January-February Bloomington Healthy Cells by Healthy Cells Magazine

BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL

area

Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional • Nutritional

Do You Hear What I Hear page 16 Can You Spot a Scam? page 32

January / February 2011

FREE

HealthyCells

www.healthycellsmagazine.com

m a g a z i n e

Helping You Get Back to the Things You Love ACCEPTING ALL INSURANCES AND SELF-REFERRALS

1015 S. Mercer Ave. Bloomington, IL 61701

(309) 662-4321

www.millenniumpaincenter.com BLOOMINGTON | NORMAL | PONTIAC | DECATUR | CHICAGO

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

JAN. / FEB. 7

Nutritional: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Physical: A Life in Balance

Emotional: Childhood Anger Part 1 of 2

Women’s Health: How to Beat the High Cost of Leaking

Health Reform Law: Screening and Preventative Services

Auditory Processing: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Medical Spa Services: Turning Back the Clock

Clinical Trials: Research Studies

Complimentary and Alternative Medicines: Don’t Allow Yourself to be Defeated by a Diagnosis!

Areola Tattoo: A Finishing Touch Option After Breast Reconstruction

Aerobic Exercise: Dancing With the Stars

Early Childhood Education: Program Accreditation and Certification

Hip Replacement Surgery: Next Generation Technology

Healthy Finance: Can You Spot a Scam?

Child Development: Autism

Blood and Marrow Disorders: Low Blood Count: Myelodysplatic Syndrome

Healthy Feet: Barefoot Running — Is it for You?

Healthy Lifestyle: From Food to Fitness

This Month’s Cover Story:

2011 Volume 6, Issue 1/2

The Big Picture: How OSF Is Improving Health Care

page 20

Photos courtesy of OSF

For information about this publication, contact Cheryl Eash, owner at 309-664-2524, ceash7@gmail.com Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of: 1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615 Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com

Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals in Bloomington-Normal. Healthy Cells Magazine is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE at over 450 locations, including major grocery stores throughout the Bloomington-Normal area as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. 8,000 copies are published monthly. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the BloomingtonNormal area. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return.

“I wish to thank all of the advertisers who make this magazine possible. They believe enough in providing positive health information to the public that they are willing to pay for it so you won’t have to.” Cheryl Eash

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

Experience the difference

Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

nutritional

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly By Thomas Rohde, M.D., Renew Total Body Wellness Center

No, this isn’t a movie review of an old Spaghetti Western. It’s the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of sugar - here’s the skinny: The good People need energy for their bodies to function and the best sugar for energy is glucose which can be utilized by every cell in the body. The most common sugars we ingest are sucrose or table sugar, and fructose or fruit sugar, also found in vegetables and in many processed food items in the form of high fructose sweetener. The glycemic index (GI) ranks foods on how they affect our blood glucose levels in the two or three hours after eating. Low GI sugars are released more slowly causing less insulin release which leads to less fat storage and less LDL production. The lowest GI sweetener is Stevia at “0”, higher ones include fructose from fruits and vegetables at “20”, raw honey at “30”, table sugar at “80”, and then glucose at a “100” – great for energy but bad for rapid elevation of the blood sugar! The bad The “bad” fits into this discussion as sugar is the sly stimulator of inflammation. Every bad illness that afflicts man has inflammation as an underlying cause – diabetes, heart disease, lupus, cancer, etc. Our blood sugar is normally tightly controlled; however, as we have become “sugar addicts” in modern society we have overwhelmed our body’s ability to adequately control our blood sugar levels. We were never metabolically designed to handle the quantity of sugar and carbohydrates we eat. Very simply, anytime our blood sugar level is above 100 (and many would say 85!) it literally starts to damage tissue cells leading to inflammation. Even in a normal, non-diabetic person it is not uncommon to have blood sugars over 100 for various periods of time after a large meal and this damages tissues for the period of time while it’s elevated. Not only do we add weight from the excess calories as insulin causes us to store the excess calories as fat, but the high glucose literally begins to damage our body. When fructose is consumed in excess outside of eating an apple or an orange, such as high fructose in juice or as a sweetener in soda or many other modern processed foods, it overwhelms our body’s ability to process it efficiently and leads our liver not only to store fat, but to produce bad LDL cholesterol. It also increases our uric acid, which is pro-inflammatory leading to tissue damage and also an increase in blood pressure! For further information on the damaging effect of sugar, there is an excellent video that was posted on YouTube by an endocrinology professor. Search for “Sugar: The Bitter Truth” to be enlightened, or purchase “The Sugar Fix” book by Dr. Johnson. Both do an excellent job of explaining the pitfalls of sugar, then offers a guide to changing your lifestyle and improving your health.

products ever wondered why their LDL cholesterol and their blood pressure went up instead of down when they went back to visit their doctor? Why they ended up on more medication rather than less after dieting with these dangerous products? My suggestion to you: throw them out and purchase healthy fat foods that are consumed in moderation! What you can do In summation, cut back on the refined sugar, eliminate the fructose except in moderate form by eating fruits and vegetables, and be careful of so-called “healthy” processed foods. It is time to return to foods prepared the way our grandparents did - naturally. Stick to fresh ingredients purchased around the perimeter of the supermarket that you take home and actually prepare - not fast food from the drivethrough or processed items from the center of the supermarket that are microwaved for a convenient speedy meal. These speedy meals will merely speed your visit to the ER! Finally, check your vitamin D levels and begin a regular supplementation regimen to decrease inflammation and improve nutrition for your health. For more information about Dr. Rohde and his Wellness practice go to www.DrRohde.com or call his office in Decatur at 217-864-2700.

The ugly A terrible cascade of events is derived simply from our food choices. To make matters worse, food manufacturers have deceived us: food products labeled “low-fat”, recommended to reduce your cholesterol, actually have the opposite effect! Why? The majority of fat is removed and replaced by sugar or high fructose corn sweetener which leads to the above inflammatory waterfall. Has anyone who used these January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

physical

Stroke: A Life in Balance By Edward W. Pegg MD and Christina Pegg

he midnight page was the hospital extension. The first thing I heard when the connection was made was the night nurse, Laura, saying, “Beth, squeeze my hand. Beth, squeeze my hand. Please. Squeeze my hand.” I knew immediately what happened. Beth had completed her stroke. Laura confirmed my suspicions, and I was out the door and on my way to the hospital in a flash. Beth Conaty had presented to the hospital earlier that day. That morning on the way to work she had had an unusual experience where she noticed that her right hand seemed to be falling off the steering wheel. Her husband, Tom, picked her up and took her home. After she had something to eat and drink, she was feeling much better. She thought, it must have been “a diabetic episode” and headed back to work, bloodsugar monitor in tow (on Tom’s insistence). Unfortunately, it wasn’t low blood sugar causing Beth’s problems. Not long after arriving at work, a second episode occurred. This, too, consisted of some clumsiness in the right arm and a new symptom: slurred speech. She called her husband, and he immediately took her to the hospital. By the time she was in the hospital, her symptoms had again resolved. Beth’s history was very consistent with crescendo TIAs. Crescendo TIA’s present as a series of back-to-back mini-strokes that quickly clear with no lasting symptoms. It is an ominous sign for a subsequent major stroke. We immediately had Beth undergo testing, which included a look at the vessels in her neck. She also underwent an immediate CAT scan in the emergency room, which was unremarkable. This was followed by an MRI, which is more sensitive and revealed evidence of minor damage in the left hemisphere (side of the brain). An MR angiogram, which looks at the blood vessels, showed that there was a very tight narrowing in one of the smaller blood vessels feeding most of the left side of the brain. This blood vessel would be about 1/8th of an inch in diameter, or about the size of an ink cartridge in a ballpoint pen. This narrowing was described as almost complete, about 90% and was clearly the cause

Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

of her symptoms. The recurring episodes she was having were due to fluctuations in her blood pressure; the lower her pressure, the more likely her brain was not perfused. In hopes of stopping the reoccurring TIAs and the ultimate stroke Beth was immediately placed on a blood thinner. Throughout most of the day and the evening Beth did well. As I drifted to sleep that night, I felt content that we had averted disaster. Laura’s call at midnight proved me grossly wrong. When I entered Beth’s room a little after midnight, she was poorly responsive and not moving the right side. She was also unable to understand what I was saying or to get any words out herself. This is referred to as aphasia and is a frequently seen finding in a stroke involving the left side of the brain. It is arguably the worst stroke imaginable, since it paralyzes the patient on most of one side and also takes away what makes us human – our ability to comprehend speech and use language, our ability to communicate. Beth failed the conservative management of blood thinners; we knew our only choice was to have her undergo an angiogram. During this procedure a catheter is run from the groin artery up through the aorta (a major blood vessel in the body), on through the carotid arteries in the neck, through intricate small vessels in the brain until it reaches the occlusion. The neurointerventionalist on staff, Dr. Gordhan, was just the man for the job. He too was on the scene immediately and agreed that aggressive measures were needed. Meanwhile, Tom—Beth’s husband—was rushing over after he received a devastating call: “We have a problem, if we don’t operate, we’re gonna lose her.” When Tom arrived, his wife was being prepped for surgery and was unresponsive, except to him. When he spoke her name, Beth moved her right eyelid—just barely—and clenched his

“Beth, squeeze my hand. Beth, squeeze my hand. Please. Squeeze my hand.” I knew immediately what happened. Beth had completed her stroke.” hand with her left hand. She was still fighting. The anesthesiologist came in and asked Tom if he knew what was about to happen. “Yes, sir. I know your job is very dangerous and you better do a darn good job!” A tense laughter rose in the room. Beth’s life was in their hands... Next month’s article will explain how Beth’s life was not only saved, but how she experienced a complete recovery through a “miracle” medical procedure. For more information, you may contact Dr. Pegg at 309-661-7344. Christina Pegg is a student at ISU obtaining a Masters Degree in biology.

New Year Resolutions got you down? Get a KICK start to your healthy body by starting from the FEET up. Dr. Lockwood has all the tools and knowledge you need to look and feel you best!

10 Heartland Drive, Suite B Bloomington, IL 61704 www.heartlandfootandankle.com Dr. Melissa Lockwood

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

emotional

Part 1 of a 2 part series

Anger

By Kimberley Higgins, LCSW, Horizons Counseling

e are asked frequently, “What does he have to be so mad about?” Children often come to counseling due to anger issues. There are many causes for childhood anger that are environmental, biological and psychological. Piecing out the reasons for anger issues involves thoroughly assessing for the different potential causes. Once the source or sources of anger are found, treatment can include counseling, medication, occupational and physical therapy, and/or parenting changes. It is important to treat a child who is frequently angry because having anger control problems as a child leads to having the same problems as an adult, where consequences are very high. As a child, some of the consequences include school suspensions due to fighting or talking back to the teachers, peer problems, conflicts with family members including siblings and parents, depression, issues with sleep, lowered self esteem, isolation, and a much higher rate of substance use and abuse. The consequences grow as the child ages. A first grader who gets into a fight might have a note sent

Visit us and SAVE $2.00

1/17/12

hcbn0115

Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

home from school or have a day suspension. A teenager who gets into a fight at a school football game may be arrested for assault. It is important to address anger as soon as a parent becomes aware of it to avoid these problems. In children, anger is often a sign of frustration. We all know of two year olds who cannot communicate exactly what they want so they end up throwing themselves to the floor and tantrumming. Older children will get angry as well when they are overwhelmed or frustrated. The child who is angry at school all of the time may very well have a learning disability or ADHD that prevents them from doing well academically. Children who struggle academically learn that they are ‘stupid’ and begin to resent the teachers, parents and peers for asking too much from them. Often kids will ‘fail’ school due to choosing not to do work or turn in completed work. Frustration leads to anger, which then leads to school failure for these children. Anger can also be a sign of repressed other feelings. Children, who are raised in homes where they witness domestic violence, or

“Children learn how to treat people by watching and learning from their adult caregivers.” are exposed to physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, often are feeling scared, sad, worried or unsafe. These are feelings that make them feel vulnerable. They express these feelings as anger because it makes them feel stronger and more in control. Also, children become angry at their parents for abusing them, or abusing each other. Children learn how to treat people by watching and learning from their adult caregivers. If those caregivers are violent, angry or abusive, they will learn to be the same. Children often can be angry because of grief issues as well. If they have lost a family member, close friend or pet recently, they may show their anger and not other feelings as they are going through the grief process. Children are also born with their own temperament. Some kids are easygoing and some are more easily annoyed, irritated or bothered by things. Children with slow to warm up or difficult temperaments will be more prone to anger due to their biological make up. Exposure to drugs, alcohol or other toxins in utero can damage fragile parts of the brain that regulate emotions, which leads to more angry outbursts due to an inability to self soothe. Sensory Integration Disorder (SID) is a common problem for kids with in utero exposure which leads to a child being extremely sensitive to all sensory input such as sound, the way things feel on their skin, tastes and sights. They often become overwhelmed by their environments and need to retreat to a quiet place to avoid getting angry. Next month we will discuss the psychological factors as well as treatment opions. For more information, please contact: Kimberley Higgins, LCSW at Horizons Counseling (309) 557-1124.

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

Physical Therapy

MRI

SURGERY

EMG

The Highest Quality Surgical Care McLean County Orthopedics Physicians are dedicated to providing the highest quality and most progressive, cutting edge techniques to restore health and mobility to our patients.

Procedures We Provide • Knee and shoulder arthroscopy • Hand Surgery • Foot and ankle surgery • Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction • Total joint replacements • Fracture care • Spine surgery • Epidural steroid injections

For more information, or for an appointment, call

309-663-6461

McLean County Orthopedics (MCO) is well known in Illinois. Founded in 1976 by Dr. Jerald Bratberg, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, MCO has always attracted the finest health care professionals, including its nine physicians, 11 therapists, and over 60 employees. MCO also started and spun-off The Center for Outpatient Medicine (TCOM), which is the largest

freestanding surgery center in central Illinois and the only one certified for overnight stay. Located across route 9 (Empire) from the old Bloomington airport, MCO treats all types of orthopedic conditions and offers a comprehensive range of services. Most patients can call for an appointment, although there are some insurances (i.e. Health Alliance, OSF) that first require referral from a primary care physician.

2502 E. Empire • Bloomington • 61704 www.mcleancountyorthopedics.com

Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

Visit Us

In Constitution Place at

716 E. Empire, Suite 2 At the Corner of Linden and Empire, Next to Constitution Trail

Showroom hours: Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm

There Are NO Monthly Membership Fees! (Fees Based on Individual Services)

(Wed till 7 pm)

• • • •

Fitness Trainers Medical Group Exercise Golden Fitness One on One Fitness and Nutrition Training • Youth Fitness

www.heartlandhomemedical.net

• Theracycle Therapy • F itness Assessments and Body Composition • Travel Training • E mployee Wellness • Girls Club

Call Now for More Details

Phone: 309-829-8122 • Toll Free: 1-800-591-6203 www.heartlandfitness.org

Psychology Specialists

Our Mission:

“To provide professional and confidential services for the purpose of helping those

Specializing in the Treatment of

people with conditions associated

Physical and

with physical and emotional pain.

Emotional Pain

Our goal is to provide each patient with timely personal attention and work closely with each physician involved in the patient’s treatment to promote healing and the highest quality of life.

We Accept Most Health Insurance

”

Our providers are conveniently located throughout Bloomington Normal and Central Illinois

Jim Bakaitis, LCPC Regina Brian, PsyD Ann Crumpler, LCSW Anna Czipri, PsyD Phillip Foster, PhD Leroy Hall, PsyD Seth Hatlelid, PsyD Jennifer Imig, PhD Michael Kahwaji, PsyD Jordana Katz, PsyD Kelly Knutson, PsyD Jennifer Koch, PsyD Aimee Ladd, PhD Diana Mariani, LCSW Jonathan Marin, PsyD Nicole Noble, PsyD Jody Seip, LCSW Andrea Smith, PsyD Andrea Steliga-Phillips, PsyD Maureen Tweedy, PhD Valerie Weck, PhD Paul Willett, PhD Sherry Yoder, LCPC

309-706-3190

www.psychologyspecialists.com January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

women’s health

How to Beat the High Cost of Leaking By Jay-James Miller, MD, Miller Urogynecology

ncontinence is not only inconvenient and embarrassing, it is really expensive! Women save more than $500 a year after having surgery to correct incontinence as they spend much less money on products and services to manage their symptoms than they did before surgery. The cost savings are not unexpected because women with fewer incontinence episodes don’t have to buy products used for symptom management, like pads and disposable briefs, as often. As the incontinence improves, less money is spent on incontinence care. A recent study may be the first to put a number on the savings everyone suspected would occur. And the number may be higher than anyone thought. In a study presented by researcher Leslee Subak, MD, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco at the annual meeting of the American Urogynecologic Society in Long Beach, California, the average amount women saved was $560 per woman, per year. Since more than 13 million American women have urinary incontinence, the study would estimate the annual cost of incontinence to be nearly ten billion dollars. That is a lot of money. It is more than the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimate for gross revenue in the entire jewelry and silverware industry meaning American women spend more on incontinence pads than they do on jewelry. For the study, Subak and her colleagues polled 491 women, average age 53, who were participating in a study called the Stress Incontinence Surgical Treatment Efficacy Trial (SISTEr). Stress urinary incontinence, one type, describes a loss of urine that occurs with activities that increase pressure on the abdomen, such as exercising, sneezing, or laughing. The women in the study reported their out-of-pocket expenses for managing incontinence symptoms at the start of the study and then 24 months after surgery. They reported on costs of supplies such as pads and adult diapers, as well as fees for additional laundry and dry cleaning needed each week due to incontinence episodes. The more

Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

their episodes of incontinence declined, the more their costs declined. At the study start, women spent an average of about $750 a year. Two years after surgery they spent an average of $190, or $560 less. Before incontinence surgery, the average number of incontinence episodes a week was 23, but that declined by 86% two years later, to about three episodes. About 37% of the women in the study reported household incomes below $40,000 a year.

“Since more than 13 million American women have urinary incontinence, the study would estimate the annual cost of incontinence to be nearly ten billion dollars.” In this country, insurance plans rarely reimburse the cost of hygiene products let alone laundry and dry cleaning costs. Most patients are really happy to have an extra $40-50 a month that was previously spent on pads. For patients on fixed incomes, managing the costs can be even more difficult and the impact of the savings magnified. Imagine a patient who must choose between buying her blood pressure medication or pads so she can leave her house. The expense of products and services related to incontinence symptoms is a big issue for patients. This finding about cost savings verifies something doctors have suspected for a long time. For more information call 309.665.0900 or visit www.millerurogyn. com. Jay-James Miller, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeon/Urogynecologist. He is the first central Illinois-based physician to specialize in this field.

health reform law

Screening and

Preventative

Services

By Becky Powell RN, MS, AOCN, Heath Educator at the Community Cancer Center and Allison Hebron, Intern

ancer screening exams, such as mammograms and prostate exams are clinical tools that are used to detect the presence of cells that have the potential to be malignant. With proper detection, some cancers may be caught early in development before the appearance of symptoms. When abnormal cells or tissues are found early, treatment programs are more likely to be successful. Without screening, the cancer may not be detected until symptoms appear. As this progression continues, the cancer becomes more difficult to treat. Screening tests can include physical exams, collection of family medical history, and laboratory tests including blood, tissue and urine exams. Imaging procedures and genetic testing may also be recommended depending on the cancers for which you are being screened. Although screening exams help to identify abnormalities, they are usually not used to diagnose cancer. For example, a physical exam or diagnostic imaging tool may identify an abnormal lump in a woman’s breast. Discovery of this lump does not mean the woman has cancer. Additional diagnostic exams, such as a biopsy, need to be performed in order to identify the lump as malignant or benign. Screening exams are important preventive measures which can help ensure that cancer or pre-cancerous abnormalities are caught early. The imminent healthcare reform will have a significant impact on many facets of the healthcare industry but did you know that private health insurance plans issued after September 23, 2010 are required to eliminate co-pays for certain preventative services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? The services include, but are not limited to, colon cancer screening exams for adults over 50, annual mammograms for women over 40, regular pap tests that screen for cervical cancer, coverage for the HPV vaccine, and tobacco cessation interventions such as counseling or medications. Women who are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer also have access to additional services including referral to a genetic counselor. Patients utilizing these cancer prevention and risk reduction services can decrease the emotional, physical and financial burden that is commonly associated with cancer. This law will increase access to these important services and can help patients improve their overall quality of life. Recommendations regarding cancer screening often vary. Speak to your primary care physician to determine which cancers you should be screened for and how often these tests should be performed. The Community Cancer Center has screening guidelines for breast, prostate, colon, and skin cancers. These are available on our website at www.cancercenter.org or at the Cancer Center. For more information about the 2010 Health Reform Law and how it may impact you, go to www.cancer.net or www.HealthCare.gov. January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

auditory processing

Do You Hear What I Hear? By Arica Rock, M.S., CCC-A, Bloomington-Normal Audiology

HAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU HEAR is often the term used to describe auditory processing, also known as central auditory processing. It is what happens when your brain recognizes and interprets sounds around you. Any disruption in this process results in an auditory processing disorder because the ears and brain do not fully coordinate. Auditory processing is especially important for children because they are learning. This is how they make sense of the world of sound around them. Children with an auditory processing disorder cannot recognize subtle differences between sounds in words, even if the words are loud and clear enough, resulting in difficulty following directions or concentrating in the presence of background noise. Auditory skills include: telling which direction a sound is coming from (localization), telling the difference between two keys on a piano (discrimination), following a melody (ordering), understanding someone in a noisy restaurant (competing sounds), and understanding someone who does not speak clearly (degraded sounds). The cause of an auditory processing disorder is often unknown. It can occur as the result of head trauma, lead poisoning, or chronic ear infections. Auditory processing disorders can also be associated with conditions such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, autism, language impairment, and developmental delays and/or disorders. Diagnosing an auditory processing disorder is difficult when a child may also have a language, learning, or attention disorder. It is impossible to completely differentiate among these disorders. Auditory processing disorders affect approximately 5% of school-aged children. Some symptoms of an auditory processing disorder include: • Difficulty paying attention to and remembering auditory information • Problems carrying out multistep directions • Poor listening skills • Easily distracted by background noise • Often asking “huh?” or “what?” • Disorganized and forgetful • Low academic performance • Behavior problems • Language difficulty • Difficulty with reading, comprehension, spelling and vocabulary If an auditory processing disorder is suspected, an auditory processing evaluation should be completed. An Audiologist will perform a comprehensive hearing test to rule out any peripheral hearing loss. Next, various listening tests are administered to assess various areas of auditory processing. Each test is designed to assess specific auditory processing abilities. An auditory processing evaluation is typically completed in children at least seven years of age. Younger children’s brains have not matured enough to accept and process a multiplicity of information. Auditory processing skills improve over time and are often not completely developed until age twelve. Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

Parents and teachers are often the first to notice auditory processing problems. If an auditory processing deficit is suspected, there are several things that can be done at home or at school to assist the child in achieving his/her full potential. Suggestions include: • Reduce background noise as much as possible at home and at school when the child is working on homework. • Have the child look at the person who is speaking. Tap the child on the shoulder or call the child’s name before speaking in order to attain their attention first. • Ask the child to repeat directions back to the parent or teacher and to keep repeating them aloud until the directions are completed. • Use words such as first, next, and finally when giving multistep directions. Treatment of auditory processing disorders is highly individualized. There is no one treatment approach that is appropriate for all children with an auditory processing disorder. A multidisciplinary approach is often best. Members of this multidisciplinary team might include an Audiologist, Speech-Language Pathologist, School or Clinical Psychologist, Classroom Teachers, Parents, and Physicians. Treatment involves three main approaches: environmental modifications, compensatory strategies, and auditory training. Treatment often includes a combination of these strategies, individualized for the student and their particular difficulties. Adults may also have an unrecognized auditory processing disorder. Because it is difficult to diagnose, it is crucial to have an evaluation done by an audiologist with the specialized skills necessary to properly test and interpret the results. Many Audiologists do not perform this testing or have the physical set up to do so, such as speakers in the sound booth at different angles, specifically recorded test materials, and analysis capabilities. Therefore, the importance of seeing an Audiologist with training in Auditory Processing testing, and appropriate testing tools, is of the utmost importance. For more information on Auditory Processing Disorders or any hearing related issue, you may contact Bloomington-Normal Audiology at 309-662-8346 or on the web at www.bloomingtonnormalaudio.com. They are located at 1404 Eastland Drive, Suite 203 in Bloomington and 1508 Reynolds Suite B in Pontiac. Their practice is one of the few in Central Illinois that is qualified to do testing for Auditory Processing Disorders.

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

medical spa services

Turning Back the Clock

By Sara Browning

hen it comes to plastic surgery, benefiting from the best in care means receiving superior service delivered by professionals in their field. You should go to a plastic surgeon that can provide a full range of services, including surgical and non-surgical solutions so that you will know if more aggressive care is required to answer your concern, minimizing the use of ineffective treatments, according to Dr. Jeffrey Poulter, M.D., FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon with The Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Peoria and Bloomington and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. “It’s best for patients to receive treatment from a physician who is board-certified specifically in the area the patient is going to be treated for.” In order to help delay the need for surgical care, conservative non-surgical medical day spa treatments in Peoria and Bloomington are provided by certified professionals in the field of plastic surgery. Turning Back the Clock Medical spa services encompass BOTOX treatments, dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, laser vein treatment, laser hair removal and skin care products. BOTOX treatments are convenient for those who would like to turn back the clock on aging. These early signs of aging begin to show as expression lines around the eyes. Dr. Poulter says lines affected by muscle contractions from repeated laughing, frowning or smiling can cause crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes. “Transverse lines in the forehead, lines between the eyebrows and ‘bunny lines’ in the nose may also be treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic,” he says, noting that BOTOX also lessens vertical lines in the neck known as “banding.” BOTOX Cosmetic targets the tiny muscles that cause wrinkles creating a smoother, more refreshed skin appearance. Larger facial muscles that control normal facial expressions remain unaffected preventing the face from appearing “frozen.” Dr. Poulter says several small BOTOX injections are specifically targeted to the appropriate muscles using a very fine needle that causes very little discomfort. According to Dr. Poulter, results from BOTOX occur gradually over the course of 5 to 7 days. BOTOX lasts 4-5 months or more. If a person receives regular treatments the improvement lasts up to 6 months. “Side effects are generally mild and temporary and may include redness or swelling following the injections. I recommend patients apply ice for up to 24 hours following the procedure to minimize swelling. Patients, many times, return to their daily activities almost immediately.

Restoring Volume A second type of treatment known as dermal fillers restores lost volume without the use of surgery to enhance facial appearance with a look that is smoother and younger. A loss of volume that occurs naturally over time can cause a person to appear more tired as they age and creases and wrinkles gradually appear. Nasolabial folds—or smile lines—that run from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth become more prominent while marionette lines tug at the corners of the mouth creating a frowning appearance. Lips become thin and wrinkled, subtracting from one’s youthful glow. JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel, FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles, is a dermal filler often used to enhance the lips, according to Dr. Poulter. “JUVEDERM can be given in small amounts for a subtle change or injected for more prominent changes.” JUVEDERM also treats smile lines, marionette lines and forehead furrows. Injected with a fine-gage needle, JUVEDERM gel is smooth and consistent and adds volume and hydration to the skin. The gel now comes pre-mixed with a fast-acting anesthetic, providing a more comfortable procedure for patients. Effects of the treatment may last anywhere from 9 months to a year or more, according to Dr. Poulter. Laser Treatments Spider veins—the small clusters of tiny dark red, blue or purple veins on the legs and face—can also be corrected with facial plastic surgery. Caused by heredity, pregPage 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

nancy, weight fluctuation or lifestyle factors, the unsightly veins may be corrected with injections or lasers. “The laser is fired through a glass tip with cool water coursing through it. The energy from the laser targets the red blood cells, causing the vein to shrink and dissipate over time. Several treatments, spaced many weeks apart, are usually necessary for optimal treatment. For those who are tired of shaving, waxing and using hair removal creams, laser hair removal is a comfortable, effective procedure that involves the laser beam being absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft, destroying the hair follicle. Dr. Poulter affirms that following 4 to 8 treatments, spaced one or two months apart, laser hair removal patients will see a dramatically reduced amount of hair at the treatment sites. “Multiple treatments are needed because hair grows in cycles. Not all hairs will be in the growth stage at the time of each treatment. Patients are generally very pleased with their results.” Choose your medical spa services wisely to ensure your optimal results. For more information on The Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, log onto www.drpoulter.com or contact his Bloomington office at 309-663-1222, Peoria office at 309-692-6869 or call toll free at 888-841-4108.

If You’re Going to be Living in your Swimsuit on Vacation you Deserve a New One

Obstructive Sleep Apnea OSA is a serious, potentially life-altering, health issue. People with this disorder stop breathing during sleep for 10-45 seconds at a time, occurring up to 400 times every night. This usually wakes the person, or their partner, resulting in neither getting enough rest. The person having the breathing interruptions will usually not remember waking throughout the night, but may notice sleepiness during the day—or the feeling of not being able to get enough sleep. • An estimated 5 to 10 percent of adults in the US have OSA • Of these, 85 to 90% have not been identified • Sleep apnea can affect persons of any age • It is more common among those 40 years of age or older

• • • • •

Carol Wior “Slimsuits” Sunsets - mix and match Swim Systems T.H.E. Swimwear Hard to Find Sizes (6-32W)

We’ve got the SECRET to a Great Fit

Please contact your physician if you believe you have symptoms of sleep apnea.

416 N. Madison, BL 309.827.0660 T u e s - S a t 1 1am-7pm C l o s e d S u n & Mon

www.cometake a p e e k . c o m

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

feature story

The Big Picture: How OSF Is Improving Health Care By Rachel Perva, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center

n the ever evolving health care industry, it is important for health care providers to retain a clear focus of their mission. That is to effectively and efficiently provide health care management services to their patients. Today more than ever, health care systems are looking toward physician and hospital alignment in order to deliver on that mission. The concept of alignment has become important in the Bloomington-Normal community as hospitals and physician groups look to make big improvements in the quality of patient care. As a system, OSF HealthCare has invested its resources in Central Illinois in order to improve quality, access, and cost benefits to the patients it serves. When OSF acquired Carle Clinic Association in Bloomington, now OSF Medical Hospitalist Dr. Kathryn Wilson rounds on a patient in the Comprehensive Care Center at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, located at 2200 East Washington Street in Bloomington. When a patient is admitted to OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, if they have visited an Group – College Avenue, the orgaOSF facility previously, his or her record is already in the hospital’s electronic medical record system. nization had the strategic goal of aligning the providers with its local hospital, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, in order to improve the quality and access to care its patients physicians who specialize and focus on the general medical care of could receive in this community. hospitalized patients. “The alignment of physicians with hospitals allows for more efficient “The development of the hospitalist group at OSF St. Joseph has means to help impact the delivery of health care. Regardless of where the allowed primary care physicians to concentrate on specific areas of patients are - a primary care physician’s office, a specialist, or the hospital outpatient care that help improve quality and service,” Dr. Dennis said. - they should receive the same high level quality of care. With a partnership “This also allows family or internal medicine physicians extended office between outpatient and inpatient facilities, you have a natural alignment hours since they no longer need to round on hospital patients. With this of that quality along the entire continuum of care,” said Charles Dennis, separation, primary care physicians expand patient access.” MD, and Medical Director of OSF Medical Group – College Avenue. “In Using hospitalists, primary care physicians are able to see sick this rapidly changing environment of health care, the most effective and patients sooner, sometimes preventing hospital stays altogether and successful organizations are going to be those that are aligned.” therefore, reducing cost to the patient. Meanwhile, hospitalists can Dr. Dennis spent six years on the Board of Directors for Carle focus on the sickest patients, treating them more efficiently. Clinic Association before taking on the role of Medical Director for Paul Pedersen, MD, has worked in hospital administration for OSF Medical Group – College Avenue last September. “When connearly 17 years as OSF St. Joseph Medical Center’s Chief Medical Ofsidering the value of physician alignment we must look at the benficer. “When I started medicine, treating patients was basic. It wasn’t efits to the patient, such as the ability to allow patients better access complex like it is today,” Dr. Pedersen said. “Today, patients have a to the physicians they want, at a time that is convenient for them,” primary care physician and sometimes two or more specialists. The Dr. Dennis said. complexity has increased over the past 20 years and as a physician, This access is achieved through the use of hospitalists and inI don’t feel you can effectively treat both outpatients and inpatients to tensivists within OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. Hospitalists are the level necessary for complex illnesses.”

Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

This is where intensivists come into play. Intensivists are boardcertified physicians in internal medicine, pulmonology, and critical care, who lead a team of specialists in Intensive Care Units (ICU). At OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, ICU patients with critical or severe illness or injury receive extensive, round-the-clock care and monitoring by intensivists. “Research shows the care of severely ill patients is better by a physician who treats them more frequently in that capacity,” Dr. Pedersen said. “Hospitalists and intensivists are full-time specialists in the care of hospitalized patients. This is why they are so successful at it.” When a hospitalist or intensivist helps his or her patient recover, the communication with the patient’s primary care provider and specialist is vital. To improve that communication and the quality of care it encompasses, OSF HealthCare invested in an electronic medical record system called Epic. An electronic medical record is a computer-based record of health-related information on an individual that is created, gathered, managed, and consulted by physicians and staff who are involved in the individual’s health and care. This system is used by all eight OSF Medical Group offices, three PromptCare urgent care facilities, eight specialty physician offices, and local hospital OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. “Epic is a big advance in communication across specialties for inpatient and outpatient users,” Dr. Pedersen said. “Sometimes having the best facilities and the best doctors is just simply not enough. Excellent communication between the hospital staff and community physicians is imperative in order to see the complete picture of a patient’s health and to treat them to the best of our ability.” For example, a patient who thinks they are mildly ill may choose to go to OSF PromptCare, an urgent care facility. PromptCare staff create or add onto a record that already exists for that patient A patient visits primary care physician Dr. Tom Kenney at OSF Medical Group — Bloomington within the Epic system. Family Medicine, located at 1405 Eastland Drive in Bloomington. Using an electronic medical Following an examinarecord system, like Epic, OSF HealthCare has made it possible for the patient’s record to follow tion, the PromptCare him or her to any OSF facility within the health care system. physician may send the patient home with then heads to OSF St. Joseph and now the ED an antibiotic, but tells physician and staff have a complete record with the patient if symptoms all of the information he or she needs to make a worsen to contact his or diagnosis and treat the patient’s emergent illness. her primary care physi “Instead of having little information about each cian. The following day visit, ED physicians now have all the information the patient develops from every visit within OSF HealthCare,” Dr. Pedshortness of breath and ersen said. “The patient benefits because multiple immediately makes an doctors are able to examine the same full record appointment to see his and collaborate in order to treat the patient to the or her primary care phybest of their ability.” sician. This physician From an outpatient physician’s point of view, examines the patient this seamless inpatient and outpatient medical reand his or her record cord can make all of the difference in his or her within the Epic system. ability to improve the health care he or she delivThe medical group phyers. “Before Epic, each physician office had its own sician can review the record in a paper environment,” Dr. Dennis said. PromptCare physician’s “When we spoke to a consulting physician or adevaluation and decides mitted a patient to the hospital, there was a manual based on the patient’s transfer of the patient’s record to the appropriate visit to PromptCare Diagnostic Supervisor at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center Dana Platz helps set up facility. The transfer of information was sometimes and the symptoms he a patient’s CT scan and answers any questions he may have. Diagnostic tests, incomplete due to the multitude paper records.” or she has developed, such as medical imaging scans, are immediately available in a patient’s record When physicians are without information this the patient belongs in as soon as the test has taken place. This means a patient’s physician can see can cause duplication of testing and services, the Emergency Departresults sooner and be able to diagnose the patient faster. which means unnecessary costs to both the facilment (ED). The patient January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

feature story

continued research affiliate of Harvard Medical School. OSF HealthCare will use Joslin’s time tested model of diabetes care and management to focus on bringing the best possible diabetes care and management services to its patients in Bloomington-Normal. “We saw a need for better coordination of diabetes services. Joslin houses diabetic education services, along with specialty providers for complete diabetic care in one location,” Dr. Dennis said. “The strong collaboration between physician groups and the hospital made it possible for a facility like this exist.” OSF HealthCare is working collaboratively throughout all levels of the organization in order to advance the delivery of health care to its patients. By doing this, OSF Medical Group and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center are able to look at the needs of the individual patient and the needs of the community as a whole. “It has only been one year since we joined OSF and I have already seen the positive advantages in our affiliation with the hospital,” Dr. Dennis said. “We’ve always allowed referrals to be a patient-driven decision. But because of the quality of OSF St. Joseph, the preferences have changed for both the physicians and the patients.” “And when you add the importance of the EMR and the seamlessness, it has made providing the best care possible easier, safer, and more secure than ever before. What we had with Carle, even though we were aligned with a local hospital from a preference standpoint, we didn’t have a partnership,” Dr. Dennis said. “When we became part of OSF, we became part of the best integrated health care system in Illinois. With that, we’ve been able to openly and honestly discuss what can be done to strategically improve health care in BloomingtonNormal. With OSF, we got to see the bigger picture.”

Robbie Garrett, a physical therapy assistant, works with a patient at OSF Rehabilitation Services, in one of three locations around Bloomington-Normal. Regardless of which OSF Rehabilitation office a patient chooses to visit, his or her medical record is immediately available for staff to consult and chart in, making it easy for his or her OSF primary care provider to check on the patient’s progress.

ity and the patient. Sometimes when time is a factor, and in health care it almost always is, waiting on information causes a delay of services being rendered. “Now that’s all completely gone,” Dr. Dennis said referring to the duplications and delays. “Messaging between referring physicians, feedback from the hospital, and notifications of test results are all in the system immediately after they occur.” As OSF HealthCare works to strengthen its alliances between hospitals and outpatient physicians throughout the system, administrators continue to emphasize the importance of the total patient experience. This is done by extending Epic to OSF Home Care, Hospice and Supportive Care services as well. “It makes the care we deliver much safer and easier to communicate with other facilities and directly benefits the patient as well,” Dr. Pedersen said. As this partnership has developed, the OSF HealthCare System has been able to garner support for new endeavors. In December, OSF HealthCare opened the Joslin Diabetes Center at OSF Medical Group – College Avenue. Joslin Diabetes Center is a teaching and Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

For more information about OSF St. Joseph Medical Center or OSF Medical Group, please visit www.osfstjoseph.org or www.osfmedicalgroup.org/bloomington.

clinical trials

Research Studies By Ninos Joseph, Director of Development, Millennium Pain Center

ave you ever considered participating in a clinical research study? Most people consider their own participation in research as an altruistic (meaning unselfish or selfless) opportunity to help mankind. And it is! However, it is also an opportunity to receive a novel treatment (a drug, a medical device, or a medical or surgical procedure) that might not be currently available elsewhere. People living in smaller communities might assume that participation in such studies is only available at large medical centers, but this is not true. For example, the Millennium Pain Center is the only site in the tri-state area of Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana offering a novel, minimally invasive treatment for patients with degenerative disc disease. While the Millennium Pain Center offices located in Bloomington, Normal, Pontiac, Decatur, Chicago, and Libertyville are recognized as leaders in chronic pain treatment, they have also been involved in ongoing preclinical and clinical research for many years. They firmly believe that their involvement in research fosters an atmosphere of continued learning, expanding their scope and understanding in the young and fast-changing world of chronic pain management. In addition, their pairing with carefully selected commercial sponsors of research allows them to offer their patients the newest and most innovative drugs, procedures and devices available in the U.S. The usual scheme on how a clinical research study is executed begins with the study sponsor. The sponsor can be an outside drug or device manufacturer or can be an investigator-initiated study, such as the Millennium Pain Center. The sponsor devises a study protocol, applies to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for permission, and applies to an ethics panel, typically called an Investigational Review Board (IRB), for oversight. Once approved, the protocol is distributed to physicians’ offices that might potentially participate in the type and scope of the research protocol. For example, pain management physicians might be offered an opportunity to enroll patients in a study comparing an analgesic medication often prescribed for pain with a new drug with the same indication. A physician at each site acts as Principal Investigator (PI), provides physician oversight and performs any required examinations while the clinical research coordinator (CRC) usually performs the “nuts and bolts” duties. When enrolling patients in studies, the PI and the CRC carefully review inclusion and exclusion criteria with each proposed research subject to ensure that the subject meets all the specific requirements for participation in the study. Patients are only enrolled in studies where the benefits will fully outweigh any anticipated risks. After enrollment, the subject will receive the designated therapy for a period of time, returning to the clinic at prescribed times for periodic follow-up evaluations. Another major benefit of participating in a clinical research study is that study medications, and sometimes study procedures, as well as study-related visits are at no charge to the subject. Although study subjects are rarely paid to participate in clinical research studies, most studies offer compensation for time and travel involved. At any given time, multiple research opportunities may be available to patients. Types of studies include new and reformulated drug studies, implantable devices, and new procedures for the treatment of pain syndromes such as chronic low back pain, neck pain, shingles, fibromyalgia, and opioid-induced constipation.

Millennium Pain Center is currently recruiting subjects for the following studies: • Chronic low back pain or osteoarthritis pain that is poorly controlled with present medication • Chronic pain from post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles) affecting all parts of the body excepting the face. • Constipation related to the use of opioids to treat chronic pain • Unremitting low back pain in patients who had undergone previous back surgery (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, FBSS) • Radicular back and leg pain (sciatica) • Lumbar disc degenerative disease (DDD) or diagnosed discogenic pain • Lumbar spinal stenosis

For more information concerning research opportunities at any of the Millennium Pain Center offices, please call 309-662-4321 and choose 7 from the telephone tree. Any of our research coordinators, Jessica Short, Linda Makiejus or Jessica Lowe can help you with your inquiry into currently available clinical research options and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

complimentary and alternative medicines

Don’t Allow Yourself to be Defeated by a Diagnosis! By Rick Longstreth

n recent years there has been a surge in patients turning to “alternative & complementary medicines” to assist in healing and pain relief. Hypnosis or hypnotherapy is one method that can be very effective as a complementary adjunct to standard medical practices, helping to achieve the patient’s goals. Many articles have recently been published by such reputable organizations as the National Institute of Health, Mayo Clinic, Stanford University and Harvard University that conclude that hypnosis can be a useful therapy for many different diagnosed illnesses. Some common physical illnesses that hypnosis has been successful with include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cancer, fibromyalgia, hypertension, migraines, warts, psoriasis and dermatitis. Hypnosis is becoming more popular with hospitals and dentists offices around the nation as a tool to aide patients with surgery and dental work Hypnosis can simply be defined as the ability to concentrate on a single thought whereby excluding all others – or focused concentration. Hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness used everyday by everyone. Have you ever become emotional while watching a good movie? Have you ever driven down Veterans Parkway, stopped at a stop light, and then thought to yourself, “I don’t remember the light turning red, but I stopped?” Do you daydream or zone out? These are everyday examples of waking hypnosis. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Simply put, the individual going into hypnosis is actually putting them self into a hypnotic state. Keeping this in mind, hypnosis can help with almost anything, but the key is to believe it will help! We have probably all seen or heard about the stage hypnosis entertainment shows. It may seem like the hypnotist has taken control of the minds of the people on stage. In reality, just the opposite is true. The people on stage that volunteer are always in control. They will either accept or reject each suggestion that is given to them. Since it is a stage show for entertainment purposes, and they volunteered so they would have a good time, they will usually accept the stage hypnotist suggestions. It is important to note that if people on these shows are asked to do things that are either morally or ethically against their judgment, they refuse. Even while a patient is working with a hypnotherapist, the patient is always in control and has the ability to accept or reject any suggestion proposed. The role of the hypnotherapist is to guide the patient down the path to achieving their goal. Most hypnotherapists will also teach their patients the art of self- hypnosis, which gives them a powerful tool to use for the rest of their lives. Hypnosis was approved by the American Medical Association in 1958 and it has continued to grow in popularity, especially as a complement to pain medication. It is used to control physical function or response. This has proved to be particularly useful for cancer patients to help with pain management and the nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. The National Cancer Institute published an article in October 2006 where they stated: “Guided imagery, hypnosis, and systematic desensitization as means to progressive muscle relaxation have been the most frequently studied treatments for anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV) and are the recommended treatments for this classically conditioned response.” When working with a medical illness, or if the patient has a history of physical or mental illnesses, the hypnotherapist is ethically bound to have a referral from their doctor. The doctor and hypnotherapist work together to do what is needed to help the patient achieve their goals. Have you been diagnosed with an illness or disease? Do you need to have dental work done? Through hypnotherapy, you can learn to use your mind to complement traditional medical treatments. Call Rick at 309-261-2564 to set up a free consultation/evaluation to find out how hypnosis can help you achieve your goals. Also on the web at www.Central illinoishypnotherapy.com

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

WOMEN Natural Hormone Management

Goodbye incontinence. Hello life.

Miller Urogynecology S.C. Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery

For more information call 309-665-0900 or visit www.millerurogyn.com

Croft Physical Therapy, Ltd. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Rehabilitation Services If you suffer from any of these symptoms, ask your healthcare provider for a referral and set up an evaluation today

• Pelvic Pain or Pressure • Rectal Pain • Pain in Bladder Area • Discomfort When Sitting

309-452-0704

• Urinary Frequency

www.pelvicfloorPT.com

• Incontinence

• Sexual Pain • Bowel Dysfunction

Exclusively Treating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

areola tattoo

A Finishing Touch Option After Breast Reconstruction By Becky Wiese

attoos have been a means to express various thoughts, beliefs, and messages using the human body as a canvas for centuries. What was once found only in the realm of indigenous tribes, servicemen, and people on the slightly shady side of the law is now common. In fact, a quick survey of people at a public swimming pool during the hottest days of summer is likely to reveal that those patrons without tattoos are now the minority. While body art might be the most common use of tattoos, there is also a lesser known treatment called cosmetic tattooing or permanent makeup. Common uses of tattoos for esthetic purposes include eyebrows, lips, and eyelids (specifically where eyeliner is typically applied). Although at first glance these tattoo treatments might seem applicable to those who simply don’t want to have to apply make-up on a daily basis, in many cases the treatment is beneficial for those who have a medical situation for which the tattoo provides a psychological benefit

New Year —

New Fitness Routine?

Ladies The bounce stops… with a good fitting sports bra. 28D - 54K - Anita - Fantasie - Goddess - Freya

FREE FITTINGS ANYTIME -Sports Bras - Nursing Bras - Bridal / Strapless - Swimwear Year Round

416 N. Madison, BL 309.827.0660 Tues-Sat 11am-7p m Closed Sun & Mo n www.cometakeapeek.com Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

to the patient. For example, patients who may suffer from alopecia (hair loss) may have their eyebrows tattooed in order to look more like themselves. Another example is tattooing areas of the skin that have lost pigmentation with skin tone ink so the skin looks more uniform and natural. For breast cancer patients, looking “uniform and natural” is a significant and logical concern when faced with the reality of a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction has become a more frequent part of the treatment process, as it can offer considerable psychosocial benefits to the patient. However, the psychological ramifications are not completely addressed by simply reconstructing a breast. The highest patient satisfaction and acceptance of post-mastectomy body image is found when the nipple and areola also look normal and natural. In fact, the reconstruction of the nipple and areola is the final touch in the process of restoring not only a patient’s breast, but also her self-esteem and positive body image. This is where cosmetic tattooing comes into play. Cosmetic tattooing techniques create the appearance of an areola. The technique can also be used to give the illusion of a nipple, but many patients prefer nipple reconstruction so it is more like their natural breast. Various color pigments are used to simulate the variations in the color and texture of the areola. When applied by an expert, the areola tattoo looks very natural, which is the ultimate goal in the reconstruction process. Scars caused by incisions around the edge of the areola can also be easily camouflaged using tattooing techniques. The benefits of tattooing include the fact that it is a simple process, especially when compared to other more invasive strategies such as tissue grafting. Most patients tolerate the procedure very well, with little discomfort. The procedure is easy to perform and adjustments in pigmentation are readily correctable. The patient will not face a lengthy recuperation—usually the healing process lasts 7–10 days total—so there is very little down time. The patient can resume most daily activities immediately. Vicki Tilton has been offering permanent make up procedures, including areola and nipple dimensional tattooing for over 17 years in central Illinois. She is certified by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, The American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics and the Illinois Department of Public Health which is a State of Illinois license. A long-time proponent of breast cancer awareness and supporter of breast cancer survivors and methods to help them feel like themselves again, Tilton wants breast cancer patients to know about this simple procedure that can do so much to help their self-esteem and overall outlook. Tilton can be contacted by calling her at 309-242-4951. An appointment for a no charge, no obligation consultation can be scheduled by calling 309-829-0482. More information, including photos, can be found on her website www.vickitilton.com.

aerobic exercise

Dancing With the Stars By Ali Manley, Client Program Specialist, Women’s Center, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center

xercising is an essenDay of Dance for Health tial part of maintaining a healthy heart and a Saturday, February 26, 2010 healthy lifestyle. The benefits 8:00 am – Noon of regular exercise are endHeartland Community College less. Aerobic exercise can Workforce Development Center strengthen your heart and Admission: Non-perishable cardiovascular system, lower food item(s) or cash donation at blood pressure, improve your the door for Midwest Food Bank circulation, strengthen bones, improve balance and joint flexibility, as well as improve sleep, make you look fit and feel healthy. However, one of the biggest challenges of exercising is sticking with it! The key to sticking with your exercise regimen is to choose activities that are enjoyable to you. You will be more likely to stick with an exercise you enjoy. Adding variety to your daily exercise routine will also help you maintain interest! In addition, incorporating various activities on alternate days and continually trying new types of exercise may help prevent you from becoming bored. An exercise that is not boring, but often overlooked is dancing! Dancing is a fun and exciting way to add variety to your exercise routine. Mayo clinic researchers report that dancing helps to reduce stress, increase energy, improve strength and increase muscle tone and coordination. Dancing for 30 minutes burns 200 to 400 calories, the same as walking, swimming, or cycling. One benefit of dancing over other types of exercise is that it is ideal to do together with your family. We all know how important it is for children to exercise – especially during the long winter months when it can be hard to get outside. Children of all ages will have fun dancing along with you — even if your pre-teens roll their eyes and laugh — it doesn’t feel like you are “forcing” them to exercise. Not only will you be helping your family to stay fit, but it is lots of fun as well. You may want to incorporate dancing into your regular exercise routine or dance to get started on that New Year’s resolution. Like any other exercise, at least 30 minutes, three times a week will give you heart-healthy benefits. If you’d like to lose weight, then increase this level. If you haven’t exercised in awhile, be sure to start out slowly and gradually increase the pace. Whether you’re dancing in a class, with a group of people, or at home by yourself - the health benefits are the same! Put on your dancing shoes and Hula, Zumba, Rumba, Tap and twist your way to better health. It’s fun, easy, convenient and free! What are you waiting for?

Learn more about dancing and other forms of exercise at the 4th Annual Day of Dance for Health. This signature Spirit of Women program is sponsored by the Women’s Center of Advocate BroMenn Medical Center and Heartland Community College. This high energy event is designed to get women and their families moving and educate them on heart health. Many different types of exercise and dance will be available for you to observe and participate in.

Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry • Surgical placement and restoration over implants. • All implant procedures performed in one office. • IV Sedation

Emil M. Verban Jr. DDSPC 2103 E. Washington St. Bloomington, IL 61701 309-662-8448 Member International Team of Implantology

CIGNA Insurance Provider

www.mcleancountydental.com

For more information contact Edward W Pegg MD LCC

309-661-7344 Sports Neurology & Concussion Management

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 27

early childhood education

Program Accreditation and Certification By Jennifer Hickman, Director, Scribbles Center for Learning

ccreditation began in the early 1900s in an effort to establish basic quality standards for colleges and universities and as a way of self-regulating quality (Brubacher and Rudy, 2002; Rudolph, 1990). The 1900s represented a growth period for colleges and universities that brought upon concerns as to whether the same standards and quality were being maintained at the new higher education institutions. Rather than develop a governmental entity to regulate institutions, the practice of accreditation was implemented as a way of conducting non-governmental, peer evaluation of educational institutions and programs. Accreditation has become an accepted practice for colleges and universities to monitor the quality of their peer institutions; chances are if you have a college degree, you attended an accredited college or university. Early childhood, too, has developed an accreditation organization – the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The NAEYC Accreditation system was created to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality preschools, child care centers and other early education programs.

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, early childhood programs go through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards. There are more than 400 criterion among the 10 standards, which reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development. Programs must then submit documentation on how they meet certain requirements, along with individual staff training and development records. If chosen to be a candidate for accreditation, the program undergoes an on-site visit which is conducted by specially trained NAEYC assessors. This visit includes classroom observations and a further review of additional documentation. During the 5-year accreditation period, programs must submit annual reports and are subject to unannounced visits. Established in 1985, NAEYC Accreditation has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 7,000 programs nationally are currently accredited by NAEYC, which represent approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs in the country. More information on NAEYC accreditation, including childcare centers in Bloomington/Normal that have achieved NAEYC accreditation, can be found at: http://www. naeyc.org/academy/accreditation/search In addition to NAEYC accreditation, the State of Illinois has developed a voluntary Quality Rating System (QRS) that assists Illinois child care programs in providing a high level quality of care for children and families. Like NAEYC, a QRS Award recognizes an early childhood center for meeting specific indicators of quality. To achieve this rating, independent evaluators, using a set of nationally recognized quality standards, observe the child care environment, including how teachers work with the children, how the room is set up, and what learning materials are available to children. They also review staff credentials, training, and the overall administration of the program. The QRS award is applicable to both childcare centers and family-based childcares. For licensed centers, there are 4 achievable levels to QRS. Additional training is required for Administrators in order to apply for levels 3 and 4, and accreditation is a requirement for level 4. More information on QRS, including a listing of childcare providers in McLean County who have achieved this status, can be found at: http://www.inccrra.org/parent-information NAEYC and QRS were established to set high standards for early learning and development for children and to assist families with finding childcare and family-based centers that meet those high standards. Families should be encouraged to consider these resources when searching out early care and learning environments for their child and to feel confident that if their child attends a childcare or family-based center that has met this rigorous recognition that they are under the highest standard of care and learning. For more information, you may contact Scribbles Center for Learning at (309) 665-0000 or online at www.ScribblesCenterForLearning.com. They offer a wide range of child care and preschool options. Last year, Scribbles was awarded NAEYC accreditation and is currently undergoing the QRS review. Scribbles has also received ‘Green certification’ through the National Green School Coalition. www.nationalgreenschoolcoalition.com.

Page 28 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

Mid-Illinois Hematology & Oncology Associates, LTD. Bloomington-Normal and the surrounding communities deserve the best cancer care. We have continued our mission to provide that care since 1979. State-of-the-Art Research. Utilization of a research coordinator and national research opportunities for our patients.

Dr. Pramern Sriratana

Diplomate in Internal Medicine, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Dr. Hwan Gon Jeong

Diplomate in Internal Medicine, Hematology, Medical Oncology

Our service is based at the Community Cancer Center. Bloomington-Normal with satellite clinics in Pontiac, Gibson City, Clinton, Eureka, Forrest, Hopedale

Dr. John Migas Diplomate in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology

309-452-9701 407 E. Vernon, Normal, IL 61761

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 29

hip replacement surgery

Next Generation Technology By Lawrence A. Nord M.D., Central Illinois Orthopedic Surgery L.L.C.

Stryker’s ADM X3 replacement hip.

pproximately 250,000 Americans annually undergo hip replacement surgery in the U.S. It’s success rate is more than 90%, according to the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. The idea behind hip replacement is to eliminate the painful friction caused by arthritis and restore the patient to an active life. Usually, the surgery requires three days of hospitalization followed by one month of out-patient physical therapy. Minimal incision hip replacement, refined hip replacement components and excellent implant survivability at 20 years has made hip replacement surgery an option in patients over 60 years old. The demographics are changing, with younger patients becoming the fastest-growing hip-replacement sector. By next year, the average age of hip-replacement patients will be under 65. Multiple individual and clinical factors affect the outcomes of joint reconstruction surgeries, including, but not limited to, medical history, weight, anatomic deficiencies, disease etiology (origin), the surgery itself, and post-operative patient activity. There are lots of variables. How heavy is the patient and how much strain will weight put on the joint? How much exercise will the patient undertake? How strenuous and demanding of the joint will that exercise be? What is the patient’s age and general health, including bone density? One important decision is the type of hip replacement implant that will be used. Some 35% of replacement hips are metal-on-metal. All joints wear. Minute particles fall off. However, metal-on-metal joints seem to be particularly problematic, releasing metal ions that can cause symptoms that mimic tumors. Press reports have said that 1% to 3.4% of patients have suffered tissue damage from some metalon-metal hip implants. Some metal-on-metal hip implants have been recalled due to this problem. The trick is to create an artificial joint that replicates the behavior of a healthy hip with minimal complications. That requires the right materials and components to create optimum strength, stability, flexibility and cushioning, with minimal friction. There are now some “next-generation technology” for hip replacements that seems to have met this challenge. One such replacement hip has two parts that rotate, one inside the other. Think of two nested bowls with a pestle. One bowl is fixed into the hip socket. The second bowl rotates within the first. The pestle then rotates inside the second bowl. The components are separated and cushioned by layers of X3 polyethylene, a plastic compound that is reported to reduce wear by 94% over metal-on-metal replacement joints. Page 30 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

This design features an advanced technology which helps decrease implant wear, the risk of dislocation, and groin pain. Its dual points of articulation help accommodate multi-directional movement, which provides greater range of motion than fixed implant designs based on laboratory testing. In addition, the anatomic cup design has an iliopsoas tendon “cut-out” aimed at reducing iliopsoas tendon impingement, a key cause of post-operative groin pain. I have used this “mobile bearing hip” replacement with excellent results. When an implant addresses performance or reduction of potential problems we are not only solving problems directly involving the patient but also moving towards reducing healthcare costs by minimizing these complications. This next-generation technology moves towards solving long-term costs associated with problematic re-operations as well. For more information on hip replacement you may contact Central Illinois Orthopedic Surgery L.L.C. at 309-662-2278, www.ciosortho.com Dr. Nord is the first surgeon in Bloomington-Normal to use the new Stryker’s ADM X3 “mobile bearing hip”.

Orthotics • Prosthetics • Pedorthics • 309-664-6930 908 N. Hershey Rd. Bloomington, IL By Appointment

Mastectomy Lumpectomy Bras & Forms Compression Garments January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 31

healthy finance

Can You Spot a Scam? Submitted by First Farmers State Bank

Test your knowledge of common frauds and their warning signs by taking our quiz. Con artists are very good at tricking consumers into parting with money or divulging personal information that can be used to steal funds or run up thousands of dollars in fraudulent credit card charges. How good are YOU at telling a scam from a legitimate offer or advertisement? 1. You agree to sell your valuable collection of superhero comic books to a complete stranger who mails you a cashier’s check. Because you want to be sure the check is “good” before you part with your prized possessions, you should: (a) Confirm that the dollar amount and your name on the check are correct. Apart from that, cashier’s checks are always safe to accept. (b) Deposit the check into your bank account and wait at least two business days before letting go of the items. (c) Contact the bank that issued the cashier’s check to make sure the check is legitimate. 2. You agree to rent your vacation house to a far-away stranger who sends you a check as a deposit, but when the check arrives, it’s for more money than you agreed upon. The person apologizes and asks you to deposit the check and wire back the difference. This is: (a) Safe for you to do because you’ll be depositing a check for more money than you expected anyway. (b) Safe for you to do because, if there’s a problem, money sent by wire is very easy to recover. (c) Likely to be a scam. 3. You’ve just realized that your ATM/debit card has been lost or stolen. To get the maximum legal protection against losses from unauthorized withdrawals, you should notify your bank: (a) Within two business days of discovering the card missing. (b) Within 10 business days. (c) Before your next statement arrives, even if that is weeks later. 4. If you get an e-mail from a federal government agency such as the IRS or the FDIC asking you to confirm or verify personal financial information, it’s always safe to do so. (a) True. (b) False. 5. Y our credit report may suggest that you have been a victim of identity theft if it shows: (a) You have a credit card, loan or lease in your name that you know you don’t have. (b) A company you never tried to do business with has requested a copy of your credit report. (c) A home address for you that you never had. (d) All of the above. Page 32 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

Quiz Answers 1(c) Michael Benardo, Chief of the FDIC’s Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section says that your best strategy is to contact the bank the check is drawn on or take the check to your bank’s branch manager (to contact the other bank on your behalf) to have the check authenticated. 2(c) “Be suspicious any time you receive a check for more money than you are due,” warned Benardo. “And be especially skeptical if you’re asked to deposit the money and wire back some or all of it, because if you comply and the check is fraudulent, the scam artist will have your payment and you’ll probably owe your bank the amount you took out of your account.” 3(a) Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), if your debit card or ATM card is lost or stolen, your maximum liability is limited to $50 if you notify your bank within two business days of discovering that the card is missing. Even a very small unauthorized transaction should immediately be reported to your bank or credit card company. “A major fraud could begin with small purchases as a test,” said Benardo. “If that small transaction goes through without being rejected by the bank’s computer system, it may be followed by multiple transactions that can clean out a checking account.” 4(b) Just because an e-mail or Web site looks like what you’d expect from a government agency, convincing copycats are out there. Remember that the FDIC or another government agency (not to mention your bank or credit card company) would never contact you asking for personal information such as account numbers and online passwords and usernames. 5(d) There are many good reasons to frequently review your credit reports, and one is to look for warning signs that an identity thief has been or is trying to obtain loans or commit other fraud in your name. “The most important warning sign of ID theft in a credit report is a credit card, loan or lease in your name that you know nothing about,” said Benardo. “Any one of these may indicate that someone has learned enough information about you to be able to steal your identity and conduct business acting as you.” Also pay close attention to the “inquiries” section of the report that shows who has requested a copy of your credit history. That’s because thieves sometimes falsely claim to represent a company with a legitimate right to obtain credit reports and then use the information to commit fraud. First Farmers, established in 1875, is locally owned with locations in Minier, Delavan and the corner of Towanda Barnes and GE Road, Bloomington and on the web at www.firstfarmers.com. The above information was taken from the Fall 2010 edition of FDIC Consumer News. For additional information, visit www.fdic.gov/consumernews

MRI • CT (COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY) • PET/CT • ULTRASOUND • X-RAY BONE DENSITOMETRY • DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY WITH CAD

Dr. Keshav Joshi

The Dr. John Warner Pain Center of Central Illinois is an interventional spine and pain center dedicated to relieving both chronic and acute pain. Contact us today to find out how we can help you address your pain needs.

What We Treat:

• Back Pain • Neck Pain • Work & Sport Injuries • Cancer Pain • Head Aches/Migraines

• Myofascial Pain • Sciatica • Shingles • Post Herpetic • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

• Peripheral Neuropathy • Failed Back Surgery Syndrome • Phantom Limb / Stump Pain • And More…

422 W e s t W h i t e Street Clinton, IL 61 7 2 7

217-937-5297

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 33

child development

Autism By Kristin McClure, MA, CCC-SLP/L, Easter Seals

utism. When I graduated from graduate school almost 15 years ago, this was not a word I heard frequently. Those of us who work with children had come across the word “Autism” in our workplace, but until the last five years, it was not a word often heard in the general public. In the past several years, due in part to significant education and public awareness efforts, as well as the increase in incidence of this disorder, the word Autism has become more prevalent in the public and media. In fact, in recent reports by the US Center for Disease Control, 1 in 101 children now has a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder. You may have a child with Autism, you may have a neighbor with Autism, your children likely have classmates with Autism, you may even have a co-worker with Autism. Despite this push for public awareness and education, there continue to be misconceptions about Autism Spectrum Disorders. “What is Autism?” In the field of pediatric therapy, I have heard more than one person say, “If you meet one child with Autism, you’ve met one child with

Childcare that goes outside the lines!

Preschool Daycare Before/after school care Full time, part time, and hourly —create your own schedule— 1415 Woodbine Road • Bloomington, IL

309•665•0000

Page 34 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

autism.” This simply means that we cannot take a “one size fits all approach” to education and treatment. The developmental disorders that make up Autism Spectrum Disorders are complex and dynamic. Each child is unique with his or her own strengths and areas of need. Within the scope of Autism Spectrum Disorders, there is a range of abilities and skills. Between children there is variation in skills, and these skills and symptoms change over time. Though symptoms and skills vary, what we do know is that this disorder emerges in the first 3 years of a child’s life, and children with Autism show difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors or restricted areas of interest. Research has shown that one of the biggest predictors of future success for a child and his family is early identification and diagnosis, and early intervention services in the form of parent education/training, therapy and behavioral services. There are many different treatment strategies and approaches, and a number of researchers are diligently working to demonstrate that their strategy is effective. Despite all this research, it still boils down to early access to a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses the child’s needs while capitalizing on his strengths. And this all begins with an early and accurate diagnosis. “Why is an interdisciplinary team approach to diagnostics important?” Unlocking the potential of children who demonstrate delays consistent with autism begins with a thorough examination of all components of development. A multidisciplinary evaluation of medical, psychological, linguistic, cognitive, sensory-motor, and social development allows the assessment team to gain a comprehensive understanding of the child. Following evaluations using appropriate evaluation tools, each professional brings his or her findings to the team to discuss what they’ve seen and their measurement results to arrive at a diagnosis that best describes that child’s behavior, skills and difficulties. From that point, the team is able to make informed recommendations regarding interventions for that specific child and family. What happens after the diagnosis? Intervention for children with characteristics of autism, or with a formal diagnosis, is critical for positive long term outcomes. Generally, children with autism experience delays related to communication and social interaction, and intervention frequently involves speech-language therapy, behavioral interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis or Developmental, Individual, and Relationship Based (DIR) intervention, and occupational therapy to address sensory integration challenges. There are some excellent resources in McLean County to support children and families living with autism including the Autism Program at Easter Seals and Illinois State University, and through the Autism Society of McLean County. For more information, please contact Easter Seals at 309-663-8275. Kids. Therapy. Progress.

• Only 3T MRI scanner in

• Windows allow natural light in

Bloomington-Normal

scanner room to help reduce incidence of claustrophobia

• 99% of our patients said they • Riverscape mural creates

would recommend Advanced MRI to a friend

soothing atmosphere

or family • Enhance relaxation with your • CLEAREST images in the

choice of Satellite radio or

FASTEST time

bring your own CD

• All scans are read only by

• Private & quiet setting, just

Subspecialty trained

steps from the parking lot to

radiologists

the scanner

FEEL BETTER FASTER AFTER YOUR PLASTIC SURGERY WITH ON-Q® PAINBUSTER® ON-Q® PainBuster® is a non-narcotic post-surgery pain relief pump that provides continual and targeted pain relief where it’s needed most.

➤S tarts

working right after surgery

➤P rovides

significantly better pain relief than narcotics

www.AskYourSurgeon.com

➤ Gets

Rx only. ON-Q, PainBuster, and www.AskYourSurgeon.com are registered trademarks of I-Flow Corporation. Redefining Recovery is a trademark of I-Flow Corporation. ©2008 I-Flow Corporation. All rights reserved.

Offices in Bloomington and Peoria (309) 663-1222 or (888) 841-4108

you back to normal faster

➤H elps

CELEBRATING OVER 18 YEARS

reduce narcotic side-effects

www.drpoulter.com

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 35

blood and marrow disorders

Low Blood Count: Myelodysplastic Syndrome By Hwan Jeong, M.D., Mid-Illinois Hematology Oncology

yelodysplastic syndrome, also known as MDS, is a group of blood and bone marrow disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional stem cells, in which the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough healthy blood cells. The bone marrow, which is the soft, spongy tissue in the center of large bones, makes and stores immature cells called stem cells. These stem cells normally mature into three major blood cells: red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. These mature blood cells then move into the blood stream where they have a specific function. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, white blood cells fight infections, and platelets help the blood to clot. Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with MDS each year and 80 – 90% are older than 60 with the incidence rate continuing to increase with age. About one third of patients with MDS develop acute leukemia. In myelodysplastic syndrome, stem cells do not mature normally and dysplastic cells (abnormally developed) increase in the bone marrow. Dysplastic cells either die in the bone marrow or soon after entering the blood stream, resulting in too few healthy blood cells and low patient blood count. Because of this decrease in healthy cells, people with MDS often have anemia (decreased red blood cells), and may have neutropenia (low white cells) and thrombocytopenia (decreased number of platelets). There may also be changes to the chromosome in the bone marrow cells. The natural course of this disorder varies case by case. Causes and risk factors Low blood count is caused by many conditions, but causes are divided into 3 major groups: blood loss, decreased or faulty blood production, and destruction of blood cells. Myelodysplastic syndrome is rarely inherited. For many people, it develops without any known cause called de novo MDS. Some MDS is caused by exposure to chemicals and radiation called secondary MDS. Conditions causing secondary MDS include the treatment with chemotherapy or radiation (20 % of MDS development) for other types of cancers, exposure to environmental / occupational hazards such as benzenes, tobacco smoking, insecticides, lead and mercury. De novo MDS are often more easily treated than secondary MDS. Symptoms The symptoms of MDS are related to the lack of normal cells. Patients with lack of red blood cells (anemia) experience fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness. Lack of white blood cells leaves the body open to infection with fever and recurrent infections. Low platelet cell count makes it difficult for the blood to clot, leading to easy bruising and bleeding. Some people with MDS may eventually develop leukemia, a cancer of blood cells. Different people are affected in different ways by MDS and it’s symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Some people may only have long term anemia. Diagnosis If abnormal blood cells are detected or low blood count was seen in the blood sample (CBC), a series of blood tests and procedures will be performed to rule out some hematologic conditions other than MDS that have similar signs and symptoms. Bone marrow test is the Page 36 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

main diagnostic tool. A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue using a thin needle that is most often inserted into the back of the hipbone. The sample is analyzed to determine the percentages of blasts cells (immature cells), chromosome abnormalities and appearance of each type of blood cells. Depending on the types of cells involved, the percentages of blasts in the bone marrow, and the risk of turning into acute leukemia, MDS is classified into several different subtypes. The classification is very important for determining what kinds of treatment could be given. Accurate diagnosis and the right management based on risk assessment is the key element of therapy to increase survival and avoid unnecessary potential complications. Treatment The treatment of MDS depends on the patient’s age, general medical condition, subtypes of MDS, and risk of developing acute leukemia. Even though there is no cure for Myelodysplastic syndrome, the goal of treatment is to control the disease and to reduce or prevent complications such as blood transfusion, infection and development of acute leukemia. Low risk patients can be closely observed without any treatment if the patient has no symptoms. But for individuals with low blood count, blood transfusions can be used to treat anemia and thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets) to improve quality of life. For certain MDS patients, blood cell stimulants (growth factors) can be used. People with high risk MDS subtypes who have an increased risk of developing acute leukemia may benefit from chemotherapy. For very severe MDS, they may receive a stem cell transplantation to replace bone marrow cells with healthy ones that can produce normal blood cells. Cancer and blood specialists will discuss and provide a care plan explaining the various treatment options. Since MDS and it’s treatment is complicated, it is very important that patients discuss every aspect of their care with their treating doctors. For more information, you may contact Mid-Illinois Hematology & Oncology Associates at 309-452-9701. Their office is based at the Community Cancer Center in Normal, with satellite clinics in Pontiac, Gibson City, Clinton, Eureka, Forrest, and Hopedale.

healthy feet

Barefoot Running

Is it for You? By Melissa J. Lockwood, DPM, Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C.

s we begin 2011, many of our New Year resolutions revolve around losing weight and leading a more active lifestyle. Increasing our activity level is certainly a great way to start! One ‘new’ exercise trend is barefoot running. While I certainly don’t recommend this form of exercise at this time of year in Central Illinois (brrr!), the concept and current strategies do have some merit as we look to mix things up in the spring. Barefoot running is not new. Humans have been ‘doing it’ ever since the need to run away from a predator was a necessity (so a really, really long time). The difference between cavemen and us is simple – concrete. Or more accurately, the concrete man has made. More important than actually using our natural tendencies to run barefoot is the surface on which we perform this task. In other words, the best place for use to flex those toes is on relatively soft, even ground (and most definitely without all the ice around now!!) Hiking trails are a perfect locale. In 2011, running ‘barefoot’ in most major metropolitan areas is a big ‘no-no’. It is a podiatrist’s worst nightmare to think of all the things everyone could be stepping on!! But there are some newer technologies that allow us to run more naturally while still protecting our feet. The most popular is the “Vibram Five Fingers” footwear. For nature and running enthusiasts alike, the device allows for a more holistic approach to training and therefore a more carefree method of running. The lightweight rubber sole allows for protection while still embracing the barefoot approach. A few Dos and Don’ts Regarding Barefoot Running: • Do begin any training program slowly and consult your podiatrist if you have pain following a workout • Do wear some sort of protective gear even when barefoot running (and don’t forget sunscreen for your feet as they are more exposed now!)

• Do choose wisely – running surface, distance, and duration (soft, short, slow at first!) • Don’t forget to stretch your muscles before and after a barefoot workout (smaller muscles will cramp from the increased use) • Don’t run barefoot on uneven, hard surfaces For more information about barefoot training, please contact Dr. Lockwood at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C. at 309-6619975 or www.heartlandfootandankle.com.

Williams & Swee Ltd. 2011 Fox Creek Road Bloomington, IL 61701 (309) 827-4371

Robert E. Williams Jean A. Swee Steven R. Williams Dirk A. May

• Workers Compensation • Personal Injury • Social Security Disability

FREE CONSULTATIONS

Serving the Bloomington-Normal area since 1964 www.WilliamsSwee.com January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 37

WE SPECIALIZE I N M I N I M A L LY I N VA S I V E KNEE AND HIP REPLACEMENT S U R G E R Y.

The

Orthopedic Experts THE EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS at Central Illinois Orthopedic Surgery deliver excellence in a wide variety of orthopedic procedures and rehabilitation treatments. Our goal is to have you back to work, out on the playing field, or just enjoying life again in minimum time with maximum results!

Lawrence A. Nord, M.D.

• Joint repair/replacement • Sports medicine • Work-related injuries • General orthopedic treatment & surgery

Brett L. Keller, D.O.

www.ciosortho.com Central Illinois Orthopedic Surger y. L.L.C.

1505 Eastland Drive, Suite 220 • Bloomington, IL 61701

Page 38 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

309-662-2278

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 39

healthy lifestyle

From Food to Fitness By Bryant Cawley September 27, 2010 Week after week I have been losing four or five pounds. I feel great, I look better, and I am a lot healthier than I was just a few months ago. Then I became complacent and I began to cheat on my meals…had an extra bite here and there….I really didn’t think it would make a difference. Much to my dismay, the scale did not lie. This past week I gained a pound. That’s right, I GAINED WEIGHT. I am dumb-founded. I worked so hard and as soon as I gave in to a temptation, I gained weight. I did not realize how quickly things can turn on me. I went from being disciplined to lazy and satisfied, and I am not even half to my goal. If ever I needed some motivation I found it. Nearly every morning I walk into Heartland Fitness and see middle aged men recovering from heart conditions, sweating on treadmills, and working hard to create their healthier lifestyles and I still lost focus. Mark and Jill (my trainers), my wife, and the people I work with can only do so much. I have to be the one to push myself. I need to constantly remind myself that what I am doing is not a temporary reprieve from being fat, but a total lifestyle transformation. Exercise won’t help if I cannot control my eating habits. Time to get back on the wagon - I’ve got over 30 pounds left to lose. October 18, 2010 I am getting bigger in the areas I want to get bigger and smaller in the areas I want to shrink – like my belly! I had one slip up, but corrected my ship before I got too far off course. I have to say that I am pretty pleased with myself. I have lost 23 pounds. That is like removing an 18 month child from my body. Now, all this is well and good, except my weight has stayed the same for 2 weeks straight and then actually went up a pound or two and I’m not even cheating! What’s up with that?? Mark reassured me that my body is going through a lot of changes and no one loses three to five pounds every week. I am starting to build more and more muscle mass and the muscle mass is out weighing the fat being burned up. I am not frustrated with this weight fluctuation because we have also started to track my body fat percentage, which is a better barometer of health than just the number on the scale. I have seen a consistent drop in body fat percentage and better still my clothes continue to get looser and looser. I’m wearing jeans that I haven’t been able to squeeze into for years! Good thing I’m not big on getting rid of stuff and still had them around. November 15, 2010 It has been three months since I started this crazy adventure to lose 60 pounds – barely half way to my weight loss goal. I do not attribute my success so far to a specific diet or to cardio or strength training alone. Without a doubt the changes I have made in my eating habits has made the biggest difference. The rigorous strength training, orchestrated by my trainer Mark, has kept me accountable. Now that it is colder and dark in the mornings, it is more tempting to stay in bed and skip some workouts. If it wasn’t for Mark, would I have that self discipline every day? I’m half way to my goal, but I’m thinking about the upcoming holiday Page 40 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

season and cold dark winter ahead. Will my self discipline carry me through the holidays and into 2011? I still love to eat! No more self doubt – I know I can turn my life from food to fitness. For more information you may contact Heartland Fitness at 309829-8122. They are located at 716 E. Empire, the corner of Linden and Empire next to the Constitution Trail. They offer a wide range of services including: one-on-one fitness/nutrition assessments and training for youth and adults; specialized services for those needing a medically based exercise program; theracycle for those with Parkinson’s and more.

Permanent Cosmetics cosmetic or medical applications • eybrows • eyeliner scar camouflage • allergies active lifestyle • areola restoration

Call now to s e t u p a f re e weight loss co n s u l t at i o n / eva l u at i o n Since my sessions with Rick and using self-hypnosis on a daily basis, I have lost weight and made lifestyle changes: scheduled time for me, do weekly meal planning, watch food portions, and eat less fast/processed foods. With the help of my personal trainer, I am now flexible, physically stronger, and have more energy. My knee replacements are now responding to me and not the other way around. And, I am able to control my diabetes with minimum oral medication. - P.M. - Bloomington Diet is a four-letter word! Are you ready to make a lifestyle change to achieve longterm weight loss? Are you ready to make 2011 the best year of your life? It could be weight loss like the client above, or any number of other things. I am here to help you achieve the you, that you want to be! Rick Longstreth, CH

Vicki L. Tilton Certified Technician

Enjoy a safe and natural-looking alternative to your daily makeup routine.

309-261-2564

2310 East Oakland Ave. Suite 11B Bloomington, IL 61701 www.CentralIllinoisHypnotherapy.com

309•242•4951

www.vickitilton.com

Member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals

January/February 2011 — Bloomington — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 41

Page 42 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington — January/February 2011

Say Goodbye to Depression Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression

NO Seizures

FDA Approved

NO Hospitalization

NO Weight Gain

NO Anesthesia

State of the Art

NO Medications

NO Sexual Side Effects

Cutting Edge Technology NO Memory Loss

Anjum Bashir, MD Psychiatry 205 N. Williamsburg Dr. Suite E, Bloomington, IL

309-531-0050

CENTRAL ILLINOIS’ PREMIER PHYSIATRIST PRACTICE Won Heum Jhee, M.D. WHO ARE WE? Bloomington Rehabilitation Associates treat medical conditions that can cause pain or limit function. Also called physical medicine and a rehabilitation physician, a physiatrist provides a full spectrum of care from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation to restore maximum health and quality of life.

WHAT DO WE TREAT? • Sports injury • Workplace injury • Stroke rehabilitation • Spinal cord injury • Chronic Pain • Brain injury • Arthritis • Cerebral Palsy • Multiple sclerosis • Carpal tunnel syndrome

1015 S. Mercer Ave. Bloomington, IL 61701

877.566.3879 309.662.7500 w w w . c i n h s.com