July 2013 global health tribune by Global Health Tribune

C OMPLIMEN TA RY C OPY - TA K E ON E

U.S. doctor group votes to recognize obesity as a disease

Adding Red Meat to Your Diet Linked to Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Palms West Luncheon

Global Health J U LY I S S U E - 2 0 1 3

S er vin g: J upiter

Hepatitis Health Fair and Forum at Wellington Regional Medical Center

Obamacare requires most insurers to tackle obesity

P alm Beach G ar dens

TRIBUNE

Royal P alm Beach

Wellington

Belle G lade

w w w. g l o b a l h e a l t h t r i b u n e . c o m

Lake Wor th

Lantana

Boyn ton

Boca Raton

Screening and counseling for obesity is covered under a preventive services benefit of the Affordable Care Act, but what health plans offer patients varies.

Dr. Mitchell Davis, Hepatitis Specialist - Joan Wahl, and Dr. Matthew Smith.

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Welcomes Ivette Miranda as new Chief Operating Officer

PAGE 2 There's new hope for heavy people desperate to lose weight. Many insurers are stepping up their coverage of obesity.

State Attorney Dave Aronberg – The First Six Months

WELLINGTON WELLNESS EVENT Dr. Randy Laurich of The Wellness Experience and Johnny Meyer from My Community Pharmacy served as Chairmen for a wellness event held on the grounds of Whole Foods Plaza in Wellington.

Dave Aronberg.

Select Specialty Hospital… It Just Feels Right

Mike Corvaia

CANCER SURVIVORS MONTH

SFRO Survivorship Clinic Honors Cancer Survivors

The Wellness Experience.

WEST BOCA MEDICAL CENTER

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West Boca Medical Center opens new Breast Center PAGE 15 GLOBAL HEALTH TRIBUNE P.O. Box 213424 Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421

Ivette Miranda.

WEST PALM BCH, FL PERMIT NO. 1340

PAID

PRSRT STD U S POSTAGE

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July 2013

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MEDICAL NEWS

Obamacare requires most insurers to tackle obesity

here's new hope for heavy people desperate to lose weight. Many insurers are stepping up their coverage of obesity.

Some insurance companies have helped obese patients fight fat for years. They've offered weightloss and wellness programs at businesses, schools and in communities. Some have paid for prescription obesity medications and even covered expensive bariatric surgeries, including gastric bypass.

But now most insurance plans are required to help obese patients try to lose weight under President Obama's health care law. Exactly how they do it is up to the individual plans.

Screening and counseling for obesity has to be covered with no patient cost-sharing (copayments, co-insurance or deductibles) by most insurers under the preventive services benefit of the Affordable Care Act, says Susan Pisano, a spokeswoman for America's Health Insurance Plans, the national trade association representing the health insurance industry. Medicare is already covering this service.

It's a part of the law that many plans have put into action already and more will continue to add by January of 2014. Under a provision of the law, some grandfathered plans don't have to cover obesity screening and treatment if they haven't changed their overall coverage since 2010 when the law was passed.

So, for the plans that have to cover obesity, if a health care provider screens a patient's BMI (body mass index, a number that takes into account height and weight) and determines that the patient is obese, then the provider may offer initial weight-loss guidance and refer the patient to a professional service.

Plans vary widely in what they will do. Some insurers are offering telephone counseling; others cover visits with a health coach, and some cover group sessions that offer lifestyle advice. Some are even referring patients to Weight Watchers.

Insurance coverage for the treatment of obesity was back in the headlines recently when the American Medical Association, the nation's largest physician organization, decided to recognize obesity as a disease that requires a range of medical interventions for treatment and prevention. Previously it referred to obesity as "a major public health problem."

The medical group has no official say on what insurance companies cover, but the group's announcement put the spotlight back on the debate on how insurance companies can help fight the obesity epidemic that's taking a huge toll on this country.

About a third of adults in this country are obese, which is roughly 35 or more pounds over a healthy weight. That's a BMI of 30 and above. Obesity increases the risk of many other diseases,

offering weight-management programs for years. Under the new health care law, employers offer a variety of different options to patients, from working with registered dietitians and health coaches to group sessions with a professional teaching lifestyle changes to a hotline with a nurse who answers questions, she says.

including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.

The task force does not address what insurance companies should specifically cover.

Obesity insurance coverage decisions for clinical preventive services under the Affordable Care Act are based on recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. It recommended screening for obesity and offering intensive counseling help at the doctor's office or referring patients out for weight-loss help, says pediatrician David Grossman, a task force member. "We found 12 counseling sessions was the minimal amount needed for significant weight loss, but we didn't see any benefits to going for over 26 sessions," he says.

She says some insurers are using Weight Watchers for patient referrals. Insurance companies are paying for memberships or offering discounts or reimbursements, she says. "We've had relationships with insurance companies for years, but they are looking to start or expand their relationship with us to meet the requirement."

Those extra pounds rack up billions of dollars in weightrelated medical bills. It costs about $1,400 more a year to treat an obese patient compared with a person at a healthy weight, research shows.

Under the health care law, plans can have doctors do the weightloss counseling or "use medically appropriate" alternatives to meet the requirement, says Karen Miller-Kovach, chief scientific officer for Weight Watchers.

Julie Kessel, senior medical director for coverage policy at Cigna, a health service company that works primarily with employers that are self-insured, says the company has been

When it comes to coverage, insurers frequently follow the example set by the federal government's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), says obesity researcher Donna Ryan, professor emeritus at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge. Currently, Medicare pays for screenings and preventive services for obesity. Those appointments have to be with a primary care physician, nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant. For counseling to be reimbursed, patients have to show progress with weight loss, she says. Unfortunately CMS does not reimburse if the weight loss counseling is with a registered dietitian or trained health coach, Ryan says.

Although she applauds Medicare's efforts, she says several major research studies show that patients lose a significant amount of weight when they work in a comprehensive lifestyle program of skill-building in dietary and exercise habits under the guidance of a registered dietitian, a trained health coach, exercise specialist or psychologist.

Billions saved by getting generics — and taking them — study says

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CALL (561) 537-4804 leave message CONTACT US P.O. Box 213424 Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421 info@globalhealthtribune.com

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illions of dollars could be saved in medical costs if patients took the medications prescribed to them by doctors, and those patients could save billions more if they opted for generic treatments instead of brand names, a study from drug retailer CVS Caremark Corp. said. CVS’s report, which examines how well patients are adhering to prescribed medications and how they could save money in the process. The report was done by the company’s pharmacy benefit management operations. Dr. Troyen Brennan, the company’s chief medical officer, says there have been nationwide estimates that the failure to stick with prescribed medications is costing the U.S. up to $300 billion annually in medical costs. CVS’s study examined just four

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disease groups and the medications associated with them that the retailer fills on a state-by-state basis. The drugs included in the study were used to treat diabetes, hypertension, depression and high cholesterol. In Texas, for example, the annual savings that could be achieved by adhering to prescriptions is $686 million, the study says. That’s the largest single state figure, followed by California with $652 million. CVS doesn’t provide a cumulative number, but if you add up all 50 states, the collective figure comes to

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around $6.5 billion. Remember, that’s just the savings for CVS customers taking medications in those four disease groups. There could be even greater savings achieved by opting for generic medications, Brennan said. For Texas and California, the savings would be $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. Generics comprise roughly 80% of all prescriptions, up from 70% around the middle of last decade, but they could have greater penetration, Brennan said. If you add up CVS’s 50-state total in that category, it comes to around $13.4 billion in potential generic savings for just the retailer’s customers in those four disease groups. “We like to think there’s not a lot of low-hanging fruit in reducing costs, but generic medications is one of them,” Brennan said.

Global Health Tribune is a newspaper published every month in Palm Beach county and surrounding areas. Copyright 2013, all rights reserved by SEA Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher does not accept responsibility for advertisement error beyond the cost of the advertisement itself. All submitted materials are subject to editing.

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July 2013

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THE FORGOTTEN FOOT

Orthotics Can Keep You Moving Delray Medical Center Honored by Healthcare District of Palm Beach County Arthur Hansen DPM, M.S.

Orthotics are inserts that fit into shoes while providing medical benefits, often preventing surgical intervention. They can be custom or prefabricated.

ustom orthotics are traditionally made from a cast of your foot using newer technologies utilizing high tech scanning and computer analyses. Over-thecounter or prefabricated orthotics are off the shelf supportive inserts. Functional orthoses are used to treat and prevent painful foot disorders. They work by keeping the foot in a neutral position which prevents pathological functions of the foot that can cause different problems to occur. Preventing pathological foot functions during the gait

cycle can greatly reduce or even cure some very inhibiting symptoms. Functional orthotics are most often made of rigid materials such as polypropylene or carbon fiber.

Accommodative orthoses function by accommodating rigid deformities of the foot and thus providing cushion of these potential problem areas. These orthoses are made of softer materials such as plastazote and are very effective at protecting bony prominences and diabetic feet from the development of ulcerations.

There are many types of intrinsic modifications that can be prescribed into custom orthoses to help with alleviation of specific aches and pain. Metatarsal pads can be included to take excessive stress off the ball of the foot. Heel pads can be used to lift the heel slightly taking pressure off of the Achilles tendon providing relief

Conservative & Surgical Treatments Available Whirlpool with every visit!

for tendonitis. Heel cut-outs can be used for painful heel spur syndrome. Your podiatrist will determine the optimal length and material of the orthotic best for your foot malady.

It is important to realize that foot inserts are not custom orthotics. In order to be classified as an orthotic; a device must provide medical benefit. Many storebought shoe inserts are not orthotics and are often confused as such. Orthotics provide a very effective alternative to surgical intervention for many painful foot problems. They can also provide exceptional foot function to runners and athletes. Your podiatrist can provide a comprehensive gait examination and orthotic prescription that will keep you going all day long.

If you are experiencing any foot problems, please give our office a call at 561-433-5577 and schedule your appointment today (see our ad below).

Get back on your Feet!

Delray Beach, FL – During National Trauma Awareness Month, Delray Medical Center receives proclamations from the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County for achieving Level I Trauma Center verification by the State of Florida. Delray Medical Center is one of 22 verified trauma centers in Florida and is one of only four Level I Trauma Centers in South Florida. As a Level I Trauma Center, Delray Medical Center continually expands the body of knowledge in the field of trauma through clinical and basic research programs, applying this new knowledge to the treatment of the injured patient and disseminating the knowledge throughout the medical community. “I am very proud of the trauma team for achieving the status of becoming a Level 1 Trauma Center,” noted Mark Bryan, chief executive officer. “This recognition from the Healthcare District of Palm

Beach is especially meaningful during Trauma Awareness Month in May, where we take time to honor survivors of traumatic injuries and their families.” This year’s National Trauma Awareness Month theme is “If You’re Distracted, We’re Impacted,” and as a response Delray Medical Center and the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County ask the community to pledge to be a safe driver by visiting www.DelrayMedicalCtr.com/Dri veSafely. The Healthcare District monitors the quality and compliance of the trauma system in Palm Beach County and since 1991 has helped countless number of patients with the coordination of Delray Medical Center and St. Mary’s Medical Center, the only two trauma centers in Palm Beach County. Delray Medical Center's Level 1 Trauma Center provides the highest level of trauma care available in the State of Florida for Palm Beach County residents and visitors.

Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons

Personal & Gentle Care For:

• Diabetic Foot Care • Hammer Toe • Fracture Care • Ingrown Nails, Bunions • Ankle/Heel/Foot Pain • Poor Circulation • Neuropathy • WOUND Care • Custom Molded Orthotics • Diabetic Shoes Medicare Medicaid HCD - PPO & Most Insurances Accepted

Dr. Juan Sardina

Dr. Lori Lane

Dr. Arthur Hansen

Dr. Shelley Plumb

Dr. Daniel Heck

(561) 433-5577 w w w. l a p o d i a t r y g r o u p . c o m

3347 State Rd 7 Suite 204 Wellington, FL 33449

2326 S. Congress Ave. Suite 1-A West Palm Beach, FL 33406

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July 2013

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Welcomes Ivette Miranda as new Chief Operating Officer

Hepatitis Health Fair and Forum

By Deborah Lynn

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3,200,000 adults are infected with chronic Hepatitis C and between 800,000 and 1,400,000 are infected with Hepatitis B in the United States alone.

Dr. Mitchell Davis, Hepatitis Specialist - Joan Wahl, and Dr. Matthew Smith.

Hepatitis, being an inflammation of the liver also refers to a group of viral infections that affect the liver. The most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Unfortunately, three out of four people infected with the virus don’t even realize they have it. Although asymptomatic, the virus can still be detected in the blood.

In their continuing effort to educate the community, Wellington Regional Medical Center (WRMC) held a Hepatitis Health Fair and Forum on Saturday, June 8. In addition to free screenings, several of the top Gastroenterologists and a Hepatitis Specialist took part in offering lectures to educate those interested on the often symptomfree disease. “This is the disease that people have carried since the 70’s and 80’s and they just don’t know they have it. The new recommendation from the CDC is that if you were born between 1945 and 1965, you should be tested for Hepatitis C” stated Dr. Mitchell Davis.

If you would like to attend future events and screenings, please visit the community information section on the WRMC website at www.wellingtonregional.com.

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Joan Wahl kept everyone focused.

Upcoming Events at Wellington Regional Medical Center

ORTHOPEDIC LECTURE SERIES Joint Replacement Options

Wednesday, July 10 from Noon – 2:00 p.m. Presented by Dana Desser, DO, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Location: Wellington Regional Medical Center Community Room, 10101 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. A light lunch will be served. To reserve your place, call 561-798-9880.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SERIES Urology and Prostate Cancer

Thursday, July 18 from Noon – 2:00 p.m. Presented by Audley Osbourne, MD. Location: Village of Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington A light lunch will be served. To reserve your place, please call 561-753-2484.

Palm Beach Gardens, FL (June, 2013) –Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center appoints Ivette Miranda as its new chief operating officer. In her new role, Miranda will oversee the daily operations of the hospital and will also be responsible for a wide range of medical, surgical and ancillary services. “Ivette is an experienced healthcare leader with a strong background in hospital operations,” said Larry Coomes, chief executive officer at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. “We are confident that she will excel in her new leadership role and continue to be a valuable addition to our team helping to fulfill our mission in providing high-quality healthcare to the community.” With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare management positions, Miranda most recently served as the associate administrator of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center where she oversaw various departments including the laboratory, radiology, security, cardiopulmonary, rehab, environmental, food and nutrition and plant operations. Prior to that, Miranda was the manager of patient access, where she was in charge of the daily operations for patient registration. Before joining Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Miranda was the director of staff management for Avega/MedAssets in West Palm Beach. Miranda holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix in Palm Beach Gardens and a bachelor’s of science degree in organizational management from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach. About Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Palm Beach Gardens Medical

Ivette Miranda.

Center is a 199-bed acute care hospital serving the medial and healthcare needs of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast for more than 43 years. Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center was the first hospital in Palm Beach County to perform openheart surgery, and has since remained one of the area’s leading heart hospitals having performed over 15,000 openheart surgeries. Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center now offers the revolutionary heart procedure, TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) for patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis. Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center offers comprehensive cardiac care, orthopedics, diagnostic imaging, general surgery, outpatient surgery and 24 hour-emergency care. The hospital has achieved many awards and designations, including being named by Healthgrades as one of “America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care ™” for two years in a row (2012-2013) and a fivestar recipient for Coronary Interventional Procedure for eleven years in a row (20032013). Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center also earned the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines Gold Plus Award for stroke and earned Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers. For more information or a physician referral, please call 561-625-5070, or visit www.pbgmc.com.

U.S. doctor group votes to recognize obesity as a disease CHICAGO - In order to fight what it described as an "obesity epidemic," the American Medical Association voted to recognize obesity as a disease and recommended a number of measures to fight it.

The association voted on the measure at its annual meeting in Chicago. The AMA noted that obesity rates in the United States have "doubled among adults in the last twenty years and tripled among children in a single generation" and that the World Health Organization, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Internal Revenue Service already recognize the condition

as a disease.

According to "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2012," a study released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in September last year, adult obesity rates in 2011 exceeded 30 percent in 12 U.S. states. The study projected that "if rates continue to increase at the current pace, adult obesity rates could exceed 60 percent in 13 states, and all states could have rates above 44 percent by 2030."

Obesity is associated with a variety of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular

disease and some cancers. Rising obesity is expected to increase America's already high health care costs. The AMA's recommendations accompanying the vote included urging physicians and insurance companies to "recognize obesity as a complex disorder," encouraging national efforts to educate the public "about the health risks of being overweight and obese."

The AMA also recommended the creation "National Obesity Awareness Month" to highlight the benefits of exercise and to warn of the risks of obesity.

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July 2013

HEALTHCARE NEWS

Page 5

State Attorney Dave Aronberg – The First Six Months

By Deborah Lynn

t’s been almost six months since Dave Aronberg was sworn in as Palm Beach County State Attorney and I felt it was a great time to talk with him about the changes that have taken place since taking office. Although I have had the pleasure of talking with Dave on several occasions, this was the first time we spoke of all the incredible advances that he has made since taking on his new role.

After a tumultuous campaign where his integrity and character were called into question, Dave has maintained his focus and never once has faltered. His record has remained unblemished and his sincere and no-nonsense approach has been instrumental in establishing a number of programs that have and will protect the residents of Palm Beach County.

Born in Miami, Dave graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School with honors. As a litigation attorney for a large law firm in Miami, he worked with Bill Nelson investigating European insurance companies.

In 1999, as a Florida Assistant Attorney General for economic crimes, he led the country’s first investigation into the marketing practices of Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of Oxycontin.

He spearheaded the State in suing “Miss Cleo,” a selfproclaimed psychic and Shaman who had become a television sensation with late night viewers.

In 2000, Dave was selected to be one of 15 White House Fellows from across the country. A nonpartisan position, he served in two presidential administrations as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury Department for international

in Palm Beach County. In this aggressive approach, issues may include elderly exploitation and guardianship fraud. With a supportive staff in place, seniors can get a variety of assistance, regardless of whether or not a case is prosecuted criminally.

money laundering, which included the laundering of terrorist assets.

Elected to the Florida State Senate in 2002, he was the youngest member, serving until 2010. His focus was on consumer protection and criminal justice, passing major identity theft and port security legislation. He received national attention for his work in closing the loopholes in our sex offender laws.

Dave returned to the Florida Attorney General’s Office in 2010 after being appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi as the Special Prosecutor for Prescription Drug Trafficking. He led the anti-pill mill initiative and was instrumental in closing several pain clinics and prosecuting those that handed out prescription drugs like candy. He continues this effort to reduce the number of prescription drug deaths in Florida, a category in which Florida has led the nation.

In November 2012, Dave won a three-way race and was sworn in as Palm Beach County’s State Attorney on January 8, 2013. Today, Dave has led a number of reforms that will continue to clean up the streets of Palm Beach County and foster a safe environment for all of its residents.

1st Time DUI Offender Program: The State Attorney’s Office has begun to implement a "1st Time DUI Offender Program." This second chance program is offered to all 1st time DUI Offenders whose blood/breath alcohol levels are from .08 to .20, no property damage and without children or animals in the automobile. The program requires a guilty plea to Reckless Driving and be placed on 12 month’s probation with all DUI conditions imposed. In addition to all of the strict DUI conditions

Workers Compensation Fraud: The State Attorney’s Office has set up a new initiative to fight workers compensation fraud after receiving an appropriation of $143,720 from the state budget.

Dave Aronberg

imposed, the program requires all defendants to be placed on an alcohol monitoring device for a minimum of three to six months, 12 months of random testing as well as a few other requirements. The program has been endorsed by MADD as a model program for the state. Domestic Violence A program has been established to help eliminate domestic violence through the education of both victims and first time domestic violence offenders. The State Attorney’s Office has partnered with Palm Beach County Victim Services to implement a Domestic Violence 101 Course. This is a psychoeducational course developed specifically for victims of domestic violence who are apprehensive about cooperating with the State Attorney’s Office

Palms West Luncheon

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. State Senator Joe Abruzzo and State Representative Mark Pafford were the keynote speakers. The event was hosted by Palms West Hospital.

Former Chamber President Mike Nelson, Former Chamber President Bill Tavernise, CFO of Palms West Hospital Scott Herndon, Mayor of Wellington Bob Margolis, Former Chamber President Alec Domb, State Representative Mark Pafford, State Senator Joe Abruzzo, Former Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore, and CEO of Palms West Hospital Eric Goldman.

in the prosecution of a domestic violence case. If the victim of a first-time domestic violence offender wishes to dismiss the charges, both parties will be required to take classes. According to Dave, “By refusing to testify, the victim is put back in harms way and it also costs the taxpayers a lot of money. It harms and undermines the whole system not to mention the family. This course will teach them how to break away from the abuser and how to break the cycle of violence.” After completion of the program, the charges will be dismissed. The program is scheduled to begin July 1st. Senior Crime: The State Attorney’s Office has designated a full-time prosecutor to fight the fraud that continues to be perpetrated against elders

Dave worked with leaders of the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud and successfully helped to convince legislators to pass the appropriation to fund a full-time, dedicated prosecutor to fight workers compensation fraud in Palm Beach County. Hillsborough and Miami-Dade Counties are the only other counties in Florida that have dedicated workers compensation fraud prosecutors. In Hillsborough County alone, the dedicated prosecutor has led to more than 1.1 million dollars in requested restitution since July 1, 2012.

In addition to the above, the State Attorney’s Office continues to fight public corruption to hold elected officials to a high standard of conduct. This unit was put together to protect the public after several local elected officials were found to have violated the public’s trust. As Dave continues to fight crime and corruption, one can ascertain that we have our very own super hero right here in Palm Beach County. It’s through his drive and determination that Palm Beach County is becoming a safer and more beautiful place to live. If you are interested in finding out additional details about any of the programs, please contact the State Attorney’s Office at 561-355-7100.

West Boca Medical Center hosted its annual Services Awards Recognition Luncheon on June 5 at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Boca Raton. CEO Mitch Feldman recognized those staff members who dedicated their time to the hospital for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. Afterwards, the staff enjoyed lunch and celebrated their accomplishments. The three women pictured have worked at West Boca Medical Center for 30 years. To get an idea of how much time that actually is, 30 years ago, the Internet was born, and Michael Jackson introduced the ‘moonwalk’ on TV.

Bernadette Quilter, Case Mgr. – Case Mgt./UR; Mary Easow, RN-ICU/CCU; Mitch Feldman, CEO; and Kathleen Beck, Chart Auditor – H.I.M.

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July 2013

RESEARCH

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Adding Red Meat to Your Diet Linked to Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes oading up on burgers and deli meats may be tempting, but too much red meat could trigger metabolic changes that upset the body’s glucose balance.

Adding to a growing body of research published over the past two years connecting red-meat consumption to a variety of health problems, a new study appearing in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine documents an association between eating red meat and a greater risk for Type 2 diabetes. It’s only the latest investigation to link the popular protein to chronic diseases like obesity as well as to cognitive decline and even premature death.

Previous studies have also found that people who eat more red meat tend to have higher rates of diabetes, but in the latest analysis, Pan An, an assistant professor at the National University of Singapore, and his colleagues wanted to see if people who started eating more red meat would result in an elevated risk of the chronic condition over time. They studied long-term health data from three Harvard University cohorts that included over 26,300 men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study; more than 48,700 women in the Nurses’ Health Study; and slightly over 74,000 women from the Nurses’ Health Study II. All the participants reported on their eating habits through food questionnaires, including their red-meat intake every four years for an average of 20 years of follow-up. During that time, 7,540 people developed Type 2 diabetes. And within each cohort, those who ate more red meat as

But it may be unfair to put the blame entirely on saturated fats. Another study, published in April, found that human-gut bacteria turn a red-meat compound called carnitine into an artery-clogging agent that in mice caused atherosclerosis, a recipe for blocked blood vessels and heart disease.

the study progressed showed higher rates of diabetes than those whose consumption didn’t change.

Those who added more than half a serving of red meat per day from the time the study started showed a 48% greater risk of Type 2 diabetes at the next fouryear checkup compared with participants who did not increase intake during that time. Adding more meat to their diet also tended to make them heavier, and that weight gain may have contributed to their higher risk of diabetes, say the authors. On the other hand, people who lowered their red-meat consumption by over half a serving each day from the start of the study enjoyed a 14% lower risk of having Type 2 diabetes over the course of the entire study compared with those who didn’t change how much red meat they ate (the benefits of cutting back on red meat, alas, took longer to unfold than the harms from eating more meat). Rates of

diabetes were higher among people who consumed mostly processed meats such as deli fare and hot dogs compared with those who ate unprocessed red meat. In a editorial accompanying the study, William J. Evans, of GlaxoSmithKline and Duke University in Durham, N.C., pointed out that the results don’t necessarily suggest that red meat is the culprit; instead, the saturated fats embedded in red meats that may be responsible for the health harms to the heart and for upsetting glucose balance:

A recommendation to consume less red meat may help to reduce the epidemic of [Type 2 diabetes]. However, the overwhelming preponderance of molecular, cellular, clinical and epidemiological evidence suggests that public health messages should be directed toward the consumption of highquality protein that is low in total

and saturated fat … These public health recommendations should include cuts of red meat that are also low in fat, along with fish, poultry and low-fat dairy products. It is not the type of protein (or meat) that is the problem: it is the type of fat. Numerous studies documented that the high levels of saturated fat in red meat are primarily responsible for clogging up arteries, while other types of monounsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, are associated with many health benefits, including lower levels of inflammation. A study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in March 2012 found that saturated fats and trans fats found in meat and butter were linked to poor cognitive function and memory in women over time, while “good” fats like the monounsaturated fats in avocados and olive oil were connected to better brain function.

Overall, the data seem to hint that red meat may adversely affect health in a variety of different ways that haven’t yet been identified, while a plantbased diet may be beneficial in equally unexplained ways. One of the largest studies to date, for example, recently reported that vegetarians lived longer than their meat-eating counterparts, and the study authors speculate that the longevity may result not just from vegetarians’ avoidance of red meat, but the fact that they benefit from a variety of nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. A comparable British study of the vegetarian diet that included more 47,250 participants did not find the same improvement in longevity, however, which could reflect differences in the types of foods that U.S. and U.K. vegetarians favor; Americans tend to eat more fiber and vitamin C, for example, and both have been associated with lowering risk of cancer and other chronic diseases that can shorten life. All of which leads nutrition experts to the conclusion that maintaining a healthy diet is not just about cutting out certain foods like red meat and high-fat fare, but making sure you substitute in the right nutritious options. Finding that magic formula for longevity and a disease-free life, however, remains a challenge.

Red meat tied to worse colon cancer outcomes, study finds eople who report eating the most red and processed meat before being diagnosed with colon cancer are more likely to die during the next eight years, according to a new study. "It's another important reason to follow the guidelines to limit the intake of red and processed meat," said Marjorie McCullough, the study's lead author from the American Cancer Society in Atlanta. While the new study can't prove eating red or processed meats - such as beef, hot dogs and sausages - causes colon cancer deaths, previous studies have found that eating the meats is tied to an increased risk of developing the cancer. There's less evidence, however, on how people's diets after colon cancer diagnoses affect their chances of

survival. The U.S. National Institutes of Health estimates that about 143,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancers in 2013, and about 51,000 people will die from them. For the new research, McCullough and her colleagues used data from a different study on 184,000 Americans who didn't have cancer between 1992 and 1993, and who were periodically asked about what they ate. After excluding people, who had - among other things - multiple types of cancer, unverified diagnoses and missing information, the researchers had data on 2,315 men and women who were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer between the start of the study and June 30, 2009. Overall, 966 of them died

between the start of the study and December 31, 2010. The researchers found no link between how much red or processed meat a person ate after their diagnosis and their risk of death, but the amount of meat a person ate before their diagnosis was tied with their risk of dying during the study. About 43 percent of the 580 people who ate about 10 servings of red or processed meat per week at the start of the study died during the follow up period. That compared to about 37 percent of the 576 people who ate about two servings per week. The researchers also found that people who consistently ate more red or processed meat before and after their colon cancer diagnosis were more likely to die from that cancer during the study, compared to those who at the least before and after diagnosis.

'Three or four times per week' Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt, who wrote an editorial accompanying the new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, said it's possible that the link between red and processed meats and colon cancer comes from cancercausing compounds found in cooked meat or preservatives. "The primary message is a confirmation that increased intake of red or processed meat can have detrimental effects on the development of colon cancer, the type of cancer and other health effects of patients in the long term," Meyerhardt, a gastrointestinal oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, said. McCullough said about three or four servings of red or processed meats per week is a good target for people. "We're not saying people need to

be vegetarians. It's really just limiting intake and making it more the exception than the rule," she said. Dr. Elisa Bandera, associate professor of epidemiology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick, said in an email to Reuters Health that maintaining a healthy weight, healthy diet and regular exercise likely has benefits for cancer prevention and survival. But she cautioned that these are only findings from one study. "We need more studies evaluating the impact of meat and other dietary factors on cancer survival before any recommendations can be made to cancer survivors," wrote Bandera, who was not involved with the new study.

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Page 8

July 2013

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HEALTHCARE NEWS

Wellington Wellness Event

The Wellness Experience

r. Randy Laurich of The Wellness Experience and Johnny Meyer from My Community Pharmacy served as Chairmen for a wellness event held on the grounds of Whole Foods Plaza in Wellington.

My Community Pharmacy

Not only were free medical and chiropractic screenings available for the adults, but there were dogs and cats on hand for the kids and those looking to adopt the precious animals.

Please visit the Village of Wellington's website for upcoming events at www.wellingtonchamber.com

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July 2013

HEALTHCARE NEWS

Massage Envy

Enzyme Labs

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LaVida Massage

Page 9

Page 10

July 2013

www.GlobalHealthTribune.com

MEDICAL NEWS

SFRO Survivorship Clinic Honors Cancer Survivors

Kishore K. Dass, MD

Judy Armstrong

Board-Certified Radiation Oncologist

Certified Oncology Nurse Practitioner

By Deborah Lynn

n honor of National Cancer Survivors Month, South Florida Radiation Oncology Survivorship Clinic held a touching luncheon ceremony that culminated with a balloon release on Thursday, June 20.

As one survivor after another spoke of their illness, strength, survival, and the journey that they never intended on taking, each story was packed with their love and respect for Dr. Kishore Dass and Judy Armstrong. It was only through their vision and passion that this one-of-a-kind clinic was established. While listening to their heartfelt words, one could clearly understand just how much this clinic means to so many in the community. The clinic has truly become a source of happiness, when in the past; they felt so helpless once receiving their diagnosis. As a Certified Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Judy has spent her entire career giving support to others and it’s through those years of experience that has given her the insight and knowledge to better understand what each and every one of her patients are going through.

Once you open the door, you’re immediately encompassed by love. It’s that love, warmth, support and guidance that will keep you coming back again and again. It’s the patience, compassion and empathy that you receive from an incredible team of professionals that is continually felt throughout the clinic in every word spoken and every action performed. Did I forget to mention that this love comes naturally and without expectation as all the classes and services are free!

The clinic also offers a variety of nutritional classes with their dietician, studied and alternative therapies, support groups, a computer room with research library, a stylist, yoga and Tai chi classes, and so much more.

If you are a survivor, please stop by the SFRO Survivorship Clinic at 3355 Burns Road, Suite 105, in Palm Beach Gardens to learn more about what this clinic has to offer. For additional information or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, contact Judy Armstrong at 561-624-1717, email her at sc@sfrollc.com, or you can visit SFRO’s website at www.sfrollc.com.

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Page 12

July 2013

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PRACTICE TRENDS

Killing me Silently symptoms even at dangerously high levels. As you can see from the chart, any number above 140/90 is considered to be uncontrolled hypertension. However, if you have diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure is defined at a number larger than 130/80mmHG. To explain a bit further, the top number represents your systolic number, which represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats or when the heart muscle contracts.

Shekhar V. Sharma, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine

or the past few years, I have discussed numerous topics in this health publication. I also want to thank those that have followed my advice throughout the years. I have often wondered what I should write about next and then it came to me… What are the silent killers in our lives?

Based upon my many years in practice, I would like to share with you some of my experiences in patient care and those silent killers that can have a debilitating affect and often can be deadly.

High Blood Pressure A very common condition that many do not even realize they have. So, what exactly is high blood pressure? Commonly referred to as hypertension, many people do not show any signs or

The bottom is your diastolic number which measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. This is when your heart muscle is refilling with blood between beats. Blood pressure tends to rise with age or if you have a diet with high salt intake. Uncontrolled hypertension can cause strokes, kidney disease and failure, bulging of the blood vessels called aneurysms, heart failure, and of course one can have headaches as a presenting symptom for uncontrolled hypertension. Aneurysms Another dangerous and silent disease which could spell disaster if left undiagnosed and untreated is an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This disease is when there is a bulging of the largest

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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2

160 or higher

100 or higher

Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency care needed)

Higher than 180

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artery in the human body, which travels through the abdominal cavity and rupturing when it gets too big. Not only is this a lifethreatening condition that largely affects the older male population who has a history of smoking, but it does affect women as well, however at a much lesser rate.

Aneurysms of the brain arteries can cause a sudden and severe headache and in some cases death by bleeding into the brain. Most people are completely unaware as to whether or not they have experienced one unless it produces symptoms. This condition normally runs in families. Osteoporosis The most common type of bone disease is a condition that decreases the density of the bones. They become fragile and are more likely to fracture.

Diastolic mm Hg (lower #)

Density measures the amount of calcium and minerals in the bone. A bone density test would normally detect this disease and is routinely done every two years. This disease is more commonly seen in females over the age of 50.

Diabetes mellitus A condition where the blood sugar levels are approximately 125mg/dL and above. Unfortunately, someone that is affected may not show any signs or symptoms of this condition until they visit their doctor's office and have a blood test done. Of course, some people may have symptoms of increased frequency of urination and excess thirst. Another silent condition is heart disease in diabetics. People with diabetes mellitus tend to have silent heart disease. Therefore, if you are a diabetic, I recommend routine stress testing to expose

the potential of this dangerous condition.

Kidney tumors I have also seen many patients having kidney tumors, which are cancerous, without any symptoms or signs often diagnosed incidentally while scanning the abdomen for other reasons. Some may or may not have blood in the urine present, which we can detect microscopically. That is why I recommend a routine yearly urinalysis to all my patients as part of their physical examination. And of course there are various cancers that can grow surreptitiously, like stomach cancer, lung cancer, colon and pancreatic cancers.

The above conditions are analogous to stealth bombers that fly under the radar suddenly firing missiles to hurt you. I feel a thorough history and physical examination would mitigate a lot of complications arising from these and many other silent diseases. In closing, I would like to ask all of you to visit your primary care doctor and get a thorough physical examination and be knowledgeable about your own condition(s). I am a firm believer in that old adage… knowledge is power.

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July 2013

HEALTHCARE NEWS

Page 13

Select Specialty Hospital… It Just Feels Right

Mike Corvaia has been in healthcare administration for over ten years and is currently the Director of Business Development for Select Specialty Hospital in Palm Beach. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and is completing his Master’s Degree this year in Business Administration, with an emphasis on Healthcare Administration.

Please feel free to send any healthcare related questions to mcorvaia@selectmedical.com

By Mike Corvaia

hen a loved one is placed into an acute care hospital it is often traumatizing not only for the patient themselves but also the family involved as well. Many times we hear about what went wrong in the hospital and not so much about everything that went right. Select Specialty Hospital of Palm Beach has some of the most inspiring success stories one can expect to experience in an acute care setting. Our success doesn't stop in Palm Beach though. Listed below are various success stories from a few of our 111 hospitals nationwide.

• Fifty-two-year-old Rick Berry was the District Attorney in Harrison County for 21 years. He was enjoying working as a trial attorney and going bass fishing as often as possible. He had never really been sick. Life was good. In January of 2010, Rick presented to the hospital with flu-like symptoms and was admitted with respiratory failure requiring a ventilator. He then progressed into renal failure. Rick was suffering complications of H1N1 influenza. After weeks in a large medical center ICU, Rick was referred to Select Specialty Hospital Longview for ventilator weaning, treatment of an antibiotic resistant infection he had developed and several other complications. Following months of setbacks and progress, treatments and therapy, Rick was finally breathing on his own again and headed for a full recovery. During his months of hospitalization, Rick had grown a beard. Before he left, the staff decided to cast secret ballots to help Rick decide if he should shave or not. His wife cast the tiebreaking vote and the beard was gone. Today, Rick is back in the courtroom and the bass boat, loving life again.

• For years, Alphonso Holt struggled to breathe due to severe asthma and sarcoidosis (inflammation occurring in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues). He had been hospitalized multiple times during the past few years due to his condition. He was depressed and unable to fully enjoy the life he shared with his wife and grandson, Jerimiah. In March 2011, Alphonso's lungs gave way

to an acute episode of pneumonitis. He was rushed to a large medical center and placed on a ventilator. After almost three weeks in ICU, his physicians suggested he be transferred to a hospital that specialized in ventilator weaning. Alphonso arrived at Select Specialty Hospital-Atlanta dependent on the ventilator with pneumonia, renal failure and newly diagnosed diabetes. His wife, Antoinette, quit her job to be by his side. She said, "I had to have faith for both of us. I can get another job, but not another husband." Six weeks later, Alphonso discharged home from Select. He was off the ventilator, his renal failure, blood pressure and diabetes was resolved. Antoinette says, "We were praying for a miracle and we found that miracle at Select." These days, Alphonso stays busy cleaning, ironing, helping Jeremiah with his homework and driving twice a week to play a mean game of pinochle at the senior center.

• David Condon, an 18-year veteran of the Pittsburgh police department, was visiting in New York and had just enjoyed his 30 year class reunion. About 11:30 pm that night, David got on his motorcycle and headed back to his parents house. Less than a mile away, a startled deer jumped onto the road, clearing the motorcycle and hitting David. Two women leaving the reunion found David and called for help. He had suffered a severe head injury and was flown to Erie, PA for emergency surgery to stop the bleeding in his brain. The next several weeks were touch and go.

His recovery was complicated by a pulmonary embolism, stroke and respiratory failure. One doctor suggested that he would not recover and if he did, he would never walk or talk again. After three weeks, David began to stabilize and was transferred to Select Specialty HospitalPittsburgh. He was taken by ambulance with a police escort from his friends. One month later, he discharged from Select, no longer ventilator dependent, ready for the next steps in his recovery. David is back home with his wife and children now, working with the Pittsburgh Police Department and planning another gathering with high school classmates.

• When 76-year-old Esther Harner began having shortness of breath, she assumed it was her lungs. However, tests revealed it was her heart and an aneurysm doctors had been watching. She needed surgery immediately. Esther remembers the cold, snowy January day she went in for the surgery. It took more than 10 hours for surgeons to replace her aortic valve and repair the aneurysm. She was then sent to a facility for ventilator weaning, but developed complications and was sent back to an acute care ICU for treatment. After that, Esther was transferred to Select Specialty Hospital-Wichita. "The first thing I remember after going in for surgery was waking up at Select and seeing my three kids smiling." Doctors had warned them that Esther might never recover or be herself again. She was at Select for almost a month. "They took great care of me and my family too. I was impressed." Esther weaned from the ventilator and was

discharged to a rehabilitation facility for strengthening. She finally returned home on a warm April day filled with flowers and sunshine. It was very different from the dreary January day she left home for surgery. Esther says, "I clean my house. I drive. I balance my checkbook. I live a normal life. Thanks be to God!"

• Our patients often come to us with: o Respiratory and heart failure/disorders (requiring ventilator weaning or treatment for, emphysema, pneumonia or COPD) o Severe infections (such as sepsis or infectious diseases) o Wounds of many sorts (such as burns or pressure related) o Post-surgery recovery complications (such as orthopedic complications or nutritional deficiencies) o Bladder and bowel impairments o Neurological or Post-Trauma conditions (such as stroke, spinal cord and head injuries or dysphagia)

Our services include: o Multiple physician visits daily o 24-hour Nursing Care o An All-Registered Nurse nursing staff o 24-hour Respiratory Care o Physical therapy o Occupational therapy o Speech therapy o On-site pharmacy o Diagnostic radiology and laboratory services o Specialized Nursing Care (such as wound specialists) o Nutritional Care o Patient/Family Education o Dialysis

Page 14

July 2013

AROUND TOWN

www.GlobalHealthTribune.com

Active brain 'keeps dementia at bay'

eeping mentally active by reading books or writing letters helps protect the brain in old age, a study suggests. A lifetime of mental challenges leads to slower cognitive decline after factoring out dementia's impact on the brain, US researchers say. The study, published in Neurology, adds weight to the idea that dementia onset can be delayed by lifestyle factors. An Alzheimer's charity said the best way to lower dementia risk was to eat a balanced diet, exercise and stay slim.

In a US study, 294 people over the age of 55 were given tests that measured memory and thinking, every year for about six years until their deaths. They also answered a questionnaire about whether they read books, wrote letters and took part in other activities linked to mental stimulation during childhood, adolescence, middle age, and in later life. After death, their brains were examined for evidence of the physical signs of dementia, such as brain lesions and plaques. The study found that after

DEAR DEBORAH: I am a 53-year-old man that met a fit 55-year-old lady who lied about her age (51) online. I have come to expect this behavior. She is older than I want, but she looks good and is very nice. I am quite attracted to her. Interestingly, my ex. wife is 56. I am not consciously looking for older women. The new girl lives in Boca which is not a plus since I live about 30 minutes away.

Date one was in Plantation, nice dinner and went well. Peck on cheek or lips, cannot remember. Date two was a week later. We went to a comedy show at the Hard Rock in Hollywood which was followed by dinner. It went well as she appeared to have fun and said so.

However, I put my hand on her thigh during the show for a bit and got no response. Later I took her hand and again, got no real response. After dinner, we briefly walked and I took her hand, but she seemed to reject that too. She gave me another peck at the car. While in the car, I got the nerve up to sort of ask her if she is interested in me. I cannot tell you details, but she understood. Her response was “maybe.” I did not expect nor want to have sex on the second

in the UK alone currently living with the condition.

factoring out the impact of those signs, those who had a record of keeping the brain busy had a rate of cognitive decline estimated at 15% slower than those who did not. Dr Robert Wilson, of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, who led the study, said the research suggested exercising the brain across a lifetime was important for brain health in old age.

He told BBC News: "The brain that we have in old age depends in part on what we habitually ask it to do in life. "What you do during your lifetime has a great impact on the likelihood these age-related diseases are going to be expressed."

Cognitive reserve Dementia exacts a heavy toll on society, with more than 820,000 people

date, but I was upset by her total lack of contact and responsiveness. I am not sure whether to just move on or not.

What do you think? I think that I can tell early on if I am attracted to a woman or not. If so, I would certainly respond positively to any overtures. Again, I did not expect her to come home with me or to have sex in the restroom. I just wanted some positive reinforcement. - Is She Interested or Not?

Dear Is She Interested or Not: Your first date sounded great and it ended with a peck - which was perfect in my opinion. The second date was becoming a bit more telling when you put your hand on her thigh and received no response. If she were truly interested, she would have acknowledged that gesture in the form of a smile, putting her hand on yours, or even holding your hand during the show. Her "maybe" response was even more telling. If she wasn't sure, she should have said that she enjoys spending time with you and is looking forward to learning more about you and how you both get along together. However, as she stated "maybe" that could simply mean - let me check my other offers and I'll let you know.

Commenting on the study, Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said there was increasing evidence mental activity may help protect against cognitive decline. But the underlying reasons for this remained unclear.

"By examining donated brain tissue, this study has shed more light on this complex question, and the results lend weight to the theory that mental activity may provide a level of 'cognitive reserve', helping the brain resist some of the damage from diseases such as Alzheimer's," he said.

Dr James Pickett, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, added: "More research and bigger studies are needed, but in the meantime reading more and doing crosswords can be enjoyable and certainly won't do you any harm.

Jaene Miranda, Jordan Naftal, Tony Zapata and Mary Lou Bedford.

Mixer at Jordan's

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce held their June mixer at Jordan's Steak Bistro in Wellington.

Jordan Naftal, the owner of Jordan's Steak Bistro, received a Certificate of Appreciation which was presented to him by Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda, Membership Director Tony Zapata, and Chamber Vice-President of Development and Marketing Mary Lou Bedford.

The event was a huge success as chamber members had an opportunity to network while enjoying food, drinks and some exciting raffle prizes. If you are interested in attending any future events, visit the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce website at www.cpbchamber.com to find out more.

"The best way to reduce your risk of developing dementia is to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight."

So, let's look at reasons for her rejecting you from what you have told me. First, she may have other men that she is either communicating with or currently dating (whether she tells you or not). She may have an issue with being affectionate or passionate. She may also be manipulating you. Look at how you are at the moment - you are probably more interested in her than you would have been if she did return the gestures. I personally would want someone that enjoys being with me and can see my amazing character and what I would bring to a relationship. I would not want someone that would dismiss me whether it be a hand or whether or not they "liked" me and wanted to spend time with me as that should be a given. I'm very sorry, but from what you have mentioned, it is my opinion that you are wasting your time. There are so many amazing women out there and I know that there will be one that truly wants to be in your life as you do hers.

DEAR DEBORAH: What is the appropriate way to greet a blind date (online date)? Do I offer my hand to shake; wave; kiss her hand; bow; kiss her cheek; hug her, what? This is somewhat tongue in cheek, but I really do not know what to do.

Dear Deborah

I have shaken hands or given a half-hearted hug in the past. I have no idea what is "proper” and was wondering if you do? - Nice to Meet You???

Dear Nice to Meet You: I am not sure there is a right or wrong answer. However, anyone that I have met, I hugged. But that is what comes natural to ME. I also believe that you will know what to do immediately upon seeing someone for the first time. Just do what is comfortable and natural for you. Most importantly, do not over think this as it's what happens after that initial greeting that's important as you are now in each other's presence. Whatever you do - go in without any expectations and you may be happily surprised. DEAR DEBORAH: I went to a bar last night to see a band. In the midst of things, I found myself attracted to the bartender, so I sat at the bar all night. Over the course of the next few hours, we did get a chance to talk and he eventually asked for my number. He texted me later that night and wanted to meet for a drink after he got off

of work, but it was too late. So, I texted him the next day and asked if he wanted to meet for dinner, but he was busy. I texted him again the following day to see if he was free, but he was working. So, I decided to visit him at work. His attitude was completely different and he didn’t even give me much attention, other than to say hello. I texted him again the following day, but he never responded. Should I go and see him at work again? - Please Ask Me Out Again?

Dear Please Ask Me Out Again: That depends – are you looking for a date or a restraining order? This man wanted something casual the night he met you – not a stalker! You went way overboard by texting him day after day and to be honest, you come across as being far too needy. My recommendation is to leave the man alone, compose yourself and get on with your life. The next time you meet a man, let him do the communicating at the beginning until you know for sure that he is interested in you.

Dear Deborah is a monthly advice column written by Deborah Lynn with a common sense approach to dating. If you have any questions or comments, please forward them to: questions@globalhealthtribune.com as we would love to help.

www.GlobalHealthTribune.com

Upcoming Charity, Medical or Fundraising Events July 1 – July 31, 2013

July 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS

Page 15

DAISY Award winners

July 13

3rd Annual Jackson Laskowski Keep HOPE Alive Charity Golf Tournament. Westchester Country Club, Boynton Beach. Event includes a golf tournament, awards dinner, raffle, and live & silent auctions. If you would like to learn more about Jackson’s battle, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacksonlaskowski. For additional information, contact Michelle at 561-252-2933 or Tim, 561-578-1948. You can also visit their website at http://www.palmbeachgolfcenter.com/tournaments/keep-hopealive.html.

July 18

Lupus Foundation of America Southeast Chapter. “A Purple Affair” dinner for Lupus Awareness. West Palm Beach Event Hall, West Palm Beach. Tickets are $40.00. A silent auction has been added (cash or checks only). For additional information, contact 561-921-7060 or e-mail mccrad4lupus@gmail.com.

July 20

Little Smiles. 1st Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament. Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter. For additional information, call 561-899-4700. Or, e-mail Mike at mdonovan@littlesmiles.org or Jerry at Jerry@viaproductionsinc.com.

St. Mary’s Medical Center recently honored the quarter’s DAISY Award winner, Michaela Lord from our nursing residency program. Michaela was nominated by Marty Turk, RN from our Education department, for being respected by her fellow nurses as well as the management team. In the past 8 months, Michaela has grown into a professional and caring nurse with an award-winning smile and caring heart.

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is a special program that recognizes the outstanding deeds nurses perform every day. It was created by the DAISY Foundation, which was founded in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by his family members after they experienced firsthand the skills and compassionate caring of their son’s nurses.

Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Opens Its Heart, and Its Doors, to the American Heart Association

ONGOING EFFORTS

Disaster Relief Fund. To donate money to the victims of the recent tornado in Oklahoma, visit the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org. Send us your information at events@globalhealthtribune.com

Preschoolers' Eating Habits Tied to Cardiovascular Risk Factors The Heart-to-Heart club at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center presented a check for $2,500 to the American Heart Association at their recent club meeting. The Heart-to-Heart club was established as a support group for patients with heart disease and provides informative lectures and activities for heart disease survivors and their families. Collecting funds from membership dues, 50/50 raffles presented at the monthly meetings and proceeds from special fundraising events, the Heart-to-Heart club makes a donation to the American Heart Association each year to send a child with heart disease to Camp Boggy Creek- a year round camp serving seriously ill children throughout Florida.

he eating behaviors of preschool-aged children may be tied to measures of future cardiovascular risk, according to a study published online in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association. Navindra Persaud, MD, from the Keenan Research Centre in Toronto, and colleagues recruited 1,076 children aged 3–5 years from seven primary care practices. Eating behaviors were assessed by the NutriSTEP (Nutritional Screening Tool for Every Preschooler) questionnaire completed by parents. Serum levels of non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were used as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk. The researchers found that the eating behaviors subscore of the NutriSTEP tool was significantly associated with serum non-HDL

West Boca Medical Center opens new Breast Center cholesterol. For each unit increase in the eating behaviors subscore there was an increase of 0.02mmol/L in serum non-HDL cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B were also associated with the eating behaviors subscore, but HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 were not. There was no association between the dietary intake subscore and non-HDL cholesterol. "Eating behaviors in preschoolaged children are important potentially modifiable determinants of cardiovascular risk and should be a focus for future studies of screening and behavioral interventions," the authors write. Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

West Boca Medical Center celebrates the opening of the new Breast Center at West Boca Diagnostic Imaging with an open house on Thursday, May 30th. Located at the southwest corner of Palmetto Park Road and Powerline Road in the Garden Shops Plaza, the Breast Center introduces comprehensive breast care services in an atmosphere that is centered on the whole woman and her distinctive needs. The focus of the center is to provide one location for all aspects of breast care including prevention, early disease detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast conditions. Attendees had the chance to tour the new center and meet the specially trained staff, patient navigator and on-site physician, Dr. Moss-Mellman.

PCP

Accountable Care Organization provides accountable, coordinated care

If you want to be part of a Primary Care Physician-owned and PCP driven ACO, where each member will be an equal owner, then call (561) 537-4805. We are inviting Primary Care Physicians to join this fast growing ACO and take this unique opportunity to be an integral part of the future of healthcare. We are a 100% transparent and fully primary care physician-owned ACO.

Time is of the essence as enrollment ends soon, so please call today. Isn’t it time to take your destiny into your own hands?

Experts agree; the Medicare system is broken. While most Politicians continue to argue for squeezing physician reimbursement and increasing out-of-pocket expenses, they admit the duplication, overutilization and sheer inefficiency of the system accounts for billions of wasted dollars each year. What if Physicians were reimbursed, not just for

IMAGINE HEALTH CARE that helps you PREVENT ILLNESS instead of just treating it...

that connects all your care providers through ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS...

today’s "chief complaint" or "level of service", but for the actual medical conditions addressed? Imagine healthcare that enables you to have the complete picture of your patient’s prescriptions, specialty and hospital care and sharing 50/50 with Medicare in any savings that were generated on your patients' yearly Medicare costs... all with no downside risk?