Health & Wellness 62 by d-mars.com

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September 2016

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Creating Success by Doing You

What’s the Answer to Uterine Fibroids? Dr. LaTronica Fisher It is estimated that 20-30% of all women develop fibroid tumors. PAGE 6

Marla Jones, Founder & CEO of the Kyssi Andrews Foundation for Pediatric Cancer

PAGES 10-11

Remembering an Angel for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Do You Boo for Your Mental Health

By Rhonda Dallas do you” is a phrase we use quite frequently in conversations, but do we really know who we are? PAGE 8

PAGE 9 PAGE 15

Top Tips for Healthy Hydration: You’re Probably Missing This Key Ingredient

The “P” Word

By d-mars.com News Provider It’s time to talk P-R-O-S-T-A-T-E health. PAGE 14

The Truth About Alzheimer’s: Early Detection Makes a Difference

You’ve got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing — Arthur Ashe

September 2016 3

Journal Behind The

Message from the Publisher

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

CO-PUBLISHER

Tiffany Davis, RN-BSN, MSN, CNE

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.J. Johnson C.T. Foster Tiffany Black

“Creating Success by Doing You” is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Health & Wellness Journal. A healthy community makes for a better community. Are you creating success in the area of health? You can do this in a number of ways. Exercising, eating better, and sharing health information with the community are just some of the ways to help create a healthier community. This month we shine the spotlight on Marla Jones, Founder and CEO of the Kyssi Andrews Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Marla is the mother of Khyrstin Andrews aka Kyssi, the angel who “won” her battle against pediatric cancer after being diagnosed multiple times. Marla founded this organization to keep Kyssi’s legacy and spirit alive, not only on a local and state level, but a global level as well. As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Charlette Washington

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tashara Callaway

DISTRIBUTION

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. LaTronica Fisher Rhonda Dallas, B.S., C.L.C., N.C. d-mars.com News Provider

Contents Black History: Medical Makers......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 What’s the Answer to Uterine Fibroids?......................................................................................................................................................................................6 Obesity and Eating Disorders in Teenagers...............................................................................................................................................................................6 A New Study: Black Men and Prostate Cancer...........................................................................................................................................................................7 Do You Boo for Your Mental Health................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 How Technology Is Simplifying Relief of Chronic Pain............................................................................................................................................................ 8 The Truth About Alzheimer’s............................................................................................................................................................................................................9 Sci-Fi or Silver Bullet?.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................9 Remembering an Angel for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month..................................................................................................................................10-11 Top 3 Ways to Save Money on Health Care................................................................................................................................................................................12 In Baseball, Overuse Injuries Plaguing More Young Athletes..............................................................................................................................................12 Seniors: 5 Simple Secrets for Overcoming Gym Intimidation..............................................................................................................................................14 The “P” Word.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Top Tips for Healthy Hydration.......................................................................................................................................................................................................15 Why You Need Vitamin E...................................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Is Morning Sickness Impacting Your Pregnancy?................................................................................................................................................................... 17

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” - Arthur Ashe

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Black History: Medical Makers By d-mars.com News Provider

-mars.com inspires, informs, and educates in all areas, and it’s of the utmost importance to highlight African Americans who have helped make advances in the medical field. We are a people who have a rich history, and this journal takes great pride in paving the way for the next generation of African American medical professionals and leaders.

DR. CATRISE L. AUSTIN Dentist and entrepreneur Catrise L. Austin was born on May 2, 1970, in Flint, Michigan. She discovered her passion for dentistry at age 15 while visiting the orthodontist for braces. Austin was voted prettiest smile in 1988 at Flint Central High School, where she received her diploma that same year. Austin went on to receive her B.A. degree in psychology from the University of Michigan in 1991 and her Doctorate in dental surgery from the University of Maryland in 1996. Moving to New York in 1996, she completed her advanced dental training at Brooklyn’s Lutheran Medical Center. Working as a dental hygienist motivated Austin to start her own practice which she did in 1998, becoming the Chief Operating Officer of VIP Smiles, a successful New York cosmetic and sports dental practice. The practice boasts an impressive and loyal following, including such entertainment luminaries as Isaac Hayes, Toni Braxton and Missy Elliot. In addition, The Discovery

Health Channel, The Queen Latifah Show, and The Ricki Lake Show have used her services. Austin has broken gender and racial boundaries and established herself in a field traditionally dominated by men. She is one of the most well-known and highly regarded dentists in the entertainment industry. The Network Journal named her one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business in 1999. She holds professional memberships in the American Dental Association, New York County Dental Society, American Association of Women Dentists, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, and the Academy of Sports Dentistry. She also holds social memberships in the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, the Black Sports Agents Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

DR. KEITH L. BLACK World-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Black was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on September 13, 1957. The younger of two sons born to Robert and Lillian Black, he developed at an early age a passion for science. His parents, noting his interests, encouraged him, and when he was in the third grade, his father brought home a cow’s heart for him to dissect. While in eighth grade, the Black family moved to Ohio, and Black began spending time at the labs at Case Western University. In the tenth grade, young Black had developed enough surgical proficiency to perform his first organ transplant, conducted on

a dog, and at seventeen, he wrote his first scientific paper on the damage artificial heart valves can do to red blood cells. After high school, Black enrolled at the University of Michigan, and after only two years of undergraduate study, he was accepted into medical school in 1978. Black earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan in 1981, where he had begun his intense research into the brain and the nature of human consciousness. This search led him down a spiritual path, where he began to study the religions of the world, and ultimately led him to working to cure brain tumors. By 1987, Black was the head of the Comprehensive Brain Tumor Program at the UCLA Medical Center, where he remained for the next ten years. In 1997, he became the director of the division of neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he remains today, and in 1998, he became the chairman of the de-

partment of neurological surgery as well as a professor at the University of California-Irvine. Over the years, his work has found him publishing hundreds of papers over the years, and he discovered a natural body peptide that helps deliver drugs to the brain to fight tumors. Black has been instrumental in helping to raise money to fight cancer, and his push has been joined by many notables in Hollywood. Black’s crusade against cancer, and his exceptional skill with the scalpel, have led to numerous honors for him, as well, including appearing on the cover of Time Magazine and Newsweek International. Esquire Magazine named him one of the “21 Most Important People of the 21st Century,” and in 2001, he was presented with an Essence Award. Source: www.thehistorymakers. com

In the Health Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

Congratulations to Lola Denise Jefferson, BSN, RNC, CVRN New 1st Vice President of the National Black Nurses Association

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September 2016

What’s the Answer to Uterine Fibroids?

ception, such as condoms and foam, a diaphragm, or a cervical cap if you must have some form of birth control.

Considerations:

Dr. LaTronica Fisher Contributing Writer

t is estimated that 20-30% of all women develop fibroid tumors. For reasons not yet understood, they tend to form during a woman’s late thirties and early forties, and shrink after menopause. This would seem to suggest that estrogen is involved in the process. African-American women are over three times more likely to develop fibroids than women of other ethnic backgrounds. In roughly half of all cases, fibroid tumors cause no symptoms at all. However, these growths can cause abnormally heavy and frequent menstrual periods. Other possible signs and symptoms include anemia, bleeding between periods, fatigue, and weakness as a result of blood loss, increased vaginal discharge, and painful sexual intercourse, or bleeding after intercourse.

Essential Nutrients to Consider:

• Coenzyme Q10 promotes immune function and tissue oxygenation. • Iron can help with iron-deficiency anemia, a sign/symptom of fibroids. • Garlic is a powerful immune stimulant and antioxidant. • Multivitamins and mineral complex can benefit foundational balance.

Essential Herbs to Consider: • Dandelion root, tumeric, and milk thistle are powerful antioxidants that support the liver and the detox of toxins. • Green tea is a powerful antioxidant with anticancer properties.

• Red clover and burdock root both aid in cleansing the bloodstream.

Recommendations: • If you have unpleasant symptoms, such as those outlined in this article, or if menstrual bleeding is so heavy that you saturate a sanitary pad or tampon more often than once an hour, consult your health care practitioner. • If a fibroid is found, do not take oral contraceptives with high estrogen content. High-estrogen birth control pills may stimulate the growth of fibroid tumors. Consider other forms of contra-

• More than 30% of the hysterectomies performed in the United States are done to remove fibroid tumors. A natural alternative to a hysterectomy would be a safe process to shrink the tumor. • Any woman pondering a hysterectomy should give the matter close and careful consideration, and should ask her physician about less radical ways to treat fibroids. • There are alternative options that may be suitable for some women. Some 650,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States, and many of them unnecessary. Source: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition by Balch CNC, Phyllis A. (2006) Dr. Fisher has a proven system that has already helped thousands to remove the restrictions to healing. Dr. Fisher assists in helping prepare the body to heal. In addition, she helps re-educate the body to heal, produce its own hormones, and restore optimal wellness. For more information on how to get tested, please contact Dr. Fisher at (713) 520-8188 or drfisherroad2wellness@gmail.com.

A Single Approach Can Prevent Both Obesity and Eating Disorders in Teenagers, According to New Guidelines From the American Academy of Pediatrics By d-mars.com News Provider

cientific evidence summarized in the new recommendations shows that physicians and parents can ward off problems at both ends of the weight spectrum by avoiding focusing teens’ attention on weight or dieting, and instead encouraging a healthy, balanced lifestyle. The guidelines, which will be published online Aug. 21 in Pediatrics, were developed in response to growing concern about teenagers’ use of unhealthy methods to lose weight. Teens who use these methods may not fit doctors’ or parents’ image of eating-disorder patients, since most are not excessively thin. However, their quick, substantial weight loss can trigger medical consequences seen in people with anorexia nervosa, such as an unstable heart rate. “This is a dangerous category of patient because they’re often missed by physicians,” said Neville Golden, MD, professor of pediatrics at the Stanford University School of Medicine and a lead author of the new guidelines. “At some point, these patients may have had a real need to lose weight, but things got out of control.” Up to 40 percent of patients now admitted to some eating disorder treatment programs fit this easy-to-miss category, said Golden, who is also chief of

adolescent medicine at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and a physician with the hospital’s Comprehensive Eating Disorders Program.

Evidence-based strategies The new recommendations include five evidence-based strategies that pediatricians and parents can use to help teenagers avoid both obesity and eating disorders, and apply to all teens, not just those with weight problems. Three recommendations focus on behaviors to avoid: Parents and doctors should not encourage dieting; should avoid “weight talk,” such commenting on their own weight or their child’s weight; and should never tease teens about their weight. Two recommendations focus on behaviors to promote: Families should eat regular meals together, and parents should help their children develop a healthy body image by encouraging them to eat a balanced diet and to exercise for fitness, not weight loss. “Scientific evidence increasingly shows that for teenagers, dieting is bad news,” Golden said. Teens who diet in ninth grade are three times more likely than their peers to be overweight in 12th grade, for instance. And calorie-counting diets can deprive growing teenagers of the energy they need and lead to symptoms of anorexia nervosa, which may even become life-threatening. “It’s

not unusual for us to see young people who have rapidly lost a lot of weight but are not healthy; they end up in the hospital attached to a heart monitor with unstable vital signs,” Golden said. Negative comments about weight can also be detrimental to a teen’s health, Golden said. “Mothers who talk about their own bodies and weights can inadvertently encourage their kids to have body dissatisfaction, which we see in half of teen girls and a quarter of boys,” Golden said. Such dissatisfaction is associated with lower levels of physical activity and with use of vomiting, laxatives and diuretics to control weight.

anism isn’t certain, but Golden thinks it may be partly due to the opportunity for teenagers to see their parents modeling healthy eating. “Pediatricians can encourage families to have family meals as often as possible,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be every night.” The new advice is important in part because, although childhood obesity rates have begun to drop, obesity rates in adolescents have not declined. Helping teens maintain healthy weights without veering toward obesity or an eating disorder is more challenging than it is for young children. “Adolescents are also dealing with other issues, such as teasing from peers and body-image concerns,” Golden said. “A 3-year-old may not be worried if she’s a bit overweight, whereas an adolescent may try unhealthy weightloss methods like fasting or diet pills and end up in a vicious circle of more weight gain.” Sources: Sciencedaily.com Stanford University Medical Center Journal Reference: Neville H. Golden et al. Preventing Obesity and Eating Disorders in Adolescents. Pediatrics, Aug 2016 DOI: 10.1542/ peds.2016-1649

Eating together Family meals, on the other hand, protect against weight problems. The mech-

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A New Study: Black Men and Prostate Cancer By d-mars.com News Provider

lthough active surveillance, or watchful waiting, for patients with low risk prostate cancer has become an increasingly acceptable strategy for disease management, many men opt for definitive therapies such as radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. A new study of more than 2,200 patients with low risk prostate cancer in an ethnically and economically diverse population revealed that ethnicity influences this decision. The results, published in The Journal of Urology®, indicate that Black men may be more likely than white men to begin active treatment independent of followup clinical measures, a finding that suggests greater attention to race/ethnicity is needed. “A primary reason that we examined whether sociodemographic and clinical factors predicted switching to active treatment was that studies have primarily been performed in non-ethnically diverse populations,” explained co-principal investigator Scott P. Kelly, PhD, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC. “We wanted to determine whether observational management like active surveillance is underused in minority populations, par-

ticularly within the framework of an equal access health care system. This is one of the few groups studied with sufficient sample sizes to examine whether the associations of clinical triggers for beginning active treatment varied by sociodemographic factors.” The study included patients who had been diagnosed with low risk prostate cancer between 2004 and 2012 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. They did not receive any treatment within the first year of diagnosis and had at least two years of followup. “Because Kaiser Permanente Northern California is a large, integrated health system covering a diverse population, it was possible to independently assess ethnic and economic influences on treatment choices,” said Stephen Van Den Eeden, PhD, co-principal investigator for the study and lead researcher at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA. “Over 31% of patients studied were from minority populations.” Non-Hispanic Black men were slightly more likely to begin active treatment than non-Hispanic White men, independent of their status at the beginning of the study and followup clinical measures. Among men who remained on observation, nonHispanic Black men were re-biopsied within 24 months of diagnosis at a slightly lower rate than non-Hispanic White men.

Despite nonclinical factors like race and ethnicity, Gleason score progression (a measure of tumor aggressiveness) and results of prostate specific antigen testing were the primary clinical triggers that prompted active treatment in men on active surveillance. Other reasons may include lack of patient awareness of active surveillance, patient anxiety, physician anxiety about whether deferred treatment could result in poorer long-term outcomes, and the societal inclinations for treating all cancers. While the results were only marginally significant, they suggest that race may be a factor for switching to active treatment even among men on active surveillance. “These results are important as clinicians may be increasingly hesitant to require men to undergo serial re-biopsies due to complications, yet Black men are known to have a greater likelihood of prostate cancer progression, which suggests that clinicians should be particularly vigilant in the surveil-

lance of Black men on active surveillance,” noted Dr. Kelly. Commenting on the study, David F. Penson, MD, MPH, of the Department of Urologic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Nashville, TN, noted that the current study “underscores the need to develop patient navigation tools for prostate cancer that are racially and culturally tailored to individual patients. All men who elect to go on active surveillance should have similar close followup regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.”

Sources: Sciencedaily.com Elsevier Health Sciences Journal Reference: Scott P. Kelly, Stephen K. Van Den Eeden, Richard M. Hoffman, David S. Aaronson, Tania Lobo, George Luta, Amethyst D. Leimpter, Jun Shan, Arnold L. Potosky, Kathryn L. Taylor. Sociodemographic and Clinical Predictors of Switching to Active Treatment among a Large, Ethnically Diverse Cohort of Men with Low Risk Prostate Cancer on Observational Management. The Journal of Urology, 2016; DOI:10.1016/j. juro.2016.04.045

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September 2016

Do You Boo for Your Mental Health • Go to the movies. • Go on a staycation at one of the hotels you have always wanted to stay at (Groupon and other sites always have great deals). • Start exercising. Join a fun workout class. Also, try a little yoga. • Start eating right. You are what you eat. The food you take in can really impact your mood. Start eating healthier to feel better. • Write letters or call people you have not spoken to in a while. • Start that book or project that you have been putting off. Start living in your purpose. • Get some sleep. • Book a deep-tissue massage for yourself. • Go to the mall for a little retail therapy. • Do NOTHING!

By Rhonda Dallas Contributing Writer

“Do you” is a phrase we use quite frequently in conversations, but do we really know who we are? In today’s world it seems we have so much to juggle. It can be easy to forget who you are, when you are balancing career, family, social obligations, and just life. There are countless individuals around the country, and maybe even you, who are just burned out. You are doing so much for everyone else, but are you doing you? For your mental health, it’s good to take a break from the day-to-day responsibilities of life. It’s important to never get to that breaking point. When you immediately feel like you need a break, take it, and don’t feel guilty about it. You owe it to yourself. Don’t neglect yourself. You need that mental break. We should never get to a point where we forget who we are. We must make time daily for ourselves. Have you ever planned a whole weekend to yourself with no kids, no hus-

band, and had all these plans lined up in your head, but when it came time to do you, once again, you didn’t take that mental break you needed and deserved? Now of course we need each other to thrive. Our DNA was designed for us to be together. It’s no fun to be alone, but there are times we all need some time alone to reflect, relax, and release. Now I’m not saying you have to book a

two week vacation away from your family. That would be unrealistic for many of us. However, there are things that you can do that are simple that you may not even think of that can help you take that mental break and relaxation that is needed. It’s really the simple things. Below are things that you can do when it's time do just “Do you.”

When it comes to your mental health and wellness, sometimes you have to “Do you boo.” A certified health and wellness life coach can help you with a healthy lifestyle. Rhonda Dallas is a certified life coach and nutritional counselor. Contact Rhonda at rhondadallascoaching@gmail.com for your coaching session. Get started today!

How Technology Is Simplifying Relief of Chronic Pain By d-mars.com News Provider

octors hate seeing patients suffering from chronic pain, and not just because their instinct is immediately to want to help their patients to feel better. One of the primary challenges doctors confront is that even though chronic pain is common, it can be extremely difficult to diagnose and treat. The condition can be debilitating for patients and frustrating for the doctors trying to help them. “Chronic pain is a multi-faceted condition,” says Dr. Ahmed Raslan, assistant professor of Neurological Surgery at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland. “The causes are varied, and each person experiences chronic pain differently. The sheer number of variables in play can make effective treatment extremely complex. It’s not unusual for doctors and patients to try multiple types and combinations of treatment before finding something that provides at least partial relief, and that process can take months and even years.” More than 11 percent of American adults suffer from chronic pain, according to a recent National Institutes of Health study. People who live with chronic pain report numerous negative effects on their lives, including dam-

age to personal relationships, decreased productivity at work, disruption of their daily routine and even depression. The Institute of Medicine has estimated the medical costs and lost productivity associated with chronic pain could cost as much as $635 billion per year. “Many chronic pain patients face barriers to effective treatment, including the need for continual doctor visits to adjust aspects of their treatment, and difficulty traveling to meet with their physicians,” Dr. Raslan says. “Conditions such as intractable back pain, nerve injury, neck pain, pain after hernia operations, spinal cord injury pain, post herpetic neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and pain after failed back surgery can force patients to try multiple treatments. Once they’ve tried a number of options and still have not achieved the desired comfort they may become a candidate for spinal cord stimulation therapy.” Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy treats chronic pain by interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. According to Dr. Raslan, the therapy works by “flooding the gates of the spinal cord so it cannot allow unpleasant pain signals to pass through the gates. Depending on how fast and regular the therapy is being delivered, patients may feel a slight tingling sensation in the area of the body associated with their pain, and in most cases patients report that

sensation replaces the feeling of pain, which corresponds to pain relief.” Though SCS has been around for years, recent advances from St. Jude Medical have made the proven effective treatment simpler for patients and doctors to use successfully. St. Jude Medical recently launched the Proclaim Elite SCS System, which is the most advanced SCS system the company has ever developed, and which includes a new, innovative platform that enables patients to adjust therapy with an Apple iPod Touch mobile device. The application is easy to use which the company hopes will enhance patient experience and delivery optimal results for patients. The company does note that implantation of a spinal cord stimulation system can involve risk, such as painful stimulation, loss of pain relief and surgical risks, such as paralysis, during the implantation procedure. Patients should talk to their physician to determine if spinal cord stimulation therapy is right for them and their particular pain condition.

For many patients the therapy can deliver pain relief leading to dramatic improvement in quality of life. “Before I tried SCS, managing my chronic pain was very difficult,” says Ronald Seeling, 50, of Warren, Oregon, a patient of Dr. Raslan. “For many years, I was taking a lot of pain medication and my quality of life was diminished. I could barely walk and couldn’t do things around the house or visit with my grandkids.” Seeling says SCS has provided him with more predictable and consistent chronic pain relief. “Best of all, I was able to ‘test drive’ the treatment before I committed to it,” Seeling says. “Just a few months later, my pain is under control and I’m able to attend the grandkids’ ball games and birthday parties and even help with the dishes.” “I’m encouraged by the convenience and freedom that my patients experience with this cutting-edge treatment,” Dr. Raslan says. “It has helped people like Ronald take control of their chronic pain and experience a better quality of life.” Raslan cautions that SCS may not be right for everyone, so talk to your doctor about treatment options for your chronic pain. For more information, visit www.PowerOverYourPain.com, a site provided by St. Jude Medical, a leader in technologies to treat chronic pain. - BPT

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September 2016 9

The Truth About Alzheimer’s:

Early Detection Makes a Difference By d-mars.com News Provider

t’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, affects more than 5 million Americans and one out of every three seniors will die from it. Yet misconceptions surround Alzheimer’s disease. Contrary to what many people think about Alzheimer’s, it’s not a normal part of growing older. And while there’s not yet a way to prevent, cure or even slow the progression of the disease, people with Alzheimer’s can benefit from detecting it early. During June – Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month – the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging everyone to learn the truth about Alzheimer’s disease. “Misunderstanding crucial facts about the disease can have consequences that can lead to stigma, delayed medical attention and inadequate support for caregivers,” says Ruth Drew, director of family and information services, Alzheimer’s Association. “Greater understanding of Alzheimer’s is urgently needed given the dramatic impact of the disease. It devastates too many families for it to remain a mystery. We need everyone to know the truth about Alzheimer’s so we can bridge current gaps and build greater support toward advancing treatments and finding a cure.”

Debunking common myths

Alzheimer’s is most often associated with memory loss, but the truth is the disease can appear through a variety of signs and symptoms. A progressive and fatal disease, Alzheimer’s attacks the brain, killing nerve cells and brain tissue, which affects a person’s ability to remember, think and plan. While the majority of people who have Alzheimer’s are seniors, it can also affect people in their 30s, 40s and 50s — a form of the disease known as younger-onset Alzheimer’s. About 5 percent of people with the disease have younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Everyone is, technically, at risk of developing Alzheimer’s, but certain groups have elevated risks; African-Americans are twice as likely as whites and Hispanics one and a half times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Nearly two-thirds of all people who have Alzheimer’s are women.

Empowering information Every 66 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Detecting the disease early may help the person with Alzheimer’s, caregivers and loved ones in multiple ways. People who receive an early diagnosis may have more time to explore treatments that could help relieve some symptoms,

and help them stay independent longer. They may be able to participate in a clinical drug trial to help advance Alzheimer’s research. Resources such as Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch can help you find current studies. Detecting Alzheimer’s early can also give people with the disease, their caregivers and loved ones more time to plan for the future. If you are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease, you may be able to participate in decisions about your care, living arrangements, and financial and legal matters. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, but the Alzheimer’s Association has developed 10 warning signs and symptoms that may help you

decide it’s time to consult a physician, including: • Memory loss that disrupts daily life. • Challenges in planning and solving problems. • Difficulty completing familiar tasks. • Confusion over time or place. • Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships. • New problems with spoken or written words. • Misplacing things and not being able to find them by retracing your movements. • Decreased or poor judgment. • Withdrawal from others at work or in social situations. • Changes in mood or personality. “If a person is having trouble doing something that they routinely did for years or they demonstrate a significant shift in personality that lasts over time – those are warning signs that need to be explored,” Drew says. “Too often people dismiss these changes as stress or having too much to do, but when they persist over time, it’s best to get it checked out. Ignoring the situation is the worst way of handling it.” To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and to find resources for caregivers, families and people living with the disease, visit www.alz.org, the website of the Alzheimer’s Association. – BPT

Sci-Fi or Silver Bullet? How Immunotherapy Is Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment

By d-mars.com News Provider

ould the kind of cancer treatment credited with saving former President Jimmy Carter soon work for everyone? News coverage of Carter’s recovery and indepth coverage by media giants like TIME Magazine and 60 Minutes could lead you to believe that immunotherapy will be the silver bullet that ends cancer for everyone. Like any promising treatment, immunotherapy needs more research, time and investment to achieve its full life-saving potential. “New treatments that harness the body’s immune system to fight disease are changing how we view cancer treatment,” says Punit Dhillon, president and CEO of OncoSec Medical Incorporated, a company engaged in immunotherapy research. “And while immunotherapy has shown great promise in fighting cancer, cancers are unique to the individual and adaptable. Research has shown combination therapies may be even more effective in defeating cancer’s ability to adapt and survive in

the body.”

How immunotherapy works To understand how immunotherapy can work, it’s important to know how cancer operates in the body. When cancer cells grow and spread, they develop the ability to evade the body’s immune system. If the body does not recognize cancer cells as a threat, they may be safe from an immune system attack. Cancer cells also adapt and can become resistant to traditional cancer treatments over time. While traditional treatments may shrink or eliminate tumors, if any cancer cells remain after treatment, they could adapt and begin growing again. Immunotherapy seeks to reverse this immune tolerance, to once again identify cancer cells as a threat and target them for elimination. A class of immunotherapies, called checkpoint inhibitors, have shown great promise by re-invigorating T-cells, which are the immune system’s fighter cells, so they can again recognize and attack cancer cells. This approach worked for former President Carter’s brain tumor treatment. The benefits of immunotherapies are undeniable. Successful immunotherapy

attacks only cancerous cells, leaving healthy tissue undamaged. Using the body’s own defenses to fight cancer lacks some of the debilitating side effects associated with traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Immunotherapy can also train the immune system to remember cancer cells. This “memory” could remain effective long after treatment ends.

Another aspect of the challenge “While checkpoint inhibitors can be very effective, many cancer patients don’t have enough of a critical type of cell — called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) — for this type of therapy to be effective,” Dhillon notes. “Researchers are finding that only the minority of patients, about 30 to 40

percent, respond when treated with just this type of therapy alone.” Scientists are looking to combine immunotherapies with other kinds of existing cancer treatments to realize the full potential immunotherapy has to offer. OncoSec is currently developing a technology, ImmunoPulse, that aims to stimulate anti-tumor immune activity and drive essential TILs to the tumor area. The company is conducting research that shows this priming therapy will help increase patient response rates to checkpoint inhibitors by driving TILs. The aim is to develop a therapy that, when combined with other immunotherapies, will help the body’s immune system operate even more effectively against cancer. “To the public-at-large, immunotherapy is a relatively new concept that may seem like it borders on science fiction, but immuno-oncology researchers have made very real, positive progress,” Dhillon says. “We’ve already learned we can leverage the body’s own defenses to combat cancer. Now, our goal is to better understand how to make different therapies work better together so patients have safer and more effective treatment options.” – BPT

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September 2016

Helping Families Find Peace & Allowing Every Child W By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

arla Jones is known for her sweet spirit and kind heart. She is also the mother of Khyrstin Andrews aka Kyssi, the angel who “won” her battle against pediatric cancer after being diagnosed multiple times. Marla founded the Kyssi Andrews Foundation for Pediatric Cancer to keep Kyssi’s legacy and spirit alive, not only on a local and state level, but a global level as well. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and d-mars.com shines the spotlight on Marla and the work she does through her foundation, helping to allow every child with cancer to have a voice.

Remembering Kyssi Kyssi Remembering Kyssi was a very cheerful and energetic six year old, and ask anyone, she always brightened up any room that she walked into. Her smile and personality were genuine and very contagious. Kyssi was diagnosed at the age of three with a rare form of cancer called Wilm’s Tumor (kidney cancer) on May 1, 2012. Like many kids who are diagnosed, she had no prior symptoms or pain. After surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment, she

was considered in remission for the first time at the end of 2012. Kyssi had over 200 blood and platelet transfusions combined, and she’s definitely the toughest kid that most people knew, being in remission a second time at the beginning of 2014. On June 7, 2015, at 1:57AM on a Sunday morning, Kyssi “WON” her battle against pediatric cancer, receiving her wings, becoming an angel and resting peacefully with God in heaven. Though cancer was a cruel component of Kyssi’s childhood, you would never know it, because she would always have a smile on her beautiful face. Anywhere Kyssi went, she was quick to strike a pose and smile for the camera. She was smart beyond her years, polite, and friendly, no matter where she was or who she came into contact with. Kyssi’s slogan was “I’m Gonna Kick Cancer Right in the Butt!” Although she is dearly missed, Marla is ever so blessed and grateful for all of Kyssi’s remission statuses and the fact that the entire world was blessed to be a part of the daily smiles, fight, strength, and journey of Kyssi. Kyssi’s story did not end on June 7, 2015, and her legacy continues through Marla’s work with the Kyssi Andrews Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. The foundation was founded from Marla’s personal experiences dealing with a child with cancer. The foundation’s mission was de-

signed with every child and their families in mind who are in the fight against pediatric cancer.

TheKyssi Kyssi Andrews Andrews Foundation The Foundation for Pediatric for Pediatric Cancer Cancer The Kyssi Andrews Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is a foundation that provides global awareness and allows every child with cancer to have a voice. Through this organization, Marla uplifts the patients and encourages their families, helping to make life more livable during treatment and hospitalization. Every cancer diagnosis that each child encounters is handled differently. With knowledge, support, prayer, and a strong community, comes hope.

Thefoundation foundation is The is striving strivingto: to: • Provide global pediatric cancer awareness • Bring happiness to the children fighting cancer through gifts and visits • Assist families financially with specific needs that arise due to their child’s diagnosis against pediatric cancer • Provide emotional support to embattled families

About Childhood Cancer Although cancer in children is rare, it is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children in the United States. The most common types of cancer diagnosed in children and adolescents are leukemia, brain and other central nervous system tumors, lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, bone cancer, and gonadal (testicular and ovarian) germ cell tumors. As of January 1, 2010, there were approximately 380,000 survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer (diagnosed at ages 0 to 19 years) alive in the United States. The number of survivors will continue to increase, given that the incidence of childhood cancer has been rising slightly in recent decades and that survival rates overall are improving. The cancer mortality rate—the number of deaths due to cancer per 100,000 people per year—among children ages 0 to 19 years declined by more than 50 percent from 1975-1977 to 2007-2010 (6). More specifically, the mortality rate was slightly more than 5 per 100,000 children in 1975 and about 2.3 per 100,000 children in 2010. However, despite the overall decrease in mortality, nearly 2,000 children die of cancer each year in the United States, indicating that new advances and continued research to identify effective treatments are required to further reduce childhood cancer mortality. The causes of most childhood cancers are not known. About 5 percent of all cancers in children are caused by an inherited mutation (a genetic mutation that can be passed from parents to their children). For example, 25 to 30 percent of cases of retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye that develops mainly in children, are caused by an inherited mutation in a gene called RB1. However, retinoblastoma accounts for only about 3 percent of all cancers in children. Inherited mutations associated with certain familial syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Fanconi anemia syndrome, Noonan syndrome, and von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, also increase the risk of childhood cancer.

Facts: • Childhood cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded. • Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the U.S.

• One in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed wit they are 20 years old. • Every year, an estimated 250,000+ new cases of can the age of 20 worldwide. • Two-thirds of childhood cancer patients will have lo from treatment. • Childhood cancer occurs regularly, randomly and sp socioeconomic class; or geographic region. • In the United States, the incidence of cancer among adults is increasing at a greater rate than any othe except those over 65 years. • Childhood cancer is not just one disease. It is made and countless subtypes.

The Kyssi Andrews Foundation for Pediatric Cancer was Marla’s personal experiences. The mission of the organ with every child fighting against pediatric cancer and t For more on Marla Jones and the Kyssi Andrews Founda Cancer, please email info@kyssiandrewsfoundation.org kyssiandrewsfoundation.org. Sources: www.alexslemonade.org www.cancer.gov

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With Cancer to Have a Voice “As an organization formed out of heartbreak, it is our goal at the Kyssi Andrews Foundation for Pediatric Cancer to uplift the patients and encourage their families. We want every child with cancer to have a voice.” — Marla Jones, Founder & CEO of the Kyssi Andrews Foundation for Pediatric Cancer

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September 2016

Top 3 Ways to Save Money on Health Care By d-mars.com News Provider

ne in two Americans has a chronic condition and 86 percent of health care spending is on chronic care, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When it comes to saving money, health care is probably the last place you might look, but there are many ways to build better health and stronger savings.

1. Take advantage of preventive care services. Being proactive about your health and taking care of yourself before problems have a chance to arise or get out of control is one of the best ways to reduce future health costs and prevent unnecessary headaches. Medical, dental and vision insurance cover a wide range of preventative care services - from wellvisit exams with your primary care physician, to bi-annual dental check-ups and annual vision exams. But many are simply not taking advantage of these benefits. For example, a national online omnibus survey conducted on behalf of Anthem found that only 50 percent of people surveyed visit their dentist twice a year as recommended. When you skip

those dental cleanings, problems are left to progress which can lead to more expensive treatments like extractions, root canals and dental surgeries.

2. Don't ignore your teeth and eyes. Neglecting dental and vision preventative care can impact your overall health which can create large health care costs. You expect your dentist to spot cavities, but did you know your dentist might be able to detect trouble which extends beyond your mouth? According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 90 percent of diseases show signs and symptoms in the mouth. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, are better managed with good dental health. Periodontal (gum) disease can greatly impact the sugar levels of those suffering from diabetes and patients with diabetes who treat their periodontal disease have lower medical costs. Additionally, while a vision exam is important to see if you need correction to see well, a comprehensive exam allows an eye doctor to check for early signs of eye disease. An eye doctor can be the first to identify chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, through an eye exam, due to the increased visibility of blood vessel size. Getting a regular dental and vision

check-up might reveal an underlying health problem that can be more easily treated because of early detection.

3. Integrate and save. Consumers are often disconnected from the care they need - care that could have identified chronic disease earlier and before it becomes a high-dollar illness. One often overlooked way to save money on health care is by integrating your coverage - a growing trend in the insurance industry. Integrated health care connects the dots between health, dental, vision, disability and pharmacy coverage to increase communication between doctors and providers. Coordination of care also makes it possible for care managers and providers to work to-

gether to find the best solutions for your health. In some cases you may even be automatically enrolled for extra benefits customized to your health needs. An Anthem survey conducted by Employee Benefit News and SourceMedia found that more than half of employers offering integrated health care (IHC) plans see reduced costs. In addition to helping you save money, 74 percent of employers offering integrated health care agree that integrated health care improves health care outcomes. Many preventable illnesses and unnecessary costs can be avoided through a holistic approach to care. Anthem is working to transform health care with trusted and caring solutions. For more information about Anthem, visit www.antheminc.com. – BPT

In Baseball, Overuse Injuries Plaguing More Young Athletes By d-mars.com News Provider

hile concussions have garnered much of the spotlight when it comes to health concerns among young athletes, there is another rising issue among children who play sports that has health professionals just as concerned. Injuries in young athletes are on the rise, and elbow and shoulder injuries in children are on the verge of becoming an epidemic. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s STOP Sports Injuries reports that thousands of children are seen each year complaining of elbow or shoulder pain. Damage or tear to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) has become the most common injury suffered and is often caused by pitchers throwing too much. According to records from the American Sports Medicine Institute, the number of surgeries to reconstruct the UCL — or Tommy John surgery (named for the first pitcher to ever receive the procedure) — on youth pitchers has more than doubled over the past 16 years. “Baseball is generally a very safe game to play at all ages, but research shows that pitching too much — particularly at a young age — can increase risk of injuries,” says Jeffrey R. Dugas, M.D., of Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. “Research has shown that kids who pitch more than 100 innings during a calendar year — whether that’s for one team

or multiple teams — are 3.5 times more likely to have a serious elbow or shoulder injury leading to surgery than those who don’t.” If a young athlete is throwing too hard, too much, too early, and without rest, a serious elbow or shoulder injury may be on the horizon. Overuse and stress-related problems can affect not only soft tissue like muscles, tendons and ligaments, but also growing parts of bone, and if the condition is not treated, it could cause deformity of the limb and permanent disability. In 2014, Major League Baseball, in partnership with USA Baseball, and with input from top sports medicine physicians and researchers, launched “Pitch

Smart,” an arm-safety initiative for youth players. A series of practical, age-appropriate guidelines to help parents, players and coaches avoid overuse injuries, these guidelines advise a maximum pitch count of 50 for 7- to 8-year-olds, increasing incrementally up to 120 pitches by age 22. While the guidelines have been adopted by most national amateur baseball programs, including Little League, which has had similar guidelines in place since 2007, and most recently by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), a problem is that many young baseball players are playing on more than one team at a time. “The single biggest cause of the increase in pitching injuries is arm fatigue, with the specialization or professionalism of youth baseball being the primary reasons for it. Many kids are playing baseball 10 to 12 months out of the year,” says E. Lyle Cain, Jr., M.D., of Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. “Through research with the American Sports Medicine Institute, we found that adolescent pitchers who undergo elbow or shoulder surgery are 36 times more likely to have routinely pitched with arm fatigue.” Dr. Cain’s best advice to parents and players: Don’t play year-round baseball or on more than one baseball team at the same time, and don’t specialize in one sport until senior year in high school. He offers additional baseball injury prevention tips: • Warm up properly by stretching, running, and with easy, gradual throw-

ing. • Don’t pitch on consecutive days. • Play a variety of positions besides pitcher (but not catcher). • Concentrate on age-appropriate pitching, mastering the fastball first and the change-up second, before considering breaking pitches. • Emphasize control, accuracy and good mechanics — not speed. • Communicate regularly about how your arm is feeling and if there is pain. • Don’t pitch with elbow or shoulder pain. If the pain persists, see a doctor. Cain says the best thing parents can do is to talk to their kids in a way that fosters open communication on their part. Children really want to please their parents, teammates and coaches, and may hide injuries if they feel it will let everyone down. “Build a rapport and trust, because if you can catch some of these things early, when it is just soreness, you can shut them down for a few days or tweak the training and avoid a major injury and major surgery,” he says. “Kids will open up if they can trust you and know you are looking out for them.” “Speak with a sports medicine professional or athletic trainer if you have any concerns about baseball injuries or injury prevention strategies.” For more information on the prevention and treatment of sports injuries and to find an Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center surgeon, visit www. AndrewsSM.com/BaseballInjuryPrevention. – BPT

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September 2016

Seniors: 5 Simple Secrets for Overcoming Gym Intimidation

By d-mars.com News Provider

o one really relishes the idea of growing older and experiencing the health issues that can accompany aging. If there was one thing you could do to significantly improve your chances of staying mentally sharp, physically healthy and independent throughout your golden years, wouldn’t you do it? Exercise has health benefits for people of all ages, and it’s especially important for seniors. Regular exercise can allow people 65 and older to live independently, reduce their risks of falling and breaking bones, and lower their chances of developing serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, joint issues, diabetes and high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet only about 40 percent of Americans between 65 and 74 meet physical activity guidelines, and activity levels decrease even more as people grow older, the CDC says. “Everyone wants to discover the fountain of youth, that medicine or treatment or face cream that will keep them looking and feeling great well into old age,” says Brian Zehetner, director of health and fitness for Planet Fitness and co-author of “Working Out Sucks (And Why It Doesn’t Have To).” “But that secret has already been discovered. It’s exercise, and it works just as well for senior citizens as it does for people of any age group.” If you’ve never really exercised before,

The “P” Word By d-mars.com News Provider

t’s September fellas, so it’s time to talk the “P” word. It’s time to talk P-R-O-S-T-A-T-E health. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, and this is a good a time as any to get your prostate checked. Now some of you may be thinking that you feel good or look good, so why bother getting your prostate checked. That’s the mindset that has many of our men at risk for prostate cancer, as African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer compared with Caucasian men and are nearly 2.4 times as likely to die from the disease. The d-mars.com Health & Wellness Journal wants to encourage you to take charge of your health. There is no shame in talking to your doctor or healthcare professional about the prostate. You need to make the decision, do you not want to talk about it now or do you want to deal with prostate cancer later? Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting 1 in 7 men. But who is most at risk of getting prostate cancer and why? There are several major factors that influence risk, and some of them unfortunately cannot be changed. Age: The older you are, the more likely

or want to increase your current exercise level, you may have thought about joining a gym. You may have even walked into one intending to join — and walked right back out when you saw it was crowded with young, fit people. Your experience wouldn’t be unique; a Planet Fitness survey of seniors who don’t go to the gym found more than a third say they find the gym intimidating, and more than half of those who are intimidated say they fear being judged by other members. “We call that ‘gym-timidation,’” Zehetner says. “It’s that feeling that others in the gym will judge you for being less than perfect, and it can keep people of all ages, including seniors, from getting the exercise they need. But it doesn’t have to.” People older than 60 who exercise on a weekly basis feel 12.3 years younger than their real age, the Planet Fitness

survey found. In comparison, those who don’t exercise claim to feel only 5.6 years younger than their actual age. Gymgoing seniors say they go to feel better physically (91 percent), live a longer life (70 percent), feel better mentally (64 percent) and socialize (37 percent). Zehetner offers some advice for seniors to overcome gym-timidation: * Start slowly. Whether you’re new to exercise in general or just new to a gym environment, everyone has limitations. It’s important to know and respect yours. It’s frustrating to injure yourself while trying to improve your health, and as you get older it takes longer to recover from injuries. Be safe and smart by going slowly, and establishing a foundation that encompasses cardiovascular conditioning, strength training and flexibility. * Don’t be afraid to ask for help. New

you are to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although only 1 in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed, the rate shoots up to 1 in 38 for ages 40 to 59, and 1 in 14 for ages 60 to 69. In fact, more than 65% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. The average age at diagnosis of prostate cancer in the United States is 69 years. After that age, the chance of developing prostate cancer becomes more common than any other cancer in men or women. Race: African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer compared with Caucasian men and are nearly 2.5 times as likely to die from the disease. Conversely, Asian men who live in Asia have the lowest risk. Family history/genetics: A man with a father or brother who developed prostate cancer is twice as likely to develop the disease. This risk is further increased if the cancer was diagnosed in family members at a younger age (less than 55 years of age) or if it affected three or more family members. Where you live: For men in the U.S., the risk of developing prostate cancer is 17%. For men who live in rural China, it’s 2%. However, when Chinese men move to the western culture, their risk

increases substantially. Men who live in cities north of 40 degrees latitude (north of Philadelphia, PA, Columbus, OH, and Provo, UT, for instance) have the highest risk for dying from prostate cancer of any men in the United States. This effect appears to be mediated by inadequate sunlight during three months of the year, which reduces vitamin D levels.

African-American Men and Prostate Cancer African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer compared with Caucasian men and are nearly 2.4 times as likely to die from the disease. Although scientists do not yet understand why prostate cancer incidence and death rates are higher among AfricanAmerican men, it is widely believed that it is a combination of genetic differences, lifestyle, nutritional habits, and medical care may all play a role in the statistics. 1 out of 7 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Each year, more than 220,000 men are diagnosed with this form of cancer and more than 27,000 die as a result. Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent form of cancer, after melanoma, in men—a nonsmoking man is more likely to develop prostate cancer than he is to develop colon, bladder, lymphoma, and kidney cancer combined. While projected prostate cancer deaths have been reduced by

and unfamiliar exercise equipment can be intimidating, but it’s important to work out safely. Your gym’s trainers and staff are there to help ensure you know how to use the equipment safely and effectively. * Don’t be too distressed or discouraged by discomfort. People of all ages can experience stiff joints, muscle soreness and other minor discomforts when they begin to exercise. These are all signs your body is aware of the stress you’re putting it through and is responding and adapting — it’s part of the process of getting more fit. Exercise will become easier over time, and it won’t take you as long to recover from discomfort. * Find a workout buddy. Having a friend along can be motivational when you try something new. Even better, working out side-by-side with a buddy can help you measure the intensity of your workout. If you can carry on a conversation while working out, you’re getting a moderate level of activity. If you can’t talk without pausing for breath every few words, you’re getting a more vigorous workout. * Take advantage of special promotions to try out a gym to see if it’s the right one for you. In honor of National Senior Citizens Day on Sunday, Aug. 21, anyone 60 and older can work out at a Planet Fitness location for free between Sunday, Aug. 21 and Wednesday, Aug. 31. If you decide to join a participating location, you can take advantage of a promotional pre-paid rate of just $99 for the whole year. Visit www.planetfitness. com to learn more. – BPT more than 50% in the last two decades, reality is still worse for African-American men.

Get Your Annual Screening Detected early, prostate cancer is 100% treatable. But often, it has no symptoms. That’s why it’s particularly important for African-American men, given their higher probability of developing prostate cancer, to have a proactive plan. The American Urological Association recommends baseline screening for prostate cancer at age 40, with followup screenings based on personal family history and specific state of health. With early detection and treatment, the fiveyear survival rate is nearly 99%. Male health issues, especially ones that may affect sexual organs, can be a taboo and unwelcome conversation— and that’s why it’s so important to connect with your family, friends, and colleagues to talk about the importance of early detection for prostate cancer. It’s time to raise awareness of a disease the impacts so many African-American men in our community more than those of any other race. It’s time to “man up.” Get that annual screening for prostate cancer. Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation

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September 2016 15

Top Tips for Healthy Hydration: You’re Probably Missing This Key Ingredient

By d-mars.com News Provider

his summer, most of the United States experienced a heat wave that kept many people indoors or in the shade. Very high temperatures, especially for a prolonged period of time, can be extremely dangerous — and not just for the elderly or other vulnerable individuals. Participating in any outdoor activity, especially sports or physical labor, can be risky even for the healthiest among us. The key to staying healthy is staying hydrated. As our bodies try to cool off, we sweat and lose not just the water we need, but something just as important — electrolytes. Electrolytes are made up of sodium and potassium among other elements which need to be replaced. Experienced athletes and runners know the importance of electrolytes, and drink sports drinks like Gatorade rather than just water. Replacing water without sufficient sodium can quickly produce hyponatremia, a potentially fatal condition caused by too little sodium in the blood stream.

Hyponatremia: A real threat Hyponatremia symptoms are similar to those of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and are often overlooked. Sometimes people drink more water when they

ance of electrolytes essential for normal function of the cells and organs. Electrolytes help to regulate cardiovascular and neurological functions, fluid balance and oxygen delivery.

Recipe for hydration

start having these symptoms and end up making their condition worse. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include nausea, muscle cramps, disorientation, confusion, seizures, coma and death. To avoid this condition, medical experts advise marathon runners to consume extra salt. This advice should also be considered by anyone exposed to excessive heat. There have been several documented cases of illness and even death from hyponatremia over the past several years. According to the British Medical Journal, 16 runners died as a result of too little sodium and over-hydration, while another 1,600 became seriously ill. It is

true that water intoxication is more commonly seen among extreme athletes, but older individuals are also at high risk for several reasons.

An increased risk As we age, our kidneys become less efficient at conserving the salt we need when the body is stressed, such as from dehydration and high temperatures. When combined with common medications such as diuretics, which are commonly prescribed to treat hypertension, the result is a greater risk for hyponatremia. The key lies in finding the proper bal-

Ideally, anyone engaging in outdoor activity in the heat or even an indoor exercise program should drink eight to 12 ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes during a session. If exercising exceeds an hour, a beverage that contains salt and an energy carbohydrate is far superior to plain water. The recommended concentration of salt in a fluid replacement beverage is a quarter teaspoon per liter. Most sports drinks contain salt, although the amount is not quite that high. Anyone can make an alternative to commercial fluid replacement beverages easily by adding a quarter to a half teaspoon of salt per liter, or 32 ounces of water. When you exercise, your body’s metabolism works at a much higher rate, breaking down and regenerating tissues and creating waste metabolites that need to be flushed out of your system. However, regardless of your level of activity, you still need to maintain good hydration. So remember to always drink plenty of water to beat the heat, but also up your intake of electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium. – BPT

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September 2016

Why You Need Vitamin E - and How to Get Your Daily Dose By d-mars.com News Provider

ou get your fill of vitamins C and D by eating oranges and soaking in a little sun each day, which is good for your body and mind. Small habits like these can have a big impact on your overall health and help you feel your best each day. However, vitamins C and D aren't the only vitamins your body needs to thrive. Take vitamin E, for example. This overlooked vitamin is essential to our well-being and yet, many people don't know anything about it. Let's take a moment to learn about the super vitamin, and what you can do to get your daily intake.

What are the benefits of vitamin E? Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is an antioxidant and therefore helps improve immunity levels. Here are the possible benefits of vitamin E, and how it can specifically enhance your health. • Fights summer colds: Winter isn't the only time you can catch a cold. In the summer, vitamin E can boost your immunity to prevent sickness during the warmer months. • Extends cell life: What's the secret to aging well? While there are many factors that can influence aging, vitamin E can extend cell life to keep skin in great shape for years. • Repairs damaged cells: With vitamin E oil, you can also repair damaged cells. Specifically, vitamin E can be used to treat sunburns and scars. • May reduce risk of heart disease and cancer: There's still much to be discovered about vitamin E. Currently, doctors and scientists are testing whether vitamin E can reduce the risk of serious health conditions, like heart disease and cancer. • Reduces risk of cataracts and other eye issues: Maintain eye health and prevent serious eye diseases by getting your daily intake of vitamin E. • May slow down cognitive decline: Studies have found that a higher intake of vitamin E in older individuals can reduce cognitive decline and can even slow down the progression of diseases like Alzheimer's.

tamin E intake is to follow a healthy diet that focuses on eating vitamin E-rich vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and lean forms of protein," says Lyssie Lakatos, a registered dietitian. Lakatos lists these five foods as examples of what you can include in your vitamin E-rich meal plan. • Pistachios: A protein-packed snack, pistachios are also a rich source of vitamin E you can take on-the-go. • Spinach: When preparing salads, toss some spinach into the mix. This dark, leafy green is also high in calcium. • Eggs: Eggland's Best eggs contain 10 times more vitamin E than ordinary eggs, which is equal to 25 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin E. They are also packed with omega-3s, vitamins like B12 and D, and contain 25 percent less saturated fat than other eggs. • Avocados: Add an avocado to your salad or make guacamole to get the benefits of this healthy, vitamin E-rich fruit. • Olives: Whether you like to eat olives as a snack or use olive oil when cooking, you can expect to increase your vitamin E intake by including olives in your diet. Making Vitamin-E focused meals is simple and delicious. Here's one recipe you can try at home today!

EBLT Bowl Ingredients: • 2 Eggland's Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs • 1 bag spinach • Â½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved • 6 pieces of turkey bacon, cooked and chopped • 1 avocado, sliced • salt & pepper to taste • Â½ cup whole grain croutons (optional) Dressing: • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt) • 1 tablespoon water • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar • Salt and pepper to taste

RELIABLE

How can I get more vitamin E in my diet?

The US Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E in individuals 14 years and older is 15 mg. Instead of taking supplements to get the recommended daily dosage, however, save your money and add vitamin-rich foods to your diet. "The simplest way to increase your vi-

Preparation: • In a large bowl combine spinach, onion and tomatoes. • Place all of your salad dressing ingredients together in a jar and shake until completely combined. • Top spinach mixture with two hard-cooked eggs per bowl, sliced avocado and croutons. • Drizzle with dressing and enjoy! All vitamins, from vitamin C to vitamin E, are essential to your overall health. Visit Eggland's Best to learn more about the nutritional benefits of vitamin E. – BPT

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September 2016 17

Is Morning Sickness Impacting Your Pregnancy? By d-mars.com News Provider

aves of nausea, gagging and sensitivity to smells: While a majority of expectant mothers experience these symptoms, they may not fully understand their impact on pregnancy (other than as a warning sign that it’s time for another trip to the ladies’ room). Morning sickness, also known as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), is often dismissed as a somewhat trivial and inevitable part of becoming a mother. In reality, NVP is a medical condition affecting 70-85% of pregnant women - that’s approximately 3.4 million women each year in the United States alone[1],[2],[3],[4]. Typical signs of NVP include: nausea, gagging, retching, dry heaving, vomiting as well as odor and/or food aversion. These symptoms generally cease after the 16th to 20th week of gestation, but about 20% of women continue to experience them late in pregnancy, and 5% are affected all the way through to the time of delivery. NVP can turn the joy of pregnancy into an ongoing search for the nearest restroom. Respondents to a recent survey, pregnant women reported that NVP negatively impacted their lives by[4]: • Reducing their job efficiency (47%) • Causing them to lose work time (35%) • Causing them to lose time from housework (25%) Many pregnant women think NVP symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy and believe that there are no effective treatments. Consequently, they may not seek the guidance of a medical professional and don’t get informed about their options for managing NVP. “I knew morning sickness was to be expected, but I felt like my symptoms were different,” one mother-to-be reported. “My symptoms surfaced so many times throughout the week I was worried my baby wasn’t getting the nutrients she needed. I tried all of the diet and lifestyle changes, but it wasn’t until I approached my doctor and discussed additional treatments that I found an approach that was right for me.” “It’s important to have a candid conversation about morning sickness with your doctor at the very start of your pregnancy, so these symptoms can be monitored throughout the course of the baby’s development,” said Dr. Thomas S. Dardarian of Main Line Women’s Health Care Associates. “When left untreated, severe cases of NVP can result in potential impact to the mother and/or baby due to inadequate nutrition or prolonged dehydration. I also encourage women who are thinking about becoming pregnant to discuss their plans with their healthcare provider. Some data suggest that taking a multivitamin prior to becoming pregnant can reduce the frequency and severity of NVP, empowering women to take con-

trol of morning sickness before it starts.” Morning sickness symptoms can be evaluated using the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) scale, a scoring system based on the number of daily vomiting episodes, the length of nausea per day in hours and the number of retching episodes. As of now, only one medication for NVP has received FDA approval where conservative management hasn’t work (e.g., diet)[5], but expectant mothers should first try the following tips to manage their symptoms: • Eating small meals throughout the day rather than a few larger ones • Sticking to simple or bland snacks in the morning • Trying foods that are rich in protein, like peas, beans, lentils, soybeans and peanuts • Drinking small amounts of fluids often to stay hydrated throughout the day • Consuming liquids containing ginger, like tea or soda, which can relieve queasiness • Getting more rest • Avoiding rich, spicy or pungent foods and smells. If these conservative methods are not enough, women may require medication to help control their symptoms. Women are encouraged to visit morningsicknessusa.com to learn more about NVP, and to start this important discussion about morning sickness with their healthcare providers. By listening to their bodies and arming themselves with the facts, mothers can be as prepared as possible during their pregnancy. [1] Jewell, D, Young, G. Interventions for Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy. The Cochrane Library. 2002; [2] Medalie, J. Relationship between Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy and/or Abortion. The Lancet. 1957; 117119.

[3] Whitehead, SA, Andrews, LR, Chamberlain, VP. Characterisation of Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy: A Survey of 1000 Women. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1992; 12: 384-369. [4] Gadsby, R, Barnie-Adshead, A,

Jagger, C. A Prospective Study of Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy. British Journal of General Practice. 1993; 43: 245-248. [5] http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/ ProductsApprovals/ - BPT

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