d-mars.com Health & Wellness 12 by d-mars.com

Health & Wellness Journal Health

Medical

December 2011

Wellness

research

fitness

Lifestyle

Inspire, Inform & Educate

12TH Edition

Prescription for Good Health

INSIDE

Delicious Holiday Recipes Food plays a central roll in family celebrations and holidays. Diabetic’s can still enjoy the holiday feast. PAGE 6

African Americans and Medicine The practice of medicine among the nation’s African Americans began with the transfer here and confirmation of the practices of the medicine man in Africa.

PAGE 16

Allan Keeton Jr. (CEO) & Dionne L. Keeton BS, RRT

“Your lifestyle - how you live, eat, emote, and think - determines your health. ” Brian Carter Is It Safe to Fill Your Prescription at a Compounding Pharmacy? These specialty facilities are where trained pharmacists mix and formulate drugs onsite, in a sterile managed environment. PAGE 14

The Mouth Is a Window to Your Overall Health Oral problems such as with your gums, teeth and/or tongue, can all be indicators that serious health troubles are lurking beneath the surface.

PAGE 20

Protecting The Stallion In You Glen Carter Men’s Health and Wellness Advocate.

Chaplin Pekola Fleming Robert’s Ardyss Adventure to Wellness

PAGE 11 PK ran into an opportunity that literally changed her life and extended that of her husband’s. See pg. 23

See pg. 19

December 2011

Journal

Behind The

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

The theme for this month’s journal is “Rx – A Prescription for Good Health” In this month’s issue we are looking at how prescribed medicines can help promote good health in the African American community when used properly and accompanied with the right amount of rest and exercise. It is our attempt to take a holistic look at their benefits and challenges, so that our readers can make informed decisions when making choices in regards to health care. As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, 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 things happen.

Jourdan King

CONTENTS Health Care Services of America, Our Sole Priority is Your Health............................4 Delicious Holiday Recipes...........................…….…...................................................6 Reduce The Risk........................................................................................................9 Naural Alternatives vs. Prescription Drugs................................................................11 The Side Effects of Prescription Sleep Aids..................……….................................11 The 3 Classes of Prescription Cholesterol Drugs......................................................12 Prescription Programs……………….…....................................................................12 Is It Safe to Fill Your Prescription at a Compounding Pharmacy?............................14 Adjusting to Life Long Medications and Healthcare................................................14 Cholesterol - Stopping a Preventable Killer..............................................................15 African Americans and Medicine................................................………...................16 How to Destroy Anxiety and Succeed With Confidence..….........…........................17 No Need to Hang Up the Cape................................................................................17 Ardyss Adventure to Wellness..................................................................................19 The Mouth is a Window to Your Overall Health........................................................20 Protecting The Stallion In You..................................................................................23 Identifying Your Wellness Potential..........................................................................24 Should You Give Over-The-Counter Medicine To Kids?..........................................24

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “If you want to get out of medicine the fullest enjoyment, be students all your lives.” - David Riesman

D-MARS.com Business Journal 7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 805 Houston, Texas 77074 713-272-9511 . Phone 713-272-6364 . Fax 1-800-453-8752 . Toll Free www.d-mars.com

Sharon C. Jenkins Gail Mathis Nikitia Johnson Dr. Tamyra Comeaux Nirvana Hightower Dr. Ka-Ron Wade Glenn Carter Chris Read Cameron Jones Stephen Daniels Quinto Romero Paul Stevens Christine Crotts Wendy Moyer Laura Turner Lisa Beverley

December 2011

Healthcare Services of America, Humble Ambition = Success By Sharon C. Jenkins

Healthcare Services of America (HCSA) has a mission to be committed to providing quality patient care while satisfying all of their patients needs. They offer an extensive range of respiratory therapy services, oxygen therapy, enteral/ parenteral nutrition products and services, advanced home ventilators, sleep therapy, and aerosol therapy, hospital beds, wheel chairs and durable medical equipment. HCSA has a goal to provide small lightweight equipment to their patients. Their medical equipment allows patients to continue their normal daily activities without any restrictions. HCSA’s dedicated clinicians and team leaders strive to provide the most cost efficient, state of the art equipment to meet the needs of their clients.

Their “client first” strategy stems from a genuine commitment to improve the quality of the lives of the patients they serve. HCSA was the brain child of two college sweethearts who strategically designed a business that encompassed both of their passions: business and medicine. It was birthed in 2005 by a young Black couple with a dream to be entrepreneurs. Allan and Dionne Keeton are both graduates of Texas Southern University. Allan obtained a Bachelor’s in Business Management and an M.B.A. and Dionne pursued a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Respiratory Care. Their step of faith into business ownership required courage and determination. They were eager to start this life changing venture. In the early years they both took jobs that would better equip them to run their business, particularly Dionne, who worked for several medical equipment companies, learning the “do’s and don’ts” of that industry. They also built relationships with strategic players in the industry which better equipped them to start their business. One day Dionne came home and said they needed to start their own DME company. Allan’s response as a supportive loving husband was a resounding “yes.” He always imagined owning his own business, so Dionne resigned from the company that she was working

with and their entrepreneurial journey began. In order to keep financial stability in their home, Allan continued to work. Dionne would sometimes work nights as a PRN therapist and run the company from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (while pregnant with their second child) to supplement their income. They were also blessed that they had a good friend, Ann Mitchell, that sacrificed her full-time job in Dallas to move to Houston

and work for them full-time in the office for free for almost 2 years. It literally took them 3 years to get through the red tape and overcome numerous adverse circumstances to get their business firmly established in the industry. Ultimately the huge sacrifice and big risk paid off. The company was established in 2005 and in 2008; they were able to accept their first pa-

tient. From June to December 2008, their sales were just under $100,000. In 2009, their sales soared from $99,000 to $780,000. In 2010, sales hit an all time high of $1.4 million. This company was built on the love of a dedicated family and support from a loving friend. As a start-up, it was virtually impossible for them to acquire financing from a bank. They both had excellent credit scores and a great credit history, but

December 2011

from 2 employees to 16 employees, from $0 sales to over $1.4 million in sales. Allan and Dionne are Christians who attribute their success to their unshakeable faith in God’s ability to open doors that were otherwise shut to them. Their uncompromised delivery of customer service is also a contributing factor to their success. The “Christian,” human part of who they are ensures that they give the patient what they need. They feel that quality customer service is the distinguishing factor that makes a business great. Their commitment is to make sure that their customers receive the best service they have ever had. Doing things the right way has contributed to their longevity. It they lacked the capital and collateral that was required to get a loan. So they invested all of their personal assets into the company and went to family to obtain the rest of what was needed to establish their business. When the banks said “no” they were not deterred, they went to family. Their parents took a risk and made an investment in them because they believed in their dream

and their ability to make it a reality. They maxed out every credit card, took every dime out of their bank and 401k accounts and received a sizable investment from their parents to start their business. Without their parents unwavering belief and their sacrificial investment in them, the Keeton’s doubt that they would ever have experienced the success that they currently enjoy. They’ve grown

is their hope to build a legacy for their children’s children in this business. They are also diversifying into other businesses as a result of their financial achievements.

of His ability to continue to do so. Their mantra is “Saying ‘God is good’ is an understatement!! GOD IS GREAT!!!” and they have the prosperous DME to prove it.

Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to: • Establish a solid foundation. • Keep God first. • Do your research. • Always do everything by the book. • Invest quality time in your business and be willing to make sacrifices. • Have faith in God.

7324 Southwest Freeway Suite 465 Arena Tower 2 Houston, TX 77074 Ph.(713) 771-0081

It has been their experience that anything is possible with God. Their journey has not been without trials and tribulations, but whenever they’ve gotten discouraged, God reminds them of the doors that He’s already gotten them through. It stands as a living testimony

Fx.(713) 771-1458 akeeton@healthcsa.com

www.healthcsa.com

December 2011

Delicious Holiday Recipes

For Everyone at The Table, Including People with Diabetes Food plays a central role in family celebrations and holidays. If you have diabetes or if you’re cooking for someone who does— you don’t have to eat special foods or be excluded from what “everyone else” is eating. (In fact, everyone else should be taking their cue from what’s on your plate!) Most of our diabetes-appropriate holiday recipes are low in calories (and between 1 to 2 1/2 carbohydrate servings), but any EatingWell recipe can fit into your diet. These holiday recipes are updates of classic dishes and twists on traditional fare, made healthy by using high-impact flavors like fresh herbs, spices and seasonal fruits and vegetables to minimize the need for gobs of butter, cream and salt. Enjoy!

Apple-Shallot Roasted Turkey 12 servings, 3 ounces each, plus plenty of leftovers Active Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 3 1/2 hours Ingredients • 1 10- to 12-pound turkey • 2 tablespoons canola oil • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus 3 sprigs • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, plus 3 sprigs • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, plus 3 sprigs • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 1 1/2 pounds shallots, peeled and halved lengthwise, divided • 1 tart green apple, quartered • 3 cups water, plus more as needed Preparation 1. Position rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 475°F. 2. Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavities and reserve for making Turkey Giblet Stock. Place the turkey, breastside up, on a rack in a large roasting pan; pat dry with paper towels. 3. Combine oil, chopped parsley, sage, thyme, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey, under the skin and onto the breast meat. Place herb sprigs, 6 shallot halves and apple in the cavity. Tuck the wing tips under the turkey. Tie the legs together with kitchen string. Add 3 cups water to the pan. 4. Roast the turkey until the skin is golden brown, 45 minutes. Remove the turkey from the oven. If using a remote digital thermometer, insert it into the deepest part of the thigh, close to the joint. Cover just the breast with a double layer of foil, cutting as necessary to fit. Scatter the remaining shallots in the pan around the turkey. Reduce oven temperature to 350° and continue roasting until the thermometer (or an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone) registers 165°F, 1 to 1 3/4 hours more. If the pan dries out, tilt the turkey to let juices run out of the cavity into the pan and add 1 cup water. 5. Transfer the turkey to a serving platter (reserve pan juices and shallots) and tent with foil. Make Cider Gravy (recipe follows). Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes. Remove the string and carve. Nutrition Per serving: 155 calories; 5 g fat ( 1 g sat , 2 g mono ); 63 mg cholesterol; 25 g protein; 0 g fiber; 115 mg sodium; 258 mg potassium. Nutrition Bonus: Selenium (42% daily value), Zinc (16% dv) Exchanges: 3 1/2 very lean meat Taken from: www.eatingwell.com

December 2011

Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes 12 servings, 3 ounces each, plus plenty of leftovers Active Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 3 1/2 hours Ingredients • 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (about cups) • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup • 2 tablespoons butter, melted • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1/2 teaspoon salt • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Arrange sweet potatoes in an even layer in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Combine maple syrup, butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper in small bowl. Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes; toss to coat. 3. Cover and bake the sweet potatoes for 15 minutes. Uncover, stir and cook, stirring every 15 minutes, until tender and starting to brown, 45 to 50 minutes more. Tips & Notes •Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Just before serving, reheat at 350°F until hot, about 15 minutes. Nutrition Per serving: 96 calories; 2 g fat ( 1 g sat , 0 g mono ); 5 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 2 g fiber; 118 mg sodium; 189 mg potassium. Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (230% daily value), Vitamin C (15% dv) Carbohydrate Servings: 1 1/2 Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat

Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie Serves: 8 Ingredient: 1 9-inch pie shell 3/4 cup Equal sweetener 1/2 teaspoon Salt 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves 2 Eggs 1 can Pumpkin 1 1/2 cup Evaporated skim milk 1. Combine sweetener, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs lightly in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shell. 2. Bake for 15 minutes in preheated 425 degree oven. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

December 2011

Reduce the Risk

BY Dr. Tamyra Comeaux

Maintain Proper Breast Health and Early Detection Did you know that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? Did you know that women over 40 are at a greater risk for breast cancer, yet they are least likely to undergo screening? Do you know that approximately 15% of all breast cancers occur in women under 45? Every second of every day, women and men around the globe are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is important that we understand the importance of not only early detection but also strategies for reducing the risk. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women under the age of 45. Breast cancer in younger women is typically more aggressive and has a lower survival rates. Symptoms may include: •New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit) •Thickening or swelling of part of the breast •Irritation or dimpling of breast skin •Redness or flaky skin in the nipple or breast area •Nipple discharge (including blood) •Any change in the size or shape of the breast •Pain in any area of the breast Strategies for reducing the risk of Breast Cancer: •Maintain a healthy body weight. •Minimize or avoid alcohol. •Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible •Exercise regularly •Maximize your intake of Omega-3 fats •Lower carbohydrate intake •Take daily supplements (Vitamin A, C, E) •Aromatase Inhibitor/ estrogen blocker A Natural Aromatase Inhibitor and Estrogen Blocker is a nutritional supplement, available without a prescription, designed to normalize estrogen levels, yielding a wide spectrum of health and anti-aging benefits. Reducing the risk with Breast Thermography Breast Thermography is an ancillary diagnostic test that can greatly increase the occurrence of early detection. In past years, it was determined (in theory)

that detecting breast cancer in younger women was a difficult process and mammograms were not recommended for women in their early twenties. Breast thermography offers younger women a valuable imaging tool that they can add to their regular breast health check-ups beginning with baseline imaging at age 20. Breast Thermography is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that shows abnormal temperature variations in the body. Breast Thermography is also known as Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging. This type of imaging captures pictures images of your breast “from the inside out.” Essentially, Breast Thermography allows the infrared camera to take pictures that the human eye cannot see. Therefore, allowing a more detailed image of any abnormalities that may be present. Breast thermography is dedicated to providing risk assessments, breast cancer, early detection, prevention, and ultimately the preservation of the breast and the survival of women. Current research has determined that the key to breast cancer survival rests upon its earliest possible detection. If discovered in its earliest stages, 95% cure rates are possible. Disclaimer: Breast thermography offers women information that no other procedure can provide. However, breast thermography is not a replacement for or alternative to mammography or any other form of breast imaging. In addition to mammography and other tests or procedures, Breast thermography is designed to increase the occurrence of early detection. Breast thermography and mammography are complementary procedures; one test does not replace the other. All thermography reports are meant to identify thermal emissions that suggest potential risk markers only and do not in any way suggest diagnosis and/or treatment. Studies show that the earliest detection is realized when multiple tests are used together. Companion testing may include: •Self-examinations •Physical breast exams by a doctor •Mammography •Ultrasound •MRI •Thermography •HALO Breast Pap Test

HALO Breast Pap Test Young women and premenopausal women typically have dense breast tissue, which can hide abnormalities during mammography. Women under 40 are discouraged from having annual mammograms, in order to reduce their lifetime exposure to radiation and because of the high rates of inaccurate results. If young women develop breast cancer, it is typically high-grade, aggressive cancer that often requires more aggressive treatment to be successful. Early detection of abnormal breast cells helps to more accurately determine your risk of breast cancer, and lets you start being more vigilant, if needed, about your breast health. Routine assessment with HALO will enable breast health monitoring and the ability to react to cellular changes early. Incorporating Halo into routine practice will enable physicians and patients to monitor cellular changes within breast ducts earlier, before they develop into larger, potentially cancerous lesions. The HALO® Breast Pap Test is FDA approved for the collection of nipple aspirate fluid for cytological evalua-

tion. The collected fluid can be used in the determination and/ or differentiation of normal versus pre-malignant versus malignant cells. Many health insurance companies do not yet cover the cost of these technologies. However, if you submit a claim to your insurance company, you may be able to recover a portion of the cost. If you have a health savings account (HSA) or Flexible spending account, the money may be applied toward the cost of the Halo Breast Pap test. Vitamin and herbal supplements that aide in proper breast health •Coenzyme Q10 and Omega-3 Fish Oil Combo •Vitamin D •Green Cell Therapy •Octoclense parasite and detox herbal supplement •Octovite (Antioxidant Defense) We have developed a multipathway herbal formulation that minimizes or eliminates the undesirable effects associated with an estrogen dominant environment. (fibrocystic breast disease, endometriosis, male pattern hair loss, gynecomastia, fibroid tumors, hormone related

weight gain. As an advocate for promoting natural methods of health and healing, I believe in sharing my knowledge and products with the world. I offer businesses, churches, organizations, and entrepreneurs a chance to become a part of the natural healing crusade by becoming a distributor. You not only have the opportunity to help people feel and look better along with weight loss naturally, but also, you can earn extra revenue. Please call Natural Women’s Health Care at 832-237-4200 for more information. These products can be obtained by contacting my office and ordering from my website. For your convenience, some products are available through Amazon.com and or Ebay. Tamyra Comeaux, MD 11811 FM 1960 Suite 104 Houston, TX 77065 Phone: 832 237 4200 www.naturalwomenscare.com Blog: www.naturalwomenscare. blogspot.com Join me on Facebook at “Natural Women’s Care”

10. December 2011

December 2011

11.

Natural Alternatives vs. Prescription Drugs BY Chris Read

Natural alternatives to prescription drugs are a growing phenomenon. Alternative medicine might be thought of as any health care which is not a part of the mainstream medical establishment. Despite the tremendous disparity in philosophy, organization, practice, and origins of the myriad types of alternative medicine, the growing acceptance and use of these therapies is part of a single cultural phenomenon

either singly or in mixtures. An herb (also called a botanical) is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, and/or therapeutic properties. It is interesting to note that there were not so many mortal pestilence diseases in those days. What has caused this neverending increase of deadly diseases that is inflicting such havoc on the body today?

Mainstream Medicine And Alternative Medicine Firstly let me deal with the critical differences between mainstream medicine and alternative medicine. And why the latter is cause for concern. In short, prescription drugs are a scientific endeavor, and alternative medicine is not. We know that alternative medicine was being used in ancient times long before conventional medicine came into the scene. Mainstream medicine is finally taking note of the herbal industry

Is Conventional Medicine Really The Answer If conventional medicine was the answer to these diseases, why have they increased, and why are so many people dying from these devastating illnesses? And why do so many people seem to be convinced that alternative medicine made by God do not have healing virtues as the conventional medicine made by man? Why is information about cures so often suppressed even though conventional medicine very often interferes with the natural process of healing?

Herbal Supplements More and more people are taking note of herbal therapies to treat various kinds of ailments in place of mainstream medicine. Herbal supplements are a type of dietary supplement that contain herbs,

People are so coerced to use conventional medicine that they refuse to even give alternative medicine a chance because advertisements have such great influence when heard often enough, that the public is convinced. Have

you ever noticed the way conventional medicines are advertised? It seems apparent that every effort is made to highlight the possible negative effects Complementary Medicine Next what comes into the scene is complementary medicine, another treatment which is used along with conventional medicine to affect a cure. However, not all complementary medicine must be used with conventional medicine to be effective. For example: When the word “cholesterol” comes to mind some of us may think of it as deadly. The truth about cholesterol is that it isn’t deadly at all, it’s a vital substance. Cholesterol is actually a very important part of our bodies because it’s used to form cell membranes and is needed for other functions in our bodies. However, it’s when there are excessive levels of cholesterol in the blood that cholesterol can become dangerous. There are different ways one can develop high cholesterol. Your body, mainly the liver, can produce too much cholesterol and a poor diet will almost always do it. You must follow a strict, permanent, and healthy lifestyle to take control of your cholesterol

This includes: -Getting more active -Eating foods that are low in cholesterol -Maintaining a diet rich in soluble fiber -Dietary Supplements There are also many natural alternatives that can be used to compliment a healthy lifestyle. Lecithin, which is a natural substance derived from the soybean, is one of the most effective supplements available to lower cholesterol Headaches What just hovers onto my mind is why most people dont try natural remedies. Very often a simple massage is the answer to a problem. I personally have not had a headache for many years. There was a time when I was headacheprone, and got into the habit of using synthetic medicines to ease the pain, but after I decided to try natural treatments and medicines, I changed my diet from eating ‘junk’ foods and tried to stop using those synthetic headache remedies. Now they are virtually no more a part of my life. I have helped many, many persons to be rid of a headache by just simply giving them a massage as mentioned above. Many had

headaches lingering for days, and after about 20 minutes of massage, they miraculously stopped Conclusion Think of the thousands of persons who might have been alive today if only they had known, and had been encouraged, to use certain natural remedies to be healed. It is not the intention of this article to condemn the use of conventional medicine, like prescription drugs. There have been countless such cases where, without the administration of conventional medicine, many persons would not have survived. However, it is my hope that conventional medicine in the field of drugs will one day give way to alternative medicine, and conventional medicine will retain its place in the field of surgery and other traumatic conditions where it cannot be replaced. Natural alternatives are not only much safer than using prescription drugs but also a lot cheaper. Chris Read is an associated editor to the website http://www.hateweight.com,“The Weight Loss Portal”. Hateweight is committed to provide visitors with complete information on weight loss, obesity, healthy recipes, obesity diseases, latest news, personal views, articles and online community board on weight loss related topics. Your feedback & comments will be highly appreciated at chrisread001@gmail.com

The Side Effects of Prescription Sleep Aids BY Paul Stevens

If you suffer from insomnia, it is likely that you are taking prescription sleep aids. Unfortunately, quite a few medications prescribed for insomnia bring with them a variety of side effects. While these can help temporary insomnia to some extent, especially in small doses, long-term sleep problems must be tackled in a different way. Interestingly, most doctors advise medication only as a last resort, as there are other remedies that are safe and help induce sleep. Among the worst side effects of prescription sleep aids is that of addiction and dependence. The common prescription medicines are sedatives, tranquilizers and drugs used to treat anxiety. Obviously, you need a doctor’s prescription for these since they are habit-forming and can be harmful to your health.

A major problem with hypnotics is their tendency to lose their effectiveness when you become used to them. You may also develop withdrawal symptoms if you stop them, bringing that insomnia right back. Tapering the dose gradually over several weeks usually tackles this problem. There are also over the counter, or OTC, medications for which prescriptions are not necessary. These are diphenhydramine and dimenhydrinate and are used to resolve minor insomnia. You could, however, develop dry mouth, blurred vision and dizziness. Moreover, if you already suffer from cardiac problems or angina, urinary problems or other health issues, you should avoid taking OTC drugs like Nytol and Sominex. Incidentally, melatonin supplements are supposed to treat insomnia. Even

though these are used widely, not much information is available about their safety. Because they are classed as supplements and not drugs, they are not tested by the Food & Drug Administration and may include unknown ingredients. If you have been advised to take these, think twice before you act and only buy reliable brands. Prescription medicines for insomnia are best taken in low doses. Some of these are: Benzodiazepines - these go by the brand names Ativan, Xanax, Halcion, Restoril, among others. Common side effects may include respiratory disorders, sleepiness in the daytime, loss of memory, and fluctuating moods. You can certainly not take sleeping aids with alcohol or medications for ulcers as the interaction can be dangerous.

Non-benzodiazepines - available under the brand name Ambien. People who take these sometimes complain of nausea, dizziness, headaches, nightmares and restlessness. Antidepressants - these drugs are thought to help with insomnia connected to depression. Examples are Paxil, Serzone and Desyrel, to name some. These prescription drugs bring on fewer side effects than the others. So what do you do? The point is that, in order to avoid the serious side effects of prescription sleeping aids, you should look at the causes of your insomnia rather than treating the symptom itself. If worry is causing your sleeplessness, all you may need is an antidepressant rather than sleeping pills. Doctors recommend that

you avoid benzodiazepine which can be addictive. Instead, opt for something that is non-addictive. Moreover, take sleeping pills only when you absolutely need to, not as a habit. If you happen to be a woman going through menopause, sleeplessness can be tackled with hormone replacement therapy. Ultimately, to decide which prescription sleeping aid is best for you, you should talk to your health care provider so that the treatment is based on your specific medical history and symptoms. About The Author Paul Stevens is an insomnia suffer and author/publisher of The Cure For Insomnia. Get the latest in insomnia treatments and find your cure for insomnia at http://www. thecureforinsomnia.net.

12. December 2011

The 3 Classes of Prescription Cholesterol Drugs BY Christine Crotts

Hearing from your doctor that you have high cholesterol can be scary news. Most people know that having high cholesterol can lead to heart disease and eventually a heart attack or stroke. While there are several methods that you can try to reduce your numbers, such as exercise and diet, many people look into the medication options available. What drugs are available to lower cholesterol, and which ones may be right for you? First of all, this article is meant only as information. It is not meant to advise or give any direction. If you do have high cholesterol or think you do please discuss all available options and medications with your doctor. There are three classes of prescription cholesterol drugs available. These three classes include: 1. Statins. These drugs are very common lately and most peo-

ple have heard of statins, even if they do not have high cholesterol. Unfortunately, the reason why most people have heard of

high cholesterol can receive the benefit of a reduced risk of heart attack or stroke by taking statins.

of bile acids. This is good as bile acids are involved with the production of cholesterol. The less bile acid you have the less cholesterol you will have. Cholesterol levels can decrease by up to 20% with bile acid sequestrants. The bad news regarding bile acid sequestrants is that they can cause some side effects. While not as serious as the side effects caused by statins, you may experience gastrointestine issues, such as constipation, nausea, and gas. Other side effects include weight loss, headaches, and sore muscles.

these drugs is because these may be becoming over prescribed. The benefit of using statins is that these drugs are very effective and can lower cholesterol by up to 50-60%. This can drastically reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. There is even evidence that people that do not have

The negative that you must consider when taking statins is that they have some serious side effects. Muscle breakdown can occur. This ultimately can lead to kidney failure, but at the very least can cause aches and pains. 2. Bile acid sequestrants. These drugs work by ridding the body

3. Triglyceride inhibitors. Triglycerides are involved with the product of lipoproteins, which carry cholesterol through the blood. Triglyceride inhibitors prevent lipoproteins from being made. With fewer lipoproteins there will be a lower number of cholesterol in the blood.

These drugs can lower cholesterol by as much as 10-14%. The effectiveness of preventing heart attacks has not been proven. Also, diabetics cannot take this medication as it raises blood sugar. The overview of available prescription cholesterol drugs found here will provide you with a better understand of what medication is available, how they all work, and what the benefits and negatives are of each. Basically, with more benefits (higher reduction of cholesterol levels) you may face more serious side effects. Be sure to discuss all available drugs with your doctor so that you both can come to a decision on what action to take to help lower your cholesterol levels.

Prescription Programs -

Management Tips for Your Health Care Medications

BY Cameron Jones Prescription drug use does not necessarily lead to addiction if individuals are knowledgeable about the prescription programs recommended by their doctors. Actually, following doctor prescribed prescription programs can lead to a healthier and longer life. Affordable Health Care is Possible with Medical Discount Card Membership The elderly are not the only individuals who benefit from using prescription drugs. In a survey conducted in 2004, it was discovered that 1/5 of the medical costs incurred by individuals under age 65 were for prescription drugs alone. A report from the American Heart Association indicated that over 32 million Americans take 3 or more prescription drugs daily.

If prescription medications are a necessity for your proper health care, a discount medical card membership is an assurance that you can afford the medicine you need. A discount medical card membership can save members 15% on name brand prescription medications. Additional savings of up to 50% or more can be obtained on generic medications with a discount health card. Prescription programs using a discount medical card can save you money at over 48,000 pharmacies across the country, including drugstores such as Rite Aid, Target, and CVS Pharmacy. If the drug discount card is not accepted at a pharmacy in your area, you can still save by using pharmacy mail order services for your prescription programs.

Tip #1 - Maintain Records It is important to maintain records on all prescription medications. Overdoses can be dangerous or even fatal, and under dosages will not provide the necessary health benefits. Keep records of each prescription drug including the name brand or generic name of the medicine. Record the dosage requirements and other dosage instructions. If medications are administered by multiple individuals, it is important to determine who is responsible for each particular dosage.

Tip #2 - Read the Instructions It is important to read the labels on all prescription medicines. If you have questions regarding a particular medication, contact the pharmacy or your physician.

Many problems can be prevented by simply asking a question.

Tip #3 -Side Effect Monitoring Individuals on prescription programs should carefully monitor the occurrence of any symptoms or side effects, especially if taking a newly prescribed medication. Any side effects should be reported to your physician.

Tip#4 - Drug Expiration Dates Prescription medications have expiration dates. It is important to monitor these dates. An expired prescription drug may not have the required potency to perform its intended task which can be dangerous in many instances.

Tip#5 -ContinuedMedication It is not uncommon to start feeling some symptom relief

when you start taking a prescribed medication. However, it is important to continue to take the medication as prescribed by your physician so that your particular problem is completely cured and does not return. Remember that savings for your prescription drug medications is available through healthcare discount cards that can save you up to 15% on brand name drugs and 50% or more on generic medications. If you are struggling to pay for your medications, a discount medical card is a solution that can help you afford prescription drugs.

December 2011

13.

14. December 2011

Is It Safe to Fill Your Prescription at a Compounding Pharmacy? BY Stephen Daniels

As more compounding pharmacies pop up in neighborhoods around the world, they become more familiar to the average consumer as well as easier to access. So, it is perfectly reasonable and prudent that questions be raised about their relative safety. Consumers have become so accustomed to going to big board drug and grocery stores to fill their prescriptions, which of course are for meds manufactured by major drug companies, that they might not be aware that alternatives exist. Those who are familiar with these specialty pharmacies might reasonably question whether they are as strictly regulated as the major brand name manufacturers. The public can rest assured that compounding pharmacies are also subject to oversight by the Food and Drug Administration, medical and pharmacy boards in the states in which they operate,

and by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). These specialty facilities are where trained pharmacists mix and formulate drugs onsite, in a sterile managed environment. The medications created are mixed according to prescriptions written by physicians, which of course, are based on each patient’s unique medical needs. Among the many reasons why this method is becoming preferable to mass-produced drugs for many include: Mass produced medications often contain inert ingredients used as binding agents, or elements to prolong shelf life. These have been known to cause allergic reactions, not to the drug itself, but to the unnecessary inert ingredients.

• Some patients require the delivery of the medication in a form other than a pill or capsule. For example, children often are unable to swallow pills, but can take a liquid without issues, especially if it is pleasantly flavored. Other options for children even include incorporating the drugs into a lollypop, which breaks down all a child’s hesitation and resistance and ensures that necessary meds are consumed. • Some medical problems require more exact dosage amounts than are available in pill or capsule form. This is especially true in hormone delivery, as well as with many pain medications. There are more than 2,000 licensed compounding pharmacists operating in the U.S., and all are subject to the same licensing and regulations as their more

conventional counterparts. They are all highly trained professionals who are strictly regulated and licensed by the states in which they operate. It is a sad reality that economic forces drive this industry which means that some very effective drugs are taken from the marketplace because the population they serve is deemed too small to create the desired profit margin. In fact, some medications are only available from compounding pharmacies so they have literally become a life line for some patients with less common conditions. In addition to preparation of commonly taken medications for children and patients requiring hormone replacement therapy, there is also a great need in the veterinary community. Because of the vast ranges

in the sizes and types of common household pets, as well as livestock, as well as the difficulty in administering medications to animals, this is a growing field for these pharmacists. Individualized drug preparation is available all over the world. In truth, it was only recently that mass produced drugs became the primary method of manufacturing and dispensing medications. These specialists are making a comeback to the days of yore because they fill a real need. If you are having trouble with a medicine that you need to take, whether it be an undesirable reaction, the dosage, form or availability of any medicine that you rely on, talk to your doctor about the possibility of ordering your prescription from a specialty pharmacy, as opposed to the big drug stores in order to safely meet your needs.

Adjusting to Lifelong Medications and Healthcare BY Quinto Romero

Treatments for hypo and hyperactive patients can be tiring. Because the medications have to be taken for a lifetime, the therapies can be overwhelming. Thyroid patients usually do not give up on the treatments except when there are recurrent failures in the therapies provided. But once you know how to avoid failing the treatments, it is easier adjusting to lifelong medications and to other forms of therapies. The first and only thing you should remember in any kind of treatment is to not give up. Remember, the recovery process is unique for every individual. One may get cured from the disease after weeks of treatment while others may have to wait years for therapies to take effect. Understanding the nature of medications is also very important so you may persevere in the treatment process. Knowing the Causes of NonCompliance to the Therapy Many individuals begin their therapies with hope in mind. But

during the course of treatment, some just lose their motivation. One must know the reasons of non-compliance to the treatment to avoid it. Here are some of the most common reasons why your treatments for thyroid conditions don’t work. Forgetfulness Forgetfulness is one of the most common problems in the treatment process. To avoid this problem, you need to set an alarm at the time the drug should be given. You can also put your medicines in containers which can be easily noticed. Purpose of the Treatment Is Not Clear When patients do not know the reason why they are being treated, they will feel less eager to comply with the treatment regimen. The health care practitioner should explain the treatment process very well so the patient may understand why he is given such therapy. If you are not satisfied with your current health care practitioner, you can switch to a doc-

tor who can provide the kind of explanation you need. Perceived Lack of Effect There are times when patients feel that the therapy won’t work. This needs motivation from the doctors and from the patient himself. Significant others should also be present to support the patient in the therapies. Real or Perceived Side Effects Drugs can create side effects which can bother the sick individual. If you feel any side effects from the drug or therapy you are taking, remember to report this to the physician so specific measures can be instituted. Often times, side effects can easily be treated. For example, nausea can be alleviated by small frequent feedings or by nibbling on ice chips. Physical Difficulty in Complying With the Treatment When a sick individual lives by himself, it is sometimes hard for them to comply with the treatment regimen. A patient may be physically incapable to open con-

tainers or to travel to the place of treatment. Assistance may be necessary in such cases. Unattractive Formulation Some thyroid preparations create an unpleasant taste and odor. The patient may not feel like taking the medication because of unattractive formulation. Drinking juice together with the medication or ingesting something nice after intake of the drug can mask the unpleasant taste. Complicated Regimen A patient may fail on the treatment if he sees the complexity of the therapy. Doctors should provide a structured plan of treatment to avoid this problem. Cost of Drugs The cost of drugs is one of the major reasons why treatments fail. Although thyroid preparations are affordable, taking it every day can add quite a bit to your budget. You can use discounts through social services if compliance with the regimen is not met because of the cost of treatment.

Create a Positive Outlook Together With Your Health Care Practitioner. Having a positive outlook in life can help in preventing treatment failure. You should listen carefully to the doctor’s explanation of the treatment so you may understand why your therapies should be taken. Establishing trust and rapport with your doctor is also very important to succeed in the treatment goals. What You Need To Know Not all therapies work the same way in every patient. It is important to take the medications regularly as prescribed. If you feel any side effects or if you lack knowledge of the treatment, you can visit your doctor and ask for help. If symptoms persist after compliance with the treatment regimen, the doctor may evaluate and run a series of tests to find out the definite cause of the problem. For more information about Thyroid Diseases and other Healthcare issues, please visit us at: www.healthsearchonline.com/

December 2011

15.

Cholesterol - Stopping a Preventable Killer BY Nirvana Hightower

Cholesterol has been well documented to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Atherosclerosis in common terms is clogged arteries. Atherosclerotic disease is one of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading preventable killers. Cholesterol is a fat, which at low levels is beneficial because it is necessary for building and maintaining cell membranes. Cholesterol also functions as a precursor to hormones like testosterone. While cholesterol is essential to life, the fat protein it is bound to plays a role in whether it injures or protects the arterial walls. Cholesterol must be carried or transported in the blood by the fat protein, called the lipoprotein. LDL (low-density lipoprotein)

transports cholesterol to the cells. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) transports cholesterol away from the cells. When one has excess LDL, too much cholesterol can be deposited into the arterial wall. Insufficient HDL reduces cholesterol transport away from the arterial wall. So we need High HDL to remove the cholesterol away from the cell and to protect our artery walls thus preventing Heart Attacks and strokes. The information regarding what fats are good and bad is overwhelming at best and downright confusing to most people. Polyunsaturated fats such as corn oil, sunflower oil and safflower oil, though rich in omega-6 fatty acids create inflammatory byproducts and induce LDL oxidation that damages arteries. In summation these oils start off good but trigger the bad cholesterol allowing it to affect the arteries. Monounsaturated fats such as those found in olive oil and omega-3 fats found in fish oil, salm-

on oil, flaxseed and walnut oils are good in building HDL and preventing heart attacks. Many people think omega-6 are fine alone but they must be balanced with omega-3 fats to prevent the dangerous proinflammatory state mentioned earlier. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical community often just focuses on getting patients LDL and total cholesterol down as low as possible. While this is true, it is only a piece of the puzzle to successful prevention of heart disease, not the only factor. The oxidation of LDL results in the most arterial damage. Oxidation of LDL happens when LDL reacts or combines with free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can arise normally with metabolism and aging however, we make it excessive by the toxins we eat or that are in our environment such as; processed foods, pollution, radiation, smoking, and herbicides. We can decrease the oxidized LDL by reducing or taking out Trans fats, hydrogenated oils, stop

smoking, control diabetes, and prevent metabolic syndrome. (Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions that increase a person risk for heart disease, memory loss, stroke, and kidney problems, often triggered by high blood pressure, high sugar (diabetes), and high triglycerides with high cholesterol.) To block the oxidation of LDL a number of studies documents CoQ10 (ubiquinol) and other antioxidants can neutralize free radicals. CoQ10 should be taken with statin drugs to prevent the side effects of the statin drugs. Pomegranate has demonstrated great anti-oxidation effects. We need to get our LDL levels below 100 mg/dL and have HDL levels greater than 50 mg/dl to reduce atherosclerosis and heart attacks. We can reduce primarily by stopping our high fat diets. People in very high-risk groups, e.g. smokers, diabetics, abdominal obesity, recent heart attack victims, low HDL, High triglyc-

erides, or known coronary artery disease should especially strive for reaching this goal. To truly covert ones heart condition solely by diet you must consume less than 10% of total calories from fat. This is very difficult for most people, but not impossible. For the rest of us, we should follow a lowsaturated fat, Mediterranean-type diet with lots of natural polyhenol antioxidants (i.e. Broccoli, blueberry, legumes, greens, cabbage, celery, onions, parsley) which provides huge heart protective benefits. Also adding omega-3s and certain monounsaturated fats are extremely beneficial in reducing vascular disease risk. In summation we can prevent this killer, Atherosclerosis (clogging artery disease) by changing how we eat, reducing toxins, take antioxidants, adding omega-3 fatty acids, not smoking, and exercising. Doing all of this will increase our HDL and decrease our LDL and reducing this preventable killer.

16.

December 2011

African Americans and Medicine The practice of medicine among the nation’s African Americans began with the transfer here and confirmation of the practices of the medicine

man in Africa. One of these, known only as Caesar, developed a cure for poisoning in 1792. A slave in Charleston, South Carolina, known only as “Doctor” practiced medicine as early as 1797. Among those reaching professional status in science and medicine were:

JAMES STILL, born in 1912 at Indian Mill, New Jersey. The son of an ex-slave, and brother of journalist abolitionist William Still. James Still first began to “make” medicines at the age of 43, acting on a desire in his early childhood. His patients were both African American and white.

James Derham (1762 - ?) a former slave, came to be regarded as one of the most distinguished African Americans in New Orleans. David K. McDonough, another slave-born African American, achieved notable distinction as a practitioner primarily due to an argument between his owner and another southern planter. To resolve the question of the African American’s innate mental capacity, McDonough’s owner who favored the African American man, sent him north to study. McDonough graduated from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania third in his class. He then studied medicine under an eminent professor of surgery at Columbia University and he later practiced at New York’s Ear and Eye Infirmary. Prior to 1847, most African Americans practicing medicine were either self taught or studied under apprenticeship. Women, too, practiced medicine, obstetrics and were trained as nurses. ELSEY, a slave on a Georgia

DAVID RUGGLES, born of free parents in 1810, was a reputable hydropathic doctor, learning the technique from a German doctor whose services he had sought. plantation, acted as midwife to both African American and white women. AGGY, a Virginia slave, was in charge of all obstetrical duties on her owner’s large plantation. MARY, an Alabama slave nurse and “doctoress.” Familiar names from this early era of African Americans attaining recognition in medicine include:

WILLIAM WELLS BROWN, an escaped slave and wellknown abolitionist, practiced medicine a number of years as a “dermapathic and practical physician.”* *Taken from New York Life’s, African American Heritage Calendar and informational.

December 2011

17.

How To DestroyAnxiety And No Need To Hang Up The Cape Succeed With Confidence BY Nikitia Johnson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

BY Lisa Beverley

Anxiety is a condition that affects millions of people every day. Physical reactions and mental condition causes can prevent success. Success does not have to mean the amount of money you have in the bank or how well you do at work can be anything you wanted to make you happy makes you content and fulfilled life things that you can handle more. Let’s face facts cannot be good at all, if we would be superhuman and the world would be a very different place. Even if someone is amazing in something that does not mean you will have success at all times. The best athletes in the world, you do not win every race and win every game because they are human. But what they do to be successful in trying to be the best and do anything they want with nothing stopping them. The anxiety and succeed in the battle of the things they want out of life can take time, energy and focus, but with hard work can pay what you can gain new skills and thought processes take you on a successful other areas of life. Think what you want to succeed; it can be anything you might want to be a good parent, athlete, artist, dancer, friend, employer, student, traveler, conductor, singer, writer, cook, or a philanthropist. Now, think about how much they really want to succeed and the sacrifices they are willing to do, since it will be some, but this is not a bad thing, means it will filter out the idle time, spending and consuming the use of excess energy money. Probe yourself with the questions and write them all down and be honest. The thing is that if there is doubt in your mind about something you probably do not, and this can affect confidence in the beginning until you have built up enough. Ask questions such as I have the time? Will I need to make sacrifices? What is the ultimate goal? How will you make me feel? What would be the next step? Do I have the support of others? Ask as many and what they feel is necessary to find out how you feel. Making this technique gives a sense of self-awareness that is

absolutely key to understanding yourself and deals with literally everything in your life. When you are on your path to success is good to talk to yourself. This does not mean you’re crazy, and probably do this naturally, but still self-talk is a conscious effort to train through what you are doing. Write down the things you talk about if necessary so you can keep track and be honest with yourself thinking about the mistakes they have made and what to do next. In this way, start being creative with your ideas and be able to make decisions when they are focused on what they have actually done and do. Even if you come up with some ideas of garbage still talk about it because it could lead to a revelation that success story. Keep motivated can be hard to do, but doing this is to remind you what you are doing and why it is easy to lose track with the rest of your life eating away at our time and attention. You need to ensure that is dedicated first and doing something you want to do, since it is often sufficient motivation, but sometimes you fall off the track a little to think of a small reward might be to stay and remember what they are doing what they are doing. Aim high, but keep it real and once you reach your goal to expand the borders more as their confidence rises and go for whatever you want, banish anxiety. Look at that journey to a life you deserve and want no matter what is left behind anxious behaviors as you build strength and confidence you need to leave your comfort zone of fear and realize that the concern what others think of you is irrelevant because it serves no real purpose in your life if you have irrational beliefs. Therefore, try different ways to control your life again and succeed in being happy and healthy. About The Author Lisa Beverley writes highly informative and researched articles for end consumers about a variety of health and fitness including remedies, weight loss, nutrition, slimming, weight loss products, bodybuilding supplements and diet tips.

Some of the strongest and most youthful superheroes to jump from the pages of comic books to the silver screen in recent years are old enough to be receiving full Social Security retirement benefits. Whether standing before the bat-computer or going online at the fortress of solitude, these guys were certainly wise enough to apply for retirement benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Superman may be America’s most popular superhero, and also the oldest to hit the screen in recent years. The man of steel was created in 1932. The guy’s 79 years old and he has a new movie coming out in 2012. Superman does mostly volunteer work, but even if he earns wages as Clark Kent, his benefits won’t be offset since he reached his full retirement age. Batman made his debut in 1939, and he’s about to star in another feature film, running

around like a 30-year-old. Also in his 70s, Mr. Wayne is getting full retirement benefits — and Robin too. The same can’t be said for the Joker or Penguin; you can’t collect benefits while you’re in prison. The Green Lantern and Captain America made their silver screen debuts this year. They were “born” in 1940 and 1941, and also are of retirement age. One would expect Captain America to look a little more like Uncle Sam these days, but as is true with many Social Security retirees today, staying active keeps him young. For the “silver age” of comic book heroes, retirement isn’t quite here yet. Spider-Man slung his first web in 1962, the same year the incredible Hulk burst into being. Iron Man and the X-Men first appeared in 1963. They may not be ready to retire just yet, but it’s a good time for them to take a look

at the online Retirement Estimator, where they can get an instant, personalized estimate of future retirement benefits. Come to think of it, if the Hulk or any of the X-Men ever get severely injured, they may qualify for disability benefits through Social Security. The place to go for more information is www. socialsecurity.gov. Ask any of these superheroes about retirement plans, and you’re likely to get an earful. They won’t be sitting around — they’ll be staying active even as they collect retirement benefits. You don’t have to have a batcomputer or be a superhero to harness the power of the Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator, or to apply online for benefits at www. socialsecurity.gov. Up, up, and away into an active retirement!

18. December 2011

December 2011

19.

Pekola Fleming Robert’s Ardyss Adventure to Wellness BY Gail Mathis In December 2008, Pekola Fleming Roberts (PK) was at a Church of God In Christ Convocation in Memphis Tennessee. She ran into an opportunity that literally changed her life and extended that of her husband’s. At the convocation, her goddaughter kept pestering her to go look at an exhibit where women were losing 2 dress sizes in 10 minutes. Having been in the military for over twenty five years, she had tried everything imaginable to lose weight. She considered herself an expert in this area as to what works and what doesn’t and she had never heard of anything like this before in her life. Upon arrival, she witnessed a woman raving about the Body Magic. She tried one on and she could literally turn her suit skirt 360 degrees around her waist with out effort. She was immediately convinced that she had found an answer to prayer. In November 2008 she was a size 18 leaning towards a 20 and by February of 2009, she was wearing a 12, all because of her new “girl’s best friend,” the Body Magic. She wore the

garment religiously under her ACU’s (military for uniform) and took the Le Vive, which helped to curb her appetite. Speaking of Le Vive, PK’s husband Elijah David was battling cancer and professed that taking Le Vive improved the quality of his life and contributed to its extension. The doctor’s told him that he would most likely not live past July 2010 and he lived to July 22, 2011. He was able to live at home the entire time, attend his wife’s retirement, and celebrate her birthday. They were married for 35 years and shared many precious moments together. PK attributes the longevity of their marriage to having a trusting relationship in God and being absolutely honest with each other about everything. As a result of what she describes as a “shattered and scattered” year (the death of her husband and her retirement from the Army), she began to experience episodes of high blood pressure. She has witnessed others taking the Omega 369 and it working for them, so she decided to do likewise. The day of the

interview she was experiencing an episode because of a recent move and took three capsules with each meal and by noon her blood pressure had decreased significantly. PK believes that the benefits of Ardyss’ Omega 369 and the DeLeon Café contribute significantly to reducing the stresses of her life. DeLeon Café

Chaplain Major Pekola Fleming Roberts (PK)

is a healthy, cappuccino flavored, instant drink mix with Ganoderma Lucidum & Omega-3. Together they provide a perfectly balanced formula with exceptional flavor, aroma and significant health benefits. Known in Asia as the “Miraculous King of

Herbs”, Ganoderma Lucidum is a powerful source of antioxidants and over 200 known nutrients that help improve your overall health, such as: helping to calm nerves, detoxifying and energizing your body and helping to reduce the signs of aging. The Omega 369’s health benefits are: enhanced mental clarity, helps minimize inflammation and pain in joints, assists in maintaining cholesterol & triglyceride levels and supports heart health. A recent study on the benefits of the Omega-3’s is being considered by the Army. It supports the theory that Omega-3’s are a possible remedy for reducing depression in servicemen. According to a USA Today article titled Army Looking at How Fish Oil Might Reduce Suicides by Gregg Zoroya, “Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry last month showed that men in the service with low levels of an omega-3 fatty acid known as docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, were 62% more likely to commit suicide… Preliminary studies sug-

gest that the supplements could help relieve symptoms of certain depressions, the Mayo Clinic says.”* Which if true, would be of benefit to military men and women nationwide who are suffering with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome). Because of her job as an Army chaplain, PK has specifically dealt with soldiers and family members who fight PTSD on a daily basis. She knows for a fact that the chemical medications alone are not getting the job done. She is a living testimony to what the Omega 369 and Deleon Café can do to combat stress and its related symptoms and desires the same results for her comrades. Discovering Ardyss products has been a life changing experience for PK and her belated husband and it can do the same for you. For more information contact Gail Mathis at 832-294-9262.

*TESTIMONIAL DISCLAIMER: The Distributor testimonials in this article apply only to the individuals depicted, cannot be guaranteed, and should not be considered typical. *INCOME DISCLAIMER: These are examples of incomes earned by some of the most successful Distributors of Ardyss products. These claims are atypical and are not a guarantee of your income, nor typical of average income. In fact, some Distributors may make NO MONEY AT ALL. Results vary and depend on sales volume and ability to sell Ardyss products directly to others.

20. December 2011

The Mouth is a Window To Your Overall Health BY Dr. Ka-Ron Y Wade D.D.S.,BSN.,BS

Oral Problems, such as with your gums, teeth and/or tongue, can all be indicators that serious health troubles are lurking beneath the surface. It’s critical to pay attention to any and all signs or symptoms of mouth health. If your mouth is causing even the slightest discomfort, or you’re having trouble cleaning your teeth and gums, it’s time today to book an appointment today to see your dentist. One common, yet frequently overlooked, oral issue is bleeding gums. Many people ignore inflamed or bleeding gums or brush it aside as a normal reaction to flossing, but the truth of the matter is that it’s one of the body’s clearest signs that something is awry. Think about the gums being similar to the skin on your body. If you developed an open sore every time you wash your hands, you would likely be very concerned and take immediate action to address the issue. The

gums should be tended to with an equal amount of attention and care. There are several, even some surprising, reasons for bleeding gums besides plaque build-

more. And it’s not just about the bleeding gums alone. When you allow your gums to bleed chronically, your entire circulatory system is more vulnerable to the harmful bacteria in the mouth. If these bacteria gain entry into

ing gums go untreated, inflammation of the mouth can result in the inflammatory process, setting up in other areas of your body and vital organs. The bottom line is that good dental health is essential to good overall health. Pay attention to clues that your mouth is giving you and follow these tips to be the healthiest you can be. Brush & floss your teeth at least twice a day. Avoid fatty & sugary foods, as these can lead to plaque build-up.

up. These include pregnancy and hormonal changes, excessive stress, smoking challenged immune system functioning, disease and illnesses, such as cancer, HIV and diabetes, and

your bloodstream, it can cause a number of problems. These bacteria can bond to platelets in the blood and cause clots, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, even dementia. As bleed-

Create a smile-friendly diet by eating foods high in fiber such as fruits and vegetables, which strengthen the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, and take calcium and vitamin C supplements to promote healthy gums. Additionally, fruits and vegetables raise the PH in the mouth which creates a healthier environment for the good bacte-

ria to thrive and the bad bacteria to disappear. Resolve to manage your stress levels. Too much stress can overload the mouth and affect the gums. Care for your teeth, gums and tongue like any other body part, brushing and flossing regularly. Have a professional cleaning at least twice a year and more if your gums are sensitive or inflamed, or you have had a good deal of dental work. Small oral care steps you make today can bring a healthier tomorrow.

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, D.D.S. Ph.(713) 654-7756 www.cosmeticdt.com

December 2011

21.

22. December 2011

December 2011

23.

Protecting The Stallion In You Men’s Health and Wellness BY Glenn Carter

Hi my name is Glenn Carter; I am the founder for Stallions Health information for Men. I am a health advocate. My passion is to improve the quality of life for men. To be more precise I am concerned about the health of Black men. For some reason Black men are not talking enough about their health issues. We talk about everything else but our health issues. With Stallions Health my

goal is to get Black men talking about our health and taking the necessary actions to have a healthy life. We need to take the lead in discussing the health issues and challenges that we encounter. Once we discuss what those issues are and how they affect us, we need to begin to take serious action in the area of prevention and care. In other words we need to start taking our health into our own hands and make the necessary changes to improve our health. The changes I am talking about consist of making changes to our diets and eating habits, going to the appropriate doctors regularly for examinations and checkups, and exercising daily. First of all let’s look at some of health issues Black men face. At the top of the list are diabetes, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. These issues are plaguing black men. Therefore we need to take an aggressive approach to our health and begin educating ourselves, learning the things we need to know to protect ourselves from

disease in order to live a long healthy life. We can’t continue to ignore these health issues. Black men are living unhealthy lives and dying prematurely because we are not properly addressing these issues. So let’s begin addressing these issues today! The first step we need to take involves seeing a doctor. Black men need to have regular ex-

aminations and checkups. We need to set up doctor visits throughout the year so we can be aware of our health. The doctors that we need to see are general practitioners, urologists, cardiologists, orthodontist and ophthalmologist. If there is a history of cancer in your family you will most likely have to visit an oncologist to check for cancer. In addition, we need to know our numbers. The numbers we need to be aware of are blood pressure, PSA level, cholesterol, and weight. I also want to encourage Black men to know their body mass index so they will know how much body fat they are carrying. Knowing your numbers will help you to be more strategic in keeping abreast of any changes in your body as well as gage your health. So make the upcoming year a time where you began to take care of you. Set up a few doctor appointments with the appropriate doctors. Next, purchase a scale, a good one that accurately weighs you. After that purchase a good blood pressure

monitor and check your blood pressure two or three times a day in the beginning so you will know your numbers. The second step we need to take is making changes in your diet. If Black men would begin to take eating healthy seriously they could clean up a lot of health issues. I changed my diet over a year ago and my heath improved in a very short amount of time. My blood pressure dropped to an amazing level of 114 over 67. The other benefits included sleeping better, having more energy, and losing weight. I am weighing what I did when I was in high school. I lost belly fat. I am also wearing the same pants size I wore in high school. Eating healthy can take the place of prescription drugs because when we start providing your body with proper nutrition you will discover food is the best medicine for your body. Go ahead; I challenge you to start eating those fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In a short time you will notice how good you feel and look. As a matter of fact people will begin to notice the change in you. Most importantly you will notice the change. You will like the change and when you get hooked you will not want to go back. The third step we need to take involves a daily exercise routine. Exercising carries with it big dividends. Exercise can im-

prove endurance, strength, flexibility, agility and the quality of a person’s life. Exercising is a great reliever of stress and it can help a person sleep better. It is also great for burning fat and improving a person’s cardio and speeds up your metabolism. In addition exercise increases the heart rate and blood flow as well as delivers more oxygen throughout the body. Before you began an exercise routine make sure you go and see your doctor. You don’t want to start an exercise program and not know if you are healthy enough to start a particular program such as weight lifting or running when you should start with walking and mild stretching. The final steps we need to take consist of adding the finishing touches to the new “man” in you. I am talking about going to a spa and getting a manicure, pedicure, and a facial. You can also go and get a massage or take an aroma bath. You may want to take an entire day off and treat yourself to a “stallion” makeover from your head to your toes. We have neglected ourselves so long and we need to begin to treat ourselves better because if we don’t take the initiative no one else will. We need to also make sure we maintain our grooming with a regular appointment to see a barber. Make it a habit to shave and trim our facial hairs,

nose hair and ear hairs. A well groomed man is a powerful attraction. Let’s not stop there; we need to top things off with an updated wardrobe. I am talking about shopping for clothing that will enhance your appearance. Whether you are dressing up or dressing down you can and should do it with style. Take the time to look for clothing that will make you look great for any occasion. Always look good when you go to work or play. Dress so you exude confidence. In Houston there are several great places you can shop and find clothing that is affordable and fashionable. Don’t forget about accessorizing. The late Bernie Mac was a master at coordinating his outfits. As men we need to be willing to try new things such as rings, bracelets, chains, hats, scarfs, and arm bands. Then there are colognes, oils, and, sprays that compliment your personal style and bring out the “stallion” in you. Until next time don’t forget to “Protect the Stallion in You”

About the Author: Glenn Carter is the founder and CEO of Stallions Health. He is a graduate of Texas Southern University where he played on the universities baseball team. He earned an MBA form University of Phoenix. Glenn is a cancer survivor. His mission is to educate people especially men in the area of fitness and nutrition and to move them to take action and be responsible for their own health.

24. December 2011

Identifying Your Wellness Potential BY Laura M. Turner, M.Sc. CNHP I will so trust that what is deep is holy, that I will do strongly before the sun and the moon whatever inly rejoices me and the heart appoints. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Each day, are you becoming more of yourself? At first an awkward question. Yet, as I continue to read and discover more about the mind/body model of wellness, it appears the pursuit of being “well” expands as we continue on the road to self-wholeness. Think of it this way, according to the mind/body model of wellness, we are in a constant process of becoming “whole” as we learn to become more and more of ourselves. With this said, if you are not even sure where you are on this continuum or if you need a push in the right direction, in this article we’ll discuss how to both uncover your wellness potential, as well as three ways to get you on the road to wholeness. Step One: Create Your Loves List Discovering your wellness potential begins by discovering yourself. To begin, make what

authors of The Wellness Book, Dr. Herbert Benson and Eileen Stuart, call your “10 Loves List.” This is easy to do. Simply, choose 10 things in your life you love to do that do not involve risking your physical or emotional health. Next, rate these items in terms of importance and decide if you’ve been spending enough time doing them. No need to think deeply on this. To make things simple, jot down your first instincts.

heart will provide the answer to this question. Now, ask yourself how you can change your life to include more of what’s missing?

For example, my list looks like this: write, read, exercise, meditate/journal/listen to music, listen to guided imagery tapes, watch movies, pet my cat, spend time with friends and family and make jewelry.

I think you will find that this list conjures up the notion that you can continue to expand by bringing forward what you can consider your gifts to the world. For example, as I examine my list, I realize, my long term goal (based on what I consider my greatest contribution to the world) would be to write, edit and publish a new book. With this in mind, take a look at your list and decide what you can contribute.

Step Two: Uncover Your Missing Pieces And Create A Long-Term Goal Next, decide what images this exercise brings up for you. If the premise of wellness is remembering our missing pieces to create wholeness, what activities are you missing in your life or not doing enough of? I think you will find your mind and

From this jumping off point you should now be able to create a long term goal. This goal should be something that is challenging enough to be exciting, yet not troublesome enough to burden you. It should also be a goal you feel you can accomplish within a year’s time.

Step Three: Create Monthly Short Term Goals And Begin To Re-Member Yourself Next create a month’s worth of short term goals, based on your time constraints. To make things

easier, short term goals are defined as “specific, realistic, measurable and behavior oriented.” Here’s an example based on my goal of writing: I will write 5 pages of my book each day, 5 days each week. After you’ve defined your short term goals, make a commitment to them. If you need, create a contract with yourself, sign it, date it and put it in an envelope. Plan to revisit this goal chart again at the end of the month. This is a simple, yet effective exercise based on the idea that it only takes 21 days to create a habit. Moreover, if you are consistent in working your way through a month of shortterm goals chances are you will be successful in reaching your longer goal. In Conclusion: Each month continue to renew and recommit to your long term goal by retooling your short term goals as you move along. Also continue to re-explore your “List of Loves” and see where you can apply them into your life. I think you will find, what you focus on expands and you

will create more space for in your life. As a result, it is my wish that you will then be on your way to re-membering all the lost pieces of yourself. Remember: This is the path of a lifetime, and is the call for us always to be true to ourselves and ourselves only. For in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “You will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” Visit her online at www.beautyand-body.com and subscribe to the BodyTalk eZine - www. bodytalkezine.com. While you’re there grab her new eBook RetroAging and enroll in her “Take Charge Of Your Health” eCourse FREE, as well as improve your health with Nature’s Healing Treasures:www.beauty-andbody.com/youngliving.

Should You Give Over-The-Counter Medicine To Kids? BY Wendy Moyer

There are hundreds, if not thousands of different over the counter medicines available throughout the world. Some are designed to alleviate cold symptoms while others may be able to take away fever and pain.

and expensive experience. That’s probably why so many people opt to purchase over the counter medications for themselves and for their children when someone in the family gets ill. But that’s not always a good idea.

some cold remedies are given to a child who is less than six years old there is actually a greater risk of hurting the child than helping him or her. For that reason parents should not give any cold medicines to young children.

These medications generally fall into one of five different categories. They are usually classified as expectorants, analgesics, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and/or decongestants. If your child becomes ill the absolute best thing that you could do would be to take him or her to your physician. Your doctor will know your child’s health history and will be able to prescribe the best medication. However, going to the doctor can be a very time consuming

For example, even though cold medicines may offer some temporary relief, they don’t actually cure a cold or make it go away any faster. And they do not offer any significant health benefits. What’s worse is that if

And, if you have a small baby, you should never give any cold or cough medicine to him or her unless your doctor prescribes it. But what if your baby is sick

and you want to help but you aren’t able to see your child’s doctor? What can you do? There are some non-medication therapies that have worked for children over the years and you might help your child. For example, you could put one half of a teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water and swirl it around. Then put one or two drops of the salt water into your baby’s nose, one nostril at a time. The salt solution should loosen mucus. And it doesn’t introduce any medicine into your baby’s system. After putting the saltwater drops in your child’s nose you should wait about twenty seconds. Then use a bulb type of syringe to suck the mucus from his or her nose.

Keep the baby away from cigarette smoke and you may want to use a humidifier (that you regularly clean) to try to loosen the mucus. However, if the baby has significant difficulty breathing you absolutely should call your doctor right away or take him or her to the emergency room. Some adults take acetaminophen to relieve pain. And it is available in many overthe-counter medications for children. Although it is generally safe there could be serious repercussions if too much is taken. Tylenol law firms are law firms that specialize in representing families of people who have inadvertently taken too much of that over the counter drug.

December 2011

THE EXPERT NETWORK

25.

26. December 2011

THE EXPERT NETWORK

December 2011

27.