March Bloomington Healthy Cells 2012

BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL

area

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

March 2012

HealthyCells

TM

www.healthycellsmagazine.com

Scanning Inner Space page 20

The Invisible Illness page 18

The ABC’s of Health Insurance page 24

Get Your Plate in Shape page 36

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March 2012 — Bloomington ­— Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

MARCH Emotional: Women and Depression Nutritional: Healthy Eating Habit #1 Eat Slowly

This Month’s Cover Story:

Diagnostic Neuro Technology: Scanning Inner Space page 20

Lymphatic System: Understanding Lymphedema Massage Therapy: What to Expect at Your First Massage Yellow Dot Illinois: Got the Dot? Child Development: The P.L.A.Y. Project® Healthy Lifestyle: The Benefits of Exercising Together Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Illness Healthcare Professionals: Finding Physicians That Fit-A Recruiter's Goal The ABC's of Health Insurance: Deductibles, Co-Pays, Co-insurance-Oh My! Cancer Research: Treating People, Not Guinea Pigs Healthy Sleep: A Comfortable Snoring Solution Women's Heart Health: 5 Things You Need to Know About a Woman's Heart MRI Technology: Advanced Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis Learning Spanish: It's Never Too Late Cancer Prevention: Get Your Plate in Shape Healthy Skin: Exfoliation Basics The Right Dose: Off-Label Use of Drugs Midwifery: More Than Just Babies Holistic Techniques: Reiki Heart Health: Be Careful Shoveling Snow Disability Employment: Making Success Happen

Volume 7, Issue 3

Cover and feature story photos by élan Photography

6 8 10 12 14 15 16 17 18 23 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

Physical: How to Make the Most of Your Doctor Visit

2012

Technologists at Diagnostic Neuro Technology (DNT) L-R: Linda Schumacher R.T., Melissa Black R.T. Imaging coordinator, David Messenger R.T.

For information about this publication, contact Cheryl Eash, owner, at 309-664-2524, ceash7@gmail.com Healthy Cells Magazine and Pastelle Magazine are both a division of:

1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615 Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com www.healthycellsmagazine.com and www.pastellemagazine.com Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals in the greater Bloomington-Normal 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 at over 450 locations, including major grocery stores throughout the Bloomington-Normal area as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the Bloomington-Normal area. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return.

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

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March 2012 — Bloomington ­— Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

physical

How to Make the Most of

Your Doctor Visit

By Dr. Tom Rohde, Renew Total Body Wellness Center

T

he government (Medicare) is driving the doctor-patient relationship toward shorter visits that are cookbook approaches to your healthcare as healthcare costs continue to spiral upward in an attempt at cost containment. Private insurance carriers watch and implement similar changes once they are adopted

by Medicare with the goal of cost containment. These changes are hidden in such consumer friendly terms as "quality outcome measures" and "the patient centered medical home". To accomplish these goals we are moving toward a future of 10 or 15-minute office visits managed by checklists to accomplish healthcare "goals" that may not equate with your own goals – especially if wellness or prevention are at the top of your list. The most frequent complaint I hear from new patients or consultations for help with medical issues that they feel have not been adequately addressed is, "my doctor doesn't listen to me". Can the average doctor Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

address your issues in 15 minutes or less? Let's see if I can help you maximize your success.

How can you protect your interests in this push toward larger care organizations and time efficiency? If you're choosing a new physician, find one that fits your personality and goals. If you want a physician in tune with wellness and use of supplements rather than prescription medications, then you should look for a doctor with those interests, as this requires specialized training. If you are okay with checklist medicine to get into a visit, get your prescription refilled and labs done, then most physicians can accomplish those goals for you.

Prepare for your visits in advance with a list to keep you on target.

Why is it important for you to be prepared for your visit? "Obamacare", as it has been coined, sets its goals on managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and other measurable "parameters"

that can be put on a checklist for speed and can also be easily measured and monitored for "outcomes" or data points that can be analyzed. Medicare is pushing for Accountable Care Organizations.

These are larger groups of doctors employed by a large hospital organization, and perhaps by the government in the future, with an eye to control costs – hence the accountable part of the name.

How are outcomes to be measured? They are measured by parameters that have determined that you are best served, for example, by an LDL cholesterol below 100 or even below 70 if you have a heart disease risk factor. Now, if you believe that cholesterol is important for your body's health and repair mechanisms and for hormone production, or if you've had a side effect from a cholesterol medication, then perhaps those goals aren't in your best interest. Individualization will be hard to accomplish if the doctor may be penalized in the future if a certain percentage of his patient’s cholesterol levels are out of the "acceptable" range.

When you don't take the cholesterol medication, you don't get a check mark. If your cholesterol levels are out of acceptable range, you don't get a check mark. If your weight is out of acceptable range, you don't get a check mark and so on. This is the same for other measurable parameters. Does this further your personal health or wellness goals?

Now that you understand a bit about visit timing and you know that you have 15 minutes in a standard visit, start with your most important issue on your list first so it will be fully addressed. More minor issues can then be addressed as time permits, but remember you only have a 15-minute time-frame, so don't expect to address six issues in one visit. You'll need to schedule another appointment

for that many issues to be addressed properly. If the majority of your visit is for counseling or education, this takes more time.

Always make sure you have all your medical information with you to maximize your time. Despite electronic health records, you can't assume that your doctor will have access to any other physician's records, or that they will have all the results of recent lab work or x-ray studies if they were ordered or obtained elsewhere. I suggest you always obtain a paper copy of any lab or test you have done and file it in a folder you carry with you to your appointment should you need to access the information. Have a current list of the medications you take – both prescription and over the counter supplements. Know why you take each and what you expect from the supplements you are taking, as your doctor may not be as well versed about them as you are. Know what medications or supplements have caused side effects for you in the past to avoid duplication with a similar medication or supplement. Your file should also contain a current list of your health conditions or diagnoses from other doctors for you to access. Update this list with each visit to keep it current if new diagnoses are made.

I encourage you to take control of your healthcare and your doctor visits to maximize your health. Look for a physician with similar goals who can help you personalize your care and improve your health. Remember - WELLNESS IS NOT JUST THE ABSENCE OF ILLNESS! If you are interested in your own wellness and a personalized approach to your healthcare, please visit Dr. Rohde’s website: www.DrRohde.com. To schedule an appointment for a consultation you may call his office at 217-864-2700.

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For an appointment please call

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Guardian Headache and Pain Management Institute www.guardianpaininstitute.com 2203 Eastland Dr. Suite #7, Bloomington, IL 61704 March 2012 — Bloomington ­— Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

emotional

Women and Depression Submitted by Anjum Bashir, MD

D

epression afflicts more American adults than cancer, AIDS and coronary heart disease, and is the number one contributor to suicide, according to the National Institute for Mental Health. Clinical depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. It is a serious medical illness – one that doesn’t just go away.

About twice as many women as men experience depression.

Efforts to explain this difference are ongoing, as researchers explore contributing factors that are unique to women. It is likely that genetic, biological, chemical, hormonal, environmental, psychological, and social factors all play a contributing part. The signs and symptoms of depression are similar for both men and women and include: Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

• • • • • • • • • • •

ersistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings P Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism Irritability, restlessness, anxiety Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness L oss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex Fatigue and decreased energy D ifficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions Insomnia, waking up during the night, or excessive sleeping Overeating, or appetite loss Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts P ersistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Brain chemistry appears to be a significant factor in depressive disorders. Important neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that brain cells use to communicate, appear to be out of balance.

Hormones directly affect the brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood. Experts believe female hormones, which change throughout life, may explain the increased chance of depression in women. Specific times during a woman's life are of particular interest, including puberty; the times before menstrual periods; before, during, and just after pregnancy; and just prior to and during menopause.

Before adolescence, girls and boys experience depression at about the same frequency. By adolescence, however, girls become more than twice as likely to experience depression. The biological and hormonal changes that occur during puberty likely contribute to the sharp increase in rates of depression among adolescent girls. The hormone fluctuations that occur with each month's menstrual cycle probably contribute to premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. For most women with PMS, the symptoms are minor and don’t last very long. But a small percentage of women have symptoms that are severe and disrupt their lives, jobs and relationships. This is when PMS crosses the line into premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) — a type of depression that generally requires treatment.

Women are particularly vulnerable to depression after giving birth, when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Many new mothers experience a brief episode of mild mood changes known as the "baby blues," but some will suffer from postpartum depression, a much more serious condition that requires active treatment

and emotional support for the new mother. Hormonal levels fluctuate erratically during the transition to menopause. While some women may transition into menopause without any problems with mood, others experience an increased risk for depression.

The higher rate of depression in women probably isn't due to biology alone. Stressful life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship or any stressful situation, often occur before a depressive episode. Additional work and home responsibilities, caring for children and aging parents, abuse, and poverty also may trigger a depressive episode. Evidence suggests that women respond differently than men to these events, making them more prone to depression.

Depressive illnesses, even the most severe cases, are highly treatable disorders. As with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that a recurrence of the depression can be prevented.

Typical treatments for depression are antidepressant medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy.) There is a new treatment option for depression called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that does not involve any type of drugs or medication. TMS has recently been approved for use in the United States and is listed as one of the top medical breakthroughs for transforming our lives, according to AARP Magazine.

For more information please contact Anjum Bashir, MD at 309-808-2326. His office is located at 205 N. Williamsburg, Suite D in Bloomington. He is one of the few physicians in Central Illinois offering TMS Therapy for depression.

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nutritional

Healthy Eating Habit 1 #

Eat Slowly

By Dr. Rachel Hatfield Dalton

E

ach year the number one new year’s resolution is to lose weight. The busiest month at the gym is always January. A healthier life is desired by so many people, yet year after year fewer Americans achieve their goal. I often access where patients are with diet and exercise at their yearly gynecologic visit, and the large majority of the time women “want more” than their current regimen. Research, failed diets, and unused exercise equipment proves time and time again that we don’t succeed when we try to incorporate strict new diet and exercise habits all at once. We typically fail, “life” gets in the way, we can’t continue to juggle all Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

of the balls at once. To make large-scale change, the solution that has proven effective in the lives of many is to take on habits one at a time. Develop each habit for a few weeks and do not add new habits until you’ve conquered the previous one. So, for 2012, let me propose our first habit: eat slowly.

When was the last time you actually contemplated and tasted the food on your plate? As a simple exercise, take a small handful of raisins and put them in a small bowl. Look, feel, and smell them before you taste each one. Try to take 20 minutes truly enjoying this small handful. This is actually how aware we should always be at

mealtime. “But my lunch break is 10 minutes, 10 minutes to cram something in my mouth before I need to be back working.” If weight management is something you desire, you will make the time. In your body’s digestion, the breakdown of enzymes and nutrients is a slow process, it takes your brain a full 20 minutes to register that you’re full. Most of our meals don’t even last that long.

Let’s consider some research from the University of Rhode Island. Nutrition scientists had 30 normal-weight college-age women come into a laboratory for lunch on two separate occasions. Each time, the women were offered a huge plate of pasta with tomato-vegetable sauce and grated parmesan cheese, plus a glass of water. They were asked to eat until the point of comfortable fullness. On one occasion, they were instructed to eat as quickly as they could; on the other occasion they ate slowly and put down their spoons between bites. However, the subjects didn’t know the food and water were weighed before and after the meal to determine the amount consumed. What they found was when eating quickly, the women consumed 646 calories in about nine minutes verses eating slowly, where they consumed an average of 579 calories in about 29 minutes. That’s 67 more calories in 9 minutes that the women consumed in 29 minutes. Inquisitively, an hour after the meal, the women reported being hungrier after eating quickly, even though they consumed more total calories. In fact, if a person is looking to “bulk up” and gain weight, he or she should eat as many calories as possible in the first 5 minutes at the table.

Beyond weight management, there are a multitude of benefits from eating slower: better digestion, reducing stress, and more enjoyment of food. So how can we incorporate our new habit of eating slowly into our life? Here are 4 simple steps:

1. S et aside time to eat, don’t think of eating as a quick and easy “means to an end.” Set aside a block of time; for example 20-30 minutes for breakfast/lunch and 30-45 minutes for dinner.

2. Use

smaller serving plates. We have all noticed the huge portion sizes at restaurants, and probably have also noticed we eat more when we eat out. So, while at home, take matters in your own hands and serve dinner on salad/lunch plates and use smaller bowls. Choosing smaller plates instantly reduces your portion sizes.

3. S avor each bite. In order to break your body of the routine of stuffing a new bite of food in your mouth shortly after swallowing the last one, try putting down your utensils between bites.

4. D on’t eat in the car or while “on the run.” This encourages fast eating. Make a conscious effort to sit, preferably at a table.

Though it seems like a small habit, imagine what large-scale change eating slower could create in your life. I encourage you to take on this small habit and make it apart of your healthy lifestyle.

If you would like nutrition to be a part of your OB/Gyn care, please call 309-454-3456 to make a appointment with Dr. Rachel Dalton. She is accepting new patients, all insurances, and is located at the office of Dr. Harold Nord.

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March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

lymphatic system

Understanding Lymphedema

By Jill Grieff, CFm, CPOA, Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics

F

irst and foremost it is important to understand how the lymphatic system works in order to better understand lymphedema. The lymphatic system aids in immune function and circulation. Lymph vessels lie just under the skin and travel throughout the entire body, filtering lymph back through lymph nodes which are located in the neck, axilla region and groin area. The lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid, waste products, bacteria and large protein molecules and take the lymph back to the lymph nodes to be broken down and eliminated. The protein rich fluids are then taken back to the heart to be re-circulated.

When some lymph nodes are removed it puts extra stress on those remaining and if the lymph does not get “cleaned” fast enough it starts to “back up” and increased swelling causing lymphedema to occur.

Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the arms, legs and occasionally in other parts of the body. There are two types of lymphedema, primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema has an unknown cause and can affect one or all four limbs, it is either present at birth or can develop anytime through your life. Secondary lymphedema is when fluid builds up as a result of disrupted or inadequate lymph flow, this occurs after surgery is performed where lymph nodes are removed/ damaged and/or radiation is performed. The swelling can develop just days after surgery or possibly years later. It is also important to know that not everyone who has lymph node damage or removal will develop lymphedema, it is important to know the risks and understand what lymphedema is.

Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

Who is at risk?

Both men and women can develop lymphedema. Anyone who has had lymph node dissection and/or radiation is at risk for developing lymphedema. Lymphedema is commonly found among post mastectomy patients due to the amount of lymph node disruption as well as the excessive radiation treatments received.

How do you lower your risks?

• W ear prescribed compression garments, especially when traveling by plane due to the decreased cabin pressure.

• L imit repetitive motions (painting, yard work, bowling, weight lifting, etc.), • P erform moderate exercise such as swimming, biking, walking and yoga.

• A void extreme temperatures.

• A void restrictive clothing, shoulder bags and jewelry that impair circulation.

• M aintain an ideal weight with a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins as well as drink plenty of water and unsweetened liquids.

What if I do develop lymphedema?

Since there is no cure for lymphedema, the goal of treatment is to reduce and maintain the swelling. Treatment plans depend on the cause and severity of the lymphedema and are determined by a physician. Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), is a treatment approach that combines, skin care, exercise, manual lymph drainage (MLD) and compression garments. CDT works in two phases, the first phase is to use manual lymph drainage to reduce the swell-

“Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the arms, legs and occasionally in other parts of the body.” ing. MLD techniques as well as wrapping with bandages should be done daily for 2-4 weeks to decrease the swelling as much as possible. The second phase is after the swelling has decreased, then compression garments are used along with healthy skin care to prevent infection from occurring and therapeutic exercises to activate the muscles to keep the lymph flowing.

Jill Grieff is a Certified Fitter of Mastectomy and Lymphedema at Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. (CPO). CPO provides patients in Central Illinois with prosthetic and orthotic devices and care, and also houses an on-site fabrication department where custom orthoses and prostheses are designed and created for each patient. CPO can be reached by calling toll free 888-676-2276. Visit the website at www.cpousa.com.

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March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

massage therapy

What to Expect at Your First Massage

By Heather S. Koerner, Eastland Chiropractic & Lifestyle Center

M

any first time clients come into a massage office a bit unsure as to what to expect. Will I have to undress completely? I don't want oils. Am I allowed to ask for something different? What if it hurts? Let me walk you through a session and see if we can answer some of these questions and ease some pre-massage fears.

When you first arrive, you will be asked to fill out a client information form. This is the time to write down the current aches and pains you might be experiencing as well as your medications and any past surgeries, accidents or injuries you might have had. Yes, it is all important.

Your health history lets the massage therapist know if he or she needs to modify the massage for your comfort or safety. It also helps us to catch illnesses or injuries that may be contraindicated. We don't want to hurt you and the more information we have about you and your health, the better the decisions that can be made about your massage.

The therapist will take some time to go over the intake form with you, asking questions and discussing the massage. They will ask you what type of massage you are looking for, be it focused on one area, or a general full body massage. They might even ask what your previous experience with massage is. If this is your first massage, they will walk you through the steps of the massage, just like we are walking you through now. The therapist will do their best to answer them clearly so that you can fully relax and enjoy your massage.

The massage therapist will tell you to undress to your comfort level. Depending on the massage, you may not need to undress fully, and you will never need to undress completely. The therapist will only expose the body parts they are working on, and they will never expose your private areas.

The massage therapist will leave the room to let you undress in private. When they return they will slip a bolster under your legs and adjust the face cradle if needed. The table may have a heating pad as well, and if that needs to be adjusted it can be done at this time, or anytime during the massage. This massage is all about you, and if you are uncomfortable, let us know and we will do our best to adjust the session to suit your preferences.

Things that can be adjusted during your massage •T he bolsters •T he face cradle Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

• The blanket (if too hot) • The heating pad (if too cold) • The lighting • The music • The pressure of touch To a certain extent the smells can be adjusted as well. Typically we avoid strong perfumes or smells for the comfort of our clients but for those who don't mind a bit of scent we do offer aromatherapy choices as well.

Some clients think the deeper the better, but that is not always true, if you find yourself tensing up, or holding your breath during a massage, then the pressure is too high and you are not relaxing. This can even damage the tissue which is exactly what we are trying to avoid. So if the massage hurts, speak up. There are many techniques that can be used that are not so intense, or area specific that could achieve the same results.

We do not use oils as we find them to be sticky and messy for client and therapist alike. We prefer massage crème. It’s not nearly as messy and doesn't leave you sticky after the massage is over. We like that you can go from the massage to the rest of your day and not feel like you need a shower afterwards.

Once the massage is complete, the therapist will leave the room to let you get dressed. Once you are dressed, head up to the reception area where your therapist will be waiting with a bottle of water for you.

Drink plenty of water so you can flush the toxins out of your system and not feel sick or sore the next day.

That's it! Massage isn't too scary, and with the right massage therapist it can be helpful and healing!

For more information or to schedule a massage, you may contact Eastland Chiropractic & Lifestyle Center, 2406 E. Washington St. in Bloomington, 309-662-8418. Their office is a family oriented practice that welcomes people of all ages to enjoy the benefits of Chiropractic care. In addition to chiropractic, they offer many wellness services such as massage, reiki, life coaching, core stabilization, nutritional counseling, personal fitness evaluations and training, healthy cooking classes, and Ideal Protein Weight Management.

yellow dot illinois

Got The DOT ?

H

ow many times have you seen or been involved in a car accident? Everyday, motorists are involved in traffic accidents, requiring emergency personnel to respond. One of the first things a first responder has to do when arriving at the scene of the accident is to assess the patient, determine the extent of injury and what he or she needs to do for that patient. However, even though first responders are extensively trained, they have no idea who you are, what medications you are taking, or know anything about your past medical history. All they know, is you are a victim of a car accident, and maybe some basic information from your license and insurance card.

If the responders knew more about you, and your medical history, the first responders can react accordingly and know exactly what to do, what drugs to administer, and what drugs not to administer.

Greg Chance, Public Health Administrator at Peoria City/County Health Department states, "With safety as a major public health safety issue, the Illinois Yellow Dot Program provides first responders with critical information to improve emergency care for persons involved in vehicle crashes. Because the first hour following an injury is the most crucial, the Yellow Dot program assures that essential personal health

information is available in order to provide prompt and appropriate care for a crash victim."

Local public health departments across Illinois have joined forces with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to urge residents to participate in the State of Illinois’ new Yellow Dot Program, which could save lives of people involved in a serious car accident.

To participate in the Yellow Dot Program, simply fill out a Yellow Dot Program medical card, which must contain your photo, emergency contact information, the name of your personal physician, any medical conditions, a list of recent surgeries, any allergies and current medications being taken. After filling out the card and putting it in your vehicle's glove box, simply place the yellow dot sticker on the back window.

“I would encourage everyone to contact their local health department for cards and stickers so they can participate in this life-saving program,” said Chance.

For additional information on the Illinois Yellow Dot Program visit the website www.yellowdotillinois.org. For more information on other public health issues, visit your local Public Health Department.

March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

child development

The P.L.A.Y. Project

®

Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters

By Erin Rogers, M.Ed.

T

oday, approximately one in every 110 children is diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder. As the fastest growing disability in the U.S., autism continues to gain public attention, yet there is a national shortage of personnel trained in intensive approaches as recommended by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters (P.L.A.Y.) Project Home Consulting model is a parent-training program that addresses the need for intensive early intervention for young children on the autism spectrum. The P.L.A.Y. Project® addresses this shortage by using a ‘train the trainer’ approach, which promotes rapid dissemination of the program.

Developed by Dr. Rick Solomon, P.L.A.Y. is a practical, family-friendly and autism focused application of renowned child psychiatrist Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s Developmental, Individualized, Relationship-based (DIR) framework, popularly known as Floortime. Through structured monthly home visits focused on modeling, coaching and video feedback, consultants train parents

to engage their child with autism in ways that promote emotional connection and communication. By training parents to participate in their child’s intervention, the program also promises to be costeffective.

P.L.A.Y. Principles include: • Relationship-based and feeling oriented • Improving Functional Developmental Levels (FDL) by engaging the child • Flexible curriculum based on individual needs of the child • Increasing back and forth interaction • Meeting children where they are at and taking them where they need to go • Helping each child realize his or her full potential With research-design guidance from Michigan State University, and community-outreach support from Easter Seals, The P.L.A.Y. Project out of Ann Arbor Developmental Pediatrics is conducting a two-year, randomized, controlled, and blinded clinical trial on the effectiveness of The P.L.A.Y. Project model of intervention.

Drawing participants from five Easter Seals autism service locations (Peoria and Bloomington among them), the study compares the outcomes of 60 children who participate in The P.L.A.Y. Project with the outcomes of 60 children who receive standard, community interventions, making it the largest study of its kind.

Before and after the 12-month intervention, each child is assessed with a battery of tests to measure developmental level, speech and language, sensory-motor profile, and social skills.

Year one preliminary results are very promising for the first sixty (60) children involved in the study. Parents participating in The P.L.A.Y. Project reported 15-20 hours per week engaged interaction. Recorded observations demonstrate parents were: a) responsive to child’s cues, b) followed child’s lead and c) effectively elicited back-and-forth interaction. Less stress and depression over time was one benefit for parents participating in The P.L.A.Y. Project. In respect to child-specific progress, scores on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, or ADOS, showed significant improvement in the intervention group’s severity of autism symptoms, however there were little significant differences in IQ scores between the study and control groups.

Year two of The P.L.A.Y. Project study will end later this spring, and additional study results will be available in the next year.

If you have questions about The P.L.A.Y. Project, you can contact Easter Seals in Peoria at 309-686-1177or Bloomington at 309.663-8375 or go to www.ci.easterseals.com The mission of Easter Seals of Peoria/Bloomington is to provide exceptional services to ensure that people with disabilities and their families have equal opportunity to live, learn, and work and play in their communities. Easter Seals is a not-for-profit organization where progress is our promise. Kids.Therapy.Progress.

Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

healthy lifestyle

The Benefits of Exercising Together

By Nick Grubb, Exercise Physiologist, Central Illinois Institute of Balance

I

t’s that time of year again, when the New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier and exercise seem to have fallen by the wayside.

Many people have just finished showing how much they care for their “special someone” by sending Valentines, planning a surprise dinner, or buying gifts. But instead of flowers or chocolates, how about showing that you care for your loved ones well-being and health? After all, nothing is more romantic than growing old together and nothing can help that more than a positive attitude and physical activity.

Cold days can be very stressful indeed and physical activity can be a difficult habit to establish. Joining a wellness program together can show you care in so many ways. Studies have shown that people who exercise together have a more positive outlook on life, more motivation for physical activity and better overall health.

Participating in physical activity together can strengthen your personal relationship and help to improve your communication with each other. It’s been proven that exercise helps the brain’s capacity to generate new brain cells and keeps the mind fit as well as the body. Exercise also stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain, which evoke feelings of happiness and reduce stress. Not surprisingly, several studies suggest that men and women who exercise regularly report better sex with their partners.

Between work and family responsibilities, couples usually spend most of their time away from each other, so try to plan a work out time that works for both of you. You’ll accomplish two things at once – fitting in fitness and spending some one-on-one time together with your partner. Exercising together will also help both of you stay motivated. If going to the gym is not your cup of tea, there are many other opportunities to spend time with your partner and still get some exercise. Try walking or riding bikes together, take a dance class, visit a local museum or indoor farmer’s market, attend a walking tour of downtown Bloomington, the list is endless.

Now, more than ever, we need to take charge of our own wellbeing. Fifty or sixty years ago it was not uncommon for people to walk to the store or ride a bike to work; our society was founded on hard work and physical labor. Today, anything we need is a click or phone call away. Genetically we humans have a disposition to store carbohydrates and fats and this has not changed for thousands of years. What has changed however is the ease in which we live our daily lives.

So this year show the strength of your heart not just the size of it and plan something special, something that will not only help you bring balance and well-being to your lives, but will also enrich you as a couple.

For more information contact Nick Grubb, Exercise Physiologist, Central Illinois Institute of Balance, 663-4900 grubbnick32@yahoo.com

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217-935-9571 ext. 3222 March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

fibromyalgia

The Invisible Illness

By Dr. Benjamin Taimoorazy, Guardian Headache and Pain Management Institute

F

ibromyalgia (FM) is a very common and painful condition involving multiple tender points in specific parts of the body and discomfort in the muscles, joints, tendons and other soft tissues. It is often called the “invisible illness” because the main symptom is pain, yet there is no apparent underlying reason to explain the pain. In the United States, 3.7 million people suffer from FM, which is more prevalent in females. Fibromyalgia is associated with sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndromes. According to the American College of Rheumatology, there is a major disturbance in the process of analyzing painful stimulations in the central nervous system of patients with FM. The cause of Fibromyalgia is not known, although it may develop after a trauma to the body such as after a motor vehicle accident, Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

surgery or following an infectious disease. There are a number of theories for FM, and central to all of them is a disturbance in restorative sleep and lack of full relaxation of muscles that should occur during sleep. Additionally, alteration of neurohormonal activity that should occur during a restorative sleep is also paramount in the pathogenesis (development) of FM. This hormonal dysfunction results in altered levels of the growth hormone and cortisol which is a hormone necessary for the body to cope with stressful conditions. Functional MRI reveals evidence of an abnormal exaggeration of pain processing and pain perception in certain areas of the brain in patients with FM. FM may be a challenging disorder when it comes to its diagnosis. In addition to pain, patients with FM usually have associated

disorders such as fatigue, mood alterations, headaches, depression, anxiety and forgetfulness, which are also symptoms of other illnesses. Because there is not a standard, objective lab test that confirms a FM diagnosis, people often suffer for years while every other possibility is ruled out. Although there is currently not a specific test for FM, there are investigational tests that are becoming more widespread and can point physicians in the right direction.

In particular are tests that check hormone levels because we know that many people with FM do not produce these hormones due to the absence of restorative sleep, thus leading to a vicious cycle of increased sleep disturbance, greater hormone imbalance, pain and distress.

Management of FM starts with educating the public and the health care providers as to the existence of this malady as a real medical condition. Prognosis is dramatically improved with early intervention. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach to pain management and should be focused on regaining a normal restorative sleep cycle and include pharmacological interventions, psychological support, and reconditioning of the muscles by a step wise physical therapy regimen to increase functional activity.

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This series of articles is geared to increase awareness and understanding of different types of headaches and other chronic painful conditions and the available diagnostic and therapeutic options for each individual disorder. For more information, you may contact Dr. Benjamin Taimoorazy at Guardian Headache and Pain Management Institute, 309-808-1700, www.theGuardianPainInstitute.com. The practice is located at 2203 Eastland Drive, Suite #7, in Bloomington.

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feature story

Diagnostic Neuro Technology:

Scanning Inner Space

By Alexander Germanis

Preparing a patient for a CT Scan

T

he human body is a complex machine. And for thousands of years the depths of that machine were difficult to plumb without invasive procedures. The advent of scanning technology changed all of that. Beginning with the X-ray work of Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895, and continuing with the later inventive efforts of Raymond Damadian and Sir Godfrey Hounsfield, medicine took a technological leap forward.

Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

Now, Computed Tomography (CT), X-ray, Bone Density and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners allow mankind to safely explore the inner space of the human body. Skilled in the use of these different machines, scanning technologists like those at Bloomington’s Diagnostic Neuro Technology (DNT) utilize the various scanners to locate and pinpoint life-affecting issues from broken bones to cancerous tumors.

With over 65 years of collective scanner tech experience, DNT’s Melissa Black, David Messenger and Linda Schumacher are experts in locating and collecting the valuable data physicians need in order to properly treat or even diagnose their patients. Messenger exemplifies that intelligence-gathering mentality: “Our job is: get the history and get the picture.”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Different data requires different scanners.

Each scanner’s wheelhouse contains the ability to detect an assortment of maladies and, naturally, each scanner requires a different set of skills in order to operate. Melissa Black and David Messenger are both trained on the short bore 1.5T MRI, a large, tunnel-shaped machine that uses an extremely powerful magnetic field and pulsed radio waves to make detailed pictures of internal organs and structures.

A versatile machine, the MRI is used to check the brain for a variety of potentially life-threatening ailments such as tumors, aneurysms, nerve injuries, bleeding on the brain or it can investigate for damage caused by a stroke. An MRI can also inspect problems with the spine, cartilage, bone marrow and detect other problems such as injuries to the joints and arthritis.

Many patients experience a degree of trepidation when needing an MRI scan. Besides the imposing size of the scanner, there is also an issue of claustrophobia and even fears of the strength of the magnet. Rest assured the magnet poses no harm to a patient and only the area of the patient that requires scanning actually needs to be within the MRI’s “tunnel.”

The techs at DNT are eager to address these and any other issues one might have with the scanner in order to make the experience as far from unpleasant as possible. “We call our patients ahead of time,” assures Melissa Black, “tell them what to wear, what to expect and try to make them comfortable. We provide music during the MRI’s. They can even bring their own music.”

In order to help alleviate any further feelings of discomfort, they’ll “even allow another person in the room with the patient.” David Messenger adds: “I’ll put a spouse in there without a moment’s hesitation.”

Bone Densitometry Fortunately, not all of the scanning machines are as intimidating as the MRI scanner. The Bone Density Scanner or Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner is a humble, simple-looking table with a small L-shaped X-ray emitter above it.

The name of the scan is pretty self-explanatory, although the purpose may not be. The most common reason for a bone density scan is to look for signs of osteoporosis. Most often associated with women in their advanced years, osteoporosis—literally “porous bones”—is a disease that can result in brittle bones, fractures, loss of height and good old-fashioned pain. It’s also something the techs at DNT suggest everyone guard themselves against. “Women should get checked before menopause, not wait until they start having symptoms,” Messenger warns. “And men get it too.”

Linda, preparing a patient for an X-Ray Men are not only at risk, they make up one-third of the 44 million osteoporosis sufferers in the United States. And contrary to popular belief, this crippling bone disease can strike at any age, specifically if one leads a sedentary lifestyle, smokes, drinks alcohol excessively, or has insufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D in their diet or other medical issues.

X-rays and Computed Tomography It would be fair to say everyone in the free world has had some type of experience with an X-ray machine. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with higher energy and a shorter wavelength than visible light. X-ray photons are usually used to peer through soft tissue to inspect the harder structures of the body such as bones or teeth; however, X-rays can also inspect the soft tissue as well. X-ray photos are then used to find breaks in bones, do exploratory work and, in the case of computed tomography or CT scans, can find forming ailments like cancerous tumors.

While a CT scanner does use X-rays to take pictures of internal structures, the process is slightly different than the basic X-ray machine. Using a circular, donut-shaped scanner, X-rays are passed through the required areas of the patient. Then, rather than exposing film on the other side of the patient, a series of March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

feature story

continued Diagnostic Neuro Technology There are two major hospitals in town, not to mention a variety of clinics, so what sets Diagnostic Neuro Technology apart?

Aside from being conveniently located on Mercer Avenue just off of Veteran’s Parkway, DNT is extremely accessible with ample parking and a ground-level entrance.

But one of the most appealing aspects of the facility is that they are a cost-effective alternative to hospital-based scanning. “You don’t have to go to the hospital. You don’t have to go where the doctor tells you. You have the right to choose,” Black informs.

Furthermore, DNT can be much faster than some alternatives.

“If someone called today,” Black continues, “[providing] we have a physician’s order and the insurance is pre-authorized, we could get their MRI done today.” In fact, the average time between setting an appointment and getting in for a scan is one to three days—indeed an important factor when “timing is everything.”

With the saved time comes reduced stress for the patient; and the DNT techs are committed to providing the least stressful experience as well as the most caring environment for their patients as possible. Messenger sums up this intent by simply stating: “We can take our time with people.”

The technologists are eager to be there for their patients, but they’re equally eager to get the word out about Diagnostic Neuro Technology in general. “For years we were the best-kept secret in town,” Messenger says. “We don’t want to be.”

Melissa Black, gathering information for a patient's MRI procedure numbers are generated. A digital image is then computed from these numbers, in essence turning a human Sudoku puzzle into “slices” of internal photos that can then be layered to form a threedimensional image. Often used as a supplement to the standard X-ray imager, which detects damage, computed tomography can be used to prevent worse damage.

All trained on the CT scanner, the crew at Diagnostic Neuro Technology has fairly recently set their scanner to the task of looking for lung cancer. “What pushed us to do [lung cancer scans] here,” says Black, “is we had a co-worker that ended up having lung cancer.”

That smoking can cause lung cancer is not news to anyone.

That lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States may be a little more surprising, however.

Approximately 157,000 deaths from this ailment occur annually.

Here is where the importance of diagnostic intelligence gathering comes in.

Presently, the survival rate of lung cancer patients is less than 15%. But this can be an easily changeable statistic. It is estimated that 80% of those diagnosed can be cured if the cancer is caught in its early developmental stages. Those over the age of 50 who smoke, who used to smoke, who have a family history of lung cancer, or who are repeatedly exposed to secondhand smoke, asbestos, radon or other carcinogens should all get checked. Early detection of lung cancer can vastly improve the patient’s outcome from terminal to survivor. In other words, with cancer, “timing is everything.”

Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

Diagnostic Neuro Technology is located at 1015 S. Mercer Ave. in Bloomington. You may contact them at 309-663-0463, email at mblack@cinhs.com, or visit www.diagnosticneuro.com. They are accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Diagnostic Neuro Technology Offers • 24 to 48 hour turn-around time on reports and CD of the exams if requested. Stat exams are available.

• Radiologist reading exam specialized in modalities of Neuro, muscular skeleton & general radiology.

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• New! Low dose CT lung cancer screenings • Easy parking, convenient location • Minimal waiting time

For physicians, your office will appreciate • Calling us directly to set up an appointment.

• Results faxed to your office in a timely manner.

• We can give the patient a CD to take directly to your office.

healthcare professionals

Finding Physicians That Fit A Recruiter’s Goal Part 1 of 3

By Becky Wiese

I

f you’ve ever had reason to find a new physician, you know it can be frustrating at times. You might consider the physician’s credentials, reputation, personality, availability, and medical perspective (for example, does he have an aggressive or conservative approach to treatment or medication?), not to mention whether or not the one you find is in your insurance network. And if you’re looking for a certain type of physician, the current shortage of specific kinds of physicians may make it even more difficult to find the one you need.

Now, magnify the complexity of your search by adding in issues that come with hiring an employee, and you’ve got a little taste of what it’s like for a healthcare facility to find a new physician. The entire procedure can be time consuming and complicated, and if for some reason the candidate doesn’t end up taking the position, the process starts all over. Unfortunately, a practice manager or hospital administrator has other responsibilities as well, so their time cannot be focused entirely on finding another physician .

Enter the headhunters or recruiters. “Our clients, typically hospitals and medical practices, often call us after they have been looking for a while and have become frustrated in finding that perfect fit,” explains Michelle Houchin, CMPE, President of Adkisson Search Consultants (ASC), a firm specializing in recruiting physicians, advanced practitioners, and medical executives. “We put our full attention every day, 24/7, on finding the physician our client needs. They don’t call us if it’s easy,” Houchin adds.

“Our job as recruiters is to listen to our clients’ needs and find that person who is the right fit for them,” says Shannon McKay, Vice President at ASC. Ultimately, finding the right physician for the client leads to better patient care. In a typical recruitment scenario, ASC will do a site visit with the client and basically act like a candidate. “We’ll talk with all the integral people that will be involved, ask about specific skills they are looking for, find out about processes, hours, pay—anything that a candidate would want to know.” They then create a very detailed (typically several pages) job description that they can present to potential candidates.

Interested candidates sign a reference release form that enables ASC to do background and reference checks—all before an interview is even scheduled. This allows them to present the very best candidates for consideration by the client. “We don’t want our clients to waste time or money on a candidate who isn’t viable,” states Houchin, especially since the interview itself is a time-consuming and expensive process.

Potential candidates come from a variety of sources. ASC recruiters are constantly searching databases, making phone calls, attending job fairs, networking, and following up in order to find the physician who is exactly what the client wants. Some are new medical school graduates, some may be foreign physicians , others are “passive candidates”— meaning a person who has not posted on a job board, but is recruited based on a networking contact or cold call.

One of the biggest draws for potential candidates is the location of the job. “We always try to find a tie to the area—we want them to stay,” says Houchin. If that tie happens to be going “home,” so much the better. Sometimes, especially in situations in which the candidate is a foreign medical school graduate, the tie won’t be “home,” but perhaps similar to home. “We placed a physician from Ghana in a rural US setting—he loves it because Ghana is largely rural, so he feels at home and is very active in the community,” says McKay. Plus his patients and co-workers love him because he cares about and understands what rural communities face.

This exemplifies the goal at Adkisson Search Consultants: a physician who goes to a new position and stays, and a client who is happy to have that physician fill the position. In that respect, ASC is akin to a matchmaker—after all, finding that perfect fit is the reason they exist.

Next month's article will address the options you may face when searching for a physician.

Adkisson Search Consultants has been recruiting healthcare professionals in Bloomington, IL for more than 10 years and welcomes the opportunity to learn more about the needs of your group. Please contact Michelle Houchin, CMPE or Shannon McKay at Adkisson Search Consultants at 309-662-6185 or info@adkissonsearch.com.

Adkisson Search Consultants is located at 3901 GE Road, Suite 4, Bloomington, IL 61704.

March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

The ABC’s of Health Insurance

Deductibles, Co-pays, Co-insurance – Oh My!

By Sam Fowler, PMAC, Office Manager, Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates

A

s a consumer I want to know my insurance benefits. As an office manager of a busy podiatry office, I need to know the insurance benefits of all my patients. I want each patient to be well informed about their specific insurance coverage so they can make educated financial decisions regarding their podiatric health care. No one likes a financial surprise after visiting the doctor. Here are answers to some common insurance questions.

Q: How do I know if I need a referral?

A: With some insurance plans (such as some HMO plans), you will need a referral from your primary care physician (PCP) to see a specialist, such as a podiatrist. You will need to contact your family doctor a few days before your scheduled appointment because many primary care doctors require 24 or 48 hours of notification. The referral may have an expiration date or only allow for a certain number of visits.

Q: What is a co-pay?

A: A copayment, or co-pay, is a set monetary amount the insured person is responsible for paying the medical office every time a claim is filed, usually each time you see the doctor. The insured is responsible for paying his co-pay even after the deductible has been met. For example, if you have a $20 co-pay, then you are responsible for paying $20 at every doctor visit.

Q: What is a deductible?

A: A deductible is the monetary amount the insured person is responsible for paying in full before the insurance company will start covering their portion of the claim. The deductible is a yearly amount, based on either a calendar or plan year, and re-sets each year. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, then you are responsible for paying all charges up to $500. Once you meet your $500 deductible, then you are just responsible for a percentage of the allowed amount, or co-insurance.

Q: Why do I have more than one deductible?

A: Some health insurance policies have different deductibles for different types of coverage such as an in-network deductible, an out of network deductible, a DME deductible, an office visit deductible, a surgery deductible, etc. For example, you might have to meet a $500 deductible before your insurance company will pay for surgeries.

However, you might only need to meet a $250 deductible before your insurance company will pay towards office visits.

Q: What is co-insurance?

A: Co-insurance is the percentage of the allowed amount that the insured person is responsible for, after meeting the deductible in full.

Many plans have co-insurances on all or some procedures performed

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and/or DME dispensed. This may be in addition to your office visit co-pay. For example, if you have met your $500 deductible and have a 20% coinsurance, you will be responsible for 20% of whatever your insurance company allows. If your insurance company allows $100 for the office visit, then you would be responsible for $20 at the end of the appointment (20% co-insurance of $100 allowed amount= $20).

Q: What is allowed amount?

A: The allowed amount is the monetary amount that each insurance company allows each doctor’s office for different codes (office visits, x-rays, surgeries, or DME). Each doctor’s office has a set fee schedule of the charge for each code. Each insurance company allows a different amount for each code for that office. For example, an office may charge $150 for a specific office visit, but Blue Cross Blue Shield may only allow $100 for that office visit code, while Health Alliance may allow $90 for that code.

Q: What is out of pocket?

A: Out of pocket, also known as stop-loss, is the monetary amount that the insured is responsible for reaching before the insurance company will allow charges at 100%. Some insurance plans apply the deductible to the out of pocket and some exclude the deductible. For every co-insurance you pay, that amount applies to the out of pocket. For example, if you have met $980 out of a $1000 out of pocket, have a 20% co-insurance, and your insurance company allows $100 for the office visit charge, then you would be responsible for $20 at the end of the appointment (20% co-insurance of $100 allowed amount= $20). That $20 applies towards your out of pocket, so after that visit you would have met your $1000 out of

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pocket. After the out of pocket has been met, the insurance carrier pays the full allowed amount for all other allowed charges submitted that year. In other words, after the out of pocket has been met you are no longer responsible for paying your co-insurance or co-pay.

Q: Why did my co-pay change, I never received a new insurance card indicating so?

A: It often takes insurance companies 3-6 weeks to distribute new insurance cards, sometimes even longer. If you have any questions or disputes regarding your benefits it is always best to speak to your benefits administrator at work or insurance carrier. Insurance companies do not raise co-pay amounts without direction from your employer. The physician’s office bills the co-pay as directed by the insurance company based on your current insurance coverage.

Q: What is durable medical equipment or DME? A: Durable medical equipment (DME) is medical equipment used in the home to aid in a better quality of living. Examples of durable medical equipment include walkers, boots, orthotics (custom inserts), extra depth shoes, extra depth inserts, and braces.

Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates strives to provide you with your most current benefit information so YOU can make an informed choice about your podiatric health care. If you have questions about your personal health coverage, call 309-661-9975 or go to www.HeartlandFootandAnkle.com to contact a foot care specialist. You can also email Sam at sam@heartlandfootandankle.com.

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cancer research

Treating People, Not Guinea Pigs

By Marsha L.B. Kutter, CCRP, Illinois CancerCare

I

f you mention medical research to most people, they tend to conjure up an image of a mysterious laboratory with boiling test tubes and wild-eyed scientists in lab coats. If you mention medical research with human subjects, many people mumble something about guinea pigs.

While these images may be intriguing subjects for Hollywood movies, they do not reflect the reality of human subject medical research today.

The reality is much less scary and much more vital to everyone. Even

if you don’t have cancer, please read on. The information applies to all kinds of medical research.

Medical research is called by several different names, such as research studies, medical research trials, or clinical trials. In cancer research, the preferred term for research involving people is cancer clinical trial. Cancer clinical trials are research studies in which people help doctors find ways to improve health and cancer care. Each study

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tries to answer specific scientific questions, find better ways to prevent or treat cancer, as well as providing optimal ways to improve quality of life. A clinical trial is one of the final stages of a long and careful cancer research process.

Statistically, Cancer will affect 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the United States. When that happens, people want to know what their options are so they can make the best decisions about their care. Both those doing cancer research as well as those patients who have participated in clinical trials would say that if there is a cancer clinical trial available, the best option is to take part.

Why? Cancer clinical trials are the only way new medicines for cancer can be studied, shown to be safe and effective in people, and be approved for use by the general public. Every standard treatment for any kind of disease began as an investigational drug or device. What is used routinely today was experimental in the past. Citizens of the United States have the best medical care in the world only because people took part in clinical trials conducted by doctors committed to carrying out good research. These people volunteered to be a part of clinical trials which have led to better treatments for everyone. Those who volunteered were among the first to receive promising new drugs.

When the medicines are still investigational, the only way to receive them is through a clinical trial.

The path a new drug takes is long and carefully monitored. The path begins in the laboratory (boiling test tubes may be optional.) long before the new compound is ever tried in humans. Scientists study the effects of a promising new medicine on cancer cell lines that are grown in the laboratory. By the time the new medicine is ready to be used on people, it has already gone through a lot of study in the laboratory, can be safely manufactured for use in humans, and has been tested in animal models.

A drug is studied through several steps in research. These steps are called Phases, beginning with Phase I and going through Phase IV. Phase I clinical trials introduce new drugs for the first time in humans.

During this phase, the primary focus is to determine maximum tolerated dose acceptability, or how much of this new drug is enough and what is too much. During this phase, studies are also done to analyze how the human body processes the new drug as well as finding the best way to administer the new drug, (i.e. by mouth or injected).

Phase II clinical trials study how well the new drug works in treating different kinds of cancer as well as continues to gather further information on the side effects of the treatment. After completing Phase II studies that show promise for a new drug, the company that developed the drug will apply to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval to market the drug. If the FDA approves the drug, it will approve it only for use in certain kinds of cancer. They call this an indication for the drug. The indication is based on the cancer clinical trial results the company submits to the FDA, but the research does not stop here.

“Sometimes a new treatment only works as well as the standard treatment, so the costs and side effects will help determine which treatment is better for patients.”

Phase III clinical trials involve comparing the new drug to an existing standard treatment. Sometimes this means that the new drug is combined with the standard treatment and is compared to the standard treatment alone without the new drug. Phase III studies compare not only how well each treatment works on the cancer, but also the side effects and costs of each treatment. Sometimes a new treatment only works as well as the standard treatment, so the costs and side effects will help determine which treatment is better for patients. At other times the Phase III studies show that the new treatment works better than the standard treatment. Then the new treatment would become the new standard treatment. Only through clinical trial participation can new standard treatments be proven.

Phase IV clinical trials collect additional safety and side effect information. Sometimes the FDA requires a company to collect this additional safety information after the drug has been approved.

At a recent meeting for cancer patient advocates on challenges facing cancer research (Summit XI meeting), a speaker stated that only 10% of people who are diagnosed with cancer even know that clinical trials exist. The existence of cancer clinical trials is important information for everybody. The more people who know about clinical trials and are willing to participate, the sooner we can find more approaches to prevent cancer and ever better therapies to treat it. It is a major goal of the National Cancer Institute to raise the awareness of and participation in cancer clinical trials.

These goals of the National Cancer Institute will be carried out by making these cutting-edge cancer clinical trials available throughout the country at a community level. Throughout 2012, through a generous grant from Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer initiative, the Illinois CancerCare Foundation will be conducting informational meetings to educate our communities about the importance of clinical cancer research trials.

If you have questions you can contact Illinois CancerCare Foundation at 309-243-3422 or visit us at www.illinoiscancer.com.

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March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 27

healthy sleep

A Comfortable Snoring Solution Submitted by Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine

M

ore than 18 million Americans suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea and 90% go undiagnosed. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious health condition, and snoring is often the first symptom noticed. Although snoring is generally viewed as a minor annoyance, it may often be an indication of a more serious condition such as sleep apnea.

Tom, a safety manager at Ameren Cilco had struggled with snoring and problems sleeping for the past 14 years. “My snoring and gasping for breath was keeping my wife awake, and neither of us were getting quality sleep,” says Tom. “I was tired all the time and cranky because I never felt rested,” he continues.

Tom’s wife, a respiratory nurse, called a pulmonologist she knew who ordered a sleep study for Tom. The sleep study revealed that he had moderate sleep apnea.

“I did a lot or research on sleep apnea, and found that it not only can affect the quality of your life, but also the longevity of your life,” says Tom. “I knew I needed to get treated.”

People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of death than the normal population. Sufferers can experience a potentially crippling deterioration in daily functioning, an increased

risk of high blood pressure and stroke, depression and death either in accidents or in their sleep. Family members often feel effects when dealing with their loved one’s frequent irritability, mood changes, lower sexual drive, and reduction of intellectual ability.

The impact of untreated obstructive sleep apnea stretches beyond an individual’s own household – employers and businesses are affected by underperforming workers and lower productivity, while communities are impacted by increased insurance costs as a result of accidents and health care needs. These health care resources are often expanded to treat and alleviate the consequences of obstructive sleep apnea, such as heart disease and cardiac arrest, instead of treating the underlying cause.

Tom was prescribed Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to treat his sleep apnea. “I tried wearing the CPAP for a while he says, but I just got tired of fighting it and it was uncomfortable so I gradually stopped wearing it,” says Tom. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) continues to be the gold standard of treatment for severe obstructive sleep apnea. “If a patient is using CPAP and doing well, I want them to stay on it,” says Dr. Rod Willey of the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine.

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“Unfortunately, many patients find the masks uncomfortable and inconvenient, and frequently discontinue using them for these reasons,” Willey continues.

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, approximately 40% of patients discontinue using CPAP within a few months. If a patient cannot wear the CPAP, other treatment options include lifestyle changes, surgery and oral appliance therapy.

“I was getting close to trying surgery as a last resort, when I heard about oral appliances from a friend,” says Tom. Oral Appliance Therapy has proven to be a very viable and scientifically based treatment option for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine issued a statement in the 2006 journal “SLEEP” that Oral Appliance Therapy was approved as the first line of treatment for those suffering from mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea and is proving to be effective for severe cases as well. The purpose of the oral appliance is to hold the jaw in a position that allows the airway to remain as open and firm as possible during sleep. Oral appliances are similar to athletic mouth guards, but less bulky and completely non-invasive.

“Immediately after I got the appliance my snoring stopped,” says Tom. “Within two weeks of wearing the appliance I woke up feeling that refreshed feeling again, because I was getting a full night’s sleep.”

For more information on dental treatment for sleep apnea please contact Dr. Rod Willey (General Dentist) of the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine at 309-807-0151 or IllinoisSleepDoc.com.

His office is located at 2309 E. Empire St. Suite 500, in Bloomington.

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women's heart health

5 Things You Need to Know About a Woman’s Heart Part 1 of 3

By Jamie Peel, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center 1. What is heart disease?

Heart disease comes in many forms and develops over many years. The most common form of heart disease is coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. The plaque is made of cholesterol, calcium, fat and other substances. It builds up over time and narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Eventually, the artery is so narrow is ruptures or becomes completely blocked.

they will have shortness of breath and feel fatigued. Other signs include flu-like symptoms, including vomiting and nausea, feeling light-headed or dizzy, and pain in the jaw, shoulder and back.

A lot of women may ignore the symptoms of heart disease because most of the symptoms are common experiences. They usually think it is due to stress, lack of sleep, indigestion or flu.

Heart disease can cause long-term disability, and in some cases, leads to death.

2. The symptoms of heart disease in women are vague and differ from men.

The symptoms and signs women experience vary greatly from men. Typically, men experience an “elephant on the chest” whereas women can experience little to no chest pain. Sometimes,

3. Heart disease is the number one killer of women.

Heart disease has a history of being a man’s disease. On the contrary, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. According to the American Heart Association®, heart disease kills more women than stroke and any form of cancer, includ-

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ing breast cancer. Every hour, 60 women in the United States, meaning one in four, die of heart disease.

4. What to do if someone is having a heart attack.

It is important to know “time is muscle,” meaning the sooner medical attention is received, the better the outcomes will be after a heart event. Although the symptoms are not usually distinct, it is better to seek urgent medical assistance than to wait. If someone is having a heart attack, immediately call 9-1-1.

5. Heart disease is preventable, not inevitable.

Most women do not realize heart disease is preventable and the controllable risks drastically outweigh the uncontrollable risks.

Women can control their blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, weight and physical activity. Risk factors women cannot control include family history and age. If women have one of these risk factors, they double their chances of developing heart disease. If they have two factors, the risk quadruples. Eating healthy, exercising regularly and quitting smoking can all drastically reduce the risk of heart disease.

It is never too late to protect your heart. Make it a priority to learn which risks you may have and how you can take steps to reduce them.

For more information on heart disease, please contact Jennifer Sedbrook, OSF Cardiovascular Service Line Leader, at 309-665-5709 or Terri Jacob, OSF Women’s Service Line Leader at 309-665-5710 or visit www.osfstjoseph.org/her-heart.

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mri technology

Advanced Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis

By Wayne Manness, MD

M

ultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and often disabling disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Most of us know someone who has MS and there are more than 2 million people in the world with the disease. It is usually diagnosed in 20 to 50 year-old patients and affects women more than twice as often as men. To establish a diagnosis of MS, physicians gather evidence from the patient’s symptoms, laboratory tests and images of the patient’s brain and spinal cord.

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MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease where the body’s own immune system attacks the protective covering (myelin) surrounding nerve fibers. This also causes damage to the nerve fibers. After the damage occurs, the nerve fibers form scar tissue called “sclerosis” and this is where the disease gets its name. These areas of “sclerosis” or “plaques” are detected on MRI scans.

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and is a common medical imaging tool. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate images of the body. Unlike most forms of medical imaging, MRI uses no radiation and has very few associated risks. While most people are familiar with MRI scans, few realize that MRI scanners can differ in strength and quality.

Tesla is the unit used to measure magnetic field strength. Most MRI scanners are 1.5 Tesla, about the same strength as magnets used to move around old cars in a junkyard. “Open” MRI scanners have lower strengths, 1 Tesla or less, and produce lower resolution images.

The most advanced MRI scanners currently available for patients are 3 Tesla, twice the strength of the average MRI scanner and more than three times the strength of open MRI’s. These “3T” scanners not only take less time to scan the patient, but also produce higher resolution.

Advanced 3T MRI scanners have an impact on diagnosing and treating many diseases. For example, research in cancer patients has shown that 3T scanners detect brain metastases better than 1.5T scanners. Medical research in MS patients has shown that 3T scans can find 10% more total plaques and 21% more active plaques than 1.5T scans. This difference in the number of plaques found can have a dramatic impact on patient treatment.

Neurologists, the doctors that treat most MS patients, need the most accurate information possible to determine the best treatments.

In some cases, the MRI can finalize the diagnosis of MS and allow the proper treatment to begin. As Dr. Edward Pegg, a local neurologist, describes, “Think of the 3T like an HD TV. The additional detail the 3T scanner produces allows us to find lesions that had been missed on a 1.5T scan. In one case, spinal cord lesions were discovered and the frustrated patient was relieved that an appropriate diagnosis could be made and treatment could be started. Making the diagnosis early can sometimes allow for a better prognosis.” In other cases, the MRI is used to determine if a particular treatment is working or if an alternative treatment is needed. “I have missed new lesions in MS patients on follow up studies with the 1.5T. Finding these new lesions is critical because it allows us to consider a change in therapy. I feel confident lesions won't be missed on the 3T.”, Dr. Pegg notes.

There are also newer techniques, developed on 3T MRI scanners, with highly technical names such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Tractography, and Fractional Anisotropy. These types of advanced MRI techniques allow doctors to “see” the bundles of nerve connections and find the areas that are damaged by MS. In many cases, these techniques can find abnormalities in parts of the brain and spinal cord that otherwise look normal on the routine MRI pictures! This is an active area of research, focusing on ways to minimize or prevent many of the disabling symptoms of MS by treating it earlier than ever.

For more information, you may contact Advanced MRI at 309-6650640. They are located at 1709 Jumer Drive in Bloomington. Their facility has the only 3T MRI scanner in the Bloomington-Normal area.

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March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 33

learning spanish

It’s Never Too Late

By Carlos Diaz

H

ave you ever asked yourself: “Why did I not learn another language?” Experts agree that the younger we are the easier it is to absorb another language. As our mind becomes more and more preoccupied with our day-to-day responsibilities it is less likely– indeed, less able than before to comprehend a new language. But is it too late to start expanding your mind towards new territories? Never.

I can confidently state that I have a solid understanding of Spanish (since I lived in Mexico City for over 25 years) and I continue to progress towards mastering English. But reaching a somewhat proficient level in English didn’t come easy. Thanks to my mom’s brilliant and incessant foresight, since age six I went through all kinds of classes, tutoring, bi-lingual schools, etc. Luckily, it seems to be paying-off.

Since I am bi-lingual, people often ask me whether I think in English or Spanish. Honestly, I don’t know anymore. However, my wife says that after particularly exhausting days at work, I mumble back answers to her questions in either language, or in an undecipherable hybrid of both. Still, I have started learning French, twice. So far, it is still work in progress.

A few years ago, I struggled to appreciate the value of my bi-lingual skills; after all, I work for a company that operates in the U.S. only; and thus, I couldn’t see the need for polyglots. My myopia would soon become evident. Things are changing and sub-cultures (minorities) are emerging as strong contributors to the national economy. For example, the Hispanic segment is projected to reach a purchasing power of as much as $1.3 trillion by 2015(GAHCC.com). Corporations in all sectors are noticing and reacting to the evolving shape of the market place. In fact, one of the most noticeable increments in advertising spending has been reported in the Hispanic sector. Similarly, organizations are scrambling to strengthen their talent pool by significantly expanding their bi-lingual staff.

What once seemed a nice skill to have, being bilingual is quickly becoming an important element for career development and a solid advantage in candidate’s resume. In my opinion, the need for bilingual professionals is still in an infant stage and will not peak any time soon. Therefore, it is not too late to start working on developing new language skills. Even if you are retired, you might find your new language skills handy when you take that trip to Spain or to talk to your grandchildren in that new language they are now learning in school. ¡Buena suerte!

Join Carlos in March for his class, “Beginning Spanish for All Occassions” with Community Education. For more details visit www.heartland.edu/communityEd or call 309-268-8160.

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2502 E. EMPIRE ST. BLOOMINGTON, IL 61704 March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 35

cancer prevention

“Get Your Plate In Shape” To Reduce Your Risk of Cancer!

By Nathan Schoeber, ISU Dietetic Intern and Mary Kay Holloway RD CSO LDN

T

he month of March is National Nutrition Month (NNM) which is sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association). NNM focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. When it comes to cancer, research consistently shows that eating a diet loaded with color Page 36 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

from fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, spices and herbs, and increasing your physical exercise could help to reduce your risk of getting certain cancers. Getting your plate in shape requires a little education on how to divide your plate for the best nutrition and is pictured by the plate at www.choosemyplate.gov.

What are the guidelines? Every plate should be half fruits and vegetables, with more vegetables than fruit. One quarter of your plate should consist of grains, preferably whole grains, (or at least half of your daily intake should be whole grain) and the other one quarter of your plate should be a lean protein food such as fish, poultry, beans, or other meats. Dairy is shown as a “glass” on the side of the plate and would include foods to help you meet your daily calcium intake. Making these choices can help you to increase fiber, get lots of nutrients from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and help you to get vitamin D. All of these components have been shown to help prevent cancer, to lose weight, and have many other health benefits Making good choices with a healthy plate will help to reduce your calorie intake. But there is more to this equation. Maintaining or achieving a healthy weight can help to prevent cancer because several cancers have been linked to being overweight and obese.

Making good choices in our physical activity is a vital piece to add to promote our health and cancer risk reduction. Try to increase your physical activity to 30 – 60 minutes each day with a variety of movement including walking or other cardiovascular exercise and strength training exercises that hits all major muscle groups. By following these recommendations you will not only get your plate in shape, but you will get in shape and may prevent cancer as well. So kick your eating and exercise habits into high gear and get ready to be healthy and feel better by taking in better fuel and using your body how it was intended to be used.

For more information you can contact Mary Kay Holloway RD, CSO, LDN at the Community Cancer Center at 309-451-8500.

"Rosie", The Deaf Dog.

The photo included with last month's article, "Life With a Deaf Dog", written by Danica Billingsly, Au.D, Doctor of Audiology, Bloomington Normal Audiology, was incorrect. If you missed the article and would like to read it, it is online at www.bloomingtonnormalaudio.com

If you have those problem areas that you just can’t seem to get rid of through diet and exercise, then VASER Lipo® may be the answer for you. VASER Lipo uses gentle ultrasonic energy to selectively remove areas of unwanted fat, while preserving important tissues like blood vessels and nerves. The result? A smooth new shape with minimal pain and fast recovery. Call us at (309) 692-6869 or visit www.drpoulter.com to learn more.

BREAST AUGMENTATION – 20% OFF LIPOSUCTION First Area–Full Fee Second Area–25% off Third Area–50% off OFFER GOOD FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2012 ONLY *Discounts apply to surgeon’s fee only* March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 37

healthy skin

Exfoliation Basics

By Karen Sutcliffe, Licensed Esthetician, KSkin Spa

A

s we get older our skin’s renewal process slows down. This is why it so important to exfoliate your skin on a regular basis.

Sloughing off the old skin cells makes way for the new cells to come to the surface faster - resulting in smoother, softer, hydrated skin. If you notice your skin is dry and rough, maybe with clogged pores, then you will see a dramatic improvement in your skin with regular exfoliation.

There are several different types of exfoliators. The best type for you depends on your skin type and the condition it is in. A physical exfoliator could be a scrub with exfoliating beads. If you like this type of exfoliator, be sure that it isn’t too harsh and that there are no rough edges that can tear the skin. Another physical exfoliator is microdermabrasion. This is generally a mild exfoliator and is usually done by a skin care professional using specialized equipment. It is a very effective way to resurface your skin as well as stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are the support structures of the skin.

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Enzymes are another excellent way to exfoliate your skin. Enzymes are proteins that digest the surface dead, dry skin cells. They can be very gentle or strong depending on the ingredients, enzyme strength and PH level. Enzymes can be used on all types of skins, even rosacea and sensitive skin. Enzymes for skin are made from pineapple, papaya, pomegranate, coconut and blueberries to name a few. A combination treatment of enzyme exfoliation (to loosen the dead cells) followed by microdermabrasion is a very effective skin resurfacer.

Exfoliating acids such as glycolic, lactic or phytic are also potent ways for resurfacing your skin. They tend to be stronger than enzymes, with smaller molecules to really penetrate the outer layer of the skin. Exfoliating acids work to loosen the bonds that hold skin cells together. They also stimulate new collagen and elastin. They are not usually used on sensitive skin. Exfoliating acids work to correct sun damage, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration and clogged pores. Sunscreen is a must everyday, and especially if you have an exfoliating treatment. Acids can be stimulating and are available in different strengths and PH levels so always consult a skin care professional.

Exfoliating is an important step in your skin care routine. It’s important to choose the correct type of exfoliater. One that is too harsh can do more harm than good. A skin care professional can help you find the best exfoliator for you and get on the road to healthy beautiful skin.

For more information or to set up a consultation, you may contact Karen Sutcliffe, Licensed Esthetician, at KSkin Spa, 309-242-1899, located at 1234 E Empire St. in Bloomington.

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309-452-9701 | 407 E. Vernon, Normal, IL 61761 | www.mihoaonline.org March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 39

the right dose

Off-Label Use of Drugs

By Edward W. Pegg, III, MD

T

he U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was first started in 1906 to oversee the drug industry. Prior to that, there were no regulations, and there were many drugs on the market that did not do what they professed and also some that were actually very dangerous to a person's health. Before drugs are approved for public distribution, they go through a lengthy, rigorous, clinical process to prove their safety and effectiveness. If the drug company meets the strict criteria, the FDA gives the pharmaceutical company a "drug label" for the product. This label spells out the specific reason for its use, the amount of the drug, and the route of use (by mouth versus IV, etc.)

It is the FDA's job to verify the safety of drugs released to the public, but the FDA does not have the authority to regulate the practice of medicine. Many times, a drug is later used at differing amounts or for a different condition. This is said to be "off-label usage." Doctors are responsible for off-label drug usage which is a common practice that

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(309) 663-6461 Page 40 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

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www.digestiveconsultant.com 1302 Franklin Avenue, Suite 4800 Normal, IL 61761

Thomas M. DeWeert, Philip M. Koszyk, Kenneth R. Schoenig, Vijaya Misra,

M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D.

has been around since the treatment of patients began. Off-label drug usage occurs due to physician observations.

A good example of this is aspirin. In the 1960’s, doctors began to notice that aspirin could lower the risk of heart attacks. Since aspirin is an inexpensive, non-prescription generic drug made by many companies, there was no reason for any drug company to spend the millions of dollars necessary to prove that aspirin could help prevent heart attacks. Doctors, using their own professional judgement, decided to give aspirin to other patients who were at risk for heart attacks.

The government eventually did studies to prove that the doctors were right - aspirin did indeed help to prevent heart attacks. The FDA then approved the new labeling. But this didn’t happen until 1998. In those 30 years, thousands of lives were likely saved by doctors prescribing aspirin “off-label” to their patients.

Another example is Inderal which was approved for high blood pressure. Patients taking the drug began to note improvement in their migraine headaches. After making this observation, physicians then began trying it with other migraine sufferers and found that it worked.

Off-label use happens frequently with the treatment of cancer patients.

A medication may be approved for a specific cancer, but the oncologist, knowing that the mechanism of action of the cancer is similar in other forms, may use the drug to treat these other forms of cancer.

This too would be considered off-label usage because it is a different condition or cancer type.

Off-label drug use represents 21% of all prescriptions written. Cardiac and antiseizure medications are the most widely used classes of drugs that are used off- label. Antiseizure medications are widely used for chronic pain conditions. Overall, one prescription is written for chronic pain treatment for every prescription written on label. Neu-

rontin, or gabapentin, is used 91% of the time for pain control and only 9% for seizure control. Many of the antiseizure medications have also been found beneficial in psychiatry. Tegretol and Depakote are used widely in bipolar disorders. Seroquel is an antipsychotic medication that has been found to be beneficial in the agitation (meanness) in some Alzheimer patients. I have seen time and time again where an Alzheimer patient has been mentally and physically abusive to family, but the actions totally melt away with Seroquel. Family members comment, "Now he is back to his old self."

Other off-label usages include Avastin rather than FDA-approved Lucentis for treatment of macular degeneration. Lucentis is given IV and costs thousands of dollars per treatment versus Avastin, a drug with similar properties that costs only a few hundred. This allows some patients treatment for their macular degeneration where otherwise no treatment would be affordable. Avastin, however, has not gone through the rigors of FDA approval but is still in the same family as Lucentis and works by the same mechanism. It should be noted that advertising for a drug can only be for the FDA-approved condition or disorder.

Some argue that off-label use may allow some medications with no confirmed benefit to gain favor over others that are approved.

But physicians want what is best for their patients and will prescribe whatever drugs are necessary to produce the desired outcome. The doctor’s knowledge of the patient’s condition along with medical literature and peer communication that supports the off-label use allows patient to benefit.

For more information, you may contact Dr. Pegg, board-certified neurologist, at 309-661-7344.

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March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 41

midwifery

More Than Just Babies Submitted by Jolene Hamann, CNM, WHNP, Ob-Gyn Care Associates

M

ore and more women today are choosing to have a midwife for pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Women cared for

by Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) are less likely to have a cesarean birth, episiotomy, or severe tears during birth. Many studies have shown outcomes with midwife-led care were all improved over physician-led care without increased cost.

Although the United States spends more than any other industrialized country on health care, we have some of the worst death and illness rates for mothers and babies. According to the World Health Organization, midwives are the providers of care for pregnancy and birth through much of the world today. They deliver about 70% of the world’s children, but only about 12% of babies born vaginally in the U.S. They remain the preferred provider for uncomplicated pregnancy and birth.

There are many different types of midwives. In Illinois, however, there is only one legal option for becoming a midwife – Certified Nurse Midwife. Educated in both nursing and midwifery; CNMs are legal, licensed, independent practitioners who have prescriptive authority in every state. Insurance companies are required by law to cover care provided by a CNM (within the usual limitations of the plan). Most CNMs work in direct collaboration in a physician’s practice, some own their own practices and provide home, center, and/or hospital birth, some work for hospitals or health systems, and some work in freestanding birth centers. Ninety-seven percent of CNMs deliver babies only in hospitals, while the remaining three percent deliver babies at home or in birth centers.

CNMs typically have at least a Master’s degree. A board certification test is required through the American College of Nurse Midwives and the American Midwifery Certification Board. Recertification is required Page 42 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

every five years, and includes standardized tests on recent research and continuing education such as conferences and seminars.

Midwives can and do order the same epidurals (anesthesia for labor) and pain medicines as physicians. Usually the midwife will have discussed the risks/benefits/and alternatives to these and other interventions before labor, and an educated choice can be made.

Midwives also encourage the use of other options for comfort during labor and birth like the birth ball, walking, shower, choosing your own position for birth, and water labor and/or water birth.

Doulas (labor support professionals) are also highly recommended by midwives as an essential part of a birth team, as they are experts in labor support and can maintain a constant presence during the labor, including starting with women at home in early labor.

Medical providers, including midwives, may not be able to be constant companions. Care from a doula has also been shown to decrease the chance of unnecessary intervention in labor and birth, greatly increase a woman’s chances of having a successful vaginal birth after a previous cesarean, and provide invaluable education before, during, and after birth. Some insurance companies are beginning to recognize these advantages, and many now reimburse or cover doula care for women and their families.

Midwives are also educated for and function as primary health care providers for women. Management of adolescent care, annual exams, birth control, pap smears, sexually transmitted infections, gynecologic and breast problems, menopause, and minor illnesses are among the issues midwives provide care for. In providing primary care, midwives may educate for prevention, help inform and refer for conservative treatments and/or alternative/complementary therapies when appropriate, and if a woman desires to avoid more invasive tests and/or procedures, offer alternatives with discussion of risks and benefits, as well as refer to various surgeons when necessary or desired.

It’s important to be comfortable with and trust a provider, especially when it involves something as life-changing as pregnancy and birth. Midwives are becoming a more popular option for many women.

Jolene Hamann is a midwife and nurse practitioner with Dr. Joe Santiago at Ob-Gyn Care in Bloomington and can be contacted at 309-662-2273 or www.obgyncare.com. Dionne Otto is a doula who owns The Birth Experience and can be contacted at www.thebirthexperience.net.

For more information: American College of Nurse Midwives: www.acnm.org American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: www.acog.org Midwife and pregnancy information: www.mymidwife.org Quiz to see what type of provider is best for you: www.delivermybaby.org Doulas of North America: www.dona.org

How About a

Healthy Girls’ Night Out?

14th Annual Women’s Health Night Sponsored by the Illinois Heart and Lung Foundation

Tuesday, March 20, 2012 3:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

ISU Bone Student Center

An evening of health education, booths, health screenings, fitness demonstrations, and informative presentations.

Presentations & Demonstrations: 3:30 What’s in the Bag? Robert Bean RPh, Advocate BroMenn Atrium Pharmacy

Blood Drive

All attendees Receive FREE Parking... pick up your voucher that night at the Women’s Health Night check in table.

[all presentation and demonstrations will take place in the Ball Room]

4:30 You’re Not So Vein Illinois Vein Specialists: Kathy Bohn M.D. & Tom Nielsen MD 5:30 Hula Hoop for Exercise Demonstration

American Red Cross

FREE PARKING

Blood Drive: 3:00 - 7:00 P.M. Circus Room

CPR Certification provided by:

Advocate BroMenn Medical Center and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center for more information visit ihlf.org

6:00 Spirit of Success Presentation 6:15 Mystery of Menopause: Panel Discussion-Everything you have wanted to ask!

Panelists: David Koh M.D., FCCP- Sleep, Joseph Santiago M.D., Obstetrics/ Gynecology, Dory Jarzabkowski D.O., F.A.C.C. -Cardiology/Metabolic Syndrome, Kim McClintic MS, RD, LDN - Nutrition

7:00 Zumba - Demonstration

Learn more at:

www.IHLF.org

Free On-site Childcare provided by the YWCA of McLean County

Sponsored by: State Farm; Advocate BroMenn Medical Center; St. Joseph Medical Center; Frontier Communications; Commerce Bank; ISU Bone Student Center; Radio Bloomington; Jack Lewis Jewelers; The Pantagraph; The CW-4 Peoria-Bloomington; ABC- HOI-19

March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 43

holistic techniques

Reiki

By Karen Ridinger, Natural Pathways Holistic Center

R

eiki (Ray-key) is a hands-on energy technique used for relaxation and stress reduction. Reiki has been documented to bring about spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. This promotes balance and harmony in the body which allows for a greater sense of wholeness and enthusiasm for life.

The original Japanese characters represent REI (Universal Life) and (KI) energy: together the meaning becomes “Breath of Spirit.”

Anyone can use and benefit from Reiki - there are no age, race, gender, or religious barriers. It is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady. Reiki works in conjunction with other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote an accelerated recovery process. Every-

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309.662.6185

3901 General Electric Rd. • Bloomington Page 44 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

Dr. Danica Billingsly, Dr. Natalie McKee, Dr. Deborah Pitcher, Dr. Stacy Chalmers, Ms. Arica Rock

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one instinctively knows to use Reiki. It is innately human to place our hand over an injury for relief.

When the energy centers of the body are not fully open you may feel lethargic and cloudy in your thinking. It is like putting a kink in a garden hose resulting in a trickle of water. Reiki opens the blocks in your system so you have the full flow of energy once again. Reiki has specifically been documented to relax muscles, still the mind, increase blood hematocrit levels and ease pain.

Hands-on healing in general has long been accepted in the medical fields as an effective mode for accelerating the healing process.

The Usui System of Natural Healing began in the late 1800’s with Dr. Mikiao Usui. It is an oral tradition that has been passed down from Master to student from then to the present day. This is not something you can learn from a book because it involves a transfer of the energy to the student from the Master. Just as Dr. Usui, I attune students to the natural flow of Reiki through the palms of the hands. This energy flow through the body promotes whole health and wellness, and provides them with the foundation of the system.

During a Reiki session, you lay fully clothed on the table. Reiki penetrates through lead, wood, and steel, therefore clothes and

blankets do not block or hinder the flow. During the session I gently lay my hands on the organs, glands, and chakras of the body. In doing this Reiki flows through my hands to the areas of the body which are most in need of support, balance, or eliminating toxic build up. After a session, which typically lasts an hour you awake feeling relaxed and many clients notice a profound shift, a light peacefulness, and report having a full night of sound sleep.

Since Reiki works on a deep cellular level in the body you will notice these shifts occurring over the next 24-36 hours following a session.

In the words of Dr. Mikao Usui, “The Reiki method is not only for curing illness. It’s true purpose is to correct the heart-mind, keep the body fit, and lead a happy life using the spiritual capabilities human beings were endowed with since birth” Karen Ridinger created Natural Pathways Holistic Center and Reiki ReSource and now is offering classes through Heartland Community College. For more information about fitness, health & wellness classes, contact Heartland Community College Community Education at 309-268-8160.

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HeritageOfCare.com March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 45

heart health

Be Careful Shoveling Snow

By Siddharth J. Gandhi, DO, FACOI, FACC, Advocate Medical Group – Illinois Heart & Lung Associates

N

ot every central Illinois winter has the amount of snow we saw here in the winter of 2010-11, but living where we do, we can always expect some days with measurable snowfall. Significant snowfalls have been known to occur in March or even in early April.

Whenever it happens, it usually means getting out the shovel, and that can bring about some heart-level problems.

Most Americans will shovel their driveways without incident. But they may not exercise regularly or have been tested to see if they have an increased cardiovascular risk. The act of shoveling snow, however, places a significant strain on the heart, which can result in a heart attack or an arrhythmia—or even sudden death.

Shoveling snow is an intense anaerobic activity that raises the blood pressure and heart rate to potentially unsafe levels. When combined with extremely cold temperatures, the risk for a massive heart attack increases.

It’s essential that everyone be aware of the following tips from the American Heart Association for safer snow shoveling:

Page 46 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

• Take frequent breaks.

• Don’t eat a heavy meal prior to or soon after shoveling.

• Use a small shovel or consider a snow thrower. It is safer to lift smaller amounts more times than to lug a few huge shovelfuls of snow. When possible, simply push the snow.

• Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling.

• Stay warm, stay covered.

• Have a shoveling buddy.

Heart attack warning signs If you must shovel snow, learn the warning signs of a heart attack.

It could be lifesaving.

The most common heart attack symptom for men and women is chest pain or discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes. Or maybe it goes away and then comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

You may also get short of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort. Other signs may include sweating, nausea, lightheadedness or indigestion. The list above does not cover all symptoms people have during a heart attack.

Even if you’re not sure you are having a heart attack, you should call 911 and seek medical attention immediately if you are having any of these symptoms.

Advocate Medical Group - Illinois Heart & Lung Associates' mission is to provide the highest quality cardiovascular, pulmonary, critical care medicine and sleep medicine to their patients and community, with care and compassion. For more information about Advocate Medical Group, please visit www.amgdoctors.com.

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309•662•8448 Member International Team of Implantology

New Patients Welcome All services provided in the comfort and convenience of one location.

www.mcleancountydental. c o m March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 47

disability employment

Making Success Happen

By The Illinois Department of Human Services

D

aniel Tate is a proud member of the team at Lowe’s Home Improvement in Belleville, Illinois. He does everything from loading heavy appliances to watering plants. He is regarded by his store manager, Pam Thurston, as, “a good employee who always comes to work with a good attitude and a smile on his face.”

By all measures, Daniel is a success at his job. But, as Daniel will tell you, success has a much deeper meaning to him. “Success is job satisfaction and feeling great about my job, not just a paycheck. Success is my living independently in my own apartment, not in a group home.”

And the success that Daniel speaks of has happened, in part, because of the services provided to him through the Division of Rehabilitation Services.

Daniel has always been a hard worker. Before his work at Lowe’s, he was working as a dinning hall attendant at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois, with assistance from Challenge Unlimited, a community rehabilitation provider who works with DRS. He was also living in a group home. Daniel liked his job, but wanted to have more independence and further his work skills.

Page 48 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Bloomington ­— March 2012

DRS worked with Daniel and Challenge Unlimited to provide vocational counseling and job placement services. The result was a great job match and a terrific employment outcome for both Daniel and Lowe’s. Daniel was also able to receive assistance with living more independently. “I was living in a group home and now I live in my own apartment. Everything has completely changed!”

Daniel also sees the value he brings to Lowe’s. “I fit in Lowe’s Company well and I like being part of their team. They love me to death!” So much so that Lowe’s recently named him “Employee of the Month”.

Working together makes success happen; just ask Daniel Tate.

If you or someone you know has a disability and is having trouble finding or keeping a job, or is interested in furthering their career goals we can help. To learn more, call 1-877-761-9780 Voice, 1-866-264-2149 TTY, 1-866-588-0401 VP, or go to our website at drs.illinois.gov/success. Please see our ad on page 13.

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March 2012 — Bloomington — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 49

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EXPERIENCED CARE for your heart,

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In keeping with our commitment to eliminate heart disease from patients’ lives, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center is proud to be in partnership with elite physicians to bring world-class cardiovascular expertise, innovative treatments and access to leading-edge research to the people of central Illinois.

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To find an Advocate physician, call 1.855.ONE.HEART (1.855.663.4327) or visit InspiringMedicine.com/heart