Good Health Memphis

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ME MP HIS

range Oeffect the

New plateau-busting workout studio comes to Memphis

Best Partner Exercises

moves to try with 4 your someone tonight

Bio-Identical

Hormone Therapy

How yam pellets could help you level out

Best Apps For dating and relationships

June 2014 4 Finding the Right Balance 8 When Sex Hurts 14 The Orange Effect 16 Healthy Relationships 24 Sex Therapy 26 Prostate Problems

departments 7 Best Apps 13 Outfitter 18 Work it Out 22 First Class 27 Memfit 28 Confessions of a Mid-South Mom 30 Racing Calendar

cover story 14 The Orange Effect

31 Food Clues 32 Good Food

13

27 18

32

from the editor In each issue of Good Health we explore a topic and this month we focused on sexual health. Sex is a sensitive issue, and even in a health-based context, talking about sex can be stressful or embarrassing. But if there’s one person you can and should be open with, it’s your doctor. Sexual problems are health problems, and they shouldn’t be ignored.

Inside these pages, we explored a few different subjects, ranging from a local study on pain problems suffered by as many as one in 12 women to a yam-based pellet being used by local practitioners to help level out patients’ hormones levels. Writer Erinn Figg took us inside a sex therapy session, columnist Amy Mills shared her experience of having the “talk” with her daughter, and nutritionist Leslie Schilling delivered her thoughts on “aphrodisiac” foods.

Trainers Corey Klein and Kara Carter, of Klein Fitness, demo’d their favorite partner exercises and we talked to couples who strengthen their bonds, and their bodies, by working out together.

I hope you enjoy this issue and, as always, you can send us feedback by emailing me at patterson@commercialappeal.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sara P. Shirley Good Health Editor

To good health,

M E M PHI S

Editor Sara P. Shirley patterson@commercialappeal.com

Good Health Memphis magazine is a healthy lifestyle publication from The Commercial Appeal. Good Health is published monthly, with distribution in the paper as well as in area medical practices and other strategic rack locations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2014.

Contributors Erinn Figg Nathan Berry Jason Terrell

Leslie Schilling Amy Mills Dale Anderson

For more information on advertising in Good Health magazine, contact Sara Patterson Shirley at 901-529-6513 or e-mail patterson@commercialappeal.com.

495 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Finding the Right Balance

Story by Sara P. Shirley Photos by Jason Terrell

n 2006, actress Suzanne Somers’ book

I

led to renewed interest in bioindentical

hormone replacement therapy is

called “Ageless: The Naked Truth About

hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)

promoted as a more “natural” way to

Bio-Indentical Hormones” shined a light

and curiosity regarding its effects on

boost testosterone levels for increased

on a form of pellet therapy that has been

aging men and women. Somers endorses

energy and sexual function, among other

around since the 1930s.

the treatment for relief of menopausal

things.

Somers’ book and subsequent 2009 appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show

symptoms and says it has helped her look and feel younger. For men, bioindentical

When talking about BHRT, it should be noted that a lack of FDA approval for many

Nurse practioner Laura Erickson, of the Wootton Clinic, holds a capsule containing a yam-based pellet used to balance hormone levels.

BHRT products continues to leave questions about the safety of the treatment in the minds of many in the scientific community.

So what is bioindentical hormone replacement therapy?

The term “bioindentical” refers to hormones that have the same

HORMONE BALANCING THERAPY MAY BE THE ANSWER!

chemical and molecular structure as hormones that are produced in the body, according to the Endrocine Society. Essentially, bioindentical hormones are said to be different from synthetic hormones because they are derived from plants, thus containing the same chemical structure as hormones created naturally in the human body. The FDA states on its website that it is “not aware of credible scientific evidence to support claims that bioindentical drugs have effects identical to those from hormones made by the body.”

There are risks, sometimes serious, associated with any form of hormone therapy, and those interested in BHRT are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider before embarking on a treatment plan.

A local resource for BHRT is the Wootton Clinic, which offers the hormones in pellet form. For patients, the process goes something like this:

BHRT Pellet Therapy

Convenient • Physiologic • Consistent Dosing

First, your hormones are measured, via a blood test, and any deficiencies are identified. Next, a clinician will prescribe a mix of hormones to bring one’s levels into balance. The prescription is filled at a compounding pharmacy using hormones derived from yams. The hormone mixture is contained in a cylindrical pellet (or pellets, depending on the dosage) a little larger than a long grain of rice. A nurse practitioner will apply a topical anesthetic and make a small incision, either in the buttocks or upper hip area, and insert the pellet (or pellets.) The pellet(s) then slowly dissolve, with effects lasting around three to four months.

“Lethargy, decreased libido, weight gain, foggy memory,

For Women and Men! • Low Libido • Hot Flashes • Weight Gain • Bone Loss • Migraines • Insomnia • Mood Swings • Memory Fog • Headaches

night sweats, headaches—these are signs of low testosterone,” Dr. Wootton said. “This happens to 95 percent of people over the age of 30-40, and they’re looking for answers.”

Dr. Wootton began offering BHRT at his Germantown clinic at the beginning of the year. He became interested in the treatment, he said, after attending a health seminar. He’s taken the pellets 7730 Wolf River Blvd. Suite 112 | Germantown, TN 38138

himself, he said, and is impressed with the results. Pellet therapy has been shown to increase energy, improve sleep, lessen hot flashes or night sweats, increase sexual drive and more.

“I thought I was pretty healthy, but I got the pellets and after a month I was like, ‘Wow,’” he said. “You just feel better.”

Call Today for your Free Consultation!

901-572-1477 www.BalancedNaturally.com

Best Apps OpenTable Making reservations for dinner with your special someone has never been easier. With the OpenTable app, you can explore great local restaurants, find available tables (in real time) and earn reward points for your reservations. User-friendly features include search options that can be customized around price, rating or distance. You can check out reviews and see photos of top dishes before booking your table. You can also use the app to leave a special request or message for the restaurant, such as “It’s our anniversary!”

Cost: Free

RelationTips

by 43rd Element, LLC

For dating and relationships

HowAboutWe...

This flirty app describes itself as a way to use online resources to meet people offline, in the real world. For singles, you begin by posting a date idea or viewing date ideas from singles in your area. From there, you connect with the person you’d like to go on a date with and meet to carry out your plans.

The app creators have also launched “how about we” for couples. The app creates dates and offers them to members at discounted prices.

Memberships includes one free date a month and access to specials such as 2-for-1 event tickets.

Cost: Free to join but upgraded membership ($8 a month minimum) includes perks not available for freeversion users.

Avocado: For Couples

Did you know that an avocado tree only bears fruit when paired with another tree or grown in a family? The smartphone app named after the fruit, which is also an Aztec symbol for love and fertility, is dedicated to couples, especially those in long distance relationships.

Couples can use the app to send private messages to one another, share calendars and lists, doodle on photos and send long-distance kisses by placing one’s lips to the screen.

An advantage to using Avocado over traditional text messaging is its archival system, which allows you to easily take a stroll down memory lane and pinpoint special moments shared together.

Cost: Free

DateEscape

by Charmistry

This app offers tips for familial relationships (wife, husband, mother, father, young son, teenage daughter, etcetera). Once the app is downloaded, you’re asked to define the relationships in your life and the suggestions you’d like to receive for each. The suggestions include date ideas, things to say to foster better communication and things to do together to strengthen your bond. You can also add your own ideas, store important dates and information and send yourself reminders on special days.

When you’re in a blinddate situation, it’s probably wise to have an exit strategy, just in case you wind up needing it. Enter Date Escape, the app that places fake calls and texts to your phone, allowing you to make up an excuse that seems legitimate and then exit with some sort of grace. You can plan the timing of the calls and texts, create the name and contact information for your getaway caller, and even record audio to play while you listen to the fake call.

The app also contains dating tips so that users won’t have to, you know, actually use the app that often.

Cost: $1.99

Cost: $0.99

When sex hurts

Story by Erinn Figg

Local study looking for answers to pain problems experienced by one in 12 women

F

or Anne*, a 23-year-old single college student, one of the most

physically agonizing and frustrating times in her life began last July. It started with occasional burning during sex and eventually evolved into unbearable pain whenever she and her boyfriend tried to be intimate. (*Note: Anne’s name was changed in this article, at her request, due to the sensitive nature of the topic.)

“It got more and more frequent until it started happening every time we touched,” Anne said. “We’d start getting close, but then I’d have to stop in the middle of it and go to the bathtub and sit there and splash cold water on myself while I cried. It got to the point where almost all our intimate activity ended with

Symptoms of Vulvodynia Some possible symptoms of vulvodynia:

ll Painful vaginal penetration,

including tampon insertion and gynecologic examinations ll Pain during intercourse ll Vaginal pain caused by

prolonged sitting or wearing fitted pants ll Vaginal itching ll Hot, stabbing or burning

sensation in the vaginal area

me in tears. I didn’t know what to do.”

She went to six different doctors

Health Specialists in Germantown.

Ling correctly identified the source

for help. They tested her for yeast and

of Anne’s discomfort as vulvodynia, a

bacterial infections and did extensive

chronic pain condition that affects a

pelvic exams. Some of them told her that

woman’s external genitals. Vulvodynia

the pain was all in her head. None of them

can wreak havoc in a woman’s life, often

offered any solutions until she visited

causing stress in relationships and

Dr. Frank Ling, director of the Center of

escalating to the point where even sitting

Excellence for Pelvic Pain at Women’s

or wearing certain clothing is painful.

Tennessee Health Science Center. In March of 2011, Brown received a $2.6 million grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, a division of the National Institutes of Health, to lead the first national, multicenter study to find a treatment for vulvodynia. The other participating sites are Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, N.J., and the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y. Brown is the coordinator for all three sites.

Current vulvodynia treatments include antidepressants, oral and topical painkillers, cognitive therapy, pelvic floor muscle therapy, biofeedback and, as a last resort, surgery. Brown’s study

Dr. Candace Brown, professor of clinical pharmacy, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Photo Provided.

In Anne’s case, the condition ultimately ended her relationship.

“My ex-boyfriend was honestly great with the whole thing, but I couldn’t handle the burden of having a condition and also having it affect someone else,” she said.

“We ended up breaking up.”

At the moment, vulvodynia is something of a mystery. According to an August 2011 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vulvodynia affects at least one in 12 women in the United States at least once in her life. It can affect women of all races and ages, from teen to menopausal years, and it varies in intensity, duration and location.

In the medical community, there is much speculation as to the cause of vulvodynia, and researchers are still working to find a definitive answer.

One of those researchers is Dr. Candace Brown, professor of clinical pharmacy, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry at the University of

is testing whether Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant used to treat neuropathic pain, could also be used to treat vulvodynia.

“One theory is that vulvodynia is caused by nerves kind of getting out of hand and misfiring,” she explained in layman’s terms. “Gabapentin is used for many types of neuropathic pain or chronic pain that we feel is nerverelated — such as back pain, migraine, fibromyalgia — that’s a reason we feel it could work for vulvodynia.”

Brown is still recruiting participants for the study, which she hopes will prove beneficial to both researchers and participants.

“We know through research that women go to at least three different doctors before they’re diagnosed with vulvodynia,” she said. “In fact, one of the reasons I think women are interested in a study like ours is because we can tell them whether they do or do not have vulvodynia. And just being able to put a name to it makes a big difference to them.”

Anne, who is now participating in the

Research Study in the Treatment of Women with Pelvic Pain The UTHSC Department of Clinical Pharmacy seeks female volunteers, 18 years of age or older, for a double-blind, placebocontrolled clinical research study to determine the effectiveness of Gabapentin in relieving symptoms associated with vulvodynia, a condition which causes pain during intercourse.

Gabapentin is approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia, and may be effective in treating pain in other conditions, such as vulvodynia.

All participants will receive the study medication half the time and placebo (or inactive treatment) half the time. They also will receive $50 per visit, or a total of $350 if they complete the entire study, and study-related care at no cost.

The research study involves seven visits over an 18- to 20week period. Participants will be asked to keep a daily diary to record their pain.

To learn more about the study, call 448-1500 or go the study website, hopeformypain.org.

study, can testify to that relief.

“At first, it was kind of a bummer to find out that I have a condition that doesn’t have a cure,” she said. “But then being in the study really helped. Just knowing that people are out there looking for different treatments and knowing that, by participating, I’m at least helping other people who are suffering really changed my attitude. Now I’m thinking, ‘It’s not the end of my life. I can handle this.’”

Brown would like to enroll at least 60 women in the Mid-South region in the study by the end of July. She encourages women who are experiencing vaginal discomfort or pain during sex to call 4481500 or visit hopeformypain.org to see if they qualify for the study.

Resources

The following websites offer more information on vulvodynia:

Clinical Trial Information: hopeformypain.org National Vulvodynia Association: nva.org National Institutes of Health: nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/ vulvodynia

Know what you’re fighting!

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Fit to Flatter Summer Style

This season will be remembered for its bold, sporty and shiny pieces. Here are a few of our favorite fashion forward summer dresses.

Flower Fun Printed Dress

$69.99

usa.frenchconnection.com Busy Streets Dress

This cotton and linen dress pairs a warm color, in a bold print, with a cool tennis style. The dropped waist with tie-string fastening provides ease for wear and the ability to adjust.

$158

www.nicandzoe.com The black and white stripes zigzagging down this knee-length dress will flatter one’s curves, while the pops of green give boldness to the design. The black side panels are slimming and give the dress a sporty vibe.

Sequin Pocket Dress

$419

www.calypsostbarth.com This hand-applied sequin dress, inspired by the seventies, has the advantage of modern comforts such as pockets and an elastic waist. Tiny, iridescent sequins shine without overwhelming.

Rag & Bone Blue Racerback Layered Dress

Brocade Floral Dress by Suno

$137

www.shoplesnouvelles.com

www.stylebop.com Thin straps give this layered, soft jersey dress a sporty edge. The loose fit creates a casual feel; strappy sandals welcome.

outfitter

shape up in style

$178

Varying elements in this dress—iridescent floral print, curved empire waist, racerback, low cut armholes, side slit pockets and exposed zipper— make it a versatile wardrobe option. Can be sweet or edgy depending on accessories.

The Orange Effect

New plateau-busting workout studio comes to Memphis

A

lot of fitness centers have televisions in front of the

zone for maximum results.

The new studio in Germantown was

Story by Sara P. Shirley Cover Photo by Nathan Berry Additional photos by Jason Terrell

learning about Orangetheory and seeing potential in the market, he jumped on

treadmills, but at Orangetheory

the first of its kind in Tennessee, but there

the opportunity and became the area

Fitness in Germantown, the on-screen

are several more on the way. The Florida-

developer for the entire state.

entertainment is a little different.

based fitness business was founded four

Orangetheory’s fitness concept centers on heart rate based training in class settings. Members wear monitors

years ago and franchises have spread like wildfire across the nation.

After 25 years in the fitness

during classes and their numbers are

industry and a career that has included

displayed on-screen throughout the

operating clubs from Chicago to Turkey,

workout in order to measure exertion.

Orangetheory Germantown co-owner

Heart rate levels are color-categorized,

Greg McGowan said he felt the time had

and the goal is to stay in the “orange”

come to run his own business. After

“What we’re doing—interval training— is not really new, but it’s presented in a much different way,” he said. “What’s so great is that we’re really focused on exercising smartly. This isn’t a gym where you go for an hour, or longer, and leave not knowing what or how you did.”

Located in the space formerly occupied by Anytime Fitness in the Stonecreek Centre, the Germantown studio is equipped with treadmills, indoor rowing machines, free weights, medicine balls and TRX resistance bands. A personal trainer who has received additional training in Orangetheory’s method teaches each class. The physiological theory behind the Orangetheory workout is known as “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption,” or EPOC. During the 60-minute workout, class participants perform multiple intervals designed to produce 12-20 minutes of training at 84 percent or higher of their maximum heart rates. This program design, according to Orangetheory, produces EPOC, or the workout “after-burn” effect. So, for example, if you burn 600 to 1,000 calories

Owners of the new Orange Theory Fitness Club in Germantown (L to R) Greg & Kelly McGowan and Scot & Libsey James. The club is due to have its grand opening on May 8, 2014.

Photo by Jason R. Terrell

during the workout, you will continue to burn 200 to 400 more over the next 24-36 hours. First timers can try a class

Alli Reed of Orange Theory Fitness creates signage to go outside new fitness club in Germantown at Poplar and Forest Hill Irene.

Photo By Jason R. Terrell

Smile more often

for free, but class sizes are capped at 24. Members can log in to Orangetheory’s smartphone app to reserve class spots, and they also receive emails after each class detailing their performances.

“What excited us most about the concept is that it’s such an amazing product, and it doesn’t limit itself to the extremely fit or young,” said co-owner Kelly McGowan. “The concept works for everyone, and you have a coach there to tell you exactly what you need to do.”

The screens displaying everyone’s performances add a layer of accountability to the workout, Kelly McGowan added.

“You, and your trainer, can look at the screen and see exactly how you’re doing,” Kelly McGowan said. “There’s no faking it.”

For more information about Orangetheory Fitness, visit orangetheoryfitness.com.

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Scot James, co-owner of the new Orange Theory Fitness in Germantown explains the usage of the monitors that give patrons ongoing feedback on their vital signs and progress of their workout. The new fitness club at Poplar and Forest Hill Irene had it’s grand opening Thursday, May 8.

Photo by Jason R. Terrell

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Healthy Relationships

Research suggests that couples who sweat together, stay together. These Memphians found their perfect workout partner and now march by two on the journey to good health. Here’s how fitness helped strengthen their bonds.

Josh and Krista Robinson AGES Krista, 31; Josh, 33 OCCUPATIONS Josh and Krista own and operate a physical therapy business and personal fitness studio, PT Squared, in Collierville. Krista, a physical therapy assistant, sees patients and teaches fitness classes. Josh acts as marketing director and helps with overall business operations.

IN THE NEWS Versions of Josh and Krista’s love story, a tale of remarkable resilience and partnership in the face of tragedy, have been told in various local media outlets. Here’s the short version. Krista and Josh were close friends in college, but Photo by their connection was completely platonic.

Jason Terrell Then, in 2003, when Krista was a junior at The University of Memphis, she fell headfirst from the top of a cheerleading pyramid. Krista’s neck broke, in several places, and she suffered a brain injury. Josh rushed to Krista’s side after the accident and the two realized during Krista’s long, arduous recovery the true love they share.

FITNESS ROUTINE Krista teaches several boot camp and core burning classes at the studio, and Josh takes every class she offers. There are certain moves Krista can’t perform, due to her accident, but her awareness of one’s limitations after injury make her a better trainer and therapist, says Josh. “She’s proof you can have ailments and still get a good workout,” he said. “And if

people knew how much exercise helped with pain, pharmaceutical companies would be upset.”

AT HOME When they aren’t working out together in a class setting, Josh says the couple likes to take their dogs on long walks or work out to dvds at home.

Business is business. Not that I never get an ‘I love you’ in when nobody else is around.

– Josh Robinson

FITNESS ROUTINE Jennifer and Matthew dedicate time on

Mondays and Fridays to work out together. “It’s the best quality time we get,” says Jennifer. “We have different work schedules and we’re also so busy at home with the kids that sometimes this is our only chance to really catch up.”

AT HOME Jennifer and Matthew don’t limit exercise to the gym.

Jennifer works out to kickboxing dvds with the kids when she can’t make it to the gym, and Matthew has already taught their 4-year-old how to do pushups. Chair squats, with miniature chairs for the kids, are also another family fitness favorite.

IN THE FRIDGE The Olivers don’t keep chips or bread in the Photo by Dale Anderson

Jennifer and Matthew Oliver AGES Jennifer, 36; Matthew, 34

OCCUPATIONS Matthew is a trainer and fitness director at

WellWorx Sportsplex. Jennifer is a nuclear medicine technologist at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. The couple has two children, ages 3 and 4.

pantry, and they pack healthy lunches for work.

ADDED BENEFITS “The boost of endorphins that comes

from exercise,” Matthew says. “We get the feel good chemicals going.” Jennifer says she enjoys the give and take that comes with working out as a couple and the accountability it provides. Matthew pushes her in the strength zone, and she takes him to yoga.

Our commitment to fitness is symbolic of our commitment to one another. It helps us support each other.

– Matthew Oliver

Cassie Gerken and Brian Wallis AGES Cassie, 26; Brian, 27 OCCUPATIONS Brian, a former personal trainer, is a sales representative at Konica Minolta. Cassie is a product specialist at The Commercial Appeal.

MEET CUTE Cassie signed up for personal training at WellWorx and met Brian, who was working as a trainer there at the time. When it was time for their second appointment, Cassie was running late so she called the gym to let them know, adding that she couldn’t remember the name of the guy she had an appointment with. “That would be me,” said Brian, who had taken the call. The rest, as they say, is history.

FITNESS ROUTINE Brian and Cassie are committed to

working out at least three days a week. “If we miss more than two a days in a week, we fall into a lull,” Cassie says. Most days, Brian gets to the gym at around 5:30 p.m. to lift weights and then he and Cassie meet up at 6:30 p.m. so they can do cardio together.

AFTER HOURS When they aren’t in the gym, Brian and

Cassie like to go on walks or attend festivals. “Anything where we can be on our feet instead of on the couch,” says Cassie.

FAVORITE EXERCISE Squats ADDED BENEFITS Stress relief, according to Brian.

Accountability, says Cassie.

Photo by Dale Anderson

When one of us hits a personal record or meets a goal, it motivates the other to work a little harder.

– Cassie Gerken

work it out |

step-by-step moves for a healthy body

BUDDY UP PHOTOS BY NATHAN BERRY

I

f you enjoy working out with a partner, challenge

one another with these exercises for two. Personal trainers Corey Klein and Kara Carter, of Klein Fitness in Downtown Memphis, demonstrated some of their favorite partner exercises.

Get off the couch, grab a buddy, and try these fun moves at home or next time you hit the gym.

For more information on the trainers featured in this demonstration, visit www.kleinfitness.com.

Partner Punches (20-30 punches) Equipment: Boxing gloves and Focus Mitts 1. Face your partner. If you’re wearing the gloves, throw your punches to the holder’s mitts.

2. If you’re holding, provide resistance for your partner.

Medicine Ball Sit Ups (10-15 reps) 1. Grab a medicine ball (8-10 lbs.) and sit across from your partner.

2. Hold the ball over your head, and as you sit up, throw the ball to your partner.

3. Your partner will catch the ball, perform a sit up, and throw it back to you.

Rope Pull (30 seconds) 1. One partner will stand and hold the rope at one end. The other will sit (need to be on a slick surface) at the opposite end.

2. The partner on the ground will use the rope to pull himself or herself forward.

The holder will keep the rope elevated and in place, providing resistance.

3. Pull until you make it to your partner, and then switch places and repeat.

Medicine Ball Side Throws (10-12 reps) 1. Stand beside your partner, about four to five feet apart.

2. Hold the ball and twist your trunk. As you untwist, throw the ball to your partner.

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3. The partner will catch the ball, twist, and throw it back. Rotate after a set to work both sides of your body equally.

first class

find new ways to get fit

River Runners Photos by Nathan Berry

A

With her stopwatch at the ready, trainer Stacy Chick pushes members of her running group to improve their lap times.

fter successfully establishing an outdoor boot camp on Mud Island, personal trainer Stacy Chick decided last year to focus her training efforts on her true passion: running. “It just made sense,” Chick said. “I’ve always been so passionate about running, and I was convincing everyone in my boot camp to start running, to start training for a marathon. I was converting people into runners— essentially leading them to transition away from the boot camp.”

So rather than encourage her clients to try running on their own, Chick decided to join them.

She brought her wealth of racing and coaching experience to the River Runners, a group that meets at different locations around Memphis three times a week to train. Members range from experienced athletes looking to improve their times to beginning runners preparing for their first races.

Each member of the group is enrolled in an online training program that Chick monitors. She incorporates boot camp moves into her classes for cross training and improved technique. All the members sign up for races together, and Chick helps them prepare by working with them through long runs on the weekends, setting up water stations and offering support all along the way.

Good Health Editor Sara P. Shirley went to a class on a recent Wednesday morning to meet and train with the group.

Members of the River Runners are placed in small groupings based on pace and individual running goals.

Here’s what happened:

SARA: I’ve run several 5ks and even a couple half-marathons, but I’ve never worked with a running coach. I also have never run with a formal group, so I was interested to learn what that would be like. The only running guidance I’d ever received had come from a smartphone app, and my pace is embarrassingly slow, so I was a little nervous going in. The class I attended started at 5:30 a.m., and I was so anxious that I barely slept the night before. But as soon as I arrived, I realized I’d be fine. Everyone in the group was welcoming, and not everyone was an ultra runner. There were a few other newcomers there with me, and that put my worries to ease.

STACY: This group really is for everyone.

There’s a great story about one of the runners in my group that illustrates this well. The runner, Bill Williams, was someone who came from my boot camp and really had no running experience at all. He hadn’t run in at least 20 years. Before one of our first long runs, I sent an email to the group and told them to bring a snack, something to fuel them during the run.

Bill brought a baggie of bacon.

SARA: Every class is a little different, but when I attended, Stacy was helping us improve our times. We met at the Central High School track and started by running a few laps around the track to warm up. There were about 10 people in the group. Because Stacy keeps up with everyone’s pace, she was able to separate us into small groups based on our speeds and she had us run different lengths with different time goals. As we passed her with each lap, she told us our times and whether or not we were on the right track.

STACY: It can be intimidating to go to a group run and just try to hop in. Here, you have a leader, somebody you’re able to talk to, and that makes it a little less intimidating. This is a safe environment to learn how to run the right way. And here, everybody has a buddy. Whether it’s a pair that comes together or runners who meet in the class, nobody runs alone.

SARA: After having not run in several months, joining the class for a run was really motivating. I didn’t even mind having woken up so early because I felt so great afterward.

I’d love to continue with the group and sign up for a race with them in the near future. I know, without a doubt, I’d beat any time I’d ever made while training on my own.

STACY: Everyone in the group is enrolled in a basic training plan, and each person gets a workout based on the times they put in. There’s some accountability that comes from it because they have to log in to their accounts and input what they did. My goal is for this to grow into a real running community, where everyone will have a plan and some coaching and reach goals they never thought possible.

For more information on the River Runners, visit riverworkoutmemphis.com.

BILL: To be clear, I still eat whatever I want at home, and Stacy works it off me.

STACY: Now he can run up to a halfmarathon and has completed numerous races.

He really went from the couch to a runner in an amazing way. And he doesn’t bring bacon with him anymore.

Trainer Stacy Chick sets up hurdles to help her runners stretch their hip flexors after a class.

Sex Therapy Get the scoop on what really happens inside a session

F

or many people, sex can be a touchy subject, particularly when there’s a problem involved.

According to the most recent statistics from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, nearly a third of all adult U.S. men and half of all women have a significant concern related to sexual function. Add a relationship into the mix and many couples could quickly find themselves in a state of crisis.

“What we usually discover is that couples who are having relational problems can easily have sexual problems, and couples who are having sexual problems can have relational problems,” said Betty Shadish, certified sex therapist and coordinator of the family therapy

When to Seek Sex Therapy When a sexual concern arises, both Gilman and Shadish recommend seeking help sooner rather than later.

Here are a few common reasons to see a sex therapist: • Unhappiness with frequency of sex • Problems achieving or maintaining an erection • Low sexual desire • Premature ejaculation • Pain during intercourse (an initial medical examination is recommended) • Unexplained change in sexual needs or behaviors • Inability to experience orgasm • Fear or inability to develop intimacy with your partner Source: American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, aamft.org

5

facts that may surprise you Story by Erinn Figg

program at the Memphis VA Medical Center.

For this reason, sometimes couples who seek relationship therapy really need sex therapy, Shadish says. But to the uninformed, “sex therapy” can sound a little daunting, possibly conjuring images of those uncomfortable parental “sex talks” that were a rite of passage with puberty.

Here are five facts about sex therapy to help clear up some of the mystery:

1

It’s all talk.

Don’t let the name be deceiving.

There’s no touching in sex therapy – no demonstrations, no evaluations, no clothes removed, absolutely nothing of that sort.

“It’s all talk therapy,” said Shadish, one of two Mid-South sex therapists with credentials from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, the country’s oldest and largest professional certifying group.

“Interestingly, many couples don’t even talk to each other about sex, so coming in together and talking with somebody they don’t even know can be difficult. My job is to make it comfortable and safe for them to be able to talk about their problem. I’ll often use questionnaires if people are uncomfortable talking. We go at a couple’s pace, at their comfort level.”

2

Sometimes God joins the conversation.

No matter what the issue in bedroom is, it’s hard to faze a good sex therapist, even a Christian one.

“You can’t say anything I haven’t

already heard,” said Brenda Gilman, a certified sex therapist with HeartLife Professional Soul Care, a not-forprofit Christian counseling center in Germantown.

In addition to being a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider of 10 years, Gilman is certified through the American Board of Christian Sex Therapists, which requires at least a master’s degree and state license in a mental health field, a minimum of 150 hours in sex education and training – including the theology of sex – and a minimum of 250 hours of supervised field work. Gilman is one of two ABCST-certified sex therapists in the Mid-South.

“I do see couples who aren’t married but sexually active,” she said. “I’m not there to tell them to stop or condemn them or anything like that, but I do counsel from a Biblical foundation... I’m there to educate on God’s creative intent and why he created marriage and sexual intimacy.”

Gilman says couples sometimes are surprised by some of her advice when

it concerns spicing up things in the bedroom.

“They sometimes say, ‘Oh, you’re OK with that?’ If it’s something that makes sex playful and exciting and they’re both agreeable to it, then yes, I’m OK with that,” she said.

3

There may be homework.

Gilman says her passion is helping couples develop a healthy sexuality and yes, she does give homework when necessary, as does Shadish and other sexual therapists.

“Often we do sexual retraining, where a couple will learn a completely new way of what healthy sexuality looks like, whether that be through more open communication or exercises to take home and use to rediscover their sexuality together,” Gilman said.

Both counselors also often recommend books. Gilman prefers “A Celebration Of Sex: A Guide to Enjoying

God’s Gift of Sexual Intimacy,” by Dr. Douglas Rosenau, while Shadish says one of her favorites is the light-hearted “A Guide to Getting It On,” by Paul Joannides, which includes illustrations and a great deal of humor.

4

Sometimes therapy can be fun.

While both experts counsel couples with serious issues, such as sexual disorders and healing from trauma, they also help others build stronger relationships and keep things in perspective.

“Frequently when a couple starts talking about their sexual desires, you’ll have someone who says, ‘I had no idea that was something you would be interested in,’” Shadish said. “So sometimes there isn’t that openness about looking at each other’s sexual interests and talking about them. Sex should be playful; it shouldn’t be deadly

serious. A lot of what I try to do is to add that playfulness into that relationship.”

5

There’s nothing wrong with seeking sex therapy, and many therapists are qualified to offer it.

Shadish says the most important message she’d like to convey is that there’s no stigma attached to sex therapy and many general therapists are wellequipped to handle sexual issues. She said gynecologists and urologists are good sources for such referrals.

“There are some very competent professionals in town who can offer sex therapy. They may not have gone through the most strenuous certification processes, but they’re perfectly qualified to work with sexual issues,” Shadish said.

For more information: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists: aasect.org American Board of Christian Sex Therapists: sexualwholeness.com/abcst.html

A

s we age, half of our saliva may be lost before we know we have a problem.

Waiting for symptoms to arise may be too late. Saliva is protective to the oral tissues as well as the first step in digestion. Many people don’t realize they are coping with reduced saliva and frequently eat candies, mints or sip soda throughout the day. If Dry Mouth remains undiagnosed and unmanaged, it can lead to bad breath, oral infection and significantly greater risk of cavities. That’s why it’s important to be proactive. Make an appointment with our University Dental Faculty Practice where technology meets old-fashioned care.

D

r. Gary Rollins, DDS is an assistant professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1975. He had a prior practice in Little Rock, AR for thirty-eight years.

We Practice What We Teach New patients of all ages are welcomed and most dental insurances are accepted.

UNIVERSITY DENTAL FACULTY PRACTICE 875 Union Ave. C 303 • Memphis, TN, 38163

Hours: Monday- Friday 8AM - 12PM • 1PM - 5PM Call for an appointment 901.448.6476 www.uthsc.edu/dentistry/UDP/

University Dental Faculty Practice

Prostate Problems Story and photo from Saint Francis Healthcare

P

gloved finger into the rectum to feel the

most problems are not cancer. Even if

condition. A prostate-specific antigen test

cancer is diagnosed, the relative five-

then may be ordered to check whether

year survival rate for all men is nearly

prostate cells are producing high levels

100 percent. The most common prostate

of this protein due to the presence of

problem diagnosed in men in over 50 is

cancer. A urinalysis may be necessary to

prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic

detect traces of blood in the urine that

hyperplasia (BHP). This condition occurs

could indicate a kidney stone or infection.

because the prostate continues to grow

Magnetic resonance imaging or computed

as a man matures, potentially squeezing

tomography scans can be used to identify

the urethra and affecting bladder control.

abnormal structures. A cystoscopy may

Men under the age of 50 are more likely to

be done to see inside the urethra and

experience an inflammation or infection,

bladder to determine the location of

called prostatitis.

any blockage. The diagnosis of prostate

rostate problems frequently occur in men over the age of 50. Fortunately,

The prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut that is located in front

prostate and evaluate its size, shape and

cancer would be confirmed using a transrectal ultrasound and rectal biopsy.

of the rectum just below the bladder. It

help urine flow.

wraps around the urethra, which carries

Acute prostatitis can start suddenly

urine out of the body. The prostate is part of a man’s sex organs and is responsible

and cause fever, chills or lower back pain.

• Presence of blood in urine or semen

Nationally recognized for excellence of care by Aetna, BlueCross, CIGNA, and United Healthcare, Saint Francis is in-network for more than 85 managed care insurance plans, including BlueCross-S, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, CIGNA,

• Feeling pain or a burning sensation

Humana, and United.

for producing fluid that is part of semen.

Regardless of age, men should see a doctor immediately if they notice any signs of prostate problems, such as: • Frequent urge to urinate • Having to get up during the night to urinate

block the bladder opening or surgery to

while urinating

Another form of prostatitis, called chronic bacterial prostatitis, is an infection that occurs repeatedly. Both may be treated with antibiotics. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a condition that is difficult to treat and may need more than one round of treatment.

Different prostate problems, including prostate cancer, may cause similar symptoms. That is why it is

• Inability to urinate

important to see your doctor to determine

• Painful ejaculation

if there is something wrong with your

• Urine dribbling

If BHP is diagnosed, the condition can

prostate. Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis

be managed several ways. Mild symptoms

offers the daVinci robot and CyberKnife

may not require any treatment. However,

technology as options for prostate cancer

regular checkups are necessary to make

treatment. For more information about

involve several tests, the first of which

sure the condition does not worsen. Other

prostate problems, talk with your doctor

is usually the digital rectal exam (DRE).

options include taking medications to

or call 901-765-1811 for a free physician

During a DRE, the physician inserts a

shrink or relax the prostate so it does not

referral.

• Recurrent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvic area or upper leg Diagnosing prostate problems may

Howell 34 Evans

#memfit

healthy peer pressure

Software Developer SPORT Cycling SUPPORT Boscos Restaurant and Brewing Company. Victory Bicycle Studio.

WHY I CYCLE I cycle for health and fun. It gives me a great way to clear my head and relax.

Cycling gives me a wonderful chance to spend long hours with friends and see beautiful scenery.

ROLE MODELS My Parents.

BRAGGING RIGHTS Rule 81. Don’t talk it up.

POWER SONG Drinking From the Necks of the Ones You Love by These Arms are Snakes

FITNESS GOAL Make it up long climbs without praying for death.

FAVORITE GEAR I love my new Cervelo S3 and Fizik R1 shoes.

NOBODY KNOWS I make up dumb songs for my cat almost every day.

FIT TIP Rule 10. It never gets easier, you just go faster.

CELEBRITY CRUSH Tilda Swinton Photo by Nathan Berry

Next Up

GUILTY PLEASURE Cookies and Cream Milk Shakes MS 150. My Cycling team raises money every year to support MS research. Over the last two years we have raised around 60,000 dollars. Our Goal this year is to raise 40,000 dollars. You can find out more on the Boscos Cycling facebook page.

Confessions of a Mid-South Mom

T

his month, the topic at hand is one we like to call “it.” You know, the stuff you only speak about with girlfriends and hope your parents NEVER bring up.

As a parent, however, talking about “it” with your children is a responsibility, as terrifying as “it” may seem. The fact is, if you don’t do it, someone else will.

As a mother of two, I have had a unique experience with this particular situation. My son was born when my daughter was 7 years old. She began asking me questions as soon as she could see the bump in my belly. At first, I gave answers such as, “after college, when you fall in love and get married, you are blessed with a baby” and the “the doctor will help mommy get the baby out of her tummy.”

When those didn’t satisfy her curiosity, I knew it was time for “the talk.”

I know, 7 years old is early. It wasn’t in my plans. But I also knew that if she didn’t hear

it from me, she would hear it from others, like friends at school. And what do 7 years olds know?

What was it like telling a 7-year-old about the “birds and the bees?” It sucked. It wasn’t something I enjoyed doing.

Yes. I told her everything. I even told her about the wonderful day that I had her. I was calm. I answered directly. And something I didn’t expect happened. I earned her trust.

My daughter is 11 years old now and thinks she knows everything. But it isn’t unusual for her to pull me aside to ask questions, talk about something she heard or talk to me about problems. That one conversation solidified in her that mommy will always tell her the truth.

It opened a line of communication that I wish for every mom and her child. Plus, the look on her face—you know, the one of pure disgust— was priceless.

My daughter knows what she needs.

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by Amy Mills

She knows how babies are made. She knows how babies are born. She knows to save her kisses for her Daddy and Papa. She knows she is gifted and beautiful, inside and out. But most importantly, she knows, no matter what, Mommy is always there.

As for my 4-year-old son…I think I will let my husband take care of that talk.

We’re always here to help, 7 days a week.

In Loving Memory of Our Faithful Companions Pet Cemetery, Crematory, and Funeral Home

ADULT BRIEFS • LINERS & BED PADS • SPECIALITY SKIN CARE • CUSTOM SIZES

Locally Owned & Operated • American Made

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June racing calendar 6/6 HarborTown 5k Harbor Town, Memphis harbortown5k.com 6/7 Heel to Heal 5k Trail and Road Race Advent Presbyterian Church, Cordova adventpres.sitewrench.com/5krun

6/8 The Navy 10 Mile Nautical Miler 7915 Memphis Ave., Millington thenavy10nm.com

6/8 Israel Festival 5k

Audubon Park, Memphis friendsofisrael5k.com

6/8 LUVWIG 5k Fun Run Audubon Park, Memphis memphisfoi.org

6/8 Mid-South Transplant Foundation Ride for Life Memorial Park, Memphis midsouthtransplantrfl.racesonline.com

6/14-6/15 Legend of Stanky Creek Time Trial and Cross Country Nesbit Park, Bartlett stankycreek.com 6/14 Outdoors Inc. Canoe and Kayak Race Mississippi River Park, Memphis outdoorsinc.com/pages/canoe-race

Outdoors Inc.’s Canoe and Kayak Race is the largest river event in Memphis. Photo provided by Joe Royer.

Editor’s Note Are you participating in any of these races?

Send us a picture and tell us about your experience. E-mail the editor at patterson@commercialappeal.com.

racing calendar (cont’d) 6/14 Gibson Guitar/Baldwin Piano 5k Run-

Walk for St. Patrick Center 2nd @ Beale Street, Downtown Memphis gibsonguitar5k.racesonline.com

6/20 Memphis Farmers Market 5k Crop Hop Market Pavilion, Downtown Memphis memphisfarmersmarket.org/events 6/21 Memphis Civitan Summer Run Shelby Farms, Memphis memphiscivitan5k.racesonline.com

6/28 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Tour for a Cure Peddler Bike Shop, Germantown tourforacurememphis.com

6/28 Ultimate 10k & 5k

LISTEN UP! Q

by Hearing and Balance Centers of West Tennessee

: IS IT SAFE TO PURCHASE HEARING AIDS ONLINE?

A

: We all would like to consider ourselves savvy consumers who do not want to pay more than is necessary. While purchasing hearing aids online may seem convenient, private, and less expensive, be wary and be warned. Some devices advertised to improve hearing online are not really hearing aids at all but just amplifiers. Others might be hearing aids that are discontinued-or close to being discontinued-and may not be serviceable but for a short period of time. Other things you should know about online hearing aid purchasing: • A hearing aid is a complex medical device, not a simple sound amplifier that makes everything louder.

A good hearing aid has a digital sound processor programmed by an audiologist, or a licensed hearing instrument specialist, to meet your personal hearing needs.

• Hearing aids bought online without a complete diagnostic hearing test will not have the right prescription for your hearing loss. A thorough hearing evaluation done by a professional in a soundtreated booth is the best way to determine the actual type and degree of hearing loss. An online hearing screening cannot determine the cause of the loss, which may be something as minor as earwax or as serious as a brain tumor.

• Hearing aids are not “one size fits all”. The fit is the most important factor in you being successful with a hearing aid. If a hearing aid does not fit the ear properly, the aid will not sound right. Plus, feedback (whistling) frequently occurs with a poorly fitting hearing aid.

• For the best hearing aid fitting, you must have an accurate hearing evaluation, appropriate hearing aid selection, a good fitting instrument, time to get use to the hearing aids, and follow-up visits for fine-tuning and adjustments. It may take two or three office visits to tune your hearing aids to the most optimal settings.

Hearing aids are an investment in your quality of life. Purchasing a hearing aid online will get you a hearing aid, but at what cost? At Hearing and Balance Centers of West Tennessee, it is our goal to fit you with a hearing aid best suited for your hearing loss, budget and lifestyle. In addition, we will follow you for the life of the hearing aid to make sure it is providing you the best hearing possible.

Call 901-842-4327 today to schedule an appointment for a Free Hearing Screening at Hearing and Balance Centers of West Tennessee.

Elizabeth Hopkins, Hearing Instrument Specialist; Lori Frederick, Audiologist; Dr. Kay Tackett, Audiologist, Dr. Courtney House, Audiologist

St. Philip Episcopal Church, Memphis ultimate10k.racesonline.com

6/28 Healthy Shelby 5k

Shelby Farms, Memphis healthyshelby5k.racesonline.com

Saille Healing Path, LLC Integrative Wellness Center

Inhale • Exhale • Slow Down Highly experienced therapists providing our community with professional natural healthcare options in pursuit of wellness.

Massage Therapy • Acupuncture • Manual Lymph Drainage Nutrition • Yoga Classes • Pilates Classes Oncology Care • Pain Management • Surgery and Medical Care Recovery Daily Aches and Pains • Wellness Care Schedule Today Online

SailleHealingPath.com

901-545-9086

1147 Cully Road, Suite 101, Cordova 38018

6242 Poplar Avenue 901-842-4327 www.hearingmemphis.com

A hot meal C

an food really get you “in the mood?�

For centuries, it been suggested that certain foods may have aphrodisiaclike properties. While there is very little research that supporting natural or foodbased aphrodisiacs, there is a reason we think of certain foods on a romantic evening. Certain foods can be visually stimulating, helping to turn up the heat, so to speak.

Let’s start with the most obvious of the sensual foods, chocolate. Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate has been studied for years. The dark side of this food is a good one. Over the last several years, studies have suggested that dark chocolate may prevent certain precursors of heart disease. In addition to being heart-healthy, dark chocolate may improve blood vessel walls and blood flow throughout the body. That sure doesn’t hurt date night.

It’s likely strawberries come to mind when you think about planning an evening for that special someone.

Whether it’s their visually appealing

food clues

honest nutrition advice

heart shape or the antioxidant power, strawberries are sure to make an appearance when love is in the air. You may decide to enjoy strawberries with dark chocolate (either on the side or dipped) for the ultimate sensuous pairing.

If strawberries aren’t your thing, you could always turn to figs, the fruit of the ancient gods. This velvety, seed-laden and antioxidant-rich fruit has been a symbol of love and fertility in many cultures.

Looking for even more spice?

Research suggests that a chemical found in hot peppers, capsaicin, may improve blood flow and rev up nerve endings.

Incorporating this fiery factor into a meal may make for a particularly hot evening.

But, don’t eat too much. A stomach that’s overfull, especially with spicy foods, is not a welcomed ingredient for a romantic evening.

Whether these foods have arousing properties or just sensual shapes, don’t underestimate the power of the placebo effect.

If you think it works, it just might.

About the author Leslie Schilling is a Memphis-based, nationally recognized nutrition expert, media spokesperson and speaker. She owns Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC, a nutrition counseling practice in East Memphis. You can keep up with nutrition news by following @ NutritionLeslie on Twitter or Facebook.

good food

wholesome recipes and nutrition tips

Zippy Southwest Chicken Fajita Salad

FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Pico de Gallo American/Southern 4 servings About $4.12 per serving 2

tomatoes, chopped

½ small onion, diced, any color 1

jalapeño, chopped (optional - seeds can be removed to be milder)

¼ cup chopped cilantro 2

teaspoons lime juice or lemon juice

Directions 1.

In a small bowl, add all the ingredients and combine

Cooking Tips: If you like spicy food, use 2 jalapeños in the pico de gallo and also keep the seeds in the jalapenos. Also, homemade pico de gallo is easy to make and much tastier than canned.

Per serving Calories Total Fat Saturated Fat Trans Fat Polyunsaturated Fat Monounsaturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbohydrates Dietary Fiber Sugars Protein

305 5.5 g 1.0 g 0.0 g 3.0 g 5.5 g 69 mg 235 mg 7 mg 4g 1g 22 g

Zippy Southest Chicken Fajita Salad 2½ cups chopped chicken

Directions

1

1.

16-ounce frozen bag bell pepper and onion stir-fry, thawed

1

15.5-ounce can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed

¾ teaspoon mild no-salt chili powder 1

head lettuce (green leaf, red leaf or romaine), chopped or torn into small pieces

2

whole-wheat tortillas, halved (optional)

Grocery Tips: If you can’t find frozen onions and bell peppers, substitute with lowsodium canned or frozen corn.

In a heatproof bowl, add chicken, vegetables, beans, and chili powder. Stir and heat in microwave until warmed.

2. Pile lettuce onto plates. Top with chicken mixture and pico de gallo.

Serve with tortilla halves, if desired.

Keep it Healthy: Any other vegetables on sale can be used like avocado, cucumber, scallions, or canned green chiles.

All recipes copyright © 2013 American Heart Association. This recipe is brought to you by the American Heart Association’s Simple Cooking with Heart ® Program. For more simple, quick and affordable recipes, visit heart.org/simplecooking.

Which activity generally burns more calories per hour?

Playing golf or shooting basketballs?

True or False: Gardening (general, light to medium effort) burns more calories than light weight lifting.

Answers: 1. They both burn, on average, the same amount of calories. 2. True