May Hattiesburg Healthy Cells 2011

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

MAY 2011

FREE

HealthyCells

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OF THE PINE BELT

Dr. Hilda McGee page 12 A Mother’s Day Story

Benefits of a Fixed Index pg. 7

Massage

The Power of Touch pg. 18

Role of Sex Hormones on the Pain of Fibromyalgia pg. 28

MediSpa & Laser Center

Laser Hair Removal

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May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

MAY

...choose you this day whom you will serve,

2011

...But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua24: 15, NKJV

Volume 2, Issue 5

5

Body Health: Are You at Risk for Sleep APNEA?

7

Emotional: Benefits Of A Fixed Index Annuity

8

Physical: Natural Guidance In Menopause

9

Nutritional: FUEL Better: Green Tea

10

Healthy Lifestyle: Why SPF Daily?

16

Life Tip: Stretching Prevents Injury!

18

Curative Powers: Massage

20

Audiology: Move Forward to Better Hearing

21

Clean Living: Does Your Home Need A Bath?

22

Balanced Care: Respite Care Basics

23

Heart Health: MRI Safe Pacemaker

24

Senior Living: “How Can I Talk To Them”

25

Eye Of The Camera: What Makes a Great Photograph?

27 28

Dr. Hilda McGee

A Mother’s Day Story

page 12

Cover story photos by JRichards Originals

Radiology Advancement: New Technology Helping Reduce Your Exposure To Radiation

11

26

This Month’s Cover Story:

Dr. Hilda McGee and Barbara Burton.

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, including major grocery stores throughout the Pine Belt as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. Healthy Cells Magazine is published monthly. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the Pine Belt of Mississippi. 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 Pine Belt.

For information about this publication, contact Carolyn

Jones-Primeaux

Blue Moon Marketing at 601-467-3487 or healthycellspinebelt@gmail.com www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Health Screens: What is a Stroke and How Can I Prevent One?

Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

Water Cure: Aquatic Exercise Therapy The Right Dose: Role of Sex Hormones on The Pain of Fibromyalgia

1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615, Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com I wish to thank all the advertisers for their gracious support of Healthy Cells Magazine in our mission to bring positive health related information to our readers. With their generous support we are able to provide this publication FREE to you. —Carolyn Jones-Primeaux

body health

Are You at Risk for Sleep APNEA? Submitted by South Central Sleep Center

I

f sleep apnea is left untreated, a variety of issues can occur—development of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. The condition can also cause motor vehicle accidents, work related accidents, impaired school and work performance, marital problems, memory and concentration difficulties, depression and impaired quality of life caused by lack of quality sleep.

Sleep Centers help sleep apnea patients over the years. John Wallace, M.D., a local pulmonologist who is board certified in sleep medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, sees numerous patients annually that have the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.

He said, “Apnea simply means ‘without breath.’ People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for as much as 10 seconds to longer than a minute, which adversely effects their quality of sleep.” Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by the closing of the upper airway while asleep. The soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses, then the tongue falls backwards forming a blockage, preventing air from entering the lungs. In order to breathe, the person must arouse or awaken so that air can pass to the lungs.

Frank Kellans attended one of South Central’s free Wellness Wednesday Sleep Apnea screenings. The results of his screening indicated that he was at risk for sleep apnea. He was referred to Dr. John Wallace, medical director of the sleep center, who told him he needed a sleep study. Following the sleep study, Mr. Kellans was placed on CPAP and today he has a new lease on life. “I knew of the serious effects caused by Sleep Apnea, but did not realize how serious my particular case was,” Mr. Kellans said. “If I had not received treatment, I could have experienced serious side effects.”

Mr. Kellans continued by saying, “The first couple of weeks after treatment, I experienced a complete turnaround. I felt amazing, received plenty of rest and had more energy than ever. Today, I feel a lot better. I do not snore and it has made a tremendous difference in my daily life.”

“Now when I am tired it is from work instead of a lack of sleep. Mr. Kellans concluded by saying that people today sometimes know that they have a health problem, but fail to seek treatment.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is very common and affects more than twelve million Americans annually, according to the National Institutes of Health. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age. Yet, the majority of apnea patients remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated.

The signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring and gasping for air during sleep. If you have the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, call the South Central Sleep Center today at 601.426.4530. Treatment can be life changing.

South Central Sleep Center hosts Wellness Wednesday screenings each month providing opportunities for people to get a free screening and learn more about their situation.

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

“Obstructive Sleep Apnea is very common and affects more than twelve million Americans annually.”

The South Central Sleep Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). This national accreditation is given to sleep centers that meet rigorous guidelines to ensure quality of patient care.

For more information contact The Sleep Center located on the 3rd floor of South Central Regional Medical Center 1220 Jefferson Street, Laurel, MS Phone number: 601.426.4530 or 601.426.4528.

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Board-certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Fellowship-trained Interventional Spine & Sports Medicine

Specializing in Non-operative Spine, Sports, and Neuromuscular Medicine

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www.ispinesports.com May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

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5128 Old Hwy 11, STE 1 Hattiesburg, Ms 39402 Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30 am-6:00 pm (closed 12-2 for lunch) Fridays 8:30-12:30.

Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — ­ May 2011

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emotional

Benefits of a Fixed Index Annuity Submitted By Randy Thomley

C

hoosing the right accumulation vehicle for retirement can be difficult. With so many choices, which product will be right for you?

• On one hand, you want the safety and guarantee of principal and credited interest.

• On the other hand, most people prefer the potential of higher interest by being linked to the market—the return potential that a fixed-rate product cannot offer.

In the past, the choices were either (1) receive the guarantee of principle and a minimum amount of interest, or (2) link to the market with the potential of higher returns, but also accept the downside risk to your principal.

Now you can have the best of both worlds: guarantee of principal and the potential of market-linked growth with no risk of loss of principal due to market downturns. Enter the fixed index annuity concept, a concept designed to help you reach your retirement goals.

Safety and Guarantee of Principal A fixed index annuity (also referred to as an equity indexed annuity) provides you with the best features of a traditional fixed annuity — a guarantee of principal. Unlike most securities or mutual funds where your account balance can fluctuate due to market performance, premium deposited into a fixed index annuity is guaranteed to never go down due to market downturns. A contract owner of a fixed index annuity participates in market-indexed interest without market-type loss.

The Power of Tax Deferral All annuity values accumulate on a tax deferred basis until withdrawn.

Therefore, your money can grow faster because you earn interest on dollars that would otherwise be paid as taxes. Your principal earns interest and the interest compounds allowing you to accumulate more money over a shorter period of time, thereby earning a greater return on your money.

Fixed index annuity contracts generally allow for some form of penaltyfree withdrawals, up to 10% of the full accumulation value, once each contract year after the first contract anniversary.

Guaranteed Lifetime Income Fixed index annuities can provide you with a guaranteed income stream with the purchase of a fixed index annuity. You have the ability to choose from several different annuity payment options. With nonqualified plans, a portion of each annuity payment represents a return of premium that is not taxed, which reduces the income tax on your annuity payments.

Potential of Stock Market-Linked Growth While the index annuity concept offers many features of a traditional fixed annuity, it has a rather unique feature that allows a potential of stock market-linked interest credits without the potential of any market-type loss.

In contrast to a securities-type product or mutual fund where the investor bears the market risk, the fixed index annuity concept insulates the contract owner from any risk of loss of principal due to market downturns.

such as the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index. The S&P 500® is a collection of 500 select industry leaders and thus a benchmark for U.S. Stock Market performance. A fixed index annuity is linked to the performance of this type of market index, without the risk of directly participating in stock or equity investments. With indexing, you can participate in a diversified passive investment strategy: a link to the market and its potential gains without subjecting yourself to the potential downfalls of the market.

Expectations for the Fixed Index Annuity Fixed index annuities have the potential for market-linked interest without exposure to the market risk. Contract owners enjoy the guarantees and safety of principal even while being linked to market growth. However, they should not expect fixed index annuities to mirror the exact performance of any stock market indices.

Since a fixed index annuity uses a passive investment strategy, it will not mirror the exact return of the stock market index. The fixed index annuity is a powerful financial tool designed to meet your long-term retirement needs.

Does it sound like a Fixed Indexed Annuity might be right for you?

For more information on this article or other financial planning opportunities contact Randy Thomley at 601.270.8162.

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What is Indexing?

Earnings on a fixed index annuity are based on stock market-like performance from certain indices. But what is indexing? Indexing is simply an investment strategy that follows the performance of select securities, www.healthycellspinebelt.com

May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

physical

Natural Guidance In Menopause

By Laurie Ryba, MSN, CFNP

I

t is important for every women to find hormone balance. A hormonal imbalance can disrupt every aspect of life causing symptoms that range from fatigue and loss of sex drive to osteoporosis and heart disease. To achieve normalcy, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA must be balanced.

Perimenopause (or Pre-Menopause) is the time of a woman’s life when her body is preparing for Menopause. Pre-Menopause can begin in the mid 30’s. Some women have many symptoms while others have a few and others none at all. Symptoms often occur with a sudden onset and include dry skin, fatigue, heart rate fluctuations, insomnia, anxiety, loss of sex drive (libido), brain fog, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness, weight gain, hair loss or skin changes.

Menopause is the natural progression in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop producing estrogen, menstruation stops and there is an end to fertility. This natural “change” can begin around age 45 and ends around age 51. When estrogen drops some women feel like something has “changed” in their body. They may feel different and experience

e s a e l P

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Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — ­ May 2011

“It is important to identify what the body is lacking and which herbal, nutritional or hormonal support is needed.” symptoms they did not have before. Some women will start to have “hot flashes” at night or during the day. One minute their body temperature is normal and the next they feel very warm. Once estrogen drops a woman’s health can become “challenged”. For instance, a woman in menopause is more vulnerable to osteoporosis and heart disease.

Estrogen is needed for reproduction and affects the health of the vagina, bladder, breasts, skin, bones, arteries, heart, liver and the brain. Estrogen helps the skin remain smooth and moist, and it affects body temperature. If a woman needs to take estrogen it is important to choose one that does not cause side effects and to replace only what the body lacks. Menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness can be improved with bio-identical hormones or herbs that support healthy estrogen levels.

There are 3 types of Estrogens: • Estradiol: the main estrogen hormone, which is produced by the ovaries.

• Estriol: is highest during pregnancy and helps protect against breast cancer.

• Estrone: comes from Estradiol and is the estrogen that is mostly related to the estrogen-dominant cancers.

Progesterone is a hormone that works during the 2nd half of a woman’s menstrual cycle to stimulate changes in the lining of the uterus.

If the woman does not become pregnant, the body breaks down the lining of the uterine lining and expels it. This is when the woman starts her period. Progesterone has calming effects on a woman and thus can help with anxiety and insomnia.

Testosterone effects a woman’s sex drive and having a healthy libido. Women normally have 80% less of this hormone than men. Testosterone is responsible for healing and repairing the body. It is also very important to brain function.

It is important to identify what the body is lacking and which herbal, nutritional or hormonal support is needed. Blood tests used for hormone balancing can be unreliable due to the short amount of time that the hormone is actually in the bloodstream; however saliva hormone testing reflects a much more accurate view of the amount of bio-available hormone working at the tissue level. With this information a treatment plan can be formulated that is tailored to the bodies needs.

For more information on natural solutions to menopausal symptom contact your health care provider or call Enhanced Wellness of Oak Grove at 601-264-7286. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

nutritional

FUEL Better: Green Tea

By Rebecca Turner, MS, RD, LD

G

reen tea is made by briefly steaming the just harvested leaves, rendering them soft and pliable and preventing them from fermenting or changing color. After steaming, the leaves are rolled, then spread out and “fired” (dried with hot air or pan-fried in a wok) until they are crisp. The resulting greenish yellow tea has a green, slightly astringent flavor close to the taste of the fresh leaf. Green tea is the least processed and provides the most antioxidant polyphenols and flavonoids which make up 30% of the dry weight of a leaf. A catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is believed to be responsible for most of the health benefits linked to green tea.

Most of the research showing health benefits is based on about 3 cups per day which offers 240-320mg of polyphenols.

Health Benefits: Helps protect against death from all causes, especially cardiovascular disease • A study that began in northeastern Japan, 1994 followed 40,530 adults (aged 40 to 79) for 11 years looked at the relationship between death and green tea consumption.

• It found that women and men who drank > 5 cups had: · (23%, 12%) lower risk of death from all causes · (31%, 22%) lower risk of dying from CVD · (62%, 42%) lower risk of dying from stroke.

• A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2006 found that unsweetened tea is a healthier choice than almost any beverage, including pure water, because tea not only rehydrates as well as water, but provides a rich supply of polyhenols protective against heart disease.

Inhibits Atherosclerosis • Been shown to effectively lower LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxides (free radicals that damage LDL cholesterol and other lipids or fats) and fibrinogen (a protein in the blood involved in the formation of blood clots), while improving the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol.

Lowers Triglycerides • A study in the Journal of Nutrition, 2005, found that the mix of catechins naturally found in green tea inhibits the activity of pancreatic lipase (the enzyme secreted by the pancreas that digests fat). Result in slowing down the rate at which the body breaks down fats into triglycerides and the rise of triglyceride levels in the blood stream is greatly slowed.

Promotes visceral (belly) fat loss • Three (3) major components contribute: catechins, caffeine, and theanine.

• Studies suggest that these compounds prevent gastric and pancreatic lipase, (the enzymes that digest triglycerides and fatty acids), synthetase, the enzyme responsible for producing fatty acids into the form in which they can be stored in the body’s adipose fat cells.

Protects against Cancer • The evidence over the last ten (10) years has been so overwhelming that the Chemoprevention Branch of the National Cancer Institute has www.healthycellspinebelt.com

“A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2006 found that unsweetened tea is a healthier choice than almost any beverage, including pure water.” initiated a plan for developing tea compounds as cancer-chemopreventive agents in human trails.

• When green tea comes in contact with a cancerous cell it can help terminate them in a remarkable number of ways. · The polyphenols are powerful triggers of apoptosis (cell suicide). · EGCG’s protective antioxidant effects against several carcinogens are found to be 120% stronger than those of Vitamin C. Mutation Research, 2004. · Green tea inhibits angiogenesis (development of new blood vessels) Cancer cells can not divide and spread when there are no new blood vessels to supply them nutrients. · Research from National Cancer Institute shows Catechins also increase the production and activity of detoxification enzymes in humans, which enhances our ability to detoxify carcinogens. · Although Green Tea shows promise for a wide variety of cancer prevention current research shows the most protection from: prostate, ovarian, breast, colorectal, brain, lung, and bladder cancer.

Lowers blood pressure and helps prevent hypertension: • ½ cup – 2 ½ cups per day by 46% • More than 2 ½ cups per day by 65% Improves insulin sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes Protects against kidney disease Provides bones benefits similar to calcium or exercise Protects the liver from alcohol and other harmful chemicals Increases exercise endurance Protects against cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s Disease Fights the Flu *Consuming the spice, black pepper, when drinking green tea can significantly increase the amount of EGCG absorbed. Ex: Sprinkle black pepper on lunch or dinner while consuming green tea as your beverage.* Rebecca Turner, MS, RD, LD is a Registered Dietitian and a Licensed Dietitian in the state of Mississippi. Contact Rebecca at www. runners-fuel.com/contact-us.

May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

radiology advancement

New Technology Helping Reduce Your Exposure To Radiation Submitted by Forrest General Hospital

W

hen a patient is ill or injured or when a physician suspects something may be wrong and it can not easily be detected with a normal physical exam, an X-ray, CT (computed tomography) or other scan is usually the diagnostic exam of choice. This technology uses radiation to scan all or parts of the body to check for problems. Recently, the news has given much attention to the fear that too much exposure to this radiation can be harmful or even cause cancer.

Are the benefits greater than the risks?

With most things in life, such as driving a car, riding a bike or even walking down the street, there is some risk involved.

Therefore, it can be assumed that there is some low risk in receiving these tests. However, for most patients, the benefits of receiving CT scans far outweigh the risks. CT scans and other radiologic exams are proven to save lives by allowing physicians to see problems inside the body that are not visible with the naked eye. Just like sunlight, the effect of radiation on the skin depends on how long you are exposed to it and how strong it is. Age also plays an important part, as children and young adults are more susceptible to radiation sensitivity.

Adults, especially as they age, are much less sensitive.

How can you take action to ensure that you are not receiving more radiation exposure than necessary? Make sure to talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with a CT or other exam beforehand. Physicians are sensitive to the need to minimize radiation exposure, and should only prescribe necessary exams. It is also helpful to ask whether the facility where you are receiving the test is accredited by a professional healthcare organization, such as the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The ACR and the Radiological Society of North America have outlined three main questions you should ask of your healthcare provider before receiving an exam that involves radiation exposure, such as a CT. These questions can help you understand the reason you need to receive the test and how it can help in delivering the best healthcare for your individual needs.

1. What do you expect to learn from this exam (such as X-ray or CT)?

2. Will this exam help make decisions about my healthcare?

3. Is this exam the best way to evaluate my problem, or would another exam such as MRI, ultrasound or another test work as well?

New Developments Helping Reduce Your Risk Fortunately, new technologies are being developed that allow for a lower dose of radiation with the same imaging accuracy. Advanced diagnostic system help physicians reach confident diagnoses and provide a higher level of patient care. Forrest General’s new LightSpeed® VCT XTe from GE Healthcare allows the lowering of radiation doses during CT scans while maintaining high quality images of the body.

Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt ­— May 2011

“CT scanning has become such an incredible part of patient triage and treatment planning, and use of it has exploded in the past 10 years,” said Neil Solomon, M.D., Radiologist with Hattiesburg Radiology Group (Comprehensive Radiology Services). “Very few people are aware of the radiation doses involved with a CT scan versus an X-ray. A chest CT has 700 to 800 times more radiation than an X-ray, so that‘s why we are pushing to get doses as low as possible and hopefully reduce it by 40 to 50 percent. By combining this new software with a renewed awareness, we have done a good job of reducing radiation doses.”

ASiR (Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction) is a new, advanced image reconstruction technique that makes it possible to dramatically reduce radiation dose to patients up to 40 percent without compromising the quality of the image. This is especially beneficial for children and young adults who are more prone to harm from excessive exposure to radiation. The LightSpeed® VCT XTe also provides new indepth brain and cardiac techniques that make these tests more reliable and enables doctors to have more confidence in their diagnosis.

Take action for your health by learning more about medical imaging safety by visiting www.ImageWisely.org. For more information on Forrest General and its radiology services, which are accredited by the American College of Radiology, visit forrestgeneral.com or call FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445. Information for this story partially obtained from RadiologyInfo.org, presented by The American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America.

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

healthy lifestyle

Why SPF Daily?

Submitted by Rita Gardner Written by Herbalife Staff Writer

O

ur skin is the largest organ of the body and often the most neglected. It is our first line of defense against pollutants, ultraviolet violet (UV) radiation and other environmental factors.

A regular skin regimen coupled with SPF sunscreen and topical antioxidants has proven effective in minimizing the damaging effects of the environment as well as helping to protect skin health.

Sunlight and Healthy Skin Short bursts of time in the sun help the body to naturally produce vitamin D. The UV rays from sunlight stimulate vitamin D synthesis, which in turn supports calcium absorption to form and maintain strong bones.

Excessive exposure to sunlight without sunscreen, however, can result in sunburn and greatly increase one’s risk of developing skin cancer. UV radiation from the sun is increasing globally due to what scientists describe as the Earth’s depleting ozone layer. It strikes Earth as either UV-A or UV-B radiation (long and short wavelengths of ultraviolet light).

In addition, recent studies have shown that non-melanoma skin cancers are on the rise among young adults, particularly women. Doctors have long encouraged sun protection to prevent skin damage.

Sunscreens of at least SPF 15 can limit exposure to UV radiation. Antioxidants have been shown to help protect the skin from the damage caused by UV radiation when applied topically. The combination activity of antioxidants and SPF sunscreens provides superior skin protection.

However, because additional factors can contribute to the formation of skin cancers, using a sunscreen alone is not a foolproof method for preventing the development of skin cancers.

Sun Protection Tips: • Use sunscreen with SPF 15 daily, even in winter.

• Remember to re-apply sunscreen after perspiring and swimming.

• Limit sun exposure and practice sun avoidance (especially midday).

• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses with UV protection and hats with wide brims.

For more information on Herbalife contact Rita Herbalife Independent Distributor, Petal, MS. at 601.297.5463.

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

cover story

Dr. Hilda McGee

A Mother’s Day Story

Dr. Hilda McGee in her Office.

S

outheast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. was formally organized in May 1979. It was the brain child of Kaye Ray who had a passion to improve the health status of the residents in a predominantly rural area of southeast Mississippi.

Kaye Ray, served as CEO of SeMRHI for 30 years, retiring in 2008, but still continues to be a consultant. In honor of her commitment and service, the Board of Directors dedicated the Kaye Ray Medical Complex to her.

The Kaye Ray Medical Complex located on Old Airport Road is comprised of three medical facilities — Hattiesburg Family Health Center, Hattiesburg Community Dental Center and the Women’s Health Center.

Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt ­— May 2011

Kaye Ray says, “I’d do it all over again — I can’t think of anything I would do differently. I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve as CEO for such a great organization. And thanks to all the wonderful people whose paths have crossed mine, including the staff and board of SeMRHI. Without them, all the SeMRHI successes would not have been realized.”

This story is about one particular woman who truly exemplifies what it means to be a mother - not only to her own daughters, but to the many daughters and sons she has helped to bring into this world. This woman is Dr. Hilda McGee and she is the full-time physician at the Women’s Health Center.

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

This summer Dr. McGee will celebrate 30 years of practicing medicine. As a young woman, Dr. McGee was inspired by the popular television show “Ben Casey.” Later when she found herself in medical school doing rotations, she was captivated by “the miracle of birth.” Dr. McGee says, “I do not understand how anybody can see two cells come together, and from that union a human being is formed, almost perfectly every time, and not believe that it is a miracle.”

In the early years of her career, Dr. McGee worked long, rewarding hours at the Women’s Clinic of Hattiesburg. She established relationships with patients that have lasted three decades. It was during this time that Dr. McGee began caring for the medical and wellness needs of many mothers and their children, like Betty Burton and her daughter Quishawnta. This was to be the beginning of many mother/child and even some grandmother/mother/child miracles. “It is not within my capacity to understand how anyone cannot believe there is a God. How could something as magnificent, pure and precious as the birth of a human being happen by chance over and over?”

Dr. Hilda McGee with mother/daughter As she had her daughters, Katie and Kristin, she felt the need to spend more time with her family. So with her pleasant memories, she departed to open Hilda McGee, M.D. in Wesley Towers. Her passion and work continued as she enjoyed both her career and the privilege of being a “band mom” and other significant events in her children’s lives.

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Front row: (L to R) Angel Lampley, Lisa Russell, Christie Mosley, Kristen Forrester, Nancy Vega, Debbie Grantham, RN. Back Row: Yadera Caballero, Sandy Sullivan, Tiffany Wright.

Later, through changes in circumstances and following her convictions, Dr. McGee closed her private practice in Wesley Towers and joined SeMRHI’s Women’s Center as the OB-GYN physician.

The Women’s Center opened in 2000 in it’s current location on Old Airport Road. Debbie Grantham RN, the clinical administrator and Angel Lampley have been at the Women’s Center from the beginning and with Dr. McGee’s arrival seven years ago, they have since formed a great team providing gynecological services and obstetric follow-ups for women throughout the Pine Belt.

The Women’s Center operates on a sliding fee scale, filling a niche for women who do not have health insurance for whatever reasons. While they are equipped for routine medical procedures, she adds that any “high-risk” cases are referred to the Jackson or Hattiesburg Clinic.

Through the years Dr. McGee Betty Burton, Quishawnta Burton. has dispensed so much more than medicine. People will come in with symptoms and often through the exam they reveal so much more of what is troubling them. In her words, “a pill cannot always fix everything. She feels debilitated when people come to her with a “hard knocks disability” and don’t really want to change it. She wonders, “How do you make people care?”

Dr. McGee often feels frustrated with the younger generation’s callus attitude toward their bodies. “Our bodies are such a precious gift from God; to be treasured.

May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

cover story continued Mothering is a very big responsibility. Every baby deserves to be planned, loved and nurtured. Contrary to pop-culture, women can’t do it all.”

In her almost thirty years of practicing medicine, one precious gift at a time, Dr. McGee has seen many changes in the roles of home, family, education and medicine. She believes mothers are the backbone of the family and the role of motherhood should be taken very seriously. It is highly esteemed responsibility, and should be treated as such, because not all women are able to have children.

She believes families and the home is where the values should be taught. Good parenting helps build positive self-esteem in children before they ever reach school age, where teachers are challenged and overburdened with more than educational instruction. She recognizes that the nuclear family is not always possible, but believes every woman has within her the natural ability to mother, and if those skills are not as they could be, there are opportunities and programs designed to teach mothers to be mothers, and fathers to be fathers.

And then there are the changes in medicine, which are not welcome changes in Dr. McGee’s opinion. “Little by little, we have been burdened with more regulations designed to focus on the business aspect of medicine, instead of focusing on the business of human care.” This of course could be a story in itself. As a way to go back to her “roots” of patient care, Dr. McGee became involved in medical missions through her church at Temple Baptist who has encouraged her and many others to be part of such a needed project. She most recently returned from Honduras as part of a global outreach; she feels humbled, and greatly privileged to provide basic services to people who have so little and are burdened with so much. Dr. McGee feels this part of her personal life has helped her to find the

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“It is imperative women take the time to care for their own medical and wellness needs.

Find ways to live healthier. Treasure your body as the gift it was intended to be.” balance between her true passion for providing quality medical care to women and the backlog of paperwork required by the “business of medicine.” She strongly encourages other doctors and people to go on a mission trip to see “how the rest of the world lives.”

It is always hard to wrap up a story like this, because there are so many things left unsaid. When I asked Dr. McGee what her last thoughts were, after some contemplation she said, “I have been truly humbled by the privilege of being a part of the beginning of so many lives. I am now seeing the children of mothers I delivered twenty plus years ago. How rewarding it has been to bring mother and child into the world, watch them grow and then to be a part of the next generation. It is remarkable.” She reminds us all of the importance for women to have regularly scheduled gynecological exams and mammograms. Early detection provides the greatest opportunity for success. “Women lead such busy lives as mothers, daughters, workers and more and often put their own needs last. It is imperative women take the time to care for their own medical and wellness needs. Find ways to live healthier. Treasure your body as the gift it was intended to be.”

New Year... New You!

Natural • Hormone • Restoration • Therapy

115 South 40th Avenue Hattiesburg, MS 39402

601-261-0503

40th Ave at O’Ferrell near Home Depot

www.vitalcarecompounder.com

Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt ­— May 2011

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

ONLY $64.95 WITH THIS AD INCLUDES 1 MONTH SUPPLY OF PHENTERMINE *NO VISIT TO PHARMACY REQUIRED WE SUPPLY PHENTERMINE ON-SITE! *Does Not Include Required Blood Work or Injections.

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May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

Honor Thy Mother...

Do you know someone who deserves to be rewarded for being a great mother?

Tell us about her in a letter.

Drop it off at our store. Or mail it to us.

Or E-mail it to: lightsjewelers@email.com.

We will select 20 Pine Belt moms to receive a beautiful strand of pearls at a party in their honor at our store on the Friday and Saturday before Mothers’ Day.

life tip

Stretching Prevents Injury!

S

tretching is an important part of your warm-up, before you run, because it increases blood flow to the muscles. But stretching after you run during your cool-down may be just more important.

Stretching helps to remove lactic acid from the muscle, which in turn reduces muscle soreness promoting better flexibility. Stretching afterwards also feels great and will help you relax.

There are countless stretching exercises available and finding the ones that work best for your lifestyle and exercise program is just a click away. Google “stretching” and find the ones for you.

Enter today! Entry deadline: May 5th

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Newpointe Shopping Center

6555 US Hwy 98 W. Suite 21•Hattiesburg 39402

601-450-GEMS (4367)

Hulett~Winstead Funeral Home, Inc.

I’ve always “wanted” to call myself a runner, but never felt like I had the discipline or the ability to run more than a mile twice a week. I joined the MM group thinking that if I could get support, I might be able to do the thing I’d always wanted to do, run a marathon. I got so much more than just a little support, I got a life change and a belief in myself that I can finish. I am a runner! And, I love it! Except for the first 2 miles of course.

205 Bay Street Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Jeanetta Bennett This month’s tip is sponsored by Forward Health Solutions.

601.582.1571

Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt ­— May 2011

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Specializing in: • Individual and Group Benefits • Health and Dental Insurance • Life, Disability and Vision Insurance • Long Term and Cancer Care • Medicare Supplements

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

Through a State Funded Program

curative powers

Massage:

According to the American Heart Association, Mississippi is #1 in the nation in deaths from heart disease and stroke.

The Power of Touch

By Nina Owens and Lacey Parker

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

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ALL FOUR SCREENS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $99 — a small price to pay for peace of mind. FOR A LIMITED TIME, MEDICAID IS ACCEPTED if you have full Medicaid benefits coverage. You need to bring your Medicaid card and a picture ID with you. Don’t pass up this opportunity!

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Call us if you need more information about screens or if you have questions about Medicaid coverage Services provided by…

Your Partner in Prevention SafeHeart Health Screens • 610 Adeline Street, Suite 1-A Hattiesburg, MS 39401 • www.SafeHeartHealthScreens.com SafeHeart is a Mississippi-based company specializing in non-invasive cardiovascular screening.

Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt ­— May 2011

W

hen you think of a massage you most often think relaxation.

While this is the main goal, massage can do more than just help you relax. For centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt, people have used massage to ease stress, tension, improve circulation, increase range of motion, increase flexibility, enhance immunity, reduce swelling and decrease anxiety. Fortunately, today, more and more people are recognizing the wide range of benefits to be had with a massage. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

The medical community is now utilizing massage for management of pain. In fact, massage has been used for years in many areas of the world. Our earliest ancestors developed a wide range of therapeutic techniques using touch. Touch is the natural human reaction to pain or stress. For example, think back to the last time you bumped your head or had a sore calf. You instinctively rubbed it, right? Usually, the instant that the spot is covered with your hand, the pain will begin to subside.

In an article titled “The Need for Touch” it states: “As a society we are touch deprived. This can lead to disease or emotional dysfunction. From the cradle to the nursing home, tactile stimulation and the emotional assurance of caring touch bring about a sense of wellbeing and security.” This stays true to the basic fundamentals of massage therapy.

Furthermore, research shows that with massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body with profound effects: • children with asthma have increased airflow and pulmonary function • burn patients have decreased pain, itching and anxiety • hypertensive patients show lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety and stress hormones • PMS sufferers have decreased bloating and cramping • preterm infants have improved weight gain Consequently the medical community is beginning to embrace massage as an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units.

Frequent visits for massage can play a huge part in maintaining your health, youth, and beauty with each passing year. Making this a part of your budget is a great investment. Just because massage feels like a pampering treat, doesn’t mean its any less therapeutic. Even though

Let’s Celebrate

!

To Good Frien d and the Futur s e

“Today, more and more people are recognizing the wide range of benefits to be had with a massage.” we often perceive massage as a luxury, when massage treatments are embraced as a regular preventative therapy, it can contribute to a healthier, happier you!

Always remember, massage is not a good idea if you have fever, infections, inflammation, osteoporosis, or any medical condition that may be communicable. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your massage therapist before making your appointment.

So, next time you feel tired, run down, or are experiencing a variety of aches and pains, consider the benefits of massage therapy. Don’t forget to share the benefits with someone you care about. Massages make great gifts for loved ones, teachers, bosses, or friends. Wondering what gift to give for a wedding? A gift certificate for a couples massage makes a great gift!

Nina Owens and Lacey Parker are licensed massage therapists at Radiant Reflections Spa and Weight Loss Clinic. You can contact them at 601-268-7777 for an appointment.

odgers­

Family Pharmacy

Providing Local Service for

One Bedroom Apartments Starting at $1425 Per Month • Independent Living Facility • Meals Provided • Convenient to Shopping and Medical Facilities

Wesley Manor Retirement Community

Serving Older Adults in the Spirit of Christian Love

601-264-8847

246 Westover Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39404

www.mss.org

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

50 Years!

• Delivery Available • Most Third Parties Accepted

RELAY FOR LIFE SUPPORTER Kim Rodgers, Rph 601.582.8351 130 E. Central Ave Petal, MS Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

audiology

Move Forward to Better Hearing Your New Life Starts Now Submitted by Dr. Michael Hunt, Ph.D., A.C.A. “I Wear Hearing Aids”

Y

our sense of hearing is a vital link to your world – a source of pleasure, information and communication. If you have a hearing loss you can take control of the situation. Hearing loss should not get in the way of enjoying your life.

HEARING INSTRUMENTS AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU ARE. The path to better hearing starts with your positive decision to take action. Whatever your age or life style, you have important personal goals. You have decided not to let your hearing loss stand in the way of what you want in life. Today’s hearing instruments are more effective than ever and can help you maintain important activities and relationships and a greater sense of “belonging.”

Hearing losses are individual and fortunately most can be helped with today’s hearing instruments. Your ideal solution will address your unique hearing needs as well as your personal preferences.

DID YOU KNOW? People who decided to move forward with amplification report overall improvement with friendships and intimate relationships.

Your hearing care professional is your most valuable resource along the way – to help you understand your hearing needs, recommend the most appropriate hearing solution, adapt your hearing instruments for your personal hearing profile and provide suggestions and support.

Here are a few key facts about hearing instruments to help you off to a successful start.

It’s a whole new world. The past few years have witnessed a transformation in the performance and appearance of hearing instruments. Stateof-the-art microchip technology and sophisticated electronic design allow hearing instruments to work better than ever before and help you DO more.

Design advancements have also changed hearing instruments in a positive way. Today they are more attractive, stylish and designed to match your needs and lifestyle. People enjoy solutions that fit and

Balanced Living Counseling Services We Provide Comprehensive Clinical Christian Counseling Solutions • Individual • Couple/Marital • Family Counseling • Daily Geriatric and Youth Groups (Lunches & Snacks Served) • Including Active & Veteran Military • Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare Accepted.

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866-970-3331

Alexander F. Smith Elizabeth C. Smith

Marketing & PR

Director & Counselor MAMFT, LPC, PhD/ABD

perform well and help them feel comfortable both physically and emotionally.

Today’s solutions are smaller and LOOK better. Overall satisfaction experienced by hearing instrument wearers has never been higher.

Thanks to these major strides in the field of hearing care, life can change for the better.

DID YOU KNOW? Modern hearing aids are rated as no. 24 on the CNN list of Top Innovations, The Internet being no. 1, the cell phone no. 2 and personal computers as no. 3.

Source: CNN.com (2005)

So if you are a new hearing instrument candidate, or if you are ready to upgrade your current ones, rest assured that there is a solution for you.

What better hearing can help you DO. • Feel more confident in social situations • Participate much more easily in conversations in noisy places • Feel less stressed, and more relaxed • Hear what people are saying in meetings or in religious gatherings • Understand television, even when others are in the room • Use your telephone more easily • Talk on your cell phone • Connect more to other people – feel included If you, a loved one or a friend suspect hearing and/or understanding problems, call HEARINGSOLUTIONS at (601) 450-0066 for your personal, confidential complimentary hearing evaluation. theclinic@ hearingsolutuionsms.com.

www.balancedlivingcounseling.com

Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt ­— May 2011

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

clean living

Does Your Home Need a Bath?

By Thad Eckhoff right back. Another issue is that using too much pressure can damage the surfaces that you are trying to clean. It is very easy to damage brick, siding, or wood decks with a high pressure tip. Chipping or peeling paint and loosening or forcing water under vinyl siding are other common occurrences when trying to clean using high pressure.

Proper cleaning is the answer to all of these problems. A high volume, low pressure SoftWash system using the correct mixture of algaecides, cleaners, and surfactants will remove all of these ugly contaminants- safely and completely. These types of systems use little more than garden hose pressure along with sufficient dwell time to kill the mold and algae. The cleaners in the mix lift the dead contaminants along with dirt and soot off of your home’s surface and the surfactants keep them suspended in the solution. A gentle but thorough rinse will completely flush all of the dirt and grime off of your home, leaving it fresh, clean, beautiful, and most of all- healthy for your family.

W

e all want to live in a clean, healthy, contaminant-free environment. It’s very important for our health, our children’s health, and to feel positive and uplifted by our surroundings. Unfortunately, because of the area that we live in sometimes this can be difficult to achieve.

Let’s face the facts — we live in the Dirty South! Our warm and humid climate is perfect for growing mold, mildew, and algae all over our property from the roof to the sidewalk.

For more information on SoftWashing your home or business call Thad Eckhoff, owner of Apex Services at 601.329.5819.

When you walk out of your door you may notice: • green algae on your brick steps.

• mildew growing on your siding • black mold on your window trim.

Those black stains on your roof and driveway are caused by a cyanobacteria called Gloeocapsa Magma. Add in the dirt, spider webs, wasp nests, and other Mother Nature goodies and our front doors become a track field bringing all that dirt and filth inside our homes and businesses every time we walk through the door.

For those of us with problems with allergies all of this mold and mildew can cause some serious problems.

• Sneezing • Chronic cough • Runny nose • Nasal congestion • Itchy, watery and red eyes • Skin rashes and hives • Sinus headaches • Reduced lung capacity and difficulty breathing Many homeowners own a small pressure washer and clean their homes themselves. This definitely helps keep the problem at bay, but this doesn’t last for long because typically only the surface of the growing contaminant is removed and the roots stay behind only to spring www.healthycellspinebelt.com

May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

balanced care

Respite Care Basics Submitted by Provision Living At Hattiesburg, Information from www.helpguide.org

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or many, the challenges of caring for a loved one are part of daily life. Care giving is a demanding, difficult job and no one is equipped to do it alone. Getting help is essential for your health, and your resilience is critical for your loved one.

Respite care provides short-term breaks that relieve stress, restore energy, and promote balance in your life. Working with family members or friends may be difficult, but there are many respite care options and strategies that you may not be aware of.

Seeking support and maintaining one’s own health are key to managing the care giving years. Using respite care before you become exhausted, isolated, or overwhelmed is ideal, but just anticipating regular relief can become a lifesaver.

Respite can take many forms, but boils down to two basic ideas: sharing the responsibility for care giving and getting support for yourself.

Finding the right balance requires persistence, patience, and preparation.

Glenn Nobles, Activity Director

• Recognizing your own feelings and discussing disproportionate tasks. Harboring resentment when you need more help can lead to your burnout and impaired health. Ask directly for concrete support and specific time commitments. Consider establishing an online calendar to organize relief and reconfirm schedules.

• Using technology to bridge distances. Try free video conferencing services to hold family meetings at times that work for everyone. Create a web-based community to share updates and explore options. Sites like carepages.com keep family and friends online and in touch.

• Exploring a family respite cooperative. Consider trading respite services with other caregivers and their families. Pooling resources can encourage involvement, reduce costs, and increase flexibility.

• Participating in support groups. Learning how other families cope can suggest new options and provide reassurance. When siblings are unable or unwilling to share the load, peer support can be invaluable.

Planning your relief Planning starts with analyzing needs…both yours and your loved one’s. As a caregiver, is support what you need most? Some free time? Help with transportation? Keep track of your daily activities then make a list of the areas and times when you most need help. Identifying your loved one’s requirements, abilities, and preferences will also help you find the right match. Are social activities primary? Assistance with walking, eating or medications? Mental stimulation? Exercise? Answering these questions will help you determine which respite options to pursue.

Respite/short-term care at an Assisted Living facility Many people are unaware that Assisted Living facilities can often provided the much-needed care that a loved one needs on a shortterm basis. Whether it’s a scheduled vacation for the care-giver that creates a need for a short-term stay, or a time of recuperation following an illness or injury, Assisted Living facilities are often a perfect solution for both the family and the loved one. Stimulation, recreation, and companionship can be provided by staff and residents of the facility while you take a break. Some of the benefits of choosing Assisted Living as a respite option are:

Engaging family members in respite care Family members and friends may be able to help out while you run an errand, take a break or even go on vacation. However, just as the burden of care giving is often more than one person can handle – it can also be a tough process for families to share.

Even the healthiest families can be severely stressed by ongoing care, and the division of labor is frequently lopsided. You can encourage support and participation by: • Talking openly and regularly. Keep everyone up to date on your loved one’s needs and condition. Family members who don’t share the day-to-day caretaking experience may not fully appreciate the situation.

• Encouraging family members to evaluate what they can reasonably and honestly do. Changing roles and varying resource levels can impact family involvement. Welcome different viewpoints, accept limitations, and be willing to try alternate strategies. Share your list of needs and take advantage of all offers to help.

• Personal care providers assist with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, or toileting. · Nutritious meals are prepared and served daily. ·H ousekeeping and laundry services are available, as well as transportation to doctors’ appointments. ·N ursing services are available as needed, and 24-hour emergency response from on-site staff can provide peace of mind to family members.

Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt ­— May 2011

The key to successful respite is matching needs to services, selecting qualified providers, providing meaningful information, and evaluating results.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Provision Living at Hattiesburg: (601) 329-2030 or visit our website at www.provisionliving.com.

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

heart health

MRI Safe Pacemaker Submitted by Wesley Medical Center

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illy Ray Allen, 61, of Runnelstown, became the first patient in Mississippi to receive an MRI-safe pacemaker in a procedure performed by Dr. Alan Covin at Wesley Medical Center.

“I wasn’t feeling right and was out of breath almost every day,” said Allen. “I couldn’t play with my grandchildren without needing to sit down.”

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

These symptoms, along with stomach pain and a black out period, led Allen’s family physician to recommend he visit Covin. Testing revealed an irregular heart rhythm, 6-second pause in the communication between Allen’s heart and his brain.

The next day, Dr. Covin implanted the Revo MRI SureScan pacemaker, a new device by Medtronic.

Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most accurate and least invasive ways for doctors to obtain images of the body’s soft tissue, such as organs and muscles. In the past, patients with pacemakers were recommended not to get MRIs because it can interrupt the pacemaker function. The Revo MRI pacing system can be programmed via remote prior to and after the test, making it relatively safe for use during an MRI, however, Dr. Covin cautions that this pacemaker isn’t for everyone.

But, for Billy Ray Allen, having the pacemaker has restored his ability to do just about anything.

“I’ve been feeling better ever since,” he said. “The doctor told me I could go back to doing what I was doing, and I’ve been doing it.”

For more information about the services at Wesley Medical Center, visit Wesley.com.

May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

senior living

“How Can I Talk to Them”

By Pam Wilkerson

T

ime goes so fast!!! It doesn’t seem like it’s been over 40+ years since I was a teenager asking my Mom about “boys”, getting money from my Dad and fighting with my sister and brother. It’s amazing how fresh those memories are and how I either listened to my parents or did exactly the opposite of what they suggested. (sound familiar?) Now suddenly the tables are turned, I find myself scolding my Mom for leaving the door unlocked and making sure my Dad can find the keys to his car. What am I doing? I’m the daughter, not the “parent” or am I becoming that?

Communicating with your parents about these issues and more are only part of the “caregiving” process. We are not “children” anymore; roles are reversed and it’s our turn to care for our parents. To look out for their welfare and health just as they did when we were children. We have to overcome the reluctance of discussing the issues and find a way to tell them how much we love them and are concerned about their future, without making them feel like it’s a burden or worse it’s a “bother”.

Be honest with them and look at the situation they are in now. How’s their health? What monetary support do they have now? What medical problems are they facing? Do they live close to any of their children or family? Sometimes it’s a relief for them to talk about these issues, or they might get upset and deny that they are not able to care for themselves. Tempers can “flare” and feelings can get hurt, however, you have to put your feelings aside and do what is best for them.

When you do talk to them, choose a time when you won’t be interrupted. Acknowledge your parents concerns. Really listen to them. Be honest with your concerns and avoid pushing them to tackle too many issues at once. Such discussions take time. Also remember sometimes siblings may resent it if one of you is taking control. Try and get their input to what is needed. This often will make it easier not to be misunderstood about what is going on and save many arguments. Include everyone in family discussions but make it clear to all the final decision is up to your parents. It is, after all, their life. They need to feel in control and to feel that they are helping all of you and are making these decisions to make your lives easier.

This is very important!

There are many concerns the elderly have to think about and many changes taking place. Many who were hoping to sell their homes in order to pay for retirement living or other medical needs are finding themselves without access to funds because of the decline of the economy. Their “main question “is will I have enough money to last? Concerns over the relationships with spouses and children are foremost in their minds and the thought of leaving their “home” is overwhelming. Finally apprehension that their time in this world is drawing to a close is even more emotional and even though we know our heavenly Father has provided a wonderful place with Him it’s so hard to “let go” of all we love. So…

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt ­— May 2011

BE PATIENT! BE UNDERSTANDING! PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR PLACE! LOVE THEM! Pam Wilkerson, Marketing Director, Wesley Manor Retirement Community, 246 Westover Dr., Hattiesburg, Call Pam or Kim at 601-264-8847 or 601-467-8004 or visit www.mss.org

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

eye of the camera

What Makes a Great Photograph?

By Jayne Richards

W

hen I was younger, I can remember my mom looking at beautiful photographs of landscapes and saying, “Well, that’s pretty, but there aren’t any people in it.” She liked it, but she wanted to see the faces of the people that she loved with big, cheesy grins.

So, what does make a great photograph? Some of the answer to that question is subjective. Knowing the rules of composition will greatly enhance the quality of your photography; however, a technically perfect image might not make it to that “great” category that we strive for. What makes the difference?

Mom wasn’t far off the mark. She thought she wanted to see our faces, but what she really sought was an emotional connection to the image. That connection is what makes a good photograph great. What does that mean to the photographer? All our images should tell a story.

They need to capture in a moment the story of that moment. That doesn’t mean that all our images should be of widely grinning people posed and focused on the camera. An image without people can still make an emotional connection. Think Ansel Adams and Christopher Burkett. Their images certainly tell stories that resonate clearly in our emotional centers. They don’t leave us guessing as to the subject of their photographic essays. Their subject matter is defined and portrayed in such a way that we almost feel we are part of the story.

Decide what story you are trying to convey and how to clearly portray it. Is this a portrait? Try to take the photograph in an environment that helps tell the story of that individual. With my high school seniors, I talk at length to my clients in order to determine what their interests are, and how we can capture those interests in beautiful artwork that will remind them in years to come of who they were at this point in time. When photographing professionals, I like to portray them in their everyday work environment. Is this a landscape? Decide what is compelling in that vista that makes you want to record it for all time. Make sure your viewer will find it just as compelling by keeping your story line simple.

For portrait and landscape photography, it is important to consider your backgrounds. Keep things simple and uncluttered. Eliminate those things that will detract from your story. In a portrait session, this might be anything from clothing that is too busy to hair that is out of place.

Visualize the image you are trying to portray in your mind’s eye, then carefully look at your composition to make sure they align.

Think of your favorite family portraits. Why are they your favorites?

My favorites are the ones in which our relationships are defined. We are interacting with each other in small ways, looking at each other, touching each other. Have your subjects interact in meaningful ways and watch your portraiture come to life.

Jayne Richards is the owner and primary photographer of JRichards Originals. Her studio is located in the Hattiesburg/Petal area, and she shoots on location as well. She is a Certified Professional Photographer and an active member of PPA. Visit her website at JRichardsPhotography.com. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Sertoma Club Draw Down Friday May 13 7-10 pm

$10,000 Giveaway

one tick et admits t w o food & b everage s provided

Donation $100

Benefitting Children with Communication Disorders

across from the Train Depot in Downtown Hattiesburg

For more information call: 601.606.2287 Do not have to be present to win

The Best Selling Author of

Suck Your Stomach In & Put Some Color On! Shellie Tomlinson

presents

Lunch & Laughs Thursday, May 5 11:30am-1:30pm with

Shellie Tomlinson signing

Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weight Heavy Lunch & Laughs Costs $25.00 Per Person and Includes: A Book, and Lunch Tax Included

210 Main Street•

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visitmainstreetbooks.com

May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

health screens

What is a Stroke and How Can I Prevent One?

By Karen Wilkens

A

STROKE occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked either by blood clots or narrowed blood vessels (ischemic STROKE), or when there is bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic STROKE). Ischemic STROKES account for about 80% of all STROKES. As people age, arteries become narrowed with plaque, otherwise referred to as ‘hardening of the arteries’ or atherosclerosis). These diseased arteries can clog up completely as the plaque builds up, and the oxygenated blood is no longer able to reach the brain, causing a STROKE. Once deprived of nutrients, the nerve cells in the brain can start to die within just a few minutes. This is why a STROKE can cause sensory and vision loss, difficulty talking and walking, or difficulty thinking clearly. Often times, the effects are irreversible. This is why STROKE is the #1 cause of nursing home admissions.

Other STROKE facts include: • STROKE is often called a ‘brain attack’ and is the 3rd leading cause of death in MS and in the US (preceded by cardiovascular disease and cancer).

• 75-80% of all STROKES are associated with blockages in the carotid arteries in the neck.

• 80% of the people who are going to have a STROKE have NO symptoms prior to the STROKE itself.

• Up to 43% of the Medicare budget is spent yearly for the medical care of STROKE patients.

• STROKE is no longer our Grandmother’s disease - 1/3 of all STROKES occur in women under the age if 65!

• STROKE risk doubles every decade after the age of 55!!

• Up to 80% of STROKES are PREVENTABLE! • There are nearly 6 million STROKE survivors living today in our country and 2/3 of them are disabled.

• While there are an estimated 780,000 STROKES in our country each year, 1 in 4 Americans cannot name a single STROKE risk factor.

Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt ­— May 2011

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

water cure

Aquatic Exercise Therapy

“STROKE can cause sensory and vision loss, difficulty talking and walking, or difficulty thinking clearly. Often times, the effects are irreversible.”

Can you name the stroke risk factors?

Risk factors outside one’s control include: • Age (Among men, the risk for heart attack increases steadily after 45 years of age, and among women, after 50 years of age. The chances for STROKE double by age 50); • Sex (Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women, and they have them earlier in life, but more women than men die of STROKE) • Family history of CVD (Your risk of heart disease or STROKE is greater if members of your immediate family have had either); • Race (African Americans have a greater risk of heart disease and STROKE than Caucasians, possibly due to higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity) Risk factors within one’s control include: • Smoking; • Cholesterol levels; • Blood pressure; • Physical activity level; • Obesity (body mass index of 30 or greater or 30+ pounds overweight); • Diabetes (fasting blood glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher); and • To a more limited extent, stress and alcohol abuse.

ARE YOU AT RISK? Use the National Stroke Association’s Stroke Risk Scorecard below and see for yourself…

Anyone with questions can contact SafeHeart directly at 601-4505483, or toll-free at 866-548-3006.

Another way to determine if you are at risk is to be screened. For information about cost-effective, quick and painless screening programs in Mississippi interpreted by board-certified Mississippi cardiovascular and vascular physicians, contact SafeHeart Health Screens toll-free at 866-548-3006. And by all means, discuss the benefits of screening with your doctor. STROKE risk is too serious to ignore – so don’t! Be proactive. Protect yourself and your family today! www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Submitted by Billy Cochran, PT, CSCS

A

quatic therapy or pool therapy consists of an exercise program that is performed in the water. It is a beneficial form of therapy that is useful for a variety of medical conditions including arthritis and pain relief. Aquatic therapy uses the physical properties of water to assist in patient healing and exercise performance.

One benefit of aquatic therapy is the buoyancy provided by the water. While submerged in water, buoyancy assists in supporting the weight of the patient. This decreases the amount of weight bearing which reduces the force of stress placed on the joints.

This aspect of aquatic therapy is especially useful for patients with arthritis, healing fractured bones, or who are overweight. By decreasing the amount of joint stress it is easier and less painful to perform exercises.

The viscosity of water provides an excellent source of resistance that can be easily incorporated into an aquatic therapy exercise program. This resistance allows for muscle strengthening without the need of weights. Using resistance coupled with the water’s buoyancy allows a person to strengthen muscle groups with decreased joint stress that can not be experienced on land.

Aquatic therapy also utilizes hydrostatic pressure to decrease swelling and improve joint position awareness. The hydrostatic pressure produces forces perpendicular to the body’s surface.

This pressure provides joint positional awareness to the patient.

As a result, patient proprioception is improved. This is important for patients who have experienced joint sprains, as when ligaments are torn, our proprioception becomes decreased. The hydrostatic pressure also assists in decreasing joint and soft tissue swelling that results after injury or with arthritic disorders.

Lastly, the warmth of the water experience during aquatic therapy assists in relaxing muscles and vasodilates vessels, increasing blood flow to injured areas. Patients with muscle spasms, back pain, and fibromyalgia find this aspect of aquatic therapy especially therapeutic.

It is important to know however, that aquatic therapy is not for everyone. People with cardiac disease should not participate in aquatic therapy. Those who have fevers, infections, or bowel/ bladder incontinence are also not candidates for aquatic therapy. Always discuss this with your physician before beginning an aquatic therapy program.

Billy Cochran, is the owner of Care Physical Therapy located at 52 98 Place Blvd, Hattiesburg, MS 39402. He can be reached at Ph 601-296-0199.

May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 27

the right dose

Role of Sex Hormones on The Pain of Fibromyalgia

By Robert Donnell, RPh

F

ibromyalgia affects over 5 million adults and its incidence is much higher in women than in men. The incidence of fibromyalgia increases around menopause in women and Andropause in men.

Also, the symptoms overlap with hormone imbalances and deficiencies. This may be the reason women report an increase in symptoms during their periods, and during times of physical trauma.

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal pain disorder of unknown cause.

The syndrome results in chronic widespread soft tissue pain in the muscles. This often leads to heightened response to painful stimuli and stressful happenings in life. We also see patients complaining of sleep disturbances and profound fatigue.

Patients with fibromyalgia seem to have a lower pain threshold than patients not reporting this problem. The neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate and substance P may also play a part in this disease state. Varying or altered release of these substances can cause a heightened response to stimuli that may be perceived as pain by these patients.

In asymptomatic patients these items regulate sleep, mood and cognitive function causing such a wide array of symptoms seen in these patients. Besides the muscle pain, symptoms of morning stiffness, tingling in the hands and feet, IBS and dysmenorrhea are also reported. After reporting symptoms for years with little success in the treatment, patients often report depression and moodiness.

Often physicians try a wide array of mainstream medications for this disorder with great success for some. However, there are others that these medications do not seem to work for or they cause side effects that can’t be tolerated. When a student must have a clear mind to study; a mom needs alertness to care for children; or the elderly fear a fall when taking powerful prescription medications; alternatives may be beneficial.

Both high and low levels of Estradiol can cause an increase in pain perception, which emphasizes the need for correct estrogen replacement therapy. This condition may be the result of replacing the wrong

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“Ratios of hormones are very important and a compounding pharmacist can and will take the time to visit with you and determine if you might be a candidate for natural therapy.” estrogen. Compounding pharmacists can supplement not only natural Estradiol but also plant based Estrone and Estriol. The ratio of each component of estrogen replacement therapy is especially important to this set of patients.

Progesterone may be the deciding factor in many of these patients because declining levels seem to correlate with these symptoms.

When estrogen and progesterone are not in the correct ratio, estrogen dominance may occur causing many of these same symptoms.

Progesterone seems to inhibit the painful nerve transmission and also seems to have a calming effect on these patients. We only use progesterone derived from plant sources which has been micronized into such small particles that the body can and will absorb the particles, vastly improving patient responses.

Natural testosterone and thyroid also seem to play a very important part in this syndrome. A good way to summarize is to say that the ratios of hormones are very important and a compounding pharmacist can and will take the time to visit with you and determine if you might be a candidate for natural therapy. Any combination of hormones, dosage form and ratio is possible.

We have also seen a dramatic response in some patients with the addition of combinations of the above prescription only products. Items available without a prescription that may be helpful are magnesium glycinate 400mg given 3 times daily. This seems to work with the natural progesterone to slow or lessen some of the painful nerve transmissions. Also, DHEA in the oral form has been used with great success as a precursor to some of the sex hormones mentioned above. Your compounding pharmacy may also make a product called Zin-Man that really works for some people. Zin-Man is a combination of zinc and manganese in an oral drop form. The suggested dose is 10 drops into orange juice every morning.

We encourage you to read all that you can about your condition and speak with your physician about options. An educated patient has a much better chance of success than those who are not informed.

Should you have questions or comments about the information in this article, please contact your compounding pharmacy.

For more information please contact Robert Donnell, RPh, Jimmy Rodgers, RPh, Ron Edwards, PharmD or Missy Collum James at Vital Care Compounder-A Specilty Pharmacy located at 115 South 40th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS Ph. 601-261-0503. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

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May 2011 — Pine Belt — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 29

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Page 30 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt ­— May 2011

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