Community Health Sept. 2013

WITH A

PURPOSE FIND OUT HOW THERAPY ANIMALS HEAL HEARTS—AND EVEN HELP KIDS WALK

Go to our website: cmghealth.net

Story ideas, email: editor@cmghealth.net

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MID AMERICA

Cape Girardeau yoga teacher helps you live a simply happy life

When you need us.

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: 4 * "' )"' ', *

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A Man of Strong

From an early age, James Chadwell was taught the val ethic and compassion for others to overcome any obsta follow-up appointments, his doctor discovered James Chadwell. “They told me that medically, I shouldn’t be he

After immediate bypass surgery, Chadwell experienced down in the cafeteria, would ask me – really ask me – ‘h together,� said Chadwell. “I had never seen the dedicatio physical rehab, James has lost 26 pounds, quit smokin

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The Largest Provider of Healthcare in the Region

Where you need us.

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Perryville Fredericktown

Jackson Cape Girardeau

Ellington Bloomfield

I don’t understand why anyone would want to go to St. Louis or Memphis for their care.

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Sikeston

Van Buren 60

Poplar Bluff

Dexter Bernie

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Doniphan Malden

We have that level of care right here.

Faith Gets a Strong Heart

lue of hard work. The youngest in a family of 16, James has used his work acle, including the Vietnam War and prostate cancer. Then, during one of his s had an irregular heartbeat. “Over 70% of my arteries were blocked,” said ere.”

d an amazing recovery, both physically and spiritually. “Angela, who worked how are you doing?’ She brought me my meals and we would have prayers on, passion, love and respect like I saw at Southeast.” Since his surgery and ng and feels better now at age 65 than he has in decades.

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

1 , SEhealth.org/stories

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mid america

THE

POWER OF PETS38

Pets can be a stress reliever after a long day at the office, or a thunderstorm snuggle buddy. But for people suffering emotional and physical problems, animals act as an outlet for improving their quality of life.

From veterans returning from war, to kids who just want to walk, we’ll tell you how pet therapy is changing lives and mending hearts.

CONTENTS VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 9

D E PA RTMEN T S 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Local Focus 15 News+Notes 21 Q+A 23 Well Said 48 Picture of Good Health

BY KIRSTEN SRINIVASAN

M ON ITO R S 26 WOMEN 30 MEN 31 FAMILY 32 SENIORS 34 PETS 36 EATS

PART OF THE PACK

45 TIME FOR A SELF CHECK-IN

Another school year brings another round of checkups for the kids.

And now it’s your turn. Though we all get queasy about a doctor visit, these routine check-ins keep our health intact. Learn what you need and when, and how it just might save your life. BY PAIGE FUMO FOX

4

SEPTEMBER 2013

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8

A program in Carbondale connects military veterans with service canines, to help them control their anxiety and readjust to civilian life.

BY DANETTE M. WATT

CUTIE PATOOTIE.

A BIRTHING CENTER FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY. When your big day arrives, you can count on the dedicated team at Heartland Family Birthing Center for family-oriented care that’s responsive to your needs and preferences. We’ll make your special moment even more memorable with a quiet private room, experienced OB nurses, comfortable amenities and a congratulatory meal. You’ll even receive a free car seat and gift basket with items for you and your little one. It’s all here, close to home, at Heartland Family Birthing Center – where families are born.

FIND A PHYSICIAN AND TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR AT HEARTLANDREGIONAL .COM

[ A note from the medical editor ] CHAIRMAN

Larry Perrotto MANAGING DIRECTOR

Mark Hornung EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Carole Sharwarko ART DIRECTOR

Bret Figura ASSOCIATE EDITOR

No need to walk on eggshells

Jackson A. Thomas LOCAL EDITOR

Danette M. Watt AD TRAFFIC MANAGER

Joseph Krystofiak MEDICAL EDITOR

Janis Mendelsohn, M.D. SALES DIRECTOR

Liz Latta

What do children know of death and terminal illness? It’s clear that they know more than we give them credit for. Death is around us constantly—expected and unexpected. But we avoid the discussion by tiptoeing around it, using euphemisms such as “passed away” or “in a better place.”

In our culture, the language of death reflects it as taboo. So how can we talk openly to our children about death? The time will come when they lose someone—whether it’s a family member, a favorite pet, or even a friend. They need to better understand it, so they’ll be able to deal with it.

Let’s look carefully at this topic, so we can learn how to answer a child’s questions. And it’s OK if you don’t have all the answers. Remember, children are exposed to death and serious illness all the time, and it’s natural to have questions, worries and misconceptions. You may even have a child whose illness is so serious that death is a possibility. In many instances, the child already knows this.

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.

1550 S. Indiana Ave., 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 880-0370 (312) 880-0371 fax editor@cmghealth.net

COMMON QUESTIONS ³ Why did Grandma die? ³ Where do you go when you die? ³ Will I die soon?

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.

BEST WAYS TO ANSWER A CHILD’S QUESTIONS ³ ³ ³ ³

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Be sensitive to your child’s concerns Be open and talk to your child Be honest Answer simply and understandably

Talking about death is uncomfortable for everyone, and we have hidden the truth with misleading language. Your child wants answers. No parent has all the answers, but you must answer honestly and appropriately.

Don’t try too hard to protect your children. They will know anyway. Share the mourning. It is really OK and just as important for your child as it is for you.

I found an excellent resource online, and suggest you download it. Check out the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center’s Talking to Children about Death. Just do a simple Internet search with those key words. It’s well worth reading.

Dr. Janis Mendelsohn

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.

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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

SEPTEMBER 2013

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

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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.

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MID AMERICA

SOIL: CARBONDALE

Comrades in Arms Service dogs relieve stress and anxiety, giving veterans a way to reconnect with the world BY DANETTE M. WATT Veterans returning home from a war zone face challenges few other military members face. They’ve done and seen extreme things, experiences that haunt them.

“Experiences in war can lead to a wound to the soul that isn’t healed with medication,” says Behesha Doan, founder and training director of This Able Veteran in Carbondale. “We prepare our soldiers for the culture they’re going into, but not for what they will experience when they return home. The body returns long before the mind does.”

RECOVERY PARTNERS Most veterans don’t come home suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, Doan says. But for those who do, This Able Veteran trains service dogs for injured veterans, and helps restore a sense of normalcy.

Launched in January 2011, the nonprofit organization has graduated two classes of veteran-service dog teams. A third class of dogs is set to graduate in September, and will cater just to female veterans.

Doan says her own experience with trauma served as the force behind creating This Able Veteran.

“Dogs taught me about recovery,” she says. “They have the ability to let go of the past and live in the present. They are not worried about the future. They show us how to live life in the moment.”

FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW This Able Veteran has a unique two-pronged approach. One part involves helping a veteran create a bond with his dog through an intensive three-week program. The other part provides veterans life management skills and trauma resiliency training—a mind-body approach that focuses on trauma and stress reactions.

“This isn’t merely symptom mitigation,” Doan says. “We’re looking for real healing, and real recovery.”

Veterans often feel misunderstood, and on the outside of polite society. So pairing them up with man’s best friend just made the most sense.

“Dogs have a language and culture of their own, and their attempts to communicate their needs are often misunderstood by their humans,” she says. “Many of our veterans relate to being misunderstood, and align themselves with the dog.”

Veteran Eric finds solance in his service dog, Liberty. Dogs at This Able Veteran are custom-matched and trained for each veteran. They can ease stress and anxiety, and encourage vets to be social.

A LOOK INTO THEIR WORLD

Vets from the first graduating class share their experience “Learning to communicate with my service dog has opened a whole new world of communication with my family.”

- A soldier from the first graduating class “Having (my service dog) Cheyenne and being part of TAV is akin to having a second chance at life. The most noticeable result is the positive changes I feel mentally. No treatment I have received through private doctors or the VA has felt this good. It is something I wish more veterans could experience right now.” - Luis, from the first graduating class Check out veterans’ stories of recovery at This Able Veteran’s YouTube channel: YouTube.com/ThisAbleVeteran

This Able Veteran’s service dogs: ³ Are custom-trained and matched to each veteran ³ Cost $20,000 to $25,000 to train ³ Are trained a minimum of six months, an average of 100 hours per month

8

SEPTEMBER 2013

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

They’re trained to: ³ Recognize and interrupt a veteran’s anxiety responses ³ Provide comfort from stress and anxiety ³ Motivate a veteran to interact and be social ³ Provide reminders to take medication

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PICKED JUST FOR THEM A veteran won’t feel like he’s in the dark when he meets his new dog. This Able Veteran works with a therapist and the family to determine a veteran’s needs. It custom trains then matches each dog to that veteran.

By the time he arrives to pick up the dog, it’s already trained to interrupt nightmares and alert him to rising anxiety and panic attacks. “We teach the dog how to disregard the world around them for a period of time,� Doan says. “When a vet is in a stressful situation, their dog can help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and diminish a sense of isolation.�

Learning resiliency skills is a big part of the program, Doan says. Veterans work with Richard Hunter, a member of the Veteran Services and Training staff with 50 years in the mental health field.

Hunter teaches veterans coping methods such as breath control; relaxation exercises; and how to control panic, anger, fear and overall sympathetic arousal. They also learn why drugs and alcohol aren’t good coping strategies. “The resiliency component builds on Behesha’s program,�

Hunter says. “She’s teaching vets how to see life through the eyes of their dog. That opens up their emotional responses and ability to trust.�

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Dogs can let go of the past and live in the present.

They show us how to live life in the moment.

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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: CAPE GIRARDEAU

MID AMERICA

NATIONAL YOGA MONTH

Less Stress, More Bliss

Yoga teacher finds peace, balance and happiness, and she can help you find yours

BY DANETTE M. WATT

Judy Grier lives her life according to yoga philosophy—simply and mindfully.

The yoga instructor lives in a rustic 800-square-foot cabin in the woods in Cape Girardeau County. And every morning, she practices yoga on her deck among the trees.

“I’ve always been drawn to nature and lakes. I think of these places as healing spaces,” says Grier, who teaches at the SourceYoga ’n More in Cape Girardeau. “The cabin is two stories, so it’s sort of like living in a tree house.”

While many of us search for inner peace and tranquility, few are successful. Our everyday habits may prevent us from living our healthiest life. We get so caught up in trying to eat right that we forget to balance it with exercise. Or we obsess too much on looking good that we forget about our nutrition.

Grier says to live a full, healthy lifestyle and be at peace, we have to get rid of outside distractions, eat more naturally grown food, and breathe in more fresh air.

“Our environment is just as important (to living healthily),” she says. “We need less noise and artificial light, cleaner air and fresh water, good food grown locally and naturally. Yoga teaches us … about learning how to undo the things we have created that keep us from experiencing our true nature.”

RICH IN SPIRIT In February, Grier, 58, made a trip to India with the Himalayan Institute. The 23-day trip in coincided with Kumbh Mela, a spiritual gathering that meets every 12 years in Allahabad.

Yoga teaches us to undo the things we have created that keep us from experiencing our true nature.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR JUDY GRIER

SUPPLIED PHOTO

“As yoga teachers, we think of India as the place to visit. It was wonderful to be immersed in the culture. We study the philosophy, but to live there and experience it firsthand is something else,” she says.

Grier saw people live simply with few possessions, and it made a lasting impression on her.

“They have so little, but the culture is rich in spirit, and there is a lot of joy,” she says.

TOTAL TURNAROUND In 1992, Grier was living and working as a nurse in Nashville, Tenn., when a colleague introduced her to yoga. At the time, she was dealing with residual pain issues from a past car crash. She was skeptical to give it a go at first—like many first-time yogis.

“There’s a bit of mystery that shrouds yoga because it isn’t Western-based. I guess I saw it as a little flaky,” says Grier, also a licensed massage therapist.

But her mind frame completely changed as soon as she took a class and got into her first pose.

“I loved it right off the bat,” she says. “I felt phenomenally better within three or four months. A lot of what we do as nurses is teach patients about health. I had such a positive experience that I wanted to provide that same feeling to others.”

IT ALL COMES FULL-CIRCLE As an instructor, Grier knows how important it is to know yoga by the book, but to also have firsthand experience. In 1999, she completed a 200-hour yoga teacher-training program in Massachusetts.

She returned in 2010 to rack up another 300 hours.

“At the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, the emphasis is on breath work and meditation,” Grier says. “The focus is on the awareness you bring to the (yoga) posture more than on the form itself. Kripalu encourages inward reflection.”

If she ever feels bogged down by all her training, or even other stressors from the day, Grier keeps the core principles of yoga in mind.

“Take a deep breath, step back, and just relax for a bit,” she says. “Less stress, more bliss.”

GET YOUR POSE ON!

Among the classes Judy Grier teaches is a yoga-based meditation class called StressLess Yoga. It focuses on breath awareness and yoga postures that stretch, strengthen and balance the body. Email grierjude@gmail.com to learn more.

Save the date!

SEPT.

Global Mala is a day when yogis all over the world come together to honor the yogic principle of ahimsa, or non-violence. Grier will lead a local Global Mala on Sept. 21. For more information, call (573) 388-3838 or visit TheSource-YogaNMore.com.

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

SEPTEMBER 2013

11

Telemedicine Offers Specialty Care, Close to Home for Patients in Rural Areas

Michael Leadbetter meets with cardiologist Steven J. Carr, MD, long distance through the use of telemedicine technology. Perry County Memorial Hospital Cardiac Rehab staff members Betty Yount, RN, nurse manager (left) and Mary Winkler, RN, work with Michael on-site in Perryville.

M

ichael Leadbetter of Frohna, Mo., recently saw his cardiologist Steven J. Carr, MD, of Cardiovascular Consultants in Cape Girardeau without ever having to make the trip south on I-55.

As the first patient to use the new telemedicine technology available through SoutheastHEALTH, Michael only had to travel to Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville for his appointment.

“Telemedicine allows a specialist to communicate and evaluate a patient’s health via video conference,” says Debbie Leoni, MSA, RN, director of Cardiovascular Outreach Services for SoutheastHEALTH. “It works in the same manner as a traditional appointment. The physician still reviews the same information and does all he would normally do. Our goal is to make it as much like a normal appointment as possible,” Leoni stresses.

“Telemedicine serves as a supplemental communication method between physicians and patients and offers a convenience factor for patients who have difficulty traveling,” she notes.

How it Works A telemedicine appointment can be used to review lab and test results or as a follow-up after a procedure. Onsite staff at the patient’s location helps maintain the personal feel of the appointment and serves as the physician’s hands by going over vital signs and seeing to other needs, Leoni notes.

Electronic stethoscopes allow both the doctor and on-site nurse to hear the patient’s lungs and heartbeat.

A camera equipped with a zoom lens gives the doctor a closer look at the patient if necessary.

Feeling at Ease Michael Leadbetter’s appointment with Dr. Carr served as a follow-up after an angiogram and allowed Dr. Carr to discuss plans for Michael’s upcoming triple coronary

bypass surgery. “I’m not a techie, but I was very impressed with the telemedicine technology,” Michael says. “I felt comfortable with it,” he adds.

Michael’s wife Bernita says, “This could be helpful in so many situations, especially with older people. We have the technology; we might as well use it.”

Betty Yount, RN, nurse manager of Cardiac Rehab at Perry County Memorial Hospital, says she was pleased with the initial use of this new technology.

Yount and her Cardiac Rehab staff were part of the team that worked with SoutheastHEALTH to implement the new technology. “I was impressed with the quality. It will definitely be a useful tool and can aid in patient care,” she points out.

Dr. Carr notes that telemedicine works well for Cardiologist appointments like Michael’s.

“It’s something everybody has to get used to since you’re not physically touching the patient, but it’s great for follow-up appointments like this.”

Steven J. Carr, MD

Seeing the Potential Currently telemedicine is available for patients of Southeast’s Cardiac Clinic in Perryville, with plans to expand to Dexter, Doniphan and other locations.

Future possibilities also include expanding to inpatient use as well as to additional specialty clinics.

“It has the potential to be very helpful for patient consultations between hospitalists at remote locations and specialists,” Leoni says.

“It could also be very beneficial for follow-ups with congestive heart failure patients or others with chronic conditions who find travel difficult.”

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SOIL NEWS+NOTES

MID AMERICA

Kids learn about river wetlands CYPRESS ~ Youth ages 7 to 15 recently got a chance to explore the ecology and history of the Cache River wetlands through art, hands-on learning, and getting outside and into the wild at the Cache River Wetlands Center. After completing the all-day program, participants became certified as Cache River Wetlands Junior Naturalists, and received a Cache River Wetland patch. For more information on upcoming events, visit DNR.Illinois.gov, or call the center at (618) 657-2064.

Hospital donates ambulance to community college Alton Memorial Hospital recently donated an ambulance to Lewis and Clark Community College for students in the Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedicine programs.

“Having an ambulance on campus will place our students in a real world learning environment as they prepare for careers vital to those in our communities,” says Dale Chapman, president of LCCC. Darla Long, EMT and Paramedicine coordinator at LCCC, says the ambulance will greatly enhance students’ learning opportunities. “Students will use mannequin patients in the ambulance to assess, treat, learn to properly place them on stretchers and load them into the ambulance,” she says. The donated ambulance—valued at $5,000—was originally purchased

by AMH in 1997, and was used as a front line response unit until June 2004. The ambulance has been used as a reserve unit since then. Pictured with the donated ambulance are Brad Goacher (from left), vice president of operations for AMH; Chapman; Dave Braasch, president of AMH; Donna Meyer, dean of Health Sciences at Lewis and Clark; Long; and Jason Bowman, AMH EMS coordinator.

ALTON ~

Auxiliary announces 2013 scholarship recipients MT. VERNON ~ Good Samaritan Regional Health Center Auxiliary recently awarded the 2013 Good Samaritan Auxiliary scholarships to five area high school graduates: Mariah Teriet, Mt. Vernon High School; Brittany Britton, Benton High School; Drew Johnston, Centralia High School; Addison Shreve, Fairfield Community High School; and Brittany Hedden, Wayne City High School. Each recipient received $1,000 to advance their education in health care through studies at the college of their choice. For more information, visit SMGSI.com.

Health center selected as Advanced Primary Stroke Center The Joint Commission, in partnership with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, recently certified Saint Anthony’s Health Center as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. This certification means an organization is dedicated to fostering better outcomes for patients. The center underwent a rigorous on-site review June 13. As part of the center’s stroke team response to neurologic emergencies such as stroke, CT scans are immediately performed to detect blood clots or bleeding in the brain. John Peipert (from left), director of Saint Anthony’s Emergency Services, stands with Dr. Ghanem Abusbeih, medical director of the Emergency Department, and Dr. Ryan Watson, medical director of the Radiology Department.

ALTON ~

High schools donate blood during 8th annual competition

Art and wine festival set for end of month

Belleville’s Memorial Foundation and Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center recently announced the winners of the 2012-2013 High School Blood Challenge—Governor French Academy in Belleville, Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville and Granite City High School in Granite City. With 3,972 total blood donations, students made a significant contribution to improving the lives of patients in seven area hospitals and the hospitals of SSM Health Care in St. Louis. Competing in three categories based on size, the high school in each category with the highest percentage of blood donations received a $1,000 scholarship from Memorial Foundation to award to a graduating senior. Twenty-four area high schools participated.

WHITTINGTON ~ Get ready to join more than 50 artisans at the

SUPPLIED PHOTOS

BELLEVILLE+GR ANITE CIT Y ~

Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center on Rend Lake, for the 14th Annual Art and Wine Festival. The artisans will demonstrate their craft, and offer their work for sale during this popular outdoor festival. Attendees can taste a variety of wines from 13 Illinois wineries, enjoy specialty foods, and listen to local music as they shop for functional and decorative art. The event is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday Sept. 28, and noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday Sept. 29. For more information, call (618) 629-2220.

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

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SEMO NEWS+NOTES

MID AMERICA

Heart doctor speaks to fellow cardiac surgeons in Italy Dr. Stanley Ziomek, cardiovascular surgeon at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, recently talked about advances in cardiovascular surgery at a six-day course in Erice, Italy. The course was designed to provide a comprehensive survey of the recently introduced innovative techniques in cardiovascular surgery, and to critically compare them to the established conventional procedures. “Being asked to speak at this event was a great honor for me, and speaks very highly of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Center,” Ziomek says. Instead of using traditional methods to perform CABG on high-risk patients, Ziomek utilizes a more advanced technique called Beating On-Pump CABG (also known as Beating Heart Surgery). This allows the bypass to be done without stopping the heart or clamping the aorta, resulting in less injury to the heart. Using this technique for very high-risk patients has been shown to significantly improve patient survival rates across the nation, Ziomek says.

POPLAR BLUFF ~

Pilot donates $5,000 for mammogram services Aerobatic pilot Mike Rinker, of Union City, Tenn., recently donated a $5,000 check to the SoutheastHEALTH Foundation, the Southeast Cancer Center and the Southeast Breast Cancer and Diagnostic Center. The money will be used for mammogram services. Rinker, whose sister is a breast cancer survivor, arrived at the Cancer Center in a helicopter he piloted. Rinker donated the money from the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival. Pictured are Southeast Cancer Center employee and breast cancer survivor Janet Berry (from left); Hematology/Oncology manager Patsy Green; Rinker; Breast Cancer and Diagnostic Center staff member Mary Ellen Cook; Foundation Development officer Michele Litzelfelner; and Cape Girardeau Regional Airport manager Bruce Loy. CAPE GIR ARDEAU ~

Cancer expert earns certification Dr. Justin D. Floyd recently was certified by MD Anderson Cancer Network through Saint Francis Medical Center. He joins 28 other MD Anderson Cancer Network-certified physicians at the center. Floyd, a Saint Francis Medical Partner at Cape Medical Oncology, consults cancer patients at Saint Francis, as well as Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville and Memorial Hospital in Chester, Ill. MD Anderson Cancer Network is a program of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of America’s leading cancer care providers. Experts at MD Anderson have developed disease-specific guidelines for cancer treatment, cancer prevention, early detection and follow-up care.

SUPPLIED PHOTOS

CAPE GIR ARDEAU ~

Night golf tournament benefits youth golf programs Cape Jaycee Municipal Golf Course recently was the site of a Night Fall Glo-Ball Golf Tournament. The fundraiser benefited the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Foundation youth golf programs and improvements to the course. Golfers played nine holes during the day and nine holes during the night.

A barbecue dinner was served. Four-person teams competed for prizes for closest to the pin, longest drive, mulligan mayhem, and more.

CAPE GIR ARDEAU ~

Doctor named president-elect of American Thoracic Society

Medicinal director named VP of Ambulatory Services

ST. LOUIS ~ Dr. Thomas W. Ferkol recently was named as president-elect of the American Thoracic Society. He will serve in this post through May 2014, when he will begin a one-year term as president.

Ferkol is also a professor of pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. His research has focused on characterizing genetic and molecular factors that contribute to airway involvement in cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia, a rare disease that causes chronic respiratory infections.

Saint Francis Medical Center has promoted Alex Ogburn to the newly created position of vice president of Ambulatory Services. Ogburn, who previously served as director of Occupational Medicine and Ambulatory Services, joins the center’s executive team. In his new position, Ogburn will oversee Cardiovascular Services, Ambulatory Care and System Development, Wound Care, Material Management, and Food and Nutrition Services. Ogburn has an master’s degree in business administration from William Woods University in Fulton, Mo., and a bachelor of science in psychology from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. “Alex’s experience in operations management for a multifaceted service line will be beneficial in his new responsibilities,” says Steven C. Bjelich, president of Saint Francis Medical Center.

CAPE GIR ARDEAU ~

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

SEPTEMBER 2013

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THE 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.

ADVERTORIAL

A NEW APPROACH TO THE ED At Gateway Regional Medical Center, we’re proud to announce a new service initiative called the 30-Minute Emergency Room (ER) Service Pledge. Our hospital’s goal is to work diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional in the emergency department (ED) within 30 minutes of your arrival.

What exactly is the 30-Minute ER Service pledge?

When patients enter Gateway’s ED, the time of their arrival will be noted. Our pledge is that a clinical professional will work diligently to initially see them within 30 minutes of their arrival.

Are other area hospitals offering this pledge?

This 30-minute pledge is being offered only at Gateway Regional.

Does this mean patients will be on their way home in 30 minutes or less?

Our pledge is that we’ll do everything possible to have a clinical professional initially see our patients and begin evaluation and treatment within 30 minutes. Depending on the nature of the illness or injury, each visit will vary.

How is the time frame of visits documented?

When a patient checks in at the ED desk, the time of arrival is recorded. When the clinical professional initially sees the patient, the ED staff documents the time.

Is a 30-Minute ER Service pledge really necessary for an ED? In many EDs across the country, wait times have increased. This pledge is intended to show our patients that we’re dedicated to not only offering quality care but also providing that care as efficiently as possible.

Does the 30-Minute ER Service pledge affect how patients are prioritized?

While the goal is to work diligently to initially see every patient within 30 minutes, the most severe cases will always receive immediate attention.

How can the ED maintain advanced care if speed is the priority?

It’s not our objective now—nor will it ever be—to rush patients through the ED. The focus is on continuous quality of care and enabling our clinical professionals to assess patients and begin their initial diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner.

Does the 30-minute pledge apply to all ages from infants to seniors?

Yes, this pledge applies to patients of all ages.

Does this commitment cost more?

No, this service doesn’t cost more.

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

SEPTEMBER 2013

19

ADVERTORIAL

by Dr. Tomasita A. Lahue, D.C. What are Autoimmune Diseases?

According to Wikipedia, Autoimmune diseases arise from an inappropriate immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body (autoimmunity). This may be in one organ (e.g. in autoimmune thyroiditis) or involve a particular tissue in different places (e.g. Goodpasture’s Syndrome which may affect the basement membrane in both the lung and the kidney). Just a few include: Thyroid Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Lupus SLE, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Myasthenia Gravis, Scleroderma, Multiple Sclerosis, Type I Diabetes, Celiac Disease and many others. Approximately 50 million Americans, 20 percent of the population or one in five people, suffer from autoimmune diseases. There is a predominance in the female population with some 30 million being afflicted with these diseases. (AARDA.org)

cases, with immunosuppression - medication that decreases the immune response. Patients are encouraged to engage in support groups to learn to “live” with the pain and suffering.

Yet there is much evidence that supports a natural approach to eliminate the miserable symptoms and suffering that an autoimmune response can create.

These natural approaches range from change in diet, allergy elimination, repairing/improving immune response, repairing/improving gut function and nutrient assimilation, decreasing inflammatory response, decreasing pain, improving mobility and nervous system function. This will involve proper diagnostics with functional tests including blood, stool, saliva, and/or hair analysis. For instance to assess the extent of allergens, saliva tests are beneficial.

It is important to address the inflammation with natural nontoxic substances. Commonly prescribed NSAIDs have a host of side effects, including cartilage and gut damage. Steroids have their own serious unwanted effects, including osteoporosis, hypertension, cataracts, depression, and impaired immunity. Homeopathic anti-inflammatory remedies, ionic minerals, essential fatty acids, fish oil, enzymes and antioxidants are the key to restoring a healthy immune response. Also support for the comorbidities like sugar sensitivity, allergies, specific organ tissue (thymus, thyroid, stomach) can benefit from natural whole food supplements targeted specifically to the tissue or organ system involved. For instance, Okra Pepsin from Standard Process, or Galt from Energetix are essential in repairing the gut mucosal lining.

Saliva, Stool, Hair Analysis

Natural Healing

To assess gut function, stool analysis can be performed which assess the presence of beneficial bacteria, pathogens, inflammation, digestive function, leaky gut, etc. To restore gut function, various treatments are available including amino acids and essential fats, probiotics, enzymes, herbs, homeopathic remedies and supplements. (Dr. Keith Wilkerson, NMD)

There are many natural healing modalities that benefit proper immune function, including chiropractic to improve nerve system function, acupuncture to reduce pain quickly and balance your energy, laser therapy to promote repair and regeneration of damaged tissue, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to improve oxygenation to your brain.

These treatments will restore normal function of all your systems including your immune system.

It’s a journey worth taking. The Holistic approach addresses the whole person, as I like to say “treat the individual and the symptoms go away.” It encourages letting go of identifying with the named condition. It is vital to allowing and accepting the idea of the healing possibility. Too many patients come in broken with loss of hope. You need to realize the human being has an incredible ability to heal with just some real food/nutrition, detoxification and mind-changing. I have seen it, and so have many holistic practitioners seen patients improve dramatically. Stop your suffering or loved ones suffering and call 618-624-9384 to schedule your Holistic consultation and get help now!

Alternative Approach

The hair and mineral test will detect heavy metals and mineral imbalances. These can be addressed with the right mix of bio-available minerals and chelating agents to detoxify the heavy metal (mercury, aluminum, lead) burden. There is specific vital nutrient support necessary for safe detoxification, so please do not attempt to do this on your own.

What causes autoimmunity?

Conventional medicine claims there is no known cause and that these diseases are incurable.

However, in natural medicine, practitioners have found lifestyle, including exposure to foods and environmental toxins, and medicines contribute to the development of this dis-ease state. The very medicines [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), aspirin, and steroids] used to decrease pain and inflammation destroy the intestinal lining (creating leaky gut) that protects foreign particles from getting into the bloodstream. When these “toxins” or undigested food particles are detected the body releases the appropriate immune response, but continual gut lining erosion perpetuates the assault, and soon collateral damage occurs and the body begins to attack itself. Sometimes in one area, other times in multiple areas. This is why so many individuals who have autoimmunity find themselves with multiple afflictions, like arthritis, irritable bowel, diabetes, Lupus, etc.

How is it treated?

Conventionally it is treated with symptom management. The routine medical approach includes NSAIDS, and steroid therapy, and in more severe

Important Nutrients, Minerals, EFA’s, Enzymes, and Antioxidants

Improving Gut Health In a previous article I discussed the gut/brain connection. It is paramount to understand that we have more nerve cells in the gut than in the brain.

Whatever happens in the gut happens in the brain.

So if there is inflammation in the gut there is inflammation in the brain. Our nervous system consists of nerve cells communicating to every organ, every system in the body. When there is static or a disruption in that communication, errors occur in multiple systems. That is, there is loss of function, too much or improper function. We have to restore appropriate function. So restoring gut function is key to regaining homeostasis and health.

A change in diet can be the thrust for quick improvements in symptoms. Elimination diet especially of grains and glutens has been shown to decrease pain and inflammation, decrease bouts of diarrhea, stiffness, cramping and spasms. Reducing/eliminating sugar (corn syrup, fake sugars, bleached sugar), white bread, wheat pasta, and white potatoes will decrease nerve pain/inflammation and brain fog. A Mediterranean-type diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes, along with healthy fats from fish and real extra virgin olive oil is recommended.

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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, O’Fallon, IL 62269.

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

Q+A

MID AMERICA

Confused about which toothbrush to buy? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re like us, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re standing in the aisle looking back and forth between soft and hard, straight and contoured bristles. Dr. Poonam Jain is director of community and preventive dentistry at Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Ill. She explains some of the differences between brushes, and how to find the right toothbrush.

Find the right toothbrush to buy What is the main reason we need to brush our teeth?

TEAM PHYSICIANS ST. LOUIS BLUES, ST. LOUIS RAMS, AND YOU. FOR THE

BE TREATED LIKE A PRO.

The purpose of using a toothbrush is to disrupt the layer of plaque that builds up every 12 hours or so on the teeth and under the gums. This helps prevent cavities and periodontal disease.

How do the bristles make a difference?

The toothbrush has evolved from a simple brush with hog hair bristles to using nylon bristles, which air dry rapidly. This is very important because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hygienic. In general, people should only use soft-bristled brushes. Harder bristles may scrape enamel, especially at the gum line where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thin. It is a myth that softbristled brushes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t clean as effectively as hard-bristled ones.

How long should we brush our teeth?

The critical factor is the amount of time you take to brush. You should spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth twice every day. Play a favorite song while you brush, as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help pass the time and it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to drag on.

What are differences in a toothbrushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design?

The purpose of the toothbrush head is to access and reach all surfaces of all teeth. Smaller heads are better, and curved heads are a bit more beneficial because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier to reach the back teeth. Thicker handles make it easier for most people to grip the brush, especially those with special needs and people with arthritis. Electric brushes are great for seniors and for those with arthritis, Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease and other special needs.

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How do brushes differ for babies and young kids?

Parents can use a finger toothbrush, which has very fine bristles, to clean an infantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth. This also helps the baby become accustomed to having something in the mouth without gagging. When the baby starts to get teeth around 6 months, use a small brush with a small head. Parents should supervise kids until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re about 7 years old. Then they can do it on their own with minimal supervision.

Orthopedics

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

SEPTEMBER 2013

21

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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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Orthopaedic Center of Southern Illinois www.orthocenter-si.com

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618-242-3778

www.twitter.com/weямБxbones

618-545-0894

www.facebook.com/weямБxbones

The first step begins with you, America Farmers market season is getting ready to wrap up. But during June and July, they’re exploding with fresh produce. Gardeners practically beg their neighbors to take zucchini and tomatoes off their hands.

But not everyone reaps the benefits of this abundance. Many people can’t provide a hot meal for themselves, or their loved ones.

Food insecurity is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s measure of a “lack of access to enough food for an active healthy life for all household members and limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods.”

More than 16 million children lived in food insecure households in 2011, according to FeedingAmerica.org. An interactive map on its website lets you see the number of food-insecure homes—right down to the county. No county in Southeast Missouri or Southern Illinois had a rate less than 15%. Most ranged 19% to 23%.

Seniors don’t fare much better. Feeding America and the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger recently released

WELL SAID

DANETTE M. WATT the report Spotlight on Senior Hunger. About 4.8 million seniors nationwide were food insecure in 2011, more than double the number in 2001.

Americans go hungry for all sorts of complex reasons—job loss, lack of education, and even medical crises that eat up a family’s food budget. But the effects of hunger aren’t complicated.

When children go hungry, they suffer from fatigue, headaches and irritability. Hungry children can’t focus, which makes it harder to learn in school. Undernourished pregnant women bear babies with lower birth weights. These infants are more likely to have developmental delays and behavior problems.

Older folks are not immune, either. Malnutrition can aggravate diseases, and impair their cognitive abilities.

We can do our part to help neighbors, children’s classmates and co-workers. Support your local food pantry. Volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Donate to every canned food drive in your community.

Most importantly, familiarize yourself with policies that affect the groups needing assistance.

Tell your representatives that letting millions go hungry is not acceptable.

Only then can we begin to eradicate hunger in America.

Letting millions go hungry is not acceptable.

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

SEPTEMBER 2013

23

H.K. REDDY, M.D., FACC RUBINA MIRZA, M.D., FACC, FCSAI STANLEY ZIOMEK, M.D., FACS JAHAN ZEB, M.D. GIRISH BHATT, M.D., FACC, FACP

HEART CARE

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.

PoplarBluffRegional.com

MONITOR

WOMEN

SEPT. 25 NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY

The Truth Won’t Hurt!

Get the exercise answers you’ve been aching for

BY ERIN GOLDEN

Whether you just bought your first pair of running shoes or you’re a can’t-miss-the-gym regular, there’s a good chance you have some misconceptions about exercise. Karrie HamstraWright, a professor in kinesiology at University of Illinois at Chicago, hits the mat for the answers we’re all running after.

SHOULD I TAKE OFF MY MAKEUP BEFORE I WORK OUT? You’ve heard that exercise opens up your pores, and lets all sorts of bad stuff seep in. But Hamstra-Wright says there’s not much solid research to support that idea. So don’t worry about washing it off, but if runny mascara is going to distract you from getting a good sweat, get rid of it. “More than anything, it’s just uncomfortable if it’s streaking,” she says.

CAN WEARING THE WRONG SPORTS BRA MAKE MY BREASTS SAGGY? It’s virtually impossible to tone up the muscles surrounding the breasts. Hamstra-Wright says it is possible that running and jumping puts strain on the ligaments that hold breasts up. But the big issue isn’t damage—it’s pain.

She says pain from wearing the wrong bra keeps many women out of the gym, and away from the wellness benefits of a healthy weight.

“It deters women from exercising, and leads to the spiral effect of issues we have in America,” Hamstra-Wright says.

Sports bra designs are more extensive than ever, so large-breasted women in particular should search for a fit that makes them feel comfortable. Something as simple as the right bra can help you fight obesity.

IS IT UNSAFE TO WORK OUT DURING MY PERIOD? In short, nope. Research shows muscle ligaments are prone to tearing during certain points in the menstrual cycle, so be extra cautious. But don’t let cramps keep you from exercising, because a good burn can actually help you feel better. “It helps with your mood, and you’ll feel less bloated,” she says.

IS IT SAFE TO START A NEW EXERCISE REGIMEN DURING PREGNANCY? If you had a regular workout routine before you got pregnant, it’s probably safe to keep up the good work, Hamstra-Wright says. But if you’ve been on the couch more than the treadmill lately, check with your doctor first.

Start with a relatively low-impact exercise, such as using an elliptical.

26

SEPTEMBER 2013

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

3 EXERCISE MYTHS KNOCKED OUT

MYTH: Lifting weights will bulk me up.

TRUTH: Not unless that’s what you’re going for. You build bulkier muscles with heavy weights and fewer repetitions. If you want to tone up, do more repetitions with lighter weights.

MYTH: If I work out regularly, I can eat anything.

TRUTH: You’ve heard people say it, but don’t believe it. To maintain a healthy weight, you have to watch what you eat. It’s simple math. “No matter what, when caloric intake is higher than expenditure over a given time, you’re still going to gain weight. So you can cancel out everything you just burned.”

MYTH: Working out can get rid of my cellulite.

TRUTH: If only it were so easy. What we see as cellulite is fibrous connective cords that tether our skin to muscle and fat. The cords sometimes line up and make the skin look lumpy. Cellulite, unfortunately, is often genetic, and it’s unpredictable.

But don’t lose all hope. Areas of the body with more fat are more inclined to develop cellulite, so popping some lunges can help tighten your thighs. It can’t hurt.

“Try it and see what happens,” Hamstra-Wright says.

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MEN

Fit for a King Tired of running the treadmill? Get a little medieval instead Centuries before guys hit up the weight room and elliptical machines in state-of-the-art mega-gyms, man came by the benefits of physical exercise the hard way. Old-world warriors weren’t just so on the weekend, and survival of the fittest was a much more literal concept.

In the modern age, books and movies like Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games have whetted our appetites for medieval themes—victorious knights on horseback and the allure of archery. They’ve found it’s a good workout, so guys are trading in their dumbbells in favor of more medieval methods—scaling cliffs, riding steeds and slinging arrows.

Nothing relieves stress like a good old-fashioned sword fight.

JASON SHERIDAN FOUNDER OF SHERIDAN FENCING ACADEMY

BY KEVIN CARLSON

CLIMB FOR YOUR LIFE How do you think knights got around in the days before many bridges and roads? They sometimes found themselves scaling rock faces. Go rock climbing, and you’ll get to know muscles you didn’t even know you had.

An hour of rock climbing at moderate intensity burns 400 calories, according to diet journal FitDay.com. And you don’t need to live near the Rockies to experience the excitement of a climb.

Indoor walls have popped up in fitness centers across the country.

“Physically, rock climbing requires almost every body part,” says Tyson Bradley, lead guide for Utah Mountain Adventures in Salt Lake City. “You need strong toes, feet, ankles and calf muscles to jam cracks and stick to sloping ledges. Quads and glutes enable high-steps. Abdominal core strength must be solid to maintain body tension and bear-hug pillars. Not to mention all the uses of hands and arms.”

Traversing a rock wall is also a tremendous workout for your mind and spirit, Bradley says. “Routes span the globe, and the sport offers a lifetime of adventure,” he says.

A CAMELOT CONVEYANCE You like to picture yourself as the white knight on his mighty steed, so saddle up, sir. It looks easy, but staying upright on horseback works your pelvis, thighs, hips and trunk muscles. And the work starts before you even hop onto the horse.

“The preliminary work—catching the horse, grooming it, and applying a 30-pound saddle—would be the initial workout,” says Vickie Palmer, owner of Easy Riders Ranch in Georgetown, Ky. “Riding uses many muscles—legs to stand in trot, arms to hold a half-ton horse in line, back muscles to stay straight in the saddle, and feet to stay in the stirrups. There are not many riders who are out of shape.”

FIND YOUR SHERWOOD

Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men trounced around Sherwood Forest, and they had killer glutes. Take a cue, and hit a hiking trail this fall to burn some calories while taking in the awesome colors of the autumn leaves.

TAKE A STAB AT IT For a new approach to weight training, swap your bench press and dead lifts for fencing and archery. Jason Sheridan, founder of Sheridan Fencing Academy in New York City, says both activities build strength and endurance.

Archery shreds your arms, pectorals and back muscles.

Fencing adds speed, agility and hand-eye coordination.

“Fencing is a fun, fast-paced workout that targets the lower body and engages your core,” Sheridan says. “It’s probably the most thrilling way to add loads of squats and lunges to your routine. And nothing relieves stress like a good old-fashioned sword fight.”

AN OLD-SCHOOL HOUR

1 hour of rock climbing burns 400 calories 1 hour of fencing per week improves balance, endurance and flexibility 1 hour of horseback riding doubles the calorie burn of a 30-minute jog or bike ride

FAMILY

MONITOR

Tame a Tantrum

Survive your child’s next meltdown, and make them stop for good

BY CLARE WALTERS

We’ve all witnessed it. You either stop and scrutinize, or flee and forget. All parents have been subjected to it, no matter how angelic they claim their offspring to be.

It’s a child weeping and wailing, stomping and shouting, falling and flailing. It’s your garden-variety toddler tantrum, the kind that have been challenging parents and terrifying onlookers since the beginning of time.

Taming a tantrum could be a simple fix or an all-out war. It depends entirely on the child, says John Rosemond, a family psychologist and author of Making the “Terrible” Twos Terrific, and a host of other parenting books.

“The fact is, there is no perfect solution,” he says. “Some kids will continue to rage for hours. They just won’t give up. It’s hard for some kids to calm themselves down quickly. For others, when they realize, ‘I’m not going to get my way,’ they calm down quickly.”

Children likely have their first tantrum between 18 months and 2 years old, and they tend to outgrow them by age 3, Rosemond says.

“Some kids get over it quickly; others never do,” he says. “It’s not necessarily a reflection on the parent. But if the child is 5, 6 or 7, throwing tantrums will indicate the parents have been making huge mistakes.”

There is no perfect solution. Some kids will continue to rage for hours.

FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST JOHN ROSEMOND

To survive or simply avoid your child’s next meltdown, understand what’s happening in their head.

“The child wants his own way. It’s a pretty ingrained characteristic for human beings,” Rosemond says.

“The impulse emerges during age 2, along with the child’s rather sudden epiphany that he is an individual. So, the two things happen rather simultaneously—the understanding that, ‘I am a “me,” and that I want my own way.’”

The first time a tantrum hits, parents should try to ignore it—something that can be unrealistic depending on the circumstances and environment. But whatever you do, don’t feed into it.

“It’s imperative that the parent avoid catering to the tantrum,” he says. “If walking away doesn’t work, just pick the child up and

5 TIPS TO STOP THE TEARS 1 Don’t coddle, or feed into the tantrum in any way.

2 Don’t spank, especially if the toddler is crying and you want them to stop.

3 Don’t give in. “Human beings are gamblers by nature,” says family psychologist John Rosemond. “If kids are rewarded one in 10 times, the tantrums are bound to continue.”

4 Don’t engage the child. Ignore the tantrum if you can.

Isolate the child as much as you can.

5 Don’t get angry. “Do something calm or authoritative before you reach the end of your patience,” he says. hold them away from you. Gently deposit them in their room, close the door and walk out.”

Handle subsequent tantrums in the same manner—don’t entertain or engage the child in any way. Be sure your response is authoritative, not frustrated, Rosemond says. Punishments—no dessert, no TV time—to avoid tantrums don’t work. Instead, parents need the child to face a reality of life.

“You can put the child in a situation where they’ll come to terms that they’re not going to get their way,” he says. “Some kids get it more quickly than others.”

If you’re in a public place, remove the child as soon as possible.

Parents must be willing to abandon an event or errand if their kid erupts.

“I recommend immediate removal, because ignoring the child is going to put other people in an uncomfortable situation,” Rosemond says.

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

SEPTEMBER 2013

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SENIORS

Going Home Again When adult children move back in, find compromise, but set rules We call them the boomerang generation. More adults are coming full circle—often unwillingly—to live under their parents’ roof.

Whether it’s because they lost their job, got divorced or struggle to find a job after college, statistics show the number adult children moving back in with Mom and Pops is at its highest rate in 60 years.

For older parents who have established new lives without their kids underfoot, the situation can get a little crowded.

Routines are disrupted, and the parents must decide how much help they’re willing to give, and when it’s time to once again boot the baby birds out of the nest.

THE SECOND GO-AROUND Parents want to help their adult children when they hit a low point, but they can quickly resent the situation. To avoid this, do some serious talking about boundaries, cooperation, schedules

TIPS TO LIVE IN PEACE

Give everyone privacy and their own space Aim for consistent routines Be realistic about family demands Have regular meetings to discuss issues before they become problems

BY VANESSA RENDERMAN

and comfort zones.

Marcia Peznowski, a mom in Roberts, Ill., has gone through this a few times. She says communication and compromise can go a long way toward tolerating the new close quarters.

“You have to work it out,” Peznowski says. “Somebody’s got to be willing to shower at night, and somebody’s got to be willing to shower in the morning.”

GIVE AND TAKE Schedules often clash between seniors—who often hit the sack and wake up early—and their adult children. When Peznowski’s youngest daughter moved back in, she was working as a taxi driver, so she drove all night and slept all day.

And no matter how respectful and quiet both parents and child try to be, there are bound to be some sleepless hours for both.

“We’re up during the day and making noise,” Peznowski says.

“She might come home at 4 or 5 a.m., which starts the dogs barking. Then I’m up. You have to get used to those types of things.”

When another daughter returned home, there was an added element that complicated the situation. This child brought Peznowski’s two grandchildren to live there, as well. It was a good bonding experience, but she didn’t expect to be the default caretaker. So it was simply something she accepted, and she says other parents should expect the same thing, or speak up.

“You can pretty much rest assured that you’re going to be required to be the babysitter,” she says.

SOURCE: AARP

29% of adults ages 25 to 34 live with their parents

76% are satisfied with the arrangement SOURCE: 2011 PEW RESEARCH CENTER SURVEY

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ADAPT, BUT PLAN FOR THE NEXT STEP When your kids were growing up, you set rules for them. If they move back in, you’ll still need a set of rules, but updated for their current life situation. When another one of Peznowski’s daughters came back home, it was because she wanted to finish school and get her life back on track.

“So we put together a timetable,” Peznowski says, along with some conditions. “You don’t have to pay rent, but you’re living here now, so you can help with chores.”

Peznowski’s and her husband’s flexibility helped this daughter save money, and the timetable gave them peace of mind that the situation had a definitive end point.

Emotions can also run rampant, because often the child has returned home to deal with a difficult life situation. Parents want to help, but heartbroken kids may lash out at the ones who love them most. And they’re adults, so they really have to resolve their own issues, Peznowski says.

“It can be very tricky to deal with (those feelings),” she says.

“They may have a lot of anger, sorrow and sadness. As the parent, you bear the brunt of that. Sometimes you have to walk on eggshells. Sometimes it pierces your heart, because they’re so sad and you can’t kiss the boo-boo.”

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PETS

Between the Fur Lines Recognize when a simple scratch or sneeze is really an allergy in disguise

BY CLARE WALTERS

Ever catch yourself saying, “Bless you!” to your cat or dog? It might be light, or loud and full of slobber, but it’s still a sneeze nonetheless. Pet allergies are common, says veterinarian Dr. LaNita Flanary, of Flanary Veterinarian Clinic in Paducah, Ky. Pets scratch, cough and sneeze just like we do.

Fleas—not humans or other pets—are the culprit in most animal allergies, she says. Recognize the three common allergies, so you can spot the symptoms and give your pet some relief.

FLEA ALLERGY ³ The most common ³ Causes red, crusty or inflamed skin ³ If a pet licks its paws or excessively scratches, owners should examine for fleas.

“If you treat your pet with a flea control, you have to treat every pet in the house,” she says. “If you treat just one, those fleas will move on to the next one.” By licking and scratching, the pet may have created a secondary yeast infection or bacterial infection, Flanary says. It’s important to take him to the vet if he’s got these symptoms.

INHALANT ALLERGY ³ Also known as atopy—the pet’s system reacts to an airborne allergen ³ Itchy, red or inflamed skin ³ Red, inflamed or waxy ears, and inflamed or teary eyes “This can be from pollens, mold and mites,” she says. “Atopy is ‘everything else’ in the pet’s environment.” Many allergens fall into this category, so pinpointing the exact allergen is not easy, Flanary says. If you’re not sure, take them to get a skin or blood test.

GET TO THE ROOT

Allergy treatment often requires medication—an antihistamine to relieve symptoms, and an antibiotic to treat underlying infections. The pet should get some relief in about three days, says veterinarian Dr. LaNita Flanary, but they’ll have to take the antibiotic for two to three weeks.

“It just takes one fleabite to set off an allergic animal,” she says. “They say the average flea bites about 50 times.”

Take preventive measures, and give them a monthly flea treatment, such as topical lotions. Pets can also take an antihistamine seasonally.

GIVE OMEGA-3S AND KEEP THEM CLEAN

Most experts think a diet rich in fatty acids and frequent bathing can help stave off allergies. Some omega-3 fatty acids help condition a pet’s coat by putting moisture into it, easing their itchy skin. Baths once every week or two help eliminate environmental allergens that cling to fur.

FOOD ALLERGY ³ Chronic ear inflammation ³ Gastrointestinal problems, chronic diarrhea, chronic gas ³ Licking their feet, itchy anus “With a true food allergy, it would be best for your vet to recommend a diet,” she says.

Pets won’t like a switch in their meals, but they’ll be better of because of it. “You’ll have to say on top of it,” Flanary says.

WHO, ME? COULDN’ T BE! Did you know your pet can be allergic to you? “I’ve had dogs tested who were severely allergic to human dander,” says veterinarian Dr. LaNita Flanary.

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Lighten Your Workload Resist temptation and steer clear of workplace weight gain

BY TREMENE TRIPLETT

With doughnuts on the conference table and the office candy dish in plain sight, it’s hard not to add notches to your belt at work. You’re tired and stressed, so you give in to temptation yet again.

“Unfortunately, there are many opportunities to make unhealthy choices at work,” says registered dietitian Amy Jamieson-Petonic, who specializes in worksite nutrition. “The biggest issues tend to be breakfast blunders. Folks are not bringing doughnuts as often anymore, but oversized bagels made from white flour really aren’t the best choice, either.”

It’s time to make better breakfast selections, so you can get back to work and not worry about the next office birthday cake.

PUNCH IN PROPERLY Though many workers have ditched the doughnuts for white flour bagels, Jamieson-Petonic says they haven’t done themselves any favors.

She says bagels are a common weight gain culprit.

They may add to inflammation inside the blood vessels, and increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other inflammatory conditions. And spreading on globs of fatty cream cheese only makes things worse.

Steer clear of the community carb table, and opt for low-sugar oatmeal and almonds instead.

Community Health polled 200 workers to discover their biggest workday offenses. What we found may reflect what you face in the workplace, too. ³ Drinking soda during breaks and at lunch, instead of healthier beverages ³ “UFOs”—unexpected food opportunities—colleagues bringing in food for meetings or socializing ³ Skipping meals and snacks altogether while at work

CUBICLE SOLUTIONS You probably guzzle an energy drink in the morning to wake up, or a can of soda in the afternoon to avoid the post-lunch slump. These liquid snacks are giving your body a lot of unnecessary sugar.

“These empty calories are not beneficial to the body,” says Jamieson-Petonic.

Instead of soda, drink water infused with fruits or vegetables for a fresh pick-me-up.

“My favorites include water with cucumber, basil, strawberries and blueberries,” she says.

“It’s a great way to reduce calories, and get a few extra servings of fruit and vegetables.”

And don’t ever skip a meal when you’re at work. You’ll feel sluggish and be less focused.

“Being able to eat every three to four hours provides optimal energy, and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels,” Jamieson-Petonic says.

To avoid UFOs, bring your own food, JamiesonPetonic says.

“I always encourage my clients to set themselves up for success by having their own food available, so they won’t be tempted to eat others’ food, and then overeat later,” she says.

Try bringing these goodies from home: ³ Low-fat mozzarella cheese sticks ³ For an excellent source of heart healthy protein and fiber to fill you up, try snack packs of walnuts, almonds and unsaturated peanuts. ³ Natural peanut butter with 100% whole grain crackers is a great pick-me-up. ³ Non-fat Greek yogurt and fresh veggies with hummus are healthy hunger-busters.

LUNCH BREAK ANYONE?

Workers who eat at their desk burn fewer calories, and have a higher incidence of food-borne illness, says registered dietitian Amy Jamieson-Petonic.

According to the 2011 Desktop Dining Survey, 62% of workers eat at their desk, and only 50% wash their hands before they eat. “(Not washing your hands) can really increase the likelihood of illness,” Jamieson-Petonic says. “Getting up from your desk is helpful to clear your mind, and helps you focus on the rest of the day. Clarity at work goes a long way!”

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SEPTEMBER 2013

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

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THE PET

Prescription

BY KIRSTEN SRINIVASAN

When words wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work, animals offer a sense of peace and relief.

Read about how the animal-human bond brings people back from tragedy, and how new therapies are helping children walk and talk.

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You’ve watched the videos on YouTube. You try to resist, but you can’t help but grin big and let out a little laugh. Whether it’s a bulldog skateboarding down a sidewalk or a cat riding a vacuum cleaner, animals truly tickle our collective funny bone.

It’s no surprise that animals make us feel good. And for years, they’ve been used as guides for the blind and assistants for the physically disabled. But animals also serve real therapeutic purposes. A child with autism can find solace petting a whinnying horse. A tornado victim feels soothed by the weight of a dog’s snout pressed against his leg. Animals can be there for us during times of crisis and pain, when words simply fail.

Animal-assisted therapy is catching on as a form of treatment that uses animal interaction to improve people’s social, emotional and cognitive functioning. In nursing homes and hospitals, animals are commonly used to help reduce stress, says Rebecca Johnson, director of the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction in Columbia, Mo. “It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s a dog, cat or rabbit, there seems to be a similar response in terms of reducing anxiety,” Johnson says.

LOVE ON FOUR LEGS Rich Martin is co-director of Lutheran Church Charities’ K-9 Comfort Dogs Ministry in suburban Chicago. The dogs work with children with autism, people with disabilities, seniors in assisted living, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and children who’ve suffered family violence. They even help in reading programs.

Beyond their everyday work, the dogs have assisted after tragic incidents, including the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

“The dogs just bring a calmness into the atmosphere and situation that sometimes people can’t,” Martin says.

Martin says it’s humbling to see excited relief on the faces of grief-stricken people who encounter therapy dogs. With some simple canine companionship, stress slowly fades and anxiety drops.

“You can see in their body language how they relax, and how the tension leaves the body,” he says.

Two of the ministry’s golden retrievers are still serving at Sandy Hook. The K-9 Comfort Dogs also traveled to Boston for two weeks after the Boston Marathon bombings, and comforted residents of Moore, Okla., after a violent EF5 tornado devastated the area in May. “No one can explain what these people are going through, or imagine what they are going through,” Martin says. “That’s why dogs provide such a great outlet for emotions. There is no expectation there.”

Dogs provide such a great outlet for emotions. There is no expectation there.

RICH MARTIN K-9 COMFORT DOGS MINISTRY

Maya Townsend (in blue) and Katie (in orange) are two children who attend therapy sessions at Strides in Motion, a program that uses equine-based therapies. Here, the girls bond with Bob while improving their movements.

On a different training level The level of training varies for therapy animals, depending on the program, says Pamela Barlow, of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Most programs for dogs require extensive obedience training with positive reinforcement.

Across species, trainers make sure the animal enjoys the work, Barlow says. When it’s young, they socialize it with new places, people and experiences, so the animal is comfortable in different situations. “Nice and slow and positive is the key,” Barlow says.

TAKING THE REINS Isabelle Townsend’s daughter Maya suffers from schizencephaly, a rare form of cerebral palsy. The St. Charles, Ill., mom didn’t want Maya’s condition to inhibit her quality of life, so she took her for therapy at Strides in Motion, a physical therapy practice Bull Run Equestrian Center in Elburn, Ill. Thanks to an equine-assisted therapy called hippotherapy, Maya took her first steps toward a horse with her walker when she was 3 years old.

“The horse’s movement taught her brain, ‘This is how you should move,’” Townsend says. “Her brain is not wired like that. She had to learn everything we take for granted.”

Equine-assisted therapy is one of the most commonly used animal therapies, says Loren Gineris, a physical therapist and the founder of Strides in Motion. The practice helps children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and developmental delays.

Horses help in occupational, physical and speech therapies.

Therapeutic riding, especially helpful for kids with physical disabilities, focuses on technique to strengthen the core with forward, backward and lateral movements. Hippotherapy uses the horse’s movement as a therapy tool to gradually introduce motor and sensory input.

Both therapeutic riding and hippotherapy focus on the bond between horse and rider. But Gineris stresses that, while therapeutic riding pretty much mirrors a typical riding lesson, hippotherapy is totally different. “It’s not a riding lesson by any means,” Gineris says. “It’s using the horse’s movement as a treatment tool.”

Children stand assisted on a horse’s back to simulate walking.

They position themselves on all fours atop the horse to simulate crawling.

Maya, now 7, can sit upright in her saddle and walk with crutches. Her mom says Maya is often afraid to do things most of us don’t think twice about—walk down the sidewalk or reach into the fridge—because she worries about falling. But when she saddles up on a horse, her fear takes a backseat.

“Maya wouldn’t be where she is if it weren’t for hippotherapy,” Townsend says. “She first walked for the horse. She was so motivated by it. She’d do anything for that horse. She has no fear at all.”

Part of the reason hippotherapy is so effective, Gineris says, is that kids are more apt to see the activities as fun, not therapy at all. They work their leg muscles by squatting to gather equipment and pick flowers. They improve their ability to grasp with exercises such as picking grass for the horse, and “painting” their hooves with water. And when the session is over, they get to feed carrots to their buddy.

“If I told a child to do 20 squats, they’d throw a fit,” Gineris says.

“When children have been in clinics their whole life, and they get into this natural environment, they’ll do things they wouldn’t want to do otherwise.

“So we do these activities to accomplish what a therapist would do in a clinic, in a natural environment. They are very emotionally attached to the horse, and will do any activity with it.”

She first walked for the horse. She was so motivated by it. She’d do anything for that horse.

She has no fear at all. MOTHER ISABELLE TOWNSEND, ON THE EFFECTS OF HIPPOTHERAPY 40

SEPTEMBER 2013

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

EXPANDING A SOCIAL CIRCLE Animals get us moving, and they can incite activity in older people who don’t move around much. They’re also a friend, offering a bright spot during lonely days.

And for someone living in a nursing home, it means they’ve got a visitor 24/7.

The A mer ic a n S o c ie t y for t he Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is one of many organizations leading the charge in pet therapy programs. Pamela Barlow, A SPCA’s A nimal-A ssisted Therapy Program manager in New York City, says nursing home residents often get strongly attached to therapy animals. Many older nursing home residents don’t get a lot of visitors, and a pet gives them something to look after and care for again.

“It can just brighten their whole day,” Barlow says. “(Animal therapy) can decrease blood pressure, and have a calming effect on people in long-term care. For people looking for psychological relief, it can be extremely helpful getting people to get out of their shells. It’s used a lot on people who are nonverbal.”

Animal visitors can boost our moods just as much as human ones, says researcher Johnson. She saw firsthand the positive impact pets have on older adults at TigerPlace, a pet-focused senior residence in Columbia, Mo. The residence helps seniors keep their independence for as long as possible by letting them care for pets. Workers provide veterinary house calls, and offer placement services if the pet loses its owner.

Seniors also have weekly visits and tutorial sessions with different animals.

The animals give older adults something to focus on besides their aches and pains, Johnson says.

“As we age, our social network often gets smaller, and to have a companion animal with you all the time can be very comforting and positive,” Johnson says.

“We had a lady in her 90s with a cat in its 20s, and she said the cat was the reason to get up in the morning.”

Police dogs protect the public, and give their partners a sense of peace Dogs and horses have long track records helping the military and police, says Lt. John Kerwick, president of the United States Police Canine Association, Region 7, which includes New York.

Initially used for controlling crowds and finding missing people, police canine programs have grown in popularity since the 1960s, Kerwick says. Now they help detect explosives and recover evidence at crime scenes. Kerwick says a dog’s skill in finding a bomb surpasses all electronic equipment.

“There is a lot of machinery that detects contraband, but even the science world will tell you dogs do it better, and they’re a whole lot more portable,” he says.

Along with a trainable and affable attitude, a dog’s powerful sense of smell makes them great protectors. Their nose is “at least 3,000 times better than a human nose,” Kerwick says.

“It becomes simple to train them to find (a scent), whether it’s contraband odor or a human scent in finding an Alzheimer’s patient who is lost,” he says.

Police officers have a stressful job, and often rely on their partners for support. Canine partners offer a unique sense of well-being that can help them manage anxiety.

“There is no greater feeling of peace and serenity than having a dog by your side,” Kerwick says. “It’s not just getting the bad guys. It’s nice having an extra set of eyes with you, and it’s the calming effect.”

HELPING HEAL VETERANS Researchers are looking into the therapeutic effects of partnering dogs with combat veterans. The Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction is currently studying veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. These veterans train dogs in basic obedience skills, and experts are determining whether it lowers stress.

Therapists hope the dog training will help veterans manage their anxiety and build camaraderie, as they interact with people who have been through similar experiences, Johnson says. Some of the dogs have also been trained as service animals for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

They learn how to turn on lights in dark rooms, alert their owners in dangerous situations, and provide comfort in crowded environments.

“Their mere presence is a calming factor. The unconditional love and support is a relaxing factor,” Johnson says. “If a veteran is anxious, they can chill out while petting the dog. They can really notice behavior changes in a veteran, and sense when they need to stick very close.”

Do animals have a sixth sense?

With a combination of instinct and training, research shows many dogs can sense pain and stress, and they gravitate toward those who need help. The signs may be subtle at first, but training can help reinforce the behavior.

Dogs also may be able to sniff out illness. Researchers have experimented with using a canine’s sense of smell to detect certain kinds of cancer. Many dogs and even horses may be able to naturally detect seizures.

“Animals have a much more powerful sense of smell than humans,” says Rebecca Johnson, of the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction.

“They’ve also got incredible intuition, and sense behavioral changes in the person they are bonded with.”

LOCAL CONNECTION Alton dog therapy reading program helps kids break out of their shell

BY DANETTE M. WATT

Bernadette Duvernoy is assistant director and spokeswoman of Hayner Public Library in Alton, Ill. She says the human-canine connection is a strong and powerful one.

Twelve years ago, Duvernoy read about an organization in Colorado that used therapy dogs in a reading program. Then she ran into June Walker, owner of Touched by a Canine. The two decided to create the Bow-wow Pow-wow Reading Program, designed to get children comfortable reading in front of a non-judgmental audience.

Duvernoy remembers one shy boy who was self-conscious about burn scars on his face. He sat in a corner by himself, reading to a Great Dane.

He gradually moved from dog to dog, sharing his book. By the time the hour was over, he was in the midst of the rest of the children and dogs, having a good time.

Besides being fun, Bow-wow Pow-wow helps children: Practice reading skills Read in a relaxed atmosphere Build self-esteem Develop greater self-confidence Develop enthusiasm for reading Improve their attitudes toward books and reading

42

SEPTEMBER 2013

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

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BACK ON SCH

EDULE

Your child’s health is your top priority—that’s a fact.

But they’re all caught up with their shots and checkups, so it’s time to focus on yourself.

Get rid of your excuses, and visit your doctor now.

These screenings will set your mind at ease, and could even save your life.

BY PAIGE FUMO FOX

WHAT DO I NEED? You should visit your primary doctor every year, says Dr. Sarah Swofford, of the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

Be prepared to answer questions about your health and family history, medications you take, your exercise habits, whether you smoke, how much you drink, and whether you use drugs, she says.

Doctors will also ask you—especially as you get older—about whether you have hearing problems, she says. But an annual hearing exam typically isn’t necessary.

A typical checkup includes: Blood pressure check Body mass index calculation Talking about whether you need a colonoscopy.

They are typically recommended at age 50, but earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer. One is recommended every 10 years after.

“Other than that, a basic physical exam and some counseling about healthy behaviors” are what you can expect, Swofford says.

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

SEPTEMBER 2013

45

HER CALENDAR 20

DENTAL CHECKUP Every 6 months

HEART OF THE MATTER

REGULAR CHECKUP Every year

Adults 20 and older should monitor their risk for heart disease. They should be screened at least once every two years, if not at every regular checkup, according to the American Heart Association.

HEART SCREENING 1x/2 years starting at age 20

30 0

VISION CHECKUP 20 to 60, 1x/2 years 61 and older, 1x/1 year

Screenings include measuring: Blood pressure

PAP TEST 20 to 29, 1x/5 years 30 to 65, 1x/3 years

40

Body mass index Waist circumference

TETANUS-DIPHTHERIA VACCINE 1x/10 years

Pulse Cholesterol (every five years for people at normal risk of heart disease)

COLONOSCOPY First one at 50, then 1x/10 years

50

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE 1x before 26 SHINGLES VACCINE 1x after 60 FIRST BONE DENSITY SCAN 65

BONE DENSITY LOWDOWN It’s easy to think about your diet and waistline. But you should also consider what your diet does to your bones. What you eat and drink—or fail to—could lead to osteoporosis. But not everyone needs a bone density scan. Dr. Rosanna Gray-Swain, an OB-GYN at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, says they are “vastly overused,” and are most appropriate for women 65 and older.

According to the National Institutes of Health, our needs for calcium change over time. The NIH recommends daily calcium intakes:

60

Men 19 to 70: 1,000 milligrams Men 71 and older: 1,200 milligrams Women 19 to 50: 1,000 milligrams

70

Women 50 and older: 1,200 milligrams

USE YOUR TIME WISELY

80

Time for your annual checkup? Be ready to be honest. The doctor will want to know about your lifestyle: drinking, smoking, exercise and diet.

Don’t worry—they’ve heard it all. Make the most of your visit by preparing a written or really good mental list of the following: Symptoms Medication Allergies Questions

90

NOT SO FAST! You might be tempted to let your women’s health exam serve as your annual checkup, but an OB-GYN can’t hing cover everything. en use “Women often their OB-GYN as their tor,” o primary care doctor,” s.

Gray-Swain says.

“We can’t be masters ters cine) of all (areas of medicine). ents, We ask all our patients, ary ‘Who is your primary ” care provider?’”

Every women should ould uld y have a primary ioner. general practitioner.

Family health history Dates of past surgeries

A skipped checkup is a missed opportunity to detect some silent problems that cause trouble down the road.

100 10

DR. SARAH SWOFFORD

HIS CALENDAR DENTAL CHECKUP Every 6 months

REASON TO SMILE Sure, you brush twice per day and f loss after every meal. Even if your teeth look pearly white and you don’t feel pain when you eat ice cream, you need to get your teeth checked out, to screen for cavities and gum disease.

In addition to removing plaque, your dentist can also detect problems with lymph nodes or even cancers, says Dr. Donald Hoffman, president of the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

“Many systemic problems become apparent in the mouth before anywhere else,” Hoffman says.

According to the American Dental Association, dental X-rays are not as commonly necessary for adults as they are for children. For adults, dentists can recommend how often X-rays are needed by considering a patient’s age, oral health and risk for disease.

“You have to tailor scheduled exams and cleanings to the person,” Hoffman says. “Six months between visits is sort of the mid-point, but we’re not all average.”

It’s generally recommended that adults get checkups every six months, though their dentist may recommend a different time frame depending on the patient’s oral health.

20

REGULAR CHECKUP Every year HEART SCREENING 1x/2 years starting at 20 VISION CHECKUP 20 to 60, 1x/2 years 61 and older, 1x/1 year

30

TETANUS-DIPHTHERIA VACCINE 1x/10 years COLONOSCOPY: First one at 50, then 1x/10 years HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE 1x before 21

40

SHINGLES VACCINE 1x after 60

50

The Missouri Dental Association says in addition to cleaning and looking for cavities, a dentist can look for:

60

Periodontal (gum) disease Oral infections Oral cancer

SEXUAL HEALTH Adults should consider getting screened, and discuss their risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases with their doctors. Both Gray-Swain and Swofford say men and women should get tested for sexually transmitted diseases each time they have a new partner, multiple partners, or do not use condoms and other forms of protection.

“We recommend screening for sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV for men who are at higher risk for these diseases,” Swofford says.

70

80

The most common STDs men and women may get tested for are: Gonorrhea

Chlamydia

Genital warts

Herpes

HIV

Syphilis

SKIN SAVVY Even if you’re not worried about a specific skin condition, make an appointment with a dermatologist who can do a top-to-bottom assessment of your skin.

“We look for precancerous lesions,” says Katie Green, manager of DermaSpa in Rochester, N.Y. “We ask, ‘What are you cleaning with? What are you moisturizing with?’”

That first visit will provide a baseline, so that if moles begin to change shape or color, you’ll have information for comparison at follow-up visits.

90

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

SEPTEMBER 2013

47

MID AMERICA

ALTON, IL

PICTURE OF GOOD HEALTH

Dog-Eared Pages CANINE CONNECTION Gabrielle Rose, 3, of Godfrey, shares a picture with therapy dog Jack while browsing through a book during the Bow-wow Pow-wow Reading Program at Hayner Public Library in Alton.

ONE TALKS, ONE LISTENS Every month, Bow-wow Pow-wow invites children to read to and interact with therapy dogs.

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

48

SEPTEMBER 2013

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

SUPPLIED PHOTO

TREAT FOR KIDS Bernadette Duvernoy, the library’s assistant director, and June Walker, owner of Touched by a Canine, started the program, to make reading fun and boost a child’s confidence in reading out loud.

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