HEALTHY LIVING
Looking Good & Feeling Good in Baldwin County
2019
Boteler, Finley & Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers
WHAT’S INSIDE 4 Anterior Hip Replacement 8 When to seek emergency medical help for flu 9 How to tell between a cold and the flu 10 Stroke prevention starts with smart choices 12 Diabetes drives up risk of heart attack and stroke 14 Take the ‘fad’ out of your diet plan
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WAGYU Beef Delicious and Healthy
The unique taste and tenderness of highly marbled Wagyu beef makes for an unrivalled eating experience. That is why Wagyu beef is finding its way into the repertoires of Gourmet cooks and fine restaurants across the US. Not only is it a gastronomic delight. but it’s healthy for you too. Health experts have discovered the mono-unsaturated to saturated fat ratio is higher in Wagyu than in other beef and, the saturated fat contained in Wagyu is different. Forty percent is in a version called stearic acid, which is regarded as having a minimal impact in raising cholesterol levels. The profile of marbled Wagyu beef is more beneficial and healthier to human health. Wagyu is also higher in a type of fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid {CLA). Wagyu beef contain the highest amount of CLA per gram of any foodstuff - about thirty percent more than other beef breeds - due to higher linoleic acid levels. Foods that are naturally high in CLA have fewer negative health effects.
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By LeAnne Bolton
Take the ‘fad’ out of your diet plan
bizarre and restrictive foods, and their menus with limited, undesirable It’s the new year, which choices. As a Registered means gym attendance is Dietitian Nutritionist, I at an all-time high, and receive many questions New Year’s diets are in from patients, friends and full swing. Most people see the new year as a fresh family about different start, a time to finally fad diets. There are so change their food and many to choose from that exercise habits for good it’s even hard for me to this time. What better keep up! A few strange, way to do that than with yet common, fad diets include the Military Diet, a diet plan that promises Alkaline Diet, Blood quick results and overall Type Diet and Cabbage improved health — and Soup Diet. We should happens to be promoted by your favorite celebrity? also acknowledge the well-known fad diets, the Fad diets, new and old, so-called “tried and true”: run rampant this time of the Paleo diet, Ketogenic year. People start filling diet, Whole30, Gluten-free their grocery carts with Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
4 Healthy Living • February 2019
diet, Beverly Hills diet, and my personal (least) favorite, the Juice Cleanse diet. Fad diets are known as such because they are just that — fads. They are not designed to last. These diets are typically driven by a newly published book, a celebrity endorsement or by heavy marketing. Most lack scientific evidence to back them up (especially long-term evidence). Weight loss may be seen initially, but studies show that as soon as the fad diet ends, individuals put the weight back on, sometimes more than was lost! These diets promise
quick results, and even though they have been proven not to work time and time again, people still buy into them. As a dietitian, I aim to teach people healthy, realistic, lasting diet modifications to improve overall health and decrease the risk of developing chronic illnesses. My intent is not to break down each of the diets listed above, but to introduce diets/programs that have proven health results. The diets listed below share common recommendations, such as eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy GulfCoastNewsToday.com
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February 2019 • Healthy Living 5
fats; limiting processed meats, saturated fats and excessive sodium; and exercising regularly. Some share common health benefits, such as lower cancer risk, weight
loss, healthy weight maintenance, decreased cardiovascular risk, lower blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, and the list goes on. To create an
individualized plan to meet your specific dietary needs, I recommend working with your physician and a Registered Dietitian. To transition to a healthy
way of life through food and exercise, you could start your journey by exploring the diets and programs below, which offer evidence-based, realistic guidance.
The New American Plate
The DASH diet
This diet was developed by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and recommends building plates made up of two-thirds (or more) vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or beans, and one-third (or less) animal protein. AICR is now offering a free, 12-week New American Plate challenge. Visit napchallenge.org for more information.
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and low in sodium. By combining DASH with exercise, individuals may be able to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, as well as the risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney stones. Visit nhlbi.nih.gov and search “DASH” for more information.
The Mediterranean Diet
The Dietary Guidelines + MyPlate + Food Labels
This diet incorporates the traditional healthy living habits of people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. There are variations, but in general, it’s high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats. It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods. Visit hsph.harvard.edu and search “Mediterranean” for more information.
These free programs provide strong, evidenced-based advice on food choices to promote good health, a tool to help you eat the right amounts of different types of foods and a tool to identify what’s in the foods you buy. Visit eatright.org and search “Dietary Guidelines” for more information.
(Note: These diets are not for everyone. Discuss diet modifications with your healthcare provider and Registered Dietitian.) LeAnne Bolton is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. 6 Healthy Living • February 2019
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Anterior Hip Replacement Thomas Hospital surgeons offer latest procedures, minimal recovery time FAIRHOPE — The time required and pain involved in postoperative recovery are important factors to anyone considering joint replacement surgery. On the Eastern Shore, a less invasive approach to hip replacements is being performed regularly by surgeons at Infirmary Health’s Thomas Hospital, resulting in less post-operative pain and quicker recovery time for patients. Anterior Hip Replacement is a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing surgery using an alternative approach to traditional hip replacement surgery. The procedure, using a specialized Hanna table, allows an incision to be made through the anterior (front) of the hip. Surgeons are able to work between the muscles, making no cutting or detachment necessary. This approach reduces post-operative pain and patient recovery time. “I try not to tell [patients] it’s the best thing since sliced bread, even though I think it is,” said Dr. Jay Savage, an orthopaedic surgeon with Bayside Orthopaedic Group. “It’s just a good operation. It changes people’s lives.” Orthopaedic surgeon Michael Chamblee with Baldwin Bone and Joint agrees. “You just bounce back a lot quicker.” he explains. “That’s what most people are interested in. How fast can 8 Healthy Living • February 2019
I get back to ‘blank,’ to doing what they want to do.’” Chamblee has been certified in orthopaedic surgery since 2013 and began performing the procedure at Thomas Hospital when he joined Baldwin Bone and Joint in 2017. “I see a little bit of everything. From kids with broken bones to elderly patients needing hip repair,” he says. “But I mostly do hips and knees.” Anterior hip replacement is one of his most common procedures, numbering an average of three per week. Most are needed, he explains, either because of wear and tear or chronic arthritic pain. “People are doing these younger and younger. People are more active and they don’t want to wait until they are 65 to get their hip replaced. They want to get it fixed and get back to their life.” This less invasive method, Chamblee holds, offers the same result as traditional approach, just with a less painful, quicker recovery. “The principles are the same, the length of surgery is the same. But we don’t have to cut muscle.” Dr. Savage has been in practice since 2013 and is also regularly performing this surgery at Thomas Hospital. He notes that the most common signs a hip replacement is needed include patients reporting hip or groin
pain, limited mobility or pain when performing certain tasks such as putting on socks and shoes. “Diagnosis with x-ray is fairly simple,” Savage says. Most patients are really excited, he adds about the reduced recovery time. While many patients are discharged the day after surgery, “the most common thing is to go home on day two.” Then, he points out, “patients don’t require such extensive therapy. A lot of them are back to biking, etc., within six weeks after surgery.” With a long-term success record similar to traditional hip surgery methods, this lesser-invasive procedure makes the prospect of facing joint replacement much more palatable for those living with pain. Experienced surgeons such as Savage and Chamblee, working in concert with the excellent facilities and staff of Thomas Hospital, are happy to be offering everimproving options for those in need of surgery. The Hanna table used at Thomas in the procedure features an articulated leg that can be manipulated to best position the patient for the most advantageous anterior approach. Prior to surgery, Infirmary Health offers total joint replacement classes that explain what to expect after discharge and provide resources to assist in recovery. Following the procedure, patients
recover in specially designed, spacious patient recovery rooms.
About Thomas Hospital Thomas Hospital is recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as a Blue Center of Distinction for Knee and Hip Replacement for demonstrating expertise in delivering quality specialty care – safely, effectively and cost efficiently, and as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care for expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations. Thomas Hospital was also recognized by Leapfrog, a national nonprofit watchdog group for hospitals, as a top hospital in the country and the hospital also received the American Heart Association silver award. Thomas Hospital has served the healthcare needs of those on the Eastern Shore for more than 50 years. The 162bed facility takes pride in providing high-quality care using advanced technology. GulfCoastNewsToday.com
When to seek emergency medical help for flu South Baldwin Medical Group The flu virus continues to spread across the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely tracking the number of confirmed cases and urging stringent precautions to minimize its impact. South Baldwin Regional Medical Center continues to see flusymptomatic patients in the emergency room and numerous patients have been admitted for treatment of flu-related complications. While most people will be able to endure the flu’s effects on their bodies and recover, others are at high risk for suffering complications and needing emergency intervention. Individuals at a higher risk include babies and children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and individuals with lung disease — such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “Beyond feeling miserable, flu can develop into something much more serious, particularly for individuals who are at higher risk," said Julian Jesubatham, MD, Internal Medicine at South Baldwin Medical Center. “It’s important for these individuals to be monitored closely so they receive GulfCoastNewsToday.com
timely medical help if needed.” Unlike a cold, the flu typically comes on suddenly. The most common symptoms are fever or feeling feverish/ chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect you have the flu virus, the CDC recommends seeking care from your doctor or an urgent care clinic, where you can be tested and receive a prescription for antiviral medication to minimize the intensity and duration of your symptoms. These medications work best when taken within 48 hours of becoming ill, but can still be beneficial when given later in the course of illness. When you or someone for whom you’re caring experiences any of the following symptoms – the CDC recommends seeking help from the closest emergency department:
Infants
• Trouble breathing • No tears when crying • Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal
Adults
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Sudden dizziness Children • Confusion • Fast breathing or trouble • Severe or persistent breathing vomiting • Bluish skin color • Flu-like symptoms that • Not drinking enough improve but then return fluids with fever and worse • Not waking up or not cough interacting • Being so irritable that “Flu can become the child does not want deadly, so it’s important to be held to act promptly if these • Symptoms improve but symptoms appear," said Jesubatham. “And it’s still then return with fever not too late to get a flu and worse cough shot this year, which can • Fever with a rash lessen your chances of getting sick.”
Patrick L. Garofano, P.T.
243 S. Greeno Road Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 928-3909 Fax (251) 928-3984 February 2019 • Healthy Living 9
How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu South Baldwin Medical Group Colds and the flu often occur around the same time of year and both have similar, unpleasant symptoms. While it can be hard to differentiate between the two, it’s important to distinguish the cause of your symptoms to determine the best course of treatment.
The common cold
The most common symptoms of a cold are within the respiratory system and include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, cough or chest discomfort. Treatment for these symptoms is available through overthe-counter medication designed to target the various symptoms. For example: • Antihistamines can help control a running nose, sneezing and watery eyes. • Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion. • Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation. • Expectorants loosen mucus from the respiratory tract, alleviating chest congestion and discomfort. The best way to treat a cold is to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, use over-the-counter medication and moni10 Healthy Living • February 2019
tor for symptoms that last longer than five to seven days. If symptoms persist, your cold may have developed into an advanced respiratory illness in the form of an ear infection, sinus infection or bronchitis. If this occurs, you should seek treatment from your doctor. “Distinguishing between a cold and the flu can be difficult because many of the symptoms overlap,” said Julian Jesubatham, MD, Internal Medicine physician at South Baldwin Medical Center. “A fever is one of the most common differentiators, although not everyone with flu will have a fever. Getting to your doctor for testing within a few days of experiencing symptoms can help, as there are medications that can minimize the symptoms of flu when action is taken quickly.”
able within 30 minutes. For the most accurate results, the test should be performed within four to five days of onset of symptoms. The tests are fairly accurate, and can give a positive diagnosis about 50-70 percent of the time. If the test indicates you don’t have the flu, it’s even more accurate, at a 90-95 percent rate. With a mild case, flu can be treated with rest, fluids and overthe-counter medication targeting the symptoms. If your case of flu is more severe, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications. Anti-nausea
medications help with stomach discomfort and vomiting while acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation. Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu® or Relenza, shorten the duration of the flu and lessen the serious complications; however, antiviral medications work best when begun within 48 hours of getting sick. These medications are particularly important for children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses who are particularly vulnerable to catching and experienc-
The flu
While both a cold and the flu generally attack the respiratory system producing many or all of the same symptoms, flu can affect the entire body. Additional symptoms associated with flu include a fever between 100 F and 104 F, headache, body aches, fatigue, exhaustion and nausea. To confirm a diagnosis of flu, your doctor will swab your nose or throat to test for the virus. Test results are usually availGulfCoastNewsToday.com
ing complications from the flu. As with a cold, if symptoms persist longer than three to five days, or become increasingly severe, see your doctor. The flu can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in patients who are older or have compromised immune systems, and may require more intense medical treatment or even hospitalization. “Flu can be particularly dangerous for infants, pregnant women, older persons or anyone with chronic medical conditions, so they need to be evaluated quickly to be considered for antivi-
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ral medication,” said Jesubatham. “Preventive measures such as getting a flu shot for everyone in the household, washing your hands and staying home when you are ill will help to reduce the spread of flu.” The best way to avoid contracting the flu is to get an annual flu shot. Unfortunately, there is no immunization against the cold, but washing your hands frequently, not touching
your face with your hands, and avoiding contact with people who have a cold can be a strong defense. To find a primary care provider, contact South Baldwin Medical Group at 251-424-
1239 or schedule an appointment online at SouthBaldwin MedicalGroup.com. South Baldwin Medical Center - Urgent Care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Located at 101 E 15th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL (across from Meyer Real Estate) and they can be reached at 251-962-1250.
February 2019 • Healthy Living 11
Stroke prevention starts with smart choices South Baldwin Regional Medical Center
reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, while enhancing your overall Every year in the United health and quality of States, more than 600,000 life. So why wait to get people have a new stroke, started? Here is your and 130,000 of those priority checklist: strokes are fatal. But according to the Centers Control your blood pressure for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 80 High blood pressure percent of strokes could is the leading cause be prevented through of stroke, and its most controlling the health controllable risk factor. If conditions that raise your you can’t manage healthy risk for stroke. BP through diet and “Anyone — including stress-reduction, get with children — can have your doctor for the right a stroke,” said George medicine. Graves, M.D., neurologist and SBRMC Stroke Stop smoking Medical Director. “And Nicotine and carbon while it’s true that certain monoxide in cigarette factors like age, sex, race smoke damage the and family history are cardiovascular system and beyond our control, there pave the way for a stroke are a number of lifestyle to occur. Use of birth choices we can make to control pills combined vastly reduce the number with cigarette smoking of tragic stroke-related can increase the risk of fatalities.” stroke even further. The good news is most of the health and lifestyle Prevent or choices needed to reduce control diabetes Diabetes (both I and II) your risk of stroke, is an independent risk will also significantly 12 Healthy Living • February 2019
factor for stroke. If you are trans fat and keep calories diabetic, have your blood in a healthy range. sugar and A1C levels Manage cholesterol checked regularly and levels keep those numbers in a Large amounts of healthy range. cholesterol in the blood Use food as can build up and cause preventive medicine. blood clots, leading to Your diet can make or a stroke. If you can’t get break your risk of a stroke your numbers in range over time. Eating five or with diet changes, talk more servings of fruits with your doctor about and vegetables per day whether medication is the can actually reduce the right choice. risk of stroke. Minimize sodium, saturated fat and Atrial Fibrillation
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AFib increases stroke risks fivefold because it causes the heart's upper chambers to beat incorrectly, which can allow the blood to pool and clot, then travel to the brain and cause a stroke. If you have AFib, know your stroke risks and get treatment to keep them as low as possible.
Physical inactivity and weight control
Both physical inactivity and excess body weight can increase your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. So go on a brisk walk, take the stairs, and do everything you can to make your life more active. If your BMI is over 25, make losing at least
tantly, the key to avoiding stroke-related death is to get the patient treatment F.A.S.T. The FAST acroOther medical conditions nym is a helpful reminder If you have sleep apnea, to looking for Face sickle cell disease, alcohol drooping, Arm weakness, or drug abuse, peripheral Slurred speech — Time to call 9-1-1. Other sympor carotid artery disease, toms can include sudden or any other disease of the heart or blood vessels, and severe headache pain, talk with your physician confusion, numbness of regularly about the impact arms or legs, and loss of vision. Treatment must be of these conditions on administered quickly to your risk of stroke, and avoid irreversible damage, how to best manage it. so if in any doubt at all — call 9-1-1. Transient ischemic In December 2018, attacks (TIAs) are also South Baldwin Regional strong predictors of Medical Center earned stroke. TIAs are smaller, The Joint Commission’s temporary blockages in the brain that can produce Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification milder stroke-like for Primary Stroke symptoms but may not Centers. leave lasting damage. Perhaps most impor“Stroke certification 5-10 pounds a priority this year.
recognizes SBRMC as a leader in stroke care, providing a higher standard of service for stroke patients of Baldwin County,” said Daniel McKinney, chief executive officer for SBRMC. “Earning a stroke center certification at our community hospital reinforces our commitment to providing life-saving care to patients — close to home.” If you need to be connected to a physician to help you identify and manage your risk factors for a stroke, contact South Baldwin Medical Group at 251-424-1239 or schedule an appointment online at SouthBaldwinMedicalGroup.com.
Our Daphne Clinic offers our patients in Baldwin County the same complete line of specialties as our Mobile Clinics including, medical and surgical eye, ear, nose and throat care, allergy testing and treatment, contact lenses and optical services, hearing aids and testing. Our extensive and distinguished roster of board certified specialists including Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Otolaryngologists and Audiologist are available for appointments and treatment. Call our Daphne office today.
251-410-9000 1302 US Highway 98, Daphne, AL
www.pmg.md GulfCoastNewsToday.com
February 2019 • Healthy Living 13
Diabetes drives up risk of heart attack and stroke South Baldwin Medical Group In recent years, the American Heart Association has identified diabetes as one of the seven major, and controllable, risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Adults with diabetes are about 50 percent more likely to die of the effects of a heart attack than adults without diabetes, according to a study of 700,000 people over ten years by the University of Leeds. “We’ve made significant advances in the treatment of heart disease over the past two decades,” said Julian Jesubatham, MD, Internal Medicine, South Baldwin Medical Group. “In general, your chances of surviving a heart attack or stroke today are far greater than ever before. But 14 Healthy Living • February 2019
for those with diabetes, the improvements in survival rates are less than half that of the general population.” Diabetes by itself is now regarded by many clinicians as the strongest risk factor for heart disease. But if you’re diabetic, it’s not enough to just control your blood sugar levels. The blood vessels in patients with diabetes are more susceptible to other wellestablished risk factors, including smoking, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure — and more than 90% of patients with diabetes have one or more of these additional risk factors. The good news is, the guidelines to prevent heart disease and diabetes are very similar. • Keep your blood glucose in healthy range – fasting blood sugar
should be consistently under 100. Possibly more importantly are your A1C levels are a measure of your blood glucose levels over the previous three months. • Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, at least five days per week. • Eat a balanced diet of whole, unprocessed foods – focusing on a variety of high quality fruits and vegetables. • Keep blood pressure below 130/80 or 140/90 — especially if you have diabetes. • Keep cholesterol and triglycerides in normal range, with a focus on ‘bad cholesterol’ (LDL). LDL should be no higher than 100 mg/dl in adults with diabetes. • Keep your weight and BMI in normal range. Body Mass Index should be no higher than 25.
• If you smoke, STOP. “There are plenty of physical and clinical factors that we can’t control, but type II diabetes just isn’t one of them,” said Dr. Jesubatham. “The best way to prevent or delay death from heart disease is simply to prevent diabetes itself. Get with your doctor, get a plan and stick to it. You may add an additional 20 or even 30 years to your life.” For more information about preventing or managing diabetes or heart disease, schedule an appointment with a physician who can help you create, and stick to, a plan. Contact South Baldwin Medical Group at 251-424-1239 or schedule an appointment online at SouthBaldwinMedicalGroup.com. GulfCoastNewsToday.com
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February 2019 • Healthy Living 15