Enhance Dec/Jan '09-'10

Kansas City

H EA L T H a n d W E L L NESS

the new year brings a fresh start

D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 9 / Ja n u a r y 2010 w w w . e n h a n c e 4 l i f e . co m

Whether you’re picking out names or helping them pick out colleges, choose the

Lee’s summit Physicians GrouP for your children’s prenatal and pediatric health care.

New parents have lots of questions, and the doctors at the Lee’s Summit Physicians Group are available and accessible seven days a week to help.

Lee’s summit Physicians GrouP 1425 NW Blue Parkway • Lee’s Summit, MO

Pediatrics • 816-524-5600 • www.lsphysicians.com

Walk-in urgent care available 7 days a week.

• Open 7 days a week, with evening and weekend urgent care • Open Monday-Thurs., 8 a.m.-7p.m. and Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

• Weekend urgent care for pediatrics: Saturday 9-11 a.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.

No appointment necessary!

Internal medIcIne • 816-554-1918 • www.lsphysicians.com

Free PrenataL consuLts Monday – Friday 10-12 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Call 816-524-3223, ext. 150

• Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4:45 p.m.

raintree Pediatrics 821 SW Lemans Lane • Lee’s Summit, MO

816-525-4700 • www.raintree-Pediatrics.com Urgent care available Monday-Friday, 8-11 a.m.

Scheduled appointments: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.

We offer after hours on-call physicians, online scheduling, in-house x-rays, labs, EKG and bone scans and we accept most insurance plans.

Call for an appointment or stop by to see us.

from the editor

open your eyes to wonder During a 2009 commencement address, environmentalist, entrepreneur and bestselling author

enhance magazine

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”

– Plato

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Resources to create a harmonious environment are available to us every day. In this issue we highlight the miraculous experience found in music.

Whether you participate by playing or listening, music can bring about memories, be a wonderful escape, and encourage clear thinking and peace of mind. Take a read on p. 28 for some ideas to leverage the art of music this season.

As we wind down 2009 with new learnings and experiences, we have so many blessings to be thankful for. Join me in welcoming 2010 with a renewed sense of hope. Let’s make this new year truly rich in spirit.

Merry Christmas! Blessings to you and yours in the New Year.

P.S. Don’t forget to step outside. The amazing stars have something wondrous to share… lsteffey@enhancepublications.com www.enhance4life.com on Twitter: EnhanceMagazine

Letha A Steffey 785-691-9780

Portrait © Denise Williams

rich in spirit

Paul Hawken said, “Ralph Waldo Emerson once asked what we would do if the stars only came out once every thousand years. No one would sleep that night, of course. The world would become religious overnight. We would be ecstatic, delirious, made rapturous by the glory of God. Instead, the stars come out every night, and we watch television.”

My fifth-grade science teacher gave us an astronomy project to look at the galaxy each night for several weeks. It was during this school project that I began to realize one of the amazing, wonderful gifts from God – the stars. Through studying the Belt region of Orion, Jupiter and the Milky Way, I found stargazing gave me a sense of peace and tranquility. In the brilliance of a clear night, unobstructed by lights and the busy sounds of life, a star-lit sky can remove stress and worry, and reaffirm the beauty of nature and life.

In the midst of our sedulous schedules, are we taking any time to experience this life we’ve been given? While goods and materials may support a short-term want or need, the experiences of life, as Dr. O’Keefe talks about on page 78, establish priceless long-term memories and nurture our precious relationships.

My husband is a great encouragement to me. He reminds me that when all else fails, we are unfailingly rich in spirit. As we continue our series on discovering the brain (see p. 22), we are reminded of the power of the mind. Learning about neurotransmitters helps us understand how we respond to events and how we approach life, both important determinants to our overall health.

Center for Sleep Health

At Truman Medical Centers, we’ll do whatever it takes to get you to sleep better. Even if it means putting you up at Hyatt Regency Crown Center, the home of our non-clinical TMC Center for Sleep Health. That’s where our dream team of board certified physicians — experts in sleep medicine, pulmonology and neurology — find the anwers you need to get the sleep you deserve.

Discover Truman Medical Centers.

For a consultation, call 816.404.3694.

Services provided by TMC Center for Sleep Health are covered by most health insurance plans.

trumed.org

This ad will put you to sleep.

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Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity.

We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snowflake.

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Clockwise from top left: © Istockphotos.com / Liv Friis-Larsen; Justin Horrocks; James Brey; Diego Cervo; Jill CHen; Wojciech Gajda; Emrah Turudu; Evelin Elmest

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– Francis Bacon

in this issue a different approach 28

Tune in to Music Play it, learn it, let it soak into your soul –music can change your life.

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Sounding the alarm on Sleeping Sleep can safeguard your immune system during cold and flu season

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Savor the slow food movement Make a return to the communal nature of food and family.

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Dopamine: your energy regulator Understanding dopamine, your body’s natural energy source, is key to achieving and maintaining your full energy potential.

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Experience life Looking for more joy and vigor? Focus on experiences, rather than stuff.

Executive Editor Letha A. Steffey Creative director Dennis Esser Art Director and copy editor Colleen Cooke

local interest 58

How to grow green kids Give children a healthy start in every way.

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Sweet and simple smoothies Not only are they a healthy option for breakfast, but they’re easy to make and portable.

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Healthy holiday gifts Lessen the season’s anxiety with some wonderful goodies in a jar.

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A toast to champagne ’Tis the season for bubbles in your libations.

health focus 17

Cold Weather exercising Don’t let the bite of winter keep you from healthy activity.

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Soft, susceptible, sideways The malleable bones of an infant skull can grow awry. Find out why and what to do about it.

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The future of Dental Genetics The possibility of growing human teeth is closer than ever.

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A primer on broken bones How to protect and treat your body’s foundation.

Contributing photographers Denise Williams Jonathan Braswell Cover Photo Phil Morley Contributing Writers Anita Bruzzese, Paige DeRuyscher, Dr. Daniel Farrell, Dr. Kathy Farrell, Kerry Hinrichs, Michael A. Levine, Dr. James O’Keefe, Dr. Andrew Moore, Kristin Morris, Emily Perkins, Dr. Hugh Ryan, Phil Toevs ADVERTISING To advertise, please call Mark Williams, mwilliams@ enhancepublications.com 913-269-9227 Publishers Mark Williams, Letha Steffey 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. ©2009 Enhance Publications.

www.enhance4life.com

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© Istockphotos.com / Jose Carlos Pires Pereira

Volume 2, Issue 2 December 2009 / January 2010

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health bits

time to nap it up Festival of sleep day: January 3 No, you’re not dreaming. But maybe you should be. Festival of Sleep Day is Jan. 3, an opportunity to sleep in, snooze, doze, nap and catch 40 winks.

Now that the holidays are over and the cold has moved in to stay, it’s a great time to hibernate. And why not recharge the batteries as a new year of school and work begins?

Festival of Sleep Day is a favorite holiday to catch up on a little sleep. Whether it’s all day, a full eight hours or just a power nap, enjoy the day sleeping. Cozy up in bed, on the couch or any other comfortable place.

Caution: Sleeping at work is not recommended, today or any other day. The only exception is for mattress testers.

something fishy

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Dec. 14 is National Bouillabaisse Day, a day to celebrate a tasty Mediterranean fish stew or soup.

Bouillabaisse is believed to have originated in Marseilles, France. It is extremely popular all around the Mediterranean and is a specialty in ports across the region.

Bouillabaisse is a fish stew or soup. All agree the fish should be white fillets. According to tradition, there should be at least five different kinds of fish in a proper bouillabaisse.

In Marseilles, considered the mecca of bouillabaisse, they use at least seven, not counting the shellfish. The fish should be extremely fresh – caught and cooked the same day. If you cannot get extremely fresh fish, then the next best alternative is quick frozen – fish frozen the same day it was caught. Use as many different types of fish as you can, such as fillets of flounder, haddock, cod, perch, white fish, whiting, porgies, bluefish, bass – almost any combination.

Count on at least three kinds to serve six.

Find a recipe at http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/ bouillabaisse

From top: © istockphoto.com / Victor Martello; Andreas Kaspar

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National Bouillabaisse Day: Dec. 14

Skin is unique.

Skin is magnificent. It’s waterproof. 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: • • • • •

153 West 151st Street, #100 Olathe, Kansas 66061 www.jocoderm.com

Skin cancer screening and surgery Acne, rosacea and psoriasis Pediatric dermatology Leg vein treatments Botox and Restylane

• • • • •

Microdermabrasion Hair reduction and skin rejuvenation Eczema Hyperpigmentation Nail problems

Indeed, your skin is magnificent. We help you keep it that way. Please, call us.

We can assess your skin condition and develop a personalized healthcare regimen that will keep your magnificent skin in the game. 913.764.1125

WHEN IS JOINT PAIN MORE THAN A NUISANCE? Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.

KC PAIN CENTERS CAN HELP. SYMPTOMS Arthritis often occurs in the neck and back, hips, shoulders and other extremities. The pain from arthritis can also radiate and affect tissues near that particular joint. The pain can then become complex and difficult to diagnose and treat.

TREATMENT Treatment for arthritis depends on multiple factors which are taken into consideration when being evaluated by a Pain Management Specialist. This includes the affected location on the body, other existing medical conditions and diagnostic findings. Additionally, the impact arthritis has on a person’s daily activities and age are very important details.

If possible, treatment will focus on diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of arthritis. Treatment aims to relieve the pain and discomfort and return you to an active lifestyle.

A SERVICE OF PAIN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES

To arrange a consultation: 816-763-1559 Outside the metro area: 1-800-200-PAIN

www.kcpain.com

Š ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI

Come see a Pain Management Specialist for a tailored treatment plan that is right for you.

health bits

the sweet strings Violin Day: December 13 Pick up your Stradivarius and make some sweet music.

The violin is a classy musical instrument.

History of the violin The violin as it is known today was built in the early 16th century. n For more than 150 years, violins made by Stradivari and Guarneri have been the most desired concert instruments. n The decline of violin making began in the second half of the 18th century. Caused by a permanent growth of the demand for instruments, the violinmakers were forced to produce more and to produce faster. n All substances that are used to produce varnishes are natural products. The so-called pore filler consists of propolis, which is produced by bees. The coloring of varnishes consists of natural colors, and the solvents are natural ethereal oils. n For the violinmaker, wood is the most important material.

Each piece of wood needs to be treated differently, even when the wood is chopped out of the same trunk. At the lower end of the trunk, the wood is generally harder than at the top; also, parts that grew in the sunshine differ from those that grew in the shadow. Nothing except the ribs is bent or pressed; everything is worked out of a solid piece of wood. n Two sorts of wood are the most common in violin making: spruce for the belly and maple for the back and the scroll.

The fingerboard consists of ebony, which is a very hard wood. The pegs and tailpiece are mostly made of ebony, jacaranda or boxwood. n The finest wood of maple comes from Bosnia, and the most adapted spruce comes from central European countries. The wood of the ebony comes from Africa from the wood of the date palm.

Celebrate violin day n Pick up the violin and play a few songs n Take steps to start playing the violin n Attend a symphonic orchestra event or a violin concerto

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Š istockphoto.com / Zoran Kolundzija

n

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health bits

so bring us some figgy pudding Go Caroling day: December 20 By far more popular decades ago, Christmas caroling is a great opportunity to enjoy the holiday and appreciate its meaning.

Caroling remains popular in many areas and among many groups. Scouts and youth groups often partake in this musical activity. Even family parties and business parties sometimes produce an impromptu caroling event.

It might take a little planning to make your Christmas caroling happen. For example, scout groups frequently go caroling to nursing homes and senior citizen centers. A phone call to the facility management to arrange a date and time is a must. Transportation to and from the facility also must be arranged. And afterwards, a caroling event is often topped off with hot chocolate and cookies.

pursue your dreams Make Your Dream Come True Day encourages you to do something to realize your goals and dreams. Whatever your dreams are, they usually don’t come true without some effort.

So, today is the perfect opportunity to do something about it.

“There are people who put their dreams in a little box and say, ‘Yes, I’ve got dreams, of course I’ve got dreams.’ Then they put the box away and bring it out once in a while to look in it, and yep, they’re still there. These are great dreams, but they never even get out of the box.

It takes an uncommon amount of guts to put your dreams on the line, to hold them up and say, ‘How good or how bad am I?’ That’s where courage comes in.”

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– Erma Bombeck, humor columnist

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From top: © istockphoto.com / Jonathan White, Ekspaniso

Make your dream come true day: January 13

Get up and get going!

Don’t let pain stop you from getting the most out of life Irritation… discomfort… pain—maybe it’s a problem you can’t even feel. In the end, if it keeps you from enjoying life to the fullest, we can help.

The general and vascular surgery specialists at South Kansas City Surgicenter understand you want to enjoy life. From abdominal ailments to gall bladders to vascular issues, our elite team of surgeons are equipped with the most advanced technology and training in the area to perform…

SKCS General Surgeons

• Hernia repairs • Breast biopsies • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy • Venous access ports • Port-a-cath insertions

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We treat you like family, so you can

Joe Cates, M.D.

Lon McCroskey, M.D.

10730 Nall Ave, Ste. 101 Overland Park, KS 66211 913.754.2800

get on with your life.

10730 Nall Ave, Ste. 101 Overland Park, KS 66211 913.754.2800 Brian McCroskey, M.D.

Visit our Web site for a complete listing of specialists.

913.901.9000 | www.skcsurgicenter.com 10730 Nall Avenue | Suite 100 | Overland Park, KS 66211

health bits

december flower: narcissus

Botanical Name: Dianthus

Caryophyllus – a delicate, multi-petaled single flower atop a long stem Colors: pink, white, red, yellow, orange, green Season: all year round Meaning: represents fascination, admiration, pure love and a mother’s love.

Facts: Carnations symbolize many things.

Pink carnations are said to have first appeared on Earth when a tear fell from the Virgin Mary’s eyes when Jesus Christ was carrying the cross.

According to Christian legend, the flower sprung up where her tear hit the ground; therefore, the pink carnation represents a mother’s undying love.

take a letter Letter writing day: December 7 Letter writing is an almost lost skill.

Most letters and notes today are in e-mails and instant messages.

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone, either printed or in cursive? Participate in this unique day by sending someone a hand-written letter today. The recipient will be glad you did.

This year instead of simply dashing off a signature on your Christmas cards, take the time to write a personal note.

the bright side of life Look on the bright side day: December 21 Literally looking on the bright side might be a bit difficult today.

It is winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. And December days tend to be cloudy. However, this is the day to be optimistic, regardless of the weather.

Look on the Bright Side Day is a day to be optimistic. The term itself is an optimistic one. It calls upon us to look for something positive out of an otherwise bad or sad situation.

Often, a bad experience has positive lessons to be learned.

If you had a bad day yesterday, look on the bright side – today is another day, and an optimistic one at that!

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Clockwise From top: © istockphoto.com / BigWorld, Oleg Saenko, Dawn Poland, Albert Smirnov

Botanical Name: Narcissus poeticus actaea – a small multi-petaled blossom, similar to the daffodil Colors: white, pink, yellow and orange Season: fall to spring Meaning: comes from the Greek word Narcissus, meaning numbness. Represents self-esteem and vanity.

Facts: These flowers are extremely fragrant. Parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.

All daffodils are narcissi, but not all narcissi are daffodils.

Galanthine, a substance in the flowers, is currently being used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

january flower: carnation

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Carondelet Orthopaedic Surgeons, P.A. Brian E. Healy M.D. | David J. Clymer M.D. | Scott R. Luallin M.D. | Greg R. Van den Berghe M.D. | Matthew T. Kneidel M.D. Valerie A. Deardorff M.D. | Scott M. Abraham M.D. | Jenny Chandra M.D. | Bill Hussey Administrator

913.642.0200 www.c-ortho.com

FROM TOP: Š ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / WOLFGANG AMRI, MEGAPIXELMEDIA

We specialize in injuries.

health and wellness

Cold Weather

Exercising Don’t let the bite of winter keep you from healthy activity

By Hugh RYan, M.D. or worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions. Cold weather exertion will also challenge your cardiovascular system at a greater capacity than warm weather exercise. We see this in an increased incidence of heart attacks, for those already at risk, during cold weather exertion like shoveling snow. But you won’t freeze, nor will your lungs!

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© istockphoto.com / Michel De Nijs

There are an infinite number of excuses that keep us from venturing out when the weather starts to turn cold.

“My lungs will freeze … I’ll get frostbite … I don’t want to catch the flu … I just don’t want to be cold!”

For starters, your lungs won’t freeze.

There are, of course, situations when extreme cold weather can trigger asthma

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health and wellness

Cold weather exercise doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. In fact with some simple strategies and relatively low cost gear you can make outdoor activities enjoyable.

Frostbite

Extreme, prolonged cold weather exposure can induce frostbite of high-risk areas such as toes, fingers, nose and ears. But unless you are planning to go out for extended periods of time at extremely cold temperatures, you are not at risk for frostbite.

Raynaud’s phenomenon

Certain people are predisposed to Raynaud’s phenomenon – the result of vasospasms that temporarily decrease blood supply to the affected regions, usually fingers and toes. It is more frequent among smokers, those with underlying rheumatologic or autoimmune disorders, and those with a previous history of Raynaud’s. The condition itself is self-limited and will subside upon re-warming.

Catching cold

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Another common myth is that you can catch a cold by being exposed to cold. While it is true that following an exposure to an infective agent (usually a virus) and experiencing a prolonged, unprepared exposure to any extreme of climate, your immune responses can be suppressed, resulting in an increased chance of contracting the infection. But you can’t get a cold from being cold. If they had simply named the condition “infection” instead of “cold,” this might not have been a problem.

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health and wellness

Plan ahead for winter exercise More common concerns about cold exposure include dehydration, shivering, falls and snot-sickles (you know, those frozen tears of mucous around your nose). Most of these cold weather concerns can be addressed with some planning and common sense.

plan your exposure time

Whether shoveling snow or jogging, take into account wind chill and temperature.

Plan on spending no more than one to two hours in the elements without a break – out of the elements.

communication

If you are braving the cold, make sure to tell somebody your plan before you leave.

While they might think you are crazy, you will also get points for being tough.

identification

Take some with you – never a bad idea.

dress in layers

Falls are a real hazard, and ice is the major culprit during cold weather exercise. A simple strategy is to walk or run on the grass. Alternatively, shoe spikes or shoe wraps (like Yaktrax) can provide some extra sure-footedness.

know your limit

If you have never run more than three miles, don’t start on a day when it’s 20 degrees. Cold weather exertion is hard work. If you are not in shape, you might want to rethink shoveling.

know the warning signs

This provides dead air space, which will act as a windbreak as well as insulator.

You can also remove layers if you start to get too warm.

Shivering is a good indication you are getting cold and you should head inside.

Likewise, pain, numbness, difficulty breathing or chest pain are definitely reasons to find a warm environment.

cover sensitive areas

warm-up, warm-down

Fingers, toes and head. Layers work well here as well. If you are expecting your feet to get wet, invest in some dry socks or neoprene foot covers.

hydrate

Every day. All year. Make this part of your plan as well.

Best done indoors. Get warm before you head outdoors for 5-10 minutes with active warm-up. This involves movement of major muscle groups, not just stagnant stretching.

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© istockphoto.com / Val_th

beware of ice

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© istockphoto.com / sean Locke

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health and wellness Second in a series on brain health

By Kerry hinrichs

Dopamine: The brain’s

Energy Regulator Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be bursting at the seams with boundless energy while others seem barely able to muster enough of it to walk across the room? Maybe you find yourself swinging between these two extremes. natural energy source, is key to achieving

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and maintaining your full energy potential.

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© istockphoto.com / James Brey

Understanding dopamine, your body’s

health and wellness

What is Dopamine?

Dopamine is fuel for your body. Nearly 20 percent of the world’s population is said to thrive on dopamine energy that defines those with a rationalist temperament. These individuals are typically highly self-confident, focus intently on the task at hand, and take pride in achievement. They are commonly less comfortable with emotions and feelings than with facts and figures. Rationalists are better at establishing relationships than nurturing them.

Many of the neurons containing dopamine are clustered in the midbrain in an area called the substantia nigra.

Though, relatively speaking, very few neurons actually produce dopamine, this chemical is said to play a significant role in how humans experience rewards and pleasure. The functions of others, located in a part of the brain

called the ventral tegmental area are less well defined and are a constant source of scientific controversy. In addition to being a neurotransmitter, dopamine is also a neurohormone, which functions to inhibit release of the hormone prolactin (which regulates milk production) from the anterior pituitary.

There is a vast difference in the amount of dopamine a person produces and in the number of dopamine receptors in the brain. When there is a loss of dopamine, brain electrical voltage drops, but experts say there are generally plenty of outward signs of a loss of energy. People with higher levels of dopamine tend to engage in more risky or thrill-seeking behavior, while those with fewer dopamine receptors have less of an ability to regulate how much dopamine is released and must work to

increase dopamine levels.

Research suggests that abnormalities in neurotransmitter activity can affect mood and behavior. Dopamine is similar to adrenaline and a closely related molecule, noradrenaline. Because dopamine, like several others, is said to be directly related to mental health problems, a shortage or excess is thought to be partly responsible for emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression and mood disorder. It also affects the brain processes that control movement, emotional response and the capacity to feel pleasure and pain. Dopamine is vital for performing balanced and controlled movements, and a shortage of it can cause a lack of controlled movements such as those experienced in Parkinson’s disease.

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© istockphoto.com / Martin McCarthy

Though research has identified more than 50 kinds of neurotransmitters, many scientists identify four as key to understanding the brain’s chemical functions. Each of these primary neurotransmitters has a family of symptoms, conditions and diseases related to its deficiency, and a companion family of treatment options to restore it.

In his book “The Edge Effect,” Dr. Eric Braverman offers a self-administered test identifying an individual’s dominant neurotransmitter, referred to as his nature, and identifying also any neurotransmitter(s) that may be deficient. He explains that achieving optimal health, in part, means, “maintaining strength and strengthening weaknesses.”

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health and wellness

grown by hand

parkinson’s disease

farm-to-table dining private parties catering www.bluebirdbistro.com 816.221.7559

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made by hand

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© istockphoto.com / David Dycus

Many scientists and medical professionals believe Parkinson’s disease is related to low levels of dopamine in certain parts of the brain. In Parkinson’s, the dopaminetransmitting neurons in this area die, resulting in almost no detectable dopamine.

In 1970, the Food and Drug Administration approved dopa in the form of L-Dopa or levodopa for use in the United States. The drug revolutionized the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. When dopa is taken by mouth, it crosses through the blood-brain barrier. Once it has crossed from the bloodstream into the brain, it is converted to dopamine. The resulting increase in dopamine concentrations in the brain is thought to improve nerve conduction and to assist in lessening the movement disorders in Parkinson’s disease.

This type of drug is known as a dopamine agonist.

These drugs work by binding to dopamine receptors in place of dopamine and stimulating them directly. The drugs can stimulate dopamine receptors even in someone without dopamine neurons.

In contrast to dopamine agonists, dopamine antagonists are drugs that bind but don’t stimulate dopamine receptors. Antagonists can prevent or reverse the actions of dopamine by keeping dopamine from attaching to receptors. Dopamine antagonists are traditionally used to treat schizophrenia and related mental disorders. A person with schizophrenia might have an overactive dopamine system. Dopamine antagonists can help regulate this system by turning down dopamine activity.

health and wellness

schizophrenia Though it is rare to find an argument claiming no connection between dopamine and schizophrenia, diagnosis is often uncertain and covers a range of disorders spanning various causes and consequences. Few people diagnosed as schizophrenic escape drug treatment, and psychiatrists generally believe such patients will have to take drugs every day for the rest of their lives. Others will argue this belief is irrational and obstructs the natural course of the disorder, preventing the discovery of better methods of management.

While the former will concur these drugs allow those with schizophrenia to live and function normally in the community, the latter contend that these drugs are toxic and often leave patients more disabled than they would have been had no drugs been used. The argument encourages that diet revision, nutritional supplements and rehabilitation in natural settings could work wonders for these patients.

Phenothiazines were the first drug

class available to treat schizophrenia.

Often called “antipsychotics” or “major tranquilizers,” chlorpromazine was the original, and many offspring were developed and marketed thereafter. These drugs follow multiple modes of action, with the antipsychotic effect being attributed to dopamine blocking. With long-term use, drug-induced Parkinson’s disease is a devastating adverse effect.

Those suffering with schizophrenia tend to have increased levels of dopamine activity, which often also causes unpleasant symptoms of digestive tract problems, such as nausea, vomiting, hiccups, excessive salivation and a burning tongue. Increased dopamine in the motor circuits will tend to produce odd, involuntary movements such as muscle twitching and bizarre posturing.

Early signs of increased dopamine activity include agitation with critical, suspicious thinking and depression.

Increased sexual drive and antisocial aggression may occur with disordered arousal.

Testing Neurotransmitter Levels for many diseases and illnesses.

Laboratory analysis provides precise information on deficiencies and excesses, as well as detects hormone and nutrient imbalances influencing neurotransmitter production.

Determining the appropriate therapies is essential to allowing the body to replenish inadequate dopamine and other neurotransmitter levels, for optimal physical and emotional health.

enhance magazine

In addition to understanding results from the self-administered test of neurotransmitter dominance, more specific, physical testing is increasingly popular in evaluating neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain.

Sophisticated equipment and tests using urine and blood samples provide a baseline assessment of neurotransmitter levels and are useful in determining the root cause

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health and wellness

symptoms of dopamine deficiency In “The Edge Effect,” Dr. Braverman identifies several symptoms of dopamine deficiency. He suggests – and plenty of scientists concur – that understanding the warning signs is vital to maintaining optimal chemical and psychological balance and overall health. n Physical

sugar/ caffeine cravings, lightheadedness, decreased strength, fatigue, pallor, diarrhea, routine task difficulty n Psychological procrastination, carelessness, decreased libido, diminished selfimage, hedonism, isolation n Memory Function inability to follow instructions, forgetfulness, inability to process information, poor abstract thinking n Attention Issues diminished alertness, failure to complete tasks, poor concentration

Treatments – wheat germ, granola, oat flakes, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, pork, wild game, turkey, fava beans, pinto beans, black-eyed peas, soy, pumpkin seeds n Vitamins/ supplements – chromium, rhodiola, thiamine, dlPhen-ylalanine, L-Tyrosine, L-Methionine n Diet

Lifestyle advice n Power naps n Scheduled breaks n Deepbreathing exercises n Weight lifting n Meditation n Relationship self-help books

Conditions/ Diseases of dopamine deficiency n Obesity n Addictions n Chronic fatigue n Attention Deficit Disorder n Sexual disorders n Thyroid disorders n Narcolepsy n Parkinson’s disease

Dopamine and Heart Attacks

26

Dopamine works to raise blood pressure throughout the body by causing small blood vessels to constrict.

Chemically related molecules such as adrenaline act similarly and are often used in the same capacity.

© istockphoto.com / Zsolt Szabo

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In recent years, dopamine has been used as a treatment for victims of heart attacks. Because dopamine can increase blood pressure, doctors are experiencing success in using it to treat shock – which causes low blood pressure – because shock carries the risk of damage to major organs in patients who have suffered serious heart attacks.

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complementary health Play it, learn it, let it soak into your soul – music can recharge your brain and change your life

By Emily Perkins

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MUSIc

Š istockphoto.com / Jamie Farrant

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Tune in to

complementary health

Heinrich Heine, a German poet and writer, once said, “When words leave off, music begins.” Music is a form of expression rooted in humanity.

Experiencing music – by listening, learning, creating or actively engaging in it – is something that activates both the mind and body. Musicians and teachers in the Kansas City area share their advice and expertise on how you can tune in to the music all around you.

Watch and listen A common way to experience music is to attend a concert, recital or other musical event. Whether it’s listening to a free guitar set at your local coffee shop or a performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Kansas City Symphony, there are many offerings to choose from in the area. Simply listening to music can be an incredible experience.

“Music touches people in a place they ultimately haven’t allowed themselves to go before. It expands our ability to recognize beauty and understand our own souls,” says Cynthia Duckworth, owner of NoteByNote Studio in Shawnee, Kan. If you are looking to gain an appreciation for music or to add more music into your life, Emily Elliott, owner of Elliott Music Studio in Kansas City, Mo., suggests you just go experience it.

“Go to a free concert, show up to a choir rehearsal at your church; just give something a try,” she says.

Look to local newspapers, magazines and community event calendars for musical happenings in your area.

“There are all sorts of things going on around town in so many different styles of music. Just grab someone and go!”

Duckworth says.

Participate and learn To further activate your mind and body with music, participate in the creation of it. Take a music lesson, join a choir or musical ensemble, or even take dance classes. There are plenty of opportunities in the Kansas City area for adults – whether you are a beginner looking for a new hobby or someone who wants to revive an old talent from years ago.

Elliott specializes in beginning piano and vocal instruction, and her adult students take lessons for a variety of reasons.

“I have parents who want to learn music alongside their children, or people who want to awaken an old skill they had in the past,” she says.

Others want to learn piano to play at their church, or just how to play one song.

Duckworth sees similar types of adult students at her piano studio. She’s had a family of four looking for a new hobby to

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

– Berthold Auerbach

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do together, adults who want to expand their classical skills, some who want to play popular tunes and another who has Alzheimer’s in the family and wanted to keep their own brain active.

If you decide to take music lessons, first think about what type of music (jazz, blues, classical, folk, spiritual, contemporary pop, etc.) and instrument (piano, drums, bass, guitar, vocal, string, horn, etc.) you are interested in. Next, research who is performing and/or teaching that locally. Music shops and local event listings are a great resource for gigs and concerts. Then, think about what type of lesson you want to take.

“The most traditional way is through private lessons, but you can also find a group music class in your community.

Try one, see if you like it and then switch to private lessons for one-on-one instruction,” Elliott says.

It is also important to find a teacher you are comfortable with.

“Ask for an introductory lesson to talk about your music goals and to discuss their teaching style,” Elliott suggests.

Joining a local musical ensemble is another way to become active in music.

Community choirs, musical theater groups and bands generally have an “everybody is welcome” policy and encourage new participation. The Kansas City Chorus is one such organization.

Barbara Lea of Parkville, Mo., discovered the Chorus through a friend and has been a member for five years.

“The Chorus was very welcoming, and I didn’t feel pressured to be a fabulous singer to join. It is a great sisterhood of women, and it just filled up my heart right away,” she says.

Visitors are welcome at almost every rehearsal. They’re provided with music and invited to sing on the risers with the other members. When Ruth Lowenstein of Cameron, Mo., first attended a rehearsal, she was nervous.

“The first night, I was intimidated. I had never sung four-part harmony or

Professional and amateur Groups, Ensembles and Classes This is just a sampling of what’s available in the Kansas City area.

Heartland Men’s Chorus www.hmckc.org Johnson County Community College www.jccc.edu Johnson County Parks and Recreation District www.jcprd.com Kansas City Chorus www.kansascitychorus.com Kansas City Music Teachers Association www.kansascitymusicteachers.org Kansas City Symphony www.kcsymphony.org North Star Community Band www.nstarband.org Swing Salsa Tango www.swingsalsa tango.com The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra www.kcjazzorchestra.org The Kansas City Women’s Chorus www.kcwomenschorus.org UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance www.umkc.edu/conservatory Walters Dance Center www.waltersdancecenter.com Music for the Kids Funky Mama is a rockin’ mom who writes and performs original, electrified rock ‘n’ roll for kids and their families. www.funkymamamusic.com

From top: © istockphoto.com / FotoIE, Dra_Schwartz, John Keith

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complementary health

complementary health “Learning music is equated to learning a new language. With singing in particular, you are interpreting music, building a mind-body connection and creating muscle memory. Learning new skills keeps the body and mind alive.”

– Emily Elliott, owner of Elliott Music studio in Kansas City, Mo.

even in a choir, and I was thinking, ‘Oh boy, I don’t know about this,’” she says.

But five years later, Lowenstein can’t imagine her life without the Chorus.

“With just your own body you can make these sounds come out,” she says.

“To sing the four-part harmony and hit the chords – it just rings. You hear these overtones, and it moves you deeply inside. It affects you like no other music can because you are part of the creation.”

Dance classes Music and dance are intertwined, and a lot of people find dance lessons a great way to express physical and mental emotions. Mark Harris, a co-owner of Walters Dance Center in Kansas City, Kan., sees a lot of new adults giving ballroom dance a try.

“Some are newly single and want to try something new, some couples want to learn together, and others are inspired by popular TV shows such as ‘Dancing with the Stars,’” he says.

Harris finds there are many benefits to dancing. The dance community is youthful, has more energy and keeps active and social, he says.

“It’s a feel-good thing,” he says. “It’s a social network and a way to meet friends. And dancing is great for seniors because they are getting mental and physical exercise.”

Harris says there isn’t anyone who can’t learn to dance.

“It comes down to whether or not you want to just get your toe in the water and try it out. Guys tend to be more hesitant – you know we have that ego we have to watch out for. Just jump in there, try it and give it a couple of times,” he says.

Mind and body wellness While becoming active in music is a great way to gain to a new hobby or indulge in an old talent, there are quite a handful of additional benefits. For many, it is a new social network and support system.

“The members of the Kansas City Chorus are there for each other. When someone is sick, we check in on them,” Lowenstein says. “I have met so many people and made new friends. The camaraderie between the women is great.”

Duckworth gains much more out of teaching music than just sustaining her business. She gains friends.

“The student and I both gain a friend,”

she says. “For many adults, it is nice to have someone to talk to about what else is going on in their life. And even though it is a music lesson, sometimes I am there to listen and support, too.”

Others overcome their fears when they give musical activities a try.

“In my students, I see an increase in confidence level and a satisfaction in learning a new skill. It gives people a sense of accomplishment, which a lot of times is lacking in a person’s regular life,” she says.

Regular music lessons are said to decrease anxiety, depression and loneliness.

And, learning music is good for brain health and stimulation. Music is also used to help improve conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and Alzheimer’s.

“Learning music is equated to learning a new language. With singing in particular, you are interpreting music, building a mind-body connection and creating muscle memory. Learning new skills keeps the body and mind alive,” Elliott says.

Above all, music is an art of expression.

“Many people teach and learn music in one way or another so we can grow at being human,” Duckworth says. “Music allows us to feel the thunder of being alive.”

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complementary health Local Music Stores Funky Munky Music 12710 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee, Kan. www.funkymunkymusic.com Guitars, amplifiers, effects, drum sets, sheet music, lessons and rock band workshops.

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Music therapy is gaining wider acceptance

32

Music therapy uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of adults and children, both with and without disabilities and illnesses. The practice helps people manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory and promote physical rehabilitation.

While music therapy has been used for centuries to heal, it is just now becoming more widely accepted. The Kansas City Metro Music Therapists is a local organization of music therapists, students and supporters of the practice.

KCMMT president Andrea N. Dalton, a music therapist at Rainbow Mental Health Facility in Kansas City, Kan., and owner of a small private practice, knows the positive effects of music therapy.

“Music is a non-verbal medium, and it reaches and activates different parts of the brain,” Dalton says. “When people try to problem solve, the more the brain is involved, the more effective they will be able to address, remember and process.”

Music can help create memory and relearn skills, and also help with rehabilitation and socialization.

“I use music for reality orientation, socialization skills, cognitive processing skills, motivation and for emotional expression,” she says.

The methods used include music

making, instrumental improvisation, singing, song writing, drumming, listening and movement with music.

In addition to mental illnesses, music therapy is used for children with developmental disabilities and in hospitals for procedural support to deal with social issues when someone is hospitalized.

So how do you know if you or a family member could benefit from music therapy?

“A physician might recommend the addition or inclusion of music therapy to help address a health issue. Speech and physical therapists often partner with music therapists,” Dalton says.

There is a common misconception about music therapy, though.

“People think you have to be a musician to be a patient of music therapy.

But no musical skill is necessary,” Dalton says. “If someone does play an instrument, we might incorporate that into the process, but essentially music therapy is a scientific application of music to non-musical therapeutic goals.”

For more information about music therapy or to be connected with a local music therapist, visit the American Music Therapy Association at www.musictherapy. org or the Kansas City Metro Music Therapists at www.kcmmt.org.

KC Strings Violin Shop 5842 Merriam Dr., Merriam, Kan. www.kcstrings.com Makers of violin, viola, cello and bass string instruments.

Repair, rental and lessons.

Luyben Music 4318 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. www.luybenmusic.com Instruments, printed music and accessories.

Meyer Music locations in Kansas City, Blue Springs and Overland Park www.meyermusic.com Pianos, orchestra and band instruments, and music lessons.

Toon Shop 15 On The Mall, Prairie Village, Kan. www.kctoonshop.com Pianos, guitars, school band and orchestra instruments, printed music and private music instruction. © istockphoto.com / Saso Novoselic

music that heals

Hume Music locations in Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Lenexa, Lawrence and Topeka www.humemusic.com Musical instruments, lessons, sheet music, repairs and rentals.

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complementary health Holidays are a wonderful time, but they also can be stressful as we struggle to get all the baking and gift-giving completed. One easy way to lessen the anxiety is with these wonderful goodies in a jar. For an added bonus, make extra and have them on hand for those “unexpected” gift givers, or to just later enjoy yourself!

By Anita Bruzzese

36

© istockphoto.com / Jill CHen

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Healthy holiday gifts

complementary health

barley soup mix Assembly time: 20 minutes Makes two mixes

Use pint jars and a strong ribbon or garden twine to attach a soup ladle.

You also can give four holiday soup bowls, with matching cloth napkins. n 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed n ½ teaspoon dried oregano, crushed n ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed n ½ teaspoon black pepper n ¼ teaspoon garlic powder n ½ cup dry lentils, rinsed and well dried n 1 cup regular barley n ½ cup instant chicken bouillon granules n 1/3 cup dried minced onion n ¾ cup chopped dried mushrooms n ½ cup chopped and dried tomatoes (not oil packed)

Directions

For recipients, attach these directions Store mix at room temperature for up to one year. To prepare soup, in a Dutch oven combine the soup mix with 8½ cups water, 1½ cups chopped cooked chicken and three medium carrots, sliced (about 1½ cups). Bring to boiling; reduce heat.

Cover and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes or until barley is tender. Makes about six main-dish servings.

30 minutes 30 minutes Process time: 10 minutes Makes five half-pints Assembly time:

chai tea Assembly time: 30 minutes Makes 36 servings

Wrap the jars in colored cellophane and secure the cellophane with colored chenille stems.

Place tea mix in a two-cup shaker jar with lid that can be purchased at a discount store. Or, place tea in sandwichsized plastic bags, then present bag with a decorative tea cup. If desired, cover cup or mug with cellophane and tie at the top with a ribbon.

n 5

n 1

Cook time:

or 6 papayas (select papayas that are slightly firm to the touch; avoid overripe papayas) n 4 large cloves garlic, quartered n 4 fresh large jalapeno chile peppers n 2 cups packed light brown sugar n 1½ cups cider vinegar n ½ cup light rum

Directions Peel papayas, cut in half and scoop out seeds. Chop and measure six cups. Place fruit in a four to six-quart Dutch oven or kettle. Add garlic. Peel, seed and chop peppers; measure about one-half cup and add to kettle. Add brown sugar and vinegar.

Heat mixture over medium heat to boiling. Reduce heat; add rum. Boil gently, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes or until desired consistency, stirring occasionally.

Immediately ladle hot chutney into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars, leaving a onehalf inch headspace. Wipe rims and adjust lids. Process the filled jars in a boilingwater canner for 10 minutes (begin timing when water starts boiling). Remove the jars from the canner; cool on wire racks.

cup nonfat dry milk powder cup powdered non-dairy creamer n 1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamer n 2½ cups white sugar n 1½ cups unsweetened instant tea n 2 teaspoons ground ginger n 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon n 1 teaspoon ground cloves n 1 teaspoon ground cardamom n 1

Directions In a large bowl, combine milk powder, non-dairy creamer, vanilla flavored creamer, sugar and instant tea. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom.

In a blender or food processor, blend one cup at a time, until mixture is the consistency of fine powder.

For recipients, attach these directions Stir two heaping tablespoons Chai tea mixture into a mug of hot water. enhance magazine

From Left: © istockphoto.com / Ma-K, Kelly Cline, Maxim Mukhin

In a bowl combine basil, oregano, rosemary, pepper and garlic powder.

Mix well and set aside. Using pint jars, layer the rest of the ingredients.

papaya-rum chutney

37

complementary health

herb and dried tomato risotto Use one-half pint jars, with festivecolored ribbons attached. You also can make this gift part of a larger goodie basket containing a wedge of imported Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a bottle of wine. n 3½

cups arborio rice n ¾ cup chopped dried tomatoes (not oil packed) n 8 chicken bouillon cubes n 3 tablespoons dried minced onion n 2 tablespoons dried oregano n 1 teaspoon granulated garlic n 1 teaspoon dried rosemary n 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves or dried basil leaves, crushed n ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions Divide ingredients equally among four half-pint canning jars, layering attractively, if desired. If necessary, add additional rice or dried tomatoes to fill small gaps.

For recipients, attach these directions In large heavy saucepan, bring three cups of water to boiling. Add contents of one jar. Cook and stir until boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer for 20 minutes (do not lift cover). Remove from heat; let stand, covered, for five minutes.

Rice should be tender but slightly firm.

Stir in ¼ cup freshly grated ParmigianoReggiano, Parmesan or Romano cheese.

Makes about six one-half cup servings.

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glass recycling is taking off in kansas city.

38

for more information, visit rippleglasskc.com

© istockphoto.com / Robyn Mackenzie

Assembly time: 15 minutes Makes four mixes

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Not only are smoothies a healthy option for breakfast, they’re easy to make and portable – pour them in a container to enjoy on your morning commute, or store them in the refrigerator at work. smoothies can help you easily integrate healthier foods into your diet. An added bonus: Kids love them and never even suspect that they're loaded with fruits and vegetables.

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© istockphoto.com / Liv Friis-Larsen

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By Anita Bruzzese

health and wellness

Sweet and simple

Smoothies Groovy Green Smoothie This cool treat packs a nutritional wallop. You can reduce the amount of spinach until you become used to the taste, adding more in additional preparations.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Servings: 2

Ingredients

Directions

n 1

Place the banana, grapes, yogurt, apple and spinach into a blender. Cover, and blend until smooth, stopping frequently to push down anything stuck to the sides.

Pour into glasses and serve.

banana, cut in chunks n 1 cup grapes n 1 (6 ounce) tub vanilla yogurt n ½ apple, peeled, cored and chopped n 1½ cups fresh spinach leaves

Cranberry-orange power Smoothie Ingredients n 1

cup cranberry juice large banana n 1 medium orange, peeled, segmented n ½ cup strawberries, hulled n ¼ cup raspberry sherbet n 1 cup ice cubes n ¼ cup whey protein powder n 1

Directions Place cranberry juice, banana, orange, strawberries, sherbet, ice, and protein powder in the bowl of a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth, about one minute. Adjust the consistency by adding more sherbet if it’s too thin or more cranberry juice if it’s too thick. Pour into two glasses.

Apricot-Mango Smoothie On gloomy winter days, this is a wonderful pick-me-up taste sensation of tropical, tangy goodness.

Preparation time: 5 minutes Servings: 2

Ingredients

Directions

n 6

Put apricots, mangoes, milk or yogurt, lemon juice and vanilla extract in a blender. Process for about eight seconds. Add ice cubes and process six to eight seconds until smooth.

apricots, peeled, pitted and chopped (about two cups) n 2 ripe mangoes, 10 to 12 ounces each, peeled and chopped (about two cups) n 1 cup reduced-fat milk or plain low-fat yogurt n 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice n ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract n 8 ice cubes

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© istockphoto.com / Steven von Niederhausern

Cranberries are a wonderful taste of the holiday season, and this smoothie will help keep you energized for this busy time of year.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Servings: 2

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health and wellness

Banana-Cocoa Soy Smoothie If you’re looking for something to satisfy a sweet tooth, this smoothie provides all the flavor of ice cream but uses healthy ingredients.

Preparation time: 5 minutes Servings: 1

Ingredients

Directions

n 1

Slice banana and freeze until firm (about an hour). Blend tofu, soymilk, cocoa and honey in a blender until smooth. With the motor running, add the banana slices through the hole in the lid and continue to puree until smooth.

banana n ½ cup silken tofu n ½ cup soymilk n 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder n 1 tablespoon honey

Kiwi-Strawberry Smoothie This smoothie is often a big hit with kids, but adults also will love the way it can jump-start their mornings with its refreshing taste.

Preparation time: 5 minutes Servings: 2

Ingredients

Directions

n 1

Place the banana, strawberries, kiwi, vanilla frozen yogurt and pineapple and orange juice blend in a blender. Blend until smooth.

banana n 6 strawberries n 1 kiwi n ½ cup vanilla frozen yogurt n ¾ cup pineapple and orange juice blend

Fruit Smoothie Ingredients

Directions

n ½

In a blender, blend milk, yogurt, banana, protein supplement, flax seed or oil, honey, fruit and ice until smooth.

cup nonfat milk n ½ cup fat-free plain yogurt n ½ sliced, peeled banana n 2 tablespoons powdered protein supplement (optional) n 1½ tablespoons flax seed or 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil (optional) n 1 teaspoon honey n ½ cup frozen fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or peaches n 2 ice cubes (optional)

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© istockphoto.com / Monika Adamcyzk

By adding protein to a smoothie, your stomach will stay full for hours.

Preparation time: 5 minutes Servings: 2

43

health and wellness

A primer on

Broken Bones how to protect and treat your body’s foundation

By Daniel Farrell, M.D.

44

Musculoskeletal injuries are very common and result in substantial disruption of our daily lives. It is also a tremendous burden on our health care system. More than 50 million injuries in the form of fractures, sprains and dislocations occur in the United States every year. Each year about 11 percent of all hospital stays are related to trauma resulting from musculoskeletal injury.

Our skeleton forms the foundations of our structure and function. The bones give the physical support to our bodies and allow us to move. It also protects the vital organs of our body.

Bones are living tissues that are very dynamic and constantly changing. One interesting thing that bones are capable of doing is to “heal thyself.” Unlike other tissues in the body, bone doesn’t form scar tissue when it is broken. It forms completely new bone. Our bones

basically regenerate themselves.

Bones are extremely strong.

They are made up of minerals of calcium and phosphorus that form crystal like structures. The structural lattice of crystal allows it to bear tremendous amounts of weight for its size. A crystal structure produces different potential charges on each side of the bone when stressed. The electrical charge stimulates bone healing and remodeling of fractures.

This activity is occurring all the time, making bone one of the most dynamic tissues in our body.

Types of Fractures The severity of a fracture usually depends on the amount of energy that the bone absorbed that causes the fracture. If the breaking point has been slightly exceeded, a crack might develop that may or may not be noticed on x-ray. This is a stress fracture or an overuse injury.

© istockphoto.com / Juan Carlos Rosales Roca

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Orthopaedic surgeon, Overland Park Orthopedics

health and wellness

treating fractures Most fractures need medical attention. All forms of treatment of broken bones follow one basic rule: the broken pieces must be put back into position and prevented from moving out of place until they heal. Pediatric or children’s fractures will sometimes heal with “remodeling,” where an angulated fracture will correct itself with time. An orthopedic surgeon understands this and will “accept” a certain fracture pattern because it will correct over time.

Intramedullary Fixation

Pre-op

Post-op cast

Cast Immobilization Used to hold a fracture in a certain position but can limit range of motion of a joint after the cast is removed. Commonly used in pediatric or children’s fractures.

This involves placing a metal rod inside the bone and across the fracture placing it in a reduced or normal position. Typically, this is minimally invasive to the soft tissues and requires very small incisions.

X-ray of Arm bone (shoulder is at top)

External Fixation

Pre-op Plates

Post-op

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation This treatment involves a surgical procedure to expose the bone and places a metal plate and screws on the bone. This will hold a fracture pattern in an anatomic position.

that a fracture frequently involves injury to the soft tissues around the break.

Sometime ligaments, muscles or tendons are also injured. Orthopedic surgeons will look for these injuries involving the soft tissues when a fracture is present.

Keep your bones STRONG Remember that one part of our bones is made of crystal structure. When a crystal is stressed or bent, it produces an electrical charge or a potential. This stimulates the organic or living molecules

X-ray of wrist

to produce more bone, making it stronger and harder. This is done with exercise.

More and more studies are confirming the positive relationship of bone density to resistance training or weight lifting.

Exercise that is gravity based is the most effective way to stress or bend our bones to make them stronger. This is an excellent way to take care of our skeletons and prevent fractures.

Walking, hiking, weight lifting and aerobics are all good examples of bone-building exercise.

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Endurance runners or walkers, ballet dancers, gymnasts will “fracture” various bones when the endurance limit of a bone is met with repetitive forces.

When a bone is broken with extreme force, by falling off a ladder while hanging Christmas lights or being struck by an automobile, the bone might shatter into many pieces. If parts of the bone stick out of the skin, it is classified as an open fracture. Open fractures have numerous complications for healing.

It is always important to remember

Pins or screws are place above and below the fracture in the bone and a bar is connected to the pins holding the fracture in an “anatomic” or reduced position. This type of fixation is used when the soft tissues around the fracture are severely damaged or near a joint where internal fixation is not possible.

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sounding the alarm on

Sleeping Make your shut-eye hours a priority to help safeguard your immune system during this cold and flu season

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1 a.m. ... 2:15 a.m. ... 3:20 a.m. ...

Watching those numbers tick by on the clock when you can’t sleep is misery. So is the next day as you struggle to cope with your daily demands.

You might console yourself with the thought that going without one night’s sleep won’t kill you, and that’s true. But chronic sleep deprivation can have serious health repercussions, experts say.

“Not getting enough sleep really impacts your health,” says Nathan Eisenhauer, branch manager for somniTech Inc., a sleep disorders clinic in Overland Park. “When you’re tired, you don’t have the motivation to exercise.

You can’t do your job. You gain weight and eat poorly.”

If you’re getting too little shut-eye, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans don’t get enough sleep because they’re distracted in a 24/7 world of internet, cable TV and e-mail. The National Sleep Foundation’s 2009 Sleep in America poll found that 27 percent of respondents said they were losing sleep because they were worried about their finances.

Eisenhauer says that somniTech’s sleep lab sees about 100 people a week, and patients’ worries over the poor economy is definitely a factor.

Another big reason for sleep problems is sleep apnea, where sufferers may stop breathing for up to a minute hundreds of times during the night while sleeping. The exact cause is unknown, but doctors believe it’s caused by physical abnormalities inside the mouth and neck that cause the soft tissue in the rear of the throat to collapse.

Whatever the reason for the lack of sleep, the health threats are the same.

Research has shown that when you don’t get enough sleep, it impacts hormones and you don’t feel as s atisfied after you eat. Your appetite is stimulated, causing you to want more food. The NSF reported that people who slept poorly were two times as likely to eat highsugar and high-carbohydrate foods.

It’s also been found that sleep problems weaken your ability to concentrate to the point that accomplishing tasks becomes more difficult and you are more easily irritated. Overall, sleep loss has been found to affect tasks requiring memory, learning and logical reasoning, the NSF reports.

It’s also dangerous to others. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that more than 100,000 car crashes a year may be

© istockphoto.com / Svetlana Larina

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By Anita Bruzzese

health and wellness

enhance magazine 47

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fatigue related, causing 1,500 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries annually. The NSF says the numbers are higher, estimating 71,000 injuries and more than 5,500 deaths a year. It reports 54 percent of adult drivers say they have driven while drowsy during the past year and 28 percent report they had fallen asleep at the wheel.

stages of sleep There are two basic stages of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, with the body cycling between them.

NREM is made up of four stages, lasting from five to 15 minutes. Once the body has gone through all the stages, then REM sleep is attained, and the cycle begins anew.

Stage 1: Wakefulness is reduced. Your eyes are closed, but you can be easily awakened and may not feel as if you’ve been asleep. This is often when you may “jerk” as you have a feeling of falling as your muscles suddenly contract, called “hypnic myoclonia.”

Stage 2: In a period of light sleep, your heart rate slows and body temperature decreases. Your body is preparing to enter deep sleep.

Stages 3 and 4: These are deep sleep stages, with stage four being more intense. If you’re awakened from sleep during these stages, you’ll feel disoriented for a few minutes.

REM sleep usually begins about 90 minutes after you fall asleep. This is when intense dreaming occurs and the eyes move rapidly in different directions.

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From left: © istockphoto.com / Jill Chen, Zone Creative

Developing sleep hygiene So, how much sleep do you need?

Eisenhauer says that the amount of sleep required is “very individual.”

Most adults need about seven to nine hours, although some may need as much as 10 hours.

A Harvard Medical School study involving more than 82,000 nurses found an increased risk of death among those who slept fewer than six hours a night.

“You have to listen to your own body,” Eisenhauer says. “We ask people how they feel during the day. Are they sleepy? If they’re sleepy, then they’re not getting enough sleep. Other people

are fine. Some people just don’t need as much sleep as others.”

Whatever your sleep needs, it’s important not to dismiss sleep as unimportant. While Donald Trump may claim he needs only four hours, you may feel like a zombie with less than eight hours, and there’s a good reason for it.

While we’re asleep, our body is busy performing critical functions such as correcting chemical imbalances, reinforcing the pathways of brain cells and helping our immune system.

Researchers believe that when a body is sleep deprived, it boosts the production of stress hormones and drives up blood pressure.

“I don’t think people make sleep a priority,” Eisenhauer says. “I don’t think people give sleep the respect it deserves.”

If it takes you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, if you wake up frequently during the night, wake too early or have a hard time going back to sleep, then you might have a sleep problem that

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create a sleep environment Transform your bedroom into a haven of comfort. Create a room that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool for the best possible sleep.

Mattress and Foundation. Be sure your mattress and foundation meet your needs for both comfort and support. If your mattress is five to seven years old, it might be time for a new one. In general, pillows should be replaced every year.

Light. Light is one of the body’s most powerful time cues. The rising sun can wake up the brain long before the alarm goes off. A dark room is the most conducive for sleep – day or night.

Noise. Sudden, loud noises from inside or outside the home can

calls for some action. Eisenhauer calls it “practicing good sleep hygiene.”

How to get better sleep n Cut out caffeine, nicotine and alcohol late in the afternoon and evening. “If you’re drinking a 2-liter of Coke at 8 p.m., that could be a problem,” Eisenhauer says. n Always go to bed and get up the same time every day. Avoid napping

during the day if you’re having trouble sleeping at night. n Use your bed only for sleep Or sex. But don’t read, do work or watch

television in bed. “Television is a

disrupt sleep. Steady, low sounds, such as the whir of a fan or air conditioner, might be soothing because they help block out distracting noises.

Temperature. The ideal bedroom temperature is 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 18 degrees Celsius). A room that’s too warm or too cool can disrupt comfortable sleep.

For more information, check out the Better Sleep Council, www.bettersleep.org.

glowing light box in your bedroom.

It doesn’t put you to sleep. It does exactly the opposite,” Eisenhauer says. n Don’t toss and turn. If you’re not asleep after 20-30 minutes, get up and read a book or listen to soothing music elsewhere until you feel sleepy.

Studies have shown that cognitive behavior techniques – such as practicing relaxation or getting up to read – were more effective and lasted longer than a leading prescription sleep aid. n Call your doctor. If you’re still experiencing sleep problems after two or three weeks so that you feel tired during the day, contact your physician.

© istockphoto.com / Dave Block

© istockphoto.com / Catherine Jones

80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by Valentine’s Day...

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health and wellness

Local Sleep disorder specialists

sleep for health: get your daily dose During cold and flu season, it’s important to keep your immune system healthy. Getting quality sleep, eating a healthy diet and being active help your body ward off potential viruses and bacteria.

Here are tips from the BSC and Dr. Douglas MacKay, N.D., Council for Responsible Nutrition, to keep your immune system healthy: n Get 7.5 hours of quality sleep.

Sleep is our body’s natural restoration process. Keep a consistent sleep and wake schedule, including weekends. glasses of water daily. The sinus, throat and lungs all have immune functions that can stop bacteria and viruses. Well-hydrated tissues help this function. n Exercise regularly. Exercise conditions the body and helps support a health immune system.

Complete workouts at least two hours before bedtime to avoid restlessness. n Eat a well-balanced diet. Get your daily five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables, which have important nutrients and antioxidants. n Supplement your diet. According to CRN, certain supplements may help promote a healthy immune system: a daily multivitamin, vitamin D from sunshine, and some research suggests that botanicals such as Echinacea and elderberry support immune function, as have vitamin C and zinc.

For more information and tips to guard your health, visit the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.

somniCare, Inc. 10203 Metcalf, Ste. 102, Overland Park, Kan., 66212 800-272-7009 www.somnicare.com

children and sleep

Sleep is a vital need, essential to a child’s health and growth.

Children who get enough sleep are more likely to function better and are less prone to behavioral problems and moodiness.

How much sleep should my child get?

Each child is different and has different sleep needs. This chart presents recommended hours of sleep that includes naps for children up to 5 years old.

Age Hours

0-2 months

10.5-18

2-12 months 14-15 1-3 years

12-14

3-5 years

11-13

5-12 years

10-11

Children Need And Thrive On Routine The No. 1 tip for good sleeping habits in children is to follow a nightly routine. A bedtime ritual makes it easier for your child to relax, fall asleep and sleep through the night. n Have a light snack n Take a bath n Put on pajamas n Brush teeth n Read a story n Make sure the room is quiet and at a comfortable temperature n Put your child to bed n Say goodnight and leave

Helpful Tips n Make

bedtime the same time every night. bedtime a positive and relaxing experience without TV or videos. According to one recent study, TV viewing prior to bed can lead to difficulty falling and staying asleep. Save your child’s favorite relaxing, non-stimulating activities until last and have them occur in the child’s bedroom. n Keep the bedtime environment (e.g. light, temperature) the same all night long. n Make

SomniTech, Inc., www.somnitech.com Overland Park: 913-498-8120 Lawrence: 785-840-3789 North Kansas City: 816-587-8014 Lee’s Summit: 913-498-8120 Truman Medical Center for Sleep Health and the Hyatt Regency Crown Center Kansas City, Mo. A state-of-the-art sleep lab in a five-star hotel 816-404-0848 Sleepcair Sleep disorder equipment and supplies: Northland: 816-221-3535 South: 913-438-8200 East: 816-525-6565 MidAmerica Neuroscience Institute Sleep Disorder Center Lenexa, Kan. 913-894-1500 www.neurokc.com

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© istockphoto.com / RonTech2000

n Drink at least six to eight

Most area hospitals offer certified sleep disorder centers.

Visit www.sleep centers.org.

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For people with

Alzheimer’s For people with

there’snonotime timetotolose. lose. there’s

Alzheimer’s

Throughout the 83-week study, participants may Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative receive the investigational drug, study-related physical disorder—a disorder in which brain cells are lost.

If you are 50exams to 88and years of age and have a Alzheimer’s diseaseby is progressive a neurodegenlaboratory services at no charge. All It is characterized loss of memory and diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease, participants will be monitored by a medical team, cognitive function, such as movement control and erative disorder – a disorder in which including a nurse or study coordinator and a physician. decision-making ability.

Alzheimer’s disease is the you may be eligible to participate in the brain cells are lost. It is characterized by most common cause of dementia in the elderly and ICARA study. progressive loss of memory and cogniAsk your doctor if the ICARA study is right for you. affects about 18 million people worldwide—5 million For more information, visit tive function, suchalone. as movement control in the U.S. Although there’s currently no cure Throughout the 83-week study, participants may Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative Throughout the 83-week study, particiwww.ICARAstudy.com for Alzheimer’s disease, research is under way to find a and decision-making ability. Alzheimer’s receive the investigational drug, study-related physical disorder—a disorder in which brain cells are lost. investigational treatment aimed at slowing orofcall 1-888-818-MEMORY pants may receive the investigational drug, services at no charge. All exams and laboratory bythe progressive loss memory and disease new is the most common cause Itofis characterized progression of the disease. The cognitive current function, medications will be monitored by a medical team, such asare movementphysical control and exams participants study-related and laboratory dementia in the elderly and affects about including a nurse or study coordinator and a physician. mostly aimed at maximizing thedecision-making remaining brain ability. Alzheimer’s disease is the services at no charge.

All participants will most common cause of dementia in the elderly and 18 million people worldwide – 5 million in created—to activity.

That’s why the ICARA study was Ask your doctor if the ICARA study is right for you. affects about 18 million people worldwide—5 million team, explore a new investigational treatment option. be monitored by a medical including a the U.S. alone. Although there’s currently

there’s no time to lose.

For more information, visit

nurseresearch or study coordinator a physician. for Alzheimer’s disease, is under way to find aandwww.ICARAstudy.com no cure Iffor Alzheimer’s disease, research you are 50 to 88 years of age and have a diagnosis new investigational treatment aimed at slowing the or call 1-888-818-MEMORY of probable Alzheimer’s disease, you may be eligible is under way to find a new investigational progression of the disease. The current medications are to participate in the ICARA study.

Ask your the ICARA study is mostly aimed at maximizing thedoctor remainingifbrain treatment aimed at slowing the progression activity. That’s why the ICARA study was created—to right for you. of the disease. The current medications are explore a new investigational treatment option. mostly aimed at maximizing the remainIf you are 50 to 88 years of age and have a diagnosis For more visit ing brain activity. That’s why the ICARA of probable Alzheimer’s disease,information, you may be eligible to participate in the ICARA study. neurokc.com study was created – to explore a new investigational treatment option. or call 913-894-1500, ext. 138 in the U.S. alone. Although there’s currently no cure

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The malleable bones of an infant skull can grow awry.

Find out why and what to do about it.

By Kristin Morris What elation first-time mothers feel upon seeing their baby for the first time.

I gasped at the very sight of my daughter as the doctor put her in my arms.

The early days went by full of joy and wonder. But at eight months old, something was obviously not quite right. Her head was always tilted to one side, and the shape of it looked…well, deformed.

What is a “normal” head shape?

While there is no such thing as a perfectly shaped head, a “normal” human head is typically one-third longer than it

is wide. Newborn head measurements frequently fall outside of these proportions after their soft skull bones have passed through the birth canal.

In most cases, the newborn’s head will self-correct. In other cases, the malleable infant skull can develop a flat spot due to applied pressure from external forces.

Doctors have termed this “plagiocephaly.”

Plagiocephaly comes from two Greek words: plagio, meaning “oblique,” and cephale, meaning “head.” Plagiocephaly presents in different forms and can be diagnosed even more specifically depending upon the location of the flat area.

Soft, susceptible

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misshapen heads: a bird’s eye view

54

Plagiocephaly Head is flat on one side. Overall head shape resembles a parallelogram.

Brachycephaly Head is wider than its length. Back of head is flat in appearance instead of curved.

Scaphocephaly Head is long and narrow.

Source: Cranial Technologies, www.cranialtech.com

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Š istockphoto.com / Ritchie White

and sideways

55

health and wellness

John M. Hiebert, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P., Plastic, Cleft & Craniofacial Surgeon at the Mid-America Regional Cleft & Craniofacial Institute, has been treating plagiocephaly for 25 years. He says that positioning of the child on the back and torticollis are the most frequent culprits of flat spots in his patients today. The following six risk factors can all contribute to the development of plagiocephaly.

Back sleeping Placing an infant on his back to sleep is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to reduce the risk of SIDS. Unfortunately, extended time spent lying on the back can be detrimental to head shape.

Prematurity The bones of a premature infant are even softer than a full-term baby and are therefore even more susceptible to external forces. Premature babies also move very little on their own and are often in dependent positions for long periods of time.

Restrictive intrauterine environment Sometimes the way a baby is positioned in the womb can cause a misshapen head even before birth. This is especially true in the case of multiples when there is less room for movement in the mother’s womb.

Congenital muscular torticollis This condition is a tightening or shortening of the neck muscles on one side, causing the baby to turn her head in one direction and to tilt it in the other. With the baby’s head constantly in the same position, torticollis and plagiocephaly often go hand-in-hand.

car seats, bouncy seats and swings Time spent in convenient parenting equipment can add up fast – even if the baby is rotated between them. In each of these items, the baby’s head is continuously exposed to the pressure of a hard surface.

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Craniosynostosis

56

While rare, this is a serious medical condition in which the soft bones of the infant skull fuse together too quickly. In these cases, the premature fusion does not allow the head or the brain to grow properly.

Jeffrey W. Colyer, M.D. Plastic, Cleft & Craniofacial Surgeon Plastic Surgical Arts 7001 W 121st St. Overland Park, Kan. 66209 913-338-5600 www.plasticsurgicalarts. com John M. Hiebert, M.D. Plastic, Cleft & Craniofacial Surgeon Mid-America Regional Cleft & Craniofacial Institute at The Hiebert Center 4620 J.C. Nichols Pkwy #503 Kansas City, Mo. 64112 816-941-6226 Shao Jiang, M.D. Pediatric Plastic & Cleft Surgeon Children’s Mercy Hospital Plastic Surgery Clinic 2401 Gillham Road Kansas City, Mo. 64108 816-234-3020 or Children’s Mercy South Plastic Surgery Clinic, 5808 W. 110th Overland Park, Kan. 66211 913-696-8220 www.childrensmercy.org Virender Singhal, M.D. Pediatric Plastic, Cleft & Craniofacial Surgeon Children’s Mercy Hospital Plastic Surgery Clinic 2401 Gillham Road Kansas City, MO 64108 816-234-3020 or Children’s Mercy South Plastic Surgery Clinic, 5808 W. 110th Overland Park, Kan. 66211 913-696-8220 www.childrensmercy.org

From top: © istockphoto.com / Brian Carpenter, Dan Eckert, Jkullander

what causes plagiocephaly?

Local physicians who treat plagio

health and wellness Prevention Developing plagiocephaly may be unavoidable in some cases, but there are ways to reduce the chances that it will develop. “Proactive early intervention, positioning of the child, and early tummy time can reduce the long-term deformity,” Dr. Hiebert says. n Alternate head positions while back sleeping. Even back sleeping positions can be altered enough to make a significant difference. Neck-positioning devices can be useful in the crib, as well as in car seats and swings. n Make tummy time part of a daily routine. Spending time on the tummy is instrumental in both fine and gross motor development, especially in the strengthening of the neck muscles. The sooner your baby can hold her head up on her own, the less time she will spend lying on it. n Limit time in car seats, bouncy seats and swings. Opt for holding, carrying or wearing your baby when you can. Use baby slings, baby carriers and baby back packs to mix it up. n Create interest in targeted areas.

if you suspect plagiocephaly Consult your pediatrician, get educated and spread the word. Just knowing how to recognize the signs and symptoms, understanding the causes, and being armed with prevention techniques can often be enough to keep a head well-rounded.

Online resources www.plagiocephaly.info www.headsupbaby.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ Plagiocephaly http://es.groups.yahoo.com/group/ Plagiocefalia www.CAPPSkids.org www.torticolliskids.org www.plagiosupport.org www.cranialtech.com

advice from a pediatrician I advise parents to think of head placement like a rotisserie. The goal should be to constantly change the baby’s head position while awake and to switch to back placement while sleeping on a firm crib mattress.

When the AAP revised the recommendations regarding sleep position to reduce the incidence of SIDS, I noticed two things: The incidence of plagiocephaly rose, and infants were rolling over later.

Some parents, I believe, were so fearful of SIDS that they only placed their infants on their back. It is important to give your baby tummy time not only to prevent plagiocephaly but also to help develop the muscles and strength necessary to roll over.

Congenital torticollis can be related to in-utero positioning and tightening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. If your baby prefers looking only on one side, talk to your health care provider. Babies with torticollis often require physical therapy or stretching exercises to correct the problem.

I also recommend placing the infant on their back at the head of the bed and alternate with the foot of the bed. Once they can turn their head, out of curiosity, they like to look out toward the door. This might prevent some positional torticollis.

Once infants can roll over, it is difficult to change or correct head position without a helmet. Therefore changing positions (side to side to tummy), early (birth to 6 months) will allow the head to reshape.

Avoiding car seats, swings and bouncy seats for long periods is very important.

Baby Bjorn and other carriers and slings are great for head positioning and bonding with your baby during your busy day.

Kathy Farrell M.D., F.A.A.P.

Pediatrician, Pediatric Professional Assn.

10600 Quivira Road, Suite 210 Overland Park, KS 66215 913-541-3300, www.ppadocs.com

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© istockphoto.com / Nikolay Suslov

Move toys and sounds around so your baby will work to move toward the stimulation. If interest is created in one area at a time, your baby will be forced to move his head in different directions, lessening the opportunity for a flat spot to develop.

Treatment Treatment can be as simple as using repositioning techniques or as complex as surgery (most often associated with craniosynostosis).

“The optimal window for treatment is between 3 and 4 months of age,” Dr. Hiebert says. “We can determine by 8 to 9 months old if the head will reshape on its own or with repositioning techniques.”

Repositioning techniques are adequate in mild cases. In moderate to severe cases, doctors will often prescribe a custom-fit helmet with the purpose of redirecting skull growth. In cases where torticollis is also diagnosed, a set of physical therapy exercises may also be prescribed.

57

health and wellness

How to grow

Green kids Give children a healthy start in every way

Raise Recyclers Point out the difference between trash and recyclable items and involve children in sorting and managing recycling. Visit a local landfill to help them understand the impact that our waste has on the environment and to help them understand why it’s time to simplify.

Choose to Conserve

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Be a model for energy-saving activities – turn off the TV and switch off the lights when they’re not needed. Limit water use when brushing teeth and remind kids to do the same.

58

By Paige DeRuyscher

Cultivate Gardeners Give a child a small space to grow something of his or her own. Whether you live in the city or country, offer a small square of land or an indoor potted garden for them to care for. Choosing and planting seeds, regularly tending and enjoying the fruits of their labor will empower children with responsibility and encourage them to live sustainably in the future.

Limit waste Find creative ways to reuse items around the house.

Provide a bin for collecting things like old buttons and jewelry pieces, shoestrings and clothespins for kids' craft projects. Old Christmas cards and wrapping paper scraps can be saved for next year’s holiday crafts.

Get moving as a family Before climbing in the car, consider walking or biking together to your destination.

The whole family can experience sights and sounds that are often missed when speeding along with the windows rolled up. It takes a little extra patience and planning, but the investment in your family’s health and the environment is worth it.

health and wellness

How we care for children now will not only affect the rest of their lives, but will also shape future generations. It’s up to us to help them thrive in a wholesome environment and teach them what a healthy lifestyle looks like.

Making simple choices about what we consume and how we live day-to-day can help our little ones become tomorrow’s world changers.

Cut household clutter and simplify choices by limiting the number of toys your child has on hand. Well-made, durable toys – those made of wood with nontoxic paints or organic cotton – are the most earth and child-friendly.

Solar-powered (instead of battery-operated) toys are also growing in popularity and available on the internet. Encourage children to donate excess playthings to others who may not have their own. enhance magazine

© istockphoto.com / Diego Cervo

Cut out clutter

59

health and wellness

Go Local Instead of heading to the supermarket all the time, seek out local growers when possible.

Visits to the farmers market or a local farm are excellent opportunities to teach kids that food doesn’t grow on grocery shelves.

When you do visit the grocery store, take time to point out things that are grown and manufactured locally.

opt for organic Richard Baker Baker Environmental Consulting l Lead, asbestos and mold testing l HUD, EPA and state accredited lead training l Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments info@baker environmental.com www.baker environmental.com 913-541-0220

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60

HEPA Vacuums www.allergyconsumer review.com www.aircleaners.com

Not all budgets allow us to choose organic everything. However, offering children natural food choices as often as possible is a worthy investment in a healthy future. Opt for whole grains, hormone-free meats and dairy products when you can.

Here are the “dirty dozen” – 12 fruits and vegetables that should be top priority when it comes to buying organic. l Peaches l Apples l Bell peppers l Nectarines l Strawberries l Cherries l Pears l Grapes l Spinach l Lettuce l Potatoes Many food additives and preservatives have been linked to hyperactivity and other abnormalities in children. MSG, high-fructose corn syrup, food colorings and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil are just a few of the culprits. There is plenty of research online for those who wish to learn more.

© istockphoto.com / Ranplett

Local Resources

health and wellness

remove chemical culprits Children are more vulnerable to toxic chemical effects than adults. Because their immune and central nervous systems are still developing, their bodies are less capable of eliminating toxins. Decreasing a child’s exposure to chemicals from day one could lower the risk of allergies, cancers and other illnesses.

Cleaning products Consider switching from chemicalladen household cleaners to natural products. Baking soda, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are great for unclogging drains, destroying mold and sterilizing kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Personal care Natural alternatives for body and hair care can be found online and in most retails stores. Children’s products are available at www. indigowild.com (a local company), www.kissmyface.com and www. burtsbees.com. Well-established companies will explain why they do and do not use certain ingredients in their natural products. In general, try to avoid fragrance and remember that not everything labeled “natural” is chemical-free.

VOCs

“Lead poisoning is still very much a problem for children in the U.S.,” warns Richard Baker of Baker Environmental Consulting in Lenexa (www.bakerenvironmental.com).

Homes built before 1978 are at the greatest risk because many of them contain the remnants of lead-based paint. The majority of lead poisoning cases don't involve chewing paint chips; lead is often present in the dust particles children pick up from floors. “The amount of dust it takes for lead poisoning is microscopic,” Baker says. Baker recommends wet cleaning floors regularly.

HEPA vacuums can eliminate other harmful particles like pet dander and various allergens. Consider having your homes tested and if lead-based paint is found, consider replacing doors and windows which are the most high-friction, hazardous areas.

Plastics Recycling numbers 3, 6 and 7 might indicate harmful chemical ingredients that can leach into foods and liquids. BPA (Bisphenol A) is one example that has raised recent concerns. BPA-free baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers and teethers are now found in most major retail stores and can also be ordered online.

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Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. They’re emitted by paints and lacquers, paint strippers, varnishes, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, pesticides, building materials and furnishings. Look for VOC-free products whenever possible.

Lead

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Now that scientists have mapped the human genome, the possibility of growing human teeth is closer than ever

By Andrew Moore, DDS

About 10 years ago I listened to a lecture by a dental researcher discussing the use of genetics and how it related to dentistry. At that time, the Human Genome Project was taking place, and during his presentation, he was asked “will humans ever be able to grow new teeth?”

His answer: “not for about 20 years.”

Here we are 10 years later and there have been two news stories in recent months related to teeth and genetics.

Teeth and Genetics Last September, at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, a 60-year-old woman’s eyesight was restored with a procedure know as “modified osteo-odonto-keratoprostesis” or MOOKP. Sharrib “Kay” Thornton suffers from a rare disorder called

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. The disorder left the surface of her eyes severely scarred to the point that she was legally blind.

What makes this procedure so unusual and fascinating is that tissue from her own tooth was used to make a new cornea to replace the damaged one.

Appropriately, the canine tooth was used which is often called the “eye tooth.” Soft tissue from her cheek was used to form the soft mucus tissue around her pupil.

A hole drilled through her tooth was then used to support a prosthetic lens.

There are less risky and less invasive procedures to replace corneas, but in this case, the damage was too severe to have an effective outcome. The day she had her bandages removed, she was able to see 20/70. According to Dr. Victor L.

The future of

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© istockphoto.com / Penfold

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Dental

health and wellness

Perez, the opthalmologist who operated on Thornton, she can now see her hands, the TV, the sky and the clouds. Another successful MOOKP was completed this past year in Great Britain.

Martin Jones had been blind for the past 12 years after a tub of hot aluminum exploded in his face. When interviewed following the procedure, he said, “I feel fantastic. Getting my sight back has changed my life. It is such a precious gift and you don’t really appreciate it until it is taken away.”

Growing teeth Recently, University of Rochester scientists reported the identification of a single gene in mice. This gene appears to prevent the growth of additional tooth formation in species that are destined for a limited set. If scientists

can identify what triggers a new tooth to grow in humans, it is possible they could stimulate the process in adulthood, which is similar to the replacement of “baby” teeth with “adult” teeth.

“It’s exciting. We’ve got a clue what to do,” says Dr. Songtao Shi of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. The Rochester discovery will help his research pertaining to this groundbreaking discovery.

With all of the advancements in science and dentistry, there very well may be a day when teeth are replaced with something other than titanium, porcelain or plastic. One day, patients might go to the dentist to have a genetically engineered “tooth bud” placed to replace a missing tooth. Until that day comes, we all should work hard to keep the teeth we have.

What’s next Scientists have the complete DNA sequences of genomes for many organisms – from microbes to plants to humans. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Genomic Science program will use the data to explore their diverse natural capabilities.

Potential impact areas n Bioenergy

production remediation n Carbon cycling n Environmental

Genomic Science’s Goal The goal is to gain insights about fundamental biological processes and, ultimately, a predictive understanding of how living systems operate. The resulting knowledgebase will catalyze the translation of science into new technologies for energy and environmental applications.

For more information: http://genomicsgtl.energy.gov

Genetics

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Partial Knee rePlaCeMent Femur

Cartilage

Ligament

Synovium

Patella

Tibia

Your Knee Joint u u

u u u

u

What Causes Knee Joint Pain?

Femur – thigh bone Cartilage – tissue between bones that provides cushioning Patella – knee cap Tibia – shin bone Synovium – tissue that provides lubricating fluid to joint Ligament – flexible tissue that holds knee joint together

Medial Compartment Lateral Compartment

One of the most common causes of joint pain is arthritis. The most common types of arthritis are: u Osteoarthritis u Rheumatoid Arthritis u Post-traumatic Arthritis One of the most common causes of knee pain is the wearing away of the joint’s cartilage lining. When this happens, the bones rub against each other causing significant pain and swelling – a condition known as osteoarthritis. Without cartilage there is no shock absorption between the bones in the joint, allowing stress to build up in the bones and contributing to pain.

When knee pain severely limits your ability to walk, work or even perform simple activities, partial knee resurfacing may be appropriate.

A partial knee resurfacing procedure restores only the worn surfaces by removing only the diseased boneends and resurfacing them with a combination of metal and plastic components.

Partial knee resurfacing may help relieve pain and restore motion in your knee.

A Replaced Knee

Your Knee

There are 3 compartments in your knee u Medial u Lateral u Patellofemoral

Femur Patella Artificial Knee Implant

Tibia

Partial Knee resurfacing If arthritis affects only one compartment of your knee, partial knee resurfacing may be an option. u Over 50,000 partial knee resurfacing procedures are done each year in the U.S. u

An Arthritic Knee Femur Diseased Cartilage Tibia

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Smaller implants mean the surgical incision may be smaller.

Post-operative pain may be reduced.

Recovery period may be shorter than total knee replacement.

uni Knee resurfacing

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Suitable if only one half of the knee is diseased u Surfaces are replaced only on one side of knee u Implants are anatomically shaped u

Femur Artificial Tibia

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Suitable if arthritis is limited to patella Surfaces are replaced only on the patella and patella contact region of the femur

Knee surgery May be suitable for patients who: u Have a painful, disabling joint disease of the knee resulting from a severe form of arthritis. u Are not likely to achieve satisfactory results from less invasive procedures, medication, physical therapy, or joint fluid supplements.

Minimally invasive surgery Usually includes: u A smaller incision u Less “collateral damage” to muscles, tendons and ligaments u Minimal bone removal u Shorter hospital stay u Faster recovery u Reduced pain u Smaller scar

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Daniel Farrell, MD

Computer assisted navigation technology Computer assisted navigation technology for orthopedic surgery is designed to allow a surgeon to align an artificial joint with precision within the mechanical axis of your lower extremity.

Precise alignment is an important factor that may reduce joint wear and extend the life of the implant.

Orthopedic navigation technology is similar to directional tracking systems used in cars and ships – it is, in effect, a global positioning system (GPS) for the surgeon.

Infrared sensors placed in the operating room act like satellites constantly monitoring the location of markers and instruments placed along a patient’s anatomy.

As a surgeon moves an instrument within a patient’s joint, the infrared sensors calculate

its position and smart wireless instruments instantaneously transfers the data to a computer in the operating room.

This information is then displayed as an interactive model of the anatomy or “blueprint” that supplies the surgeon the optimum angles, lines and measurements needed to align the implant within the patient very precisely and accurately.

This technology is based on mathematical formulas that has proven to be consistently very accurate and reproducible for the total joint patient.

Computer-assisted surgery may allow for lessinvasive surgical techniques which has several advantages, including: faster recovery, reduced length of hospital stay, less scarring, and reduced blood loss during surgery, and shorter postoperative physical rehabilitation.

Dr. Farrell specializes in Orthopedic Surgery. He received his MD at St. Louis University, in St. Louis, MO. He also holds a master’s degree in Exercise Science/Emphasis in Biomechanics. Dr. Farrell understands the importance of painless functional mobility. He enjoys training and participating in the sport of triathlon.

Dr. Farrell has completed over 500 successful computer assisted total joint arthroplasties.

BoarD CertiFiCations anD assoCiations Board of Orthopaedic Surgery u American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery u American College of Sports Medicine u Phi Epsilon Kappa Honor Society u American

ContaCt Dr. Farrell Overland Park Orthopedics, LLC Orthopaedic Surgery & Total Joint Replacement Overland Park Regional Medical Center 12200 W. 106th Street, Ste. 400 Overland Park, KS 66215 (913) 541-8897 info@overlandparkorthopedics.com

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health and wellness

Make a return to the communal nature of food and family

Savor the

By Phil Toevs Wheatfields Bakery Cafe

The Slow Food movement has begun to manifest itself in restaurants and communities across the country. It is a movement that encourages a return to the notion of a meal as an act of communion, an opportunity to visit and connect with people close to us. It is the polar opposite of fast food, meals for the sake of getting us back to our daily grinds as soon as possible, meals as another chore on our daily to-do lists.

Slow food also asks that we consider where our food comes from and how eco-friendly our food is produced. To

include our local farmers and food producers in the community that participates in our meals, we gain a personal investment in our food as well as our community that helps to provide it.

The holidays are perfect for sitting around a table with your family and loved ones, visiting and enjoying their company, as well as partaking in a great meal. Think for a moment this holiday season how calming and centering it would be to have such communion in your everyday life.

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Š istockphoto.com / Albert Wingler

Slow Food movement

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ROASTED CORN CHOWDER This soup is an employee favorite at WheatFields; however it is an adaptation of a recipe that Randall Dickson, a chef I learned from, used at a restaurant we worked at years ago in Lawrence, Kan. Maximizing flavors by adding spices and roasting corn and peppers reduces the amount of salt needed to enhance the natural flavors in the ingredients.

Ingredients

Directions

n 1

Roast peppers in a 350º oven until the skins are just beginning to lift, about 15 minutes. Remove peppers to a bowl, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and allow to steam 30 minutes. Roast corn with a cooking spray or tossed in of olive oil until the kernels begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Remove and rest at room temperature.

medium yellow onion, diced n 3 assorted peppers* – roasted, seeded and skins peeled off n 2 pounds frozen cut corn, roasted n 4 tablespoons butter n 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder n 1 tablespoon cumin n 1 tablespoon coriander n ½ tablespoon paprika n 6 oz. flour n 1 cup vegetable stock n 1 cup heavy cream (optional) n ½ gallon milk n Salt and fine grind black pepper to taste

Saute onions and peppers in butter until soft. Add 1½ pounds of roasted corn and all the dry spices and cook two minutes.

In a separate container, puree remaining

corn in the vegetable stock and add to the pot. Once bubbling, add flour to the mixture and stir until smooth and bubbly.

Add milk and heat until thickened. Add cream, if you would like some added richness, and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve with tortilla chips or a bit of sour cream. *You can choose any peppers you would like to increase the spiciness of the soup.

I use yellow, red and green bell peppers for color and a very mild pepper spice.

Poblano or Anaheim peppers add a considerable kick to this soup.

MINESTRONE

Ingredients

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n ¼

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cup olive oil n ¼ cup minced garlic n 2 tablespoons oregano n 1 tablespoon marjoram n 1 medium yellow onion, small diced n 1 carrot, peeled and diced n 2 ribs celery, diced n 1 zucchini, diced n 2 baked potatoes, diced n Two 14 oz. cans tomato filets n 1 quart water n One 14 oz. can cooked white beans

n 2

cups greens* cup basil leaves, packed n salt to taste n 1/4

Bouquet garni (items wrapped in cheese cloth) of n ½

pound parmesan rind or block rosemary sprig n Leftover basil stems n 1

Directions Saute onion, garlic, celery and carrots in olive oil and dry spices until sweaty. Add

zucchini, potatoes and basil leaves and cook 3 minutes. Add tomato filets, water and bouquet garni and bring to a rolling boil. Lower heat to achieve bubbling simmer and cook 1 hour. Add the greens and beans and cook 10 minutes. Taste for salt. Makes 16 servings. * Greens: Spinach does not require any extra preparation. If you use kale, collards or other bitter greens, de-stem the leaves and boil the leaves in salted water 30 minutes. Drain and reserve.

From top: © istockphoto.com / Linda & Colin McKie, Joe Biafore

Many dishes that are considered signature dishes around the world were born from ingredients that were readily available in everyday life. Minestrone is one of those soups that is a kitchen sink concoction designed to use up leftovers of other creations and processing. Tomatoes, fresh herbs, cheese rinds and garlic would have been staple foods, but the other vegetables could have been anything lying around. The Parmesan rind lends a natural saltiness and cheese flavor to this soup, eliminating the need for additional salt or cheese.

health and wellness

POULTRY STOCK

Homemade stocks are a fantastic way to gain unique flavors for your dishes. This is our basic chicken stock recipe; however we do vegetable stock on a regular basis, which uses our voluminous ends and rinds we accumulate in the course of menu preparation.

Many pre-packaged soup bases are loaded with salt as a preservative, so making your own stocks can greatly reduce your sodium intake, allowing you to salt just the finished product.

Ingredients

© istockphoto.com / Steven Miric

n 3

pounds poultry skin and bones n ½ bunch fresh parsley* n 1 stick fresh sage* n 1 stick fresh rosemary* n 4 sticks fresh thyme* n 1 yellow onion, peeled and quartered n 4 garlic cloves, smashed n 1 bay leaf n 1 carrot, chopped n 2 ribs celery, chopped

n 1

tablespoon peppercorns to cover

n Water

Directions Place all ingredients in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Continue rolling boil for ½ an hour. Lower heat to medium low and simmer until stock is golden, about 2 hours. Strain and press ingredients through a mesh strainer into a storage container. Allow container to cool in the

refrigerator and skim excess fat from the top. Stock can be frozen indefinitely in smaller, manageable portions. * In lieu of fresh spices, you can use dried spices in the following proportions: Parsley – ½ cup; Rubbed sage – ¼ cup; Rosemary – 2 Tablespoons; and Thyme leaves – ¼ cup.

give the gift of enhance Subscribe online today: www.enhance4life.com

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complementary health

A toast to

champagne ‘Tis the season for bubbles in your libations

By Michael A. Levine

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© istockphoto.com / Diane Diederich

Poetic quotes and romanticism aside, Champagne is simply wine that has bubbles. But how does it get those bubbles? Who started all this fuss over bubbles? Why aren’t all wines with bubbles called Champagne?

There is some debate as to where sparkling wine was first made and by whom, but most will concede that it was a monk from the Abbey Hautvilliers who is the true father of Champagne.

The story goes like this: The Duke of Burgundy and the Duke of Champagne (two of the more famous wine regions in France) would get together in the late 1600s and throw regular parties. Part of the festivities was to compare the wine of Burgundy to the wine of Champagne (both offer amazing styles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay).

Whenever the wine of Champagne had some “fizz” it was the hands down winner; when it did not, the Burgundy

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“Of all wines, Champagne is the one that is the anytime drink, the panacea for all ills, the best bottle for any occasion and absolutely the only solution when there is something to celebrate.”

– Serena Sutcliffe, M.W.

always won. The Duke of Champagne picked up on this and decided that his wine would win every time if it always had the bubbles. So he told his cellar master to create bubbles in his wine all the time.

The cellar master’s name: Dom Perignon.

Perignon was the first scientific wine maker. He worked backwards from knowing that in the years when there were some bubbles in his wines, several conditions were recurrent.

First, it was only in the warmer years when the grapes were high in sugar that these bubbles would appear in some bottles. Second, in those ripest of years, his cellar floors were covered with wine, glass and hemp from the creation of the hand-blown crystal bottles for the Champagne. In the ripe years, the carbon dioxide would build from the ongoing fermentation in the bottle and the increased gas pressure would either shoot the hemp off the top of the bottle or the bottle itself would give way.

Dom decided he needed sturdier glass bottles and a better agent to seal the wine. Dom chose cork, and to ensure the cork would contain and resist the building pressure in the bottle, he placed a small metal bar over the cork to hold it firmly in place. This and the addition of sugar to the wine in less ripe years ensured that Champagne would forevermore be sparkling wine.

Making Sparkling Wines

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Champagne or most dry styles of sparkling wine, the only difference is when you harvest. Most wine makers want freshness and acidity in their sparkling wine, so they pick a little earlier than if they were making ‘still’ Chardonnay or Pinot Noir (those are the two main grapes in sparkling wines). As ripeness (sugars) increases in the grapes, its corresponding acidity decreases. By picking earlier, the wine maker sacrifices a little bit of potential alcohol for more freshness in the sparkling wine. Lower alcohol

© istockphoto.com / BLaneyphoto

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First you make wine. In the case of

complementary health

is not a concern because to make the wine sparkling, a second fermentation is induced by adding a mixture of yeast and sugar (sometimes called liqueur de tirage) to the bottle.

The result of this fermentation is

that the yeast molecules gobble up the sugars and convert them into alcohol with carbon dioxide plus a bit of heat, which dissipates as the bottle is stored in a cool cellar.

The bottle is sealed with the

equivalent of a beer cap and the wine is then left to rest. The dead yeasts are called lees and they are left in the bottle to mingle with the wine and add the rich complex flavors of Champagne (think biscuits, toast, croissant, etc.).

Prepare for shipping. When the cellar master has decided that they have extracted all of the complexity in their wine, it is time to disgorge the bottle and prepare it for packaging and shipping (and drinking!). The process of resting on its lees or (sur lie in French) can take up to several years (in some cases, with fantastic vintages, wines are held sur lie for decades) and there is a movement in the sparkling world community to note the disgorgement date on every label. This process is achieved simply by moving the lees’ gooey sediment from the sides and bottom of the bottle by turning, tilting and shaking the bottle so ultimately the now-unwanted lees are in the neck of the bottle.

The bottle is then put into the

The styles of Champagne have evolved over the years from sweet to dry. Back in Dom Perignon’s day, the Champagne was more like Asti Spumante than the Brut and Extra Dry we know today. There are about eight to 10 basic styles of Champagne today.

Cuvees de Prestige

The top of the top names like Moet’s Dom Perignon, Bollinger RD, Krug, Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame, Louis Roederer’s Cristal all reside here.

Vintage

Only the best years and no more than 80 percent of the harvest can be used. Most of the above Champagne is also vintage wines.

Blanc de Blancs

100 percent Chardonnay – steely and crisp when young, full and rich when aged in bottle. Try the NZ’s Daniel Le Brun Cuvee No. 1 (great bottle!)

Blanc de Noirs

Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier only, with an amber hue from the skins of these dark grapes (Domaine Chandon makes a stellar version).

Cremant

Literally a creaming wine with a softer style. Maison Guinot is an excellent option – especially at $20 per bottle.

Rose

Comes in two forms. Most add some red wine of Pinot Noir/ Pinot Meunier after the Champagne has been made to achieve the pink shade. The other is the true rose method where they leave the red skins on long enough to give the wine a blush of color. The first method is preferred because it lightens to almost a Blanc de Noirs shade of amber.

Non-dosage

They receive no liqueur de expedition (meaning no sugar) and are the driest and most austere wines. Mostly also Blanc de Blancs, these wines are perfect for caviar and will develop complexity and round out with time in the bottle. Sometimes called Ultra Brut or Brut Extra.

Non-vintage Brut

The flagship of Champagne production. By far the largest amount of wine produced year after year is Non Vintage Brut and the “style” of the great Champagne houses is defined by their Non-Vintage Brut wines.

Extra dry

A non-vintage wine with slightly more sugar in the dosage and therefore, a bit off-dry.

Dry

Oddly, despite its name, a decidedly off-dry Champagne.

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bottling line upside down and dipped into a super cold, saltwater solution.

This freezes the “goo” in the neck. The bottle is then turned right side up and the aforementioned beer bottle cap is popped. The ice plug of goo shoots out from the up to 5 or 6 atmospheres (the equivalent of an inflated truck tire in pressure) contained therein.

styles of champagne

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The wine is finally topped off with the liqueur de expedition (a mixture of sugar and wine that is each house of Champagne’s own recipe) a real cork is inserted, a wire cage is put on it and then, after a bit of shaking to integrate the liqueur de expedition, ready for labeling and shipping.

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This entire process, when the second fermentation takes place in the bottle you buy, is called the Methode Champenoise – it might also say in the case of New World sparkling wines ‘True Champagne Method’ or individually fermented in this bottle.

Two methods that are widely used by the least expensive sparkling wines on the market Cuvee close or Bulk Charmat process and carbonation. The Charmat has a second fermentation that occurs in large tanks before the wine is bottled

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and the last speaks for itself. It is not that these methods in themselves are bad, it is just that they are quick fix and thereby are most often using lower quality wines with which they begin the process.

Origin and Labeling Champagne can only technically come from that northernmost growing region in France, though some of the new world (the Americas, Australia, New Zealand) often call their sparkling wines Champagne. There are other sparkling wines in France as well: Cremant (or creaming) de Bourgogne de Alsace de Limoux, de Loire as well as numerous vin Mousseaux.

But no matter what it is, if it is not the sparkling wine that comes from the Champagne region, it cannot be called Champagne. In Spain it is called Cava, in Germany Sekt, in Italy Spumante and Prosecco (one of my favorites).

ART IUI IVF ICSI PGS BABY

There are three grape varieties that generally make up Champagne: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

The last is used in very small proportions.

A Blanc de Blancs from Champagne is 100 percent Chardonnay as the other two grapes are red or black grape varieties.

Five main growing districts make up the Champagne region: Montagne de Reims (a mountainous area that contains mostly Pinot Noir and the village of Bouzy), Cote des Blancs (where most of the prestigious Chardonnay vineyards can be found and the village Cramant and the vineyards of Le Mesnil sur Oger), Valle de la Marne (the Village of Ay and good Pinot Meunier are found here), Aube (the most southern of Champagne’s district is very close to Chablis in Burgundy) and the Cote de Sezanne (where most of the Chardonnay is used by the houses of Champagne for blending).

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December’s holiday treats are January’s New Year’s resolutions hawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC) offers a variety of yoga and Tai Chi classes to help you burn off those holiday calories and keep your New Year’s resolutions. Yoga and Tai Chi offer both mental and physical benefits and are gentle enough for almost anyone.

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Much more than medicine.

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complementary health

the key to happiness? more life, less stuff Looking for more joy and vigor?

Focus on experiences rather than stuff

By James H.

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O'Keefe, M.D.

78

Recently, my oldest son, Jimmy, and I packed all his belongings into a small rented truck and moved him across the country to start his first real job.

When we arrived in New York City at 2 a.m., in the span of just 30 minutes, we carried all his possessions upstairs into a small, yet functional, apartment.

It was a grand adventure, and it warmed my heart to see him, for the time being at least, unencumbered by all the material trappings that tend to accumulate in our modern culture.

Jimmy walks or uses mass transit when he needs to go somewhere, and he spends most of his free time and disposable income on enjoying life with his friends.

Who says you can’t buy happiness?

Turns out you can if you splurge on experiences instead of more stuff.

Studies show that people who spend more of their discretionary income on interesting experiences rather than material things tend to be happier in the long run. Too much stuff, especially the expensive kind like extravagant houses, pricey motor vehicles, excessive wardrobes and jewelry, etc., not only ensures that you have to put in the long hours at work to pay off those bills, but also turns your free time into more work time – as a maintenance man/woman cleaning, fixing, protecting, worrying about and insuring all those superfluous belongings.

If you aren’t careful, the materialistic frenzy created by American-style capitalism can lead you down a path

where you find yourself feeling as though your possessions possess you, rather than the other way round.

Less is More Most of us already have more than enough stuff. Greed, envy and conspicuous consumption are a waste of time and energy. Forget about keeping up with the Joneses unless they just passed you on a hiking trail. I think we might all benefit from spending more of our time and money on experiences that make us happy, like fun vacations, a delicious and healthy meal out, music and concerts, exercise and fitness pursuits or having a massage. Investing our time and energy into experiences, particularly those we can enjoy with our family and friends, is much more likely to enhance our lives in the long run than, say, another new car.

Of course not all the stuff you could buy is bad for you; a lovable dog, flowers for your sweetheart, comfortable walking shoes are just a few notable exceptions.

Nor are all experiences you might choose to spend your money on (think cigarettes, video games, drugs…) good for your long-term health and happiness.

Still, I try to remind myself that the consumerism promoted by 21st century life can sometimes turn into more of a shackle than a blessing. In my opinion, life is too short to drink bad wine, eat trashy food and spend all my precious free time taking care of and worrying about stuff I don’t really need.

complementary health

The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise.

It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.

enhance magazine

Š istockphoto.com / DNY59

– Ashley Montagu

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6/3/09

HEALTHYKC H EALTHYPEOPLE = H EALTHYCOM M U N ITY

11:28 AM

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“I got the LAP-BAND ® System two years ago and I lost 101 pounds!”

After

Well aligned.

Before

After

My weight was affecting my health so much that I was taking medication for everything from high cholesterol and acid reflux to diabetes. I had a standing doctor’s appointment every month just for all the medication I was taking. I was always tired, and it seemed like I was sick all the time.

did my research and chose Dr. Malley because I felt that he Margaret Simien suffered from severe back pain Ifor was the best. Since I had the LAP-BAND ® System procedure in 20 years. She tried just about every treatment to realign her spine.

2005, I have lost more than 100 lbs. and my BMI has dropped

By the end, it hurt to sit or stand. And she wondered if she’d ever be from able43 to 23.8. I don’t have to take any medication at all to hold her new grandbaby. That’s when she found the Providence Spine anymore! I have so much energy, and I enjoy going out and doing things again. For the first time in many years, I feel like Center and learned about eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF), a new, I’m actually living life, instead of sitting back and watching minimally invasive spine procedure. The day after her surgery, Margaret everyone else have fun. was up and moving. And she hasn’t slowed down since.

ey!

Thanks Dr. Mall Shelly

XLIF is just one of the innovations you’ll find at Providence Medical Center to take you and your family well into the future. For a free physician referral, call 800-281-7777.

We l l

i n t o

HEALTHYKC PARTNERS ThePROUD LAP-BAND Advantage t h e f u t u r e . ®

• No cutting, stapling or stomach rerouting make the LAP-BAND ® System procedure the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries.

Vein Clinic

• Reduced post-operative pain.

• Shortened hospital stay and quicker of greater kansas cityrecovery.

929 Parallel Parkway • Kansas City, KS 66112 • 913-596-4000 • www.providence-health.org

“Dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of all venous disorders” www.malleysurgical.com

913-492-2530 5820 Lamar Avenue, Suite #200, Mission, KS 66202

marketplace

Glaucoma can rob you blind. That’s why we’re on watch.

7200 W. 129th St. Overland Park, KS 66213 Satellite locations in Kansas: Lawrence • Topeka Missouri: Independence • Liberty

913.897.9299 www.stileseye.com

More than 100,000 people go blind from glaucoma each year. Glaucoma can’t be cured, but it can be managed. Michael C. Stiles, MD, is recognized locally and nationally for successful treatment – both medical and surgical – of glaucoma and other serious eye diseases such as cataracts.

If you or someone you love is diagnosed with glaucoma, call us. Please don’t turn a blind eye on your vision health. We invite you to SEE… leading providers of advanced eye care.

When is joint pain more than a nuisance?

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement.

KC Pain Centers can help.

Come see a Pain Management Specialist for a tailored treatment plan that is right for you.

To arrange a consultation: 816-763-1559 Outside the metro area: 1-800-200-PAIN a service of Pain Management Associates

www.kcpain.com

Whether you’re picking out names or helping them pick out colleges, choose the

Lee’s Summit Physicians Group for your children’s prenatal and pediatric health care.

Vein Clinic of greater kansas city

“Dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of all venous disorders”

Lee’s Summit Physicians Group www.lsphysicians.com 1425 NW Blue Pkwy • Lee’s Summit, MO Pediatrics: 816-524-5600 Internal medicine: 816-554-1918

Raintree Pediatrics www.Raintree-Pediatrics.com 821 SW Lemans Lane • Lee’s Summit, MO

816-525-4700 Free prenatal consults Monday-Friday 10-12 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.

Call 816-524-3223, ext. 150

enhance magazine

913.541.3377 www.veinkc.com

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Celebrating women’s heart health

TUESDAY

February 23 Discover how to live your best life – in an evening of fun, food and friendship!

Bring your best girlfriends and join us for an empowering journey with health and fitness guru

Bob Greene!

Personal trainer to Oprah Winfrey for 15 years, Bob is a frequent guest on her TV show and best-selling author of “The Best Life Diet.”

He’ll share heart-healthy strategies for long-term success and inspire you to Live Your Best Life!

All proceeds will benefit the women’s heart health program, A Change of Heart, at The University of Kansas Hospital.

2010

Hyatt Regency Crown Center Kansas City, Missouri

Cocktail reception at

5:30 p.m.

followed by the program and a series of heart-healthy tastings

Host a table of 10 $1,000 Individual tickets $100 For more information, call 913-588-8888 or visit achangeofheartkc.org.

Event chair: Anita Parran Honorary chair: Ms. Stacy Parkinson First Lady of Kansas

the speed of life!

Discover a community that moves at

a dynamic, energized senior community with the philosophy of whole-person wellness along with the added security of lifecare.

To learn more, call, visit us online or attend one of our monthly luncheons.

a senior lifestyle community 9100 Park Street, Lenexa, KS 66215 r MBLFWJFXWJMMBHF PSH

Enhance Publications 7111 W 151st St. Overland Park, KS 66223

introducing

concierge medicine The concepT is simple buT fundamenTal: You get unlimited and exclusive 24/7 access to me, dr. mike, your personal physician. mY Goal: To provide superior, personalized health care services, whether it is by telephone, e-mail, traditional office visits, after-hours care or even house calls when needed. member benefiTs:

+ All primary care office visits including routine care, urgent care and an annual executive physical exam + Same or next day appointments with minimal wait times + Appointments that start on time and last as long as needed + Access to wholesale pricing on most medications + All in-office diagnostic tests and procedures + Dispensing of many prescriptions in the office + Free supervised medical weight loss program and more!

free consulaTion: Get to know me, tour the office, get your questions answered and find out if this practice fits your needs. Call or e-mail me today!

913.324.5007 | info@exclusive-md.com

Exceeding Your Expectations www.exclusive-md.com