Health & Wellness

Publisher: Tina Svoboda

Editor: Jimmy Potts

Office Manager: Debbie Wiedmaier

Composing Manager: Helen Guffey

Graphic Designer: Kristin Ryan

Sales Rep: Amy Keeney

The Medical Marijuana Business is Blooming

By Glory Fagan C-O Reporter editor@mycameronnews.com

In recent months, Cameron has secured a place on the Northwest Missouri map as a cultivation and dispensary destination for all legalized forms of cannabis. Marijuana was sanctioned for medical use by Missouri residents in 2018, followed by approval for recreational use in 2023. Medically, marijuana is used to alleviate pain and nausea for chronic conditions ranging from cancer and epilepsy to glaucoma and migraines. These and other qualifying conditions enable those suffering from a plethora of illnesses to apply for a Medical Marijuana card to achieve an improved quality of life through a state-approved alternative means of treatment to traditional healthcare.

With a medical marijuana card, those seeking full THC cannabis can pull up to the drive up window at Bloom, located

at 121 South Walnut in Cameron, for a number of forms, such as marijuana flowers, pre-rolls, oils, edibles, tinctures and vapes, offered to accommodate

patients with various physical and mental health conditions.

However, as marijuana is only stateapproved and not federally legalized,

many healthcare providers can or will not prescribe it. Since Cameron Regional Medical Center and its practitioners receive federal funds though Medicare and Medicaid, they will not prescribe medical marijuana and prohibit its use or possession in all of their facilities. Not only is medical marijuana not subject to federal reimbursement, most private insurance will not pay for it.

In addition to the issue of funding, without evidence-based studies and randomized and double-blind trials, hospital guidelines do not permit its authorization for patients. According to Dr. Laura Harbison, a CRMC doctor at the Walnut Medical Clinic, though there might be anecdotal evidence of the efficacy of medical marijuana for certain conditions, without FDA monitoring or approval, there is no standardized dosing. However, she said medical marijuana can be effective to combat nausea for cancer-related treatments and chemo toleration. It has been known to help those with epilepsy and for pain management. Dr. Harbison said of her patients who choose to procure medical marijuana somehow anyway, “Go right ahead. But please tell your healthcare provider in case there are any medical interactions.”

In November 2022, Missouri voters approved Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which revised existing constitutional provisions regarding medical marijuana and legalized recreational marijuana for adults ages 21 and older. The Missouri Hospital Association provides guidelines for hospitals, which in theory protect those who prescribe

marijuana for medical use, but “until the state and federal government are on the same page and marijuana use is not in violation of DEA regulations, Cameron Regional and its providers will not be prescribing it,” said Dr. Harbison.

As marijuana is now legal in Missouri for recreational use, some seeking medicinal cannabis but without a prescription might choose to go that route. However limitations on possession amounts and a tax structure favors sanctioned medical use make this less than ideal. Another option for patients is to apply online for a medical marijuana card through agencies that connect patients with specialists who assist with the card-approval process.

Wonder Drugs

By Glory Fagan C-O Reporter editor@mycameronnews.com

What if there were an FDA-approved wonder drug that not only lowered insulin levels for diabetics, but also reduced cardiovascular risk and resulted in significant weight loss for those with or without diabetes? Too good to be true? Yes and no. Clinical studies show that an injectable class of semaglutide drugs marketed by Novo Nordisk as Ozempic and Wegovy offer just such benefits. “Ozempic and Wegovy are identical compounds branded differently for different indications,” according to Dr. Laura Harbison, a physician with Cameron Regional Medical Center. Ozempic is prescribed for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Essentially Ozempic helps lower blood sugar as it slows the emptying of food from the stomach and intestines, helping patients feel full longer, while simultaneously suppressing

chemicals in the brain that cause hunger. Under the brand name Wegovy, the same FDA-approved formula for weight loss, is by all account “a miracle drug” for those who are clinically obese, according to Dr. Harbison. People see as much as a 20 to 40 pound reduction over time. Seen as an alternative to bariatric surgery, which is invasive and can be non-reversible, Wegovy has fewer adverse impacts.

So, if both classes of drugs offer such miraculous benefits, what is the catch? “Availability and cost,” says Dr. Harbison. “There is a critical shortage. Plus insurance does not cover the cost,”

she added. At over $1000 a month, few can afford the out-of-pocket expense even if they can find it, and it is only effective as long as it is taken. To add insult to the injurious cost and scarcity, unpleasant side effects have been reported. According to Dr. Harbison, these include “nausea, heartburn, vomiting, constipation, and just feeling gross.” For this reason, the dosage has to be stair-stepped. Patients begin on a very low dose and once the side effects are under control, the dosage is incrementally increased .

Another drug that can lower body mass by as much as 15% is on the horizon. Mounjaro, which has been approved for insulin-resistant Type-2 Diabetes, has been submitted by Eli Lilly for FDAapproval for weight loss. It comes with a “black box warning” against use by anyone with certain thyroid and endocrine conditions. Still early studies show Mounjaro promises to offer even greater weight loss potential.

Local walking trail amenable to patrons with special needs

By Jimmy Potts Editor editor@mycameronnews.com

Work continues on multiple outdoor trails at the Cameron Reservoir, serving the physical needs of all its visitors.

While the city officials continue blazing the Eagle Lake Primitive Trail, the ADA Trail - which serves as main artery for access to all the Cameron Reservoir’s amenitiescontinues inching closer to completion.

Due to a brutally cold winter, city workers experienced slight delays to the project.

“We started removing the brush. We’re not quite halfway due to the weather, and things like that. That process has slowed down quite a bit, but we’re continuing as long as we can get out there,” Cameron Parks Maintenance Coordinator Neil Cooper said.

Funding for much previous and current trail extension comes from Missouri Lake and Wildlife Conservation Foundation grants. As the primary pathway, ranked by “All Trails” as one of the area’s most wheelchair accessible walking paths,

beginning at the McElwain Drive parking lot. Looping around Sunrise Lake, the trail provides multiple locations for picnicking, birdwatching and bodyweight workout stations constructed by local Boy Scouts troops.

The ADA Trail ends at the ADA fishing dock, coined the crown jewell of the Cameron Reservoir by former Public Works Director Drew Bontrager, and constructed with donations from the Cameron Rotary Club, which recently celebrated its 100th year of operation.

For the more ambitious, Cameron hopes to soon open the Eagle Lake Primitive Trail.

Spanning much of the length of Eagle Lake, construction of the Eagle Lake Trail began last year, following a conversation between Cameron Park Board President Matt Arndt and then Cameron Mayor Dennis Clark. Using a gravel road leading to a pump house as a reference point, Arndt slowly carved a path around Eagle Lake. Following a discussion at the Cameron City Council’s recent retreat in Excelsior Springs, seeking to create more tourism around the Cameron Reservoir, a push began to open the trail this summer. Ever the consummate perfectionist, Arndt said opening the trail may take longer then expected as they continue added footbridges, removing dangerous fauna and other safety concerns.

“I’ve been working on this for a year and a half, and have a good start to a trail. The bridges, there are multiple places that I would like to see footbridges out there. The ones that, to me, are dangerous that are out there are the spillways at both ends of the lake,” Arndt said.

Hydration business offers unique solution to common, and uncommon ailments

By Jimmy Potts Editor editor@mycameronnews.com

A Jamesport business provides a unique solution to multiple health ailments, even providing services to the usually technologically skittish Amish Community.

Due to its rural location RDK Wellness and IV Hydration has a diverse list of clients seeking to relieve an equally diverse list of ailments.

“When you come here to IV Hydration, you can receive all of the nutrients and hydration you need all in one setting for just 30 minutes or an hour, depending on which hydration you use,” said Rachel King, owner of RDK Wellness and IV Hydration.

Like many of her clients, King said she often has bouts with dehydration due to the rigors of everyday life as a business owner and mother. Until she found an effective treatment, like many of her clients, she thought the symptoms of dehydration were simply the result of a busy schedule.

“It becomes your norm. You can be fatigued or notice your skin is really dry or your tongue is dry. A lot of people notice they just lack a lot of energy. That’s where most of our people start seeking us out,” King said.

RDK Wellness and IV Hydration opened in January. After visiting a similar business opened by her friends in Kansas City, King said she soon caught on to the benefits of IV hydration treatment.

“I tried the immune boost. I had a really stuffy nose, and I didn’t want to go to the doctor. I didn’t have time. I got my hydration, and felt so good. I went back and thought,

this is such a great resource. I would really like to have it in our community,” King said. “It’s been really good so far. We’ve had all different people from all over, even [Excelsior Springs]. Ridgeway, Bethany and a lot of our locals. Even some of the Amish Community. It’s interesting, but it’s all natural vitamins and minerals, so they’re really interested in the service we’re providing.”

Along with hydration, King’s business also provides lab services in order to pinpoint vitamin and mineral deficiencies. She said area physicians often refer her services to patients.

“We can make sure they benefit right away from our hydrations. A lot of the things we do are more preventative, and insuring you meet all of your wellness goals. Of course, we tell all of our clients to involve their primary care physician insure we’re all working together in one cohesive goals, whether it’s their heart, lowering their A1C, if they’re a diabetic - all of those things,” King said.

Should carbs be avoided at night?

Many people are familiar with the notion that avoiding carbs at night can ensure they are not ultimately stored as fat. But is that perception the truth, a halftruth or a complete fabrication? As popular as the “no carbs at night” approach may be, it’s not entirely accurate. In fact, the Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences notes that consuming carbohydrates at night can help to improve sleep by corralling the hormone cortisol, which the body produces in response to stress. If that hormone is not controlled at night, individuals may experience difficulty falling asleep. That’s potentially harmful, especially for individuals who are hoping to lose weight through exercise. A good night’s rest ensures the body has ample time to repair itself and recover. Without that recovery time, individuals may be more vulnerable to injuries that can compromise their efforts to get healthier. The INFS also notes that carbohydrates also serve as energy sources that help the body to build muscle and burn fat, so avoiding carbs entirely also could

make it hard for individuals to achieve their health and fitness goals.

Despite the many ways carbs help the body, the notion that it’s best to avoid them at night is not entirely inaccurate. However, rather than avoiding carbs at night, the INFS recommends individuals avoid excessive consumption of carbs. Excessive consumption of any food can compromise efforts to eat healthier, and carbs are no exception to that rule. But loading up on carbs at night can make the scale an uninviting place in the morning. That’s because carbs have a tendency to retain water, which the INFS indicates can lead to an increase in body weight.

Carbs perform a host of important functions in the body and play a vital role in helping people achieve their fitness goals. Though carbs need not be avoided at night, individuals should avoid overdoing it with carbs at the dinner table.

How to pair food with exercise

Food pairing is often discussed in terms of which wines best complement particular dishes. But pairing food with exercise merits consideration, as it can create the balance needed for overall health.

Food plays an important role in workouts, giving individuals the energy necessary to perform at their peak. Timing meals appropriately and knowing what to eat before or after a workout can make a difference.

Creatine benefits weight lifting

Creatine is an organic acid that is an important ingredient for short duration, high-intensity exercises, such as weight lifting. According to Kelly Pritchett, Ph.D., RDN, director of the nutrition graduate program and assistant professor of nutrition and exercise science at Central Washington University, foods

rich in protein from meat, poultry and fish can help optimize stores of creatine. Creatine also may be found in foods and beverages targeted to athletes, like protein shakes and snacks.

Pre-workout mixes include protein and carbohydrates

A snack or mini meal one to three hours before a workout

is ideal so that digestive issues don’t occur during a workout when the body directs more blood to muscles than digestion. Food pairings that include a high quality carbohydrate, like whole grain bread or oatmeal, with a protein source, such as peanut butter or milk, can be key. Blood sugar will stay steady with whole grain carbs, and the protein will help you to feel full and avoid overeating after a workout.

Glucose, glycogen and running

Distance running or other exercises that require endurance, such as skating or biking, require ample energy stores. Although low-carbohydrate diets are popular for people looking to lose weight, they’re not ideal for people who engage in endurance sports and need carbohydrates for energy, states Johns Hopkins Medicine. Endurance athletes need more carbs than those who aren’t training. These activities use both glucose in the blood and glycogen, which is sugar stored in the liver and muscles. Eating plenty of healthy carbs helps bolster energy stores. Whole fruits and grains are good sources of carbohydrates.

Benefits of bananas

For those with limited time to grab a bite before a workout, bananas might be the perfect

option. According to WebMD, bananas have easily digestible carbs that will not weigh you down. The potassium in bananas also may help prevent muscle cramps during and after workouts.

Power up with potatoes

Potatoes are whole foods, meaning they contain a balance of all the essential amino acids, despite being low in whole protein. They’re also rich in vitamin B6, which is critical to protein metabolism, says Mark Anthony, Ph.D., adjunct professor of science and nutrition at St. Edwards University, Austin. Potatoes also contain the right mix of sodium and potassium to maintain an electrolyte balance in the body.

Recover right

A mix of carbohydrates and lean proteins also is ideal for exercise recovery. Mix in good fats like avocado and olive oil. Carbs will help replenish depleted levels of glycogen and high-quality protein will help build and repair muscle. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids to replace what was lost while working out.

Food and exercise go hand in hand. It’s important to eat well to keep the body in top form.

What to do when a workout grows stale

Exercise is one of the foundations of a healthy lifestyle. Routine exercise can help individuals reduce their risk for various illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, and can even have a positive effect on mental health.

Making a commitment to routine exercise can be an adjustment for people accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle. But even the most devoted fitness enthusiasts will face certain hurdles on their exercise journeys. One such obstacle is a stale workout. Repeating the same exercises each day for months on end can grow boring, and that boredom may put individuals’ commitment to fitness in jeopardy. If a workout has grown stale, the following strategies might help people stay on a healthy track.

• Don’t wait for a workout to grow stale. The most effective way to overcome a stale workout routine is to avoid it entirely. Switching up a routine every four to six weeks can provide enough change to avoid the boredom that can develop after following the same regimen for weeks. Strength-training regimens can shift from focusing on building muscle to toning muscle. Various fitness experts note that fewer repetitions with more weight is a great way to build muscle, while more reps with less weight can help to tone muscle. Switching back and forth between these approaches can help to

avoid exercise boredom. With cardiovascular training, skip the treadmill on nice days in favor of cycling or jogging outdoors.

• Establish new goals. Fitness goals can provide all the motivation individuals need to commit to an exercise regimen. But interest can wane after such goals have been achieved. That’s why it’s important to continue setting new goals. When establishing new fitness goals,

don’t forget to consider the fun factor. Pursuit of a goal that’s fun will likely be more engaging, so identify some goals that will be effective and enjoyable.

• Bring others on board. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that individuals tend to feel more motivated and they’re more likely to try new activities when working out with a partner. Individuals who have been going it alone with their fitness regimens might find involving others can make workouts less boring, and the presence of another person can make it safer for individuals to expand their exercise horizons. For example, a person can safely lift more weight if another person is always there to serve as a spotter.

• Work with a personal trainer. Personal trainers and other fitness professionals recognize that workout boredom is as big a hurdle as anything in regard to committing to a healthy lifestyle. In recognition of that, personal trainers often know how to switch up a routine so it produces results and remains engaging. Trainers also have the knowledge to tweak routines so they play to clients’ interests and strengths.

Workout boredom can be a big hurdle on the road to a healthy lifestyle. But there are many ways to ensure workouts don’t grow stale.