July Peoria Healthy Cells 2011 by Healthy Cells Magazine

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

JULY 2011

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M A G A Z I N E

Meeting Them Where They Are Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka Reaches Out to Seniors with Dementia

Pain Medication Dependence

A Treatable Problem pg. 8

Keeping Your Family Strong

pg. 10

The Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice pg. 12

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July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

JULY 8

Physical: Pain Medication Dependence — A Treatable Problem

Emotional: Keeping Your Family Strong

Nutritional: The Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice

Sleep Health: Comfortable Alternative to CPAP

Summer Safety: Swimming Pools Can Cause Illness

Hospital Care: The Importance of the Intensive Care Units (ICUs)

Sandwich Generation: Planning For the Future, Part 2

Cyber Safety: Trendy Technology and Our Children

Vision Health: Too Important to Ignore

Summer Safety: Heat Related Illnesses in Hot Weather

Physical Therapy: A Real Life Recovery Story

Medical Side of Botox®: The Therapeutic Uses of Botox ®

Fall Prevention: Bathroom Safety Tips Made Simple

Community News: Learning is Fun with Friends and Good for You!

2011 This Month’s Cover Story:

Volume 13, Issue 7

Meeting Them Where They Are Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka Reaches Out to Seniors with Dementia page 20

Cover and feature story photos by Daryl Wilson Photography Healthy Cells Magazine is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE at over 650 locations, including major grocery stores throughout central Illinois as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. 12,000 copies are published monthly. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in central Illinois. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicitations for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only. Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals in central Illinois.

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

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letter from the owner

Independence Day Happy 4th of July! As we celebrate our country’s birthday, let us take the time to reflect on the many freedoms we all enjoy and be thankful. When I see what is happening worldwide, I am reminded as to how blessed we are as a nation and at times take our freedoms for granted. I am truly thankful to my God for America. On another note, please visit Healthy Cells magazine on Facebook. Search for us under “Healthy Cells Magazine, Greater Peoria Area Edition.” We’ve worked hard to update our page and are very excited to share it with you. Please “Like” us if so inclined and share our page with others. Have a safe and fun 4th!

Sincerely, Photo Courtesy of Photography by Jill

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Kim Brooks-Miller, Owner, Healthy Cells Magazine, Greater Peoria Area Edition. Comments or questions call: 309-681-4418 or e-mail: peoria.healthycells@hotmail.com

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physical

Pain Medication Dependence

A Treatable Problem By Bonnie Howard RN, BSN, True North Solutions

ependence to pain medications is becoming increasingly common as patients and health care providers struggle to manage a patient’s pain. This problem affects individuals across all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. This article provides a proto-typical example of a patient’s struggle as well as basic information about the overall process of becoming dependent on pain medications and some recommendations for accessing help. Kayla is a 35 year old mother of three. She is married with a middle management position and contributes more than 50% to the family income. After having surgery for an ankle fracture, she didn’t heal as predicted and needed Vicodin (a commonly prescribed pain medication) for an extended time. At the end of three months, Kayla’s doctor refused to prescribe more narcotics and released her from care. Continuing to experience pain and feeling ill if she was not able to obtain Vicodin, Kayla began seeking narcotics from her dentist, family Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

physician, and the ER. Seeking medication to manage her pain and prevent withdrawal from the medication became a full time effort, compromising her job, family, and relationships. Kayla’s body had become dependent on prescription narcotics. Dependence Process: Dependence to prescription painkillers is a problem that has become increasingly prevalent in the United States and elsewhere. Opiates or narcotic pain medications such as Vicodin, OxyContin, Norco, and Hydrocodone are commonly prescribed by physicians to treat pain. Patients with chronic pain may continue taking their medication as prescribed and become physically dependent upon the drug. Physical dependency means that even if they want to stop taking the medication, it becomes extremely uncomfortable due to withdrawal symptoms. This happens because of the following physical process:

The brain responds to the presence of the pain medicine by increasing the number of receptors for the drug and the nerve cells cease to function normally. The body stops producing endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) because it is receiving external opiates instead. The degeneration of the nerve cells causes a physical dependency on an external supply of opiates, and stopping the drug causes a series of physical changes called the withdrawal syndrome (Painkiller Addiction Treatment, Clifford A. Bernstein, MD, 2006). At this point, the patient may continue taking the pain medication to avoid the withdrawal symptoms, rather than taking it to treat the initial pain. This process can be very confusing for the patient and prescribing physician.

and they may neglect other aspects of their life (Signs of Opiate Dependence, Livestrong.com, Eric Althoff, 2010).

Statistics: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), up to 7% of patients prescribed opiates to treat chronic pain will become dependent. It is estimated that there are more than 4.7 million Americans dependent on prescription painkillers, which represents up to 2% of the US adult population overall. This number continues to grow every year.

Dependence on Pain Medication is a Treatable Problem: One of the first steps in identifying and treating dependence to pain medication is to work with a physician to honestly and accurately assess the current response to the medications that one is taking. Often times this first step can be a difficult one because the patient fears that they will be left to manage chronic pain on their own. Once the physician has been made aware of the patient’s actual response, the physician can begin the process of referral to health providers who specialize in opiate dependence. Efforts to address opiate dependence are typically most successful if the prescribing physician and the chemical dependency professional work collaboratively to address the dependence as well as any continuing pain the patient may experience.

Social Signs of Opiate Dependence: According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, opiate dependence can cause changes in a person’s social behavior. This includes social withdrawal and avoiding normal activities. This can lead to problems with maintaining relationships with friends and family. Often these social changes can cause problems for the individual’s career and potentially lead to job loss. People who are dependent on opiates are also more likely to engage in risky behavior, including driving under the influence. Opiate dependence can cause a person to only pursue relationships that facilitate opiate procurement and use,

Withdrawal Signs: Early signs of withdrawal include anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, insomnia, increased tearing, sweating, yawning and runny nose. As withdrawal becomes more severe, there may be cramping in the abdomen, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Opioid withdrawal can also cause the pupils to become dilated and goose bumps to appear on the skin. Along with these signs of withdrawal, the individual will have a strong urge to use more opiates to make the withdrawal symptoms subside.

For more information or assistance, please contact Bonnie Howard, RN, BSN at True North Solutions 309-589-6900 or bhoward@fayettecompanies.org

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July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

emotional

Keeping Your Family Strong Submitted by Keri Hartwig, Early Childhood Services Director, Crittenton Centers Hub Coordinator, Strengthening Families Illinois

t seems that raising children gets more and more challenging all the time. As the world changes, the job of parenting becomes increasingly more complicated. Each day, children enter a world much different from the one you may have experienced as a child. So what is a parent to do? How can you ensure that your children are happy, healthy and successful? It starts by building a strong family. That means creating a home environment where children are loved, nurtured and taught basic, but important, life principles like resiliency. Strengthening Families Illinois is a statewide collaboration among more than 40 organizations. In fact, parents across the state are joining regional and statewide parent leadership teams to strengthen families, and are helping themselves and each other as they build these Protective Factors into the framework of their own families. Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

Enhance Resilience Parents need to be strong and flexible in order to deal with the stresses of life. They need to be able to pool their resources and have the spirit to bounce back when tragedy or crisis strikes. Parents who can be resilient and strong in the face of adversity model for their children that they, too, can be strong and overcome challenges they face. Develop Social Connections Parents need friends. When you have an informal network of trusted friends, it creates a support system for meeting both practical and emotional needs. Friends help problem solve, give advice on the tough parenting issues and provide a healthy outlet for venting frustration. Make time to foster and develop healthy friendships.

Build Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Being a great parent is part natural and part learned. Parents who understand normal child development have reasonable expectations for their children. They better understand what activities and experiences will assist in the overall growth and development of their child. Also, having knowledge of parenting practices to address challenging behaviors, helps avoid harsh punishments. Consider attending a parenting education opportunity at a community social service agency, day care or school. The more information you have about child development and what to expect, the better! Concrete Support in Times of Need We all need help sometimes, and families that can get help when they need it are able to stay strong and healthy. Whether the need is caused by a sudden crisis, or an ongoing issue, being able to ask for and receive help is important to keeping your family strong. Many organizations and churches in the community offer specialized assistance, education classes, and support groups for challenging times when a little extra help is needed. Foster the Social and Emotional Competence of Your Children Parents must help their children communicate. Parenting can be especially difficult when children act out or exhibit challenging behaviors. When children are able to communicate their feelings appropriately and interact positively with their families and with other adults and children, parenting becomes less stressful. Start by helping your child understand feelings, and appropriate ways

to express those feelings. When you see an emotional response, name it. i.e. “I think you’re feeling embarrassed that you fell down in front of everyone, and it is okay to cry.” This is especially helpful with young children who have not yet developed the vocabulary necessary to name all of their emotions. Promote Healthy Parent-Child Relationships It is important that parents give their children the love and respect they need. When parents have healthy relationships with their children, they are “in tune” with them: they can listen to their children, understand them, and perceive their needs. A parent’s role is provider, protector and teacher. Demonstrate this through listening, showing love and striving to meet your child’s needs. Set aside time every day to complete an activity with your child that they enjoy. Showing your child that they are important to you through your actions, will foster deep connections and form an unbreakable bond. Crittenton Centers proudly serves as the Hub Site for this initiative, and partners with 9 other community agencies and organizations to build the six Protective Factors proven to keep families strong. For more information on Keeping Your Family Strong, contact Crittenton Centers: 309-674-0105, 442 W. John Gwynn Jr. Ave., Peoria, www.crittentoncenters.org.

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nutritional

The Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice Submitted by Marianne Miller, Club Fitness

ell, I have to give credit to my chiropractor for recommending “tart cherry juice” to me. The conversation evolved around my concern for keeping my knees, hips and joints healthy for the next zillion years so I can continue to get everything out of life I want!! (& continue to log my running miles). What I was told initially was that this juice would help break down the lactic acid that builds up in the muscle tissue during extended exercise, so would aid in my recovery. As I initially perused the aisles at the local health food store, I entered into a conversation with the salesperson that had experienced wonderful benefits from tart cherry juice with regards to her arthritis. Wow, this sounded like something I needed to learn more about. Well, what I found is, once again, Mother Nature has blessed us with another incredible phytonutrient…with more benefits than any man-made pharmaceutical! From further researching, tart cherries are extremely high in antioxidants & anti-inflammatory agents. Both of these are extremely important benefits in staying healthy, boosting our immune system & fending off age-related health issues…including cancer. One of the specific phytonutrients found in tart cherries is anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a class of antioxidant …which gives cherries their red color…also found in raspberries, strawberries, beets, cranberries, apples and many other fruits & vegetables. This antioxidant has been shown to encourage healthy circulation, ensure proper nerve function and offers anti-cancer properties. In 2009 a research study, it showed that people who consumed fruits and vegetables that contained anthocyanins experienced much less free radical damage, which lowers the rate of diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, tart cherry juice contains three disease fighting chemicals that have been shown to help halt cell transformation, which many times may lead to cancer. These elements are peillyl alcohol, limonene and ellagic acid. While citrus peel contains limonene and berries contain ellagic acid…only cherries include all three. These elements are most beneficial in protecting against cancers of the breast, lung, liver and skin. Additionally, tart cherry juice contains one of the most powerful antioxidants, quercetin. Quercetin aids in a multitude of ways, including preventing oxidative damage caused by free radicals from damaging low-density lipoprotein (LDL…the “bad” cholesterol)…When LDL is damaged, cholesterol attaches itself to the artery walls, which contributes to heart attack and stroke. Quercetin is also an anti-inflammatory agent that helps relieve respiratory conditions such as asthma. Now, for the reason I was interested. In 2006, a study was published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, where tart cherry juice was shown to prevent exercise-induced muscle damage in a group of college students. The study involved a group of athletes given a dosage of 12 fl.oz of a cherry juice blend and a group given a placebo twice a day for 8 days. This study showed that pain & Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

strength loss were significantly lower among those who had consumed the cherry juice versus the placebo group. And, as the sales lady had informed me, studies have also shown that tart cherry juice to be very beneficial in relieving gout and arthritis due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. As for why “tart” cherries….and where to purchase. Basically, there are two types of cherries, tart and sweet cherries. Both have anthocycnins, however the tart cherries have been found to contain higher levels of phenolics and anthocyanins. In order to consume enough juice from the cherries, we really need to consume them either in the form of a juice concentrate or a supplement. Tart cherry juice concentrate can be purchased at most health foods stores. I just looked for this product in the health food section of a local grocery store. I found an organic version of the “juice” ...but not the “concentrated” form, which I would recommend because it isn’t diluted down. Tart cherry capsules are also available at many health food stores. I personally add about 2 tbsp of tart cherry concentrate to my “green smoothies”...and it is really good! Another way I have consumed it, and is a great option for those who may be trying to quit soda, is add 2 tbsp. to an 8oz glass of sparkling water. Well, hopefully this sheds some light on another gift from nature that can prove to be very beneficial to our health. Tart cherry juice added to your daily diet is another possible way to be pro-active in our fight to avoid age-related health issues such as arthritis. Good Luck! For more information, contact Marianne Miller, Trainer and Manager at Club Fitness: miller.marianne1@comcast.net or call 309-6891400. Visit us today at 7623 N. Crestline Drive, Peoria, IL.

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sleep health

Comfortable Alternative to CPAP Submitted by Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine

atients who have been treated by CPAP, but refuse to use it, are not being treated at all,” states Dr. Willey at the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine. We have some patients who come to us and tell us they simply cannot get used to the masks they have tried or that the mask makes them feel claustrophobic. Others tell us it restricts their movement and that the hose gets wrapped up when they roll over. If these feelings are your feelings also, and your CPAP is collecting dust under the bed, you are probably still experiencing symptoms, possibly driving drowsy and still having many of the risk factors for sleep apnea (see insert to right.) The good news is, you don’t have to keep feeling this way!

“

There are over 50 million persons in the United States alone who suffer from Sleep Disordered Breathing and sadly, 90% go undiagnosed. People come to accept that this is normal for them: Never feeling rested, not being able to sleep through the night without waking several times, requiring a daily nap because they feel so tired that they just can’t get through the day without one, and more. Fatigue also causes irritability, lack of concentration and an inability to do the things that they would like to do. If you ask them, they’ll say they are fine. They just don’t know that they can feel any differently. Quite a few of our patients have come to see us because their spouse “made me!” Their snoring was disrupting the family or they refused to wear their CPAP and the very real, dangerous health issues worried their partner. “When a patient’s bed partner actually sees their loved one stop breathing in their sleep, and wake up choking or gasping for air, it’s a very scary thing,” says Willey. It is estimated that the bed partners of untreated sleep apnea sufferers may lose up to an hour of sleep themselves each night. After being treated, both partners can rest easy. Their moods perk up, they accomplish more and their relationships improve. Chris, a Clinical Assistant at the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine states, “Our patients really didn’t know just how tired they were until they began to be treated with Oral Appliance Therapy and realized just how great they could feel.” She recalls one patient telling her that he forgot to wear his appliance one night and the next day was just awful. He was so tired that he just wanted to go home and go to bed. For him, this was a defining moment and he realized that he didn’t want to forget to wear his appliance to bed again! He couldn’t understand how he had ever functioned for so long with out it. Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

The oral appliance is similar to an athletic mouth guard, but less bulky and completely non-invasive. It is clear plastic that fits comfortably over the teeth. It is small enough to fit in a pocket or purse and is great to travel with. No more hoses, straps or headgear. Another patient, Tracie, wore a CPAP, but wanted the convenience of using the oral appliance when she traveled. “I thought I would use the mouth device when I traveled and continue wearing the CPAP at home,” she says. “Last December I was on a trip and couldn’t believe how well I was sleeping with the appliance. I decided to wear the oral appliance at home and got the same results!” she continues. “I was sleeping so well and was no longer fighting with the CPAP tube every time I moved,” she says. Tracie decided to have another sleep test done wearing the oral appliance, and it came back with a perfect 0. No snoring or sleep apnea was detected. “I have been using the oral appliance every since,” she says. “My husband was just diagnosed with sleep apnea, and he has decided to go straight for the oral appliance.” The American Academy of Sleep Medicine issued a statement in the 2006 Journal SLEEP declaring that Oral Appliance Therapy is an excellent treatment option for those suffering from Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and is proving to be affective for severe cases as well. Oral appliances are covered by most medical insurances and Medicare. Call Dr. Rod Willey (General Dentist) at the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine at 309-243-8980 or visit www.IllinoisSleepDoc.com for more information and to schedule a screening.

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea:

• • • • • •

• •

•

• •

High Blood Pressure Cardiovascular Complications Diabetes Weight Gain ADD/ADHD in Children Periods of Not Breathing During Your Sleep Daytime Fatigue N ot Feeling Rested After a Full Night’s Sleep E asily Frustrated, Irritable, Depression Morning Headaches Gastric Reflux

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July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

summer safety

Swimming Pools Can Cause Illness

ith warmer weather upon us, people of all ages will begin filling the swimming pools in an effort to have summer fun and help stay cool. This summer, learning about recreational water illnesses (RWI’s), which are spread by swimming in contaminated water, such as swimming pools, water parks, lakes and oceans, can protect you from illness. RWI’s are caused by germs like “Crypto Giardia, E. Coli, and Shigella and are spread by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. Remember, you share the water with everyone in the pool. Germs causing RWI’s are killed by chlorine, but chlorine doesn’t work right away. It takes time to kill germs. Plus, some germs like Cryptos are resistant to chlorine and can live in pools for days. That is why even the best maintained polls could spread disease. Healthy swimming behaviors are needed to protect you and your family from RWI’s and will help stop germs from getting in the pool in the first place. Here are six cautions that promote healthy swimming, provided by the Center for Disease Control: 1. Don’t swim when you have diarrhea. This is especially important for kids in diapers. You can spread germs into the water and make other people sick. Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

By Brandon Bockewitz, MD, Sports Medicine, Methodist Medical Group at Allen Road

2. D on’t swallow pool water. In fact, try your best to avoid even having water get in your mouth. 3. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing diapers. You can protect others by remembering that germs on your body end up in the water. 4. Take your kids on bathroom breaks often. Waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean that it’s too late. 5. Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around pools. 6. W ash your child thoroughly with soap and water before swimming. Practice these simple summer safety tips, and you and your family will have a more enjoyable summer and save those unplanned trips to the emergency room. For more information, contact Dr. Bockewitz at Methodist Medical Group at Allen Road 309-693-2020.

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hospital care

The Importance of the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) Submitted by the Triumph Greater Peoria Specialty Hospital

ntensive care units (ICUs) – also called high acute observation units – add yet another dimension to the high quality of care delivered to medically complex patients by specialty hospitals also known as long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs). Patients in need of an LTACH ICU often are on respirators, or are suffering from a wide range of illnesses, including pulmonary disease, cardiac disease, respiratory failure, pressure wounds, post-operative complications and end stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Some are septic – an inflammation that can spread infection throughout the body – and many have a combination of diagnoses. Because of the medical complexity of these conditions, the immediate goal for new ICU patients is stabilization, accomplished through treatment that includes adjustment of medication, IV therapy, ventilation therapy and even changing the nutritional content of patients’ diets to strengthen them during the recuperative process. Patients usually come to a LTACH ICU from traditional short-term acute care hospitals (STACHs) where the treatment time needed by a patient often is far beyond the usual three-to-five-day stay in a STACH covered by Medicare. By contrast, patients in LTACHs receive treatment for a minimum of 25 days. But before a patient is admitted to an LTACH, physicians and clinicians evaluate the patient’s condition to make sure the ICU can provide the medical drip or type of equipment, such as ventilators and dialysis machines, needed by the patient. A determination also is made to ensure that there is a procedure in place covering a specific patient’s diagnosis and that available staff are adequately trained to treat the condition. Once a patient is admitted, a team composed of pulmonologists, internists, specially trained nurses, respiratory therapists, Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists provide treatment regimens designed to accelerate the patient’s independence from medicines and assistive devices like ventilators. Among the ways this is accomplished are aggressive ventilator-weaning programs and medication adjustments – often the elimination of many medications — by physicians who are pain specialists. On-site physicians, providing around-the-clock coverage, oversee each patient’s individualized treatment plan, working daily with the LTACH’s health-care team to ensure delivery of services and adjustments to the treatment plan if needed. Because of the wide range of diagnoses experienced by LTACH patients, there is no way to estimate a normal length of stay in an LTACH ICU. But LTACH clinicians generally get patients – even those on ventilators — up and moving as quickly as possible. This aggressive treatment policy often stabilizes them enough to be moved to a general medical floor where they will have more time to undergo a therapy regimen that will further strengthen them to function better at home or in a recuperative facility after leaving the LTACH. All LTACHs do not offer the same menu of services and some do not have an ICU. But for those with an ICU, the generally high occupancy rate in the unit is evidence that they fill a need in the health-care continuum by providing medical stability to a desperately ill segment of the population. For more information on the ICU and other services offered by Triumph Greater Peoria Specialty Hospital, 500 Romeo B. Garrett Ave. in Peoria, visit www.triumph-healthcare.com, or call 309-680-1500.

Have any of These Questions Crossed Your Mind? • When do I need legal help and/or Medicaid planning? • When doing my Medicare insurance planning, who can help me? • Who can assist me with Social Programs, such as the VA Aid and Assistance Pension or with prescription drug help? • My spouse has the early stages of Alzheimer’s. What do I need to do to plan ahead for living arrangements? Have peace of mind and get the expert help and assistance you or a loved one needs and deserves. Contact Steve Buttice today.

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309-693-1060 www.MRMS-INC.com July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

feature story

Meeting Them Where They Are Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka Reaches Out to Seniors with Dementia By Mary Hilbert

A resident enjoys the challenges of a large puzzle, along with other activities to encourage ongoing cognitive skills.

he Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka believes in the importance of providing individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease an opportunity to live in a safe and loving environment that allows them to achieve their highest level of functioning. This 112 bed non-profit faith based retirement community located in Eureka, IL includes a 22 bed secure memory care unit called Heiterland. The name Heiterland means “cheerful country” said Jenny Royer, Heiterland Unit Director, adding that the goal of the facility “is to bring a smile to each resident’s face.” The Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka was one of the first area homes to open a secure dementia unit in 1994 and in the past 16 years has developed a real expertise in the area of dementia care. Dementia, or the loss of brain function due to disease, is not a normal part of aging and affects not only memory but thinking, language and behavior. In 2010, an estimated 210 thousand Illinois residents over the age of 65 were living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, according to statistics Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

reported by the Alzheimer’s Association. “Most families are able to care for a loved one in the early stages of the disease, but later on it becomes more difficult,” said Tom Hoffman, Administrator. Mr. Hoffman noticed that one of the retirement community’s male residents was shying away from interacting with other seniors and hanging his head unresponsively when greeted by staff. The downhearted resident was transferred to the Heiterland unit, developed specifically for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Once transferred, a remarkable change occurred in the man: “The next day he was sitting at the table, reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee in his hand,” Hoffman recalled. The resident, who had been struggling with memory problems for a while, needed to be in the company of others with whom he could relate. Today, the Heiterland memory care unit of the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka functions similar to a small family, with residents taking turns lending a helping hand to the staff with tasks

such as filling cups with ice and setting tables for dinner, baking ginger cookies, planting flowers, and keeping an eye on the well-being of the community pets: several birds and a tank of fish. This unit operates under the same mission as the rest of the Apostolic Home: “Providing Loving Care in the Spirit of Christ”. Watching the staff interact with the residents, one can truly see the love and concern they have for each one. Heiterland is an activity-centered community, where staff members meet with family and former caregivers of each resident to learn more about the individual’s background, finding ways to incorporate past interests into activities that will allow the person to keep their motor and social skills functioning throughout the progressing stages of dementia. Every resident is unique. For example, one current resident of Heiterland used to work as a caterer. Whenever families and visitors come to the home, she always wants them to be fed and guides the staff in baking cookies and snacks for the guests. Two former housewives enjoy doing the dishes together after meals. Another man used to be a State Farm worker, and his wife brought him his work briefcase from home, which he carried around with him every day. “It’s about looking at who that person was and validating their personhood,” Hoffman said. Going into their world If a dementia resident wakes up in the middle of the night and wants to get up, they should be allowed to get dressed. If a resident is hungry at an odd hour, that resident is fed. “You have to go into their world,” Hoffman said, “And if you go where they are, they are more content.” Rooms in Heiterland are furnished, but the Home encourages residents to bring photos of family and friends and other items to add some color to their rooms. Residents take field trips, do bowling and justfor-fun trivia games, and even play Wii games. Music therapy has also been a valuable tool for bringing back happy memories, no matter how fleeting the moment may be. “Our staff knows each resident’s needs and Familiar gardening skills are used to plant flowers in this wants and strives to keep them content and happy,” Royer said, “You meet them where they are. If they are raised flower bed in the Heiterland courtyard. living in their childhood, you go there with them.” able to participate in this time honored tradition, Royer said. The Royer explained that in the past, it was normal procedure in dining area is designed to allow an atmosphere of family togethersome long term care facilities to try to reorient the resident to the ness. Special focus is given to encouraging family members and present. “We find it is much more positive to live in their memories staff to eat with the residents, providing social interactions like they with them,” Royer said, “Going to where they are reduces their were familiar with in the past. frustration and gives them an increased feeling of security. While The center area of the unit is designed like a living room family members may find it difficult to accept where their loved one where residents gather for group activities. Mornings will find the is in the progression of dementia, we have found that the resident residents having devotions including Bible reading and singing is best served if we go into their world.” together. Group exercise is also part of the morning routine. Special activities of all kinds are found in the center area through the Special features of Heiterland remainder of the day including trivia games, ball toss, discussion The residents in Heiterland spend many summer hours in a topics and singing. Residents who would like to do an activity on beautiful enclosed courtyard complete with walking paths, raised their own are encouraged to do a puzzle, artwork, service project flower beds and seating areas. Summer picnics and yard games or take a walk. Spontaneous activities are often held to meet the are popular activities in the courtyard. Heiterland also features a needs of the residents on any given day. functioning kitchen area with a stove for residents, allowing for supervised cooking activities, including preparing meals. Last Admission to Heiterland November, the Heiterland residents enjoyed preparing their Some of the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia own Thanksgiving dinner complete with roasted turkey, stuffing, included in criteria for admission to Heiterland include memory mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. The residents loved being July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

feature story

continued

Close relationships between staff and residents are built through ongoing personal interaction.

Residents gather to bake cookies in the on-site kitchen with the help of staff. This helps the residents to feel at home.

loss, sleep disturbances, wandering, agitation, tearfulness, inappropriate rummaging or undressing, suspiciousness, paranoia and fear of being left alone. Dementia symptoms and progression of diseases of the mind vary from person to person. In some cases

a senior suffering from dementia may be resistant to guidance in performing daily activities, experience verbal outbursts or use physical threats or violence against a spouse or caretaker, making care at home difficult. Hoffman explained that he sees many families who feel guilty when they are no longer able to care for their loved one at home. However, after the resident has settled into Heiterland, the family feels such relief that their loved one is in an environment where they are content and lovingly cared for. “I was concerned about my mother liking Heiterland. However, now I am very pleased with Mom’s reaction. Mom is happy,” one current resident’s family member said, “The staff spend time with her and engage her in activities from her past. I appreciate the Christian environment and the loving care she receives in Heiterland.” Staffing at Heiterland “Familiarity and a sense of security are important for seniors suffering from dementia, and the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka is fortunate to have very consistent staffing,” Hoffman said. The Home maintains high staffing ratios in Heiterland, including certified nursing assistants, activity aides and nurses, with all staff members being required to receive special training before working and meet a set number of training hours throughout the year. The staffing levels provide the ability to meet the individualized needs of the residents. Seeking assistance for loved ones with dementia Caring for a loved one who is experiencing dementia can take a physical, emotional and financial toll on family members over a period of time, especially if peer support and care giving resources are not readily available to them. “We really want to encourage any individuals who are trying to care for family members with dementia to seek out support groups,” Hoffman said, adding that a local Alzheimer’s support group meets at the home on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend and can contact Kevin Singletary, Social Service Director, for additional information.

The specially designed courtyard is a favorite spot for residents and staff to spend time together in the Spring and Summer. Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

For a tour or more information on the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka and its Heiterland memory care unit, located at 610 W. Cruger Ave. in Eureka, visit www.each.org or call Kevin Singletary, Social Service Director at (309) 467-2311

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July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

sandwich generation

Planning For the Future Part 2

By Steven Buttice, Founder and President, Medical Reimbursement & Management Services, Inc.

hen you get home from your son’s ballgame, it is time to go through your parent’s monthly bills. This is just one of the tasks when dealing with the medical bills, investments and how best to make their money last. The following are several key components to help make the best outcome out of your parent’s situation:

coverage. Ask questions such as is nursing home or home health care covered. Can my parent go to Mayo Clinic or Iowa City if they wish? How much can I expect to pay out of pocket per year? Have they prepaid their funeral expenses or do they have life insurance? Is the beneficiary arraignments correct on the life insurance? Should they have life insurance? Maybe there is no need.

Public and Private Programs Know what you parent’s insurance plans will do for them. Do they have long term care insurance? If so, meet with their agent and see what triggers the benefits to be paid? Is it now time to plan for Medicaid for mother or father? The answer is most likely: YES. Gather information, you know your options and how best to protect your parents. The same applies to Estate planning and how your parent’s assets may pass after their death. These areas blend into the legal issues which also should be addressed with an attorney specializing in these areas. If one of your parents is a Veteran and served during wartime, they may qualify for a little known pension named the “Aid & Attendance Pension”. This pension pays up to $1948 monthly for unreimbursed medical expenses such as home care, assisted living, or nursing home. We have found this pension to be a Godsend for those qualify. Was your parent a veteran during WWII, Korea, or Vietnam? They did not need to be in that country, only serve during that time period. It is said that 2 million people qualify for this pension, but do not know about it. A reverse mortgage can also be used to help with expenses. Basically, a monthly income is paid based on your parent’s equity in their home and the equity in the home is lowered with each payment. Be careful here.

Investment Security Confirm their investments are properly allocated. Are they vulnerable to losses? Do your parents depend upon the income generated for living expenses? Find out – this area is critical. If a person is dependent upon investment income, those investments should be in a conservative vehicle, Do you parents and/or you need help managing their finances, even paying their bills? Trust departments can provide a service with security in this area. Also available are companies to assist you in bill paying. Coordinating care for your children and parents simultaneously is not easy. What can you do to manage this? Three words of advice: Plan, Plan and Plan. Legal, financial, residential, mental and physical healthcare elements must be addressed prior to a crisis. A sandwich generationer should guide their parent through these issues and the primary issue of safety, while being careful not to take all control away from a parent. Once again, it is important to start talking, making suggestions and guiding early, do not wait for a crisis.

Insurance Planning Know how your parent’s health insurance plans work. Do they have a PPO? Talk with a qualified insurance professional about their

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

For more information, contact Medical Reimbursement and Management Services, Inc., focusing on the issues of the elderly: legal, financial, residential and healthcare issues. Call 309-693-1060 or 1-800-383-1061 or visit www.MRMS-INC.com. Located at 809 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615.

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July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

cyber safety

Trendy Technology and Our Children By Aimee Ladd, Ph.D., Psychology Specialists, Ltd.

oday’s world is full of amazing technology, allowing us to engage with the world in a way that was unheard of just a decade ago. However, technology is being developed so quickly that it is nearly impossible to keep up with the current trends our children are bombarded with. In fact, whole new words have become part of

“We can’t be with our children every second of every day. So how do we keep them safe?” the English language. There is texting, tweeting, chatting, blogging, and Facebooking, just to name a few. Between the internet, cellular phones, i-phones, etc., it has become difficult for the average parent to become adequately educated on each new device to safely monitor their children’s, use of technology. Because of the vast array of devices, it may be best for parents to take a generalist approach to safety. It is important for parents to become aware of the possible dangers of technology use as it pertains to their children as well as to develop strategies to limit these dangers. The Dangers • Cyberbullying • Online Pornography • Internet Addiction • Online Scams • Online Gaming sites and Online Gambling • Hacking • Unsafe Social Communities • Becoming Socially isolated from “real, face to face” interactions • Access to inappropriate material online • Posting of inappropriate material online • Cellular Phone use while Driving • Sexting • Sleep deprivation due to interrupted sleep or all night use of cell phones, computers, etc. A Generalist Approach to Safety We can’t be with our children every second of every day. So how do we keep them safe? General Technology Safety Guidelines for all ages include: Limiting computer use to a public location in the home, discussing values and standards regarding technology use, setting up computer security systems and virus protection, and establishing rules for internet usage when adults are not present. Children of all ages should be given age-appropriate education on technology use. In addition, Children and Teens’ technology usage should be monitored at varying degrees according to their age and level of responsibility. Children and Tweens • Carefully monitor online activity • Children should visit pre-approved sites only • Begin teaching older children why some sites are inappropriate Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

• Engage Tweens in determining appropriate sites and frequently discuss what makes a site appropriate versus inappropriate • Engage in electronic communication with known friends only • Teach children and Tweens not to share personal information online • Teach children and Tweens to leave the site or get an adult if they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable or that they know is “not ok” • It is not advisable for children or Tweens to participate in social networking sites designed for Teens and Adults • Begin teaching Tweens about the risks during internet use and the protective strategies to deal with these risks Teens • Consistently monitor online behavior • Discuss risks and protective strategies often • Require that they make you a “friend” if they engage in social networking sites •S et social networking profiles to “private”, while teaching that nothing online or by text is really private •L imit friendship links to known friends and friends of friends •R egularly review your Teen’s profile and friends •R emove any inappropriate material posted on their profile and discuss why you have done so with your Teen. •P eriodically review text messages on your Teen’s cellular devices, if safety has been a concern in the past, you may discuss receiving print outs of all out-going and in-coming text messages from your cellular phone provider. •S et a technology use curfew. For instance: no cell phone, computer, etc. use after 10:30 on week nights and 12:00 on weekends. •H ave Teens “check in” their phones and other devices to the parent at curfew, store these devices in parent’s room for night. •L imit time spent using technological devices •M ake a household rule of turning off cellular devices during mealtime, during religious services, and during family time •D o not allow Teens to use cellular devices while driving and enforce strict consequences (i.e. loss of cellular device privileges) if this rule is broken •A llow internet access on cellular devices only to older Teens with a history of responsible online behavior and a willingness to discuss online activities Balance is Best for Everyone It is important for the entire family, parents included, to learn to balance their use of technology. Children learn by modeling the behavior of the adults around them. So, parents must also manage the time they spend online and using other technology such as cell phones. Be sure to schedule plenty of technology-free family time. Plan family events such as hikes, trips to the beach, picnics, game nights, etc. and only use your phone for emergencies during those times. In addition, try to frequently be the “Host House” that your children and their friends hang out at. This allows you to supervise their behavior and generally results in closer parent-child relationships. For more information, contact the Psychology Specialists at 309-648-0782 or visit www.psychologyspecialists.com.

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July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 27

vision health

Too Important to Ignore By Linda T. Hummel-McAlpin, Chief Executive Officer, Humana of South Texas and Central Texas

ision health is about more than just getting new eyeglasses every couple of years. It is really about overall health, according to Dr. Howard Braverman, O.D., national vision director with Humana, one of the nation’s largest health-benefits companies. Eye exams can help identify medical diseases early, including such things as stroke, diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy problems. “For that reason, you’ll sometimes hear the eyes called the ‘window of the body,’” Braverman explained. According to the Annual Review of Public Health, vision problems are the second most prevalent health problem in the country, affecting more than 120 million people. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that 11 million people have uncorrected vision problems. Some of the most common problems include: • Diabetic retinopathy, which is the leading cause of U.S. blindness • G laucoma, which is the second leading cause of U.S. blindness. It is called the “Silent Thief of Sight” because up to 2 million people have it and don’t even know it. • M acular degeneration, which is particularly prevalent in those age 60 and older. • C ataracts, which are not a disease, but a natural part of the aging process, often resulting in a change in refraction (eyeglass change), before cataract surgery is necessary. Most of these conditions have no warning signs. An annual dilated eye exam is critical to detecting and treating them, Braverman said. Despite these facts, fewer American are getting eye exams or are waiting longer between exams. One of the main reasons is they don’t have vision insurance. Almost 40 percent of Americans say they can’t afford vision care. And, with the recent economic downturn, fewer employers are able to fund group vision coverage. That doesn’t have to be the case. With voluntary benefits, businesses can offer their employees vision coverage outside

their regular health insurance without any additional costs to the employer. Employees purchase these benefits out of their own pockets, but enjoy the company’s group discount. A third party, such as Humana, administers the plan. Enrollment is easy and can be done online or on-site. Premiums can be paid through regular payroll deduction channels. Most vision products cover basic and preventive care services at 100 percent. Voluntary vision insurance can help businesses recruit new employees and keep their existing employees more satisfied. There also are potential tax advantages for both the employee. More importantly, however, are the health advantages. When employees are healthier, they are also happier and more productive. “There is a hidden cost to poor vision health,” Braverman cautioned. “According to a study in the Archives of Ophthalmology, vision disorders alone account for more than $8 billion in lost productivity each year. These problems also affect children and their ability to perform well in school.” For more information about voluntary vision products — and other voluntary benefits — please visit www.humanaspecialtybenefits.com. There you’ll find an entertaining video highlighting the value of voluntary benefits. To learn about Humana’s innovative solutions to managing the rising cost of health benefits, talk to your broker or consultant, e-mail us at AskHumanaTX@humana.com or call (210) 617-1001 and reference promo code: KerrvilleChamber. Linda T. Hummel-McAlpin, chief executive officer of Humana of South Texas and Central Texas, is responsible for the overall management and strategic planning for Humana’s commercial PPO, HMO, consumer-choice and self-insured health benefit products in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin, Waco, College-Station, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley.

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309-697-8450 Page 28 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 29

summer safety

Heat Related Illnesses in Hot

Weather Submitted by Peoria City/County Health Department, Diana Scott, MS

hen temperatures are extremely high, it is important to know and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating. If sweating is not enough to maintain the body’s normal temperature, blood chemistry can change and internal organs including the brain and kidneys can be damaged. Heat also can be stressful if the temperature changes suddenly, since it usually takes several days for the body to adjust to heat. The most common heat-related conditions are heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the most serious conditions. Heat exhaustion can result when too much time is spent in a very warm environment, resulting in excessive sweating without adequate fluid and electrolyte (salt and minerals) replacement. This can occur either indoors or outdoors, with or without exercise. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, shallow breathing, cool and clammy skin, muscle tremors and heavy sweating. Heatstroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heatstroke can result from overexposure to direct sunlight, with or without physical activity, or to very high indoor temperatures. It can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Symptoms of heatstroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally); red, hot and dry skin; rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency. If a person has the symptoms of heat stroke, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Page 30 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

To prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke during hot weather, take the following measures: • Try to keep cool during extremely high temperature. • Stay in a cool environment (preferably air conditioned). • Limit outdoor activities. • Drink plenty of cool fluids (like water) regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. • Avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar – they cause you to lose more body fluids. • Avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. • Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. • Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes. • Take care of your pets. Give extra water and be sure to place the water dish in a shaded area if outdoors. Make sure pets have a protected place where they can get away from the sun. Use common sense. Heat related injuries may develop with or without feelings of discomfort. Young children, particularly infants, are extremely sensitive to heat and can easily become dehydrated (lose more body fluids than usual) from high air temperatures. To help avoid dehydration during extremely hot weather, adults should make sure children drink plenty of fluids. Young children should be kept out of direct sunlight. For more information on heat-related illness, please contact the Peoria City/County Health Department at 309-679-6131. For information on other public health issues, visit our website at www.pcchd.org.

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July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 31

physical therapy

A Real Life Recovery Story By JD Nimrick, PT, Premier Physical Therapy

his article highlights an actual patient’s story of how treatment with physical therapy made a difference in his overall health and quality of life. You’ll see first hand that you don’t have to “just live with it” when you’re in pain or experience physical limitations. Patient History • 61 year old retired male • This patient presented with neck pain and numbness in his left upper arm that radiated into his hand • Imaging studies indicated degenerative discs and spinal narrowing of the cervical spine (neck) Initial Assessment At the time of the Initial Evaluation, the patient was found to have decreased neck range of motion. Compression testing was positive for left sided nerve compression while an upper limb tension test was positive for a pinched nerve leading into the lower arm. The patient’s prognosis was considered to be good to excellent. Treatment Initial treatment consisted of soft tissue massage, cold pack therapy to the neck region, neck stretches and postural adjust-

ments. Treatment progressed to include basic postural exercises, specialized McKenzie exercises and strengthening exercises. At discharge, the patient received a home exercise program consisting of strengthening, stretching and over-the-door cervical traction. Results Upon completion of therapy the patient happily reported an 85% improvement and was able to return to his sports activity without any restrictions. He performs his home exercise program daily to maintain his strength and improvement. Discussion This non-surgical option worked very well for this patient with degenerative disc and spinal narrowing. Instead of just living with the pain, he fixed it! For more information, or to schedule a no obligation free screening with one of our therapists please contact us at one of our clinics: Peoria 309-683-6900, Germantown Hills/Metamora 309-383-4708, Lacon 309-554-0072, Aquatic Therapy 309-683-6900, and visit www.premierhealthcare.biz.

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(309) 692-3630 www.peoriaplasticsurgery.com Page 32 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 33

medical side of botox®

The Therapeutic Uses of Botox ®

By Jenny K. Shah, APN, Cosmetic Surgery Care

magine the life of clammy hands, perspiring feet and armpits that drip with sweat like rivers unannounced and uncontrolled, showing on all of your shirts and blouses, embarrassing you as well as others around you. This is the norm for a person with hyperhidrosis. Not even the strongest prescribed antiperspirant works. To help control the armpit sweating, the solution is not to clog up your pores but to stop the glands from overworking. “It is so frustrating” was the way my first patient described it, “It hasn’t got anything to do with nervousness, it just happens spontaneously, even in the winter.” The use of Botox® injections in the armpit has gained popularity in the past two years. When injected under the skin of the armpit, Botox® produces temporary chemical denervation of the sweat gland resulting in a reduction of sweating. In other words, it slows down (paralyzes) the over active sweat glands causing them to stop over producing perspiration. This dramatic result begins to occur within the first hour of injection going from rivers of perspiration to desert dry. Botox® is a boon to the hyperhydrosis patient, making it worth the cost and the effects can last up to five months. Even though sweaty palms and feet are part of the hyperhydrosis symptoms, Botox® has not been used to treat these two areas, only the armpit area. Botox® is also used for patients with blepharospasm (excessive blinking) and strabismus (eye rolling or squinting, cross eyed) by injecting the muscles around the eye and should only be done by an ophthalmologist. Trial studies with Botox® have been done to relieve the mild to severe limb and hand contracture in quadriplegic patients and people who have had strokes. The tight muscles have been injected with Botox®, to see if these contracted muscles could be relaxed, coupled with physical therapy. Among the most grateful patients of Botox® use are migraine headache sufferers. Botox® has now been FDA approved for migraines. About 60% of migraine patients get total relief from routine injections in the forehead, scalp and base of the cranium. Each patient is different and needs tailor-made, personalized injections depending on the nature and location of their pain. The nature of the causes of migraine headaches is multi-etiological. This means that there are many types of headaches and there are many theories as to what causes migraines, none of which are consistent. It is not a “one size fits all” disease or cure. Not any one medication helps everyone. Usually as a desperate, last effort of therapies, patients will turn to Botox®. Patients have abandoned their medications and conventional treatments and tried Botox®. It is truly a “try at your own risk.” No guarantees. It may not work each time, and it may not last three months. I have some dedicated patients who get consistent relief. After years of suffering and numerous hospital ER visits, they will tell you that Botox® is a miracle in their life. Your allergist, neurologist and/or general practitioner should be informed about Botox® use. You may still need to continue your usual migraine medicines. As with all Botox® injections, you should consult a qualified, experienced medical professional to do your injections. Botox® is not a fad – it is here to stay. For more information, please contact Cosmetic Surgery Care at 309-692-3630 or visit: www.peoriaplasticsurgery.com. Located at Knoxville Place, 802 W. Trailcreek Drive, Peoria, IL. Page 34 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

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Page 36 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

fall prevention

Bathroom Safety Tips Made Simple By Lori Draeger, ProCare Home Health Services

s we age ever so gracefully one thing that we may see change throughout the years is our sense of balance. Falls can happen to anyone at any age but sometimes taking a few extra precautions may prevent a fall from happening. Here are few inexpensive tips that may prevent falls. Make sure there is good adequate lighting in every room of the house. It is important to be able to see the obstacles that you may encounter. Remove all unnecessary rugs to prevent from tripping. There are many items that can be purchased to help prevent falls from happening, especially in the bathroom. Grab bars are a great tool to aid in one’s balance. They come in a variety of lengths, styles and colors. There are now grab bars on the market that adhere to smooth walls and ceramic tile so you can avoid putting screws into the walls. Placing grabs bars near entry ways maybe helpful for getting into and out of the house. Bath stools, shower chairs, and tub transfer benches can provide one with a sense of a comfort and safety while bathing. The legs are height adjustable to fit everyone height’s needs. With newer renovations there are taller toilets available but, if you do not have the taller toilet in place a toilet safety frame or toilet riser gives someone something to hold while rising from the toilet.

When shopping for safety items, especially for the bathroom, keep in mind how much space is available. Bring measurements along to ensure that there will be adequate room between the tub, sink and toilet. Knowing if you have a round or elongated toilet will assure that you are purchasing the right item for you. If a fall has occurred and you or a loved one is being treated in a hospital or a rehab facility, talk with the therapy department to see what items they may recommend to have for a safer home environment. There are many different insurance plans out there and not all insurance companies cover medical equipment the same. Generally speaking, bathroom aids such as grab bars, bath benches, toilet risers, and other bathroom items are not covered by insurance even with a doctor’s prescription. Always discuss with your doctor if you are developing changes in you health such as dizziness, vision loss, blood pressure changes or weakness. For more information on durable home medical equipment, contact ProCare Home Health Services, 309-347-4663 or visit www.procareillinois.com. Come to our showroom at 1416 N. 8th Street, Pekin, IL.

July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 37

community news

Learning is Fun with Friends and Good for You! By Janet M. Lange, Executive Director, Bradley University Continuing Education

o you remember what made studying fun back in your school days? You gathered with friends around the kitchen table, shared a few laughs, enjoyed some snacks, and worked together. You finished your homework, and you had fun doing it! The truth is, little has changed in the intervening years. Learning with friends is fun! The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Bradley University— OLLI—is a program based largely on this premise: that learning in your late career and post-career years is not only fun, it’s also good for you. OLLI is an opportunity to sit around that kitchen table again and learn with your peers. Take a look at the facts. Socializing is good medicine. Studies from such prestigious institutions as UCLA, the University of Chicago, the American Academy of Neurology, and others point to at least eight direct benefits of socialization as we age: stronger immunity against disease, improved blood pressure, slower memory loss, increased desire to stay physically active, fewer tendencies toward depression, better ability to deal with pain, improved nutrition, and healthier relationships. Too much reliance on a spouse, primary partner, or children can put stress on the relationship, so socializing with friends is a healthy alternative. Joyce Remy, who writes for IlluminAge Communication Partners, described in a recent article the increased understanding that researchers have about the importance of socialization. She writes that for many years, research focused on the “practical” view of socialization, that people with family and friends could get necessary help as they age. Similarly, the media frequently highlight the medical benefits of an active brain. Remy points out that these factors don’t make up “the whole story of why social engagement is so important.” According to Remy, studies indicate “that seniors who socialize not only with family members but also with their peers have better emotional, intellectual, and physical health.” Opportunities abound in central Illinois for socialization through shared hobbies, by volunteering, or participating in sports and physical activities. Bradley’s OLLI program is another option that offers something for every interest. OLLI provides fall, winter, and spring class sessions, learning trips that last from part of a day to more than a week, lectures and special events such as ethnic dinners, and study groups for those who want a more in depth exploration of a fascinating topic. For many, their first OLLI experience is a learning trip, which typically starts with lunch together at a local restaurant and a chance to bond over a favorite menu item. Whether riding in a charter bus or a Bradley van, there is time to get acquainted and discuss the fascinating places they visit with OLLI. The largest group of lifelong learners attends OLLI’s classes which follow a typical school day schedule and meet on four Wednesdays in the fall and again in the spring. A winter session Page 38 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

meets Tuesday through Friday during a week in January. Participants say that they love the classes on history, science, finance, art, and more, but what makes OLLI special are the engaging conversations they share and the friendships they develop over coffee or lunch. First time OLLI participants quickly feel welcome and comfortable in this community of lifelong learners. While the research shows that those who engage their minds by learning new concepts will improve their overall health, OLLI members’ faces tell it all. When you add socialization to the learning process, you have a winning combination. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Bradley University (OLLI) offers numerous opportunities for those ages 50 or better to return to the classroom for high energy, low stress learning and fun. For more information, call 309-677-3900, or visit the OLLI website at www.bradley.edu/contnue/olli.

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senior health

If You’re Over 50, a PAD Screening Could Save Your Lifestyle, and Your Life By Steve Wilson, Communication Director, Proctor Hospital

here’s no doubt that seniors experience unique health issues. Many, part of natural aging. Often however, there are additional contributing factors such family medical history and lifestyle. Peripheral Arterial Disease is one of those medical issues that is primarily a disease process found among seniors yet, not always the case. It’s critical to become more aware of PAD because it’s a condition that may raise your risk for heart attack and/or stroke. There numbers are huge with one in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 with PAD. Very similar to clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs mean you are at risk for having a heart attack or stroke. The disease develops when arteries become clogged with plaque deposits that then limit blood flow to your legs. Some individuals with PAD never experience symptoms. That’s important to remember. Many people that do have symptoms like pain or cramping in the legs never say anything about it because they feel that it’s a natural part of aging. Remember to discuss such issues with your physician whether you are experiencing symptoms or not. PAD affects 8 to 12 million people in this Country. PAD is a very serious disease, but it’s treatable. If you have the disease, it’s important to see your physician regularly and treat the underlying atherosclerosis.

What Causes PAD? The cause of plaque buildup in the limbs is unknown in most cases. However, there are some conditions and habits that raise your chance of developing PAD. Your risk increases if you: • A re over the age of 50 • S moke or used to smoke. Those who smoke or have a history of smoking have up to four times greater risk of PAD • Have diabetes. One in every three people over the age of 50 with diabetes is likely to have PAD • H ave high blood pressure. Also called hypertension, high blood pressure raises the risk of developing plaque in the arteries. • H ave high blood cholesterol. Excess cholesterol and fat in your blood contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries, reducing or blocking blood flow to your heart, brain, or limbs • H ave a personal history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke. If you have heart disease, you have a one in three chance of also having PAD • A re African American. African Americans are more than twice as likely to have PAD as their white counterparts People who have PAD may notice symptoms when walking or climbing stairs. These symptoms may include pain, aching, or heaviness in the leg muscles. Symptoms may also include cramping in the affected leg(s) and in the buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet. Symptoms may go away after resting. If you have leg pain when you walk or climb stairs, talk to your physician. Page 40 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — July 2011

There is a screening for PAD known as an ABI or Ankle-Brachial Index. The screening takes just ten minutes and utilizes cuffs (much like blood pressure cuffs) on the arms and bare ankles. Screenings are offered by Proctor Hospital each Thursday morning from 6:3011:00 a.m. at the Hult Health Education Center at 5215 N. Knoxville Ave. Appointments are necessary and may be made by calling (309) 692-9595. You may schedule an appointment on your own or you may wish to speak with your physician first. It may be helpful to have the screening and speak with your physician about your results. Proctor Hospital is also on the frontline treating vascular disease. Physicians at Proctor are using an advanced digital X-ray imaging system to see detailed, real-time images of patient anatomy during medical procedures that require exacting precision. Proctor is the first hospital in the Midwest to use several newly available visualization tools, helping to make its new endovascular suite unlike any other in the state. The Innova* 4100IQ system from GE Healthcare is used to help physicians treat a variety of endovascular disorders including diseases of blood vessels, neurovascular disorders, cancers, and other conditions, through minimally invasive surgery, helping to enable treatment with less discomfort and shorter recovery times. With the excellent image quality of Proctor’s new system, clinicians can more easily and intuitively perform these procedures with increased confidence. If you are experiencing symptoms that you feel may be related to PAD, please speak with your physician. Make yourself aware of the causes and risk factors for PAD, and speak with your physician about making lifestyle changes and disease treatment. Have a PAD screening (ABI or Ankle-Brachial Index) at the Hult Center for Health Education; for more information call 309-6929595. Visit Proctor Hospital online at www.proctor.org and on Facebook.

dental health

Implant Maintenance

By Emil M. Verban Jr., DDS

ental implants are very successful and with proper care, they will last a lifetime. However, many people do not realize that implants are susceptible to the same pathogens that cause gum disease in natural teeth. “Gingivitis” of dental implants Successful dental implants are due to the fusion of the dental implant to the bone. This fusion is termed osseointegration. Inflammation that is limited to the soft tissue around a dental implant is termed “peri-implant mucositis” and is most likely due to simple dental plaque. It is analogous to “gingivitis” around natural teeth. The key is that there is no bone loss seen around the dental implant.

periodontal disease that is found around natural teeth. In this situation the bone that holds the dental implant in place is eroding away. If this continues the dental implant may fail and have to be removed. A study in the Journal Clinical Periodontal found that 16% of patients who were not getting their teeth professionally “cleaned” and maintained on a regular basis had bone loss around the dental implants. Our office cannot stress enough the importance of professional dental cleaning and periodontal therapy. It is important to have regular check-ups every six months or more often if necessary, along with brushing and flossing. Implants function just like a tooth, protect your investment and renewed smile.

“Periodontal disease” of dental implants If the infection progresses down the root surface the term used to describe this situation is “peri-implantits”. This is analogous to

For more information on dental implants you may call Dr. Verban at (309) 662-8448 or www.mcleancountydental.com. His office is located at 2103 E. Washington St. in Bloomington.

July 2011 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 41

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