January Western Ketucky Healthy Cells 2012 by Healthy Cells Magazine

WESTERN KENTUCKY

area

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

JANUARY 2012

FREE

HealthyCells www.healthycellsmagazine.com

M A G A Z I N E

Get Life Back On Balance

pg. 12

When Menopause-like Symptoms Come Too Soon

pg. 10

Help Loved Ones Deal with Hearing Loss The Right Way pg. 18

Impaired Driving pg. 22

NOW HEART PATIENTS WHO HAVEN’T EXPECTED TO LIVE WILL BE ASKED TO RECONSIDER

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. James P. O’Rourke

There are patients who face a frightening catch-22. If they had successful open-heart surgery, they could live longer. But their health is so fragile, they could never survive the stress of the surgery itself. Until now. Today, Lourdes is constructing a new cardiovascular surgery center. This center includes two hybrid operating rooms with technology and imaging so advanced, surgeons and cardiologists can perform complex repairs in a far less invasive manner than ever before. There’s a lot of future out there for people who haven’t been able to expect it.

www.eLourdes.com

MY WEAPON IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ARTHRITIS

What’s your weapon? Visit FightArthritisPain.org

January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

JANUARY

2012 Volume 2, Issue 1

Medical Treatment: Sagging Face Skin And Massage

Emotional: “If I Start Crying Will I Be Able To Stop?”

Nutritional: “MyPlate” Replaces Food Guide Pyramid

Physical: When Menopause-Like Symptoms Come Too Soon

Healthy Homes: Fire Safety

Women’s Health: Endometrial Ablation

Healthy Fats: Eskimo-3 Not All Fish Oils Are Created Equal

Hearing Assistance: Help Loved Ones Deal with Hearing Loss The Right Way

Healthy Teeth: Take Care of Your Smile

This Month’s Cover Story:

Get Life Back On Balance

page 12

Cover and feature story photos by fike fotos For advertising information, contact Kelly Rosa-York, owner Office: 270-362-4180 • Cell: 309-696-3694 P.O. Box 432, Gilbertsville, KY 42044 kelly@healthycellsmagazine.com Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

Prevention: Impaired Driving

1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615 • Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com

Future Planning: How to Understand Your Senior Living Options

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 Western Kentucky area. 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 in high traffic locations throughout the Western Kentucky area, including medical facilities and other waiting rooms. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the Western Kentucky area. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicitations for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only.

medical treatment

Sagging Face Skin And Massage By Jenny Stephens, LMT

face toning massage is better than going under the knife or having injections. No injections! No numbing sensation! And, you can still smile! Often, when individuals consider maintaining a youthful appearance or getting rid of that bagginess and sagginess in the cheeks, they usually think of face lifts, Botox and other treatments. Luckily, there are other therapies to achieve well-toned cheeks. Face toning massage is a great way to exercise the face muscles and get that blood to flowing. The face toning massage therapy retrains face muscles, firming, lifting and toning them. For the best results one can go through a series of at least six one hour sessions or twelve one hour sessions (once a week or twice a week). If you like the way the face toning has progressed after the first six sessions then an individual can start coming once every week, then once every two weeks and then if they would like once a month. Otherwise, continue the face toning therapy for another six weeks. But, once you are pleased with the results you must get another session at least once every four weeks or the skin and muscles will start dropping down once again. The most difficult part of getting a face toning massage is staying awake to enjoy it. Most clients fall asleep during the session. However,

your face and body are still getting the full benefit of getting the blood and lymph moving while releasing the stress and pressure out of the face tissue and muscles. An hour face toning massage session includes a steamed peppermint massage of the hands and feet. Plus massage of the neck and shoulders. After the first session you can feel the face become stimulated and relaxed while more firm from the special face toning pressure points and massage techniques. Not only is massage totally relaxing, rejuvenating and unwinding; massage is very therapeutic. Individuals that receive regular massages don’t get sick as often as others and when they do they don’t get it as bad or keep it as long. Everyone should received at least one massage a month, twice a month is better, however once a week is best. Why not schedule your face toning massage today! Massage does not replace medical treatment and its purpose is to promote better health and well being. For more information or to schedule your appointment, please contact Jenny Stephens, LMT at 270-415-3444. Jenny’s Day Spa is located at 4793 Village Square Drive, Suite J, Paducah, KY. January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

emotional

“If I Start Crying Will I Be Able To Stop?” Healthy Cells magazine is pleased to present another 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.

Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — January 2012

here are many misconceptions about the pain associated with significant emotional loss. Some relate to the reaction of others, for example: it’s not fair to burden them with my pain, or you have to be strong for others [mom, dad, kids, etc.]. Some relate to how we ourselves think we should be reacting to the loss, for example: I should be over it by now, or I have to keep busy. One of the most hidden and dangerous fears is that if I ever let myself feel the pain that I sense, I will start crying and never be able to stop. It is precisely this kind of incorrect assumption that can keep us locked into a position of unresolved grief, forever. And yet, based on what we have been taught in our society, it is a most logical extension of everything we have ever learned. We were taught from our earliest ages that sad, painful, or negative feelings were to be avoided at all cost, and if we were unable to avoid them, at least, not to show them in public. Everyone we’ve ever talked to can relate to these comments: “if you’re going to cry, go to your room, and cry alone”; “knock off that crying or I’ll give you a reason to cry”; “smile and the whole world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.” Those are just a small sampling of the kinds of remarks that have dictated your reactions to the loss events in your life. In last month’s article we said that many of our survival habits were developed when we were quite young, and that we may be managing adult lives with the limited skills and perceptions of a child. If you picture a tiny infant, unhappy about something, you will realize that the infant communicates displeasure at the top of its little lungs. If you think about it, you will recall that infants also express pleasure at the top of their lungs. They make no distinction

between happy and sad, in terms of volume or intensity. As children move out of infancy, they are socialized to reduce both the volume and intensity of the expression of their feeling responses to life. This might be somewhat acceptable if both happy and sad were merely muted a little and muted equally. Unfortunately, only the sad side gets severely crimped. The happy, joyful, and positive feelings are allowed to stay, and can even be shared with others. The other half of our normal feeling existence is relegated to isolation, separation, and aloneness. With all of those beliefs and habits as a backdrop, it is almost entirely logical that we might be terrified to show or express any of the normal and natural painful reactions to losses of any kind. It even makes sense that we might believe that if we started crying we wouldn’t be able to stop. So, if you have been a little hard on yourself for what you could not do, give yourself a break. You may have been executing your programming perfectly. It may sound a little harsh and inhuman to say that you were programmed, but if you follow the analogy, you might find it helpful in allowing you to change. At the very least, if you can see how well you executed the incorrect things you learned, you will see that you can also execute correct things with great precision. We have yet to see anyone not be able to stop crying. However, we have seen too many people not begin the process of Grief Recovery ® because of an inordinate fear of any expression of their sad, painful, or negative feelings. Next Month: “Are There Actual Stages of Grieving?”

January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

nutritional

“MyPlate” Replaces Food Guide Pyramid

irst L a d y M i c he 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 — Western Kentucky — 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

“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.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! The Region’s Leader in Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy Since 1994 1665 Oak Park, Boulevard Calvert City, Kentucky 42029

270-395-5588 January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

physical

Too Young for When Menopause-Like Symptoms Come Too Soon

ot flashes, night sweats, loss of regular menstrual periods and sleep problems. These familiar symptoms of menopause appear in most women around age 50. But if they arise before age 40—which happens for about 1 in 100 women— it’s a sign that something’s wrong. Early symptoms like these could be a sign of a little-understood condition called primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Most women with POI are infertile. They’re also at risk for bone fractures and heart disease. And many aren’t aware they have POI. “Symptoms of POI can be missed because young women may not realize they’re having symptoms similar to menopause. Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — January 2012

They may not think hot flashes are worth mentioning to a doctor,” says Dr. Lawrence M. Nelson, a researcher and physician at NIH. “Some teens and young women think of the menstrual cycle as a nuisance, and they don’t mind missing periods. They don’t take it seriously, and that’s a mistake.” Missing or irregular periods are a major sign of POI. When young women have POI, their ovaries don’t work normally. They stop regularly releasing eggs and cut back production of estrogen and other reproductive hormones. These same things happen when older women go through menopause, which is why the symptoms are similar. As with menopause, POI symptoms can

Lindsey Wilson College now offers an accelerated Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Human Development at

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often be relieved by hormone replacement therapy, usually an estrogen patch. And as with menopause, POI puts women at risk for bone loss. But with a proper diagnosis of POI and early treatment, bone health can be protected. POI was previously known as “premature menopause” or “premature ovarian failure.” But research has since shown that ovarian function is unpredictable in these women, sometimes turning on and off, which is why many physicians now prefer the term primary ovarian insufficiency. Many aspects of POI remain mysterious—including its cause. Only 10% of cases can be traced to either to a genetic condition or to autoimmunity—a disorder in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Nelson’s research has shown that the unexpected loss of fertility often leads to grief and symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with POI. But a recent study from his lab suggests that most young women and teens with POI still have immature eggs in their ovaries. The finding raises the possibility that future treatments might be developed to restore fertility to some affected women. Even without treatment, up to 1 in 10 women with POI may unexpectedly become pregnant after their condition is diagnosed. Irregular or stopped periods might be a sign of other conditions, including eating disorders or too much exercise. A simple blood test for elevated levels of a molecule called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) can help to confirm a diagnosis of POI. “Having regular menstrual periods is a sign that the ovaries are working properly,” says Nelson. “If that isn’t happening, it’s important for girls and young women to talk to their health care provider and find out why.” Nelson is now looking for 18- to 42-year-old women with POI to enroll in clinical studies at NIH. For more information, visit http:// poi.nichd.nih.gov.

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Complete your Bachelor’s Degree in 18 months or your Master’s Degree in 24 months Graduate program is nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduate Program meets licensure requirements in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Graduate classes begin mid-January 2012. It’s not too late. Enroll today. Students interested in the bachelor’s program need at least 60 credit hours to be accepted into the program The master’s program is a 2-year program with 60 credit hours to complete. No GRE is required. Obtain your licensure upon completion of the program.

For more information contact: Dawn Cleary West Kentucky Community and Technical College (270) 534-3434 • (270) 564-2149 clearyd@lindsey.edu • www.lindsey.edu/spc January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

feature story

Get Life Back on Balance

Heartland Rehabilitation Services By Lauren E. Hagen

(L to R) Kelley Miller, PTA, April Hinton, PCC, Adrianna Troutman, DPT, Steven Elliott, PTA, Rhonda Hall, PTA, Staci Starnes

hen most people think about a physical therapy rehabilitation facility, they imagine people who are recovering from accidents or surgical procedures and are working toward rebuilding their strength and abilities. However, Heartland Rehabilitation Services, while certainly offering excellent physical therapy services, also provides more than the community might imagine. In fact, they have recently launched several new and exciting programs and opportunities for our region. Heartland Rehabilitation Services is a facility that has been serving this community for over 20 years. Conveniently located right off Interstate 24, (take exit 7 and follow through to Alben Barkley Drive) they are able to serve not only PaPage 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — January 2012

ducah, but the surrounding areas to include Southern Illinois, Lone Oak, Reidland and McCracken County. The compassionate and highly trained licensed therapists at Heartland Rehabilitation Services clinics provide comprehensive programs in sports medicine and industrial, physical, and orthopedic therapy for patients recovering from major surgery, strokes, heart attacks, neurological and orthopedic conditions, and other illnesses, injuries and disabilities. However, one might be surprised to learn about some of the other benefits that the staff provides its clients. Heartland’s staff also extend their services to include pre-employment screenings,

joint and knee pain treatments, issues with balance and dizziness, and neck and back pain therapy. In addition to their specialty services, Heartland Rehabilitation Services sells supplies and therapy equipment, which may help clients to improve their therapy outcomes along with overall health and well being. Some of the items include Biofreeze (a topical pain relief product), arch supports, splints and braces, cold and hot packs, lumbar and cervical supports, therapuetic balls, and theraband/theratubing. Of course, perhaps one of the best assets Heartland has to offer is its welcoming, friendly environment. From the time clients enter the building up to the time they leave, they will receive service with a smile. Each and every member of the Heartland team is dedicated to making their guest’s visit as pleasurable as possible. The upbeat and positive vibe the physical therapists exude shows not only a passion for their job, but a devotion to their patients. With a large, open therapy area with state of the art equipment, clients can expect results, compassion, and expert guidance throughout visits. Another benefit of utilizing a facility such as Heartland is that the process for receiving services is typically a simple one, which people appreciate greatly. In a world in which navigating the ever growing healthcare maze has become more challenging every day, receiving treatment from this facility requires much less of the typical client. In fact, Adrianna Troutman, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), at Heartland Rehabilitation Services, encourages anyone with problems relating to physical therapy issues to have the assistants at Heartland check with the individual’s insurance, as physical therapy often does not require a doctor's referral and is covered by most insurance companies. However, Heartland’s services and programs certainly do not end there! With alarming statistics regarding seniors and falls, Heartland Rehabilitation Services has a solution, with a very effective Balance and Dizziness Rehabilitation Program. According to studies up to 50% of all seniors fall each year. 42% of seniors will reduce their activity level after a fall. The second leading reason for nursing home entry is a fall injury. Dizziness is the second primary reason for senior's physician appointments; the first is low back pain. With statistics like these, Heartland Rehabilitation Services truly does help “get lives back on-balance.” Many seniors often suffer needlessly with conditions affecting their balance, and Heartland is prepared to provide interventions that could help seniors avoid these all too common falls and have more confidence in their ability to get around Through this program, a patient receives a comprehensive evaluation consisting of an oculomotor exam, assessment of sensory input/motor output, identification of causes of imbalance or dizziness, and assistance with referrals to specialists if needed. The Therapeutic Interventions available for this program include individualized vestibular strengthening activities, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Treatment techniques, gait and balance training and flexibility, and overall conditioning. Moreover, patients and their caregivers will receive education regarding on-going home treatment strategies and home risk assessments for safety and fall risks. Yet another all too common and becoming more and more prevalent issue in our culture is obesity and the health problems associ-

ated with this condition. Heartland, therefore, has strived to create a program that will address this concern and help individuals reach their health and fitness goals. This program, which sets Heartland Rehabilitation Services apart from other facilities in the region, is their Therapeutic Weight Management program that is certified by Physicians' Choice for Weight Loss. With this program, clients who suffer from aches and pains caused by weight gain or obesity can receive an outpatient rehabilitation based approach consisting of January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

feature story

continued

Kelley talking to a client about her rehabilitation a comprehensive evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and education for clients themselves as well as their caregivers. With the comprehensive evaluation, a patient receives a BMI assessment, a nutritional analysis, a lifestyle and exercise evaluation as well as an orthopedic evaluation. The therapeutic interventions include individualized weight loss strategies and BMI goals, orthopedic strength and flexibility exercises, behavioral coaching for weight management, core strengthening and overall conditioning and an ongoing assessment of weight and nutritional intake. Like many other services offered, this program is covered by most insurances for patients with a primary orthopedic diagnosis. This particular program is new to Heartland Rehabilitation Services and is very exciting, with success stories already. Adrianna Troutman, DPT at Heartland Rehabilitation Services, enthusiastically explains “A person can receive therapist directed training here at our facility covered by most insurance plans.” This program provides clients with the opportunity to learn how to manage their weight in a healthy, sustainable way. The therapists and other staff at Heartland Rehabilitation Services are eager to help their clients reach their weight loss goals and feel better about themselves, not only physically, but mentally as well. With great tools like a state of the art gym area and an extensive take home binder to maintain records and motivation, there are sure to be even more success stories. In the binder they give participants to Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — January 2012

take home, one will find it filled with useful information from how to “sneak” exercise into everyday life, how to read and understand food labels while in the grocery store and a few recipes. Also included are food choice logs and exercise logs. One obstacle people face is how to develop healthy eating habits and how to build a healthy body that will benefit them today as well as later in life. Therefore, the licensed therapists at Heartland show their clients how to make good food choices and how to exercise appropriately to increase their strength and energy levels. Accountability is another barrier that some people struggle with; however, with the training and knowledge received from the certified therapists at Heartland Rehabilitation Services, clients will walk away with the confidence that they CAN do this on their own. But, to help clients stay on track, Heartland Rehabilitation Services offers a Wellness Program available to the public. The Wellness Package includes one session with a licensed therapist, measurements to track results and an individualized treatment plan. After this session with the therapist, a client may continue on at their pace, with the comfort of knowing that any questions or concerns may still be addressed to a physical therapist. Any training may be done in the gym during regular hours of operation, Monday thru Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This feature is a unique opportunity for people in this region to become more fit on a tight budget and to take advantage of an excellent facility with highly trained professionals. Exercise is important to keep both body and mind “in shape”, but there are also so many other perks to regular exercise! Increased energy, in which the body becomes more efficient at burning calories, thus giving a person more energy throughout the day, is one of the benefits of regular exercise. Additionally exercise can create increased metabolism, which according to some studies, can allow one to burn anywhere from fifty to one hundred calories at rest for every extra pound of muscle added. Improved muscle tone through weight training allows people to change the shape and condition of their bodies. Perhaps most importantly, better health from increased exercising leads to a strengthening of the immune system. Also, exercise has been prove to provide stress reduction by allowing exercisers to take their mind off the daily grind and use pent up energy for productive purposes. Nearly everyone, in today’s fast-paced and stressful society can appreciate the value of stress reduction. Finally, improved self esteem through seeing results and accomplishing goals is just one of many benefits of choosing to participate in a regular exercise routine. Perhaps one of the most surprising facts about this program is the low cost associated with all the benefits. To join the Wellness Program at Heartland Rehabilitation Services, the cost is quite low with a single membership at $25 a month, a couple’s membership at $45 a month, and a family membership at $60 a month, with no contract required. This region is fortunate to have such convenient access to a facility like Heartland Rehabilitation Services, which offers important services, products, and programs to people of all ages who have diverse needs and desires. Whether one needs to recover from an accident or a surgery, build better balance and coordination, learn how to manage weight more effectively, or engage in an affordable and educational exercise program, Heartland has something for everyone. With its friendly, passionate, and highly trained staff and its state of the art facilities, Heartland is sure to exceed the expectations of anyone who chooses to visit the facility.

For more information about this facility or to make an appointment for services, please visit www.hcr-manorcare.com or call 270-534-7278.

healthy homes

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. Stop an alternative heater fire before it starts: • Keep the fire inside the fireplace by making sure you have a fireplace screen large enough to stop flying sparks and rolling logs. • Have 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. • Space heaters need space. Keep items at least three feet away from each heater. • When 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. • For 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. • Kerosene 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. Be prepared for a fire: • One 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.

Don Thomas

Attorney At L aw

Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Criminal Law 1101 Poplar Street Benton KY 42025 270-527-2425 270-527-2405 (fax) www.donthomaslawoffice.com January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

women's health

Endometrial Ablation Submitted by Obstetrics and Gynecology of Paducah

pproximately 1 in 5 women suffer every month from excessively heavy periods. This condition, referred to as menorrhagia by a gynecologist, can affect a woman’s life in many different ways and often begins when a woman is in her 30’s or 40’s. A pattern of heavy period bleeding can run in families, and many women assume that their periods are normal because that is what all of the other women in their family have also experienced. Periods that are excessively heavy or painful enough to limit a patient’s routine activities are not normal. A woman’s menstrual bleeding is abnormal if any of the following are true: • Bleeding lasts longer than 7 days • Bleeding is heavy enough to soak through a pad or tampon in 4 hours, several times in a row • Bleeding is accompanied by severe pain or cramping • Bleeding includes passage of large blood clots • Bleeding causes accidents or significant anxiety about accidents. Heavy periods can cause women to feel more tired or fatigued because they are losing a more-than-average amount of blood every month. For many patients, heavier bleeding is also accompanied by worse menstrual cramping than they had previously experienced. Just as significant as the physical effects of menorrhagia, heavy periods also affect a woman’s emotional health and social life. Many women miss work, school, church or social activities on a regular basis because their periods are so heavy that they have frequent accidents. Such accidents can be so embarrassing that women begin to avoid leaving their house at all during the heavy days of their flow, and often have missed work days every month. Having to miss out on activities with their children or other social functions on a regular basis may leave women feeling depressed or anxious. Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — January 2012

Most patients already know that heavier, more irregular periods can be a common part of aging, and that these symptoms often worsen as a woman approaches menopause. These same women have watched friends or relatives suffer with the same complaints, and assume that heavy bleeding, large blood clots and frequent accidents are normal changes that just have to be tolerated. Many women do not, however, realize that these concerns are good reason to visit their gynecologist. First, it is important for women to have a complete evaluation if their bleeding pattern has changed. Although most women will have a benign reason for the change, like fibroid tumors, uterine polyps or endometriosis, more serious conditions like uterine cancer or a blood clotting disorder are also of concern. The second reason women should talk to their doctor is to find out how easy the solution can be. There are many different treatment options to help women deal with their problematic periods. Several of the choices are medical: hormonal treatments that can be administered via pills, patches, vaginal rings, implants or by intrauterine devices. Surgical treatments offer patients more definitive therapy, and include endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. Most patients have a general understanding of what a hysterectomy involves, and how it resolves a woman’s bleeding problems. They also understand that it is major surgery and will involve “down-time” from their routine activities. Because many women assume that this is the only solution, they often never mention their heavy bleeding and painful cramps when they visit the doctor. Endometrial ablation is a great alternative. The tissue that lines the uterus is called the endometrium, and it is also the tissue that bleeds every month to cause a woman’s period. During an endometrial ablation, a device is introduced through the cervix and burns that endometrial lining. The damage that is produced will cause the endometrium to scar and bleed less during future cycles. Endometrial ablation is a great alternative to hysterectomy for many patients because of these benefits: •P erformed as an outpatient – you get to go home the same day. Some patients can even have their ablation performed in their doctor’s office without general anesthesia. • Minimally invasive – no incisions means less pain. Most patients experience period-like cramping the evening of surgery, and report only mild discomfort the following day. • Minimal “down-time” – most patients can perform their normal routine the very next day, whether that is work, school or taking care of their children. •P ermanent results with a one-time procedure – 90% of women report light, easy-to-manage periods after their ablation. 40% of women completely stop having periods. Patients who have had an endometrial ablation are usually very pleased. 96% of women report that they are satisfied with the results of their procedure; 99% say they would recommend an ablation to other women. If you are suffering from abnormal menstrual cycles, you should call your gynecologist immediately to find out which treatment options are appropriate for you. For more information about treatment options, visit www.obgynofpaducah.com.

healthy fats

Eskimo-3 Not All Fish Oils Are Created Equal Submitted by Lone Oak Pharmacy

ood fats really do exist! The Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids -good fats- which are essential nutrients that help maintain healthy skin and joints and support cardiovascular, immune and brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oil-rich fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tune and salmon. These fish are high in two kinds of Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docusahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are the good fats our bodies need.

Getting the Balance Right Only 40% of Americans get their daily requirement of Omega-3 fatty acids from food. In order to get the “suggested” amount, you’d have to eat at least two meals a week of oil-rich, cold water fish. And even that amount is not enough to get the clinical amounts necessary for maximum health benefits. Since many of us fall short of the weekly intake and are concerned about dangerous levels of heavy metals and toxins in fish, quality fish oil supplements are a smart way to get those all-important Omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, supplements help assure you get the clinically recommended 1.5 grams to 4.5 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids per day. Unfortunately, many fish oils on the market are unstable due to manipulation of the fatty acid content, contain harmful toxins and simply aren’t safe to consume due to the effects of rancidity. Warning: Your Fish Oil May Be Bad For Your Health! There are three important questions to ask about fish oil… 1. Is your fish oil natural or chemically modified? 2. Is your fish oil stable (fresh) or unstable? 3. Is your fish oil contaminated or proven safe according to the standards set forth by CRN (Council for Responsible Nutrition)? Natural Doesn’t Need To Be Messed With Natural fish oils contain a balanced mixture of different fatty acids from fish, while chemically modified products contain higher concentrations of EPA and DHA at the expense of other important fatty acids and antioxidants - which are important in the stability and effectiveness of fish oil.

Why Should You Care About Freshness Most fish oil products available today are unstable (they become rancid when exposed to air) and after consumption they begin using up the antioxidants in your body, such as vitamin E. Once the fish oil begins to oxidize, free radicals are created, which can lead to cell injury. In addition, to the formation of free radicals and the destruction of important nutrients, the fish oil may have an unpleasant odor and flavor. Many fish oil products are chemically modified, offering elevated EPA and DHA levels, which may be convenient for patients. Unfortunately, chemically modified products are not bio-identical to those used by the body. As well, chemically modified fish oils exclude naturally occurring fatty acids and antioxidants critical to patient health. Several studies indicate that natural fish oils have more favorable effects than chemically modified products. Independent testing found Eskimo-3 is up to 10 times fresher than leading fish oil products found in the market today. The proven freshness of Eskimo-3 is attributed to its proprietary purification technique. Because of this unique process, Eskimo-3 is not chemically modified and is protected by natural antioxidants, which supply exceptional stability, prevent dangerous rancidity and provide superior taste and efficacy. Your Fish Oil May Be Toxic! How Do You Know It’s Safe? Environmental contaminant’s like PCB’s and dioxins are potent developmental and neurological toxins. Unpurified fish oil supplements can contain unsafe levels of these environmental contaminants. Eskimo-3 is not only purified through a proprietary molecular distribution process, it’s tested in accordance to the CRN (Council for Responsible Nutrition) Voluntary Monograph - which has also been adopted by the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) as their standard for testing. What does this mean? Eskimo-3 meets the stringent specification set forth by both the CRN and the USP on all heavy metal and contaminant parameters described – a task not done by all manufacturers and is a question you should ask before purchasing any fish oil. Where To Find It? Eskimo-3 Fish Oil Products are available at Lone Oak Pharmacy. January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

hearing assistance

Help Loved Ones Deal with Hearing Loss

The Right Way D

oes someone you love often ask you to repeat what you're saying? If so, you may not be doing your loved one a favor by repeating what you just said. Helping a loved one who isn't willing to help himself is one of the most painful challenges a family can face. And helping a family member deal with hearing loss is no exception. Sadly, denial - when someone will not acknowledge hearing loss - poses the most significant barrier to the improved well-being of people with unaddressed hearing loss. Some people associate hearing loss with growing older. But in reality, hearing loss can - and does - affect people of all ages, especially in this day of loud music and other loud noises that can damage hearing. To compensate for hearing loss, people in denial often ask those around them to repeat information at greater volume, unintentionally compelling their loved ones to act as their ears. Yet act-

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ing as ears for a loved one with hearing loss in denial can actually do more harm than good. Studies link hearing loss to feelings of irritability, negativity and anger, fatigue, tension, stress, depression, social isolation, reduced alertness, impaired memory, poor job performance and earning power, and diminished psychological and overall health, according to the BHI Web site. "Clearly, the more loving course to take with your family member with hearing loss in denial is to help him or her come to terms with his hearing loss and get treatment to help him hear better," writes Dr. Sergei Kochkin, executive director of the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), on his blog. So how can you help your loved one overcome denial? In his book "How Hearing Loss Impacts Relationships: Motivating Your Loved One," BHI advisor Dr. Richard Carmen offers practical advice on how "hearing helpers" can help their loved ones end their dependent behavior and seek treatment for their hearing loss: First, understand that although you may think your efforts are loving and helpful, acting as ears for someone you love is actually counter-productive, Carmen says. With you to act as their ears, why would they seek treatment for their hearing loss? So stop repeating yourself, raising your voice, and acting as messenger. Rather, involve your entire family in your efforts to help your loved one hear independently of your help. A concerted effort can help your loved one finally admit he has a hearing problem. Carmen suggests family members explain to their loved one with hearing loss - in a calm loving voice without condemnation - that they will no longer repeat themselves or raise their voices. Instead, when the person with hearing loss asks for information to be repeated at greater volume, you will use words like "Hearing Helper" or some other signal to alert the family member with hearing loss that he is relying on someone else to act as his ears. By doing this, you help your loved one with hearing loss realize how often he has to ask for help. Hopefully, the inescapable realization will finally move him to seek treatment for his hearing loss.* If you have a loved one that is showing symptoms of hearing loss it is important that they receive a complete hearing evaluation to help determine the best plan of treatment for their particular hearing needs. I understand that hearing loss is frustrating for not just the person with the symptoms but also for their family and friends. It is important that as much information as possible is given about hearing loss, the use of instruments and a plan for rehabilitation. Call 270-444-0447 today and make a no-obligation hearing evaluation for you or your loved one. I would be honored to take the time to help bridge the gap between the hearing impaired and the “hearing-helper”. *Article courtesy of The Better Hearing Institute

Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — January 2012

Cancer doesn’t take holidays.

Neither do we.

The holidays are a time when people get together with friends and family to relax and reflect. Cancer, however, doesn’t take a holiday. That’s why the American Cancer Society is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week – even on holidays. Call us at 1-‐800-‐227-‐2345 anytime, day or night, to speak with one of our cancer information specialists to get answers to your questions and find out about available services. Together, we’re saving lives and creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.

1.800.227.2345 cancer.org January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

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) Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — January 2012

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 enameldamaging 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 toothpaste. 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.

Brushing Basics What’s the big deal about brushing? The Academy of General Dentistry says that: n Toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove the sticky, harmful film of bacteria, called plaque, that grows on your teeth and causes cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. n Toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen. n Special ingredients in toothpaste help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. One of those special ingredients is baking soda. As a cleaning agent, baking soda is less abrasive than virtually any other cleaning agent used in toothpastes. Less abrasion means less tooth wear, which helps keep your teeth healthier, longer. And when it comes to cleaning, recent studies indicate that baking soda in high concentrations, like those found in most ARM & HAMMER toothpastes, breaks down into tiny particles that are able to penetrate enamel crevices and remove food particles and deep stain embedded there.

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prevention

Impaired Driving

Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — January 2012

mpaired driving is recognized as driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other narcotics. In Kentucky in 2005, a total of 5,408 alcohol related crashes were reported, resulting in 206 deaths and 3,227 injuries. These crashes resulted in more than $311 million in economic costs and millions more in loses to the quality of life.

Top Five Kentucky Impaired Driving Laws

.08 BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) • T he amount of alcohol in a person’s body is measured by the weight of the alcohol in a certain volume of blood. This is the blood alcohol concentration, or BAC • B AC can only be determined with accurate testing: Breath test, Urinalysis and Blood test Zero Tolerance • It is illegal for persons under 21 to drive with a BAC of .02% or higher • 3 5 percent of all fatal crashes for underage drivers involve alcohol* High BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) • Refers to a driver with a BAC of .15 or higher at the time of the arrest • H igh-BAC offenders require additional sanctions and treatment that "normal" DUI sanctions cannot provide • 5 8 percent of alcohol-related fatalities involve someone with a .15 BAC or higher* Open Container • It is illegal for passenger(s) to have an open container of alcohol in the vehicle • P revents a driver from passing the alcohol to a friend or putting it in the back seat when pulled over • S tates see a 5.1% decrease in fatal crash rates after passing an open container law* Repeat Offender • R epeat offenders are those who have two or more impaired driving offences • C reates enhanced penalties for subsequent offenders • A bout one-third of all DUI arrests each year are of people who have been convicted previously of driving under the influence*

Get The Keys: How You Can Intervene

•F irst try using a soft and calm approach. Suggest they’ve had too much to drink and it would be better if someone else drove or they took a cab. Joke about it. Make light of it. • If it’s a stranger, speak to their friends so they may persuade them to hand over the keys. • L ocate their keys while they are preoccupied and take them away. • T ell them if they insist on driving you are not going with them. Volunteer to call someone else or a cab. Make it sound like you are doing them a favor. • If possible, avoid embarrassing the person or being confrontational. *Source: MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Top Five Alcohol Myths and Facts

MYTH: Beer doesn’t affect my driving as much as other alcoholic drinks. FACT: A glass of beer contains the same amount of alcohol as a glass of wine or average cocktail. Alcohol is alcohol—it’s just packaged differently!

MYTH: Alcohol won’t affect me much if I have something to eat. FACT: Drinking on a full stomach may slow the progress of alcohol into the bloodstream, but overall is not much different than drinking on an empty stomach. MYTH: A cold shower or cup of coffee will sober me up. FACT: Only time reduces the effects of alcohol. It is a drug and must be metabolized or “burned off” in order to be eliminated from your body. MYTH: Alcohol can’t hurt me, except for giving me a huge hangover. FACT: Large amounts of alcohol can do major damage to your digestive system. It can hurt your heart, liver, stomach, and other critical organs as well as taking years from you life. If you drink enough fast enough, you could die within a matter of hours. MYTH: Drugs are a bigger problem than alcohol. FACT: Alcohol and tobacco kill more than 50 times the number of people killed by cocaine, heroin, and every other illegal drug combined. For more information: • AAA Exchange: www.aaapublicaffairs.com • Coalition To End Needless Death On Our Roadways: www.endneedlessdeath.org • FACE Resources, Training and Action on Alcohol Issues: www.faceproject.org • International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP): www.letssaveyounglives.org • Keep It Real Campaign to Reduce Underage Drinking: www.keep-it-real.us • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): www.madd.org • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): www.nhtsa.dot.gov • NHTSA Stop Impaired Driving Program: www.stopimpaireddriving.org • STOP Underage Drinking: www.stopalcoholabuse.gov • Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD): www.sadd.org • Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center: www.udetc.org January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

future planning

How to Understand Your Senior Living Options Submitted by Emeritus Senior Living Communities

s our population ages, many of us are facing the realization that a loved one may not be able to live safely in their own home. Trying to determine if a parent or spouse needs more help then you can provide them at home is an extremely difficult and emotional decision, but it can be made less difficult with some understanding and information. As people grow older, changes in their abilities are often gradual and subtle. That’s why it is often difficult for families and care providers to know when a loved one may need extra help or support. These questions may help you find the answers you need: • Are they living alone with no local family or friends? • Have they experienced any falls? • Do they have any loss of appetite or have lost weight? • Are they becoming increasingly forgetful? • Do they remember to take their medications? • Do new situations cause them confusion or anxiety? • Have they kept up with their bathing and grooming? • Are they having any trouble getting to appointments or running errands? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time to look into a senior living arrangement. Naturally, you want them safe, well-cared for, happy and engaged with others. Beyond that, there are many senior housing alternatives that offer different levels of care depending on your family member’s special lifestyle and care needs. Senior living options have advanced significantly over the last decade and today’s retirees have several alternatives to choose from. The most common types of living arrangements include independent living (also known as retirement living), assisted living, skilled nursing, and Alzheimer’s, dementia care or memory care.

Independent Living (or Retirement) Communities

Independent living accommodations are often called retirement communities, and they offer a safe, secure and social environment for active, independent seniors. They are usually set up as apartments or small patio homes, and accommodate a large number of people. Often, the staff provides specific services and amenities for retirees who live an active lifestyle. If your loved one can still do everything for themselves, but would like to live among peers, this is a very good option for them. Independent living facilities usually have on-site staff members that provide a small amount of supervision. These communities offer a “maintenancefree” living option, and often offer extensive activities and programs for their residents. Residents of independent living communities continue to live the same lifestyle they did at home. One of the many benefits of this type of housing is that the individual no longer has to worry about housekeeping and maintenance, which means they have more time to enjoy their hobbies and socialize with friends. Many studies have proven that being socially active is good for both mental and physical health. The key points about independent living communities are that they: • Allow a person to maintain independence • Often offer meal packages so residents don’t have to worry about cooking or dining alone Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — January 2012

• Offer more social interaction then living at home • Provide some supervision from the staff • Often arrange activities and outings for residents You can determine if your parent is a good candidate for independent living by asking these questions: • Are they in good health? • Can they manage medications and doctor appointments on their own? • Would they enjoy living in a community with their peers? • Would they prefer the extra security provided by these communities? In 2010, the average yearly cost in the US for rent in an independent living community was nearly $32,000. If your elderly parent is not in good health, or cannot care for themselves without assistance, they will need a higher level of care, which is called assisted living.

Assisted Living Care

As our family members age, you may notice they need a helping hand. That could mean anything from assistance getting ready for the day to managing medications to preparing meals. If your loved one needs this type of assistance, it might be time to consider an assisted-living community. These communities do not generally offer round-the-clock nursing care, but they are designed to help those that have difficulty caring for themselves. The advantage of assisted living over independent living is the added bonus of a staff that is trained to assist residents with their needs and provide supervision 24 hours a day. At an assisted-living community, all meals are generally served in a central dining room. In addition, the staff will usually help with transportation arrangements to doctor appointments, and many communities coordinate group excursions for residents. They also offer busy activity calendars to keep residents engaged with other residents. It’s important to remember that assisted living communities are not all the same. Assisted-living facilities can range in size from adult family homes with four to six residents, to large multi-unit communities. Some may have specialized units for Alzheimer’s or dementia care. There can also be big differences in which amenities are included with the rent, and what medical services are provided according to the facility’s license. Be sure to research those things before signing a contract. The key points to remember about assisted-living communities are that they: • Can provide direct assistance with everyday tasks, like bathing, dressing and meals • Have trained staff available and monitoring 24 hours a day • Help residents maintain their dignity while aging • May have specialized units for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia • Can have different licenses allowing for different levels of assistance and independence In 2010, the average yearly cost in the US for rent in an assisted living community was $39,000. For individuals who have Alzheimer’s or dementia conditions, it is important to find specialized care for them in either a dedicated

facility, or a special care section in an assisted-living or skilled nursing community.

Alzheimer’s, Dementia Care or Memory Care

Memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia conditions is usually provided in a dedicated facility, or a special care section in an assisted-living or skilled-nursing community. Because of the nature of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, it is crucial to find a community where the staff is highly skilled and experienced in caring for this fragile population and significant safety precautions are in place. Once you know the particular special care needs of your loved one, here are some of the things you need to look for when visiting a care facility: The Environment • Is the layout of the community easy to navigate? Do the hallways lead residents back to public areas? Are colors or pictures used to help residents recognize their hallway or living area they’re trying to reach? • Do the residents have adequate privacy for bathing, toileting and hygiene? • What safety measures are in place for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia? Are there door and window locks, motion detectors, monitoring systems, adequate lighting and no-slip flooring? • Is there an outdoor patio or walking area that is easily accessible to residents yet enclosed to prevent wandering away from the community? The Staff and Care Team • How much time does the staff take to gather information about a resident in order to provide the best care for them? • How does the staff handle disruptive resident behavior such as wandering? • Do the caregivers have specialized training in effectively communicating with and caring for residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia? • Do the caregivers interact with residents in a comforting and professional manner, maintaining their dignity and respect? • How do the caregivers deal with the progression of the disease? The Residents • Are residents actively engaged in activities that are appropriate and interesting to them? • How is their hygiene? Do they have brushed hair, are clean-shaven, are wearing matching, clean clothing, and free of incontinence odors? • Do the residents appear to have a level of dementia that is consistent with your loved one’s current needs and behaviors? In many cases, communities specialize in a certain care level that may not be appropriate for your loved one. For individuals living in a special Alzheimer’s or Dementia care unit in an assisted-living community, there may come a time when they need more advanced medical care, which would be skilled nursing care.

Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitative Care

If you have a loved one in need of skilled nursing care, you are most likely going through a very stressful time trying to find the right place for them. Skilled nursing facilities play a very important role for our aging seniors. They provide the highest level of care outside of a hospital setting for individuals who have health conditions that require con-

stant monitoring. These facilities have doctors, nurses and healthcare aides available 24-hour-a-day who provide care for people who are recovering from a surgery, a hospital stay or those that need long-term custodial care. The primary goal of a skilled nursing community is to help individuals function at the highest level possible with the aim to return the patient home as soon as they are able. The ideal skilled nursing staff will work closely with the resident’s family and physician so they can provide the highest level of personalized care. Most skilled nursing communities provide: • Post hospital & post surgical care • Long-term custodial care • Medication administration and IV services • Individualized care plans • Assistance with activities of daily living • Incontinence care • Therapeutic & special diets • Diabetic management • Medicare-certified beds Specialty Services Many skilled nursing communities offer access to specialized services designed to improve the resident’s condition, making it easier for them to live as independently as possible. These services may include: • Physical, occupational & speech therapy • Psycho-social care & support • Hospice & palliative care • Cardiac respiratory care • Orthopedic recovery care • Dialysis Care • Feeding assistance • Incontinence, catheter & colostomy care If you are starting to look for a skilled nursing community for a loved one, here are some initial steps to take: • Tour the center with a guide and learn about the medical staff, care philosophies, options and contracts. • Pay close attention to the environment. Is it clean, comfortable, secure and well organized? • Watch how members of the staff treat each other, the residents and families. Are they cheerful and respectful? • Make sure the community has meaningful activities for the residents and opportunities to engage with others. • Watch to see if the residents are treated as individuals with their personal likes and needs addressed. You will want to see this type of "patient-centered care" in action. • Make sure the facility is licensed and has no history of abuse. In 2010, the average yearly cost in the US for a private room at a skilled nursing facility was approximately $83,000. Unlike independent or assisted living communities, health insurance may be used to pay for medical care received in skilled nursing facilities. And for short-term rehabilitation, Medicare A & B typically cover all or part of the care. Your search for the perfect living and care situation for your loved one is one of the most significant tasks you will undertake. We hope this information helps you understand your options as you begin this important journey. Reach out to a Glendale Place representative to find out how you can set the right expectation for services offered at Glendale Place. 905 Glendale Road, Murray, KY 42071. 1-888-904-2575.

January 2012 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

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Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — January 2012

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27953

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Thank you To Hormone Replacement Therapy LoneTo oak Pharmacy and ThankNutritional you Wellness ShoPPe StresscomPounding Management oak Pharmacy and for being a SuPPorTer of Specializing in Hormone Replacement Therapy, “HELPING YOU FEEL LIKE Pounding ShoPPe Nutritional Wellness and StressfooTbaLL!! Management. fLaSh YOURSELF AGAIN” Specializing in:

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Introducing...

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Benefits: o New t Our Area!

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