Community Health July 2013

JULY 2013

UP

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GRABS 19 FUN WAYS TO JUMP

INTO SUMMER

Go to our website: cmghealth.net

MID AMERICA

Story ideas, email: editor@cmghealth.net

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170 pounds 'Like' us on facebook: Facebook.com/CommunityHealthMagazine

When you need us.

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From when you’re first expecting to those unexpected accidents, SoutheastHEALTH is here for you. We promise to always treat patients like family and families like old friends.

Our Services Our SoutheastHEALTH facilities work together to treat whatever life brings – from skinned knees to major surgery. Here are just a few of the health services our network offers: 3 ) !& (!& &+ )

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The Largest Provider of Healthcare in the Region

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8 years, Al Kamp, a retired police officer, enjoyed giving back to his munity by teaching the D.A.R.E. program in local schools. Then one day, he stroke. Thankfully, SoutheastHEALTH was there when Al needed them – e he needed them.

transferred, Al was immediately treated by Southeast neurologists and ilitated on-site by experienced physical therapy staff. “The whole physical py department was positive. They went out of their way to make sure I eeded.” Now, Al is back at home and doing the things he loves, like riding his rcycle, hunting, teaching D.A.R.E. and working in his workshop.

55

Perryville Fredericktown

Jackson Cape Girardeau

Ellington Bloomfield

60

Sikeston

Van Buren 60

Poplar Bluff

Dexter Bernie

55

Doniphan Malden

SoutheastHEALTH Locations: Bernie Bloomfield Cape Girardeau Dexter Doniphan

Ellington Jackson Malden Poplar Bluff Van Buren

Additional specialized services provided in Fredericktown, Perryville and Sikeston

For more information call the Southeast HealthLine:

1.800.800.5123 or visit SEhealth.org

at SEhealth.org/stories

The Difference is How You’re Treated

30-MINUTES-OR-LESS E.R. Service Pledge at Gateway Regional Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. You’ll find these at Gateway Regional. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival.

If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once you do, you won’t want to go anywhere else. For more information, visit GatewayRegional.net.

Scan with a QR code reader on your smartphone to view our average E.R. wait time.

GRANITE CITY

*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

mid america

CONTENTS VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 7

MAKE YOUR

MOVE!

36

D E PA RTMEN T S 6 Editor’s Letter 9 Local Focus 15 News+Notes 18 Q+A 21 Well Said 48 Picture of Good Health

M ON ITO R S 22 WOMEN 28 MEN 29 FAMILY 30 SENIORS 32 PETS 33 EATS

Whatever you can do to stay on your feet, do it.

Check out our 19 ways to have fun and stay active this summer.

11

BY VANESSA RENDERMAN

42

EVERYTHING ALTERNATIVE

As more people find pain relief and healing through alternative treatments and complementary medicine, you might be itching to investigate. Learn more about the methods you’ve only heard about, and whether they’re right for you. BY JENNA MAKOWSKI

SHE LOST AND WON Reaching midlife could mean a crisis.

But not for Jenny Nelson. She turned it into a chance to win back her health, losing 170 pounds.

BY DANETTE M. WATT

4

JULY 2013

C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H

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CHAIRMAN

Larry Perrotto

[ A note from the medical editor ]

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Mark Hornung EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Carole Sharwarko

Is any online medical info to be trusted?

ART DIRECTOR

Bret Figura ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jackson A. Thomas LOCAL EDITOR

Danette M. Watt AD TRAFFIC MANAGER

Joseph Krystofiak MEDICAL EDITOR

Janis Mendelsohn, M.D.

How often do you search online for medical

SALES DIRECTOR

questions or symptoms that concern you?

Liz Latta

If you answer “frequently,” you are not alone. It turns out most people consult the Web before ADVERTISING

“bothering” their doctors.

You already know that there are more health care-related websites than you can count on your fingers and toes. But too much of the information on these sites is not only confusing, but it can be misleading.

Some websites give you the wrong information for a certain condition, while others just have inaccurate and outdated data altogether! Some even represent for-profit interests (not yours), such as

Call Liz Latta at (312) 504-3555.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send comments, letters, story suggestions and photos relating to your local health news to editor@cmghealth.net.

drug companies. So, how can you determine which sites can be trusted to offer you useful and practical information?

My practice developed a health information website, providing parents answers to common health questions and links to reliable websites. We did this in response to a survey indicating that parents really wanted and trusted information provided by their children’s doctors.

We include links to reliable websites, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. In general, websites representing professional physician organizations; nonprofit groups, such as the American Cancer Society; and physician-based sites, such as WebMD, offer reliable information. You can check out our website at UChicagoKidsHospital.org. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate the incredible amount of information out there. ³ ³ ³ ³

Consult your physician first. The doctor’s office might already have a health information website.

Stick to the most reliable websites, and understand who is presenting them.

If you get confusing or contradictory information online, contact your physician for clarification.

Don’t be fooled by slick advertising or lead-ins (punchy words, exciting photos and video).

The Internet can sometimes provide useful information, but these websites are regulated only by

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 ©2013 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.

the integrity of the sponsoring provider. If you get confused or if the information seems contradictory, contact your physician for clarification, or make an appointment. Don’t be misled into overlooking a

CMGHealth.net

potentially serious issue or symptom in yourself, your child or any member of your family.

Facebook.com/CommunityHealthMagazine

Dr. Janis Mendelsohn medical editor 2010 Silver Ozzie (Folio Awards) Custom Publishing

2009 Gold Ozzie (Folio Awards) Best Feature Design/Custom Publishing 2009 Silver Ozzie (Folio Awards) Custom Publishing

2008 First Place Advertising Section/ Special Supplement

6

JULY 2013

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MID AMERICA

She’s a Believer

Armenian doctor combines her beliefs in herbal medicines with conventional treatments BY DANETTE M. WATT You won’t find a person more passionate about the healing benefits of plants than Narine Sargsyan. In her native Armenia, herbal medicine is the first line of defense for simple ailments like a cough or a skin rash.

As a doctor, she thinks it’s perfectly acceptable to use botanical remedies alongside prescription medicines. And she frequently suggests using them to her patients and colleagues.

“Where I grew up, people don’t go to the emergency room like they do here,” says Sargsyan, 49, who practices internal medicine at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, Ill. “If someone has a bad cough, they might drink warm milk with freshly made carrot juice.”

Of course, Sargsyan doesn’t toss out the validity of conventional medicine. It’s part of her job to treat patients with Western medicine. Still, she’s convinced that plant-based therapies can help treat many health problems.

“I believe when God created us, he created all the remedies for our illnesses in the form of herbs, food and plants. For instance, digoxin is a medicine derived from the digitalis (foxgloves) plant, and used for an irregular and racing heartbeat. That tells me how real and important plants are for healing.”

Sargsyan’s journey started in Armenia, where students have the option to apply to a specialized college after eight years of public school. She chose a nursing college, and then decided to become a doctor. She was 23 years old when she graduated from Yerevan State Medical University.

“I was the first in my family to go to medical school. My dad had health problems, and that influenced my decision,” she says.

Sargsyan was 37 when she got her first taste of living in the United States. She visited her brother in Los Angeles in 2001, and immediately fell in love with the American lifestyle. She applied

for an Extraordinary Ability green card, a petition used by physicians and scientists.

“The first year I was in shock,” she says. “There is so much freedom here and endless opportunities. It’s so different from Armenia—the resources, land, stores, the environment. I was very excited.”

Sargsyan didn’t want to her language to be a barrier once she permanently moved to the United States. So she learned English.

She knew she wanted to practice medicine in America, and started taking steps to get licensed.

“If someone had told me then how hard it would be to get to where I am now, I don’t think I would have done it,” she says.

“There was one obstacle after another.”

In 2003, Sargsyan became licensed to work as a nurse. By this time, she married her husband, Dave Sinclair, and moved to his hometown, St. Louis. Soon after, they moved to Alton.

For several years, she worked weekends so she could study for the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination board. After passing the statewide exam, she earned a spot for a highly competitive threeyear residency program at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo., in 2008.

“It was very challenging. I put in a lot of time and effort learning all the regulations and differences of the health systems,” she says. “I worked as a primary care physician through an office in Armenia, and wanted to do something different this time. Now I’m a hospitalist, and I love it.”

If someone had told me then how hard it would be to get to where I am now, I don’t think I would have done it.

NARINE SARGSYAN

STINKY YET EFFECTIVE! Onions aren’t just for cooking. Check out these natural cures Narine Sargsyan uses.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

FOR A COUGH Cut an onion in half, and scoop out the center. Fill it ¾ full with honey.

Let it stand overnight, then drink the liquid.

FOR AN INFECTION OR WOUND ON THE SKIN Bake a whole onion until it’s soft, then cool to room temperature. Cover the affected area with layers of onion and a bandage to keep it in place. Continue for two to three days.

C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H

JULY 2013

9

Count on Christian To Make Medicine Better.

Laura Gruen, MD Interventional Cardiologist

The area’s first open heart surgery. St. Louis’ first robotic lung lobectomy.

And coming soon, a cutting-edge hybrid OR. As a proud, founding member of BJC HealthCare, Christian Hospital is driven to achieve ever-higher levels of patient care and clinical excellence. Just imagine what the future will bring.

Learn all the ways Christian Hospital is committed to providing Care for Life.

Visit ChristianCares.org today, or call 1.877.747.WELL (9355).

SEMO: ADVANCE

MID AMERICA

Biggest Winner Through running 5Ks and Zumba classes, woman loses 170 pounds, and finds a way to pay it forward BY DANETTE M. WATT Want to make a big change in your life? Reaching midlife might just be your ticket to find that major motivation you’ve been looking for.

Some people take a long-awaited trip.

Others splurge on a hot new sports car. And then there are those who see the big 5-0 as a chance to take back their health.

When Jenny Nelson stepped on the scale and saw the number reach the 300s, the 49-year-old school bus driver said, “No more!” She lost 170 pounds, changed her diet habits, and even found a way to help others on their own weight-loss journeys.

NUMBERS DON’T LIE Two years ago, Nelson reluctantly attended a Big Fat Losers group—a local group of women who meet to support each other’s fitness and weight-loss goals—with one of her daughters in their hometown, Advance. She made it clear she was not permanently joining.

Nelson says the first thing they had to do was weigh in, which she didn’t look forward to.

“I had to weigh in, and was afraid the scale didn’t go high enough,” Nelson says.

“Well, it did. I was shocked to see that I weighed 312.8 pounds. That was it. I set a goal to get healthy—not skinny—by age 50.

I was going to do it the healthy way—no fad diets, no drugs, no surgery.”

Nelson says she started walking almost daily. For a few times per week, she got together with the BFL group to work out to exercise videos.

She also tracked her running progress with the Couch to 5K app, gave up her sugary Diet Coke for water, and cut down on her food portions. “In one month, I lost 18 pounds,” she says.

NO STOPPING HER Shedding 18 pounds was just the beginning of Nelson’s weight-loss journey. She went from a size 26 to a size 4, and now weighs 142.8 pounds. Nelson also discovered how much she truly loves living a healthy lifestyle, receiving invaluable assistance from staff at Fitness Plus.

“So many people there gave advice and supported me. I’d been a member for years, but never went,” she says. “I started going to Zumba and hip-hop classes, then discovered a Spinning class. I got hooked, and bought myself a bike.”

Nelson says she always hated running.

But in March 2012, she signed up for her first 5K with a group of friends.

“I planned to walk it, but when the starting gun went off, I took off running.

I walked when I had to. I thought I’d die a few times,” she says. “But when I crossed the finish line, the feeling was amazing! I knew I was going to do more 5Ks.”

Since then, Nelson has run nine 5Ks, and added running a half marathon to her bucket list.

“Running is my stress reliever. I told my husband, Dave, it’s probably saved his life a few times,” she jokes.

Nelson’s husband, their daughters and son have cheered her on at several races.

WE’RE ALL HUMAN An avid swimmer, Nelson discovered she had to relearn how to swim after she ran her second triathlon. The extra weight actually helped keep her buoyant. But once she dropped those pounds, she had to retrain her body to float again.

“In the first tri, I was fat. I was more buoyant, so I could float forever,” she says. “The second time I had lost so many pounds I had to work at staying afloat.”

Nelson says it’s unrealistic to think she’ll never eat something unhealthy again. We all have moments of weakness, and she is guilty of them, too.

“Of course I’ve blown my diet. But I didn’t beat myself up over it and pig out the rest of the day,” she says.

She hopes to inspire others to get healthier. She posts daily running mileage and motivational pictures on her Facebook page, Keeping up with Jennifer.

“I feel so many people have helped me. I want to pay it forward,” she says.

I weighed 312.8 pounds.

That was it. I set a goal to get healthy—not skinny—by age 50.

SUPPLIED PHOTOS

JENNY NELSON

C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H

JULY 2013

11

Taking Aim on Life After Stroke Stroke survivor Al Kamp displays his archery skills.

View Kamp’s View Al Al Kamp’s story submit story oror submit your own your own at at SEhealth.org/stories.

SEhealth.org/stories.

Aaron B. Koonce, DO

Matthew W. Karshner, MD

Kathy Vickery, MSN, MBA, RN

DARE officer returns to the classroom thanks to SoutheastHEALTH’s successful stroke care

E

ven a stroke can’t keep Al Kamp from doing what he loves.

Whether it’s riding his Harley motorcycle, shooting his bow or working in his woodshop, Al lives his life to the fullest.

For 18 years, the Anna, Ill., resident has served as a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer in the Anna and Jonesboro, Ill., public schools.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Al knew something was wrong one day in class. He kept dropping his briefcase. “I didn’t feel quite right,” he remembers. A co-worker at the Anna, Ill., Junior High School told him that he looked ill.

Attitude can significantly impact recovery, Dr. Karshner points out.

“Al’s perseverance and his positive outlook helped speed up his recovery and maximized the results of his therapy.”

So he drove himself to the local hospital where his wife works in environmental services. She told him that his mouth was drooping on the right side. He had difficulty walking. “My foot started dragging,” he says.

Al’s stroke affected the left side of his brain, which in many causes can make speech difficult. But Kamp never lost his speech. “For me, that was the saving grace,” he says, adding that he was able to return to the classroom within two weeks after having the stroke.

Tests that day, Feb. 22, 2012, indicated he had suffered a stroke. Al was taken by ambulance to Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau and immediately admitted under the care of Aaron B. Koonce, DO, of Southeast Neurology.

He spent 10 days in the Hospital, which included a week of inpatient rehabilitation to strength his right arm and leg.

He received both physical and occupational therapy under the direction of physical medicine and rehabilitation physician Matthew W. Karshner, MD. Al benefited from the expert

care of the physical therapy staff.

“They went out of their way to make sure I succeeded,” Al points out.

situation from being much worse, says Dr. Koonce.

Back on the Open Road Al embraced the exercises right from the start. By the second day, he could tie his shoes. “The therapists liked my attitude from day one,” he notes.

After being discharged from Southeast, Al received outpatient therapy. He also exercised at home.

Al says his stroke led to medical tests that showed that the left carotid artery in his neck was 70 percent blocked.

Plaque in a carotid artery can cause a stroke by restricting blood flow to part of the brain or by breaking loose and completely blocking a smaller vessel in the brain.

And just as with a heart attack, it’s important not to ignore the signs of a stroke. Al’s decision to seek medical care quickly kept his

On April 18, 2012, Al underwent a left carotid endarterectomy procedure to open up the artery.

Now that he has recovered, Al has returned to the life he loves, including riding his Harley. “I love getting out on the open road,” he says.

Registered nurse Kathy Vickery, Neurosciences director at SoutheastHEALTH, notes, “It’s very satisfying to see a patient return to something that’s very important in his life.”

The stroke prompted Al to eat healthier meals, although he admits he still loves a good hamburger. “I spent 35 years in law enforcement.

I ate a lot of fast food,” he explains.

A former Chicago area officer, Al retired from the Anna Police Department in 2011. But he continues to serve as a DARE officer as a commissioned deputy of the Union County, Ill., Sheriff’s Department.

Al says he received excellent care from SoutheastHEALTH doctors, nurses and therapists.

He adds that the staff was compassionate. Says Al, “Southeast is one of the friendliest places I’ve ever been.”

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SOIL NEWS+NOTES

MID AMERICA

Volunteer helps seniors understand insurance questions Shirley Wheatley recently was named the 2012 State Health Insurance Program Volunteer of the Year for the Southern Region of Illinois. Wheatley, who retired several years ago after long careers with the Illinois Department of Mental Health, Lewis and Clark Community College and Sangamon State University, has volunteered for five years with SHIP. “All the information about insurance and Medicare can be quite overwhelming for seniors. It’s very satisfying to help people get their questions answered,” says Wheatley, who works two days per week out of the SHIP office at Alton Memorial Hospital. OASIS insurance counseling, Alton Memorial Hospital and SHIP provide trained and certified volunteers for Medicare community counseling. SHIP is a free service, and does not sell insurance or promote specific insurance companies. Its goal is to help people enroll into Medicare, understand their benefits, and find supplemental or prescription drug plans that fit their unique needs. The OASIS-SHIP office located at Alton Memorial Hospital offers confidential and unbiased counseling.

To schedule an appointment, call (800) 392-0936.

ALTON ~

3 registered nurses earn surgery certifications MT. VERNON ~ St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital’s Wound Healing Center recently recognized registered nurses Carla Martinez and Vanessa Kell for becoming certified in ostomy surgery, and registered nurse Julia Altadonna for becoming certified in wound care.

Martinez and Kell attended the Ostomy Management Course in Chicago, and successfully passed the Ostomy Management Specialist Certification Exam. Altadonna received her certification in wound care at the Wound Care Education Institute. The Wound Healing Center specializes in treating acute and chronic hard-to-heal wounds. The Wound Healing Center also offers hyperbaric chamber treatment program, which provides a 100% oxygen environment for patients with extremely difficult wounds that do not respond to conventional therapy.

Hospital conducts test to ID health care issues

SUPPLIED PHOTOS

CARBONDALE ~ Southern Illinois Healthcare, along with a broad group of community partners, recently conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment, designed to spotlight health and quality of life issues in Perry, Franklin, Jackson, Williamson, Saline, Union and Johnson counties. Using a framework of behavioral, social and environmental factors, the communities’ needs were explored. The test helped identify health care issues and areas where community partners could improve patient care, preventive services, and overall health and quality of life. Southern Illinois Healthcare has many programs and initiatives within the hospital and community to affect these areas. Call (618) 457-5200 if you have questions about the results.

Sleep center expands and relocates Saint Anthony’s Sleep Center has expanded and relocated to Saint Clare’s Professional Building at 815 E. Fifth St., Suite 308. As part of the move, Saint Anthony’s is partnering with Clayton Sleep Institute, a leading independent organization dedicated to sleep medicine and healthy sleep. Sleep studies include an overnight stay in which the patient is monitored by a sleep technologist. The study examines more than 20 separate functions to help identify the reason for or cause of a person’s poor quality sleep or sleep disorder. A specially trained doctor from Clayton Sleep Institute evaluates the results of the test, and recommends treatment options. “We know so much more now about how sleep affects our overall health, and especially its connection to conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac problems,” says Sister M. Mikela, vice president of Patient Care Services. “Individuals who are sleep deprived now have an opportunity to improve their sleep, and change their quality of life.”

ALTON ~

Volunteer earns service award Corinne Hansen, of O’Fallon, Ill., recently received the 2013 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for her ongoing work at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. Governor Pat Quinn and the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service presented the award in a formal ceremony at the Executive Mansion in Springfield, Ill. Hansen has volunteered at St. Elizabeth’s since 2010, and participates in several projects to improve patient satisfaction. She crochets hats for newborns, eyeglass cases for patients, and prayer shawls for Pastoral Care staff to give to patients undergoing treatment or during hospice. Hansen is also vice president of the Auxiliary Volunteers and a member of the hospital’s JOY Committee. She is currently being trained to develop a program for volunteers to visit patients who may not get many visitors.

BELLEVILLE ~

Nurse named new diabetes educator Lisa James has been named the new diabetes educator at Alton Memorial Hospital. James has been a nurse for 25 years, and worked in the Surgical Services Department for the past 10 years.

She replaces Judy Mayhew, who retired in December 2012 after more than a decade as the diabetes educator and more than 30 years at the hospital. “Judy was a great role model for me,” James says.

“I was very fortunate to be able to work with her for almost six weeks before her retirement.” James, a native of Granite City, earned her associate’s degree in nursing at Belleville Area College. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University. She is pursuing her master’s degree in nursing education at McKendree University.

James will work closely with a patient’s primary care physician to help manage their health, and reduce the risk for complications.

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

JULY 2013

15

ADVERTORIAL

Functional Medicine;; Your Anti-Aging Solution!

by Dr. Tomasita A. Lahue, D.C.

What is functional medicine? Functional medicine is a health care model integrating nutrition, nutraceutical intervention, homeopathy, diet, herbal medicine, “physicalâ€? medicine (chiropractic, acupuncture, and rehabilitation), and lifestyle PRGLĂ€FDWLRQ 3KDUPDFHXWLFDO WKHUDS\ LV DOVR integrated when a practitioner has determined a UHIHUUDO LV QHFHVVDU\ Functional medicine practitioners use objective testing such as blood, urine, saliva, hair, and stool analysis to determine patterns revealing the root cause RI WKH GLVHDVH %LR HQHUgetic systems such as the BioMeridian also provide invaluable information on the entire spectrum RI KHDOWK :H ORRN IRU WKH RSWLPDO IXQFWLRQDO OHYHOV DV D ZKROH :H GHWHUPLQH LI DOO SK\VLFDO V\VWHPV immune system, nervous system, digestive system, HQGRFULQH V\VWHP HWF DUH IXQFWLRQLQJ DV WKH\ were designed and are in sync, system to system to DVVLVW WKH SDWLHQW LQ JHWWLQJ FORVHU WR UHDO KHDOWK $V the individual’s dysfunction is appropriately addressed symptoms start to recede, pain fades away, pounds come off, and the energy level is revitalL]HGÂŤWKH XOWLPDWH DQWL DJLQJ DSSURDFK

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Pharmaceutical intervention is sometimes necessary, and we will refer you to the appropriate PHGLFDO GRFWRU ZKHQ QHHGHG $V D &KLURSUDFWLF 3K\VLFLDQ DQG DFXSXQFWXULVW practicing functional medicine, it is sometimes FRPSOLFDWHG WR GHVFULEH ZKDW , UHDOO\ GR )RU WKLV UHDVRQ , KDYH SURYLGHG WKH DERYH GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWLRQV so you can begin to get a glimpse of the healing potential when the body, the person and the mind LV ORRNHG DW KROLVWLFDOO\ $V KXPDQ EHLQJV ZH DUH D integration of circuits, signals, peptides, metabolites and pure energy that is a miraculous healing, UHSDLULQJ UHJHQHUDWLQJ FRQJORPHUDWH , ORYH WR VHH the changes of the pained, fatigued, chronicallyill patient, as he/she is transformed to a â&#x20AC;&#x153;feeling better, more energetic, hopeful being!â&#x20AC;? ,I \RX DUH UHDG\ WR VWDUW feeling better, more vital and perhaps even younger, now is the time to come in for a consultation and get ready for a brand QHZ \RX <RX GHVHUYH LW :H DUH OLYLQJ ORQJHU OHW¡V PDNH WKDW ORQJHU OLIH ULFK ZLWK H[SHULHQFH MR\ DQG IHHOLQJ JUHDW &DOO QRZ DW DQG PDNH your appointment today!

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Dr. Tomasita A. Lahue is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Health Director of Holistic Health & Wellness, a licensed NRCT facility, located at 4965 Stone Falls Center, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fallon, IL 62269.

She can be reached at www.MyHolistic-Health.com, MyHolisticHealthNow@gmail.com, or 618-624-9384.

SEMO NEWS+NOTES

MID AMERICA

Community runs together for cancer research K ANSAS CIT Y ~ Heartland Women’s Healthcare recently hosted the first Hope for Dr. Walters 5K, at New Life Harvest Church in Mt. Vernon, Ill. Dr. David Walters was diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer in late 2012, which forced him to take an early retirement from working at Heartland Women’s Healthcare. He practiced for more than 17 years, and delivered many of the babies in Mt. Vernon and the surrounding communities. More than 400 people ran in the event, to raise money to name the C-Section Suite at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in honor of Walters, who also was at the race to cheer people on. Officials raised more than $12,000. The hospital has given Heartland Women’s Healthcare several years to raise the $25,000 goal. “We were overjoyed by the outpouring of love and support that was shown,” says marketing director Ashton Stephens. “Heartland Women’s Healthcare is proud to be a part of a community that is more like a family. We are looking forward to the second annual Hope for Dr. Walters 5K.”

Cancer expert earns certification

Chief surgeon adds president to his resume

Saint Francis Medical Center’s Dr. Scott A. Anderson recently became certified by MD Anderson Cancer Network. Anderson, a medical oncologist and hematologist, is part of the team of cancer experts at Cape Medical Oncology. MD Anderson Cancer Network is a program of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Experts at the Houston center have developed diseasespecific guidelines for cancer treatment, cancer prevention, early detection and follow-up care.

The affiliation raises the standard of cancer care in the local community. “It is always good news for area patients when another Saint Francis physician pursues and receives this prestigious certification, since it proves our commitment to conquering cancer,” says Steven C. Bjelich, Saint Francis president.

Dr. Timothy Eberlein, chairman of the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, has been elected president of Southern Surgical Association. The association is dedicated to furthering the study and practice of surgery, especially in the southern states. “The association is honored and fortunate to have such an accomplished leader as Dr. Eberlein as its president this year,” says Dr. James A. O’Neill Jr., council chairman of Southern Surgical Association. “We look forward to working with him for an additional five years when he joins the council at the end of his presidency.” Eberlein also works as surgeon-in-chief at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and director of the Siteman Cancer Center.

CAPE GIR ARDEAU ~

SUPPLIED PHOTOS

Weight-loss program helps people lose 6,000 total pounds CAPE GIR ARDEAU ~ The Healthy Weigh, Saint Francis Medical Center’s medical weight-loss program, was recently awarded the 2012 Health Management Resources Gold Standard Certificate of Achievement. HMR Gold Standard Certificates are awarded in categories such as greatest weight-loss rates, outstanding group attendance, and best weight maintenance data. In more than a year, program participants have lost more than 6,000 collective pounds. The Healthy Weigh offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss that includes intensive lifestyle education and medical supervision for weight-related medical conditions. Free orientation sessions are offered each week. Call (573) 331-5686 to learn more.

ST. LOUIS ~

Medical center breaks ground with gallbladder removal

Gala raises almost $2 million for cancer research

A surgical team at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center recently performed its first da Vinci Single-Site cholecystectomy, using Single-Site instruments on a da Vinci Surgical System. PBRMC is one of four hospitals in Missouri to have performed this procedure. The patient’s gallbladder was removed through a 1-inch incision in the belly button, making the procedure virtually scarless. Da Vinci is a robotic surgical system widely used in complex minimally invasive surgery. “Neither robotic surgery nor singleincision surgery is new, but combining the two to remove the gallbladder requires additional training and special equipment,” says Charles Stewart, CEO of PBRMC. “To be one of the first hospitals to offer this technically advanced surgery demonstrates Poplar Bluff Regional’s commitment to providing patients with the most up-to-date minimally invasive surgical options.”

ST. LOUIS ~ The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s annual Illumination Gala recently raised $1.8 million for cancer research at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center. The Illumination Gala supports The Foundation’s Cancer Frontier Fund, and included the musical entertainment of Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers. Gala cochairs Ron Kruszewski and Craig Schnuck led community support for the gala this year. Businesses ACW Alliance and Stifel were presenting sponsors. “As research support from the federal government is reduced, community support is more important than ever,” says Dr. Timothy Eberlein, Siteman director.

POPLAR BLUFF ~

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

JULY 2013

17

Q+A

MID AMERICA

Medications donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always get rid of all our aches and pains. So many sometimes turn to alternative treatments for relief. Reflexology is one complementary therapy that research shows may lower depression and alleviate stress.

Paula S. Stone is founder of The Stone Institute, which offers a reflexology curriculum for professional training and continuing education. Stone teaches reflexology throughout the St. Louis and Metro East area.

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Lisa R Regula

Understanding reflexology therapy What is reflexology therapy?

Financial Advisor Lakeland Square 4539 North Illinois Street Swansea, IL 62226 618-233-2714

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

Reflexology therapy is a system of specialized pressure techniques that applies to the reflexes. We use it to relax the body, and help the body normalize and balance. Reflexologists think â&#x20AC;&#x153;reflexâ&#x20AC;? areas on the body correspond to specific organs, glands, and other body parts.

What is a reflex?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to pay attention when your vision is žE[IH

A reflex is specialized tissue that, when pressed with the fingers, thumbs or even a simple tool, produces a change in the corresponding part of the body itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s associated with. For example, the right lung reflex is located on the ball of the right foot.

What role do the hands and feet play?

Both hands or feet together represent the entire body. Just applying pressure on the right hand or foot mirrors the right side of the body, while only applying it on the left hand or foot mirrors the left side of the body.

What are the benefits?

Vision is more than clarity. It is a complex combination of PIEVRIH WOMPPW MRGPYHMRK XVEGOMRK ½\EXMSR JSGYW GLERKI FMRSGYPEV JYWMSR and visualization. When all of these are well developed, children and adults can sustain attention, read and write without careless errors, give meaning to what they hear and see, and rely less on movement to stay alert. VISION THERAPY improves many skills that allow a person to pay attention. Anyone diagnosed with AD(H)D should have a complete evaluation by a behavioral optometrist.

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18

JULY 2013

C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H

Clinical data confirm the health benefits of reflexology. But these benefits vary according to a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state of health. People recovering from surgery, cancer treatments, and everyday stress can all benefit. They may experience pain reduction, improved sleep and digestion, improved functionality, and a better sense of overall well-being.

Who can have reflexology therapy?

People of any age or genderâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for practically any condition or state of health. In the case of hospice, it brings comfort to people who are dying.

Where can people find a reflexologist?

Find professionally trained and credentialed reflexolo gists in the Midwest through the Reflexology Association of Missouri and the Reflexology Association of Illinois. Visit ReflexologyAssociationOfMissouri.org and ReflexIllinois.org.

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The Sacroiliac (SI) Joint is the source of pain for up to 22% of patients with low back pain

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618-242-3778

www.twitter.com/weямБxbones

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WELL SAID DANETTE M. WATT

Shut down, and reconnect in person One morning I was at my favorite coffee shop, enjoying my mocha and doing what I often do—eavesdropping on the conversations around me.

But that morning, the cafe was rather quiet. At the table next to me, two businessmen sat hunched over their laptops, tapping away at the keyboards. Nearby, several young adults sipped their drinks and texted on their cell phones. They were probably texting each other.

Later, I saw a mother cruising the grocery store aisles, gossiping on her cell phone while her toddler sat in the grocery cart, chattering to himself.

It’s time to close your laptops, stop constantly texting, and hang up your cell phones. Instead of being consumed and distracted by computers, cell phones and even televisions, we need to get back to paying attention to people when they’re in front of us.

And maybe I’m old-fashioned, but it annoys me to see so many people engrossed in their electronic devices, especially when they are with young children. Or maybe it’s because, as a teacher, I see first-

hand the poor communication skills that seem to be the result of this fascination with our gadgets.

Children learn so much from interacting with others. A frown tells them their behavior isn’t appropriate. A smile gains them a friend.

I talked to my sons from the time they were infants, probably more than they wanted.

As their mom, I was their first teacher, and I wanted to instill in them the lessons I thought were important. Not only did this mean comparing fruit in the grocery store, but also how to show compassion for those less fortunate than us.

My husband and I always stressed to our boys the importance of having strong writing and speaking skills. They didn’t believe us until they got out of school and discovered bosses and professors appreciated their abilities.

Kids can’t learn every lesson from watching a TV screen, and they especially lose out on learning if their parents don’t pay attention to them.

I’m all for the convenience of cell phones. But there comes a time when we need to sign off and reconnect with the friend sitting across the table, instead of a person hundreds of electronic miles away.

We need to get back to paying attention to people when they’re in front of us.

C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H

JULY 2013

21

MONITOR

WOMEN

CORD BLOOD AWARENESS MONTH

Bank on It? Find out if you should save or donate your baby’s cord blood after birth

BY ERIN GOLDEN

Any mom or mom-to-be can tell you there’s a long list of questions to think about when you’re preparing to have a baby.

Now, add another one to the list: Should you donate, preserve or toss the blood from your placenta and umbilical cord?

The concept of using the blood for medical purposes has been around for decades.

Cord blood can be repurposed to treat certain types of cancers, and assist in bone marrow transplants, among other uses. But the idea has garnered more attention recently—and stirred up some controversy—as for-profit cord blood banks have turned it into a business.

HOW DONATION WORKS ³ After delivery, the doctor clamps the umbilical cord and collects blood from the cord and the placenta in a sterile bag. It’s usually somewhere between one-third to one-half cup of blood. ³ The bank tests the blood to make sure it hasn’t been contaminated, and that it has enough cells to be useful in a transplant. ³ The blood is then typed and put on a list for patients who need a match. ³ The blood is frozen in a liquid nitrogen freezer until it is needed.

SOURCE: NATIONAL BONE MARROW DONOR PROGRAM

22

JULY 2013

C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H

WHAT REALLY HAPPENS Collecting the blood requires legwork. Hospitals use special kits and storage processes regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Some hospitals don’t offer the service at all.

If you have the option to save the blood at your delivery hospital, you have to decide whether to donate it or preserve it for your own use.

“If you donate it, it’s probably going to be used almost immediately for some kind of research purposes,” Mendelsohn says.

“There’s a whole network of places that are doing stem cell research.”

Some families keep the blood in case their child needs it down the road. Mendelsohn warns against that approach, because the costs of banking blood with a private business can add up quickly.

And like any company, Mendelsohn says, there’s the risk that the business will fail, and the patients will be out thousands of dollars—not to mention the cord blood they’ve so carefully preserved.

Mendelsohn thinks blood banking makes the most sense for families who already know for certain that they’ll need it immediately. For example, if a family member needs a bone marrow transplant, the baby can be tested before the mother gives birth to see if there’s a good match.

“Doctors don’t really recommend that you just save it for a rainy day,” she says. “There should be some real, immediate use for it.”

FAST FACT

NOT SO SIMPLE Dr. Janis Mendelsohn is a pediatrician at the University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital, and medical editor for Community Health. She says cord blood can be a lifesaving tool for both young and older patients. But saving it is not necessary, and not a good idea, for every family.

“It sounds really good, but there are all sorts of hidden messages that you’re not going to find on Google that you really need to consider,” Mendelsohn says.

“It sounds easy enough. It’s right there, and you can collect it. But it’s a very difficult process—the preparation, the storage, the decision to donate, or to buy into a bank.”

Because cord blood comes from stem cells, it can treat a variety of genetic conditions and other diseases. Unlike cells in other parts of the body, stem cells can develop in a variety of ways. They’re the body’s raw materials—“cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

The cost of gathering the blood and freezing for 20 years can range from $2,000 to about $8,000.

SOURCE: AMERICORD REGISTRY

Southeast Missouriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest and Only Independent Gastroenterology Group Practice

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A healing ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new day at Saint Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HOPE. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HERE. Kevin T. Palka, M.D. Medical Oncologist

At Saint Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the depth of our Cancer Care Teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience that instills conďŹ dence and great hope in our patients. An Oncology Team whose depth of experience is unparalleled in the region. Investments in the most advanced technology available this side of the river. And a collaborative approach where the entire team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Medical and Radiation Oncologists, specialists, nurses and your Patient Navigator â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are with you every step of the way.

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Q&A

CARDIOLOGY EXPERTS DISCUSS THE ADVANCED HEART CARE AVAILABLE LOCALLY AT POPLAR BLUFF REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER’S ACCREDITED CHEST PAIN CENTER.

Taking good care of you—especially your heart—is first and foremost at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

As an Accredited Chest Pain Center, PBRMC offers the latest in cardiology services, technologies and expertise right here at home.

Q. Why is it important to have a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit?

Dr. Bhatt: Our CVICU provides care for patients with critical congenital and acquired heart ailments. The nurses who staff the unit are expert practitioners and have been trained in meeting the specific needs of our cardiac patients.

Q. What is the impact of PBRMC being an Accredited Chest Pain Center?

Dr. Mirza: It’s more than a distinction. It means that our cardiology team can perform the latest procedures, is trained in the newest technologies, and can meet the highest quality and performance levels available in heart care. That is a remarkable advantage to every patient.

Q. How does living near an Accredited Chest Pain Center benefit patients?

Dr. Reddy: To earn this distinction, a hospital has to meet the highest quality and performance levels available in heart care. Poplar Bluff Regional is one of them. We give patients access to a cardiology team that can perform the latest procedures and is trained in the newest technologies.

Q. What are some of the advantages of the cardiac catheterization program at PBRMC? Dr. Zeb: We offer the latest equipment, including special catheters with ultrasound, to diagnose and treat various heart and vascular conditions. And our laboratory is on 24/7 standby to immediately treat patients suffering heart attacks. Those are just two of the reasons we are one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest laboratories.

Q. Why does PBRMC have one of the best survival rates in the state for heart bypass?

Dr. Ziomek: We have an exceptionally skilled team of surgeons and CVICU-trained nurses. Our experience and training is a large part of the reason we consistently beat national standards for fast treatment with life-saving balloon angioplasty and coronary intervention.

Care for our future.

Schedule an appointment with one of our cardiologists today. Call 855-444-PBRMC.

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MEN

The New Night Out Ditch the bar and drop your cards. Instead, grab your buds and do something good for yourself BY KEVIN CARLSON Summer brings a few timehonored traditions that need no updates—fireworks, camping trips, family vacations and baseball games. And warm nights also encourage packs of men to gravitate to poker games and neighborhood bars. They’re looking for a respite from their work and family responsibilities, and to just enjoy a guys night out.

Men are creatures of habit, so your time with your buddies probably needs a healthy shake-up. If you’re tired of the same old stationary activities that do nothing but build up your beer gut, try some new ideas to keep your health in check and get your summer swag back.

REBUILD THE MENU Guys like to gather around the grill.

Instead of ’cueing up the same old beef burgers for the boys, trade it in for salmon,

AN IMAGE OUTING Spas and salons are catering to a growing male clientele, a demographic that has learned to appreciate what paraffin hand dips and glycolic peel facials can do for their looks, and their little black book.

American Male Salons feature flat-screen TVs and complimentary beverages. The Boardroom Salon boasts a billiards table and a “1920s country-club environment.” If there isn’t one near you, there probably will be soon.

As for shopping, there’s nothing wrong with spending some of your hardearned cash on those cool blue oxfords you’ve been eyeing. An occasional indulgence presents a nice diversion, and chances are you need new shoes, anyway.

DO GOOD IN YOUR ’HOOD Guys give each other flak. It’s all but ingrained in our DNA. But what about giving back? Organize and umpire a neighborhood baseball game, walk dogs at a local shelter, build a house with Habitat for Humanity. Put those man skills to a better use than beer pong.

28

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C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H

chicken sausage or turkey burgers. Serve grilled asparagus, bell peppers, corn or eggplant on the side.

“You can’t go wrong with seafood of any type: shrimp, lobster, fish, even chargrilled oysters,” says Molly Kimball, a New Orleans-based registered dietitian.

“They’re all super low in calories, nearly 100% lean protein, and very low in saturated fat. Using a variety of herbs, spices and low-sugar marinades can also keep things interesting.”

And you don’t need to cut out the clinking bottles. Remember: It’s all about moderation. Think lighter and leaner.

“Extra-light beers have 55 to 64 calories per 12 ounces,” Kimball says.

“The alcohol content is also lower, and the water content is higher. It’s better hydration through the night, compared to those drinking hard liquor or wine.”

CHANGE WHAT’S ON TAP No man wants to turn down a night at the bar, sharing old stories over a cold beer. It feels good, and it’s fun.

But it’s fattening. So swap sitting on a stool for more upright activities.

Get a group golf tournament going.

Head up to the local softball field. Or find a basketball and hoop, and pair off into teams. All these options give you a great workout and cost next to nothing.

“Men who participate in hiking, biking, running, basketball and racket sports significantly reduce their likelihood of problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” says Mark Myers, fitness service manager at Spectrum Athletic Club in El Segundo, Calif.

“Additional positive side effects are improved self-esteem, better confidence and decreased stress.”

Myers also suggests getting your friends together to work out. Sure, everyone likes their quiet time at a fitness club, but it can become a great place to socialize and meet new people. “Trade in your bar stool for a barbell,” he says.

Trade in your bar stool for a barbell.

FITNESS MANAGER MARK MYERS

FAMILY

MONITOR

In the Deep End Don’t let sports overwhelm your kids—physically or mentally

BY CLARE WALTERS

Their energy? Boundless. Their potential? Unlimited.

When you talk about kids and sports, it’s common for any parent to encourage their children to strive for improvement, and do the best they can.

But even parents who’ve got a child with solid stamina and healthy motivation need a reminder to step back every now and then. Many pediatricians warn against overuse and overtraining your kids. To put it plain and simple: There can be too much of a good thing.

BRAIN AND BODY BREAKS Dr. Joel Brenner is chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Yes, kids have tons of energy to burn, he says, but that doesn’t mean you have to work them to the bone in a particular sport.

He says kids should have at least one day off from their sport or activity each week, to physically and mentally recover.

They also should have at least two months off during the year. And even then, don’t

force them to jump right in. Let them increase their level of exercise slowly.

“Make sure you’re not going from running zero miles a week to 30 miles a week,” he says. “We want to make sure to prevent overuse injuries and psychological problems.”

PUT OUT THE FLAMES Sports-related injuries are expected with kids, and you can’t prevent them all. But to get a leg up on the bruises and cuts, parents need to know how to prevent a burnout. Brenner says it’s not easy to spot one—you just have to pay closer attention.

“Both kids and adults have a tough time realizing they’re burned out, and articulating that,” Brenner says. “A lot of kids have pressure from parents and coaches, so it’s hard for them.”

Parents should follow the child’s lead, and look out for his or her best interest.

“Check in with the athlete, and make sure they’re still having fun and that they want to do this activity,” he says.

Overuse injuries such as jumper’s knee,

GUIDELINES FOR HEALTHY EXERCISE LEVELS FOR KIDS Take 1 or 2 days off each week to allow for physical and psychological recovery.

Do not increase aspects of your workout by more than 10% each week.

Take 1 to 2 months away from the activity each year.

Learn good sportsmanship and skill acquisition.

Little Leaguer’s elbow, and shoulder and shin splints are usually treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation. If these injuries are not treated, they may keep a mini-athlete out of the game for a significant time.

“When a child has pain that’s not getting better or worse, you have to think about these injuries,” Brenner says.

“They’re not difficult to diagnose, as long as they’re on your radar screen.”

BACK TO BASICS Sometimes parents forget that sports are supposed to be fun for kids. Many activities today focus more on training a child for long-term goals, such as earning college scholarships and spots on professional team rosters, Brenner says.

He wants to see the focus shift back to being about the kids—not about what could happen down the road.

And given the limited number of scholarships for athletes and even fewer professional positions, Brenner says sports should be accessible to all children—no matter their age, race, affluence, location or skill level.

“We’re not just training elite athletes,” he says. “The key with any sport is that they’re having fun, enjoying it and learning lifelong activity skills.”

Be alert for a possible burnout.

SOURCE: COUNCIL ON SPORTS MEDICINE AND FITNESS

C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H

JULY 2013

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MONITOR

SENIORS

Good for the Soles

When choosing sandals, think practical and comfortable to avoid falling and foot issues

BY VANESSA RENDERMAN

With summer in swing, everyone has shed their socks, and swapped boots for sandals. But a bad pair of shoes can sideline you for the season, and no one wants to be stuck inside. If you want to enjoy everything that the warm weather brings, you have to start at the bottom and work your way up.

DON’T GO FOR SHOW Podiatrist Dr. Nicole Freels, of Lexington Podiatry in Kentucky, says ankle injuries are common summertime complaints, especially among older people.

“We see a lot of rolled ankles in the summer,” she says.

“Seniors are getting out and about, and enjoying the nice weather—often on uneven terrain, like at beaches and parks.

“One small misstep into a divot in the grass or a cracked sidewalk can throw them off balance, especially if they’re in an unsupportive shoe.”

To avoid falling, Freels says to find a firm, solid shoe with a cushioned inner sole.

“Extra depth and stability are key,” she says. “There should be as much surface area as possible touching the ground. For women, that means avoid the stilettos and skinny posts, and look for a wedge instead.”

You don’t have to sacrifice style for support. Freels says you can wear stylish and comfortable flip-flops, flat sandals and wedges—as long as they properly support your feet.

“Go for a flip-flop or wedge that has arch support, and cups the heel a bit,” she says. “Try to stay under 2 inches for the wedges, and remember: The higher the heel, the more solid the shoe needs to be around the foot and ankle.”

FEET FIRST! Sometimes seniors feel that they can’t wear sandals, and it’s just not true, says Dr. Maryann Hartzell, a podiatrist at Advanced Podiatry Associates in Allentown, Pa. It all depends on the person’s ability to balance. Choose something with more stability.

“If their gait is impaired, I usually recommend a sandal with a back strap,” Hartzell says.

Diabetics who have neuropathy symptoms or lack of sensation in their feet should not wear sandals or flip-flops. Because their feet are already at risk, wearing these shoes may expose them to injuries and infections. This disappoints people looking for a lightweight summer option, but you can still get your foot in the cooler door.

“If sandals aren’t an option due to lack of sensation, pick a sneaker with mesh sides instead,” Hartzell says.

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Most people forget their feet when applying sunscreen, and seniors might have trouble bending enough to properly cover their tootsies.

“I like to use the spray, because I can get a thin, even layer, and get in between the toes, as well,” says podiatrist Dr. Nicole Freels. “It’s a cinch to reapply, and they now sell small purse and pocket-sized spray bottles.”

Be sure to let the lotion dry before putting on shoes and walking around. “That’s an easy way to slip and fall,” Freels says.

MERRELL brands have a big selection of firm, solid sandals that provide stability.

WORLD NOMAD SANDALS for men $85 Merrell.com

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? Flip-flops and sandals have been around since about 1,500 B.C. 30

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MONITOR

PETS

Dog’s Day Out What every owner needs to know about enjoying a play park BY CLARE WALTERS

QUICK TIP

Even when you’d rather sit on the couch, your dog loves to move and play. If you’re looking for a surefire way to exhaust your rambunctious dog, a trip to your local park might do the trick.

Mychelle Blake is CEO of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, in Greenville, S.C. She says just 20 minutes at a dog park makes even the most exuberant canine ready for a catnap.

First you have to find the right park, one where you feel comfortable, which may require some trial and error, she says. Then you need to learn and demonstrate proper dog park etiquette, to keep the environment safe and fun for everyone.

“Most trainers aren’t huge fans of dog parks,” Blake says. “Not because it’s a bad idea, but because most dogs are kind of crazy. If it’s a well-run dog park, it’s a great thing.”

Good dog parks tend to be smaller places where owners are attentive to their pets, she says. Before you settle on a regular spot, test it out. Bring your dog, and plan to spend a few hours. See how you and your pooch interact with other dogs and owners.

A good visit can help owners reinforce training, and it lets dogs run around and play with their own kind. Owners can also get in on the action.

“It’s socialization for the owner, too,” Blake says. “You tend to see the same people.

I see it as a healthy outlet for people. It gets you outside. It gets you fresh air.”

Dog parks get a bad rap if they’re consistently overcrowded, or owners don’t follow the rules. This can lead to a dangerous situation where dogs feel closed in, and attack other dogs or owners. To avoid issues, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers says to head back home if there are more than two dogs for every 20 yards of space.

If your dog and another dog engage in a fight, Blake says to use your judgment, and address the issue only if you feel comfortable.

“If you don’t feel like you can talk to the person, take your dog and go,” she says.

Don’t let a negative experience dissuade you from finding a new park—especially if your dog enjoys it. “Try another place,” she says. “At a good park, everyone’s very attentive and very friendly.”

Feeling overcrowded at the dog park? The Association of Pet Dog Trainers says to avoid a park if there are more than 2 dogs for every 20 yards of space. They need room to run around, and you need your breathing room, too.

9 TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP

1 Clean up after your dog 2 Supervise your dog 3 Interrupt rough play 4 Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations

5

Be cautious about taking advice from other pet owners who are not dog professionals

6 Don’t bring a puppy younger than 4 months

7 Never let dogs form loose packs 8 Don’t worry if your dog doesn’t play with others

9

Don’t bring intact males or females in heat SOURCE: ASSOCIATION OF PET DOG TRAINERS

YOUR POOCH’S PERSONALITY Analyzing your dog’s interactions?

Mychelle Blake, of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, suggests the Dog Park Assistant app, created by dog behavior expert Sue Sternberg.

The app is available for 99 cents on iTunes, and helps users understand dog play and dog-to-dog relations.

At a good park, everyone’s very attentive and very friendly.

MYCHELLE BLAKE ASSOCIATION OF PET DOG TRAINERS

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EATS

Sip on This

MONITOR

Filter through these systems to figure out how to get the cleanest water BY TREMENE TRIPLETT

We and water have come a long way. We’ve gone from streams to home wells to fluoridated taps to landfills heaped with plastic bottles. Now, we’ve streamlined the process to conveniently bring us clean water that creates a smaller carbon footprint.

With so many options, it’s tough to sort out how you want to get your water, and how clean it really needs to be—not to mention how much it costs.

To get started, test your tap water. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring a state-certified lab to provide insights about specific contaminants affecting the water running in your home. Armed with this information, you can find a filter with less hassle, and look forward to a cold, clean, refreshing glass of water.

SHOWER FAUCET FILTER This filter removes chlorine, lead, rust and other contaminants. Water pressure plays a big part in what filter you choose, according to WaterFilterComparions.com. When combined with the showerhead, some filters discharge more water than others. The Culligan shower filter has been tested to remove 97% of chlorine.

FAUCET FILTER You can install a faucet-mounted filter yourself. They remove bad tastes and odors, and some products remove lead, and microorganism, viral and bacterial cysts, according to research from home improvement store Lowe’s.

Faucet filters are less expensive than under-sink filters.

Brita filters dominate the faucet category.

How it works: Similar to a sink filter—water goes through a filtration system to remove sediment.

Expect to pay: $25 to $85 for the device, $20 to $60 for replacement filters Maintenance: Many shower filters can last up to 1 year

How it works: When a switch is flipped, tap water goes through a charcoal filtration system. The user can switch back to regular tap for cleaning or other uses.

Expect to pay: $20 to $60 for the device, $15 for filter replacements Maintenance: Most filters need to be replaced after 100 gallons of water, and a built-in indicator lets you know

How it works: Attaches to your home’s main water line to remove sediment and rust particles.

Expect to pay: $150 to $1,200 for the system, $150 to $160 for the carbon replacement Maintenance: Filter changed every 6 to 9 months, carbon media tank changed every 5 years

How it works: Water filters from the top down, leaving extracted particles in the top part, and the processed water below.

Expect to pay: $20 to $60 for the pitcher, $6 to $10 for replacement filters Maintenance: Easily washable, built-in indicator for filter replacement

REFRIGERATOR WITH BUILT-IN FILTER Most French door refrigerators come with a built-in water and ice maker filter. For other refrigerators, search in the ceiling compartment or front grille if you want to install a filter.

How it works: Home refrigerators contain the same filters used in drinking fountains, commercial ice machines and coffee makers, and filter for chemicals and chorine residue, according to Aquasana.com.

Expect to pay: $700 to $3,000 for the fridge, $30 to $45 for replacement filters Maintenance: Replace the filter every 6 months

FAST FACT

WHOLE-HOUSE SYSTEM Whole-house filters can be installed inside or outside, but they must be protected from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations, according to WaterFilterComparisons.com.

Drainage, electricity, water consumption and plumbing may make the decision for you. The Pelican PC-600 system is eco-friendly through up-flow technology, which requires no chemical compounds, back washing or electricity.

PITCHER Water filter pitchers remove bad tastes and odors from drinking water.

Filtering can take up to one hour. Replacement filters can be expensive on a cost-per-gallon basis, according to WaterFilterComparisons.com. Brita brand water filters “dominate the pitcher category,” according to Consumer Reports.

“My favorite feature of the product is that it allows me to reduce plastic water bottle waste, because I always fill a reusable water bottle with Brita filtered water,” says David Kargas, spokesman for the Clorox Company in San Francisco. Brita filters are No. 5 plastic, and totally recyclable, he says.

Bottled water sales skyrocketed 700% between 1997 and 2005.

SOURCE: GREENAMERICA.ORG

167

Average number of plastic water bottles consumed per person annually SOURCE: INTERNATIONAL BOTTLED WATER ASSOCIATION

C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H

JULY 2013

33

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Arthritis Can Strike at Any Age by: Dr. Fred Ginsberg, M.D.

Do your knees, hips and other joints snap, crackle and pop when you move?

Whether you’re a senior, approaching middle age or a young athlete in your prime, you may have arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease.

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Once considered an age-related condition, it’s now known that arthritis can afflict anyone at any age. The condition can range from slight joint stiffness in the morning to a chronic, debilitating pain that can limit your mobility and reduce your quality of life.

or have had prior joint injuries, and those who put continuous, repetitive stress on their joints (i.e., a job that requires excessive lifting, bending or repetitive tasks, or high impact activities, such as running and aerobics).

More than 40 million Americans suffer from arthritis, and more than half of arthritis cases are osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that affects cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends of the bones in a joint. The joints most often affected by osteoarthritis are those used for bending and swiveling movements: the knees, hips, shoulders and fingers. Healthy cartilage provides padding between bones that acts as a shock absorber for high-impact activities, and helps bones to glide smoothly together at the joints for bending and rotating motions.

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In joints affected by osteoarthritis, the smooth, elastic cartilage that covers the ends of bones breaks down and wears away, leaving a rough surface where bones can rub together. Eventually, the joint can become misshapen; bits of bone and cartilage may break off and float in the joint space; or spiky growths called bone spurs can develop on the surface of the exposed bone – which can cause joint pain and decreased mobility.

Osteoarthritis Risk and Symptoms Osteoarthritis can develop over time as age-related wear and tear, or as a result of a joint injury. Those at risk of developing osteoarthritis include females, those who have a family history of osteoarthritis, those who are overweight

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

or examinations of fluid drawn from the joint.

Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, medications, physical therapy or surgery. Your doctor may recommend switching from high-impact to low-impact sports activities. Topical or oral pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroid injections, administered by your doctor, can help control pain and swelling.

Other non-surgical remedies may include weight loss. The AF estimates that every pound of excess weight lost reduces 4 pounds of pressure on the knees

According to the Arthritis Foundation, symptoms of osteoarthritis begin to set in 10 years after a specific cause such as an injury or obesity, so early treatment is important.

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, early diagnosis and treatment may help slow the development and progression of the disease, further avoiding joint damage; help relieve pain and stiffness; and preserve maximum range of motion. According to the Arthritis Foundation (AF), symptoms of osteoarthritis begin to set in 10 years after a specific cause such as an injury or obesity, so early treatment is important.

Diagnosis and Treatment Osteoarthritis is diagnosed through a combination of tests including a medical history, physical exam, x-rays or MRIs, and possibly, blood tests

and 6 pounds of pressure on the hips.

Additionally, physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles that surround and support the affected joint, and ice or heat may also help reduce swelling and pain. Regular exercise is also important, to help the affected joint stay lubricated and strong.

If other treatment methods are not effective, surgery can also help relieve pain and restore mobility. Surgical interventions range from minimally invasive arthroscopy – which removes bone spurs or smooths rough bone surfaces – to total joint replacement, in which parts of the bones are removed and an artificial joint is implanted.

UP! GET Just getting off the couch improves your health from head to toe.

So get off your tush and get going!

BY VANESSA RENDERMAN

Sitting is the new smoking.

If you’re like most people, you work a sedentary job, pulled up at a desk for eight hours every day. And you probably never gave it a second thought.

But new research shows sitting at your desk or lounging on the couch for hours on end could be just as bad for your health as smoking a cigarette.

Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Dr. James Levine studies the effects of long periods of inactivity. He has linked regular sitting for hours at a time with high blood pressure, bigger waistlines, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol levels—all of which increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Not to mention all that sitting makes you feel sluggish, sleepy and out of shape.

Dodging the negative health effects of being too sedentary may seem impossible. Commutes, computers, televisions—they’re part of our daily lives, and sometimes hard to avoid. And you’d look pretty silly doing laps around your office.

But now that you’ve opened your windows to let the summer weather in, you don’t have to go far to get moving. Stay active with things you already do—in and around your house, and throughout your neighborhood. All you have to do is get up. Every bit of movement—no matter how small—helps your health and improves your attitude.

MAKE THE SUN WORK FOR YOU Want a boost to get your butt off the couch? Go outside, get some sun,and let your body take care of the rest.

The first step to staying active is to soak up some sunlight, says Brian Pizzini, a personal trainer for Premier Personal Training Studio in West Chester, Pa. “The sun and humidity make your body work harder,” Pizzini says.

“Your skin relies on the air being somewhat dry, so the moisture from our body can easily evaporate.

In humid conditions, the air is saturated with moisture, and that makes it harder for the sweat to evaporate. This keeps your body temperature elevated, and is why it can feel like such a struggle to do even easy workouts in humid conditions.”

Be sure to drink plenty of water, and take a break if you’re getting overheated.

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AROUND TOWN

HOME SWEET HOME

Consider being inefficient when carrying in groceries.

Why make one trip when you could make four or ďŹ ve?

PERSONAL TRAINER BRIAN PIZZINI

UP AND ABOUT Got a half-hour? Gardening for 30 minutes burns about 160 calories.

Or play sand volleyball to burn 280.

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FAMILY FUN

DO IT ANYWHERE, ANY TIME If you’re looking to have a more active day, incorporate these tips from Los Angeles-based personal trainer Ken Alan. Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. The key is to stay active throughout the day. © Do calf stretches while riding an escalator. © Do vertical pushups against a kitchen counter while waiting for food to cook. © Stretch your shins. Drop your toes over the edge a curb while waiting for a crosswalk light to change.

© Every time you sit down in a chair, get back up and then sit back down.

By the end of the day, that move can be the equivalent of dozens of squats. © Pace when talking on the phone.

FIDGET ABOUT IT! You don’t have to be at a gym to get rid of calories. Simple movements, such as toe tapping or twirling a pen, can make a difference. “Believe it or not, fidgeting burns calories,” says Steve Weingarten, a private fitness coach in Louisville, Ky. “Studies have shown that leaner people tend to move more than (overweight) people, and this includes fidgeting while sitting at a desk.”

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LIQUID FIT

UP AND ABOUT If you replace two-and-a-half hours of sitting with standing, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll burn 350 extra calories.

SOURCE: MOVE A LITTLE, LOSE A LOT

LOCAL CONNECTION Godfrey veterinarian offers warning about heat strokes

BY DANETTE M. WATT

When temperatures start to soar, so does the danger of heat stroke. It’s especially dangerous for animals. Veterinarian Dr. Christine Juen, of Daniel-Randall Veterinary Clinic in Godfrey, Ill., says owners should be watchful of the signs of pet heat stroke, and know what to do. And don’t forget about caring for babies and the older folks in your life, too.

Pets

Infants

Seniors

Panting

Hot, red skin

Hot, red skin

Excessive drooling

Rapid pulse

Rapid, trong pulse

“Drunken” gait

Confusion

Throbbing headache

Seizures

Unconsciousness

Dizziness

Collapsing

Dizziness

Nausea

Dark or bright red tongue and gums

Vomiting

Sticky or dry tongue and gums

Rapid, shallow breathing

A temperature of 103 degrees, but no sweating

What to do: Seek veterinary help right away. Wrap your pet in cool, damp towels. Get them in a shaded or air-conditioned space. Use a fan to cool, but don’t point the air directly onto them.

It’s important to cool slowly because a rapid cool down can be dangerous, Juen says. Offer ice cubes to lick, but don’t force them to drink water.

A temperature of 103 degrees, but no sweating What to do: Call 9-1-1. Undress your baby and find some shade, or take him to a cool room. Cool your baby with a wet cloth and fan him. Don’t give him anything to drink, especially if he’s vomiting or unconscious.

What to do: Call 9-1-1. Find a shady area if outside, or go to a cool room indoors. Cool the person rapidly, using cool, not cold water and fan him.

Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops.

SOURCE: CDC.GOV

SOURCE: BABYCENTER.COM

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Front Fron Center

&

Could alternative and complementary medicines be taking the place of conventional treatments?

Discover what works, what doesn’t and whether it’s worth going a different direction. BY JENNA MAKOWSKI

You know you’ve heard of it, but you may not know exactly what happens during the process.

And when you learn that it involves sticking dozens of tiny needles in your body, you raise an eyebrow, but wonder if it will make your migraines go away.

Or maybe you’re suffering from back pain, and instead of surgery, you’re going to pay someone to bend and twist your body, in hopes it will make your agony subside.

If you’ve ever considered something other than mainstream medicine to treat problems and pains, you’re not alone.

Acupuncture and chiropractic are two of the most common—and oldest—forms of alternative medicine. And the growing interest in these and other complementary methods has been catching fire, as more Americans choose holistic approaches over traditional ones.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Americans spend more than $30 billion per year on alternative treatments, ranging from acupuncture to vitamin supplements to herbal remedies.

So, what’s caused the hype about alternative treatments? It may be the person-centered approach that many Western treatments lack.

The National Cancer Institute says Western medicine “treat(s) symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery.” These treatments are scientifically proven, and performed by a doctor—

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there are no ifs, ands or buts about whether they work. A doctor typically informs you about a condition and maps out a route for recovery, focusing on attacking the central issue.

That’s where alternative medicine differs.

According to the NCCAM, complementary and alternative medicine is “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not generally considered part of conventional (Western) medicine.” Evidence shows many alternative treatments focus on the whole person—body, mind and spirit, rather than targeting individual symptoms or diseases.

While alternative treatments are becoming more mainstream, many people still avoid them, sometimes not understanding how they work, or worrying they might not help.

If you’re interested in trying a new treatment—or you’re at your wit’s end after traditional methods have failed—you may find something that works for you. Have an allergy? Take a supplement or an herb. Can’t quit smoking? Why not consider hypnosis? To ease your anxiety, find out what’s been proven, what’s hokum, and what’s still on hold.

ACUPUNCTURE WHAT IT IS A central component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles and blood flow by inserting needles into the skin, according to the NCCAM. WHAT IT HELPS It may sound counterintuitive that a needle in the skin would be used for pain relief, but many sufferers find their symptoms ease with acupuncture.

“When you put needles in an area that’s sore, it doesn’t hurt,” says acupuncture practitioner Kelly Boggs, of Gateway Bodyworks near Philadelphia.

“But your brain interprets it as trauma, and repairs it.”

Treating back, neck and knee pain, more than 3 million Americans are reported to have tried acupuncture, according to the National Health Interview Survey.

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WESTERN MEDICINE EQUIVALENT Acupuncture can be a substitute for aspirin, ibuprofen, antiinflammatories and migraine medications.

THE VERDICT Acupuncture may provide pain relief, though the extent of its effectiveness is not 100% certain. “It can be very difficult to compare acupuncture research results from study to study,” because of the range of different techniques and methods used, according to the NCCAM. Thousands of years of practice in traditional Chinese medicine dictate clearer proof. But Boggs says most people feel some kind of relief.

IF YOU GO FOR IT Find a practitioner certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a standard requirement for licensure in most states. Some insurance companies provide coverage for acupuncture services. Visit NCCAOM.org.

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HERBALISM WHAT IT IS The practice of using plants, roots and herbs as remedies for symptoms or cures for ailments, rather than artificially manufactured drugs. Research shows plants’ healing powers have been the catalyst for many 20th century pharmaceuticals.

WHAT IT HELPS When used correctly, certain herbs and plants may provide relief from a range of ailments. Ginger can relieve nausea, and echinacea can be used for upper respiratory infections, according to the NCCAM. WESTERN MEDICINE EQUIVALENT Antibiotics, antihistamines and anti-nausea medications THE VERDICT Simply adding an herbal supplement to your diet won’t cure you, but it can help level out your body. Herbalists typically consult with clients to address specific ailments, while simultaneously re-balancing their entire body, says herbalist Kathleen Maier, of Sacred Plant Traditions in Charlottesville, Va. “An herbalist today won’t be prescribing or diagnosing,” Maier says. “But they are working in the community to educate people about good diet and good lifestyle practices, and recommending which plants will help with which conditions.”

IF YOU GO FOR IT Herbalists often work with doctors through referrals. The American Herbalist Guild provides a listing of herbalists by state, as well as information about herb schools and training programs. Visit AmericanHerbalistsGuild.com.

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CHIROPR ACTIC WHAT IT IS The practice of spinal manipulation through controlled force to different joints in the spine, according to the NCCAM. WHAT IT HELPS People seek the skills of a chiropractor to address a range of ailments, including back pain, joint pain and migraines.

WESTERN MEDICINE EQUIVALENT Painkillers for chronic back or joint pain, and back surgery to correct problems. Chiropractic is one of the most commonly utilized alternative medicines, according to the National Health Interview Survey. More than 18 million Americans have tried it for relief.

THE VERDICT There’s a reason many Americans use chiropractic therapy—they get results. According to the NCCAM, chiropractic is an effective method of treatment for alleviating lower back pain, migraines and joint conditions. The impact on other conditions such as fibromyalgia and premenstrual syndrome is still under investigation. It does not appear to alleviate conditions such as hypertension, asthma or menstrual pain.

IF YOU GO FOR IT Major insurance companies cover most chiropractic care. Use the state listings on the Council of Chiropractic Education or the American Chiropractic Association websites to find a licensed chiropractor. Visit CCE-usa.org and ACAToday.org.

Many studies show the efficacy of hypnosis with no bad side effects. But physicians still deride it.

HYPNOTIST JOHN TELESKA 44

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SOUND AND MUSIC THER APIES WHAT THEY ARE If you ever have felt down in the dumps, and a favorite song lifted your spirits, you’re already familiar with the basics of sound and music therapies. They’re offered in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and private clinics to treat physical, psychological, cognitive and social impairments, according to the American Music Therapy Association. Therapists use key elements of music—rhythm, melody, lyrics and rhyme.

WHAT THEY HELP Sound and music therapies have been shown to trigger memories, ease symptoms of schizophrenia, manage behavior in people with Alzheimer’s disease, and enhance learning potential for students with developmental disabilities, according to the AMTA. A powerful tool for mood stabilizing, music and sounds can also treat depression, anxiety and stress.

“Music is processed throughout the entire brain,” says neuroscientist Don DuRousseau, of Peak Neurotraining Solutions in Sterling, Va. “It helps form new thoughts and memories, as well as manage old ones.”

WESTERN MEDICINE EQUIVALENTS Anti-depressant and mood stabilizing medications THE VERDICT The AMTA’s Journal of Music Therapy says sound and music therapies can be used to manage dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. And Ann Dinsmore, supervisor of music therapy at Masonic Villages in western Pennsylvania, echoes their sentiment.

“Music helps patients access information and recall what they previously learned,” Dinsmore says. “The right music at the right time in the right way can trigger memories of past people, events and feelings.”

IF YOU GO FOR IT The AMTA provides a comprehensive listing of music therapists at MusicTherapy.org. Physicians, clinics and hospitals may also provide recommendations for sound therapists. As music and sound therapies gain more credibility, some insurance companies are beginning to cover the cost of services.

Music helps form new thoughts and memories, as well as manage old ones.

NEUROSCIENTIST DON DUROUSSEAU

Up in the air?

HYPNOSIS WHAT IT IS An altered state of consciousness that lets a person gain heightened control over their thoughts and behaviors, according to the NCCAM. A hypnotherapist guides the journey through verbal repetition and mental images.

WHAT IT HELPS Used for decades by psychologists, social workers and counselors to treat conditions such as phobias and migraines.

Hypnosis is also gaining recognition because it may help people quit smoking, and treat hot flashes caused by menopause and breast cancer treatment.

“It’s a way of creating a state for a person’s unconscious to do what it knows how to do in solving a problem,” says hypnotist John Teleska, of Unconscious Resources in Pittsford, N.Y. You train the brain to take control in uncontrolled moments, such as during a hot flash or a nicotine craving.

WESTERN MEDICINE EQUIVALENT Painkillers, quit-smoking tools, asthma and anxiety drugs, and psychoactive drugs used to induce sleep and treat insomnia THE VERDICT It may get a bad rap, but according to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, hypnosis has been shown to reduce hot flashes by up to 68% among breast cancer survivors.

“Many studies show the efficacy of hypnosis with no bad side effects. But physicians still deride it,” Teleska says.

Many alternative and complementary treatments are gaining enough credibility to be covered by some insurance policies, but others are still under investigation. Here’s what the NCCAM says about other medicines whose effects haven’t been proven.

AROMATHER APY A study from The Ohio State University found that aromatherapy failed to show any marked improvement on immune systems, wound healing or pain control. The study, however, only tested two scents.

The National Cancer Institute cites aromatherapy as a possible form of stress relief.

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS There’s no definitive answer to whether vitamins and other supplements offer healing properties.

Every person’s body reacts differently to supplements. Consult a doctor, nutritionist or herbalist before using them or adding them to your diet.

HOMEOPATHY This system that uses the body’s own natural healing abilities doesn’t work, according to the NCCAM. Remedies may be so diluted they are essentially ineffective.

MASSAGE THER APY IF YOU GO FOR IT The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists provides a state-by-state listing of practicing hypnotherapists, many who are also licensed psychologists and clinical social workers. Visit NatBoard.com.

Though there aren’t enough studies to prove or disprove whether massage therapy works, one study says it may relieve chronic pain and stress.

That’s probably one experiment worth trying.

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YOGA

The alternative breakdown

WHAT IT IS A combination of stretching, body poses and breathing techniques. Don’t confuse yoga with meditation, though. Yoga focuses more on physicality, while meditation focuses on mentality.

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES ARE GROUPED INTO 3 CATEGORIES: Natural products, mind and body medicine, and manipulative and body-based practices

WHAT IT HELPS Improves flexibility and mobility, and targets lower back pain. It can also improve your mental attitude.

“Yoga teaches us not to be afraid of what we are feeling,” says Alexa Oth, a psychotherapist and yoga teacher in New York City. “Some poses are uncomfortable, but yoga teaches us to be calm in that place of uncertainty, and to know we’ll get through it.”

NATURAL PRODUCTS Botanicals, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements

WESTERN MEDICINE EQUIVALENT Anxiety and depression medications, and pain and anti-inflammatory drugs THE VERDICT The NCCAM says it’s likely an effective treatment for minimizing lower back pain, increasing mobility, and controlling anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia. The verdict is still out for its effect on arthritis and other chronic joint conditions.

IF YOU GO FOR IT Consult a certified instructor through an organization such as the Yoga Alliance to discuss your best options. Medicare and some health insurance companies cover the cost of yoga.

Visit YogaAlliance.org.

17% of American adults have used a non-vitamin/non-mineral natural product, according to the National Health Interview Survey.

MIND AND BODY MEDICINES Meditation, yoga, deep-breathing exercises and acupuncture 2,000 YEARS How long the mind and body medicine concept has been used.

MANIPULATIVE AND BODY-BASED PRACTICES Spinal manipulation and massage therapy LATE 19TH CENTURY When spinal manipulation was incorporated into chiropractic and osteopathic medicine. It’s been used since the time of the ancient Greeks. $30 BILLION The amount Americans spend per year on alternative treatments SOURCE: NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Rehab Team

Front row: (left to right) Darrell Hicks, PTA; Heather Gaines, PTA; Kaitlyn Blechle, OTR; Bethany Stewart, COTA; Jamie Cochrane, DPT Back row: (left to right) Allison Ewald, MSCCC-SLP; Julie Welker, RSM, MACCC-SLP; Kimberly Davidson, PTA

573-335-2086 www.LCCA.com

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MID AMERICA

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO

PICTURE OF GOOD HEALTH

Teddy Treatments DOCTOR, “PATIENT” AND FAMILY Dr. Mark C. Rusten, of Southeast Ear, Nose & Throat, examines 4-year-old Cameron Seay’s cuddly duck, at the recent Teddy Bear Clinic at SoutheastHEALTH’s West Campus.

DOCTOR’S ORDERS The three doctors fixed their patients with pretend shots and splints, and colorful Band-Aids.

But not all the teddy bears were sick. “Some of them just needed a checkup,” Miller says.

IN THE REAL WORLD Miller’s 3-year-old son attends the preschool, and came up with the idea for the clinic. She says she wanted to make a visit for young kids easier. “I want them to learn to not be scared of going to the doctor.”

Do you have a photo you’d like to see in Picture of Good Health? Email dwatt@cmghealth.net.

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PHOTO BY LYLE WHITWORTH

PRETEND PRESCRIPTIONS For the 21 kids at Big Stuff Preschool in Fruitland, Mo., the Teddy Bear Clinic proved to be a big hit. Rusten, along with Southeast Primary Care physicians Dr. Danette Miller and Dr. Jamie Harrison, weighed stuffed animals, took their blood pressure, and treated them for sprains, headaches and broken bones.

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