QUAD CITIES area Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical
APRIL 2011
HealthyCells www.healthycellsmagazine.com
• Emotional
FREE
TM
m a g a z i n e
• Nutritional
Why Choose a Continuing Care Retirement Community? page 18
Laugh For the Health of it page 10
Some Say My Child May Have ADHD page 14
Getting Off on the Right Foot page 30
ASK
DENTAL IMPLANTS Are Implants Right for You?
Q: A: Q: A:
DR. ROBERT L. BYRUM BYRUM FAMILY DENTISTRY ROBERT L. BYRUM D.D. S., P.C. MELINDA HOCHGESANG, D.M.D.
3878 MIDDLE ROAD, BETTENDORF
563-332-7734
www.byrumfamilydentistry.com
Q: A:
Dr. Byrum, what are dental implants? ental Implants are artificial root forms D used in replacement of missing teeth .
What are the reasons I would need an implant? There are many reasons: • To replace a missing tooth or teeth in a way that is permanent and looks and feels like your own naturally healthy tooth or teeth. • It costs less to replace a missing tooth with an implant than ANY permanent solution. • To secure dentures so they don’t rock or come loose when you bite into something, or when you chew certain foods like corn on the cob or meat. What are the advantages of Implants? Implants restore the beauty of your smile. They restore your confidence. Dental Implants are stronger than dentures and bridges. Implants are permanent. Implants look like your natural teeth!
Call Byrum Family Dentistry today to determine if Implants are right for you.
ADVERTORIAL
“A Doctor’s Confession” (And Why I Still Do What I Do)
Dear Friend:
Perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding. But let me say a few other things first. Ten years ago something happened that changed my life
forever.
At the time, I was a financial analyst for Florsheim in Chicago. I was a former college volleyball player who still loved to play, but I had developed a very painful shoulder problem from all my volleyball playing. I couldn’t raise my arm above my shoulder and what was even worse for me at the time; I could no longer play my favorite sport. It eventually spread to my neck and caused headaches that stopped me from sleeping at night. For more than 2 years I had painkillers, muscle relaxers, and physical therapy that only made me feel better until the next day. I considered surgery, (my doctor in Chicago said that was my only option) but I decided against it. A friend of mine convinced me to give a chiropractor a try. The chiropractor did an exam, took some films, and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt; it actually felt good. I got relief, and I could use my shoulder again. In fact, within only one month, I was back playing volleyball again, at full speed, like I never had a problem. It worked so well that I went to chiropractic school myself. Now people come to see me with their “rotator cuff” problems. Also, they come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few. Several times a day, patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. My confession is that I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure. And the body responds by healing itself. We get tremendous results. It’s as simple as that! I have a significantly lower fee plan so that more people are able to afford the care they need. A whole week of care in my office may cost what you could pay for one visit elsewhere. Amazing Offer – When you bring in this article, you’ll receive our entire new patient exam, with x-rays for just $27. That’s it, no kidding. Great care at a great fee – Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have that lower fee. I just have that low fee to help more people who need care. My assistants are Carrie and Staci, and they’re both really great people. Our office is both friendly and warm, and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called SCRANTON CLINIC and it is at 2512 18th Avenue, Rock Island, IL (We are “next to, but not in Whitey’s”). Our phone number is 309-786-3012. Call Carrie, Staci or myself today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you.
– Dr. Rob Scranton, D.C.
P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering the second family member this same exam for only $10. P.S.S. Please hurry, we only have 7 slots available this month for this offer. *Medicare exclusions apply.
April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3
APRIL
2011 Volume 2, Issue 4
6
Doctor Of The Month: Dr. Michael Miniter, Rheumatology
This Month’s Cover Story:
8
Financial Health: The Young & Protected
Why Choose a Continuing Care Retirement Community? page 18
10
Emotional: Laugh For The Health Of It
11
Physical: Hoarding
12
Nutritional: Local CSA’S – Now Get Homegrown Fruits and Vegetables Without the Work!
13
Volume: Why Should I Get 2 Hearing Aids vs 1?
14
Children’s Health: Some Say My Child May Have ADHD
16
Awareness: Proceeds from Mallards Jersey Auction to Help Launch Genesis Concussion Management
22
Senior Living Tour: Seniors Get a Taste Of Real Living
23
Hearing Loss: Parker Audiology, PC
24
Neurology: What Really is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
28
Home Improvement: Giving New Life to Tubs, Countertops and More
29
Money Smart: Common Financial Pitfalls of the Sandwich Generation
30
Family Health: Getting Off On The Right Foot
32
Health Screening: The Gastrointestinal System
33
Better Living: At Senior Star, Laughter is The Best Medicine
For advertising information, contact Laurie Hutcheson, owner at 563-650-1876, QCHealthycells@gmail.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 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 Quad Cities. 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 Quad Cities, including medical facilities and other waiting rooms. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the Quad Cities. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicitations for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only.
“I wish to thank all of the advertisers who make this magazine possible. They believe enough in providing positive health information to the public that they are willing to pay for it so you won’t have to.” Laurie Hutcheson
Spring Bra Sale! May 12th
4-5pm
Rep. Linda LeMaire will be here to show the new “Softest” A.B.C forms ever. All Bras discounted 15% with some at 1/2 price. (Appointments Recommended.)
Always A Woman
Mon-Thurs 8:30am – 4pm Other time – by appointment 309-764-2888 430 17th St Moline IL 61265
• Medical/Nursing Staff On Call 24/7 • Prescription Medication related to Hospice Diagnosis • Medical Equipment • Bathing/Feeding/Dressing/Skincare • Spiritual Care and Grief Support • Volunteer Companionship
Compassion Each Step of the Way Your Trusted Partner on Life’s Most Important Journey
Open House
April 13th, 11-1 pm Education on Hospice 101, Hourly
563-391-6933
1020 West 35th Street, Davenport, IL 52806 www.yourtrustedpartner.com April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5
doctor of the month idea he wants to be a doctor.” And my doctor supported the idea. And they never said anything about it again. That was 52 years ago. HC: What profession would you be in if you weren’t a doctor? Dr.: I never had an interest in doing anything other than medicine. My son is an accountant, and my daughter is dentist, I could never do that. Many people have no interest in this specialty. Arthritis is not that interesting, but now there are so many drugs that can help with symptoms. It’s been a very exciting field for the past 15 years.
Dr. Michael Miniter
D
Rheumatology
r. Michael Miniter was nominated by Lisa Curtiss of Rock Island. She told of how she had seen 13 doctors without a diagnosis for her condition before her referral to Dr. Miniter. Dr. Miniter was able to diagnose her and giver her medication to make her life bearable again. Dr. Miniter lives in Moline with his wife and is originally from Dublin, Ireland. Healthy Cells: So, where are you originally from? Dr. Miniter: I was born in Dublin, Ireland, and went to medical school back in Dublin. I came to the US to get extra medical training and I liked it here and never went back. I’ve been in the US for 20 years, and I lived in Cape Cod, Massachusetts for 15 years. HC: So what made you come to the Quad Cities? Dr.: The kids were getting older and the school system was not good in Cape Cod. It’s a retirement community and they didn’t invest a lot in their schools. I did some research and picked the QC. I also specialize in Internal Medicine, as well as Rheumatology, which was required at the hospital I was working. I saw a lot of people that were on vacation, with various aliments, that I would only get to take care of for 5-10 days until they went home to their permanent doctor. When I came here, I decided to just stick to Rheumatology instead of Internal Medicine. HC: How about your family? Dr.: Well, my children have all grown up. My son is an accountant in Muscatine, and he has 4 children, so they come up quite a bit. I have 3 daughters. One is in Boston and is a dentist. She due to have her first child. Really, she’s overdue! One lives in Grosse Pointe, Michigan and is a speech therapist. My youngest is in medical school in Chicago. HC: Why did you want to be a doctor? Dr.: When I was 11, I became a diabetic. I was admitted into the hospital, which is what they did back then. Now it would just be as an outpatient. But I got to know a lot of the staff and became familiar with medicine. I studied Endocrinology and Diabetes, but I thought I should pick a different specialty instead of my own disease. My parents were against me being a doctor. HC: Why? Most parents would like their child to be a doctor. Dr.: My father wanted me follow in his footsteps to get a government job. They thought with house calls and getting up in the middle of the night would be rough on me with my condition. So they went to my doctor and said, “Michael has this Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
HC: What would you say your most memorable patient or case? Dr.: When the drug Remicade came out, we started to use it on a patient who was severely handicapped with arthritis, and placed on all sorts of drugs in the past. On Remicade, within two weeks, she became pain free. Another one was a teenager who played a lot of sports and she became crippled with arthritis; she had been getting cortisone shots and other drugs. I moved her to Enbrel, and within two weeks, she was able to play sports again after being laid up for over a year. HC: What would you say is the worst part of your job? Dr.: When we see patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and they aren’t doing well, we can recommend the use of newer drugs; and insurance may cover the drug, but only a certain percentage, say 20%. Some of these drugs can cost $1500-2000 per month. If it was only $100 per month, that would be easy. A lot people won’t take the drugs because they can’t afford it, and it could prevent so much damage. There are patient assistance programs to help those that are under 65, but for those over 65 and on Medicare, it’s a problem. And the way insurance is changing, I get the impression that patients can’t afford the drugs and the high cost. That’s a big disappointment. HC: What would you want to say to Healthy Cells readers? Dr.: Patients with arthritis often delay coming in. They’ve had symptoms for a long time and try over the counter medications, and by the time they do come in, the damage is done. So if you wake up fatigued, or with stiff joints, pain making a fist or pain in the feet for more than 30 minutes at a time, come in and get checked out. Come in early to prevent the damage.
Do you know of an exceptional doctor? Tell us why. Send your nominations to: Doctor of the Month Healthy Cells Magazine 2807 W 35th St Davenport, IA 52806 Or email qchealthycells@gmail.com
April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7
financial health
Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9
emotional
April is National Humor Month
So Lets… Laugh for the Health of It! By Sally Hogue, Courtyard Estates of Walcott
D
o you have stress? Does television or daily conversation consume you with worrisome topics? Are you surrounded by negativity at work or at home? If you are answering yes to these questions, you are normal, as stress seems to be a part of everybody’s life. According to the United Nations Internal Labor Organization, “Stress has become one of the most serious health issues of our times.” Physicians regularly report that although stress does not always cause a condition, it definitely aggravates most diagnosis and prevents healing. Solution to stress: Remove yourself form the situation / Take time for yourself /Replace or balance your time with exercise, hobbies or relaxation methods. Contending with stress through games, jogging, or herbal teas are methods which alleviate stress, however these take time. The quickest most effective way to beat stress is to laugh it off! • A good laugh may be good for the heart. People with heart disease are 40% less likely to laugh at humorous situations. (Our mothers always said, “Laughter is the best medicine.”) • Laughter is therapeutic. Psychologists prescribe laughter at the workplace as a therapeutic value in the business environment. When people feel work is fun, they perform better and get along better with co-workers. Big companies now teach lessons in laughter. Workers perform loosening up exercises and start meetings and trainings with jokes or stories for a lighter atmosphere. • Humor makes you efficient. It allows you to function better mentally, emotionally and physically. Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
How do you get humor? 1. Take a humor break. Tell a joke or look at a cartoon. 2. Laugh at yourself. When you make fun of yourself it takes the sting out of what other people say. If you can poke fun at yourself you come across more fun, self-assured, and people like you more. 3. Create a funny file for comic relief when you need it most. Carry a picture of a childhood incident like a funny hair-do, etc. Have a folder full of comics or videos. A laugh is a smile that bursts. Mary H. Waldrip Working in public relations with seniors, I remember a discussion held many years ago. I asked a group of seniors what they really wanted to learn about health education. Their response was. “We learn an awful lot about our health from our doctors, our families, reading, and conversations with our friends. We want to have fun! Offer us things that will make us laugh and have a good time. That is what makes us feel better! I will never forget that important message from those very wise seniors… Sally Hogue, Community Relations Coordinator The month of April will prove to be a fun month as we add humor into our days! For an “Elegant Lifestyle for Seniors” visit Courtyard Estates of Walcott. Call Sally Hogue at 563-284-4211 to arrange for your personal tour.
physical
Hoarding First in a Series of Articles on Hoarding By Jill Bjerke, DC, Home Transition Solutions LLC
S
omeone’s trash is someone else’s treasure.” Have you ever heard that saying? For people who hoard, this is actually their reality. The definitive issue with hoarders is that they have great difficulty in distinguishing between the real and the perceived value of something. Or put another way, it is the excessive acquisition of possessions and the inability or failure to use or discard them. If you have watched any of the currently popular hoarding programs on television, then you are already acquainted with the vastly different reasons people give for their behavior. The causes behind hoarding are very complex, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. Hoarding has been associated with obsessive-compulsive and personality disorders, depression, addictions, post-traumatic stress disorders, a traumatic loss or aging with mobility limitations. It has also been theorized to be genetic and to affect a specific part of the brain. If it is difficult, then to determine why is happens, it becomes even more difficult to treat or to instil any kind of behavior changes. People who hoard have been described as “pack rats,” “obsessive collectors” and “cheapskates.” It becomes an issue that needs to be dealt with when it creates an unhealthy or unsafe living environment, disrupts family and friend relationships, serves to compound a mental health issue or isolates someone so much that it threatens their very existence. Hoarding behavior has been documented as starting as early as 7 years of age. Research and treatment of people who have hoarding behaviors has shown the following as common motivations for not being able to part with possessions: • Items are perceived as valuable • Items provide a source of security • Fear of forgetting or losing items • Constant need to collect and keep things • Obtaining love not found from people • Fear others will obtain their personal information • Physical limitations and frailty • Inability to organize • Self neglect • Stressful life events “
It is obvious that hoarding is a very complex issue, so working with someone who hoards is very complicated as well. After all, they have justified to themselves, their families, employers, landlords, etc. as to just why it is so important for them to hold on to their books, animals, teapots, plastic bags and other “things.” When I ask why they can’t let go of the massive number of items, here is a sample of what I hear: • “This is perfectly useful, I can’t just throw it away.” • “One day, this might come in handy.” • “I bought this doodad to help me get organized.” • “This is a precious memory.” • “I’m saving this for…my children/grandchildren...when I get another dog…when I lose weight...”
Now imagine hearing that when trying asking them about what to do with every single item when we start sorting! While I do not discount the validity of these statements to the hoarder, the goal is to alter their way of thinking so that they can restore their living space to a healthy environment. But this is easier said than done. For me to help them learn how to make decisions that will prevent future hoarding, I need to know why this specific client feels they need to hold on to these items. In other words, what drives a person to do something that leaves their home full of garbage, of floor to ceiling newspapers, of no where to sit or sleep or with not even any place to prepare food or bathe? What decision tools can we provide them that will get them on the road to a healthier lifestyle? It all starts with the most important first step of all: the initial consultation, which I always do at no charge. This is my opportunity to build a bond of trust and to ask both the client and the client’s family a lot of questions that will guide me in customizing a plan of action designed specifically for them. (to be continued….) Dr. Bjerke is s 1991 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and the former head of several businesses. She is the owner of Home Transition Solutions, a venture launched in 2006. The business is a full service organizing company, providing assistance to anyone needing extra help to eliminate clutter, sort and pack or reorganize any home or office space. Home Transition Solutions is also a senior move manager firm, offering help to those who are downsizing or relocating to a smaller residence. Dr Bjerke volunteers as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for the State of Iowa 7th Judicial District and is the Vice Chairman for the Quad Cities Human Trafficking Project. If you or someone you know has a hoarding issue and needs help, call Home Transitions Solutions LLC, at 563-340-1199 or email Jill at hometransition@aol.com.
April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11
nutritional
Local CSA’s – Now Get Homegrown Fruits and Vegetables Without the Work! By Rich Landis, Richlands HomeGrown Gardens
T
he evidence is in - fresh, local foods are better for our families, better for our communities, better for the environment and better on our tables. But who has the time to dig up the yard, prepare the garden beds, plant the seedlings, water them in, weed the garden patch, build the garden structures to support the growing plants, fight off the pests, diseases, and intruders that want to destroy all of your work before you get to them? Many times we are too busy to get to the farmer’s markets when they are open, some people don’t have access to transportation during the market hours, and sometimes we simply forget to go to the market until after they are closed. There should be a more convenient way to provide fresher, more nutritious, tastier, and healthier foods for our families. For the 2011 growing season, there is a new twist on the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) to provide these fresh foods for the families in the Quad Cities. A CSA is a cooperative agreement between the producer and the customer that provides upfront cash flow for the producer to purchase needed supplies for the season and gives the customer a promise to receive a freshly grown, local food package weekly throughout the season. The traditional CSA has done a great job of providing fresh foods to our families, but they are not always convenient for the customer and the customer usually has a limited choice of the produce included in the weekly CSA basket. Richlands HomeGrown Gardens is a CSA with a twist. The twist is that the customer gets to choose the plants they want the producer to grow for them. Then the plants are grown especially for the customer in the customer’s backyard. The HomeGrown Gardeners will then plant the plants, water them, weed them, maintain the entire garden, harvest the mature produce, wash it and deliver it to the door of the customer without ever using artificial chemicals. The customer no longer has to do the work to produce the fresh foods they want; they no longer have to meet the schedules of the markets, and they have total control over the foods that are grown for them. Now the customer has total control of the CSA process; they do not have to accept a random basket of foods whether they happen to like them or not. CSA’s have a large benefit for the homeowner, where small fruits and vegetables are all grown naturally ¬without the use of harsh artifi-
Home Transition Solutions, LLC “The Clutter Cutter Company” • clutter elimination • downsizing • moving • reorganizing & hoarding assistance DON’T MAKE A MOVE WITHOUT US!
563-449-2855
hometransition@aol.com
www.hometransitionsolutions.com Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
cial chemicals. The customer gets only the produce they want, nothing they do not want. They do not have to plant the garden, weed it, water it, maintain it, harvest it, or wash it. They no longer have to meet the schedule of the farmer’s markets to get the benefits of fresh produce because the produce is grown in their own yards, harvested for them and delivered to their doors. Not only can your yard be turned into a productive vegetable factory, but you can reduce your carbon footprint significantly. If you are looking for a healthier diet, but don’t have the time to prepare, grow and maintain your garden, contact your local CSA for an affordable, maintenance free and healthier diet today. Richlands HomeGrown Gardens is now accepting new customers who appreciate the finest in fresh, nutritious, healthy produce grown naturally in their own backyards. Our small fruits and vegetables are all grown naturally ¬without the use of harsh artificial chemicals. Richlands HomeGrown Gardens will provide the expertise and the labor to grow the foods that you and your family want to eat during the growing season. Now is the time to start planning your garden for the spring of 2011. Contact Rich Landis from Richlands HomeGrown Gardens at rich@richlandshomegrowngardens.net or check our website at www.richlandshomegrowngardens.net or call Rich at 563-676-5558.
volume
Why Should I Get 2 Hearing Aids vs 1? By Laura Kauth, M.A., CCC-A, Audiologist,
I
f you have similar levels of hearing loss in both ears, your audiologist will most likely recommend hearing aids in both ears (binaural), for much the same reason as a person with vision problems in both eyes gets a pair of glasses, not a monocle. Our ears, like our eyes, work better when they work together; when one ear gets considerably more sound than the other, it is essentially forced to work alone, depending on the degree of hearing loss. Combined information from two ears improves your brain’s ability to separate out speech from background noise; it also means that your brain is getting more information overall, as cues from one side are supplemented by the other. Binaural audibility improves the ability to localize where sounds are coming from in space, which helps with awareness of the environment around you. It also gives an overall perception of increased volume; two hearing aids can be worn at a softer level and seem just as loud. All of these factors mean that two ears with hearing aids will come closer to normal hearing function, which will typically mean more comfortable, normal seeming sound. With all this great benefit from two hearing aids, why would anyone get one? Cost is sometimes a reason; if there’s a choice between one aid and no aid at all, certainly there are substantial benefits to getting even one. There are also some cases when only one hearing aid is recommended; when one ear has normal hearing, for example, of course it doesn’t need amplification. Sometimes one ear is so very severely impaired that adding sound on that side actually detracts from the sound coming from the other side; the outcome in this sort of situation can be hard to predict, with some users experiencing great benefit, and some experiencing no benefit. But this is part of the reason a hearing aid fitting includes a trial period; it gives you the opportunity to try one hearing aid versus two to determine what works best. Some people prefer one hearing aid because it’s easier for them to adjust to a partial boost in sound. The negative effect of having two
hearing aids is essentially the same as the positive effect: with two hearing aids, you get more sound from all around you. And if you’ve had a hearing loss for a long time, you may not be used to the sounds which are part of the everyday world. When you hear these sounds all the time, your brain learns to filter and essentially ignore them, but when these sounds are new, they can be a bit overwhelming. With consistent hearing aid use, people typically adapt; our brains are more flexible than we give them credit for. But sometimes people will make the decision to wear only one hearing aid, at least until they’re a bit more accustomed to the sounds around them. There’s one last argument to be made for the benefits of two hearing aids over one; late-onset auditory deprivation effect. Various studies have been conducted on the long term effects of only providing one ear with auditory input, and while some have shown no permanent impact, others have suggested that without stimulation, the unused ear may not function quite as well in the long run. At this time, there does not seem to be a consensus in auditory research on whether this effect really exists, or who it will impact. But it’s fair to say that it’s awfully hard to get good use out of both ears if you don’t provide both ears with the tools they need. So should you get one hearing aid or two? That depends on your hearing loss, and it depends on you. Your audiologist should be able to discuss your needs and make appropriate recommendations; be prepared to follow them and provide feedback as part of the fitting process. There is substantial benefit to a binaural fitting for most binaural hearing losses, but in the end, you need to be comfortable with your choice and with the results; the decision lies with you. For more information about Audiology Consultants, P.C., call 563355-7712 or visit www.audiologyconsultants.com.
April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13
children’s health
Some Say My Child May Have ADHD.
What Do I Do? By Dr. Kristin Miller, Anti Aging and Optimal Health
W
e are hearing more every day about how our kids are exposed to artificial preservatives in foods, artificial sweeteners, lack of exercise, toxins in the environment, over-use of electronic media, bullying, peer pressure, and other social stressors. If only there were a way to see the inner function of a child’s biochemistry… to find out how these things in the environment are processed… to discover difficulties that may occur, causing symptoms of attention deficit / hyperactivity / decreased comprehension / anxiety. The answer is: Yes, there is a way. We have the technology to evaluate the inner pathways of how your child’s body functions are working. In the medical community, we have known about ADHD, or attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder, and ADD, or attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity, for many years. It has been historically treated in this country with some type of Ritalin stimulant. In fact, 8 million children were on Ritalin by the year 2000, and even today, America uses 90% of the world’s Ritalin. Emergency department data shows that abuse of Ritalin has increased by 600% over the past few years. And this stimulant treats the symptoms, not the underlying problems causing the symptoms. If Ritalin is a stimulant and my child appears hyperactive, how do amphetamines like Ritalin work for ADHD/ADD? ADHD/ADD are considered disorders of “Executive Control”, meaning that the circuits in the brain that are affected are located in the prefrontal cortex, the area that controls inhibition, self control, and the ability to sustain attention. Disturbances in the dopaminergic pathway affects these circuits, leading to decreased sensitivity to dopamine. Norepinephrine, an excitatory neurotransmitter, may also have changes in activity. Ritalin works by increasing the duration of time that dopamine stays in the nerve junction (by blocking its reuptake, or recycling), so inhibition and attention and self control improve. Ritalin-like medications do not produce or increase production of neurotransmitters, nor do they increase sensitivity to dopamine; they only treat the symptom. So a person whose brain has decreased inhibition and increased excitation at `times appears to: Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
• Have difficulty staying on a single task •H ave a decreased sense of time (procrastinates, missed appointments) • May have a learning disability (prevalence up to 50% in ADHD) • May have decreased nonverbal memory ability • May have decreased serotonergic neuronal activity (depression, aggressive behavior) • Have a tendency toward an addictive behavior (needs rewards) • May be bored easily • May be a risk taker, or seeking activities that give a sense of euphoria The Functional Medicine approach looks at ADHD/ADD symptoms and investigates what underlying problems may have led to these symptoms developing. These problems may involve: •G enetic factors: difference in genes coding for D2 & D4 dopamine receptor in brain, causing a lack of dopamine activity *Note that amphetamines like Ritalin improve symptoms by blocking reuptake (recycling) of dopamine, leading to a feeling of having more dopamine •E nvironmental toxin exposures: aluminum, chlorination, fertilizers, pesticides, maternal tobacco and drug use, sick building syndrome, mercury, lead, other heavy metals, sensitivity to food additives such as MSG preservative, difficulty detoxifying sodium benzoate preservative • Stresses within the family, affecting adrenal gland function • Chronic infections and repeated antibiotic dosing •N utritional deficiencies in certain fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, which may affect brain neurotransmitter pathways • I mmune system dysfunction with possible antineural antibody production (autoimmune issue), dysfunctional gut mucosal immunity, or multiple allergies • Abnormal balance of small bowel bacteria / yeast or food sensitivities, possibly causing chronic constipation
We have accurate, reliable testing methods available - noninvasive testing of urine in many cases, to identify what biochemical changes in a child’s body are occurring to cause symptoms of ADHD/ADD. It is important to test each person so that an individualized, customized treatment plan focusing on the cause of the symptoms may begin. So, what do you do if your child is suspected of having ADHD / ADD? 1. If your child has not had a routine well-child physical in the past year, call your family physician or pediatrician and schedule this. 2. Identify and reduce all significant sources of triggers and toxicity 3. Optimize nutrition, exercise, and stress management 4. Improve gut function Don’t watch your child continue to struggle with studying, craving simple sugars and carbs, and having problems working cooperatively in school groups and sports teams. Call Anti-Aging & Optimal Health at 563-322-2263 to schedule a consultation, or email them at info@drmillermd.com and check their website at www.drmillermd.com. Dr. Kristin A. Miller at Anti-Aging & Optimal Health has extensive knowledge and expertise in assessment of children and adults with treatment geared toward improving or reversing the cause for developing ADHD/ADD symptoms. She is a Board Certified Advanced Fellow in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine, through the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine (www.a4m.org). She is one of <500 physicians in the world to complete this advanced level of training in Functional Medicine.
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April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15
awareness
Proceeds from Mallards Jersey Auction to Help Launch Genesis Concussion Management
A
thletes have their own jargon for a concussion. They’ll say, “my bell was rung,” “I was knocked senseless,’’ or they’ll use some more colorful description. But whatever the description, the fact is that concussions are minor brain injuries. Concussions are also one of the most important topics in sports these days. “They can happen in virtually any activity with movement and possible contact,’’ explained Connie Tauke, Physical Therapist and Rehabilitation Services Manager at Genesis, Illini Campus. “Football and wrestling are the most common sports for concussions of young athletes but soccer is also up there and so is cheerleading.’’ Even baseball, usually considered to be a non-contact sport, has its share of concussions because of colliding players. Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins suffered a concussion last July and only now in spring training is he starting to get back on the field. Young Quad Cities athletes are not unlike others across the country. As athletes get bigger and faster, there is a higher risk of injury from impact. Recognizing the need for such a program. Tauke has been working on the idea of concussion management programs at Genesis. With the help of the Quad City Mallards hockey team, Genesis Concussion Management will open later this year at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus and Genesis Medical Center, Davenport. “We know there is an increasing incidence of concussions. We have experienced the need in the region for a program like this and are pleased that Mallards fans will help us get this project off the ground,’’ Tauke said. What the Mallards have done is to commit the proceeds of their annual jersey auction to the Genesis Foundations, which will then fund the launch of Genesis Concussion Management. Prior to their sports seasons, athletes will be able to get a comprehensive, objective screening of balance function and neurocognitive screening to establish baseline functioning. Genesis will use balance
“One of the primary goals of the program will be to raise awareness about the seriousness of sports-related concussions and the long-term impact they can have,” technology called SMART Balance Master, which is endorsed by the NCAA, and is used by many professional athletic teams. If the athlete sustains a concussion, the clinic will again screen the athlete and a comparative assessment will be possible using the baseline results. A recovery program may be prescribed, and additional treatment may be recommended before the athlete is able to return to competition. “One of the primary goals of the program will be to raise awareness about the seriousness of sports-related concussions and the long-term impact they can have,’’ Tauke added. “We thank the Mallards and their fans for helping us toward this goal.’’ The Quad City Mallards and their fans have raised nearly $650,000 from jersey auctions for Genesis Health System programs and projects since 1996. CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS After a concussion, some people lose consciousness. However, most concussions do not result in a loss of consciousness. Not being able to remember events (amnesia) before or after the injury for a period of time is another sign of concussion. Yet, some people simply feel dazed or confused. Symptoms of concussion usually fall into four categories: • THINKING AND REMEMBERING, such as difficulties remembering recent events before or after the concussion), or feeling mentally “foggy.” • PHYSICAL, such as headaches or difficulty with bright light or loud noises. • EMOTIONAL/MOOD, such as irritability, sadness, or nervousness. • SLEEP DISTURBANCE, such as sleeping more or less than usual. Most people with a concussion recover quickly and fully. But for some people, symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer. In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children, and teens. Those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one and may find that it takes longer to recover if they have another concussion.
• Rates are the same day and night • No deposits $12-$14 an hour •$11 an hour for 24/7 care • Couples are no additional cost 24 hour phone line
309-269-8232
Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
Source: Centers for Disease Control
For information about Genesis Concussion Management, call (309) 792-4313.
563-271-9327
April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17
feature story Why Choose a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
Passionate Lifestyle Testimonies! By Bob Morrison, Marketing & Development Director, Ridgecrest Village
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“
ife is like a mirror. You get the best results when you smile at it”, said Ollie Gallaher. “Well, that describes so many happy, upbeat people here at Ridgecrest Village. We no longer have concerns over who to hire to fix the roof or appliance, replace the furnace, shovel the snow or mow the lawn.” Ridgecrest Village is the oldest and most established Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in the Quad Cities area. Many do not understand the benefits of adapting to a senior lifestyle as they grow older. Hopefully they will learn to share their years of experience with other energetic adults in a healthy (and fun) environment. When asked about their lifestyle, several residents at Ridgecrest Village offered actual lifestyle experience in this healthy and secure environment. Read on; you might enjoy their message! Ollie Gallaher continues, “We are so glad we decided to move to a cottage while we were still able to make our own decisions. We made lists of all of our expenses if we stayed at home, and all of the expenses that would be covered by a move here. There was little difference. Those expenses were not even counting the unknown if one or both of us should end out in a nursing home, and for how many years. Our savings could have soon been eaten up.” George and Ollie have four children who live all over the map. They said, “This was one of our main reasons for the move. We did not want to become a burden on any of them. They have busy lives of their own. We have long-time friends here, and enjoy local activities. With e-mail and cell phones, and visits when they can, we keep in very close touch. Our daughter in N.Y. says her friends are so jealous of her. They are being run ragged caring for details of their folks’ lives, and have had little luck with encouraging them to move to a retirement home with long-term care.” A CLOSE FAMILY ENVIRONMENT “We gained a whole new FAMILY on a lovely campus,” wrote Lorma Marcue. “We are as active as we care to be including: Daily activities planned for us or bus rides into the community for theater, symphony, shopping, picnics, eagle watching, etc. There is no need to write voluminous checks to survive; but only one monthly bill.” We use athletic equipment, sit-n-be-fit classes to keep our body healthy; Wii bowling and golf for fun and competition. A brain-fitness computer keeps our brains active. Full-time Chaplain holding Bible studies, caregivers help, and weekly worship in our chapel.” Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
On campus, we have a General Store for everyday needs, a Café for that cappuccino pickup or snacks and gift items. Also we enjoy the Sing-along, Tone Chimes, band practices, revelers, informative guest speakers, and free popcorn. Our staff shares in our “family” feeling and shows it by going out of their way to help us wherever they can!” INDEPENDENT APARTMENT LIVING Don & Ellie Arp share, “a multitude of reasons why my wife, Ellie, and I love and enjoy living at Ridgecrest Village: Our life here is virtually worry-free. A full time Nurse takes care of our small medical problems in Independent Living. A full time Chaplain looks after our spiritual needs. Inter-denominational worship services are every Sunday morning in our Koning Chapel. The attached Health Center is here for us if needed.” A board of directors of local community leaders meets monthly at Ridgecrest for decisions concerning the residents. They know us, and are not in some far-off out-of-state location. Our Resident’s Council, consisting of twelve committees, continually works to resolve any concerns or suggestions that a resident might have.” Our administrative staff has an open door policy. A full time dietitian and professional chef see to it that we have a balanced and healthy menu, properly prepared, everyday. A full-time maintenance crew keeps all our equipment in working order. A full time refurbish-
ment crew literally moves doors and walls to make your cottage or apartment just the way you want it. These are just a few of the many reasons that make Ridgecrest Village “The Premier Retirement Facility” in the Quad Cities – Nobody does it better!!!!” Like Ridgecrest Village, 82% of CCRCs are not-for-profit. This residential alternative for adults, usually 62 or older, provides flexible housing options, a coordinated system of services and amenities, and a continuum of care that addresses the varying health and wellness needs of residents as they grow older. The CCRC model enables residents to avoid having to move outside the community.” INDEPENDENT COTTAGE LIVING Loren & Rosemary Burken live in a cottage. “We chose Ridgecrest because it was the most financially feasible place for providing us a home for the rest of our lives. Here we can go from independent living to assisted living or to skilled nursing care without incurring big additional expenses. This gave the two of us and our four boys the freedom of knowing we would be well taken care of regardless of what the future might bring. Ridgecrest offers many additional services to make our life more enjoyable. Loren said, “I had back surgery in December after we moved in. I was able to have therapy right here at the Crest Health Center. Three years later, I had a hip replacement. Since I couldn’t put any weight on my right leg for six weeks, I was given an electric power chair to use the entire time, and they built a temporary ramp at our cottage so I could go to the main building for my meals and other social activities.” We have been at Ridgecrest almost five years, and every day we are so thankful we made the decision to move here. The friendly residents and staff truly make Ridgecrest Village a wonderful place to call home.” Cottages at Ridgecrest range from 600 to 1700 sq. ft; most with attached garages. Their landscaping, maintenance, house cleaning, utilities, and satellite TV are all included in the low monthly rent. New floor coverings, appliances, and fresh paint colors are offered to help your new environment feel like your home! THREE TYPES OF MOVE-IN PLANS Do I have to give a lot of money up front to move into Ridgecrest? No. The “Fee-for-service” Option [1] is offered by nearly all retirement communities. This is simply a monthly rental fee, sometimes with a security deposit and/or a community fee to cover program expenses, move-in costs, or document fees. Charges vary depending on the amount of service provided. Option [2] offered by the most stable CCRCs is called “Life Care”. This plan gives security to an individual or couple by protecting against higher costs of most future medical accommodations. An entrance fee provides a priority room with the appropriate level of care in Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Full Nursing Services, should they be needed, without raising monthly rates, except for additional meals. This is particularly beneficial for a couple when one of them needs the extra service but the other does not. They pay only the same low independent monthly cost even though they live in separate areas and receive different amounts of care. Option [3] is a Modified contract or “Refundable Entrance Fee” option. Should your medical needs require Assisted Living or Full Nursing Care, eighty percent (80%) of your Entrance Fee is refunded and you receive a 10% discount for higher level care. You have the same priority room privilege enjoyed by the Life Care option. Many prefer this plan as they have long-term care insurance and/or would rather be in control of their finances.
LIFE CARE OPTION Jerry & Dee Fuller moved to a cottage from a retirement village in Venice, Florida. “We watched as our friends grew older and needed help with every day life. Some were a thousand miles from their families. We decided it was time to look for a safe, secure place to spend the rest of our years.” Fullers wrote, “We came to Davenport on vacation during the summer of 2007 and decided to check out the Ridgecrest Campus to see
April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19
feature story
continued
what they had to offer. Vickie Bell took us on a tour of Ridgecrest and explained the benefits of Life Care. That’s all it took to convince us that we belonged here. Probably the biggest factor in deciding to move to Ridgecrest was the knowledge that our daughter would not have to care for us the rest of our life. We could live independently with no worries as to whatever the future holds for us.” “How do we like Ridgecrest?” Per Jerry and Dee, “Well we are about to celebrate our first anniversary here and we are very pleased with everything (except the cold winter weather). The dining room always offers a choice of at least three entrees and the food is very good, no complaints. We enjoy having transportation furnished to banks, stores, doctor appointments etc, free of charge. The companionship, the activities, and the games all contribute to the great life here at Ridgecrest.” CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES — PEACE OF MIND Don & Phyllis Morrison owned a home in Clear Lake, Iowa. They shared, “We loved it there and planned to live there forever. When Don participated in the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities trip to Washington, DC in November 2008, we were given a tour of Ridgecrest Village. We were impressed, but we were just not ready to think about moving. Shortly after thinking about a doctor visit, we made the greatest decision of our lives, to move to this fantastic retirement facility which included guaranteed services for our lifetime.” Don continued, “The benefits of living in Ridgecrest Village have been appreciated and enjoyed every day since we moved here. This is a huge facility with almost 400 happy and friendly residents and around 200 caring employees that make certain our needs are satisfied at all times. We enjoy active independent living with the knowledge that should our health became a problem, we could quickly be taken care of in our assisted living and/or our skilled nursing care quarters. We have excellent meals prepared by a skilled professional chef. In over two years have never had a meal we did not enjoy. Volunteer activities keep us as busy as we want to be. We have an exercise room, a wood working shop, a beauty shop, many card games, and I am in charge of Wii games, with a four team bowing or golf tournament once a month.” ASSISTED LIVING ENJOYMENT - THE CONTINUIM OPPORTUNITY Jeanne Nissen transitioned to Assisted Living in Oakwood Place. Jeanne said, “My husband and I moved to Ridgecrest Village to a cottage in 1973. We enjoyed that type of living. Myron had his own woodworking shop and I had my kitchen and freezer. We both enjoyed the outdoors and our out door plantings and berry bushes.” Jeanne continued, “When the time seemed right, we moved to a lovely apartment in Terrace. Myron was close to the Ridgecrest woodworking shop and I still had a kitchen and was close to my volunteer jobs. After Myron passed away, I could get help if I needed it. As I felt a need for more help, there was Oakwood Assisted Living where I am enjoying the accommodations, caring assistance, and three meals a day. I know that if the time comes for me to go to Crest (the Health Center), I will still be with my Ridgecrest family.” SO HAPPY Lila Kuehl said, “Although I didn’t want to leave the home my husband and I shared for 25 years, it was time for me to make a change. I realized I could no longer do things like cleaning gutters and shoveling snow.” Lila continues, “I had several friends living at Ridgecrest who enjoy their lifestyle here and they encouraged me to move. I truly enjoy the companionship and the many opportunities to meet peoPage 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
ple. You can be as busy and involved at Ridgecrest as you want to be. There are many volunteer options. Each gives you the opportunity to meet people. My children are happy I’m here. They appreciate the responsiveness of the Ridgecrest staff—from changing a light bulb to flipping the mattress. I enjoy reading books from the library, looking for “new” items at the village Resale Shoppe, and learning how to play several card games, especially Pinochle. I am so happy and grateful I decided to come to Ridgecrest.” WORRY-FREE LIVING Bertha Conger says, “We were completely independent for 15 years in a cottage. When we needed the Health Center, it was ready to meet our needs immediately. It was worth a great deal to have a complete meal prepared for us every day, seven days a week, for all these years.” The dining room is lovely. I could read a book all day and not worry about cooking dinners or getting the housework done because I knew it would be done by our Ridgecrest housekeeper. We adore maintenance. There is no need for me to nag Lonnie about indoor or outdoor work. They take care of any big or little task. I’d say it’s the easiest retirement living in the world.” Bertha continues, “It’s the most wonderful easy retirement living anyone could ask for! We truly love living in Ridgecrest Retirement Village. Everyone is kind and caring.” ENJOY THE ACTIVITIES What’s so great about Ridgecrest?” Tom Kalshoven sums it up very nicely: “It’s the people here. The residents and the staff make a happy family which sincerely cares for one another.” Tom and his wife Mary have lived at Ridgecrest for over eight years, loving every minute. “We are completely independent, yet closely knit in the fabric of community life. The best part is that we chose to come to Ridgecrest at a young enough age with good health so that we could take full advantage of the wide-ranging programs and services.” Tom often tells people that they shouldn’t wait to make the move. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) provide an attractive lifestyle option that has been around for decades nationally, but since the mid-1980s has dramatically evolved. These retirement campuses are especially attractive to seniors making decisions for their long-term care future. Their new lifestyle allows seniors to convert home equity or other assets into housing and to receive daily activities, living services and health care in ways that keep monthly expenditures more stable. Residents at Ridgecrest Village enjoy the comfort of knowing three basic levels of service are available in the same convenient location: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Full Nursing Care. No matter which entrance plan is chosen at Ridgecrest Village, the CCRC gives the most care options, takes away unwanted moving hassles, and builds a level of security and peace of mind for both the resident and their family. As we look in the mirror, it smiles back at us all!
If you would like more information on Ridgecrest Village and Continuing Care, contact Bob Morrison or Nancy Stockwell at 563-388-3271 to take a tour and make yourself at home.
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April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21
senior living tour
Seniors Get a Taste of Real Living By Sara Browning
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ind out everything there is to know about life after retirement as Healthy Cells Magazine of the Quad Cities area hosts a tour of five local retirement communities to help seniors discover the joys and pleasures of new beginnings. “Out and about” in the Clinton & DeWitt area never sounded so good! Healthy Cells is gearing up for a one-day, Senior Living Tour on May 10, 2011 with transportation provided by Wiersema Charter and Tours. A Fact-Finding Mission The tour is designed to help seniors find just the right place to retire. The fun-filled day provides a unique, non-committal opportunity to learn, and to gather information to help with retirement living decisions, without having to meet face-to-face with a salesperson. Seniors are encouraged to come to this event with questions in mind and to ask the tough questions. ‘What are the extra fees? Do you have a place to park an RV?’ This is a fact-finding mission. We want seniors to go in and grill staff with questions! The tour puts seniors at a power point because they can ask a lot of questions, not feel shy, and get their answers; whereas one-on-one, people are not as bold. Seniors also have the potential to meet residents who live in the homes to discover what they enjoy most about senior living.
Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
What’s In Store Seniors will board a Wiersema Charter and Tour bus to tour five retirement communities; The Alverno Healthcare Facility, Dan Dolan Homes, Genesis Senior Living Westwing, Praire Hills at Clinton, and Regency Retirement Resident of Clinton. Cost is $5.00 per person, which includes lunch and a morning and afternoon snack at one of the retirement communities. Seniors will also receive a large canvas “goodie bag” brimming with goodies. Participants will spend a minimum of 45 minutes at each facility. Signing Up In order to register for the tour, participants must send in the name, address, and phone number of each participant, and mail it along with a check payable to Hutcheson Enterprises ($5.00 per person). Registration fees can be mailed to 2807 W. 35th St., Davenport, IA 52806. Approximately two weeks before the tour, those registered will receive a confirmation of their reservation in the mail that will inform them which bus they will be riding. Please contact Laurie Hutcheson with any questions at 563-650-1876. It’s never too early to begin looking into future living arrangements. The Senior Living Tour is a fun and informative way to start. See you there!
hearing loss
Parker Audiology, PC Don White Hearing Aid Service
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earing loss is assumed to be an “elderly” problem. However about 60 percent of those with hearing loss are younger than 64 years of age. According to Sergi Kochin (http://www.betterhearing.org/blog/post.cfm/having-trouble-hearing-listen-to-thetruth-behind-hearing-loss-myths), the largest age group with hearing loss is between 18 and 64—about 19 million people. Hearing loss affects all people in all groups.
While many physicians test for hearing loss, not everyone does. Hearing loss can affect your health in many other ways. If you cannot hear and you have not been tested recently, hearing loss can be mistaken as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), memory loss, cognitive problems, depression, anxiety, inattention or disinterest. Physician offices generally are quiet and most people hear well in such a controlled environment. This does not mean that you are not having problems. There is no pain associated with losing hearing. Hearing loss occurs gradually. When I test people, most of the time, decreases of hearing can be observed over 3-5 year periods of time. It is somewhat unusual that I see a substantial decrease in hearing in one year. There are exceptions to this and one is encouraged to follow up with an appointment if decreases in hearing are suspected. People are motivated by emergencies and often do not consider hearing loss to be important unless the loss is sudden. Hearing does not need to be severe to benefit from hearing aids. Mis-heard information from a mild hearing loss can be a big problem if you depend on your good hearing for your job or personal life. This affects attorneys, psychologists, physicians, teachers, managers, receptionists, waitresses, accountants, and anyone else who depends on their hearing for their job. The reality is that untreated hearing loss is much more obvious than using hearing instruments. Hearing devices are not the same as the “TV devices” or your parents’ devices. They improve rapidly each year. There are hearing instruments in all styles and price ranges. There is far more functionality, availability and invisibility than I ever thought possible 5 years ago, even in the least expensive price range. Currently hearing aids can offer wireless convenience hearing the TV and telephone. This can promote peace and quiet in the home and flexibility at work. Your physician may not notice your hearing loss in the same way you or your friends do. The whisper test or finger rub test are not valid tests in the doctor’s office. See a reputable audiologist for accurate testing and put your questions to rest. During April our office will be conducting free hearing screenings and appointments to “test” hearing devices runs to show you how much better you can hear. Parker Audiology will be having an open house, April 12-14. Stop by to get checked out at 1640 W Locust St. Davenport. If you are unable to come to the open house and need to make an appointment, call them at 563-324-5441.
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April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23
neurology
What Really is
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? By Dr. Jeffrey J. Lybarger, Deere Road Chiropractic, Ltd.
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arpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling that occurs in one or both hands. It often wakes people from their sleep, leaving them feeling like they have to “shake their hands out” to make the pain and symptoms go away. This condition can follow repetitive use of the hand as in typing or in using a screwdriver. It is also found after a fall where you catch all of your weight on your hand. Another example is using your hand like a hammer or pushing on something like in scrubbing a counter or floor. Injuries at the wrist usually cause problems with the major nerves that cross over the wrist into the hand. There are two major nerves. One is the median nerve and is found involved in problems that are loosely named “carpal tunnel”. The other nerve is the ulnar nerve. This nerve also goes through a tunnel as it passes down from the forearm into the hand. This syndrome is caused by the compression of a nerve (the median nerve) as it goes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist formed by the carpal bone. Entrapment of the nerve occurs because the bones in the wrist become altered from their normal positions. If you put your
Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
hand up in front of you with the palm down, the bones of the wrist would normally form the roof of a tunnel. In the case of the median nerve carpal tunnel, the roof has fallen placing pressure on the nerve. The ulnar nerve becomes stretched when the side of the tunnel moves outwards. Usually, these two conditions are found at the same time. The longer this condition lasts the more permanent the loss of strength, the greater the degree of loss of sensation and numbness in the hand becomes. The symptoms can radiate up the arm to the elbow. Left untreated, this becomes a surgical problem. According to the American Academy of Neurology, 10% of the population suffers from the syndrome. It also affects up to 50% of industrial workers. All too often the syndrome is treated by surgery. Although this can be effective, it is also expensive and can leave people with residual problems due to the formation of scar tissue that can occur after surgery. So what are the treatment options available? Specific Chiropractic adjustments of the carpal bones have proven to be effective. Souza states “Chiropractors may utilize other management approaches including wrist supports/splints, ultrasonography, and/or B6 vitamins (pyridoxine). Other approaches that have been studied include laser therapy, nerve/tendon gliding/stretching, or yoga”. 1 If you think you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, schedule a consultation at Deere Road Chiropractic at 309-736-7400. 1. Souza Thomas A., Differential Diagnosis and management for the Chiropractor. 2009: 9:298-299.
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www.richlandshomegrowngardens.net April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25
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April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 27
home improvement
Giving New Life to Tubs, Countertops and More By John Connell, Miracle Method
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ave you looked at your bathtub, which is an outdated avocado green, and wished you could change it without tearing out your bathtub and having to install a new one? That option is now available with refinishing. The refinishing process is a proven method that gives a new look to worn-out or damaged bathtubs, sinks, ceramic tile, fiberglass shower stalls and even laminate countertops to provide a new feel for a homeowner without the expensive cost of replacement. “We can bring new life to your bathtubs, tile and countertops,” said John Connell, the Quad-City area franchise holder of Miracle Method, who takes a personal interest in every project because it’s his livelihood, not just a job Refinishing allows you to repair and refinish in an endless choice of colors and finishes. You can remodel your kitchen or bathroom at a fraction of the replacement cost. It also eliminates the downtime of installation and the mess and stress involved with remodeling. There is also a cost benefit for refinishing instead of replacing. Refinishing can save 70% of the replacement cost, while adding, on average, 15 years to the life of the fixture. The refinishing process includes buffing, cleaning and recaulking. Refinishing performed with the right materials and procedures produces beautiful results, but not all refinishing is the same. When looking at refinishing companies, check if they offer. • unique bonding technology with a 25-plus year track record • use of advanced, high-tech materials and techniques work that is guaranteed by fully insured and trained professionals • The Beautiful Natural Accent finishes for tile and countertops, so durable that it can be applied to tile floors and covered under warranty • The sealing of leaking tile shower pans with Mira-Seal • Expert fiberglass and cultured marble repair. • Prohibits use of corrosive acids and washing chemicals down your drain • Offer a 5 year warranty, with durability for 10-15 years Miracle Method is unique with its bonding agent, MM-4. No other company uses this product. This technology has proven to be superior and more environmentally responsible, compared to the “acid-etch” method still employed by most refinishers today. A lab study conducted by Steve Smith, director of research at Quatt Wunkery — a scientific research and consultation company — found that Miracle Method’s MM4 bonding agent “provided more than 10 times the adhesion and durability as bathtubs prepared by acid etching.” “Basically, it’s better and better for the environment,” Connell said. Bathrooms are not the only room that can benefit from refinishing. Countertops can also get new life through the refinishing process. Plus, unlike with other processes, a Miracle Method countertop can withstand everyday activities. “We put a durable, clear coat over the top that gives them the durability,” Connell said. “Plus, they’re very easy to clean, normally with a wet rag and water.” Page 28 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
Before
After
Get your home updated today, with out the time and hassle of remodeling! Miracle Method also carries antique clawfoot bathtubs, pedestal sinks and antique plumbing fixtures. All technicians are company employees, not subcontractors. Miracle Method of the Quad Cities is a member of the Better Business Bureau, Quad Cities Homebuilders Association and the National Homebuilders Association. To see how your bathroom or kitchen can benefit from refinishing, call John Connell Miracle Method at 563-271-9327 or visit them on the web at miraclemethod.com
money smart
Common Financial Pitfalls of the Sandwich Generation
T
he Oxford Dictionary defines the Sandwich Generation as a generation of people who in middle age find themselves responsible not only for bringing up their children but also for the care of their aging parents. According to the Pew Research Center, just over 1 of every 8 Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for a parent. This figure includes 7 to 10 million adults that are caring for their aging parents from a long distance. If you are not part of the sandwich generation yet US Census Bureau statistics indicate you may be soon. The number of Americans aged 65 or older will double by the year 2030, to over 70 million. One of the most critical elements that a sandwich generation member faces is ensuring legal and financial quality of life elements are addressed BEFORE a crisis. Here are some financial planning tips that Karen Goodall, Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Northwest Bank & Trust Company, feels the Sandwich Generation often overlooks: Tip 1: Ensure the appropriate estate planning documents are in place. If a person (regardless of age) does not protect himself or herself by executing key legal documents, a court can appoint a complete stranger to take over finances, medical decisions, and lifestyle decisions. “Having estate planning documents in place is a must” says Goodall. “Our Trust Officers often find themselves helping the family understand what each document is intended to do and how it relates to their individual situation before they go speak with an estate planning attorney.” Tip 2: A joint checking account with mom and dad isn’t enough. Separation of assets is a must when you are named Power of Attorney (POA) or Successor Trustee. You need detailed accountings of such items as dividends, capital gains, earned interest, and donations. Joint accounts open the door for family members, future beneficiaries, and potentially “Uncle Sam” to question your practices. Plus a joint account exposes mom and dad’s assets to your problems, i.e., divorce, lawsuits, tax liens, etc. Tip 3: Be a prudent investor. This doesn’t mean you should run and hide everything under the mattress or in a non-interest bearing checking account. In fact, it means the opposite. Investments should be selected to fit the individual needs. Perhaps bond investments for income, short-term money markets for emergency needs, and potentially a portion in a diversified stock portfolio to keep pace with inflation. Goodall also suggests that you determine if the current investments will meet their financial needs. When assisting the sandwich generation her staff reviews the next 10, 15 and 20 years to identify shortfalls. They take into account such information as monthly financial needs, potential rates of return, taxes, and inflation.
Tip 4: Become familiar with the investments and the advisor. If you enlist the services of a broker or financial advisor you should have a very solid understanding of that advisor and the investments selected. •Y ou should ask for a written policy signed by you and the advisor that details how aggressively or conservatively assets will be invested. •Y ou should also have a written agreement that outlines such costs including but not limited to commissions, mutual fund expense ratios, and asset based fees. •Y ou should also have a way to measure the successes and failures of that advisor and, no less than annually, you should discuss the performance of the account with the advisor and compare the performance to the appropriate benchmarks. Tip 5: Consider the services of an institution that can share the legal responsibilities with you. Did you know there are local companies that can share with you or completely takeover your responsibilities as POA or Successor Trustee? Trust & Investment Departments like Goodall’s at Northwest Bank have a fiduciary responsibility that holds them to a higher standard than your average financial advisor. Goodall says “Many family caregivers are completely unaware of the support and options available to them. For example, Northwest Bank’s Investment Management Group not only provides the capabilities to manage investments and bank accounts but we also pay monthly bills, complete tax returns, look after real estate, and organize the appropriate community services when needed. Often times this is all done at a comparable or lower cost than the current financial provider.” A program on Financial Pitfalls of the Sandwich Generation will be hosted by Northwest Bank’s Investment Management Group on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 5:30 pm in the Northwest Bank Tower at NorthPark. See their ad in this issue for additional information. And for additional in-depth information on issues affecting the Sandwich Generation, visit their website at www.northwestbank.com/img or contact Northwest Bank & Trust Company Investment Management Group at 563.388.2628.
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April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 29
family health
Getting Off On The Right Foot I
“ ’m seeing patients right now who have sprinted from low to very intense activity too fast,” says Podiatrist Matthew Wilber, DPM, of Orthopaedic Specialists, Davenport. “Typically, the biggest problem we see is that people overdo their workouts by hitting the jogging path or elliptical too quickly and develop foot and ankle injuries. “If you haven’t been walking or running large distances over the winter, don’t expect to go out and start logging 3 or 4 miles twice a week without some pain. It’s not wise,” Dr. Wilber advises. “Establish a lower baseline and gradually work your way back into a higher intensity.” To Run or to Walk? The answer is yours to choose, but focusing on the activity rather than the results is more likely to lead you in a positive direction. If you enjoy walking, walk; if it’s running that keeps you coming back for more, then run. Whether running burns more calories than walking depends primarily on how you measure the burn. Per mile, really brisk walking burns about the same calories as running. Yet running covers more miles than walking for the same amount of time, so in calories-per-hour terms, you can run through more calories than you can walk through. Tortoises and hares both make the most calorie-burning gains by increasing distance. Your own weight plays a hefty role burning calories. It only takes a little physics to understand that moving a 250-pounder is going to burn significantly more fuel than propelling a greyhound-physiqued 110 lb. marathoner will. Injury Pain Means No Gain Walking and running both put pressure on your bones and joints. That is both good and bad. While both weight-bearing exercises increase bone strength and fitness, they can both also lead to injury, especially when form and technique are improper. The first step toward injury prevention, of course, is to go to a technical running shoe store to make sure you get the best shoes – and the best fit – for you. Walkers and runners both often find themselves icing their sore shins. Shin splints for both can result from over striding – lengthening the step to try to go faster – and from foot-strikes that are too flat. Simply shortening stride length can help with both problems, as can exercises to strengthen those pesky below-the-knee muscles and joints. Exercises include writing the alphabet in the air with your toes, holding your leg still and using your ankle to make the lettershapes. Less wacky exercises include toe raises while standing in a step so you can flex your ankles far enough to dip your heels down low. Some experts recommend walking on your heels only for up to a minute before beginning your workout; those experts evidently do not work out in public places. Ankle Injuries Anyone who has had an ankle sprain – and, since they’re among the most common orthopaedic injuries, that’s many of us – can tell you Page 30 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
Common Questions About Ankle Replacement: from www.osquadcities.com Q. How is ankle replacement surgery performed? A. When an ankle replacement is performed, the worn out joint surfaces of the end of the shin bone (tibia) and top of the ankle bone (talus) are removed. This is performed with precise instruments to create a level surface for the implanted prosthesis. The surgeon then places a metal and plastic implant into the bone ends to function as a new ankle joint.
Q. What is the recovery from ankle replacement surgery? A. Patients undergoing ankle replacement generally spend one night in the hospital after surgery. Pressure on the ankle replacement must be limited with the use of a walker or crutches for several weeks. Complete recovery from an ankle replacement takes about three months.
Q. What are the possible complications from ankle replacement surgery? A. Complications of ankle replacement include infections, would healing problems, and persistent pain in the ankle joint. Achieving satisfactory alignment of the implants to allow for normal walking is difficult, and cannot always be achieved. If the ankle replacement does not work, it may need to be removed from the joint, and an ankle fusion surgery would then be performed.
Q. Benefits of Ankle Replacement A. When compared to a fusion, the replacement offers real advantages over the more traditional fusion procedure. Unlike a fusion, the replacement preserves motion, allowing the patient to have continued movement in the ankle joint. It also provides for a quicker recovery most of the time.
that ankle-stabilizing ligaments lose in a contest with force going in an awkward direction. Depending on how much force or how far off-target it’s directed, ligaments can be stretched or completely torn. Walking is quite difficult with a complete tear, and healing can be uncomfortable. While braces, casts, cam-walkers, or boots can reduce pain considerably, they can also cause joint damage if used too long. Ligaments heal better when the ankle moves; restricting movement can scar the ligaments and make them painful and prone to re-injury. Revolutionary Gains in Ankle Replacement Ankles can simply wear out, too - primarily due to arthritic changes and pain. In those cases, the treatments are limited to two kinds of surgeries, fusion or replacement. When the lower leg’s bone is fused to the ankle’s main bone, the result is an ankle that is pain-free but that doesn’t move. So the other foot joints need to have good mobility. For certain candidates, great strides have occurred in the area of total ankle replacement surgeries. “Total Ankle Replacement can last longer, perform better and offers quicker recovery,” explains fellowship-trained Orthopaedist Tuvi Mendel, M.D., Orthopaedic Specialists, Davenport. “That surgery offers real advantages over the more traditional fusion procedure: It doesn’t limit joint motion like a joint fusion surgery does,” says Dr. Mendel. “And it provides a quicker recovery for most.” Because the replacement parts installed during the procedure can wear out, however, the procedure is not for everyone. For additional information or graphic resources (pictures, charts, etc.), contact Liz Lareau or Mike Bawden, B&LPR at 563.359.8654
April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 31
health screening
The
Gastrointestinal
System By Radiant Health Imaging
What do all of the following have in common? • It provides vitamins, minerals, protein, and many other essential nutrients for every biochemical pathway in the body • It provides constant immune system surveillance • It has a vital role in detoxification
THE GUT... THE GUT... THE GUT
Ruth Ahnen 621 E. Kimberly Rd. Davenport, IA 52807 (563) 508-0842 Ruth.Ahnen@mwarep.org
modern-woodmen.org
We all probably know someone who suffers from obvious failures of the gastrointestinal system, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), non-alcoholic fatty liver, pancreatitis, gall bladder disease, diverticulitis, celiac disease, and colorectal cancer. But what about other disorders whose beginning may be problems within the gut? Before symptoms are displayed? • Allergies or asthma • Autoimmune dysfunction, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis • Autism • Gluten-sensitivity • Immune system dysfunction with frequent illnesses • Chronic fatigue syndrome • Depression • Bad skin • Unable to lose weight Many conditions start with imbalances in digestion and absorption, intestinal permeability, gut microbiology, inflammation, and immune dys-regulation. Recent studies have shown that inflammation is associated with many health problems. Clinical thermography screening can help with early detection of abnormal heat patterns indicating the body’s inflammatory response - even if you are asymptomatic. This technology has advanced, allowing us to be able to reliably test for early thermal changes in the gut’s activity that may predict development to overt disease symptoms… so we can intervene early and increase chances of preventing disease. Clinical Thermography services available at Anti-aging & Optimal Health Clinic, 2829 Brady Street, Davenport IA. Services provided by Radiant Health Imaging Inc. For more information, please visit www.RadiantHealthImaging.com. Contact Pam Ryerse, MLT, CCT 111 at (866) 240-9659
Page 32 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
better living
AT SENIOR STAR, LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE Quad City Senior Living Community Provides Laughter Yoga Classes to Residents and the Community.
Y
ou can’t miss a Laughter Yoga class. In fact, if you’re within earshot of a session, the sound of a room full of boisterous laughter can become irresistible to anyone passing by. “Ho, ho… ha-ha-ha,” the crowd repeatedly chants as they clap in synch. Welcome to new a form of exercise that’s beginning to get attention from senior centers to the workplace here in the Quad Cities and around the world. “Did you know that when you laugh your heart rate increases faster in one minute than what in normal exercise can take 10 minutes to achieve?” asks Taylor Pocopanni, one of the Quad Cities’ newly certified Laughter Yoga Leaders. Taylor is the Independent Living Program Director at Senior Star at Elmore Place, a retirement community in Davenport . She leads the Laughter Yoga sessions every Monday morning there and also is receiving inquiries to lead sessions in other organizations in the community. According to its official Web site, Laughter Yoga is an international phenomenon, founded by an Indian physician in Mumbai. Dr. Madan Kataria, who was already practicing yoga, noticed that breathing in laughter was very similar to yogic breathing. He launched his first Laughter Yoga club in 1995, and what started as one session with a few people in a public park, has become 6,000 social Laughter Yoga clubs in 60 countries. Experts have long recognized the health benefits of laughter. Laughter reduces stress. It quickly induces a state of relaxation. When people laugh, their blood pressure tends to drop. And now, according to Dr. Kataria, scientists are finding that laughter can boost the immune system with an increased production of anti-viral and antiinfection cells. In addition to the physiological effects on the body, many participants report a psychological boost and an improved sense of wellbeing after a 45-minute session. “I feel so relaxed,” agrees Hilda Busch, a Senior Star resident and regular at Laughter Yoga sessions. “I just love it, and I won’t miss a class.” “Ah-lo-ha…ha-ha-ha!” yells Taylor. “Ah-lo-ha…ha-ha-ha,” answer her students, all smiles, of course. Laughter Yoga is unique because it involves eye-contact and childlike playfulness, which soon turns into real and contagious laughter. Laughter Yoga is a non-verbal exercise that does not rely on humor, jokes, or comedy. Instead participants are lead through exercises like “credit card bill” laughter. In this exercise, everyone is told they just received their bill and the total amount is outrageous. Participants get up, walk around and pantomime holding their bills, emptying their pockets, and laugh with complete shock and disbelief. “It’s hilarious,” says Taylor. “We’ve all been in a room when people are laughing. Everyone has a unique laugh, and then there are the stand outs. One person’s distinctive laugh can get the whole room going, and the session just picks up from there.
“The whole idea behind Laughter Yoga is to enjoy the benefits of laughing for no reason, because your body can’t tell the difference between real or contrived laughter.” Taylor plugged into Laughter Yoga while researching new ways for seniors to get some exercise. Laughter Yoga is a form of exercise that is suitable for individuals of all ages. And, after a series of laughter exercises, there is a period of guided relaxation to bring participants into a more quiet state. Taylor is one of three Program Directors at Senior Star, who are all Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders. In addition to classes at Senior Star, she’s started a loyal following at CASI, the Center for Active Seniors, Inc., in Davenport, the largest senior center in the Quad Cities. Now, several employers and non-profit agencies that benefit seniors have contacted her about conducting Laughter Yoga sessions. “People just love this class. It breaks down barriers. We make new friends. Laughter is contagious and it allows us all to reconnect through childlike playfulness, which is something adults forget to do,” says Taylor. Interested in joining Laughter Yoga? All are welcome on Monday for the weekly sessions at Senior Star at Elmore Place, Davenport. The 10 a.m. session is held in the Assisted Living media room, while the 11 a.m. session is held the Independent Living building. You can also learn more about Laughter Yoga, how to train to become an instructor, or start your own Laughter Yoga club at www. laughteryoga.org. April 2011 — Quad Cities — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 33
Dementia 411 Marilyn Woelke and Linda Gilman
Thursday, April 14th • 1 -3pm
FREE Dementia Seminars hosted by Lighthouse at Silvis
Lighthouse at Silvis will be sponsoring two seminars for the families, caregivers and professionals dealing with dementia diseases. Continuing education units (CEU’s) are available for professionals. Class will be held at: Lighthouse at Silvis 1900 10th St, Silvis, IL. Please RSVP 24 hours in advance 563-355-6363 or 309-523-3880 or email reservation to
info@srcare411.com
Page 34 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Quad Cities — April 2011
There are greater than 100 diseases that have symptoms of dementia. The most common of these will be presented including Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body disease, Parkinson’s dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and many reversible conditions that mimic a dementia disorder. “Miss Lily” will be making live appearances demonstrating the dementia characteristics!
Dementia Battles Sonya Paddock
Wednesday April 20th • 9-11 am This seminar addresses common battles caregivers face like wandering, bathing, and driving. Come learn some techniques that may be helpful in handling these situations.
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Anti-Aging & Optimal Health