA PLACE will provide a broad range of health support services to foster continued health and quality of life in a comfortable, supportive family atmosphere. This grand Georgian-style home nestled on four quiet, wooded acres in Cairo, Georgia, offers true southern hospitality to its residents.
From F rom the the latest latest breakthroughs breakthroughs in cataract cataract care care & glaucoma glaucoma management diabetic m anagement - to to advanced a vanced treatments ad treatments for for di abetic eye eye disease experienced di sease and and comprehensive comprehensive eye eye care care - look look tto o tthe he exp erienced C.. Al Alabata T.. B Bell tteam eam of of Dr. Drr. Phil Phil C abata and and Dr. Drr. JJohn ohn h T ell at at Eye Eye Center Center South South in Albany. Albany. Our Our board-certified board-certifie i d surgeons surgeons are are uniquely uniquely qualified qualified to to help help preserve, preserve, protect protect and and restore restore your your vision vision using using next-generation next-gen neration technology technology and and proven proven surgical surgical techniques. techniques. Our Our state-of-the-art statee-o off-tthee-aart eye eye center center in Albany Albany also also features features a Medicare-approved Medicare-approved outpatient outpatien nt surgery surgery center center dedicated dedicated entirely entirely to to eye eye surgery, surgery, which which helps helps reduce reduce costs costs for for Medicare, Medicare, the the insurance insurance industry industry and and our our patients. patients.
Levels L e v el s O Off C Care a re O Offered: fffered: d ASSISTANCE LEVEL I: MINIMAL LA SSISTANCE LEVEL II: HANDS-ON MODERATE addition HANDS-O ON M ODERATE ASSISTANCE ASSISTAN A CE (in addi tion to Level to L evel I)) LEVEL III: LEVEL Extensive Assistance addition LEVEL III II - E xtensive A ssistance (in addi tion to Level Level to L evel I aand nd L evel II) LEVEL IV: IV V: COMPREHENSIVE COMPREHENS EHENSIVE ASSISTANCE ASSISTANCE E (in addition addition to to Level L evel I, I, II, III) 4 # #SPBE SPBE 4 4USFFU USF F U t $ $BJSP BJSP (" F or M ore IInformation nfformation aand nd R ates, For More Rates, C ontact B rande S trick land: Contact Brande Strickland:
2308 Palmyra Road • Albany, GA 31701
Phil C D.O. C.. Alabata, D.O.
John T B M.D. T.. Bell, M.D.
BBoard-Certified oard-Certified & Fellowship Trained Traineed Segment Glaucoma & Anterior Segm ent Eye Surgeon S
BBoard-Certified oard-Certifiedd Cataract Surge eon & General Ophthalmologist Surgeon
10 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | August 2017
497363-1
492510-1
1-800-NEW-EYES • EyeCenterSouth.net
magnoliaplace@s magnoliaplace@syrupcity.net @sy r up city.net w ww.mag w.magnoliaplace c airo.com www.magnoliaplacecairo.com
August 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 11
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month!
all the right sound effects, check the packaging. If it says it’s meant for children ages 10 and up, it’s probably not the best toy for your three-year-old girl, no matter how much she wants to be Rey. With some toys, the age restriction is because they’re too complex or delicate to be handled by small children, but with others, it’s because small children are too delicate for the toys.Eyes are especially vulnerable, and small children don’t always know how to be careful, even when they try to be. We recommend holding off on buying toys with sharp parts for your kids until they’ve developed sufficient hand-eye coordination to use them safely.
The last thing any parent wants is for their child to get an eye injury, and it’s even worse when the injury comes from a beloved toy. Other Hazards To Watch For Kids see all the epic actionadventure films coming out these days and want to be larger-than-life characters like Harry Potter, Iron Man, Luke Skywalker, and Katniss Everdeen, and that means batterypowered wands, Nerf guns, lightsabers, and toy bows all over the playroom and backyard.What these toys all have in common (apart from being awesome) is sharp edges and pointed ends, which could easily lead to eye injuries. Here are a few simple steps you can take as parents to ensure your children’s eye safety. The Right Toys For The Right Age Groups
Sharpness and age-inappropriateness aren’t the only potential risks for young eyes. Germs and harsh chemicals are just as dangerous, but might be harder to spot. Even if a toy is soft and round, it could still be breakable, flammable, covered in lead-based paint, or difficult to wash. Any toy covered in chemicals you wouldn’t want in your toddler’s mouth also isn’t safe near his eyes. Legitimate toy manufacturers must follow certain safety regulations, so
Before you buy your child an expensive lightsaber that can light up and make
12 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | August 2017
parents who only buy from trusted brands will have an easier time avoiding these hazards, but it’s always wise to read the label thoroughly before buying any new toy. Enlist The Help Of Older Siblings Maybe you’re already being careful to only buy age-appropriate, non-toxic toys for your child, but that task becomes a lot harder when you have more than one kid and there’s a significant age difference between them. How can you still make sure everyone’s playing with their own eyesafe toys when all the toddler ever seems to want is the tween’s Legos? Your older children might be old enough now to become part of the solution. Talk to them about how important it is to put their toys away so they won’t be easily accessible. When sharp or otherwise hazardous toys are in reach, get them to help you supervise their younger siblings. Eye safety is something the whole family should be on the lookout for! An Ounce Of Prevention Children’s eyes should never be in danger from their own toys, but eye safety is an easy goal to achieve with the right precautions. If you have any questions about how to protect your children’s eyes, don’t hesitate to ask!
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
)$0,/< )($785(6
$
nutritious diet is crucial for overall health and well-being. While itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK to indulge from time to time, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re providing your body with appropriate nourishment. There are many ways to help you add more of the essential nutrients you need into everyday meals, including these nutritious ideas from CocoaVia.
6QHDN LQ 0RUH )UXLWV DQG 9HJHWDEOHV
You can bulk up the nutritional value of nearly any meal by incorporating fruits or vegetables directly into your recipes. 3XUHHLQJ YHJJLHV LV D JRRG ZD\ WR GLVJXLVH WH[WXUHV RU Ã&#x20AC;DYRUV you might typically avoid. For example, celery is a natural Ã&#x20AC;DYRU HQKDQFHU IRU PDQ\ W\SHV RI EURWK VRXS $GGLQJ ¿QHO\ SXUHHG FHOHU\ WR WKH VWRFN ZLOO DGG WKH Ã&#x20AC;DYRU ZLWKRXW WKH crunchy bits. You can also slip vegetables like spinach or carrots into smoothies, and depending on the base and fruit, you may never even taste them. Fresh, canned or frozen, fruit can give a boost of nutrition to dishes like oatmeal or pudding. You can also use purees (think applesauce) as a low-fat substitute for eggs and oil in baked goods like cake.
*R )UR]HQ
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide a wealth of essential vitamins and nutrients, but you may be surprised that their frozen counterparts do the same. Frozen foods are often perceived as less nutritious, but they can contain just as many nutrients as fresh produce. In fact, since freezing often involves picking the food at its peak and then quickly freezing it, freezing can actually help retain vitamins more HI¿FLHQWO\ WKDQ UHIULJHUDWLRQ RU FDQQLQJ IUR]HQ YHJHWDEOHV FDQ actually hold on to nutrients longer than fresh produce and are a great alternative when seasonal fruits and vegetables are unavailable. In many cases, frozen veggies also make it easy to experiment with better-for-you meals because the cleaning and prep work is already done. You can try adding them to soups, stir-fries, casseroles and even pasta dishes.
&RRN 4XLFNO\
If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve historically shied away from cooked vegetables, \RX PD\ ¿QG WKDW SURSHU SUHSDUDWLRQ LV WKH VHFUHW LQJUHGLHQW 1RW RQO\ GRHV RYHUFRRNLQJ YHJJLHV GHSOHWH WKHLU Ã&#x20AC;DYRU LQ
most cases it also diminishes their nutritional value. Cook veggies lightly and quickly using methods like stir-frying or steaming to help retain water-soluble nutrients like vitamins B and C.
*HW 6DXF\
You may think of dishes covered in rich gravy or sauce as unhealthy, and in some cases, you would be right. However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually quite possible to create saucy dishes that taste WHUUL¿F %RWK WRPDWR VDXFH DQG SHVWR DGG QXWULHQWV DQG FDQ top pretty much anything, from pastas to grilled chicken. Tomato sauce contains lycopene, a bright plant pigment known as a carotenoid that has been linked to a range of KHDOWK EHQH¿WV 3HVWR LV WUDGLWLRQDOO\ PDGH ZLWK KHDOWK\ SLQH nuts and basil, but you can also get creative and prepare this light sauce alternative with options such as arugula, spinach and heart-healthy walnuts or pecans.
&RQVLGHU &RFRD )ODYDQROV
$QRWKHU RSWLRQ WR FRQVLGHU DGGLQJ WR \RXU GLHW LV FRFRD Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV 7KHVH SODQW EDVHG SK\WRQXWULHQWV DUH IRXQG QDWXUDOO\ LQ FRFRD DQG UHVHDUFK VXSSRUWV WKDW WKHVH Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV ZRUN ZLWKLQ \RXU ERG\ WR KHOS PDLQWDLQ KHDOWK\ EORRG Ã&#x20AC;RZ While chocolate, including dark chocolate and natural (nonDONDOL]HG FRFRD SRZGHU FDQ EH VRXUFHV RI FRFRD Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV WKH\ DUH RIWHQ QRW D UHOLDEOH VRXUFH RI FRFRD Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV The way cocoa is handled matters in the retention of these phytonutrients. However, one easy way to add cocoa Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV WR \RXU URXWLQH LV E\ LQFRUSRUDWLQJ D GDLO\ FRFRD extract supplement, such as CocoaVia, which contains the highest concentration available in a cocoa extract supplement today. The supplement can be added to the food or beverage of your choice, like a Chocolate-Chai Smoothie or coffee. Visit CocoaVia.com for more information about cocoa Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV DQG LGHDV IRU DGGLQJ WKHP WR \RXU GLHW
Chocolate-Chai Smoothie
Makes: 1 smoothie 1/2 cup boiling water FKDL Ã&#x20AC;DYRUHG WHD EDJ 1/2 cup fat-free milk 1 tablespoon honey ice cubes SDFNHW &RFRD9LD 8QVZHHWHQHG 'DUN &KRFRODWH RU 6ZHHWHQHG 'DUN &KRFRODWH VXSSOHPHQW In measuring cup with pour spout, pour boiling water over tea bag. Let steep 5 minutes; remove tea bag. Pour milk and tea into blender; add honey, a handful of ice and cocoa extract supplement. Cover and blend until smooth. 1XWULWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ SHU VHUYLQJ 130 calories; 1 g total fat; 50 mg sodium; 27 g carbohydrates; 1 g dietary ¿EHU J VXJDU J SURWHLQ PJ FRFRD Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV
:KLOH WKHUH DUH PDQ\ PLVFRQFHSWLRQV DERXW FKRFRODWH HVSHFLDOO\ ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR LWV KHDOWK EHQH¿WV WKHVH IDFWV IURP WKH H[SHUWV DW &RFRD9LD VHW WKH UHFRUG VWUDLJKW RQ VRPH RI WKH PRVW common chocolate myths.
&KRFRODWH FRQWDLQV SRZHUIXO DQWLR[LGDQWV
&KRFRODWH FRQWDLQLQJ SHUFHQW FDFDR RU JUHDWHU LV JRRG IRU \RX
&KRFRODWH SDUWLFXODUO\ GDUN FKRFRODWH GRHV FRQWDLQ FRFRD Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV SK\WRQXWULHQWV ZKLFK QXPHURXV VFLHQWL¿F VWXGLHV KDYH GHPRQVWUDWHG KDYH D SRVLWLYH LPSDFW RQ KHDOWK +RZHYHU FRFRD Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV DUH QRW DQWLR[LGDQWV :KLOH QRW DQWLR[LGDQWV FRFRD Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV KDYH EHHQ shown to have positive effects on health that are linked to their ability to support the health and function of your blood vessels.
7KH SHUFHQWDJH RI FDFDR LV QRW D UHOLDEOH LQGLFDWRU RI D SURGXFW¶V FRFRD Ã&#x20AC;DYDQRO FRQWHQW 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ WKHUH LV DOVR QR ZD\ RI NQRZLQJ H[DFWO\ KRZ PDQ\ FRFRD Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV DUH LQ D FRQYHQWLRQDO FKRFRODWH SURGXFW EHFDXVH traditional cocoa processing, which includes fermenting, drying and roasting of beans, destroys many of the Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV QDWXUDOO\ SUHVHQW LQ WKH FRFRD EHDQ
&KRFRODWH LV JRRG IRU \RXU KHDUW
Chocolate does contain caffeine, but an average 1-ounce serving of dark chocolate contains less than half the amount of caffeine found in an average cup of black tea. The amount of caffeine in chocolate is in proportion to the percentage of cacao in the product, meaning milk chocolate contains less caffeine than semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
Chocolate can be part of a healthy diet, but it is not a health food. Even if chocolate is high in FRFRD Ã&#x20AC;DYDQROV WKH FDORULHV IDW DQG VXJDU OHDYH LW EHVW VXLWHG DV DQ RFFDVLRQDO LQGXOJHQFH
&KRFRODWH LV KLJK LQ FDIIHLQH
Content courtesy of CocoaVia
August 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 13
14 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | August 2017
Does Swearing Make You Stronger? Chronic Pain And Dementia Q: I read about a study that said swearing makes you physically stronger. I can see yelling before a karate chop, but swearing? What’s the deal? -- Anthony A., Rego Park, New York A: Yes, we had a good laugh from that one. The study was done by doctors in Athletic Training, Health and Exercise Science at Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York. The study was reported to The British Psychological Society in Brighton, by a teaching doctor from Keele, England. Maybe he was hoping to justify swearing, since the normally “Keep calm and carry on” Brits have been swearing a lot more recently, just like we Americans. But seriously, what the researchers were trying to show, besides a very Brooklyn sense of humor, was that vocalizing when exerting energy can release adrenaline and make you stronger in the moment. And, it’s true whether you’re a Russian weightlifter or a tennis diva. But swearing? Can you imagine the two tennis howlers, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka, letting fly four-letter expletives every time they hit a tennis ball? (BTW, Martina Navratilova believes that that, in tennis, grunting “is cheating, pure and simple” because it disguises the sound of the ball hitting the racquet, which an opponent uses to gauge the power, spin and depth of an incoming shot.) In any case, while making loud noises, including swearing, can make you stronger in the short term, it also can backfire. If you can’t control the hormonal/adrenal flow, it could have negative effects on your athletic performance, cause poor judgement and damage your overall health; excess adrenaline can impede
functioning of your cardiovascular and immune systems! Q: My dad is in his late 70s and has chronic back pain from osteoarthritis. I’m worried that the opioids he’s taking (OxyContin, Percocet) will cause earlyonset dementia. Is that really something to worry about? -- Adele G., Monmouth County, New Jersey A: Let’s back up a bit here. The first thing you should be concerned with is the level of his pain and how he’s dealing with it. (We’ll get back to the meds in a bit.) Recently, researchers at University of California, San Francisco found that persistent pain is somehow related to changes in the brain that contribute to dementia. The researchers stressed that, “older people with persistent pain show quicker declines in memory as they age and are more likely to have dementia years later.” So you want to help him alleviate that pain, and with as few side effects as possible. If red meat, egg yolks, cheese, simple sugars and/or smoking are part of his lifestyle, those are major sources of inflammation, and inflammation fuels pain. Help him upgrade his nutrition, limit his alcohol intake to one drink a day and stop smoking, if he does (patches, support groups and meds all help). Studies show that smoking makes it virtually impossible to get rid of back pain. Also, help him get moving: Exercise and stretching really reduce back pain -- and help prevent cognitive decline. If the osteoarthritis in his back makes it too difficult for him to walk or do other exercises, there are options: massage therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, physical therapy and walking in a pool are terrific too. Surgery could even be a smart step, depending on his condition. The UC researchers also looked at both
opioid and NSAID (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug) use in older Americans and found that those who took NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, had the same increased dementia risk as those taking opioids. So you need to discuss with his doctor if sticking with the opioids is smart for your dad. The bottom line is that living in pain damages quality of life and may contribute to development of cognitive problems. Explore all his pain-relief options and have him take smart steps to increase brain functioning, starting with stress management, 900 mg of DHA daily and playing speed-ofprocessing games. *** Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily(at sign)sharecare.com. (c) 2017 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
August 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 15
If you suffer from
Sleep Apnea Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an alternative to surgery. At Sleep Apnea Treatment Centers of America, we offer a safe, effective alternative to traditional sleep apnea treatments. You can be treated and even
have your sleep apnea cured
with our minimally invasive Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) procedure
In just minutes.
United Healthcare Partners Medicare Approved
472099-1 497372-1
James V. Palazzolo, M.D.
CureMySleepApnea.com
16 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | August 2017