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Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional • Nutritional
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HealthyCells January 2012
page 14
Treatment Options For Dialysis Patients page 10
Healthy Hips For a Healthy Baby page 20 Conserve Your Life Savings and Maybe Avoid Nursing Home Stay page 22
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You may not understand everything kids say. But that’s ok. You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent. Because kids in foster care don’t need perfection. They need you. AdoptUsKids.org
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Odds of a child being diagnosed with autism: 1 in 110 Some signs to look for:
No babbling by 12 months.
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Odds of a child becoming a top fashion designer: 1 in 7,000
No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months.
10-12-2009 4:29 PM
No words by 16 months.
To learn more of the signs of autism, visit autismspeaks.org © 2010 Autism Speaks Inc. "Autism Speaks" and "It's Time To Listen" & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.
When illness or injury affects a person’s ability to function independently, difficult choices must be made. For those who wish to remain in the comfort of their home, ADVANCED HEALTHCARE SERVICES, LLC can provide the necessary services and support in your home. Advanced Healthcare Services, LLC serves Central Illinois which includes 13 counties. • MEDICARE Certified • Illinois Department of Public Health Licensed
Services • Visiting Nurse, RN, Registered Nurse, LPN, Licensed Practical Nurse • Certified wound-ostomy nurse • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Home Health Aide • Medical Licensed Social Worker • Medical Equipment • Podiatry
Payment Options • Medicare • Private Insurance • Workman’s Comp • Medicaid Care will begin within 48 hours after a physician order is received. Our staff is available to answers questions 24 hours a day. Contact Shannon Lionberger at 217-726-6956 with any questions you may have.
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January is National Blood Donation Month
Come out and support Advanced Healthcare at the Making Strides Against Breast
Get out and give blood!
Cancer Walk. The walk takes place at the Illinois State Fair Grounds, October 15, 2011. Contact our Springfield American Red Cross at (217) 787-7602 to set up a time to donate.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the event beginning at 9 a.m.
3900 Pintail Drive, Suite A, Springfield, IL, 62711 Phone: 217-726-6956 or Fax: 217-726-7082 advancedhealthcareservices.org January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3
J A NUARY
2012 Volume 3, Issue 1
5
Advanced Technology: Wireless Technology Helps Improve Healthcare
6
Emotional: Exploring the ‘F’ Words
This Month’s Cover Story:
Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitaion We Are Family Serving Families page 14
8
Nutritional: “MyPlate” Replaces Food Guide Pyramid
10
Physical: Treatment Options for Dialysis Patients
12
Balanced Lifestyle: Boost Your Health
17
Body Health: Looking at Lupus
18
Women’s Health: Mental Health
20
Healthy Kids: Healthy Hips for a Happy Baby
For information about this publication, contact LimeLight Communications, Inc. 309-681-4418, dave@molleck.com
Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:
22
Future Planning: Conserve Your Life Savings and Maybe Avoid Nursing Home Stay
23
Healthy Homes: Fire Safety
24
Healthy Teeth: Take Care of Your Smile
Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE in high traffic locations throughout the Greater Springfield and Decatur area, including major grocery stores, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and health clubs. Healthy Cells Magazine is published monthly and welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicitations for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only.
26
Vocational Assistance: Local Support for Success
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 the Springfield/Decatur Illinois area.
1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615 Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com • www.healthycellsmagazine.com
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.
advanced technology
Wireless Technology Helps Improve Healthcare
R
egardless of age, sex, ethnicity, race, education or location, the number of Americans who are obese, diabetic or suffer from heart and other chronic diseases continues to rise. But new technology is helping to improve patient wellbeing. By using mobile health products and services, such as those offered by mHealth, the wireless industry is dramatically reforming healthcare via the three pillars of reformation: improving access and quality of care while decreasing costs. According to CTIA-The Wireless Association’s semi-annual survey, there are more wireless devices (322.9 million) than Americans (315.5 million), so it makes sense to connect health and wireless technology. Wireless health technology is efficient When doctors monitor their patients remotely, patients save time and money by cutting down on in-office doctor’s appointments. If there are irregularities with the patient’s health, doctors are made aware via wireless monitoring, and can properly address the matter by alerting their patient to visit the emergency room, or prescribe medication. In a field in which every second counts, doctors can improve care by receiving real-time delivery of medical tests and other vital information. With these tech innovations, patients can be prompted by text message to check their glucose level or take their blood pressure. Remote monitoring also means medical professionals can detect health problems such as cardiac arrhythmias. Wireless healthcare benefits for patients A recent CTIA and Harris survey found that physicians believe more than one quarter of their patients would benefit from wireless services. In addition, 80 percent of doctors and 89 percent of specialists said they want to see continued investment in mHealth as wireless technology is able to improve and promote better healthcare. Wireless medical devices are especially beneficial for people in rural and remote areas who do not typically have readily available access to the best healthcare professionals. Regardless of one’s location, mHealth solutions eliminate inconsistency in healthcare by offering patients the opportunity to receive the best access and care. Currently, there are more than 17,000 mobile apps available for consumers to track weight-loss, exercise and fitness progress or to help manage chronic disease. For example, some apps help diabetics record their daily blood sugar levels. If the levels entered are harmful or dangerous, a text message alerts users with suggested steps and tips to prevent the condition from getting worse. Expecting and new mothers can receive free weekly text messages via text4baby. These messages coincide with the baby’s due date or date of birth. Started in February 2010, and led by National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition, text4baby has sent more than 250,000 medically underserved people health tips. Wireless Healthcare Predictions According to international consulting and marketing firm Global Partners Inc., it is projected that 60 million people will benefit from
using tools like remote patient monitoring devices by 2013 to prolong and improve their health. The U.S. currently spends more than any other industrialized country in the world on healthcare, approximately $2.2 trillion every year, but mHealth solutions could help save as much as $21.1 billion per year. Thanks to the proliferation of mobile products and services, easeof-use and continued innovation by the wireless industry, mHealth can dramatically revolutionize our healthcare system. But in order for mHealth to make a significant impact, the wireless industry needs more spectrum. It fuels the wireless industry so we can meet consumers’ demands for everything from accessing the mobile Internet to powering mHealth solutions. To learn more about the future of mHealth and the wireless industry’s need for more spectrum, please visit: http://www.ctia.org/advocacy/policy_topics/topic.cfm/TID/59. Healthy Cells Ad - Heather_Layout 1 12/1/11 12:08 PM Page 1
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Have a disability and need a job? “My Success can be Your Success!”
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January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5
emotional
Exploring the ‘F’ Words — #2 — Fear Healthy Cells magazine is pleased to present the ninth in a series of feature articles on the subject of Grief Recovery®. The articles are written by Russell P. Friedman, Executive Director, and John W. James, Founder, of The Grief Recovery Institute. Russell and John are co-authors of WHEN CHILDREN GRIEVE - For Adults to Help Children Deal with Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving, and Other Losses - Harper Collins, June, 2001 - & THE GRIEF RECOVERY HANDBOOK - The Action Program For Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses [Harper Perrenial, 1998]. The articles combine educational information with answers to commonly asked questions.
I
n our last column we explored the impact that lack of forgiveness might have on our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. This month we are going to focus our emotional microscope on the possible consequences of using FEAR to guide our recovery from significant emotional loss. Retained FEAR is cumulative and cumulatively negative. If the griever does not feel safe enough to communicate about their fears, then the fears themselves appear to be real and begin to define and limit the griever. In a play on that old phrase, “you are what you eat,”... “you create what you fear.” Fear is one of the most normal emotional responses to loss. The fear of the unknown, the fear of the unfamiliar, the fear of adapting to a dramatic change in all of our familiar habits, behaviors, and feelings.
Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
Fear is one of the most common emotional responses to loss. For example, when a spouse dies: How can I go on without them? Or, after a divorce: Where will I find another mate as wonderful, as beautiful? Those fears are normal and natural responses to the end of longterm relationships. If acknowledged and allowed, those fears and the thoughts and feelings they generate, can be completed and diminish without serious aftermath. As we learn to acknowledge and complete our relationship to our fear, we can then move on to the more important task of grieving and completing the relationship that ended or changed. But, if we have been socialized to believe fear is unnatural or bad, then we tend to bury our fears to avoid feeling judged by our fellows who seem to want us to feel better very quickly after a loss.
“Fight your way through the fear so that you will not isolate further.”
There is also danger in that we have been socialized to express fear indirectly as anger. While there is often some unexpressed anger attached to incomplete relationships, we usually discover that it accounts for a very small percentage of unresolved grief. It is also important not to confuse Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s stages of dying, which includes anger, with the totally unique responses that follow a loss. An even larger danger looms in the fact that we develop relationships with and loyalties to our fears. We believe them as if they were
real. We defend them with our lives, and to some extent, it is, indeed, our lives that we are gambling with. As we develop a fierce relationship with our fears, we lose sight of our original objective, which was to grieve and complete the relationship that has ended or changed. It is as if we have shifted all of our energy to the fear so we do not have to deal with the painful emotions caused by the loss. Reminders of loved ones who have died, or relationships that have ended will often take us on a rocket ride to the PAST, where we are liable to dig up a little regret. After thinking about that regret for a while, we might rocket out to the future, where we will generate some worry or fear. The point is that those fears we generate, while they feel totally real, are often the result of some out-of-the-moment adventures. It may be helpful to remember this little phrase: My feelings are real, but they do not necessarily represent reality. While FEAR is often the emotional response to loss, in our society, ISOLATION is frequently the behavioral reaction to the fear. If isolation is the problem, then participation is a major part of the solution. Fight your way through the fear so that you will not isolate further. Recovery from significant emotional loss is not achieved alone. Next Month: “Exploring The ‘F’ Words” — #3 — Familiarity For information about programs and services, write to The Grief Recovery Institute, P.O. Box 6061-382 Sherman Oaks, CA. 91413. Call [818] 907-9600 or Fax: [818] 907-9329. Please visit our website at: www.grief-recovery.com.
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January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7
nutritional
“MyPlate” Replaces Food Guide Pyramid
F
irst L a d y M i c h e l l e Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled the federal government’s new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. MyPlate is a new generation icon with the intent to prompt consumers to think about building a healthy plate at meal times and to seek more information to help them do that by going to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. The new MyPlate icon emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups. “This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we’re eating and as a mom, I can already tell how much this is going to help parents across the country,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “When mom or dad comes home from a long day of work, we’re already asked to be a chef, a referee, a cleaning crew. So it’s tough to be a nutritionist, too. But we do have time to take a look at our kids’ plates. As long as they’re half full of fruits and vegetables, and paired with lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, we’re golden. That’s how easy it is.” “With so many food options available to consumers, it is often difficult to determine the best foods to put on our plates when building a healthy meal,” said Secretary Vilsack. “MyPlate is an uncomplicated symbol to help remind people to think about their food choices in order to lead healthier lifestyles. This effort is about more than just giving information, it is a matter of making people understand there are options and practical ways to apply them to their daily lives.” Originally identified in the Child Obesity Task Force report which noted that simple, actionable advice for consumers is needed, MyPlate will replace the MyPyramid image as the government’s primary food group symbol as an easy-to-understand visual cue to help consumers adopt healthy eating habits consistent with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. MyPyramid will remain available to interested health professionals and nutrition educators in a special section of the new website. ChooseMyPlate.gov provides practical information to individuals, health professionals, nutrition educators, and the food industry to help consumers build healthier diets with resources and tools for dietary assessment, nutrition education, and other user-friendly nutrition information. As Americans are experiencing epidemic rates of overweight and obesity, the online resources and tools can em-
Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
10 Tips to a Great Plate Making food choices for a healthy lifestyle can be as simple as using these 10 Tips. Use the ideas in this list to balance your calories, to choose foods to eat more often, and to cut back on foods to eat less often.
1
balance calories Find out how many calories YOU need for a day as a first step in managing your weight. Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov to find your calorie level. Being physically active also helps you balance calories.
2
enjoy your food, but eat less Take the time to fully enjoy your food as you eat it. Eating too fast or when your attention is elsewhere may lead to eating too many calories. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues before, during, and after meals. Use them to recognize when to eat and when you’ve had enough.
3
avoid oversized portions Use a smaller plate, bowl, and glass. Portion out foods before you eat. When eating out, choose a smaller size option, share a dish, or take home part of your meal.
4
foods to eat more often Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or 1% milk and dairy products. These foods have the nutrients you need for health—including potassium, calcium, vitamin D, and fiber. Make them the basis for meals and snacks.
5
make half your plate fruits and vegetables Choose red, orange, and dark-green vegetables like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, along with other vegetables for your meals. Add fruit to meals as part of main or side dishes or as dessert.
6
switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk They have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but fewer calories and less saturated fat.
7
make half your grains whole grains To eat more whole grains, substitute a whole-grain product for a refined product—such as eating wholewheat bread instead of white bread or brown rice instead of white rice.
8
foods to eat less often Cut back on foods high in solid fats, added sugars, and salt. They include cakes, cookies, ice cream, candies, sweetened drinks, pizza, and fatty meats like ribs, sausages, bacon, and hot dogs. Use these foods as occasional treats, not everyday foods.
9
compare sodium in foods Use the Nutrition Facts label to choose lower sodium versions of foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals. Select canned foods labeled “low sodium,” ”reduced sodium,” or “no salt added.”
10
drink water instead of sugary drinks Cut calories by drinking water or unsweetened beverages. Soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks are a major source of added sugar, and calories, in American diets.
Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for more information.
power people to make healthier food choices for themselves, their families, and their children. Later this year, USDA will unveil an exciting “go-to” online tool that consumers can use to personalize and manage their dietary and physical activity choices. Over the next several years, USDA will work with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’sMove! initiative and public and private partners to promote MyPlate and ChooseMyPlate.gov as well as the supporting nutrition messages and “how-to” resources. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, launched in January of 2011, form the basis of the federal government’s nutrition education programs, federal nutrition assistance programs, and dietary advice provided by health and nutrition professionals. The Guidelines messages include: Balance Calories • Enjoy your food, but eat less. • Avoid oversized portions. Foods to Increase • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. • Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk. • Make at least half your grains whole grains Foods to Reduce • Compare sodium (salt) in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals, and choose foods with lower numbers. • Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
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“MyPlate is an uncomplicated symbol to help remind people to think about their food choices in order to lead healthier lifestyles.” Coupled with these tested, actionable messages will be the “how-tos” for consumer behavior change. A multi-year campaign calendar will focus on one action-prompting message at a time starting with “Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables.” “What we have learned over the years is that consumers are bombarded by so many nutrition messages that it makes it difficult to focus on changes that are necessary to improve their diet,” said Secretary Vilsack. “This new campaign calendar will help unify the public and private sectors to coordinate efforts and highlight one desired change for consumers at a time.” As part of this new initiative, USDA wants to see how consumers are putting MyPlate in to action by encouraging consumers to take a photo of their plates and share on Twitter with the hash-tag #MyPlate. USDA also wants to see where and when consumers think about healthy eating. Take the Plate and snap a photograph with MyPlate to share with our USDA Flickr Photo Group [http://www.flickr.com/people/usdagov/]. For more information, visit www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. Additional resources include: www.DietaryGuidelines.gov and www.LetsMove.gov.
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LEARN MORE AT: www.PrairieRx.com January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9
physical
Treatment Options for Dialysis Patients
I
f you or a loved one has chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure, it’s important to know that there are options — such as different treatment modalities — that can directly improve your quality of life. In addition to traditional in-center hemodialysis, Fresenius Medical Care offers home dialysis in the Springfield area, an option that can offer patients lifestyle benefits and more flexibility in their treatment schedules. Most dialysis patients go to a clinic three times a week for treatments lasting three to four hours at a time. However, when patients choose dialysis at home, they reduce the burden of regular trips to the clinic and avoid the challenge of arranging transportation and the costs incurred. Home dialysis patients also benefit from having more time for work, family and other activities. Many patients who receive care Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
at home report feeling more empowered to live a healthy and active lifestyle, and may also feel like they have regained greater control of their lives. In addition to lifestyle benefits, there is growing evidence that home dialysis leads to improved patient outcomes, increased longevity and reduced risk of hospitalization rates. Home dialysis patients also may experience fewer side effects — such as fatigue or muscle cramps. Furthermore, they may not have as many restrictions on their diet and may need fewer medications. There are two types of home dialysis available to patients: home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Home Hemodialysis Hemodialysis removes extra fluid and wastes from your body by constantly moving your blood through an external filter. The filter, known as a dialyzer or artificial kidney, is used with a dialysis machine. The amount of blood circulating outside the body at any given time is less than half a pint. An alternative to hemodialysis in-center at a facility, home hemodialysis enables patients to dialyze in the comfort of their own home. Fresenius Medical Care delivers in-center training for both the patient and their primary caregiver. It also provides all necessary supplies and equipment. The patient’s local Fresenius Medical Care facility closely monitors home hemodialysis patients, who come into the clinic once a month for routine testing and to meet with their healthcare team. Peritoneal Dialysis Peritoneal dialysis (PD) also filters the blood. But, instead of using an artificial kidney, PD uses the thin membrane (called the peritoneum) that lines your abdominal cavity. A large number of blood vessels exist just beneath the peritoneum. When a fluid called dialysate is introduced to the abdominal cavity, the chemical properties of the fluid draw toxins out of the blood vessels through the membrane, thus filtering the blood. When the filtering process is complete, the dialysate (along with the toxins) is pumped out of the abdominal cavity. To gain access to the cavity, a catheter (a flexible hollow tube) is surgically placed in the lower abdomen.
Local Treatment Options Program Sessions Fresenius Medical Care hosts free Treatment Options Program (TOPs) sessions at no cost for anyone who wants to learn more about CKD and treatments for kidney failure. Classes will discuss dialysis and kidney transplants to help attendees choose a treatment that best fit their health and lifestyle needs. Educators will also talk about managing CKD and patient support services. Open to the public, TOPs is designed for: • Chronic kidney disease patients who may need dialysis, or want to be prepared by learning about their treatment options early in the progression of their CKD • Existing dialysis patients who are interested in learning about alternative treatment options • Family members, friends and caregivers Anyone at risk for CKD, including: • People with diabetes or high blood pressure • Ethnic groups, including African Americans, Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans • Senior citizens • People with a family history of CKD To find a class near you, please call Debra Miller at 1-309-698-8197 or visit www.ultracare-dialysis.com/TOPS. For more information on Fresenius Medical Care facilities and services in the area, including home dialysis, call 1-217-876-8663, or visit www.ultracare-dialysis.com.
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January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11
balanced lifestyle
Boost Your Health –
Eliminate Fructose and Carbs By Dr. Tom Rohde, Renew Total Body Wellness Center
M
any of us suffer from modern medical maladies such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol. When we go to the doctor we are given a diagnosis for our problem(s) and then usually given medications to help our disease(s). This begins a long term marriage to our new medications as we are often told that our problems are familial, or genetic, or just unknown, but usually we are never told that we can fix the majority of these - often in a few simple weeks! Our ancestors lived a very different lifestyle including eating a very different diet than we do in modern times. We ate mostly what we found growing as we were hunter gatherers - our diet consisted of primarily vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots, fish, and occasionally some meat if what we hunted didn’t kill us first. These are the foods our bodies are designed to eat, but modern processed foods developed so rapidly during and after the industrial revolution that our bodies haven’t had time to “catch up” as prior changes often took hundreds of years allowing us to adapt slowly. Today our staples consist heavily of refined
Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
sugar, high fructose corn sweetener (HFCS), cereals, breads, potatoes, and a much smaller selection of fruits, vegetables, roots and nuts. Further, many of these foods have been processed in a plant rather than prepared from fresh ingredients and many nutrients have been damaged and many chemicals added that are often hard to pronounce. The result? A huge increase in the chronic and debilitating diseases above! Enter the Paleolithic or caveman diet and a rapid improvement in disease markers. A study at UCSF showed a notable improvement over just two weeks on the paleo diet. Without any added exercise the study subjects had a marked decrease in blood pressure, a 30 point drop in cholesterol usually seen after 6 months on a statin cholesterol medication, and weight loss as a “side effect” of their dietary change! The cause of our health problems? Carbohydrates. You don’t get fat by eating healthy fats. We are genetically designed to eat healthy fats, but we are not genetically tuned to eat the quantity of carbohydrates we now consume in the average modern diet! The primary culprit is fructose in the form of high fructose corn sweetener, now being rebranded as corn sugar to make it sound safer. Don’t be fooled – it’s still the same poison and is in almost everything processed when you read the labels. What happens? Eating too many sugars and carbs sets off a series of chemical reactions in your body that also makes you hungry and makes you
crave more sweets. Fructose is metabolized differently from glucose - the majority is turned directly into fat because our livers were not designed to handle the quantities contained in most meals. First, dietary carbohydrates, especially fructose, are the primary source of a substance called glycerol3-phosphate dehydrogenase (g3pd), which causes fat to accumulate and become fixed in your fatty tissue which makes it harder or impossible to lose the fat. This should sound familiar as you’re exercising like crazy and not losing weight. Second, as you eat all the carbs your body has to do something with all those excess calories and so it also produces more insulin which further prevents fat from being burned off. Third, fructose also turns off your appetite center by interfering with your hormones: ghrelin, your hunger hormone, and leptin, your fullness hormone. Fructose doesn’t suppress your ghrelin and it doesn’t stimulate leptin leaving you feeling hungry, often despite eating, and this can lead to overeating. This requires more insulin and ultimately all the circulating insulin makes your tissue insensitive to it leading to another medical problem – insulin resistance. The inflammation caused by the excess carbs and insulin is the direct cause of all these illnesses: Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many cancers! Your liver also makes cholesterol. Cholesterol is needed to make every cell in your body, all of your hormones, and more, and it can’t process the fructose and the cholesterol at the same time so you end up with impaired cholesterol formation - decreased HDL (good cholesterol), increased LDL (bad cholesterol), and elevated triglycerides. Your body begins to form arterial plaque to store more fat which increases your risk for heart and vascular disease. As you can see, cholesterol is needed by your body – it is NOT the cause of arterial plaque build-up it is the innocent culprit of deranged metabolism due to your poor diet! The abnormal liver metabolism also stimulates a powerful fat storage mechanism. This leads to weight gain and abdominal obesity, elevated blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Fructose drives blood pressure elevation through the production of uric acid which is a by-product of its metabolism. Uric acid elevates blood pressure and also causes gout in susceptible individuals. This grouping of metabolic catastrophies is what physicians refer to as metabolic syndrome – bad for your health and longevity! Exercise by itself with a continued diet of carbs and fructose will continue to activate your genetic programming to remain fat. I’m sure many of you tried to lose weight by eating a low fat diet recommended by your doctor only to discover at your return office visit to have lost a few measly pounds or even to have gained some. You then received a scolding as you were handed a prescription for your ever escalating cholesterol and told to do better on your low fat diet. WAIT – have you read the labels on low fat foods? They added HFCS when they removed the fat and your body’s genetic program-
ming took over and sabotaged your exercise efforts. Get rid of low fat foods in your home and eat healthy fats! The Fix: The paleo diet and lifestyle. Start eating a diet rich in fresh unprocessed foods. Try to buy local fresh produce when it is in season. You still need to be aware of chemicals used in growing your produce and I encourage you to buy as much “organic” or chemical free produce as you can afford - the chemicals are metabolic poisons that interfere with weight management. It would be good to have 2 servings of fruit and 7 servings of veggies per day, about 1/3 of which is eaten raw if possible. Meat should be grass fed as the grains fed increase pro-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids and accelerate all the above diseases. The meat should also be free from antibiotics and growth hormones. Your carbs should come mostly from veggies minimizing or eliminating corn and white potatoes as they are really just chunks of sugar metabolically when they enter your body. I encourage you to shop only around the perimeter of your grocery store but NO processed foods, and especially no soda! I recommend filtered water (to remove the chemicals) starting with half your body weight in ounces as your dietary intake. Twice daily I suggest you add a half lemon squeezed into your filtered water for even more health benefits! Now you can add the exercise and watch the fat start to melt away as the body is no longer in modern fat storage mode but running in accord with your genetic coding!! To your improved health! For more information please go to www. DrRohde.com, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rohde please call 217-864-2700.
Contract Worker Needed for Distribution Purposes Perfect for retirees or homemakers Approximately one or two days per month. Must have reliable transportation, be able to lift 35 lbs, dependable.
For more information, please call Dave at 309-681-4418 or e-mail info@limelightlink.com January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13
feature story
Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation We are Family Serving Families
L to R: Heather Birdsell, Jen Hubbert, Jen Brooks, Rita Kunzeman, Peggy Cawthon. Our Founder Covenant Care was founded in 1994 by healthcare industry professionals who wanted to create a company that would exceed customer expectations through quality care. Through modest and focused growth, our “Family” has grown to include over 8,000 healthcare professionals in over 50 healthcare and rehabilitation centers. We care for over 4,000 residents and patients in our facilities. We take pride in the fact that we have sent over 8,000 patients home or to a more independent living care setting over the last year. We measure success one patient at a time. Our highly trained, dedicated professionals deliver care that allows our patients to achieve their highest level of independence. Our MISSION is to meet the needs of those we serve.
Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
We covenant to: Treat every person with dignity, respect, and kindness Attract and retain skilled, compassionate, and dedicated employees Provide high-quality medical care and exceptional ancillary services Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment Act as responsible, accountable stewards of financial resources I mprove the quality of life through adaptive, innovative, and progressive strategies
Our goal is to provide compassionate and comprehensive care in a comfortable and safe environment. We provide 24-hour care ranging from short-term rehabilitation therapy to quality long-term nursing care. Covenant Care healthcare centers are regarded for providing excellent clinical and rehabilitation care, returning approximately 50% of all admissions back to home or to a more independent living level of care. We operate over 50 healthcare centers located in CA, IL, IN, IA, NE, NV and OH. In addition, we provide therapy services to our patients and those of other long-term care healthcare centers. Our employees approach their daily responsibilities with the simple philosophy that “We are Family Serving Families”. This culture surrounds all that we do from daily interactions with our patients to how we treat our patients, families and co-workers. With a tradition of excellence, Covenant Care offers Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers and Residential Care/Assisted Living Centers that offer short term and long term care as well as many of the finest specialty services and programs. Partnered with physicians and nurses at the top of their professions, we deliver the highest quality care. Our dedication to help patients back to their highest level of independence makes us a preferred choice in healthcare and rehabilitation. At Covenant Care, we know you have a choice when selecting a short-term or a long-term care center. We are committed to our residents, patients, employees and family members. We are proud of our dedicated staff and their commitment to provide a new level of comfort and security. Our Services: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We accept patients requiring IV therapy, Central-Line management, TPN, wound care and trachs in addition to other skilled services. • Stroke Recovery Program • Respiratory Specialty Program • Orthopedic-Fracture Recovery • Wound Care and Skin Management • Continence Improvement Program • Contracture Management • Pain Management • Fall Prevention • Diabetic Management • Outpatient • Cardiac Recovery • Interdisciplinary Walking Rounds • Pre-surgery Registration Meet the Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Team and read testimonials from some of our prior residents…
Powerful Therapy From Here to Home Each resident to pass through our doors is greeted by friendly staff who strives to improve their well-being. We are the ONLY facility in Jacksonville that provides 7 Day a Week Therapy: physical, occupational and speech therapy, that treats a variety of conditions including: joint replacement (knee, hip, shoulder, and others), fracture recovery after an accident, stroke, COPD complications and other respiratory complications, diabetic complications, post surgery recovery, cardiac recovery, and other complications. Through our Homeward Bound Program, we have the flexibility to offer any amount of therapy that a resident can handle at any given time and still return him/her back home safely and quickly. We also customize our therapy for each resident’s individual needs. Our dedicated team has sent 33 residents home this year Testimonials … I just want to tell you how great your entire staff is! The nurses were very caring and concerned about my progress….all the CNAs were very helpful and kind, always wanting to help me in any way. Congratulations for bringing Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehab up to such high standards and personal care. Twyla Stubblefield I received wonderful treatment at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. I could not have made it without them. The therapy department was the best; it was very helpful. Chelsea Suttles, and Lindsey Vespa were the sweetest gals to work with. I thought the food was done with care and was very tasty. Overall, I have great memories and out of all the places I could go, this was the BEST! Dorris Hopper
January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15
feature story
(continued)
Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation was very homey and cordial. All the nurses took great care of me and met all my needs while I was there. Lindsey in therapy was great at getting me back on my feet in no time!!! The food was better than I expected and the activities were fun. I was surprised there were no odors like in other facilities. GC Spangenberg Dear Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, First off, your facility is great and really gave me a different opinion of a nursing home. It wasn’t the atmosphere I dreaded going to. It was enjoyable and comforting. The whole staff was great to me. The nurses were on the ball with what I needed medically. The therapy team worked hard to get me back on my feet and home quickly. I enjoyed the different varieties of food that was available. I feel like I am Super Man! With my hard work in therapy I am now going home with only being at the facility for two weeks. Thank you Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation for your great work! Larry Vieira What Our Staff Thinks about Our Residents… We believe our first responsibility is to the health and comfort of our residents. To embrace them and their families to become a part of ours. We as a team strive daily to provide the highest standard of care to our residents. You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. Peggy Cawthon, Executive Director I devote my life to the profession of nursing and integrate the art and science of nursing, and translate research into clinical practice; however, if I do fail to communicate the language of love to my residents, I practice nursing in vain. Rita Kunzmen, RN, Proud Director of Nursing since 2003 My Dad always told me, “It isn’t what happens to you in life, it’s how you deal with it that matters.” Life tends to get us all down and we can forget what is truly important. The best way to gain a new perspective is to spend some time with our residents. Their reflections of struggles, joys, friendship, and love help to renew my strength and inspire me to keep family in my heart. Why would I choose to be anywhere else? Julie Havice, RN, MDS Coordinator I chose my career in rehabilitation because I love helping people develop and realize their potential. It has been my calling to help the people who come to us to continue to live a full and meaningful life. Heather Birdsell, Facility Rehab Director People often ask me how I work in a skilled nursing facility. My response to that is that I love and care for each and every one of our residents as if they were my own family. I couldn’t dream of a more rewarding place to work! The quote below summarizes our philosophy… “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” Jen Brooks, Sales and Marketing Director Each day I come to work and wonder how I can provide comfort to people with so much compassionate, empathy, and love for others. I look at each individual, those that live here and those
Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
that are here for our Homeward Bound Program. With a twinkle in my eye and a smile on my face, I listen to their details of the past, their opinions of the future and their comments on the present. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else each day. They are my family away from home. Mary Wilkens, Business Office Manager One of my favorite quotes is, “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” I feel like our team assists residents in overcoming whatever hurdles are thrown their way. We not only address their physical needs, but their emotional needs as well. Our staff and our residents really are like one big family. Jen Hubbert, Social Service Director After eleven years of caring for the residents at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, they become more than just residents, they are family. The smiles on their faces when you take a minute to listen to a story, say good morning, or simply ask them how they are doing makes it all worth while. Chris McConnell, LPN/Medical Records It is with great pleasure that my dietary staff can serve the men that plowed and planted their fields and the women who canned and fed the family on very little. Thank You for letting us give back. Lona Madison, Dietary Manager
We Are Family Serving Families Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation 1517 W Walnut, Jacksonville, IL 62650 (217) 243-6451 Peggy Cawthon Executive Director
Jen Hubbert Social Services Director
Rita Kunzeman Director Of Nursing
Jen Brooks Sales and Marketing Director
Heather Birdsell Facility Rehab Director Mary Wilkins Business Office Manager Julie Havice Rai Coordinator Pam Shireman Restorative Nurse
Kirsten Rees Activity Director Lona Madison Dietary Manager Liz Osborne Director of Environmental Services Chris McConnell Medical Records
body health
Looking at Lupus An Attack from Within
L
upus is a complex and mysterious disorder. It arises when the cells that are supposed to protect your body from disease mistakenly assault your own healthy cells and tissues. This attack from within can damage your joints, skin and most other parts of your body. NIH-funded scientists are working to uncover the causes of lupus and find better ways to diagnose and treat the disease. “Just about anyone can get lupus, but it mostly affects young women. It can rob them of the prime years of their lives,” says NIH’s Dr. Mark Gourley, an expert on lupus and related disorders. The disease often strikes between the ages of 15 and 44. Lupus afflicts about 9 times more women than men. For unknown reasons, African American women are at especially high risk. No one knows what causes lupus. But researchers suspect that a combination of genes and the environment is to blame. Lupus comes in different forms. The most common and serious type is called systemic lupus erythematosus. It can cause severe problems throughout the body. Other types can cause temporary skin sores after sun exposure or long-term rashes that may lead to scarring. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms vary so widely. People with mild lupus may have just a few symptoms, such as skin rashes or achy joints. In other cases, lupus can harm essential organs, including the kidneys and brain. “Diagnosis is one of the biggest challenges patients can face,” says Gourley. “The most frequent and common symptom is overwhelming fatigue.” But extreme tiredness could be mistaken for many other disorders, including sleep problems. Because of the variable symptoms, some patients can go for months or years without an accurate diagnosis. No single test can identify lupus, either. Your doctor might perform some tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Blood tests can also determine if you have certain immune system proteins called antibodies that might be a sign of lupus. These tests also detect inflammation, an internal irritation and swelling that can be caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking your own healthy cells. Lupus has no cure. But medicines and lifestyle changes can help control it. Patients with joint or chest pain might use anti-inflammation drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Corticosteroids are stronger drugs that can suppress inflammation, but long-term use may lead to severe side effects. Other drugs can block production or stop the function of immune cells. In March 2011, a new medication called belimumab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “It’s the first new therapy to be approved for lupus in over 50 years,” says Gourley. The drug is expensive, and it doesn’t work for everyone. Still, it’s led the way for several promising new therapies now being tested in clinical trials. You can take other steps to lessen or prevent lupus symptoms. “Follow your typical mom’s advice,” says Gourley. “Get plenty of sleep. Eat right. Take good care of your body and exercise. Wear sunscreen. And if you’re on medications, take them as your doctor recommends. That’s the best thing you can do for lupus.” For more information, please visit www.nih.gov
You need a tangible plan for today and tomorrow No matter where you’re starting from, we will provide a tangible plan to help you protect what you have today and plan for the future. Listen to Cool 101.9 and compete for the “Giving Hearts” award! We’re working with the Central Illinois Community Blood Center to track the businesses whose employees give the most blood throughout the month. Help make YOUR business a winner!
Julie Hale Miller Tom Hale Chatham
217-483-4355
0611-561HO
January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17
women’s health
Mental Health G
ood mental health is an important part of a woman’s overall health. All women feel worried, anxious, or sad from time to time. But a true mental health disorder makes it hard for a woman to function normally. It’s important to remember that mental health disorders are real medical illnesses that can’t be willed or wished away! They affect both the mind and the body; it’s not just “all in your head.” In fact, most mental health disorders do not have a precise cause. They come from a combination of life events, brain chemicals, genes, hormones, and illness. Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. It can help you cope with a hard situation. When anxiety becomes an extreme, irrational fear of everyday situations, it can be disabling. Anxiety disorders include: • Obsessive compulsive disorder • Panic disorder • Generalized anxiety disorder
Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
• Social phobia (or social anxiety disorder) • Specific phobias All of these disorders can improve with treatment. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) PTSD is a real illness. You can get PTSD after living through or seeing a dangerous event, such as war, a hurricane, a bad accident, or violence and abuse. PTSD makes you feel stressed and afraid even after the danger is over. PTSD can be treated. Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder A woman with an eating disorder eats too much, too little, or causes herself to throw up food. Eating disorders can include: • Anorexia nervosa • Bulimia • Binge eating disorder
Because eating disorders can be physically dangerous, it is important to talk with your doctor or nurse if you (or someone you know) may have an eating disorder. Eating disorders can be treated. Depression When a person has a depressive disorder, it hurts their daily life, and normal functioning and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is a common but serious illness, and most women who have it need treatment to get better. Symptoms of depression include: • Sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings that won’t go away • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness • Irritability, restlessness • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex • Fatigue and decreased energy • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping • Overeating, or appetite loss • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The sooner treatment begins, the more effective it is. The first step to getting treatment for depression is to visit a doctor.
“It’s important to remember that mental health disorders are real medical illnesses that can’t be willed or wished away!” •B e confident that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment. Are you thinking about suicide? If you are thinking about hurting or killing yourself, please ask for help! You can call: • 911 • 800-273-TALK (8255) • 800-SUICIDE • You can also check your local phone book or look online for the number of a suicide crisis center. For more information, please visit www.womenshealth.gov.
Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression is when a new mother has a major depressive episode within 1 month after delivery. Ten to 15 percent of women have postpartum depression after giving birth. It can make you feel restless, anxious, very tired, and worthless. Some new moms worry they will hurt themselves or their babies. Researchers think that changes in your hormone levels during and after pregnancy may lead to postpartum depression. If you think you have it, tell your doctor. Medicine and talk therapy can help you get well. Steps you can take: If you are depressed, you may feel exhausted, helpless, and hopeless. It may be very hard to do anything to help yourself. But it is important to realize that these feelings are part of the depression and do not reflect real life. After you see a doctor and begin treatment, negative thinking will fade. In the meantime: • Engage in mild activity or exercise. Go to a movie, a ball game, or another event or activity that you once enjoyed. Participate in religious, social, or other activities. • Set realistic goals for yourself. • Break up large tasks into small ones. Set priorities and do what you can as you can. • Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you. • Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly “snap out of” your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts. • Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs, until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation. January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19
healthy kids
Healthy Hips for a
Happy Baby By Mike Cavanaugh, CO, LO, Prosthetic Resident, Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics
D
evelopmental Dysplasia of the Hip, or DDH, is a condition characterized by an unstable hip joint. In general, this condition means that there is general instability, or looseness, of the hip joint and can therefore easily dislocate. DDH may also be referred to using the following terms: Congenital Dislocation of the Hip (CDH), Hip Dysplasia, and Developmental Dislocation of the Hip, Acetabular Dysplasia, Hip Dislocation, or Loose Hips. Although this condition is relatively painless in the early stages, if not treated properly it can lead Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
to disabling conditions, such as arthritis, later in life. The good news is that the success rate with early diagnosis and proper treatment is very high and there are rarely long term effects. Approximately 1 out of 20 full-term babies has hip instability of some sort with approximately 3 out of every 1,000 infants requiring treatment. Girls are affected more often than boys and babies born in the breech position are more susceptible to DDH. Genetics also play a role in the likelihood of having a child with DDH. Normally there are not symptoms
that are obvious to parents, however if you notice any of the following it may be a sign of DDH and you should bring it to the attention of your doctor: legs held in unmatched positions, uneven fat folds on the thighs, or reduced movement on the affected side. Diagnosis The doctor will examine your child’s hips at the time of birth by moving your baby’s legs and looking for signs of instability. Your child’s hips should be examined at the follow up appointments as they grow. In the case that there are signs of DDH in children younger than 4 months your doctor may ask for an ultrasound to be taken of the hips. Children older than 4 months may have x-rays taken. The following are the four types of dysplasia listed from minor to severe: • Subluxable- the head of the femur is partway out of the acetabulum (hip socket) • Subluxed- the head of the femur is partway out of the socket in a resting position • Dislocatable- the head of the femur can easily be fully dislocated however it is in the normal position at rest • Dislocated- the head of the femur is completely out of the socket at rest. Treatment The type of treatment provided will depend on the age of the child, however no matter the age of the child the goal is always to place the head of the femur back into the acetabulum and keep it in place by providing stability. This process is known as reduction. Children from birth to the age of 6 months may wear an orthotic device known as a Pavlik harness. This device is a soft strapping system that holds the head of the femur in the socket by positioning the
legs away from the midline of the body and flexing the hips, which is a very stable position for the hip joint. The Pavlik harness is relatively non-restrictive and does allow the child to exercise his or her legs. This device will be fit by your doctor or an orthotist and you will be informed of the proper donning procedure at that time. This is a very simple treatment and works approximately 90% of the time. Early diagnosis is essential for success with the Pavlik harness. Children that are diagnosed after 6 months of age or have not had success with the Pavlik harness may require a body cast or more rigid orthotic device (brace) to hold the head of the femur in the acetabulum. Doctors may also choose to perform surgery to place the femur in the socket, known as open reduction. There are also cases when a tendon in the hip is tight and needs to be released in order to ensure that the hip is stable. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to having a successful outcome when your child is diagnosed with DDH. The success rate is very high and there are rarely any long term affects when treated early. Most children tolerate the Pavlik harness very well and are so young at the time of treatment that they have no recollection of the process as they grow. Mike Cavanaugh is a Certified/Licensed Orthotist and Prosthetic Resident at Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. (CPO). CPO provides patients in Central Illinois with prosthetic and orthotic devices and care, and also houses an on-site fabrication department where custom orthoses and prostheses are designed and created for each patient. CPO can be reached by calling toll free 888.676.2276. Visit the website at www.cpousa.com.
I’m so glad I learned about Medicare’s 30-day window We had just gone home from a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, but Mom’s health got worse. I didn’t know what to do, since we’d already used Medicare. Fortunately, I called Heartland. They told me about Medicare’s 30-day window and helped me understand the benefits I still had available. It meant coverage could be renewed within 30 days of discharge because more care was needed. What a relief!
Call today for your free Medicare 30-day Window Brochure
Heartland Health Care Center – Decatur 217.877.7333 www.heartlandnursing.com January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21
future planning
Conserve Your Life Savings and Maybe Avoid Nursing Home Stay By Julie Hale-Miller, Country Financial
I
t’s not a popular topic of conversation, but we are getting older each minute and many of us will need some additional care during our senior years. In fact, 66 percent of individuals over age 65 will need some type of long term care services during their lifetime, according to the National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information. As you can imagine, long term care is not cheap. According to the latest information by one of the most comprehensive and respected surveys in the industry, in 2010 the average annual cost for a semiprivate room in a nursing home is $67,525 and $75,190 for a private room1. Those costs translate to an average of $185 per day for a semiprivate room and $206 per day for a private room. These numbers will continue to rise. We can’t depend on Medicare; the odds are good that it will pay only a fraction of nursing home costs you incur. At most, it will help cover the costs for the first 100 days of skilled care. Before we become eligible for Medicaid, we may need to use up most of our own assets. Most of us would rather deny we will need long term care, but denial is not the answer. Securing long term care insurance is the best thing we can do to ease our minds and conserve our life savings. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to obtain a policy early (you can get a policy as young as age 18) because the annual premium payments are lower and it’s easier to qualify for a policy. Long term care insurance can pay the cost should you need to spend some time in a nursing home. But possibly the most important benefit of long term care insurance is that it may keep you out of a nursing home. That’s right. A good long term care policy not only pays the cost of a nursing home. It also covers the cost of other care, including nursing services, home health care, hospice, licensed therapy, adult day care and homemaker services. These services can provide someone to make meals and do laundry; they can provide assistance with bathing, dressing and other daily personal care needs; they can provide physical therapy at home, and more. By covering the cost of other services, long term care insurance can eliminate or, at the very least, postpone the need for nursing home care. You may also be able to use the benefits provided by a long term care policy more than once. Let’s say you broke a bone, which re-
Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
quired a short nursing home stay or eight weeks of in-home physical therapy. Once you have satisfied the elimination period, your long term care policy would pay the cost of that short-term care, as well as care you may need in the future. Long term care insurance can help ease our minds, but it is important to understand not all long term care policies are alike. Some cover the cost of only nursing home care and others cover both nursing home and in-home care. Some offer tax-free benefits, while others provide premium discounts if policies are purchased for both a husband and wife. The better policies offer all of these options and more. When looking for a long term care policy, it’s important to do business with a financially-secure organization. To find a policy that is right for you, it’s important to consider all the options, such as deductible period, daily benefits, maximum lifetime benefit and inflation protection. Don’t wait until you need care and wish you had insurance to cover the cost. Contact a COUNTRY Financial representative to decide which long term care policy is right for you. For more information contact Julie Hale-Miller at 217-483-4355. 1 National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, sponsored by U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
healthy homes
Fire Safety A
bout 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and about 18,300 are injured. You can stop the fire before it starts. Use this fact sheet to learn how to prevent a fire in your home and know what to do if you have a fire.
•K erosene heaters are not allowed in most places. • If you use a kerosene heater, only use the type of fuel listed in the instructions. • Allow your heater to cool before refueling and only refuel outdoors.
Stop an alternative heater fire before it starts: • K eep the fire inside the fireplace by making sure you have a fireplace screen large enough to stop flying sparks and rolling logs. • H ave your chimney inspected at least once a year. Tar build-up inside of the chimney can cause the chimney, roof, and the whole house to go up in flames. • S pace heaters need space. Keep items at least three feet away from each heater. • W hen buying a space heater, only buy one with a safety feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over. • Carefully follow manufacturers' set up and maintenance instructions. • F or wood stove fuel, use only seasoned wood - never use green wood, artificial logs, or trash. Seasoned wood looks dark, or gray when compared to green wood. Seasoned wood is white on the inside.
Be prepared for a fire: • O ne of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a "Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm." A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire. • Prepare an escape plan and practice it often. Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two (2) escape routes from their bedrooms. To learn more on how you can prevent fires and fire deaths, please contact your local fire department's office phone number (not 911) or visit www.usfa.fema.gov or www.ready.gov.
January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23
healthy teeth
Take Care of
Your Smile T
here’s a lot more that goes into a great smile than just keeping the pearly whites, well, white. Protecting tooth enamel plays an important role in having a beautiful and healthy smile.
What is tooth enamel?
Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. It’s the hardest tissue in the human body and it helps protect teeth from the wear and tear that comes with chewing, biting and grinding. It also helps insulate teeth from hot and cold, making it possible to enjoy ice cream or hot coffee. While enamel is hard, it can chip or crack. Once the enamel layer is lost, it cannot regenerate.
What causes enamel erosion?
Enamel erosion happens when acids wear away the enamel on teeth, which can lead to the loss of tooth structure. The calcium that’s in saliva will usually help strengthen teeth after you have a small amount of acid, but too much acid prevents that from happening. Enamel erosion can be caused by a number of things: n Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks — sodas and other carbonated drinks contain high levels of phosphoric and citric acids, which can dissolve the enamel on your teeth quickly. The more you drink, or the longer you hold the drink in your mouth, the more damage is done. n Fruit drinks (some acids in fruit drinks are more erosive than battery acid) n Dry mouth or low salivary flow n Diet (high in sugar and starches) n Acid reflux disease n Gastrointestinal problems n Medications (aspirin, antihistamines) n Genetics (inherited conditions) n Environmental factors (friction, wear and tear, stress and corrosion)
Protecting Tooth Enamel
There are some simple things that you can do to help take care of your enamel and keep your teeth healthy: Brush and floss daily. Mom and the dentist are right. Keeping your teeth clean prevents enamel-damaging elements from building up. Be sure to brush for two minutes at least twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a tooth strengthener, so it should be a part of your twice-daily brushing routine. For fluoride toothpaste with enamel care built in, consider ARM & HAMMER® Complete Care™ Enamel Strengthening toothPage 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
paste. It’s the only toothpaste with fluoride and Liquid Calcium®, which strengthens enamel while gently removing plaque and whitening teeth. Learn more at www.ahcompletecare.com. See a dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning. Not only will it help keep your teeth cleaner, but also your dentist can detect problems before you can — which means a small problem can be taken care of before it becomes a big one. Drink sodas in moderation. Sodas can be 10 times more corrosive than fruit juices in the first three minutes of drinking, according to a study published in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) journal “General Dentistry.” The acids in the beverages damage your enamel, which then allows bad bacteria to get to the tooth. If you’re not going to avoid sodas or fruit juices, rinsing after enjoying these types of drinks can help. Be careful about other beverages, too. Another study by the AGD found that the damage caused by noncola and sports beverages was three to 11 times greater than cola-based drinks, with energy drinks and bottled lemonades causing the most harm to tooth enamel. Sports beverages contain additives and organic acids that can advance dental erosion. These organic acids break down calcium, which is needed to strengthen teeth and prevent gum disease. Sip with a straw. Drink sodas and fruit juices with a straw, which helps acids to bypass the teeth. Be mindful of snacking. Eating foods which are high in sugar and starches increases the amount of acid in your mouth. If you can’t avoid snacking, brush your teeth afterward or at least give it a good rinsing. Snacking on celery, carrots or apples helps clear away loose food and debris. Chew sugar-free gum. It increases saliva production, and saliva has minerals that helps strengthen teeth. Choose a sugar-free gum that has xylitol, which can reduce acids. Wait one hour to brush your teeth. Because acid weakens enamel, brushing immediately after consuming highly acidic food or drinks, like wine, coffee, citrus fruits and soft drinks, runs the risk of wearing away the enamel in its weakened state. Taking good care of your teeth lets you show off a great smile — and a healthy mouth — for a long time.
MY WEAPON IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ARTHRITIS
What’s your weapon? Visit FightArthritisPain.org
January 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25
vocational assistance
Local Support for
Success By The Illinois Department of Human Services
H
eather Howe said it best when she said, "everything is starting to pay off!" A single mother of a 9 year old daughter, Heather has shown that with hard work, persistence and support from the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), success can happen! Heather came to DRS in 2004 with a desire to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois. Heather, who has Cerebral Palsy, was specifically interested in counseling. DRS was able to provide services such as vocational counseling and guidance, tuition and child care costs, and job placement. The assistance that Heather received from her Rehabilitation Counselor, Lisa Brink, enabled her to see the value of a rehabilitation counselor. Said Heather, "I became interested in state employment because I realized I could help others like DRS had already helped me." At the time of her graduation, Heather heard that McKendree College was beginning a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling. She discussed with her vocational counselor, Lisa Brink, that she would like to focus her career towards rehabilitation counseling. Lisa agreed with Heather, and in May 2009 she graduated with her Master's Degree in Professional Counseling. Lisa continued to assist Heather with job placement assistance, both in the community and through the State of Illinois, and was offered Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — January 2012
a job as a therapist in the community. Heather still completed a State of Illinois CMS 100 application (pdf), and with assistance from Jaci Debrun, Disability Services Coordinator through CMS, was matched with job titles related to counseling. Heather knew she must be persistent to reach her ultimate goal of a rehabilitation counselor. Heather's perseverance paid off, and on April 15, 2010 she accepted a job as a Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee with the DRS Home Service Program. When asked what impact DRS has made on her she states, "I owe my education and career to the DRS program and to my counselor Lisa Brink for helping me accomplish my goals in life, and now it is my turn to help others to accomplish their dreams." Heather's success has happened due to perseverance and hard work by many dedicated individuals. The support she received as a customer will only strengthen her experience and abilities in her work as a counselor. For Heather, it's all come full circle. If you or someone you know has a disability and is having trouble finding or keeping a job, or is interested in furthering their career goals we can help. To learn more, call 1-877-761-9780 Voice, 1-866-264-2149 TTY, 1-866-588-0401 VP, or go to our website at drs.illinois.gov/success.
SINCE CHRIS KLUG’S KNEE SURGERY, IT’S ALL BEEN DOWNHILL. FAST.
How much does a major knee operation slow down an Olympiclevel snowboarder? Watch for Chris Klug in Salt Lake City in 2002. He’ll be the blur on your TV screen. For more on preventing and treating sports injuries, contact the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Getting you back in the game.
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