April Springfield Healthy Cells 2012

SPRINGFIELD/DECATUR

area

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

April 2012

FREE

HealthyCells

TM

www.healthycellsmagazine.com

M A G A Z I N E

BODY QUEST

The Quest for Fitness, The Quest for Health pg. 14

Emotional Healing

After Amputation

page 6

The Role of Accurate Diagnosis in the Treatment of ADHD page 20

Worried About Losing Your Marbles page 24

IT IT

only only

TAKES A SPARK. TAKES A SPARK.

S: 5.75 S: in 5.75 in

T: 6.75 T: in 6.75 in

Please PPlease REVENT

ONLY YOU CAN WILDFIRES. smokeybear.com ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT WILDFIRES. smokeybear.com

N E

&

B E L D I N G

RANCISCO

N E

&

B E L D I N G

F RP0964_SMOKEY_4.5X6.75_V2.INDD ANCISCO ECD MATT REINHARD P0964_SMOKEY_4.5X6.75_V2.INDD

E DIRECTOR ECD

T DIRECTOR VE DIRECTOR

COPYWRITER RT DIRECTOR

GITAL ARTIST COPYWRITER

PRODUCER GITAL ARTIST

T MANAGER T PRODUCER

ART BUYER CT MANAGER

T MANAGER ART BUYER

OOFREADER CT MANAGER

LEGAL OOFREADER

LINKS

CLIENT APPROVAL: IMAGE NOTES CLIENT APPROVAL:

INSERTION NOTES

IMAGE NOTES

NONE MATT REINHARD JON STOA NONE AMERICA’S ORTHOPAEDIC NOTES MICHELLE ALLISON SURGEONS, COLOR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JON STOA DAN LAU URGE COLOR NOTES ALL DRIVERS MICHELLE ALLISON AUTOMAKERS, RACHEL THOMAS TO KEEP THEIR MOST SOPHISTICATED DAN LAU SAFETY FEATURES ENGAGED AT ALL HILARY HAMER RACHEL THOMASTIMES: EYES ON THE ROAD AND HANDS NONE ON THE WHEEL. JOIN THEITCEFFORT HILARY HAMER Helvetica, Franklin Gothic, SignPainter TO STOP DISTRACTED DRIVING ERIN RITCH NONE FONTS Helvetica, ITC Franklin Gothic, SignPainter AT DECIDETODRIVE.ORG USED KAI GONZALEZ ERIN RITCH FONTS ANITA IRWIN USED KAI GONZALEZ

4:52LEGAL PMANITA IRWIN 4:52 PM

Publication: The Ad Council Date: None NOTES INSERTION Material Close: None Publication: The Ad Council Date: None Material Close: None

smokey_stoa1.ai, underline_w.ai, AClogo_wht.ai, USForestry_logo_wht.

LINKS ai, NASF_logo_wht.eps smokey_stoa1.ai, underline_w.ai, AClogo_wht.ai, USForestry_logo_wht. ai, NASF_logo_wht.eps

INKS CMYK INKS CMYK

DOCUMENT PRINTED AT: 100%

DOCUMENT PRINTED AT: 100% M10035_Fuse_DGST 10035 M10035_Fuse_DGST

FCB 08.14.06 10035 FCB CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW M10035_Fuse_DGST 08.14.06BLACK M10035_Fuse_DGST

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

oris kh oris kh

Your Central Illinois Home Health Provider When illness or injury affects a person’s ability to function independently, difficult choices must be made. For those who wish to remain in the comfort of their home, ADVANCED HEALTHCARE SERVICES, LLC can provide the necessary services and support in your home. Advanced Healthcare Services, LLC serves Central Illinois which includes 13 counties.

• MEDICARE Certified • Illinois Department of Public Health Licensed

Services • Visiting Nurse, RN, Registered Nurse, LPN, Licensed Practical Nurse • Certified wound-ostomy nurse • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Home Health Aide • Medical Licensed Social Worker • Medical Equipment • Podiatry

Payment Options • Medicare • Private Insurance • Workman’s Comp • Medicaid Care will begin within 48 hours after a physician order is received.

Our staff is available to answers questions 24 hours a day.

Contact Shannon Lionberger at 217-726-6956 with any questions you may have.

3900 Pintail Drive, Suite A, Springfield, IL, 62711 Phone: 217-726-6956 or Fax: 217-726-7082 advancedhealthcareservices.org

April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

A P RIL

2012 Volume 3, Issue 4

5

Dehydration: Don’t Dry Out

6

Emotional: Emotional Healing After Amputation

This Month’s Cover Story:

Body Quest The Quest for Fitness, the Quest for Health page 14

8

Nutritional: Unscrambling the Myths Behind Eggs and Cholesterol

10

Physical: About Balance Problems

12

Grief Recovery: Right or Happy Pick One!

18

Healthy Living: Tips to Prevent and Treat Seasonal Allergies

19

Financial Health: 4 Ways to Help Kids Make Cents of Finances

20 22

Attention – Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: The Role of Accurate Diagnosis in the Treatment of ADHD

Safety Facts: Smoke Alarms Save Lives

23

Body Contouring: What You Need to Know Before Undergoing a Cosmetic Medical Procedure

24

Healthy Aging: Worried About Losing Your Marbles?

For information about this publication, contact Nikki Baptist, 217-494-1182, nikki@healthycellsmagazine.com or LimeLight Communications, Inc., 309-681-4418, dave@molleck.com

Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of: 1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615 Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com • www.healthycellsmagazine.com Healthy Cells Magazine is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

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

Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals in the Springfield/Decatur Illinois area.

dehydration

Don’t Dry Out

Make Sure You Drink Enough Water

Y

ou may wonder if you’ve been drinking enough water, especially when it’s hot out. There’s a lot of confusing advice out there about how much you really need. The truth is that most healthy bodies are very good at regulating water. Elderly people, young children and some special cases—like people taking certain medications—need to be a little more careful. Here’s what you need to know.

“Water is involved in all body processes,” says Dr. Jack M. Guralnik of NIH’s National Institute on Aging. “You need the proper amount for all those processes to work correctly.”

The body regulates how much water it keeps so it can maintain levels of the various minerals it needs to work properly. But every time you breathe out, sweat, urinate or have a bowel movement, you lose some fluid. When you lose fluid, your blood can become more concentrated.

Healthy people compensate by releasing stores of water, mostly from muscles. And, of course, you get thirsty. That’s your body’s way of telling you it needs more water.

At a certain point, however, if you lose enough water, your body can’t compensate. Eventually, you can become dehydrated, meaning that your body doesn’t have enough fluid to work properly. “Basically, you’re drying out,” Guralnik says.

Any healthy person can become dehydrated on hot days, when you’ve been exercising hard or when you have a disease or condition like diarrhea, in which you can lose a lot of fluid very quickly. But dehydration is generally more of a problem in the elderly, who can have a decreased sensitivity to thirst, and very young children who can’t yet tell their parents when they’re thirsty.

How much water does your body need? Guralnik says you have to consider the circumstances. “If you’re active on a hot day, you need more water than if you’re sitting in an air-conditioned office,” he explains.

An average person on an average day needs about 3 quarts of water a day. But if you’re out in the hot sun, you’ll need a lot more than that.

Signs of dehydration in adults are being thirsty, urinating less often than usual, having dark-colored urine, having dry skin, feeling tired or dizziness and fainting. Signs of dehydration in babies and young children include a dry mouth and tongue, crying without tears, no wet diapers for 3 hours or more, a high fever and being unusually sleepy or drowsy.

If you suspect dehydration, drink small amounts of water over a period of time. Taking too much all at once can overload your stomach and make you throw up. For people exercising in the heat and losing a lot of minerals in sweat, sports drinks can be helpful. But avoid any drinks that have caffeine.

Remember: the best way to deal with dehydration is to prevent it.

Make sure to drink enough water in situations where you might become dehydrated. For those caring for small children or older people with conditions that can lead to dehydration, Guralnik advises, “You need to prompt the person to drink fluids and remind them often. It’s not just a one-time problem.”

For more information, please visit www.nih.gov.

April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

emotional

Emotional

Healing After Amputation

By Molly Hill, CO, Resident Prosthetist

A

mputation affects many people, whether it is due to vascular disease, diabetes, infection, cancer, or a traumatic injury. The Amputee Coalition reports that 185,000 new amputations are performed each year in the United States. When facing the reality of amputation, the life changes ahead can be overwhelming. The recovery process includes not only physical healing, but also emotional healing. Whether one has undergone amputation of one toe or the entire leg, the grieving process is similar.

The loss of a limb can affect one as greatly as the loss of a loved one and the grieving process is comparable. Dr. Kubler-Ross defined five stages of grief used to describe and explain the emotional healing process. This process is unique to each individual.

Each person experiences the stages for varying periods of time, or in varying order. One may not experience all five stages or may experience certain stages more than once while coming to terms with the amputation. The five stages include: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are defined as follows:

Denial and isolation: This stage involves disbelief that the amputation has occurred and withdrawal from friends and family.

Anger: This stage involves anger with what has happened and blaming others or a higher power for causing the amputation. Rage and increased energy are often associated with this stage.

Bargaining: This stage involves one bargaining with doctors, therapists, or a higher power. This stage may occur internally and be related to feelings of guilt related to the amputation.

Depression: This stage involves sadness and worry or anxiety about the future. Symptoms include pessimism, loneliness, restlessness, decreased energy, fatigue, loss of appetite, and loss of interest in activities.

Acceptance: This stage involves realization of the reality of the situation and the ability to move forward without reverting to one of the four previous stages.

Many factors can influence the length and intensity of the grieving process. These factors can include: age, ability to cope, other health complications, preparation time prior to surgery, cause of amputation, and family/peer support.

The ability to overcome the psychological effects of limb loss generally increases with age. Children tend to adapt to life with an Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

The urgency of amputation often leaves little time for preparation. The amount of preparation time can depend on the reason for the amputation, whether it is due to a quickly spreading infection or has been a long debated option after prolonged healing of a traumatic injury. If one has time prior to surgery, meeting with a prosthetist or a peer who has undergone a similar procedure can be helpful. These meetings are beneficial in that they can provide insight into the recovery process and help set realistic expectations and provide hope for recovery and life with a prosthesis.

Following amputation, a strong support system of family and friends and a team approach to recovery are both important. The team can include the patient, family, physician, prosthetist, and physical therapist. Collaboration in care allows for a smoother rehabilitation. Starting rehab early after amputation and regaining independence can help in reaching acceptance.

If you or a family member are facing amputation and have questions, a prosthetist can provide information about resources or support groups in the area. He or she can also help to set up a meeting with another patient who understands what you are going through.

amputation more readily than adults. Other health complications that slow the physical healing process or affect function of other limbs can affect the emotional healing process as the recovery process may seem more daunting or the predicted return of function is less than prior to the amputation. One’s overall outlook on life or personality may also affect the individual’s emotional healing.

Those with a positive outlook on life or those who have survived other major life changes may be quicker to reach acceptance of the amputation.

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

after major open heart surgery i was transferred to Heartland for rehabilitation.

While not excited about making a “nursing home” my home while recuperating, I soon proved myself wrong. It turned out to be a desirable place to recover from accidents, illness or surgery, live out the last days of life, or as I needed, rehabilitation. With good food, friendly warm personnel who are efficient, patient, encouraging and uplifting my stay at Heartland was beyond my expectations.

- Dr. Josip terebuh, M.D.

156,434 patients Can’t be wrong. *

*Number of patients admitted for postacute care nationwide in the last 12 months.

Decatur 217.877.733

Macomb 217.833.5555

Galesburg 309.343.2166

Normal 309.452.4406

Scan with your smartphone to view our weekly health tips.

April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

nutritional

Unscrambling the Myths Behind Eggs and Cholesterol

Enjoying an Egg a Day can be Part of a Healthy Diet

W

hen it comes to eggs, dietary cholesterol and heart health, what you think you know may be a bit scrambled.

Concerns over dietary cholesterol and its impact on heart disease keeps many people from eating eggs, despite their nutritional benefits. However, more than 40 years of research shows healthy adults can enjoy an egg every day without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease.

Cracking the cholesterol myth Enjoying an egg a day as part of a healthy diet balanced with fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy, falls well within current cholesterol guidelines. In fact, according to USDA data, one large egg is 14 percent lower in cholesterol than previously recorded, down from 212 mg to 185 mg, and is also 64 percent higher in vitamin D, with 41 IU per large egg. Moreover, one large egg contains six grams of high-quality protein and 13 essential nutrients for 70 calories.

“Research shows that saturated fat may be more likely to raise a person’s blood cholesterol than dietary cholesterol,” says Neva Cochran, registered dietitian, nutrition writer and researcher for Woman’s World Magazine. “Eating a balanced breakfast with highPage 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

quality protein foods like eggs, along with other nutrient-rich foods like fruit and whole grains, is the best way to start the day. Unlike sugary foods, eggs have no simple sugars and contain no carbs, providing steady and sustained energy.”

Additionally, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize eggs as a nutrient dense food and state that the consumption of one egg per day is not associated with risk of coronary heart disease or stroke in healthy adults. And, eggs provide high-quality protein that helps build muscles and increases satiety for all-day energy, which can help maintain a healthy weight, an important factor in promoting overall health.

Incredible egg benefits Cochran also points out that at an average of 15 cents a piece, eggs are an affordable, versatile, nutrient powerhouse that contribute to a healthy diet in many ways: • B reakfast boosters: Research shows that eating high-quality protein foods for breakfast, like eggs, can help increase satiety, maintain long-lasting energy and improve cognitive skills like memory recall time.

•S unshine supplement: Eggs are one of the few foods that are a naturally good source of vitamin D, meaning that one egg provides at least 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance.

Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption, helping to form and maintain strong bones.

• W eight-loss companion: Research shows that eating eggs for breakfast can help overweight dieters lose more weight, lower their body mass index and shrink their waist more than eating a bagel of equal calories for breakfast.

Eggs are easy Adding eggs to your breakfast routine can be easy, even on busy weekday mornings. Whether you’re craving scrambled eggs, an omelet or an egg sandwich, microwaves can be an incredible time-saving tool, so you can start every day with a nutritious breakfast. Try this quick and easy recipe next time you’re in a rush:

Dialysis.

Near where you live.

Near where you work.

14 locations in the Central Illinois area.

Home dialysis available.

(217) 423-6760

Healthy Cells Ad - Daniel_Layout 1 12/1/11 12:06 PM Page 1

(Black plate)

Have a disability and need a job?

“My Success can be Your Success!”

Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burrito Ingredients: 1 flour tortilla (6-inch) 1 egg 1 tablespoon shredded Mexican cheese blend 1 tablespoon salsa Directions: 1. L ine 2-cup microwave-safe cereal bowl with microwave-safe paper towel. Press tortilla into bowl. Break egg into center of tortilla. Beat egg gently with a fork until blended, being careful not to tear tortilla.

2. M icrowave on high 30 seconds; stir. Microwave until egg is almost set, 15 to 30 seconds longer.

3. R emove tortilla with paper towel liner from bowl to flat surface.

Top egg with cheese and salsa. Fold bottom of tortilla over egg, then fold in sides.

For more information on the nutrition benefits of eggs or recipe ideas, visit www.eggnutritioncenter.org or www.IncredibleEgg. org, “Like” the Incredible Edible Egg on Facebook or follow &#64IncredibleEggs on Twitter.

drs.illinois.gov/success Printed by authority of the State of Illinois 2/12

April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

physical

About Balance Problems

A

s people grow older, they may have difficulty with their balance. Nearly 8 million American adults report having a chronic problem with balance. An additional 2.4 million American adults report having a chronic problem with dizziness alone.

Having good balance means being able to control and maintain your body’s position, whether you are moving or remaining still. An intact sense of balance helps you: • walk without staggering • get up from a chair without falling • climb stairs without tripping Good balance is important to help you get around, stay independent, and carry out daily activities.

Many people experience problems with their sense of balance as they get older. Disturbances of the inner ear are the main cause.

People feel unsteady, or as if they were moving, spinning, or floating.

Vertigo, the feeling that you or the things around you are spinning, is also a common symptom.

Balance disorders are one reason older people fall. Falls and fallrelated injuries, such as hip fracture, can have a serious impact on an older person’s life. If you fall, it could limit your activities or make it impossible to live independently. Many people often become more isolated after a fall.

Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults ages 65 years and older fall each year.

Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths.

There are many types of balance disorders. One of the most common is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. With BPPV, you experience a brief, intense feeling of vertigo that occurs when you change the position of your head.

You may also experience BPPV when rolling over to the left or right, upon getting out of bed in the morning, or when looking up for an object on a high or low shelf. BPPV is more likely to occur in adults ages 60 and older, but can also occur in younger people.

In BPPV, small calcium stones in the inner ear become displaced, causing a person to feel dizzy. The reason they become displaced is not known, although it may be caused by an inner ear infection, head injury, or aging.

Another type of balance disorder is labyrinthitis. This is an infection or inflammation of the inner ear causing dizziness and loss of balance. The labyrinth is the organ in your inner ear that helps you maintain your balance.

Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that causes a person to experience: • vertigo • hearing loss that comes and goes • tinnitus, which is a ringing or roaring in the ears • a feeling of fullness in the ear.

It affects adults of any age. The cause is unknown. There are many ways to treat balance disorders. Treatments will vary depending on the cause. See your doctor if you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or other problems with your balance.

Causes and Prevention People are more likely to have problems with balance as they get older. But age is not the only reason these problems occur; there are other causes, too. In some cases, you can help reduce your risk for certain balance problems.

Have you ever felt dizzy, lightheaded, or as if the room were spinning around you? These can be very troublesome sensations. If the feeling happens often, it could be a sign of a balance problem.

Balance problems are among the most common reasons that older adults seek help from a doctor.

Some balance disorders are caused by problems in the inner ear. Others may involve another part of the body, such as the brain or the heart. Aging, infections, head injury, certain medicines, or problems with blood circulation may result in a balance problem.

The part of the inner ear that is responsible for balance is the labyrinth. When the labyrinth becomes infected or swollen, often through an ear infection such as otitis media, it can cause dizziness and loss of balance. This condition is called labyrinthitis.

Upper respiratory infections and other viral infections, as well as stress, fatigue, allergies, smoking, or alcohol use, also can increase the risk for labyrinthitis.

Balance problems can also result from taking certain medications. For example, some medicines, such as those that help lower blood pressure, can make a person feel dizzy. Ototoxic drugs are

medicines that damage the inner ear. Sometimes the damage lasts only as long as you take the drug; other times it is permanent. Some antibiotics are ototoxic. If your medicine is ototoxic, you may feel off balance. Check with your doctor if you notice a problem while taking a medication.

Diseases of the circulatory system, such as stroke, also can cause dizziness and other balance problems. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease increase the risk of stroke.

Low blood pressure also can cause dizziness to occur.

Your diet and lifestyle can help you manage certain balance-related problems. For example, Mèniére’s disease, which causes vertigo and other balance and hearing problems, is linked to a change in the volume of fluid in the inner ear.

By eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and steering clear of caffeine and alcohol, you can make its symptoms less severe. Balance problems due to high blood pressure can be managed by eating less sodium, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising.

The ear infection otitis media is most common in children, but adults can get it too. You can help prevent otitis media by washing your hands frequently. Also, get a flu shot every year to stave off flu-related ear infections. If you still get an ear infection, see a doctor immediately before it becomes more serious.

Do you take medication? If so, ask your doctor if your medicine is ototoxic, or damaging to the ear. Ask if other drugs can be used instead. If not, ask if the dose can be safely reduced. Sometimes it cannot. However, your doctor will help you get the medicine you need while trying to reduce unwanted side effects.

For more information, please visit www.nihseniorhealth.gov.

One More Reason to Choose CPO Molly Hill, CO, Prosthetic Resident Molly Hill is an ABC Certified Orthotist and is currently completing her residency in prosthetics at CPO. With a Master’s Degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Molly spent a few years in the orthopedic industry before finding her passion in patient care.

Her clinical interests include upper and lower limb prosthetics and pediatric orthotics. Her desire to serve patients, coupled with her engineering background, allow her to best help patients regain function and quality of life.

Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics is committed to restoring mobility and quality of life for patients of all ages, with a full range of orthotic and prosthetic services and an on-site fabrication laboratory.

www.cpousa.com

Call today to schedule your appointment at

1.888.676.2276

April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

grief recovery

Pick One! Healthy Cells magazine is pleased to present the tenth in a series of feature articles on the subject of Grief ❣ Recovery®. The articles are written by Russell P. Friedman, Executive Director, and John W. James, Founder, of The Grief Recovery Institute.

Russell and John are co-authors of WHEN CHILDREN GRIEVE - For Adults to Help Children Deal with Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving, and Other Losses - Harper Collins, June, 2001 - & THE GRIEF RECOVERY HANDBOOK - The Action Program For Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses (Harper Perrenial, 1998). The articles combine educational information with answers to commonly asked questions.

W

hat we believe usually dictates how we feel.

Our attitudes about people and events will generate our emotional responses to them. Our attitudes and beliefs are always right, otherwise we would believe something else. Since we have practiced our attitudes and beliefs over a lifetime, we are very loyal to them.

It is very common to get stuck on our rightness and lose sight of our real human objective which is to be happy. Many people believe that being right IS being happy. Most of us eventually learn that our rightness may be limiting or restricting our happiness.

Cho o s e t h e winning combination in PERSONALIZED healt h c a r e .

PRAIRIE COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

217-864-2700 3798 E. Fulton Ave • www.DrRohde.com

2801 N. Main St. 217-876-PILL (7455) www.PrairieRx.com

Dr. Rohde EVALUATES & Mike Hammel, Pharmacist FORMULATES your personalized compounded script.

Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

“It is essential to take a new position of rightness about which actions are most helpful to achieve effective long-term Grief ❣ Recovery®.”

Our rightness about effective recovery from significant emotional losses often limits our ability to complete relationships that have ended or changed. Many of the ideas and beliefs that we were taught about dealing with our losses are incorrect and unhelpful, but after practicing them for a lifetime, they can seem to be very right.

For example, we were all taught that time heals all wounds. But time does not complete anything that is emotionally incomplete in our relationship with someone who died. If we believe, with tremendous rightness, that time is going to heal our emotional wound, we are destined to wait forever.

It is essential to take a new position of rightness about which actions are most helpful to achieve effective long-term Grief ❣ Recovery®.

Another example of a belief that you may have learned and practiced is keeping busy. As a response to the conflicting feelings caused by loss, keeping busy can be a dangerous short-term distraction. At the end of a busy day your heart is still broken, and the relationship may still be incomplete. Keeping busy does not complete relationships.

People are often as right about keeping busy as they are about time healing wounds.

In our last column, on familiarity, we said, familiar is not necessarily good, it is only familiar. By the same token, right is not necessarily good, it is only right. We tend to develop a ferocious loyalty to our rightness even though it often leads us to horrible squabbles with our mates and friends. If you think about most of the fights you’ve had, you will realize that both sides clung fiercely to the rightness of their position.

Even in the aftermath, either party may have stayed on a position of rightness and refused to apologize, and thereby extended the fray.

It may be time for you to examine some of your beliefs and attitudes about recovery from significant emotional loss. How you process the conflicting feelings caused by loss is dictated by what you believe. You must ensure that you have effective beliefs that can lead you towards happiness, rather than stuck in rightness.

The Grief Recovery Handbook is an ideal source of effective Grief ❣ Recovery® information and actions which can lead you to completion of relationships that have ended or changed. Using correct information and actions can help you capture or recapture the happiness you deserve. You may also discover ways to apply these principles in other areas of your life.

You’re a busy woman.

Let us help.

You keep your family organized and you have a plan for everything. But if life insurance isn’t a part of your plan, there’s a problem. Help your family become financially secure for the future. Call me today.

Policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company®. Bloomington, IL. LIsten to Cool 101.9 and compete for the “Giving Hearts” award! We’re working with the Central Illinois Community Blood Center to track the businesses whose employees give the most blood throughout the month. Help make YOUR business a winner!

Julie Hale Miller Tom Hale Chatham

217-483-4355

Next Month: “Is It Ever Too Soon To Recover?”

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

Call 818-907-9600 or Fax: 818-907-9329. Please visit our website at: www.grief-recovery.com.

0811-508HO April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

feature story

BODY QUEST

The Quest for Fitness, The Quest for Health

By Christine Venzon

L-R Jim Wieties, Health Advisor with David Utinske, Owner, The Body Quest Store

W

hen Omar Vizquel takes the field as the Toronto Blue Jays newest infielder this spring, it will be as the oldest active player in Major League Baseball. Vizquel turns 45 on April 24. He packs a chiseled 180 pounds on his 5’9” frame, plus the vertical leap to snag the hard-hit, high-bouncing fastball and the arm to throw out the batter at first base.

Granted, Vizquel’s cat-like athleticism is exceptional for someone his age. But for most 40-plus Americans, it’s unthinkable. The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 21/2 hours of moderately intense aerobic exercise a week for cardiovascular health, and strengthening exercise twice a week to maintain bone and muscle. In contrast, the latest figures from Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention show that almost one in three Americans aged 45 to 64 is inactive. Another one in four is insufficiently active.

The numbers get worse: one in 17 Americans in this age range can’t climb 10 steps without resting; one in 12 finds walking a quarter mile difficult or impossible; and more than one in three is obese. Obesity, in turn, is known to increase the risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. (The CDC has numbers on those conditions too, but you get the picture.)

As if to add insult to injury, these conditions can hit hard in the wallet. Obese individuals pay an average of $1,400 more in annual insurance premiums than their healthy-weight peers.

The good news is: it’s never too late to pick up a good habit, especially when it’s benefits are so… beneficial. Exercise can do Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

“hundreds of things,” enthuses Dave Utinske. Dave is owner and operator of The Body Quest Store in Springfield. “Exercise does everything from ease depression to reduce the risk of cancer, hopefully cut the risk of Parkinson’s.”

Medical science backs up his claims. Numerous studies show that regular exercise combats stress and depression by releasing mood-enhancing hormones serotonin and dopamine. It improves immunity, circulation, and digestion, which lowers the risk and death rate of breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Resistance and gait and balance training are especially useful in reversing or delaying the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Exercise also helps to manage diabetes, prevent osteoporosis, and improve the levels of HDL and LDL (“good” and “bad” cholesterol respectively) in the blood.

It may even make you smarter. Mastering the physical coordination of muscles and joints encourages growth of new brain cells and new connections between them.

While any physical activity can help improve health, using exercise equipment has it advantages. “The way fitness equipment is made now, it’s engineered better, biomechanically correct,” says Dave. “They’ve learned so much just in the last 10 years. It’s totally night and day.”

Better design make working out not only safer and more effective, but also more enjoyable. And that makes a fitness program easier to stick with. “It’s more motivating because it’s comfortable,” Dave explains. “If you can get on a piece of equipment no matter what it is, and you get off and go, ‘Man I feel great. That was a good workout’ and not have those sore joints, those knees, that back, that ankle, that hip, then you are going to use it. If you get off and you’re like, ‘Ow, that hurt the back of my knee,’ you’re telling yourself you don’t like that machine.”

Simple improvements include fans on treadmills. Exercise cycles have armrests to ease shoulder strain and large, padded pedals to improve grip and cushion the feet. There are even motorized bikes for people with Parkinson’s disease and other degenerative neuromuscular disorders. “It pedals for the patient just to get the movement, get those sensors working in the brain, and that message from the brain to the muscle, so they don’t lose that.”

Jim Wieties demonstrating new equipment to a customer Other features are added to address what Dave calls “the boredom factor.” These range from modest – bookrests with page “you want to put (the equipment) where you have your music, or you’re clips to read while you cycle, going to have TV, or you have a beautiful window to look out of.” and digital readouts of your All of these ergonomic improvements and creature comforts come vital signs – to downright at just the right time for people of a certain age. Dave has noticed “a indulgent, like workout whole new demographic that have started coming into fitness stores apps, designed by certiin the last year and a half to two years. Your 60-, 65-, 70-year-olds fied personal trainers, for are working out. Even if they aren’t somebody that has issues, even wireless devices. Such if they’re still staying healthy. It’s not just waiting for your doctor to niceties don’t fit everysay, ‘Hey, you need to go work out or you’re going to have a heart one’s style or budget, attack or you’re going to have stroke.’ Usually it would take that of course. For simpler, situation to get somebody’s spark lit.” less costly entertain Whatever the age or motivation, the question remains: How do ment, Dave suggests, you find a piece of exercise equipment that you has the features you April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

feature story

(continued)

need, at a price you can afford, and that you’ll enjoy using? That won’t wind up as an expensive plant hanger, or collecting dust in the basement?

“That’s a question we get every day,” says Dave, and that’s where a shop like The Body Quest Store has the edge over online retailers or the want ads. “We tell people, ‘Look, anybody can sell you anything.’”

But if you’re looking for service-minded, customer-oriented mentoring, “you need to come to a store like this. We can figure out what are you capable of doing and how much time do you have. You just have to go somewhere where they’re going to try to help you get what’s realistic for you and your life. And be honest with you.

“There’s no better feeling than when we follow up with people.

We follow up with all our clients. One of them has lost 20 pounds already. That’s huge.”

As part of follow-up, the Body Quest Store can recommend clients to nutritionists, yoga instructors, and other experts in the various aspects of overall wellness. Counseling like that is not a responsibility for a seller to take lightly, especially given the trends in customer demographics. “If (I) don’t ask that man or women that’s in their 60s or 70s, what’s going on with their bodies, (I’m)

really taking a chance of hurting somebody.

“It’s really getting help from the right people, people that do this because it’s their passion.”

Dave shares the story of a recent project to show how the right people can make all the difference to your health and wellness.

“We just set a rehab up in an assisted living here in Springfield. They got Aerodyne bikes, recumbent ellipticals, a treadmill, and

recumbent bikes. It’s all equipment that’s really low-impact on the body. And I’ll tell you, when we were over there delivering and then presenting the room to all the residents, I think the youngest person in there was 68, 70 years old. Men, women, excited. I would say a small percentage of them would come up to me and say, ‘I don’t think I can do this, or ‘I might not be able to get on it.’ Those are the people I would key in on and get them on the machine. And let them realize that yes, you can do this.

“You have to have movement. Everybody knows the old saying, if you don’t use it, you lose it. And that’s a fact.”

David Utinske, owner/operator, The Body Quest Store, Inc. Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

For more information, please contact Body Quest at 217-787-9930.

Located at 3120 Montvale Dr # B Springfield, IL 62704.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK. J O I N O U R O N L I N E C O M M U N I T Y AT Text VETS to 69866 to get started.

D A T A A N D M E S S A G E R A T E S M A Y A P P LY. April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

healthy living

Tips to Prevent and Treat

Seasonal Allergies

I

f you suffer from seasonal asthma or allergies, you know how uncomfortable your symptoms can make you this time of year. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Rather than suffer in sniffling silence, you can say goodbye to your unpleasant symptoms with simple lifestyle changes and diet modifications.

What you put inside your body can have a tremendous impact on your allergies says Dr. Fred Pescatore, author of “The Allergy & Asthma Cure,” as well as the bestselling “The Hamptons Diet.” According to Dr. Pescatore, “refined sugars, flours, and processed food all trigger inflammation, so steer clear of them.”

Instead, look for foods containing vitamin D3, which decreases inflammation, vitamin C, which helps combat the added stress to our bodies caused by allergies, and vitamin A, which helps rid the body of mucus.

It also helps to turn your home into a refuge from allergens. Preventing buildup of harmful irritants is a crucial step to breathing easy.

Regularly dusting, vacuuming and washing bedding will go a long way in the fight against allergens. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American recommends wearing a mask while you clean, and leaving it on for a few hours afterward while the dust settles.

Be sure to keep your home dry. Water build-up is an invitation for mold growth. Go mold-free by hanging wet towels, fixing indoor and outdoor leaks, and using a dehumidifier.

Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

Feathered and furry creatures may be lovable and cute, but they are no friend to your sinuses. Do yourself a favor and keep Fido and Polly out of the bedroom.

Irritants from the great outdoors should stay outside. After a jog through the park, or an afternoon picnic, leave your shoes on the porch and take a shower right away. You can also keep pollen at bay by closing your windows at night.

And while you can’t control every space in which you spend time, you can give your car the same treatment you give your home. Vacuum the interior for a comfortable commute.

In addition to modifying your diet to eliminate allergy triggers, Dr. Pescatore has found that nutritional supplements can help allergy and asthma sufferers. Look for ones containing vitamin D3, vitamin C and vitamin A. Additionally, vitamin B12 stabilizes the imbalance of bacteria occurring in the guts of most allergy sufferers. Pantethine works as a natural steroid, quercetin is one of nature’s best antihistamines, and magnesium helps rid your body of toxins it consumes and faces daily while helping you breathe more easily.

“Following these simple steps,” says Dr. Pescatore, “could mean the difference between an enjoyable spring and a typically unpleasant one for the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies and asthma.”

For more diet and allergy tips, visit www.drpescatore.com.

financial health

4 Ways to Help Kids Make Cents of Finances F

inancial literacy is as important as learning the ABC’s. By teaching financial and entrepreneurial practices at a young age, children will be better prepared for their financial futures.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The first step is to get started, so start with these educational activities: Start Talking: Try a simple question such as, “What is investing?” Questions are conversation starters and shouldn’t be complicated. The key is to teach through open communication that allows kids to discover – rather than be told – the answers.

Starting Thinking: Most kids are impulsive and fixate on things that are interesting. It’s tough to get them thinking beyond “now” when it comes to money. Overcoming that helps kids understand the basic principles of budgeting. Challenge them with questions such as, “Are you still going to want that expensive sweater in a month, or would it be better to save toward something else?” Helping kids grasp the concept of “value” instills a sense of financial ownership and responsibility. Remind them that once they spend the money, it’s gone.

Start Practicing: Kids learn through repetition. The more they do something, the better they get. No matter what age the child is, present her with scenarios that require practicing different financial principles. For example, during the summertime give your child $20 to set up a lemonade stand. Ask her, “What types of products will you need to buy to make lemonade? How much will those items cost? How many days do you plan to have the lemonade stand open?”

Asking these questions will not only help her work through the answers, but will also increase her understanding of simple business terms such as “overhead” and “profit.” Additionally, contributing more “investment” money to the fledgling business opens up dialogue about investors and stocks. It takes a little imagination to come up with scenarios, but it can be a fun learning opportunity for the child and the parent.

Start Investigating: The Internet provides a wealth of financial learning tools for children and parents. Of course, parents should monitor what their children are viewing online, but there are some invaluable educational sites, such as www.smckids.com, which features webisodes for Secret Millionaires Club (SMC), an animated series starring Warren Buffet as he mentors a group of kids.

Featured on The HUB network, as well as the website, the SMC series is an innovative way to teach sound financial and entrepreneurial practices to young people. Modeled after the lessons instilled

by Mr. Buffett in the animated series, SMC’s "Learn & Earn" Promotion – sponsored exclusively by www.creditreport.com – also offers interactive educational tools for parents and kids.

The bottom line: Stop waiting. It’s never too early to start teaching financial lessons.

For more fun and engaging financial resources, or to watch “The Secret Millionaires Club” webisodes, visit www.smckids.com.

April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

The Role of Accurate Diagnosis in the

Treatment of ADHD

By Heather A. Heinrich, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist

E

mily’s parents are at their wits’ end. They have gotten their third call this week from her classroom teacher, telling how Emily has been spending her time drawing on her worksheets, rather than completing the actual items that need to be done. She is not disruptive in class, but just seems to not follow through with instructions and to become bored easily. When Emily works with her parents one-on-one at homework time, she seems to know the information that she is supposed to be learning and is able to complete her homework with encouragement and prompting.

Michael’s parents have also been facing some challenges. From first grade, Michael has had difficulty sitting still during class time and with losing his assignments. This has seemed to increase over time and has become even more problematic since entering high school, where teachers expect him to be more independent. Michael started out strong this semester, vowing to do all of his homework and to stay organized, but started having some difficulties with turning in his work and has seemingly given up on Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

it. He has developed an attitude that he knows he is not able to do the work, so why bother trying. His parents have tried taking some things away as a consequence for not completing his work, but that has not helped with the situation. Michael’s parents worry about his future and how he will function independently.

Both of these children, while presenting with different concerns, may meet criteria for diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurological disorder that impacts frontal lobe or executive functioning. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulties with paying attention for sustained periods of time, increased distractibility, impulse control, inconsistency in school and/or work performance, and excessive activity.

Based upon an individual’s symptom profile, diagnosis may be ADHD – Predominately Inattentive Type (commonly referred to as ADD), ADHD – Hyperactive Impulsive Type, or ADHD – Combined Type. The subtype of ADHD is important in developing supports and interventions to assist individuals in meeting their full potential.

Because the symptoms that both children are experiencing may be related to a number of different diagnostic categories, having competent diagnosis is essential in developing a treatment plan.

Psychologists and pediatricians or primary care physicians, are often consulted for diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to choose a provider who has training and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. When a psychologist is completing the evaluation, it will typically include a clinical interview with the parents and child, completion of behavior rating scales, tests of baseline cognitive functioning, and other assessments as needed to rule out other clinical concerns. The exact tests chosen depend upon the presenting concerns. Since other factors, such as depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities, may impact a child’s attentional resources, it is very important to rule out difficulties in these areas prior to formally diagnosing ADHD. After a formal diagnosis has been made, specific recommendations for treatment may be developed. Interventions may include a medication consultation with the pediatrician or primary care physician, using incentives to encourage appropriate behavior, extended test time, implementation of organizational systems, skill building for underlying processing, and many other strategies tailored to meet an individual’s needs. The parents may also initiate a request for services at the child’s school, if recommended as a result of the evaluation process. Individuals with ADHD may present with very different symptoms, despite having the same diagnosis, and thus the interventions need to be tailored to address each individual’s specific needs.

Competent diagnosis of ADHD is the essential first step in treatment of ADHD. By seeking appropriate diagnosis, Emily and Mi-

“Individuals with ADHD may present with very different symptoms, despite having the same diagnosis, and thus the interventions need to be tailored to address each individual’s specific needs.” chael’s parents can begin the process of finding some solutions for their child’s academic concerns. After a diagnosis is obtained, customized treatment plans may be developed to address the difficulties. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help to improve children’s school performance.

Psychology Specialists is a group of doctors and counselors with a broad range of specialties. In addition to diagnosing and treating ADHD, we help people with all types of physical and emotional pain. For more information, contact us at 309-648-0782 or visit www.psychologyspecialists.com.

April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

safety facts

Smoke Alarms Save Lives.

Install. Inspect. Protect.

By United States Fire Administration

Fire Safety Tips for Your Home Smoke Alarms • Place properly installed and maintained smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

• Interconnected smoke alarms are best because if one sounds, they all sound.

• Get smoke alarms that can sound fast. Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different, yet potentially fatal fires, and because no one can predict what type of fire might start in a home, the USFA recommends that every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with a) both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms, or b) dual sensor smoke alarms (which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors).

• Test smoke alarms monthly and change alkaline batteries at least once every year, or as instructed. You can use a date you already know, like your birthday or when you change your clocks as a reminder.

• Consider buying a long-life (lithium) battery-powered smoke alarm, which may last up to ten years with no battery change.

Install smoke alarms away from air vents.

Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or wall, at least 4 inches from corners or according to manufacturer’s instructions.

If a smoke alarm sounds during normal cooking or when bathing, press the hush button if the smoke alarm has one. Open the door or window or fan the area with a towel to get the air moving. Do not disable the smoke alarm or take out the batteries. If this happens often, the smoke alarm will need to be relocated.

To view smoke alarm guidelines for your state, obtain the Install.

Inspect. Protect. Campaign’s “State-by-State Smoke Alarm Guide” at www.usfa.dhs.gov/smokealarms.

Residential Fire Sprinklers • If possible, install residential fire sprinklers in your home.

• Avoid painting or covering the fire sprinkler, because that will affect the sensitivity to heat.

• Do not hang decorations, plants, or other objects from the sprinkler or pipes. For more information on Residential Fire Sprinklers, please obtain the Install. Inspect. Protect. Campaign’s “Residential Fire Sprinkler Fact Sheet.” Escape Planning • Prepare and practice an escape route with all residents in the home, including children.

• Know two ways to exit from every room in your home.

• Make sure safety bars on windows can be opened from inside your home.

• Crawl low, under smoke.

• Feel closed doors. If hot, use another exit. Identify a place to meet household members outside.

Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you escape.

• Never go back inside a burning home.

• Fire Safety Walkthrough • Keep clothes, blankets, curtains, towels and other items that can be easily set on fire at least three feet from space heaters, and away from stove burners.

• Place space heaters where they will not tip over easily.

• Have chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a professional.

• Clear away trash, flammables and decorative materials.

• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces and leave glass doors open while burning a fire. • Never leave cooking unattended.

• Be sure your stove and small appliances are off before going to bed.

• Check for worn wires and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.

• Never overload electrical sockets.

• Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.

• Never leave cigarettes unattended and never smoke in bed.

• Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out. The cigarette needs to be completely stubbed out in the ashtray or run under water.

For more fire prevention information and campaign materials, visit www.usfa.dhs.gov/smokealarms.

body contouring

What You Need to Know

Before Undergoing a Cosmetic Medical Procedure

A

s the quest for the perfect body and flawless face continues, many consumers have turned to spas, salons and walk-in clinics for cosmetic medical procedures at bargain prices. With the number of these facilities increasing, more consumers are influenced to believe that certain cosmetic procedures are easy, inexpensive and risk-free.

“In many instances, dermatologic surgeons, who are properly trained and experienced in performing cosmetic medical procedures, are sought to correct the mistakes of inexperienced and unqualified physicians,” says Dr. Susan Weinkle, president-elect of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). “Consumers should be aware that lower prices do not mean equal training and treatment, and should be cautious that these discounted prices could put their health at risk as a result of the provider’s inadequate training and lack of expertise.”

Dr. Weinkle and the ASDS urge consumers to recognize that all cosmetic procedures are medical procedures that should be performed by a qualified physician or under the close supervision of an appropriately trained physician.

Serious side effects, such as burns, infections, scars and pigmentation disorders can occur when consumers visit non-physicians or physicians who do not specialize in dermatology and perform treatments like laser hair removal, deep chemical peels, acne therapy and other procedures, says Dr. Weinkle. Non-physicians do not have the necessary medical training, and physicians who are not board-certified in dermatology lack the qualifications to determine and optimally perform the best treatment for your concern, or to handle complications adequately, should they occur.

“It’s critical that consumers take precautions and understand that dermatologic surgeons with the experience and knowledge of the

health and function of the skin should perform cosmetic surgery procedures,” Dr. Weinkle says.

The ASDS suggests consumers follow these tips before undergoing any cosmetic medical procedure: • Check credentials: Research the physician before undergoing the procedure to ensure that he or she is board-certified in dermatology.

To find a board-certified dermatologic surgeon, visit www.ASDS.net.

• Don’t rely on price: If a procedure’s cost seems too good to be true, it probably is. Bargain-priced treatments may end up costing you in the long run if they cause harm, need correction or are ineffective.

• Make sure a doctor is on-site to closely supervise: Most cosmetic surgery procedures should be performed by a physician. If the physician is supervising a procedure, make sure he or she is immediately available on-site to respond to any questions or problems that may occur while the procedure is being performed.

• Ask questions: Always ask questions no matter how minor your questions may seem. Good questions include the following: Who will perform the procedure? Is this treatment right for me? What if something goes wrong? What procedures are in place to deal with an emergency? What training does the staff have? Is this laser, device or technique appropriate for my skin type? How many of the procedures do you perform in a month? May I see before and after photographs?

• Be sure your medical history is taken: Before undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure, make sure the physician is aware of your medical history, including allergies to medications and previous surgeries.

• Don’t be afraid to walk away: Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, find a more reputable location.

For more information and to download a free pre-cosmetic surgery questionnaire, visit www.ASDS.net.

April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

healthy aging

Worried About

Losing Your Marbles?

By Dr. Tom Rohde, Renew Total Body Wellness Center

I

nflammation is the root cause of most of the bad illnesses we are burdened with including heart disease, diabetes, auto-immune illnesses, cancer, Alzheimer’s and similar dementing brain illnesses. The major driver of inflammation in our body is sugar and anything we put into our body that is rapidly turned into sugar - namely carbohydrates. To prevent inflammation and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, a good first step is to cut out carbohydrates, then ADD healthy fats back into your diet. Last month, I discussed the difference between vegetable oils, which are long chain fatty acids (LCFA), and coconut oil, which is a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA). Supposedly “healthy” vegetable oil metabolism produces the inflammation driving, fat storing glucose while coconut oil metabolism produces ketone bodies, an alternate fuel source for our body and brain that doesn’t stimulate a sugar spike, which is what stimulates insulin production. Remember, insulin’s only job in our body is to lower glucose and to store excess glucose as fat. Let’s delve a little deeper into the role of sugar as a contributing factor in Alzheimer’s.

Isn’t it curious that 80% of those afflicted by Alzheimer’s have glucose metabolism problems or outright diabetes? We are beginning to label Alzheimer’s as Diabetes type 3 as research continues to unravel the mysteries of our complex nervous system. The brain is separated from the remainder of the body by the blood Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

brain barrier and therefore produces its own insulin to regulate its primary fuel source - glucose. If we have problems with glucose control in the peripheral body, such as insulin resistance or diabetes, then the brain is at risk of starvation when glucose is in short supply in the brain. As a result of low glucose, areas of the brain die, leading to diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Diabetes is an illness that starts to damage the body 10-15 years before it is diagnosed in most adults… scary! Not only is the inflammation of abnormal blood glucose unknowingly damaging the body on a regular basis, that same damage is occurring in our brain and destroying brain cells. Over time we reach a critical mass of tissue damage and we develop diabetes peripherally and diseases like Alzheimer’s centrally. How do you prevent this?

Cut the sugar and minimize the carbohydrates over a lifetime and prevent the whole scenario. I’m repeating myself to emphasize the importance of these two items.

Ketone bodies are an alternate fuel source for the brain and if the brain has a ready supply of ketones, then any imbalance in sugar metabolism in the body becomes unimportant as the brain cells will not lack a source of energy and therefore will remain healthy. We already use ketogenic diets to treat seizures that are unresponsive to typical seizure medications, now I suggest we look at a similar mechanism for prevention and even management

of Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases. I have seen success in my own Alzheimer’s patient population beyond what the pharmaceutical industry offers. I suggest starting at one teaspoon twice daily of a good USDA certified organic coconut oil that is expeller or cold expressed. A health food store is a good place to purchase a good brand and it is also available at many grocery stores. Slowly increase the dosing to a goal of one tablespoon three times daily.

Coconut oil is good for cooking foods as it is heat stable, it can be warmed and poured on prepared foods like rice or vegetables instead of butter, and used to make popcorn. Did I mention it’s anti-aging for your skin when applied topically?

Following are some other dietary and lifestyles changes you should incorporate to help your brain stay healthy: • G et at least 7 hours of continuous sleep daily and participate in cardiovascular exercise at least 30 minutes 3 times weekly.

• G et your vitamin D level tested and get the value up to around 70 and then keep taking your vitamin D regularly. Take a high • Have your body levels of known brain toxins like mercury, lead, quality fish oil daily that is certified free of mercury, and make arsenic, and other persistent environmental pollutants evaluated sure you’re either taking a high quality B complex vitamin daily with an appropriate challenge test. If elevated levels are found or a good multivitamin that has the B complex incorporated in it. consider having amalgam fillings removed safely and then under• M inimize sugar which includes limiting fructose in any form to going chelation to safely remove these toxins to prevent contin25 grams or less per day by eating fruits like berries that are ued toxicity and long-term adverse health outcomes. naturally lower in fructose to help lower insulin resistance and prevent diabetes. Be careful here as artificial sweeteners have If you are interested in your own wellness, a personalized apdeleterious effects on the body as well, so don’t switch to these proach to your healthcare, or would like more information on unthinking you’re safer. Just eliminate it. derstanding your risk for Alzheimer’s, please visit Dr. Rohde’s • Minimize carbohydrates in general as they turn to sugar in the body website: www.DrRohde.com. To schedule an appointment for a • M inimize intake of non-essential foods like unfermented soy consultation you may call his office at 217-864-2700 which can accelerate brain aging.

T:7 in

“80% of those afflicted by Alzheimer’s have glucose metabolism problems or outright diabetes”

Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency.

Fill out these cards, and give one to each member of your family to make sure they know who to call and where to meet in case of an emergency.

For more information on how to make a family emergency plan, or for additional cards, go to ready.gov

✁

✁ Family Emergency Plan

EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE:

EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE:

OUT-OF-TOWN CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE:

OUT-OF-TOWN CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE:

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING PLACE: TELEPHONE:

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING PLACE: TELEPHONE:

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES

DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES

April 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

T:4.625 in

Family Emergency Plan

© 2011 United Way Worldwide.

DIFFERENT BY NATURE

UNITED BY

MISSION

We come from different places. We come to different conclusions. But underneath it all, we share a passion for improving the human condition. When we LIVE UNITED, we create real, lasting change in the building blocks of life: the education, income and health of our communities, our families, even the person next to us. Real change won’t happen without you. SIGN UP TODAY AT LIVEUNITED.ORG.

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

LIVE UNITED

®

Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ April 2012

Decatur 217-520-1047 | www.mycfwi.com

CENTRAL ILLINOIS’ MOST COMPLETE MOBILITY CENTER New Store Opening Soon

7611 N Harker Dr.

Peoria, IL

Residential Elevator Providing Mobility Solutions Pool Lift

Overhead Lift Power Door Opener

Stairlifts & Ramps

Stair Lift

Residential Elevators Driveability & Automobility Wheelchairs & Scooters Rehab Seating &

Deck Lift created by Moon River Designs

Accessible Van Wheelchair Lift

Positioning Products

Joint Commission Accredited

2924 North Dirksen Parkway, Springfield Illinois 62702 217-241-1548 or Toll Free: 877-279-8492 www.personalmobilityinc.com Licensed in the State of Illinois

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSING...

MASTERED MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING FOR RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree: CLINICAL NURSE LEADER [CNL] NURSE EDUCATOR [NE] NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM [NAP]

FOR NON-NURSES holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree: MASTER’S ENTRY INTO NURSING PRACTICE: PRE-LICENSURE [MENP-PL]

Decatur, IL

217-424-5034 www.millikin.edu/msn