Kansas City
H E A L T H a n d W E L L N E SS
re-fuel and get energized health benefits of green tea scents that drive energy and mood
F e b r u a r y / M a r ch 2009 w w w . e n h a n c e 4 l i f e . co m
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from the editor
the season of rebirth Winston Churchill said, “The Pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in
these 90 minutes, I find myself reenergized, possessing a clear mind, positive thinking, and newfound hope. It’s like seeing the first signs of spring – a few blades of green grass popping up in the yard, the smell of rain. Just around the corner, spring offers us enduring symbols of rebirth. The daffodil ushers in the season with a meaning far deeper than its beautiful yellow hue. The flower of hope and new beginnings, it’s the birth flower of March. It is also the American Cancer Society’s flower of choice in its annual “Daffodil Days” campaign to give hope to people facing cancer. Be it a smile to a passing stranger, an extra quarter in the parking meter, or a listening ear for a friend, we have the opportunity each day to pass on the gift of hope and encouragement. As the earth awakens, we hope you and those around you will be uplifted and renewed in wonderful new ways. Welcome spring!
Letha A. Steffey lsteffey@enhancepublications.com
We’d love to hear from you Drop us a line at lsteffey@enhance publications.com or 785-691-9780. Visit us online at www.enhance4life.com
Portrait © Denise Williams; daffodils ©istockphoto.com / jkitan
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every difficulty.” As the economy may begin to challenge your spirit and the winter months zap your motivation, we’ve researched ideas to help you refuel and get energized. Check out the upcoming walks/runs to get you moving, our list of resources for local fresh food to boost your immune system and several essential oils to rejuvenate your senses through aromatherapy. Wherever you derive energy – whether internally, externally or a combination of both – it’s important to identify these drivers and focus on those things that rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. The sun is always an energy booster for me. So aside from the select sunny days when my yellow lab shares the warm spot of sunshine around the house, I have found rejuvenation in Bikram Yoga. I’d read about yoga and heard others speak of their own practice, but I had no idea how much I would benefit from 90 minutes of this physical and mental experience. Dripping in 105 degree heat, my mind is focused in the present while lying in “Savasana” (dead body pose). As our instructor Elizabeth Marshall says, “lie conscious; thinking, without thought.” Following
A great nurse makes me a better doctor.
Neal Erickson, MD, St. Joseph Medical Center
That’s why I trust the nurses at St. Joseph. Our goal at St. Joseph Medical Center is to attract the best nurses in the profession. According to the doctors who practice here, we’re doing a pretty good job. And they’re not the only ones who think so. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has named St. Joseph a Magnet hospital, which recognizes exceptional nursing leadership. But the people whose feelings we care about the most are our patients. And they consistently tell us our nursing care is the best they have ever experienced. That’s what makes St. Joseph a better hospital.
To learn more, visit carondelethealth.org. 1000 Carondelet Drive Kansas City, MO 64114 816-942-4400
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Energy and persistence alter all things.
– Benjamin Franklin
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60 54
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Clockwise from top left: Š Istockphotos.com / Demian Ignacio; Martin Novak; Brian Rice; Wolfgang Amri; Yin Yang; Boris Djuranovik; Dra Schwartz
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in this issue energy boost 37
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green tea Take advantage of this ancient elixir and modern miracle in a cup. Aromatherapy One of the oldest forms of healing is one of the fastest growing therapies.
Volume 1, Issue 3 February/March 2009 Executive Editor Letha A. Steffey Creative director Dennis Esser
local interest 60
Local Flavors Kansas City’s sustainable food movement is good for your body and soul.
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Camp Quality How volunteering at this northwest Missouri camp can change lives.
a new approach 54
Find your Yoga Way Recharge and reshape your body and mind in time for spring.
health focus 50
in the spotlight Stephanie Simkins – Skin Inc. Chemical-free skin care is more than just part of a trend.
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MedExpress Take charge of your medical testing.
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Daffodil Days Help the American Cancer Society with this symbol of rebirth.
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Arbor Day in Kansas City Bring the benefits of trees into your life.
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Glaucoma Coping with the thief of sight.
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Urinary Incontinence You don’t have to live with an overactive bladder or leaking.
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Pulmonary Fibrosis Seeking better breathing.
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Blood and health Why blood platelets should stick around.
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C. Diff infection Learn how proper hand washing could save your life.
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Osteoporosis The downward spiral.
Contributing photographers Denise Williams, Jonathan Braswell, Michael Fiedler Cover photograph by Michael Fiedler Contributing Writers Ryan Brown, Colleen Cooke, Paige DeRuyscher, Heather Winslow Gibbons, Quinn Katherman, Dr. Andrew Moore DDS, 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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© Istockphotos.com / JRobert Byron
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Avoid the nightly grind Are your teeth bearing the brunt of your stress?
Art Director and copy editor Colleen Cooke
Eat Fresh, Eat Local, Benefit Your Local Economy, And Support Local Small Family Farms
2009 Season
May 16th–September 28th Sign-Ups Begin May 2nd Sign Up At Any Of Our 12 Hen House Market Locations. For More Information Go To www.henhouse.com
Why Buy Local? Buy Local For Your Environment
Join Our Grower’s Alliance CSA!
It is your opportunity to support the local environment, the local economy and local family farms. Best of all you can do all of this and eat the best of locally grown foods. From beef and chicken to eggs and milk to mouth-watering fruits and vegetables, treat your family to the best nature has to offer and SAVE! Every week a special collection of farm fresh items including GOOD NATURED FAMILY FARMS products will be selected and waiting for you at your favorite Hen House Market.
Buy Local For Our Economy Buy Local For Our Heritage Buy Fresh Buy Local ® is part of the FoodRoutes Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a new sustainable local food system for generations to come.
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Skin is waterproof. It regenerates. It keeps us cool. It keeps us warm. It is, in fact, your body’s largest organ. And, just like the rest of you, it deserves plenty of TLC. That’s our job. Johnson County Dermatology offers a full range of general and surgical dermatologic services. Our physicians and highly trained staff use the most advanced technology available to help with:
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health bits
national arbor day: april 24, 2009 National Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872 and is celebrated on the last Friday in April. Missouri’s Arbor Day is April 4, and Kansas celebrates it on April 25.
“The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.” – U.S. Department of Agriculture Tall-growing shade trees such as oaks, maples, gingko, baldcypress and others provide more longterm benefits than short growing trees such as crabapples, pears and redbuds. The taller trees create more shade, have greater leaf and root area to hold stormwater and live longer than the shorter trees.
Benefits of trees Stormwater reduction: Less runoff
and erosion leads to improved water quality. Air quality: One acre of forest provides enough oxygen for 18 people for a year. Higher property values: Trees add up to 10 percent to the value of your house. Energy savings: Trees near buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 3050 percent. Decreased stress: Visual exposure to trees has been shown to lower blood pressure and muscle tension within five minutes. Tree Planting event Saturday, April 25, 2009, at Budd Park, St. John Ave. and Brighton Ave., KCMO, 9 a.m.-noon (816-561-1061, ext. 110)
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Arbor Day Foundation www.arborday.org Standard Tree Planting Guide http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/documents/302.pdf
© istockphoto.com / Panorios
On the Web Kansas City’s Heartland Tree Alliance www.heartlandtreealliance.org
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Amy and Brendan, Women’s Center patients
GETTING YOU BACK TO WHAT YOU MISS THE MOST. There’s nothing like the comforts of home. Which is why, at North Kansas City Hospital, our goal isn’t about getting you into the hospital. It’s about getting you out – and back to the things you love. That’s why we created the Northland Women’s Center. From digital mammography to maternity services and a neonatal intensive care unit, we’re focused on health issues specific to women’s life stages. So we can help patients like Amy (& Brendan) get back to the ordinary. And that’s the most extraordinary work we do.
You’ll like the way we treat you.
www.nkch.org
health bits
A quick escape n Get
outside: take a brisk walk n Exercise n Read a book with a cup of hot tea n Go to the movies
Destinations to rejuvenate n Get moving:
Exercise releases natural endorphins that will give you energy n Get outside:
The sun naturally rejuvenates and provides vitamin D n Go to a spa:
Best Flu Protection: wash your hands
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n Wash
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your hands before and after every meal. n Wash your hands before you leave the bathroom. n Wash your hands before you touch your eyes.
from top: Š istockphoto.com / Yin Yang, Sandra Gligorijevic, DYN59
Get pampered with a massage or manicure
health bits
the flower of hope As an enduring symbol of rebirth, daffodils are often the first flowers to bloom during spring
The American Cancer Society’s “Daffodil Days” is an annual campaign in which hundreds of organizations prepurchase fresh-cut daffodils to benefit cancer research, education and patient service programs. Donations received through the Daffodil Days program enable the Society to offer free programs and services that help people fight cancer with courage and optimism, while providing physical and emotional assistance and financial information to ease the cancer experience.
Get involved A Gift of Hope donation delivers an anonymous, free bouquet of daffodils to people with cancer in hospitals and treatment centers in communities across the country. Sign up to be a Daffodil Days volunteer coordinator for your company or organization or support the American Cancer Society with a Daffodil Days donation. http://daffodil.acsevents.org/KansasCity or contact Christy Dore at 913.747.6032 or Christy.Dore@cancer.org. Daffodil orders are due Feb. 20; pickup date is March 12.
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© istockphoto.com / Grafissimo
n The daffodil is the birthflower of March and is called the Flower of Hope. n Associated with the symbol of regard and the 10th wedding anniversary, the daffodil’s meaning includes: rebirth, new beginnings, unrequited love and eternal life. n This flower is a Narcissus, named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who grew so enamored with his own reflection in a lake that he fell in and drowned. Afterward, a Narcissus bloomed in his place. The flower’s drooping head recalls the vanity of Narcissus. n The Romans brought the daffodil, also known as the jonquil, to Britain because it was thought that the flower’s sap would heal wounds. Unfortunately, it actually worsened wounds by irritating them further. n The sap contained sharp crystals known as calcium oxalate, which protected these flowers against animal predators. This calcium oxalate is also the reason daffodils do not hold up well in flower arrangements because they cause other flowers in the arrangement to wilt.
2009 Daffodil Days of Kansas City
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health bits
kansas city area runs/walks Tuesday, Feb. 24
Sunday, March 8
Sunday, March 15
Sunday, March 29
Sunday, March 29
13th annual Indoor Triathlon, Overland Park, Kan. jcckc.org
Gregg and BJ’s Happy Camper Scamper, to Benefit Camp Quality 5K, St. Joseph, Mo. kjo1055.com (See article, pg 17)
St Pat’s Run, 4 miles, Kansas City, Mo. kctrack.org sportkc.org
Dam Run, 5K/12K, Lawrence, Kan. dpeterson@ ci.lawrence.ks.us
The North Face, 5K/10K/20K/50K, Trail Run, Landahl Park, Independence, heartlandrace.com
Monday, March 9
Vasque Red Bridge Ramble, 8-Mile Trail Run, Kansas City, Mo, psychowyco.com/id54. html
Checklists for 50
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For people over 50, two new resources from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and AARP can help answer questions about daily steps you can take for good health, whether you need medicines to prevent disease and which screening tests you need and when to get them. These “Checklists for Health” are based on recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
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To learn more, visit ahrq.gov/ppip/ women50.htm and ahrq.gov/ppip/ men50.htm.
Sunday, March 15
Sunday, March 29
Spoke Pony 5/10K, Trail Run, Independence heartlandrace.com
Olathe Marathon, ½ Marathon, 5K, downtown Olathe, Kan. olathemarathon.com
Sunday, March 22
St. Pat’s Snake Chase 5K Run/Walk, KC North NJC-Foundation.org
Sunday, March 29
Belton CARES - March into Spring 5K melliston@bsd124.org
Saturday-Sunday, April 4-5
Kids Run for Life, Half and 1-mile (4th); 10 mile / 2-Mile Fun Run (5th), Washburn University, Topeka, Kan. runforlife.us
get active for life at work The American Cancer Society sponsors Active for Life, a 10-week program that encourages employees to be more active on a regular basis. The program offers activities and workshops, ranging from group walks to workshops on personal safety and health. To start an Active for Life program at your workplace: www.ACSWorkplaceSolutions.com 1-800-ACS-2345.
Regular physical activity has been shown to: n improve job performance and morale n lower absenteeism and turnover n reduce disability days n reduce risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease
From top: © istockphoto.com / Vndrpttn, Rusm
Sunday, March 1
Truffle Shuffle, 5K, Overland Park, Kan. 913-764-1850
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Blending
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modern medicine ancient wisdom I n t e g r at e d H e a lt H c a r e Benefit from the synergy of modern medicine and acupuncture SPECIALTIES • Migraine and headache relief • Pain management • Acute (sports) injury • Back and disc problems • Trigeminal neuralgia • Swallowing problems • Post-operative paralytic ileus
Tapan K. Chaudhuri, MD Fellow of the American College of Physicians Fellow of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Acupuncture
816-353-2400 6225 raytown trafficway, raytown, MO 64133
www.mdacupuncturist.com
whole living
Camp Quality 2009
The
June 7- 12 Camp Farwesta, Stewartsville, Mo.
Camp Quality
Experience How volunteering can change lives
Photos By Camp Quality
A child with cancer has dreamed of this trip for months. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the chance to be a kid again â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to forget about treatments, hospital stays, and physical limitations, to meet friends and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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Story By Paige DeRuyscher
Alarm set, bags packed, too excited to sleep.
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whole living
“I found myself crying when I realized what some of these kids’ futures might look like, laughing about things I take for granted and feeling the hair on the back of my neck stand up with a talent performance or a profound statement.” – Tom Brand, Camp Quality Director
Camp Quality Event Gregg & BJ’s Happy Camper Scamper 5K Saturday, March 28 Bartlett Park, St. Joseph, Mo.
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Sunday at Camp Quality is filled with activities, games and prizes as campers are welcomed to the campgrounds each year.
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Every year in June, more than 200 volunteers gather to make Camp Quality Northwest Missouri happen for some special Kansas City and surrounding area children. The goal? To create a stress-free environment where children living with cancer can connect with each other, experience the love and support of caring volunteers, and find courage and hope for the future. Many people who visit Camp Quality find themselves returning year after year. The truth is, while the camp is 100 percent for the children, the volunteers often experience dramatic life changes as well. Physically, mentally and spiritually, volunteering has proven to have a significant impact on our overall health. For Camp Quality, this comes from being with 100 courageous children for a week who have truly learned to live in the moment and savor every day they’re given.
A day at camp A typical day at CQ includes the things that kids in hospital beds dream about: horseback riding, swimming, archery, fishing, canoeing, crafts. There’s a flower shop, a coffee shop and even a beauty salon where those with hair get some crazy dos, while those without have their bare heads painted and “tattooed.” Special guests bring puppet and magic shows, petting zoos, musical entertainment and campfire stories. Each year, the kids dress up for “prom night,” enjoy a spectacular fireworks display and perform together at a talent show. Every one of these activities is made possible by Camp Quality staff, local volunteers, and generous donors. Because it does not receive any government funds, the camp relies on community groups, small and large businesses, private foundations and individuals to make it possible for the kids to return. One long-time donor is Camp Director Tom Brand, a St. Joseph, Mo., resident with a contagious sense of humor and a heart for kids.
Benefits of volunteering n Heightened
sense of well-being n Lower stress level n Stronger immune system n Less aging-related depression in seniors n Longer life span
whole living
Camp Quality volunteer info 816-232-2267 Tom Brand: cqnwmotom @gmail.com
Activities for all ages include a climbing wall, paddleboats, live bands in the evening (with some camper participation) and fun with inflatables.
Hospital,” Brand says. Nearly 120 cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed each year at that hospital alone. Support system Part of being a volunteer means realizing that not every child will make it back to camp. When a child dies, CQ becomes a strong support system for the family, sharing photos, memories and stories, offering the reassurance that this was a young life lived to the fullest. Thankfully, many have shared the privilege of seeing their campers graduate from camp as healthy young adults. My own unforgettable moment as a 15-year volunteer happened when I
walked my first camper, Matthew, down the aisle for his camp graduation after seeing him grow up for over a decade. He’d arrived on the CQ bus as a tiny, timid 6-year-old, newly released from the hospital. Now at 18, he’s truly been transformed by his experience. Matthew, and others like him, will soon return to camp as volunteers themselves. They will be paired with a child who needs a big brother or sister just like they did so many years ago. They will pass on the gift of hope and encouragement to the next generation. And we will continue to pray for a cure, but in the meantime, we’ll help kids living with cancer to enjoy everything that life has to offer.
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“I found myself feeling like I was 18 again (joining in a spontaneous “mudslide” adventure one rainy night), crying when I realized what some of these kids’ futures might look like, laughing about things I take for granted, and feeling the hair on the back of my neck stand up with a talent performance or a profound statement from one of the little ones,” Brand says. Brand and the CQ staff hope to reach out even more in 2009, providing year-round activities that bring campers’ families together to help them support one another and make memories, even in difficult times. “We hope to reach more children and their families through Children’s Mercy
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health and wellness
OSTEOPOROSIS:
THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL The best prevention is to build bone mass early on with vitamin D and a
enhance magazine
healthy lifestyle
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Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and structural changes causing bones to become fragile and easily broken. Ten million Americans (80 percent women) have osteoporosis. It is estimated that nearly 44 million more have low bone mass and are at risk for developing osteoporosis. One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Bone loss occurs without symptoms, making osteoporosis a silent disease. Many people do not realize they have osteoporosis until they have a fracture. Fractures can cause pain or occur without pain. Osteoporosis causes more than 1.5 million fractures each year in the United States. Bone density tests can detect osteoporosis, help predict chances of fracture and determine rate of bone loss. X-rays can also detect the presence of spinal fractures. Bone is built in the first two decades of life. The critical years for building bone mass are from prior to adolescence to about age 30. The best prevention for osteoporosis is to build strong bones (maximize peak bone mass) during childhood and early adulthood. Prevention consists of a combination of adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise and healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
There is no cure for osteoporosis, but medications in several categories have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Association to treat osteoporosis: hormone replacement therapy (for postmenopausal women), selective estrogen receptor modulators, bisphosphonates, teriparatide and calcitonin. Vertebral compression fractures /spinal fractures A vertebral compression fracture occurs when a vertebral bone in the spine collapses, causing the spine to shorten and often fall forward. This results in thoracic and lumbar spinal deformity and is often seen in elderly patients. Thoracic spinal deformity is referred to as kyphosis or dowagerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hump. Spinal fractures are the most common fracture; there are 700,000 spinal fractures per year in the U.S. Only one-third of spinal fractures are clinically diagnosed each year. Eighty-three percent of all fractures are caused by osteoporosis; and 3 percent are related to pathologic diseases, such as cancer or localized bone disease. Patients with painful spinal fractures have traditionally received palliative (pain reducing) care, including bed rest, narcotic analgesics and external bracing. Severe pain caused by spinal fractures may require bed rest for up to six months. For more information, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation Web site: www.nof.org.
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complementary health
One of the oldest forms of healing is one of the fastest growing therapies By Paige DeRuyscher
Revitalize with AROMATHERAPY
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It’s one of those run-down, burnt-out, sluggish-feeling days, and you need a little pick-me-up. Instead of grabbing another cup of coffee or going for a sugar high, why not consider waking yourself up the natural way? Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that uses essential oils to boost the body’s internal healing process. Certain rejuvenating oils can provide a powerful energy boost, renewed mental awareness, and a greater sense of well-being. Once you experience the revitalization that aromatherapy provides, you might want to make it a part of your daily routine.
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THE HISTORY Aromatherapy is one of the oldest known forms of healing and among the fastest growing complementary therapies in the world. Many ancient cultures – Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, Greek, Roman, Native American – used essential oils for medicines, spiritual practices, cosmetics and perfumes. Though the practice was virtually lost in Europe during the dark ages, French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé is credited with its rediscovery. After burning his arm in a perfume factory, he thrust it into
the nearest vat of liquid – lavender oil. He noticed instant pain relief and discovered that the burn healed quickly, with minimal discomfort and no scarring. Since then, countless discoveries have been made about the benefits of pure plant extracts. And although many companies today profit from adding an “aromatherapy” label to their nice-smelling (often unnatural) products, there is an authentic, therapeutic practice that involves the “real stuff.” More medical practitioners are using it to enhance traditional care.
complementary health
enhance magazine
© istockphoto.com / Georgina Palmer
Aromatherapy: a·ro·ma·ther·a·py The use of pure essential oils to bring balance to the body, mind and spirit and help achieve optimal health and wellness.
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complementary health Aromatherapy is practiced in three ways: Inhalation Oils are inhaled to stimulate the brain and benefit the respiratory system. This is the most recognized form of the practice; it often uses steam, candles, sprays and diffusers to disperse scents into the air. Physical Application Oils are applied to the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream to provide specific health, beauty and hygiene benefits. Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin in their undiluted form. They should be diluted into a carrier oil (i.e. a cold-pressed vegetable oil) before applying. A complementary healthcare practitioner, herbalist, or health food store associate can help you find the right combination. Consumption Oils are used in very small amounts in cooking to add flavor. (Some oils are not safe to cook with â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be sure and consult an expert before attempting!)
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aromatherapy in practice
Š istockphoto.com / Joe Biafore
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Simple ways to rejuvenate daily n Add a few drops of your favorite oil to a half cup of basic body wash or shampoo for an invigorating shower. n Fill a pot with water along with a small amount of oil and let it simmer on the stovetop. n Give laundry a natural, invigorating scent by adding five drops of oil to a square of fabric or small towel and placing it in the dryer with your clothes. n Add five to seven drops to humidifier water to energize a room. n Purchase a portable diffuser for the car to help you stay alert and refreshed while driving.
complementary health
the essential oils
To revive a tired mind and body, oils with citrus or spicy scents are most effective.
Local resources
BLACK PEPPER Known to
CLOVE Can help with memory
relieves mild depression and migraines.
increase stamina and cellular oxygenation.
deficiency, fatigue and tension headaches.
EUCALYPTUS Relieves
GINGER Has an invigorating
GRAPEFRUIT Stimulates
exhaustion and is used to treat stress and mental disorders. Also acts as a decongestant when inhaled.
JUNIPER Can help with depression, nervous system function and emotional balance.
effect on the nerves; helpful to those who are short on sleep.
the brain and body’s systems – nervous, digestive, lymphatic and circulatory.
LEMON Invigorates; promotes blood circulation.
LIME Excellent energizer; helps with mental focus and revives a tired mind.
NUTMEG Increases energy;
PEPPERMINT Recommended
ROSEMARY Improves relaxation
improves the immune function and can relieve nervous fatigue.
for improving alertness for long periods of time. Also used to treat nausea and headaches.
and alertness at the same time; helps to stimulate the memory and relieve mild depression.
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Top Row: © istockphoto.com / Bluestocking, Norman Chan, Juan Monino; 2nd row: © Istockphoto.com / Sondra Paulson, Sandra Caldwell, Mistika S; 3rd row: © istockphoto.com / Ruud De Man, Mamerko, Sandra Caldwell; 4th row: © istockphoto.com / Elena Schweitzer, Gabor Izso, Angela Foto
BASIL Sharpens concentration,
GreenAcres Market www.greenacres market.com Briarcliff Village Kansas City, Mo. 816-746-0010 Indigo Wild www.indigowild. com 3189 Mercier St. Kansas City, Mo. 1-800-361-5686 Mother Nature’s Health Market www.mother naturesmkt.com 344 S. 291 Hwy. Liberty, Mo. 816-415-4638 Whole Foods www.wholefoods market.com (three locations) 7401 W. 91st St. Overland Park, Kan. 913-652-9633 6621 W. 119th St. Overland Park, Kan. 913-663-2951 4301 Main Kansas City, Mo. 816-931-1873
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Š istockphoto.com / Guillermo Perales Gonzalez
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health and wellness
health and wellness
The Truth about
Urinary Incontinence You don’t have to live with an overactive bladder or leaking issues. By Trieste Van Wyngarden STRESS INCONTINENCE Stress incontinence is characterized by leaking when a person coughs, sneezes or jogs. It is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles, which struggle to hold up the bladder as it fills. Pregnancy and aging are common causes. In mild cases, stress incontinence will correct itself over time – in a young woman like Katie who has recently given birth, for example. In cases like Ann’s, treatment is necessary. Dr. Steven Nash, urologist with Kansas City Urology Care, says that anyone suffering from incontinence should know that it IS treatable. One highly successful treatment, he says, is a minor surgery called sling surgery. Sling surgery is simple, quick, has a 90 percent success rate and is covered by most insurance. It involves placing a sling underneath the urethra. It can often be performed as outpatient surgery and involves no incisions.
URGE INCONTINENCE Urge incontinence, otherwise known as overactive bladder, is the kind that keeps you up at night. People with urge incontinence have trouble making it to the bathroom in time, have to go very often, or wake up multiple times during the night. Overactive bladder is common among people of all ages. Lifestyle changes can often have a great effect on overactive bladder. Dr. Nash recommends that his patients avoid drinking coffee, alcohol, and other diuretics. Pelvic floor exercises, called Kegels, can strengthen the muscles. There are several medications that can help with overactive bladder, too.
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Since the beginning of menopause in her mid-50s, Ann has struggled with bladder control problems. She has experienced unexpected leaking for years, preventing her from things like running (even from the car to the front door on a rainy day) and unrestrained laughter. In the 18 months since the birth of her first child, 32-year-old Katie has noticed that her bladder control muscles don’t function nearly as well as they used to. She worries that this is just the way it will be from now on – suffering from a usually age-related problem long before she’s even reached middle age. These stories are familiar to 13 million people in the U.S. – those who share the discomfort and embarrassment of urinary incontinence. The good news is that treatment is possible – and Kansas City is host to some great specialists in the field of urology.
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health and wellness
what do I do about urinary incontinence? Talk to your doctor. Determine with her the underlying causes of your incontinence. Decide on a treatment. Research different treatments, medications, surgeries, and urology centers. You may choose to let U.I. take its course if it seems to be a temporary condition. Otherwise, there are several options for those who want to treat their U.I. issues. Take care of yourself. The Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) recommends cutting out diuretics (caffeine and alcohol), acidic foods like oranges and grapefruits; spicy and tomato-based foods, carbonated drinks, and foods with artificial sweeteners one at a time, and slowly bring them back into your diet. Note any changes in your bladder activity. You may not have to cut out your favorite foods entirely if you discover what is (and is not) affecting your incontinence issue.
JUST FOR MEN Roughly 15 percent of urinary incontinence patients, says Dr. Nash, are men. Urinary incontinence in men can sometimes be diagnosed as a prostate issue. A urologist will look for some signals when speaking with a patient, Dr. Nash says. A slow flow, or difficulty getting started, is usually a prostate concern. A man who says his flow is fine but that he can’t get to the bathroom in time most
likely has an overactive bladder issue. In that case, medication is usually very successful in treating the problem. IS IT DANGEROUS? Dr. Nash assures that incontinence in itself is not dangerous. For elderly or immobile patients, the constant wetness caused by U.I. can lead to urinary tract infections or the breakdown of skin. If your loved one suffers from U.I., be aware of his or her daily cleansing routines and needs.
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Urogynecologists are subspecialists within the OB/GYN field, working primarily with women’s pelvic floor disorders like U.I. Doctors specializing in general urology, like Dr. Nash, work with both men and women.
Kansas City Urology Care Offices in Kansas and Missouri 816-842-6167
St. Luke’s Center for Urogynecology 4320 Wornall Rd., Ste. 348 Kansas City, Mo. 816-932-1785
Urogynecology Health Clinic 12200 W 106th St., Ste. 130 Overland Park, Kan. 913-307-0044
Urology Specialists, P.C. Offices in Liberty and North Kansas City 816-842-0170
© istockphoto.com / Elena Kalistratov
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ask the experts
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local spotlight
Skin Inc. – Stephanie Simkins | Overland Park, Kansas
more than skin deep Long before it was trendy, Stephanie Simkins believed in and lived a green lifestyle. | “The great thing about the organic trend is that people are starting to realize that we didn’t used to have this word organic,” she says. “It used to be that we prepared foods without the need of all these chemicals. This is the way it always should have been. We’ve simply come full circle.” | The Overland Park resident is part of that circle not only as a consumer of natural, chemical-free goods, but also as a producer of them. About a year ago, Simkins founded Skin Inc., a skin care line composed entirely of all-natural products.
Natural evolution
Beauty and healing
Winter skin tips
After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Kansas – and armed with years of experience in the restaurant industry – Simkins began Sister Sweets, an organic catering company. Through that business, she found herself teaching people how to make meals organically, and she decided to follow that path to earning her nutritionist degree.
Simkins’ product line began with a chemical-free hand cream, which made its way into the hands of Ellen Holder, founder of the Kansas Citybased Caren Online about a year ago. One hand cream has turned into 25 products, all available online at www.realorganicskin.com and Caren Online (www.carenonline.com).
Winter in the Midwest brings specific challenges to your skin, not the least of which is exposure to extreme cold, the lack of moisture in the air and the continued danger of too much sun.
She became a nutrition consultant and herbalist through Global College of Natural Medicine and founded Simple Nutrition (www.simpwholenutrition. com). Even with the addition of her skin care line, Simkins still maintains her nutritionist client base.
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As a nutritionist, Simkins found that she wanted to do more than coach her clients about what they put into their body – she also wanted to help remove toxins from the exterior. That led to the birth of her skin care line.
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By Colleen Cooke
“I had been working with people for so long on removing chemicals from inside their body, and I wanted to help them remove those chemicals from the outside as well,” she says.
The list of Skin products sounds like a delicious trip to the produce aisle, with items like Apricot Mango Eye Cream or Grapefruit Pom Body Lotion or Cranberry Orange Salt Scrub. The top seller is the Seaberry Day/ Night Restorative Face Cream, infused with Sea Buckthorn Oil, which is great for anti-aging or treating dryness. Another big seller is the Lemonlips Lip Balm, which stays on all day long and has healing properties. “A lot of people think that if they’re using something that’s not manufactured by a big company or sold in a big chain store then it’s not going to work,” Simkins says. “But then once they try it, they can really see how it works.”
“The important thing is to keep your skin balanced,” she says. “If you over exfoliate, your skin will just produce more oil to compensate.” Simkins recommends that you exfoliate no more than every three days, and use a non-detergent and alcohol-free wash when you do. To protect your skin from overdrying and from sun exposure, Simkins recommends two options: the Rosey Plum Face Moisturizer for a light protection, or the Seaberry face cream to restore damaged or dry skin.
Where to find Skin products n www.realorganicskin.com n www.carenonline.com n Green
Acres Market in the Briarcliff Shopping Center
Benefits of natural products
Health effects of chemicals
Skin Product line
As more people turn back to the earth for organic products and practices, they’re discovering a host of health benefits that come when they stick to natural elements.
n Natural
n Rosey
“The big reason people are going organic is for health concerns,” Simkins says. “We’re wondering why we’re getting sick, and it’s because of what we’ve put into our environment.”
Plum Face Moisturizer n Seaberry Day/Night Restorative Face Cream n Lemon Aid foaming face wash n Lemon Fresh Toner n Oodles of Orange Foaming Hand and Body Wash n Apricot Mango Eye Cream n Apricot Eyes makeup remover n Apricot Orange Body Lotion n Grapefruit Pom Body Lotion n Lemon Mousse Extra Dry Skin Cream n Tropical Orange Hand Cream n Lemonlips Lip Balm n Claramint Lip Balm n Cranberry Orange Salt Scrub n Peppermint Foot Rub n The Naked Line: body wash, lotion and shaving cream – contain no fragrance or essential oils n Healing Calendula Salve
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Photos © Jonathan Braswell
“Once you feel how great it is to remove the toxins from your body, you just can’t go back. Everything that we can do to remove toxins from our body makes some kind of difference.”
ingredients are non-corrosive and do not affect skin, eyes and nerve tissues. n Some chemicals have carcinogen qualities; by avoiding long-term exposure to these carcinogens, you help prevent the onset of diseases like cancer, respiratory problems, allergies or cardiac arrest. n Natural-based products are just as effective as chemical-based products. For cleaning our homes, there are many excellent products that eliminate dirt, grease and grime just as effectively as chemical-based aerosols and cleaners. n Long-term inhalation or absorption of chemicalbased scents can be toxic and lead to allergies. Source: www.earthturns.com
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health and wellness
Practice cleanliness, prevent
infection C. Difficile and how proper hand washing could save your life
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By Quinn Katherman
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Part of its name comes from the Latin for “difficult,” which accurately describes how life can be when you’re suffering from an infection of Clostridium difficile. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Clostridium difficile (also referred to as C. difficile or C. diff) is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and more serious conditions such as colitis, the inflammation of the colon. Once in your intestines, this bacterium is capable of causing anything from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis. C. difficile has plagued the life of Bobbie Smith, a Kansas City resident and site administrator for cdiffsupport.com, an online support group. In 1979, one year after the bacterium was discovered, Smith’s 4-year-old son contracted C. difficile as a result of taking amoxicillin for a prolonged period of time to treat several illnesses. Fourteen years later, at the age of 52, Smith had an upper respiratory infection and received antibiotics as a treatment; she then contracted pneumonia and received more antibiotics until she was finally hospitalized with sinusitis, pneumonia and C. difficile. Smith suffered from C. difficile for four years after she first contracted the disease in 1993, and it wasn’t until 1997 that she finally felt cured. The relief was short-lived, and she relapsed in 1999.
Smith’s story, once considered rare, is now something 500,000 people in the United States can relate to every year. The Causes of C. difficile Several factors play a role in the development of C. difficile. The large intestine houses a lot of good bacteria, which help protect your body from infection. When you are taking antibiotics to treat an infection, the good forms of bacteria are destroyed in addition to the harmful bacteria. “Antibiotics tend to decrease the normal flora of the gut,” says Gayle Whitmore, RN and infection control coordinator at Heartland Spine & Specialty Hospital. As a result, an environment is created in which C. difficile can flourish. C. difficile is virtually everywhere, but it is most commonly found in hospitals and nursing homes. The C. difficile bacteria can be passed through fecal contamination. “If I have it and I don’t wash my hands after using the bathroom, then I can spread it to someone else, or they can pick it up from anything I’ve touched,” Whitmore says. C. difficile produces seemingly resilient spores that can persist in a room or on an object, such as a bedrail or door handle, for weeks and even months. Many cases of C. difficile are the result of a lack of cleanliness within the health
“If I have (C. difficile) and I don’t wash my hands after using the bathroom, then I can spread it to someone else, or they can pick it up from anything I’ve touched.” – Gayle Whitmore, RN, infection control coordinator at Heartland Spine and Specialty Hospital
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Š istockphoto.com / Daniel Timiraos
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Treatment “It’s ironic because C. diff is caused by antibiotic therapy, but it’s also cured with antibiotic therapy, too,” says Joyce Swenson, Surgicenter Administrator at South Kansas City Surgery Center. There are two main antibiotics used to treat C. difficile: Flagyl and Vancomycin. However, some of the more severe cases of C. difficile are proving to be resistant to this antibiotic treatment. “There are some severe strands of C. diff that are harder to treat because they don’t react to the antibiotics,” says Colleen Brown, gastroenterology nurse at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City. In Smith’s case, C. difficile caused inflammation of the colon (colitis), which led to a more severe form of C. difficile known as pseudomembranous colitis. In these more severe cases of C. difficile, there are several alternative treatments available. “We do simple procedures, such as broth infusions, which introduce good bacteria back into the intestines to hopefully get rid of the infection,” Brown says. “It’s called ‘the broth,’” Smith says of the endoscopic procedure that reintroduces good bacteria into the gut. Brown works with Dr. Mark Allen, M.D., a gastroenterologist with MidAmerica Gastro-Intestinal Consultants on staff at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, who specializes in broth infusions. Dr. Allen has performed three broth procedures on Smith since 1993. The other option for severe cases is fecal bacteriotherapy, also known as a fecal transplant, developed by Dr. Thomas J. Borody as a treatment for pseudomembranous colitis caused by C. difficile. Fecal bateriotherapy involves reintroducing normal bacterial flora into the patient’s body from a stool from a healthy donor. C. difficile can survive in the intestines even after treatment, making the
Who is at risk Healthy people rarely contract C. difficile. At the highest risk are those who require a prolonged use of antibiotics, those who have impaired immune systems and the elderly (65 and older). According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the risk of C. difficile increases in patients with: n Antibiotic exposure n Gastrointestinal surgery/ manipulation n Long length of stay in health care settings n Serious underlying illness n Conditions that weaken the immune system n Advanced age
Findings n According
to the APIC, 13 out of a 1,000 hospitalized patients are suffering from C. difficile, based on a national prevalence study conducted in November 2008. n In the United States, C. difficile is increasing at a rapid rate. Based on the APIC study released in November, it is estimated that C. difficile is afflicting more than 7,000 hospitalized patients on any given day. n The number of C. difficile cases in the U.S. is on the rise as a result of the bacterium’s ever-increasing resistance, the aging population and inadequate infection control in hospitals.
© istockphoto.com / Felix Möckel
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care facility as well as among the staff. Smith says that she won’t let a doctor or nurse come near her unless they’ve properly washed their hands.
health and wellness
hand washing tips “I think the answer is hygiene,” Smith says. “Make everyone responsible for washing their hands. Don’t be shy about asking the medical professionals to wash their hands.” Do not use antibacterial gels or alcohol-based wipes as these are not effective against spore-producing bacteria like C. difficile. n Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Lather well.
possibility of another infection very high. “Once you have C. difficile, you’re always at risk again,” Smith says. “I like to call it the gift that keeps on giving.”
viruses. Ask your health care provider if antibiotics are necessary, if they are still prescribed, be sure to follow the instruction and take the full course as directed.
Prevention It’s just a matter of cleanliness. “In almost all of the studies done in hospitals nationwide there has been cross-contamination, generally by health care workers themselves,” Swenson says. Here are the APIC’s recommendations for preventing C. difficile’s transmission: n Wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating. n Clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces on a regular basis with one cup bleach to 10 cups of water daily to prevent the spread of the bacteria. n Do not share a toilet with a person who has C. difficile. n Reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics. Don’t demand antibiotics for every cold or sniffle as these are usually caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not kill
Cdiffsupport.com Smith says it is difficult to cope with the constant physical, mental and financial traumas of C. difficile. As one of the site administrators on cdiffsupport.com, Smith works to help people deal with the overall stress C. difficile creates. “C. diff is going to affect your life, but you can’t let it ruin your life. It’s an ugly disease because it’s very unpredictable. And doctors truly don’t understand that much about it,” Smith says. The C. difficile support site posts studies, new information, media reports and advice for people suffering from C. difficile. It also serves as a forum where people can ask questions and discuss their condition with others who understand what they are going through. “It’s a disease that you’ll never understand unless you have it,” Smith says.
Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds (you should be able to sing “Happy Birthday” twice). n Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails. n Rinse well. n Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
Symptoms n Diarrhea
(at least three bowel movements per day for two or more days) n Fever n Loss of appetite n Nausea n Abdominal pain/ tenderness In the worst cases of C. difficile, patients experience the extremes of these symptoms. However, in some cases the symptoms are so mild that the bacterium can go undetected, or be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome.
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© istockphoto.com / Nuno Silva
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n
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complementary health
Green Tea
Ancient Elixir, modern miracle By Paige DeRuyscher
Why is green tea so often called a “miracle in a cup”?
– Elsai, 13th century Japanese monk
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© istockphoto.com / Wallenrock
Countless studies are revealing that this ancient Chinese elixir is much more than just a healthy alternative to coffee; it may play a vital role in our overall well-being today.
“Anywhere a person cultivates tea, long life will follow.”
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complementary health
green tea: a primer Green Tea Fast Facts
Why Green?
The way tea is processed makes all the difference; green tea leaves are steamed, while most others are fermented. Fermenting can alter the chemistry and reduce tea’s medicinal effect. A minimum of two to three cups of green tea per day is recommended for reaping its health benefits. Prepackaged commercial brands can be found in local supermarkets, while health food stores and tea rooms tend to offer authentic, whole leaf tea. Fragrant leaves with a rich, dark green color will be the freshest and most flavorful.
The Magic Ingredient
While it isn’t clear exactly how green tea works its magic, one major player is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) – a powerful antioxidant that can benefit our bodies on a cellular level.
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EGCG is twice as potent as resveratrol, the beneficial ingredient in red wine. It has been linked to lowering cholesterol, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, and preventing blood clots. And while widespread research has provided hard evidence of its health benefits, our understanding of green tea has only begun to evolve.
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Potential Health Benefits n Boosts
the immune system prevent tooth decay and cavities n Able to destroy and inhibit growth of cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue untouched n Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure n Prevents formation of blood clots to reduce risk of heart disease and stroke n Helps
n Might
protect from Alzheimer’s disease n Aids in weight loss by burning calories and raising metabolism n Could prevent and reduce the severity of arthritis n Helps to slow the skin’s aging process by counteracting the effect of free radicals
is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. n Green tea is 25100 times more powerful than vitamins C and E n Contains about 1/3 of the caffeine content of coffee n While tea bags are more convenient, loose leaf green tea offers enhanced flavor and significantly greater health benefits n Adding lemon juice to a cup can boost tea’s disease fighting qualities n For maximum freshness and flavor, green tea should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and consumed within two to three months. n Caution for pregnant women: Green tea consumption can inhibit the absorption of folic acid. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
© Jonathan Braswell
n Tea
complementary health
green tea: a primer Hot Tea Spots in KC
Not a tea drinker?
Try these healthy options instead! Supplements For those who haven’t the taste buds or time to enjoy the tea itself, there are countless vitamin supplements on the market that offer similar benefits. A local health food store could help you make a selection. Matcha powder Traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony, this powder can be baked into cakes, added to water, or stirred into smoothies for a healthy breakfast on the go.
Skin Care
Green tea is used in a variety of cosmetics and personal hygiene products. Consider these home remedies: Dental rinse Rinsing with green tea can destroy bad-breath-causing bacteria in the mouth while helping to prevent tooth decay and throat infections. Antiseptic Green tea is a natural antiseptic that relieves itching and swelling. Soak a cotton ball in it to relieve breakouts, blemishes and sunburns. Eye aid To soothe tired, puffy eyes and reduce dark circles, steep two tea bags in hot water, place over eyes, and take a 10-minute siesta.
Teadrops 4111 Pennsylvania Kansas City, Mo. 816-531-9600 Gather with friends to enjoy an array of authentic teas. Tea Market, LLC Premium Teas, Accoutrements & Gifts 329 E. 55th Kansas City, Mo. 816-822-9832 Schedule a private tea tasting or party. Governor’s Meeting House 10910 W. 60th St. Shawnee, Kan. 913-631-2661 Make a reservation for a tea luncheon in this historic 1850s federal-styled home.
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© Jonathan Braswell
Skin toner Fill a small spray bottle with freshly brewed green tea and (if desired) a few drops of lavender essential oil. Lightly mist face to cleanse and rejuvenate.
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health and wellness
The Thief of sight:
Glaucoma 40
This common cause of blindness makes life blurry around the edges for 2 million Americans By Ryan Brown Š istockphoto.com / Micheline DubÊ
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“I had no idea that my sight had gotten that bad. The doctor asked me to read some lines on the chart, and I couldn’t make anything out except the top line. It was, pardon the pun, a real eye-opener.”
Imagine being able to read the mail one day, but the next needing your child to read to you because the print was too blurry. “I just burst into tears,” says Maggie Hayden, a Liberty, Mo., resident. “All of the sudden, I simply couldn’t make out what the letters on the page said. I just thought my glasses needed adjusting. I had no idea that my problem was this severe.” Hayden is one of 2 million Americans who suffer from glaucoma, making it one of the leading causes of blindness in the nation. Glaucoma is called the thief of sight because there can be significant damage to the eye before the problem has been identified. Glaucoma causes a blockage of the trabecular meshwork, an intricate series of fibers that releases fluids to and from the eye. The drainage builds up on the retina, causing persistent high pressure at the back of the eye. This makes peripheral vision blur, and if
left untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Types of Glaucoma While there are several types of glaucoma, they all share one common outcome: irreversible damage to the delicate nerve fibers of the retina. These fibers transmit the visual images from the eye to the brain. There are over one million fibers in each healthy eye and these fibers collectively form the optic nerve. The most common type of glaucoma is chronic open-angle glaucoma, which accounts for 90 percent of all glaucoma cases. The precise cause of this type of glaucoma has not been well defined by doctors. “There are several identifiable risk factors to determine if a patient is at risk for glaucoma,” says Dr. Michael Stiles, M.D,. and medical director of the Glaucoma Institute. “Age, race, and family history are three of the most
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© istockphoto.com / Cole Vineyard
– Maggie Hayden, Liberty, Mo.
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health and wellness Drainage angle
TRABECULAR MESHWORK
side view: glaucoma
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common elements – Caucasians over the age of 40, or African-Americans over the age of 30 are definitely at risk.” Vision loss occurs very gradually and much of the person’s eyesight can be affected before they notice a change. Both eyes may be affected at the same time, but one eye is often worse than the other. Congenital glaucoma is present in some infants at birth or within the first few years of life. Infants that have glaucoma usually have cloudy eyes that are sensitive to light and have excessive tearing. When a similar type of glaucoma occurs between age three and adulthood, it is called juvenile glaucoma. Another type of glaucoma is called acute closed-angle glaucoma, which is less common than other types of the disease. A patient with this type of glaucoma will have blurry vision,
but also pain and redness around the eyes. The nerve fibers will be blocked, preventing fluid from moving between the chambers of the eye, causing a sudden rise in pressure around the optic nerves. Diagnosis Hayden went through a series of tests administered by her ophthalmologist, including eye drops and a basic vision test. “I had no idea that my sight had gotten that bad,” Hayden says. “The doctor asked me to read some lines on the chart, and I couldn’t make anything out except the top line. It was, pardon the pun, a real eye-opener.” Treatment Glaucoma is usually treated with medicine such as eye drops. Most patients will likely need to take
medication for the rest of their lives, depending on the severity of the damage done to the eye. Laser treatment or surgery is also an alternative. “We offer medicinal drops and the option of laser surgery, too,” Dr. Stiles says. “Some patients are intolerant to drops and prefer the surgery, which has an 85 percent success rate in terms of helping eliminate the pressure in the eyes.” Living With The Thief of Sight Six months after being diagnosed with glaucoma, Hayden is learning to cope with her ailment. “I was angry at first, wondering why this happened to me,” Hayden says. “But now I feel like I’m fighting back, and I’m taking measures to prevent any further damage. My eyes haven’t gotten worse, and I consider that a blessing.”
© istockphoto.com / Nurbek Sagynbaev
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Lens
health and wellness
treatment: canaloplasty
How is canaloplasty performed?
What are the benefits and risks?
Your doctor will create a tiny incision to gain access to a canal in the eye. Then, a microcatheter will circumnavigate the canal around your iris, enlarging the main drainage channel and its smaller collector channels through the injections of a sterile, gel-like material called viscoelastic. After the drainage channel is enlarged, the catheter is removed and a suture is placed within the canal and tightened. This tightened suture ensures that the canal remains open. By opening the canal, it will drain properly, and the pressure inside your eye will be relieved. “It’s like doing an angioplasty instead of a full-blown bypass in heart surgery,” Dr. Stiles says. “We want to create a bypass route, which creates less risk of further infections.”
Compared to traditional glaucoma treatments, canaloplasty offers the following benefits: n Potential reduction or elimination of medications and the associated costs n Less risk of post-operative complications versus penetrating surgical alternatives n Does not eliminate the possibility of future treatment alternatives n Reduced scarring However, because of the lack of clinical research on canaloplasty, there could be some side effects that have yet to be identified. “The short-term results have shown good progress,” Dr. Stiles says. “There are fewer complications, and a greater reduction of post-operative infections. We will review all the pros and cons of each procedure before proceeding with the surgery – but there are several alternatives to insure that the disease doesn’t get worse and that a patient’s health will improve.”
Common Risk Factors Glaucoma most often occurs in adults over age 40, but it can also occur in young adults, children, and even infants. In African-Americans, glaucoma occurs more frequently and at an earlier age and with greater loss of vision. You are at an increased risk of glaucoma if you: n Are of African-American, Irish, Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit or Scandinavian descent. n Are over the age of 40 n Have a family history of glaucoma n Have diabetes n Take systemic corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone. Preventative maintenance is the key to diagnosing and preventing glaucoma. “Get an annual eye check up,” Dr. Stiles says. “Particularly if you are affected by one of the common risk factors. Fifty percent of all glaucoma sufferers don’t even realize there is a problem until it is too late. By identifying the signs early, we can take measures to insure that you retain as much of your sight as possible.”
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© istockphoto.com / David H. Lewis
For some people, there is now hope in the fight against glaucoma. An innovative, minimally invasive procedure is available to help patients who may be frustrated with their medications and are not ready for surgery. This procedure is called canaloplasty, which enhances and restore the eye’s natural drainage system to provide sustained reduction of intraocular pressure. Canaloplasty uses breakthrough microcatheter technology in a relatively simple procedure.
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health and wellness
Don’t take your platelet count for granted
By Trieste Van Wyngarden
Blood and health Dad always said, “There’s nothing broken in this world a little duct tape can’t fix.” In our bodies, platelets are the duct tape that helps bleeding to stop and wounds to heal. Like everything else, we tend to take them for granted when they’re working right. But a low platelet count can cause serious trouble – anything from excessive bruising to spontaneous or profuse bleeding. And a high count can lead to blood clots. It’s important to your platelets that you get the right balance of certain vitamins and minerals in the foods you eat. Platelets are sticky, irregularly shaped bodies in our blood. We normally have between 150,000 and 350,000 platelets per microleter of circulating blood in our system. Each platelet lives only about 10 days, so our bone marrow is constantly renewing the supply. When we start to bleed, our platelets stick around – literally. They clog the wound and form a clot, making time and space for healing to occur. Calcium, vitamin K, and a protein called fibrinogen all help platelets to clot properly. Low levels of calcium and vitamin K will make it harder (and slower) for the blood to clot. Without them, a clot would never form.
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© istockphoto.com / Christian Anthony
Why Platelets should stick around
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health and wellness GIVE ME A K!
LOW PLATELET COUNTS
Vitamin K is an essential part of platelet health.
A low platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, can occur for several reasons. Certain autoimmune disorders, like leukemia or HIV, will cause low counts.
Boost your vitamin K with dark green, leafy vegetables like amaranth, parsley, swiss chard and kale. Watercress, basil and beet or turnip greens are also excellent sources.
The drug heparin has been shown to decrease platelet counts. Anytime the bone marrow, which manufactures platelets, is compromised, blood platelets are in danger. Pregnancy or alcohol can also be the cause of mild thrombocytopenia.
Calcium comes in a wide variety of sources, with dairy products topping the charts. Increase your calcium intake with foods like nonfat yogurt, soymilk, orange juice and fortified cereal.
FEELING LOW? How do you know if your platelets may be lower than normal? Easy bruising Prolonged bleeding from cuts Unusually heavy menstrual flows Blood in the urine or stools A rash of tiny reddish-purple dots (petechiae)
BLOOD PLATELETS Some people experience higher than normal levels of platelets, or thrombocytosis. Mild to moderate cases can be present in arthritis or inflammation. Sometimes thrombocytosis leads to dangerous blood clots. Blood thinners combat this, as well as food rich in salicylates, vitamin E or omega-3 fatty acids.
PLATELET DONATION
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According to the American Red Cross, platelets are vital to the survival of bone marrow transplant patients, cancer patients and those with aplastic anemia.
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Platelets have a shelf life of only five days, so the need is high. The platelet collection process takes about two hours and can mean life or death for someone in need.
If your platelet levels are high, consider these blood thinning foods: Spices: cinnamon, thyme, cayenne
pepper Fruits: grapes, cherries, cranberries Nuts: almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts Vegetable oils: corn, peanut,
sunflower Fish: salmon, herring, tuna
Clockwise from top: Š istockphoto.com / Isatori, Jacob Wackerhausen, Freddie Vargas
HIGH COUNTS
health and wellness
Platelet Facts From the Red Cross
© istockphoto.com / David Lewis
n It
takes about two hours to donate one unit of platelets. n Platelets are rapidly replaced in the donor’s body, usually within one day. n Donated platelets are usually transfused within three days. n Bone marrow transplant, cancer and leukemia patients benefit from singledonor platelets, which greatly reduce the chances of rejection from the patients’ bodies. n Single-donor platelets also reduce the risk of transmitting a cold or influenza, which can kill patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.
BLOOD PLATELETS
VALUABLE RESOURCE Check out www.bloodbanker. com for a list of Kansas City area blood, plasma and platelet donation centers. For more on thrombocytopenia: www.mayoclinic. com. For more on thrombocytosis: www.cinnechol. com.
For more about platelet donations, call Ben Hubbard at 757-623-4877.
It’s the little things.
Rodney Lyles, M.D. • Celeste Brabec, M.D.
REPRODUCTIVE RESOURCE CENTER 20 years of Innovation
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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.
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local profile
Medexpress Labs | Overland Park, Kansas
take charge of medical testing How many times have you heard this at your doctor’s office: “If you don’t hear from us, assume your lab results were normal.” | If you find it a little unsettling, you’re not alone. | A new patient-friendly draw center in Overland Park, Kan., is making medical testing more private. Plus, you get your actual lab report, so you can see the results for yourself and follow
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up with your health care practitioner as necessary.
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By Heather Winslow Gibbons
HEALTH FAIR ALL YEAR LONG
CONSIDER THESE SCENARIOS
How it works
“We want to help customers be more engaged in their healthcare so they’ll do a better job taking care of themselves,” says David Rexroat, who dreamed up the MedExpress Labs concept and opened for business in November 2008.
n A
Patients can make appointments online or walk in without an appointment and download reports from the company’s HIPPA-secure Web site within 48 hours.
Rexroat had seen how screenings at workplace health fairs encouraged employees to be more invested in their health. With MedExpress Labs, Rexroat essentially has created a year-round health fair that’s open to everyone in the community. MedExpress Labs offers hundreds of tests to diagnose a range of health problems including allergies, heavy metal poisoning, some cancers, a variety of blood disorders, heart disease and more.
n A
“Clients typically know what they need,” Rexroat says. “And we’ve put together a lot of information, literally 28 different brochures on different tests, to help people understand what’s available.”
woman thinks she’s at risk for cervical cancer but can’t get approval from her insurance company.
n A
man needs to monitor his statin drug levels and check in with his doctor if something changes. mother suspects her child is using drugs; a young married couple who are concerned genetic abnormalities might affect their ability to have a healthy child.
Each of these people has a different, and valid, reason for wanting access, privacy or to save time and money when it comes to medical tests. “We’re not trying to get in the way of the provider/patient relationship, but to make the process more efficient,” Rexroat says.
MedExpress Labs costs less, too, thanks to a pricing structure based on what customers, especially those without insurance benefits, can afford. Because the company is very concerned with patient privacy, it doesn’t file health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid claims on patients’ behalf. Instead, the necessary coding information is included on receipts so patients can file the claim themselves if they choose to.
What you need to know
Should you make an appointment?
MedExpress labs
Just as they take the lead in selecting which tests they want, patients are also responsible for interpreting lab results.
n If you’re not feeling well,
7248 West 121st Street Overland Park, KS 66213 (in the Southridge Retail Center across from Costco) 913-897-8378 www.medexpresslabs.com
“The reports are actually very easy to read,” says Beth Gallup, MedExpress Labs’ medical director. She explains that a report typically indicates a positive or negative, or shows where a result appears in a range based on a patient’s age, sex and other factors.
With skyrocketing insurance premiums, copays and deductibles, and the uninsured population climbing upward from 47 million, Gallup is concerned many patients may not seek the medical care they need. “MedExpress Labs offers a way for some people to evaluate their health status,’ says Gallup, offering up one common sense caution: “Always discuss your test results with your health care practitioner so you can get to the doctor before a catastrophe happens.”
n You may be deficient in vitamin D,
a nutrient our bodies absorb from the sun. “New studies have shown vitamin D to be important in ways we never knew before, from preventing certain types of cancers to improving mobility in elderly adults,” Gallup says. If you have resolved to get healthier, certain tests can help you track your progress. Blood sugar and cholesterol are especially important to measure because they are directly affected by diet and exercise.
Take charge of your lab tests: 1. Schedule an appointment online or stop by when it’s convenient for you. 2. Get your results within 48 hours at www. medexpresslabs.com. 3. Discuss the results with your doctor or healthcare provider and take steps to improve your health.
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Photos © Denise Williams Photography
“The report gives you a yes or no or highlights your value if it’s out of the normal range, in which case you should contact your health care provider,” Gallup says.
you can take flu or strep tests before you see your doctor. “If the test comes back negative, you know you have a virus. If it comes back positive, you need to see your doctor for treatment,” Gallup says.
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health and wellness
Avoid the
Nightly grind Are your teeth bearing the brunt of your stress? By Dr. Andrew Moore, DDS
The cause The cause of bruxism is a hot topic in dentistry. There are several theories regarding the best way to treat this condition. Most dentists can agree the number one cause is nothing other than stress. Sleeping disorders, mis-aligned teeth are also factors but stress remains the most common cause. Medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease can also be a cause
of bruxism. Type A or anxious personality types are often affected. Caffeine and other stimulants only make it worse. With orthodontics and or modern restorative dentistry, misaligned teeth can be corrected, with the goal to get the teeth in a correct, comfortable position. Done properly, this treatment can decrease and even remove a person’s desire to grind. “An important and often overlooked aspect of treating patients with bruxism is to first find the underlying cause,” says Dr. Kelly Deines, a general dentist in Kansas City, Mo. “It should be determined if it is stress related, dental related or an underlying medical condition that is causing someone to grind.” Treatment The most common and cost effective way to prevent teeth grinding is the use of a splint or nightguard fabricated by your dentist. A few hundred dollars for a nightguard is worth every penny if it prevents future destruction of your teeth. I tell patients, “If you break one tooth, it will most likely cost double the cost of a night guard.” A common type of nightguard is called an NTI appliance. This is an updated design of what historically was called a deprogrammer. Dr. Jim Boyd, the developer of the NTI, first used it as a treatment for migraine headaches. By relaxing the tempo-
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© istockphoto.com / Antonio Nunes
Like many dentists, not a day goes by without my telling at least one patient, “You are grinding your teeth.” This might not seem like a big deal to some, but talk to anyone who suffers from the effects of severe tooth grinding or clenching, and you will hear a different story. Bruxism is described as clenching or grinding of the teeth, which most often occurs at night. Some severe bruxers will literally wear their teeth down to nubs. Not only is it destructive to your teeth, but often it is accompanied by muscle pain and headaches, not to mention the cost to fix those broken down or worn out teeth. Many times people are unaware of clenching or grinding, they are only aware of the side effects – a sore jaw, headache, or sensitive teeth. About 20 percent of the population is affected, and most bruxers are unaware that they are even doing it. The dentist or sleeping partner is the first to notice.
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Signs you may be grinding your teeth n Sensitive n Sore
jaw
teeth
n A
dull, constant headache
n Visible
wear or chips on your teeth
Tips to avoid teeth grinding n Avoid
or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate and coffee.
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ralis muscle, migraine sufferers reported a decrease in the frequency and intensity of the migraine. “Ron L” is a patient who for the past 10 years has suffered from clenching and grinding. Luckily, he had a nightguard fabricated at UMKC School of Dentistry almost a decade ago. He now is on his second guard and credits this for “saving my teeth” and “having less stress in my jaw and neck.” There are several over the counter remedies for bruxism. These do-it-yourself and one-size-fits-all nightguards are not recommended by most dentists. The position and alignment of teeth vary considerably from patient to patient. If the fit is not accurate, it will be ineffective or even make the symptoms worse. For people that grind their teeth during the day, wearing a guard or splint may not be practical. Like any habit such as nail biting or thumb sucking, daytime clenching can be a tough habit to break. Stress management and behavioral management can offer significant relief. Kansas City is lucky to have one of the top dental schools in the nation, and so many great dentists. If you think you may be one of the twenty percent of the population who may be grinding your teeth, do yourself a favor: Make an appointment with your dentist to have it checked out.
alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
n Don’t
chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food.
n Avoid
chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.
yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax.
n Relax
your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.
Avoid stress and save your teeth If stress is the cause of your grinding here are some tips to stop: n Exercise
n Try
n Give
n Consider
yourself 30 minutes to an hour to wind down before you go to bed
sleeping on your back physical therapy
n Check
into counseling or muscle relaxants
n Take
a hot bath or listen to soothing music to relax
From Top: © istockphoto.com / Marge Ross, Lisa Gagne
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n Avoid
n Train
complementary health
Find your
yoga way
Recharge and reshape your body and mind in time for spring
By Quinn Katherman
You can run on the treadmill, listen to your iPod, pump five-pound arm weights, answer your phone and create a grocery list all at the same time. Sure, that is impressive multi-tasking, but are you benefiting from the actual exercise? Few forms of exercise offer as many physical and mental benefits as yoga. Yoga isn’t about working out – it’s
Yoga Origins
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The yoga tradition originated 5,000 years ago in India. The term “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning to unite, join, harness contact or connect. Yoga is therefore the practice of uniting the mind, body and spirit as one. There are many different meanings and interpretations of yoga, which vary based on practice, teacher and source. However, ubiquitous among all types of yoga is the overarching goal of self-realization.
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about working on yourself, and it’s a belief system that can lead you to better health. Don’t let these last few months of winter bring you down. Instead, warm your mind, body and spirit with Bikram Yoga so you feel rejuvenated and energized by spring.
“Never too late, never too old, never too bad and never too sick to do this yoga and start from scratch again.” – Bikram Choudhury
types of yoga Lyengar
Characterized by the use of props.
Ashtanga
Involves synchronizing the breath with a fast-paced series of postures.
Bikram
A series of 26 postures performed in sequence in a heated room.
Viniyoga
Focuses on regulating your breath in a posture with less emphasis on form.
Kripula
Three stages of postural alignment and coordination of breath and movement with the inclusion of meditation in the final stage.
Integral
Emphasizes the integration of postures, breathing techniques, deep relaxation and meditation.
Sivananda
Includes a series of 12 postures, breathing exercises, and mantra chanting.
Ananda
A series of affirmations associated with postures, which direct energy to different organs and limbs.
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© istockphoto.com / Paul Kline
In the Western world, the most commonly practiced types of yoga fall under the Hatha yoga style. Hatha yoga is defined as yoga that utilizes different “poses” called asanas, for the purpose of strengthening, opening, and cleansing the body. Below are several forms classified as Hatha yoga according to the Yoga Research and Education Web site.
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Eagle pose, or Garurasana
Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose, or Dandayamana-BibhaktapadaPaschimottanasana
Listening to Your Body “We aren’t taught to listen to our bodies, yoga forces you to learn how to listen and pay attention to what your body is telling you,” says Angela Moulin, owner of Bikram Yoga Kansas City. Yoga makes you more aware of your body and its functioning levels than any other form of exercise. The treadmill might be able to read your heart rate; however, with the practice of yoga, you will be able to read your body more accurately than any machine. Studies show that yoga’s ability to reduce stress and anxiety make it a successful treatment option for those suffering from depression, heart disease, menopause, breast cancer and chronic back pain. Additionally, many find yoga helps to rehabilitate old and new injuries.
which you’re not used to doing, and you’re using muscles you’re not used to using,” says Mary Horvatin, owner of Yoga Fix Studio, where she teaches Hot yoga classes. So if you still feel like you might die after your third or fourth class, don’t be discouraged. “Yoga is intimidating,” Moulin admits. “But this yoga (Bikram) restored my hope for mental and physical health – that is why I became a teacher and opened a studio – I want people to find yoga the way did.” Moulin also says that your first class will tell you how much more water you need to drink on daily basis. Most of us do not drink nearly enough water for daily health – let alone to make it through a Bikram class without any problems. But the more hydrated you are before class, the less you’ll struggle during class. Because your first class won’t be the best 90 minutes of your life, most studios offer a new student special to encourage frequency at the outset. “Bikram says to come every day for 30 days to create a habit,” Moulin says of her teacher.
Form a Habit During the first couple classes, you will likely feel nauseous or faint, but this is normal. “Your body is adjusting, you’re learning to regulate your body temperature, you’re moving toxins through your body,
Spine Twisting Pose, or ArdhaMatsyendrasana
Health Benefits of Yoga n Flexibility,
strength and stamina improve n Balance and energy levels increase n Stress and anxiety levels are reduced n Concentration, attention and memory improve n Blood circulation improves n Posture and alignment improve n Immunity increases n Sleep improves n Dexterity improves n Cholesterol decreases
“Namaste” (na-ma-stay) Namaste literally means “I bow to you.” Aadil Palkhivala, a world-famous yoga teacher, explains Namaste as a gesture in which we recognize the soul in one by the soul in another. At the end of your yoga class, your teacher will say Namaste, and the students repeat the term. This exchange of Namaste between teacher and student symbolizes respect and gratitude toward each other, which is meant to lead us to “the truth that we are all one when we live from the heart.”
© istockphoto.com / Paul Kline
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complementary health
On-location photographer specializing in children, individual portraits, families and high school portrait photography
913-486-4409 http://denisewilliamsphotography.com
complementary health
“I always tell people you need to stick with it for at least three classes before you can form an opinion,” Horvatin says. Give yourself time to love Bikram yoga, and eventually you’ll become addicted. Before your first class, try to clear your mind of all pre-conceived notions, erase your doubts and walk in with an open mind. If you’re hesitant about Bikram yoga because you suffer from a condition or recent injury, then discuss it with your teacher, they will help you tailor certain postures and offer you specific guidance during class. Both Moulin and Horvatin agree, “yoga is for every body.” It’s not just for dancers or for athletes or for people who can twist their bodies into pretzels. Yoga is for people like you and me, who want to be healthy, not just on the outside, but on the inside, too.
Camel pose, or Ustrasana
So, if you’re still not convinced to try yoga or you don’t think it’s for you, then stand up right now and try to touch your toes… Namaste.
Classes Near You Bikram Yoga Kansas City 910 West 39th St. Kansas City, Mo. 816-931-YOGA (9642) kansascitybikram yoga.com
Bikram Yoga – South KC 13611 Washington Kansas City, Mo. 816-943-8500 BikramYogaSouth KC.com
Bikram Yoga Lawrence 711 W 23rd St., #13 Lawrence, Kan. 785-832-YOGA (9642) BikramYoga Lawrenceks.com
Yoga Fix Studio 2000 Shawnee Mission Pkwy. Reece Nichols Building Mission Woods, Kan. 913-384-3200
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As you enter the studio, you’re engulfed in a wave of 105-degree heat. Immediately, you’re sweating. The humidifier is set to maintain 40 percent humidity as the instructor calmly takes you through 26 postures and two breathing exercises. And for 90 minutes you’re not thinking about your grocery list, kids or what’s for dinner, your mind is only focused on one thing: not passing out. “The heat can be mentally intense, but it is used to penetrate a really deep, warm stretch and flush out toxins,”
Moulin says. Despite being criticized for the intense conditions under which this type of Hatha yoga is performed, many people have flocked to Bikram yoga “because it’s like a medicine,” Moulin says. “The sequence is designed to work every part of your body, get into your internal organs, and release the toxic build up causing discomfort or pain.” So you might find you don’t need a daily dose of Advil to curb pesky joint pain once you start Bikram yoga.
© istockphoto.com / Stills
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whole living
Local Flavors Kansas City’s Sustainable food movement is good for your body and soul
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By Heather Winslow Gibbons
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Kansas City’s thriving local food culture is helping more and more people eat the freshest, healthiest food possible. The local sustainable food movement brings several health benefits to you and your community. Local farmers bring nutrient-rich food, a community of cleaner air and water, safer conditions for workers and stronger social bonds. A Healthy Alternative Because the government regulates use of the word “organic,” requiring timeconsuming paperwork for farmers seeking certification, many growers use the term “sustainable” instead. “Most people think ‘organic’ means ‘without chemicals,’” says Rebecca Graff of Fair Share Farms in Kearney, Mo. “We feel that ‘sustainable’ is a better description of what we’re doing anyway.” Graff describes sustainable growing methods that include improving and conserving soil, protecting water sources and creating ideal conditions for growing healthy, disease- and pest-resistant plants that can thrive without chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Sustainably raised animals live in their natural environments and eat foods they were meant to eat. These animals are typically healthier and don’t need antibiotics or growth hormones to stay well. Hilary Brown, owner of Local Burger in Lawrence, Kan., has built a successful business on the idea that sustainably raised meats are a healthy alternative to standard fast food fare. “Recent research shows that meat from livestock – cows, buffalo, elk – raised only on their intended diet of
grass, are lower in total fat have more heart-friendly fats like omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid known to be one of the most potent anti-cancer fatty acids,” Brown says. “The local sustainable food movement is a holistic system that serves the body and the mind,” says Mary Hendrickson, a University of Missouri rural sociology professor who encourages a broader view of what it means to be healthy, asserting her belief that sustainable food to be tasty, healthy and fun. Lisa Markley, registered dietitian and local food advocate, agrees. “Scientists could try to measure nutrients in conventional versus sustainable local foods, but it would be very difficult,” she says, explaining that plant varieties, seasonal changes, soil conditions and time from field to plate can all affect nutrient levels. “What matters is having a healthy relationship with where our food comes from, developing a community around food, sharing nourishing meals, coming back to the table, and passing on those values to the next generation,” Markley says. Healthy Planet, Healthy People Direct and indirect health benefits are associated with sustainably grown food. Instead of selecting crops for high yield per acre, durability for shipping or long shelf life, small-scale farmers in direct contact with the people who eat their food will grow varieties their customers want. These farmers will harvest at peak ripeness to deliver a product that possibly has more nutrients and fresh flavor.
Community Supported Agriculture Rebecca Graff and Tom Ruggieri of Fair Share Farm suggest asking these questions when shopping at a farmers market or considering a CSA: n Did
you grow or raise everything you are selling? n How do you control pests and diseases or keep animals healthy? n When was this crop was harvested? n Where is your farm? n Can I visit your farm or volunteer time?
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Š Shatto Milk Company
health and wellness
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Want to get your kids to eat more fruits and veggies? Grow something at home or help create a garden at school. Kansas City Community Gardens offers low-cost seeds and supplies, plus gardening advice.
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Farm to School programs like the ones at St. Ann’s Catholic School in Prairie Village, Oakhill Day School in Gladstone and Kansas City Academy in Kansas City serve lunches with as much locally grown food as possible. Farmers visit the schools to talk about bison, honey bees, apples and other local foods featured on the menu, and students visit farms on field trips.
“Sustainable farming employs a diversified, holistic approach that is mindful of the planet and its people.” – Mary Hendrickson, University of Missouri rural sociology professor
Purchase sustainably grown products and you reduce your exposure to potentially toxic chemicals. “Sustainable farming employs a diversified, holistic approach that is mindful of the planet and its people,” Hendrickson says. Though the EPA is working to eliminate the more harmful chemical pesticides and herbicides, sustainable practices eliminate the need to question what amount of known toxins (i.e. methyl bromide or malathion, two highly toxic fungicides used for growing strawberries) are safe for consumers or farm workers. A local food system can be safer, too, because an outbreak of Salmonella and E. coli would be easier to contain than in a nationwide food system. (In a large industrial system, food from many farms passes through large, centralized packing houses making it difficult to track the source of the problem.) “It’s the difference between 100 people in six states getting sick, or five people in Kansas City getting sick,” says
Ted Carey, Kansas State University extension specialist and food crop researcher. “The problem is much easier to manage.”
Know your Growers With so many reasons to choose sustainably grown local foods, being on a firstname basis with the person who grows and harvests your food is the best of all. Whether you’re concerned about chemicals, food safety, environmental stewardship or responsible animal husbandry, you can go right to the source for answers. Farmers take pride in their work and many are happy to provide the information you’re looking for. Join the Greater Kansas City Healthy Food Policy Coalition to be directly involved in creating a healthy, sustainable local food system for Kansas City and nine surrounding counties. On Feb. 12, the coalition will launch its strategic plan to address sustainability, availability, hunger and nutrition issues. The coalition is administered by KC Healthy Kids (www.kchealthykids.org).
Meet local farmers The Kansas City Food Circle’s Eat Local! Exhibition of Farmers: March 28, 9 a.m. Shawnee Civic Center Shawnee, Kan. April 4, 9:15 a.m. Roger T. Sermon Community Center Independence, Mo. www.kcfoodcircle.org
The Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture operates a certified organic vegetable farm and welcomes volunteers of all ages and experience levels. www.kccua.org
© istockphoto.com / Jason Verschoor
Get involved Shop at farmers markets or join a community supported agriculture (CSA) program and you’ll likely see old friends or meet interesting people each week. (A CSA is like a buying club – you provide financial support to growers early in the year, and eat your investment returns — meat, poultry, eggs, fruits and vegetables.)
whole living
where to go for local, sustainably grown food The Grocery Store Many local, sustainably produced foods are finding their way to your neighborhood grocery store. Milk Shatto Milk Company comes in reusable glass bottles. Look for Shatto butter, cream and flavored milks, too. www.shattomilk.com
Chickens and Eggs Campo Lindo Farms sells whole chickens from the meat cooler and always includes a note with their eggs. www.campolindofarms.com Produce Fruits and vegetables aren’t always labeled. Look for the “Homegrown” sign and ask your grocer where the food was grown. You can also contact the farmer to ask about their growing practices. Bread Bread of Life makes delicious whole grain breads, yummy cinnamon rolls and other baked goods from wheat grown in Kansas. www.breadoflifebakery.net
Restaurants Blue Bird Bistro, Eden Alley Cafe, Lidia’s Italy, Local Burger (Lawrence), Justus Drugstore (Smithville) and Room 39 are just a few of the many Kansas City restaurants serving local/ sustainable foods. www.kcfoodcircle.org CSAs The Kansas City CSA Coalition’s website allows you to search and compare different CSA programs. www.kc-csa.org You-Pick Farms Grab a floppy hat and a pail, and always call ahead because youpick farms are sometimes closed because of weather conditions or a lack of ripe fruit. www.pickyourown.org Grow Something Even one tomato or herb plant can make you a participant in your food source. Join KC Community Gardens for discounted seeds and expert advice. www.kccg.org
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From top: © istockphoto.com / Nicolette Neish, Allison Stieglitz, Liza McCorckle
Farmers Markets Farmers markets are typically open mid-April through midOctober with some special events during the winter. Check out Badseed Market in the Crossroads, Farmers Community Market at Brookside, Merriam Organic Market and Troostwood Youth Garden Market. www.kcfoodcircle.org
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Seeking
Better Breathing Know the warning signs of pulmonary fibrosis By RYAN Brown
“It was like someone had made a fist around my lungs.”
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That’s how Carl Ellison, a 48-year old loan officer from Lenexa, Kan., described his first exposure to the fact that he had pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lung disorder that is characterized by gradually progressive scarring – known as fibrosis – and deterioration of the lungs. This slowly causes its victims to lose their ability to breathe normally. Approximately 128,000 Americans suffer from PF, and 48,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Pulmonary fibrosis claims the lives of approximately 40,000 people each year – the same number as breast cancer.
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Causes The actual cause of pulmonary fibrosis is still unknown to doctors, but most research indicates that PF patients have irregular changes to their lungs’ healing process. Patients who suffer from PF may have an exaggerated or uncontrolled healing response that produces excess scar tissue on the lungs. “While we don’t know exactly what causes pulmonary fibrosis, we have an idea of what can be a trigger mechanism for the disease,” says Dr. Mitchell Nielson of the Northland Pulmonary Associates practice said. “Exactly what sets the abnormal tissue-repair in motion is still not clear, but the patient’s immune system may play a major role.” Other potential risk factors n Cigarette
smoking to dusty environments (e.g. wood or metal dust) n Acid reflux disease n Viral and bacterial lung infections n Genetic predisposition n Exposure
Identifying Symptoms Shortness of breath is the main symptom of PF, but this can be the symptom of many types of lung disease – therefore, making a correct diagnosis is often difficult. Other symptoms include a dry cough, unexpected weight loss or gain, and an enlargement of the ends of the fingers and toes due a buildup of excess tissue. Sometimes during an examination of the chest with a stethoscope a doctor can hear crackling sound in the chest – a result of the lungs straining against the scarring. A normal x-ray may not reveal any damage, so doctors may need to issue a CAT scan or a lung biopsy to be sure of the presence of PF. “Some people realize they’re having trouble walking up the stairs and think ‘Oh, I’m just out of shape’,” says Dr. Nielson. “But if you find that your normal, day-to-day activities are making you stop because you’re out of breath, you should go see your physician.”
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Support Groups Overland Park
Holy Cross Church 7851 W. 119th St. 3rd Wed/month 816-931-3215 Kansas City, Kan.
“Living With the Beast” “I know the odds, and I know the statistics,” Ellison says. “I am living with the beast right now, but I don’t want it to run my life.” Being as active as you can is important to both your physical and mental health. It can help you maintain your strength and lung function and reduce stress. Try moderate exercise, such as walking or riding a stationary bike. Ask your doctor about using oxygen while you do this.
You should also follow a healthy diet. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may relieve stomach fullness, which can make it difficult to breathe. If you need help with your diet, ask your doctor to arrange for a dietitian to work with you. Getting plenty of rest can increase your energy and help you deal with the stress of living with a serious disease like PF. Maintain a positive attitude. Practicing relaxation techniques may help you do this. It may also help you avoid excessive oxygen intake caused by tension or overworked muscles. Join a support group to help you adjust to living with PF. Talk to others who have the same symptoms so you can see how they’re coping. To find a local support group, talk to your doctor or check your telephone directory. Avoid situations that can make your symptoms worse, such as traveling by air or living at or traveling to high altitudes where the air is thin and the amount of oxygen in the air is low. “There are several ways to cope with pulmonary fibrosis,” says Dr. Nielson. “The earlier we identify the symptoms, the better quality of life someone can maintain. Early diagnosis is the key – and we’re working on new treatments every day.”
Roeland Park
Community Center (Area Agency on Aging) 3rd Wed/month 913-649-6004 Kansas City, Mo.
Better Breathers Club Heartland Therapy Centers 3215 Main, Suite 202 April-December, 3rd Wed/month 816-931-3215 JNeustaedter@ HTCKC.com
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Taking Action The treatment options are limited, and there is no evidence that prescribed medicines can help the condition – this is because the scarring on the lungs is permanent once it occurs. A lung transplant may be an option, but only for advanced cases. Treatments can have serious, potentially hazardous side effects. A lung specialist can determine the need for treatment, the duration of treatment, and can monitor a patient’s response to treatment. Multiple medications, including gamma-interferon and cyclosporine, have been used in treating PF in the past. Ongoing trials are being conducted using newer drugs, but results so far have been inconclusive.
Better Breathers Club Providence Medical Center Lung Center 8929 Parallel Parkway 1st Wed/month 913-596-4950
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