May Springfield Healthy Cells 2012

SPRINGFIELD/DECATUR

area

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

May 2012

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M A G A Z I N E

May 13-19, 2012 page 14

Toenail Fungus

Breakthrough page 5 Weighing in on the

HCG Diet page 18 Disability Income Insurance Provides Money When You Can't page 22

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

MAY

2012 Volume 3, Issue 5

5

Laser Technology: Toenail Fungus Breakthrough

6

Emotional: Is It Ever Too Soon to Recover?

8

Nutritional: Energy Fixes

10

Physical: Move Over Apples

12

Healthy Habits: The Insomnia Wakeup Call

17

May is Lupus Awareness Month: An Attack from Within

18

Weight Loss: Weighing in on the HCG Diet

This Month’s Cover Story:

National Women’s Health Week May 13-19, 2012 page 14

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

20

Women’s Health: Pregnancy

22

Financial Health: Disability Income Insurance Provides Money When You Can’t

23

Healthy Homes: A Beauty Routine for Your Furniture

24

Healthy Skin: Red, Itchy Rash? Get the Skinny on Dermatitis

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.

25

Proper Dosing: Use Medicines Safely

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.

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.

laser technology

Toenail Fungus Breakthrough C

lear, healthy toenails attract positive attention poolside, in the yoga studio, or other outdoor activities. Summertime for most Americans means kicking off their shoes and slipping into a pair of sandals or flip flops. Unfortunately, nearly thirty million Americans will not be able to do this because they are infected with a toenail fungus, medically known as Onychomycosis.

Fungal infections can be caught in common places like gym locker rooms, swimming pools, and nail salons. This condition poses both physical and cosmetic problems for those affected and it may cause nail discoloration and deformity. In some cases, it may also cause pain and discomfort while walking. Often, this condition is perceived as a social stigma, deterring those affected from enjoying routine activities, such as wearing open toe shoes or taking off their shoes in the company of others.

Before

3 Months Post Treatment

By John Sigle, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.

While much progress has been made to identify the causes of this condition, treatment options have been largely limited to prescription topicals and oral drugs. The effectiveness of prescription topicals is highly variable because the drug does not sufficiently penetrate the nail plate to reach the underlying infection. Prescription topicals must be frequently applied to the nails, often daily, over a long period of time and are about 8% effective. Oral medications must be taken over a 6-8 week period and are around 50% effective. Unfortunately, oral medications are associated with a number of adverse side effects such as gastrointestinal disorders, skin disorders, headaches, or abnormal liver function; and may need to be monitored with blood tests. They are not recommended for patients who have poor health or diabetes.

Now, toenail fungus can be effectively treated with the GenesisPlus laser system available at the Foot & Ankle Center Of Illinois. This laser is FDA cleared, and is designed to penetrate the nail and kill the fungus without any damage to the skin or toes. Treatments do not require pain injections or drugs and usually take 15 minutes per foot. After a treatment, the patient is able to leave the clinic and resume normal activity. Mild-to-moderate cases generally clear up after one session, but patients with more severe nail damage may require more treatments.

New nails usually grow in clear and fungus-free within 4-6 months for 70– 80% of the patients.

Here are several before and after photographs to illustrate the results of the GenesisPlus treatment.

The Foot & Ankle Center Of Illinois is the only medical clinic in central Illinois that has the GenesisPlus laser technology. If you want additional information, visit myfootandanklecenter.com, or call 217-787-2700.

Photos Courtesy of David Weiss, DPM Before

9 Months Post Treatment May 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

emotional

“Is It Ever Too Soon to Recover?”

Healthy Cells magazine is pleased to present the eleventh 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 - and 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.

T

he question of when to begin a process of completing relationships that have ended or changed, due to death or divorce, is confused by conflicting opinions from a wide variety of sources. Medical, psychological, societal and family experts all approach the issue from differing perspectives.

It is not at all uncommon for us to hear of people being told, by a professional, “It’s TOO SOON to begin your grief work, you’re not ready yet.”

We grit our teeth every time we hear that comment.

Imagine that you have fallen down and gashed your leg. Imagine that blood is gushing from the wound. Imagine someone walking by and saying: “It’s TOO SOON, you are not ready for medical attention yet.”

Now, imagine that circumstances and events have broken your heart. Imagine that you are experiencing the massive and conflicting feelings caused by significant emotional loss. Imagine a friend, or worse, a professional, saying to you: “It’s TOO SOON, you are not ready for emotional attention yet.”

This is an area that is so filled with mis-information that it is often difficult to fight through to the truth. We have been falsely educated to believe that grievers want and need to be alone. We have been incorrectly socialized to avoid the topic of the loss, in an attempt to protect the griever.

Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ May 2012

Here is the simple truth: most grievers want and need to talk about what happened and their relationship with that person or event. They want and need to talk about it almost immediately following the loss.

It preoccupies them, just as the person with the gashed leg is preoccupied with their accident and their treatment and their recovery.

Those who do not want to talk about it will let you know.

When a person learns of the death of a loved one, an almost automatic review process begins. This process may be conscious or unconscious usually both. In reviewing the relationship, the griever remembers many events that occurred over the length of the relationship. Some of the events are happy and produce fond memories, some are unhappy and produce sad memories. During this automatic review the griever will usually discover some things that they wish they’d had an opportunity to say, things they wish had ended “different, better, or more.” It is those unsaid things which need to be discovered and completed.

The review is most intense and most accurate in the time immediately following the death. It is the time when we are most focused on the person who died and our relationship with them. We will rarely have another opportunity to remember with such detail and intensity.

This is the circumstance where “time” not only doesn’t heal, but also diminishes our memory as we move further away from the death itself.

“Most grievers want and need to talk about what happened and their relationship with that person or event.”

We will refrain from offering any concrete definition as to the time involved. Every griever is unique. Every griever responds at their own pace. It is essential never to compare one griever to another. Each and every griever has their own individual beliefs about dealing with their feelings of loss. Each griever is remembering their own individual relationship with the person who died.

We have been talking about the review that follows the death of a loved one. Everything above also applies to the death of a “less than loved one.” Everything above also applies to divorce and to any and all significant emotional losses.

As soon as a griever becomes aware of the review process going on inside their head and their heart, it is time to begin the process of Grief Recovery®. The Grief Recovery Handbook is an excellent guide and addition to the natural process that the griever is already doing.

The Handbook will keep you on track and help you to complete the pain caused by the loss.

If your loss occurred some time ago, even many years ago, do not despair. The process in the handbook can help you recapture the review that took place and may have been repeating over and over.

Next Month: “Heart VS. Smart!”

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.

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

nutritional

Energy Fixes

By Karen Geninatti-Ace, Certified Personal Trainer, National Level Competitive Bodybuilder, Geninatti Gym

Water: Although we do not get energy in the form of protein, carbs or fat from water, it is a proven fact that if you are dehydrated you will feel lethargic. Many times when we think we are hungry, we are dehydrated. I have felt the energy boost from water many times during extended workouts. Cold water does wonders to “wake you up.”

Move: This is a great way to give you an energy boost! Afternoon slump? Go out for a brisk walk, drop down and do some push-ups, do an ab workout – anything to get the blood flowing will make you feel more energetic. Not only does it wake up the body, it wakes up the mind. Even if you only do this for 10 minutes, you will feel better!

The Company You Keep: There are certain people who drain the energy out of you, just by being around them. Reduce the time spent with these people, or eliminate the time all together.

Sunshine Baby: Many of us who spend the majority of the day inside are suffering from “sunshine deficiency.” There is so much to be said for the benefits from getting out in the sun. It makes you feel more alert, refreshed and have a better disposition.

Check Your Diet: Consuming too much sugar is a sure fire way to hit the wall. It causes a sharp rise and fall in insulin levels, making you tired, and wanting more sugar. Make sure you have a serving of lean protein with each meal. Also, make sure you are not consuming a larger portion size meal than what you need. Consuming more food than your body can process at one time not only promotes fat storage, it makes you lethargic.

Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ May 2012

Positive Talk: Don’t tell yourself how tired you are. Repeat to yourself – “I am full of energy.” What you think about, you bring about.

Your B’s: Although taking a B vitamin is not going to give you instant energy, if you are low on the B vitamins, you could suffer a slower metabolism and energy slumps. You could take a B-complex supplement, (with your doctor’s directions) but also make sure you are including the following things in your diet: dark leafy greens, oatmeal, low fat dairy, chicken, beef, tuna, salmon, wheat germ.

Iron: You not only need to “Pump Iron”, you need to make sure you are getting enough of it! Include lean red meat, turkey, and chicken in your diet Sleep: This should be a no-brainer, but many of us who think we are getting enough sleep, in actuality, we are not…we have just trained our bodies to function on a smaller amount of sleep than we need.

Although the amount of sleep needed differs from person to person, most of us would do well to get seven hours at night. If you do feel a need to take an afternoon nap (and are one of the few who would have this luxury) do not nap more than 45 minutes. Anything longer than that could make you groggy, and interfere with your nighttime sleep. For some, a five-minute power nap, followed by some very deep breathing exercises cold be a great energizer! Also, sleeping too much can make you lethargic.

Boredom: Do you do the same thing day after day? Variety is the spice of life! Change your routine. Make a list of new things you want to try. Just the fact of looking forward to this will excite you and give you an energy boost! This might possibly even mean a change in your job! Do what you love; love what you do!

Karen’s Power Cookies Ingredients: 2 cups Old Fashioned Oats 2 small boxes Raisins 6 scoops Whey Protein, low carb. Flavor of your choice 1/8 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp baking soda 1 tsp each of cinnamon, apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice 1/2 Splenda, if desired, or Stevia 1 cup Egg Whites 1 can (15 oz.) Pure Pumpkin 1/4 cup (approx.) water Mix all dry ingredients. Add in all wet ingredients, adding water last to make it the right consistency. I make mine a little on the runny side, to make more cookies.

Use a spoon to put cookies on a baking sheet greased with Pam. Bake approx 10 min at 350.

Makes 20 good sized cookies (Great for Breakfast)

I like to store them in the freezer, putting 2 cookies in each baggie. Makes for good small meal. Easy to take with you!

Fit Tip: Take this with you the next time you go to the movies and forget the popcorn and candy! Get a bottle of water and relax!

If you do not freeze them, store in fridge, as there are no preservatives in them (and that is a good thing)!

Serving Size One Cookie: Calories 80 Protein 9 grams Carbs 10 grams Fat 1 gram

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11:00 AM - Jacksonville 5:00 PM - Springfield May 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

physical

Move Over Apples

For some patients, an aspirin-a-day may keep the doctor away.

T

he statistics are staggering: As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular (or heart) disease accounts for more than 2,200 deaths per day, or one every 39 seconds. Furthermore, the American Heart Association (AHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently estimate that every year about 785,000 Americans will have their first heart attack, and another 470,000 will have a recurrent attack.

For a number of patients, talking to their doctors about lowdose daily aspirin therapy may be the “heart-smart” thing to do.

For more than 100 years, aspirin has been used as a pain reliever. Since the 1970s, however, studies showed aspirin could also be used to prevent and manage heart disease. There are a variety of patients who may benefit from aspirin therapy, including people who have had a heart attack, stroke or those with any risk factor for Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ May 2012

heart disease or stroke, as well as men over age 50 and women over age 60 who have diabetes along with any other risk factor.

According to the AHA, aspirin can help prevent heart attack.

More specifically, the AHA recommends that people at high risk of heart attack take a daily low-dose aspirin (if recommended by their health care provider), and that heart attack survivors regularly take low-dose aspirin.

“You should never start aspirin therapy on your own,” says cardiologist Prerana Manohar, MD. “If you feel that a daily low-dose aspirin regimen may make sense for you, be sure to talk with your doctor about its benefits and risks.”

Aspirin benefits the heart in several ways. It decreases pain, inhibits blood clots and most significantly, it reduces the risk of death, particularly among people with heart disease. Additionally,

aspirin can significantly reduce heart damage during a heart attack, and can prevent the occurrence of future heart problems.

“For individuals at high risk of suffering a cardiac event, aspirin really can make a difference,” Manohar says. “For my patients who are prescribed a daily low-dose regimen, I encourage them to purchase store-brand aspirin sold at leading retailers and pharmacies. These products are regulated by the FDA and use the same active ingredients, but cost significantly less than the brand names.”

Perrigo, based in Allegan, Michigan, is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures and distributes most of the over-thecounter medications found under store-brand labels at leading retailers, grocers and pharmacies. Perrigo offers consumers a variety of affordable store-brand aspirin choices that compare with a variety of brand names, including Bayer, Ecotrin and St. Joseph.

Another important line of defense in protecting against heart disease is to know and maintain your numbers. This means weight/body mass index, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels, as all have an impact on heart health. Additionally, exercising 30 minutes a day most days of the week and eating a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol and salt are some of the very best strategies for preventing heart disease.

Avoiding the use of tobacco products, which according to Mayo Clinic is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease, is also critical. Finally, seeing the doctor for regular screenings is vital for managing and preventing heart disease.

“Remember to be good to your heart by eating right, moving more and working in partnership with your doctor to monitor and

manage your health,” says Manohar. “Together you can work to control any risk factors and determine if daily low-dose aspirin therapy is a heart-smart decision for you.”

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

healthy habits

The Insomnia Wakeup Call Sleep Deprivation is a Serious Health Risk

I

t’s 3:30 a.m. and you’ve just rolled over in bed for what seems like the 500th time. As you watch the minutes on the clock tick by, all you can think about is how tired you are going to be tomorrow. While the cause of your insomnia may vary night to night, the outcome is still the same; you’re not asleep. You’re also not alone.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that somewhere between 50 and 70 million adults in the United States have chronic sleep and wakefulness disorders.

According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep disorders account for approximately $16 billion in annual health care costs, and Cornell University psychologist and sleep expert, James Maas, estimates that sleep deprivation and sleep disorders cost the American economy at least $150 billion a year.

Sleep deprivation is not only costly, but dangerous too. After a review of national behavioral health data, the CDC found that one in Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ May 2012

20 adults reported nodding off or falling asleep while driving at least once in 30 days.

Short-term sleep loss can lead to slower reaction times, headaches, aches and pains, irritability, shorter attention span and hindered decision making.

The health effects of chronic insomnia are more difficult to study, largely because individuals with insomnia are oftentimes simultaneously suffering from other health ailments, and it becomes difficult to determine the difference between a direct correlation and a mere statistical association. However, there is documented association between sleep deprivation and diabetes, weight gain, hypertension, and lower immunity. All of these maladies can lead to even greater health problems, including heart failure, stroke, kidney disease and death.

Considering the risks of not sleeping, it is not surprising that so many people turn to pharmaceuticals for help. According to

IMS Health, Americans spent about $2 billion on prescription sleep drugs in 2010. In 2010 alone, 60 million prescriptions for sleep aids were written.

Unfortunately, sleep aids carry their own medical risks. As is the case with many prescription drugs, there is a chance of increased tolerance and physical and psychological dependency. Many sleep aids on the market come with side effects that range from bizarre to dangerous. Sleep aids have been connected with various incidents of sleepwalking; everything from night eating to actually getting into vehicles and driving, while still asleep.

Most recently, a study by researchers at Scripps Clinic Viterbi Family Sleep Centre in San Diego has linked hypnotic sleeping pills to a 4.6 percent greater risk of death and a 35 percent increased risk of cancer among regular pill users.

So is there another answer to alleviating insomnia? Maurice Bard, founder and CEO of Mediflow Inc., a company that makes waterbase cervical pillows, is hopeful. “Before turning to prescriptions or other more drastic measures, you should examine some nonpharmaceutical remedies that could help your sleep problems. The answer to your insomnia may be simpler than you think.”

Expose yourself to bright lights when you wake up Exposure to bright light early in the morning, typically for 30 to 40 minutes, has been shown to promote healthy habits and a good night’s sleep.

Consider the following sleep tips:

“There is no single answer to insomnia,” Bard says. “But at Mediflow, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep. We firmly believe that combining the right products with a healthy lifestyle can help individuals create an overall sleep strategy that should help lessen sleep woes.”

Change your pillow The ideal pillow is one that helps you maintain natural alignment between your neck, head and spine as you shift positions during the night. Because people tend to change sleeping positions at multiple times during the night, finding the right pillow is not always easy. A waterbase pillow is a good solution, because the water gently disperses and fills the region between your shoulder and jaw, to maintain proper cervical support - no matter what position you sleep in.

Establish a routine By keeping a regular bedtime, your body becomes trained to ritually wind down and speed up, thus bringing on sleep more consistently. Consider avoiding daytime naps, as they may alter your body’s natural sleep cycle. Abstaining from naps helps to keep the body on schedule.

Think of a relaxing place Go on a virtual trip in your mind by picturing a place from childhood. Trace the roads and paths of this region until you arrive at a certain place. Usually, you’ll be sleeping before you arrive at your destination.

For more information, please visit www.aracontent.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.

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Decatur 217.877.733

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May 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

feature story

May 13-19, 2012

J

oin the movement and celebrate women’s health. National Women’s Health Week begins on Mother’s Day each year.

It’s a reminder to women to take care of themselves, and to make health a priority. Improving women’s health is not limited to the doctor’s office or hospital. Improving women’s health starts at home with individuals and families taking steps to live safer, healthier lives.

We all have a role to play in women’s health. Women often serve as caregivers for their families, putting the needs of their spouses, partners, children, and parents before their own. As a result, women’s health and well-being becomes secondary. As a community, we have a responsibility to support the important women we know and do everything we can to help them take steps for longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Women can easily take charge of their health, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, a landmark health care reform law enacted in 2010. This law gives Americans greater choice and better control over their own health care and includes changes that are especially meaningful to women and their families. For instance, new plans cover vital preventive services, including mammograms, colon cancer screenings, and well-woman visits with no out-of-pocket costs. It also ensures women can see an OB-GYN without a referral. To learn more about the law and your health insurance options, visit www.healthcare.gov.

The theme for National Women’s Health Week is “It’s Your Time.” This year, make a pact with yourself to live a healthier life Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ May 2012

and take time for you. Visit the website www.womenhealth.gov/ whw for more information.

Indulge in healthy eating.

With the wealth of information available, you might find it difficult to sort through what’s right for you about nutrition and food choices.

Don’t make it difficult. Start with simple things like less salt, smaller portions, and adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Treat yourself to a lifestyle that includes physical activity.

Adults should get 2½ hours of moderate physical activity each week. Seems too overwhelming? Try breaking it up into smaller chunks of time during the day and spreading it throughout the week. Start with a brisk 10-minute walk, or start a garden, dance or swim a few laps in the pool. Try going for a 10-minute brisk walk, three times a day, five days a week. This will give you a total of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity. Give it a try!

Pamper your mind and body. Take time for you! Reduce stress.

Manage stress at home, work, and school by taking steps to identify what may be stressing you and how to reduce or cope with it. Not all stress is bad. Stress can help protect you in a dangerous situation. But preventing and managing chronic (ongoing) stress can help lower your risk for serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression.

You can prevent or reduce stress by: • Planning ahead • D eciding which tasks need to be done first • Preparing for stressful events Some stress is hard to avoid. You can find ways to manage stress by: • Noticing when you feel stressed • Taking time to relax • Getting active and eating healthy • Talking to friends and family Include regular medical and dental check-ups on your to-do-list. As you schedule the family’s check-up and doctor visits, make sure to schedule your appointments. Health exams and tests can help find potential conditions before they start or before they become problems, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. Take charge of your health and schedule your appointments today!

Don’t let your disability keep you from a healthy lifestyle.

About 27 million women in the U.S. have disabilities – and the number is growing. Women with disabilities may need specialty care to address individual needs. In addition, you need the same general health care as women without disabilities. Having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t be healthy.

Enjoy 7 - 9 hours of sleep per night.

Not only does it feel great to get a good night’s sleep, it can also reduce the chance of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Adults need seven - nine hours of sleep per night. The promotion of regular sleep is known as sleep hygiene. Here are some simple sleep hygiene tips: • G o to bed at the same time each night, and rise at the same time each morning.

• Sleep in a quiet, dark, and relaxing environment, which is neither too hot nor too cold.

• Make your bed comfortable and use it only for sleeping and not for other activities, such as reading, watching TV, or listening to music.

• R emove all TVs, computers, and other “gadgets” from the bedroom.

• Avoid physical activity within a few hours of bedtime.

• Avoid large meals before bedtime.

Pregnant? Text4baby gives you and your baby a great start together.

Are you pregnant or a new mom? You probably have lots of questions or concerns. Your health care provider can answer questions during your prenatal or the baby’s health visit. Additional information about pregnancy and infant care can be delivered to your cell phone. It’s text4babyorg.

Text4baby (www.text4baby.org) is a free service that provides pregnant women and new moms with free text messages each week on having a healthy pregnancy and caring for a new baby. The messages are timed to your due date or the baby’s date of birth.

May 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

feature story

(continued)

Take health on the go.

With a busy schedule, you may be less likely to make good health choices. Plan ahead; prepare healthy snacks that are low in fat, calories, sugar and sodium. Find alternative ways to fit in physical activity.

Help women who want to quit smoking.

An estimated 18% of women in the United States smoke cigarettes. But surveys indicate that at least three out of four of them want to quit. This May, let moms who smoke know that they’ve taken great care of their families and that now you want them to do something important for themselves: quit smoking.

Let them know that you are supportive. Smoking cessation treatment and social support derived from family and friends improve cessation rates. Let them know about resources like 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and www.women.smokefree.gov that can help them quit for good.

Be safe, everyday.

Wash your hands to stop the spread of germs. Wear seat belts at all times, and make sure to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ May 2012

Take the pledge!

The tenth annual National Women’s Checkup Day will be held on Monday, May 14, 2012, during National Women’s Health Week.

The day is dedicated to encourage women to visit their health care professionals to receive or schedule checkups, and to promote regular checkups as vital to the early detection of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health illnesses, sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions.

As a participant in National Women’s Checkup Day, I will: • Visit my current health care professional to receive a checkup or call to schedule a checkup.

• Discuss with my health care professional which screenings and tests are right for me, when I should have them, and how often.

• S chedule at least one preventive health screening during May 2012.

For more information about National Women’s Health Week, visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw

may is lupus awareness month

An Attack From Within L

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

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

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

Lupus comes in different forms. The most common and serious type is called systemic lupus erythematosus. It can cause severe problems throughout the body. Other types can cause temporary skin sores after sun exposure or long-term rashes that may lead to scarring.

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

“Diagnosis is one of the biggest challenges patients can face,” says Gourley. “The most frequent and common symptom is over-

whelming fatigue.” But extreme tiredness could be mistaken for many other disorders, including sleep problems. Because of the variable symptoms, some patients can go for months or years without an accurate diagnosis.

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

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

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

In March 2011, a new medication called belimumab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “It’s the first new therapy to be approved for lupus in over 50 years,” says Gourley. The drug is expensive, and it doesn’t work for everyone. Still, it’s led the way for several promising new therapies now being tested in clinical trials.

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

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

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

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May 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

weight loss

Weighing in on the HCG Diet

By Dr Tom Rohde, Renew Total Body Wellness

F

ad diets seem to come and go daily, but no diet of late has had as much controversy surrounding it than the HCG diet. It has been heralded as a lifesaver for those unable to lose weight and as a sham by the FDA. Let’s explore this a bit and wade through the hyperbole.

In brief, Dr. Simeon developed this diet over a 40-year period in Italy. He has written a manuscript about his diet for both physicians and patients to read. It is available online at various places, like www.trimhcg.com/pdfs/Dr._Simeons_Manuscript.pdf. I encourage anyone considering weight loss options to read the entire manuscript carefully to understand it and the importance of strict adherence to a monotonous but vital 500 calorie per day diet.

Basically the theory of the HCG diet is to help you lose weight and then maintain it long term by “resetting” a part of your brain involved in fat metabolism. The diencephalon is a primitive part of the brain in charge of automatic functions like breathing, heartbeat, digestion, blood sugar levels, and interplay of all the hormone glands. Damage to this area in animals causes an increase in the appetite and can lead to Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ May 2012

a diabetes-like condition. This area is in charge of fat storage as well and Dr. Simeon postulated that in some individuals the area becomes a long term storage center and prevents loss of stored weight – more like a safety deposit box than a traditional savings account – hard to make withdrawals. You lose some weight and it comes right back when you relax your efforts, etc.

Further, HCG theoretically allows the diencephalon to reset its balance point for stored weight and so the weight will generally not be regained if the long term diet remains reasonable with carbohydrate intake. So, skeptics would say that anyone will lose weight on a 500 calorie diet – and they are correct. But the goal of any diet should be maintenance of lost weight, and anyone that has ever been on a diet can attest – that is the hardest part. If HCG could reset the fat storage bank to a healthy savings account then we should be able to have normal weight balance going forward – and that would be an ideal goal for long-term health!

The protocol is for use of real prescription strength HCG to achieve and maintain the desired outcome. The FDA recently banned homeo-

pathic forms of HCG drops sold in stores to anyone interested. The homeopathic HCG did not work as intended and there is no scientific data to prove that it does. People lost weight with the 500 calorie diet as predicted, but the homeopathic drops didn’t provide any long term change so the weight came back – like any other diet. Homeopathy is based on using dilute solutions that balance bodily functions and their low dilutions have almost no active HCG in them – so they couldn’t work as suggested with a prescription strength HCG. Buying HCG on the internet is also dangerous! What’s in the vial and where is it made?

If it’s not HCG or is a dilution, or worse, is contaminated, you’ll lose weight with the 500-calorie diet – but it can’t grant you long-term success, or it could cause side effects or toxicities. Some forms have been imported from China and have been contaminated with Mercury and other toxins! I would never eat food or use supplements from China as pollution and contamination is a real problem.

So, what to do? There is no scientific proof that this works beyond the success of a 500 calorie diet and lots of controversy! Most people lose weight with calorie restriction and exercise after their hormones are tested and balanced, gut function is restored to normal, liver detoxification maximized, and toxins stored in the body evaluated and removed.

However, my clinical experience shows that there are some morbidly obese patients that struggle to lose and maintain despite all these measures. I have witnessed success with a small number of very obese patients who couldn’t lose weight with other more traditional options like New Directions, Beach Body, Weight Watchers, etc. They did lose with the HCG diet following the protocol explicitly under my supervision. The average loss was just a bit over one pound per day, and I have seen no side effects except for hunger. I feel this is the result of patients using variations on the HCG form that have been compounded for the sake

“The theory of the HCG diet is to help you lose weight and then maintain it long term by “resetting” a part of your brain involved in fat metabolism” of comfort or convenience – sublingual or nasal spray – rather than the traditional injections from the protocol. Is this for widespread use?

NO! I wouldn’t consider this for anyone with less than 75 pounds to lose as traditional dietary change and exercise can handily accomplish that. I think this should be reserved for those who just can’t succeed and want an alternative to a surgical approach like Lap Band or Bypass surgery with their own set of risks and complications, especially longterm.

So, read the manuscript, think about your options, and then make an informed decision. Seek out a physician who can guide you through the appropriate evaluations to maximize your body metabolically to help you lose weight with more traditional methods. If this does not bring success, then work with a physician personally, not via the Internet, following the HCG protocol to the letter. It can make a difference in select patient’s lives long-term.

Here’s to your health.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please go to www.DrRohde.com or call 217-864-2700.

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

women’s health

Pregnancy

I

f you know you are pregnant, or think you might be, call your doctor as soon as possible and set up a visit. You will need to visit your doctor many times during your pregnancy. Follow your doctor’s schedule for visits and don’t miss them!

You will notice your body is changing in many ways. These changes may be strange at first, but they are all normal. Try to stay as healthy as you can — for you and your new baby!

Steps you can take:

•S top smoking, drinking alcohol, and doing drugs. These can cause long-term damage to your baby. Ask your doctor for help.

Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ May 2012

•E at healthy foods. This includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and calcium-rich foods. You need 1000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day. (If you are a teen, you need at least 1300 mg of calcium each day.) Avoid eating a lot of fatty foods such as butter and fatty meats. Choose foods lower in fat, like chicken and turkey (without the skin) and fish. Check with your doctor to find out how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy for you.

• Don’t eat uncooked or undercooked meats or fish. Do not eat any shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish (also called golden or white snapper) because these fish have high levels of mercury. Do not eat more than 6 ounces of “white” or “albacore” tuna or tuna steak each week.

• Limit caffeine from coffee, tea, sodas, medicines, and chocolate.

• Drink water. Water helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract or bladder infections. Aim for eight cups of fluids each day. If you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and produce 1.5 liters (6.3 cups) or more of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably good.

• Take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This will help prevent certain types of birth defects. Your doctor may prescribe a daily vitamin that has it, or you can buy folic acid pills. Eat foods high in folic acid like orange juice, leafy green vegetables, beans, peanuts, peas, and whole-grain products.

• Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines you buy without prescriptions, and herbals. Ask if they are safe to take while you are pregnant. Most of the time, the medicine a pregnant woman is taking does not affect her baby. But sometimes it can, causing damage or birth defects. Talk with your doctor about which drugs and supplements are safe.

• Stay active. Being physically active during pregnancy helps you in many ways. It prevents a lot of extra weight gain. It helps you have good posture, which will help you feel better later in your pregnancy. It can help you sleep better and have a shorter, easier labor. If you were physically active before getting pregnant, you can keep doing mild-to-moderate activity, like low-impact aerobic dance, swimming, or walking. If you were not physically active before getting pregnant, you still can become active, but start slowly. Try walking at first, then build up to more. Mild stretching, easy yoga poses, and weight training on exercise machines is okay. Talk to your doctor about which activities are good for you.

• Take care of your teeth and gums. If you are pregnant and have not had regular checkups, have a complete oral exam early in your pregnancy. Because you are pregnant, you might not receive routine x-rays. But if you must have x-rays for a dental problem needing treatment, the health risk to your unborn baby is small.

Pregnant women may have changes in taste and develop red, swollen gums that bleed easily. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis. It can be caused by both poor oral hygiene and higher hormone levels during pregnancy. So remember to brush and floss regularly!

• Avoid toxic chemicals. These include paint, paint thinners, cleaning products, and those used to kill bugs or that contain lead or mercury. Read the product label to see if it has a pregnancy warning.

• Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and unnecessary x-rays. Be sure to tell your doctor that you are pregnant if you need an x-ray. The doctor or nurse will recommend whether the x-ray is necessary.

• Avoid changing cat litter. It can carry and cause an infection that can cause birth defects. Wear gloves when gardening in areas cats may visit.

• Clean, handle, cook, and chill food properly to prevent foodborne illness.

• Get enough sleep. Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.

• Control the stress in your life. Don’t be afraid to say no to requests for your time and energy.

• Buckle up. Wearing a seat belt during car and air travel is safe while pregnant. The lap strap should go under your belly and across your hips. The shoulder strap should go between your breasts and to the side of your belly. Make sure it fits snugly.

• Learn all you can. Read books, watch videos, go to a child- birth class, and talk with other moms.

For more information about pregnancy or women’s health, please visit www.womenshealth.gov.

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0811-508HO May 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

financial health

Disability Income Insurance

Provides Money When You Can’t

By Julie Hale-Miller, Country Financial

C

hances are you probably haven’t given a thought to how dramatically your life would change if you suddenly were unable to earn a paycheck due to a disabling injury or illness. However, the possibility does exist.

One-third of all Americans will suffer a serious disability between ages 35 and 65. In the United States, a disabling injury occurs every 1.6 seconds.

It’s important to take the steps necessary to protect you, your loved ones and your possessions if a disabling injury or illness occurs. Among the best protection is disability income insurance.

Disability income insurance is designed to provide money to you if you ever become disabled. That means money will be there when you need it most. It will help pay bills and meet other expenses associated with the disability.

A disability is usually defined as the continuous inability, because of injury or illness, to perform the material and substantial duties of your regular occupation or profession for a stated period of time, or any occupation or profession after that.

Most disabilities last longer than three months. If a person is disabled for three months or longer, it is likely the disability will last, on average, for three years.

Millions of workers have some disability income insurance through their employers. However, this is usually short-term coverage and may only provide benefits for 24 weeks. Disabilities lasting longer are not usually covered.

If you don’t have disability income insurance, don’t count on Social Security disability payments either. About 49 percent of all disability claims submitted to the Social Security Administration are regularly turned down. If Social Security should pay your claim, benefits normally will not be paid until at least five months after your disability began.

Should your disabling injury or illness be work-related, you likely are protected by workers’ compensation insurance. However, disabling injuries or illnesses that occur away from work activities are not covered under workers’ compensation.

Disability income insurance protects you both on and off the job.m Most disability income insurance policies can be designed to meet your particular needs. You usually choose among several benefit and deductible periods, and policy options.

For instance, there are different options available for benefit periods and waiting periods. A waiver of premium payment is another option. In addition, there are policy options for accidental dismemberment, cash value, cost-of-living adjustments, hospital confinement income, monthly benefit increase and removal of the benefit adjustment provision.

Disability income insurance is frequently overlooked but is very important regardless of your marital status or family situation. In fact, this insurance can replace a good part of the income you’d lose if you were unable to work because of an accident or illness.

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

Even if you have some form of disability income coverage, see your financial representative for a review and more information regarding this coverage.

If you would like more information on how much life insurance is right for you and your family, please contact Julie Hale-Miller at 217-483-4355.

healthy homes

A Beauty Routine for Your Furniture Y

ou nurture, protect and care for the things you love, and your furniture should be no exception. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a brand new piece, everyone has furniture they love that should be cared for in the same way as they would personally care for themselves. Caring for home furnishings is more than dusting or giving an occasional polish; rather, it’s about nourishing, revitalizing and bringing out furniture’s inner beauty.

In a recent survey conducted by TheNest.com, nine out of ten women say they have either a basic or no understanding of how to care for their furniture. And nearly half (44.7 percent) of respondents think about cleaning only when it’s time to entertain – which means most furnishings are not properly taken care of on a regular basis.

To help educate people and get them to rethink traditional furniture cleaning, Guardsman, a furniture care pioneer for nearly 100 years, and TV design star Tracy Hutson, have teamed up to introduce furniture’s new beauty routine.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images This new furniture therapy mirrors beauty care regimes like sunscreen and concealers, and includes cleansing, polishing and, of course, covering those tiny imFabric Upholstery Care perfections.

• P roactively Protect – Spray fabric with a fabric protector that “You wouldn’t just clean your face only when you have company repels moisture and helps prevent food and beverage stains from coming over, or skip applying your anti-aging creams because you bonding permanently to fibers. For the best protection, spray don’t see a wrinkle on your face,” said Hutson. An easy-to-follow fabric after any professional cleaning, and reapply after any spills furniture beauty routine will help revitalize, protect and restore your are cleaned and dried. furniture: • F ight Stains – Stain fighting products, such as the Guardsman Fabric First Aid Stain Remover Kit, can help rescue upholstered Wood Care furniture from the toughest, dried spills. Always start from the • D ust – Use a non-scratch cloth to lightly remove dust once a edges to prevent the stain from spreading. Blot spills as soon as week. Always wipe the cloth in the same direction of the wood they occur, but don’t rub aggressively. grain.

• C lean – Use a for-wood-only cleanser once a month. If it’s a freLeather Care quently used piece that tends to attract spills, such as a kitchen • D ust – Weekly dusting with a nonabrasive cloth prevents dull table, clean weekly. Spray the cleanser onto a cotton cloth to build up and maintains luster. help prevent spotting. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain.

• C lean – Once a month, use a cleaner to remove invisible oils, • Polish – Enhance and maintain wood’s natural luster by polishing dirt and grime. it twice a month. Use a no-wax, no-silicone product to restore • P rotect – Guard leather against moisture, body oils and stains natural radiance, free from greasy film and fingerprints. with a leather protecting product, such as Guardsman Leather Protector.

Additional Special Care for Wood • Moisturize – Oiled wood furniture needs to be moisturized weekly Hutson says, “Beyond just cleaning, we need to protect and to protect from water stains, replenish lost oils and prevent care for our furniture in the same way we take care of ourselves, so cracking and fading from sun damage. Hutson recommends that our furniture can look its best and last for years.” Learn more Guardsman Revitalizing Lemon Oil. about caring for your furniture at www.guardsman.com.

• Repair Damage – Always keep touch-up products handy to cover up scratches and minor blemishes.

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

healthy skin

Red, Itchy Rash?

Get the Skinny on Dermatitis Information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Y

ou’ve probably had a rash at some point or another, whether from poison ivy or the chickenpox or something more unusual. Why does your skin break out in red blotches like that? More important, is there anything you can do about it?

We often think of the skin as a barrier—it keeps the insides of our bodies in, and it keeps the outside world out. But our skin is also filled with special cells of the immune system. These cells protect the skin and body against viruses, bacteria and other threats.

Whenever these cells detect a suspicious substance, they begin a chain reaction in the skin that leads to inflammation. The medical name for this reaction is dermatitis. But it’s more commonly known as a rash.

There are many different types of dermatitis, and each has a distinct set of treatments. Sometimes the skin’s immune cells react to something that directly touches the skin. Other times, the immune system flares in the skin because of a whole-body infection or illness.

The symptoms of these different types of rashes often overlap.

“Itching is a common symptom for all these problems,” says Dr. Stephen I. Katz, director of NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ May 2012

Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Many rashes are red, painful, and irritated. Some types of rash can also lead to blisters or patches of raw skin. While most rashes clear up fairly quickly, others are long lasting and need to be cared for over long periods of time.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a dry, red, itchy rash that affects up to one in five infants and young children. It often improves over time, although it can last into adulthood or start later in life. In this condition, the watertight barrier between skin cells gets weak, which lets moisture out and other things in. That’s why people with atopic dermatitis have to moisturize their skin, and they’re more susceptible to skin infections.

Researchers have recently identified specific genes that are involved in maintaining the skin barrier. People with certain versions of these genes are more likely to get atopic dermatitis.

“The skin is the outermost sentinel for fighting off bacteria and noxious agents,” says Katz. “If the barrier is broken somehow, you can become more allergic to things.”

A skin allergy, or allergic contact dermatitis, produces a red, itchy rash that sometimes comes with small blisters or bumps. The rash arises when the skin comes in contact with an allergen, a usu-

proper dosing ally harmless substance that the immune system attacks. Allergens trigger allergic reactions. Allergens can come from certain soaps, creams and even pets.

Your immune system might not react the first time you encounter an allergen. But over time, your immune system can become sensitive to the substance. As a result, your next contact may lead to inflammation and an allergic rash.

“The most common form of dermatitis that is seen anywhere is an allergic contact dermatitis to nickel,” says Katz. “Why? Because of ear piercing.” Many inexpensive earrings are made of nickel, and over time, wearing nickel earrings can cause an allergic reaction to the metal.

Other common causes of allergic dermatitis are poison oak and poison ivy. The stems and leaves of these plants produce a chemical that’s likely to cause allergies. If you touch one of them, wash your skin as soon as possible. The chemical can also remain in clothing for a long time, so it’s important to wash any clothes or shoes—or even pets—that come into contact with these plants.

Mild cases of allergic contact dermatitis usually disappear after a few days or weeks. But if the rash persists, is extremely uncomfortable or occurs on the face, it’s important to see a physician. A doctor can prescribe medications that will tone down the immune reaction in the skin. This eases swelling and itching and will protect your eyes and face.

The immune cells of the skin can also produce rashes when they react to invading germs—like bacteria, fungi and viruses. Bacterial and viral infections within your body can cause your skin to break out in spots as well. The chickenpox virus, for example, can cause itchy spots in children. Years later, in older adults, the same virus may reappear as shingles, bringing a painful rash and high fever. Vaccines can prevent several rash-causing diseases, including chickenpox, shingles and measles.

Certain drugs, including antibiotics like amoxicillin, may also cause itchy skin rashes. If you’re allergic to a drug, a rash can be the first sign of a serious reaction. As with other allergies, a reaction to a drug may not occur the first time you take it. It could show up after several uses. Not all drug rashes are due to an allergy, however. If you break out in itchy spots after starting a new drug prescription, contact your doctor right away.

While most rashes get better with time, some can last a lifetime. Psoriasis, a condition where skin cells build up into thick red patches, tends to run in families. “It’s a complex genetic disease, in that there’s not one gene that causes psoriasis but many,” says Katz. Even though none of these genes alone has a great effect on the disease, knowing which genes are involved can help researchers design potential new treatments. Other long-term diseases that can produce rashes include autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, and some forms of cancer.

If you notice an itchy or painful rash on your skin, think twice before going to the drugstore and getting some cream if you don’t know the cause. “The creams that you buy can produce problems that make your original problem even worse,” Katz says. Because rashes can be caused by many different things—bacteria, viruses, drugs, allergies, genetic disorders, and even light—it’s important to figure out what kind of dermatitis you have.

“If you have any significant rash, you should see a dermatologist,” says Katz. A dermatologist, or skin doctor, is specially trained to figure out what’s causing a rash and help you get the right treatment.

Your skin is your protection. It’s not just the covering that keeps your body in; it’s also your first line of defense against germs and chemicals. Take care of your skin so your skin can take care of you.

Use Medicines Safely

M

edicines can help you feel better and get better. But if you don’t follow the directions, medicines can hurt you.

You can lower your chances of side effects (unwanted or unexpected effects) from medicines by following the directions carefully. Side effects may be mild, like an upset stomach, but other side effects can be more serious, like damage to your liver.

When you follow the directions on the medicine’s label or from your pharmacist, doctor, or nurse, you get the best results.

There are simple steps you can take to avoid problems.

• Follow the directions carefully.

• If you don’t understand the directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

• Keep a list of all your medicines.

• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, vitamins, minerals, and herbs you use.

• Put your medicines in a cool, dry place where children and pets can’t get to them.

There are different types of medicine.

The two main types of medicine are prescription and over-thecounter.

Prescription Prescription medicines are medicines you can get only with a prescription (or order) from your doctor. You get this medicine at a pharmacy.

• Prescription medicines shouldn’t be used by anyone except the person whose name is on the prescription.

• Throw away expired (out-of-date) or unused prescription medicines. Ask your pharmacist about the safest way to throw medicines away.

Sometimes you can choose between a generic medicine and a brand-name medicine. Generic and brand-name medicines work the same way. Generic medicine usually costs less.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company for more information about generic medicines.

Over-the-counter Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy at a store without a prescription. All OTC medicines come with a Drug Facts label. This label can help you choose the right OTC medicine for you and your problem.

The label also gives you instructions for using the medicine safely. Even OTC medicines can cause side effects. Follow the directions on the label to lower your chances of side effects.

Some examples of OTC medicines include: • Cold and flu medicines • Pain medicines like aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen • Allergy medicines • Sleep aids • Toothpaste with fluoride • Antiperspirant (found in many underarm deodorants) For more information, please visit www.healthfinder.gov

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

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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. Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ May 2012

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