Enhance Magazine Dec/Jan Issue by Mark Williams

Kansas City

H E A L T H a n d W E L L N E SS

protect your heart this winter tips for surviving the frosty season

Dece m b e r 2008 / Ja n u a r y 2 0 0 9 w w w . e n h a n c e 4 l i f e . co m

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from the editor

get healthy and give heart This season, let’s celebrate one of the most precious gifts we can

Rumor has it, following the stock market debacle, that time is the new currency. I believe that time is one of the greatest gifts WE have to offer. The winter days ahead offer great opportunities to relish time with family and friends, be there for those important events and dedicate time to volunteer in the community. Serving others and connecting with loved ones has a powerful impact on our overall health and well-being. The gift of health allows us to live in the present, grace others with our attention, and live life to the fullest! Here’s our chance to pay it forward: get healthy and give heart.

lsteffey@enhancepublications.com

Photo © Denise Williams

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receive – the gift of health It might take a little TLC, time and attention to nurture this gift, but we believe it’s well worth the effort. We invite you to join us on the quest for a healthy lifestyle, so together we can establish a healthy community. A lofty goal, some might suggest, but we have to start somewhere – so why not here and now? We’ll begin with the spotlight on our biggest muscle – and the seat of life and compassion – the heart. We have partnered with the American Heart Association to bring you the latest facts, community resources, links and local events to help you stay informed. We also encourage you to schedule that all-important preventative maintenance heart checkup soon. Consider making an appointment today, and you can be an inspiration for others to do the same. The cold winter months can foster a more sedentary lifestyle, which is often linked to heart disease. In this issue, we bring you the latest and greatest heart treatment innovations, heart-healthy food and recipes, and ideas for getting you (and your heart!) moving. Maybe the winter chill has brought those unwelcome aches and pains of arthritis to you or a loved one. For the discomfort, the stress, the unrelenting pace of our culture, we offer a few complementary health ideas to help you relax, renew your energy and find that inner balance once again.

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Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.

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58 52

55 26

Clockwise from top left: ÂŠ Istockphotos.com / Demian Ignacio; Martin Novak; Brian Rice; Wolfgang Amri; Yin Yang; Boris Djuranovik; Dra Schwartz

in this issue

Kansas City

H E a Lt H a n d W E L L n E s s

protect your heart this winter tips for surviving the frosty season

heart health 26

Heart maintenance Start the new year right by taking steps to protect yourself against heart disease. Prevent fatal Heart attacks KU’s Heart Center is using a new technique to help people with a genetic disease.

d E C E m b E r 2008 / Ja n u a r y 2009 w w w . e n h a n c e 4 l i f e . co m

Volume 1, Issue 2 December/January 2009 Executive Editor Letha A. Steffey

the taste of winter 38 42

warm winter eats Don’t let your healthy eating habits hibernate in the cold weather months. Guide to giving wine In the season of parties and gift-giving, a wellchosen wine can add sparkle to your night.

a new approach 64

Reflexology Reflexology can restore balance to your body and promote healing.

Rolfing More than a massage, rolfing works deep in the tissues to ease pain and improve overall health. Free Radicals Think you can get by with good exercise and bad nutrition? Think again.

health focus

in the spotlight

Arthritis The aches and pains of arthritis don’t have to get you down.

Patrick Moore How a class project led to a life-saving diagnosis.

Healthy Winter Eating

Not all fats are the same

Andrew Moore, DDS A gifted musician and a caring dentist making a difference.

Things you can do for your heart

Gail Dicus A Leawood resident is one of the new faces of the American Heart Association’s campaign.

Checkup: Heart Disease

Children and heart disease

Service dogs How a Kansas City service dog trainer and her faithful friend are making a difference.

Art Director and copy editor Colleen Cooke Contributing photographers Denise Williams Jonathan Braswell Brian Rice Contributing Writers Ryan Brown, Colleen Cooke, Paige DeRuyscher, Scott Higgins, Richard W. Jennings, Michael A. Levine, Trieste Van Wyngarden ADVERTISING To advertise, please call Mark Williams, mwilliams@ enhancepublications.com 913-269-9227 Publisher Mark Williams Enhance Magazine is published by Enhance Publications. Any information contained within this publication should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a licensed physician. Enhance Publications, its affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, designers, and its Editorial Board of Advisors (“Publisher”) accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions with information for the claims made by Advertisers. Publisher expressly assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever that may be suffered by any patient, purchaser or user for any products or services advertised or mentioned editorially herein. You expressly agree that your use of the information in Enhance is at your sole risk. Photographs of any model in Enhance in no way suggest or imply that the subject has undergone any procedure or used the products showcased. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy in the information provided. Enhance Publications assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes, or omissions. Photography and material in the publication as well as design may not be copied or reproduced in any form without the written permission of: Enhance Magazine, 7111 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS 66223. Phone: 913-269-9227, Fax: 913-322-1099 mwilliams@enhancepublications.com All rights reserved. ©2008 Enhance Publications.

www.enhance4life.com

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Creative director Dennis Esser

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health bits

things you can do for your heart Learn CPR

In only 22 minutes you can learn the core skills of CPR at home with your family or friends or at your community group meeting using one of the American Heart Association’s CPR Anytime Kits. By performing CPR, you may double the chance of survival of your loved one or close friend.

February is Heart Awareness month – Take time to get a jump start on a healthy heart

Make a heart-healthy grocery list

Create your free, heart-healthy grocery list at heartcheckmark.org. Build a list from hundreds of products certified by the American Heart Association to be low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Call the American Heart Association Customer Service Center at 1-877-AHA4CPR or visit www.americanheart.org and select CPR.

Save the date: The Kansas City Heart Walk is May 30, 2009.

Start! calls on all Americans and their employers to create a culture of health and physical activity to live longer, heart-healthy lives. To learn more visit www.mystartonline.org or www.americanheart.org/start

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Heart and your Teeth

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is the best protection against infection of the heart muscle stemming from bacteria in the mouth.

Clockwise from left: © istockphoto.com / Andrew Simpson, Roel Smart, Doug Cannell, Miquel Munill

Start! exercising

The American Heart Association says by adding one hour of regular, vigorous physical activity, adults can gain up to two hours of life expectancy. Start by including more physical activity into your daily routine. Learn more at heart.org/start.

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health bits

Spotlight

a local face on heart disease Leawood resident appears in American

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Heart Association’s national campaign

Leawood, Kan., resident Gail Dicus is one of the nine new faces of the American Heart Association’s national Go Red For Women campaign. With these women serving as the face of the campaign, Go Red For Women hopes to raise awareness of heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. Nine women represent the many faces of heart disease and will share their stories to help stamp out this largely preventable disease. Eight years ago, Dicus was diagnosed with viral myocardiopathy, but it took a while before her doctors thought it might be a heart condition that was causing her constant illness and fatigue. “Early on, no one really took a close look at my heart,” she says. “Back then, not as many doctors were focused on women’s heart health.” Her condition eventually required a heart transplant, and a group of friends stepped in to help while she was waiting for a new heart. “I would never want women to go through a heart crisis without her own community of women,” Dicus says. That’s what the Go Red For Women movement represents. I hope that any woman who is diagnosed with heart disease knows exactly where she can go, call, log in or write to find the instant support of people who will become some of her new best friends.” Friday, Feb. 6, is National Wear Red Day. You can help raise awareness about heart disease by taking part.

Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of more than 460,000 women every year, causing one death per minute. But studies show that only 21 percent of women view heart disease as their greatest health threat.

www.goredforwomen.org

health bits

healthy winter eating

Stuff with More veggies, less bread Opt for less bread in your stuffing and add more onions, celery, vegetables or fruits such as dried cranberries or apples to make a lower calorie version of the old standby. Try using whole wheat bread to make it an even healthier option.

Sacrifice fat, not flavor Use low-fat buttermilk or lowsodium chicken stock in place of cream or whole milk in dishes like mashed potatoes, whipped sweet potatoes or butternut squash. You’ll achieve a creamy consistency and loads of flavor, minus the unnecessary fat and calories.

sweet on sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes are a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fiber – and they can make a tasty side dish or dessert. A healthy way to cook them is to cut them in half, sprinkle with orange juice and a dash of brown sugar and pop them into the oven.

Steam and mash Try sneaking in more low-calorie vegetables by mashing or pureeing steamed or boiled cauliflower with fat-free milk. It’s a flavorful substitute for mashed potatoes and can help balance an otherwise potato-rich meal!

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Clockwise from top left: © istockphoto.com / Jill CHen, Paul Cowan, Gary Martin, Alice Day, Lisa Thornberg, DNY59

Start small When it comes to holiday dining, the biggest concern is not just WHAT you are eating, but HOW MUCH of it you are eating. Aim to have small portions of those foods that are high in calories such as casseroles and desserts while filling up on lighter fare such as vegetables and lean turkey.

Talk Turkey Turkey is a great source of lean protein and is healthiest if you skip the skin and go for the white meat. If you prefer the dark meat, mix and match in order to get a little extra flavor without adding too much fat.

health bits

children and heart disease

Heart disease. Hypertension. Type 2 diabetes. Liver dysfunction. Adult diseases only, right? Wrong. These terms are becoming common in the vocabulary used to diagnose overweight and obese children. Childhood obesity has become a national epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 16 percent of all teens and children in the United States are overweight today. Moreover, according to the American Heart Association, today’s figures represent a doubling for children and nearly a tripling for teens compared to 1980s figures. Closer to home, Missouri is ranked in the top 20 worst states for adult obesity, teen obesity and childhood obesity. Overweight in children and adolescents is generally caused by lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of the two, with genetics and lifestyle both playing important roles in determining a child’s weight.

State Stats State data show that 23 percent of Missouri children ages 5 to 11 are overweight, and the percentage is increasing steadily. When those at risk for overweight are added to those already overweight, more than 40 percent of Missouri children are involved. Source: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Dietary Intake and Physical Activity Report. The Missouri School-aged Children Health Services Program School Year 2003-2004.

Eleven percent of Kansas adolescents in grades six to 12 are overweight while 13.6 percent of adolescents in the same grades are at risk of overweight. Source: 2002-2003 supplemental questions on Kansas Youth Tobacco Survey.

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Local Resource Learn about how to help improve and prevent the situation: www. kchealthykids.org

South Kansas City Surgicenter

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health bits

not all fats are the same Both Sat (saturated fat) and Trans (trans fat) are “bad” fats because they raise your bad cholesterol. That means they can both increase your risk for heart disease. Mon (monounsaturated fat) and Poly (polyunsaturated fat) are the “better” fats because they can lower your bad cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Better Fats Recipes New heart-healthy recipes that make use of the better fats.

It’s good to eat less Eat less of the foods Sat and Trans are in. Go easy on bakery goodies like doughnuts and pastries and fried foods like French fries. And eat less fatty meat, chicken with skin, butter and full-fat dairy products. You don’t have to avoid these foods altogether, but make them treats you only eat once in a while.

http://facethefats.org/

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Just because a label says “trans fat-free” doesn’t mean the food is healthy. It might still be high in the other bad fat – saturated – or have lots of empty calories. So take a closer look before you toss it in your cart or put it on your plate.

My Fats Translator An easy-to-use calculator that gives individuals their personalized daily calorie and fat consumption results. Its food scenarios give ideas for smarter ways to prepare seasonal favorites, each with three examples of “bad,” “better” and “best” selections. www.myfatstranslator.com/

Don’t be fooled by “FREE’”

health bits checkup:

heart disease

Cardiovascular disease is American’s No. 1 killer, claiming more lives than the next five causes of death combined. Stroke is the No. 3 killer of Americans. Knowledge of heart attack and stroke warning signs can prepare you for dealing with them effectively.

Heart Attack Warning Signs Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke: Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. n Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. n Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. n Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. n Sudden, severe headache with no known cause. n

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If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.

Stroke Warning Signs

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health and wellness

The gift of Good health It’s easy to get stressed or cynical about the prospect of holiday giftgiving. The stores, the cost, the time, the fretting, the good-grief-shealready-has-everything. Eventually, you just give up and buy gift cards for everybody, effectively tossing a bunch of money at your loved ones. This year, make a commitment to give back – from the inside, out. Think of it as an investment: an investment in your health, and in others.

Giving back The gift of your time can be very fulfilling. When you give your time in volunteering, you gain physical and mental health benefits. According to a 2007 report by Corporation for National and Community Service, those who

volunteer at least one or two hours a week experience a host of lifeenhancing and life-extending benefits: n Greater life satisfaction n Greater longevity n Lower rates of depression n Higher functional ability Much of the benefits of giving to others come from the sense of being involved in a community and connecting to others. It’s important not to restrict your volunteering to the holiday season alone; the report notes that unless people volunteer about 100 hours a year – or two hours a week – those health benefits won’t materialize.

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Beyond an apple a day You can take the direct approach and schedule a preventive screening

– or maybe just an old-fashioned thorough checkup. It’s simple enough to make such an appointment; the real trick is building up the courage to learn what’s really going on inside you. In this issue of Enhance, we’ve highlighted a number of local resources to help you keep this appointment with yourself.

health and wellness

Surviving

The Creaky The aches and pains of arthritis don’t have to get you down this winter. Here’s a hopeful new look at an age-old problem

enhance magazine

By Richard W. Jennings

Consider this: That stooped-over elderly man with the handicapped parking tag, shuffling through the cold wind into Wal-Mart with the help of a walking stick, was once a 10-year-old boy who rode Shetland ponies bareback beneath apple trees and scrambled up ancient Indian mounds in search of artifacts. Today he’s five inches shorter than he was, hangs onto two railings to get up the stairs to his bedroom, prefers to sit rather than stand and can’t tie his shoes (so he’s switched to Velcro). In his mind, the changes happened overnight. “Life,” he says, “is basically maintenance.” He has spinal arthritis. THE BIG PICTURE If Wal-Mart installed handicapped parking spaces for every customer with some form of joint pain or arthritis, there would be little room left for anyone else. Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of disability in the U.S., affecting more than 2 million adults in Kansas and Missouri alone. According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 percent of all adults over 75 report an arthritis diagnosis. Even baby boomers who once participated in sports, dancing, running, bicycling and other demanding outdoor activities have slowed down significantly in their mature years.

Today, 36 diseases are commonly known as arthritis, ranging from severe back pain to crippling rheumatoid arthritis. Some require such surgery as arthroscopy, synovectomy and joint replacement. Most require changes in lifestyle, and that can be a problem. Thirty years ago, doctors would have told patients to lie down and rest to recover from their condition. Today their advice is the opposite: Get moving! A PROMISING FUTURE Ten years ago, Brad Zieglar was a lawyer with no particular interest in not-forprofit organizations. Today, he’s the energetic president of the area chapter of the national Arthritis Foundation located in Prairie Village, Kan. Zieglar’s office is the first place to turn for information about an arthritic condition. If you’ve been diagnosed, you might wish to consult a specialist. The local Arthritis Foundation office can give you a comprehensive listing of qualified rheumatologists located in hospitals, clinics, pain centers and retail therapy locations throughout the city. Here, too, you will find an abundance of free brochures, access to books and videos, and invitations to frequent public forums – all created to help you understand what has happened to your

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ÂŠ istockphoto.com / Kevin Russ

health and wellness

Season

body and how to live your life to its fullest. Throughout the year, the foundation conducts programs off-premises at work sites, community centers and major meeting facilities. They feature volunteer rheumatologists, orthopedic specialists, pain management specialists, and physical therapists as well as lengthy question-and-answer periods. The meetings cover important topics like surgery, self-management, alternative therapies and group input. “There are two things you need right away,” Ziegler suggests. “First is access to complete information. The other is an activity regimen to maintain your physical flexibility, your range of motion and the impact of weight.” The fall 2008 newsletter Outreach, published by the Western Missouri/ Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, creatively commands “Motion Can be Lotion for Joints that Ache.” The publication continues: “You may think that exercise and arthritis do not go hand in hand. It was thought for many years that if you had arthritis you should not exercise because it would damage your joints. Now, however, research has shown that exercise is an essential tool in managing your arthritis.” Not only does exercise reduce joint pain and stiffness, the story suggests, but it gives you more energy, helps you sleep better, controls your weight, decreases depression – a major problem with arthritis – and gives a person a higher dose of self-esteem. “Staying active is the key to managing your arthritis,” says Debbie Cooper, health and fitness director for the Arthritis Foundation. “You don’t have to be a runner,” Ziegler adds. “You can be a walker. Or you can try aquatic exercise. Many people find that beneficial.”

Arthritis Foundation Western Missouri/Greater KC Chapter 1900 West 75th Street, Suite 200 Prairie Village, KS 66208 913-262-2233 1-888-719-5670 www.arthritis.org

Ask about how you can receive five free brochures, including Back Pain, Exercise and Your Arthritis, Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery, Surgery & Arthritis: What You Need to Know, Physician Referral List.

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health and wellness

Spinal Stenosis What is it Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spine. The spinal canal has 24 vertebrae, the sacrum (made up of five fused vertebra) the coccyx (three to five fused vertebrae), disks that cushion the areas between the vertebrae and ligaments that hold all these tiny pieces together and permit movement.

What happens Should your spinal column narrow, the spinal cord or nerve roots can be compressed. The result is pain and numbness in the legs, shoulders or arms. It can also lead to weakness in the limbs, chronic pain and sciatica and loss of digestive control. The condition also affects height and posture.

It can be inherited or acquired through degenerative aging, osteoarthritis, herniated disk, vertebra slippage or rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis usually requires an X-ray, MRI or bone scan. Treatment ranges from exercise, medications, nerve blocks, steroid injections, to surgery.

Rheumatoid Arthritis What is it Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the better-known forms of arthritis – also one of the most painful and debilitating, affecting 1.3 million Americans of all ages. It’s a chronic disease characterized by an inflammation of the lining of the joints.

What happens It typically leads to long-term joint damage, severe pain, loss of function and general disability. In most cases it is a progressive disease, moving from the early stages of pain and stiffness to more advanced deterioration of the bones and joints.

What Causes it There is no known cause or cure, although several promising theories abound. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference, providing the greatest chance for those with rheumatoid arthritis to live a normal life.

What happens According to Arthritis Today, this condition is a gradual breakdown of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones where they meet to form a joint, where movement takes place. It also affects the shape of the joint so it no longer functions properly, causing a limp or making it difficult to go up and down stairs. It can also attack the neck and fingers, making it hard to hold objects or use a pen.

What Causes it Like other diseases in the arthritis family, osteoarthritis has no single cause. Heredity can play a part, as can lifestyle. It may be a combination of factors including body weight, double jointedness or collagen production. Accidental injury can also cause the disease, as can repetitive movements. It’s not unusual for athletes to suffer from osteoarthritis. Constant knee bending has been cited as a cause for making cartilage wear more quickly.

What is it Chances are if you have arthritis, it’s this kind. About 33 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis – the most common chronic condition of the joints. Frequently called degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, this condition is most commonly found in older people. If you qualify for social security, you may also qualify for osteoarthritis.

Alternative therapies Although dietary supplements are not considered drugs, they can act like them. These products consist of vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, extracts and concentrates. But testing in this area has been limited, so you’re on your own. “Dietary supplements, herbs, and other natural substances can be useful for arthritis,” according to the Arthritis Foundation’s

consulting physicians say. “If you act carefully, natural-based nutritional substances can be an effective part of an arthritis treatment plan.” Bottom line: Buy the best product recommended by your doctor. See your doctor and take every step, including medication, self-education, exercise and meeting with like-challenged groups, to live a fulfilling life.

Suggested supplements: ASU Black currant oil Borage oil Boswellia Bromelain Cat’s claw Chrondroitin sulfate Devil’s claw DHEA DMSO Fish oil

Evening primrose Flaxseed Ginger Ginkgo GLA Glucosamine Indian frankincense Melatonin MSM SAM-e

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From top: © istockphoto.com / Martin Novak, Stan Rohrer, Jo Ann Snover, Brandon Rose

Osteoarthritis

health and wellness

Hands-on Heart Health Start the new year right by taking steps to protect yourself against heart disease

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By Ryan Brown

Fall is over, and most people are holing up in their homes for the long winter months. It is natural to want to reduce your exercise schedule and to cheat a little bit on your diet. However, many doctors and cardiologists say that winter is a perfect time to give your heart a checkup. “Preventative maintenance is the No. 1 remedy to curing heart disease,” says Dr. Tracy Stevens, M.D., a cardiologist for the Mid-American Heart Institute. “Only through constant, consistent monitoring can someone ensure that their heart is performing as it should.” There are several methods to proactively assure your heart is working as it should. Lab testing (diagnostic blood work) can identify the early stages

of disease progression. In addition, a coronary scan (CAT scan) can find your “good fat,” or subcutaneous fat, and just lightening up your life a little. Laughter can actually be the best medicine. “Laughter releases stress,” says Dr. Steve Owens, M.D., who is the medical director for Cardiac Telemetry at the University of Kansas hospital. “Stress can cause increased blood pressure, which can put unnecessary and even dangerous pressure on your heart muscles. Laughing and not taking yourself so seriously can literally add years to your life.” However, heart disease is no laughing matter. It is the leading cause of death in the United States. The tragic part is that heart disease is often avoidable.

hands-on heart health

“Only through constant, consistent monitoring can someone ensure that their heart is performing as it should.”

Steps to good health Following a heart-healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t mean you need to live a life of self-deprivation. Instead, find ways to incorporate heart-healthy habits into your lifestyle, and you could well enjoy a healthier life for years to come. “Step one is to get a checkup,” says Dr. Owens. “Determine your heart’s health, your ideal body weight and whether not you are living a heart healthy lifestyle. Talk with your doctor about what you should be doing to either maintain or improve your heart’s performance.” The biggest factor a person can have over their heart’s health is smoking.

“If you smoke, quit,” says Dr. Stevens. “That’s the most powerful, preventable risk factor for heart disease.” When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals, many of which can damage your heart and blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Even so-called “social smoking” – only smoking while at a bar or restaurant with friends – is dangerous and increases the risk of heart disease. “Putting those carcinogens into your body is pretty much the worst thing you

can do to your body,” says Dr. Owens. Women who smoke and take birth control pills are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke than are those who don’t do either. And this risk increases with age, especially over 35. But when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease drops dramatically within just one year. And no matter how long or how much you smoked, you’ll start reaping rewards as soon as you quit. The best thing this winter is to eat in moderation, reach for the vegetables and work up a sweat a few times a week. By making these changes now, you can ensure your heart will be healthy throughout the winter and beyond.

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–Dr. Tracy Stevens, Mid-American Heart Institute

health and wellness

Get Your Heart In Shape Programs designed to improve physical fitness take into account frequency (how often), intensity (how hard) and time (how long). They provide the best conditioning. The FIT Formula F = frequency (days per week) I = intensity (how hard, e.g., easy, moderate, vigorous) or percent of heart rate T = time (amount for each session or day) AHA Recommendation For most healthy people: For health benefits to the heart, lungs and circulation, perform any moderate-to-vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week at 50–85 percent of your maximum heart rate. You can accumulate 30 minutes in 10- or 15-minute sessions. These activities are especially beneficial when done regularly: n brisk walking n hiking n stair-climbing n aerobic exercise n jogging n running n bicycling n rowing and swimming n soccer n basketball “Exercise releases the same hormone as smoking does,” Dr. Stevens says. “People can get addicted to working out rather than smoking, and it will add years, even decades, to their life.”

1. Eat fruits and vegetables. Fruits can prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in your body. This is important because when cholesterol becomes oxidized it can stick to your blood vessel walls, leading to plaque that can cause heart attacks and strokes. They can also keep your immune system functioning properly. Vegetables offer important phytochemicals – these chemicals act as antioxidants, phytoestrogens and enzyme aids and serve antibacterial functions.

2. Exercise. A quick lap around the block will go a long way in preventing heart disease. Federal guidelines recommend that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. However, even shorter amounts offer heart benefits, so if you can’t meet those guidelines, don’t give up. And remember: Gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count toward your total.

3. Stop smoking. When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe. Smokeless tobacco and low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes also are risky, as is exposure to secondhand smoke. “Each cigarette takes away an average of seven minutes of your expected life span,” says Dr. Stevens.

4. Know your family history. A person with a genetic history of heart disease needs to get a thorough examination to check for other risk factors that contribute to heart disease. That means finding out about cholesterol and blood pressure levels and keeping weight under control.

hands-on heart health

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4 Steps to a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

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GO GREEN

Green conjures up more than the luck of the Irish – green foods host a variety of nutrachemicals shown to improve heart health. Just as there are four leaves to a good-luck clover, there are four green foods rich with robust health benefits. Add these good-luck charms to your diet: Broccoli (or any green vegetable) Any vegetable with a dark green color throughout is a rich source of vitamin A or beta carotene. Beta carotene is an antioxidant that slows the formation of free radicals, chemicals associated with aging and disease. Dark green vegetables are a great source of folic acid, too. Getting enough folic acid can prevent the accumulation of high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, a new risk factor for heart disease.

risk factors – men vs. women Although the traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease – high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity – are detrimental to everyone, certain factors may play a bigger role in women. n Metabolic

syndrome — a combination of abdominal obesity, increased blood pressure, elevated blood glucose and triglycerides — has a greater impact on women than on men.

n Mental

stress and depression affect women’s hearts more than men’s.

n Smoking

Kiwi fruit Packed with more vitamin C than an equivalent amount of orange, the bright green kiwi fruit speckled with tiny black seeds is known for its mild sweet taste. Vitamin C can neutralize free radicals that damage cells leading to inflammation, a major contributor to blood vessel damage. Not only is kiwi an excellent source of vitamin C, it also contains polyphenols, vitamin E, potassium and fiber, all of which protect blood vessel walls of the heart.

n Low

level of estrogen before menopause is a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in smaller blood vessels (microvascular disease).

Heart Attack Symptoms

n Neck,

shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort n Shortness of breath n Nausea or vomiting n Sweating n Lightheadedness or dizziness n Unusual fatigue

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Local Resources

Pistachios Also known as “green almonds,” pistachios offer cholesterol-busting phytosterols, good monounsaturated fat and lots of potassium. Research shows that women who eat a handful of these nuts four times a week can lower their risk of heart disease by 40 percent. Pistachios can raise good cholesterol found in the blood, decrease blood pressure and relax blood vessels, thereby reducing the heart’s overall workload. Make sure you look for salt-free.

American Heart Association www.americanheart.org St. Luke’s Hospital www.stlukeshealthsystem.org University of Kansas Hospital www.kumed.com

hands-on heart health

From top: © istockphoto.com / Jason Reekie, Raychel Deppe, Doug Cannell, Andrzej Burak

Avocado Sodium and cholesterol free, this delicious richtasting fruit packs a punch with its abundance of healthy monounsaturated fat. Eating more monounsaturated fats can lower LDL (lethal or plaque-building cholesterol) and decreases heart disease risk. In addition, these green wonders are full of lutein, which helps maintain healthy eyes.

is much worse for women than men.

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Primer: Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis (ath-er-o-skler-O-sis) is a disease in which plaque builds up on the insides of your arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. The flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body is reduced. This can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke or even death. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body, including arteries in the heart, brain, arms, legs and pelvis. As a result,

different diseases may develop based on which arteries are affected: n Coronary artery disease (CAD). This is when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. When blood flow to your heart is reduced or blocked, it can lead to chest pain and heart attack. CAD also is called heart disease, and it’s the leading cause of death in the United States. n Carotid (ka-ROT-id) artery disease. This happens when plaque builds up in the carotid arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain. When blood flow to your brain is reduced or blocked, it can lead to stroke.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This occurs when plaque builds up in the major arteries that supply oxygenrich blood to the legs, arms, and pelvis. When blood flow to these parts of your body is reduced or blocked, it can lead to numbness, pain and sometimes dangerous infections.

Some people with atherosclerosis have no signs or symptoms. And the cause of atherosclerosis isn’t known. However, certain conditions may raise your chances of developing it. You can control some of these risk factors, such as lack of physical activity, smoking and unhealthy eating. The main treatment for atherosclerosis is lifestyle changes.

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local spotlight

Patrick Moore | Lenexa, Kansas

the heart of the matter It all started with a science experiment, but it may have saved his life. | In April Patrick Moore, a 17-year-old from Lenexa, Kan., went to school just like any normal day. However, all normalcy disappeared during science class. | His biology teacher, Alan Thomas, brought in an oximeter to demonstrate how to measure heartbeats. Patrick was one of the last to be tested, and both he and Thomas were surprised by the results. | “My heartbeat was around 160 beats per minute,” Patrick says. “I thought maybe I had used the machine wrong. Nobody else had a test result that high.”

No symptoms, no answers

Answered prayers

Back to normal

A normal heart will beat at 60 to 90 beats per minute when resting. Patrick’s heart was exerting enough of a rate equal to someone who had just run a five-mile race. Even though he is, by all appearances, healthy and in good shape, Patrick was immediately taken to the school nurse, where his heart rate was measured again and again. Several measures were taken to try to bring down his heart’s speed, but to no avail. The Bishop Miege High School junior was then sent home, even though he felt perfectly fine.

Finally, after a referral to a pediatric cardiac specialist, Patrick was diagnosed with ectopic atrial tachycardia. Patrick’s heart had developed an extra layer of tissue that had become active. The additional tissue caused an enlarged heart – and that forced his heart to work twice as hard to produce the normal volume of blood for his body. This accounted for the accelerated heartbeat.

After two surgeries within a week of each other to remove the aberrant tissue, Patrick is fully recovered and living a normal life. In his words, he spent six weeks as “a bionic man,” hooked up to a heart monitor closely watched by his doctors. Now, he has resumed daily activities. He has to take two kinds of beta blockers twice daily, and there is the possibility of a third surgery down the road. However, that is not what’s on Patrick’s mind.

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Patrick’s parents made a doctor’s appointment right away, and during the next three weeks, Patrick underwent a battery of tests as physicians tried to determine what was causing his elevated heart rate. An EKG and a chest X-ray did not yield any answers, either.

By Ryan Brown

“That was the worst part,” says Patrick. “I felt fine, but nobody could figure out what was wrong with me. Even when we did the X-ray and the EKG, they still didn’t know. That was a little concerning.”

“Usually people in this condition go right onto the transplant list,” Patrick says. “If it had been another six months, I may have needed a new heart.”

Winter is a common time of the year for heart disease to increase. People are eating more and working out less – which can be a deadly combination. Doctors recommend that you eat manageable portions during the cold months ahead, and try to maintain a healthy amount of exercise.

“I am getting ready to go to college, and I want to be a writer,” says Patrick. “The only real difference now is that I can’t drink Red Bull any more. Otherwise, I’m just a normal kid.” Early detection and preventative measures may have saved Patrick’s life. Now he wants his story to help others. “I was just a normal high school student, just like everyone else,” Patrick says. “I had no idea I had a problem with my heart. If it hadn’t been for a science experiment, I may not have found out until it was too late. People can find out before the problems get worse – but they have to get checked out first.”

Pulse oximeter

Heart Checkup

1. Take your pulse. Find your pulse either on your wrist or neck and count the beats while keeping time on a watch or clock. Do not use your thumb, as it has its own pulse. Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply that number by four. A normal heart will beat at 60 to 90 beats per minute when resting.

A pulse oximeter is a medical device that indirectly measures the oxygen saturation of a person’s blood (as opposed to measuring oxygen saturation directly through a blood sample) and changes in blood volume in the skin. The device can be slipped over a patient’s finger to read pulse rate and determine if the heart is beating at a normal pace.

If you want to get your heart checked out, visit your family caregiver first. Determine whether or not you have common risk factors that could lead to heart disease, including obesity, family history or high blood pressure. Your doctor might then recommend blood tests and/or an echocardiogram, which determines the strength of the walls of your heart. Some insurances do not cover echocardiograms fully or at all, so be sure to check with your carrier.

2. Monitor your blood pressure. Many stores now offer blood pressure cuffs so you can monitor your BPM. 3. Visit your doctor. A standard checkup is a key step to a healthy heart.

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Patrick Moore: © Denise Williams; Oximeter: © istockphoto.com / Bojan Fatur

measure your heart rate

A D V E R TO R I A L

Arthritis and the Spine Millions of people suffer from arthritis. In fact, arthritis affects about 80 percent of people over age 55 in the United States. In 12 years, more than 60 million people will suffer from this problem. Arthritis can affect any part of the body, including the spine. Common forms | • Osteoarthritis • Degenerative disk disease • Spondylosis • Facet Arthropathy • Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms | • Back pain that comes and goes • Spinal stiffness in the morning such as after getting out of bed or after activity • Pain, tenderness or numbness in the neck • Lower back pain that runs down into the buttocks, thighs or pelvic area, sciatica • Pain or tenderness in the shoulders, hips, knees or heels • A crunching feeling or sound of bone rubbing on bone • Weakness or numbness in legs or arms • Limited range of motion, difficulty bending or walking • Spinal deformity

Treatment | There is no cure for arthritis, but you can treat the pain and discomfort using medications, physical therapy, exercise, heat/cold therapy and rest. For more advanced pain, injectable therapies, radiofrequency ablation and other treatments may be recommended. Your doctor will talk to you about these options and together you can develop a

Source: www.spineuniverse.com

Arthritis is not a death sentence. In fact, many people who have arthritis continue to live active and productive lives. Educating yourself about your condition and managing your symptoms are the keys to not letting arthritis slow you down.

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whole living

Dishing up warm

winter eaTS Don’t let your healthy eating habits hibernate in cold weather months

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Winter in the Midwest invites us indoors to enjoy warmth and togetherness. Unfortunately, our more sedentary lifestyles often lead to less exercise and a decrease in the vitamins naturally provided by the sun. Plus, it can be hard to find fresh, local, healthy food choices throughout the winter months.

The good news is, you have options. Kansas City is the home of several local farmers’ markets that are beginning to offer winter schedules, some even with home delivery. Web sites, cookbooks and local grocery stores provide wonderful recipes and uses for those fresh and whole foods that are available. Really, the wealth of nutrients at your fingertips should make for an exciting winter adventure in the kitchen!

By Trieste Van Wyngarden

THE BEAUTY OF B6

HEART HEALTHY

A deficiency of B6 in your blood can induce high levels of homocysteine, which is an independent risk factor for heart disease. The presence of B6, however, assists more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell metabolism and helps keep blood glucose at normal levels. Mild B6 deficiency is common in many people. Add B6 to your diet with foods like yellowfin tuna, bananas, roasted chicken breast, cooked spinach, avocado and potato (with the skin on).

Inactivity, genetics and lifestyle are all possible contributors to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Incorporate these foods into your winter diet to give your heart a jumpstart.

ANTIOXIDANTS Antioxidants are the crime fighting superheroes of whole body health. They seek out the free radicals (byproducts) produced by our bodies when our cells use oxygen, protecting us from the disease and damage those free radicals usually bring on. Heart disease, diabetes and cancer are all threatened by antioxidants. And in fact, eating five servings of fruits and vegetables per day may reduce the risk of stroke by 25 percent. Look for deep color. Vegetables and fruits with vibrant color provide the most antioxidants. Red, yellow, and green peppers, carrots, dark green leafy veggies, tomatoes (especially when cooked), broccoli, blueberries and acai berries are all great choices. Supplement your diet with wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds and peanuts, which are all excellent sources of both vitamin E and antioxidants.

Add hawthorn, motherwort or schizandra powders to beverages or make into spreads for a heart healthy treat. These herbs are available at health food stores or online. n

Serve soynut butter on breakfast toast, snack on pistachios, or sprinkle ground flax seed on cereal for a boost of omega 3 fats. These fats may help prevent hardening of the arteries, blood clots and irregular heartbeat. n

Eat raw vegetables and whole fruits (instead of juices) to fight heart disease. n

Substitute low linolenic soybean oil or olive oil and vinegar for salad dressing to avoid dangerous, manufactured trans fats. These trans fats raise LDL cholesterol (that’s the bad kind). n

A WEALTH OF LOCAL EATING INFO LOCAL RESOURCE: Wells Family Farm

LOCAL FOOD RESTAURANTS

Choosing local foods over imported ones can decrease your intake of pesticides, preservatives, sodium and a number of other unhealthy additives. The Wells Family

These are some of the area’s restaurants serving local menus: Aixois Bluestem Café Sebastienne at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art Cassis Bistro City Tavern The Classic Cup Cafe Pangea Café & Market

Farm makes an effort to provide seasonal fruits and vegetables every Saturday until the regular markets open in spring. Find them at 39th Street and Genessee from 11 a.m. to noon,

and the Brookside Montessori School (6321 Wornall) from 12:30 to 4 p.m., on Saturdays. Delivery is available. Contact kim@ wellsfamilyfarm. com for more information.

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www.kcfoodcircle.org

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Healthy must-haves Find ways to incorporate ingredients such as echinacea, beans, cabbage and kale to give your winter dishes a heart-healthy kick.

WINTER SUPER FOODS Kale: A huge source of vitamins K, A and C, and a high fiber content. Add kale to hearty winter soups and stews. Artichokes: Enjoy a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins A and C, magnesium, folate, copper, potassium and phosphorous. Submerge artichokes in cold water, rub with lemon (to keep them from turning brown), then steam or serve cold in a salad with tart vinaigrette. n

Legumes: Make a hearty winter chili bursting with beans of all sorts, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do yourself a fiber favor, as well as give yourself a boost of the B vitamin pantothenic acid, the deficiency of which may lead to upper respiratory infections. n

Echinacea: Makes a great tea and also combats those nasty winter cold and flu bugs. n

Cabbage: Another great filler for winter stews, cabbage is rich in vitamin C. Regular intake of vitamin C seems to reduce the frequency, length, and intensity of the common cold.

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Clockwise from top left: ÂŠ istockphoto.com / Zoran Ivanovic, Suzannah Skelton, Suzannah Skelton, Jill CHen

whole living

WINTER dishes 2 tbs vegetable oil 1 head escarole, chopped 1 head radicchio, chopped 2 Tbs oil-packed capers, drained 12 Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced ½ tsp red pepper flakes 3 Tbs dried currants 1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil Juice of one lemon 3 Tbs toasted pine nuts, Walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans 1 Tbs orange zest Heat vegetable oil in wok over high heat. Add escarole and radicchio and stir constantly until greens begin to wilt. n Add capers, olives, pepper flakes and currants. Cook, tossing gently, another 15 seconds. n Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkle with pine nuts and orange zest n

A spar agus With Almonds ¼ lb chopped asparagus ¼ cup water 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp olive oil Roasted sliced almonds Simmer asparagus and water in a skillet until the asparagus is tender-crisp, about 4 to 6 minutes n Drain remaining water and stir in lemon juice and olive oil n Serve topped with roasted sliced almonds n

He art He althy Tre at Courtesy of Real Simple 2 Tbs powdered hawthorn 1 Tbs powdered ginseng 1 Tbs powdered schizandra Honey Ginger and cinnamon powders Combine hawthorn, ginseng and schizandra to enough honey to make a paste. Add ginger and cinnamon for flavor. Store in airtight jar. n Spread on crackers and bread or add a teaspoon of the paste to hot water for a delicious beverage. n

Fresh Pesto n Proportions vary by personal taste; just gather up the following items and turn on the food processor, tasting as you go. n Puree fresh basil, spinach, roasted pine nuts, olive oil and Parmesan cheese. n Freeze in small portions and slather on hot bread or stir into hot pasta when hungry.

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Clockwise from top left: © istockphoto.com / Dan Bachman, Hal Bergman, Paulo Ferreira, Liza McCorkle, Doug Cannell, Alina Solovyova-Vincent, Jessica Zeigler

Winter Greens Courtesy of Whole Foods

– Author unknown

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Here’s to cold nights, warm friends and a good drink to give them.

health and wellness

Celebration

in moderation In the season of parties and gift-giving, a well-chosen wine can add sparkle to your night

The chill in the air is here, and all signs are pointing to the excitement (and sometimes draining) holiday party season as the year comes to a close.

Checklist: Holidays and wine Staying Healthy During Holiday Parties q Eat a good breakfast every day q Drink lots of water to keep from dehydrating q Continue your exercise routine q Get plenty of rest during the season q The day after should be filled with proteins and veggies

Things to Consider before Giving wine as a gift q What do they like to drink? q What will they eat with the wine? q What will they drink it with? q Are you going to a dinner party, and do you know what’s on the menu? q Be sure not to select wine with the notion it will be opened at the event unless you are sure your host will do that for you.

Planning and Event with Wine q Quantity of bottles needed q Price per bottle selected q Style/variety of wines chosen

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Office parties, your friends and their get-togethers, New Year’s Eve as well as those fringe acquaintances who request your presence at their dinner soirees over the next few weeks – it can all take a toll on your wallet (as if there was something in there to begin with) as well as your health if you are not careful to plan accordingly. Many people ask me to assist them in holiday planning and will usually inquire about various issues this time of the year including gift giving for the host as well as planning events with wine. There is no easy answer except for everything in moderation!

By Michael A. Levine

health and wellness

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Kansas City Area Wine and Gift Shops n Wines by Jennifer (Parkville): www.winesby jennifer.com n Off the Vine Design (Overland Park): www.offthevine design.com n Wine. (Brookside): www.brookside wine.com

The gift of wine can say “we are friends and I was thinking about making your next wine-drinking experience a special one. Hopefully you will think of me when you drink this bottle.” A good bottle doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some of my favorites are less than $25. More options for great wine at great prices are available today than ever before. Shopping tips Consider the recipient. What do they eat and what would they drink it with? Are you going to a dinner party? Do you know what’s on the menu? n Corked or uncorked? Be sure not to select wine with the notion it will be opened at the event unless you are 100 percent sure your host will do that for you. n Choose red in colder months. At this time of year, a red wine will usually do the trick. If you are not sure what the host/hostess enjoys, stay with something relatively mellow like a Pinot Noir (Oregon, California, France and New Zealand offer great options) or a Barbera (Italy is the best place to get it from or even California). These are softer and n

lighter-bodied than others and will pair well with many food options (or do just fine on their own). n Ask the experts. If you are not sure what to get, go to a reputable wine shop with knowledgeable wine folks. Let them know what you are looking for, how it will be used and the approximate price point, and they should be able to help you with your selection. Most wines shops have gift bags (both paper and cloth) available as well – a nice touch that says volumes about your gift and offers a perfect way for the bottle to be presented! n Accessorize. Want to make a lasting impression? Consider adding a wine accessory to the package. Corkscrews, wine charms, stemware or even a wine aerator (www.vinturi.com is a great option) will stick around long after the bottle has been consumed. Many Missouri wine shops carry these gifts (Kansas state law says no to extras like these). n Personalize your gift. If you really want to knock their socks off, consider engraving a bottle of wine with their name, a special date, their picture (or yours), some text or a company logo.

Selecting the perfect gift

health and wellness

Planning an event with wine Wine always adds elegance to an event, and with the countless options available in the market, your choices can be overwhelming without some initial planning. First, and most importantly, it should not be the only option at your party. Always provide a non-alcoholic alternative. When planning a wine event, keep in mind three factors: quantity, price per bottle and style of wines to be served. A good rule of thumb is to pour four to five glasses per bottle. Two drinks per person per hour is a typical ratio for a party especially when you factor in those who do not drink as well as those who drink more than their fair share.

Value vinos When it comes to the price of a good bottle of wine, you have more valuepriced options than ever. Great wine comes in $10 bottles as well as $20, $30, etc. Spending more on a bottle of wine does not guarantee it will be better. My favorites for any gathering are usually between $12 and $20 a bottle, and I will usually plan on three to five options (I prefer two whites and three reds for my guests). I like to have a bottle or two of some of my favorites on hand as well for those who will really appreciate them. You might even have to play bartender with those special bottles so they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t evaporate within the first few minutes. Keeping to some relatively neutral styles of wine is the safest bet for your guests unless you know exactly what

the crowd likes to drink. Pairing well with the food you serve is an important factor too. For example Vin Santo (sweet Tuscan dessert wine), while tasty with a savory cheese flight, might not work with shaved prime rib sandwiches. Some of my favorites include: Pinot Gris (Oregon or France), Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand or California), Pinot Noir (Oregon or France), Carmenere (a richer, more flavorful Merlot-styled wine from Chile) and Syrah/Shiraz (California or Australia). A bit of the bubbly In addition, I like to start any party, event, wine class or dinner with a bit of bubbly. Sparkling wine is a festive way to say welcome to any gathering and it tells your palate you are about to start drinking. If the typical celebratory champagnestyled wine is not for you, consider an easy-drinking alternative from Italy (Prosecco) or Spain (Cava). Both are not quite as dry as French Champagne and typically not as expensive either. For those of you looking to make bellinis or mimosas, these options work great too.

About the author Michael A. Levine is a local wine enthusiast and caterer. He is actively involved in cellar consultation/ acquisition, leading wine education seminars and special event execution. He is currently studying to become a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers

istockphoto.com / webphotographeer

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How many bottles should you buy? n How many guests will drink (age, etc.)? n How long is your event (afternoon open house vs. evening event)? n What else is being served (appetizers, full dinner, just desserts)?

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health and wellness

Prevent fatal

heart attacks KU’s Heart Center is using a new technique to help people with a genetic disease By Richard W. JenninGs

It is always a shock to hear the news about the sudden death of a young person on the athletic field. About 40 percent of these types of deaths in the United States are caused by a condition called Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy. Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is not an uncommon heart disease, according to the Hypertromic Cadiomyopathy Association. It is estimated that that one in 500 people are affected in all populations – Native Americans, Chinese, Midwesterners and many others. In fact, as many as 600,000 people in the United States currently face the consequences of HCM – including children.

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What is Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy? HCM is an abnormality of the heart muscle – a condition that is believed to be genetic in nature. Fifty percent of

victims are kids, and one out of every 500 people carry the gene. It’s the No. 1 cause of sudden cardiac death in heart disease. The main feature of HCM is an excessive thickening of the heart muscle, caused by a defect in one of several genes. This can lead to severe problems including heart failure, stroke or sudden death. And while the heart muscle can thicken in normal patients as a result of high blood pressure or prolonged athletic training, there is a fine line between an athletic heart and a heart with HCM. In HCM, the thickening occurs without obvious cause. Plus, the normal alignment of muscle cells is absent – a condition known as myocardial disarray. This is what frequently leads to pediatric sudden cardiac death.

health and wellness

Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy Risk Assessment

1 2

Has your child fainted during or after exercise?

Has your child exhibited extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, discomfort, pain or chest pressure in exercise?

Has a doctor ever told you that your child has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a heart murmur or a heart infection?

Has your child ever been diagnosed with an unexplained seizure disorder or exercise-induced asthma?

Are there any family members who had an unexpected, unexplained death before the age of 50, such as SIDS, an automobile accident or drowning?

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Background: ÂŠ Istockphotos.com / Dean Turner; surgery: ÂŠ Istockphotos.com / Andrei Malov

HCM is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in children and young adults and accounts for 40 percent of all deaths on athletic playing fields across the U.S.

health and wellness

Treatments There are many treatments available for HCM, including beta blockers, calcium antagonists, calcium channel blockers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, anti-arrhythmic drugs, anticoagulants, diuretics and antibiotics. One of the newest alternatives to surgery is called alcohol septal ablation.

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Innovation Dr. Mark Wiley at the University of Kansas Medical Center, accompanied by Dr. Kevin Mulhern, recently returned from a training program in Schweinfurt, Germany, with medical pioneer doctors Seggewiss and Sigwart, who were the first physicians in the world to perform this procedure. The Germans have since conducted more than 1,000 such operations since 1996. In their first week, the two Americans performed four alcohol ablation procedures. “There were no complications, no problems,” Dr. Wiley says. “We blew up a balloon and injected alcohol. All of the patients said they felt better.” This technique of attacking outflow obstruction in HCM patients depends upon a catheterization in which alcohol is injected into the septum through a small coronary artery. The result is a heart attack, but it is a small, controlled myocardial infarction.

Patient selection The Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy Association suggests that patient selection for a successful alcohol septal ablation is the most important step. The procedure should be discussed with your doctor, including age and anatomy to propensity for arrhythmia. While it is a promising alternative to surgery, it should be considered with caution. Dr. Wiley, who was educated at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, says the proven outcome of the technique is “pretty exciting.”

Resources Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association www.4hcm.org University of Kansas Medical Center 3901 Rainbow Blvd. Kansas City, KS 66160 913-588-5000 www.kumc.edu

Early Diagnosis While there is no cure for HCM, early diagnosis allows for lifestyle changes and medical interventions that can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. Because HCM is dominantly inherited, each child of an HCM parent has a 50 percent chance of harboring the disease-causing mutation. Genetic testing can confirm a diagnosis in patients with unclear symptoms.

“HCM can be a difficult disease to diagnose, particularly in young patients participating in competitive sports,” said Dr. Martin Maron, co-director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at Tufts-New England Medical Center. Because symptoms can vary and often are similar to those of other non-cardiac diseases, patients with HCM might not realize they have the disease.

It’s the little things.

Sometimes we need to look closer at all the facts. We encourage you to learn as much as possible so you can be confident of your chance for success. We are the region’s most experienced in helping infertile couples become parents. We’re also the region’s leading innovator with a full range of treatment options ranging from minimal therapies to high-tech procedures. Look closely at the facts and check the stats. Visit www.rrc.com or call (913) 894-2323.

Rodney Lyles, M.D. • Celeste Brabec, M.D.

REPRODUCTIVE RESOURCE CENTER 20 years of Innovation

local profile

Dr. Andrew Moore, DDS | Shawnee, Kansas

care, creativity, compassion “Be the best. Care the most.” | This is Dr. Andrew Moore’s daily mission – and the key to his remarkable success as a dentist, artist, volunteer, friend, and family man. | Dr. Moore is a lifelong Kansas City resident with an inspiring story; he’s an ambitious dentist who’s making a big difference in the lives of his patients, and he’s a gifted musician with a love for creative expression.

CARING DENTIST

CREATIVE MUSICIAN

Anyone who meets Dr. Moore knows that he’s not just making a paycheck – he’s passionate about what he does. He thrives on the unique combination of creativity and compassion that dentistry offers. Each day, he gets to do what he loves: help people to look and feel their best while creating something artistic with his hands. His practice offers cleanings and preventative maintenance as well as restorative and cosmetic dental care. His staff takes special pride in providing early education and preventative care for children – offering sealants, fluoride treatments and valuable lessons about the effects of what we put in our mouths and on our teeth.

Dr. Moore’s band members have known each other most of their lives. They play music from the ’80s and ’90s – with a little bit of something for everyone.

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Though he is a skilled dentist who’s well respected in his field, walking into Dr. Moore’s office feels like coming to visit friends. People of all ages find a warm, welcoming atmosphere where gentle, personal care is truly the top priority. His greatest reward as a dentist is seeing people walk out of his office looking great and feeling better.

By Paige DeRuyscher

However, it’s what he does when he leaves the office that people find most intriguing: He’s the drummer in a band.

Their band, Perpetual Change, played together from junior high through high school and into college at William Jewell in Liberty, Mo., where Dr. Moore attended with a music percussion scholarship. They’ve reunited recently and once again found the passion that brought them together originally. “Music is my exercise, my sport, my hobby, my therapy,” he says. He points out that there are direct links between the artistic elements of dentistry and music—the art of perfection, the creative process, hand/eye coordination and, finally, the masterpieces of each: a beautiful smile and a harmonious sound. Both music and dentistry demand tremendous coordination for the human brain that engages many cognitive processes including perception, action, cognition, emotion, learning and memory. Learning music requires focused attention, abstract thinking and fluid intelligence – all important attributes for healthcare practitioners as well.

COMPASSIONATE VOLUNTEER

Procedures offered

Andrew’s passion for helping people extends beyond the walls of his practice.

Andrew Moore, DDS 5550 Hedge Lane Terr. Shawnee, KS 66226 913-422-0007 www.andrewmooredds.com

February is Dental Health Month, and Dr. Moore will join other dentists in visiting elementary schools as part of an effort to help educate kids about taking care of their teeth.

In a time when many patients think they are just a number in the healthcare world, it’s refreshing to find someone who’s in it for all the right reasons – loving the trade, loving the people, and wanting to make a genuine difference. And the best part is that there’s always something to talk about in the dentist chair – just bring up the topic of music.

Cosmetic Dentistry n Dental implants n Composite fillings

Porcelain crowns (caps) n Porcelain fixed bridges n Porcelain veneers n Tooth whitening n

Periodontal Disease Diagnosis n Treatment n Maintenance n

Restorations Dental implants n Composite fillings n Crowns (caps) n Dentures and partial dentures n Fixed bridges n Root canal therapy n

Andrew Moore, D.D.S. Undergraduate degree (communication and music): William Jewell College n Doctorate: University of Missouri– Kansas City School of Dentistry n Member: KC Dental Implants Society n Member: Great Plains Dental Study Club n

Member: Fifth District Dental Society, an ADA association n Perpetual Change: a Kansas City-based rock cover band specializing in recreating the sounds of the ‘80s and ‘90s with a few originals thrown in as well as a few from the 00’s – www.perpetual-change.com n

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Dr. Moore has also served as a clinical evaluator for several companies in the development of new materials and techniques, all in an effort to provide better products and services.

Cleanings and Prevention n Dental exams and cleanings n Dental X-rays n Home care

MY ROUTINE IS ANYTHING BUT NEW DAY, NEW PATH MOST GUYS MY AGE NEED TO DROP 15 LBS I’M NOT LIKE MOST GUYS

My trainer: Forerunner 405.

I create my workouts and goals. Forerunner keeps score and pushes me to go for more. Time, distance, pace, heart rate, calories burned — this watch records it all and sends to my computer when I walk in the door. Who needs a personal trainer? Mine’s with me 24/7. See the new Forerunner 405 with GPS and wireless sync at www.garmin.com

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health and wellness

Combating

Free Radicals Think you can get by with good exercise and bad nutrition? Think again

Regular physical activity can keep us feeling and looking younger, and of course keep us healthy. But ongoing research in the nutrition and exercise sciences is demonstrating that when not paired with proper nutrition, exercise can actually create a damaging element in the body called a free radical. Free radicals can accelerate the aging process, lead to disease and overwhelm the body’s natural defenses. By no means should we stop exercising – but there are important things we can do to complement our exercise routines and keep our bodies their healthiest.

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By Scott Higgins and Trieste Van Wyngarden

health and wellness Antioxidantrich foods 1. Berries 2. Broccoli 3. Tomatoes 4. Red grapes 5. Garlic 6. Spinach 7. Tea 8. Carrots 9. Soy 10. Whole grains Source: Better Nuturition, January 2002

Web resources

But wait…There’s Hope! There are many preventive measures we can take to combat free radical production. One way is by adding those super nutrients known as antioxidants to our diet. Antioxidants are a form of naturally occurring compounds, which can protect cells against damage by reacting with and removing free radicals from the body. Vitamins A, C, E and Beta Carotene all have an antioxidation effect against free radical damage. Many studies have shown that vitamin E might be the most important antioxidant in counteracting the effects of exercise-induced free radical damage. Be proactive To fight free radicals, eat at least five different fruits and vegetables each day – and the real stuff, not sugary fruit juices. Antioxidant supplementation should only be considered as part of, or in addition to, an already antioxidant-rich diet. The Food and Drug administration offers little regulation in the area of dietary supplements. The most independently- and peer-reviewed antioxidant products can be found through the companies Shaklee and MonaVie.

American Dietetic Association www.eatright.org American Heart Association www.american heart.org The Dietary Guidelines for Americans www.healthier us.gov/dietary guidelines Food and Drug Administration www.fda.gov National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements www.ods.od. nih.gov

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So, what’s a Free Radical? To put it simply, think of the human body as a wood-burning stove, where food (carbohydrates, protein, fat) is the wood and oxygen is what fuels food’s conversion to energy and muscle. When we participate in intense exercise, we require more oxygen. This creates oxidative stress in the body. Like any stress we take in, we’ve got to find a way to relieve it. For the body, stress relief comes in the form of free radicals. Free radicals can attack, damage and ultimately destroy almost any material within the human body. In addition to damaging important cells and tissues, free radicals can accelerate the aging process, and are linked to more than 60 diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Recent studies have investigated the concept that free radicals may even decrease the body’s capacity for exercise, and increase recovery time from intense physical activity.

American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

health and wellness Local Resources

Nutritionist or Dietician? A registered dietician has received a high level of training and experience in the nutrition and health field. The individual has the minimum of a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, completed a minimum of 900 work hours, and taken a nationally accredited exam.

SCAN: Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists A dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association www.scandpg.org Sally Brown, MA RD LD, Bodyfuel 8100 Marty, Suite 115, Overland Park, KS 66204 913-648-2568 www.ebodyfuel.com

Another Resource: Ask the Experts Because a well-balanced diet is always the best way to keep your body healthy, calling on a dietician could be an excellent way to tailor your diet to your body’s specific needs as you exercise. No one knows this better than Overland Park’s Sally Brown. Brown, in private practice since 2002, is a registered dietician and certified SCAN (sport, cardiovascular, and wellness) nutritionist through the American Dietetic Association. Nutrition, says Brown, is more than just eating healthy foods. It’s knowing the correct times to eat, what to eat, and – most importantly – how your body responds to food. Peak performance isn’t just for professional athletes. Research on all aspects of nutrition clearly identifies the need and benefits of optimizing nutrition for health.

Nutrition and your body, Brown says, are inseparable: Good nutrition fuels your body correctly, and when the body is fueled correctly, it performs optimally. “The problem we face today is less an obesity epidemic and more a disordered eating epidemic,” she says. The key to giving your body what you need, she believes, is to understand what happens inside the body when it is not fueled with the correct foods. Damaging conditions, such as the strong presence of free radicals, can occur without proper nutrition. With the vast amount of nutrition information presented in the media and research, registered dieticians are qualified to screen nutrition trends and products. With an understanding of your medical history and lifestyle, a dietician can help you choose foods that your body will respond to.

WEb Resources www.shaklee.com www.monavie.com www.eatright.org

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Hy-Vee You can find a registered dietician through Hy-Vee’s online search tool www.hy-vee.com/ health/dieticians_ new.asp.

Although there is no standard education or training required for nutritionists, with good experience, a nutritionist can certainly provide basic nutrition education.

whole living

The gift of

Service How a devoted Kansas City service dog trainer and her faithful friend are making a difference

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By Richard W. Jennings

It’s easy to fall head-over-heels for Cinder, a 3-year-old, 33-pound border collie with remarkable talent and a heart of gold. But Cinder wouldn’t be sharing her unique gifts with the world if it weren’t for the dedication of 75year-old Janette Sanders Reh, Cinder’s trainer, companion, partner, dependent – and her best friend. The two have chosen a lifetime of public service together, helping those with illnesses, disabilities and vision needs. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers like Mrs. Reh often enjoy positive health benefits directly linked to their acts of service. A recent review by the corporation states: “Those who volunteer have lower death rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.” Robert Grimm, one of the corporation’s directors adds, “Volunteering can give you a new sense of purpose and keep you active.” Janette Reh has certainly found

this to be true. She is one of many volunteers for the Lions Club of Overland Park, Kan. With a long and proud history, the Lions Club was originally challenged by Helen Keller to serve as her “knights for the blind.” Since then, the group has provided free assistance to millions of needy throughout the world. “The more I learn about people,” Reh explains, “the fewer preconceived notions I have. The larger mission of those of us in the Lions Club is not just to help the blind and the otherwise disabled, but all mankind.” Following her 47-year career with the University of Kansas Academic Medical Center, Reh met the wife of a KU professor who was a handicapped schoolteacher with an afghan wolfhound she’d received from CARES – Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services in Concordia, Kan. Reh was intrigued and investigated the organization (which, as it turned out, was located not far from her home). “When I learned how they trained the dogs at

CARES, I said, ‘I can do that,’” she says. Sometimes, life works that way. More Than a Furry Friend “The first puppy I raised was born on the 4th of July,” Reh says. “A true black-and-white border collie – I named him Flag. He’s now working for psychologists.” One of Flag’s siblings, a fawn-and-white named Spangle, is at the Ellsworth Correction Facility. Cinder was the second dog she trained – and the one who saved her life. “I wasn’t going to keep her,” Reh says, “but I have sleep apnea and once stopped breathing. Such a condition can lead to a stroke, sudden loss of vision or a heart attack. Thank God for Cinder. She jumped into my lap and began barking loudly in my face until I came to and was able to get onto my breathing machine.” Since then, Cinder has been a vital part of the household. She’s a frequent visitor to nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, groups of children-at-risk and Lions Club public fundraising events.

“I wasn’t going to keep her, but I have sleep apnea and once stopped breathing. Thank God for Cinder. She jumped into my lap and began barking loudly in my face until I came to and was able to get onto my breathing machine.” – Janette Reh on her service dog, Cinder

Cinder, Janette Reh’s service dog

The Lions Club

Supports three programs locally: n Kansas

Specialty Dog Services of Washington, Kan., provides guide dogs for the blind and service dogs. Nearly 30 golden retrievers and labs are made available, two each year for the vision impaired and the rest for the wheelchair bound. www.ksds.org

n Leader

Dog, based in Rochester, Mich., receives assistance from many donors – including the Kansas Lions Club. Although Leader Dog specializes in home-trained dogs for the blind, it has recently provided animals for the deaf as well. www.leaderdog.org

n CARES

– Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services – based in Concordia, Kan., trains 106 dogs ranging from border collies to mastiffs. Last year CARES provided service dogs to kids suffering from seizures, diabetes, autism and Aspberger’s Syndrome. www.caresks.com

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Janette Reh biography

Janette Reh educated herself in this field throughout her 47 years at the University of Kansas Academic Medical Center. Hired right out of high school, she was assigned as secretary to the 30-year chairman of the department of opthamology – the late Albert N. Lemoine Jr. Dr. Lemoine soon noticed that Janette had a gift for listening to people with financial difficulties and locating resources for them. He suggested to his KU colleagues that she offer her skills to their patients as well. Reh attended night school for further education and was assigned to the hospital’s vocational rehabilitation services. There she quickly expanded her understanding of support systems for the needy and strengthened her friendships with grateful medical doctors throughout the KU system.

health and wellness

BENEFITS OF ROLFING Increased ease and energy in the body Greater flexibility, range of motion and coordination Rehabilitation for injury, accidents and surgery Relief from chronic pain and tension

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Improved posture and performance

complementary health

What the heck is

Rolfing? More than a massage, rolfing works deep in the tissues to ease pain and improve overall health

I’ll admit it: When I told my friends I was going to get Rolfed, there were some strange looks in the crowd: “There goes ‘granola girl’ with another one of her weird ideas,” they said. However, by the time I’d completed this unique series of bodywork sessions, no one could deny the incredible benefits I’d experienced. (Plus, Oprah featured it, which always helps!) Rolfing is a form of bodywork that addresses the fascia – the soft connective tissues that hold our bones in place. Its goal is to restore our bodies to their natural, healthiest and most efficient alignment. When I showed up at Kinetikos Bodyworks Therapy in Lawrence, I knew I needed some deep physical restoration. I had ignored my body for years until something got out of whack and then I’d find a quick fix for whatever part had malfunctioned. Rolfing introduced a completely different way to experience my physical self. It wasn’t about getting a little physical tune-up; it was about restoring my balance as a whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally, even spiritually – and learning that every part of me connects with every other part.

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by Paige DeRuyscher

complementary health

Who can benefit? From young children to senior adults and anyone in between. Just as many of us are affected by the emotional baggage we carry, our physical selves are also compromised over time by various injuries, chronic stress and repetitive daily activities (like using a computer or carrying a child). Our freedom of movement decreases so gradually, we don’t even realize how limited we’ve become! Rolfing is as much about prevention as it is restoration – it supports those with a history of injuries and trauma, but also helps individuals of all ages to maintain vitality. People of all ages – even children, can develop a healthier sense of self the more in tune they become with their bodies, and can avoid many of the common complaints of aging – backaches, neck pain and other manifestations of stress. Many older people can find relief from chronic pain and debilitation for the first time in years. My practitioner, Holly, says that her greatest satisfaction as a rolfer is seeing a person walk in one way and leave as a healthier, more empowered, balanced individual.

COST Typical session averages $120. ($75-100 in the Lawrence area)

Local Resources Kinetikos Bodywork Therapy Holly Krebs, Certified Rolfer Liz Krull, Certified Advanced Rolfer 920 Massachusetts St, Ste 3 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-832-1720 www.kinetikos.net KANSAS CITY AREA

Kelly Clutter 913-449-0189 Cathy Schulte 816-550-0268

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What happens in a session? Like massage, Rolfing involves hands-on manipulation by a practitioner. But instead of focusing on muscles alone, a Rolfer works deeply with connective tissues to help completely realign the structure of the body. This is most commonly done through the “10 series” – a series of 10 weekly appointments that focus on all areas of the body and their connections. Rolfers are trained to address the whole person – to partner with clients in the healing process and educate them about how to move in healthier ways. My own practitioner, Holly, took great interest in my overall well-being and became a kind of mentor during our time together. She was passionate about helping me to experience greater awareness of my body in my day-to-day life.

complementary health

the healing art of reflexology Reflexology can restore balance to your body and promote healing

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By Paige DeRuyscher

The belief that our hands and feet contain a vital connection to our overall health and well-being is not a new one. In fact, this healing practice – known as reflexology – has been traced back to ancient Egyptian and Chinese cultures. Because it is considered an alternative therapy, people are often uninformed about the benefits of reflexology and skeptical about its medical credibility. However, as more Americans experience the healing it offers, it is becoming more widely accepted as a complement to conventional medicine. Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to various points in the hands and feet that correspond with each of the organs and structures in our bodies. These pressure points act as a map for healing the entire body. They are linked to the rest of our anatomy by energy channels known as zones or meridians, and illness is believed to occur when these channels become blocked. The reflexologist relieves blockages, allowing the energy to flow again and restoring the body’s natural, healthy balance. Like many other Eastern practices, reflexology addresses the whole person, seeking to balance the body’s systems so that it can heal itself. While some medical practitioners treat the symptoms, reflexologists focus on the root cause of conditions and diseases. “Dis-ease” is considered a state of imbalance that occurs in the body, and reflexology helps to restore a natural, balanced state – or homeostasis. This can be especially beneficial during the winter months – a time when many of us become more sedentary and develop less-thanhealthy eating habits. Holiday stress can

also take its toll, leaving us out of balance and in need of a whole body tuneup. An increasing number of cancer patients are opting to receive reflexology treatments in conjunction with traditional medicine. This can enhance healing with improved energy, reduced stress and anxiety and improved well-being. Kristie Martin, owner of A Quiet Sole Reflexology in Overland Park, has discovered how effective reflexology can be as a complementary alternative medicine therapy to traditional medicine. One of her current clients who is recovering from prostate cancer surgery has responded quickly to treatments. “I always have clients get permission from their doctors to see me,” she says, “especially if they are pregnant, receiving other medical care or are recovering from surgery.” Martin explains that just because a private practitioner, salon, day spa or health club advertises reflexology services, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is a certified reflexologist available. Because Kansas doesn’t have laws governing the practice of reflexology, anyone can take a class and advertise the service. Martin is a certified reflexologist who practices and offers various forms of reflexology to her clients in the comfort of her home. Like most therapies, reflexology is practiced in varying forms. A session often includes elements of massage and direct pressure applied to various parts of the feet/hands. The practitioner may sense irregularities in the feet and hands that correspond to vulnerable parts of the body. A treatment course is then planned to restore balance in these areas.

Reflexology: In a nutshell n

Defined: applying pressure to the hands and feet to correspond with each of the organs and structures in our bodies. n Average session cost in the Kansas City area: $30$50 for 30-90 minutes

Reflexology has also been known to: n Help

relieve arthritis n Decrease pain associated with various physical conditions n Improve circulation and digestion n Decrease depression n Enhance nerve function n Ease PMS symptoms

Head/brain Pituitary Gland Neck/Brain Stem Thyroid/Parathyroid glands Eye Thymus Inner ear LUng/Chest/Upper Back

Sinus

Solar Plexus

Neck

Heart/Chest

Ear

Diaphragm Liver

Shoulder Arm Stomach

Adrenal Gland

Spleen

Pancreas Kidney Spine Transverse Colon Small Intestine Descending Colon Bladder Sigmoid Colon

Tailbone Lower Back Note: Illustration is an approximation. Consult a refloxologist for an official map of foot and hand zones.

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ÂŠ istockphoto.com / Wallenrock

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