March St. Louis Healthy Cells 2012

GREATER ST. LOUIS

area

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

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HealthyCells MARCH 2012

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www.healthycellsmagazine.com

SSM St. Clare

Neurosurgeon Providing Advanced Brain and Spine Care page 12

When is Nonprescription Cold Medicine Not Enough? page 5 Humana Finds New Ways to Serve Military Veterans page 15

The World of Fascia

page 24

M A G A Z I N E

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Humana Veterans Healthcare Services 1-866-458-6630 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

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Dental coverage is insured or administered by Humana Dental Insurance Company, The Dental Concern, Inc., or Humana Insurance Company of New York. Limitations and exclusions apply. Discount services offered are not insurance and are subject to geographical availability and may be discontinued at any time. Dental Policy number: HUMD-ASSOC-POLICY.001 GCHH6BMHH 1211

Keep your child safe.

60,000

More than young children end up in emergency rooms every year because they got into medicines while their parent or caregiver was not looking.

Always put every medicine and vitamin up and away every time you use it. Also, program your poison control center’s number in your phone: 800.222.1222.

To learn more, visit UpandAway.org

In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

M A RCH

2012 Volume 2, Issue 3

5 6 8 10

The Right Dose: When is Nonprescription Cold Medicine Not Enough?

Emotional: Stress and Memory

Nutritional: Replace Sodium and Empty Calories with Wholesome Foods

This Month’s Cover Story:

SSM St. Clare Neurosurgeon Providing Advanced Brain and Spine Care

page 12

cover photo courtesy of Bernie Elking Photography

Physical: Neck Pain

15

Healthcare Opportunities: Humana Finds New Ways to Serve Military Veterans

16

Body Health: Looking at Lupus

17

Mobile Advancements: Wireless Technology Helps Improve Healthcare

18

Women’s Health: Strengthening the Pelvic Floor

19

Maintaining Strength: Keeping Your Muscles Healthy As You Age

20

Senior Care: Choosing Home Care Services That Meet Your Needs

For information about this publication, contact Mike Kelly, owner at 314-558-0860, mikekelly@healthycellsmagazine.com Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of: 1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615 Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com • www.healthycellsmagazine.com

21

Greif Recovery: Exploring the ‘F’ Words - #3 – Familiarity

22

Reducing Household Allergens: Cleaning Secrets for a Healthy Home

24

Massage Therapy: The World of Fascia

Healthy Cells Magazine is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

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

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 St. Louis area.

I wish to thank all the advertisers for their support of Healthy Cells Magazine’s mission to bring positive health related information to our readers. Because of their generosity we are able to provide this publication FREE to you.

– Mike Kelly

the right dose

When is Nonprescription Cold Medicine Not Enough?

Submitted by Lynn Schmittgens, R.Ph., The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy

D

o you have a cold that just won’t go away? The aisle at your local drugstore is overflowing with different cold medicines, and choosing the right one feels like a gamble with your wallet taking the hit at every purchase.

Without a cure, the common cold is a treat-the-symptoms illness and that’s where the picture gets even more complicated. According to the Mayo Clinic, the common cold is caused by more than 100 viruses, which means signs and symptoms vary greatly.

From coughing and sneezing to body aches and nausea, the common cold is different in the estimated 62 million cases occurring each year in the United States, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. And that adds up to a lot of symptoms and cold medicine.

When you take nonprescription medicine for four to seven days and your symptoms do not improve or the symptoms get worse, it is time to go to seek medical attention, according to Sarah Braga, who is a Registered Pharmacist who holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy and serves as director of drug information and associate professor at South University’s School of Pharmacy in Columbia, S.C.

“While antibiotics are not appropriate for treating a viral infection, complications from the common cold can include bacterial infections such as sinusitis, ear infections, and pneumonia. Remember that your pharmacist is there to help you long before you have a prescription in hand.”

Pharmacists are trained to conduct assessments and to make recommendations on a wide range of nonprescription medications, including herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements. For the common cold, remedies come in three broad categories: pain relievers, decongestant nasal sprays and cough syrups. Reading the labels and understanding dosage, especially for young children, is critical.

“Nonprescription medicine should be taken with the same care as prescription medicine, especially for those with complicating factors such as pregnancy or chronic long-term medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma,” says Dr. Braga. “And your pharmacist is there to help you make good choices for treating your cold symptoms and can help you with dosage instructions.”

Consider these factors when evaluating whether or not it is time to see the doctor.

• Do you have a fever?

• Have you been treating your symptoms for a week with no improvement or have the symptoms gotten worse?

• Are you experiencing unusual symptoms such as dizziness, new pain, coughing blood, etc.?

• Do you have complicating factors such as diabetes, or are you pregnant?

If you can answer “yes” to two or more of the above questions, it is probably time to seek medical attention.

For most people suffering with the common cold, standing in the drugstore aisle reading the labels on nonprescription cold medicine and trying to decide which one to use is a challenge. Remember, you are not alone, and your pharmacist is there to help.

Lynn Schmittgens and her husband Tom are Registered Pharmacists who have worked in the St. Louis community for over 30 years.

They own the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy® in Affton located at 7922 Mackenzie Rd. near Fortel’s Pizza. They offer free home delivery and accept Express Scripts, Blue Cross, Caremark, MO HealthNet, Medicaid, Medicare Part D, Missouri RX and most other insurance plans. Feel free to call Lynn at 314-638-3535 if you have any questions.

March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

emotional

Stress and Memory What’s the Relationship?

By Dr. Pascale Michelon, The Memory Practice

I

ntuitively, stress does not seem to be a performance booster.

We have all fumbled through documents right in the middle of a stressful presentation or conversation, unable to find the document we wanted! On the other hand it feels like a little bit of stress may help arouse us. What does science tell us about the effect of stress on performance? Is stress good for memory?

What happens in your brain when you are stressed?

In response to physical or psychological stress, cortisol is released in the blood. Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone.”

It is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex in the brain. In normal release, cortisol has widespread actions that help restore homeostasis (or equilibrium) after stress. It is involved in the activity of the immune system, the regulation of blood pressure, as well as in the inflammatory response. Cortisol has an effect on several substances in the body: insulin, amino-acids, gastric secretion, sodium, potassium, water, and copper.

Acute versus chronic stress

Acute stress refers to the one time stressful event that elevates your production of cortisol for a limited period of time. This type of stress can have a positive effect on memory. A stressful event usually triggers the production of cortisol but also adrenaline. The cooperation of the two can help create strong memories for the emotionally stressful event itself.

For instance, it is likely that you re-

Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area ­— March 2012

member where you were and what you were doing when you heard about the September 11th attack for the first time.

Chronic stress refers to a prolonged cortisol secretion. Higher and prolonged levels of cortisol are not good for the body. They can result in higher blood pressure, lowered immunity and inflammatory response and decreased bone density. They can also affect the brain itself.

Long-term exposure to cortisol can indeed result in damage to cells in the hippocampus, which is a brain structure crucial for memory formation. Thus chronic stress can result in impaired learning and memory. In a 2005 study, Sonia J. Lupien and colleagues showed that in older adults, long-term exposure to high levels of cortisol is associated with both memory impairments and a 14% smaller volume of the hippocampus.

Solutions against stress

There are many tools available to assess one’s level of stress. If you feel out of control, irritable and anxious it is likely that you experiencing high levels of stress.

What to do then to come back to normal cortisol levels and good brain functions? Here is a short list of possible solutions: 1. Exercise 2. Relax 3. Get enough sleep 4. Appreciate the good things you have and have done 5. Maintain a good social network 6. Set goals and priorities

“A stressful event usually triggers the production of cortisol but also adrenaline. The cooperation of the two can help create strong memories for the emotionally stressful event itself.”

Dr. Michelon, Director of The Memory Practice, is an expert in Cognitive Sciences and an Adjunct Faculty at Washington University in St. Louis. The mission of The Memory Practice is to provide adults with paper-based brain exercises to maintain and boost their memory and other brain functions. For more information, please visit our website at www.thememorypractice.com, or call us at 314-726-5105.

March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

nutritional

Replace Sodium and Empty Calories with Wholesome Foods

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rocery store shelves and restaurant menus are often crowded with foods containing solid fats, added sugars and high levels of sodium. During National Nutrition Month®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is helping Americans understand how to get the most nutrients they need from the foods they eat, all surrounding this year’s theme: “Get Your Plate in Shape.”

“When people eat foods that have added sugars and solid fats, they are consuming extra calories they don’t need,” says registered dietitian and Academy Spokesperson Angela Ginn. “These ‘empty calories’ are found in a number of foods and drinks and offer little-to-no nutritional benefits.”

Foods high in solid fats (like sausage, shortening and cream) and added sugars (such as regular soda and pastries) should be considered occasional treats rather than regular options. Eating these foods on a regular basis can cause you to consume more calories than your body needs in one day.

“Replace these foods with nutritionally sound choices, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and lowfat dairy,” Ginn says. “Eating occasional treats is okay. Just make sure to balance out those treats with healthier options and get plenty of exercise.”

In addition to limiting foods high in solid fats and added sugars, consumers should also be aware of high levels of sodium in foods, especially pre-made options like frozen meals and canned soups and vegetables. Foods containing Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area ­— March 2012

high levels of sodium are contributors to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

“The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming only 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, which is about one teaspoon of salt,” Ginn says. “While meeting this recommendation may seem hard at first, choosing foods that are lower in sodium is one big step you can take towards meeting this goal.

Ginn offers tips to choose healthier options and “Get Your Plate in Shape”: Choose foods and drinks with little or no added sugars.

“It is smart to look for foods that have no added sugars, like unsweetened apple sauce or unsweetened whole-grain cereals,” Ginn says.

• Drink water throughout the day. For variety, add lemons, limes or cucumbers to your water or try carbonated water.

• Choose low-fat or fat-free milk or 100-percent fruit juices.

• Eat fresh fruit salad for dessert.

Eat fewer foods that are high in solid fats.

“Solid fats can increase your risk for heart disease,” Ginn says.

“You can reduce this risk by choosing healthier oils and lean meats.”

• Instead of regular ground beef, opt for extra-lean ground beef.

Ground turkey and chicken are also available in lean options.

• Grill, broil, bake or steam your foods instead of frying.

• Cook with healthy oils like olive, canola and sunflower oils in place of hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated oils.

• Opt for fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese.

Cut back on sodium.

“Much of the sodium we eat comes from prepared meals and foods eaten away from home. This can be significantly reduced by eating fresh foods,” Ginn says.

• Instead of salt, use herbs and spices to season foods, and avoid salting food before tasting it.

• Do not add salt when cooking pasta, rice and vegetables.

• Read the Nutrition Facts Panel to compare sodium content of foods such as soups, broths, breads and frozen dinners, and choose the healthiest option.

• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, poultry and fish, beans and peas, unsalted nuts, eggs and low-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt.

Ginn also recommends cooking different dishes at home. “This allows you to control what you put in your meal,” she says.

For more information on how to “Get Your Plate in Shape,” visit the Academy’s National Nutrition Month website for a variety of helpful tips, fun games, promotional tools and nutrition education resources.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

physical

Neck Pain Causes and Care

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he neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae that begin in the upper torso and end at the base of the skull. The bony vertebrae along with the ligaments (which are comparable to thick rubber bands) provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and motion. The neck has a significant amount of motion and supports the weight of the head. However, because it is less protected than the rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restrict motion. For many people, neck pain is a temporary condition that disappears with time. Others need medical diagnosis and treatment to relieve their symptoms.

Cause

Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues—the muscles, ligaments, and nerves—as well as in bones and joints of the spine. The most common causes of neck pain are soft-tissue abnormalities due to injury or prolonged wear and tear. In rare instances, Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area ­— March 2012

infection or tumors may cause neck pain. In some people, neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms.

Inflammatory Diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis can destroy joints in the neck and cause severe stiffness and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs in the upper neck area.

Cervical Disk Degeneration (Spondylosis)

The disk acts as a shock absorber between the bones in the neck.

In cervical disk degeneration (which typically occurs in people age 40 years and older), the normal gelatin-like center of the disk degenerates and the space between the vertebrae narrows. As the disk space narrows, added stress is applied to the joints of the spine causing further wear and degenerative disease. The cervical disk may also protrude and put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots when the rim of the disk weakens. This is known as a herniated cervical disk.

Injury

Because the neck is so flexible and because it supports the head, it is extremely vulnerable to injury. Motor vehicle or diving accidents, contact sports, and falls may result in neck injury. The regular use of safety belts in motor vehicles can help to prevent or minimize neck injury. A “rear end” automobile collision may result in hyperextension, a backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits, or hyperflexion, a forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits. The most common neck injuries involve the soft tissues: the muscles and ligaments. Severe neck injuries with a fracture or dislocation of the neck may damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis.

Other Causes

Less common causes of neck pain include tumors, infections, or congenital abnormalities of the vertebrae.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

If severe neck pain occurs following an injury (motor vehicle accident, diving accident, or fall), a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize the patient to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis. Medical care should be sought immediately.

Immediate medical care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs.

Radiating pain or numbness in your arms or legs causing weakness in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated.

“The neck has a significant amount of motion and supports the weight of the head. However, because it is less protected than the rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restrict motion.”

If there has not been an injury, you should seek medical care when neck pain is: • continuous and persistent • severe • accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs • accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness

Many patients seek orthopaedic care for neck pain because orthopaedists are specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and help prevent problems involving the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.

Although some orthopaedists confine their practices to specific areas of the musculoskeletal system, most treat a wide variety of diseases, injuries, and other conditions, including neck pain.

      

 

   

 

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816 S. Kirkwood Road Suite 100 ( Kirkwood MO 63122 March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

feature story

SSM St. Clare Neurosurgeon

Providing Advanced Brain and Spine Care

By Molly Burns

And so, within the SSM Neurosciences Institute, the practice of Dr. Levy was born.

Dr. Levy’s Background and Training

After receiving his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Levy went on to complete a surgical internship at Brown University and then a neurosurgery residency at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Levy has completed three fellowships in the neurosurgery field.

His first was a cerebral vascular research fellowship at Mt. Sinai School, followed by an endovascular neurosurgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and ending with a spinal neurosurgery fellowship at the Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group.

“And you know what? I use all three every day.”

S

SM Health Care boasts a whole web of top-notch institutions across the St. Louis area. They are known for their patient care, timely treatment, and a commitment to development. The SSM Neurosciences Institute at St. Clare Health Center carries on the SSM reputation and brings a whole new level of care and treatment that will open important doors in the neuroscience field. Spearheading the campaign of progress at St. Clare Health Center is Dr. Armond (Ari) Levy.

“SSM embraced the idea of developing a first-rate neurosciences program. They were willing to make the required investments of capital, time, and talent to create the program we envisioned,” said Dr. Levy.

Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area ­— March 2012

The SSM Neurosciences Institute

The SSM Neurosciences Institute at St. Clare Health Center, equipped with advanced operating rooms and angiography labs, offers a variety of procedures, both surgical and non-surgical. They have everything from neurosurgery, open and endovascular, to diagnostic treatment and pain management.

The SSM Neurosciences Institute at St. Clare Health Center is comprised of three neurosurgeons, two neurologists, and two pain doctors.

With Dr. Levy’s extensive educational background and experience, he is one of just a small number of neurosurgeons that can perform cerebral vascular, endovascular, and spinal neurosurgery procedures.

A common misconception about neurosurgery is that the majority of surgeries are performed on the brain, whereas the reality is that most neurosurgeries are performed on the spine. Spinal complications, spinal diseases, pinched nerves, slipped discs, and spinal stenosis make up 75 percent of need for neurosurgery according to Dr. Levy.

“In school, the emphasis tends to focus more on the spine and spinal disease with only 20 to 30 percent of the training focusing on issues concerning the brain.

However, as a result of my extensive fellowship training, about 50 percent of the procedures I perform involve some type of brain surgery procedure,” says Dr. Levy.

Endovascular and Cerebrovascular Procedures

Endovascular means “inside the veins.” Accordingly, endovascular surgeries and procedures

are done by inserting a catheter inside a blood vessel or artery. The majority of cerebral endovascular procedures are done through the groin because of easy access to a large blood vessel that has the most direct route to the brain.

It is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure.

Cerebrovascular disease is the general term for a brain dysfunction caused by an abnormality of the cerebral blood supply.

Cerebrovascular surgery involves a procedure called a crainiotomy, in which a bone flap is temporarily removed from the skull to access the brain. Forms of cerebrovascular disease include cerebral thrombosis (the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel), cerebral embolism (the sudden blockage in an artery), and cerebral hemorrhage (the sudden bursting of a blood vessel), and cerebral aneurysms (an abnormal bulging of one of the arteries in the brain).

Brain Aneurysm Treatment – Coiling vs. Clipping

Brain aneurysms can be treated in one of two ways – through an endovascular procedure called “coiling” or a by a cerebrovascular surgical procedure called “clipping.”

Coiling involves the use of a micro-catheter that places a fine wire “coil” in the shape of a miniature slinky into the aneurysm. The slinky, or coil, is reinforced by stents to relieve the ballooning vessel and strengthen the weakness in the artery. Coiling is normally performed on elderly or frail patients who cannot withstand open brain surgery.

The open surgery option is called clipping. During the surgery, a tiny metal clip is placed across the neck of the aneurysm to stop the bleeding. Clipping offers more control over instrument placement and is normally performed on younger, healthy patients who can survive the surgery.

“I can perform both procedures. I like endovascular because it is minimally invasive and causes less disruption to the patient but it is not necessarily the best option in every situation. Either way (open or endovascular) patients should get consideration from someone who knows blood vessels and veins inside and out, as I do,” says Dr. Levy.

Dr. Levy says endovascular neurosurgery is not risk free. It takes specialized equipment, a steady hand, and patience. Once the instrument enters the twists and turns of the blood vessel in the brain there is not much control because the blood flow is so strong.

“There are only about 100 surgeons across the country that can actually practice endovascular surgery,” states Dr. Levy.

Dr. Levy is a man dedicated to his patients well being and comfort. He is always on the look out for new advancements in medicine, not only to improve his skills as a surgeon but also the reputation of his practice. He is particularly excited about advances in minimally invasive surgery.

March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

feature story continued

Minimally invasive techniques are less intrusive and often result in a speedier recovery for the patient. Instead of cutting open a patient’s head and tearing apart their muscles to get to the skull, the work is done via small incisions, usually an inch or so wide, with the use of a scope.

“I stopped using traditional methods about six or seven years ago.

(With minimally invasive techniques) there is a lot less nerve handling and damage,” says Dr. Levy.

Spinal Procedures

Beginning his training in minimally invasive spinal surgery ten years ago, Dr. Levy does an array of spinal procedure ranging in levels of difficulty. A simple procedure such as kyphoplasty- a treatment that alleviates spinal compressions- is routine. Dr. Levy has ventured into new, more complicated and challenging minimally invasive territory, such as multi-lumbar fusions.

One lumbar fusion surgery in particular brings pride to his eyes as he recounts the tale. He performed a two-level lumbar fusion, where he inserted two cages and six screws through two one and half-inch incisions. “The patient went home that same day,” he beamed.

Dr. Levy has also performed a six-level lumbar fusion with minimally invasive techniques and had his patient walking around two days later.

“I like to represent my practice by being cutting edge. The ability to offer expertise in two different worlds (endovascular/cerePage 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area ­— March 2012

brovascular and minimally invasive spine surgery) is extraordinarily unusual,” says Dr. Levy.

In one day Dr. Levy can treat an aneurysm in the morning, a carotid artery at lunch, and finish up with a spinal surgery. Needless to say, he is a very busy man.

Dr. Levy, as you can see, often uses “cutting edge” to describe himself, his techniques, and the future of his practice. He is a man dedicated to development and progress in the world of neurosurgery, especially at the SSM Neurosciences Institute.

For more information about SSM Neurosciences Institute, visit ssmhealth.com/neuro. To contact Dr. Levy’s office, call 636-496-3900.

healthcare opportunities

Humana Finds New Ways to Serve Military Veterans

By Humana

S

ix months ago, Humana launched a far-reaching national initiative to support United States military veterans. As a leading health care company, Humana has a longstanding relationship with activeduty and retired U.S. military men and women through its ongoing work at Humana Military and Humana Veterans Healthcare Services.

As part of the latest initiative, Humana committed to hiring 1,000 qualified veterans and/or their spouses in a variety of roles across the company. The unemployment rate among veterans during the first two years after leaving the military is estimated at 22 percent, which is more than two times the national unemployment rate.

“Our experience is that veterans are well-trained, highly motivated individuals who make an immediate impact when they come to work at Humana,” said Fred Wheeler, leader of Humana’s Veterans Initiative.

“Given our focus on helping people achieve lifelong well-being, veterans will be great ambassadors for Humana.”

Humana will promote job opportunities for veterans on its web site, Humana.com, as well as on some of the nation’s largest job-search sites, such as CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com.

The next piece of Humana’s Veterans Initiative is a $1 million contribution to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) over the next two years. EBV is a national program that offers cutting-edge training in entrepreneurship and small-business management at no cost to post-September 11 veterans. The program was founded in 2007 at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. EBV is now offered at seven world-class business schools, including the University of Connecticut, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, Purdue University, Texas A&M University and UCLA. Applications and stories from graduates are available at http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv/.

The final aspect of Humana’s commitment to veterans is a suite of health plan and financial protection products, many of which are designed specifically for veterans and their families.

“Our experience is that veterans are well-trained, highly motivated individuals who make an immediate impact when they come to work at Humana,”

As of January 2012, U.S. military veterans were eligible for a special dental plan through Humana. In addition to the dental coverage, it offers discounts on hearing aids, vision services and pharmacy items.

Also, Humana-owned Concentra urgent care facilities offer veterans savings on services at more than 300 Concentra facilities – including seven in Greater Kansas City and one in Springfield, MO. For more information on the Humana Veterans Preventative Plus Package, visit http://humana-veterans.com/plans/.

“We are making progress in our Veterans Initiative,” Wheeler said.

“And we are excited about demonstrating our commitment to the military, veterans and their families. This is a great way for us to deepen our relationship with these men and women who have served our country so honorably.”

To contact Humana Veterans Healthcare Services directly, call 1-866-458-6630, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST).

There’s more information about the company’s programs and services on the web site Humana-Veterans.com.

March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

body health

Looking at Lupus An Attack from Within L

upus is a complex and mysterious disorder. It arises when the cells that are supposed to protect your body from disease mistakenly assault your own healthy cells and tissues. This attack from within can damage your joints, skin and most other parts of your body. NIH-funded scientists are working to uncover the causes of lupus and find better ways to diagnose and treat the disease.

“Just about anyone can get lupus, but it mostly affects young women. It can rob them of the prime years of their lives,” says NIH’s Dr. Mark Gourley, an expert on lupus and related disorders. The disease often strikes between the ages of 15 and 44. Lupus afflicts about 9 times more women than men. For unknown reasons, African American women are at especially high risk.

No one knows what causes lupus. But researchers suspect that a combination of genes and the environment is to blame.

Lupus comes in different forms. The most common and serious type is called systemic lupus erythematosus. It can cause severe

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“Lupus has no cure. But medicines and lifestyle changes can help control it.” problems throughout the body. Other types can cause temporary skin sores after sun exposure or long-term rashes that may lead to scarring.

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms vary so widely. People with mild lupus may have just a few symptoms, such as skin rashes or achy joints. In other cases, lupus can harm essential organs, including the kidneys and brain.

“Diagnosis is one of the biggest challenges patients can face,” says Gourley. “The most frequent and common symptom is overwhelming fatigue.” But extreme tiredness could be mistaken for many other disorders, including sleep problems. Because of the variable symptoms, some patients can go for months or years without an accurate diagnosis.

No single test can identify lupus, either. Your doctor might perform some tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Blood tests can also determine if you have certain immune system proteins called antibodies that might be a sign of lupus. These tests also detect inflammation, an internal irritation and swelling that can be caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking your own healthy cells.

Lupus has no cure. But medicines and lifestyle changes can help control it. Patients with joint or chest pain might use anti-inflammation drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Corticosteroids are stronger drugs that can suppress inflammation, but long-term use may lead to severe side effects. Other drugs can block production or stop the function of immune cells.

In March 2011, a new medication called belimumab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “It’s the first new therapy to be approved for lupus in over 50 years,” says Gourley.

The drug is expensive, and it doesn’t work for everyone. Still, it’s led the way for several promising new therapies now being tested in clinical trials.

You can take other steps to lessen or prevent lupus symptoms.

“Follow your typical mom’s advice,” says Gourley. “Get plenty of sleep. Eat right. Take good care of your body and exercise. Wear sunscreen. And if you’re on medications, take them as your doctor recommends. That’s the best thing you can do for lupus.”

For more information, please visit www.nih.gov

mobile advancements

Wireless Technology Helps Improve Healthcare

R

egardless of age, sex, ethnicity, race, education or location, the number of Americans who are obese, diabetic or suffer from heart and other chronic diseases continues to rise. But new technology is helping to improve patient wellbeing.

By using mobile health products and services, such as those offered by mHealth, the wireless industry is dramatically reforming healthcare via the three pillars of reformation: improving access and quality of care while decreasing costs. According to CTIA-The Wireless Association’s semi-annual survey, there are more wireless devices (322.9 million) than Americans (315.5 million), so it makes sense to connect health and wireless technology.

Wireless health technology is efficient

When doctors monitor their patients remotely, patients save time and money by cutting down on in-office doctor’s appointments. If there are irregularities with the patient’s health, doctors are made aware via wireless monitoring, and can properly address the matter by alerting their patient to visit the emergency room, or prescribe medication.

In a field in which every second counts, doctors can improve care by receiving real-time delivery of medical tests and other vital information. With these tech innovations, patients can be prompted by text message to check their glucose level or take their blood pressure. Remote monitoring also means medical professionals can detect health problems such as cardiac arrhythmias.

Wireless healthcare benefits for patients • A recent CTIA and Harris survey found that physicians believe more than one quarter of their patients would benefit from wireless services. In addition, 80 percent of doctors and 89 percent of specialists said they want to see continued investment in mHealth as wireless technology is able to improve and promote better healthcare.

• Wireless medical devices are especially beneficial for people in rural and remote areas who do not typically have readily available access to the best healthcare professionals. Regardless of one’s location, mHealth solutions eliminate inconsistency in healthcare by offering patients the opportunity to receive the best access and care.

• Currently, there are more than 17,000 mobile apps available for consumers to track weight-loss, exercise and fitness progress or to help manage chronic disease. For example, some apps help diabetics record their daily blood sugar levels. If the levels entered are harmful or dangerous, a text message alerts users with suggested steps and tips to prevent the condition from getting worse.

• Expecting and new mothers can receive free weekly text messages via text4baby. These messages coincide with the baby’s due date or

date of birth. Started in February 2010, and led by National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition, text4baby has sent more than 250,000 medically underserved people health tips.

Wireless Healthcare Predictions • According to international consulting and marketing firm Global Partners Inc., it is projected that 60 million people will benefit from using tools like remote patient monitoring devices by 2013 to prolong and improve their health.

• The U.S. currently spends more than any other industrialized country in the world on healthcare, approximately $2.2 trillion every year, but mHealth solutions could help save as much as $21.1 billion per year.

Thanks to the proliferation of mobile products and services, easeof-use and continued innovation by the wireless industry, mHealth can dramatically revolutionize our healthcare system. But in order for mHealth to make a significant impact, the wireless industry needs more spectrum. It fuels the wireless industry so we can meet consumers’ demands for everything from accessing the mobile Internet to powering mHealth solutions.

To learn more about the future of mHealth and the wireless industry’s need for more spectrum, please visit: http://www.ctia.org/advocacy/policy_topics/topic.cfm/TID/59.

March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

women’s health

Strengthening the Pelvic Floor

By Edward S. Levy, MD, FACOG, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

T

he pelvic floor is a group of muscles that comprise the foundation for support of all of the pelvic organs. These include the uterus, bladder, rectum, and vaginal walls.

Damage and weakness of these structures contributes to urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse and sexual dysfunction. Childbirth, aging, heredity, chronic coughing, smoking, and lack of exercise all contribute to loss of muscle tone in this critical area of the body. In addition to the muscles, other types of connective tissue suffer damage which cannot be corrected with pelvic floor exercise. However, strengthening of the muscles can help compensate for this damage and provide numerous benefits.

Pelvic floor exercises, also called “Kegel” exercises, described by Dr. Arnold Kegel in 1948, have been shown to improve stress incontinence, urge incontinence (overactive bladder), painful intercourse and generalized pelvic pain. Like any exercise, the only way to see improvement is to practice them consistently and make it a lifelong routine.

The technique sounds simple, but often requires professional guidance and instruction to insure proper muscle tightening without engaging the wrong muscles. First, imagine that you need to hold back urine or gas (same muscles). Try to contract only the muscles surrounding the vagina and rectum without engaging the thigh, abdominal, or external buttock muscles. Your gynecologist or pelvic floor physical therapist can confirm that you are using the right muscles, or you can insert a finger vaginally to feel the Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area ­— March 2012

tightening yourself. It is also important not to hold your breath or push down while doing this exercise.

Once you understand the technique, work up to contracting for 10 seconds with 10 seconds rest between repetitions. Do fifteen to twenty reps three times daily for the best results. Most women begin to see improvement within a few weeks.

Many women have incorporated Pilates into their exercise regimen, and Pilates advocates have long touted the benefits of this program for pelvic floor health. When put to the test in a medical study (Published in the International Urogynecology Journal) it turns out Pilates delivers benefits that are comparable to pelvic floor exercises! Since Pilates also has many other health benefits, why not do both?

In addition to prevention of urine leakage, strong pelvic floor muscles can help you avoid leakage “on demand”. For example, if you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, start a pelvic muscle exercise and hold it during the cough or sneeze.

If you feel a strong urge to urinate and fear you may leak on the way to the bathroom, doing a few pelvic muscle exercises can relax your bladder and give you extra time.

As you can see, pelvic muscle exercises offer multiple benefits for women (and men). Best of all, they are free and have no adverse side effects.

For more information, please contact the office of Dr. Edward S. Levy, MD at Metropolitan Ob-Gyn and Urogynecology, 314-686-4990, 816 South Kirkwood Rd., Suite 100, Kirkwood, MO 63122.

maintaining strength

Keeping Your Muscles Healthy As You Age

D

id you know you have more than 600 muscles in your body, including your tongue, heart and stomach? When exerted, your muscles pull against your skeleton, causing your bones to become strong and durable. But a lack of exercise and nutrition can compromise your muscle strength, especially as you age.

“The average person can lose 8 percent of muscle tissue every 10 years after the age of 40,” says Dr. Vonda Wright, orthopedic surgeon, medical researcher and author of “Fitness After 40.” “When it comes to muscle, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.”

In addition to age, a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition can lead to loss of muscle. Many people are surprised to learn that a sedentary person may have 40 to 50 percent body fat. On the flip side, muscle burns more calories than fat during daily activities, including sitting.

A serious, temporary illness or injury or a diet lacking proper nutrition, especially protein, can also cause a loss in muscle mass. So muscle loss is not just a concern of the middle-aged or inactive, but for anyone who wants to stay healthy and active.

To find out if your muscles are in good shape, try the push-up test.

Men of any age should be able to do 11 and women should be able to complete eight. If you fall short of your goal, don’t despair. You still have time to build muscle strength with these tips: • Feed your muscle. Proteins are the building blocks of muscle. Get your protein daily from meat, poultry, fish, nuts, eggs and beans.

You can also augment your diet with healthful protein and nutrition shakes, such as Ensure Muscle Health shakes, which contain Revigor (a source of HMB, an amino-acid metabolite), and 13 grams of protein to help rebuild muscle and strength naturally lost over time. They are perfect for a snack on the go.

•G et aerobic exercise. Try to get between 30 to 60 minutes of bloodpumping exercise daily to build muscle endurance. And stretch your muscles before and after to prevent injury.

•C arry a load. Resistance training is also essential to keeping your muscles strong and limber and retaining bone density. Use weights or the resistance of your own body weight to build your strength.

“We live in an amazing time when we really are able to have some control over how we age,” says Dr. Wright. “In fact, there’s new evidence that boomers and seniors who exercise three to five times a week are able to retain lean muscle like younger athletes. So don’t let your age discourage you from living a healthier, active life today!”

For more information about maintaining healthy muscles and to read more of Dr. Wright’s tips, visit www.ensure.com. Then get started rebuilding your muscle strength. After all, this is the only body you have.

March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

senior care

Choosing Home Care Services That Meet Your Needs Submitted by Lori Holmgren, RN, MSN, Visiting Angels

M

aking the decision to hire a home care service to provide care for your loved one is an important decision and can, at the same time, be very difficult. If an illness or recovery from surgery requires nursing care or physical therapy, a physician may order skilled home care services that provide both skilled providers and personal aides. Your decision is then based on the obvious medical determinations made by the doctor. But what if you as the family caregiver must determine the extent of care needed without the help of a doctor?

Each home care situation is unique. In the beginning, family or friends step in to help with simple tasks and support for aging seniors who want to stay in their homes. As long term care needs progress, more time is required to manage those needs. Physical and mental conditions change with aging making usually routine hygiene and daily living activities difficult for an aging individual. Even with the healthiest of seniors, the ability to drive a car, shop for groceries or do general housekeeping eventually needs to be relinquished to the responsibility of another person.

In one example, Karen, would stop by her parents’ home on her way to work every morning and again on her way home from work in the evening. She checked in the morning to see that they were up and ready for the day and Karen would take a shopping list for things they needed. In the evening she delivered the needed items she had purchased during her lunch break and sometimes she fixed a meal when one was not prepared by her mother. This worked well until Karen began to notice her father did not shave or dress during the day and both parents were forgetting their medications. Karen felt more time and supervision was needed in their care but with her own family and job, she could not do it. Non-medical or personal home care services would be a good option for Karen to consider.

Before starting your search for a non-medical or personal home care company, determine what the care needs are and how much time each week will be required for assistance from the company. You may want to consult with the family physician and other family members as well as experienced social workers or care managers to determine needs. Most home care companies, as well, will help you do an assessment at no charge. With your care needs in hand, you are ready to begin your search.

The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (www.nahc.org/ home.html) gives the following guidelines and checklist in searching for a home care company: • How long has this provider been serving the community?

•D oes this provider supply literature explaining its services, eligibility requirements, fees, and funding sources? Many providers furnish their home care clients with a detailed “Patient Bill of Rights” that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the providers, clients, and family caregivers alike.

•H ow does this provider select and train its employees? Does it protect its workers with written personnel policies and malpractice insurance? Does it protect clients from theft or abuse by bonding its employees?

Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area ­— March 2012

• Does this provider assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care clients are receiving in their homes? If so, how often do these individuals make visits? Who can the client and his or her family members call with questions or complaints? How does the company follow up on and resolve problems?

• What are the financial procedures of this provider? Does the provider furnish written statements explaining all of the costs and payment plan options associated with home care?

• What procedures does this provider have in place to handle emergencies? Are its caregivers available on notice?

• How does this provider ensure client confidentiality?

If a home care company has not previously been recommended to you, ask for a list of previous clients and call for their experience with this provider.

Following up on these guidelines can help you determine the quality of personal care that is given. Many states license non-medical home care companies and require both legal and health standards to be maintained.

For a FREE no-obligation in-home Senior Care Assessment, call Visiting Angels at 314-842-5589. Visiting Angels is the premier provider of non-medical senior home care in the St. Louis area. www.VisitingAngels.com/STLsouth

grief recovery

Exploring the ‘F’ Words — #3 — Familiarity Healthy Cells magazine is pleased to present the tenth in a series of feature articles on the subject of Grief Recovery®. The articles are written by Russell P. Friedman, Executive Director, and John W. James, Founder, of The Grief Recovery Institute. Russell and John are co-authors of WHEN CHILDREN GRIEVE - For Adults to Help Children Deal with Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving, and Other Losses - Harper Collins, June, 2001 - & THE GRIEF RECOVERY HANDBOOK - The Action Program For Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses [Harper Perrenial, 1998].

The articles combine educational information with answers to commonly asked questions.

What you practice is what you get good at!

The Grief Recovery Handbook makes constant reference to the fact that you must grieve and complete your relationship to your pain.

Lacking Grief Recovery® skills, grievers often begin to identify themselves by the pain they have experienced. In a relatively short time, the griever becomes familiar with that pained identity. The griever may also develop a very strong loyalty to the now familiar pain. No one wants to give up things they own or feel very familiar with.

What you practice is what you get good at!

In a society that does not encourage or support effective Grief Recovery® actions, it is typical for grievers to find themselves isolating from friends, family and co-workers. In an attempt to escape the very real sense of being judged or criticized for having the normal feelings caused by loss, the griever may begin to avoid all people or events that might lead to having to defend their feelings or to act as if they were recovered. The griever becomes very familiar with and loyal to the isolation that seems to protect them.

What you practice is what you get good at!

We have been taught, incorrectly, that grievers want and need to be alone. And, we have been taught, also incorrectly, that grievers do not want to talk about the losses they have experienced. The griever, caught between the treatment they receive from well intentioned friends and their own fears, begins to become very familiar with being alone.

What you practice is what you get good at!

So far we have identified Pain, Isolation, and Loneliness as highly probable areas of familiarity for grieving people. It is tragic when a griever, already struggling with the normal and natural emotions caused by loss, is further limited by some habits that do not enhance or encourage completion and recovery from significant emotional loss.

Familiar is not necessarily good, it is only familiar. Comfortable is not necessarily good, it is often just familiar. The old cliche, “Better the devil I know then the devil I don’t know,” almost explains our loyalty to the familiarity of Pain, Isolation and Loneliness. Change can be difficult and awkward at the best of times, and it is clearly difficult for grieving people for whom the whole universe may seem upside down.

It is essential that we begin to become familiar with actions, skills and behaviors that will lead to successful recovery from significant emotional losses. It does not require any more energy to practice helpful things than unhelpful ones. The Grief Recovery Handbook is an excellent source of appropriate and effective Grief Recovery® tools that can lead to completion of familiar behaviors or beliefs that are not helping us improve our lives.

In a prior article of this series we said, Familiarity can create a powerful illusion that change is not necessary, that growth is not possible. You must fight off the illusion of comfort caused by familiarity. It is not your nature to live a life of Pain, Isolation and Loneliness. It is your

nature to be loving and lovable, trusting and trustable. As you practice the principles and actions of Grief Recovery® you will become familiar with your natural ability to be happy.

What you practice is what you get good at!

Next month: “Right Or Happy - Pick One!”

For information about programs and services, write to The Grief Recovery Institute, P.O. Box 6061-382 Sherman Oaks, CA. 91413.

Call [818] 907-9600 or Fax: [818] 907-9329. Please visit our website at: www.grief-recovery.com March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

reducing household allergens

Cleaning Secrets for a Healthy Home R

egularly cleaning your home does more than just make it look nice. It can also help alleviate the sneezing, sniffling and itchy watery eyes for your family members who have allergies

More than half of Americans test positive when exposed to one or more allergens, according to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. And more than half of all homes in the U.S. have at least six detectable allergens in the air, such as cat and dog dander, dust mites, pollen or mold spores. As the weather warms, more allergens are present in the air. Reducing the amount of allergens in your home can help improve indoor air quality and reduce your exposure to allergy triggers.

But if your cleaning routine doesn’t specifically focus on allergen removal, and only moves dust around (sending allergens airborne), or incorporates products that can add pollutants to indoor air, it won’t do much to help minimize allergens in your home.

Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area ­— March 2012

If you suffer from allergies and asthma, consult with your doctor on the best course of treatment, and clean with these simple tips - from the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program, by the nonprofit Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) - to help control the allergens that can exacerbate allergies and trigger asthma.

Make Your Home Asthma & Allergy Friendly

Consumers spend nearly $18 billion annually on asthma and allergy medications. But they also spend more than $20 billion on nonmedical consumer products marketed for people with asthma and allergies, according to AAFA. While demand for such products continues to grow, there is little to no regulation governing their product claims, the Foundation notes. AAFA’s asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program helps consumers evaluate and verify the allergen-

What A Pharmacy Was Meant To Be! Tom & Lynn Schmittgens, R.Ph. reducing effectiveness of a variety of products, from cleaning supplies, air cleaning devices and vacuums to toys, bedding, home improvement products, paints, clothes washers and more.

Created in 2005 in collaboration with a leading testing and certification partner, Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), and top medical experts, the program independently tests and certifies products that are more suitable for people living with asthma and allergies. The products that have successfully passed testing are “certified” and identified by a distinctive certification mark on their packaging. You can learn about the certification process and certified products at www.aafa.org/certified.

Cleaning tips for Maximum Effectiveness • House dust is one of the most common irritants for allergy sufferers.

You may think dusting your home will help reduce allergens, but if you use a feather duster that simply lifts the dust off surfaces and into the air, you will actually increase airborne dust particles. Always use moist cloths or special dry cloths designed to trap and lock dust from hard and soft surfaces.

• Certain cleaning products can also contribute to airborne irritants, especially if they contain harsh chemicals, strong odors or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choose products that contain none of these irritants, but also beware of “green” labels, as some of these solutions may be made with natural allergenic ingredients, too, such as lemon oils, tea-tree oils or coconut extracts.

• A vacuum that leaks more dust than it captures can make your indoor air quality worse. Use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter and tight seams and seals to prevent particles from leaking out while you vacuum. Also, choose a style that requires minimal exposure during canister emptying or bag changes.

• Rodent dander and cockroach particles are common household asthma triggers. However, some pesticides may do more harm than good for people with asthma and allergies. If you have a pest problem, look for an exterminator with expertise in integrated pest management and who can advise you on traps and solvents that are safer for people with asthma.

• Cat dander is present in most U.S. homes, even where no cats have lived, studies have shown. Your cleaning routine should include freshening linens in your bedroom, where cat or dog dander can settle, becoming food for dust mites. Place mite-proof bedding on your mattresses and pillows. Wash sheets at least once a week in 130-degree water to kill mites and their eggs.

• Mold can grow anywhere in your home where moisture is present, and mold spores are a common asthma and allergy trigger. To remove mold and mildew look for cleaning products that help kill and prevent mold from returning. Also, keep household humidity below 50 percent and fix leaky pipes and cracks to reduce standing puddles of moisture where mold can prosper.

• Gather stuffed toys, where dust mites, mold and pet dander can accumulate, and wash them in hot water and dry completely before using again. Place stuffed toys that can’t be washed in the freezer for 24 hours, then rinse in cold water to remove dead mites, and dry completely. Try to turn this into a monthly habit.

• Lots of air passes through window areas, and airborne dust and allergens accumulate on all types of window treatments - which are rarely cleaned. In the family room and throughout the home, replace big, heavy linen drapes with more sensible window treatments such as wood blinds or flat screens that are easy to wipe and keep clean.

Now is a great time to adopt new allergy and asthma friendly cleaning habits and products. You can learn more at www.AAFA.org/certified.

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www.VisitingAngels.com/STLsouth March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

massage therapy

The World of Fascia The Connective Tissue that Binds

By Julianne Vander Meulen, LMT, RRT, The Jeweled Gate

I

’d like to introduce you to Myofascial Release, a unique form of massage that works in a wonderful gentle way to relieve pain. Underneath our skin begins a layer of continuous connective tissue called fascia. It is like a huge cobweb, with its fibers running every which way, connecting everything from your head to your toes. Explaining why you can sometimes feel a pull in one part of your body that seems to be coming from somewhere completely unrelated. The fascia also surrounds all our muscles, organs, and bones. It is filled with a blood and nerve supply that communicates throughout the entire body.

Slow and Gentle Techniques

When a practitioner of Myofascial Release does their work, they most always begin with a very gentle touch. Working at the superficial layer of fascia is a key to the work we do and is the beginning of finding the source of the pain.

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area ­— March 2012

While there are many massage therapists who swear by “deep tissue” massage, they often bypass the surface layers of fascia, which can cause restrictions in the deeper muscle layers. Massage does not have to be deep to be effective, nor does it have to be painful. It should never leave you with a bruise. Often in Myofascial Release the therapist wants to reproduce the original pain to orient to its location, but then works quickly to relieve it. Sometimes this involves just holding an area while it warms the tissue, then gently applying a light force of stretching the fascia. Unlike muscle, fascia tends to stay where it is put for a longer period of time. Imagine pulling on the corner of a wet sweater. The whole sweater changes its shape, staying like that until you pull or push it back to where you want it. This is kind of how fascia can be manipulated.

Contributing Pain Causes Factors that can affect fascia are: • Trauma, such as an “awkward fall” – where you might flail your arms or get dragged; car accidents that can cause whiplash, seatbelt trauma, or any shaking of the body • Mechanical factors like repetitive strain injuries - working at a computer 8 hours a day, lifting boxes in a warehouse, even working out too much (our bodies DO like a bit of rest other than sleep) • Poor posture (misalignment of the bony structures) has a huge impact over the years on how our bodies respond – the key here is “years” – most of the effects we experience take time to occur • Stress aggravates almost any pain condition • Inflammation • Surgery and scar tissue

Our approach to Myofascial restrictions is based on years of study and experience. We observe protocols for different areas of the body, testing basic muscles that would have the most impact on that area.

Occasionally it is very clear what and where the problem lies, other times it can take several visits to figure out what’s going on. Often there is more than one factor; many times old injuries or scars can be reactivated in the process of relieving restrictions.

Unlike relaxation massage, you are not likely to fall asleep, although it can be tremendously relaxing as the painful areas release. The therapist may have you reposition several times during the session, and may also do some range of motion (ROM) to check the tenseness or mobility of muscles and joints. We use props to make you as comfortable as possible, and respect that you may not be able to sit or lay in a particular position. Myofascial work does not generally involve working on the whole body, at least not in one hour. We may spend a half hour on one part!

Whole Body Approach

When our bodies experience pain, and it becomes chronic, often the adaptive processes have begun to break down. Our minds have an amazing capacity to distract us from what is really going on, but eventually the tissues will win out, and distorting changes take place.

The nerve pathways get stressed and will not react in a normal fashion, staying “on” all the time, and not allowing rest to occur. Repeated postural and traumatic insults of a lifetime, combined with the emotional and psychological stress we encounter on a daily basis, often present a confusing pattern of tense, contracted, bunched, and fatigued connective tissues. These are all connected through the Myofascial system.

“Give yourself permission to do and feel whatever you need in order to heal is part of the work.”

It is important to understand that due to a prolonged period of stress, the body will become so altered by its efforts to compensate and adapt, that structural, and eventually pathological changes may become apparent. Some researchers have shown that the type of stress involved can be entirely physical (repetitive postural change such as hairdresser or office worker) or entirely psychic (chronic repressed anger). Learning to give your body permission to let go of anything that is no longer serving you, and give yourself permission to do and feel whatever you need in order to heal is part of the work. Occasionally memories and emotions you may have suppressed for a long time may come to the surface, and while it may be difficult, it can greatly assist the healing process.

We are taught not to show emotions, to push through pain, to discount our intuition, etc. The only form of communication that can get our attention anymore is pain. We become so good at tuning that out that the pain has to spread and become more intense to get our attention. This by no means discounts the actual physical nature of pain, but helps people understand why it can be more difficult to resolve than simply stretching and releasing, or having a chiropractic treatment, or taking pain medication.

The therapists I work with provide Myofascial Release to young and old alike with a vast array of conditions. We work closely with orthopedic physicians, physiatrists (pain management specialists), and physical therapists to provide a comprehensive plan of treatment.

Myofascial work is more of a commitment than just getting a massage when you feel like it – it usually entails at least 4-6 visits, about 1-2 weeks apart, then possibly more depending on the complexity of the problem. Therapy is generally not covered by insurance.

For more information about the benefits of Myofascial Release or to schedule an appointment with Julianne, please call 314- 873-7636, or visit the website at www.jeweledgate.net.

March 2012 — Greater St. Louis Area — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

STROKES ARE THE NUMBER-THREE KILLER

IN THIS COUNTRY, YET MANY PEOPLE DON’T EVEN

KNOW WHAT THEY ARE. THEY DON’T KNOW THAT MORE

OF THE BRAIN CAN BE SAVED IF A STROKE IS DETECTED AND

TREATMENT IS RECEIVED IMMEDIATELY. STROKES BEGIN WHEN A

W I T H A S T R O K E , T I M E L O S T I S B R A I N L O S T. BLOOD VESSEL IN THE BRAIN BECOMES BLOCKED OR BURSTS. BLOOD FLOW

IS CUT OFF. TISSUE IS STARVED FOR OXYGEN, AND PARTS OF THE BRAIN DIE.

IF NOT TREATED QUICKLY, ABILITIES AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE CAN BE

LOST. YOUR BRAIN IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION.

GUARD IT WITH YOUR LIFE.

If you suddenly have or see any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately: Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes • Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Severe headache with no known cause

Learn more at StrokeAssociation.org or 1-888-4-STROKE. ©2004 American Heart Association Made possible in part by a generous grant from The Bugher Foundation.

he body, mind & spirit, in rhyth

ALTERNATIVE HOSPICE ‘Teaching the Art of Living and Dying Well’

• Premier end of life care • Outstanding holistic caregivers • A peaceful transition For more information contact Mary Magill

636-343-3839

www.alternativehospice.com