February Hattiesburg Healthy Cells 2011 by Healthy Cells Magazine

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

FEBRUARY 2011

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Taking To Heart Their Commitment to the Community pg. 12

Testosterone Replacement pg 6

Killer Stress pg 20

Healthy Aging pg 30

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treatment

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome By Laurie Ryba, MSN, CFNP

re you experiencing weight gain, depression, anxiety, stress, reduced sex-drive, lightheadedness, memory loss, muscle and joint pain, lack of energy, craving, or PMS? If so then you may be experiencing adrenal fatigue syndrome. Adrenal fatigue is a condition with a broad spectrum of non-specific yet often debilitating symptoms. The onset of this condition is often slow and insidious with life-long work stress, family stress, chronic pain, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition or toxic exposure. It has also been linked to traumatic life events such as surgery, childbirth, illness, changing jobs, marital disturbance or death of a loved one. Few people are aware of the importance of a small gland that is located above the kidney called the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is responsible for the production of four major hormones that are imperative to the body’s ability to maintain life, protect against stress, ensure balanced electrolytes, preserve muscle and bone integrity, support the ‘fight or flight’ system and maintain the blood pressure on a daily basis. Yes, we know that stress kills, but the question is how do we stop the process? We stop the process by identifying stressors, making lifestyle changes, diagnosing and treating adrenal dysfunction and supporting the adrenal system.

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The truth is that the link between stress and adrenal fatigue is not a mysterious entity at all. It is one of the most prevalent conditions, afflicting over 80% of Americans. For this reason, many health insurance companies cover 50-80% of the diagnostic testing. Adrenal fatigue is often considered a condition with no treatment available. Patients are told to “relax” and may be given anti-depressants. This often makes the condition worse because the root cause is left unresolved. There is good news. With proper treatment of adrenal fatigue we are better able to: • Lose and maintain healthy weight • Tolerate stress more comfortably • Wake up feeling well-rested • Benefit from more energy throughout the day • Resist illness with a healthier immune system • Enjoy a higher sex-drive • Take pleasure in the feeling of well-being For more information on adrenal fatigue syndrome contact Laurie Ryba, CFNP at Enhanced Wellness, 601-264-7286.

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February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

February

2011 Volume 3, Issue 2

Treatment: Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

Emotional: Debunk Myths of Love

Physical: Testosterone Replacement

Nutritional: Multivitamins

This Month’s Feature Story:

What is the Condition of Your Heart? page 16

Senior Health: Fall Prevention for Aging Well

Advertiser’s Spotlight: WESLEY Medical Center

Mobility: The Success of Your Spine

Grief Recovery: “Exploring The ‘F’ Words”

Life Tip: Marathon Makeover

Caregiving: Killer Stress – Alzheimer’s Second Victims!

Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE in high traffic locations, including major grocery stores throughout the Pine Belt as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. Healthy Cells Magazine is published monthly. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the Pine Belt of Mississippi. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicitations for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only.

Body Health: Living With COPD?

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 Pine Belt.

Personal Health: Obesity… A Lethal Epidemic

Joe Rubelowski, M.D. F.A.C.S. and Chris Benjamin, M.D.

Audiology: Everything You Know About Hearing Aids Has Changed for the Better

Heart Health: To Your Health

Health Care Improvements: Healthy Aging

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.

For information about this publication, contact Carolyn

Jones-Primeaux

Blue Moon Marketing at 601-467-3487 or healthycellspinebelt@gmail.com www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615, Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com I wish to thank all the advertisers for their gracious support of Healthy Cells Magazine in our mission to bring positive health related information to our readers. With their generous support we are able to provide this publication FREE to you. —Carolyn Jones-Primeaux

emotional

Debunk

Myths of Love By Dr. Bev Smallwood

ive-year-old Brock’s aunt was going through a divorce. She was trying to help him understand what was happening and that his uncle wouldn’t be living there any more. The why’s were not easy to explain. Finally, Brock said thoughtfully, “Well, I guess he just wan out of wove!” The late author/humorist Lewis Grizzard said it another way: “If love were oil, I’d be about a quart low.” If your love tank is not as full as you’d like it to be approaching February 14, just maybe you are sabotaging yourself by assumptions that make for great Harlequin romances but poor relationships. Let’s debunk.

holes, tragedies, and disappointments. As Shakespeare said, “The true course of love will never run smooth.” Truth is, a marriage certificate is really a work permit. Sometimes the most important thoughts we have are those that contradict our emotions. In every stage of a relationship, especially in the early stages, love can be blind. Get real in your expectations, and you can save yourself from many unnecessary disappointments. I think Ben Franklin had it right when he said, “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half shut afterward.” Dr. Bev Smallwood is a psychologist and professional speaker who is the author of “This Wasn’t Supposed to Happen to Me.” She is host of two shows on The Women’s Information Network (theWINonline.com): “The Magnetic Workplaces Show” and “Hope on the Home Front” for military families. Visit her website, www.DrBevSmallwood.com; or contact Bev at 601.264.0890 or by email, Bev@DrBevSmallwood.com. Also connect with Bev on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and her blog, Shrink Rap.

Five of the most common love myths. 1. The right person will meet all my needs Even if you have found your “soul mate,” one person cannot be the sole source of your need satisfaction. That’s too big a burden, and impossible besides. Your partner is a human being, not an all-knowing, allcompassionate, love machine. You’ll need multiple sources – God, friends, a strong sense of life purpose, healthy self esteem, and a willingness to take responsibility for your own happiness. 2. I can change my partner OK, out there, hands up if you’ve ever tried this one. Did it work? Both men and women fall prey to this delusional temptation. There is only one person you can change. Guess who it is? Thomas à Kempis said, “Be not angry that you cannot make another as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.” 3. Love will conquer all Though love is ultra-powerful in its pure and spiritual form, the feelings we call love can be ultra-fragile in the face of major differences in values, backgrounds, behavioral styles, and personal habits. Courageously face those differences and their practical implications before making a commitment. (I hear a resounding “Amen!” from those who did not!) 4. Love is a feeling I hinted at this one a moment ago. Yes, real love contains feelings, but those butterfly-in-the-stomach, heart— throbbing feelings ebb and flow. Love is a verb. It’s about doing — even in those temporary times when you inconveniently don’t have wonderful feelings to stimulate the positive action. 5. We’ll live happily ever after There’s an additional hidden assumption here: If it’s real love, you won’t have to work at it. Even the best relationships have potwww.healthycellspinebelt.com

February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

physical

Testosterone Replacement Getting You and Your Heart Back on Track By Dr. Rebecca Boyd, Forward Health Solutions

any men watch as the women in their lives battle the changes of menopause. It isn’t a huge surprise that “the change” comes to every woman when she hits a certain age, right? Who hasn’t heard about menopause and hormone replacement for women? But for men? It is just starting to become more mainstream as evidenced by the commercial for “Low T.” Testosterone isn’t just for the old anymore. Men reach this place somewhat unexpectedly because andropause, the decline in testosterone production from a man’s testicles, can be quite sneaky. Low testosterone doesn’t give a man night sweats (although it can), but it usually presents itself in one or more of the following ways: • Lack of energy • Decrease in libido (sex drive) • Decrease in strength of erections • Loss of strength/muscle or endurance • Disrupted sleep

Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

• Loss in height • Falling asleep • Decrease in motivation • Drop in work performance • Irritability I know many of you reading this are thinking “this sounds like me,” but what do I need to do about it? Initially, you will need blood drawn and analyzed. If a man has a testosterone level under 200, which is low, it is well accepted that he is in andropause. But, the normal range for testosterone is between 200-1100, and most physicians who practice integrative medicine feel the testosterone level should be above 600 to achieve optimal health. There is certainly much heated debate about testosterone for men. For many of us, when we think about testosterone, we think about body builders or athletes who we feel are trying to “cheat” the system. Many

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people think that men on testosterone are going to get bigger and be more aggressive. While it may help you put back on the muscle mass you lost if you are testosterone deficient, studies show that testosterone does not tend to make most men more aggressive. What I hear from a lot of men is that they are just really tired. They nap a lot. They don’t play with their kids and it is a chore when they do. They used be motivated in their work, but now could care less. Many people believe that the main effect of testosterone is sex drive and erections. That is just the start of what testosterone can do, and many men don’t suffer with erection problems until the very end. They have had the symptoms of low testosterone for years, but it didn’t signal a red flag until their erections were affected. So what if you have low testosterone? Does it really matter? Yes, there has been significant research about testosterone therapy showing that testosterone can be beneficial with many aspects of health, including: • Sexual function • Maintaining and building bone – testosterone improves bone mineral density which helps us to have strong bones and prevent osteoporosis • Improving lipid profile • Improved memory • Increased energy • Building muscle and decreasing fatty tissue • Improving blood sugar • Decreasing risk of cardiovascular disease There is much research that continues to be done on this matter and, in my opinion, it is abundantly clear that testosterone is good for men. A study published in 2007 in the major journal, Circulation, found that men that produced the lowest amounts of testosterone had the highest rates of mortality due to cardiovascular disease and all causes. In October 2010, a study in the journal, Heart, found that among men who have coronary heart disease, mortality was doubled in those with low testosterone as compared with those who had normal levels. In the 1990’s, studies in major journals already showed us that men with low serum testosterone had higher body mass index (BMI), higher systolic blood pressure, higher fasting and 2-hour blood sugars, higher triglycerides and LDL. There is significant evidence in the literature that testosterone is incredibly beneficial for men. The good news is that your testosterone level can be restored using a number of methods, such as: • Gels • Troches (lozenges that go in cheek) • Injections (testosterone cypionate is usually used) • Implants (www.hormonebalance.org) Everyone asks me which method of replacement is the best. Everyone is different. Some people respond great with gel. Some feel their best with injectables, and some like the convenience of pellets. I also want to address a belief that most health professionals regard as truth—that testosterone increases your risk for prostate cancer. I had the opportunity to attend a seminar given by Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, a Harvard urologist, who has done a great amount research on testosterone therapy in men. When he started treating men with testosterone, he found that they had more energy, they slept better and felt more alive. He ran into one of his former teachers at a meeting who had heard he had been giving testosterone to men. His professor told him that he should stop because he had given someone testosterone and within a year was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “If you are going to continue to treat men with testosterone, and I recommend you don’t, you should at least do a biopsy to make sure they don’t have cancer.” www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Well, it really bothered Dr. Morgentaler coming from a man he respected, so he followed his suggestion and started to do a prostate biopsy before initiating testosterone therapy. Of the first 33 men with low testosterone he biopsied, with a PSA (prostate specific antigen which is a blood test we use to watch for prostate cancer) under 4 ng/ mL (which is considered normal) and a normal rectal exam to check the prostate – six had cancer. By the time he reached 75 patients, he had 11 patients who had prostate cancer (14%). In 2006, Dr. Morgentaler and Dr. Rhoden published a larger study of prostate biopsies of 345 men with a normal PSA. The cancer rate was 15% which was similar to the previous study. What they found in the study was that the lower the testosterone, the higher the risk for prostate cancer, and specifically, more aggressive prostate cancer. As with any medication, there can be side effects. They are usually infrequent if monitored appropriately. These should be discussed with your doctor at the time of your visit. Testosterone replacement to restore optimal levels is nothing to fear. As doctors, we learn little, if anything about helping men optimize testosterone levels. Do not be surprised if your doctor is concerned about giving you a testosterone replacement. As I said, most physicians are not well trained in its use, and it makes us uneasy. I know I sure used to be. Consider getting your testosterone checked – your heart and your body may thank you. For more information on stress reduction, weight reduction, hormonal balance, and anti-aging medicine, contact Dr. Rebecca Boyd or Lynda Colbert, CFNP at Forward Health Solutions, 32 Milbranch Rd., Suite 20, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, ph: 601-450-2077.

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nutritional

Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

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Multivitamins

Should We, or Shouldn’t We? By Jennifer Massey

hile multivitamins are a staple in many households, many people question the value of them. Are they really necessary? Are they a waste of money? The answer is sometimes. Multivitamins really are necessary for the majority of the population. If we grew our own food in a pesticide free, healthy environment and ate a wide variety of foods, we might meet our nutritional requirements, but even then it would be unlikely. Unfortunately our food supply is not very healthy. Our “fresh” foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. have taken days, if not weeks to get to our table and as a result the nutritional value is greatly diminished. Much of the food we eat is processed, has chemical additives, and is high in fat or sugar. The American diet as a whole is sadly lacking in nutritional value. As a result, it is of great benefit to supplement our diet with vitamins. Research suggests that some vitamins are difficult to obtain from natural sources and supplementation is the best solution. In addition, stress itself depletes the body of many vitamins and our lifestyles are rarely stress free these days. Are vitamins really necessary? Vitamins play a role in all our metabolic processes. They are vitally important in preventing disease. Deficiencies in certain nutrients directly cause illnesses. They play an active role in warding off the aging process, regulation of hormones, protecting your immune system, and can even assist attempts to lose weight. So what kind of vitamin should we buy? In this time of economic stress we are all looking for bargains, but saving money on vitamins is often a waste of money. Many discount or mass produced multivitamins are of poor quality, low on actual nutrients and full of unnecessary additives. Many inexpensive vitamins contain forms of nutrients that are difficult for the body to break down and utilize. When you consume poor quality vitamins, your body may only utilize 20% and excrete the rest. Pharmaceutical grade vitamins obtain their nutrients from sources that your body can readily digest and use. As a result, the percentage of the nutrient available for your body to use may be as high as 80-100%. This is called bioavailability of a nutrient. The higher the bioavailability of a vitamin the better. Even

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though you pay a little more for the quality vitamin, the cost to benefit ratio is much lower. For example, you would have to take 4-5 of the poor quality vitamins to get the benefit of 1 high quality vitamin. Suddenly, the more expensive, high quality vitamin does not seem so expensive. Also your body is not exposed to those sugars, additives etc. that are used in the poor quality vitamins. When looking for a vitamin, whether for an adult or child, look for a pharmaceutical grade product. They are more likely to be found at a reputable health food store or a physician’s office. Yes, you may pay a little more in the beginning, but you will get more benefit in the long run. Regularly taking a good multivitamin may help you resist a cold or flu and you may find you feel better and have more energy! Jennifer Massey is a dietitian at Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & Spa. For more information or to schedule an appointment you may contact her at 601.268.7777.

February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

senior health

Fall Prevention for Aging Well Submitted by Provision Living

ave you ever tripped and fallen? I know I have…and it’s not fun or funny. Falling is a situation that most people fear. This fear is compounded greatly as we age. People usually associate falling with the elderly because we see many injuries associated with falls. Falling in the elderly is a slippery slope (pardon the pun) towards dependence and needing total care. Falls occur frequently and are a major cause of disability and death in senior citizens. More than one third of people over the age of 65 fall each year. Injuries sustained in a fall may range from bruises to life-threatening trauma. Head injuries and fractures (for example, hip fractures) lead the list. It is important to realize there may be a delay in the onset of the effects of head injury. Even falls that do not lead to injury can have a negative effect on older adults. After a fall, elderly patients often voluntarily restrict their activity because they fear another fall. This reduction in exercise leads to further weakness that, in turn, increases the risk of another fall — a vicious cycle.

More statistics show the impact of falls in the elderly. People aged 75+ with a history of falling are 4-5 times more likely to be admitted to a long term care facility for a year or longer. 90% of hip fractures caused by falls and 20% of older adults with hip fracture die within a year. 25% of people admitted to a nursing home with a hip fracture are still in the nursing home one year later. The average cost per injury for a fall is $19,440. 7% of the Medicare total budget is related to falls. So who’s at risk? Anyone with any of the following conditions is at much greater risk of falling: • Muscle Weakness • History of Falls • Gait Deficit • Balance Deficit • Use Any Assistive Device Such as Canes, Walkers, etc. • Visual Deficit • Arthritis • Impaired Ability to Do Self Care • Depression • Cognitive Impairment • Diabetic • Tall Stature • Low Body Weight Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

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Overweight Parkinsons Disease Disorientation Anxiety/Agitation Incontinence or Recurrent U.T.I. Prostate Conditions Anyone Currently Taking Four or More Medications

Falls are no accident As you get older, changes in your senses, reflexes, and strength affect your walking and balance. These changes due to aging and chronic disease can cause you to fall from things that would have only caused a stumble when you were young. Most falls occur in the home. You can decrease your chance for falling at home with the following tips: • H ave adequate lighting. As your eyes age, less light reaches the back of the eyes where your vision is located. Use nightlights in your bedroom, hall and bathroom. • Limit throw rugs or other obstacles that may cause you to trip, including extension cords or phone cords. • L imit clutter and poorly arranged furniture. • Install grab bars by the toilet or a raised toilet seat if needed. • If you have been given an assistive device to use, use it at all times. • H ave extra chairs set up throughout the house in case you fatigue easily. • W atch the height of chairs. Some that are too low or too high can increase your risk of falling while trying to get up. When older people have falls, even if the fall isn’t serious, they often become fearful of falling again. This can lead to inactivity that can cause additional health problems. One of the most important things you can do to help someone with mobility problems and fear of falling is to encourage physical activity. Even a little activity strengthens bones and muscles, improves steadiness when walking, and helps prevent fractures. In addition to helping the older person stay active, you can help prevent falls and fractures by doing a home safety check and correcting conditions that could lead to falls. Tell your doctor or nurse about mobility problems and especially mention any falls, since they can be caused by medical conditions. Medicines, prescription, non-prescription, herbal or other remedies, alcohol, or worry can result in drowsiness or distraction, which can lead to falls. Certain medical conditions such as poor eyesight and diseases like arthritis can also affect mobility. The risk of falling can often be reduced if the medical condition is diagnosed and treated. For many patients, physical therapy is needed to help with strengthening, endurance, and balance which all help to reduce falls. When physical therapists guide older individuals through balance training exercises that focus on position sense, the elderly are less likely to fall than if they participated in programs that focus only on education. If you or a loved one is experiencing falls or is fearful of falling, contact your physical therapist today! When developed in conjunction with a physician, these services are reimbursable under Medicare and some private health insurances. Provision Living in Hattiesburg is pleased to offer fall prevention services to all the residents they serve. In addition, Provision Living offers many safety features to reduce the risk of falling in apartments. To reach the therapy department at Provision Living, please call 601-329-2233. For more information, contact Kelly Crawford with The Summit Health and Rehab at 601-906-1034. Sources Include: APTA, www.healthinaging.org www.healthycellspinebelt.com

February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

advertiser’s spotlight

Medical Center

Taking To Heart Their Commitment to the Community By Carolyn Jones-Primeaux

esley Medical Center Campus is located on 85 beautiful acres in the heart of the Hattiesburg community. With its meticulously manicured grounds this “boutique hospital” has 211 beds and roots extending back to 1900. Wesley still operates with the same traditions of compassion and excellence that it started with and will continue with today and tomorrow. And while the hospital is steeped in tradition and history, Wesley is very committed to continuing its vision of providing cutting edge technology and procedures that have helped to set them apart as pacesetters in the field of medicine. Wesley recently welcomed Mike Neuendorf as the new CEO. “My family and I are grateful for this opportunity that lies before us and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the community,” says Neuendorf. “Wesley has a long-standing tradition of excellence and I am committed to bringing passion and enthusiasm each and every day. I am eager to work with the Board, the medical staff, the employees and the community in every aspect. My family and I are proud to now call Hattiesburg home.” To support their commitment to cardiac care, in 2010 Wesley added Dr. Joe Rubelowsky and Dr. Chris Benjamin, who are both cardiovascular surgeons trained at the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart and Vascular Institute. This year they will add vascular surgeon Dr. Ellis Salloum and two more cardiologists. Neuendorf says, “We are pleased to make minimally invasive bypass surgery available to our patients. With the addition of these two highly trained surgeons, patients are now able to receive the kind of specialized care and procedures that once were unavailable in the Hattiesburg area.” Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

Dr. Rubelowsky says, “I am very excited to bring these specific surgeries to our area. Patients will no longer have to travel outside the Hattiesburg area for such specialized cardiac procedures.” This was most recently realized on a patient who underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini AVR). “This surgery has changed my life,” the patient says. “My health had deteriorated to a point where intervention was needed and I’m so thankful I found the right surgeons who could make this happen.” Unlike traditional aortic valve replacement where an incision is made from the base of the neck to the top of the navel and the patient’s sternum is opened, surgeons performing mini AVR use a much smaller six to eight inch incision and only separate the sternum’s upper portion. This technique drastically reduces post-operative pain and recovery time. Consequently, a patient’s hospital stay is reduced, as is his likelihood of suffering from post-op infections. Chris Benjamin, M.D., and Joseph Rubelowsky, M.D., had performed this procedure multiple times, but this was the first time they had performed this procedure in Mississippi. “This is why I wanted to join Wesley and bring our highly-trained surgical team with us; Wesley Medical Center is interested in pushing the envelope in heart care,” says Dr. Rubelowsky. “And we’re only scratching the surface with this procedure.” In continuing this commitment to cardiac care Wesley is nearing completion of two cardiac operating rooms. Dr. Rubelowsky says “these state-of-the-art operating rooms rival what we had at the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart and Vascular Institute.” www.healthycellspinebelt.com

All of this means patients throughout the Pine Belt will have more options in their methods of cardiac care and will have less down time and faster recovery from surgery. Another addition to the Wesley staff is Dr. Alexis Polles, a psychiatrist who brings with her more than 15 years of experience. Dr. Polles will begin seeing patients at Wesley’s Behavioral Health Center in mid-January. She’s well versed in adult general psychiatry with a focus on substance abuse. “Patient care quality and safety initiatives will always remain the number one priority for Wesley Medical Center. Technological advances in medicine mean more efficiencies. We recently invested in a new robot system for our lab that helps produce faster, more accurate results,” says Neuendorf of the Dimension RxL Max. The Dimension RxL Max Integrated Chemistry System and StreamLAB Automation Solution, both manufactured by Siemens, help increase lab efficiency while allowing more clinical tests to be run from a single workstation. “Ultimately, the system improves test result accuracy and gets those results to providers more quickly and efficiently,” says Paula Ward, Wesley’s clinical lab director. Through the Dimension RxL System, WesMike Neuendorf, CEO ley’s lab personnel have Wesley Medical Center streamlined their workflow by running multiple disease-specific tests using various testing methods on a single machine. Additionally, by linking the device to the StreamLAB Automation Solution, Wesley has also automated many of the manual tasks previously required to run tests, such as decapping, centrifuging, sample introduction, recapping and storage of the samples after testing. “With a national focus on preventing medical errors in hospitals, this system will eliminate the errors that sometimes occur,” Ward says. “While our error rate has always been significantly below the national average, this system provides additional security from those common errors that could possibly occur.” With all these advances in technology and emphasis on providing exceptional patient care, Wesley has not lost sight of its employees and the impact they have on the overall patient experience. Wesley has been recognized with an Excellence through Insight Award for Overall Employee Satisfaction & Engagement in the Large Hospital Category. The employees are made of people who live in the Pine Belt and are served by the many community services provided by Wesley Medical Center. “We have ranked in the top percentile nationally for the past 3 years,” says Terry Trigg, VP of human resources. “Many of our employees have been at Wesley Medical Center for most of their careers, offering longevity and stability in our patient care. We value our staff and host several events throughout the year to remind them of how much they are appreciated.” 2010 was a good year for Wesley Medical Center. There was progress, change and an expansion of services that had a direct and www.healthycellspinebelt.com

positive impact on the Hattiesburg area and beyond. And with the new leadership at the helm they have hit the floor running in 2011 to continue the momentum of being a pacesetter in the field of superior medical service. All eyes will be on Wesley in the coming year as they make advances in technologies, services, procedures and staff all with the design to provide top-notch care to the patients in the Pine Belt. And always cloaked in it’s mission of Loving God, Serving Others, Excelling in Healthcare. For more information on Wesley Medical Center visit www.wesley.com or at 5001 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, Ph 601-268-8000.

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Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

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mobility

The Success of Your Spine Part One-Balance and Movement Submitted by Spiers Chiropractic

alance and coordination exist when the body is used for what it is designed for. Exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga, pilates, bicycling, martial arts and bodybuilding all help to improve muscle coordination. Activities such as working at a desk, reading, and watching television do the opposite for the body. Without realizing it, most people have extreme stress in their muscles. This muscular tension contributes to muscle tightness, restricted movement, and joint pain. This occurs simply because they sit for many hours every day and do not perform regular exercises that will work to keep all of the muscles in their body in balance. Imagine waking up one morning with a frozen shoulder where you couldn’t move your upper arm more than a few inches in any direction. How much would that impact your ability to do your job? How much would that affect your ability to drive your car or even to dress yourself? How much would that affect your ability to concentrate on anything other than your shoulder? Obviously, if your shoulder did not move correctly, it would have a dramatic impact on your life. Well, the same is true with movement in every part of your body. If things aren’t moving the way they are supposed to move, it will have a negative impact on your ability to function at work, take care of the demands of everyday life, and even your ability to concentrate. Many patients with severe low back pain report that their pain came on suddenly when they did something as simple as bend down to pet their cat, put on their socks, or pick up the newspaper. Just about everyone would agree that a person’s body should be able to handle such simple movements. So what has happened? In every one of these cases, the joints of the patient’s body were “all locked up” — they were barely moving at all. When the joints in one area of the body do not move the way they should, other areas of the body are forced to move more in order to compensate. This creates a significant stress on those areas that have to pick up the slack, and it soon leads to pain and inflammation. At the same time, the areas that don’t have normal movement will slowly worsen as the muscles continue to tighten, the joints stick together, and the ligaments and www.healthycellspinebelt.com

tendons shorten. This leaves the body in a very unstable condition; if left unchecked, this process will continue until the body can hardly move at all. That is how a person comes to suffer flare-ups of pain at the slightest provocation. Most of us have seen people who

have lost most of their normal mobility: they look like bodies have been starched stiff whenever they try to move around. This is especially prevalent among the elderly. Contrary to popular belief, however, this is not an inevitable effect of aging; rather it is the inevitable effect of not maintaining the body’s mobility through exercise, healthy alignment, and body mechanics. There are people in their 60s, 70s, or even older, who are stronger and more flexible than the average person in their 30s, simply because they keep themselves exercising. Maintaining mobility is critical in order to live free from pain and disability. Maintaining good mobility is not difficult, but it does not happen on its own. Just as in developing a good posture, it is necessary that you perform specific exercises and stretches to keep your muscles, ligaments, and tendons flexible and healthy. In addition, it is necessary that all of the joints in your body are kept moving correctly as well. Although this can be achieved to a great degree through stretching, most people also find routine chiropractic adjustments to be very beneficial. Next month we will cover Posture as it relates to the spine. For information on this article or other health-related questions contact Dr. Spiers and his staff at Spiers Chiropractic Pain & Wellness Center, located at 5128 Old Highway 11, Suite 1, Hattiesburg, MS Ph. 601-261-9495. February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

feature Story

What is the Condition of Your Heart? By Carolyn Jones-Primeaux

in 1963 to help raise public awareness of heart disease. It was started in 1963 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and has continued through today. Although heart disease has been thought to be a disease affecting men, it is now well known to be the leading cause of death among women. As part of this proclamation, the first Friday of February has been designated at National Wear Red Day. So “wear your heart on your sleeve” by wearing something red on February 4. A Few Heart Facts:1 • An estimated 81 million U.S. adults suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), • CVD was the cause of 34% of all U.S. deaths and an underlying or contributing cause for about 56% of deaths in 2006, • Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and 3 causes of death respectively in the U.S today, • As the Baby Boomers age, heart disease deaths are projected to increase 2.5 times faster than the population.

ebruary is Heart Month! Depending on what stage you are in your life, it might take on a variety of meanings, but the unifying message is it’s about your Heart. First we have Valentine’s Day; a day dedicated to letting your “Sweetheart” know how special they are to you. It may come in the form of flowers, candy, or a special card, perhaps homemade from the sender to convey his/her feelings of affection. Valentine Folklore Folklore has it Valentine’s Day originates with the feast of Lupercalia which was celebrated on February 15 in Rome honoring the god Lupercus, who protected the villages from wolves. Lupercalia was also a fertility celebration. Story goes all the single young maidens placed their name into an urn or bowl, and then the single young men would draw names. Dancing and merriment followed as the couples partnered, and frequently they would become sweethearts, maybe fall in love and perhaps even marry. As Christianity gained control, they renamed the holiday to honor early Christian martyrs. Pope Gelasius who renamed this holiday and assigned it the date of February 14th. It was 496 AD. It was well known that he named it after St. Valentine, but which St. Valentine is still unclear since all three in question were martyred in February. Perhaps it was meant to honor them all. Then there seems to be a favorite choice, and maybe this is where the folklore comes in. Many believe it was named after the priest who, against the Roman emperor Claudius II, performed marriages. Claudius II saw married men as weak soldiers showing allegiance to the family and children instead of the emperor. The priest was sent to prison and eventually put to death for performing the marriages. As the story goes, Protestants believed that just before his execution he was given pen and paper. He affirmed his belief in the church and the institution of marriage and signed the letter “From Your Valentine.” This phrase has been used for centuries. So the folklore goes. But did you know that the real reason February is Heart Month? February is American Heart Month as a result of a presidential proclamation Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

And with Baby Boomers still representing the largest population, these are very imposing and ominous facts. So what are we to do with this disheartening information if we can do any thing at all? The first and foremost thing to recognize are the answers, strategies, preventions and options are way beyond the scope of this article. There are a number of resources available to help and some of these will be listed at the end of this article. And it is always wise to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new program. As a CAD patient (see January 2010 Healthy Cells of the Pine Belt) my world was rocked when I had to undergo two separate stent procedures four months apart in 2005. It has made me look at everything in my life differently because let’s face it Heart Trumps Everything! I had to take what I already knew about cholesterol and triglycerides and relearn it as it applies to my particular situation. However, with all the information so readily available, I have been able to understand more and more about what I need to do to keep my disease in check. I also I feel very fortunate to have highly trained physicians in our community to help me in my fight with Heart Disease. A Journey Begins with the First Step Sound familiar? Take the first step. Start with walking! Why? It’s easy, it works and it pays! It’s Easy • Walking is the simplest way to start and continue a fitness journey. • Walking costs nothing to get started. • Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any type of exercise. • Walking is easy and safe. It Works • Studies show that for every hour of walking, life expectancy may increase by two hours. • Walking for as few as 30 minutes a day provides heart health benefits. • Walking is the single most effective form of exercise to achieve heart health. It Pays • Physically active people save $500 a year in healthcare costs. • Employers can save $16 for every $1 they spend on health and wellness. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

• Fitness programs have reduced employer healthcare costs by 20 55%. • Reducing just one health risk in the workplace increases productivity by 9%. • Reducing one health risk decreases absenteeism by 2%. And walking isn’t your only option. There are many more tips for increasing physical activity wherever you are. You may be surprised at all your opportunities to increase your physical activity every day. Visit www. heart.org and type “get moving, where do I start” in the search bar. You will find many tips on increasing activity while at home, work or play.2 After taking the first step, you are more inclined to be motivated to change other negative behaviors that are holding you back. Changing the way we eat, what we eat and how much will also go a long way in helping to prevent chronic heart disease and other life threatening diseases. Simple diet changes and exchanges such as water for soda can have life changing effects on your body and weight. The body is comprised of 80% water. We can go for weeks without food but only three days without water. There is so much evidence regarding the benefits of water it is mind-boggling. For more information on the benefits of water versus soda, alcohol or other caffeinated beverages just Google water versus soda and be prepared. This February think about how you want to celebrate the month. I will leave you with just a random sampling of ideas and events geared to impact you or the ones you love. • Flowers, candy and cards are staples to the celebration of Valentines Day. A good book is always a personal and lasting gift that can be cherished long after the holiday has passed.

• Massages are a wonderful way to relax and renew and is a welcomed gift for men and women, young or old. So pick up a gift card for someone you love, and one for yourself, you’ll be glad you did. • A twist might be to schedule that long over due health check-up, colonoscopy, or annual wellness exam that your loved one has been begging you to get. Give the gift of health to you and your family. Or get a family membership at a fitness club or family fitness center. You will all benefit and have good family time in the process. • Go Red for Women Luncheon- Take your seat at the table. Join other outstanding and dedicated women and men at the Pine Belt Go Red for Women luncheon. Hear the survivor stories, remember the expert advice, and Make it Your Mission to share in the commitment to fight the Number 1 killer of women. Friday, February 11. 9:00am - 1:00pm Thad Cochran Center - USM 118 College Street, Hattiesburg, MS. For more information please contact Heather Collins at heather.collins@heart.org. • Day of Dance for Health is a community-based event, hosted by Forrest General Hospital’s Spirit of Women. This event welcomes the entire community to dance, celebrate their health and learn about cardiovascular disease. Bring your friends and family to dance, learn simple ways to stay healthy, enjoy music, and participate in health screenings. Saturday, February 26. 9:00 am12:00 pm. Location Lake Terrace Convention Center, Hattiesburg. For more information contact Forrest General or mail mharris@forrestgeneral.com. Source: heart.org/HEARTORG/General/Fact-Sheets_UCM_304921_TabbedPage.jsp

Source: www.heart.org

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February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

grief recovery

“Exploring The ‘F’ Words”

1 Forgiveness

Healthy Cells magazine is pleased to present the eighth 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.

his column is the first of a trilogy in which we will probe some of the myths and mis-information about three words that are very important in the process of Grief £ Recovery®. The words are FORGIVENESS, FEAR, and FAMILIARITY. Forgiveness is the subject of this month’s column. It is almost a pleasure to write about forgiveness rather than talking about it. There is no subject that provokes more argument, more rigidity, or more pain than the idea of forgiveness. In fact, if forgiveness were not such an important stepping stone to successful Grief £ Recovery®, we would not bring it up at all. Forgiveness is one of the least understood concepts in the world, and is especially problematic in English speaking countries. Most people seem to convert the word forgive into the word condone. The definitions in our Webster’s Dictionary illustrate the problem. FORGIVE.... to cease to feel resentment against [an offender]. CONDONE.... to pardon or overlook voluntarily; esp: to treat as if trivial, harmless, or of no importance. If we believe the two words to be synonymous, it would be virtually impossible to forgive. The implication that we might trivialize a horrible event is clearly unacceptable. However, if we used the top definition of forgive we would be on the right track. For example, a griever might harbor a tremendous amount of resentment against the person who murdered his/her child. That resentment might create and consume a lot of energy which in turn might mask the pain and sadness about the death of the child. As long as the griever stays focused on the murderer they may find it impossible to grieve and complete their relationship with the child who died. The resentment, or lack of forgiveness of the murderer gives more importance and energy to the murderer than to the child. Successful recovery from the pain caused by loss requires that we focus our energy on completing our relationship with our loved one who died. By not forgiving the murderer we almost guarantee staying incomplete with the child. Grief is the normal and natural emotional response to loss. It is essential to correctly identify the loss - the death of the child - so the actions of

Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

completion can begin. The example about the murderer and the child can be applied to the perpetrator and the victim of any kind of event. If the death of a loved one was a suicide, you might need to forgive them for taking their own life, so that you could then complete what was emotionally incomplete for you when they died. Forgiveness is not our objective. Forgiveness is one of the tools we may need to employ in order to complete the relationship that ended or changed, due to death or divorce or other life circumstance. The subject of forgiveness is massive and carries with it many, many beliefs, passed on from generation to generation. We offer this column and the following questions and answers to help you determine if the definitions that were taught to you are helpful to you or if they need some updating. QUESTION: What if I have built up a resistance to the word forgive, is there any other way of approaching the issue? ANSWER: We recently helped someone who couldn’t even say forgive. She called it the “F” word, which inspired this column. We gave her the following phrase: I acknowledge the things that you did that hurt me, and I am not going to let them hurt me anymore. QUESTION: Is it appropriate to forgive people in person? ANSWER: An unsolicited forgiveness will almost always be perceived as an attack, therefore it is almost always inadvisable. It will usually provoke a new issue that will create even more incompleteness. The person being forgiven need never know that it has happened. Next Month: “Exploring The ‘F’ Words” — #2 — Fear 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.

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

life tip

Life is a Marathon! It’s Time to Make It Over! Each month Marathon Makeover brings you simple, realistic tips that apply not only to marathon training, but to life. Simple changes can produce massive results! Healthy Cells of the Pine Belt is proud to be a sponsor and a participant for Marathon Makeover.

There is still time to join Marathon Makeover. February 19th is the deadline. Sign up today! February Tip:

Put exercise on your calendar. It is a very important meeting with yourself! You owe it to yourself and those you love to be fit and healthy. Member Quote from Jennifer Clark: “If I don’t actually carve out time and put it on my calendar, my exercise doesn’t happen. A huge motivation is meeting others in the Marathon Makeover group who have way more excuses than me not to exercise, but who are still doing it! My excuses are just pitiful when I see people who fit in exercise on top of huge things going on in their lives.” This month’s life tip sponsored by: Healthy Cells of the Pine Belt Magazine

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February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

caregiving

Killer Stress — Alzheimer’s Second Victims!

Family caregivers often need help to cope. Submitted by Home Instead Senior Care

hey are the forgotten victims of Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorder illnesses: the family caregivers who toil each day caring for loved ones who are no longer able to care for themselves. For them, stress is a constant. It can even be a killer, according to studies that have shown a link between caregiving and premature death, particularly for spouses. When these caregivers eventually burn out, emotionally or physically, the lives of those they are caring for often follow suit. While most outreach efforts target the sufferers of Alzheimer’s and dementia, a local home care company and a national non-profit advocacy group are teaming up to help their forgotten caregivers. Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

The unique efforts of Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation has led to the creation of www.caregiverstress.com and an online stress tool that can help family caregivers gauge their level of stress and get help from a variety of resources, many of which are listed on the site. “The caregivers are a huge component in the lives of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients,” says James Huysman, Psy.D., executive director and co-founder of The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation. “If the caregiver, for instance, starts drinking or medicating to cope, or becomes ill or depressed, the whole system breaks down and everyone involved suffers. That’s why we are gearing our efforts at The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation toward behavioral research so we www.healthycellspinebelt.com

can answer the question: If you educate, empower and energize a caregiver, how much does that enhance or enrich the quality of life for their loved one?” That question, as well as others, will have far-reaching effects on an increasing number of families of memory disorder victims. Nearly 64 percent of cared for seniors nationwide already suffer from some form of memory or dementia problems. Studies have revealed that stress is a problem that can affect the health as well as the mortality of their family caregivers if assistance is not provided. For example: • In a poll released earlier this year of more than 5,300 professional home care CAREGivers dealing with family members who care for a loved one, these CAREGivers reported that 35 percent of these family members had significant to above average stress levels at the point they sought assistance. • A 2003 New England Journal of Medicine report co-authored by Richard Schulz, Ph.D., one of the nation’s leading researchers on caregiver stress, found caregivers exhibited high levels of depressive symptoms while providing care to family members with dementia, even though they showed remarkable resilience after the death of the person for whom they were caring. • An earlier study (Journal of the American Medical Association, 12/19/99) also co-authored by Dr. Schulz, who is director of gerontology at the University of Pittsburgh, revealed family caregivers caring for an ailing spouse were 63 percent more likely to die sooner than those who were not caregivers. “Every day, stress plays an important role in the lives of family caregivers who are trying to do too much with too few resources. The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation not only helps those with memory disorders, but their family caregivers as well. One of the missions of

local caregiving organizations is to provide respite for weary family caregivers struggling to keep their loved ones at home. These organizations go into the homes and facilities of seniors, often lifting the burden and providing regular relief for weary family caregivers. Caregivers help with non-medical activities of daily living, such as companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation, errands and shopping. The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation is involved with an educational campaign featuring the new, informational online stress assessment tool available to family caregivers at www.caregiverstress.com. According to Dr. Schulz, who was instrumental in developing the stress assessment tool, caregivers who don’t take care of themselves can’t care for others. “This means eating right, getting adequate rest, building exercise into your schedule, keeping up with your own medical appointments and reaching out when you need help.” Signs of caregiver stress can be both physical and emotional and include disturbed sleep, headaches, weight fluctuation, fatigue, anxiety and mood swings. To gauge their level of stress, family caregivers should log on to www.caregiverstress.com to complete the 20-question survey. Developed with the assistance of a group of leading eldercare and caregiver stress experts – the online stress assessment tool also can help determine what support caregivers may need for themselves, including advice, tips and resources. To take the caregiver stress assessment test, visit www.caregiverstress.com. For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, go to www. homeinstead.com. Or call 601-261-2114 to inquire about caregiving services. For additional information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia disorders, contact your local Alzheimer’s Association or go to www.alz.org.

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• Dental Implants • Impacted and Erupted Teeth Removal • Removal of Cysts and Tumor • Reconstruction for Dentures • Laser Surgery • IV Sedation • Wisdom Teeth Removal • Corrective Jaw Surgery / Jaw Deformities • TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment • Treatment of Oral and Facial Infections • Oral Pathology (Biopsy, Diagnosis and Treatment) February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

body health

Living with COPD? Submitted by Hattiesburg Medical Supply

hronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it increasingly difficult for you to breathe. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions that make up COPD, but COPD can also refer to damage caused by chronic asthmatic bronchitis. In all cases, damage to your airways eventually interferes with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your lungs. COPD is a leading cause of death and illness worldwide. Most COPD is caused by long-term smoking and can be prevented by not smoking or quitting soon after you start. Damage to your lungs can’t be reversed, so treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and minimizing further damage.

Symptoms and Facts

In general, symptoms of COPD don’t appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and they usually worsen over time. People with COPD are also likely to experience episodes called exacerbations, during which their symptoms suddenly get much worse. Beyond this, signs and symptoms of COPD can vary, depending on which lung disease is most prominent. It’s also possible to have many of these symptoms at the same time. Emphysema Signs and symptoms of emphysema include: • S hortness of breath, especially during physical activities • Wheezing • Chest tightness Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis occurs mainly in smokers. It’s defined as a cough that you have at least three months a year for two consecutive years. People who continue to smoke may go on to develop emphysema, but in smokers who are able to quit, the cough may clear in a few days or weeks. Signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis include: • H aving to clear your throat first thing in the morning, especially if you smoke • A chronic cough that produces yellowish sputum Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

• Shortness of breath in the later stages • Frequent respiratory infections Chronic Asthmatic Bronchitis Chronic asthmatic bronchitis is usually chronic bronchitis combined with asthma. Asthma can occur when inflamed and infected secretions irritate the smooth muscles in your airways. Symptoms are similar to those of chronic bronchitis, but you’re also likely to have intermittent — or even daily — episodes of wheezing.

Treatment and Care

There’s no cure for COPD, and you can’t undo the damage to your lungs. But COPD treatments can control symptoms, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life. Smoking cessation The most essential step in any treatment plan for smokers with COPD is to stop all smoking. Medications Doctors use several basic groups of medications to treat the symptoms and complications of COPD. You may take some medications on a regular basis and others as needed. These include bronchodilators, inhaled steroids and antibiotics. Surgery Surgery is an option for some people with some forms of severe emphysema who aren’t helped sufficiently by medications alone. Oxygen therapy is often used for people with moderate or severe COPD. If there isn’t enough oxygen in your blood, you may need supplemental oxygen. There are several devices to deliver oxygen to your lungs, including lightweight, portable units that you can take with you to run errands and get around town. Some people with COPD use oxygen only during activities or while sleeping. Others use oxygen all the time. Oxygen therapy can improve heart function, exercise capacity, depression, mental clarity and quality of life. In some people, it may also extend life. Talk to your doctor about your needs and options. Pulmonary rehabilitation program. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation may be www.healthycellspinebelt.com

able to decrease the length of any hospitalizations you require, increase your ability to participate in everyday activities and improve your quality of life. These programs typically combine education, exercise training, nutrition advice and counseling. If you are referred to a program, you’ll probably work with a range of health care professionals, including physical therapists, respiratory therapists, exercise specialists and dietitians. These specialists can tailor your rehabilitation program to meet your needs. Managing Exacerbations Even with ongoing treatment, you may experience times when symptoms suddenly get worse. This is called an acute exacerbation, and it may cause lung failure if you don’t receive prompt treatment. Exacerbations may be caused by a respiratory infection or a change in temperature or air pollution. Whatever the cause, it’s important to seek prompt medical help if you notice more coughing, a change in your mucus or if you have a harder time breathing.

Living Your Life

If you have COPD, you can take steps to feel better and slow the damage to your lungs: • C ontrol your breathing. Talk to your doctor or respiratory therapist about techniques for breathing more efficiently throughout the day. Also be sure to discuss breathing positions and relaxation techniques that you can use when you’re short of breath. • C lear your airways. In COPD, mucus tends to collect in your air passages and can be difficult to clear. Controlled coughing, drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier may help.

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•E xercise regularly. It may seem difficult to exercise when you have trouble breathing, but regular exercise can improve your overall strength and endurance and strengthen your respiratory muscles. • E at healthy foods. A healthy diet can help you maintain your strength. If you’re underweight, your doctor may recommend nutritional supplements. If you’re overweight, losing weight can significantly help your breathing, especially during times of exertion. • A void smoke. In addition to quitting smoking, it’s important to avoid places where others smoke. Secondhand smoke may contribute to further lung damage. • Pay attention to frequent heartburn. Constant heartburn can indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back into your food pipe (esophagus). This constant backwash of acid can aggravate COPD, but treatments for GERD can help. Talk to your doctor if you have frequent heartburn. • See your doctor regularly. Stick to your appointment schedule, even if you’re feeling fine. It’s important to steadily monitor your lung function. Hattiesburg Medical Supply employs 8 Respiratory Therapists to meet the one-on-one needs of each COPD patient. Our supplies include nebulizers, portable nebulizers, nebulizer medication, liquid oxygen and home and portable oxygen concentrators. Come in or call us today at 601-296-6000. We are located on South 28th Avenue behind Winn-Dixie. Your one source for home medical equipment since 1978.

February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

personal health

Obesity...A Lethal By Laurie McCarty, RD, LD

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Epidemic A “

s educators and parents it is normal to worry and stress about the well-being and safety of our children. We put our greatest effort at keeping our children safe from injury, danger, and any harm that may come their way. As we spend so much time looking at the obvious dangers, we overlook a very silent and lethal danger…that danger being poor nutrition and lack of exercise. As Americans, we have overlooked these very important issues in childhood development; our children’s health and overall well-being has slid into a downward spiral. It doesn’t seem to be getting any better.” – Amy Wall, Owner, Stretch-nGrow, PA I could not have said it any better than that. Childhood obesity is a term that we are all very familiar with, but one that has become a little “too familiar.” We CANNOT begin to close our ears to this problem and become complacent. Our children need us to step up to the plate. It is up to us, as adults, to take the time and be role models. To teach children through our own actions how to be and stay healthy. • Obesity has doubled among 2 – 5 year olds. • Obesity has tripled among 6 – 19 year olds. • 3 4% are either overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. • 1/3 of children and 2/3 of adults are overweight / obese. So why is this so important? Obesity does not just affect the size clothes to buy for our children, but the physical and mental effects are detrimental. Studies have shown that overweight children are at risk of developing heart disease as early as their 20’s. 40% of elementary aged children already have at least one risk factor for heart disease. I have had children as young as five look up at me and ask me to put them on a diet because the other children are making fun of them. I have had to counsel 12 year olds about high blood pressure. These are the things our children are worried about today. It is not fair. Most habits are formed by the time a child is 5 years old, so the habits they learn now and watch us practice now will set the platform for life. 70% of overweight/ obese children will become overweight / obese adults. The First Step-Prevention It is obvious that we have a huge epidemic on our hands. Phillip Thomas, a surgeon who works extensively with obese patients stated; “This is going to be the first generation that’s going to have a lower life expectancy than their parents. It’s like the plague is in town and no one is interested.” It’s time that we get interested, start fighting this deadly epidemic, and start seeing results. Laurie McCarty, RD, LD is the owner/director of Stretchn-Grow Hattiesburg / Laurel. You may contact Laurie at 601-268-9342.

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

601-270-2756 February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

audiology

Everything You Know About Hearing Aids Has Changed for the Better Dr. Michael Hunt, Ph.D., A.C.A.“I Wear Hearing Aids”

ou may know someone who had to fuss constantly with his or her hearing aids to get the volume right or who experienced a lot of frustration due to whistling, feedback and other technical problems. Well, those days are long gone. Today’s hearing instruments are highly sophisticated, self adjusting to your specific hearing loss and changing environments. They look better, are smaller, perform better and are more comfortable than ever before. And the process for getting hearing aids these days is really simple. Hearing clearly again will have a positive impact on your life, open doors to new

specifically designed for your hearing or understanding problems. And it does so automatically. This ability to fine tune the instruments means a more natural and realistic listening experience for you.

experiences and relationships and greatly improve current relationships with family and friends. The sooner you act, the sooner you can begin to enjoy a more fulfilling life.

• Say goodbye to feedback and the annoying whistling with the best feedback management system ever. • Control your hearing aids with the touch of your finger. No buttons, switches, knobs to push, pull or switch. Environmental sounds and your finger controls the new technology. • Hold a conversation anywhere as your hearing aids adjust automatically as you go from one listening environment to the next, no manual switches. • Directional microphones that allow you to zero in on voices and not background noise. • Don’t sweat a little moisture with new advanced hydro shield which makes your hearing instruments 100% resistant to water, humidity, perspiration and corrosion – both inside and out.

Start by Finding Professional Hearing Help. The first step to better hearing and understanding is to make an appointment with a Board Certified Hearing Professional who will consult with you about your hearing and understanding issues. If you have a problem, you can be fit, learn how to better identify your expected outcome and learn how to use your hearing instruments to their fullest potential. Together you will discuss the different styles and latest state of the art digital capabilities of today’s hearing instruments and determine which is best for you. Most hearing professionals will offer an evaluation and consultation at no charge. The Marvels of Modern Technology. Undoubtedly, the most important part of any hearing aid is the electronics. The more sophisticated the technology, the more precise and realistic the listening experience. All hearing aids amplify sounds through their microphones, but the quality and clarity of those sounds can differ dramatically. State of the art digital technology encompasses over 90% of today’s hearing aids. Because of this popularity, the price of digital technology has fallen dramatically in recent years. Digital technology involves a computer chip that converts sound into a digital code and adjusts that sound in one or more of several acoustical signatures Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

Other State of the Art Advances Include: •H ear more conversation, less commotion with new noise management and speech preservation systems. This allows you to experience maximum comfort and clearest speech possible even in the noisiest environments.

Make an Appointment Today. As you can see, hearing aids clearly aren’t what they used to be. Thanks to these marvels of new technology and many more too numerous to talk about, it’s easier than ever to get hearing aids that will really make a difference. I should know, I wear hearing aids as does my wife. So, don’t put it off any longer, make an appointment to have your hearing evaluated today. “We’re here to help you hear.” For more information about hearing aids contact HearingSolutions of South Mississippi at 601-450-0066 or email: theclinic@hearingsolutionsms.com. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

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February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 27

heart health

To Your Health Submitted by Rita Gardner, Independent Herbalife Distributor

Your cardiovascular system is the driving force behind cellular nutrition. Over 100,000 miles in length and equipped with nearly six-trillion endothelial cells, your blood vessels produce the nitric oxide that supports cellular nutrition. Endothelial-derived nitric oxide functions in many important ways to support the cardiovascular and circulatory system. Endothelial damage, from a poor diet, obesity and lack of exercise, results in deficient nitric-oxide production and, therefore, increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, there are easy ways to make your endothelium healthy by adjusting your diet, engaging in moderate exercise and taking Niteworks® dietary supplement. How does nitric oxide work? Nitric oxide, also known as NO, is the body’s most widespread signaling molecule. NO promotes cellular nutrition by facilitating blood flow to every cell in the body. Because NO expands the diameter of the arteries, more nutrients are delivered to the cells and more waste products are removed from the cells. Nitric oxide provides cellular nutrition to all organs of the body and also protects these organs against injury and disease caused by exposure to oxidants, a condition known as “oxidative stress.” NO is the body’s most potent antioxidant, protecting cells against free radical damage. In this regard, NO functions just like Vitamins E and C. NO deficiency and endothelial dysfunction cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of morbidity and untimely death in the United States and are sometimes associated with NO deficiency. The diseases resulting from NO deficiency include hypertension, stroke, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, gastrointestinal ulcers and erecPage 28 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

tile dysfunction. A healthy vascular endothelium is essential to a healthy cardiovascular system because it is required for normal NO production and action. Vascular-endothelial dysfunction leads to decreased NO production and increased oxidative stress, creating a vicious cycle that promotes further endothelial dysfunction. Diet improves heart health Another way to keep your endothelium healthy is through diet. A sensible diet that is low in fats and carbohydrates, but rich in proteins, will go a long way in promoting cardiovascular health. Decreased fat intake greatly reduces the body’s production of destructive free radicals and decreased dietary carbohydrates limit the intake of calories. Eating a high-protein diet maintains muscle mass and energy levels. The combination of high protein plus low carbohydrates and fats, can result in substantial weight loss, which further promotes a healthy cardiovascular system. A winning combination The three lifestyle changes outlined - mild to moderate exercise, a high-protein diet and dietary supplements — have something in common: they all play a role in enhancing the production and action of endothelium-derived Nitric Oxide. For this reason, exercise, diet and dietary supplements are a winning combination for maintaining and improving your endothelial health - and a healthy endothelium means a healthy heart. When you combine their results, you can easily see how your overall health and general well-being can improve. For more imformation, please contact Rita Gardner, Herbalife Independent Distributor, at 601.297.5463. Written by Louis Ignarro, Ph.D. Louis Ignarro, Ph.D. is a Nobel† Laureate in Medicine, and is also member of the Herbalife Scientific and Nutrition Advisory Boards. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

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February 2011 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 29

health care improvements

Healthy Aging By Dr. Michael Forster, Dean — The University of Southern Mississippi College of Health

ike it or not, age-related demographics constitute a “social tsunami.” Populations are rapidly aging across much of the developed world, with enormous implications that policy makers are just beginning to recognize and grapple with. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, individuals 65 and older presently comprise 12.9% of the population in our country. By 2030, that number is expected to rise as high as 19%, totaling 72.1 million people, and will continue to grow for some time after. Because of this, we can expect every discussion in the foreseeable future to include reference to the “Boomer” generation and the various issues it brings to the foreground. A big issue, if not the biggest, is health, and the pivotal concept here is “healthy aging.” Boomers will live, work, and play longer in life than any previous generation. This is a very good thing, but it doesn’t arrive on the public scene without problems. How our currently frag-

Page 30 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — February 2011

mented health care system responds to the challenge of helping Boomers stay healthy and productive for as long as possible is perhaps the central question we have to answer. In fact, the political, social, and financial well-being of the nation may well depend on that answer. Because health-related issues for aging populations are so critical to the future of our nation, the Southern Miss College of Health has expanded its scope to include a Center on Aging. The Center promotes understanding of, and response to, aging and aging-related issues. Research and evaluation, training, and education are main focuses of the Center. In addition, the Center can provide program consultation and make recommendations in matters of age-related policy. Although in its early stage, the Center expects to remain a permanent feature of the College of Health, providing research and education-related services for years to come for the benefit of our aging population and the community at large. In addition, the College of Health helped to move along the discussion of the crucial challenge of aging with the first of three monthly forums, sponsored by Hattiesburg Clinic, on January 27 in the Thad Cochran Center. “Healthy Aging: Options for Quality Care” featured a panel of local experts offering unique perspectives on the subject of aging and the future of the continuum of care, followed by open discussion. Members of the Hattiesburg community, along with Southern Miss faculty, staff, and students participated in this vital conversation. While self-contained, this forum served as a kind of prelude to an annual conference, “Issues on Aging.” This conference was held on Friday, January 28, in the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center, and explored methods of “successful aging,” including practical information on self management, staying fit, and spiritual and psychological well-being. The Southern Miss College of Health will continue to make a mark with applied research, community partnerships, and education for professional excellence. We hope that members of the community will come and partner with us during the next forum event at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 24 titled, “Perspectives of Health Care Reform – Which Way Forward?” in the Thad Cochran Center Ballroom on the Hattiesburg campus of Southern Miss. For more information about the Southern Miss College of Health, visit us at www.usm.edu/coh. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE HEARING AND UNDERSTANDING CONVERSATIONS? HearingSolutions of The Pine Belt is pleased to announce that we will introduce a major breakthrough in hearing technology. This technology is designed to fit your lifestyle and can help you hear with clarity in challenging places like a restaurant or in noise. Dr. Hunt has been rehabilitating hearing for over 25 years and wears hearing instruments. This year, enjoy the conversations with family and friends. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just hear better, understand better, too.

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