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Health • Fitness • Mind • Spirit • Medicine • Well-Being
Berthoud Resident Berthoud, CO 80513
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© Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
September 25, 2014
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
September 25, 2014
Body|Soul
The benefits of aromatherapy By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer The Surveyor
When you hear the word “aromatherapy” you may think of your massage therapist’s office or the last spa you visited. However, aromatherapy is much more than just fragrance; people find real therapeutic benefits from it. Merriam-Webster online defines aromatherapy as “the use of natural oils that have a pleasant smell to make a person feel better, especially by rubbing the oils into the skin.” This definition, however, is a simple explanation of a much deeper subject. A French chemist and perfumer named ReneMaurice Gattefosse coined the term “aromatherapie” in 1937, and published a book by that name. The book contained clinical findings showing that essential oils can be used to treat a variety of physiological ailments, according to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy. Trudy Perry, owner of Heritage Lavender in west
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Health • Fitness • Mind • Spirit • Medicine • Well-Being
Body/Soul© 2014 is published in Berthoud, Colorado by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. The publishers reserve the right to edit, classify or reject any advertising or news copy. Liability for any newspaper error in an advertisement shall not exceed the cost of space occupied by error. The publishers assume no liability for any advertising which is not published for any cause. The publishers assume absolutely no obligation or responsibility for subject matter in copy placed by its advertisers or their agents. It is also understood that the advertiser and the agency placing such advertising jointly and severally agree to indemnify Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, LLC against all expense, loss or damage sustained by reason of printing such copy. Subscription rates are $32 per year to residents of the 80513 zip code and $42 per year to zip codes other than 80513.
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Berthoud, knows firsthand the benefits of aromatherapy. While looking for different ways to preserve and use the lavender from her garden, she discovered essential oils and quickly learned the calming benefits of this simple purple flower. When life was hectic, sad or stressful, Perry began to utilize essential lavender oil as a calming agent, and it worked. She became a believer. “I take a few drops and usually rub it on the palm of my hands and then take a good, deep breath,” explained Perry. “Then, I usually rub it on the bottom of my feet, because the pores on the bottoms of our feet are larger than the pores on the rest of our bodies, so the oil is absorbed quicker.” Lavender oil helps Perry when she’s having trouble sleeping. She puts two to three drops on a pillow, under her nose or on the bottoms of her feet to help her fall asleep. It can also relieve anxiety and digestive problems. Until World War I, lavender was used to treat and disinfect wounds. Hospitals used lavender as an antiseptic and disinfectant to sterilize surfaces and equipment, according to an article on CentralCoastLavender.com. Lavender spray, which has more water and less of the essential oil in it, is useful as mosquito repellant, as the author of this article can attest to. According to Perry, menopausal women like using lavender spray because it helps lessen the severity of hot flashes. Lavender oil is just one of many essential oils used in aromatherapy for a vast number of ailments, both physical and psychological. Here are a few most popular uses listed by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy online: 1. Roman chamomile as an antispasmodic, meaning that it relaxes muscles. It can be used to relieve menstrual cramps, as a sedative, a stress and anxiety reducer, and is great for children because it is comforting and soothing. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and good for insomnia. 2. Clary sage is also an antispasmodic and works to relieve menstrual cramps. It’s also an aphrodisiac, a stress and anxiety reliever, and helps in labor pain management. 3. Eucalyptus globulus is an expectorant, decongestant, and is used to clear the mind and energize the body. It should not be used on children under the age of 2. 4. Fennel, perhaps better known as a spice added to food, is good for the digestive system, menstrual irregularities, and is an antimicrobial. 5. Frankincense strengthens the immune system and sooths inflamed skin conditions and aids in cell regeneration. There are many more of these essential oils and their benefits listed at www.naha.org.
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Body|Soul
September 25, 2014
Immunizations keep you healthy
T
he new flu vaccine this year contains the same strains as last year, but people should still be vaccinated again. A yearly dose provides optimal protection. The new Quadrivalent vaccine protects against two strains of influenza B instead of one as well as two strains of influenza A, so check to see that this is the one you are getting. Guest The flu shot is made with a Columnist killed virus, so you will not get the flu. Side effects are minimal for healthy persons. FluMist is preferable for young children because it’s moderately more effective than a flu shot — and it’s not a shot but a nasal vaccine. It’s suggested for healthy children ages 2 to 8 years old. Some children may need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected, Karl especially if they have never been Foreman, Rph immunized before. Discuss with your pharmacist or doctor any
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor concerns you may have. DTaP — We have already had an outbreak of whooping cough in a Loveland school this year and this is a preventable disease. The DTaP vaccine protects against pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria and tetanus. All three of these serious diseases can be deadly, especially in young children. Whooping cough (or pertussis) is a very serious respiratory infection. It causes violent coughing and is very contagious. A vaccine for preteens and adults continues protection for Pertussis. The DTaP vaccine is very safe and effective. There may be mild side effects, but severe reactions are very rare (about 1 in a million). Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you are protected with this vaccine. More information on these and other important vaccines can be found on the government website, Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/vaccines. Karl Foreman is the owner and pharmacist at Berthoud Drug.
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
September 25, 2014
Body|Soul
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The power of a positive attitude
and provide greater resistance to certain illnesses, such as the common cold. A 2012 preliminary study from A balanced diet, exercise, genetics, and even certain researchers at Stanford University found that daughters medications can work in concert to make a of mothers suffering from depression were person healthy. But a person’s demeanor Laughter combined able to witness their own stress levels go also can factor into personal health. The with positive thinking is a down on a real-time brain scan as they Mayo Clinic says that whether or not a prescription for good health. switched from negative thoughts to happy person is an optimist or a pessimist can ones. Researchers are unsure why positive Research shows laughter affect many areas of his or her health and relaxes the entire body, thinking has such profound effects. But well-being, and those who see the glass as relieving physical tension in addition to limiting stress-releasing half-full may ultimately be healthier than and stress for up to 45 hormones, positive thinking may inspire those who see it as half-empty. minutes. Laughter decreases people to live healthier lifestyles that Positive thinking can make it easier make them more likely to get routine stress hormones and to manage stress. The body responds physical activity and eat a healthy diet. increases infection-fighting differently based on an individual’s mood, antibodies. Endorphins that Happy people also may be less likely to and it may produce stress hormones if a use tobacco products or alcohol as a coping promote an overall sense person’s outlook is negative. Such stress mechanism when dealing with elevated of well-being and relieve hormones can compromise the immune stress levels, and such people will not pain can be released from system, increase blood pressure, and have to deal with the side effects that can a hearty bout of laughter. even reduce the body’s ability to burn fat come with these unhealthy behaviors. Furthermore, laughter effectively. Thinking negatively and being Becoming a more positive thinker can increase blood flow on edge also can increase a person’s risk can take a little effort for those without throughout the body, which for developing cardiovascular disease and a natural inclination for optimism. But protects against hypertension aging prematurely. because positive thinking boasts such and heart attack. Conversely, maintaining a positive significant health benefits, men and attitude can be good for your health. women might want to try the following Studies have shown that thinking positively can lower methods to embrace their optimistic side. rates of depression and anxiety, increase life expectancy, • Exercise. Start an exercise regimen, as physical activity naturally reduces stress and can improve mood. • Embrace humor. Surround yourself with others who bring a smile to your face. Look for ways to laugh as much as possible. Rather than go out to dinner or a bar with friends, head to a comedy club. Choose comedies at the movie theater and find humor in everyday happenings. • Identify areas that need change. Think about moments in life that may bring you down or inspire negative reactions. If work is problematic, figure out ways to make it better and work toward improving the situation. • Be supportive of yourself. Consider what you would say to others and then treat yourself the same way. Would you be overly negative or derogatory toward a complete stranger? Probably not, and there is no reason to be harsh with yourself, either. Push negative thoughts away. • Volunteer. One way to see the world in a more positive light is to help others who may be less fortunate than you. Volunteering not only helps others, but it also can help you put your own problems in perspective. Volunteering also helps you feel good about your efforts, which can translate into positive thinking. • Think like a child. Take a cue from youngsters and find joy in the little things. Let children be the leaders in activities and mimic what they do. You just may find yourself laughing more and enjoying yourself. Being silly for a little while is one way to recapture the feelings of youth. Positive thinking is more than the subject matter of self-help books. It’s a viable way to improve personal health and live longer. Special to the Surveyor
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Body|Soul
September 25, 2014
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Healthy habits to lower your cancer risk
intensity, duration or frequency, can reduce their risk of developing colon Certain types of cancer are more likely cancer by 30 to 40 percent relative to to strike certain types of people than adults who are sedentary. The ACS others. For example, while men can be suggests adults include at least 150 diagnosed with breast cancer, women are minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or far more likely to develop the disease. 75 minutes of vigorous activity in their But just because a person’s risk of weekly routines, though many studies developing cancer is low, that does not have found that 30 to 60 minutes of make that person immune from the moderate to vigorous physical activity per disease. As a result, it’s important that day is the most effective way to reduce men and women take steps to lower their cancer risk significantly. cancer risk. One of the more effective • Reduce alcohol consumption. While ways to lower your risk for cancer is many adults may be quick to point out to ensure your lifestyle choices are as the benefits that a glass of wine can have healthy as possible. Choosing habits that with regard to a person’s risk of heart benefit your short- and long-term health disease or stroke, the National Toxicology can reduce your risk for cancer and a host Program of the U.S. Department of of additional ailments. Health and Human Services as recently • Maintain a healthy weight. as 2011 listed the consumption of According to the American Cancer alcoholic beverages as a known human Society, men and women who are carcinogen. Alcohol consumption is a Regular physical activity is overweight or obese are at a greater major risk factor for various types of risk of several types of cancer, including associated with a reduced risk of cancers, including head and neck cancers, certain cancers, including cancers cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, colon esophageal cancer, liver cancer and breast of the breast and colon. and rectum, breast, kidney and thyroid. cancer. Adults who continue to consume The National Cancer Institute defines alcohol should do so in moderation, which the ACS defines obesity as someone with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 as no more than two drinks per day for men and no more or above, while someone with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 than one drink per day for women. is considered overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight or shedding excess weight if you are already at an elevated risk for cancer can lower your risk for cancer and other potentially debilitating diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. • Quit smoking. Smokers might be surprised to learn that tobacco use, according to the ACS, is responsible for nearly 20 percent of all deaths in the United States. That might have something to do with tobacco’s role in causing more than a dozen types of cancer and its link to heart disease, emphysema and stroke. But smoking can even harm nonsmokers unfortunate enough to spend time in the vicinity of smokers. Such nonsmokers take in nicotine and thousands of additional chemicals, including carbon monoxide and cadmium, a chemical element used in batteries, when people smoke near them. In addition, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke were 25 percent more likely to have coronary heart disease compared to nonsmokers not exposed to smoke. Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to children, as kids whose parents smoke around them get bronchitis and pneumonia more often than kids whose parents abstain from smoking in their presence. • Exercise regularly. The NCI notes that there is strong evidence that physical activity is associated with reduced risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the breast and colon. More than 60 studies published in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia have indicated that physically active women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than inactive women, with some active women reducing their risk by as much as 80 percent. Studies conducted around the world have produced similar findings with regard to colon cancer. Research has consistently indicated that adults who increase their physical activity, be it in Special to the Surveyor
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Explaining sensory processing disorder Special to the Surveyor Educators and parents must be more cognizant today about the various needs of their students and children. The lines between certain learning disabilities and conditions are not always easy to decipher, and this is especially true with a condition known as sensory processing disorder. Sensory processing disorder, sometimes referred to as sensory integration dysfunction, involves the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and transforms them into appropriate motor functions and behavioral responses. When a child has SPD, his or her sensory signals are not organized into appropriate responses. This can present challenges when performing everyday tasks, says the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation. Clumsinesss with regard to motor skills, behavioral problems, difficulties in school, and anxiety are just some of the conditions that may result from SPD if no treatment is sought. A person with SPD may find clothing, physical contact or some sort of sensory input, like light or sound, to be uncomfortable, while another may underrespond to certain stimulation, such as not reacting quickly enough to pain. Others with SPD may not have adequate motor skills, leading them to consistently fall or trip. Some people with SPD overly seek out stimulation and sensation to a point where they are often misdiagnosed with ADHD.
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Identifying and understanding SPD is essential, as such an understanding can mean the difference between getting the right treatment or being misdiagnosed. Some people with SPD are medicated for other issues, when SPD really is the cause of their problems. SPD is most common in children, although it can occur in adults. The exact cause of the condition, and other neurodevelopmental disorders, have not been entirely identified. Doctors believe SPD is often inherited and SPD causes are ingrained in DNA. Prenatal and birth complications also have been implicated, and environmental factors may be involved. However, researchers believe SPD is the result of factors that are both genetic and environmental. An accurate diagnosis of SPD means that most children will be treated with some form of occupational therapy. Listening therapy and other therapies may be combined. Therapy may take place in a sensory-rich location that is challenging but fun. Additional support may be needed in the classroom for schoolaged children. Because kids with SPD have brains that are wired differently, they may require different approaches to learn their lessons. The disorder does not make them any less intelligent; it just means lessons need to be tailored to meet their needs. The best course of action is to ask a doctor to conduct tests to determine if a child has SPD. Research shows that families who work together with educators, therapists and other family members have the highest levels of success with regard to making life easier for someone with sensory processing disorder. Furthermore, parents who suspect their child has SPD can refer to this checklist, which is available at www.sensoryprocessing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist. html. A child may not exhibit all signs of SPD, but the list can be a good starting point for conversations with a doctor.
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Body|Soul
September 25, 2014
Popular love songs stand the test of time There are many different ways to convey feelings of affection. Some people pen poetry, others bestow gifts, while still others feel moved by music and lyrics. Songs have long been a popular way to convey emotions, and love songs have been performed by artists from nearly every musical genre at some point in time. Although music is subjective, some love songs have stood out as fan favorites. Commonly featured at weddings or as the backdrop on romantic evenings, the following songs are considered some of the more popular love songs of all time. “Love Theme From ‘A Star Is Born’” (Evergreen): This Barbara Streisand classic from the hit film helped Streisand earn both an Academy Award for Best Song from a Motion Picture and Grammy Award for Song of the Year. “Up Where We Belong”: Few people can forget the ending scene of “An Officer and a Gentleman” when Richard Gere sweeps Debra Winger off of her feet. The song “Up Where We Belong” by Jennifer Warnes and Joe Cocker from the movie will always be a romantic favorite. “All My Life”: Former Jodeci members K-Ci and JoJo created an enduring romantic song with this pop hit. “Save the Best for Last”: This song became Vanessa William’s signature song and a smash hit. “Be With You”: Soul singer Mary J. Blige emphasizes sticking with the one you love by being loyal. “I Do It for You”: This Bryan Adams hit was nominated for an Oscar as the theme for the 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” “I’ll Make Love to You”: This Boyz II Men song was one of the longest-running No. 1 hits of all time. “Lovesong”: The Cure’s Robert Smith penned this song as a present to his wife, Mary, in 1988.
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor “Sweet Love”: Anita Baker’s soulful hit helped turn her from a budding R&B singer into a household name. “Love Me Tender”: His good looks and gyrating hips helped thousands of women fall in love with Elvis Presley. However, this signature love song endeared the famed crooner to many others. “My Heart Will Go On”: Celine Dion’s theme from “Titanic” became one of the most popular love songs of all time after the film’s 1997 debut. “I’ll Stand by You”: This 1994 hit from The Pretenders can be interpreted as a song of romantic devotion or a commitment to friends. “You Are So Beautiful”: Joe Cocker makes the list again with this soulful 1975 hit. “Have I Told You Lately”: Originally written and recorded by Van Morrison, this song gained new life and notoriety when recorded by Rod Stewart. “My Girl”: Beloved R&B group The Temptations deliver a song about sunshine on a cloudy day in this classic. “I Will Always Love You”: Witten and performed by Dolly Parton, this song is perhaps most known for the version performed by Whitney Houston for the soundtrack of her 1992 film “The Bodyguard.” “Time After Time”: A song of devotion, Cyndi Lauper earned her first No. 1 single with this hit. “Hey There, Delilah”: A simple song of young love by the Plain White T’s. “Unchained Melody”: The Righteous Brothers delivered the best-known version of this song, which helped create movie magic between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the 1990 film “Ghost.” “Just the Way You Are”: Billy Joel’s classic in which he tells his beloved she is perfect as-is. “Your Song”: A simple, eloquently written song of love from Elton John.
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
September 25, 2014
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How to beat the couch potato curse Special to the Surveyor Diet and exercise make great bedfellows for men and women looking to live a healthier lifestyle. A combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise makes it easier for men and women to maintain a healthy weight while lowering their risk of various ailments, including heart disease and diabetes. A heightened awareness of what makes for a healthy and unhealthy diet coupled with the increased availability of healthy foods has helped many people smoothly transition to a healthier diet. But many people still struggle to find time to exercise every day. Commitments to work and family can make it difficult to squeeze in regular workouts, and the call of the couch is often more appealing than a trip to the gym at the end of a long day juggling both personal and professional obligations. But exercise is integral to a healthy lifestyle, so it’s important that men and women take steps to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. • Figure out when you’re free. Finding free time is perhaps
the biggest hurdle adults must clear when attempting to exercise more. Track your daily schedule for a week or two, making note of down times during the day when you might be able to squeeze in 30 to 60 minutes of exercise. If you notice you’re spending your lunch hours catching up on personal emails or surfing the Internet, then consider joining a gym near your office and turning those lunch hours into workouts. If your mornings are not dominated by getting the kids ready for school, then wake up a half hour earlier each morning to squeeze in some time on the treadmill. You likely have some down time with regard to your daily schedule, and identifying such time is the first step toward making better use of it. • Make it a team effort. Daily exercise is not just good for adults; it’s great for kids, too. Parents looking to fit more physical activity into their daily routines should consider involving their children, many of whom are dealing with a fitness crisis of their own. According to a 2014 report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents over the last three decades, putting youngsters at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, prediabetes, bone and joint problems, and sleep apnea. Parents can make daily exercise a family affair, which increases the time they spend with their children while ensuring their kids stay fit as well. Men and women without families also can make daily exercise a team effort by working out with a friend or significant other. The buddy system often proves motivational, encouraging men and women to exercise even on those days when the couch is calling • Make exercise more interesting. Many workout routines fall by the wayside because they simply do not engage men and women no matter how motivated they are to lose weight. An hour on the treadmill can seem like an eternity to certain men and women who can benefit by choosing workout routines that are less monotonous. For example, Zumba is a combination of dance and aerobic exercise that is growing in popularity. In lieu of spending an hour on the treadmill or elliptical machine, Zumba participants get an equally, if not exceedingly challenging, cardiovascular workout that many find more fun than traditional aerobic exercise, thanks to its incorporation of dance. For those without such happy feet, bring a tablet along to the gym and catch up on your favorite television shows or a good book during your cardiovascular routines. The more interesting you find your workout routine, the more likely you are to find time for that routine every day • Choose an accessible routine. When planning your workout, make it as accessible as possible. While sports like kayaking and mountain-bike racing make for great exercise, such activities are not readily accessible to many working professionals with busy schedules. Join a gym that’s only a short drive from home, or purchase some gym equipment you can set up in your own home. The more accessible a workout routine is, the more likely you are to embrace that routine. The call of the couch can be difficult to ignore. But the side effects of a sedentary lifestyle can be grave, so men and women should work to find ways to include exercise in their daily routines.
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Body|Soul
September 25, 2014
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Celiac disease versus gluten intolerance Special to the Surveyor Many people are familiar with the gluten-free movement, even if they don’t tailor their diets around gluten-free foods. What began as a relatively unknown dietary restriction among people diagnosed with a certain intestinal disease has branched out to include many other people who avoid gluten for various health reasons. A sensitivity to or intolerance of gluten is not the same as suffering from celiac disease, a condition that requires people to refrain from eating gluten. Understanding the differences between the disease and the decision to avoid gluten can make it easier to understand the various effects gluten has on the body. What is gluten? Gluten is a protein composite found primarily in wheat and other grains, such as barley, rye and spelt. The stored proteins of corn and rice are sometimes called glutens, but their compositions differ from true gluten. Gluten often is found naturally in foods and is an important source of protein. Gluten also may be added to foods to supplement their protein content. Gluten gives dough its elasticity and helps breads rise and keep their shape. Gluten usually gives baked goods a chewy texture. Baking will make gluten molecules come together, which stabilizes the shape of the final product. Gluten also may be used as a stabilizing agent in other foods, like sauces and ice cream. Celiac disease Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder linked to the consumption of gluten. The Celiac Disease Foundation says the disease affects one in 100 people across the globe. When those with celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, their bodies see the protein as a foreign invader. As a result, the body mounts an immune system response and ends up attacking itself in the area of the small intestine, which is responsible for nutrient absorption. When the small intestine is damaged severely, it is unable to extract vitamins and minerals from food, leading to various health problems, including malnutrition. In many cases, celiac disease is hereditary. A person with a first-degree relative, meaning a parent, child or sibling, with celiac disease has a one in 10 risk of developing celiac themselves, according to the CDF. In some instances, all it takes is one instance of consuming gluten to trigger an immune system reaction that continues for life. There is no cure for celiac disease, and those diagnosed with the disease must avoid gluten to prevent serious health problems. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to anemia, infertility, neurological conditions and intestinal cancers. Gluten sensitivity When consuming gluten, a person with gluten sensitivity or intolerance does not experience symptoms as severely as one who has celiac disease does. For example, those with sensitivity do not experience small intestine damage or develop the autoantibodies found in the tissue of those with celiac disease. A research team led by celiac expert Alessio Fasano, MD, discovered that gluten sensitivity is associated with an immune response that is very different from the response seen in celiac disease patients. According to the study, which included a fourmonth gluten challenge, individuals with gluten sensitivity showed no signs of intestinal damage or increased permeability, but they did exhibit an increase in an innate immunity marker. This is different from the immune response seen in celiac disease, which is noted by an increase in an adaptive immune marker. Despite this, those with a gluten sensitivity may still exhibit
Foods that contain grains, such as breads and pasta, can trigger a reaction for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
similar symptoms to celiac disease. These include intestinal pain, bloating, diarrhea and cramps. In addition, depression, skin rashes and irritability may occur. People who suspect a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should visit a doctor for a simple blood test. Gluten should be avoided only if advised by a doctor, and individuals should not self-diagnose and treat symptoms. More information on celiac disease is available at Celiac.org.
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
September 25, 2014
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Invite natural light into the home for a healthier you
Special to the Surveyor A dark home can be dreary and drain residents’ energy levels rather quickly. Natural light has the power to make a person feel more energized, and it also can buoy spirits. As a result, many homeowners want to increase the amount of natural light in their homes. Increasing natural sunlight in a home reduces reliance on interior lighting. This reduces energy bills and lowers the home’s carbon footprint. Natural light also can help people in a home feel happier and more content. According to the National Institutes of Health, some people experience serious mood changes during the winter months. Dubbed seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, this condition may be effectively treated with light therapy. Exposure to more light can alleviate fatigue, loss of interest, and sad or anxious feelings. Homeowners looking to increase the natural light in their homes, be it for medical or aesthetic reasons, can do so in a variety of ways. • Keep the drapes open. Opening blinds and curtains as far as they will go allows as much light to shine in without having to do major home renovations or spend any money at all. Homeowners concerned about privacy can install a window film that allows viewing from the inside only. • Clean the windows. Dirty windows obstruct sunlight
from entering the home. They also can make a home appear unkempt. Spend a free day cleaning the windows so that they’ll let ample light in. • Install seamless or lowprofile windows and doors. Seamless sliding doors enable a large amount of light to enter the home. Such doors can replace an entire wall to brighten up a dark New windows may allow more area of a home. natural light to enter a home. The more windows and doors a home has, the brighter it will be. • Take inventory of dark spots. A room may be dark because it simply does not have a layout conducive to brightness. Is a wall blocking light from reaching a portion of the room? Think about changing the room’s layout or even making structural changes to improve light distribution. The addition of a small window on a south- or west-facing wall can greatly improve natural light. Using mirrors can also reflect light where it is needed. • Invest in skylights or solar tubes. Both skylights or solar tubes enable light to enter a home from above. Skylights are larger and require considerably more work to install, while solar tubes are more low-profile and can be put into rooms that do not abut the roofline, such as those obstructed by attic space. The tubular cylinders are installed between the roof and the ceiling and carry light through a reflective tube to the room below. Diffusers on tubular daylighting devices scatter the rays so the light doesn’t cast harsh shadows, and UV filters can help protect furniture from discoloring. • Trim shrubs and trees. If trees and bushes are blocking light from entering your home, trim them to enable dappled light to come through. Deciduous trees that will naturally lose their leaves come autumn can be planted on sunny areas of the property. This way in the summer months they will shade the house and keep it cooler, while in winter more sun will stream in when the leaves are shed. • Create a three-season room. Make a spot in the home where sun will be at a premium. A solarium or greenhouse attached to the home can be a warm and sunny spot. Increasing natural light in a home can improve feelings of well-being and also reduce energy consumption during daylight hours.
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School sports physicals
this requirement to protect the health of student athletes. Even if the state doesn’t require a sports physical, it is highly recommended that students get one each year. A sports physical involves two parts: the medical history and the physical exam. The medical history can show patterns of illness in your family. This is an important component, so take your time when completing it. Question: My daughter needs to It will help the physician get a “pre-participation identify athletes who need Guest physical.” What happens further medical evaluation Columnist at this physical and can we prior to starting the go to one of those clinics season. where they have stations Also, a family practice and you cycle through to physician or pediatrician get your physical and your can check to see that the form signed? student is current on Answer: Most high immunizations. school sports associations During the physical require schools to have exam, the health care signed forms that say provider typically will: a student athlete has • Record your height Dena passed a pre-participation and weight Sheppardphysical. When this group • Take a blood pressure Madden, MD formed, one of its first and pulse actions was to implement • Test your vision
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • Check your heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat • Evaluate your posture, joints, strength and flexibility. During the exam, a physician will look for conditions that may be life threatening, but he or she also has can cover a range of health topics such as exercise induced asthma or other problems that could lead to an injury during the season. This is also a time for education on topics such as concussions, testicular cancer for boys and human papillomavirus vaccination or eating disorders for girls, drug and alcohol use, depression, anxiety or the use of steroids or nutritional supplements. Some schools conduct clinics with multiple health care providers doing screenings at stations. They can do physicals for a large number of students often at a reduced cost. However, in these settings, the provider isn’t likely to do a complete health assessment or to talk in detail with the student about important health issues.
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
11 little-known facts about cancer Special to the Surveyor Despite the prevalence of cancer, some information about this potentially deadly disease is not widely known. The following are some facts about cancer that may surprise you. 1. Cancer is officially known as “malignant neoplasm.” 2. Married people or those in steady relationships are more likely to survive cancer, which may be linked to couples’ increased concern and awareness of each other’s conditions and their push for cancer screenings. 3. Researchers believe that more than half of all cancers and cancer deaths are potentially preventable. 4. Most cancers develop through a combination of environmental factors and heredity. 5. Ovarian cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer are typically asymptomatic until they spread elsewhere in the body. That is why routine screenings for these diseases are so vital. 6. Those who sleep fewer than six hours a night are more likely to develop colon cancer than those who sleep more. 7. Despite what is known about protecting oneself from the sun, skin cancer is still the most often diagnosed type of cancer, and rates continue to steadily increase.
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8. The highest rate of people diagnosed with melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, are white men over the age of 50. 9. Men with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk for prostate cancer. 10. The left breast is statistically more prone to developing cancer than the right breast. Unfortunately, doctors and scientists are unsure why. 11. Women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are significantly more likely to carry breast cancer genes than the general population.
Did you know?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland, which means it secretes hormones directly into the blood, that is typically located in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid is tasked with producing thyroid hormones, which help the body use energy and stay warm. Thyroid hormones also ensure the brain, heart, muscles and other organs are functioning properly. When a person has thyroid cancer, which is relatively rare compared to other cancers, abnormal cells begin to grow in the thyroid gland, and this abnormal cell growth can lead to a variety of symptoms. A lump or swelling in the neck is the most common symptom of thyroid cancer, but pain in the neck, trouble swallowing and breathing troubles that may include constant wheezing are potential indicators as well. Five-year survival rates for thyroid cancer are very high, but men and women who detect any of the aforementioned symptoms should bring them to the attention of their physicians immediately, as early detection of cancer plays a role in the effectiveness of treatment.
Page 12
Body|Soul
September 25, 2014
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
The role of dental hygienists in oral health care Special to the Surveyor Oral hygiene is an important component of overall health. Many people are unaware that conditions of the mouth can translate into medical concerns elsewhere in the body. Overlooking routine dental exams and proper cleaning techniques at home can prove costly and unhealthy mistakes. While dentists typically get all the credit for helping people maintain healthy smiles, dental hygienists are often the unsung heroes of the dental profession. Hygienists typically undergo training to handle many of the routine services offered during a standard visit. Upon entering the examination chair, you will likely be greeted by a dental hygienist. He or she may take images of your teeth and begin examining your mouth for any abnormalities. The hygienist is usually responsible for facilitating the cleaning process. He or she will remove tartar from the teeth, administer fluoride treatments and polish the teeth. Dental hygienists will defer to the dentist to examine X-rays and assess the overall health of your teeth. Should dental caries need to be cleaned and filled or more extensive oral work need to be performed, the dentist will take over and the hygienist will assist. Dental hygienists also may be instrumental in educating patients on proper oral care. They may demonstrate flossing and brushing techniques and may even recommend certain products. Some hygienists take courses in psychology so they will have a better understanding of personality traits and phobias in
patients and be able to make patients more comfortable in the dentist’s chair. Dental hygienists primarily work in dental offices. Today’s dental hygiene professional has many career options to explore, says the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. The ADHA notes that the following career paths provide some additional options for hygienists. • Clinician: As a clinician, the hygienist will assess, plan, diagnose and document treatment of oral diseases while collaborating with other health professionals. Clinical services take place in community clinics, hospitals, prisons, and schools. • Public health: Public health hygienists provide care to patients who would otherwise not have access to dental care. State, provincial or other public health services may be run by government or private organizations. • Corporate: These hygienists focus on the sale of services and products that support the oral health industry. • Education: Some hygienists choose to enter the classroom rather than the dental office. Educators are in high demand, and many colleges are actively seeking dental hygiene instructors. Dental hygienists require a certain level of training and licensure. Criteria may vary depending on where you live, and this may include certificates or degrees. More information is available by contacting the Commission on Dental Accreditation in the United States or the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.
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