February 2011 Healthwisc

HealthWisc modern health and living

FEBRUARY 2011

Est. 1992

FREE PUBLICATION

;

HEALTHY

LIVING

Celebrating 18 years!

Health Awareness Guide 2011

allergies

and hay fever

If you suffer from sneezing, runny noses, or itchy eyes, you might think you have a cold. Instead, it could be an allergy. When you come across something that you are allergic to, your body reacts by producing chemicals. These chemicals cause the sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. People can be allergic to many different things, such as •Pollen •Dust mites •Animal dandruff •Mold •Foods Drugs Hay Fever Hay fever (pollen allergy) is one of the most common kinds of allergies. About 35 million Americans suffer from hay fever. Pollen is made by trees, grasses, and weeds. During the spring, summer, and fall some plants release pollen into the air you breathe. Your symptoms might be different at different times of the year. It all depends on the kinds of plants that grow where you live and what allergies you have.

Symptoms of Hay Fever •Sneezing •Runny or clogged nose •Coughing •Itchy eyes, nose, and throat •Watery eyes •Red, swollen eyes Why do some people have allergies and hay fever?

No one is sure what causes allergies. You are more likely to have hay fever if your parents have it.

What kinds of tests check for allergies?

•Skin tests--Your doctor may also use a needle to put a small amount of allergen into your skin. After a few minutes, the reaction tells your doctor if you have allergies.

•Blood tests--Your doctor may use a blood test to look for a protein in your blood called IgE. This protein is made by people with allergies and hay fever. It also helps fight certain types of infection.

Both tests look for certain disease-fighting cells (antibodies). Your body makes these cells to match whatever it is fighting. Your antibodies tell doctors what you are allergic to.

How are allergies and hay fever treated?

Your doctor can help you decide what to do. You can: •Avoid the things that cause your symptoms.

•Use medicines.

•Get allergy shots.

Allergy shots contain small amounts of what you are allergic to. At first, shots may be given every week to lessen your symptoms. The shots are usually continued for 3 to 5 years.

HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

FOOT PAIN?

February February2011 2011Note Note

This month I wanted to start things off with new and modern changes. Starting with the QR code. Get your cell phones out and scan the code on the front and enjoy our new updated website. If you don’t have the phone that scans, no juststart go to www.modernhealthandliving.com to find This month Iproblem, wanted to things off with new and modern changes. healthy living.

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It’sactive so important gymnastics, dance,this sport or just running in circles, staying keeps to the keep ourself active, so it might be time to get that gym membership or start body and mind healthy and developing. walking theadults malls with again.Super Stay Bowl active!!!

I hope youmyself have ahosting wonderful February To us Sunday and the monthly and will touch base again in March Bunco get together this equals food, food and even more food. It’s so important -Amanda Lewis to keep ourself active, so it might be time to get that gym membership or start walking the malls again. Stay active!!! I hope you have a wonderful February and will touch base again in March -Amanda Lewis

HealthWisc modern health and living

FEBRUARY 2011

Est. 1992

FREE PUBLICATION



HEALTHY

LIVING

Celebrating 18 years!

February February2011 2011EDITION EDITION

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www.footsolutions.com/milwaukee publishers publishers editor editor graphic design graphic design advertising distribution manager travel editor travel editor founder founder

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Subscriptions are $20 per year. Thanks for reading HealthWisc.

disclaimer disclaimer

HealthWisc is published on the first of each month . The articles in this publication are in no way intended toto replace Weadvise adviseseeing seeingaaphysician physicianwhenwhenintended replacethe theknowledge knowledgeorordiagnosis diagnosis of of your your doctor. doctor. We ever ever a health a health problem problemarises arisesrequiring requiringan anexpert’s expert’s care. care.

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Special Thanks! To all the local professionals that provide us with articles containing new information and keeping all our readers informed of the latest in healthy living.

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Parkinson Disease

What is

Parkinson Disease?

THE DISORDER OCCURS IN MEN SLIGHTLY MORE OFTEN THAN IN WOMEN (ABOUT 51% VS. 49%) AND HAS BEEN SEEN IN ALL RACIAL GROUPS AND IN ALL GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF THE WORLD, WITH A FEW NOTABLE EXCEPTIONS.

By Paul A. Nausieda, MD James Parkinson, a family physician in London, originally described Parkinson disease in the early 19th century, referring to the disorder as the “shaking palsy.” He described a group of findings including a tremor at rest, generalized slowing of body movement, stiffness of movement, and a flexed posture with a shuffling gait. The basis of the disorder was unknown. Since James Parkinson did not have the disorder himself, it is called Parkinson disease rather than Parkinson’s disease.

Currently, we use the term “idiopathic Parkinson disease,” meaning that we don’t know the cause, to describe the majority of patients. The condition is one that is infrequent before age 50 and then begins to appear in larger numbers of patients when they are in their 60s and older. The disorder occurs in men slightly more often than in women (about 51% vs. 49%) and has been seen in all racial groups and in all geographic areas of the world, with a few notable exceptions. There are no welldefined risk factors. The disease is slowly progressive when it begins—so slow that most patients overlook their initial symptoms. Generally the disease begins on one side of the body and in one limb.

The diagnosis of Parkinson disease cannot be made with any specific test but is based on finding at least two of the major symptoms of the disorder on physical examination. Major symptoms include a tremor (shaking) at rest, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (stiffness) of the limbs and trunk, and postural instability (impaired balance). Additional findings that may support the diagnosis include small, cramped handwriting; increased saliva formation and drooling; oily skin with flaking on the scalp, eyebrows, or areas around the mouth; constipation; soft speech; and an immobility of the face with an obvious stare. People with Parkinson disease may have a change in their balance pattern and tend to center their bodies farther back on their feet than they normally would. Some patients notice that they have trouble turning over in bed for no apparent reason. Other individuals complain of a vague sense of imbalance, especially when walking up or down inclined surfaces.

All of these symptoms evolve very slowly.

Because you have a diagnosis of Parkinson disease, you have not relinquished control over your life. Being a victim of any disease is a very bad role to have to play. Parkinson disease is no different from the other chronic conditions that we all develop in the course of our lives. It may change the way you approach things and may create a need to adapt a bit, but it does not prevent you from being a meaningful participant in life. Emphasizing the positive aspects of life is an important step for all of us.

You can have a great life even with Parkinson disease. That is not something you can get in a pill; it is something you need to find in yourself. The often-cited adage “attitude is everything” is one of the most important pieces in the puzzle of how to live with Parkinson disease.

Dr. Paul Nausieda is medical director of the Regional Parkinson Center at Aurora Sinai Medical Center.

HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

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Advancements in the Treatment of Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeat) Tuesday, February 15 6 – 7 PM (Free) Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Franklin 10101 S. 27th Street, Franklin (1 1⁄2 miles south of Ryan Road)

First Floor Conference Center

Dr. Charles Lanzarotti, a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, will discuss cutting-edge developments in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. He will present various treatment options including cardiac cryoablation which is a gentler form of ablation to treat irregular heartbeat.

Presenter: Dr. Charles Lanzarotti, MD, FACP, FACC, is a board certified and fellowship trained Cardiac Electrophysiologist with Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group.

Registration is required for each session.

To register, call 1-888-994-3286 or go to mywheaton.org and link to “Find Classes and Events.” Select “Visit with our Physicians” from the pull-down menu and scroll down to the specific workshop.

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Heart Health

What is

Syncope?

by Charles Lanzarotti, MD, FACC, FACP We tend think of heart problems as a health concern for people who are older or overweight. But many of us do not think of fainting as being a sign of something more serious, like sudden cardiac arrest.

Syncope (pronounced ‘SIN-ko-pē) is temporary loss of consciousness and posture, often described as “fainting” or “passing out”. It most often occurs when the person’s blood pressure drops too low (hypotension), causing the heart to pump less oxygen to the brain. This may be caused by emotional stress, pain, pooling of blood in the legs due to sudden changes in body position, overheating, dehydration, heavy sweating or exhaustion. Syncope may occur during violent coughing spells (especially in men) because of rapid changes in blood pressure. It also may result from several heart, neurologic, psychiatric, metabolic and lung disorders. And it may be a side effect of some medicines.

Signs of syncope include: loss of consciousness fainting or blacking out light-headedness dizziness excessive drowsiness feeling unsteady or weak unexplained falls nausea heart palpitations or fluttering

Any sort of fainting spells, dizziness and/or blackouts need to be taken seriously. They may be a sign of future sudden cardiac death. While the majority of people with syncope may have a benign condition, individuals experiencing these symptoms should be screened for a more serious problem that could lead to sudden death. 300,000 people suffer from a sudden cardiac arrest in the US each year, 95% of them don't survive it.

Forms of syncope often linked to a serious disorder are those experiences that occur with exercise; if the person also experiences palpitations or irregularities of the heart; or when individuals have a family history of recurrent syncope or sudden death.

If you or someone you know experiences any unexplained blacking out or dizziness, talk to your doctor about getting screened for syncope.

Charles Lanzarotti, MD, FACC, FACP, is a board certified electrophysiologist with Wheaton Franciscan Heart and Rhythm Specialists and practices at Wheaton Franciscan HealthcareSt. Francis in Milwaukee and WFH-Franklin. He is the medical director of Wisconsin’s first Center for Syncope and Autonomic Disorders. For more information, call 414-389-3154.

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Getting a Good Night’s

SLEEP

Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as young adults—7 to 9 hours each night. But seniors tend to go to sleep earlier and get up earlier than when they were younger. Older people may nap more during the day, which can sometimes make it hard to fall asleep at night.

There are two kinds of sleep—REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. We dream mostly during REM sleep and have the deepest sleep during non-REM sleep. As people get older, they spend less time in deep sleep, which may be why older people are often light sleepers.

See www.hypnosisforchangeweb.com for details.

SLEEP PROBLEMS

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There are many reasons why older people may not get enough sleep at night.

Feeling sick or being in pain can make it hard to sleep. Napping during the day can disrupt sleep at night. Some medicines can keep you awake. No matter the reason, if you don’t get a good night’s sleep, the next day you may: Be irritable Have memory problems or be forgetful Feel depressed Have more falls or accidents Feel very sleepy during the day

INSOMNIA Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in adults age 60 and older. People with insomnia have trouble falling and staying asleep. Insomnia can last for days, months, or even years. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you may: Take a long time to fall asleep Wake up many times in the night Wake up early and be unable to get back to sleep Wake up tired

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Feel very sleepy during the day There are many causes of insomnia. Some of them you can control, but others you can’t. For example, if you are excited about a new activity or worrying over your bills, you may have trouble sleeping. Sometimes insomnia may be a sign of other problems. Or, it could be a side effect of a medication or an illness.

Often, being unable to sleep becomes a habit. Some people worry about not sleeping even before they get into bed. This may even make insomnia worse.

Older adults who have trouble sleeping may use more over-the-counter sleep aids.

Using prescription medicines for a short time might help. But remember, medicines aren’t a cure for insomnia. Developing healthy habits at bedtime may help you get a good night’s sleep.

SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea is another serious sleep disorder. A person with sleep apnea has short pauses in breathing while sleeping. These pauses may happen many times during the night. If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to other problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, or memory loss.

You can have sleep apnea and not even know it. But your loud snoring and gasping for air can keep other people awake. Feeling sleepy during the day and being told you are snoring loudly at night could be signs that you have sleep apnea.

If you think you have sleep apnea, see a doctor who knows about this sleep problem. You may need to learn to sleep in a position that keeps your airways open.

Sometimes a medical device called Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP), a dental device, or surgery can help.

MOVEMENT DISORDERS Restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder are common in older adults. These movement disorders can rob you of needed sleep.

People with restless legs syndrome, or RLS, feel like there is tingling, crawling, or pins and needles in one or both legs. It’s worse at night. Moving the legs brings some relief, at least for a short time. RLS tends to run in families. See your doctor for more information about medicines to treat RLS. Periodic limb movement disorder, or PLMD, causes people to jerk and kick their legs every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep. Some people have hundreds of these movements each night, which may result in loss of sleep and feeling tired and sleepy the next day. Medication, warm baths, exercise, and learning ways to relax can help.

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, also known as REM sleep behavior disorder, is another condition that may make it harder to get a good night’s sleep.

REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep, is the most active stage of sleep when dreaming often occurs. During normal REM sleep, your muscles cannot move, so your body stays still. But if you have REM sleep behavior disorder, your muscles can move, and your sleep is disrupted.

GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Being older doesn’t mean you have to feel tired all the time. There are many things you can do to help you get a good night’s sleep. Here are some ideas: Follow a regular sleep schedule. Go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Try to avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening, as it may keep you awake at night.

Develop a bedtime routine. Take time to relax before bedtime each night. Some people watch television, read a book, listen to soothing music, or soak in a warm bath.

Keep your bedroom dark, not too hot or too cold, and as quiet as possible.

Have a comfortable mattress, a pillow you like, and enough blankets for the season.

Exercise at regular times each day but not within 3 hours of your bedtime.

Make an effort to get outside in the sunlight each day.

Be careful about when and how much you eat. Large meals close to bedtime may keep you awake, but a light snack in the evening can help you get a good night’s sleep.

Stay away from caffeine late in the day. Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, soda, and hot chocolate) can keep you awake.

Drink fewer beverages in the evening. Waking up to go to the bathroom and turning on a bright light break up your sleep.

Remember that alcohol won’t help you sleep. Even small amounts make it harder to stay asleep.

Use your bedroom only for sleeping. After turning off the light, give yourself about 20 minutes to fall asleep. If you’re still awake and not drowsy, get out of bed. When you feel sleepy, go back to bed.

SAFE SLEEPING Try to set up a safe and restful place to sleep. Make sure you have smoke alarms on each floor of your house or apartment. Lock the outside doors before going to bed.

Other ideas for a safe night’s sleep are: Keep a telephone with emergency phone numbers by your bed.

Have a good lamp within reach that turns on easily.

Put a glass of water next to the bed in case you wake up thirsty.

Use nightlights in the bathroom and hall.

Don’t smoke, especially in bed.

Remove area rugs so you won’t trip if you get out of bed in the middle of the night.

Don’t fall asleep with a heating pad on; it may burn.

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Sleep

I need a sleep study.

Now What?

By Karen Block So, your doctor has ordered a sleep study for you. If you’re not getting a good, refreshing sleep, a sleep study is a good idea. A good night’s sleep is a basic need that we all have. An undiagnosed sleep disorder can cause Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Stroke and Cardiac Disease – all of which are debilitating and costly.

With that in mind, the sooner you get that sleep study, the better. Now where to get it done.

As the patient you have the right to choose where you go for your testing and treatment.

Normally, the doctors will suggest you stay in their system/medical affiliation. This might not be the best choice for you. Make a few phone calls. Find the best option for you. What location is most convenient? What is the cost? When can they get you in? Make sure the facility is Medicare Surveyed and Certified. These are the highest standards that a facility can be held to. Ask about the technicians that will be working with you, are they Registered Sleep Technicians, if not what are their credentials? Quality care begins with a quality staff!

Insurance coverage is very important. Make

A good night’s sleep is a basic need that we all have. An undiagnosed sleep disorder can cause Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Stroke and Cardiac Disease

sure that you are in-network so you have the best coverage that you can have. You can do this by calling your insurance carrier to be sure. The question that a patient needs to ask is “are you in-network with my insurance carrier?” Some patients make the mistake of asking if a facility “accepts their insurance?”

Every facility accepts all insurances but not every facility is “in-network”. Next, you will want to know how long it will take to receive your results.

At truly independent facilities like Endeavor Therapy & Sleep Center your results will be available to your physician within 24 to 72 business hours from date of study, thus you will be able to be scheduled, tested and treated within a week’s period of time. Finally, if you utilize an Independent facility ask who the owner is. Many, so called, Independent facilities have physician or medical affiliation ownership ties; a “true” Independent facility does not.

Remember, as a patient you have the right to choose where you go for your care and not be told where to go. Patient choice is a very valuable and wise tool in choosing what is right for you and in controlling healthcare costs. You hold the key.

For answers to any questions you may have, feel free to call Karen Block at 262-241-8892.

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Relaxed. Refreshed. Beautiful.

It all starts with a good night’s sleep.

When you get a good night’s sleep, it shows. But if you’re not feeling rested, appearances aren’t your only worry.

You could have a sleep disorder, and that can be serious.

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Ayurveda Complementary Health Section

“the complete knowledge for long life”

Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. It originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years. In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered complementary and alternative medicineA group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. (CAM)—more specifically, a CAM whole medical systemA complete system of theory and practice that has evolved over time in different cultures and apart from conventional medicine. Examples of whole medical systems include traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy.. Many therapies used in Ayurvedic medicine are also used on their own as CAM—for example, herbs, massagePressing, rubbing, and moving muscles and other soft tissues of the body, primarily by using the hands and fingers. The aim is to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the massaged area., and specialized diets. This fact sheet provides a general overview of Ayurvedic medicine and suggests sources for additional information.

The aim of Ayurvedic medicine is to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit. This is believed to help prevent illness and promote wellness.

Ayurvedic medicine uses a variety of products and techniques to cleanse the body and restore balance. Some of these products may be harmful if used improperly or without the direction of a trained practitioner. for example, some herbs can cause side effects or interact with conventional medicines.

Before using Ayurvedic treatment, ask about the practitioner’s training and experience.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

AYURVEDA > page 12

www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 11

AYURVEDA < page 11 Ayurvedic medicine, also called Ayurveda, originated in India several thousand years ago. The term “Ayurveda” combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda means “the science of life.”

In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered a type of CAM and a whole medical system. As with other such systems, it is based on theories of health and illness and on ways to prevent, manage, or treat health problems.

Ayurvedic medicine aims to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit; thus, some view it as “holistic.” This balance is believed to lead to happiness and health, and to help prevent illness. Ayurvedic medicine also treats specific physical and mental health problems. A chief aim of Ayurvedic practices is to cleanse the body of substances that can cause disease, thus helping to reestablish harmony and balance.

>Ayurvedic Medicine in India

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Ayurvedic medicine, as practiced in India, is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world. Many Ayurvedic practices predate written records and were handed down by word of mouth. Two ancient books, written in Sanskrit more than 2,000 years ago, are considered the main texts on Ayurvedic medicine—Caraka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. The texts describe eight branches of Ayurvedic medicine: Internal medicine Surgery Treatment of head and neck disease Gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics Toxicology Psychiatry Care of the elderly and rejuvenation Sexual vitality.

Ayurvedic medicine continues to be practiced in India, where nearly 80 percent of the population uses it exclusively or combined with conventional (Western) medicine. It is also practiced in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Most major cities in India have an Ayurvedic college and hospital. The Indian government began systematic research on Ayurvedic practices in 1969, and that work >Use in the United States According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a comprehensive survey of CAM use by Americans, more than 200,000 U.S. adults had used Ayurvedic medicine in the previous year. >Underlying Concepts Ayurvedic medicine has several key foundations that pertain to health and disease.

These concepts have to do with universal interconnectedness, the body’s constitution (prakriti), and life forces (doshas).

Interconnectedness. Ideas about the relationships among people, their health, and the universe form the basis for how Ayurvedic practitioners think about problems that affect health. Ayurvedic medicine holds that: All things in the universe (both living and nonliving) are joined together.

Every human being contains elements that can be found in the universe.

Health will be good if one’s mind and body are in harmony, and one’s interaction with the universe is natural and wholesome.

Disease arises when a person is out of harmony with the universe. Disruptions can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or a combination of these.

Constitution (prakriti). Ayurvedic medicine also has specific beliefs about the body’s constitution. Constitution refers to a person’s general health, the likelihood of becoming out of balance, and the ability to resist and recover from disease or other health problems.

The constitution is called the prakriti. The prakriti is a person’s unique combination of physical and psychological characteristics and the way the body functions to maintain health. It is influenced by such factors as digestion and how the body deals with waste products. The prakriti is believed to be unchanged over a person’s lifetime.

Life forces (doshas). Important characteristics of the prakriti are the three life forces or energies called doshas, which control the activities of the body. A person’s chances of developing certain types of diseases are thought to be related to the way doshas are balanced, the state of the physical body, and mental or lifestyle factors.

Ayurvedic medicine holds the following beliefs about the three doshas: Each dosha is made up of two of five basic elements: ether (the upper regions of space), air, fire, water, and earth.

Each dosha has a particular relationship to bodily functions and can be upset for different reasons.

Each person has a unique combination of the three doshas, although one dosha is usually prominent. Doshas are constantly being formed and reformed by food, activity, and bodily processes.

Each dosha has its own physical and psychological characteristics.

An imbalance of a dosha will produce symptoms that are unique to that dosha.

Imbalances may be caused by a person’s age, unhealthy lifestyle, or diet; too much or too little mental and physical exertion; the seasons; or inadequate protection from AYURVEDA > page 55

Autoimmune

Gluten Intolerance O vs

Celiacs Disease

®

By Kelly A. Simms Gluten is a protein found in all forms of wheat, including semolina, spelt, kamut, malt, couscous, bulgar, faro, as well as the related grains rye and barley. Although oats are from a different grain family, products are often contaminated with wheat during processing.

Celiac’s Disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition in which the body makes antibodies against gluten containing grains. Antibody creation destroys the lining of the digestive tract, specifically the small intestine, leading to mucosal damage. Villi, finger like projections into the intestine, become blunted and their ability to absorb nutrients is impaired. This can lead to chronic diarrhea, chronic fatigue, unexplained anemia and infertility, weight loss or osteoporosis. CD is diagnosed with blood tests for anti-gliadin, anti-transglutaminase, and anti-endomysial antibodies. An intestinal biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic method and will show blunted villi.

In contrast to CD, gluten intolerance will not have the characteristic laboratory and histological markers. Instead, the best test is to remove gluten containing grains from the diet and see if symptoms improve. Symptoms commonly reported in people with gluten intolerance include constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, skin rashes, bloating, mood changes, and joint pains. Schizophrenia is also commonly related to gluten intolerance. Gluten binds to opioid receptors in the brain like morphine, which could be a reason that many people crave wheat products—they are biochemically addicting! Environmental, genetic, and immunological factors influence each person’s susceptibility to exhibiting symptoms related to gluten intolerance. Symptoms may appear immediately after gluten ingestion or up to 48 hours later.

Food allergy testing can confirm gluten intolerance by looking specifically at the immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels for wheat, rye, oats, barley, malt and up to 154 foods total. Testing may be particularly helpful in conditions such as Hashimotos thyroiditis and type 1diabetes, arthritis, depression, and neuropathy.

Going gluten free is becoming increasingly easy. Many prepared food products are labeled accordingly and alternatives to wheat products are abundant. The following list highlights some of the alternatives. It is important to note that although these grain products do contain gluten, they do not cause the same reaction and elevation in antibodies as seen with wheat, rye and, barley.

Rice—brown and white varieties, risotto

Buckwheat

Corn

Quinoa

Millet

Oats (that have been certified gluten free)

Flours—quinoa, rice, soy, sorghum, potato, almond, garbanzo bean, coco nut, chestnut Other foods that are made with wheat products include: beer, breading/coatings (Panko), soy sauce, and some salad dressings, lunch meats and soups. Read package labels to look for words like modified food starch, stabilizer, flavoring, hydrolyzed plant protein, or emulsifier.

Kelly A. Simms, Resident Naturopathic Physician, Integrative Family Wellness Center, 16535 W. Bluemound Rd., Suite 222, Brookfield, WI 53005, Phone: 262-7544910.

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By Jesse Foy, MSOM, C.A., Dip.Ac Last month we explored some tips on what to do with your body posture while meditating. This month, we offer brief advice on what to do with your mind while you are practicing mindfulness meditation.

Please, keep in mind that it takes time and dedication to cultivate a mindfulness meditation practice. Mindfulness is not a concept to “get” intellectually, it is an art and practice that takes time and dedication to learn, cultivate, and enjoy. Patience, self-compassion, and relaxed effort are skillful attitudes that will help you realize the growth, transformation, and healing potential that arises out of this practice.

Mindfulness meditation is best learned through experience. This article is meant to be participatory; offered as a guided meditation. It is best to read one section at a time - pause - and practice for a few moments and then move on to the next section.

Alternatively, you can listen to a free audio version of the guided meditation and follow along. The free audio version can be found at www.RootedInMindfulness. org > PREPARING FOR YOUR MINDFULNESS MEDITATION PRACTICE Before you begin, it is helpful to create the space and time to support your meditation practice.

Time: Set aside a time each day specifically dedicated to meditation. This helps establish a routine. Making time for a daily practice will help you to integrate the benefits of mindfulness into your daily life.

Try meditating during different parts of the day to find which time works best for you. Some people find that a morning practice brings calm and presence into their daily activities. Others find that practicing in the afternoon or during a lunch break can have a “rebooting” effect, helping them to reestablish themselves as they move into the rest of their day. Practicing in the evening may allow some to gain deeper insights into the activities and experiences that happened during their day.

It is important to establish a length of time for your meditation practice. Again, this depends on what works best for your intentions and schedule. Set some time aside each day, even if it is just ten minutes. A steady practice of short sitting periods can still be extremely beneficial.

Over time, experiment with meditating for longer periods. Pay close attention to the quality and content of your practice as you sit for a variety of durations. For example, when we first sit down to meditate, the mind tends to be active and busy, full of racing thoughts and strong feelings. As we meditate for longer periods of time, the mind becomes more calm, peaceful, and insightful.

Space: The space you choose for your mindfulness meditation practice should be quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions. Try to create a space that is dedicated exclusively to meditating. Try decorating it in a way that supports your deeper intentions, inspirations, and is pleasant to your senses.

Introduction:

MINDFULNESS OF BREATH MEDITATION

01 SETTLING INTO YOUR SEAT (BODY POSTURE)

Begin by softly closing your eyes and sit in a way that feels SUPPORTED, upright, dignified, and awake. Not too stiff or tense.

At the same time, invite a sense of being RELAXED, at ease, centered, and open.

Settle into your posture, feeling the chair, or cushion beneath you. The earth supporting your body. Stable.

Find a point of balance - where the gravity and your body is holding you comfortably upright and at ease.

There is no need for striving - for trying hard - for doing. Simply settle into “being”. Just sitting here, right now, relaxing into this moment. Still. Quiet. Receptive.

02 AWARENESS OF YOUR INNER & OUTER ENVIRONMENT

As you are sitting here, bring a light awareness to your external environment.

Noticing the climate, the ambience, sounds, any activity in the background, the temperature; whatever comes to your senses.

Not searching for anything in particular, simply being aware of where you are and what is happening as you are sitting.

When you are ready, direct your attention to your internal - mental landscape.

What is the climate like? Alert, dull, scattered, focused, energetic, or tired? Are there a lot of thoughts and feelings, or is your mind relatively calm? What is your mood like? Simply noticing whatever is there.

These are the conditions of this moment, influencing the next moment, and this period of meditation. Just a soft checking in. Nothing more.

03 TUNING INTO YOUR INTENTIONS:

Now, take a moment to tune into - or reconnect to - your intentions. Both your immediate and deeper intentions.

This sitting here, meditating, is an opportunity to reconnect - to remember - and to pay attention to the habits, patterns, and the energy that motivates your actions in mind and body.

So, tune into where your mind is - your intentions - your motivations in this moment. Just inviting them into your awareness. Simply seeing and feeling.

Take a moment to remember your deeper intentions. What is meaningful? What is true, authentic, and sacred. What is the sincerity of your own heart. What aspires you to practice. What aspires you to live.

Are your recent actions and intentions in harmony with your deeper intentions?

No need to judge, criticize, or correct. Again, simply notice, remembering to turn toward and welcome your deeper intentions. You are simply making space for them.

04 TUNING INTO YOUR BREATHING BODY

When you feel ready, bring your attention to the fact that you are breathing in this present moment. Become aware of what the breath feels like in your body. Notice the sensations of your body breathing.

Allow your attention to rest wherever you notice the breath most vividly. You may feel it at your nostrils, as the warm or cool air enters and exits your body.

You may feel it more vividly at your chest - expanding and contracting with each

in and out breath.

You may feel it most at your belly - rising and falling.

You may not notice the sensation at one particular place, simply a whole body sensation - as the breath comes in and moves out.

Wherever it may be, simply rest your attention there - noticing the sensations of movement associated with each full in-breath and each full out-breath.

Letting each breath breathe itself. No need to change it. No need to control it in any way.

Simply noticing. Without judgment. Welcoming it into your full awareness and allowing your awareness to rest in the fullness of each breath - coming into and leaving your body.

Maintain a gentle effort - not too forceful and not too relaxed. Stay with each breath with a continuity of attention. Knowing it. Knowing when you breathe in.

Knowing when you breathe out. Intimately knowing the whole breath.

01 THE MIND WANDERS: THIS IS WHAT IT DOES; NO PROBLEM.

At times, your mindfulness of breathing will be attracted to other objects of attention, such as a body sensation, such an itch, pressure, numbness. You may drift away from your breath and into your thoughts, memories, stories, planning, etc. That’s OK, it is the nature of mind to wander.

02

All you need to do is notice that the attention has drifted and gently, without judgment, bring it back to your breath.

This is a training that brings you back to this moment - this breath - as it is.

So, when coming back to the breath, try meeting it wherever it is. If you notice that you are breathing in - rest your attention on the in-breath. If you notice that you are breathing out, bring your attention to the body breathing an out-breath.

Your attention may wander 1,000 times during a single sitting. Simply notice that your attention drifted, where it drifted to, and come back 1,000 times.

The attention on the breath is light and gentle; not forceful.

03 EVERYTHING ARISES. EVERYTHING PASSES AWAY.

As you sit, being mindful of your breathing, hold each moment with an attitude of ease. Thoughts happen. Sounds, sensations, the movements of life; happening in each moment, arising and passing away.

You are not forcing anything out of your awareness. You are welcoming this moment - the breath is simply an anchor. Hold it with 70% of your awareness. End everything else that comes to your mind and senses with 30% of your awareness.

If you notice other objects of attention coming into contact with your mind and senses, and they become difficult or too distracting, gently label them.

If the sensation of tingling in your body arises - label it, “tingling” - let it be, and come back to the sensations of your breathing. Or, if your mind is thinking about what you are going to be doing later today - label it “planning”. No judgments, no MEDITATION > page 57

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The Basics of CRYSTAL HEALING By: Certified Crystal Healer Ashley Leavy Crystal healing is a form of vibrational medicine in which subtle energy given off by a crystal is used to treat the body, the mind, and the spirit. Crystals exhibit a type of orderly perfection which helps to bring healing light and loving encouragement to all beings. Their perfect forms are a metaphor for the balance and perfection that humans search for in their own lives. Since crystals emit beneficial energetic vibrations, introducing them into oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy field can actually help to repair energetic imbalances within the ethereal body. For this reason, crystal healing can be performed on anything that possesses an energy field, be it a person, a plant, an animal, or the environment.

A crystal is a regularly-repeating atomic structure that is formed from buildingblock-like units of matter. Crystals form inside of the earth through heat and pressure which cause its atoms and molecules to follow a blueprint (crystalline encoding).

These molecules take on the most stable form possible by repeating until the crystal is fully formed.

Just as each type of crystal has a unique molecular blueprint, each crystal also carries with it a distinct energetic vibration. This is in part due to the way that the various atoms are arranged into molecules within the crystalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s structure. This energetic vibration can also be influenced by the crystalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original geographic location, growing conditions, and the harvesting practices used to obtain the crystal.

Therefore, specific crystals can be utilized in the treatment of very diverse physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments depending on the individual energetic vibration of the crystal.

Crystals have the capability to absorb and transmit light (the utmost universal energy known to be in existence). Because of this property, crystals are able to draw in Universal energy, reflect it among their internal crystalline structures, and then transmit it to a receiving source (i.e. any being that will accept the crystalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generous healing energy). Therefore, one can see that crystals have the natural ability to conduct energy; and they act as conduits for the universal healing energy of light.

The adoration of crystals by human beings connects all cultures and civilizations throughout the history of the Earth. The art of crystal healing has been present in many eras and cultures, some dating back for thousands of years (currently as far back in history as 25,000 BC). Healing with crystals was commonplace in Egyptian, Hebrew, and Mayan societies as well as in the Native American, Indian, Greek, Roman, Chinese, and Tibetan cultures. Although not yet fully accepted by Western medicine, its methods are still often used and prescribed in many other parts of the world.

Crystals can be chosen in two different ways. Sometimes, one may have a specific reason for choosing a stone, in which case he or she can choose the stone based on its known properties. To use this method of selection, one should research the physical or emotional problem he or she is experiencing and then choose a corresponding stone. One may also, however, intuitively choose stones by selecting them at random (or by laying them out and selecting whichever he or she is most drawn to). Then, one should attempt to connect with the stone and feel its energy (to discover the primary uses of the stone. If one would like to check his or her intuitive insights against information included in publications of the stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s known properties, he or she can read about that stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s associated characteristics (which are typically useful for his or her situation) in books or on the internet.

Although crystals have been used to treat the body, mind, and spirit, crystal healing is not meant to replace conventional medicine. Instead, it should be used along with allopathic treatments to complement and enhance them. Ashley is co-owner of Mimosa Books & Gifts in Madison, Wisconsin and is teaching a Crystal Therapy Certificate Program at Angel Lightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art of Healing School of Energy Medicine in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. For more information, please visit www.MimosaSpirit. com or www.AngelLightllc.com Angel Light Center for the Healing Arts has over 250 different kinds of high vibration Crystals and stones to choose from. Angel Lightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very informed staff will assist you with information about each stone and, if you would like, help direct you with your crystal selection. Angel Light also has a very comprehensive Crystal Therapy Certificate Workshop series taught by Ashley Leavy.

About Ashley Leavy: Ashley Leavy is considered an expert in her field. She is an accomplished author and lecturer on the subject of crystal healing, as well as on the interaction of crystals with other esoteric arts. Ashley Leavy is a Master of Crystology and is Certified in the Level I & Level II Love is in the Earth Workshops.

She is currently writing a book on crystal healing and has recently produced her own Crystal Healing Audio Workshop which includes crystal healing information, guided exercises, and meditations.

Acupuncture

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By Dr. William F. Hughes, Jr. PhD Dipl. Ac. Acupuncture is at the forefront of Oriental Medicine in the United States. It combines with herbal medicines as the treatments most often prescribed by Oriental Medical Doctors. There are other items used to help persons suffering from a variety of aliments but it is the acupuncture and herbs that are the most effective.

You might have noticed in the ads from Oriental Medicine Doctors there is a list of some of the many problems that they can help to resolve. The lists of ailments at times are numerous and do not seem to have any connection with each other. This is quite unlike Western Medicine where there are specialists for many diseases and treatments. Why is it possible that an Oriental Medical Doctor can work on so many different diseases and physical problems?

In this article I will deal solely with acupuncture as the main source of healing.

Herbs are used to supplement the acupuncture treatments along with other modalities as warranted by the doctor.

As Americans we tend to measure the world around us based on our education and experience. If we are not familiar with something we have a tendency to avoid dealing with it. A perfect example with this problem is the lack of computer skills in our senior citizens. It is easier to avoid the problem than to deal with learning the “new” way the world is communicating.

This type of thinking has limited the acceptance of alternative ways of healing; much to the detriment of many individuals. “One size fits all” is not the best way to view medicine. If one type of medicine cannot fix your problem, it does not mean that there is not something else out there to help you. You will need to be more open minded and look for alternatives to your problems.

Oriental Medicine has been continuously practiced in the Orient for more than 3,000 years and is still a very effective medicine. In China the co-operation between Western and Oriental Medicine is evident by the two medicines being practiced side by side in the hospitals. The doctors are considered equal in importance and skill and often work together to help patients. That is why many of us consider Oriental Medicine to be a “Complementary” medicine and not the so often used phrase of “Alternative” medicine. In our clinic we are happy to work with the primary physician to help in patient treatments.

One of the big advantages in Oriental Medicine is the wide variety of problems that an Oriental Medicine doctor can help with. In Oriental Medicine there are no named diseases; simply symptoms of the disease or illness. It is the symptoms that are treated and not a specific disease and this enables an OM doctor to assist with so many different and diverse problems.

A good example is pain. It is well known that acupuncture is a great pain reliever.

Thus, we treat pain from physical injuries, cancer treatments and such diverse illnesses as IBS and Diverticulitis. While the treatments can vary it is the pain that we are treating. Thus, we can help with a variety of problems without treating a specific disease.

If you or someone you are close to is having trouble, and, the regular medical treatments do not seem to help, consider going to an acupuncturist to complement the current treatments. This “old” medicine may be just the answer you are looking for.

For more information contact, Acupuncture Clinic of Wauwatosa, Inc., 11611 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226, Ph: 414-607-0900, www.wauwatosaacupuncture.com.

HealthWise Chiropractic located at 10731 W. Forest Home Ave, just east of McDonalds off HWY 100 For all your back needs and more, call us today!

414.529.4600

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Environmental Nutrition Remember the days when you had to hide your love affair with chocolate? Those days are past, thanks to research that has provided chocolate with a health halo. For better or worse, chocolate is now a functional food ingredient, conferring health benefits whenever it shows up, from breakfast cereal to nutrition bars. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But how strong is the science behind chocolateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefits?

* Chocolate health origins.

Chocolate originated from the Mayans, who ground the beans of the Theobroma cacao tree to concoct a bitter beverage that was used as a traditional medicine to treat ailments such as heart problems and depression. What the Mayans didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know was that cocoa products contain polyphenols, beneficial compounds found in fruit, vegetables, tea, and wine. Flavonoids, the types of polyphenols found in cocoa products, are particularly potent antioxidants, and make up over 10 percent of the weight of cocoa powder.

* Delicious science.

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A growing body of research supports eating small portions of dark chocolate or cocoa for heart health benefits. Studies have linked chocolate with preventing blood clots, improving insulin resistance, supporting healthy blood vessel function, and lowering blood pressure, inflammation and LDL (â&#x20AC;&#x153;badâ&#x20AC;?) cholesterol. A September 2010 Harvard study published in Circulation: Heart Failure investigated data from almost 32,000 women over eight years. The researchers found that moderate habitual chocolate intake was associated with a lower rate of heart failure hospitalization or death, but this protection was not seen in women who ate more than one serving per day. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) charged with reviewing the database of nutrition science in order to come up with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines reported that a significant amount of research supports the link between dark chocolate and cocoa with heart health benefits.

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Of course, the DGAC chocolate recommendation did come with a disclaimer: Chocolate is a calorie-dense food, so caution needs to be taken to balance calorie intake to avoid weight gain. Remember, todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standard chocolate confections are typically a processed mix of chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, emulsifiers, and milk that may minimize its polyphenol content. The amount of cocoa can vary from 7-35 percent in milk chocolate to 30-80 percent in dark chocolate. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how you should do chocolate: Enjoy an ounce of dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa content a few times a week as a treat you can feel good about.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, 52 Riverside Dr., Suite 15-A, New York, NY 10024.

Healthy Skin

Aloe Vera Aloe vera’s use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the “plant ofimmortality,” aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs. Common Names—aloe vera, aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant’s gall Latin Names—Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis What It Is Used For > Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative. > Today, in addition to traditional uses, people take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, sunburns, and psoriasis. > Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks. > The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.

How It Is Used > Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment. > The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.

What the Science Says > Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-thecounter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide thenecessary safety data. > Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds.

Aloe gel has not been shown to prevent burns from radiation therapy.

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www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 19

Winter Fitness

SNOW FITNESS Safety In Shoveling

1986 - 2011

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Call Member Services at any of our four Elite Sports Clubs for a Special Silver Anniversary Offer.

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Brookfield 262-786-0880 West Brookfield 262-786-3330 Mequon 262-241-4250 North Shore 414-351-2900 20 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

Luke Lewitzke Arlene Becker The winter isn’t over yet, and we still have a long way to go in Wisconsin before the snow stops falling. The cold and snow have arrived and often it keeps snowing and snowing for several days, so that by the time you’ve shoveled off your walks and driveways, it’s time to start all over again, and that means a season full of shoveling and potential shoveling. Luke Lewitzke, the personal training director at Mequon Elite Sports Club, who taught a special class that was free, and open to the public, in January, on how to minimize any negative effects on your body while shoveling snow, gave his comments on shoveling.

“So many people don’t realize how strenuous snow shoveling can be and how much stress it can put on the body. It’s no different than doing high intensity strength training. More important, when you have to shovel, is how to warm up and cool down. Always take breaks according to your fitness level. Also,” he added, “Having a good posture and a good technique helps alleviate any soreness or injury you might put yourself in.” Lewitzke said that the best shovel to use is an ergonomic shovel.

“It’s a shovel with a longer handle that’s contoured, so you’re able to stand more upright so that when using it it’s easier on your back. Using such a shovel puts less stress and strain on the lower back.”

Lewitzke said that the reason for January’s free ‘Snow Fitness’ program was to teach proper warm-up and stretching techniques to use before and after shoveling which can help minimize risk of common back injuries and other strains.

Kay Yuspeh, the owner of Elite Sports Clubs, agreed with Lewitzke and added, “It’s that time of year when some people take their exercise level from zero to one hundred miles an hour when they pick up a snow shovel,” “It’s so important to take a little extra time to learn the right way to stretch and prepare for this strenuous level of exercise so that you don’t spend much of the winter.”

Both Lewitzke and Yuspeh agreed that Milwaukeeans have to learn the correct way to stretch and lift when shoveling, as well as the best way to pace for this type of rigorous exercise.

To this end Lewitzke formulated a number of stretches designated for snow shovelers.

Lewitzke said that warming up before snow shoveling is extremely important.

Just as joggers and other exercisers do stretches and warm ups before they start out, shovelers should do the same. The following is the list of warm up stretches that Lewitzke devised.

Pre Shoveling Stretches: 01

WALKING KNEE HUGS:

02

WALKING ANKLE GRABS:

These will help stretch the hips, glutes, and lower back. Step forward and bring the opposite knee to the chest. Keeping the chest tall, grab the knee and hold tightly for a few seconds. Step forward and repeat with opposite leg. Perform 10 each leg!

These will help stretch the hip flexors and quadriceps. Step forward and bring the opposite heel back behind the glutes. Grab the ankle and hold tight as you stand tall, holding for a few seconds. Step forward and repeat with opposite leg. Perform 10 each leg!

03

WALKING HIP CRADLES: These will help stretch the hips and groin region. Step forward and bring the other foot up in front toward the opposite hip so the lower leg is parallel to the ground. Grab the ankle with one hand and push down on the knee with the other. Remember to stand tall. Hold for a few seconds and repeat with the other leg. Perform 10 each leg!

04

STRAIGHT LEG SWINGS: Depending on the direction of the swing, these will stretch the hamstrings, hip flexors, hip adductor (inner thigh) and abductors (outer thigh). Keeping the leg straight, swing the leg forward and backward in a smooth controlled manner to stretch the hamstrings and hip flexors. Keeping the leg straight, swing the leg side to side in a smooth controlled manner to stretch the inner and outer thighs. Perform 10 each direction each leg!

Post Shoveling Stretches: 01

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LOWER BACK/UPPER BACK/HAMSTRINGS: Sit on the floor and bring both knees toward the chest. Then reach forward, grabbing the bottom of the feet from the sides. Slowly straighten the legs until you feel the stretch. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat one more time!

LYCHEE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

02 HIPS AND GLUTES: Lie on your stomach, resting on your forearms. Bring one leg underneath (knee to opposite shoulder), and slowly lower your weight down. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds each leg and repeat.

03

HIPS/LOWER BACK/CHEST:

04

UPPER BACK AND SHOULDERS:

Lie on your left side, bending your right knee and hip to a right angle.

Using the left hand, hold the right knee against the floor. Slowly rotate back, reaching with the right arm, trying to get the right shoulder to the floor, making sure the right knee doesn’t leave the floor. Hold for 30 seconds each side and repeat.

Standing tall, bring one arm straight across the chest. Using the other arm, grab above the elbow and gently pull the straight arm in to the body.

Hold for 30 seconds each arm and repeat.

Elite is also offering the free tip sheet on correct shoveling preparation and technique which is available on it’s www.eliteclubs.com. You can also contact Lewitzke at Mequon Elite at 1-262-241-4250.

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22 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

Pain

Attention COST CONSCIOUS HEALTH CONSUMERS

> Be proactive in your care.

By Melanie San Fillippo, P.T. With the rising cost of healthcare the consumer needs to shop around for quality care that is cost effective. Health saving account? Save more. Prices for surgical procedures, physical therapy treatments and diagnostic tests vary greatly. Do your research and determine prices before you decide where to go. Know that you have the right to choose where you want to go for treatments.

Be proactive in your care. If you have back or neck pain do not wait until symptoms become incapacitating to seek help. Often instruction in proper posture and body mechanics principles and the correct exercises and lumbar stabilization techniques can help you recover quicker and prevent further re-injury. Your health care dollars are wisely spent on a few sessions with a physical therapist. The goal of physical therapy is to help you help yourself, so you will learn valuable techniques to use your entire lifetime.

If you have an orthopaedic problem or have undergone surgery, physical therapy will help reduce pain, improve range of motion and assist you to regain function in daily life. Consultations are also available to determine proper ergonomic set up at the computer or work station to reduce the risk of overusing certain muscles to prevent future problems.

When one is injured, one of the most frustrating things felt is the lack of control one has in dealing with a problem. If you are able to learn how to help yourself some of the anxiety and stress can be reduced and you will feel like you are again able to take charge of your life. What is the price of this? If you do your research, affordable!!

Thera-Dynamics is owned and operated by a physical therapist, Melanie San Fillippo, P.T. and the clinic is dedicated to providing the technology, experience and care you deserve.

You may view our website at www.thera-dynamics.com or call 414-541-1118 for more information or to speak with one of our therapists.

diabetes04

In the City...

10/7/04

8:04 AM

Page 1

DIABETES Columbia St. Mary’s gives it the treatment it deserves.

(414) 961-4641 Join the Milwaukee Public Museum for its 13th annual Food and Froth Fest Saturday, February 19 from 7pm – 10pm and experience the unique opportunity to sip stout in the Streets of Old Milwaukee, devour hors d’oeuvres with the dinosaurs, and rhumba in the rainforest! A celebration of all types of beer – from Midwestern and international breweries – Food & Froth also features appetizers from a variety of local restaurants and caterers, live music and raffles for exclusive prizes.

Tickets are $50 for Museum members, $55 for non-members, and a limited supply of VIP tickets (featuring early admission to the event and access to a VIP-only area featuring additional food and beer vendors) is available for $100. Each ticket covers food, beer, live entertainment, and five free raffle tickets. Patrons must be at least 21 years old and a valid ID is also required for admission. Non-alcoholic beverages, including gourmet sodas and coffees, will also be available.

Due to popular demand, reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling the Museum at (414)278-2714. The event is a fundraising event sponsored by the Friends of the Milwaukee Public Museum to support the Museum’s exhibits and educational programs.

For more information or to see a list of participating vendors and sponsors, please visit www.mpm.edu/events/foodandfroth/.

About the Milwaukee Public Museum The Milwaukee Public Museum is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum was chartered in 1882 and opened to the public in 1884. MPM has three floors of exhibits that encompass lifesize dioramas, walk-through villages, world cultures, dinosaurs, a rain forest and a live butterfly garden, as well as the Humphrey IMAX Dome Theater and the Daniel M. Soref Planetarium. The museum houses more than 4.5 million objects and hosts nearly half a million visitors each year.

The MPM is operated by Milwaukee Public Museum, Inc., a private, non-profit company, and its facilities and collections are held in trust and supported by Milwaukee County for the benefit of the public. The MPM is located at 800 W. Wells St. Admission, hours and event details on the web at www.mpm.edu.

Healthy Home

Once You Have A Bissell, It’s Hard to Live Without One If you have carpet, you need a steam cleaner. The stain that is bugging you in the middle of the living room can’t wait for the professional service to come twice a year.

In steps the Bissell. We reviewed the Pro Heat 2X Healthy Home and found it to be worth every penny (ret. $279.00). The beauty of having your own carpet cleaner is that you can pick up the stains before they set in which, in most cases, is the biggest problem. Most people do not want ugly stains on their carpet, but also do not want to pay a professional to come out every week.

The Bissell has plenty of suction and does a great job picking up most stains. It is light weight and easy to use. In general, it gives a homeowner peace of mind knowing they can effectively clean up a stain immediately instead of having it sit around for weeks at a time. Once you have a Bissell you will never want to be without one.

Bissell also has the shampoo to use with the cleaner. It can range from $8-20 depending on the size of the bottle. The shampoo has a nice scent which makes the room smell great after shampooing.

Pete Bialek Physical Therapist

Molly Rittberg Physical Therapist

www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 23

Vison

SMART WAYS TO GET RID OF DIZZINESS

The Johns Hopkins Medical Letter If you’ve ever had an attack of dizziness, you know how disconcerting it can be. Certain medications and conditions such as low blood pressure and migraine can led to dizziness.

But it’s often caused by problems in the body’s sense of balance, usually the result of a glitch in the vestibular system of the inner ear.

Vestibular disorders are incredibly common, in fact; an estimated 35% of adults over the age of 40 (69 million people) currently suffer from one, according to a study published

by Johns Hopkins researchers in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2009. The same study found that vestibular disorders significantly increase the risk of falls, which can cause hip fractures and other serious injuries in older adults.

Because it can be difficult to pinpoint the root cause of dizziness, in many cases, vestibular disorders go undiagnosed.

New research is beginning to create a better understanding of risk factors and treatment strategies for this condition. > RISK FACTORS FOR DIZZINESS Your body uses three types of information to maintain balance: visual, tactile, and internal signals from the inner ear, which acts as the body’s “level”. A gel-like fluid moves through the inner ear, also known as the vestibular organ. The gel bends tiny hairs that send signals to the brain about the position and movements of your head.

Age is the biggest risk factor for vestibular disorders. “The

414-422-4678

body needs input from the eyes, the feet, and ears (including the vestibular system) to stay upright. All of these systems decline during the natural course of aging, which can lead to balance problems,” says Yuri Agrawal, M.D., an otolaryngologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. In fact, by the age of 80, approximately 85% of adults experience some type of chronic inner ear disorder, estimates Dr. Agrawal.

Aside from age, other important risk factors include high blood pressure and diabetes. Over time, the tiny blood vessels of the inner ear can become blocked or damaged as a complication of diabetes or high blood pressure. A family history of hearing loss also can boost risk—vestibular disorders, in many cases, go hand-in-hand with hearing loss. “We know hearing loss has a strong genetic component, so heredity may be involved in vestibular function as well,” says Dr. Agrawal. > WHEN TO GET CHECKED OUT Everyone feels dizzy sometimes. For example, forgetting to eat breakfast or having a second glass of wine with dinner and feeling light-headed or faint is likely not cause for concern. But, “if you are feeling dizzy several times a day or if your dizziness impedes activities of daily living, such as walking or driving, it’s time to see a doctor,” says Dr. Agrawal. It’s especially important to see a doctor if you’ve experienced a spinning or falling sensation, known as vertigo. Spontaneous episodes of vertigo are not normal occurrences.

DIZZINESS > page 54

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24 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

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Vison

FOOD FOR

Healthy Eyes There are many foods, vitamins, and minerals that may make a considerable difference in the quality of your vision and your eye health.

Megan E. Lind, O.D., F.A.A.O There is a strong correlation between nutrition and eye health.

There are many foods, vitamins, and minerals that may make a considerable difference in the quality of your vision and your eye health.

ANTIOXIDANTS Antioxidants help prevent many diseases affecting not only your eyes but the heart, immune system and some cancers.

Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A are examples of antioxidants that can help prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, and other eye diseases.

Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant and serves as a natural ultraviolet filter inside the eye. It strengthens your bones and muscles, keeps the immune system in top shape, keeps our teeth and gums healthy, and reduces the risk of many diseases along with keeping the eyes healthy. Vitamin C is found in citrus

fruits such as oranges, tangerines and grapefruit; other fruits such as kiwi fruit, lemons, and papayas; yellow vegetables like squash or sweet potatoes; bell peppers, tomatoes and broccoli to name a few.

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that the body needs. Consuming the right amount of Vitamin E helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, helps protect against different types of cancers, and can also help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. In the eyes, Vitamin E has been shown to play a role in reducing the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Vitamin E is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach or kale and in nuts. When taken in high doses, Vitamin E can interfere with the body’s blood clotting ability, posing a risk to people taking blood thinners.

Vitamin A, or beta-carotene, is found in many types of foods including fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe, apricots, carrots, broccoli, spinach, squash and asparagus, as well as animal products

such as eggs. Vitamin A is an essential antioxidant that helps the retina function properly and also helps to prevent night blindness. Vitamin A helps reduce the risk of Macular Degeneration and Cataract formation, which are the leading causes of visual impairment. Smokers and ex-smokers probably should not take beta-carotene as studies have shown a link between beta-carotene use and lung cancer among smokers.

MINERALS & SUPPLEMENTS Minerals help the body metabolize vitamins and help the body balance nutrition and hormones. A few important minerals for eye health are zinc, selenium, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Zinc and Selenium are two key minerals that help the oxidation process. They help the body absorb antioxidants. Zinc has been shown to protect against Macu-

Peter Foote, M.D.

lar Degeneration and night blindness and is found in cheese, yogurt, red meat, pork, and in wheat. Selenium is found in walnuts, enriched breads and rice.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale and in eggs and to a lesser amount in other fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, orange peppers, corn, peas, and tangerines. Lutein is the yellow pigment found in the macula and it protects the photoreceptor cells of the retina from light damage. There is evidence that increased consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin may lower the risk of developing Macular Degeneration.

OMEGA 3-FATTY ACIDS Flaxseed oil and fish oil are dietary fatty acids that have many health benefits including prevention and/or control EYES > page 29

Aaron Holtebeck, M.D.

Arvind Saini, M.D., MBA

Who wants to drop 7lbs and 2 inches off your hips, butt and thighs even if you’re super busy and without dieting?

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www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 25

Children’s Diets…

The ingredient they can do without!

UNDERSTANDING THE POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES OF THE FOODS OUR CHILDREN EAT

Parents can ask nowadays how should I feed my child or children as they return to school. Is it helpful to feed them vitamins or health foods? Is soda alright? What if they seem to want only junk food? Does eating have any effect on their ability to concentrate at school? All of these are legitimate questions. To answer such questions we first have to look at childrens’ diets as a whole. Diet can be either positive or negative. Nutrition is the study of what we need to take in for all the body processes to work. These nutrients are protein and calories, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. To utilize carbohydrate, we need the B vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. To utilize protein we need the vitamin B-6 or pyridoxal phosphate. Fortunately, nature packages foods with the nutrients needed for their utilization (or metabolism). For example, whole wheat which contains carbohydrates also contains the B vitamins which are needed to utilize the carbohydrate. Protein containing foods, such as meat, contain the B vitamin B-6 which is needed to utilize the protein.

Diet also includes negative things. These include cancer causing chemicals and any other poisons or other active chemicals which find their way into food. Caffeine would be such an example. Caffeine is not a nutrient but it is a very active part of food if it is present. These kinds of chemicals are not really part of nutrition but the negative parts of diet are very important in understanding how to feed children to help them do their best in school.

When Vitamin Supplements are Needed to Balance a Child’s Diet (it’s less than you think!)

Children who are eating whole foods such as whole wheat, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, do not need vitamin pills. The nutrients needed to utilize these foods are contained in these foods. The problem is that children often eat foods which have been separated into parts so that the nutrients are no longer all present.

When wheat is milled into flour, the wheat germ is separated from the starchy part of the wheat, which then becomes white flour. The white starchy part has very few nutrients. The vitamins and minerals are all in the wheat germ. Whole wheat contains both. In the earlier 1900’s, many people became ill with vitamin deficiency diseases.

The government then said that certain nutrients had to be added to the white flour so that these deficiencies would not occur. Some vitamins and iron are added in “enriching” the white flour.

Even if children eat foods mostly based on white flour, they will still receive some vitamins. Vitamin and mineral supplements can make up for some of the rest of what is not added back in the “enrichment” process.

But there are still problems. The fiber or bran of the wheat is also removed. Fiber draws water into the gut as we digest food. The extra fluid makes us feel fuller and less likely to overeat. Fiber in food helps us regulate our caloric intake. People eat less calories when fiber is present in food.

Also when nutrients are missing from a food, we tend to eat more because we are looking for the missing nutrients. We keep on hoping that the nutrient will be in the next bite. If all the nutrients are present, then we will be satisfied sooner and eat less.

Dr. Semon has studied and uses homeopathy in his practice located at Greensquare Center for the Healing Arts (www.GreenSquareCenter.com), 6789 N. Green Bay Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209. Please schedule appointments at 414-292-3900

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26 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

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Children’s

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC

One in every five children in the United States is living with a behavioral or emotional health condition, according to a 2010 study by the National Academy of Sciences. Although that statistic is alarming, children’s behavioral health issues are treatable, especially when identified early, said Gary Kendziorski, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist with the Milwaukee Center for Independence and its affiliate, Transitional Living Services, Inc. “Even very young children, especially those who have experienced trauma and environmental stress, can exhibit symptoms of behavioral and emotional health disorders,” Kendziorski said.

Whether the child has a serious behavioral health problem or he is responding to a particularly challenging situation, symptoms need to be addressed as quickly as possible. Those symptoms may include: • A tendency to defy authority • Stealing or damaging physical property • Frequent angry outbursts and temper tantrums • Dramatic changes in academic performance • Excessive anxiety • Hyperactivity

• Acting out in school • Inability cope with routine activities and daily challenges • Constant complaints about physical problems • Changes in eating or sleeping habits • Persistent nightmares • Loss of friends and increasing isolation

When symptoms go untreated, they can interfere with a child’s ability to learn, damage self-esteem and negatively affect relationships within the family, at school and in the community. Kendziorski said the earlier the issue is addressed, the better the opportunity for the child to recover and move on to a healthy and productive future. Often, however, parents may not know how to begin to get help for their children.

Kendziorski advised that parents talk to their pediatrician about any concerns regarding the behavior of a very young child. If the child is in school, parents can talk to a teacher to share concerns and identify resources that are available in the community.

“Usually, a useful next step is to call the insurance company and find out what providers are available,” Kendziorski said.

To begin treatment, the psychologist will collect some information from the parents and from the child, he said. A standardized evaluation may be used as well. The psychologist will analyze the information and sit down with parents to discuss the child’s strengths, needs and goals and to work together on developing a treatment plan.

“That could include individual treatment for the child and family therapy as well as consultation with the child’s school and collaboration with medical providers and any other community agencies that might be helping the child,” Kendziorski said.

Treatment is reviewed with the family on a regular basis, with the first review usually scheduled for about three months after treatment has begun. Measures of successful treatment include a decrease in behavior problems or emotional distress and an increase in coping skills and overall functioning as a child, Kendziorski said.

Dr. Gary Kendziorski is a clinical psychologist with MCFI Children’s Behavioral Health Resources, which provides behavioral health assessments for children up to age 12, individualized behavioral health treatment plans, confidential therapy and counseling services and professional consultation services for charter, choice and public schools. For more information, call (414) 937-2030. mcfi_ad_life changing_0111_Layout 1 1/31/2011 2:11 PM Page 1

lIfe. CHANGING. MCFI Children’s Programs Accredited by the Joint At MCFI, we believe in Commission �

what children can do. That’s why all of our programs and services for children with special needs are focused on one goal: helping kids reach their highest levels of achievement. For a lifetime.

MCFI, a nonprofit agency, has been assisting people with special needs and their families since 1938, and is known for innovation in disability treatment.

MCFI Children’s Programs and Services include:

�

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Birth to age 20 with special health care needs Skilled day nursing care and complete medical monitoring Child care licensed, Medicaid certified

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Birth to Three program �

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Serving families and children with diagnosed and suspected developmental delays Evaluation and treatment at your home In-home therapies

Parenting classes �

Pediatric Special Care Unit �

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Parenting and nurturing classes for anyone who wants to become a better parent

School for Early Development & Achievement (SEDA) � �

Individualized education programs For students K3-2nd grade, with and without special needs

2020 West Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53233

�

414.937.2020

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A public school, chartered through UWM Centered on the needs of the child and family

Children’s Behavioral Health Resources �

Comprehensive therapy and counseling services for children with behavioral and emotional health challenges, up to age 12

Getting ready for school �

MCFI's HIPPY program helps parents of 3- and 4-year-olds develop a strong foundation for success in school Let’s talk about what your child can do!

Call 414.937.2020 or visit us at www.mcfi.net.

TTY: 414.937.2022

�

www.mcfi.net

www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 27

Building girls of courage, confidence, and character.

 

                   

CAMP FOR EVERY CHILD

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       

 T

             

        800-565-GIRL(4475) 

Overnight, resident camp Boys and girls, ages 7-16 Wide variety of traditional camp activities Plus, HORSES, Specialties and Adventures Trips Transportation and Scholarships Available Kids love us; Parents trust us

The camp experience preserves and values the natural environment while providing children with unique, first-hand experiences. Through nature-based experiences at camp, children and youth learn, organize, synthesize, and reflect— they experience the outdoors as a safe place and see themselves as a part of a larger cycle of life.

Camp celebrates diversity and promotes tolerance. It holds a mirror up so children can see, no matter what their color, gender or socioeconomic circumstances, that who they are is beautiful inside and out.

Camp teaches children how to cope with life’s obstacles, become a leader, think outside of the box, and succeed at being themselves.

Research by the American Camp Association® (ACA) showed that ninety-two percent of campers felt better about themselves after the camp experience.

www.phantomlakeymca.org

office@phantomlakeymca.org

28 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

Camp gets kids back to nature. Unplugged from the computer, the videogames, the cell phone, they gain an appreciation for the natural environment and discover the wisdom and fun it has to offer.

Currently, 10 million children attend camp each year. There is a camp for every child, and every child deserves the benefits of camp. However, not every family can afford to send their child to camp. This is why ACA’s scholarship initiatives are so essential.

The ACA camp community generates $39 million annually for camp scholarships.

And while this is money goes a long way to help deserving campers, ACA is striving to do even more. A recent grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. provided for the development of Camp 2 Grow, an ACA program that includes a scholarship component to increase the number of children annually who are able to attend camp. In addition, through ACA’s Change a Life campaign, people can make a donation to sponsor a child’s camp experience. For every dollar donated, eighty-two cents goes directly to pay a deserving child’s camp tuition.

These initiatives support ACA’s commitment to see 20 million benefit annually from the camp experience by the year 2020.

Tae Kwon Do

CHILDREN HOME RULES

FUN EXCITING AND EDUCATING AS POSSIBLE Tae Kwon Do means “ The Way of Fist and Foot Fighting.” Although an ancient and once secret Korean art of weaponless self-defense, it is now a Korean sport in which either two persons practice methods of unarmed fighting or one person can exercise for both physical fitness and selfdefense. Still primarily a defensive art of self-protection, Tae Kwon Do has in the past two decades also rapidly developed as an injury-free international competitive sport that resembles a composite of the French foot fighting known as Savate and boxing. Technically, it is a unique style of Oriental martial arts combining Korean foot techniques with Chinese hand techniques.

The Tae Kwon Do student has through many years of tedious daily practice developed their feet and body into hidden weapons of defense. They can respond with lightning-like speed and explosive force should they be physically attacked. Tae Kwon Do has been called the ultimate in self-defense because it trains reflexes so keen and accurate that students can effectively defend themselves from attack by multiple assailants, yet they are also able to spar vigorously with fellow student without heavy protective garments and in complete safety.

Unlike most other sporting activities, Tae Kwon Do promotes the improved formation of one’s character. In the friendly yet competitive atmosphere of this amazing art form, students workout, sweat, and put out their all together, pushing each other to their upper potential and beyond - 100%, 150%, 200%, or more. Flexibility and agility are essential.

The Tae Kwon Do master teaches the importance of both physical and mental conditioning by building up his student’s self-confidence, self-respect, and self-discipline. The dance-like rhythm of this incredible art, especially during form practice, is a pleasure to watch. When free-sparring, punches and kicks are pulled and good technique is shown; moreover, this is not to be a bloody street brawl. After workout, not only does one’s heartbeat and breathing rate need to be slowed, but also one’s spirit needs to be calmed through meditation.

Although knowing valuable self-defense skills generates a tremendous sense of security, the true martial artist should be able to walk away from potential or threatening fight situations without a loss of self-esteem; moreover, ego gratification is never required.

Ultimately, the sound mind in a sound body will succeed at its life’s calling.

For more information on Tae Kwon Do and all the benefits it can bring contact Chay’s Tae Kwon Do at (262) 474-0067, or visit www.chayscedarburg.com.

Children must show respect to their parents and family members at all times.

Children shall greet their parents when they enter the house and tell them goodbye when they leave.

Children will be truthful at all times.

Children will maintain a good relationship with brothers and sisters.

Children must help with household chores.

Children will keep their own room neat and clean.

Children must keep their body, hair and teeth clean at all times.

Children will not interrupt adult conversations.

Children will stay caught up on their schoolwork by doing homework on a regular basis.

Children must show respect for teachers and peers at all times.

CHILDREN WHO DO NOT OBEY THEIR PARENTS MAY BE REDUCED IN RANK.

Come See Our New Tae Kwon Do means “ The Way of Fist and Foot Fighting.”

Tae Kwon Do Facility Featuring 10,000 sq. ft. and 3 Workout Areas

EYES < page 25 of dry eyes, as well as, lowering the risk of heart disease, cholesterol and the reduction of chronic inflammation. Research is ongoing, but taking a daily supplement of flaxseed oil or fish oil has been shown to reduce ocular surface inflammation and dry eye symptoms and is being used as an adjunctive therapy in the management of dry eyes.

The nutritional value of flaxseed oil is destroyed by light, heat and oxygen. Look for a cold-pressed variety and keep it refrigerated. Or you can grind whole flax seeds and sprinkle over your food, add them to a smoothie or mix them in fruit juice. Fish oil is available in capsule or liquid form. Another way to obtain fish oil benefits is by eating grilled cold-water fish, like salmon, tuna and halibut, at least three times a week.

Whether you get your vitamins and minerals from foods or supplements, they are a great source of antioxidants that make a tremendous impact on both your general health along with the health of your eyes. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables and supplementing your diet with a multivitamin is a great idea. It is always a good idea to consult with your family physician or eye doctor before taking supplements as adverse drug interactions and negative effects can occur.

Megan E. Lind, O.D., FAAO is a comprehensive eye care specialist at Milwaukee Eye Care Associates, Dr. Peter S. Foote, M.D. is the medical director. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lind, or any of the physicians at Milwaukee Eye Care Associates, please call 414-271-2020.

Little Ninja/Tae Kwon Do For ages 4 – 6

After School Pick-Up Program We pick up the kids from school, give them a snack, homework help and a workout.

Kick Boxing/Exercise Program No belts, no uniforms, just a kick butt workout! Mornings, weekends or evenings; ages 14 and up.

Master Chay’s Personal Training Program Learn martial arts and get into the best shape of your life.

N19 W6733 Commerce Ct. • Cedarburg 262-474-0067 • cell: 414-899-4968 www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 29

Vison

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY. IT’S THE ONLY PLACE YOU HAVE TO LIVE. ~JIM ROHN

Protecting Your Eyes For Life

By Carolyn Vescio & Cheryl Dejewski Did you know that a human embryo’s eyes begin to develop at week seven? By week 28, a baby’s eyelids are formed and partially open. Soon, he or she will begin taking in vast amounts of visual information as they are welcomed into the world.

While much of what happens to a person’s eyes over the course of a lifetime is dictated by genetics, there are many steps that can be taken to protect our vision as we age.

Childhood

At birth, an infant’s eyes will be checked as part of a comprehensive newborn exam. A child’s eyes should also be evaluated by his pediatrician at six months of age and between the ages of three and four. “The doctor will confirm proper development and alignment of the eyes to rule out Strabismus (a condition where the eyes look in different directions, commonly called “crossed eyes”) and Amblyopia (also called “lazy eye,” which occurs when vision doesn’t develop properly and is poor in one eye and normal in the other). Any unusual findings should prompt an immediate referral to an ophthalmologist or optometrist,” explains David Scheidt, OD, past President of the Wisconsin Optometric Association.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requires that schools encourage parents to have an eye exam for their child prior to entering kindergarten. The most common eye problem found during these exams is myopia (or, “nearsightedness”)—

Take steps to protect your family’s vision ■

Call 414-321-7035. We’ll send a FREE When to Have Your Eyes Checked guide and booklets on any eye topic below.

■

Read. Learn the symptoms, risks, tests & treatments for common disorders.

■

Act. If you have a concern or it’s time for an exam, call us. Schedule today.

Protect your family’s vision for tomorrow.

State Leaders in Medical, Surgical & Laser Eye Care Trusted by more than 121,000 doctors & patients “Top Doctors”— Milwaukee Magazine ■ Glaucoma, Diabetes & Macular Degeneration Care

(including laser & Avastin injection treatments) ■ No-Stitch Cataract Surgery with Lens Implants (to reduce the need for reading glasses/bifocals) ■ Accept Medicare Assignment & Most Insurances ■ Comprehensive Exams & Diagnostic Laser Scans

■ Lid & Retinal Cases ■ Corneal Transplants ■ Dry Eyes/Infections ■ Pediatric Care & Surgery ■ Customized LASIK

T EYE CARE SPECIALISTS

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Norman Cohen, MD Robert Sucher, MD West Allis Mayfair Downtown Mark Freedman, MD 10150 W. National Av. 2323 N. Mayfair Rd. 735 W. Wisconsin Av. Brett Rhode, MD West Allis Wauwatosa Milwaukee Daniel Ferguson, MD 414/321-7520 414/258-4550 414/298-0099 David Scheidt, OD

30 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

the inability to see letters or objects at a distance.

As children become more active in sports and other activities, injury prevention becomes increasingly important. Be sure to buy toys that are age appropriate and avoid those that fly or shoot. And, be certain to enforce (and model yourself) the use of proper eye protection, such as safety glasses, swim goggles, sunglasses and hats.

Finding and removing hazards from a child’s environment and providing proper supervision can go a long way in protecting their vision. Be sure to keep sharp objects out of reach, lock up poisonous chemicals (like cleaning solutions), and make sure play areas are safe from hard sharp edges. If your child does sustain an eye injury, seek immediate medical attention.

In Your 20s

People in their 20s need to be mindful of many of the common sense things they were told to do as children, such as using proper sun protection. “Ultraviolet (UV) rays can burn your cornea, the clear outer layer of your eye,” notes Norman Cohen, MD, co-founder of Eye Care Specialists, one of the state’s leading ophthalmology practices. “UV rays can also lead to the development of cataracts (a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye), and age-related macular degeneration or AMD, (an eye condition in which the specialized area of the retina responsible for sharp central vision and color discrimination is damaged). Make sure to wear lenses that are rated to block out 99%-100% of UVA and UVB light. A dark lens does not automatically mean you are getting proper UV protection.”

Safety glasses should also be used when working in a hazardous environment, doing activities like wood- or metal-working, and when participating in sports, such as basketball, soccer or skiing. If you wear contact lenses, remember that proper handling, cleaning, storing and wearing habits are essential. Do not sleep with your contact lenses in. If you develop an eye infection (signs include redness, burning or excessive tearing), remove your contact lenses and discontinue use until you see your eye doctor.

“One of the most important things you can do for your eyes, as well as your overall health, is to not smoke. Smoking has been proven to increase the risk and severity of AMD, which is the leading cause of blindness in older Americans, by up to 300 percent. Smoking has also been linked to cataract development and dry eye disease,” reports Mark Freedman, MD, a leading laser eye surgeon and continuing education instructor for local physicians.

For women, hormonal fluctuations can affect vision. While this is usually temporary and nothing to worry about, you should discuss any changes with your eye doctor. Pregnant women may experience dry eyes, puffy eyelids and migraine headaches that cause light sensitivity. Menopause, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can also affect the moisture and comfort of your eyes. As described later, there are treatment options for dry eye problems.

In Your 30s

Most of us are still lucky enough to have healthy eyes when we reach our 30s, however, the strains of everyday life can take a toll on how our eyes feel. If you are on a computer much of the day, you may notice eye fatigue, difficulty focusing and discomfort. “Computer monitors don’t actually damage vision, but they might cause eye strain,” says Daniel Ferguson, MD, an eye care specialist who sees patients from all walks of life at three locations in the Milwaukee area. “Rearranging your workstation, frequently staring away from the screen, blinking more often, or getting proper glasses can often relieve theses symptoms.” Selecting a high-resolution, antiglare computer screen and adjusting the text size, contrast, and brightness settings can also improve readability and visual comfort.

Your 30s are also a good time to consider LASIK surgery for the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism. By the time most people reach age 30, their prescriptions are stable, making them better candidates for surgically reshaping the cornea to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

With family, career and other obligations, it can be challenging to get the rest you need when you are in your 30s and beyond. A good night’s sleep is not only good for VISION > page 52

Senior Health and Living

A special section dedicated to helping seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan the next phase of their life.

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www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 31

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to love!

Affordable rents | Quality construction | Elegant finishing touches

Discover Horizon Apartments

Spacious, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for Active Adults 55 and better www.horizonseniorhousing.com

Burlington Francis Meadows 262-763-1700

Franklin Clare Meadows I & II 414-421-8499

Milwaukee/Southeast Clare Heights 414-744-2510

Cudahy Cottonwood Trails 414-483-9969

Greenfield White Oaks 414-282-1188

Delafield Hillside Woods I & II 262-646-4800 262-646-3441

Menomonee Falls Alta Mira I & II 262-251-0078 262-251-5850 Milwaukee/Northwest Granville Heights 414-357-6740

Active Aging

210 S. Main Street | Oconomowoc, WI 53066 | 262.567.9001

BERKSHIRE Oconomowoc Winter isn’t so cold when you make warm memories!

EMBRASSING A SENIOR COMMUNITY AND WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER

Welcome To the Berkshire of Oconomowoc AFFORDABLE APARTMENT HOMES The Berkshire Oconomowoc offers luxury and comfortable housing in the beautiful community of Oconomowoc for independent adults 55 and older.

Look at a Senior Community as an adventure, something that might bring back the great memories from when you were young and getting back into the world out there

Active aging is definitely changing. Today, there’s an influx of people aged 55 to 65 who are choosing to move into a senior community, to connect with a peer group of life long learners.

A senior’s residence is a place of security. Moving out of the home you spent many years creating memories can be difficult emotionally. But you might want to look at moving into a senior community as a positive move.

When we are young we can’t wait to explore new things and get away from the same old –same old. We want to start making memories and planting our roots. Why not think the same way.

Look at a Senior Community as an adventure, something that might bring back the great memories from when you were young and getting back into the world out there. A senior community can be a great change. You can meet new people, get rid of all the hassles of house work, and have a easier retirement life.

There are several types of residential senior communities to choose from, so you need to explore and find what is right for you.

How does one determine which senior community would fit best with their needs?

Temporary vs long term care: A senior’s needs are more practical by planning to move into a situation that is most likely to remain for many years to come.

Independence: Can you and would you want to live on your own? Or would it be best to find a more service oriented residential facility?

Needs for personal care: How much and what kinds of personal or “custodial care” are needed or desired? There are online needs assessment questionnaires to help determine this and then match the care needs with the right type of housing.

Needs for medical care: If the senior has a chronic illness that necessitates special medical care, or ongoing services of medical professionals, independent living and even assisted living may not be suitable.

Costs: Learn about the financial aspects of senior housing to determine what options are affordable for you. Walk through senior communities that seem suitable.

Make a checklist of what each has to offer. Then make your own checklist of your needs and wants. Look over each list with a friend or family member they might have some helpful input to give.

Seek guidance from family who are experts in senior communities. They can help with the process of identifying your goals and values, assessing your needs, determining what your financial situation will allow and suggesting what facility might be right for you.

Seniors have so many choices to make when the search for senior communities.

With so many senior housing options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different kinds of communities. It’s important to learn the differences between the many options and to assess your needs to make the right decision.

To learn more about senior communities and other senior living information contact Berkshire Oconomowoc at 262.567.9001.

One and two bedroom apartment homes Heat and hot water included Controlled access entry system Private patio or balcony on most units Library/computer room, exercise room Underground and surface parking Oconomowoc Area Senior Center on site Professional on-site management and maintenance We accept pets - some restrictions apply Income Restrictions

Office Hours: Mon-Fri - 9 - 3pm Saturday by appointment EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Professionally managed by Oakbrook Corporation

Full Service For Less

Sell for 1.5% to 4.5% Whether Buying or Selling I Am Here To Serve All Of Your Real Estate Needs.

Call Troy Miller at 414-333-3723 www.totalrealty.com www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 33

10200 West Blue Mound Road Wauwatosa, WI 53226 www.stcam.com

When is the right time to start packing?

Join us...for a breakfast seminar.

February 15th or 22nd 9:30 am at San Camillo

Space is limited.

Our professionals will discuss: Current real estate trends Upside of downsizing Lifestyle transitions

Reserve your spot today!

for Healthy Living

(414) 259-6310

Retirement communities foster an environment that allows seniors to be socially engaged and active which promotes health and wellness in mind, body and spirit.

TODAY. TOMORROW.

TOGETHER.

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On-Site Management Inviting Lobby with Fireplace Library Computer with Internet access Close to Shopping and Banking Landscaped Patio and Grill Community Room with Kitchen All apartment homes have a Patio or Balcony Beautiful Décor

Free Heat Large Storage Spaces Social Activities Small Pets Welcome 24 Hour Maintenance Staff Controlled Entry Access System Elevator Underground Parking Included Laundry on Each Floor

We Invite You for a Tour of Our Wonderful Senior Living Facility.

Enjoy Independence & Affordable Rates!

BERKSHIRE AT SUNSET

S30 W24890 Sunset Dr Waukesha, WI 53189

262-548-0131

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Positive Attitudes

Professionally Managed by Oakbrook Corporation

34 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

*income restrictions

By Kate Schmidtkunz RN, BSN Positive attitudes and a healthy outlook on life are vital to our physical, emotional and social well-being. Understanding our attitudes are important because it affects who we are and how we respond to life’s’ situations. A positive attitude helps you meet and accept the challenges of life. The opportunity for growth and a better understanding of ourselves is possible with the right attitude. Healthy self esteem includes developing our strengths and overcoming weaknesses, striving to do our best, and setting realistic goals.

Finding satisfaction in life, establishing and maintaining strong, healthy relationships and having self confidence allows us to meet the challenges of the day. Remaining positive and healthy involves living a healthy lifestyle which includes, regular activity and exercise, eating a well balanced diet, getting plenty of rest and using prescription medications as intended and instructed. A positive attitude and a healthy outlook can be developed and maintained with time and effort.

Considering moving into a retirement facility? Besides the convenience of community living, your health may improve. Much has been written about the effect of a positive attitude to one’s general well-being. There are many reasons to be positive in a retirement community. Retirement communities foster an environment that allows seniors to be socially engaged and active which promotes health and wellness in mind, body and spirit.

A resident of an independent retirement community shared the positive benefits he experienced: “When I moved to a retirement community I was not walking well and was unable to do laundry and lots of similar things due to a small stroke. Three and a half years later my doctors have told me I am doing very well. I contribute my great health to several things.

First, I now enjoy meals not only because the food is so good, but also because the dining room is a cheerful place to be and the wait staff makes it a pleasure to come down to meals. I also eat with interesting and welcoming people.

Second, I am never bored. There are a great number of presentations, both informational and entertaining. I enjoy going to outings, theatre and restaurants.”

What this resident experienced are a couple of the benefits of a retirement community. The benefit of a well balanced diet. Menus in retirement typically are low sodium, low fat and the offerings are rich in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. The benefits of intellectual stimulation and socialization impacted this resident’s life. Attending lectures and the performing arts, visiting with a diverse group of peers keep the mind sharp.

Retirement communities provide a positive, healthy environment. Most communities offer exercise classes or a fitness center. Regular exercise for seniors increases joint flexibility, muscle strength, endurance and coordination to prevent falls and increase balance. Some retirement communities are integrated in a continuum of care, including rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living and home health.

Enjoy your life of health and happiness.

For more information on the healthy benefits of community living please call Kate Schmidtkunz RN BSN, Wellness Coordinator at San Camillo. 414/259-4680

Active Seniors

Enjoy Life More

Good news for older adults: part of the prescription for a healthier, better retirement is exercise. Physical activity protects against declining health and fitness and adds years to your life. Join the growing number of older adults who are actively demonstrating that exercise helps keep a body strong.

The Best Retirement Is an Active One

Did you know that moderate-intensity physical activity can help you live longer and reduce health problems? Regular exercise helps control blood pressure, body weight and cholesterol levels, and cuts the risk for hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. It conditions muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones to help fight osteoporosis, keep your body more limber and stabilize your joints, thus lowering the risk of everyday injury. It also improves digestion and is good for managing low-back pain, arthritis and diabetes. Regular physical activity helps you maintain your independence. And recently, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been more research that suggests an active lifestyle lowers the risk of some cancers. But perhaps the best reason for incorporating regular exercise into your life is that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll feel better.

Exercise helps you sleep better and manage stress better, and gives you more energy to enjoy work and play.

Fitness Is Golden A good exercise program includes cardiovascular exercise, muscular conditioning and flexibility exercises. The best cardiovascular exercises for seniors are non-jarring, such as walking, swimming and cycling. Start with a light regimen and gradually build up to a total of at least 30 minutes of activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. Playing with children, gardening, dancing and housecleaning are other ways to incorporate activity into your daily routine.

Strengthening exercises such as lifting light weights (or even household items such as canned foods or milk jugs) help to maintain your muscle mass and promote bone health. Plus, research suggests that adults older than 50 years who do not perform resistance training lose nearly 1/4 pound of muscle mass per year.

Since muscle mass is directly related to how many calories your body burns each day, resistance training is important for weight management. And strong leg and hip muscles help to reduce the risk of falls, a cause of considerable disability among older adults. Aim to participate in resistance training at least two days per week, making sure to exercise all major muscle groups through a full range of motion.

End each workout with stretching exercises to help maintain your mobility and range of motion and decrease your risk for injury.

Look at your retirement or senior years as an opportunity to do things you have never done before. Most of all, enjoy yourself!

www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 35

CHOOSING A QUALITY SENIOR HOME CARE AGENCY

For your loved one

By Stephen P. Rudolph, FACHE,CSA Certified Senior Advisor Most of us hope we will never be faced with the need for senior care services for ourselves or a loved one. It is in the same category as “fire and flood insurance” - something that happens to other people. However, we still buy it, just in case. And then we forget about it. The reality is, tornadoes do hit. And the best insurance, as they say, is preparation.

Life expectancy rates are increasing (a newborn today in the U.S.A. has a lifeexpectancy of age 100), and with advances in medical care, Americans are living longer than ever before. While Medicare does provide for health care services for seniors, it does not provide for long-term care services.

Because of this, many seniors opt for senior care services in their own home, especially if only part-time care services are needed. This is often the situation after major surgery or when an age-related disease begins to develop, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHERE TO TURN FOR QUALITY SENIOR HOME CARE? As an owner of a senior home care agency since 2001, I have found that you can easily separate the wheat from the chaff by following a few guidelines when choosing an agency.

First, make sure the agency hires their Caregivers as employees. This provides you with the added benefits of Worker’s Compensation Insurance and Unemployment Insurance. These are both considered part of payroll taxes and are included in your fee. There are many stories about families who hired Caregivers and then discovered later that they were responsible for taxes that were not paid or sued for an injury a Caregiver suffered while providing care services.

A Senior Home Care Agency takes responsibility for the liability for any

36 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

on-the-job injuries as the employer and provides for all payroll taxes as a professional business. The Senior Home Care Agency will also provide Fidelity Bond Insurance which will protect you in the event of theft. The agency must follow certain procedures when hiring in order to maintain these valuable insurance cover ages (background checks, active supervision and training will be required). By having these procedures in place, safety and quality can be maintained.

Next, make sure the Senior Home Care Agency provides regular “check-in” visits on the care services. A quality agency will have a Nurse Care Manager or Supervisor stop by to make sure the client and Caregiver are a good match and that all the care needs are being met. The frequency of these visits will depend upon the number of hours of care provided each week. You should expect checkin visits to occur every two-weeks under full-time care.

Finally, make sure the agency creates and manages a “Plan of Care” for the senior. This will include details on a daily routine and the job duties for the Caregiver.

Be sure to stay very involved with the agency during the first month of service to make sure the caregiver and the senior are getting along and communicating their needs.

If you do not live in the same city as the senior who needs care or if your family and career obligations prevent you from being available for day-time doctor appointments, you may want to consider hiring someone to assist you.

Stephen P. Rudolph has a Masters Degree in Health Care Administration and is the owner of Comfort Keepers in Madison, a nonmedical, in-home service that provides personal cares and other non-medical services for aging adults, those with disabilities and others needing assistance. For local information contact Comfort Keepers at 414.858.9400 or 262.376.7510 or go to www.comfortkeepers.com.

CARING FOR

Affordable Senior and Disabled Housing

Yourself

Accepting applications for accessible, safe, secure, barrier-free, affordable, federally subsidized and conventional, one bedroom and studio apartments for seniors and one and two bedroom apartments for physically disabled adults.

While Caring for a Loved One

Becker Property Services, LLC 11520 N. Port Washington Rd. Suite 3, Mequon WI 53092

Assuming the role of primary caregiver can be one of the most rewarding, but difficult jobs. While your love may be unconditional, caring for your loved one while juggling your own personal life can be physically and emotionally draining.

According to the National Family Caregiver’s Association, more than 50 million people have acted as caregivers at some time over the past year. If you find yourself if this position, while your primary concern may be the health of your loved one, it’s extremely important to remember to take care of yourself as well.

In some cases, caregivers become physically ill because they ignore their own health and well being. Your relationship with your loved one can also be damaged because of built up stress. Recognizing signs and symptoms of poor health is the first step to staying healthy. These signs include: > Disturbed Sleep > Depression and tearfulness > Lack of energy > Difficulty concentrating > Weight changes > Suicidal thoughts > Increased irritability > Feelings of hopelessness > Physical exhaustion or injury from lifting, dressing, bathing, etc.

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Successful intervention to prevent mounting stress often relies on the ability of the caregiver to recognize their frustrations and take a break through the assistance of family, friends and respite care programs. Here are a few ways to care for yourself while continuing to care for your loved one: • Eat a healthy diet. It may seem easier to substitute a healthy diet with fast foods or other quick, unhealthy options. Consuming unhealthy meals, or skipping meals, may cause your weight to fluctuate substantially which is extremely unhealthy. If you are making a meal for your loved one, make enough for both of you to eat and allow for leftovers in case you run out of time to cook another day.

• Stay active. Physical activity is good for both your physical and mental health.

A small amount of exercise each day can help decrease stress, increase energy and heighten mood levels. Your routine does not have to be a full regimented workout.

A simple walk in the park or around the block constitutes as exercise, or even just some time for stretching.

• Plan ahead. Make arrangements for your loved one to be taken care of in the event of your absence. Keep a list of people who may be able to step in as caregiver if your plans suddenly change. If you need a vacation, or just a mental break, check with your local skilled nursing centers to see what respite programs are available.

Respite programs allow you to take a break from caregiving knowing that your loved one is being monitored by a team of qualified professionals.

• Take breaks and time for yourself. Taking time for yourself is probably the most important part of caring for yourself while caring for another. Many caregivers feel guilty leaving a loved one at home to go out and have fun. This time is essential, however, to relieve caregiver stress and help you recharge to keep you from falling into a negative disposition.

Allowing yourself to feel is very important to caregiving. Identifying specific feelings can help you understand the cause of those feelings and help you to direct your reactions appropriately. Lastly, always remember that it is ok to ask for help.

For more information on Cargiving contact Heartland Home Hospice at 866-2165708.

iÊ >ÀiÊUÊ °6°Ê >ÀiÊUÊ Ã« ViÊ >Ài iÊ >ÀiÊUÊ °6°Ê >ÀiÊUÊ Ã« ViÊ >Ài We care not only for the mind, body and spirit patients likefor Steve, but of body their and family We of care not only the mind, andofloved ones,likelikeSteve, his daughter Linda. spirit patients but of their family Contact us ones, anytime, your physician and loved like or hisask daughter Linda. no-obligation Contactforusaanytime, or ask referral. your physician for a no-obligation referral.

977/327/6819!!¦!!www.heartlandhospice.com 977/327/6819!!¦!!www.heartlandhospice.com www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 37

Make Your Move:

1 & 2 bedroom $615 - $715 Including utilities 24 hr. maintenance Library Community Room & Garden Professionally Managed Small Pets Welcome

For Seniors 55 & Better

A Guide To Make Your Moving

FIRST MONTH FREE RENT

THOMPSON MEADOWS

As we get older sometimes it is time to say goodbye to the old and move on to new and possibly more convient ways of living. Whether you move to an independant senior community or assisted living, there’s alot to think about and plan to make your transition a smooth one.

Of course, many people simply choose to rely on family and trusted friends to help them make a move. You’ve spent your life helping them out, now it’s their turn to help you. We’ve put together some moving tips that should make your move easier.

senior apartment homes

3120 E. Norwich Avenue St. Francis, WI 53207

414.769.9240

www.accmanagementgroup.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

DECIDE WHERE YOU WANT TO LIVE. Seems pretty simple, but consider many things. Would you like to be close to family, friends, shopping centers, healthcare facilities? Will you need to use transportation other than your car? Will you have access to recreational activities?

Do you want to climb flights of stairs? Do you want maintenance-free living? Is it secure and safe? Do you need assistance with daily activities? Can you keep your pet? Research new home alternatives long before you make your move. Spend time in the area where you plan to move and get answers to all your questions.

CLEAR OUT THE OLD.

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cin u d o

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Whether you are moving to a smaller home, apartment, or senior residence you need to downsize your possessions. Sort through your belongings and keep what you absolutely need. Go to the least used rooms and areas first. Sort only a few hours at a time to avoid being overwhelmed. At this time you should create a floor plan of your new living space showing each room and the placement of each piece of furniture. Take measurements of each room. Make a note of doors, windows, outlets. Take measurements of your furniture. Give the remaining items to family and/or friends. Think about having an estate sale, a tag sale or donating belongings to charities (many charities will pick up the items at your home). Keep in mind space limitations. Let family members know what you plan on taking with you. Make a schedule of the times when you expect to have family members, friends, or charities pick up the items. Clearly label all items, use colored stickers to mark what will or will not go to your new home. This will help you remember what goes where when you begin packing.

BERKSHIRE KENSINGTON

GET YOUR HOUSE READY TO SELL. If you plan on selling your home it’s time to make minor repairs and note major repairs which you should report to your realtor. Small repairs make the home look well cared for and usually cost little time and money. These details make a difference in how the buyer views the home. Itemize cosmetic changes such as fresh paint or new carpets. The home looks ready to move into. Be sure to keep up the exterior maintenance of your home. Remove interior clutter. All of these tips create a favorable impression on a buyer. Renters make sure your apartment is clean and contact your apartment manager to discuss what time your apartment will be shown.

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Packing should be easy for you and your family or professional movers if you’ve already labeled and sorted your belongings. If you are doing the move yourself be sure to have enough boxes, packing materials, and tape. Do not wait until the last minute to decide whether or not to keep an item. Make all decisions about the belongings you intend to keep long before packing day arrives. Try to do packing a day or two before you move if you are doing it yourself. Of course if you hire professional movers, let them do the packing for you. It will be less stressful on

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38 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

When you get to your new home try to unpack as much as possible the first day. This will make you feel more comfortable.

you and will guarantee that the moving company insures the contents of the boxes in case of damage. Also keep in mind that if the move takes longer because you are disorganized, the movers may charge more. Label each box with the room where it will be placed and list a few of the items contained. You can even photograph your belongings so you have a record of their condition before the move. Take special care of your smaller valuables. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to keep them separate from the other boxes. Carry them on your person, or place them with your personal items. You may even want to place them in a safe deposit box during the move.

If you choose a professional mover be sure to consult two or three reputable companies and always get a written estimate. If you label all the belongings that are to be moved this will help you to receive consistent bids from potential movers.

Once you decide on a mover you should sign a contract showing a specific price. Be sure to understand the amount of insurance that is provided by the mover before you sign a contract. If you have access to the internet or a library try to research what the law requires of moving companies. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be better prepared to ask the right questions. You can even hire a Senior Move Manager or a Moving Coordinator to take care of all the moving details for you. This person can handle your move from assessing your belongings to decorating your new home. The National Association of Senior Move Managers has guidelines for many of these professionals. If you find the thought of a move overwhelming you may want to consider contacting a Mover Manager.

NOTIFY YOUR SERVICE COMPANIES. Contact your utility companies and let them know what day you plan to move.

Fill out change of address forms for the post office seven to ten days before moving day. Make sure you have phone service at your current home and new home on moving day. Have the name of the contact of your new apartment or senior residence ahead of time. Know the name of the person you need to contact if a situation comes up on moving day. Some residences will have you reserve a freight elevator. Make sure you know the time of the reservation. If the residence has a dining room, be sure to schedule your move around the meal times.

CALL ON HELP. On moving day have your family or friends help out even if you have hired professional movers, you may need to put them in charge if you find you need to take a rest from all the activity. Be sure to give the movers the floor plan with furniture placement. This will prevent confusion at your new home. Have an overnight bag packed a few days in advance of the move. This bag should have all your medications, checkbook, travelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s checks if you are moving a distance or cash, keys, phone numbers, address book, jewelry, toiletries, night clothes, day clothes and anything important you need to have close to hand on moving day. It also doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt to keep a few snacks and drinks handy. Keep this bag close to you and away from movers so not to have it accidentally placed with your other belongings. Have pets transported safely to your new home. If you are moving a distance make sure family and friends have a copy of the route and schedule including all stops you will be making. Check all drawers, cabinets, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty. Leave keys/garage door opener with new homeowner or apartment manager.

Set aside time to say goodbye to your neighbors.

SETTLE IN. When you get to your new home try to unpack as much as possible the first day.

This will make you feel more comfortable. Check to see if the telephone is working, if you have electricity, check appliances. Ask the mailman for mail that might have been held for your arrival, notify everyone of your new change of address, make note of old mail that is still addressed to your former home. Have your new address recorded on your driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, contact city offices for voter registration, register your car/license plates if moving to another state, make arrangements for local doctors, dentist, and veterinarian. Get a list of important local phone numbers and call for a local phonebook if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already have one. And finally, introduce yourself to your new neighbors.

Rehab Works Best When You Work With The Best!

T

he Jewish Home and Care Center provides comprehensive Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services in our state-of-theart, conveniently located Min Friedman Therapy Center overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. Open six days a week, our therapy center is designed with a fully functional kitchen, laundry, bedroom and training bathroom to assist our clients in regaining skills for independence at home.

Physical Therapy: teach movement skills, balance and self-exercise programs. Decrease pain, improve endurance, and learn safety techniques for injury prevention.

Occupational Therapy: teach independent handling of daily living skills, i.e., dressing, eating, personal hygiene, homemaking. Home visits are provided to assist with adaptive equipment needs.

Speech Pathology: improve speech, language, and swallowing skills, and assist with training on alternative communication skills when speech is affected. The Jewish Home is one of the few rehab centers that offers VitalStimÂŽ dysphagia therapy to assist with swallowing.

Outpatient Services: You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a resident to take advantage of our excellent rehab care!

We also offer our services by appointment on an outpatient basis.

1414 North Prospect Ave., Milwaukee r XXX JewishSeniorLiving.org www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 39

HEARING LOSS? Questions Answered

Peace of Mind Services Title 19 & Pre- Arrangements Simple Cremation $595.00 (Excluding Cremation Permit & Fee)

Traditional Funerals $1,395.00 at your Church or Cemetery Chapel of your choice

Call for more details

414.453.1562

SERVING ALL OF WISCONSIN

It’s snow easy living at lexington Village!

Snow easy lifestyle of Lexington Village Everyone is aging why not do it on your terms in a place where the focus is on providing you with independence so you can spend all your time doing the things you love most with the people you love.

LEXINGTON VILLAGE

Independent Senior Apartment Communities

5000 S. 107th St. | Greenfield, WI 53228

(414) 425-4008

lexington@oakbrookcorp.com 40 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

What are some signs that your hearing may be declining?

Most people start to notice that they can hear other’s speaking, but that they cannot understand what they are saying. This is common complaint of people who slowly lose their hearing due to the aging process. Another strong sign is that family members and friends have noticed your hearing loss and are forced to repeat themselves so that you understand what they are saying.

How has technology improved over the last 15 years regarding hearing aids?

Hearing aid technology has increased significantly over the last 15 years. The overwhelming majority of hearing aids fit today are digitally programmable. Digitally programmable hearing aids allow audiologists to make more precise fittings to match individual hearing losses and sound quality desires from patients. Also, the hearing aids can be re-programmed to fit your hearing loss if you continue to lose more hearing in the future.

Today’s hearing aids offer automatic volume control’s and features that allow better speech and noise management. Some hearing aids communicate with each other while the patient is wearing them to allow for automatic volume and noise management in each ear at the same time.

Today’s technology now has some hearing aids that use rechargeable batteries, remote controls, and direct Bluetooth connections to telephones, TV’s and other electronic devices.

Are all hearing aids sold by licensed audiologists?

No. Audiologists are the most highly skilled and trained professionals to manage and treat hearing loss. New audiologists are now required to hold a Doctorate of Audiology degree to be licensed to practice. I strongly recommend that people seek an Audiologists’ opinion before purchasing a hearing aid. Audiologists are trained to identify certain auditory conditions and refer to physicians for medical intervention before hearing aids are fit.

Hearing aids are also sold by hearing aid dispensers. The level of training for Audiologists vs hearing aid dispensers is significantly different. Many hearing aid franchise establishments employ hearing aid dispensers instead of Audiologists.

What is the price range of a hearing aid package?

Common price ranges are from $1000.00 to 3,000.00 per hearing aid. I caution people not to shop for hearing aids based solely on price. The most expensive hearing aid on the market, fit on the wrong hearing loss or fit incorrectly, will produce poor results. On the other hand, someone with an active lifestyle will need the correct hearing aid technology to match that lifestyle and hearing loss. If it is not met correctly, the hearing aid will not be able to keep up with the patients listening lifestyle and the results will be poor. It is important to match the level of hearing aid technology to the patient’s hearing loss AND lifestyle.

My suggestion is to get a complete audiological evaluation and hearing aid consultation. A hearing screening is NOT the same as a complete audiological evaluation. Don’t be fooled by advertisements that offer a “free hearing screening”.

How long do hearing aids last?

The general life of most hearing instruments is commonly 5-7 years. I do see patients with 8 -10 year old hearing aids that are functioning very well. All things considered, hearing aids are very small and have a tremendous amount of technology placed into a tiny area. They are used every day, all day, by most patients. If you take good care of your hearing aids, you will get the maximum amount of life from them.

Why do some people do better with hearing aids than others?

It depends on the person and the hearing loss that they have. When we test your hearing, we are commonly looking for how much hearing sensitivity you have left and how clearly you can hear speech. It’s the clarity of speech issue that really separates many people. The human brain is much more powerful than even the most sophisticated hearing aids. Our ears are just the way in. Once someone gets new HEARING > page 54

Saving for Retirement:

Adult dAy Center Provides a Caring respite

What You Can Do

> Start now. It’s never too early or too late to start setting aside money for your retirement. The younger you are when you begin, the more time you have to save and the more your money can grow over time. Time can also provide a cushion that might help your savings to recover from dips in the investment markets (like stocks and mutual funds), which occur from time to time. > Take part in the retirement plan at work. Sign up for your employer’s retirement plan as soon as possible. More and more employers are automatically enrolling workers in their 401(k) plans unless the worker makes a clear choice not to sign up (sometimes called “opting out”). If possible, put in the maximum allowed each year—or as close as you can get. Your employer might also match part of your contributions. Try to take advantage of these matching contributions. Ask your Personnel or HR (Human Resources) representative how your company’s plan works.

Also, talk with the professionals who manage your firm’s 401(k) for advice. If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, ask if the organization can start one. > Make the most of your other retirement-saving options. Consider putting money in more than one retirement-saving plan. That is especially important if your employer doesn’t offer one. Some kinds of plans could help you to save, and some can help to lower or defer (put off) your taxes. For example, you might contribute regularly to an individual retirement account or IRA, which you can open at a bank or through a broker or mutual fund. One type of IRA, a Roth IRA, allows you, the investor, to earn dividends (income) tax-free, with some restrictions, and to withdraw the money during retirement without paying Federal income taxes. You might set up an annuity (a contract between you and an insurance company). An annuity pays you income on a regular schedule, such as monthly, quarterly, or yearly, after a certain age. To learn more, see the resources listed in “For More Information.” > Figure out how much you’ll need. If you’re like the average person, you’ll probably need at least 70 percent of your annual pre-retirement income to maintain your standard of living after you retire, possibly more. Resources are available to help you calculate what you might need. For example, one useful online tool, www.choosetosave.org/ballpark, will help you estimate how much you’ll need. The introduction and FAQs on that website can help you get started. Other calculators to help RETIREMENT > page 55

Enjoy The Best Years Of Your Life!

Independent Residential Living

For Senior 55 and Older

Conveniently located in Muskego on ten beautiful country acres 1 & 2 bedroom floor plans 24 hour security/uderground parking Kitchen & Laundry appliances in unit Patios or balconies, free internet use, hair salon, fitness room, garden plots, and work shop

The Adult Day Center offers an arts-based program with myriad support services for adults with functional impairment who need activities and socialization during the day. It enables participants to remain in the community while giving respite to the caregiver.

Our professional staff will design an individual plan of care. There is a choice of programs available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including: nursing supervision, physical therapy, occupational therapy, a social worker, Jewish religious programming, holiday celebrations, exercise, beauty salon, bathing, whirlpool, kosher meals, and snacks.

Call for affordable pricing details. We accept Family Care and VA benefits.

Call debbie Zemel, MSW at 414-277-8804 for information.

* Option 1 - Entrance Fee - * Option 2 - Rental Call for an appointment to view the many amenities

414-422-4686 www.stoneycreekadultcommunity.com Muskego WI 53150 Managed & Operated by Lutherans Inc. For Elderly (L.I.F.E.) A non-profit organization

1410 n. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI www.JewishSeniorliving.org The Adult Day Center is supported by the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation

www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 41

TRANSITIONS R E H A B I L I T A T I O N Redefining Assisted Living Questions - Answered

program to restore or improve function. Other common rehab needs are patients requiring treatment for complex wounds or respiratory disorders such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD).

WHAT KIND OF SERVICES ARE TYPICALLY OFFERED? Inpatient subacute rehabis a comprehensive program including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Nursing rehabilitation.

Physical Therapy focuses on strengthening and endurance for patients who have become deconditioned or are recovering from acute injuries, acute illnesses or elective orthopedic surgery. OccupaRetirement Living, Care, Skilled Nursing, Therapy focuses on assisting the WHAT KIND OF PERSON WOULDHome USE tional patient to perform the necessary activiA HEALTH AND REHAB CENTER? Rehabilitation Services, Hospice Rehab centers provide services for a ties of daily life to return home safely. large variety of medical concerns. Com- This can include everything from dressmon patients include those recovering ing, bathing and meal preparation but W.and Wisconsin 53226 can Wauwatosa, also include vital WI therapy such as from10101 leg, back neck injuries, Ave. joint Â? www.stcam.com replacement, and debilitating illnesses, home safety, adaptive equipment trainsuch as pneumonia. Patients with neu- ing, scooter and walker training and rological disorders or injuries, such as bladder training. Home visits are also strokes, Parkinsons Disease or MS, of- performed with Occupational Therapy ten require a comprehensive therapy staff to assess home safety as well as

TODAY. TOMORROW. TOGETHER. (414) 258-1814

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42 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com 22 HEALTHWISC HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY JANUARY 2011

assuring that there are no unforseen ance company to determine if there is a obstacles to ensure a successful return copay and what the daily copay amount home. Speech therapy provides not only will be. speech and voice training but addresses IS THERE A WAY TO RESEARCH DIFswallowing concerns, medication trainFERENT REHAB FACILITIES? ing and cognitive therapies to improve The best way to research a rehab facilmemory, safety and problem solving. ity is to request a facility tour. Seeing Nursing rehab encompasses such needs a facility firsthand the most effective as intravenous therapy, care, pain staying healthieris and People today arewound living longer, continuing way to see if the facility will meet your management respiratory therapy.needs of retired adults, assisted living facilito be active.and To meet the developing particular needs.

Take careful note of Additional therapies can also be pro- Since very few seniors actually need long ties offer a diverse spectrum of services. the facility appearance Is the facility vided, such as lymphedema term continuous nursing care, programs, assisted living facilities provide a level of care that is neat and clean? Do the patients appear raiki, ultrasound, more cost effectiveelectrical in a morestimulation private setting. well groomed? Observe patient ameniandWhat aroma is therapy. an assisted living facility? Assisted living facilities are licensed as Comties such as private rooms, TV, phone, munity Based Residential Facilities (CBRF) and offer multiple levels of care. There laundry services, and salon services. Ask IS THE TYPICAL COST? areWHAT CBRFs that specialize in the care of residents with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or memory loss. questions regarding therapy services Is Most typically private offer insurance companies CBRFs wellness services and individualized care plans. Activity protherapy offered 7 days a week or just on and Medicare cover therapies grams are tailored to rehab individual needsand incorporating physical, spiritual and cognition services.

A patient with Medicare and a weekdays? Does the therapy department enrichment. provide home visits to ensure a safe transecondary insurance â&#x20AC;&#x153;When my sister, are my usually brother covered and I ďŹ rst brought mom to assisted living, we were sition home? Inquire regarding other oncompletely for about up to it.100 which all pretty upset Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sdays, so hard to admit that the one who has cared for you all site professional services (Physiatrist for is theThe averof usually your life,much can nolonger longerthan do so. staff was very supportive and understanding to pain management, wound certified staff, age An of average staymom us. rehab It tookstay. a couple monthsrehab to settle in with her medications and particular and recreational activities) Observing a is approximately 30-40 days.

Medihabits, but everyone was very helpful to us. Since that time, she has been doing very rehabilitation center in person is the best care policies will usually well. replacement She always participates in the many activities. She is very well fed, her apartway to assure you are getting a quality, cover services but and mayshe require a looks ment isrehab cleaned regularly always nice.â&#x20AC;? -daughter of a resident comprehensive rehab experience. daily copay.

ThereďŹ&#x201A; copay amount varies This statement ects the struggles families and residents face when the decision For more information contact Waukedepending uponto the individual policy. has been made move to an assisted living facility. sha Spring Health and Rehabilitation It isIs always best to contact your insurthere a right time to move?

Center at 262-548-1400.

The decision to move from the family home to a community based residential facility may seem impossible to make. Knowing when to move, where to move and what assistance is needed are difďŹ cult and complex decisions.

Starting with when to move; consider the following factors: is assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) needed? Activities of Daily Living are deďŹ ned basically as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (moving into or out a chair) and continence. The ability to perform these basic activities is often taken for granted, until either through aging or illness, these necessary skills are impaired.

Residential Assisted Living facilities will provide assistance with basic self care in the privacy of an apartment like setting.

Assistance with ADLs may be a clear indicator of the need to move to a more supportive setting. However there a factors lessWhen clear with may also indicate you need rehab,the need for assistance. Medication assistance and general well-being monitoring can have a consider this... signiďŹ cant and positive impact on senior life. The security of knowing medical assistance is available 24 hours a day, the freedom of home maintenance, housekeeping t 1SJWBUF 3PPNT and meal preparation may also be valid reasons for considering a move. Another less t 1SJWBUF %JOJOH apparent but equally important indicator is the need for social, spiritual and intelt 1SJWBUF (ZN lectual engagement. t *OUFSOFU "DDFTT BOE $BCMF 57 Carol Wolfmeyer, Assisted Living Nurse, stated the beneďŹ t of community life, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our residents receive individualized assistance in a setting that fosters indepen" QFSTPOBMJ[FE SFIBCJMJUBUJPO dence and maintains residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; privacy.â&#x20AC;?

FYQFSJFODF UIBU XJMM HFU ZPV There are many types of assisted living options available today. Facility size varCFUUFS BOE HFU ZPV IPNF BT ies from a few residents to hundreds of residents. Most assisted living facilities offer RVJDLMZ BT QPTTJCMF private apartments or studios and many can accommodate couples. Some assisted living facilities are integrated with a continuum of care that includes independent living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy and hospice.

For a Personal Tour call Unfortunately, selecting the perfect ďŹ t is quite difďŹ cult but not impossible. With the number of high quality choices available in our area, often you must rely on your instinct. The staff of the facility should be central to any decision. The following are quotes from a family member and from a staff member that truly reďŹ&#x201A;ect the essence of quality care. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working with elderly people is a challenge that only special people can manage, and I am constantly impressed by the professional, loving, smiling care and interest everyone has shown to us.â&#x20AC;? Niece of a resident.

As with any difďŹ cult life decision, there is no formula to tell you when is the right time and ,FOTJOHUPO %SJWF t 8BVLFTIB 8* where is the right place. Change requires preparation and patience.

If more information on assisted living options call Julie Leveritt (Sales and Marketing at St. Camillus) 414/259-4680.

Focused Rehab Get Better, Get Home

262-548-1400

XXX XBVLFTIBTQSJOHT PSH

Please join us for any of the following FREE events!

Sunday, February 6, 2 pm: Madeline Yafet; Jewish Music Thursday, February 10, 7 pm: Doug Haise; Ragtime Pianist Sunday, February 13, 2 pm: Bob Ropiak; Country/Bluegrass Music Thursday, February 17, 10:30 am-1 pm: Dr. Maggie Herriges, Chiropractor; Tips for Healthy Aging and Spinal Screening/Balance Testing.

Also, stay for 1/2 price lunch!

TOOLS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHEN TO RETIRE

By Karyl Richson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Milwaukee, WI These days, everyone is taking a new look at their finances — and no one is looking more closely than the millions of baby boomers who are nearing retirement age.

While some boomers expected to retire at one of the traditional milestones, such as age 62, the current economy is forcing many of them to re-evaluate their plans.

Many are wondering if they should work longer, or how their Social Security benefit – or their spouse’s benefit – would be affected if they continued working.

To help them find answers, Social Security has published a fact sheet called When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits. You can read it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

As most workers know, your choice of a retirement age — from 62 to 70 — can dramatically affect your monthly Social Security benefit amount.

If you choose to start receiving benefits early, the monthly payments will be reduced based on the number of months you receive benefits before you reach your full retirement age. The rate of reduction will depend on the year you were born. The maximum reduc- THE CURRENT ECONOMY IS FORCING MANY OF THEM TO tion at age 62 will be: • 25 percent for people born between 1947 and RE-EVALUATE THEIR PLANS. MANY ARE WONDERING IF 1958.

THEY SHOULD WORK LON• 30 percent for people born after 1959.

If you wait until your full retirement age, your GER, OR HOW THEIR SOCIAL benefits will not be reduced. And if you should SECURITY BENEFIT choose to delay retirement, your benefit will increase up to eight percent a year from your full retirement age until age 70. However, there is no additional benefit increase after you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits.

Social Security also has created several retirement planners to help you make an informed decision. Social Security has an online calculator that can provide immediate retirement benefit estimates to help you plan for your retirement. The online Retirement Estimator uses information from your own earnings record, and lets you create “what if” scenarios. You can, for example, change your “stop work” date or expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options.

To use the Retirement Estimator, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Read When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10147.html.

And for general information about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Retirement decisions are unique to everyone. Make sure you are up to date with the important information you will need to make the choice that’s right for you.

Tuesday February 22, 11 am: Parkinson’s Assocation; Ask the PD Nurse, Dacy Reimer.

Stay for a 1/2 price lunch.

Sunday, February 27, 2 pm: Donald Grzanna, Accordian, Keyboard, and Vocalist Every Tuesday: Free yoga classes with Dave Dickinson at 4:15 pm Weekly: Get a Lunch Bucket card and save!

Purchase 5 $4 hot or cold lunch entrees and the sixth one is free! (Must be 65 or older.)

Join us for activities afterwards!

CoMINg SPECIaL EvENTS: March 10 11 a.m. Dale E. Kuntz Film Historian: Presents singing film stars of the 30s and 40s, with 16 mm clips.

Followed by 1/2 price lunch. RSVP required.

A five-week presentation by The Alzheimer’s Assocation kicks off on April 14.

A five-week course on writing your memoirs with the Jewish Genealogical Society. Coming in June!

262-478-1506

10995 N. Market St., Mequon, WI 53092 SarahChudnow.org LLadin@JewishSeniorLiving.org www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 43

Lifestyle Changes Might Help With Alzheimer’s Can you reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease with only minor lifestyle changes? The answer is yes, but you probably need to start now, well before any symptoms of Alzheimer’s are present.

Alzheimer’s disease affects patients and families profoundly. With America “growing older”, it has been estimated that by 2020, 20 to 25 percent of those over age 85 will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The direct medical costs will be measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars every year. The personal costs to the patients and families will be incalculable.

It seems that, around the world, there is a lot of thought and research on nontraditional therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease attacks the memory and cognition areas of the brain. The disease progresses over time, and in the late stage, a person is unable to perform even the most simple of tasks and needs constant supervision. Although rare before age 60, Alzheimer’s incidence doubles every five years after that until about age 85, when it affects almost one in two people.

It has been theorized that Alzheimer’s disease is the result of deformed proteins in the brain, called amyloid, and that it is irreversible. Research presented at this conference, however, indicated Alzheimer’s disease might be reversible to some degree or even prevented by simple lifestyle changes.

We know that heart disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure and other diseases respond well to simple lifestyle changes such as a better diet, regular exercise and stress reduction. It could be argued that a significant percent of chronic diseases might actually be the result of lifestyle choices. Alzheimer’s could be added to that list. > Consumption of basic antioxidants might also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. There are those who believe megadoses of antioxidants can prevent everything from arthritis to cancer and can help you live to be 100. The science supporting that zealous approach is weak. However, there is good evidence that modestly increasing antioxidant levels might enhance health and prevent many diseases including Alzheimer’s.

ALZHEIMERS > page 45

Health & Rehabilitation Center 9301 N. 76 Street, Milwaukee, WI

Compassionate About Care We have a caring team of professionals who provide personalized, quality care for the following: During recovery from an acute illness following a hospital stay, For the ongoing medical and care for chronic health conditions, For those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or memory loss.

We are passionate about providing special care for all of our residents through Alexian Village’s Culture of Person Centered Care.

The Alexian Village Health & Rehabilitation Center has spacious private and semi-private rooms in a home-like atmosphere. There is ample space available in multiple lounge areas to have quiet visits with family and friends any time of the day. A variety of amenities, such as dining services, offer an array of options so that any special dietary requirements or personal preferences can be accommodated.

Please contact Amie Alioto, (414) 507-7941 for more information and visit us, www.AlexianBrothers.net 44 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

TYPES OF RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES INCLUDE: Active Lifestyle Live independently with an active lifestyle.

Independent Living -

Continue living at home but need some help.

Congregate Living -

In good health who want independence and companionship.

Assisted Living -

Need help bathing, dressing, or other daily activities.

Continuing Care -

Provide for aging health needs without having to relocate.

Nursing Care -

Deteriorating mental and physical abilities.

Alzheimers Care -

Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Rehabilitation Care -

Require rehabilitation services after a medical event. USA, Canada, International ALZHEIMERS < page 44 In a recent study in the Archives of Neurology, reasonable daily consumption of vitamin C and E as supplements significantly reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Interestingly, taking either vitamin E or vitamin C alone, a multivitamin alone or a vitamin B complex alone did not reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

It required both vitamins E and C. The usual dose of vitamin E is 400 IU per day, and 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C should be taken per day.

At the conference, research from universities and medical centers from across the world emphasized that leading a healthy lifestyle significantly reduced the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants that prevent nerve damage. Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, increasing oxygen and nutrients and removing toxins. Even meditation might strengthen areas of the brain that are most susceptible to the damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Changes in lifestyle might also benefit those already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Research at the University of California-Irvine demonstrated that with 12 months of highly nutritious food and a mentally stimulating environment, old dogs with memory problems could perform memory tasks as well as younger dogs. This correlates with my research that intravenous vitamins also significantly improve memory and cognition in those with mild to moderate dementia.

There was one piece of research that I particularly found fascinating. We know that specific genes, like ApoEe4, increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden showed that diet and regular exercise in those with the ApoEe4 gene reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease to slightly below that of the normal population. This indicates that simple lifestyle changes can affect the very DNA in our cells.

The answer to Alzheimer’s disease is not only better medications. The best approach seems to be deeply rooted in something for which we are completely responsible...healthy lifestyles.

• Patrick B. Massey, M.D., Ph.D., is medical director for alternative and complementary medicine for Alexian Brothers Hospital Network. For more information contact Alexian Brothers at 414-357-5105

Remember when friends were neighbors and neighbors were friends …

… when folks popped by just to say hello?

Well, that’s exactly the sense of community you’ll find at Luther Manor. With charming studio apartments, spacious two-bedroom models and everything in between, all you would expect from a caring, faithful community can be found right here – a variety of social opportunities, a bank, a corner market and even an ice cream parlor.

And, should you want or need assistance with housekeeping, meal preparation, medication management or personal care, an array of Supportive Services is available to help you remain safe and comfortable in your new home.

Come see for yourself.

For more information or to schedule a tour, call (414) 464-3880.

LUTHER M ANOR

Senior Living Community

www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 45

Discover Our Residents’ Secret To

Loving Life!

AM I MY PARENT’S KEEPER

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Adult children need to start talking with their parents about their options, preferences and wishes as their parents age and before there is a crisis.

Independent Senior Living for those 55 and Better

1 Bedroom Apartments - starting at $745 2 Bedroom Apartments - starting at $850 All units include HEAT, WATER, appliances underground parking & storage Guest suite available for visiting friends & family Minutes from specialty shops, dining & clinics Activities Beauty salon Community room for private parties Exercise room Computer room

Call about our Move-In Specials!

Silver Creek Village Apartments 2455 W Silver Spring Drive in Glendale

414-578-3612 Professionally managed by Oakbrook Corporation *Income restrictions may apply 46 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Many people make the mistake of describing the aging process as “coming full circle,” as if the older community requires the same level of care giving and decision making by a loved one just like that of a child. This comparison is not accurate. Children do not have a lifetime of experiences that developed their choices and preferences. Children do not have a base of comparison and have not been responsible for themselves and others in the same way an adult has been.

While some seniors may become the responsibility of their children and may require assistance with basic tasks, they have earned the right to be treated with dignity, respect and to have their wishes honored and implemented. As adult children, we are our parents’ keepers. We must remember that one day we, too, will age and may need assistance from our children.

So when does one begin to plan to be the best “keeper” possible? Now. Adult children need to start talking with their parents about their options, preferences and wishes as their parents age and before there is a crisis. One never knows when it may be too late to ask the very important questions. One of the most important steps in pre-planning is to complete a Power of Attorney (POA) for Health Care. This POA allows the older individual to designate a person they trust to make decisions regarding their health and medical care when they are no longer able to make those decisions. By starting this conversation with loved ones, basic wishes are revealed and should be documented for the “keeper” to honor.

While many older individuals often focus on health issues, another critical topic is housing. Important decision making includes the desire to remain in their own home, move to assisted living, or identify if there is a preference for a certain group home or nursing home in which they would like to reside if needed. As the baby boomer population ages, there are many new facilities under development which offer a combination of services in one location. Deerwood Crossing, an affordable housing apartment complex in Brown Deer, is a 66-unit independent living facility with an “assisted living overlay” for individuals over the age of 55. This means that as a person’s needs change, the services selected will be provided in your apartment – you truly age in place.

Planning and discussing options for housing, does not mean that your loved one will ever need to move from their home, but having a plan in place is vital to respecting and honoring our parents’ wishes. Here is a check list of some things that should be completed with a parent who is still active and able to make his/her wishes clear and known: Power of Attorney for Health Care Power of Attorney for Finances List of important things and where they are kept (checkbook, will/trust documents, important paperwork, extra keys, safety deposit box) Options for housing, if parent is unable to live independently.

List of current medications, physicians, allergies or other medical concerns.

Parent wishes/opinions about experimental treatments.

Quality of Life Issues discussion (how they want to spend their day, what they like and don’t like to eat.)

While some questions can seem painful or difficult to raise, it is always better to know the wishes of your parents in advance than to assume what we want is what they would want for themselves.

Gina Botshetin is Vice President of Older Adult Services at JFS, which is a partner in serving the community with Deerwood Crossing.

PERSONAL OR MEDICAL CARE

Emma’s family didn’t know what to do. Her son put grab bars in the shower.

Her daughter brought lunch over every day. The neighbors checked in often.

But at 82 Emma needed more help. She wasn’t able to manage her medicines, and she was having a regular problem with incontinence. Then she forgot to take her key out of the front door, and she left the water running in the kitchen sink all night. Staying home alone just wasn’t working for Emma.

There are many choices that Emma’s family might look into—one of them is a nursing home. > WHAT IS A NURSING HOME? A nursing home is a place for people who don’t need to be in a hospital but can no longer be cared for at home. Most nursing homes have nursing aides and skilled nurses on hand 24-hours a day.

Sometimes a nursing home is the best choice for people who need personal and

medical care.

NURSING HOMES CAN BE: Hospital-like. This type of nursing home is often set up like a hospital. Staff give medical care, as well as physical, speech, and occupational therapy. There can be a nurses station on each floor. As a rule, one or two people live in a room.

A number of nursing homes will let couples live together. Things that make a room special, like family photos, are often welcome.

Household-like. These facilities are designed to be more like homes and the day-to-day routine isn’t fixed. Teams of staff and residents try to create a neighborhood feel. Kitchens are often open to residents, decorations give a sense of home, and staff are encouraged to develop relationships with residents.

Some nursing homes have visiting doctors who see their patients on site.

Other nursing homes have patients visit the doctor’s office. Nursing homes sometimes have separate areas called Special Care Units for people with serious memory problems, often called dementia. When looking for a nursing home, it’s important for families to think

about these special needs. > HOW DO YOU CHOOSE? If you are looking for a nursing home here are some things to keep in mind: Look. What choices are in your area?

Is there a place close to family and friends? What’s important to you—nursing care, meals, a religious connection, hospice care, or Special Care Units for dementia care?

Ask. Talk with friends, relatives, social workers, and religious groups to find out what places they suggest. Ask doctors which nursing homes they feel provide good care?

Call. Get in touch with each place on your list. Ask questions about how many people live there and what it costs. Find out about waiting lists.

Visit. Make plans to meet with the director and the nursing director. The Medicare Nursing Home Checklist (see Resources That Can Help) has a good list to use when visiting. Some things to look for: Medicare and Medicaid certification handicap access strong odors (either bad or good) many food choices

residents who look well cared for enough staff for the number of patients Talk. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask how long the director and department heads (nursing, food, and social services) have worked at the nursing home. If key staff change a lot, that could mean there is a problem.

Visit again. Make a second visit without first calling. Try another day of the week or time of day so you will meet other staff members and see other activities. Stop by at mealtime. Do people seem to be enjoying their food?

Understand. Once you choose, carefully read the contract. Check with your State Ombudsman (see Resources That Can Help) for help making sense of the contract. > Do Nursing Homes Have To Meet Standards?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) asks each State to inspect any nursing home that gets money from the government. Homes that don’t pass inspection are not certified. Visit www.medicare.gov for more information.

Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities Walk through the doors of one of our Senior Living Communities and you will immediately sense the home-like and friendly atmosphere.

Compassionate staff has been specially selected and carefully trained to serve with an open heart and friendly smile. Our Memory Care Neighborhoods offer specialized care for the unique needs of residents with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.

For tours and information, please contact us at (262) 432-0222.

next step.

Let us help you with the

Independence */%*7*%6"-*5 : t %*(/*5 : $)0*$& t 13*7"$:

Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities (SFFOmFME t /FX #FSMJO t .FOPNPOFF 'BMMT &BV $MBJSF t 8FTU "MMJT t .POPOB

www.heritagesenior.com www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 47

GAUGE YOUR

W E L L N E S S AGE This information is provided by : Tudor Oaks Retirement Community

There are many ways to determine your age. For most, it is simply looking at the calendar and marking it chronologically. However, not everyone ages in the same way. Age depends on more than just how many birthdays you mark. True age depends on your attitude, sense of purpose, activity level, eating and sleeping habits and much more.

Medical science is now using lifestyle habits and other biomarkers to measure one’s age. To help you determine your “wellness age”, here are 10 markers:

07

01

04

REDUCE BODY FAT LEVELS AND STAY LEAN:

HAVE A HEALTHY BLOOD SUGAR TOLERANCE:

02

As people age chronologically, body fat levels increase as much as 5% per decade.

Accumulating extra fat especially around the mid-section disrupts the hormonal balance and ages the cells more rapidly.

Carrying 5-10 extra pounds can reduce your wellness age by 2-3 years. An extra 30- 50 pounds can reduce as much as 6-8 from your wellness age.

Elevated fasting blood sugar levels greater than 110 ml/dl can reduce 3-4 years from your wellness age. Increased fasting blood sugar levels indicate the breakdown of the insulin sugar system which affects every other biological system in the body. Your goal is to strive for between a 70-90 fasting blood sugar level without medication. Exercise, healthy eating and embracing effective stress management are the best ways to improve blood sugar tolerance

BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE: People who exercise moderately for 2030 minutes daily improve their wellness age by 3-6 years.

BE SMOKE AND TOBACCO FREE: Smoking and using other tobacco products can reduce your wellness age 36 years. Nicotine damages the epithelial lining of your arteries and carbon monoxide in smoke suffocates the cells and cause premature cellular death.

03

IMPROVE BONE DENSITY: Increasing the strength of your bones adds 2-3 years to your wellness.

Participating in walking, running, lifting, and other weight bearing activities helps bones absorb more calcium and other vital bone-building nutrients thereby strengthening your bones.

48 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

05

IMPROVE CHOLESTEROL RATIO:

Having plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and refraining from animal products greatly improves LDL levels.

Moderate physical exercise is the best way to improve HDL levels.

06

IMPROVE BLOOD PRESSURE: Having a blood pressure of less than 120 over 80 without medication can add 4 to 5 years to your wellness age.

08

GET AT LEAST 7 HOURS OF SLEEP A NIGHT: Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night: Add 5-8 years to your wellness age by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day and achieving 7 or more hours of sleep. Optimal sleep allows the body and mind to rejuvenate and regenerate.

On of the quickest ways to age your body is to short change your sleep.

WELLNESS > page 55

S upporting your journey every step of the way.

Highly-Respected Health and Rehab Center offering:

Assisted Living A GREAT ALTERNATIVE WAY OF LIVING Quite often, adults reach a point when they should no longer live on their own but don’t need round-the-clock nursing care. Assisted living facilities provide an alternative. Assisted living is for adults who need help with everyday tasks of dressing, bathing, eating, or using the bathroom. But they don’t need full-time nursing care.

Often they are part of retirement communities or are near nursing homes, so a person can move easily if their needs change.

Although assisted living costs less than nursing home care, according to the U.S. Administration on Aging, it is still fairly expensive. Older people or their families usually foot the bill. Health and long-term care insurance policies may cover some of the costs. Medicare does not cover the costs of assisted living.

Licensing requirements for assisted living facilities vary by state. There are as many as 26 different names for assisted living, among them: residential care, board and care, congregate care, and personal care.

What Services Are Provided?

Residents of assisted living facilities usually have their own units or apartments.

In addition to having a support staff and providing meals, most assisted living facilities offer at least some of the following services: Health care management and monitoring Help with bathing, dressing, and eating Meals (some or all) Housekeeping and laundry Medication reminders and/or help with medications Recreational activities Security Transportation

How to Choose a Facility

A good match between a facility and a resident’s needs depends as much on the philosophy and services of the assisted living facility as it does on the quality of care.

The Administration on Aging, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), offers these suggestions to help you get started in your search for a safe, comfortable, and appropriate assisted living facility: Think ahead. What will the resident’s future needs be and how will the facility meet those needs?

Is the facility close to family and friends? Are there any shopping centers or other businesses nearby (within walking distance)?

Does the facility have limits on admitting or allowing residents to remain if they have mental impairments or severe physical disabilities?

Does the facility provide a written statement of its philosophy of care?

Visit each facility more than once, sometimes unannounced.

Visit at meal times, sample the food, and observe the quality of mealtime and the service.

Observe interactions among residents and staff.

Check to see if the facility offers social, recreational, and spiritual activities.

Talk to residents.

Learn what types of training staff receive and how frequently.

Review state licensing reports.

Traditional Nursing Care Rehabilitation Unit Special Care for Dementia Short-Term Respite Care

LIMITED AVAILABILITY - CALL TODAY!

2330 N. Prospect Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53211 (414) 220-4610 www.milwaukeecatholichome.org

Care

Call About Ou r

Move In Specials!

FROM A

TRUSTED

Friend

MEADOWMERE ASSISTED

LIVING

A t Meadowmere Assisted Living Apartments, every day brings a

chance to experience life in new and exciting ways. Try an exercise class, invite friends over to play cards, or fill you calendar with fun community activities – the choice is yours!

The Meadowmere lifestyle includes: • Spacious studio, one and two bedroom apartments

• Weekly housekeeping and linen service

• Daily social, educational, and recreational activities

• 24-hour care staff • And much more!

• Delicious restaurant-style dining

WEST ALLIS 2330 S. 54th St. West Allis, WI 414-615-7100 Pet Friendly

NORTH SHORE 10803 N. Port Washington Rd. Mequon, WI 262-478-2200

www.fivestarqualitycare.com

OAK CREEK 701 E. Puetz Rd. Oak Creek, WI 414-766-2100 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 49

REHABILITATION

FOCUSES ON FUNCTION

Being able to continue to function is key to maintaining or regaining independence and quality of life, particularly after an illness or injury. Starting rehabilitation early can help you maintain function and increase your chances of returning to your previous level of function as much as possible.

In restorative rehabilitation, the goal is to restore a function that you have lost. It is often funded by Medicare or other payers. Examples include short-term rehabilitation that usually follows a stroke or a hip fracture. In maintenance rehabilitation, the goal is to maintain and strengthen a function. Maintenance rehabilitation is less intense, with physical therapy or occupational therapy continued three times a week as an outpatient. With longer-term therapy, possibly more function can be gained or more functional loss can be prevented.

2 We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Workers Comp and most insurance plans.

50 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

Who Benefits from Rehabilitation?

When evaluating a disability, your health care provider will focus on understanding how the loss of function developed and progressed over time. Other vital factors in predicting whether function can be regained are how severe the loss of function is, what caused it, and the potential for recovery.

The level of function you had before a disability is an important consideration in the level of function you can expect to regain after rehabilitation. For example, if a healthy older person who walks without a cane falls and fractures a hip, he or she will likely be able to walk again after several months of a rehabilitation program.

However, the same goal is not as realistic for someone of the same age who was already having a hard time walking (possibly due to arthritis or bad circulation) before suffering a hip fracture.

If a person has additional medical conditions, such as heart, lung, or joint diseases, his or her participation in an intense rehabilitation program may be limited. However, many people can still improve their ability to exercise gradually even if they have moderate to severe heart and lung disease.

Another important factor in successful rehabilitation is commitment to an ongoing program. Commitment is important not only for the person who has lost some function, but also for family members (or other caregivers) when he or she returns home after the rehabilitation program. What the older adult and his or her family expects and prefers should also be considered, because rehabilitation programs usually require everyone’s participation. Another reason why everyone should be involved in the decision-making process is because many disabilities of older adults are chronic (eg, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease). For older adults to be able to best control their chronic diseases, they should understand the disease or injury, feel confident that they understand and can perform the activities needed to manage their disease and prevent new problems, and be able to monitor their disease status as much as possible.

The type of disability and how severe it is, as well as what the person actually needs to do at home as well as what others can do for the person are important considerations in the decision of whether a person can safely return home after rehabilitation. People living at home should, at the very least, be able to move safely from a bed to a chair, and from walking or a wheelchair to the toilet. For people who have difficulty thinking things through or who have problems with vision, 24-hour supervision may be necessary. Often, the critical factor for discharge from a rehabilitation unit is whether 24-hour support is available at home for those who need it.

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Settings for Rehabilitation Programs Rehabilitation can take place in many types of settings: * special units in acute care hospitals or rehabilitation hospitals * nursing facilities * outpatient centers * homes * private offices If you have a new disability and are a good candidate for 4—12 weeks of restorative rehabilitation, you may benefit from an intensive rehabilitation program involving a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals. Such programs are usually done in a rehabilitation unit, whether within a hospital, in a separate rehabilitation hospital or building, or in a nursing facility with a designated rehabilitation program.

www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 51

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VISION < page 30 can also improve readability and visual comfort.

Your 30s are also a good time to consider LASIK surgery for the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism. By the time most people reach age 30, their prescriptions are stable, making them better candidates for surgically reshaping the cornea to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

With family, career and other obligations, it can be challenging to get the rest you need when you are in your 30s and beyond. A good night’s sleep is not only good for your overall health; it can also give you a refreshed “outlook” on the day.

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In Your 50s and beyond

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As you approach your mid-forties, you may develop “presbyopia”—an age-related decreased ability to focus on near objects that is typically corrected with the use of reading glasses or bifocal lenses.

If you haven’t already, it is a good idea to have a baseline dilated eye exam performed now and every 1-2 years thereafter to examine the overall health of your eyes and check for any developing problems such as glaucoma (a sight-threatening condition typically related to abnormally high fluid pressure inside the eye) and the previously mentioned AMD. A visit to the eye doctor is essential if you have diabetes to check for signs of Diabetic Retinopathy, a complication of high blood sugar levels that damages the blood vessels in the retina and can cause blurring of vision and permanent visual impairment. Keeping blood sugar under control and scheduling regular eye exams with an eye care specialist are two of the best means of protection. “Although not all diabetics can have or need it, laser treatment is extremely effective in reducing the incidence of severe vision loss—in some cases by at least 50 percent—especially if started early enough,” states Brett Rhode, Head of Ophthalmology at Aurora Sinai Medical Center and a partner at Eye Care Specialists private practice. “In cases where laser therapy is not possible or effective, we have been very pleased with the success of new medications (like Avastin) that can be painlessly injected directly into the eye to decrease leakage from blood vessels and decrease the growth of new abnormal vessels—thus staving off progression of the disease.”

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In addition to glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and AMD, it is important to be monitored for signs of cataract development. “A cataract is a gradual, painless clouding of the eye’s natural lens located behind the pupil,” explains Robert Sucher, MD a skilled ophthalmologist with more than 25,000 cataract procedures under his surgical cap. “As the clouding advances, it can blur and glare vision to the point of interfering with day-to-day functioning. This clouding may take years or just months to progress.” Six out of 10 people over age 60, and almost everyone over age 80 has or has had a cataract. The only effective treatment is to make an opening in the eye, surgically remove the cloudy lens (cataract), and replace it with an intraocular lens implant to once again focus light rays onto the retina.

Dry eye disease can worsen with age due to decreased tear production. Your eye care specialist can conduct several tests to make an accurate diagnosis and determine which treatment method is right for you (over-the-counter artificial tears, punctual plugs, or a prescription eye drop called Restasis).

Be Good To Yourself—At Every Age For FREE handouts on the eye conditions mentioned in this article (Amblyopia, Strabismus, Cataracts, Dry Eyes, AMD, Glaucoma, Diabetic Eye Disease, vitamins for your eyes, or eye safety) call Eye Care Specialists Community Education hotline at (414) 321-7035. Since 1985, this leading ophthalmology practice has provided medical, surgical and laser care for virtually every eye condition to more than 121,000 Wisconsinites at offices on 7th & Wisconsin Ave., 102nd & National Ave., and Mayfair Rd. in Wauwatosa.

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ACUPUNCTURE

FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Acupuncture is the proven, 3,000 year old medicine from China. Acupuncture and TCM have been in the United States for the last 30 years. In this article I will refer to Oriental Medicine as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and this article will mostly deal with acupuncture.

Acupuncture uses very fine needles, thinner than a human hair and they are not painful. The needles are used to activate various body energy channels called meridians. These meridians are the pathways to a healthy body and mind. If the pathways are disrupted, then there are problems with the body and/or mind.

Acupuncture works by activating the body’s regulation system. If the meridians are out of balance then you can have pain, sickness or lack of stamina. Using acupuncture to rebalance the body helps to eliminate the pain, relieve the sickness and give you more energy. This is accomplished by using specific points of the body that will help to rebalance the body. This rebalancing sometimes occurs immediately, and at other times may take many months.

Senior citizens have collected a lifetime of experience with medical problems.

The dynamic nature of life is never still and the body collects the life experiences and seems to give them back to you when you age. Pills do not seem to be the answer and not all surgeries are needed and /or successful. Into this picture we introduce acupuncture.

In TCM it is the symptoms that are treated, not a named illness or a particular problem. The acupuncturist treats the symptoms. If they can relieve the symptoms, healing occurs. This is the backbone of the success of acupuncture. It treats symptoms very effectively.

Pain is a big problem with seniors. Some seniors have suffered years of pain without relief. Many seniors are so used to their pain that they don’t think there is anything that can be done to help them. When we treat seniors for pain, the most often heard comment is “why did I not try this years ago?” In many cases once relief is achieved the pain never returns. All of this is accomplished without the use of dangerous pain medications that have many warnings of bad side effects.

As we age, we get a little stiffer. Our lack of exercise and good stretching habits during our lifetime tend to slow us down in old age. Acupuncture, by virtue of its ability to increase the circulation in the meridians, helps to restore mobility in many seniors. There are many instances of seniors no longer needing to only rely on walkers or canes in order to get around. This is a great improvement for many people and they can function much better.

Another advantage of acupuncture is its ability to nourish the body, and by doing that, help heal patients. These nourishing treatments increase circulation in the meridians and supply energy and healing power to areas of the body that may not have been getting enough nourishment. Once the body is better nourished, you feel better and can accomplish more.

One of the major nourishment prinn. 1. A community where ciples is to increase the Qi, which is the people are appreciated, TCM theory of energy. This Qi strengthactivities are abundant and retirement is relished. ens the blood and nourishes our head.

Thus, it helps hearing, eyesight, balance and memory. All of these are concerns of seniors and acupuncture can help.

Anxiety and depression are serious problems with seniors. There is a great deal of help offered by acupuncture for these conditions. As the body is balanced and nourished, emotional probACUPUNCTURE > page 54

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HEARING < page 40

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hearing aids, the brain will take some time to adjust to the new sound it is now receiving. Full adjustment takes about 6months for the brain to “re-wire” itself to the new sound.

If people use their hearing aids once in while, or just on one side, or even just a few hours a day, then the brain does not get a consistent auditory signal and results are poor. If you have hearing aids, you should be using them during all waking hours. Your brain needs to get a consistent signal and it needs to hear the sounds you are regularly exposed too. Even if you live alone or commonly live in a quiet environment. It is important that you hear the normal sounds in your house while using aids (ex. Air conditioner, refrigerator, ceiling fan etc…). You will eventually learn how to disregard the sounds of your home because you are so experienced at listening to them daily. When someone does come to your home or calls you on the phone, your brain is already trained to ignore the sounds of your home and concentrate on the speech you are trying to hear.

This article was written by Dr. Douglas Kloss, Audiologist at Midwest Audiology Center, LLC, 4818 S. 76th St. Suite 3, Greenfield, WI 53220. (414) 281-8300. midwestaudiology.net

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lems are smoothed out. Sleep is better and more restful and the day’s concerns and worries are not as prominent. Treatments with acupuncture are a helpful addition to emotional stability.

Another problem with aging is neurological problems. Numb hands and feet are a common complaint and here again acupuncture has proven effective in lessening the effects of these problems. Walking is easier and a sense of touch is returned to many seniors.

By receiving acupuncture a person allows their system to be put back in balance. A body in balance is a healthy body and many aging problems are reduced or eliminated. Give acupuncture a try; it may just be the best thing you have done for yourself.

Dr. Willliam F. Hughes, Jr. PhD, Dipl. Ac, Acupuncture Clinic of Wauwatosa, Inc., 11611 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226, 414-607-0900.

Income restrictions apply.

Must be 55 years or older

DIZZINESS < page 6 Vestibular disorders usually don’t go away on their own, so the sooner you can seek treatment, the better. Your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist for further testing and treatment. Be prepared to provide information about what your dizzy episodes are like. The doctor may ask questions such as: How would you describe your dizziness or balance problem?

How often do you feel dizzy?

Is there a specific activity that makes you dizzy?

Have you ever fallen as a result?

Where were you and what were you doing when you fell?

What medications do you take?

The good news is that once identified, vestibular disorders can be relatively simple to treat. > TREATMENT TIPS Most vestibular disorders are the result of inflammation or infection of the inner ear, a change in fluid volume inside the (Meniere’s disease), or a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Ear infections or inflammation problems are generally treated with an antibiotic or a steroid. If you have Meniere’s disease, which is associated with changes in the volume of fluid in parts of the inner ear, your doctor may recommend changes in diet.

These may include reducing the amount of salty food you eat and cutting out alcohol and caffeine.

For BPPV—a common vestibular disorder in which calcium carbonate crystals, or “ear rocks”, break down and collect inside the inner ear—your healthcare provider may use a particle-repositioning method known as the Epley maneuver. This moves your head through a sequence of positions designed to move the crystals out of the semicircular canals and can be done in about 15 minutes.

Those with BPPV and other vestibular disorders may also undergo a program of vestibular rehabilitation exercises supervised by a physical therapist. These are simple movements that help to retrain the central nervous system.

For example, you may focus on an object and move your head from side to side, or walk back and forth while turning or nodding your head. Once a physical therapist gets you started, you can continue at home. A rehabilitation course can last four to 10 weeks, depending on your needs.

Reprinted permission of the Johns Hopkins Medical Letter Health After 50, copyright MedLetter Associates, 2011. To order a one-year subscription, call 386447-6313.

54 HEALTHWISC FEBRUARY 2011 www.modernhealthandliving.com

AYURVEDA < page 12 the weather, chemicals, or germs.

The doshas are known by their original Sanskrit names: vata, pitta, and kapha.

The vata dosha combines the elements ether and air. It is considered the most powerful dosha because it controls very basic body processes such as cell division, the heart, breathing, discharge of waste, and the mind. Vata can be aggravated by, for example, fear, grief, staying up late at night, eating dry fruit, or eating before the previous meal is digested. People with vata as their main dosha are thought to be especially susceptible to skin and neurological conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, anxiety, and insomnia.

The pitta dosha represents the elements fire and water. Pitta controls hormones and the digestive system. A person with a pitta imbalance may experience negative emotions such as anger and may have physical symptoms such as heartburn within 2 or 3 hours of eating. Pitta is upset by, for example, eating spicy or sour food, fatigue, or spending too much time in the sun. People with a predominantly pitta constitution are thought to be susceptible to hypertension, heart disease, infectious diseases, and digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease.

The kapha dosha combines the elements water and earth. Kapha helps to maintain strength and immunity and to control growth. An imbalance of the kapha dosha may cause nausea immediately after eating. Kapha is aggravated by, for example, greed, sleeping during the daytime, eating too many sweet foods, eating after one is full, and eating and drinking foods and beverages with too much salt and water (especially in the springtime). Those with a predominant kapha dosha are thought to be vulnerable to diabetes, cancer, obesity, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma. >Read Part 2 in the March edition.

For infomation contact, Kanyakumari Ayurveda and Yoga Wellness Center 6789 N. Green Bay Rd. @ GreenSquare Center for the Arts, Milwaukee, WI 53209, 414-755-2858, info@kanyakumari.us, www.kanyakumari.us

MEDITATION < page 16 pushing away. Allow it to be, but always redirect you awareness back to your body breathing.

Let the background activity be there, because it will be there anyway - in the background -without drawing you away from your present moment awareness.

CLOSING COMMENTS Mindfulness is an art and a practice capable of bringing deep insight and healing.

Mindfulness of breath is one tool among many that help train and support the mind.

Do not expect instant results. In fact, try to set aside any expectations of accomplishing or being anything or anyone else. The beauty of mindfulness practice is that it reconnects you to who you already are. Beautiful, alive, and full of potential.

When you first start practicing mindfulness meditation, it is helpful to practice for shorter durations, as your practice deepens, sitting for longer periods will become easier. It can be helpful to practice with the guidance of a teacher, and/or by listening to guided mindfulness meditations and readings. This provides initial support and confidence.

May you be supported. May you be well. May you have peace.

Jesse Foy, MSOM, C.A., Dip.Ac is a practitioner of Mind-Body Medicine and is a Mindfulness Teacher. He is currently offering a six-week workshop, entitled Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, February 9-March 16, 2011 at The Ommani Center for Integrative Medicine in Pewaukee, WI. For information and to register for the workshop: contact The Ommani Center at 262.695.5311, the website www. ommanicenter.com or www.RootedInMindfulness.org. Fee discount is available for advance registration with deposit.

WELLNESS < page 48

09

PRACTIVE MEDIATION AND OTHER STRESS MANGEMENT SKILLS:

Taking time to meditate and practice mindfulness on a daily basis can add up to 8 years to your wellness age.

Prayer, deep breathing, visualization and practicing faith are the best ways to combat negative stress.

10

EAT 9 SERVINGS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AND REDUCE REFINED CARBOHYDRATES AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS:

Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains every day and reducing or eliminating animal products adds 4 to 6 years to your wellness age. Just by altering your diet on a small scale, you can experience modest improvements in your wellness age.

Make the decision to adjust your Wellness Age. Find a program that addresses all levels of health and then get involved. At Tudor Oaks Retirement Community the Wellness Program offers opportunities in 6 dimensions of wellness which all assist in adjusting your wellness age. For more information on the program and to learn how to become part of the class call 414-525-6500.

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RETIREMENT < page 41 you plan can be found at www.choosetosave.org/calculators. Remember to plan for health care and other costs, which likely will go up in the years to come, as well as for unexpected expenses or changes in the economy. > Set specific goals. Plan to save a certain amount—even if it’s small—each week or month. For example, you might set a goal to invest at least $250 a month in your employer-sponsored retirement plan, or you might put $25 a week into another savings plan. > Keep an eye on your investments. Get to know how your retirement plans work, how your money is invested, and what fees are charged. Review your investments at least once a year. Remember that it’s best to think about your investments over time, rather than reacting to ups and downs in investment markets. As you near retirement, you might also consider shifting your money from more risky investments like stocks to usually less risky investments like bonds. A bond is less risky because it is like an IOU, but it does carry some risk. You give money to a government or company, and they promise to pay it back with interest after a certain number of years. You may also have heard about target-date funds, also known as life-cycle accounts, available in some 401(k) plans. These plans automatically shift your investments based on the date you expect to start using your retirement funds. They may not be for everyone.

Information about different types of investments is available on the Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/begininvest.htm. > Find ways to save more. Try to find a few ways to lower your weekly or monthly expenses. Can you reduce your cell phone costs or other monthly expenses? Bring your lunch to work instead of eating out every day? Carpool so commuting costs less? Saving this “found” money can help you build your retirement nest egg over time. Some people find it helpful to put a part of any salary increase directly into their retirement-saving plan. > Be realistic. Make a plan at which you can succeed. Start by saving an amount of money you are comfortable with. It’s better to have realistic goals—even if they’re smaller than you’d hope—than to set goals you can’t reach and later give up. > Be wary of investing too much in one company’s stock. Put your money in different kinds of investments (such as American stocks, international stocks, bonds, or real estate) and avoid putting too much of your money in the stock of any one fund or company, including the company you work for. If your employer invests matching retirement money in company stock, think about moving some of that money to other kinds of investments, if possible. > Look ahead. If you retire early and receive reduced Social Security benefits, be aware that there are other possible consequences. For example, if you are married, survivor benefits for your spouse also will be reduced if you began receiving Social Security benefits early. Also, consider buying long-term care insurance or other forms of coverage for uncovered medical expenses. > Be prepared for change. A sudden change in health, the death of your spouse, divorce, a stock market decline, or a job layoff could dramatically affect your household’s financial picture. Whether you’re close to retirement or not, having enough savings available can help you and your family weather these unexpected changes.

Try hard to avoid using your retirement savings or permanently withdrawing money from your retirement accounts before you retire, unless absolutely needed. www.modernhealthandliving.com FEBRUARY 2011 HEALTHWISC 55

Hearing Loss?

That’s the Question

More than 30 million americans of all ages suffer from hearing loss. Hearing loss Manifests itself in many ways, from difficulty hearing faint, highpitched sounds or voices To severe impairment.

“Wood dew airport booger with yorkie?”

Early detection and intervention

As with most health conditions, early detection of hearing loss allows for more effective Intervention. In some cases, hearing loss can be corrected medically. In other cases, Hearing loss cannot be cured but can be successfully managed with the use of hearing Instruments.

“Would you care for sugar with your tea?”

Hearing loss affects not just the individual but those around them. Many times friends and family recognize the symptoms of hearing loss long before the individual does. Early detection and intervention helps people with hearing loss, and their families, to manage the social and psychological challenges often associated with this condition.

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Hearing loss is not usually characterized by pain or physical discomfort.

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2. Do you strain to understand conversation?

3. Do you often turn up the television or radio louder than others would prefer?

4. Do people often sound as though they’re mumbling or speaking too softly?

5. When you are socializing, does background noise bother you?

6. Do you misunderstand what others are saying or answer questions inappropriately?

7. Do you remove yourself from conversations or social situations b cause it’s difficult to hear what is being said?

8. Do you need to ask others about details of a meeting that you just attended?

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Take the effort out of hearing dot’s effortless automatic programming requires no manual adjustments from you. Should your hearing loss or listening needs change, your audiologist can easily adapt your dot to your new situation.

Stay in the clear With dot you’ll clearly hear all life has to offer. The unique Dual Stabilizer™ II feedback cancellation system eliminates that irritating “whistle” effect most hearing instruments produce.

9. Do you have difficulty hearing the doorbell or telephone?

10. Has someone close to you mentioned that you might have a problem with your hearing?

If you answered yes to 3 or more of these questions, you may have a hearing problem and should have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist.

Midwest Audiology Center 414-281-8300 Greenfield

“Chew hook hairy lice to date ear.”

“You look very nice today dear.”