Health VOL 2, ISSUE 4
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016
Line
A VOICE OF ASIA PUBLICATION
HEALTH FAIRS
The Varian TruBeam™ radiotherapy system at Kelsey-Seybold’s Main Campus Cancer Center
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
FALLS IN ELDERLY
STRATEGIES THAT PREVENT
THE EVERYDAY ANTI CANCER LIFE (STYLE)
SPIRITUALITY OF HEALTH HERE ARE YOUR OPTIONS
W W W.HEALTHLINEMAG .COM
T:7”
WAYS FOR YOU TO STAY POSITIVE
STAYING CONNECTED
T:10”
PUBLISHER’S NOTE First of all, my hearty congratulations and deep felt gratitude to those of you who took time to attend the Wellness Expo that HealthLine conducted last month on September 17, 2016 at the Stafford Center and a special thank you to the hospitals and businesses that supported and participated in our expo. The response for the expo was overwhelmingly positive. We received numerous emails and phone calls from people who expressed their appreciation and gratitude that, someone within our community, had undertaken such an expansive endeavor. The main theme of our Wellness Expo was an extension of our vision and mission at HealthLine: empowerment through education. The more educated we are, the more empowered and better equipped we are to live happier and healthier lives. In a short span of nine months, HealthLine has published over 100 articles authored by the prominent medical doctors, scientists, and physicians who are the experts in their fields. These experts have weighed in not only on the illnesses, but also on issues of preventive care as well as cures for these maladies. October is breast cancer awareness month. Please get involved however you can. Although breast cancer is not a disease exclusive to women, statistics show that women suffer from breast cancer in numbers far greater than men. Your support may mean the difference between life and death for someone’s mother, grandmother, sister, wife, daughter, niece or aunt. Get involved. Get educated. The life that you save may be your own. At HealthLine, we recognize the need for increased emphasis and education about women’s health issues. We are committed to empowering women on issues pertaining to their health and becoming aggressively proactive about guarding their health. We welcome your thoughts and concerns on issues that matter to you. Please reach out to us through email to ads@voiceofasiagroup.com
KOSHY THOMAS
Publisher and CEO of Voice of Asia group
CONTENTS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE
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FALLS IN ELDERLY Strategies that prevent
08
THE EVERYDAY ANTI Cancer Life (Style)
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EXPERIENCING KNEE PAIN? Here Are Your Options
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UNDERSTANDING ESSENTIAL Tremor
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THE VALIDITY OF INSULIN Resistance in type 2 diabetes
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06
FALLS IN ELDERLY STRATEGIES THAT PREVENT
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DO YOU REALLY NEED ADDED Sugar in Your Diet?
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SPIRITUALITY Of Health
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COPING with RA
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EXPERIENCING KNEE PAIN? HERE ARE YOUR OPTIONS
GUM DISEASE And Treatment
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LOW-DOSE CHEST CT SCAN Annually Can Help Detect Early-Stage Lung Cancer: Study
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HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
NUTRITION AND Prostate Cancer KEEPING YOUR Skin Young
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HEALTHY SKIN TIPS
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HEALTHLINE WELLNESS EXPO
Advertisers Index
BRAIN INJURY CAUSES AND PREVENTION
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THE EVERYDAY ANTI CANCER LIFE (STYLE)
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RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME ESSENTIAL FACTS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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NUTRITION AND PROSTATE CANCER
BRAIN INJURY Causes and Prevention DON’T DELAY: BEGIN ANNUAL Mammograms At Age 40
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RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME Essential Facts that You Need to Know
AARP- 2 Wells Fargo -11 Wallis State Bank / KJ Hair & Skin Oil -12 United Health Care / Santhigram Wellness -13 Nova Asset Management -14 Aetna / Ace Pain Management -15 Jason Gibbons-21 Texas Caregiver Support Services - 23 Houston Hospice / Harry Patel -27 Sunbelt Medical Corporation -27 The Medical Resort/ Minuteman Press -27 Texas Caregiver Support Services - 27 Sherly Thomas - Philip, Attorney at Law - 29
HEALTHLINE OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. No Material herein or portion thereof may be published without the consent of the publisher. HealthLine assumes no liability resulting from action taken Based on the information included herein. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the management. HealthLine reserves the right to edit as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints. HealthLine does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. Published quarterly by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite #325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713-774-5143. Email for editorial submission:voiceasia@aol.com; Email for advertising inquiries and submission:ads@voiceofasiagroup.com. For reprint rights, please email; voiceasia@aol.com Subject line:Reprint rights.
HEALTHLINE
October- December 2016
Publisher Koshy Thomas Editor-in-Chief Shobana Muratee Marketing Manager Jacob David Marketing Susan Pothanikat Accounts Manager Priyan Mathew Magazine Layout AR Media Cover Photo Kelsey-Seybold
(All Rights Reserved)
Printing Richmond Printers LLC
Advisory Board Catherine Papasakelariou, MD Abraham P Thomas, MD Hanh Trinh, MD Chandra Mittal, PhD Lovell A. Jones, PhD, F.H.D.R. Farida Abjani, RN
Our Contributors Farida Abjani, RN Pallavi Sastry Gaurav K Goswami, MD Olga Waln, MD Chandra K Mittal, MS., PhD, FCP John Poothullill, MD, FRCP Joseph Krainin, MD, FAASM Venugopal K Menon, MD, FAAP, FAAA&I, FRS Tina Pariani, D.O. Arvin Wali, Student Daisha Hayden, MD Savita Hemrajani, DDS Pushan Jani, MD Denise Hulett, MS, MHNE, CPT, CFNS Rajani Katta, MD Hanh Trinh, MD
EDITORIAL Dear Reader,
Effort is the start of any change. From the moment an idea is conceived and thereon developed, it takes effort to make it happen. Organizing a Community Health Fair requires effort. It takes months of planning and negotiating, trying to rope in physicians, health professionals, vendors and volunteers to provide as much as possible for the community. Because of their success, developed nations like the United States have taken health fairs to a global level and many non-profits and charitable organizations conduct such fairs annually as part of their outreach programs. It is not uncommon to find religious institutes like churches and temples opening their facilities to such events. Commonly, health fairs conduct laboratory tests and screenings for little or no cost. These days you could even get elaborate tests like mammograms and ECGs for free. More importantly, they offer health education by volunteering health professionals which is highly valuable. On September 17, a similar health fair was organized by our publication company Voice of Asia News Group - HealthLine Wellness Expo 2016. It was held at the 20,000 sq. ft. facility of Stafford Centre in Stafford, Texas. Nothing was spared in terms of service, products, and education to make it comprehensive and convenient for the people. Experts spoke on a wide range of topics covering stokes, breast cancer, autism, diabetes, yoga, Ayurveda, lung disease, medical insurance, and on errors made in medical profession, which was brought to light by the keynote speaker. Being a first attempt by a publishing company it was very impressive and welcomed. Educating people on their health is not an option but a necessity, which is laudable, and our publications are doing a small but significant part in empowering people to making the right choices. People are thirsty for knowledge, which drives them to websites that may sometimes mislead. Creating a platform for health professionals and citizens to interact - facilitating direct dialogue - is an effective way of educating the masses. It could be useful today or in the future but never stop making that effort; it’s worth the time and money building strong communities.
SHOBANA MURATEE Editor-in-Chief
FALLS IN ELDERLY Falls in elderly are the principal cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries. According to the latest research, one in three older Americans fall every year resulting in hip fracture, broken bones, and head injuries. Falls without a major injury have an indirect impact on the elderly as they become fearful and sometimes get depressed and this makes it difficult for them to stay active. Falls can be prevented and decreasing the risk of falls can help our parents and grandparents live a healthy and an independent life. Following are some of the common reasons for a fall: · Balance and gait: As we age, most of us lose some coordination, flexibility, and balance— primarily through inactivity, making it easier to fall. · Vision: In the aging eye, less light reaches the retina—making contrasting edges, tripping hazards, and obstacles harder to see. · Medications: Some prescriptions and overthe-counter medications can cause dizziness, dehydration or interactions with each other that can lead to a fall. · Environment: Most seniors have lived in their homes for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that might keep it safer as they age. · Chronic conditions: More than 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, stroke, or arthritis. Often, these increase the risk of falling because they result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain, or multiple medications. It is important to understand that certain health conditions and sometimes the medications that are prescribed to treat those health conditions make falls more
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Photo Credit: Fotolia
Strategies that prevent
likely. Following are some of the strategies that prevent falls 1. Make an appointment with your doctor Begin your fall-prevention plan by making an appointment with your doctor. Be prepared to answer questions such as: · What medications are you taking? Make a list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements, or bring them with you to the appointment. Your doctor can review your medications for side effects and interactions that may increase your risk of falling. To help with fall prevention, your doctor may consider weaning you off certain medications — such as sedatives and some types of antidepressants. · Have you fallen before? Write down the details, including when, where and how you fell. Be prepared to discuss instances when you almost fell but were caught by someone or managed to grab hold of something just in time. Details such as these may help your doctor HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
identify specific fall-prevention strategies. · Could your health conditions cause a fall? Certain eye and ear disorders may increase your risk of falls. Be prepared to discuss your health conditions and how comfortable you are when you walk — for example, do you feel any dizziness, joint pain, numbness or shortness of breath when you walk? Your doctor may evaluate your muscle strength, balance and walking style (gait) as well. 2. Keep moving Activities such as Tai Chi can help prevent falls by improving strength, balance, gait coordination and flexibility. 3. Wear sensible shoes Wear comfortable fitted shoes with nonskid soles. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall. 4. Remove home hazards Assess your environment, identify the hazards and make your home safe by following the below mentioned points: · Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways. · Move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas. · Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing — or remove loose rugs from your home. · Repair loose, wooden floorboards and carpeting right away. · Store clothing, dishes, food and other necessities within easy reach. · Immediately clean spilled liquids, grease or food. · Use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower. 5. Light up your living space Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. Also:
· Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways. · Place a lamp within reach of your bed for middle-ofthe-night needs. · Make clear paths to light switches that aren't near room entrances. Consider trading traditional switches for glow-in-the-dark or illuminated switches. · Turn on the lights before going up or down stairs. · Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages 6. Use assistive devices Your doctor might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady. Other assistive devices can help, too. For example: · Hand rails for both sides of stairways · Nonslip treads for bare-wood steps · A raised toilet seat or one with armrests · Grab bars for the shower or tub · A sturdy plastic seat for the shower or tub — plus a hand-held shower nozzle for bathing while sitting down Occupational therapists can help brainstorm other fall prevention strategies. Ask your doctor for a referral so you could utilize their services. 7. Avoid wearing loose clothing Sometimes when you wear loose clothes, they are either too big or too loose; they either bunch up or drag on the ground. These ill-fitting clothes may make you fall. Choose better-fitting and properly hemmed clothes. Reference: 1.http://www.mayoclinic.org 2. https:// www.ncoa.org 3. How to prevent Someone you love from Falling: A checklist prepared by Griswold Home Care
Farida Abjani hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University, She is an experienced RN she who worked at Intensive care unit. Farida is the CEO of Shining Nightingale, a hospice firm in Houston. She is very involved with charitable causes and was recently honored as 30 most influential women of Houston 2016.
HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Farida Abjani, RN
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016 I HEALTHLINE
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THE EVERYDAY ANTI
The truth is, WE DO HAVE CONTROL on our risk for cancer. We may have a history of cancer in our families, but more often than not you can take a look at the eating habits that our elders had (or continue to have) and make positive changes. I work with an amazing group of certified holistic health coaches in New York called The Urban Detox Club (www. urbandetoxclub. com) and with their guidance, I learned that eating alkaline/anti inflammatory foods are the perfect way for me to enjoy my food and eat to nourish my body at the same time.
CANCER LIFE Photo Credit: Fotolia
(STYLE)
My community in New York City calls me a “LifeStylist” because my philosophies on food and life are simple and applicable… Eat to nourish and fulfill not to indulge or out of obligation. Easier said than done right?
Inflammation is said to be the root of many conditions including many types of cancer. Our cells are fighting off cancer every day on their own, so feeding them acidic foods can aggravate their natural process and create fatigue and unnecessary hurdles for our cells to jump in order to fight off the free radicals our bodies are facing everyday in the environment, in our homes, and in our food. For my anti - inflammatory diet, I like to concentrate on eating in season, organic fruits (mostly berries) and organic green vegetables (like spinach, kale, and Brussel sprouts) as my staples and accompanying them with minimal amounts of the following: • Unrefined unprocessed whole/cracked grains - favorites include Quinoa, sprouted brown rice, millet
I hope that the experiences I share in this piece show that you too can value the vessel that you have been given for this life and encourage others to do the same. The foods we eat and way in which we eat them is a direct reflection on the respect that we have for our bodies.
• Beans and legumes - favorites include lentils, chickpeas, black beans, cashews
Anti - Cancer foods are a hot topic these days and the amount of conflicting information that is available to consumers like us is overwhelming; leading many of us to either submit to cancer being “inevitable” or purely based on genetics - OR on the other hand leadings us to complicate our diets so much that we no longer enjoy the process of building our health.
• Organic/Whole Soy Foods - favorites include tempeh, tofu, and raw protein powder
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• Nuts & Healthy Fats - favorites include avocados, cold expeller pressed coconut oil, walnuts, almonds
• Organic Mushrooms - favorites include Shiitake, Oyster, and Portobello • Fresh Herbs and Spices - favorites include garlic, turmeric, ginger, cumin, all Indian spices! HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
You will notice that the following are NOT present in my list:
medical bills later.
• Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter)
• gluten (bread, pasta, roti)
Author’s favorite Anti - Inflammatory / Anti - Cancer Indian Recipe (desert included!). You can find more recipes and tips from Pallavi Sastry’s on her website at www. pallavisastry.com
• Meat
• Feeds 4 People
• Entrée: Slow Cooked Channa Saag
• White Starches (White Potato, White Rice, white Sugar) • Packaged Condiments and drinks (ketchup, vinegars, fruit juice, soda) WHY? This is because, in the United States, these foods are routinely over processed, stripped of nutrients, and filled with preservatives making them HIGHLY inflammatory when we ingest them. This may sound extreme, but if you keep an open mind, you’ll see that I am advocating for you to find other less inflammatory versions of these foods and enjoy the nourishment you receive from them.
• Side Dish: Baked Sweet Potato & Shittake Mushroom Hash • Dessert: Mixed Fruit Parfait with Avocado Mango Mousse
Instead, look to organic/raw/unprocessed makes of these foods. Like adding dab of full fat organic yogurt blended with berries or mango into a lassi instead of a plate of white rice and dahi (yogurt) at the end of a meal, use an ingredient like gluten free flour to make roti instead of starchy white flour, or a flavor enhancer like a spoon of raw local honey to sweeten your cup of coffee rather than cream and white sugar. Simply put - the higher the integrity of your ingredients, the higher the integrity of your meal.
Photo Credit: Fotolia
Lastly, think of taking this time and energy to prepare and care for your food as you paying it forward to yourself and your family. Go ahead and spend the extra few dollars on high quality organic foods if you can. Think of this priority as your way of following the philosophy of “pay now or pay later “I’d say the few extra dollars now is well worth lowering the risk of thousands of dollars of Pallavi Sastry is a health advocate, producer, and TV actress and contributor for Further Food, Urban Detox Club and co - creator of the lifestyle brand Real Vegans Have Curves. She lives in New York City and is currently producing a feature length documentary entitled Invisible about the lives of those living with Fibromyalgia. For more info visit www.pallavisastry.com HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Pallavi Sastry
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016 I HEALTHLINE
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Photo Credit: Fotolia
Experiencing Knee Pain?
Here Are Your Options
Knee pain is anything but fun, and it frequently impacts your daily routine, resulting in a decrease in your level of physical activity. You might feel your pain at the front, outside, inside or back of the knee joint. While often caused by wear and tear, overuse, or injury, hip joint problems can also cause referred pain to the knee. Other common causes of knee pain include:
• An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear • A fracture • Arthritis • Bursitis • Tendonitis • Large Baker’s cysts • Loose bodies • Dislocation of the kneecap, and • Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
Traditional Treatments For Knee Pain Common approaches to treating knee pain include:
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1. Resting or decreasing your physical activity 2. Using a knee brace 3. Taking pain medications 4. Receiving steroid or gel injections 5. Getting arthroscopic surgery, which eventually leads to joint replacement surgery. The problem with these approaches is that they don’t actively resolve the problem. Rather, they serve to mask the pain instead of treating the root cause of your pain. For example, while steroids can provide temporary relief, they don’t halt the progression of joint damage. Plus their chemicals can in fact cause further damage to your knee joint. In some cases, surgery might be your only viable option. But, when it isn’t, it behooves you to look at alternative treatments. Why? Because surgery requires a prolonged and painful recovery process and offers no guarantee of relief. Stem Cell Therapy For Knee Pain HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Stem cell therapy, perhaps better named “regenerative cell therapy”, is a unique approach to treating knee pain. It focuses on regenerating the damaged cartilage, menisci, tendons, ligaments and bone within the knee joint that are causing your pain. During this procedure, your own regenerative cells are extracted from your body (meaning no embryonic or cord stem cells are used) and injected into your site of injury.
and doesn’t require any general anesthesia. It is a very safe treatment.
If your knee pain is significant enough that you have curtailed your daily activities and stopped playing your favorite sports, then you could look into stem cell therapy as a possible treatment option. Stem cell therapy is quick, involves no downtime,
To learn more visit www.precisecare.com where details of what this procedure involves and why this regenerative treatment may be a possible alternative to getting surgery can be found.
However, because there is currently no standardized protocol for stem cell therapy, it is important to understand, in detail, how the administering physician will perform the treatment. For example, your cells should be harvested and injected in the same day, without mixing in any chemical or foreign materials.
Gaurav K Goswami, MD specializes in Regenerative and Restorative Sports Medicine, providing advanced minimally invasive (non-surgical) treatments. He is a founding physician of PreciseCare where tissue preservation, quick recovery and little to no downtime are its cornerstones. As a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, Dr. Goswami is focused on helping his patients and athletes reach their maximum potential.
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Gaurav K Goswami, MD
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016 I HEALTHLINE
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UNDERSTANDING ESSENTIAL TREMOR Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder and the most common form of tremor (unintentional shaking of hands or other body parts). This disease can affect up to 5% of adults older than 60 years, but it can start even in childhood. Tremor in ET usually present in one or both hands, but can also affect head, voice and rarely legs. Unlike tremor in Parkinson’s disease that typically better seen in a resting hand, tremor in ET is called “action tremor” because it is more obvious when
medications can also make tremor worse. On the other hand, small amount of alcohol can temporarily improve tremor. Despite that ET is often referred to as “benign familial tremor”, it is not that “benign” in many patients. ET can affect quality of life by causing social embarrassment or even significant physical disability due to difficulty performing simple daily activities such as eating, bathing, getting dressed. Tremor is the only symptom of ET, but it was found that patients with ET have higher occurrence of restless legs, hearing loss and balance problems. We still do not know what causes ET, but it is thought to occur due to abnormal function of some brain areas. Despite that ET is called “familial tremor” and often runs in the families, we have not found genes causing this disease. There is no special test that can confirm ET. All blood tests and brain imaging are unremarkable. But an experienced neurologist can recognize ET and differentiate it from other disorders with tremor.
Photo Credit: Fotolia
the arm is involved in some activity such as writing, holding an object, or reaching for an object. Tremor can fluctuate in severity from day to day. It is usually worse when a patient is under stress, sleep deprived, after having caffeinated beverages. Overactive thyroid and some
OLGA WALN, MD 12 HEALTHLINE
Very mild tremor does not require treatment, and in some patients the disease can remain stable without worsening for years and decades. For patients with more severe disease, there are a few medications that can reduce tremor. Propranolol is the most commonly used medication in ET. It can be used daily or only as needed. The side effects of propranolol include dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure and heart rate, erectile dysfunction. Primidone is another well studied and effective medication, but it can cause excessive drowsiness and balance problems in some patients. Topiramate, an anti-seizure medication, is often used in ET. It’s potential side effects include tingling, decreased appetite, weight loss and memory problems. Few other anti-seizure medications are less commonly used in ET. In some patients, a combination of two or more drugs can be used if one medication is not enough to improve tremor. In most severe cases of ET, brain surgery called deep brain stimulation can be offered. Focused ultrasound, a new treatment technique that produces tiny lesion inside of the brain without opening the skull, was recently approved by the FDA and might soon become available to the patients.
Dr. Olga Waln is a neurologist with expertise in movement disorders working at the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Movement Disorders Clinic. Dr. Waln is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
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THE VALIDITY OF INSULIN RESISTANCE
IN TYPE 2 DIABETES It is believed that reduced insulin production by cells in the pancreas is responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes, with insulin resistance predating it. The accumulation of excess fat is held responsible for the development of insulin resistance, though the precise mechanism is still being debated. Yet, the treatment of type 2 diabetes is usually injection of insulin into the body, or medications forcing the pancreas to release more insulin, in an attempt to “overcome” the perceived resistance. This seems illogical, and contrary to many other medical findings.
abetes. When insulin was discovered, injecting it into children with type 1 diabetes to normalize elevated blood sugar improved the quality of their lives and increased the length of their lifespan. So when adults were found to develop elevated blood sugar, it was natural to consider it as a hormonal disease, similar to Type 1 diabetes. However, when it was also detected that at the time of diagnosis, adults with high blood sugar had normally functioning insulin in their blood, an explanation was needed other than the non-production of insulin.
When penicillin was discovered, for instance, some believed that all bacterial infections could be controlled with it, only to find that while some bacteria did respond to penicillin, some became resistant. When the mechanism by which bacteria developed resistance was discovered, practitioners understood that they had to use a different antibiotic, not administer more penicillin.
Slightly more than 80 years ago, the hypothesis of “insulin resistance” was postulated, and it became an immediate hit with endocrinologists to explain type 2 diabetes. They became forceful proponents of the idea, so much so that nobody dared ask for validation of the concept. It was not questioned why only 3 out of about 200 cell types in the body showed resistance to insulin. Once the concept was incorporated into medical textbooks, all challenges to the theory have been either ignored or brushed aside. With diabetes affecting more than a third of a billion people worldwide, it is legitimate to ask for greater precision about the mechanism of insulin resistance, and why are we treating patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with insulin if their cells are resistant to it?
Similarly, when it was found that leukemia cells can become resistant to a chemotherapeutic agent, oncologists realized that administration of more of the same agent only caused more side effects and was not much help to the patient. Injecting insulin makes sense when the pancreas cannot produce insulin, as is the case in type 1 di-
JOHN POOTHULLILL, MD, FRCP 14 HEALTHLINE
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John Poothullill, MD, FRCP received his medical degree from the University of Kerala and, during his medical practice became interested in understanding the causes of and interconnections between hunger, satiation, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes. HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Medwin Family Medicine & Rehab 1235 Lake Point Pkwy, Suite # 103 Sugar Land, Texas 77479
• Best Family Physicians by Consumer Research Council in 2006, 2008 and 2015. • Practicing Medicine for 25 years. Manjula Raguthu M.D FAAFP, ABAARM Board Certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Family Physician
832-532-0040
www.medwinfamily.com Affiliated with American Family Physicians Association Texas Family Physicians Association Valley Chapter, Currently involved with Multiple Philanthropic Associations and Chapters.
Ace Pain Management Standing up for equality in the communities we serve Aetna is proud to support the HealthLine Wellness Expo.
Physical Therapy and Stem Cell Treatment
• We offer Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Pain Management.
www.acepain.com Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of subsidiary companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna). ©2016 Aetna Inc. 2016028
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1235 Lake Point Pkwy, Suite # 103 Sugar Land, Texas 77479
Surya Raguthu M.D DBIPP, ABIME Board Certified in Pain Management and Interventional Pain Physician
832-532-0050
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016 I HEALTHLINE
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Photo Credit: Fotolia
RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME
Essential Facts that You Need to Know Creepy-crawlies. Itchy feelings. Tightness behind the knees. These are just a few of the ways that patients have described restless legs syndrome (RLS). However, there are many misconceptions about RLS. Let's clear the air on this mysterious disorder. RLS is a neurological sleep disorder that is defined by four essential features: 1) uncomfortable feelings in the legs with an associated urge to move them 2) the feelings emerge during inactivity such as sitting still or lying down 3) the sensations go away, or at least improve, during leg movement 4) symptoms occur predominantly in the evening or night. RLS can cause trouble falling asleep, but can also be highly disruptive after falling sleep because approximately 80% of RLS sufferers will have periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMs). These are repetitive, stereotyped lower extremity movements which can vary in degree from a subtle, upward movement of the big toe (which would likely go undetected by you or your bed partner) to full leg kicks. No matter the movement, the brain typically has a subtle awakening from sleep each time this happens, which can take its toll on quality of life and overall health. RLS can be divided up into ‘primary’ when there is no underlying cause for the RLS and ‘secondary’ when there is another medical con-
Joseph Krainin, M.D, FAASM 16 HEALTHLINE
dition present that has led to RLS. Common secondary causes of RLS include: iron deficiency (not necessarily with anemia); thyroid disorders; B12, magnesium and folate deficiency; and neuropathy, most commonly related to diabetes. Our understanding of primary versus secondary is getting more muddled with time because research is revealing that many of the patients that were thought to have primary RLS actually had iron deficiency. The underlying neurological mechanism for RLS seems to be a problem with the dopamine network in the brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that controls movement. Therefore, it makes sense that the standard treatment for RLS has been medications that increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, such as Requip and Mirapex. More and more sleep specialists (like Dr. Joseph Krainin) prefer moving away from these medications, acknowledging a problematic long-term side effect called "augmentation." Augmentation is when the RLS paradoxically gets worse and can even spread to other parts of the body. There are other effective medication and non-medication treatments available. Also, if you have RLS, it is important to get evaluated for all possible underlying medical causes. More and more research is showing that RLS is not just a nuisance but can have serious health consequences due to an association with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. So if you're dealing with "the Jimmy legs," as Kramer from Seinfeld would say, get checked by a sleep specialist!
Joseph Krainin, M.D, FAASM is the founder and president of Singular Sleep, the leading sleep telemedicine practice in the United States. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of sleep apnea (including home sleep testing), restless legs syndrome, insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders. He is double board-certified in neurology and sleep medicine.
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With metabolic diseases like Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, etc. on the rise in the world, there is lot of discussion about various food items people consume around the globe and how food ingredients affect human health. One of the most talked about food component are the carbohydrates in daily diet that are associated with diabetes or high blood sugar. Carbohydrates are components in the food that are listed on processed foods as starch, glucose, sucrose, fructose, etc. Whereas starch is polymer of glucose, rest are simple sugars that are quickly absorbed in the body and converted into energy. These are added to make food sweeter and tastier. High consumption of sweets like cakes, donuts, desserts, candies, ice creams, etc. that is routinely consumed in addition to standard regular diet usually adds to sugar overload in the body. Humans do not routinely need added sugar in their diets except in a low-sugar (hypoglycemia) emergency situation. A balanced diet consisting of grains, potato, corn, sweet potato, etc. naturally contain enough carbohydrates for human daily needs. In addition, some non-carbohydrate components like proteins and lipids also convert into sugars by gluconeogenesis. So, if an adult consumes a balanced diet containing proteins, fats and carbohydrates for an average daily intake of 2000 Calories, any added sugar to food can only create sugar overload with potential serious health consequences. Consider this: The average blood sugar level in an adult is about 100 mg/100 mL and average total blood volume is 5 Liters. This makes total sugar in blood to be 5 grams which is little more than one teaspoon sugar. Now imagine consuming two canes of Coke containing almost 80 gm of sugar which substantially raise the sugar levels in blood. And then if one adds desserts, ice cream, and various sweet snacks etc. it really pushes the
about 250 grams of sugar per day. But that accounts for all the carbohydrates combined including the added sugar. If one is con-
suming extra amount of carbohydrates and not able to burn it, these will convert into other molecules and increasing the body weight. In addition, the sustained high level of blood glucose will lead to diabetic syndrome. National health agencies recommend an average daily intake of about 250 grams of carbohydrates for a 2000 Calorie diet including all forms of sugar. But in reality majority of Americans consume excessive amount of added sugar making the diet unhealthy with serious consequences.
It is true that body has an average capacity to burn Dr. Chandra Mittal is Professor of Biological & Physiological Sciences at Houston Community College, and co-author of Nobel Prize-winning discovery of Nitric Oxide.
Chandra K. Mittal, M.S., Ph.D., FCP OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016 I HEALTHLINE
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Do You Really Need Added
Sugar in Your Diet?
SPIRITUALITY OF HEALTH
Dr. Venugopal K. Menon, MD, FAAP, FAAA&I, FRS Human existence is the ultimate Divine endowment, the mind being its celestial connection to cosmic authority. The physical body is the absolute expression and its biologic functioning an undeniable extension of the astounding energy that we call life. The role of mind and spirituality in dealing with health and illness is akin to that of electricity illuminating a city. The ones who treat can only heal when they realize that critical reality.
Even though there is no universal definition for spirituality, almost all cultures and religions relate to the presence of a ‘living consciousness’, a spirit within every human being that is relevant to life within or beyond the celestial system. In a larger concept of ‘being’ and a broader realm of existence, it relates to the meaning of life, a soul beyond the physical body, an inter - connection between different beings and them with the Reality at large. In Hindu perception, spirituality covers the philosophy of Dharma, Karma, cycles of birth and death, and the ultimate salvation (Moksha). Brilliant observations and inferences of the several genius philosophers and thinkers have educated us the many basic facts of life through recorded history. As we remain mesmerized by their wisdom and acknowledge their teachings with humility and gratitude, we also develop a certain sense of submission to an inconceivable authority that transcends beyond the reach of human comprehension, making our understanding pristine and sublime. And such reflective experiences enrich our attitude and mold our minds through assimilation of a certain ‘obscure yet palpable element of spirituality’. As much as we can attribute all our materialistic developments to the courtesy of scientific inventions, when dealing with matters of life and that of mind, we are enforced to transcend our sphere of perception to a much loftier realm. Once we accept an entity that we call ‘soul’ and its nature as justified and explained in our scriptures, we may become more at ease accepting a spiritual dominion beyond our reach. It is common knowledge that we have not even scratched the surface of that metaphysical plane, nor perhaps we never will. It is encouraging that modern science is gradually and graciously accepting an intellect beyond their grasp, even granting it to be a concession, facilitating an amicable synchronization between ‘science’ and ‘spirituality’. If human life and perhaps its soul is the ultimate entity in the ever
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evolving process of creation and evolution, it behooves us to imagine that there may be a vested purpose, a designated destiny, an imaginative intent, established, structured and manipulated by an Ultimate Reality which will always remain inconceivable to the minuscule ability and grasp of human intellect. At the same time, if the wealth of knowledge amassed by the spiritual minds can accommodate and take advantage of the scientific information accumulated through the human socio - cultural enhancement, this global human family of ours stands to benefit immensely. As we approach the subject of healthcare, a common and widespread perception is that of the biologic well - being of an individual, relating to the best possible working of the body under normal environmental conditions. Any disturbance or imbalance to such status of ‘health’ due to internal or external reasons would result in illness and when such cannot be mitigated by treatment or adjustments within the body itself, it will lead to death. Many of the old - world countries especially India and other Eastern concepts of health have always emphasized the role of the mind, its importance and of spirituality in the maintenance of a robust status of physical welfare. Western, ‘modern’ medicine for centuries hardly considered such philosophy as of any significance. Perhaps because of the systematic methodology of Allopathy that established its dominance and universal popularity through fundamental and corroborative research data before incorporating a certain modality of treatment, mind and its function was not recognized as crucial in the physiology and pathology of the body. Mind, consciousness, feelings and spiritual attitude not being measurable entities were often excluded as important in a person’s health and well - being. In addition, as the west controlled governing most of the planet, the knowledge and wisdom of the rest of the old - world was pushed aside and often into oblivion. At least until very recently. Fortunately for all concerned, and due to a variety of reasons like technology helping to link distant continents and their wealth of knowledge, universal migration of people along with tolerant, unprejudiced acceptance of information have come to the benefit of improved healthcare. Thus the perception that spirituality occupies an integral aspect of human health has been established and is steadily gaining recognition. The dangers of drug induced complications, the overuse, HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
abuse and mixing of several drugs leading to unwarranted, iatrogenic manifestations have guided the caregivers to exploring safer means of management and harmless alternatives. Perhaps deviating from the subject but nevertheless of grave implications are the overwhelming chemical, nuclear, and several such sinister environmental dangers that impose threatening consequences on human cells leading to diseases. A spiritual approach and modification to adapt and combat such challenges are distinctly bound to enhance the existing health status.
Until recent times, practitioners of modern science often ignored the religious beliefs and spiritual practices of patients, considering them as inconsequential or superstitious in the healing process. The Institute of Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center, established in 1954, recently commemorating its sixty years of growth, is a glorious example of pride and commitment in its meritorious service with its motto of ‘Faith and Meaning Impact Health and Healing’. Its challenge was to envision and build a religious program at the Texas Medical Center. In 2003, projecting a broader perspective, the name was changed to The Institute of Spirituality and Health. Its fundamental philosophy is based on the proof from research that a strong and consistent spiritual outlook is correlated with various measures of health and healing from physiological measures, to recovery time, and even to longevity. The institute has succeeded in its endeavors to initiate and continue to expand on its efforts to educate the healthcare providers to instill and incorporate the element of spirituality in providing service. I have been very fortunate to be invited to serve on its board.
The incorporation of ‘Alternative Medicine’ as an accepted mode of treatment in the maintenance of health, prevention of diseases and treatment of many illnesses is a welcome addition. The introduction of Ayurvedic practices, the flourishing commercial popularity of yoga, the launching of even an International Yoga Day, understanding that prayer has a distinct role in the mental status of humans and consequently on physical health, institution of meditation as an essential addition and an acknowledged assumption of mind control are ample evidence of the universal approval of spirituality’s unquestionable significance in human functionality. It is established and accepted in the modern scientific field that there And as we gain more information is a distinct interaction between the through advancement of scientiffunctions of the body and mind, that Photo Credit: Fotolia ic knowledge and as spiritual and religious commitments do ongoing research illuminates ininfluence our health, and that nature and God, health, illness, treatment and spirituality are all tricate interaction between the fluctuations of the mind and its influence on bodily functions, maintenance of indisputably intermingled. health and optimal standard of living are bound to imIn a holistic approach to health that is essentially based prove. There is also huge potential from the developing fields of Behavioral sciences, Cybernetics, Molecular Geon the fundamental inclusion of the tenets of spirituality, the emphasis is on a balanced netics, Neuropsychic sciences, cell biology and possibly physical and spiritual well - being in which environmen- several more that are not even in the conceptual horizon tal factors, nutritional observance, as well as cultivating at present. In summary, we are at the threshold of a mobalanced physical, mental and spiritual disciplines are es- mentous and promising breakthrough in our healthcare sential. To attain such an optimal global status it is imper- concept, of maintaining an optimum milieu of life, preative that we incorporate and integrate all the modern venting diseases and treating illnesses incorporating the scientific understanding and the age - old wisdom that millennia old wisdom of our forefathers, that spirituality can adequately nurture the needs of the body and mind. is essential and of supreme importance.
Dr. Venugopal Menon is board Certified as a Fellow by the American specialty boards in Pediatrics, Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; he was also inducted as a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society of Medicine, London. He retired from McGovern Allergy Clinic after serving as its president for eight years. HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
VENUGOPAL K. MENON
MD, FAAP, FAAA&I, FRS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016 I HEALTHLINE
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H
ave you ever had a little pain here or there, found yourself trying to diagnose yourself on the internet and then gotten yourself worked up worrying that you have something sinister like Rheumatoid Arthritis or even Lupus? If you have, or even if you haven’t. Here are some quick tips that can help guide you in figuring out what the cause of your joint pain could be. Arthritis is a form of joint disorders that involves pain of one or more joints. Although there are over 100 different types of arthritis, they are all basically broken into 2 types: mechanical and inflammatory. Mechanical arthritis mainly consists of Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as Degenerative Joint Disease and the most notable inflammatory arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). To add to the confusion, are also other conditions in which joint pains are secondary to the primary disease process such as Lupus, Lyme Disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease to name a few.
such as the fingers of the hands but most notably involves weight bearing joints such as the knees, hips/pelvis, and spine explaining why being overweight is a risk factor for developing OA and weight loss a potential treatment option. However, the most notable feature that distinguishes OA from RA, rheumatoid arthritis, is the fact that with OA the joint pain gets worse throughout the tivity, as more wear day with increased acand tear occurs on the affected joints, and improves with rest. Unlike OA which is a primarily a mechanical disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in that one’s own immune system starts to attack its own body tissues including but unfortunately not limited to the joints. Given that RA is a systemic (whole body) disorder, it is not diagnosed mainly though x-rays as OA is but primarily from blood markers that measure autoimmune activity. Also given its systemic nature, RA needs to be treated early to prevent further complications of the joints and other parts of the body. Unlike OA it usually presents in younger patients, primarily affects joints symmetrically and is less common. However, the most distinguishing cardinal feature that makes RA different from OA is the fact that the pain is worse in the mornings after rest and actually improves throughout the day with activity. Photo Credit: Fotolia
A R H T I W G N I P CO
The most common form of arthritis worldwide is Osteoarthritis. OA often involves joints that have been injured or experienced a significant amount of mechanical wear and tear over the years so needless to say, it usually presents in the middle to late ages of life. It asymmetrically affects joints
Tina Pariani, D.O. 20 HEALTHLINE
Tina Pariani is with Legacy Community Health Services. She is Board Certified Internal Medicine and Board Certified Geriatrics.
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BRAIN INJURY Causes and Prevention Head Trauma Head trauma and associated traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be very serious and life threatening. Here is an extremely brief overview of the epidemiology of TBI, signs and symptoms that may be associated with injury, and recommendations to prevent and report injury. Epidemiology According to reports from the Center of Disease Control, more than 1.5 million people within the United States experience TBI each year. Whether from motor vehicle accidents, assault, or simple falls – TBI may have serious sequalae, such as death or disability and leads to an annual national economic burden upwards of $37.8 billion.
Rehabilitation With severe TBI, the immediate treatment phase involves critical care management or neurosurgical interventions. Once a patient has stabilized, treatment focuses on restoring lost functional abilities with intensive rehabilitation services through working with a coordinated team of physi a t -
Prevention Simple tips that may prevent head injury include: always wearing a seat belt when in a motor vehicle, always wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle, never driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, using railings while walking on stairways, keeping guns or lethal firearms absolutely out of reach of children, unloaded, and locked away. Presentation Many injuries to the head may be minor and not result in complications. However, with sufficient head trauma, a person may suffer from a mild TBI, also known as a concussion and have symptoms of transient confusion or loss of consciousness, loss of memory, headache, seizures, or vomiting. With more severe injuries, a person may become obtunded, enter a coma like state, or suffer from newfound neurologic weakness and report difficulty with speech, changes in vision, trouble moving arms or legs. If there is concern for mild or severe traumatic brain injury, health care services should be immediately contacted.
rists, neurologist, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and other members of an interdisciplinary health care staff. References: Marshall S, Bayley M, Mccullagh S, Velikonja D, Berrigan L. Clinical practice guidelines for mild traumatic brain injury and persistent symptoms. Can Fam Physician. 2012;58(3):257-67, e128-40. http://www.traumaticbraininjury.com/understanding-tbi/whatare-the-effects-of-tbi/ Photo Credit: Fotolia
Arvin Wali 22 HEALTHLINE
Arvin Wali is a 4th year medical student from the University of California, San Diego and is an aspiring neurological surgeon. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Research, Arvin considers effective scientific communication to be essential for patient empowerment and medical innovation. Arvin believes that a holistic, patient centered approach is vital for excellent care. I OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016
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BEGIN ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS AT AGE
40
It is a fact that breast cancer incidence increases substantially around age 40 and the incidence rate for ages 40-44 is twice that for ages 35-39. One in six breast cancers occur in women ages 40-49. The message is simple: since regular mammography screening began in the U.S. in the 1980s, the breast cancer death rate has plummeted 35 percent. Yet with so much contradicting information about when to screen and how often, it has become perplexing for women to grasp the gist of annual screening mammography. The experts agree to set a schedule of regular, yearly mammograms beginning at age 40. That opinion is shared by the Society of Breast Imaging, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Radiology because screening mammography saves lives. Numerous studies show that even when women have access to the latest therapies, deaths from breast cancer decline at a much higher rate in women who get mammograms.
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DON’T DELAY:
Annual screening mammography starting at age 40 reduces breast cancer mortality by 30 percent through early detection, saving approximately 6,500 more women’s lives each year in the U.S. than screening every other year starting at age 50. A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray that can detect irregularities in the breast, sometimes even before a lump can be felt. Women can increase the chance for early detection of breast cancer by adhering to a few simple guidelines of good breast health. Always perform a breast self-exam every month and have a clinical breast exam conducted by a healthcare professional annually. If warning signs are found, such as pain, feeling a lump, or nipple discharge, see a doctor immediately and always talk to your doctor about ways to reduce risk of breast cancer. Current science cannot determine which cancers will advance and which will not, so all women 40 and older should be screened annually.
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Daisha Hayden, M.D.
Dr. Hayden is a board-certified radiologist on the medical staff at St. Joseph Medical Center.
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GUM DISEASE ANDTREATMENT The Basics of Gum Disease Gum disease is an infection of the periodontal tissues that provide support for the teeth. These tissues include the gums, periodontal ligaments and the jawbone. Also called periodontal disease, this condition begins with bacteria-ridden plaque irritating the gum tissues. If this plaque is not removed with thorough brushing and flossing, it will turn into a hard substance called tartar. Once this happens, you can no longer sufficiently clean your teeth on your own because tartar must be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist with a special instrument. If tartar is allowed to build up around the gumline, it will break the healthy attachment between the gums and the teeth, allowing bacteria and plaque to collect under the gums and along the tooth roots. These openings at the gumline are called periodontal pockets, and once they form, you run the risk of losing your teeth if you do not seek treatment from your dentist, dental hygienist or periodontist. Oral-Systemic Health The mouth is crucial to the overall health of your body. From the air you breathe to the foods you eat, numerous toxins enter your body via your mouth. The oral bacteria that run rampant in gum disease can also enter the body and affect your overall health. Oral bacteria can also enter the bloodstream through damaged gum tissues, and researchers have found traces of these bacteria in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and in the arteries of heart disease patients. Because gum disease is a chronic condition, patients should do everything in their power to prevent it from developing and affecting their general health. Signs & Symptoms Gum disease can be painless, so it is important to be
Savita Hemrajani
DDS, MPH, CHES.
24 HEALTHLINE
aware of any of the following symptoms: • Swollen, red, tender or bleeding gums • Gums that recede or move away from the tooth • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in mouth • Loose teeth • Visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums Gum Disease Risk Factors Patients with the following conditions or lifestyle factors are at a high risk of developing periodontal disease: • Tobacco and alcohol, use • Inadequate oral hygiene • Puberty, pregnancy or menopause • Diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illness, certain cancers or osteoporosis • Use of steroids, oral contraceptives, chemotherapy drugs or calcium-channel blockers Treatment of Gum Disease The effects of gingivitis can be reversed with good brushing and flossing habits and a professional teeth cleaning performed by your dental hygienist or dentist. In the more advanced stages of periodontal disease, your dental professional will likely perform a scaling and root planing procedure, which consists of removing plaque and tartar below the gumline. Also called a deep cleaning, this procedure involves removing the bacterial toxins on the surfaces of the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth and eliminate periodontal pockets. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotic therapy and antimicrobial mouth rinses to aid in the healing process. If scaling and root planing do not successfully halt the progression of gum disease, you’ll need to see a periodontist for one or more of the treatments such as Flap Surgery, Bone and Soft tissue graft or Guided bone tissue regeneration.
Dr. Savita Hemrajani is extremely caring, compassionate and experienced dentist practicing dentistry since 1999. Currently she is practicing at her individually owned private practice Sugar Creek Smile Dentistry in Sugar Land.
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LOW-DOSE CHEST CT SCAN ANNUALLY CAN HELP DETECT EARLY-STAGE LUNG CANCER: Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in United States. Every year, more than 158,000 people die of lung cancer in the US. Smoking is implicated in 80% of lung cancer deaths followed by Radon exposure. Most of the lung cancer cases are detected in late stage with less than 10% patients surviving more than 5 years. Patients diagnosed with early stage lung cancer have a higher cure rate by undergoing surgery to remove the area of the lung involved with lung cancer. In patients who do not qualify for surgery, we now have other treatment options like localized radiation therapy and radiofrequency ablation. Early stage lung cancer does not usually cause any symptoms. These are mainly diagnosed while undergoing chest X-ray or CT scan of the Chest for some other reason. For this reason, a nationwide study was done offering Chest X-ray or Chest CT scan annually in high-risk patient population. This study, National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST), found that patients who underwent low radiation dose
STUDY
Chest CT scan on an annual basis had a higher likelihood of finding early-stage lung cancer. These patients lived longer and had a higher rate of cure from lung cancer. Hence, United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends getting an annual low radiation dose Chest CT scan for individuals between the age of 55-74 years, who have smoked at least 20 cigarettes (1 pack) every day for 30 years, or 40 cigarettes every day for 15 years, and who continue to smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years. Individuals who do not meet these criteria but are still at risk of having lung cancer may be offered low-dose Chest CT scan based on their individual risk profile. Currently, research is ongoing to identify biomarkers of early lung cancer in blood. However, until we have more proof of their usefulness, annual low-dose Chest CT scan remains our best option to detect early stage lung cancer so that potential cure for this deadly disease can be offered.Â
Dr. Jani completed his Internal Medicine residency at University of Louisville, KY in 2010, followed by a fellowship at University of Texas-Houston in Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine completed in 2013. He did his fellowship in Interventional Pulmonary at Emory University, Atlanta in 2014 and is currently the Interventional Pulmonary and Bronchoscopy director at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Texas Medical Center treating patients with lung cancer, lung nodules, and focuses on providing lung cancer screening service with low dose CT scan service. HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Pushan Jani, MD.
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NUTRITION AND PROSTATE CANCER It is estimated that nearly 35% of all cancers in the United States may be related to diet: what we eat and what we don’t eat. This includes prostate cancer. Below are ten nutrition tips to follow if you have prostate cancer or are at risk. (Be advised: these nutrition tips provide good information for everyone!)
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the development of prostate cancer. 7. Eat organic. Organically grown food is free of harmful chemicals and pesticides, including BPA, a known prostate cancer carcinogen. 8. Limit animal protein. Studies show that excess fat, primarily red meat and high-fat dairy, stimulates prostate cancer growth. 1. Limit your sugar intake. Research sug gests that the more processed sugars you eat, the higher your insulin levels, and the more likely it is that your prostate cancer will grow. In addition, diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to excess weight and obesity, which increase your cancer risk. 2. Eat a heart healthy diet. Heart disease is still the number one killer, even in men with prostate cancer. A heart healthy diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs; high in fiber; and low in saturated fat. 3. Increase your intake of colorful vegetables and fruits. Colorful vegetables and fruits contain phytochemicals which are anti-oxidants and help build your immune system. Aim for 4-5 servings of vegetables a day and 2-3 servings of fruit a day. 4. Cook with herbs and spices. Most herbs and spices have healing properties. For example, turmeric and ginger are natural anti-inflammatories, anti-oxidants, as well as anti-carcinogenic. Garlic, onions, leeks, shallots and chives are thought to promote cell 9. Strive for a more plant based diet. In addition to death in prostate cancer. adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, try to 5. Take Omega 3 supplements. In one study, a incorporate plant-based proteins. Plant-based protein controlled 4 to 6 week diet of low fat intake along with like beans, flax and nuts contain quercetin and lignans 5 grams of omega-3 supplements resulted in smaller that suppress the growth of many kinds of cancer, inless aggressive prostate cancer compared to men con- cluding prostate cancer. suming a more standard American diet. Omega 3s 10. Enjoy your food! A healthy diet does not can also be found in fish, seeds, nuts, olive oil, Brussels have to be a boring one. There are plenty of great recsprouts, kale and spinach. ipes and meal ideas just a click away on the Internet. 6. Drink green tea. Green tea contains poly- Don’t be afraid to try new foods and spices. Most of all, phenols and flavonoids which are strong antioxidants. enjoy your food and all the wonderful benefits of good Green tea has also been shown to slow and/or prevent nutrition.
Denise Hulett,
MS, MHNE, CPT, CFNS
26 HEALTHLINE
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Denise Hulett is a nutrition specialist, personal trainer and owner of Restorative Fitness and Nutrition in Sugar Land, Texas. Denise has a master’s in health and nutrition education and focuses on helping clients use nutrition to enhance their lives and their health. Denise continues to study with the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, one of the leaders in integrative medicine. HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
The Medical Resort at Sugar Land
The orthopedic rehabilitation program at The Medical Resort at Sugar Land helps patients in regaining function following a joint surgery or recovering from a traumatic fall or injury. We utilize advanced protocols for elective joint replacements and spinal surgeries. O U R F E A T U R E S
• Private luxury suites. • State of the art therapy gym and equipment. • Individualized physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapies with services available 7 days a week. • Comprehensive nursing care for surgical wounds and pain management. • Therapy courtyard with putting green. • Free high speed internet access. • Restaurant style dining room with custom meals. • Beauty salon with services that include manicure, pedicures, and facials.
1803 Wescott Ave. Sugar Land, TX 77478 (Next to Costco) 281-329-4300 • Fax: 281-240-3477 • www.tmrsugarland.com Member: IACCGH
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KEEPING YOUR SKIN YOUNG Less advertised, but certainly more important, is how to prevent aging of the skin in the first place. Focus on two main factors: The first on protecting the skin from external damaging forces. The second on eating the right kinds of foods to combat aging skin. It’s important to protect our skin from excessive sun exposure, due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation damages the skin over time, resulting in brown spots, wrinkling, and sagging skin. Protection from UV radiation starts with commonsense choices. Avoid the sun’s rays when they're at their most intense, between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. Seek shade, and use hats and sunglasses to provide extra protection, especially for the delicate skin around the eyes. Sunscreen is also important. While you should choose sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, it’s just as important to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. These protect against a wide range of wavelengths. However, even the best sunscreens don’t provide a magic shield against the sun’s rays, and definitely not for hours on end. Limit exposure to the sun’s harsh rays, and reapply every two hours.
Rajani Katta, M.D. 28 HEALTHLINE
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Treating aging skin is big business. Whether it's the latest skin serum or the newest laser treatment, there are many advertisements that promote quick fixes for aging skin.
The right foods can also help protect the skin. We call this approach "better skin from the inside out". Foods high in antioxidants limit the amount of damage caused by UV radiation. High on my list of skin-saving foods are tomatoes and turmeric. Many other spices, herbs, fruits, and vegetables are also high in antioxidants that can protect the skin. It's also important to eat foods that help stabilize blood sugar levels. Research has shown that elevated levels of blood sugar can result in changes to the collagen fibers of the skin, which ultimately results in sagging of the skin. I call this "sugar sag", and it's yet another reason to choose whole grains such as brown rice over refined foods such as white rice. Foods that are high in fiber also help stabilize blood sugar, which is why beans and lentils are recommended by so many physicians. The right steps, taken today and repeated consistently, can help your skin maintain its healthy glow and youthful appearance.
Dr. Rajani Katta is a board-certified dermatologist, and was a professor of dermatology at the Baylor College of Medicine for over 17 years. She is the author of five books, and is currently working on her next book, on the link between diet and dermatology. She maintains a blog at her website www.KattaMD.com. I OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016
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H E A LT H Y
SKIN TIPS
Healthy skin does not have to take a lot of time or money. Do gentle cleansing with a mild cleanser, instead of a harsh soap. Limiting bath time and using warm water, instead of hot water, can help to maintain oils in your skin. Pat dry with a towel, then apply a moisturizer while the skin is still damp to seal in the moisture. When choosing skin care items, look for the ingredients vitamin A and alpha-hydroxy acid, which can promote skin healing and slow the look of aging. Enjoying the outdoors with family can be great. Daily sunscreen use can prevent both the wrinkles of aging and skin cancer. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours or sooner, if swimming. Look for shade during the hottest times of the day, between 10am and 2pm, or when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Wear hats and clothes that provide ultraviolet protection. A healthy diet can give you energy throughout the day and keep you looking your best. Having 50% or more of the plate filled with fruits and vegetables can pack antioxidants and vitamins into your meal. Lean meats and whole grains add protein to keep you feeling satisfied longer. A diet rich in vitamin C and low in saturated fats and processed sugars can promote younger looking skin. Smoking can make your skin look more wrinkled and older. Smoking makes blood vessels more narrow, decreasing oxygen and nutrients that keep the skin looking healthy. It also weakens the skin strength and elasticity. If you smoke, the best way to protect your health is to quit. Uncontrolled stress can trigger acne and hormone changes. Take time to manage stress during the day. Regular exercise can release endorphins to keep you going. Schedule time for yourself and do things that are relaxing. Eating right and staying active can keep you shining inside and out.
Hanh Trinh, MD
Dr. Trinh received her medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in New Orleans and trained in family medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Following residency, she completed her geriatric fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine and her palliative medicine fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She joined Houston Hospice in 2007 and serves as the Education Liaison.
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KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC
WELLS FARGO
HEALTHLIFE 360 & AETNA
AMERICAN EYES OPTICAL
WELLCARE
30 HEALTHLINE
H.O.P.E NON-PROFIT FOR AUTISM THE MEDICAL RESORT
TRANSAMERICA NETWORK
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
RADIO DABANG
HOUSTON HOSPICE
TEXAS & INDIA CAREGIVER
JUDY’S WORLD / THINK
DELTA LIFE FITNESS
OAKBEND MEDICAL CENTER
OASIS SENIOR ADVISORS I OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016
CHEMMANUR INTERNATIONAL
IBN SINA COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
INDIAN NURSES ASSOCIATION
HOUSTON POLICE
WEST HOUSTON REHABILITATION CENTER
ACCESS HEALTH
NEW YORK LIFE HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
FORTBEND REGIONAL CENTER
DISTINCTIVE LIFE
WORLD FINANCIAL GROUP
LALANI INSURANCE AGENCY
TARA ENERGY
MADHAVAN PILLAI, CPA
LUPUS FOUNDATION
DGN FACTORY
HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
HOUSTON AREA PARKINSON
OUTLOOK EYE & LASER CENTER
UNITED HEALTHCARE
KELSEY WELLNESS
ICON BANK
UNIVERSAL BAKERY
AYUSH AYURVEDA
U.S CITRUS
Dignitaries Health Series Speakers & Presenters
Andrei Lorilla United Healthcare
Hanh Trinh, M.D. Manish Gandhi, M.D Advisory Board Member Kelsey-Seybold
Payal Patani Rebecca Kramer, CEO Fort Bend Regional LUPUS Foundation Council
HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Pushan Jani, M.D Memorial Hermann
Hardeep Singh, M.D Keynote Speaker
Sudhir Mathuria, CEO HealthLife 360
Dr. Lovell Jones Ph.D Koshy Thomas, Manju Sachdev, M.D Anupam Ray Publisher, Voice of Asia Consul General of India Advisory Board Member Emcee
KB Singh Ayurveda
Farida Abjani Advisory Board
Jacob David Shobana Muratee Marketing, Voice of Asia Editor, Voice of Asia
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016 I HEALTHLINE
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