COMMUNITYHEALTHMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 2014
PLANT IT!
GROW IT!
EATIT! BEGINNER’S GARDEN GUIDE
TO GROWING YOUR GREEN THUMB
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MID AMERICA West Frankfort aquatics center helps arthritis su ferers ease pain and have fun in the pool
We can help you get the most out of your health insurance.
If you or someone you love suffers from chronic headaches, dizziness, forgetfulness, back or spine pain—these could be early warning signs of a serious neurological condition. For your health and safety, it is important you get these issues checked out. For the past 18 years, Dr. Stephen Burger has specialized in treating these and other conditions including:
Stephen Burger, M.D. Board-CertiďŹ ed Neurologist
* Tension, migraine and cluster headaches * Neck and back pain * Epilepsy * Parkinson’s disease * Peripheral neuropathy * Carpal tunnel syndrome * Memory disorders
* Multiple sclerosis * Stroke * Trigeminal neuralgia brain tumors * Balance disorders * Dizziness * Concussions
We accept most insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. For an appointment, call 618-235-3378.
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Taking care of women and their babies in the heartland 1-877-ILOBGYN (456-2496)
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MID A MERIC A
APRIL 2014 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 3
COMMUNITY
MONITORS 22 24 26 28 30 32
WOMEN MEN FAMILY SENIORS PETS EATS
24
BY KEVIN CARLSON
Sunglasses aren’t just about looking cool. Pick the best-fitting pair that will give you maximum protection against the summer sun.
COVER STORY
Painter’s passion
8
Eyes in hiding
BY DANETTE M. WATT
A Jackson, Mo., stroke survivor and longtime artist is giving back to other stroke sufferers through watercolor painting classes.
6 8 11 12 15 17 19 40
EDITOR’S LETTER SEMO FOCUS SEMO NEWS+NOTES SOIL FOCUS SOIL NEWS+NOTES Q+A WELL SAID PICTURE OF GOOD HEALTH
Plant your own sanctuary
Water works
12
BY DANETTE M. WATT
A West Frankfort, Ill., aquatics center is helping people exercise in the water. 4
APRIL 2014
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
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BY JENNA MAKOWSKI If you’re ready to beautify your green space and make it more productive, but you never stepped foot in a garden plot, you might be nervous about getting your hands dirty. We’ll help you figure out what to plant and where, so you can get planting and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
As a triathlete, Brad never thought he’d have cancer.
of the tumor as possible without damaging his
So when a brain tumor the size of a fist was found,
healthy brain cells.
he placed his trust in our care.
Today, Brad is training again, while we continue to
At Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a Washington University
advance the science of care. Learn more about his
neurosurgeon used intraoperative MRI to scan
story at BarnesJewish.org/Brad or call 314-747-2350
Brad’s brain during surgery and remove as much
to find a doctor or schedule an appointment.
National Leaders in:
B a r n e s J e w i s h . o r g / N a t i o n a l L e a d e r s
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
CHAIRMAN
Roots go deep, while blooms reach for the sky When I was little, I loved to sit down between the rows of tomato plants in the garden behind the house where I lived with my family and my grandparents. I clandestinely pinched the leaves to release that sweet and acidic grassy smell—and I almost always got hollered at for doing so. That little spot, warm but shady, breezy and pungent, offered so much comfort to me that I fell asleep there more than once. There ain’t nothing in the world like home-grown tomatoes, and I still think of my grandpa’s precious plants when I pick a red, ripe cherry tomato from the single plant I keep on my condo balcony during summertime. This month’s cover story is all about gardening, and even if you’ve never so much as planted a seed, you’ll be pulling on your overalls and digging in soon after you read it. Indoor and outdoor gardening enliven my soul, and I absolutely revel in summer days when I can head outside to collect the salad for that evening’s dinner. April also brings National Autism Awareness Month, and I have to take the chance to tell you about the Happy Birthday Colin Facebook page. When a Michigan mom asked her son, Colin, who he wanted to invite to his birthday party, the boy said he didn’t want a party because he didn’t have any friends. Colin has Asperger syndrome, which causes some quirks that other kids don’t understand. The mom was so distraught and sad that she started a Facebook page to reach out. “So I thought, if I could create a page where people could send him positive thoughts and encouraging words, that would be better than any birthday party,” the first post reads. “Please join me in making my very original son feel special on his day.” The page now has more than 2 million “likes,” and millions of posts. Children, adults, celebrities, firefighters and goodhearted people from around the world are wishing Colin a happy birthday. And though by the time you’re reading this, Colin will have already celebrated his birthday (March 9), I wanted to share with you this overwhelming show of love. Social media is often maligned as a time-waster and void vessel. But if it can bring people together this way, to buoy the spirits of one awesome 11-year-old, you can’t help but “like” that.
Larry Perrotto MANAGING DIRECTOR
Mark Hornung EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Carole Sharwarko ART DIRECTOR
Bret Figura ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jackson A. Thomas LOCAL EDITOR
Danette M. Watt
Carole Sharwarko Editor-in-Chief
Indoor and outdoor gardening enliven my soul, and I absolutely revel in summer days when I can head outside to collect the salad for that evening’s dinner.
AD TRAFFIC MANAGER
Joseph Krystofiak WEB CURATOR
Lauren Reeves MEDICAL EDITOR
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Call Liz Latta at (312) 504-3555, or email lizlatta@cmghealth.net. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send comments, letters, story suggestions and photos relating to your local health news to editor@cmghealth.net.
1550 S. Indiana Ave., 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 880-0370 (312) 880-0371 fax editor@cmghealth.net This magazine and its contents are for general consumer educational use only. Nothing contained in this magazine is or should be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical practitioner. Community Health magazine content is published to educate consumers about health care and medical issues that might affect their daily lives. As always, please consult your physician. Community Health magazine is a publication of Community Magazine Group Inc. Copyright ©2014 Community Magazine Group. All rights reserved. Community Health magazine is published 12 times per year monthly and four times per year quarterly. Postmaster: Send address changes to Community Magazine Group, 1550 S. Indiana Avenue, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60605.
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2008 First Place Advertising Section/ Special Supplement
ADVERTORIAL
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A patient being seen for knee pain should be given a thorough examination, including x-rays and possibly further imaging to determine the cause of the pain. The chiropractic staff, medical staff, and physical therapy staff will then decide together what combinations of treatments are going to beneďŹ t you and give you the best chance for success. Treatment options may include knee injections, knee braces, and physical therapy, but your speciďŹ c condition dictates which options are best for you. There are two different substances that can be injected into the knees to help with pain and inammation in the knee joint and surrounding soft tissues. The ďŹ rst is sarapin, which is an all-natural anti-inammatory substance. The second is hyaluronic acid, which is a substance found naturally inside of our knee joints that helps maintain the soft tissues of the knee. These injections are generally done under video uoroscopy or diagnostic ultrasound to ensure accurate placement of the needle for best results.
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There are two Medicare approved knee braces. One is an unloader knee brace that helps stabilize the knee joint during
treatment. It makes walking less painful and easier by relieving pressure from the narrowed joint space in the knee. The other knee brace is the only FDA approved device capable of rebuilding knee cartilage. This BioniCare wrap helps to reproduce a healthy knee joint, avoid dependency on medication, and is guaranteed to defer total knee replacement for up to four years. Striving to return you back to your normal daily activities pain free is the goal, but relieving your pain is only one aspect of your treatment. Another goal is to help you regain your leg strength, knee exibility, and endurance. Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants will work with you oneon-one to help you achieve these goals so you are able to enjoy activities that recently you have been unable to do. Whether you have knee pain due to an injury or from arthritis, Med +Plus is your complete knee care facility. We are conveniently located in the Metro East area with an ofďŹ ce in Carlyle. Please call us today for more information on this alternative treatment for knee pain: 618-594-3671
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MID AMERICA
SEMO: CAPE GIRARDEAU
Stroke of Inspiration Longtime painter and stroke survivor pays it forward through hospital volunteerism BY DANETTE M. WATT
When Barb Duncan suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in February 2003, she was determined to make a speedy recovery. Now, the artist is giving hope to other stroke victims through her volunteer work. The 79-year-old Jackson resident has taught art for more than 40 years, starting her career in the Chaffee Public Schools system. Then, after earning her master’s degree in art and elementary education at Southeast Missouri State University, she transitioned into teaching in the school’s Education Department. And she hasn’t put down the paintbrush since. Duncan retired in 2010, and decided to give back to the community in a new way. In February 2013, she began volunteering at Southeast Hospital’s Inpatient Rehab Unit, teaching watercolor techniques to stroke survivors in the hospital, and in area hospitals and nursing homes. ‘MIRACLE LADY’ When Duncan suffered the stroke 11 years ago, she was teaching students at Southeast Missouri State University. She remembers a student asking her if she was feeling OK, and had the sensation something wasn’t quite right. “The student could see my mouth was drooping and my speech was slurred,” Duncan says. “So another student texted the dean’s office. I just relaxed into her arms, and she laid me down on the floor.” An ambulance took Duncan to Southeast Hospital, where she received treatment, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. Within 30 days, she was back in the classroom. “I had a lot of prayers, and I was determined,” she says. “My doctor, Dr. Jeffrey Childers, said it was an amazing recovery. He told me I was a ‘miracle lady.’” Duncan didn’t want her stroke to
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APRIL 2014
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Barb Duncan helps stroke patients relearn movement by painting. She brings one of her paintings, (opposite) for the students to copy to create their own, such as these by rehab patients at Saxony Lutheran Village in Cape Girardeau.
I believe God’s plan was for me to recover from my stroke, so I could help others. stifle her students’ creativity, so while she stayed in the hospital, the painter kept in contact electronically. She says keeping their spirits up helped tremendously in her recovery. “I wanted to keep in touch with my students, so I requested a computer and printer in my hospital room,” she says. Hand function and fine motor skills are often impaired after a stroke. Exercises such as typing, stacking pennies, even picking up small objects, helps improve strength and dexterity. “The typing exercised my fingers. It’s why painting helps stroke patients,” she says. The swaying movement of the arm across the paper to paint further helps with shoulder and arm recovery.
PAINTER’S PLAN After she retired, Duncan looked for a way to help other stroke sufferers. She did some research, and discovered the therapeutic aspects of painting. “I tell them, ‘Talk to your brain.’ It sounds childish, I know,” Duncan says. “It gets them to move their wrists. I encourage them to extend their left arm across the paper with the brush. Then extend it some more. By the time they leave rehab, they’re able to extend and stretch their arm more than what they thought they could do.” The group sessions help patients with social, cognitive and verbal skills, as well. “I bring in one of my works, and they copy it. We share our art after our class and talk about it,” she says. Duncan works with watercolors,
THE BIGGER PICTURE Barb Duncan grew up in Blytheville, Ark., where her parents gave her private art lessons when she was in sixth grade. “I took lessons for about a year. The art teacher had a bowl of fruit on the table, but I just couldn’t get it to look right,� she says. “I thought my parents were wasting their money.� She and her husband, Sam, moved to Jackson more than 50 years ago. Duncan painted a still life in 1977 called Yellow Lemon (above), using acrylics and oil paints. Her work has been on display over the years at the Missouri Arts Council Gallery in Cape Girardeau. She recently was invited to show at the Depot Gallery in Sikeston.
SUPPL ED PHOTOS
acrylics and charcoal etchings, and says she reflects on her life while creating her paintings. “I like using watercolors for landscapes and flowers. I use a ‘wet on wet’ method, where the paper and paintbrush are both wet. It gives a softer look. But when I use acrylics, that’s when my bold textures come out,� she says. And Duncan never takes a day for granted. She’s grateful to be able to help others who’ve gone through what she’s gone through. “My faith is very strong,� she says. “I believe God’s plan was for me to recover from my stroke, so I could help others.� For more information about Barb Duncan’s weekly watercolor painting classes, call the Southeast Hospital Inpatient Rehab Unit at (573) 651-5551.
YOU COMPARE SUPERMARKET PRICES, WHY NOT MEDICAL PRICES? These days it just makes good sense to shop around for the best possible value for your money. This same principle should also apply when deciding which medical facility to choose.
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‹ C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
APRIL 2014
9
SEMO: NEWS+NOTES
NEW ADDITION
MID AMERICA
Hematology/oncology doctor joins hospital Dr. Kavitha Paramanathan recently joined the physician team at Regional Physician Specialists and Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Paramanathan specializes in hematology and oncology. She earned her medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine in the Netherlands-Antilles, Caribbean, and completed her residencies and fellowship at Staten Island University Hospital in New York. She is now accepting new patients. Call (573) 686-8280 for more information.
POPLAR BLUFF ~
UPCOMING EVENTS
46th Annual Dogwood Azalea 5K The 46th Annual Dogwood Azalea Festival runs from April 10 to 13, and includes a 5K, a non-competitive one-mile walk and a youth and toddler race on April 13. High-quality long-sleeved T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 200 entrants. Check-in opens at 11:30 a.m., and closes at 1 p.m. The youth and toddler race begins at 1:30 p.m., and the USA Track and Field-certified 5K starts at 2 p.m. Cost is $20. For more information, contact Wayne Corse at (573) 683-6361. Download the registration form at CharlestonMo.org/festival/events.php.
FUNDRAISING AND PHILANTHROPY
CHARLESTON ~
Neon Glow 5K Run lets racers shine STE . GENEVIEVE ~ The Ste. Genevieve County Community Center is hosting a Neon Glow 5K Run at 8 p.m. April 12. Each contestant will receive a bag full of glow sticks and glow bracelets. Contestants also get a Neon Glow Run T-shirt to sport during the race. Participants can bring their own additional lighting decorations. Cost is $25. Call (573) 883-5244 for information, or visit SGCCC.com/Night Glow 5k.html to download a registration form.
Steamboat Classic Triathlon Athletes of all experience levels can challenge themselves in this annual competition from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 27. The Triathlon comprises a 450-meter serpentine swim at Central Municipal Pool, a 15.5mile bike in and around Cape Girardeau, and a five-mile run through Cape Girardeau, running downtown along the river. The race starts at Cape Municipal Pool, 1920 Whitner St. Cost is $55 for individuals, $65 for teams before the race; and $65 for individuals and $75 for teams on race day. For more information, email Patrick Watson at pwatson@cityofcapegirardeau.org, or call (573) 335-4040.
CAPE GIR ARDEAU ~
YMCA hosts Healthy Kids Day Get health information for children from area businesses at Healthy Kids Day, hosted by the YMCA of Southeast Missouri. Healthy snacks and activities will keep kids busy, while parents browse the vendors at this free event, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26, at YMCA of Southeast Missouri, 511 Taylor St. Call (573) 472-9622 for more information.
SUPPLIED PHOTOS
SIKESTON ~
Do you have an item for News+Notes? Email dwatt@cmghealth.net.
Kohl’s donates more than $16,000 for diabetes Kohl’s Department Stores recently donated more than $16,000 to the SoutheastHEALTH Foundation and the Kohl’s Youth Diabetes Care Network, a service of Southeast Diabetes Center. “Kohl’s has been a great supporter of children’s hospitals and children’s health across the country,” says foundation board president Pete Poe. “We are very fortunate to have such a great partner here in Southeast Missouri. Along with the donations, which allow us to continue the Kohl’s Youth Diabetes Care Network, Kohl’s associates volunteer on a regular basis to make many of our community outreach events a success.” Since 2006, Kohl’s has donated about $139,000 to SoutheastHEALTH.
CAPE GIR ARDEAU ~
UPCOMING PARTNERSHIP
Hospital teams up with Cleveland Clinic for cardiovascular services CAPE GIR ARDEAU ~ Saint Francis Medical Center has recently partnered with Cleveland Clinic’s Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute, to offer patients in the region access to Cleveland Clinic’s best practices. Cleveland Clinic will work closely with Saint Francis physicians, focusing on complex medical situations and using new technologies. “Saint Francis has a fine cardiac program, and we are delighted that its team of talented caregivers is joining us,” says Dr. Bruce Lytle, chairman of the Family Heart and Vascular Institute. Improving patient outcomes is the goal through this partnership, says Dr. Edward M. Bender, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Saint Francis. “Joining together allows us to provide patients with the latest heart treatments available, close to home,” Bender says.
Saint Francis president Steven C. Bjelich, (at right) joins Alex Ogburn, vice president of Ambulatory Services (left), and cardiologist Dr. Joseph Cacchione (hidden), chairman of operations and strategy at the Cleveland Clinic Family Heart and Vascular Institute, at a recent press conference.
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
APRIL 2014
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MID AMERICA
SOIL: WEST FRANKFORT
Soak up the Support Arthritis and joint pain sufferers find relief through aquatic exercise classes BY DANETTE M. WATT
Aquatics center director Don Rhine. With research support, the health benefits of aquatic aerobics and water therapy are catching more waves. And many older exercisers are finding that a little time spent in the water makes a huge difference in their mobility and pain levels. AQUATIC RECOVERY Bussler, 67, first experienced the restorative power of water aerobics at Rend Lake College. She had a disc replaced in 1999, and was told by her orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steven VanFleet, that she needed to exercise, or she would become stiff. He suggested hitting the pool for exercise. “In January 2000, I immediately enrolled as a student in the Rend Lake College Arthritis Aquatic program. I took to it like a dog to water,” says the West Frankfort resident. “I was a student at first, and then I began to substitute teach when the instructor could not be there.” Bussler says she took her first certification training at Lewis and Clark College in 2003, and became the first arthritis aquatics instructor hired at the West Frankfort facility to be certified by the Arthritis Foundation. Water came to her rescue again when she tripped on a railroad tie in late September 2013, which led to a fracture in her elbow. She thought she’d be in a cast for a month, and would need several weeks of physical therapy. But knowing she was an aquatics instructor, her doctor instead prescribed water therapy, and gave her some initial limitations, such as no overhead swimming strokes. “A follow-up X-ray three weeks later showed that my mobility was way beyond what they thought it would be, and it cut my recovery time in half,” she says. “My doctor was amazed that I was able to rotate my entire arm much quicker than they expected. I still have some pain doing a couple of the exercises. But I know some pain is necessary for recovery.” Bussler can now swim up to seven lengths of the pool following the 50-minute exercise routine with the class.
I took to water aerobics like a dog to water. Pat Glover (left) and Carol Baine are both students in Debby Bussler’s water therapy class at the Aquatics and Activities Center in West Frankfort. The pool’s ramp and PVC wheelchair—which is made of pipe materials that won’t rust, corrode, peel, fade or discolor, even in harsh chemicals—are a big help for people with arthritis.
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DEBBY BUSSLER AQUATICS INSTRUCTOR
PHOTO BY GARRETT RUSSELL
The healing properties of water are powerful. Just ask Debby Bussler—she knows the mighty effects firsthand. Looking for pain relief, she took a watery approach to healing, and has become the aquatic exercise instructor at the Aquatics and Activities Center in West Frankfort. Unlike most pools, this one is equipped with a ramp leading into the water, instead of steps. The center also features a PVC wheelchair, which helps those with arthritis and other health issues get into the pool. “The pool was designed with the disabled in mind,” says
KEEP IT IN THE 80s, BABY! The water in the Aquatics and Activities Center is kept between 83 to 88 degrees— perfect for bodies trying to heal. Research shows water’s buoyancy supports the body, and reduces the impact of aerobic exercise on joints.
WAY MORE THAN BLOWING BUBBLES When Bussler isn’t making a splash herself, she’s helping others find relief during her class that meets three times per week. “We walk, stretch and work on the entire body,” she says. “Stretching isn’t the same as exercise; exercise is repetitive. We do a full 10 minutes of aerobics, like jogging or tae bo kicks.
We start slow, build up, then cool down.” She has a mostly elderly, all-female class, so Bussler incorporates Kegel exercises and ai chi—tai chi-like movements performed in water. Barbara Corcoran, 75, of Zeigler, is one of her original students, and she’s still going strong. She started water aerobics in 1999, and joined Bussler’s class when the pool opened in 2003. But when she was 39, Corcoran fell backward off a step and fractured her right leg in 28 places. To add insult to injury, arthritis runs in her family. “I have it just about every place, but I don’t let it stop me,” she says. “I can’t take arthritis medicine, so the main relief I have is when I’m in the water. “The buoyancy lets me move and do things without the fear of falling that I have on land. I do a half-hour of stretches before class starts, and try to stay in 15 minutes afterward to stretch some more.” Corcoran sometimes has to use a walker, and says she’s grateful for the pool’s ramp, which has her helped on numerous occasions. “I don’t know if I could get in and out of this pool without that ramp,” she says.
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E M E R G E N C Y
C E N T E R
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
APRIL 2014
13
Great BJC Doctors,
right where you live. The Team of BJC Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Specialists got us back in the game. Aaron Omotola, MD
Janiece Stewart, MD
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SOIL: NEWS+NOTES
MID AMERICA
FUNDRAISING AND PHILANTHROPY
Hospital foundation receives $2,000 for heart services BELLEVILLE ~ Belleville Memorial Foundation recently received $2,000 from Scott Credit Union to help support heart healthy activities as part of Belleville Memorial Hospital’s exhibition Memorial Motivation: The key to your heart health. “As an accredited chest pain center organization, there is much emphasis placed on educating the community, as well as our patients on reducing the risk and managing the process of cardiovascular disease,” says Nancy Weston, vice president of Patient Care Services. “The generous donation from Scott Credit Union supports Memorial’s continuous efforts in communicating the important messages regarding cardiovascular disease.”
Anne Thomure, (from left) foundation executive director, accepts a donation with Jennifer Riebold, Scott Credit Union community relations representative; Nancy Weston, vice president of Patient Care Services; and Matt Kueper, exercise physiologist at Belleville’s Cardiac Rehab Department.
NEW ADDITION
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hospital invests in alternative labor pain management option
Walk/run lets kids have fun, too
The Mother Child Center at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital recently added hydrotherapy services, becoming one of the first birthing centers in the area to offer the alternative pain management option. A new specialized tub allows healthy mothers to be immersed in warm water, which makes them more relaxed and decreases pain in the early stages of labor. The water provides soothing stimulation of nerves in the skin, promoting increased blood flow and reducing pain-causing signals. Hydrotherapy can also increase uterine blood flow, decrease maternal blood pressure and shorten labor. “We are excited about the addition of hydrotherapy services,” says Lori Stevenson, director of the Mother Child Center. “St. Elizabeth’s Mother Child Center is committed to providing region leading, customized birthing experiences, and the addition of the hydrotherapy tub allows us to offer another customized option to increase comfort for our mothers and families.” For more information, call (618) 234-2120, ext. 1260.
BELLEVILLE ~
JOHNSTON CITY ~ River to River Runners is hosting the Fourth Annual Jefferson Jog and 1 Mile Kid’s Fun Run at 8 a.m. April 26. This 5K walk/run starts at Jefferson Elementary School, 1108 Grand Ave. Registration cost is $25. Cost is $15 for the Fun Run. Download the registration form at RiverToRiver.net.
Learn basic bike repair and maintenance Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Student Center is hosting a twohour workshop at 11 a.m. April 19 about gettin your bike ready for the road. Learn how to fix flat tires, oil chains, and adjust seats, brakes, shifters and handlebars. Learn about safety, rules of the road and local bike programs. The workshop will be at SIUC’s Student Center Craft Shop, 1255 Lincoln Drive. Cost is $5 for SIUC students; $10 for others. For more information, email sspooner@siu.edu or call (618) 453-3636.
CARBONDALE ~
Adult softball leagues starting soon The city is offering three adult softball leagues, with games played at the Riverside Park Chep Kessel Field, in downtown Murphysboro. Two summer leagues—one co-ed and one for men—will run mid-April through September. A second men’s league will have games from September through November. For more information and to register, call Lloyd Nelson at (618) 549-3194, or the park district office at (618) 684-3333.
MURPHYSBORO ~
UPCOMING PARTNERSHIP
Hospital and nonprofit help seniors transition back home Alton Memorial Hospital and Senior Services Plus, a nonprofit that encourages independent senior living, have recently partnered to help seniors make a successful transition from hospital to home, while also reducing the readmission rate. “Our goal is to reduce readmission, particularly in areas that pose a high risk of readmission, such as heart failure, heart attack, pneumonia, COPD, hip and knee replacements,” says Stacey Loveland, (left) the Care Transitions coach at Senior Services Plus, who’s pictured here with an Alton Memorial Hospital patient. For more information, call (618) 225-9919 or email Loveland at sloveland@seniorservicesplus.org.
SUPPLIED PHOTOS
ALTON ~
Do you have an item for News+Notes? Email dwatt@cmghealth.net.
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
APRIL 2014
15
Q+A
MID AMERICA
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is passionate about the state’s Organ/ Tissue Donor Program. The program’s mission is to strengthen Illinois’ organ and tissue donor registry through outreach and registration initiatives. We asked White why it’s important to pay it forward, and how to register as a donor.
NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH
Understanding organ donation Why is it important to donate organs? A firefighter is a hero, but a donor is a hero, too. One registered donor can provide life or improve the quality of life for 25 people. I had a good friend who died of an aneurism who donated nine of her organs.
Who can be an organ donor? Anyone 18 and older can sign up to be an organ donor in our database. I know a 95-year-old woman who has signed up, so you’re never too old.
How many people are in the database? There are more than 5.4 million Illinois residents signed up, but there are more than 5,000 on a waiting list for an organ.
Can a person’s decision to donate be overruled? No. In January 2006, the First-Person Consent Law went into effect, making a person’s wish to be an organ and tissue donor legally binding. Additional witnesses or family consent is not required for a donation to happen.
What misconceptions do people have? There are a lot of misconceptions, and I work every day to dispel them. People say their religion prevents them from donating, but all major Western and Eastern religions support organ donation. Our FAQ page on LifeGoesOn.com addresses many concerns people have.
How do you sign up to be an organ donor? Sign up at one of the 138 drivers license facilities around the state, or call (800) 210-2106. Go to LifeGoesOn.com, and click the link “Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry.” When you register, your name is kept in our secure database.
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
APRIL 2014
17
Loretta & Gene Beussink
Residents
ive Well.
Charlotte Bess
Resident
Nelson Kasten
Resident
T
he Chateau has been my home for years and for me, it is a wonderful community to live in. I feel good being here.
At Chateau Girardeau, our welcoming and friendly residents, committed and talented staff, our luxurious and comfortable surroundings, convenient services, plus a full event calendar assures you will Live Well independently.
M
y wife and I were very particular when it came time to find the right place for us. The Chateau was a perfect fit and surprisingly affordable.
The one-of-a-kind environment at Chateau Girardeau provides the opportunity to customize your apartment suite or estate home to make it yours. With freedom from home maintenance and chores you can enjoy clubs, classes, concerts, trips and events.
I
feel secure knowing Chateau Girardeau provides a full range of healthcare services should I have a need.
The Chateau is the only retirement community between St. Louis and Memphis to achieve the benchmarks required for the CARF/CCAC accreditation. And our brand-new, state-of-the-art rehab center and recent health expansion and renovations provide the premier level of care in the region.
ive at The Chateau and live well. J
oin us for an informative Lunch & Learn. Discover the secret to Living Well. Meet our residents, and tour our facilities. Thursday, March 6
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, April 2
Tuesday, April 15
Can’t attend. Let me know of upcoming events. To RSVP return this coupon to 3120 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 or
Name: Address: City:
State:
Phone:
Email:
Zip:
Call (573) 651-8145 or (800) 428-0069 CH
the g i r a r d e a u
3120 Independence Street Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 573-335-1281 or 800-428-0069 www.chateaugirardeau.com
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WELL SAID DANETTE M. WATT NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH
I’m going out in style One of my older brothers died in a car crash in 1982, two weeks before his 28th birthday. I was living in San Diego at the time; Mike was in Los Angeles. At his funeral in our Michigan hometown, I discovered that in death, Mike had given the gift of sight. My parents had consented to donate his eyes to a woman who’d been waiting for a cornea transplant. This made a lasting impression on me. It was so like my parents to do something to help someone else. Their children and grandchildren have followed in their footsteps. I’m a pragmatic person. So it’s no surprise that when it comes to discussing end-of-life issues, I take a rational approach. My husband and I have had many discussions with our children over the years. I’ve told them to “pull the plug” if all that’s keeping me alive is a machine. I don’t want to be a financial burden to them. Besides, the last thing I want to do is live in a vegetative state, which is no life at all. I believe, just like in the Buffy Sainte-Marie
song, “Life’s for the living and death’s for the dead.” I want to die in dignity. Fortunately, my husband and two sons share my views, so it’s unlikely there will be any argument to keep me alive if it’s obvious I won’t make it. All four of us are registered organ and tissue donors, too. I’m willing to give up anything doctors can harvest when I pass away, if it means helping others. I’m certainly not going to need it when I’m gone. If you haven’t discussed end-of-life decisions with your family, I encourage you to do so before the emotions of the moment make it that much harder. And when you do, I hope you’ll consider becoming an organ and tissue donor. What better way to “live again” than to help another live?
I’m willing to give up anything doctors can harvest. I’m certainly not going to need it when I’m gone.
A D V E R T O R I A L
Weight loss surgery: Life-changing, life-saving By Sofiane El Djouzi, MD, MS, FRCS
Sofiane El Djouzi, MD, MS, FRCS
The risks of obesity extend far beyond a number on the scale. Heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, joint problems, cancer, digestive disorders, respiratory issues, infertility, sexual dysfunction...the list of health problems connected to severe or morbid obesity extend right down to increased risk of premature death, as report recently in the American Journal of Public Health.
the National Institutes of Health as the only effective method of sustaining weight loss for individuals with a BMI over 35.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 66% of Americans are overweight or obese, and at least 35% of Missouri residents have a BMI higher than 35 – a number that continues to grow along with the side effects of all that extra weight.
Cost is another factor patients considering weight loss surgery face. Recognizing the serious effect obesity has on overall health, many insurance companies will cover weight loss surgery, in part or full.
The American Medical Association recently recognized obesity as a disease, rather than a condition. The designation prompted physicians to focus more on obesity, leading to an improved understanding of the disease and effective solutions. Among those solutions is bariatric – or weight loss – surgery, an evolving multidisciplinary approach to treating severe obesity, recognized by
The first question patients often ask about weight loss surgery is, “Am I a candidate?” Typically, weight loss surgery is right for you if your BMI is 35 or higher; you are healthy to undergo surgery; you have struggled with weight gain for more than 5 years despite serious attempts to lose weight; and you do not have any other correctable disease that caused your obesity. Aside from those factors, patients must also be prepared to make substantial changes in their eating habits and lifestyle. This commitment is critical to long-term, post-surgery weight loss success.
It’s important for surgery candidates to undergo a thorough evaluation process by their medical team – determining if weight loss surgery is the best fit from a physical, emotional and financial standpoint. For this reason clear communication between the patient, referring physician(s) and the surgeon is a must. If the answer is “yes”, innovative medical procedures such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy can be a life-altering opportunity for patients whose health and quality of living has been severely impacted by obesity. Talk to your medical provider or contact a weight loss surgery expert to learn more about the benefits.
Dr. Sofiane El Djouzi is a surgeon with Regional Physician Specialists in Poplar Bluff, MO. He is board certified in General Surgery and Fellowship-trained in advanced Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery and Bariatric Surgery. Learn more about Dr. El Djouzi and Regional Physician Specialists at regionalphysiciansurgery.com.
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
APRIL 2014
19
A D V E R T O R I A L
Outpatient Therapy: Reclaiming Independence By: Kelly Sander, MPT, Director of Rehabilitation Has a recent illness or injury left you or a loved one unable to perform day-to-day activities? Do the consequences of a chronic condition or accident impair your ability to easily function in society? If you answered yes to either of these questions, Outpatient Therapy services may be your solution to remaining home and staying independent. The Lutheran Home offers Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy on an outpatient basis to individuals living at home. Speech Therapists work to determine the causes of speech impairments and swallowing disorders, and develop solutions to help correct them. Problems with articulation, speech rhythms, tone, fluency, dysphagia and pitch correction that can greatly inhibit an individual from properly communicating and interacting with others, can be treated and their associated problems improved. Occupational Therapists work with patients who have lost their ability to carry out routine skills and processes, such as self maintenance, writing, eating and bathing. Addressing cognitive impairments and refining motor skills affords patients the ability to resume purposeful participation in daily living.
Physical Therapists offer therapeutic exercises and regimens to help build muscle strength, enhance one’s range of motion, increase mobility, restore balance and coordination and decrease pain levels. Through close collaboration with the patient’s physician, our therapists develop and implement the most appropriate treatment plan to get their patients moving and functioning as close to normal as possible. The Lutheran Home’s comprehensive Outpatient Therapy program is designed to help anyone who can benefit from their services. There is no age requirement and you don’t have to be a resident at the facility to qualify for care. Once a therapist tailors a therapy program to meet your specific needs, receiving services is easy. Each Outpatient Therapy program is offered on the Lutheran Home campus, centrally located in the Southeast Missouri region. Flexible appointment times work with your schedule to ensure you receive the best possible outcome. Individuals who are able to remain at home and still receive the quality care needed to stay independent are more likely to thrive. Be proactive and reclaim your independence.
Outpatient Therapy is one aspect of the Lutheran Home’s complete package of compassionate, Christian care. Other services offered include: Assisted Living, Nursing Home Care, Adult Day Care, Home Health, Hospice and Memory Care. Visit our website, www.thelutheranhomecape.com or call (573) 335-0158 to learn more.
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Christian Hospital Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Donald Buck II, MD, is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Christian Hospital. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and then attended the renowned Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. After receiving his medical degree, Dr. Buck was accepted into the prestigious seven year Integrated Plastic Surgery
Washington University Surgical Group (on the campus of Christian Hospital)
Professional Building #1 11155 Dunn Road, Suite 202-N St. Louis, MO 63136 Phone: 314-653-5806 Breast Reconstruction Face and Jaw Reconstruction Trunk/Extremity and Wound Reconstruction
Residency Training Program at Northwestern University
Aesthetic Surgery of the Face, Breast and Body
in Chicago. In addition, he just completed a reconstructive
Surgical Treatment of Lymphedema
microsurgery fellowship at The University of Toronto. He
Complex Hernia Repair and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
is an assistant professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Buck specializes in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive
Skin Cancer/Soft-Tissue Tumor Removal and Reconstruction
surgery including complex microsurgical reconstruction
Migraine Surgery
and cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.
Nerve Surgery Hand Surgery and Trauma Scar Revision
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Buck, please call 618-709-4390.
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Visit ChristianHospital.org/plasticsurgery
WOMEN
MONITOR
WOMEN’S EYE HEALTH AND SAFETY MONTH
A Crying Shame How medications and computer use might be drying up your eyes BY ERIN GOLDEN
For a while, Suzanne Locke thought she could find a simple solution for her dry, itchy eyes. Maybe it’s just allergies, she’d think. Or maybe she stared too long at her computer. And as her eye troubles got worse, the 46-year-old Chicago woman started using over-the-counter eye drops, using more and more all the time. Locke kept the little bottles everywhere—at home, at work, in her purse—just in case she needed them. After a few years, the eye discomfort got so obnoxious she avoided face-to-face contact with co-workers. “You just don’t feel as confident,” Locke says. “You don’t want to give a presentation because you’re blinking constantly, trying to get the stickiness out.” Locke sought help from ophthalmologist Dr. Mitchell Jackson, who said her problems weren’t from allergies or eyestrain. He diagnosed Locke with dry eye, a chronic condition particularly common in women. ENTER THE DESERT Dry eye most frequently aggravates middle-age and older people, according to the National Institutes of Health. About 5 million Americans age 50 and older suffer from dry eye, and more than 3 million sufferers are women. Most women experience the condition when their tears don’t properly moisturize their eyes. The tear film has three basic layers: oil,
water and mucus, which all work together to make good tears. Problems with any of these layers can cause discomfort, according to the Mayo Clinic. Jackson, who has a private practice in Lake Villa, Ill., says taking certain medications—blood pressure medicines, antidepressants and allergy drugs with antihistamines—also can dry up tear production. “There are three classes of medications that cause dry eye, and the largest is antihistamines,” he says. “Anytime a patient goes on antihistamines—whether it’s oral, nasal or topical—they aggravate the risk.” CAREFUL CORRECTION Over-the-counter eye drops are the first line of defense for most dry eye sufferers, but Jackson says that plan often backfires. The wrong medicines may aggravate the eyes even more. “A lot of people will come in the office and have tried two or three or more artificial tears, and none are working,” he says. “Part of the problem is they’ve used the wrong artificial tears.” There’s no quick fix for dry eye, but it’s always safer to use drops prescribed by a doctor, Jackson says. The condition can require life-long treatment, and sometimes making other adjustments, such as using a humidifier during dry months of the year. Taking breaks from the computer can also help. If you’re struggling with redness, stinging or itchiness, get help from an ophthalmologist. Don’t handle the problem on your own. The eyes are sensitive organs, and typically require a little more TLC than other body parts. “If you’re having blurred vision, vision fluctuation, difficulty seeing at night, difficulty doing near-vision tasks, despite all lubricated drops, you should see an eye care professional,” Jackson says.
SIGNS OF DRY EYE
You don’t want to give a presentation 3 million because you’re women blinking constantly, suffer from dry eye trying to get the stickiness out. DID YOU KNOW?
SUZANNE LOCKE
Stinging, burning or scratchy sensation Stringy mucus in or around your eyes Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind Eye fatigue Sensitivity to light Eye redness Sensation of having something in your eyes Difficulty wearing contact lenses Periods of excessive tearing Blurred vision, often after focusing for a prolonged period SOURCE: MAYO CLINIC
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MONITOR
MEN
The Shade Faceoff Don’t sacrifice your eyes for the sake of style Sunglasses put the finishing touch on your hot summer look. But as the weather warms and the sun draws nearer, keep in mind they’re equal parts accessory and necessity. Ultraviolet light can seriously damage the sensitive skin around the eyes, a place where we rarely apply sunscreen. The future is bright, boys. You better wear shades. “Most people know using sunscreen is important,” says Dr. Adam Cox, of the Family Eye Care Clinic in Atlanta, Texas. “Protection of the eyes carries the same importance.” Research directly links UV exposure to variety of cancers common in the eyelids and the skin around the eyes. “Ultraviolet exposure can cause many problems, including skin cancer,
Most people know using sunscreen is important. Protection of the eyes carries the same importance. DR. ADAM COX FAMILY EYE CARE CLINIC
BY KEVIN CARLSON
premature aging of the skin, early cataracts and macular degeneration,” Cox says. “That’s why ultraviolet protection for eyes and skin around the eyes and eyelids is very important.” Lenses are the crucial component of protection, and you want ones with a UV400 protection factor. You’ll usually find this number on the tag, or on a sticker on the lenses. You also need enough coverage, lenses that extend around the eyes. “They need to shield the entire eye area, including the upper and lower lids, to help protect the sensitive skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves,” says John Abbate, of Wing Eyecare Optometry in Cincinnati. Fishermen and sportsmen who will be out in the sun for long periods of time should get a sunglasses that wrap around the side of the face. This style affords the most protection, blocking sunlight from entering the sides of the frame. “Ask the optician which type of lenses will be best for your hobbies,” says Dr. Tania Batts, an optometrist at Eye Care Associates of Kentucky in Mayfield, Ky. “If you are a fisherman or skier, you want polarized lenses to add additional glare blocking. If you like to shoot rifles, you may want to pick lenses that offer the protection of safety materials.”
WHAT’S HOT PICK THE RIGHT PAIR
RAY-BAN WAYFARER $155 to $300 Ray-Ban.com Made famous in the 1980s by the likes of Tom Cruise and Ferris Bueller.
CLASSIC POLARIZED MIRRORED AVIATOR $17 SunglassWarehouse.com “Those iconic classy styles have come back to be popular again,” says optometrist Dr. Tania Batts. “Classic is the way to go.”
OAKLEY BREADBOX $130 Oakley.com Slightly thicker temples offer side protection, and matte black frames on violet lenses present a modern look.
GET THE RIGHT FIT Good sunglasses should be proportionate to your face size. “The best-looking sunglasses contrast your face shape,” says John Abbate, of Wing Eyecare Optometry in Cincinnati. “If you have a round face, look for an angular lens shape. If you have a square jaw or face, look for softening, rounded shapes.” ³ The arms should fit comfortably behind your ears. ³ The width should match the widest part of your face. ³ The bridge should rest comfortably on your nose, but give little movement on the sides.
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APRIL 2014
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
MAUI JIM CANOES $219 MauiJim.com Has a stylish mid-size wrap and protective thick temples. “Styles providing wrap protection on the front and sides have been popular, and will stay popular,” says optometrist Dr. Adam Cox. “Bigger does seem to be better these days in both ophthalmic wear and sun wear.”
ADVERTORIAL
The Connection Between Hearing and The Brain We hear with our ears, but we process and understand sound in our brain. There is a fundamental difference between hearing and listening. A person must not assume by purchasing hearing devices alone will guarantee the individual to regain good listening skills. Research shows that a loss of hearing produces physical changes in the auditory pathways of the brain. We now know that when hearing loss deprives parts of the brain of auditory stimulation, neural pathways actually degrade and slowly stop working properly. The old saying of “use it or lose it� is very true with regard to hearing loss.
The good news is a Board Certified Audiologist can optimize your hearing aid hearing experience using a number of methods, strategies and techniques. They specialize in developing individualized treatment plans for those struggling with hearing impairment, and can offer the very latest in technologies, as well as the time required to successfully implement them into a patient’s day
to day living situation. If you have further questions, please feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our Audiologists at Mid America Audiology Group. We have 8 offices to serve you in the Metro East Area. Please call us at 1-888-531-6036. Thank You, Gregory J. Maag, MA, FAAA
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A patient who chooses to wait or put off getting hearing aids when they know they may have hearing loss is problematic because the brain may not be receiving the kind of stimulation it needs to maintain speech understanding. The patients lifestyle becomes an unpleasant path-way when one loses confidence in their ability to communicate in noisy social situations. They simply drop out and avoid those environments. While this may save them effort and embarrassment, it ultimately costs them important personal and social contact. Some individuals utilize compensatory strategies that may result in successful hearing aid use. Others, however, are not so fortunate. The need for additional therapy beyond that provided by devices alone is becoming increasingly evident, and is underscored by the fact that individuals with similar hearing loss frequently report a wide range in satisfaction and benefit from their hearing aids.
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MONITOR
FAMILY
Lose to Win
Why failures can boost your kids’ confidence and set them up for success BY SHARON FILKINS No one likes to lose. Whether you’re a child or an adult, failing at anything can be painful. And it seems we’re now so afraid of failure, everyone gets a trophy just for trying. It might be nice to call everyone a winner, but many psychologists say we can all learn a bigger lesson from losing. TAKE THE LONG VIEW In the moment, a win feels exhilarating. But research shows in the long run, losing can feel even better. It can help kids learn problem-solving skills and ways to deal with frustration, while also boosting their self-esteem, and even unleashing their creative side. Lindsey Folk is an adolescent counselor with Doreen Zaborac and Associates in Tinley Park, Ill. She says setbacks with friends, sports and schoolwork help children learn how to deal with the emotions they feel when they fail. They develop skills for putting things in perspective, and looking at the bigger picture. “It is a teaching moment, as children do not always accept or realize why a failure happened,” Folk says. “In turn, it is also a learning experience for parents. They should understand that how they handle failure will greatly impact their child.” If a child fails a test, parents can ask why they think this happened, and what could they have done differently, she says. Let them do the majority of the talking,
so they can work through their frustrations and come to their own realization about their actions. Don’t accuse them of not studying hard enough, but have a calm conversation about the reason for their failure. It encourages a more positive outcome next time. “Speaking in a calm manner allows the child to think about how they could have done better,” Folk says. “Praising the effort, rather than the outcome, is a more positive approach in dealing with your child.” FAILURES HELP US SEE STRENGTHS Youth football coach David Klusacek has been encouraging kids for 23 years. The Oak Forest, Ill., coach says losing is a great learning tool for athletics, helping young players discover their best skills. “I once had a player who really wanted to play quarterback, but his mechanics and abilities were not suited to play that position,” he says. “I knew he was discouraged after all the time he had put in, but after talking to him and letting him see for himself that his abilities were not there, he changed positions and went on to have a great season. He was determined, and his efforts turned the failure around.” This ability to learn from mistakes and realize when we’re just not good at something actually builds our self-confidence,
QUICK TIP If your child fails a test, don’t accuse him of not studying hard enough, but talk calmly about what actions could have led to a better outcome.
IT NEVER FAILS “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Famous quote from Michael Jordan
Klusacek says. Athletes can pick up on their shortcomings, and then turn their focus to the areas where they thrive. And that’s a prize bigger than any trophy. “When I talk with my players after a loss, the first things we talk about are the positives of the game. I focus first on what we did well. Then I talk about the mistakes and what might have caused the loss,” Klusacek says. “I do the same thing with a win, so my players learn that we do the same thing when we win and when we lose. It helps them have a positive attitude about themselves.”
Praising the effort, rather than the outcome, is a more positive approach in dealing with your child. ADOLESCENT COUNSELOR LINDSEY FOLK
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APRIL 2014
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
MONITOR
SENIORS
A Green Goodbye How more people are leaving less of an imprint on the environment BY JOANNE K. CLOBUS
If you’ve been putting off end-of-life planning, there’s no better time to get started. And if you’re looking to get a little greener, you’ve got plenty of options to sort through. “There are a lot of new possibilities,” says Cynthia Beal, founder of the Natural Burial Company in Eugene, Ore. “Seniors can purchase products directly from manufacturers and distributors online. There are new memorialization options for cremated or buried remains, and much, much more.” They can also opt for a natural or “green” funeral, which focuses on keeping a person’s burial site as natural as possible, Beal says. Since starting her company a decade ago, Beal has worked to raise awareness about natural funeral options, and her message is being heard. More seniors, especially baby boomers, are planning natural funerals, leaving less of a carbon footprint on the environment.
Natural coffins are often made from sustainable materials such as wicker, bamboo, willow, pine, particle board and sturdy cardboard.
MILLIONS UNMASKED Each year in America, here’s what is buried along with the dead:
1.5 million gallons 100,000 tons 10 tons 30 million board feet 1.5 million tons
of harmful embalming fluid
of steel
of copper and brass
of hardwood timber of reinforced concrete
ONLINE EXTRA EASY ON THE ENVIRONMENT Natural burial means no embalming, metal caskets or burial vault. The gravesite more closely resembles a wildlife preserve than a cemetery, Beal says, adding that a natural burial site honors the dead while promoting new life. Native trees, shrubs and flowers attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Pesticides and herbicides aren’t used, and mowing and trimming grasses is minimal, if at all. Natural burials reduce energy use and avoid toxic chemicals, according to Joe Sehee, founder of the Green Burial Council. Certified funeral homes meet criteria set forth by the GBC, including advanced training in the technical, practical and ethical issues of eco-friendly funeral services. J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home in Sharon, Pa., is one funeral home that has met Green Burial Council standards. And funeral director Bill Nicholas says seniors don’t have to feel boxed in. There isn’t just one type of green funeral, he says. Services vary based on consumer preferences, funeral home capabilities, and
GOING OUT IN GREEN A recent poll conducted by AARP asked seniors: “Which type of burial is most appealing?” 74% chose a green burial 18% chose a cremation 8% chose a traditional cemetery burial
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Find out if a natural burial, cremation or traditional burial is safer on the environment at CommunityHealthMagazine.com.
cemetery practices and regulations. “There are many shades of green,” Nicholas says. “It depends on how far someone wants to go. Our job is to educate them.” CLOSER TO HOME, AND THE EARTH A natural burial may seem like a modern phenomenon, but Nicholas says it harks back to the practices of our ancestors. “It’s not a new concept,” he says. “Once people understand this is actually going back to simpler times, they embrace the idea.” Baby boomers are especially attracted to natural burials, not only because of the environmental benefits, but it also provides a more intimate experience for friends and family. They can take care of their loved one’s final needs, prepare the body themselves, and spend more time with them. The GBC’s Sehee also says baby boomers are a generation of nonconformists, and their knack for going against social norms makes natural funerals all the more appealing. “They are not afraid to disrupt the status quo of the funeral industry,” Sehee says. And Beal says she’s happy to see more seniors considering the impression they’ll leave when they’re gone. “Isn’t it great that people at the end of their life literally can still have a positive impact on the future?” she says. “Now, that’s what I call leaving a legacy.”
Resident Life
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MONITOR
PETS
Wash Them Away Eco-friendly ways to free your home and pets of fleas for good BY JASON TOMCSI
Fleas are a downright nuisance. And they bring serious health baggage when they nest on your pets. Many people turn to pesticides to rid their home of these parasites, not knowing the harmful effects the chemicals might have on their pet and the environment. The next time you need to defend your home and pets against these pests, think about protecting the planet, too. WORK FROM THE OUTSIDE IN A flea has four life stages: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. By the time you can see them, they’ve reached the adult stage, which means you could already have an infestation on your hands. To break the cycle, you need to get the problem under control, says Dr. Tina Wismer, medical director of the ASCPA’s Animal Poison Control Center. And the process starts outside. “Fleas like dark areas that have high humidity,” Wismer says. “Trimming back bushes and removing organic matter from your yard can help decrease the flea population.” Once the lawn is cleared, Wismer says to invest in beneficial nematodes. When mixed with water and sprayed into the soil, these microscopic roundworms locate and kill flea larvae. Most types are reasonably priced, and you can buy them online. It’s a great natural way of stopping fleas before they get inside your house, she says.
PERSISTENCE PAYS If fleas make it past the door, a vacuum, washing machine and dryer are your best weapons. Vacuum to pick up adult fleas, eggs and larvae. Wash bedding in hot water and use the high heat setting on the dryer, as the heat kills eggs and larvae that have taken up residence, Wismer says. Treating animals naturally is as simple as giving them a bath. And for pets that don’t normally get in water, like cats, use a flea comb to pick through sensitive fur. And you’ll likely have to bathe pets more than once to get rid of the fleas completely. Pet owners need patience and determination when working with ecofriendly pest control remedies. Wismer says you can’t just do it once and then give up. But if you’re trying to be ecofriendly, it’s worth it. “You are going to need to do this every day for several weeks to get things under control,” Wismer says. “But by using these methods, we can reduce the amount of insecticides into the environment.”
QUICK TIP Use beneficial nematodes in the soil around your home. These microscopic roundworms eat flea larvae.
GREEN GO-TOS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH, a powder made up of fossilized remains of singlecelled algae. Sprinkle this on carpets to eliminate fleas. $17 AceHardware.com BLACK WALNUT is an effective flea repellent, and can be purchased in capsules or in liquid form. $8 Amazon.com TO MAKE YOUR OWN effective natural insect repellent, add to a spray bottle five drops each of tea tree oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil. Shake and spray daily. SOURCE: PETA.ORG
EASE INTO IT Establish a cleaning routine with your pet to bond, and prevent pests and other health problems. Start young and be consistent: The earlier pets get used to regular baths and brushing, the easier it is on everyone. Use the right tone: Pets are good at picking up on signs of distress, so use a calm voice and gently let them know you’re helping them.
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Ask the Expert Q:
I wear sandals quite often during the spring and summer months. Are these types of shoes hurting my feet?
Frequently, foot pain and problems are a direct result of the shoes we choose. These tips can help keep your feet safe in the spring and summer months.
Sandra Klein, MD
Washington University Orthopedics 14532 S. Outer 40 Drive &KHVWHUĂ€HOG 02
(314) 514-3500 www.ortho.wustl.edu
park for an outdoor hike, opt for sturdier, more supportive footwear. Long periods of walking DQG H[WHQVLYH ZDONLQJ RQ XQHYHQ JURXQG ZLWK Ă LS Ă RSV RU DQ\ RSHQ EDFN VDQGDO FDQ FDXVH injury to the foot.
‡ :DUP ZHDWKHU RIWHQ HQFRXUDJHV XV WR SDUWLFLSDWH LQ QHZ DFWLYLWLHV :KLOH RXWGRRU DFWLYLWLHV are a healthy pursuit, be careful when starting something new. You should make sure the shoes you wear are appropriate for the particular sport or activity. Overuse injuries are frequently seen in the foot and ankle when you try to do too much of one activity after a long winter. Start slowly and increase your activity as you become stronger, and your endurance increases.
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Choose the shoe to match the activity. Keep a pair of supportive athletic shoes and socks in the car, so you are ready for anything – and enjoy the weather.
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Order Up! Why more shoppers are leaving the store in favor of food delivery BY PAIGE FUMO FOX After a long day at work, the grocery store is the last place you want to be. Or, maybe coming up with nutritious meals each night after your kid’s soccer practice is eating into your wallet. Even if you do make it to the supermarket, you supersize your waistline, falling prey to impulse buys of candy bars and chips. That’s why many people are turning to home-delivered groceries and prepared meals—and their options for healthier fare are growing. WORTH THE EXTRA DOUGH For Chicago-area resident Rory Dominick, home-delivered groceries have been a big help over the past few years. She frequently used the grocery delivery service Peapod while she was on bed rest during her second pregnancy, and already had a young child at home. Dominick is back to traditional instore shopping now, but still turns to the service, “when I’m in a big pinch, when I can’t get to the store, or the kids are sick, or I’m overworked,” says the real estate agent and mom of two young sons. She’s willing to cough up more cash for some items, and pay a delivery fee of $6 to $10, which is common for homedelivered grocery services. She says the extra money offsets the gas she’d spend driving, and saves her the hassle of browsing the aisles.
“I personally cannot stand going to the grocery store. The cost-benefit analysis I do in my head allows me to say, yes, it’s worth it,” Dominick says. A PLATE FOR EVERYONE Beyond bags of groceries, prepared meals can be delivered to your door, too. And most modern services offer more dinner options than the strict diet-based plans of the past. Many companies now offer subscription packages that provide a box of fully prepared, ready-to-cook meals. Some even give shoppers the freedom to mix and match sides and main courses. Michael Balducci is owner and founder of Veggie Brothers, an online vegan food ordering service based in New York City. He says being able to shop online even helps vegans stay on track.
WHY STAY OUT OF THE STORE? A 2013 survey by marketing research firm Harris Interactive found a variety of reasons people shop for milk and bread without leaving home: Saves time Ease of menu planning Lowers chance of impulse buying
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NOW THAT’S A FULL CART!
$100 billion A global survey by Boston Consulting Group predicts online grocery sales will increase worldwide to $100 billion by 2018—including home-delivered goods and online orders picked up at the store.
I personally cannot stand going to the grocery store. Ordering food is worth it. RORY DOMINICK
“There are many people who buy food online, but it’s still a strange concept to some,” says Balducci, who opened the business in 2005. The company fills a niche for people seeking convenient and tasty vegan food—from lentil walnut burgers to seitan Wellington. Most of the items arrive packed in dry ice, ready for “boil-in-bag” preparation or heating in an oven. Many of his customers are new to veganism, or are hoping to “educate their friends and family, and their own cooking doesn’t cut it,” Balducci says. It’s important to remember homedelivered meals and online shopping isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. Some shoppers will always want to inspect their steaks, or gently press on their avocados before buying them. Others won’t want to commit to being home during a two-hour delivery window.
The most dangerous animals in the forest don’t live there.
ONLY YOU CAN PR E VE N T W I L D FIRE S. w w w. s m o k e y b e a r. c o m
Hatch a Plot
Plan to go from beginner digger to planting pro with our guide for the best seeds, soil and conditions to help you get things growing BY JENNA MAKOWSKI
The snow has melted, and you can see the first peeks of blooming flowers outside. Ah, springtime is here again. And you’ve got an itch to get outdoors that you just need to scratch. So what better way to get in the spring spirit than with some sun in your face and dirt on your hands? Before you dig in, know that gardening is more a balancing act than an exact science. Abundant harvests develop with time, practice, observation, and trial and error, so it’s OK if you don’t get it perfect on the first try. If you’re new to the soil scene, it can be tough to know where to start. What do you plant? Where you should you plant it? What tools you need? If you’re ready to start plotting, pull on your garden gloves and follow our guide to get growing.
PLAN BEFORE YOU PLANT Before you get knee-deep in dirt, figure out what you want to grow. If you love flowers, think about whether you want a bed of perennials or long-stem flowers to cut for your kitchen table. If you’d rather eat the fruits of your labor, consider what vegetables you like to cook. “Part of a successful experience is growing something you really want,” says Lori Brewer, who works in outreach in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University in New York. “Don’t think you have to start growing peas. What if you don’t like peas? The answer: You’ll be less motivated to take care of them.” Stuck for inspiration? Check out a seed catalogue. If you’re not picky, try something easy, such as leafy greens or pole beans, Brewer says. New gardeners should start with three types of plants, such as tomatoes, basil and zucchini, or parsley, marigolds and eggplant, says Marcia Eames-Sheavly, youth program leader for Cornell’s Garden-Based Learning program in New York. “Start small, do it well, and feel awesome about it, rather than bite off a huge thing that you’ll end up hating and not wanting to take care of,” Eames-Sheavly says. Limiting your focus is a good strategy for beginners, agrees Brewer, who also works with the college’s Master Gardener Volunteers program, which provides successful gardening experiences for 7 million New York gardening households. “This will allow you to get your bearings, and learn how to take care of those plants really well. Then next year you can expand,” Brewer says. LORI BREWER, CORNELL UNIVERSITY It is important to cultivate at least a few varieties of plants, especially as you learn about what grows well where you live. Planting a diverse crop will also help you figure out what thrives best on your grounds. Also, if you only plant cabbage, for examFAST FACT ple, you may find cabbage-loving worms take up residence in your backyard, and your whole garden becomes their dinner. “Don’t grow a huge plot of the same crop because you could attract the pest for that particular crop. Mix it up of gardening instead, and you may find that a certain pest affects one offers the same plant, but not another,” Brewer says. benefits as a 2-mile walk or While choosing your plants, consider what growing con5 miles of cycling, ditions you can offer. Plants differ in their needs for sunlight, according to the drainage and fertilizing. Tomatoes require eight hours of National Heart, sunlight each day, while kale prefers part shade. Lung and Blood “Read the back of your seed packet, and it will tell you Institute. how much sunlight, how many days to maturity, how much water, how much shade, and how much space to put between seeds,” says James Ross, a longtime gardener in Danville, Ky. And be aware that your options might be limited based on where you live. You might love olives, but they don’t grow well in cold northern states. “You may really like avocados. But if you live in the northeast, that’s not the right climate for avocados, and it’s not a good crop choice,” Brewer says.
Part of a successful experience is growing something you really want. Don’t think you have to start growing peas. What if you don’t like peas? You’ll be less motivated to take care of them.
30 TO 45 MINUTES
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GET THEIR LITTLE HANDS DIGGING!
PLOT YOUR NEXT MOVE To have a successful garden, planters must be in sync with their environment and seasonal changes. Get to know your backyard. Scout the areas that have good water drainage. Don’t plant in areas that get soggy, or fill with standing water after rain. Make sure to evaluate your sun exposure, as most plants and flowers need six to eight hours of daily sunlight. Balconies and windowpanes are great spots to grow container gardens, particularly for herbs, leafy vegetables and tomatoes. But remember even balconies can have varying sunny and shady spots. Sometimes you need to create a space, and you can do so with a small raised bed, a boxed-in planting area that sits above ground level. “Small raised beds are a good way to try a few different types of plants in a controlled space, and a great way to involve family and friends,” says Ross, who’s also president of Community Garden Planters, a nonprofit in Danville, Ky. Most bed kits range from $30 to $130 online and at garden stores, and they’re relatively simple to put together. Or make your own with four untreated two-by-fours, a drill, and weed cloth to line the bottom. “You can save a lot of money by recycling (wood). Just make sure the wood is untreated,” Ross says. “Start with a small space in case you mess up. You have the opportunity to start over again, instead of plowing up half an acre and wasting time and money.” Then it’s time do the math. Research how much space your plants and flowers need to mature, and draw a diagram of your future garden. Ross suggests a 4-foot-square bed, which makes it easy to divide up, and is your best bet for a plentiful bounty. “You could do about 16 beets in one square, or 12 to 14 carrots, or four to five heads of lettuce,” he says. “You could even do cucumbers if you have a trellis framework.” 36
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It’s tempting to think weeding is the most productive—and harmless—activity for children to get involved in. But don’t stop there, parents. Get kids involved in planting, and even calling some of the shots. “Children’s interest in gardening is fostered by being involved in decision-making,” says Marcia Eames-Sheavly, youth program leader for Cornell’s Garden-Based Learning program in New York. “Get them involved in deciding what to grow and how.” It’s also a great way to get them to eat more veggies. “Children will eat what they grow.”
STAY SAFE ON THE SOIL
Wear gloves to lower the risk for skin irritations, cuts, and certain contaminants. Protect yourself from diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks. Use insect repellent containing DEET. Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes and long pants when using lawnmowers and other machinery. Protect your hearing when using machinery. Use this gauge: If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone who is an arm’s length away, the noise is potentially harmful. Keep harmful chemicals, tools and equipment out of the reach of children, SOURCE: CDC.GOV/FAMILY/GARDENING
Small raised beds are a good way to try a few different types of plants in a controlled space, and a great way to involve family and friends. JAMES ROSS, COMMUNITY GARDEN PLANTERS, DANVILLE, KY.
LIFE STARTS BELOW THE SURFACE Dirt is just dirt, right? Not so, Ross says. Soil is a key ingredient in every garden’s success. “You can buy expensive seeds, but if the soil’s not good, they won’t grow well,” he says. Soil is made of mineral solids—stone, sand and a combination of clay, water, air and organic matter. Organic matter, also called compost, includes insects, leaves, and manure or a long-lasting matter called humus, which develops after dead leaves and manure have completely broken down. Though it seems counterintuitive that life may burgeon in decaying leaves and dead bugs, they are the soil’s lifeblood. As it breaks down, the compost provides food for soil microbes, which help plants ingest nutrients. Dean Vidal, an organic farmer in Virginia, says compost is at the core of a great beginner garden. “Microbial communities are the foundation of our food chain, which goes all the way down to single-celled creatures in the soil that break loose the nutrients that create healthy plants,” Vidal says. “We see effects of the microbes expressed in food (we grow).” To test your soil for nutrients, contact a Master Gardeners program through your local cooperative extension. Getting help from these public educational networks can go a long way toward maximizing your harvest, Vidal says. You’re looking for two critical pieces of information: compost ratio and pH, which measures the soil’s acidity, which indicates how it will react to water and fertilizer. Testing is quick and easy. Collect a pint of dirt from 8 inches below the surface, and take it to your local extension office. A soil test can also identify heavy metals and chemicals, which could be harmful to your health.
EQUAL PARTNERS
REAP WHAT YOU SOW THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF DIGGING UP DIRT
Soil quality is just as important as seed quality. If the soil’s not good, the seeds won’t grow well.
It’s not just about lifting flats and pulling weeds. Gardening helps flexibility, strength and cardiovascular endurance. And being in nature helps reduce stress and blood pressure. It’s also a great way for couples and families to spend time together. In its Guide to Physical Activity, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says 30 to 45 minutes of gardening offers the same benefits as a two-mile walk or five miles of cycling. The Journal of Health Psychology reported a recent study that showed significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in people after they gardened for 30 minutes. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that gardening programs in nursing homes resulted in increased socializing and decreased loneliness. And when it comes to holistic health, Marcia Eames-Sheavly, youth program leader for Cornell’s Garden-Based Learning program in New York, says plants take the lead in almost every aspect of life. “We are absolutely dependent on plants—every part of our lives, from what we wear to our food and oxygen,” she says. “The garden is a place where plants can teach us that lesson of interconnectedness.”
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GROW YOUR ODDS OF SUCCESS Ideal planting soil is crumbly but not sticky, and moist but not soggy, Brewer says. Touch the soil to develop a sense of texture. “If you can’t imagine a tiny root trying to move through your soil, then you probably need to adjust it,” she says. Plants and flowers have different fertilizer needs, and for some, even healthy soil just won’t cut it. That’s why many gardeners use fertilizer. Though deciding on fertilizer is a personal choice, the most common mistake—overuse—happens when first-time gardeners don’t do their research. “Reading the fertilizer label is the most important thing,” Brewer says. “It can be hard to read the label, so people sometimes don’t take time to read it, and that’s where we get into trouble.” It’s important to establish a maintenance routine, she says. Water plants and flowers in the morning so the moisture absorbs during the day and the excess dries before nighttime, when mold creeps in. Ground vegetables usually need about an inch of water per week. Container plants and flowers need a little more attention. If they sit on pavement, they get hotter faster, making the water evaporate more quickly. Always make sure soil is moist, but never submerged in standing water, Brewer says. You’ll also need to consider pest control. If you notice a pesky insect, first identify it. Before you drown it in bug spray, Brewer says to consider whether it is causing any trouble. “Is this thing eating my plant? Is it causing damage? Is this damage significant enough to impact my harvest or bother me?” she says. “One insect is not necessarily cause for concern. If you see something, wait a few days and see what happens.” And don’t forget about those annoying weeds you’ll need to pull. Ross says clearing out weeds is a huge part of regular garden maintenance. “You want to put in at least three to five hours per week,” he says. “When it comes to weeding, you could do even 15 to 20 minutes per day to keep up with it.”
Expect to spend
3-5 HOURS per week on garden maintenance.
MASTERS AT WORK For gardening help, contact your local cooperative extension, farmers market, community garden, or find a Master Gardener Volunteer through the American Horticultural Society. Visit AHS.org/gardening-resources/master-gardeners.
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HAPPY HARVEST! It’s the celebratory end of your garden journey, but remember that harvesting requires time and planning. Pick vegetables regularly, so you don’t end up with rotten plants. Back in the kitchen, you have a few storage options. Onions, garlic, potatoes and winter squash can last for months in dark, cool and dry storage. Canning and preserving helps produce last longer, and freezing works just as well. Berries, blanched eggplant, basil pesto, shelled peas, stewed tomatoes and sliced peppers all freeze well for cooking later. And before the first frost hits, clean and prep your garden for the cold. Most new gardeners think they can ignore the soil in the winter, but that’s not true. You can maintain its shape, structure and health with mulching or planting winter cover crops, which help revitalize the soil when prime season plants are dormant. When the end of the growing season rolls around, you’ll be ready to rest, but your garden will be prepping itself for next spring. And as you look toward years of healthy crops, set yourself up for success with your first venture by not biting off more than you can chew. Going overboard is the biggest mistake first-time gardeners make. “It’s important to take it easy on yourself in the beginning, so you know you’ll follow through on the harvest next year,” EamesSheavly says.
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MILLSTADT, IL
PHOTO BY DARLA WILSON
MID AMERICA
PICTURE OF GOOD HEALTH
Takes Two to Tangle A SHARPLY DIFFERENT PAIR Tyler Higgenbotham, (left) 18, and Pearce Wilson, 54, fence with epee fencing swords atop the Eads Bridge in St. Louis. The bridge was closed to vehicle traffic that day for pavement repairs. Both men practice fencing at the Fencers of the Corn club in Millstadt, Ill. SAVVY SWORDSMEN Wilson works as head coach for Fencers of the Corn, as well as head fencing coach at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. Higgenbotham is now a student at the University of Missouri. FIGHTING IN GOOD FUN “I started this club 10 years ago as nothing more than a way to inject some adventure into teens’ lives, and keep them out of trouble a few nights a week,” says Wilson, of Millstadt, Ill. “I had no idea things would go this far.”
Do you have a photo you’d like to see in Picture of Good Health? Email dwatt@cmghealth.net.
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Heart Attack Warning Signs Include: Shortness of Breath Nausea Dizziness Chest Pain Arm Pain Cold Sweat
If you wait until you’re sure it’s a heart attack, you’ve waited too long. Getting help immediately gives you a better chance to survive a heart attack. Waiting and wondering takes the lives of 325,000 heart attack victims a year. So know the signs listed above. And if you ever experience any of them, call 911 right away.