LiveSmart

summer 2014 | issue no. 2

how to stretch your

VACATION DOLLAR how to spruce up

OUTDOOR SPACE before hosting guests

Water Safety

local sources teach drowning prevention, swimming skills for children

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SUMMER CAMP FUN IN BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION

HELPING YOUNG ATHLETES PREVENT SPORTS INJURIES

HELPING HIP FRACTURE PATIENTS

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F E ATU R E

Water Safety

local sources teach drowning prevention, swimming skills for children

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Summer camp fun in Bryan-College Station

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By Michelle Griffith Special to The Eagle

ake a little art, a dash of science, a pinch of history, a sprinkle of drama and a massive splash of enthusiasm and what do you get? Exciting summer camps in the Brazos Valley!

Whether your child likes to craft, sing or discover, the affiliates of The Arts Council have the perfect summer camps for them to thrive!

The Arts Council would love to see you this summer at Comic Book Camp, Art Lab for Girls and Fine Arts Camp. Registration information for all three camps is available by calling The Arts Council at (979) 6962787 or by visiting acbv.org.

The ever-popular Comic Book Camp will be offered July 14 to 18 and July 21 to 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. Students will develop drawing skills and create their own superhero, while learning everything about comic books, from its history and background to characters and storylines.

Whether they’ve never read a comic before or dream in Marvel, your child will have a blast!

Girls only! The Arts Council is introducing a new camp this summer: Art Lab for Girls! Taught by Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo of the Texas A&M Department of Visualization, campers ages 7 to 13 will learn how to incorporate technology into their artistic designs and complete some incredible projects. Camp will be held July 7 through 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Arts Council’s Fine Art Camp will help budding artists develop the fundamentals of drawing, painting and collage. Campers will create mixed-media masterpieces that are sure to wow. Fine Art

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Camp will focus on experimenting with different artistic techniques and processes.

Camps will take place July 28 to Aug. 1 and Aug. 4 to 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local artist and experienced instructor, Robyn Glass, will share her creativity, enthusiasm and expertise with campers.

The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History invites your child to examine the world around us during Summer Nature Camps. Kids who have completed Pre-K through 12th grade can join in on exploring science, animal behavior, history and the environment. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, from June 10 through Aug. 19. Registration forms are available online at brazosvalleymuseum.org or at 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan. Please call the Museum at (979) 776-2195 with any questions.

The Children’s Museum of Brazos Valley offers summer camps for children ages 4 to 6 and 7 and up. Each camp is one week long and will focus on a different theme, such as Super Kids, Invention Convention and Space Invaders. Camps will take place weekly from July 7 through Aug. 8. Register by calling the Children’s Museum at (979) 779-5437. Registration ends the Wednesday before the first day of each camp. For more information, please visit cmbv.org.

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will be hosting the Exploring History Summer Camp weekly from July 7 through Aug. 8. Your child’s mind will be engaged with science experiments, field trips and art class! Come fuel them for the future during these five camp sessions, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration forms

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are available online at bushlibrary.tamu. edu. For more information, call (979) 6914006 or contact bush.education@nara.gov.

Navasota Theater Alliance invites your teen to explore their musical side at the Summer Theater Camps. NTA is offering Teen Camp for students who have completed fifth through 12th grade July 21 through Aug. 1. The camp session will conclude with a final performance. Registration is available online at navasotatheatre.com or by calling (936) 825-3195.

Unity Theatre in Brenham presents its Summer Drama Camps for kids in grades 2 through 12 in July! Students learn and rehearse by age group, then join together to perform “The Emperor’s New Clothes” July 24 through 27. Registration forms are available online at unitybrenham.org. For further details contact linda@unitybrenham. org or call (979) 830-1460 x 10.

Be sure to check in with more of The Arts Council’s affiliates for more fun summer camp options in the Brazos Valley! And if you’re looking for more fun summer activities, visit acbv.org/events – our online calendar is full of family fun!

Michelle Griffith is a marketing intern with The Arts Council. For questions regarding The Arts Council, please visit www.acbv.org, call (979) 696-2787, contact info@acbv.org, or see us at 2275 Dartmouth Street, College Station.

The Arts Council is dedicated to making the arts accessible to all citizens and visitors of the Brazos Valley through funding, promotion, advocacy and partnership building.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

How to stretch your

vacation dollar Budget-conscious travelers can still visit their favorite resorts without breaking the bank.

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he affordable vacation is becoming more and more rare. Rising fuel costs have made air and automotive travel considerably more expensive, hamstringing many would-be travelers’ budgets before they even begin their search for a hotel or private rental.

While vacations may have become more expensive in recent years, that should not prevent men and women from booking trips to enjoy a little rest and relaxation. In fact, there are many ways to stretch your vacation dollar without sacrificing the quality of your getaway.

Shake things up with your travel schedule. Flexibility can be your greatest ally with regard to stretching your vacation dollar, so consider traveling on less popular travel days when planning your vacation. For example, instead of booking your vacation

to coincide with a typical work week, consider breaking your vacation up over a two-week period, leaving on a Wednesday and returning the following Tuesday. Both your outgoing and return flights will likely be less expensive than they would be if you were to travel on a weekend, when flights tend to be more expensive, and you will still get to enjoy a full week’s worth of vacation.

Consider booking through a travel website. Many travel websites, including Groupon and LivingSocial, offer travel packages at heavily discounted prices. While some people are understandably skittish about booking trips through such sites, a little research can go a long way toward calming any nerves you might have about booking your trip. Read previous customer reviews of a deal before booking your trip, shying away from deals that fellow

travelers felt fell short of their expectations.

In addition to gauging reaction from past customers, do your own homework on the resorts included in each package you’re considering, and then make an educated decision based on your research.

Book an escorted vacation. If your vacation is going to be less about relaxing poolside and more along the lines of sightseeing and experiencing a different culture, then an escorted vacation might be your most affordable option. On an escorted vacation, your itinerary is prearranged, and that itinerary likely includes many popular tourist attractions and destinations. Such vacations are typically offered at a set price per person, and that price typically includes the cost of transportation, which can be considerable when traveling abroad.

Pack light. Anyone who has traveled by air over the last decade is likely aware that baggage costs are another thing to consider when establishing a vacation budget. While men and women flying alone might be able to grin and bear it with regard to baggage fees, parents traveling with kids in tow might be forced to shell out hundreds of dollars in baggage fees alone. When packing for a vacation, pack light so you aren’t left paying hefty baggage fees before boarding your outgoing and returning flights.

Familiarize yourself with local tipping standards. Tipping standards vary depending on the country, so it pays to research tipping standards before traveling abroad so you aren’t unnecessarily overtipping. Many resorts already include the cost of a tip when billing guests for food and beverage, and some all-inclusive resorts may have already factored staff tips into your bill when determining the cost of your stay. You may tip several hundred dollars over the course of a weeklong stay, and that might be money wasted if your resort has already factored tips into the cost of your stay. Doing your homework might just save you a substantial amount of money.

The cost of travel has skyrocketed in recent years. But savvy travelers can still satisfy their wanderlust without breaking the bank.

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Helping young athletes prevent sports injuries

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s you may already be aware, adults who were injured playing sports as a child have a greater risk for developing early onset osteoarthritis.

Much of this depends on how early the injury occurred, how many times the person was injured, how intense they played and/or practiced, whether they played the same sport year round and so forth. Today, many young athletes play sports with great intensity, frequently with little break or rest time. This occurs during a time when the young athlete’s

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body is particularly vulnerable to injury as their body is growing. In addition, there is intense pressure on the athlete from coaches, parents and themselves to play their best each and every time, play without complaint and to deal with pain.

As we kick off the summer season, this article will help guide parents, coaches and players on what to do so young athletes don’t place themselves at greater risk for injury or long term mobility issues. I will discuss several areas of risk, describe why they present risks and what you and your

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By Leon Bradway Special to The Eagle

athlete can do to minimize the risk.

Playing when not adequately conditioned – If you don’t have the muscle strength and do not have the flexibility needed to perform the task at hand, practicing and playing can overstress the muscles and joints. Some activities such as the golf swing, tennis serve and so forth put a great strain on certain areas of your body and leave you prone to injury if those areas are not properly conditioned.

If the athlete is not properly conditioned, they need to start slow, take adequate rest

breaks, drink plenty of water and stop and rest if they are hurting. It is one thing to experience some muscle pain but if they have prolonged or continuous pain, they need to visit with their physician or physical therapist. Optimally, the athlete should be pre-conditioned prior to increasing any athletic activity. It is important to minimize overuse injuries in muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints.

Playing without adequate rest – Your muscles need time to heal. When you lift weights and/ or strain your muscles, microscopic tears occur, and your body needs a break to let them heal and strengthen. That is why you are often told to skip a day between weight lifting exercises on a particular body part. So when lifting weights to increase strength, you need to do the weight lifting slowly and rest a full minute or two between sessions. When practicing, you need to build endurance, but you need adequate rest in between practices. Try not to do strenuous activities involving the same muscles between practices or game play.

Your muscles need time to refresh. Doing too much without adequate rest puts unnecessary strain on your muscles and joints, making them vulnerable to injury and re-injury. Cross-training is one way to allow adequate rest for muscles (working some while others rest). In addition, to change the muscles and joints worked, it is important to change the level of intensity and duration during workout. The athlete needs to get adequate hydration, replenish electrolytes, minerals and protein and get eight hours of sleep each night. Adequate rest and hydration are very important to preventing injury and ensuring optimal play.

Playing when injury is not completely healed – While at times this can occur because of eager players and coaches, research shows that it is difficult for doctors to determine the optimal time for athletes to resume play. One study showed that tissue damage surrounding the injury takes longer to heal than originally thought, and is very difficult to detect.

Playing when not completely healed puts

the athlete at higher risk for re-injury.

Research shows that those with recurring injury and early injury may put athletes at risk for early onset osteoarthritis (now being seen in 30 year olds). In addition, a second injury will take longer to heal and could be complicated by the young athlete’s growing body. While our sports culture endorses “playing through the pain,” this is not advised in any circumstances. No game now is worth their mobility later in life. Make sure your child’s athletic program has sufficient guidelines in place regarding how they deal with injuries and when it is safe to return to play. Parents and coaches must work together here to make sure the athlete understands why it isn’t advised to play too soon.

Taking medication or injections to mask the pain – Perhaps you have read about the recent lawsuit filed by professional football players who state that they were given pain medication to minimize pain and mask the seriousness of their injuries, causing them to damage their bodies further and even force early retirement due to career ending injury. While pain medication can be helpful when used correctly, taking pain medication and continuing to play is risky. Pain is the body’s signal to stop, that the body needs to heal. Masking that signal doesn’t allow your body to heal and could make the athlete vulnerable to a much more serious injury. Further, the number of people addicted to pain medication is on the rise, another risk to taking the medication.

There are natural solutions to pain that work to heal the body as quickly as possible. New techniques such as trigger point dry needling have shown to be very effective in treating athletic injuries and getting players back to play. And while taking medication can relieve the pain, it isn’t healing the body. Ice, heat, stretching, compression, elevation and protection are all natural ways to promote healing and reduce pain.

Using poor body mechanics when playing, particularly moves that stress the body – In my career working with high school and college athletes, I have

seen many excellent athletes who have developed chronic pain problems due to poor body mechanics during play. While their performance level is high, they are putting excess strain on certain areas of the body, causing strain on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. One way to resolve this is to film the athlete during play, analyze the points of stress or strain and then retrain the athlete in proper body mechanics. This will not only reduce the pain, stress and strain and risk for injury, it will also optimize their performance.

While this is effective and best long-term, many athletes are reluctant to “mess with a good thing.” In addition to changing body mechanics, strengthening weak muscles and improving joint health can help reduce the pain, as well.

Leon Bradway is a doctor of physical therapy and director of the Sports, Back and Pain Management Clinic in Bryan. See www.bvphysicaltherapy.com.

“Relief & Healing

without Medication”  ELIMINATE PAIN  RESTORE MOBILITY  PREVENT INJURY  IMPROVE BALANCE  DECREASE INCONTINENCE  IMPROVE MUSCLE HEALTH

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Dr. Leon Bradway, PT DPT MS OMPT Call (979)776-2225 for a free Consultation with Leon!

Patient testimonials BVphysicaltherapy.com

2011 A VILLA MARIA • BRYAN, TEXAS 77802

summer 2014 issue no. 2

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Water safety

By Holli L. Koster Special to The Eagle

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Local sources teach drowning prevention, swimming skills for children

rom Memorial Day through Labor Day 2013, at least 200 children between the ages of 1 and 14 drowned in a swimming pool or spa in the U.S., according to media reports compiled by the USA Swimming Foundation.

“Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 4,” said Shellie Stasny, instructor at the Survival Swim School of the Brazos Valley. “Unfortunately, you don’t hear a lot about it until this time of year, but national statistics show two to three children drown every single day, all year round.”

These startling statistics prompted Stasny, a competitive swimmer since the age of 3 and mother of four boys, to pursue certification as an Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) instructor, with the national Self-Rescue ™ program.

Since then she also has become an advocate in the local community, raising drowning awareness.

“Beginning at six months when a child is sitting independently – those two factors have to be in place – an infant has the upper body, core and head and neck strength to roll from face down to face up in the water,” Stasny said.

In 10-minute-lessons over the course of four to six weeks, the school teaches children from the age of six months to 16 or 17 to hold their breath when water is in their face and roll over on their backs and float until help can arrive.

Stasny says all classes are taught one-on-one.

For more information on the school, visit survivalswimschool-bv.com or call (979) 676-0841.

The cities of Bryan and College Station and several local gyms also offer swimming lessons with a focus on safety.

In May the city of Bryan held a free Splash Into Water Safety event for National Learn to Swim Day, hosting informational presentations on how to properly fit a life jacket, water safety practices for parents and swim lesson check-ups to determine a child’s placement for summer lessons.

The city of Bryan teaches an American Red Cross water safety curriculum to children, from babies to adults.

“Even adults can and should learn to swim,” said Marty Mulgrew, aquatics supervisor for the city of Bryan. “It’s a life-long skill that can improve your fitness and enable you to potentially save a child’s life.”

The city of Bryan offers summer swim lessons in five, twoweek sessions through mid August, with classes to address every swimming level from “waterbabies” to adults. Classes are $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents.

For more information, visit www.bryantx.gov or call (979) 209-5000.

“It’s important to come to every session because each class builds upon the one from the previous day,” Mulgrew said.

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More lessons The city of College Station also offers swimming instruction, from six months to adults, as well as a new DeckFit class, a group fitness class taught on the pool deck during youth swim lessons.

Swim lessons run several days per week over two-week sessions through mid August, and prices vary based on level.

For more information, visit cstx.gov or call (979) 764-3486.

Aerofit offers classes four days per week through early August, to class sizes of six students for children from six months to advanced swimmers. Classes are $55 for members or $65 for non-members.

For more information, visit aerofitclubs. com or call (979) 823-0971.

Briarcrest Country Club offers lessons personalized for each swimmer – for all levels of swimmers. Taught by Christina Amo, the club offers individual lessons for $18 for members and $20 for nonmembers and bulk purchases of lessons for varying amounts.

For more information, visit www. briarcrestcc.org or call (979) 776-1487.

BCS Fitness offers private swim lessons on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more

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information, e-mail brad@bcsfitness.com or call (979) 575-7871.

Water safety While children and adults can learn a number of safety tips in individual lessons, local instructors offer several tips for staying safe around pools, bathtubs and other spots that present a drowning danger.

“Adult supervision can never replace any type of flotation device,” Stasny said. “We teach that supervision is key. Segmented supervision involves an adult being focused for a period of time, watching everything that is going on around them, without distractions like a cell phone or iPad.” Because children are curious and fast, Stasny said accidents can happen almost instantly while an adult is distracted.

Stasny said if parents have a swimming pool, it’s important to have alarms on the doors and a four-sided pool tent around it.

“That gives you enough time to say, ‘They just slipped out of my sight; where are they?’” she said.

Parents should only put a small amount of water in the bathtub when bathing their

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children, Stasny said, and they should emphasize that bath time isn’t playtime.

“Again, parents shouldn’t talk on the phone during baths,” she said. “A drowning can occur within minutes.”

Mulgrew said it’s important to maintain a ratio of one parent to every two children while children are near water.

“And, it’s even better if the parent can be in the water and within reach – with eyes on their children at all times,” she said.

Lifeguards at public pools are often in place to prevent and respond to emergencies, but parents often can assist in avoiding accidents, as well, Mulgrew said.

According to Infant Swimming Resource, keys to water safety are effective supervision, pool fences (including a four-sided fence with self-locking gates three to five feet from the pool edge) and alarms on all doors and windows leading to the pool.

The organization also recommends survival swimming lessons to add a layer of protection, as well, teaching children water survival skills in a safe environment and CPR training for parents.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

How to spruce up outdoor space before hosting guests Patios, including furniture and walkways, should be cleaned and cleared of debris before hosting your next party.

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eautiful nights make for great opportunities to invite some friends over for a starry soirée under the nighttime sky. Unlike house parties at which guests will be spending most of their time indoors and in various rooms throughout the house, outdoor parties are often limited to smaller areas, such as patios. That can make things much less taxing on hosts, who won’t have much prep work to do to get an outdoor hosting area ready for guests.

But even an impromptu party requires planning and a little elbow grease before guests arrive. The following are a few areas to address before guests arrive for your next outdoor gettogether.

Clear the walkways and patio of debris.

The walkways and patio may not need too much attention, but give them a once-over with a broom to clear any debris. When clearing the patio of debris, move all furniture, making sure to sweep up any debris, including food, that might have fallen beneath tables and chairs since your most recent party. If the patio

is especially dirty, consider power washing it to remove stubborn stains that can rob the area of its aesthetic appeal.

Clean the furniture. Whether it’s been months since your last party on the patio or just a few days, the furniture must be cleaned.

Unless items have been stored in a garage or shed, patio furnishings are exposed to the elements, and that means dirt, soil, soot or pollen may have accumulated on the furniture.

Wipe down all cushions, using a mild detergent when necessary. Cushions may need some time to dry, so make this one of your first tasks, and leave cushions out in the sun so they dry more quickly. Once the cushions have been cleaned, wipe down the furniture with a wet towel to clear them of any dirt or debris.

Clean and inspect the grill. The grill is a goto accessory when hosting an outdoor party, so give the grill a thorough cleaning before the first guests arrive. Nothing brings a party to a halt like hunger, and guests may begin to grow antsy if they are not served food in a reasonable amount of time. If you are using a propane

grill, check to make sure the tanks are full as you clean the grill. Running out of propane is a summer soirée faux pas, so you might want to keep an extra tank handy just to be safe.

Clear the entryway to your home. Your guests will likely be using the same entryway over and over again during the party, so focus on cleaning this entryway so guests don’t trip or have to jump over toys on their way to an indoor restroom. Once the entryway has been cleared of potential tripping hazards, make sure the indoor path to the restroom is clear as well.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Quench guests’ thirst with this refreshing concoction Few foods are as synonymous with a particular season as watermelon is with summer. For many people, a backyard barbecue or picnic in the park is not complete without a refreshing slice of fresh watermelon.

But while watermelon is most often associated with dessert at warm weather soirées, this beloved fruit is much more versatile than that.

For example, watermelon can be used to make a refreshing beverage for guests of your next outdoor gettogether. Easy to prepare and ideal on warm afternoons and evenings, the following recipe for “Pressed Watermelon With Basil Water” from

Brian Peterson-Campbell’s “Cool Waters: 50 Refreshing, Healthy, Homemade Thirst Quenchers” (Harvard Common Press) is sure to cool down your guests.

Pressed Watermelon with Basil Water Makes 6 servings 4 cups watermelon 6 to 8 large basil leaves 1⁄4 teaspoon white wine vinegar 4 cups chilled still water Pinch of sea salt

1. Combine the watermelon chunks and basil in a colander placed over a large bowl. Using a metal ladle or spoon, press the watermelon to extract as much juice as possible (the remaining pulp should be fairly dry).

2. Season the juice with the sea salt and vinegar and strain through a finemesh sieve into a large pitcher. Add the water, stir and serve.

Food pairings: Grilled chicken or fish, feta and tomato salad, shortbread cookies.

Chef ’s tip: Use yellow watermelon for an unexpected twist.

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By shauna leWis the eagle

helping

Hip fracture patients

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eople with osteoporosis often don’t know they have the disease until they suffer from a painful fracture, and delayed wait times at an emergency room for such patients lead to poor outcomes, according to College Station Medical Center officials.

Seeing a need for improvement, the College Station Medical Center (The Med) officially launched its new Fracture Care Program in June. The program is a multi-disciplinary team approach to provide care to seniors with hip fractures.

A hip fracture is a break in the femur (thigh bone) of the hip joint, and is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention, according to The University of Chicago Medicine. The Fracture Care Program streamlines the process that occurs when patients arrive at the hospital’s emergency room (ER) with a hip fracture – reducing patients’ wait times and improving their outcomes, The Med officials said. But it also aims to provide education on osteoporosis and screenings for the disease, so people know they have osteoporosis before a fracture can occur.

“Unfortunately, many individuals that suffer from these types of injuries do not receive the level of care that

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dr. christopher Henderson

they need and suffer from a long-term loss of mobility or even death,” said Russell Mariott, the hospital’s director of marketing and business development.

Fractures are usually caused by osteoporosis, a disease of the bones that occurs when a person loses too much bone, makes too little bone or both. The disease makes bones less dense and puts people at a higher risk for fractures, said Dr. Christopher Henderson, The Med’s medical director and orthopedic traumatologist. When a person suffers from osteoporosis, their bones are so weak and brittle that a fall or even mild stresses – such as bending over or coughing -- can cause a fracture, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The most common osteoporosis-related fractures, according to the Mayo Clinic, are in the hip, wrist or spine. Hip fractures come with the greatest risk of mortality and have the biggest affect on a person’s mobility and functional level, said Danie Fallon, physical therapist and orthopedic care coordinator for The Med. About 20 percent of people who have a hip fracture die within a year of their injury, and it is estimated that only one in four people experience a complete recovery from a hip fracture, according to the University of Chicago Medicine.

“There pretty much are no symptoms until the fracture happens,” Fallon added.

Because a broken bone is usually the first

Normal Bone

sign, Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease,” according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. But height loss and spine curvature can be indications of the disease.

Need for Fracture Care Program With a growing number of seniors nationwide, doctors nationwide are seeing more and more hip fractures, Henderson said.

“I think it’s really a nationwide problem,” he said.

The Med partnered with the Marshall | Steele company to provide guidelines for the program. It’s modeled after the Geriatric Fracture Program at Bon Secours St. Francis Health System in Greenville, S.C. The Med had partnered with Marshall | Steele for its My Orthopedic Solutions Team (MOST) joint replacement program, and the results were so good that the next step was to create the Fracture Care Program to help patients, as well, Fallon said.

About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Studies show that about one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older in the United States will break a bone because of the

disease. Experts predict that by 2025, osteoporosis will be responsible for about 3 million fractures and $25.3 billion in costs nationwide each year.

The number of hip fractures in the U.S. is the highest in the word, with about 300,000 each year, according to the University of Chicago Medicine. In 2003 there were about 309,500 hospitalizations for hip fractures, and it is estimated that there could be more than 500,000 by the year 2040. About 90 percent of hip fractures happen to people over the age of 60. The incidence of hip fractures doubles for each decade after age 50.

More about the program Goals of the Fracture Care Program include providing community education about osteoporosis and identifying those with the disease before a fracture happens, Fallon said. The Med officials are raising osteoporosis awareness by providing local seminars and osteoporosis screenings, and working with area primary care doctors, nursing homes and EMS providers and hospital staff.

The program also streamlines the process of osteoporosis patients being treated.

Often geriatric patients with fractures are considered non-urgent cases and wait longer than they should, Fallon said. The Fracture Care Program implements a fast-track approach for patients arriving

OSTEOPOROSIS

in the ER with a potential fracture, and standardizes what is needed for preoperation and post-operation. Patients with possible fractures are quickly identified and evaluated, with the goal of receiving surgery to repair the fracture within 24 hours of being admitted to ABOVE: Osteoporosis is a disease that results in bones being less dense, putting them at a higher risk for fractures. Below: Danie Fallon.

the hospital. “The patient will get priority, rather than waiting in the ER,” Henderson said.

Surgery within 24 hours results in better mobility; treatment that is delayed past that amount of time can result in poor outcomes, he said. Also, many patients have heart disease and can’t tolerate lying in bed for days, and the use of catheters can lead to urinary tract infections, Henderson added.

Fractured bones can cause severe pain, and early surgical treatment, in combination with medication, has been found to relieve pain more effectively, according to The Med. When patients have to wait for days to have surgery, pain is often managed with narcotics, which can cause delirium and confusion.

Delirium can cause a delay in starting physical therapy, resulting in a longer and more difficult recovery, hospital officials added. However, because patients in the Fracture Care Program are usually in surgery within hours instead of days, there is rarely a need to use narcotics for pain.

Also, all medical staff members who work with hip fracture patients receive special in-house training for the Fracture Care Program. A multidisciplinary team treats each patient, and the hospital has a special area for hip fracture patients. The team -- including nurses, physical therapists and medical doctors – work together so that they know what is needed for each patient, Fallon said. Patients also are set up with a daily schedule after surgery, with their medications being timed so that they are more clear-headed for physical therapy.

“It’s really just making sure the team is working together,” Fallon said.

At a similar program at Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, the hospital has seen a shorter stay for fracture patients, going from about nine days to 4 and a half. The mortality rate within one year after hip fracture also dropped from an estimated 25 percent to 15 percent, Fallon said. osteoPorosis Prevention and More inforMation Things that increase a person’s risk for osteoporosis include being female, being Caucasian or Asian, having a thin or small frame, a family history of osteoporosis, being post-menopausal, low testosterone levels (in men), a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia, a lifelong diet low in calcium and vitamin D, an inactive lifestyle, cigarette smoking and excessive use of alcohol and caffeine, according to The Med. Ways to prevent osteoporosis include screening for the disease, taking vitamin D and calcium, gentle weight-bearing exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and smoking cessation, hospital officials said.

For more information on osteoporosis and the Fracture Care Program, call The Med at 979-764-5100 or visit www.csmedcenter.com (click on “services,” then “orthopedic services” and “geriatric fracture care”).

Websites containing additional information on osteoporosis include: • http://nof.org • www.iofbonehealth.org • www.mayoclinic.org • www.uchospitals. edu.

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Calcium and vitamin D important throughout life METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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alcium and vitamin D are frequently touted for their ability to improve bone health. While consuming foods rich in vitamin D and calcium is especially important for aging women, both vitamin D and calcium also help to keep the body strong and vital at any age.

Calcium and vitamin D help fight bone loss, and not just in older women.

Younger, active women need it to prevent stress fractures and other bone injuries.

A 2008 study reviewed the health of 5,000 female U.S. Navy recruits, and those who did not take additional calcium and vitamin D were 25 percent more likely to suffer a stress fracture.

A stress fracture is a small fracture of a bone caused by repeated physical strain.

Gymnasts, runners and even marching soldiers can suffer such fractures even if they are otherwise healthy.

Calcium is also needed for other parts of the body. The National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center says calcium is necessary for the heart, muscles and nerves to function properly.

It also helps blood to clot. Furthermore, pregnant women need ample calcium in their diets in order to supply calcium to a growing fetus. If a pregnant woman does not get enough calcium through diet, the baby will draw it from Mom’s own bones, threatening the mother’s health while leading to bone fragility and increasing her risk of fractures.

Calcium and vitamin D work in

conjunction. Although a balanced diet may provide enough calcium, many times high levels of salt and protein in one’s diet can increase calcium excretion through the kidneys. Also, people who have an intolerance to lactose may not be getting the calcium they need. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium. Without vitamin D, a woman cannot produce enough calcitriol, impairing calcium absorption from her diet. In turn, the body will take calcium from stores in existing bone, weakening them and preventing the formation of strong, new bone.

Women who may have been deficient in vitamin D and calcium can develop osteoporosis and other bone-loss conditions as they age. Thanks to osteoporosis, half of all women over the age of 50 will have a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra during their lifetime, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. A drop in estrogen at the time of menopause can contribute to bone loss. Drinking large amounts of alcohol, maintaining a low body weight and smoking can each cause osteoporosis.

In order to maintain bone and body health, there are certain dietary intake recommendations regarding calcium and vitamin D. Adults under age 50 should consume between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams of calcium and roughly 600 IU of vitamin D daily.

Calcium can be found in dairy products, as well as in salmon, shellfish, brazil

nuts, dried beans, and green, leafy vegetables. Vitamin D is found in fish, eggs and fortified milk. Vitamin D can also form when the body is exposed to sunlight. Even as few as 10 minutes of daily exposure to sunlight can produce vitamin D. Consuming enough calcium and vitamin D can help a woman’s body stay healthy as she ages.

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summer 2014 issue no. 2

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Save time with

faSt mealS employ various techniques to cut down on the time it takes to prepare and cook a meal.

W

arm weather provides a great opportunity to slow down and savor time spent having fun in the great outdoors. But time spent away from home often leads to meals made on the fly or last-minute jaunts to a nearby fast-food restaurant.

Though last-minute meals or trips to the local burger joint might be convenient, they are not always healthy. Fortunately, there are other ways to eat well even when you’re pressed for time.

Choose fast-cooking foods. Stock the pantry with items that will cook quickly.

Fresh produce can be steamed or grilled in only a few minutes and served alone as a vegetarian meal or mixed with other foods for a quick entree. Seafood tends to cook quite fast, and many seafood dishes make for a low-fat source of healthy protein and essential fatty acids. Seafood also is lighter on the stomach, which fits well with the smaller meals people tend to enjoy during warm weather. Even foods that take a long time to cook can be prepared quickly. Thick cuts of meat or poultry can be fileted or sliced to allow

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them to cook faster.

Cook with high heat. Instead of slowroasting or plugging in the slow cooker for hours on end, instant meal gratification often means cranking up the heat. That is why grilling is such a popular cooking method this time of year. Grilling will sear meats and vegetables over high heat, sometimes as much as 400 to 500 degrees, cooking foods rapidly as a result. Select meats that do well over high heat, such as those that are tender, because they will not require long cooking periods to break down the fibers in the meat. If grilling is not an option, then stir-frying is another way to cook fast over high heat. Invest in a wok or another deep frying pan for such meals.

Have prepared items on standby. Keep the refrigerator stocked with alreadywashed vegetables and lettuce. Par-boiled potatoes or pasta can be mixed in with a number of different ingredients to create a filling meal. When free time allows, develop a plan so meals take less time to prepare. If frozen items must be defrosted, make sure to put them in the refrigerator

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the day before they will be cooked to begin the thawing period. Otherwise, use a microwave to safely defrost foods rather than leaving them out on the counter where bacteria can grow.

Don’t fret a no-fuss night. Not every meal has to be a three-course delight. A fast dinner could equate to a sandwich or salad. Breakfast foods for dinner are also quite popular and can cook up quickly.

Surprise everyone with French toast or pancakes made savory with bits of bacon and spinach in the batter. When all else fails, a bowl of cereal can be adequate and fast.

When dining out, go healthy.

Sometimes takeout or a meal out with friends or family is the perfect ending to a great day. Restaurant food tends to pack more fat and calories into larger-thannormal portion sizes, so choose steamed or broiled foods whenever possible. Divide larger portions among other diners. Clear soups are better for you than cream-based soups. Try to fill up on vegetables rather than bread served before the meal.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

no-bake desserts make the perfect end to a gathering

I

t is the season for entertaining, when invitations for barbecues and parties abound. Common courtesy dictates guests offer a token of appreciation to their host or hostess for the invitation to socialize. Although wine or other beverages are a go-to gift, a tasty dessert also makes a great gift. And gifters can even consider a no-bake recipe so they don’t have to turn on the oven when the weather warms up.

Need inspiration? Browse the Internet and you’re likely to discover dozens of delicious nobake recipes. Cooking shows on television and articles in newspapers and magazines also can inspire home chefs. Otherwise, you can try your hand at these simple dessert solutions.

Ambrosia salad: Ambrosia is a variation on a traditional fruit salad. While the name references a food enjoyed by Greek deities, most believe the dessert traces its origins to the United States.

Although ambrosia salad can have different variations, many recipes begin with a dairy base (pudding, sour cream or yogurt) and then include different canned or fresh fruits, shredded coconut and mini-marshmallows. Ambrosia salad is refreshing on a warm day and takes little time to prepare.

Pudding trifle: Trifles are made by layering different ingredients to create a striated design.

This dessert may include a variety of ingredients, from cake to cookie crumbs to fruit. Trifles also can be customized to fit a particular party theme.

Patriotic parties may feature a trifle made with berries, whipped cream and cubes of vanilla pound cake. Match flavors to cocktails or other food being served.

Easy ice cream cake: Packaged ice cream sandwiches can be turned into a tasty and simple dessert. First, purchase a box of ice cream sandwiches, then melt hot fudge and crumble cookies, like Oreos®, into the fudge. Spread the cookie and fudge layer on top of the sandwiches and then repeat the layers. Finish by sealing everything with a thin coating of frozen whipped topping. Wrap in aluminum foil and allow to set and harden in the freezer for a few hours.

Fruit pizza: This is a refreshing and relatively healthy dessert to complement any occasion.

Start by making a graham cracker crust, either by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a bit of sugar and pressing into a pie dish or by simply buying one ready-made. (For a less healthy alternative, and one that requires baking, use a sugar cookie dough to make a cookie crust.) Mix whipped cream cheese with a bit of strawberry jam, marmalade or your favorite

fruit flavor. Spread over the crust. Place slices of fruit on top of the cream cheese. Peaches, apples, grapes, sliced cherries, kiwi, and blueberries can be used. For a professional-looking finish, a glaze made from cornstarch, water and sugar will give the top of the fruit pizza an inviting sheen.

Fresh strawberry yogurt pie: The benefits of eating yogurt abound. Yogurt is lower in fat and calories than ice cream, and yogurt boasts active, live cultures that keep your digestive system working correctly. Yogurt doesn’t just have to be reserved for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy it in a delicious dessert, too. Purchase a ready-made chocolate cookie pie crust or make your own from ground chocolate sandwich cookies. Mix together eight to 10 ounces of strawberry Greek yogurt with a small container of thawed frozen whipped topping. Add in slices of fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings, if desired. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and freeze until firmly set. Thaw slightly to slice easily and enjoy.

No-bake treats make for easily prepared desserts.

Experiment with different flavor combinations, and you just may discover a new crowd favorite.

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summer 2014 issue no. 2

| 17

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

How to streamline

grocery shopping

If fresh food is all you need, stick to the perimeter of the store, where produce, meats and dairy products are typically stored.

G

rocery shopping is a part of life, and whether trips to the local supermarket are a daily, weekly or monthly occurrence, such excursions can be time-consuming.

Data from the American Time Use Survey, which measures how much time people spend shopping among other things, indicates that people have spent less time shopping since the recession began in 2008, and many people might want to continue this trend of spending less time at the store even as their finances recover. The following are some simple strategies for those who want to do just that.

Embrace e-commerce offerings. Grocery

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stores have joined the ranks of other retailers in making it easy for customers to shop for food online. Individuals can browse for sales, shop according to the weekly circular and create lists that make it easier for them to track their purchases.

Another change in how we shop for groceries concerns how the food we purchase makes it into our refrigerators and pantries.

Many grocery chains now offer delivery service, and some even have personal shopping services in which customers fill out their orders online, and a store employee gathers all of the groceries. The customer then arrives to pick up and pay for their groceries at a predetermined time. Utilizing

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such services can curb impulse buys and drastically reduce the time shoppers spend in stores.

Make a list. Making a list before heading to the store remains one of the biggest time savers when shopping for groceries.

A list helps shoppers cut back on the time they spend wandering around a store and wondering what they do or don’t need.

Shoppers can even take things one step further by coordinating their list to a store’s layout, which reduces the likelihood that shoppers will make several trips down the same aisle.

Bring only the coupons you are likely to use. Instead of toting along your entire coupon portfolio, bring only those coupons you plan to use. This allows you to get in and out of the store without rifling through circulars or coupon organizers.

Shop the perimeter of the store. Shoppers interested in fresh foods should concentrate their shopping efforts on the perimeter of the store. This is typically where fresh produce, meats, poultry, bakery items, and dairy products are kept. Packaged, processed foods are usually kept in the interior aisles.

Visit during off-peak hours. Avoid stores on the first day of a sale, when your fellow shoppers will be eager to stock up. In addition, try to avoid shopping on the first or last day of the month, when paychecks or government benefit checks arrive. Shopping when school lets out in the afternoon is another busy time of day at many grocery stores. If you truly want to save time, shop late in the evening or in the early morning when stores are less hectic and checkout lines won’t be as long.

Go it alone. Some shoppers may benefit by flying solo when grocery shopping. It’s often quicker to move through a store when you are on your own.

Scan as you go. Some stores allow shoppers to scan their groceries as they put them in their carts. The scan gun is linked to their shopping rewards card. When shoppers are ready to go, the shopper then scans a bar code and the entire purchase history gets sent to the register for checkout. This concept cuts down on the time shoppers spend in line.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Keep pests away from entertaining areas

O

utdoor entertaining is one of the joys of nicer weather. People routinely gather on the patio or around the pool when the weather warms up, and such recreational activities can foster companionship and reduce stress. However, if nuisance animals and insects are sharing entertaining spaces, these pests can quickly put a damper on the festivities.

While it may seem impossible to keep an outdoor entertaining area completely pestfree, there are ways to keep such unwanted intrusions manageable.

Identify common pests Yard pests vary depending on geography, so the first step is to figure out which pests are native to your area. Mosquitoes can be found in many locales, but certain insects may be exclusive to specific regions. For example, palmetto bugs are native to moist, tropical areas, such as the southeastern United States.

In addition to insects, squirrels, moles, raccoons, and other rodents may also descend

on a property. Neighborhoods that abut natural ecosystems or infringe on wild animals’ habitats may see a wider array of animals encroaching on entertaining spaces. Deer, bears, coyotes, and certain bird species can present their own brands of trouble. Homeowners new to an area may have to experience a learning curve to determine which pests are common to a certain area, as well as which seasons bring which creatures.

Try natural repellents first To minimize damage to the environment and to protect local wildlife, homeowners should exhaust natural ways to repel pests before resorting to less eco-friendly methods.

Animals can be kept out of a yard with fences and other barriers, such as thorny bushes. Many pests are deterred by smells or certain structures in a lawn or garden. For example, inserting chicken wire into a garden bed may be enough to repel burrowing animals. Certain insects, such as flies and mosquitoes, find the aromas of citronella grass, basil and marigold offensive.

Surrounding a property with these plants can create a natural bug repellent. Lavender and rosemary are other aromatics that may deter pests. Blood meal and soap solutions can repel deer and other wildlife that may feed on garden plants.

Pests attracted to food can be kept at bay

with frequent sweeping or hosing down of the patio. In addition, maintain a clean grill and store trash in tightly secured receptacles.

Consider more traditional alternatives If natural repellents do not work, you may need to rely on more traditional products to repel insects and other pests. Beetle traps lure beetles with an inviting scent before the beetle gets trapped in a bag and cannot exit.

Traps for wasps and flies follow a similar premise. Bug zappers are largely viewed as an inhumane option but can be highly effective.

Unfortunately, these zappers also attract and kill beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies.

Chemical repellents also are available. Stores stock pesticides that will rid plants of damaging insects. These repellents also may be used around the patio to make the area inhospitable to insects and other pests.

Contact an exterminator If the problem is simply too difficult to manage on your own, then you might need to contact an exterminator, who can spray the perimeter of the home for bugs and can also be called in to safely trap and remove nuisance animals. An exterminator may also have detailed knowledge of protected species and which habitats can and cannot be disturbed.

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Over 30 Years Experience Caring for the Hearing Needs of the Brazos Valley summer 2014 issue no. 2

| 19

Water conservation Water efficiently with soaker hose and drip irrigation

By Charla Anthony Special to The Eagle

I

f continuing drought and high temperatures send your water bill soaring, changing your landscape irrigation methods can bring relief.

Efficient irrigation is a key Earth-Kind practice for conserving water in landscapes.

Earth-Kind, a program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, promotes practices that use research-proven techniques to provide maximum garden and landscape

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enjoyment while preserving and protecting the environment.

Methods Soaker hoses and low-volume irrigation systems distribute water slowly over a long period of time. Compared to hose-end and in-ground sprinkler systems, these two methods lose less water to evaporation and runoff. They precisely deliver water where it counts the most, to the soil where the plant

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roots are growing.

Soaker hose A soaker hose is simple, relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. These hoses, usually 25 to 75 feet long, have pinsize holes that seep water slowly. Depending on length, multiple hoses can be connected and snaked around and near landscape shrubs, groundcovers and perennials. If preferred, the hose may then be covered

with a thin layer of mulch. To operate, simply place the hoses, connect to a hose bib and turn on the water.

Although a good method, the hoses usually last two to three years and then need to be replaced due to leaks and breaks. While they are quick and easy to use, soaker hoses are not as efficient as drip irrigation.

Drip irrigation Drip irrigation, also known as low volume or trickle irrigation, is plastic tubing or tape with small emitters located at various intervals. The tube carries a low flow of water under low pressure. Most systems are installed at or near the surface of the landscape area, and if desired, may be covered with 2 to 3 inches of mulch.

If you can assemble Legos, you can design and put together a drip system, customized to your landscape. Or you can use the services of an irrigation professional. Systems typically require a backflow preventer, filter and pressure regulator. Garden stores, irrigation supply companies and online sources offer equipment and how-to advice for the doit-yourself installer.

While this type of system will require some maintenance from time to time – replacing emitters and repairing leaks -- it is worth the effort. Drip irrigation can exceed 90 percent efficiency, whereas sprinkler systems are 50 to 70 percent efficient. In fact, due to this efficiency, many water utilities exempt landscapes irrigated with drip from restrictions during drought.

Every homeowner can increase irrigation efficiency with a low-volume system. It’s a win-win, reducing water waste and water bills.

So, how long to water using this method? It is possible to overwater using this method; it all depends on the user.

The primary goal of low-volume systems is to apply water to a uniform soil depth, either directly to the plant root zone or in a limited area.

How long and how much to water How long to run a drip irrigation

system is site specific, depending on soil type, plant needs, the equipment and water pressure. Water is applied frequently at low flow rates. Some trial runs will be necessary to determine what is appropriate for your site.

Let these recommendations from Texas A&M Extension Specialist Larry Stein be your guide. He explains, “The best absorptive roots for most plants are in the top 6 to 12 inches of the soil, since this upper soil area contains a lot of oxygen.

The deeper one goes into the soil, the less oxygen is present, and root growth is less.”

Use your finger to test soil moisture level.

Also, if a screwdriver pushes into the soil 6 to 8 inches, the moisture level should be adequate.

More water conservation practices Three more ways to conserve water are: Make sure your soil holds all the moisture it can. Mixing organic matter, specifically a finished compost, into the

soil will improve water-holding capacity of sandy soils and water penetration into clay soils. Clay soils amended with compost will absorb more water at a faster rate, reducing runoff.

Apply mulch. Cover soil with a 2- to 3-inch layer of shredded hardwood, grass clippings or shredded leaves. Spread the mulch around the plants, keeping it a few inches away from the main stem or tree trunk to avoid pest problems. Mulch lowers the soil temperature and decreases evaporation Control weeds, which can steal water from desirable plants. Reducing competition for water will strengthen existing plants and make them less susceptible to disease, insects and drought stress.

Charla Anthony is the horticulture program assistant at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Brazos County, 2619 Texas 21 W., Bryan, Texas 77803. Her e-mail address is cmanthony@ag.tamu.edu.

summer 2014 issue no. 2

| 21

1729 Briarcrest, Bryan, Texas 77802 Publisher, Crystal Dupré Director of Sales and Marketing, Ron Prince Display Advertising Manager, Linda Brinkman  979.731.4719  linda.brinkman@theeagle.com Creative Services Manager, Jim Bob McKown  979.731.4706  jimbob@theeagle.com Special Projects Editor, Shauna Lewis  979.731.4704  shauna.lewis@theeagle.com Special Projects Coordinator, Erika Liesman  979.731.4738  erika.liesman@theeagle.com Publication Designer, Courtney Lewellen For questions or comments, please call: 979.731.4738

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Hair care made simple

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

The right hair care routine depends on the type of hair an individual has

H

air is typically taken for granted until something goes awry. Hair loss can result from genetics, disease or poor hair hygiene. While there’s little a person can do about genetics or hair loss related to illness, good hair hygiene should be a part of everyone’s beauty and grooming regimen.

A good head of hair can enhance a person’s appearance. Hair hygiene is important, but many do not know where to begin, and myths abound when it comes to hair care. It’s time to wash away the fiction from the facts.

There is no need to shampoo every day.

Some think they’ll be left with a head of dirty, smelly hair if they do not lather up every day, but this is inaccurate. Most people can go a day or more between washing their hair, and waiting between washes actually can be beneficial. “Hair is fiber, and the more you wash it, the worse it’s going to look,” says Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist in California specializing in hair research. People with curly, dry or processed hair can probably go longer between washings than those with thin, straight hair. This enables oils from the scalp to travel down the hair shaft and keep the cuticle healthy.

Conditioner can keep hair smooth and shiny. Some question the necessity for conditioner while others can’t live without it. Those with coarse or dry hair usually find that conditioning a few times a week is necessary to tame hair and keep it shiny and looking healthy. On the flip side, those with naturally moist hair may not need to use conditioner more than once per week. Overuse of conditioner can actually contribute to making hair look dull, dry and weighed down. People with thin hair may only want to apply

conditioner to the ends so as not to make hair flat and heavy. Many people need to experiment with conditioner to find a routine that works.

More lather isn’t necessarily better.

Contrary to popular belief, shampoos that generate mounds of rich lather are not necessarily better for your hair.

Sulfates are commonly used as lathering agents and may be the first ingredients in many commercially produced shampoos.

Sulfates make water feel more wet and spread cleaning ingredients from the shampoo more readily across the hair shaft. However, these same cleansers can dehydrate the sebaceous glands and strip the scalp of essential oils and natural moisture. Many stylists recommend sulfate-free shampoos because they are more gentle on the hair. People who color their hair may find a sulfate-free shampoo helps retain their hair color longer.

Brushing can be beneficial. While you may not need 100 strokes of the hair brush to achieve shiny hair, brushing hair gently each day can untangle the hair and help transfer oils from the scalp down the hair shaft and throughout the hair. The key is not to brush too often or too vigorously.

Look for a brush with long, plastic bristles that bend. A brush with a rubber base with vents is also good. Do not brush so hard that you scratch your scalp or tear out hair from the roots. The goal is to prevent breakage.

Many hair situations not only can be remedied at home, but a person can also consult with a stylist to develop a hair care routine. People experiencing hair problems that are not easily fixed should speak to dermatologists, as such problems may be symptoms of medical issues.

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summer 2014 issue no. 2

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