April Peoria Healthy Cells 2011

GREATER PEORIA

area

Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional

APRIL 2011

FREE

HealthyCells

TM

www.healthycellsmagazine.com

M A G A Z I N E

• Nutritional

OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home Why Central Illinois Needs This Facility

pg. 6

Treatment for

Chronic Pain page 20

The Power of Asking page 30

Becoming a First Time Caregiver page 31

letter from the owner

Laughter is the Best Medicine….

April is a popular month for several awareness groups. It is also “National Humor” month. Like you, I love a good laugh especially when shared with a friend or family member. Many times it has been said that laughter is the best medicine. Numerous studies have shown this saying to be true.

What are some of the benefits of laughter?

• Laughter improves your sense of well-being and state of mind.

• Laughter also helps us view ourselves and our environment differently.

• Laughter is good for your immune system and helps to lower blood pressure.

• Humor also helps improve your creativity and memory. Our minds can easily retain information when we associate it with something hilarious.

• Laughter helps to relieve stress by causing the release of natural pain killers in the body.

With all these benefits, it’s time to put this saying to the test. Find an opportunity to share a good laugh — a cute joke or story — with someone today. My bet is that you will personally agree that laughter is the best medicine.

Photo Courtesy of Photography by Jill

Sincerely,

Kim Brooks-Miller, Owner, Healthy Cells Magazine, Greater Peoria Area Edition.

Comments or questions call: 309-681-4418 or e-mail: peoria.healthycells@hotmail.com

April 2011 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

APRIL

2011 Volume 13, Issue 4

10

Hip Weakness: Is It Contributing to Your Low Back Pain?

12

Physical: Wake Up! The Dangers of Drowsy Driving

14

Emotional: Sexual Abuse and Assault Has No Boundaries— Counseling Helps

16

Nutritional: Water—Meeting Your Daily Fluid Needs

20

Multidisciplinary Pain Centers: Treatment for Chronic Pain

22

Cancer Treatment Options: Radiation Oncology

24

Mental Health: What Should I Do?

27

Sleep Interference: Improving Sleep Quality In Chronic Pain Patients

28

Specialized ER’s: When the Emergency Room Can Be a Scary Place

30

Self-Care: The Power of Asking

31

Caregiving: Called to Serve—a Two-Step Plan for Becoming a First-Time Caregiver

32

This Month’s Cover Story: OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home Why Central Illinois Needs This Facility

page 6

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 650 locations, including major grocery stores throughout central Illinois as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. 12,000 copies are published monthly. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in central Illinois. 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 central Illinois.

For advertising information, contact Kim Brooks-Miller 309-681-4418 email: peoria.healthycells@hotmail.com Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

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feature story

OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home Why Central Illinois Needs This Facility

By Mary Hilbert

OSF Home Care Services is planning construction....

O

SF Hospice, a division of OSF Home Care Services, is planning construction of a 16-bed, 23 thousand square-foot hospice home designed to bring the comfort and dignity of home-living to terminally ill patients in Central Illinois. “There truly is a need for a hospice home in the area,” said Donna Medina, Vice President of Hospice for OSF Home Care Services. At present,

Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

Illinois ranks 49 out of 50 states in terms of end-of-life care, with only three hospice homes located across the state, none of which are near the Peoria area.

The OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home will be the first of its kind in Central Illinois and will feature fully furnished patient rooms of up to 300 square feet each, two family rooms complete with a television and library area, a children’s playroom with glass visibility and video monitoring, a chapel and home décor.

Aside from its home-style atmosphere, the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home will offer three levels of care to end-of-life patients, including general inpatient care, routine care and respite care while also providing accommodations to meet the needs of visiting family and friends. “We don’t just treat patients, we treat families,” Medina said, “We will offer these services to Proctor and Methodist, any part of the community. We can’t change the end result, but if we can make things a little easier for the families, we’ve done a good job.”

The OSF Healthcare Foundation, with the help of generous donations from area residents, has raised more than $4.8 million to date for the project and aims to reach the $6.5 million mark needed for groundbreaking by summer 2011. “We need to create awareness for the need for hospice care,” OSF Foundation Vice President Tom Ham-

merton said, “I have a personal passion for this important project as I have experienced first-hand the value of hospice care, and our team will make every effort to help secure the required funds to make Hospice Home become a reality.”

Why is there a need for a hospice home?

For most terminally ill patients, spending time in the company of family and friends or simply in the comfort of their own bed is a preferable option to a hospital room. “We try to keep people in their own home,” said Dr. Robert Sawicki, Medical Director of Supportive Care for OSF HealthCare.

Unfortunately, keeping a patient at home isn’t always practical, especially when Dr. Robert Sawicki Donna Medina Tom Hammerton severe pain or extenuating family circumMedical Director of Supportive Vice President of Hospice Vice President stances make it unsafe for the ailing indiCare for OSF HealthCare for OSF Home Care Services.

OSF Foundation vidual to remain outside of a healthcare facility. “With the new hospice home, we’ve really got an option that surpasses anything else,” Sawicki said.

When is the right time to consider hospice care?

The OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home will not only offer Placing a loved one under hospice care is never an easy decision physical care for dying patients, but psychological and spiritual for family members to make. “As health care providers, it is hard for support as well. Education programs and bereavement counseling us to come to that realization for our own patients as well,” Sawicki are also provided, with bereavement counseling available to famsaid. Once a patient has been given a prognosis of six months or less ily members for up to 13 months following the passing of a loved and curative treatment is no longer being sought, it is generally time one. One of the primary reasons for the new home, Medina said, to consider placing the individual under hospice care. Hospice care is to carry out the Mission of the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint is end-of-life care which focuses on alleviating symptoms, whether Francis, reminding the community that there is dignity in every physical, psychological or spiritual, faced by terminally ill patients. A stage of life. There will be many ways for volunteers of all ages few examples of qualifying conditions for hospice admission include to contribute to the operation of the facility, and one young man cancer, advanced heart, lung or liver disease, HIV/AIDs, debility and Medina met through her work in prison ministry is using his artistic advanced Alzheimer’s disease. When caregivers of terminally ill pagifts from behind bars to paint pictures that will be hanging on the tients are in need of a period of respite, or relief, hospice homes are walls of the patients’ rooms. “They’ll bring a message of peace, also able to provide amiable environment during this time. hope and tranquility,” Medina said.

April 2011 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

feature story

continued What services are available through OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home?

The OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home will distinguish itself from nursing homes and other care facilities in the area that offer hospice expertise by functioning as a not-for-profit entity, providing free community education, a physician house calls program and accepting all patients. The facility will provide the same medical and support care as a hospital, only in a more peaceful home-like setting for patients and their families. For the patient, there is physician support on-site, 24-hour nursing care pain and symptom management, as well as pastoral care. Family members will be accommodated with private rooms, children’s playrooms with a camera that allows the patient to watch them at play, a chapel and an internet café. Because family members frequently travel from out of town, the site will also include visitor showers, a laundry room, an outdoor garden and play area, hydrotherapy and massage room, as well as dining area for patients and their families.

What questions should I ask before deciding on hospice services that are right for my loved one?

Before deciding on a hospice facility that is right for family members, it is important to get to know the staff, mission, and services that will be provided at the care center. “These are people who are going to be caring for your loved one and you during a very vulnerable part of your lives,” Sawicki said, “What is their mission, and how do they achieve it?”

Other vital questions to ask include what medications will be provided, who the facility’s medical director is, and what the visiting hours of the facility will be. The OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home will have open visiting hours 24 hours a day, and provide all medications related to the patient’s primary diagnosis.

Medicare, Medicaid, and Financial Assistance In order to meet Medicare criteria for hospice home admission a patient must be terminally ill with a prognosis of six months or less, be no longer seeking curative care, and be certified by a physician. However patients who live longer than 6 months can continue with the hospice benefit as their decline may be slower than anticipated. Both Medicare and Medicaid cover up to 100 percent of costs (no co-pay) and private insurance is also accepted. OSF Home Care Services also provides resources for financial support.

When will the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home open?

The OSF Healthcare Foundation is continuing its fundraising efforts for the hospice home, aiming for $10 million which would give the home an endowment. The state has issued OSF Home Care Services a renewed license with the plan that the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home will be fully operational by April 1, 2013. The facility is expected to support approximately 1,200 terminally-ill patients and their families each year.

For more information on OSF Home Care Services and the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, visit www.osfhomecare.org or call 309-683-7745. The Web site includes a fly-thru animation of the facility and video testimonials from project supporters.

Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

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hip weakness

Is It Contributing to

Your Low Back Pain?

By Jeremy W. Przybylo, PT, DPT, DMT, Prairie Spine & Pain Institute

P

hysical therapists are often called upon to evaluate and treat patients with low back pain (LBP). These patients have already been examined and cleared by their physician and referred for physical therapy (PT). Our job as a physical therapist is to evaluate for muscular imbalances that might be lending to a patients pain and dysfunction.

As a clinician, we look at the patient’s entire body in order to define areas that might need strengthening. For patients with LBP, we often find that hip weakness may be lending to their problem. What causes hip weakness? There can be many reasons for hip weakness, but some common causes include poor postural habits, disease of the hip joint itself, or nerve problems involving the spine. Hip weakness can lead to functional deficits, such as a limp, that effect your LBP. This article will clearly define some common causes of hip weakness, it’s relation to LBP, and possible treatment options.

Poor postural habits, in a standing position, can easily cause hip weakness. At a young age, people can learn to conserve energy by electing postures that require the least effort. We often discover these positions by observing others or simply discovering the posture on our own. One common standing posture that can lend to hip weakness involves the individual “hanging on one hip”. Individuals will often shift weight to one leg resulting in poor pelvic alignment. This posture results in muscular imbalance and ultimately weakness. These weaknesses can lend to poor stability while walking or performing other dynamic activities. Again, this poor stability can bring about symptoms associated with both LBP and hip pain.

After visiting your physician, you may come to learn that you have a disease involving the hip joint. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are just a few of the very common diagnoses that can lend to hip weakness. While one can argue to no end whether the chicken came before the egg, or vice versa, the fact still remains that these conditions are often accompanied with significant hip weakness. Part of the weakness that develops may be due to a pain avoidance posture. Pain avoidance presents much like the posture described in the previous paragraph.

Individuals will shift weight to the pain free leg, again, resulting in poor pelvic alignment and ultimately weakness. Aside from having a total hip Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

replacement, often time there is little that can be done to reverse the effects of arthritic conditions. On the other hand, weakness is something that can always be addressed.

Up to this point, we have outlined different ways hip weakness can increase LBP. It is also likely that your LBP maybe causing hip weakness.

If your physician discovers that you have a pinched nerve in the low back (specifically the lumbar spine), the pinched nerve could potentially be causing your hip weakness. In this case, your physician may recommend medical or surgical treatment in adjunct to a comprehensive PT program. Once the pinched nerve has been released, it would then be appropriate to consider strengthening the weakened hip.

If you are suffering from low back or hip pain, it is important to see your physician first. He or she can rule out serious diseases that would require specific medical treatment or surgical intervention. If your physician feels it is safe, you may be referred for PT. It is customary for any patient seeking help from PT to undergo an initial evaluation by a licensed physical therapist. This will allow the therapist to examine your posture, functional status, range of motion, and strength prior to developing a comprehensive treatment program.

The therapist may use: modalities to control pain and inflammation, manual/hands-on therapy to improve ROM and manage pain, and exercise to develop strength. The goal is to improve your ability to function with as little deviation and pain as possible.

While hip weakness may be lending to your LBP, there are many other pieces of the puzzle. Once you have addressed your pain and found relief, it will be up to you to help maintain your progress. Depending on your diagnosis, you may need to continue with regular exercise to prevent reoccurrence. This may be done in the form of a home exercise program prescribed by your physician or therapist, or it could be in done in the aquatic environment as well. Treating LBP and hip pain often requires a team approach involving the patient, their physician, and a knowledgeable physical therapist.

For additional information, please call the Prairie Spine and Pain Institute at (309)691-7774 and visit www.prairiespine.com.

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physical

Wake Up!

The Dangers of Drowsy Driving Submitted by Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine

I

f you’re not getting enough sleep and find yourself frequently waking up still tired, you’re not alone. More than one-third of all U.S. adults average less than 7 hours of sleep per night, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

That lack of sleep is causing problems during the daytime, CDC surveys found. In one survey, 38% of people said they unintentionally dozed off during the day at least once in the previous month. Even more alarming, 5% said they nodded off or fell asleep while driving.

“If you don’t get enough sleep, it definitely impacts your functioning, your memory, your response time and your ability to drive safely,” says Dr. Rod Willey of the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes a year, resulting in an estimated 1,550 deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Federal Department of Transportation reports one out of every three trucking accidents is sleep related.

The National Sleep Foundation has compared drowsy driving to driving drunk. Statistics show that being awake for 18 hours is similar to having a blood alcohol content of .05. Being awake for 24 hours is similar to having a BAC of .10.

Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

“We need to start seeing sleep as a important part of health. It isn’t a luxury,” Willey says. “Lack of sleep can impact your day-to-day functioning and your life expectancy. If you get behind the wheel of a car and haven’t had adequate rest, your chances of having an accident increase dramatically.”

“Sleep disorders—including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome—are common,” Willey adds. Individuals with untreated obstructive sleep apnea are up to 7 times more likely to fall asleep at the wheel according to The National Sleep Foundation.

More 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. Other signs of sleep apnea may include: gasping, coughing or choking during the night, waking up tired after full nights rest, problems with memory, and general irritability.

People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of death than the normal population. Suffers 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. Effects are often felt by family members 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 business 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 expended to treat and alleviate the consequences of obstructive sleep apnea, such as heart disease and cardiac arrest, instead of treating the underlying cause.

Don’t Wait! Get Treated.

“People who consistently feel poorly rested should consult their physician to rule out obstructive sleep apnea,” says Willey. Treatment options for sleep apnea include: Lifestyle Changes, Surgery, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and Oral Appliance Therapy.

Oral Appliance Therapy has come to the forefront as a very viable and scientifically based treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. 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. Oral Appliance Therapy is covered by most medical insurances and Medicare.

For more information contact the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine at 309-243-8980 or info@illinoissleepdoc.com.

Are You at Risk?

Before you drive, consider whether you are: • Sleep-deprived or fatigued (6 hours of sleep or less triples your risk) • Suffering from sleep loss (insomnia), poor quality sleep, or a sleep debt • Driving long distances without proper rest breaks • Driving through the night, mid-afternoon or when you would normally be asleep • Taking sedating medications (antidepressants, cold tablets, antihistamines) • Working more than 60 hours a week (increases your risk by 40%) • Working more than one job and your main job involves shift work • Drinking even small amounts of alcohol • Driving alone or on a long, rural, dark or boring road

Specific At-Risk Groups • Young people - especially males under age 26 • Shift workers and people with long hours - working the night shift increases their risk by nearly 6 times; rotating-shift workers and people working more than 60 hours a week • Commercial drivers - especially long-haul drivers – at least 15% of all heavy truck crashes involve fatigue • People with undiagnosed or untreated disorders — people with untreated obstructive sleep apnea have been shown to have up to a seven times increased risk of falling asleep at the wheel • Business travelers who spend many hours driving or may be jet lagged

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April 2011 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

emotional

Sexual Abuse and Assault Has No Boundaries

Counseling Helps!

By Deb Hyde, L.C. S.W., The Center for Prevention of Abuse

* Sexual abuse and assault has no boundaries and does not discriminate. * Sexual abuse and assault has the potential to last a lifetime without help.

A

pril is Sexual Abuse A w a r e n e s s M o n t h .

Now more than ever it is important for Central Illinois to be aware of the services available in time of need. Without support and guidance that counseling provides, sexual abuse can tear through a family, leaving a path of destruction. At the Center for Prevention of Abuse, our supportive services address both short and long term effects of sexual abuse. Regardless of whether the abuse happens in childhood, adolescence or adulthood, the affects can be devastating without the support counseling can provide.

Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

Childhood is where we begin to learn morals, values and rules for navigating life. Arguable, it is the foundation of our existence.

When a child is sexually abused, the trauma distorts age-appropriate perceptions of right, wrong and roles people should play in their life. Without the support and guidance counseling can provide, these distorted perceptions have the makings of a chain reaction of choices and events that can last a lifetime. Counseling provides a safe environment to address those distortions and offers the child options that are both empowering and age-appropriate through play therapy.

Adolescence can be a turbulent developmental stage in the best of situations. Teens are beginning to make choices based on life experiences, which include childhood. Whether abuse has already occurred in childhood or for example, occurs in a violent dating relationship, this traumatic experience can establish distortions that will in turn affect decisions related to intimacy, communication and partner’s roles. In counseling, adolescents can role-play assertiveness techniques and work through self-esteem issues to establish better problem-solving skills andultimately better choices. Otherwise, if sexual abuse is not addressed immediately, this stage of life can be filled with experiences such as teen pregnancy as a result of sexual assault, eating disorders, and drug and alcohol problems.

Adulthood is where unaddressed issues of childhood and/or adolescent sexual abuse are compounded. Risky sexual behavior can continue the increased likelihood of pregnancy, risks for HIV, psychiatric problems, addictions, prostitution and suicide. Physical violence is very common as a result of relationship distortions brought up from childhood and/or adolescence. This physical

violence can result in marital/partner rape, which in turn can include prison time and in some cases death. Without supportive counseling, a survivor’s life can spiral out of control, leaving families in pieces.

Regardless of age, a survivor of sexual abuse will experience symptoms of trauma. Counselors are trained to appropriately inform and support a survivor, their family and friends after this trauma in a way that can help everyone move more easily through their individual healing process.

How Can You Help?

• Be Aware… of drastic or unusual changes in behavior.

• Listen… don’t question actions or be judgmental.

• Ask… what the survivor needs at that moment.

• Help… by knowing your limitations and seeking assistance from the nearest hospital emergency room professionals, local law enforcement and The Center for Prevention of Abuse.

Our mission at The Center for Prevention of Abuse is to help all people-women, men and children, to live free from violence and abuse. Sexual Assault Awareness Month will offer many activities to educate and raise awareness in April. Please consider joining us—there’s plenty of work to be done.

For more information, visit www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org or call 691-0551 for more information on April’s activities and other ways you can help stop sexual abuse.

April 2011 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

nutritional

Water

Meeting Your Daily Fluid Needs Submitted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

E

ver notice how lifeless a house plant looks when you forget to water it? Just a little water and it seems to perk back up.

Water is just as essential for our bodies because it is in every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. That’s why getting enough water every day is important for your health.

Healthy people meet their fluid needs by drinking when thirsty and drinking fluids with meals. But, if you’re outside in hot weather for most of the day or doing vigorous physical activity, you’ll need to make an effort to drink more fluids.

Where do I get the water I need?

Most of your water needs are met through the water and beverages you drink. You can get some fluid through the foods you eat.

For example, broth soups and other foods that are 85% to 95% water such as celery, tomatoes, oranges, and melons.

What does water do in my body?

Water helps your body with the following: • K eeps its temperature normal.

• Lubricates and cushions your joints.

• Protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.

• G ets rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

Why do I need to drink enough water each day?

You need water to replace what your body loses through normal everyday functions. Of course, you

Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

lose water when you go to the bathroom or sweat, but you even lose small amounts of water when you exhale. You need to replace this lost water to prevent dehydration.

Your body also needs more water when you are— • In hot climates.

• More physically active.

• Running a fever.

• Having diarrhea or vomiting.

To help you stay hydrated during prolonged physical activity or when it is hot outside, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommend these two steps: 1. Drink fluid while doing the activity.

2. Drink several glasses of water or other fluid after the physical activity is completed.1 Also, when you are participating in vigorous physical activity, it’s important to drink before you even feel thirsty. Thirst is a signal that your body is on the way to dehydration.

Some people may have fluid restrictions because of a health problem, such as kidney disease. If your healthcare provider has told you to restrict your fluid intake, be sure to follow that advice.

Tips for Increasing Your Fluid Intake by Drinking More Water Under normal conditions, most people can drink enough fluids to meet their water needs. If you are outside in hot weather for most of the day or doing vigorous activity, you may need to increase your fluid intake.

If you think you’re not getting enough water each day, the following tips may help: • C arry a water bottle for easy access when you are at work or running errands.

• F reeze some freezer-safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.

• C hoose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. This tip can also help with weight management. Substituting water for one 20-ounce sugar-sweetened soda will save you about 240 calories.

• C hoose water instead of other beverages when eating out. Generally, you will save money and reduce calories.

• G ive your water a little pizzazz by adding a wedge of lime or lemon. This may improve the taste, and you just might drink more water than you usually do.

Do sugar-sweetened beverages count?

Although beverages that are sweetened with sugars do provide water, they usually have more calories than unsweetened beverages.

To help with weight control, you should consume beverages and foods that don’t have added sugars.

Examples of beverages with added sugars: • Fruit drinks.

• Some sports drinks.

• Soft drinks and sodas (non-diet).

Visit Rethink Your Drink for more information about the calories in beverages and how you can make better drink choices to reduce your calorie intake.

Sources 1 HHS & USDA. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. Chapter 2: Adequate Nutrients Within Calorie Needs. Accessed online May 24, 2007: http://www. health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/chapter2.htm U.S. National Library of Medicine & NIH. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Water in Diet. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002471.htm

April 2011 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

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multidisciplinary pain centers

Treatment for CH R O N I C P A I N Submitted by Ian E. Wickramasekera II, PsyD, Center for Pain Management and Rehabilitation

C

hronic pain is a serious and debilitating fact of life for far too many people. It has been estimated that as much as 30% of the population suffers from some form of chronic pain such as low back pain. The cost of chronic pain to our healthcare system is measured in billions of dollars. Chronic pain can easily bring a strong willed person to their knees despite their very best efforts. However, many people often have trouble understanding why pain could ever be such a problem for people with pain. They think “Isn’t there a pill for that?” The best way to understand why chronic pain is such a problem for people is to walk a mile in their shoes.

Many people with chronic pain begin to fall into a downward spiral once the pain begins. People often find that taking medications is helpful but that it is not sufficient to get them back to work and enjoying life. Many people also find that pain medications can become less effective for them over time and that they need to take more and more pills just to function. Unfortunately, some patients do not receive much else other than medication to treat their pain. These people linger on in life while suffering from pain that they cannot manage very well.

Pain also has a way of shutting people out from enjoying life and doing things with their friends and loved ones.

People give up their favorite hobbies and become locked into a very limited lifestyle where they just try to avoid doing anything that might cause them any further pain. Now their physical conditioning can really deteriorate and they may lose or gain a tremendous amount of weight.

Many people then find themselves tired, depressed, and anxious. They didn’t choose this pain to happen to them and now they feel helpless to limit its power over them. All that Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

they want is to be rid of this pain that has ruined their lives. However, many people with chronic pain simply do not know there is a better way to get treatment for chronic pain other than just using medications.

Numerous studies have found that the best solution to many peoples pain problems can be found at a multidisciplinary pain center (MCP). Patients at a MCP received care from a team of medical professionals that can aggressively target each part of their pain problem to help reverse their downward spiral into an ascent into wellness.

A physician with a chronic pain specialty will work with the patient to review all the possible treatment methods that can be used to help them in addition to the medications that they are already receiving.

Now these patients may have access to a whole new class of interventions including nerve blocks, acupuncture, and other minimally invasive procedures. Physical therapists will work with the patients to help them return to their current level of maximum functioning. Psychologists address all of the suffering that these patients experience using evidence-based techniques of psychotherapy such as biofeedback, cognitive behavior therapy, hypnosis, and meditation. Patients at an MCP have access to a variety of healthcare treatment professionals that work very closely together to help their patients.

Numerous studies have found that multidisciplinary treatment is the best approach for many patients. Patients who receive treatment at an MCP are far more likely to return to a higher level of functioning and to break their downward spiral into chronic pain. Some patients even find later on that their struggle with chronic pain has brought them to a deeper understanding of the meaning and value of life.

For more information you can contact Dr. Ian or Dr. Yibling Li at the Center for Pain Management and Rehabilitation 309-689-8888.

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cancer treatment options

Radiation Oncology Submitted by James McGee, Medical Director, Radiation Oncology, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center

R

adiation oncology is the medical specialty involved in the treatment of malignancies and selected benign disorders using radiation. The earliest cases were skin cancers treated by the Curies in the very early 1900s. The application of radiation sources to tumors continues to this day, supplemented by ever more sophisticated delivery of treatments with beams of radiation coming from outside the body to the patient’s tumor.

The modern use of radiation treatment in cancer care is at the confluence of biological research, engineering science, medical imaging and medical physics. The diversity of means for radiation delivery has been expanded to allow for radiosurgical applications.

Radiosurgery is a very intense treatment that is so well controlled and targeted that traditional surgery is not needed. Instead, the tumor is treated with just one radiation treatment. And because the radiation dose is so targeted, there are no major side effects.

Over the years, the situation of our patients has changed dramatically. The majority of patients will most likely be cured. Radiation is often used as either the sole form of treatment or as an additional therapy to surgery to eliminate disfigurement and improve quality of

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life. As with any cancer treatment, radiation is most effective – and has the least side effects — if the cancer is detected early. Yes, early detection is still the key to cancer survival.

How has radiation treatment changed the world of the cancer patient?

• A sophisticated radiation treatment, checked for set-up accuracy by CT scan, can be delivered with radiation beams using RapidArc . The patient feels nothing, and a total time in the treatment room is seven minutes.

• Most women with breast cancer can be successfully treated with a lumpectomy, limited axillary node invasion, and one week to one month of radiation with excellent cosmetic results and no major side effects.

• Prostate cancer can be treated by radiation with 97% cure rates for early prostate cancers at 5 years; and greater than 90% cure rates for intermediate risk prostate cancers. Again, the risk for side effects is very low – only 1%.

• P atients with rectal cancers are often “pretreated” with radiation to avoid permanent colostomies. Anal cancers treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy –without surgery--have become the gold standard of treatment • Some lung cancer patients can receive just three radiation treatments and achieve better results than a full course of six weeks of external beam radiation therapy just a few years ago.

• H ead and neck cancer patients can avoid removal of organs (such as the base of the tongue and voicebox) and maintain normal swallowing and speech.

• B rain tumors, both malignant and benign tumors such as meningiomas, can be successfully treated with a single dose of radiosurgery rather than traditional brain surgery.

• Adults and children are being treated limb-sparing surgeries for many soft tissue tumors.

The sophisticated blending of imaging of tumors at the time of treatment and the use of radiation implants and radiosurgery methods lessen the amount of time that patients spend receiving treatment. And yet, these treatments work and do not harm the patient. Studies have shown that tumors once regarded as resistant to radiation now respond to treatment with high doses of radiation in very rapid sequences. This “new radiobiology” has been made possible by engineering and physics advances.

What can you do?

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(309) 692-3630 www.peoriaplasticsurgery.com Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

While technology has come very far, you can control cancer through screening and prevention. Educating yourself about risk factors and having regular cancer screening may increase your chances of an early diagnosis. Early diagnosis is a major factor in your cure and quality of life.

For more information about radiation oncology at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, call 309-655-7103.

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April 2011 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

mental health

What Should

I Do? Submitted by Pat Edwards, LCSW, Member of the NAMI Tri-County Board

N

o man is an island” is a well-known phrase penned by John Donne. The intent of the phrase is that we, as human beings, do not and should not live our lives in isolation.

The ideal for all of us is to be able to live life positively, to give and receive love and to flourish. But, if we, as individuals, recognize that there are things that are hindering us from living life fully, what should we do?

And, what should we do when friends, family, and associates, do not seem or are not able to live life in that way?

In many instances, one’s mental and emotional health negatively impacts the ability to live life fully.

Mental illness can generally is classified as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or personality disorders. The most common mood disorders are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. Major depression is characterized by depressed mood and loss of interest in normal activities. Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression, characterized by early onset and a feeling that nothing will ever alleviate the negative emotions.

Bipolar disorder is a recurrent mood disorder featuring one or more episodes of mania or mixed moods of mania and depression.

Anxiety disorders include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobias, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms of anxiety problems include: inability to relax, difficulty concentrating, and startling easily. In addition, physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, irritability, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal problems may be present. Those who experience panic attacks also describe physical symptoms of rapid heart rate, trouble breathing, sweating, and a feeling of impending doom.

Personality disorders are a type of mental illness in which a person has trouble perceiving and relating to situations and to people, including him/herself. These patterns negatively impact relationships, social encounters, work, and school.

In some cases, one may not realize that he/she has a personality disorder because the way of thinking and behaving seems natural to that person, and that person may blame others for the challenges he/she faces.

General symptoms of a personality disorder include: frequent mood swings, stormy relationships, social isolation, angry outbursts, suspicion and mistrust of others, difficulty making friends, a need for constant gratification, poor impulse control, and alcohol or substance abuse.

“

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters based on similar characteristics and symptoms. Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior and include: paranoid (e.g. distrust and suspicion of others), schizoid (e.g. lack of interest in social relationships), and schizotypal (e.g. peculiar dress, thinking, beliefs or behavior, magical thinking). Cluster B personality disorders are: antisocial (e.g. disregard for others, persistent lying or stealing), borderline personality disorder (e.g. volatile relationships, unstable mood, fear of being alone), histrionic (e.g. constantly seeking attention, excessively emotional), and narcissistic (e.g. believing one is better than others).

Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious, fearful thinking or behavior and include: avoidant (e.g. hypersensitivity to criticism or rejection, social isolation); and dependent (e.g. excessive dependence on others, submissiveness toward others, a desire to be taken care of).

If you have any signs or symptoms of a mood disorder, personality disorder, or anxiety disorder, see your doctor, mental health provider or other health care professional. There are many providers in the tricounty area. Most are covered by various insurance plans. Untreated, disorders can cause significant problems in your life, and they may get worse without treatment.

If you have a loved one who you think may have symptoms of a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, or personality disorder, talk with them honestly and openly about your concerns. You may not be able to force someone to seek professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support, and that can make a difference. You can also help your loved one find a qualified doctor or mental health provider and make an appointment.

You may even be able to go to an appointment with him or her.

If you have a loved one who has harmed himself or herself, or is seriously considering doing so, take him or her to the hospital or call for emergency help, either 911 or the emergency response service in your county.

For more education and support information on mental illness, please contact the tri-county area, NAMI Tri-County (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) at 309-693-0541. Services are provided free of charge.

April 2011 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

sleep interference

Improving Sleep Quality

In Chronic Pain Patients

By Nicole D. Noble, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Psychology Specialists

L

iving life with chronic pain can be challenging. It can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and ability to function. Chronic pain sufferers often report that their pain interferes with getting good sleep. Frequent waking during the night, waking up earlier than desired, and feeling poorly upon awakening are common sleep experiences that chronic pain patients may have.

Sleep is critical in helping individuals to remain healthy. To name a few benefits, sleep promotes healing, improves memory, concentration, and mood. Patients living with chronic pain may feel powerless to change their sleep quality. There is hope! There are some tools that patients can begin using to improve their sleep habits. Making sleep habit and environment changes may improve your chance of getting a good night sleep. Here are some tips: Create a “Sleep Friendly” Routine • Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day. We get “used to” falling asleep at a particular time, but only if this time is consistent (University of Maryland Medical Center-Sleep Disorders Clinic).

• Avoid taking naps during the daytime. Sleeping more than 30 minutes during the day can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep at night.

• Light exercise can help with sleep quality. For chronic pain patients, consult with your doctor to get suggestions on what types of exercise you can do.

• Create a routine that alerts your body that it is “time for bed.” Reading or bathing can help you being to relax as you prepare for sleep.

• Use relaxation techniques to help manage the worries from your day that may cause you to stay awake. If there are things on your mind, consider talking to friend, deep breathing, listening to soft music, or writing in a journal prior to bedtime.

Create a “Sleep Friendly” Diet • Avoid excessive caffeine throughout the day. This includes caffeinated soda pop, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate. The National Sleep Foundation states that a moderate amount of caffeine is about 250 mg/day.

• Avoid consuming heavy and/or spicy meals prior to bedtime. This can make it difficult to go to sleep.

• Avoid alcohol use before bedtime. Some people think that it helps with sleep. While alcohol does cause drowsiness, a few hours later as the alcohol levels in your blood start to fall, there is a “wake up effect” (University of Maryland Medical Center-Sleep Disorders Clinic).

Create a “Sleep Friendly” Environment • Choose a comfortable room temperature to sleep in. Not too hot and not too cold. Extreme temperatures can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

• Create a “distraction free environment.” Turn off the television, computer, or other electronics that give off light. Sources of light can negatively impact quality of sleep.

• If necessary, make changes to your mattress. Sleeping on an old mattress may be contributing to your problem. On average, you should change your mattress every 7 to 10 years.

• Don’t use your bed to work on office work, schoolwork, or activities that may cause you to remain awake while in bed. Teach your body that the bed is meant for sleep.

Give yourself some time to practice these tips. If you continue to have sleep difficulties after two weeks of consistently following these suggestions, consider talking to your doctor about sleep loss. Sleep is critical in helping chronic patients remain healthy!

Dr. Nicole Noble is an employee of Psychology Specialists. She works with chronic pain patients and welcomes new patients. She sees patients in Peoria, IL by appointment. She can be reached at 309-648-0782.

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specialized er’s

When the Emergency Room Can Be a Scary Place Submitted by Methodist Medical Center

O

ur nation’s population is aging at an accelerated rate, placing increased demands on all sorts of services including emergency department services at most hospitals. Beginning this year, the first baby boomers will begin celebrating their sixty-fifth birthdays and with age comes increased medical needs.

The major reasons that older adults are taken to the Emergency Room (ER) include: falls; stroke; heart attack; infections; and delirium (acute confusion).

For your aging parent, it may be more a matter of “when” rather than “if” this happens, so being prepared is key. It can help to ease your family through the crisis and provide better care of your senior parent, friend or spouse.

Tony Howard, Director of Emergency Services at Methodist, recommends putting important health information in a folder or envelope. It should include the names of the patient’s physicians,

a list of allergies and medications, and the name and phone number of an emergency contact. “Have it ready so if you have to go to the ER, you can take it with you,” advises Howard.

Howard sees a lot of seniors coming through his department every day. “Older adults are the biggest users of emergency rooms,” says Howard. “And they often have special needs. They may have multiple health problems, hearing or vision difficulties, and a lack of mobility. All of those things can make coming to an ER, which is already very stressful, even more difficult for seniors.”

Fortunately, Peoria is one of only a handful of cities nationwide that can say they have emergency services tailored specifically for seniors. The Methodist Emergency Center for Seniors, located in the Methodist Emergency Department, is the first in Illinois offering specialized care for older adults. It includes services and amenities to make an Emergency stay more comfortable and less frightening. “Anyone who comes into the emergency room with a possible heart attack or stroke, regardless of age, gets immediate treatment,” explains Howard. “The senior care area treats older adults with other conditions. We see a lot of abdominal pain, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, and injuries from falls.

Our staff is trained in the needs of senior patients.”

All patients in the center undergo a special geriatric assessment to determine if there are other conditions affecting them that need attention, and to provide the best follow-up care. Geriatricians—physicians specializing in the care of older adults—serve as advisors and are available for consultation. Patients sent home from the center also receive follow-up calls to answer questions and check on their progress. “It’s all about keeping them healthy,” says Howard. “Our goal is to catch problems before they develop, so seniors don’t have to come back multiple times.”

Long waits and lack of information are among the biggest problems for patients in an ER. And those can be particularly difficult for older patients who may have problems hearing — and trouble communicating with staff — or who deal with dementia and can feel anxious in a strange place, surrounded by strangers. It helps to bring along a family member or friend who can serve as the patient’s advocate, ask questions, and provide reassurance.

Unfortunately, many seniors come to the ER alone. That’s especially true for those who arrive by ambulance or come from a nursing home. Howard says his department sees many seniors whose loved ones cannot be with them in the ER. “That’s why we developed the Methodist Dot Squad,” explains Howard. “It’s a special team of volunteers who serve as advocates and emotional support for seniors who come to our emergency department without family or friends.”

The Methodist Emergency Center for Seniors is one of the first senior emergency centers in the U.S. For additional information call 309-572-4926 or go to www.mymethodist.net.

Page 28 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

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self-care

The Power of

Asking

By Bradley A. Post, LCSW, CADC with Chapin & Russell Associates

W

orking for almost three decades as a counselor, I have come to believe that the two most powerful forces in human behavior are the power of choice and the power of asking. The manner in which we exercise these two options ultimately influences the outcome of everything we do. If you examine the traits and characteristics of those individuals who are considered the happiest and most successful, you are likely to find someone who has gained a mastery of these skills, especially the skill of “asking.”

Asking can open the door to better understanding, advanced knowledge of self-care, more attention, better relationships, economic independence and even freedom from guilt. Those who use this skill well have learned to eliminate the barriers to asking and have developed a real sense of “How to ask.” They enthusiastically exercise this skill in every area of their life – at home, at work and at play.

There are a number of reasons people don’t ask for what they want or need. Some really don’t know what to ask for or they don’t know what is available and possible. Others haven’t thought through what they really need or want. Still others don’t know how to ask. Fear of rejection, fear of looking stupid, fear of abandonment, low self-esteem and pride can also get in the way of asking for what we want.

Another barrier to asking is that we may have been programmed by our parents, schools, the media or religious training to operate on beliefs that limit our asking or are just inaccurate. One such belief routinely expressed in the couple counseling sessions I conduct is - “If you really loved me, I shouldn’t have to ask”. I have met very few individuals who have mastered mind reading. We can only know by being told. Getting our needs met is most likely to

occur when we clearly communicate our expectations with enough detail for the person we are asking to succeed.

Here are some tips on “How to ask”: • Ask for what you want, not for what you don’t want – This may sound too obvious, but stop and think about it. If you are asking your spouse to stop yelling at you, the focus is still on yelling.

Ask instead to be spoken to in a more respectful manner. This replaces criticism with helpful suggestions.

• Be specific – Get a clear picture in your mind of what you want.

A simple and fun way to prepare for this is to visualize a movie of exactly what you want. Add as much detail as you can. For instance, if you want your husband to be more romantic give examples of what you mean by “romantic.

• Ask the right person – I once heard a story of a successful business man who was publicly criticized by his almamater for donating a million dollars to another college. When asked why he didn’t donate to the college he graduated from he said, “They didn’t ask.”

• D on’t demand, request – I believe we have a right to ask for what we want from anyone, anytime, anywhere, for any reason.

They have a corresponding set of rights including the right to say “no” and not feel guilty. Asking is not being too selfish if we understand the principle of giving in order to get. Reciprocate and let the person know how saying “yes” to your request can benefit them.

Let me leave you with a few more thoughts for your consideration - If you could ask for anything that you wanted, what would it be? Think in terms of relationships, career, a raise, etc. What stops you from asking for what you want? Who do you know that asks well? What could you learn from them? What have you not asked for in the past that you now regret? How might your life be different if you had asked? Knowing what you now know, what would you like to ask for in your life? Take a moment to reflect and get specific about what you might want. Now, I have something to ask of you . . . “Will you stop procrastinating and start asking for what you want?”

For more information, please call our office at 681-5850, ask for a brochure or see our website at www.ChapinandRussell.com.

References: In their book, The Aladdin Factor, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (authors of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series) thoroughly explore the power and strength of asking. The book is full of suggestions on how to master the skill of asking. Your Perfect Right is another great resource by Robert Alberti and Michael Emmons that helps people improve their assertiveness skills in life and relationships.

Page 30 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

caregiving

Called to Serve

A Two-Step Plan for Becoming a First-Time Caregiver

By Jeff Browning, LSS, Lutheran Hillside Village

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

C

aregivers know exactly what Emerson was talking about. The role of caregiver is one that most people play at some point in their life.

Whether that role includes simple daily chores like helping with the grocery shopping or laundry, or more involved activities like bathing and dressing, chances are you will we be called to serve someday.

There are about 45 million unpaid caregivers in the United States today, and with the first baby boomers reaching retirement age, that number is going to increase.

Becoming a caregiver can be a daunting endeavor; it means taking on the pressures of helping someone else live their life, and it comes on top of all the pressures we already have in our own lives. Juggling caregiving with work, a marriage, a family, and a social life can become incredibly stressful for caregivers. That stress can manifest itself in different ways for different people, including increased levels of irritability, mood swings, headaches, neck and back pain, overreacting, a sense of not being an able provider, and can even lead to more serious health problems and substance abuse.

Though it is challenging, caregiving can be rewarding in the long run.

According to the National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC), about half of caregivers report that “they appreciate life more as a result of their caregiving experience,” and that “caregiving has made them feel good about themselves.” So how do we try to foster those good feelings and minimize the bad?

One effective way to begin alleviating some of the anxiety and pressure that comes with helping family and friends is to learn important pertinent information before a crisis situation occurs.

“The biggest struggle I see in families is the fear of the unknown,” says Sara Yenor, a licensed social worker and active living coordinator at Lutheran Hillside Village. “Caring for a loved one is often unknown territory for people until they are right in the middle of it. It may be a daughter or son making health care decisions for a parent, or a spouse who suddenly has to take care of the household finances for the first time in his or her life. This kind of change can cause many people to feel as though they have lost control.”

The first step in planning for a safe future is beginning an honest conversation with the person you will be caring for. This step is often the hardest one to take for most people. Children are especially hesitant to discuss health issues with their parents, often because they don’t know what questions to ask or where to begin when they see their loved ones faltering with tasks they once performed on their own.

“Many seniors are quick to say, ‘I don’t need help,’” says Yenor, “but it is important for potential caregivers to start talking about the ‘what ifs’ early so they are comfortable making decisions on behalf of their loved ones.”

Yenor suggests a more effective way to approach the situation may be as an information gatherer, not as a decision maker. “It empowers

everyone when we make decisions together. It really helps older adults understand that they are not having their freedoms taken away.”

Here are some questions for family members to discuss with their aging loved ones: • Do you feel safe at home? What can we do to help you live at home safely, now that your abilities are changing?

• Would you be open to bringing a paid caregiver or service provider into your home?

• How do you feel about the prospect of moving into an assisted living community? A skilled nursing care center?

• If something should happen, do you have a will or a health care proxy?

The second step – information gathering – is a little easier. There are a wide range of resources available in your community to help caregivers, from senior living communities to United Way-funded programs.

One useful resource is your local Area Agency on Aging, which provides information on local services for seniors, including transportation and housing. Another is the National Family Caregivers Association, providing quarterly newsletters and other information with advice for people helping aging loved ones. These resources can provide direction and establish some security in knowing what lies ahead and how to prepare for it.

Unfortunately, many people wait until the moment a crisis happens to begin thinking about these questions. Elderly family members or friends may find themselves in a situation where they are unable to speak for themselves. That is why it is necessary to take steps today to educate ourselves about our loved ones. Talking together helps caregivers truly understand their elders’ wishes and empower them to live life according to their own plan.

For more information, contact Lutheran Hillside Village at 309-692-4600 or visit us at www.LutheranHillsideVillage.org.

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senior health

Maintaining Oral Health In Seniors Submitted by the Communities of Maple Lawn

O

ral health is an important component throughout life. Today we know that tooth decay and oral disease can greatly impact health and interfere with the quality of life. The importance of maintaining oral health at all ages is essential in preventing dental diseases. Oral disease happens to be a common problem for people at all ages. However, those most at risk for oral disease is the older population.

Relatively common and reversible, periodontal disease is associated with gum and bone infection known as gingivitis affecting 75% of individuals over age 65. A more advanced form of periodontal disease, periodontitis, causes general inflammation, gum retraction, break down of connective tissue and destruction of the bone. During the gum retraction stage, teeth may loosen and even fall out with tooth decay and gum diseases being the major causes of tooth loss. The cause of periodontal disease is related to formation of bacteria leading to infection. When bacteria linger in the mouth and on the teeth, plague is formed and eventually hardens to tarter. Warning signs include: bad breathe, swollen or red gums, painful chewing, sensitive teeth, loose teeth, bleeding gums, gum retraction and change in bite or the way teeth fit together.

Along with aging, the risk of periodontal disease increases. Untreated tooth decay accounts for almost one third of older adults experiencing severe oral disease. Oral cancers are also more prevalent in the older population with about 31,000 diagnosed with an oral or pharyngeal cancer each year and nearly 7,400 deaths. Oral cancer screenings are routine during dental exams and are helpful in detecting cancer at any stage. Abnormal findings can include white or red patchy lesions and thickness on the floor of mouth, gums, soft palate and tongue.

Several studies suggest that there is a correlation between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus. Individuals with gum disease are at a higher risk for developing diabetes. The effects of diabetes, such as dry mouth and poor wound healing, may lead to tooth decay and infection.

Some research indicates there is a relationship between heart disease and periodontal disease. Several studies reveal that individuals with gum disease are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease and that periodontal disease bacteria is a contributor.

A study concluded that higher amounts of oral bacteria are present in individuals with acute coronary syndrome possibly due to the formation of blood clots from oral bacteria flowing into the bloodstream and fastening to plaque on the arterial walls. Another cause could involve inflammation. Along with periodontal disease, inflammation occurs and increases the levels of white blood cells and C-reactive protein circulating in the blood. Heart disease is associated with elevated white blood cells and C-reactive protein.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides statebased programs that support and help promote oral health proPage 32 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— April 2011

“Along with aging, the risk of periodontal disease increases.

Untreated tooth decay accounts for almost one third of older adults experiencing severe oral disease.” viding funding, training and technical assistance. Medicaid offers some dental care support for disabled elderly and low income individuals. Although these programs are helpful, there are still many in need of dental care assistance.

The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research recommends flossing before brushing to help brush away bacteria and food particles. Use a soft bristle toothbrush to prevent gums from bleeding and tearing. This is especially true in older adults because many may take anticoagulants such as heparin or coumadin which increase the risk of bleeding. They also remind us to replace toothbrushes every three to four months or when the bristles become worn, bent or frayed. Brushing at a 45 degree angle in a circular motion to clean along the gum line is an effective technique to use. Light brushing on the rough surface of the tongue, especially the back, helps remove additional bacteria.

Due to the rotating or vibrating bristles, an electric toothbrush can be a helpful tool in reaching all teeth and removing plaque.

Treatment and management of oral disease is essential in maintaining oral health. With recent technological advances and the increasing amount of research and information available, it is hopeful that the rates of oral disease will decline in the future.

For more information contact the Communities of Maple Lawn, a senior living retirement community in Eureka, IL. Call 309-467-2337 or visit us online at www.maple-lawn.com.

This article is brought to you by Kristin Doran and Jennifer Cali, nursing students of Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing along with The Communities of Maple Lawn.

References: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dunning, T., Healthy People 2020, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education & Research, National Cancer Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dental Health for Adults, Harvard Health Publications.

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