July Iowa City Healthy Cells 2012

IOWA CITY area

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

JULY 2012

FREE

HealthyCells www.healthycellsmagazine.com

TM

M A G A Z I N E

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center:

Donors Make the Difference page 14

Enjoy Your Summer Picnic Without Some

Uninvited Guests page 8

Summer Safety

for Kids

page 13

Acid in the

Brain

page 18

“THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE”

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Over the river and through the woods to the trauma center we go.

All-terrain vehicles can go 60 mph and weigh 600 pounds. Yet, many owners think of them as just big toys. Consider the facts: 136,000 ATV-related injuries were treated in hospitals and doctors’ offices in 2004. Accidents happen when ATVs are operated in the wrong place, under the wrong conditions, by people too young or too inexperienced in ATV safety measures. If you must ride an ATV, use your head — the right way. A public service message from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association.

For recommendations on ATV safety, visit orthoinfo.org and ota.org.

ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA ASSOCIATION July 2012 — Iowa City — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

J U LY 5

2012 Volume 1, Issue 4

Walk For A Cause: Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s™

6

Emotional: Avoid Summer Brain Drain

8

Nutritional: Enjoy Your Summer Picnic Without Some Uninvited Guests

10

Physical: Helping Seniors Drive Safer, Longer

12

Prostate Health: “You Can’t Have One Without an Erection – Can You?”

13

Awareness: Summer Safety for Kids

17

Grief Recovery: “If I Start Crying Will I Be Able To Stop?”

18

New MRI-Based Strategy: Acid in the Brain

20

Take Action: Stress and Smoking – What are your Stressors?

22

Fire Safety: Learn About Fire Escape Plans

24

Quality Living: No Health without Mental Health

This Month’s Cover Story:

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Donors Make the Difference page 14

For information about this publication, contact Laurie Hutcheson, owner at

563-650-1876, ICHealthycells@gmail.com Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of: 1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615 Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com • www.healthycellsmagazine.com Healthy Cells Magazine is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

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

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

“I wish to thank all of the advertisers who make this magazine possible. They believe enough in providing positive health information to the public that they are willing to pay for it so you won’t have to.”

Laurie Hutcheson

walk for a cause

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s™

Engages and Inspires Eastern Iowans Participants Raise Critically Needed Funds for Alzheimer’s Care, Support, and Research This article space was generously donated by Advanced Medical Transport.

T

he Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s™ is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Iowa City area residents are invited to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The event will take place in City Park on Sunday, September 23, 2012 starting with check-in at 1:00pm. Other Walk to End Alzheimer’s locations in Eastern Iowa include Cedar Rapids and Waterloo on Saturday, September 22, 2012 and Decorah on Sunday, September 23, 2012.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than just a walk; it’s an experience for thousands of participants to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and how to get involved with this critical cause. Participants can engage in advocacy opportunities, learn about the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trial enrollment, and find out about support programs and services. Each walker will also take part in a meaningful ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

“The time is now to stand up for the nearly 69,000 Iowans affected

by Alzheimer’s disease by participating in the 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s can’t wait; we must act now,” said Brittney Robinson, Coordinator of Community Outreach and Initiatives for the Alzheimer’s Association East Central Iowa chapter. “There has never been a greater need to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s.”

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of

individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support, and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Together, we are an unstoppable force against Alzheimer’s. The end of Alzheimer’s disease starts here. Start or join a team today at alz.org/ walk or call 1-800-272-3900 for more information.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Join Us Sunday, September 23, 2012 City Park, Iowa City 1:00pm Check-In 2:00pm Kickoff Start or join a team today at alz.org/walk or call 1-800-272-3900.

July 2012 — Iowa City — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

emotional

Fun Ways to Keep Kids Reading

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

N

o more teachers, no more books ... Kids may heave a sigh of relief when school is out for the summer, but parents and caregivers need to make sure that kids don’t fall victim to summer brain drain.

According to the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), all kids experience learning losses when they don’t engage in educational activities during the summer. Research over the last 100 years shows that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer.

“Like any other important skill, learning must be practiced or it can easily be lost,” said Matthew Boulay, NSLA’s interim CEO. “The research shows that lower-income children with less access to summer Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Iowa City ­— July 2012

learning programs and to books are even more likely to fall behind in reading over the summer—and that contributes a great deal to the achievement gap over time.”

What you can do for your kids Reading is a crucial learning skill that has impact into adult life. Here are some fun ways to help get—and keep—your kids’ noses in books this summer: • Make time every day for reading. Reading to children and modeling good reading habits communicates that reading is important — and fun.

• Help kids choose books at an appropriate reading level. Nothing is more discouraging than having to struggle with a book that’s too

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

challenging. Listen to your child read. A good rule of thumb is that if he or she makes five or more errors in reading a page of about 50 words, the book is too challenging.

• When reading picture books, ask your child about what is happening in the illustration. Let them interpret the drawings in their own, unique way.

• Let them read from a wide variety of materials. Fairy tales, information books, poems, children’s magazines, the newspaper’s sports page, e-books and graphic novels are all good options for finding interesting reading material.

• Don’t drill your child on letters, words, numbers, colors, etc. Turn it into a game to help encourage their curiosity and continued interest.

• Make sure reading material is easily accessible. Leave books and magazines in their room; have reading material in other rooms of the house, and even the car.

What you can do for others It’s important for every child to keep reading and learning during the summer, but for some kids, it’s even more critical. The NSLA says that lower-income students are particularly at risk: • Low-income students lose more than two months in reading achievement over the summer months.

• More than half of the achievement gap between lower and higher income youth can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities. As a result, low-income youth are less likely to graduate from high school or enter college.

To help close this gap, The UPS Store network supports the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, a year-round initiative that encourages mon-

Lyse S Strnad, MD John F Stamler, MD, PhD Stacy L Thompson, MD Chris E. Watts, MD

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etary donations and provides books to less-fortunate children. The program gives these children the ability to compete academically and succeed in life by enhancing their ability to read and communicate effectively.

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nutritional

Enjoy Your Summer Picnic Without Some Uninvited Guests Submitted by Midori Gingerich, RD, LD, Hy-Vee Dietitian

S

ummer is in full swing! The lights on the softball and baseball fields are staying on past dark and the fireflies are glowing all about. The blustery and chilly winds have left us, and now it is time for campfires and picnics in the park with all your favorite summertime foods—hamburgers, brats, hotdogs, potato salad, watermelon, s’mores—the list goes on and on. With all the delicious food close at hand, don’t let a good picnic be ruined by the uninvited guest of a foodborne illness. Did you know that each year roughly one out of six Americans (or 48 million people) gets sick, 128,000 Americans are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases? Enjoying a picnic during a beautiful summer day is a great way to socialize with friends and family, but don’t forget to remember four important tips to make your day fun and safe.

First off, wash your hands! Proper hand washing can eliminate half of all food-borne illness. It’s never too early to start teaching children how to wash their hands correctly, too. Hands should be washed in warm water with soap before cooking foods and after handling raw meat, seafood and poultry. Hands should be washed for 20 seconds, or the same time it takes you to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

And don’t forget to wash your cooking surfaces and replace your dishcloths and sponges on a regular basis.

Secondly, keep raw meats and ready-to-eat foods separate.

Be sure to place your raw meat on the bottom shelf in your refrigerator and below any ready-to-eat foods such as fruits and vegetables. Also, remember to use a clean serving dish and utensil for any cooked meats that you are serving to your family and friends. When dining outside, be sure to bring two coolers with you. Use one for raw meats and the ready-to-eat foods in the other.

Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Iowa City ­— July 2012

Thirdly, cook food to proper food temperatures. The only way to make sure you are cooking foods to their proper temperatures is by using a meat thermometer. They are a very inexpensive way of making sure you save a trip to the emergency room! Cook ground meats to 160 degrees; poultry to 165 degrees; steak/roasts to 145 degrees; pork to 145 degrees with fresh, raw ham to 160 degrees; and egg casseroles to 160 degrees. Also, don’t forget to reheat any leftovers to 165 degrees before being served.

Finally, stay out of the “danger zone”! Food should not be left out longer than two hours at one time. Your food should be kept below 40 degrees or above 140 degrees to prevent it from being in the “danger zone.” This is especially critical at picnics and potluck dinners when the time passes by fast and the snacks and dishes are nibbled on throughout the day. Be sure to have coolers and ice on hand or a refrigerator nearby to store the foods.

Summer is also the perfect time to indulge in the “rainbow” of summer produce. Pack your cooler with crisp, raw veggies, such as cucumbers, carrots, celery, asparagus tips, cherry tomatoes and radishes. Don’t forget to bring a dip, such as hummus, salsa, fat-free bean dip or nonfat plain Greek yogurt mixed with herbs and spices.

To get even more use out of your grill, try preparing your favorite fruits on the grill for a tasty dessert. Pineapple, peaches, plums, apricots, mangos, bananas and nectarines work great over the fiery coals.

Start by threading the fruit onto skewers and sprinkling with sugar to help caramelize the fruit. Next, place the fruit skewers on the grill cutside-down and hear them sizzle. Grill the fruit for about five minutes, or until fruit is heated through and caramelized. Your picnic guests will keep coming back for more!

By remembering these tips, your picnic outing will be a safe, memorable and healthy one!

Here’s a quick and healthy picnic idea to bring to your next gettogether: Coconut-Lime Fruit Salad Serves 12 (1/2 cup each) Source: Hy-Vee All you need: ¼ cup Hy-Vee sour cream ¼ cup lite coconut milk 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon packed Hy-Vee brown sugar 1 medium orange, peeled and sectioned 2 ripe nectarines, pitted and sliced 1 cup sliced strawberries 1 cup cut-up fresh pineapple All you do: 1. Combine sour cream, coconut milk, lime juice and brown sugar in a small bowl, mixing until smooth; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add coconut-lime mixture and toss lightly to coat all fruit.

Nutrition Information (per serving): 40 calories; 1 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 10 mg sodium; 8 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 6 g sugars; 1 g protein

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The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

For more nutrition information, visit one of your Hy-Vee Registered Dietitians today! Midori Gingerich, RD, LD at mgingerich@hy-vee. com or 319-351-5523 at your Coralville Hy-Vee. Cathy Gehris, RD, LD at cgehris@hy-vee.com or 319-338-9758/319-354-9223 at your Eastside Hy-Vee and North Dodge Hy-Vee. Kym Wroble, RD, LD at kwroble@hy-vee.com or 319-354-7601 at your Waterfront Hy-Vee

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AMTofIowa.org • 319.341.7799 • 2228 Heinz Road • Iowa City, Iowa 52240 July 2012 — Iowa City — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

physical

Helping Seniors Drive Safer, Longer S

ince January 2011, nearly 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, joining the fastest growing age group in the nation. According to a recent American Automobile Association (AAA) survey of that booming population, nearly half of seniors worry about losing their freedom and mobility when the time comes for them to transition from driver to passenger.

From understanding how vision changes affect one’s ability to drive at night, to researching the effects certain medications can have on one’s driving ability, it’s important to get the facts about driving for seniors. Use these tips from AAA to ensure you and your family members are driving safely: Evaluate your driving It’s important to take time to consider one’s driving “health” and habits. For instance, when was the last time you had an eye exam? You can take a Driver 65 Plus self-assessment at www.

SeniorDriving.AAA.com to get a clear picture of just how good your driving skills really are, and get suggestions for improvement.

Be aware of how aging affects driving habits Seniors may not notice the gradual ways that age can impact their driving ability. For instance, by age 60, your eyes need three times the amount of light to see properly as they do for people 20 years-old, which means it’s more difficult to see at night. Likewise, one-third of Americans suffer from hearing loss by age 65, which means senior drivers may be unable to hear high-pitched noises such as emergency response vehicles.

Reaction times can be slower for seniors as well. But preventative measures can go a long way: • Seniors should increase the distance between their car and the car in front of them to allow more time to react to sudden braking.

• Eliminating distractions in the vehicle and avoiding heavy traffic can also help seniors identify emergency sirens.

Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Iowa City — ­ July 2012

Top 5 driving tips for seniors 1. Prepare for a drive by adjusting your mirrors and seat to ensure you can see properly. Always wear a seatbelt.

2. E liminate distractions, such as the car radio, which can interfere with you ability to hear emergency response vehicle sirens and other important sounds.

3. A void driving in bad weather, heavy traffic or at night.

4. Making left-hand turns can be difficult for people with limited vision. Avoid left-hand turns at intersections with signals by making three right hand turns around the block when possible.

5. M anage slower reaction times by increasing the amount of space between your vehicle and the car in front of you, allowing for more time to react to sudden braking.

Find the right fit Many seniors may not realize that their car may not be optimally adjusted to fit them. For example, sitting too close to the steering wheel can cause injury should the airbag deploy during a collision.

• Make sure you have at least 10 to 12 inches between your chest and the steering wheel.

• When seated properly, you should be able to see the ground in front of your car within 12 to 15 feet and 1–1/2 car widths left and right.

• Visit www.car-fit.org to assess the safety of your vehicle, find the proper seat and mirror adjustments, and more.

e s a e l P

let Healthy Cells advertisers know you saw their ad in

Talk with your doctor and pharmacist Ensure that the medications you take—both prescription and over-the-counter—will not impair your ability to drive safely. In addition, make sure all your medications go through one pharmacy, so the pharmacists on staff can better assess any potential drug interactions.

To help older drivers and their families deal with driving and mobility challenges related to aging, AAA has launched a new website (www.

SeniorDriving.AAA.com) to make a comprehensive suite of tools and resources available at the click of a button. From an Ask-the-Expert feature to Roadwise Review (an online screening tool that measures functional abilities linked to crash risk) and more, all of the features are free to site visitors. The site also offers links and resources to help families find other means of transportation when their loved one is no longer able to drive safely.

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July 2012 — Iowa City — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

prostate health

“You Can’t Have One Without an Erection—Can You?” Fourth in a series of excerpts from “Making Love Again” The subject matter of this book is of a personal and explicit nature, and may not be suitable for younger or ultra-conservative readers.

By Virginia and Keith Laken

Laptop Notes, May 1, 1995 Three months since my surgery. Three months without sex. I’ve never gone this long before, and I don’t want to go much longer. I should be seeing some sign by now! At first I wasn’t thinking about sex much, but this last month I’ve been thinking about it a lot and nothing is happening.I can’t come on to Gin when I can’t even achieve an erection. It would be too humiliating.

Journal Entry, May 3, 1995 We haven’t made love again since that second night home from the hospital. But that’s all right, I can wait. Keith’s getting restless, though. A few times he’s hinted, but I’ve put him off. I want to wait until he can enjoy himself too. Anyway, it shouldn’t be too much longer before we see some signs of recovery.

In early May, we went together to Mayo for Keith’s three-month check up. Dr. Barrett was pleased with his progress, and was very reassuring.

Dr. Barrett asked the standard doctor phrase: “Do you have any questions?” Keith sat taller in his chair. “Only one,” he said, squaring his shoulders. “When can I start having sex again?” “Whenever you feel up to it,” he replied. Almost as an after thought, he added, “And you do know you can experience an orgasm without having an erection don’t you?” Keith nodded confidently. “Sure.”

After the appointment I was anxious to find a place we could be alone, so I could pump Keith for answers to the many questions I now had.

“Hon, what made you ask Dr. Barrett about having sex?” I asked expectantly. “Has something happened to make you think you’re ready?”

“Well no…the question I had wasn’t really whether it was all right for us to have sex, but when we could expect it to be possible.”

“Well, then…how about this ‘orgasm without an erection’ idea? Did you know you could do that?”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing, Gin. I don’t know where this guy’s coming from! You can’t have sex without getting an erection. That’s where your desire comes from. I don’t know why he said that.

A few days after our appointment, Steven phoned and asked if we could arrange to take some time off and bring him a few things he’d left at home. Keith and I jumped at the chance.

Journal Entry, May 5, 1995 I’ve made up my mind I’m going to try to end our abstinence on this trip. I’m going to test Dr. Barrett’s idea. I feel a little shy, though. I’ve never been very good about taking the lead role. I’ve Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Iowa City — ­ July 2012

always let Keith do that. But now things are different. I have to do something. I’m thinking of it kind of like doing more nursing…the final stage of helping Keith get better. I’m sure once he realizes he can have orgasms again, his doubts about being sexually capable will disappear, and he’ll relax and feel good about himself. And once that happens, his erections will quickly follow. The only question is whether this will work. What if it doesn’t, I can’t think about that right now. I’ve got to do this and help Keith get back to normal.

We spent our first night with my big brother Rodger and sister-in-law Sue. After dinner we played cards, all the while telling jokes and reminiscing happily together. Visiting like this, as we’d done so many times in the past, helped reinforce the feeling that life was going to return to normal.

The next morning we left late, did some sightseeing, and stopped early in the afternoon. When we reached our room in the hotel, we unpacked our bags, feeling pleased with the whole trip so far.

“Let’s take a quick swim before we change for dinner,” “I suggested, coming across my swimsuit.

“Good idea. I sure could use the exercise,” Keith nodded.

We played in the pool for a long time, teasing and seducing one another with our glances. When we finally returned to our room, we stripped from our bathing suits and immediately began hugging and kissing.

“Let’s skip dinner,” I urged. Keith eagerly agreed, and we moved to the bed. I pushed Keith lightly back onto his pillow. “Just try to relax,” I coaxed. “Enjoy yourself, and don’t worry about anything.”

As the minutes ticked by, I tried all the things that usually turned Keith on. Then, just when my determination began to wane and I was about ready to give up, I noticed a slight increase in Keith’s breathing.

Encouraged, I continued. Yes, Keith was getting aroused — even if it was not physically noticeable. In a few minutes, Keith had an orgasm — his first in almost four months.

“Thank you, thank you,” Keith uttered emotionally, squeezing me tight. “I was so afraid I’d lost all feeling — that I was sexually dead. But you’ve brought me back to life.”

“So it felt the same even without an erection?” I asked curiously. “It was different, especially to begin with. But once I got excited, it was pretty much the same.”

Although Keith was unable to achieve an erection, we were awed by the awakening of his body — and rejuvenated by the fact that we were once again enjoying sex. Our hope and optimism came rushing back. We both assumed that Keith’s ability to experience orgasm was an omen of what was to follow.

Next month: “I’m Going to Give Myself a Shot Where?”

awareness

Summer Safety for Kids Submitted by University of Iowa Children’s Hospital

W

ith school out for the summer, doctors and safety experts at University of Iowa Children's Hospital are encouraging a "safety first" approach to outside activities.

"When you're talking about injury prevention for children, probably the biggest thing to keep in mind is supervision," says Charles Jennissen, MD, and Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UI Children's Hospital. "When things go wrong or when bad things happen, most commonly it occurs during a short period of decreased supervision."

Pam Hoogerwerf, Community Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator at UI Children's Hospital, agrees.

"As kids are getting out of school, they're going to have a lot more outside time," she says. "The first key for any caretaker— whether it's an adult, a babysitter, or an older sibling—is to know where that child is and what their surroundings are."

Summer safety comes not only in remembering to wear sunscreen and bicycle helmets, but in being aware of the potential dangers for children playing in the area and in avoiding developing bad habits.

•S unburn: Teaching children good skin-care habits when they are young will help them maintain those habits when they're older and, hopefully, help prevent more serious consequences in the future. Sunburn isn't just a temporary discomfort, Hoogerwerf says, it can lead to an emergency room visit now and the potential for skin cancer later.

• Lawn mower safety: Jennissen says parents create a bad habit and potentially dangerous situation when they take their small children along for a ride on the riding mower. Not only do a lot of serious injuries occur when a child slips off a lap, but every time the child sees the mower moving it's a signal for another ride. A child running up to a moving mower creates a hazardous situation where they may be run over.

• Bicycle safety: Ensuring your child always wears a bicycle helmet is important, and so is making sure the helmet is the right fit, Hoogerwerf says. The helmet should be snug, but not so tight that it lifts up from the child's head on its own. The chin strap should be tight enough to allow no more than one finger between it and the chin.

Jennissen and Hoogerwerf offer some tips for summer safety: •A ll-terrain Vehicle (ATV) safety: The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend that anyone under the age of 16 ride an ATV, Jennissen says. However, he cautions that if you do allow a child to operate an ATV to make certain they are wearing a proper motorcycle helmet (not a bicycle helmet), that they do not drive on the road, that they ride a machine not too big for them (children 12–15 years should not be on an ATV with an engine size larger than 90cc), and never allow passengers—which is against the law in Iowa on both public and private land.

• P layground safety: The hot sun can do more than burn tender skin—it can create a dangerously heated surface on playground equipment, particularly structures made of metal. Hoogerwerf recommends the "five-second rule": If an adult can’t keep a hand on the playground equipment for five full seconds, it probably isn't safe for the child.

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July 2012 — Iowa City — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

feature story

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Donors Make the Difference

“Blood donors are a lifeline to our patients.”

H

ospital laboratory manager, Sharon Hosch, has a better grasp than most of the difference it makes for patients when volunteers roll up their sleeves to give blood. As part of her position with United Clinical Laboratories, Hosch makes sure physicians at the hospital she serves (Mercy Dyersville in Dyersville, Iowa) have blood and blood components available at all times.

“It’s really important that people donate so that we can have the blood on our shelves and can have the blood there for when the patients need it,” says Hosch.

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, based in Davenport, is the provider of blood and blood components to 31 hospitals in eastern Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Iowa City — ­ July 2012

Iowa (listed below). The Blood Center relies on the support of volunteer blood donors and groups that host mobile blood drives to ensure a stable blood supply for hospitals throughout the region.

Keeping Families Whole Last December, a patient at another Iowa hospital experienced complications during labor and her obstetrician decided to deliver her baby by Cesarean section. That’s when, in the words of Jessica Scott, “Everything went downhill. My uterus wouldn’t contract and my blood wouldn’t coagulate, so I had post partum hemorrhage…worse than most women would have it.”

Jessica received 13 units of blood to help stabilize her condition, but the hemorrhage began anew the next morning. She was rushed into a second surgery and received an additional 13 units. Their routine child

birth turned into a frightening experience in which she nearly lost her life, but in the end Jessica and her husband, Jason, went home with Jaxson, with her health and the family intact.

A few months after being released from the hospital, the Scotts visited MVRBC headquarters. Reflecting on her two surgeries and the number of donations needed to help save her life, Jessica said, “All I can say is, thanks to all the donors to have that available for me, because if it wasn’t for all that, I wouldn’t be alive.” Regarding their son, Jason says, “Oh, he’s perfect.” Jessica readily agrees, saying, “He’s just a gift from God, an absolute miracle. I could stare at him all day long.”

Making the Most of Every Donation After a donor gives blood at an MVRBC Donor Center or mobile blood drive, the donation is routed to the MVRBC’s Davenport Headquarters where the unit is tested for infectious diseases and where whole blood donations are converted into transfusable blood components.

“With a single donation, you could have red blood cells go to one patient, the plasma helps another patient, so that individual donor’s act, that one day, can help multiple patients,” explains David Green, CEO, MVRBC. Staff in the Blood Center’s labs use sophisticated blood testing equipment to meet strict quality standards upheld by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory bodies. Once units are cleared for release, the components move from the laboratory to MVRBC’s product distribution area for delivery to hospitals.

Hosting a Blood Drive Every year, hundreds of generous organizations and community groups host blood drives throughout MVRBC’s service region. With a little more than half of the Blood Center’s annual collections coming through mobile blood drives, MVRBC simply could not fulfill its mission without the support of the businesses, schools, churches and civic organizations that volunteer to host mobile blood drives and recruit blood donors from within their ranks and the surrounding community.

Volunteer Blood Drive Coordinators are essential to recruiting new blood donors (as well as repeat and lapsed donors) simply by asking people they know to give blood. MVRBC provides posters, flyers and e-mail templates to support recruiting efforts by volunteer blood drive coordinators.

The wide range of MVRBC blood drive sponsors reflects the great diversity of the Blood Center’s donor base. Blood drives are held at corporate headquarters of large businesses, at factories, high schools, colleges, churches and community centers. “Hosting a mobile blood drive costs nothing, and is a great way for organizations to provide a resource that helps save lives right in your own community,” said Amanda Hess, Director of Donor Relations.

For information on hosting a mobile blood drive, please contact Chris Ciasto, Donor Relations Consultant (cciasto@mvrbc.org or 1-800-747-5401).

The Privilege to Help Others Blood donor Gloria Spencer reflected on the difference her donations make for patients in need by talking about the privilege of saving a life through blood donation. “We can give money and all of the other things,” said Spencer. “But this is something really deep, to be able to give somebody your blood.”

As MVRBC looks to the future, the Blood Center will move forward as it always has: remembering the importance of patient care and hospital service while working together with volunteer donors to provide a life-saving resource for communities in need. CEO David Green knows how important those donors are. “None of the lives can be saved without the donor’s first getting onto the bed, rolling up the sleeve and saving lives,” says Green.

July 2012 — Iowa City — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

feature story

(continued)

MVRBC Service Region In addition to serving nearly three-dozen hospitals in Eastern Iowa, MVRBC serves a total of 85 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Iowa hospitals served by MVRBC include: Fort Madison Community Hospital - Fort Madison, Iowa Genesis Medical Center - DeWitt, Iowa Genesis Medical Center, East - Davenport, Iowa Genesis Medical Center, West Central Park - Davenport, Iowa Great River Health Systems - Burlington, Iowa Henry County Health Center - Mount Pleasant, Iowa Iowa City VA Health Care System - Iowa City, Iowa Jackson County Regional Health Center - Maquoketa, Iowa Jefferson County Hospital - Fairfield, Iowa Jones Regional Medical Center - Anamosa, Iowa Keokuk Area Hospital - Keokuk, Iowa Keokuk County Health Center - Sigourney, Iowa Knoxville Hospital & Clinics - Knoxville, Iowa Lucas County Health Center - Chariton, Iowa Mahaska Health Partnership - Oskaloosa, Iowa Marengo Memorial Hospital - Marengo, Iowa Mercy Iowa City - Iowa City, Iowa Mercy Cedar Rapids - Cedar Rapids, Iowa Mercy Clinton - Clinton, Iowa Mercy Dubuque - Dubuque, Iowa Mercy Dyersville - Dyersville, Iowa Monroe County Hospital - Albia, Iowa Ottumwa Regional Health Center - Ottumwa, Iowa Select Specialty Hospital - Davenport, Iowa St. Luke's Hospital - Cedar Rapids, Iowa Trinity Bettendorf - Bettendorf, Iowa Trinity Muscatine - Muscatine, Iowa The Finley Hospital - Dubuque, Iowa University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics* - Iowa City, Iowa Van Buren County Hospital - Keosauqua, Iowa Washington County Hospital and Clinics - Washington, Iowa *Primary external supplier of blood products, supplementing the blood program at the DeGowin Blood Center of the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City.

Steps in the Donation Process Giving blood takes about an hour, and the difference it can make for patients who receive lifesaving transfusions can last a lifetime! Whether donating at an MVRBC Donor Center or on a mobile blood drive, the donation process follows these four steps: • Registration: When you arrive at the Donor Center or mobile blood drive, go to the registration desk, where you will be asked to show identification (or your MVRBC Donor ID Card, if you already have one) and provide some basic information for our records.

• Screening: You will then proceed to the donor screening area, which has two distinct steps. You will receive a miniphysical (blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin check) to make sure you are healthy and well enough to give blood.

You will also complete the Universal Donor History Questionnaire.

This includes questions about your health history, travel outside the United States and other factors that are associated with an increased risk for contracting infections that can be transmitted via blood transfusion. You will use a touch-screen computer to complete the questionnaire. The questions are printed on the screen and also read-aloud over the computer’s speakers or headphones. MVRBC staff members will help you with any questions you may have.

• Giving Blood: After completing the physical screening and Universal Donor History Questionnaire, an MVRBC phlebotomist will lead you to a donor bed. The phlebotomist will help you lean back on the reclining donor bed and cleanse the area on your forearm where the needle will be inserted.

A sterile, one-time use kit is used for each donation. This includes the collection bag, testing tubes, needle and all tubing. After the needle is inserted, the donation process for whole blood donation will last about 8-12 minutes. Your MVRBC phlebotomist will observe your donation from beginning to end and answer any questions you may have. A registered nurse is also present to assist donors at every Donor Center and mobile blood drive.

• Post-Donation Fluids and Snacks: Following your donation, you will sit up on the donor bed and proceed to the donor canteen area to drink fluids and eat a light snack. It is important to begin to eat and drink right after your donation, as your body will begin replacing the cells you donated right away. Be sure to rest well and drink plenty of fluids before and after giving blood.

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) is the exclusive provider of blood products and services to 85 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. The Blood Center is based in Davenport, Iowa, where MVRBC’s testing, processing and primary distribution center handles more than 250,000 units of blood components each year. MVRBC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

In addition to its Davenport headquarters, the Blood Center has regional administrative offices in central Illinois (Springfield, IL, operating as Central Illinois Community Blood Center), eastern Illinois (Urbana IL, operating as Community Blood Services of Illinois), southeastern Iowa (Ottumwa, IA) and the St. Louis region (Maryland Heights, MO).

From these locations, MVRBC collects blood at 16 fixed site donor centers and at more than 4,000 mobile blood drives held each year.

The population of the Blood Center’s service region exceeds 4-million residents and donors give more than 180,000 donations each year.

How You Can Help To find a Donor Center or mobile blood drive in your community, contact MVRBC at 800-747-5401 or use the Blood Center’s online scheduling system (www.bloodcenterimpact.org). For information on hosting a mobile blood drive, please contact Chris Ciasto, Donor Relations Consultant.

cciasto@mvrbc.org or 1-800-747-5401 Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Iowa City — ­ July 2012

grief recovery

“If I Start Crying Will I Be Able To Stop?”

Healthy Cells magazine is pleased to present the fourth in a series of feature articles on the subject of Grief ❣ Recovery®. The articles are written by Russell P. Friedman, Executive Director, and John W. James, Founder, of The Grief Recovery Institute. Russell and John are co-authors of WHEN CHILDREN GRIEVE - For Adults to Help Children Deal with Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving, and Other Losses - Harper Collins, June, 2001 - & THE GRIEF RECOVERY HANDBOOK - The Action Program For Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses (Harper Perrenial, 1998).

The articles combine educational information with answers to commonly asked questions.

T

here are many misconceptions about the pain associated with significant emotional loss. Some relate to the reaction of others, for example: it’s not fair to burden them with my pain, or you have to be strong for others [mom, dad, kids, etc.]. Some relate to how we ourselves think we should be reacting to the loss, for example: I should be over it by now, or I have to keep busy.

One of the most hidden and dangerous fears is that if I ever let myself feel the pain that I sense, I will start crying and never be able to stop. It is precisely this kind of incorrect assumption that can keep us locked into a position of unresolved grief, forever, and yet, based on what we have been taught in our society, it is a most logical extension of everything we have ever learned.

We were taught from our earliest ages that sad, painful, or negative feelings were to be avoided at all cost, and if we were unable to avoid them, at least, not to show them in public. Everyone we’ve ever talked to can relate to these comments: “if you’re going to cry, go to your room, and cry alone”; “knock off that crying or I’ll give you a reason to cry”; “smile and the whole world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.”

Those are just a small sampling of the kinds of remarks that have dictated your reactions to the loss events in your life. In last month’s article we said that many of our survival habits were developed when we were quite young, and that we may be managing adult lives with the limited skills and perceptions of a child.

If you picture a tiny infant, unhappy about something, you will realize that the infant communicates displeasure at the top of its little lungs.

If you think about it, you will recall that infants also express pleasure at the top of their lungs. They make no distinction between happy and sad, in terms of volume or intensity. As children move out of infancy, they are socialized to reduce both the volume and intensity of the expression of their feeling responses to life. This might be somewhat acceptable if both happy and sad were merely muted a little and muted equally. Unfortunately, only the sad side gets severely crimped. The happy, joyful, and positive feelings are allowed to stay, and can even be shared with others. The other half of our normal feeling existence is relegated to isolation, separation, and aloneness.

With all of those beliefs and habits as a backdrop, it is almost entirely logical that we might be terrified to show or express any of the normal and natural painful reactions to losses of any kind. It even makes sense

that we might believe that if we started crying we wouldn’t be able to stop. So, if you have been a little hard on yourself for what you could not do, give yourself a break. You may have been executing your programming perfectly.

It may sound a little harsh and inhuman to say that you were programmed, but if you follow the analogy, you might find it helpful in allowing you to change. At the very least, if you can see how well you executed the incorrect things you learned, you will see that you can also execute correct things with great precision.

We have yet to see anyone not be able to stop crying. However, we have seen too many people not begin the process of Grief ❣ Recovery® because of an inordinate fear of any expression of their sad, painful, or negative feelings.

Next month: “Are There Actual Stages of Grieving?”

For information about programs and services, write to The Grief Recovery Institute, P.O. Box 6061-382 Sherman Oaks, CA. 91413. Call 1-818-907-9600 or Fax: 1-818-907-9329. Please visit our website at: www.griefrecoverymethod.com.

July 2012 — Iowa City — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

new mri-based strategy

Acid in the Brain

UI team develops new way to look at brain function Submitted by University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

U

niversity of Iowa Neuroscientist, John Wemmie, is interested in the effect of acid in the brain (not that kind of acid!). His studies suggest that increased acidity—or low pH—in the brain is linked to panic disorders, anxiety, and depression. But his work also indicates that changes in acidity are important for normal brain activity too.

"We are interested in the idea that pH might be changing in the functional brain because we've been hot on the trail of receptors that are activated by low pH," says Wemmie, Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the UI Carver College of Medicine. "The presence of these receptors implies the possibility that low pH might be playing a signaling role in normal brain function."

Wemmie's studies have shown that these acid-sensing proteins are required for normal fear responses and for learning and memory in mice. However, while you can buy a kit to measure the acidity of your Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Iowa City — ­ July 2012

garden soil, there currently is no easy way to measure pH changes in the brain.

Wemmie teamed up with Vincent Magnotta, UI Associate Professor of Radiology, Psychiatry, and Biomedical Engineering. Using Magnotta's expertise in developing MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)-based brain imaging techniques, the researchers developed and tested a new, non-invasive method to detect and monitor pH changes in living brains.

According to Wemmie, the new imaging technique provides the best evidence so far that pH changes do occur with normal function in the intact human brain. The findings were published May 7 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) Early Edition.

Specifically, the study showed the MRI-based method was able to detect global changes in brain pH in mice. Breathing carbon dioxide,

changes but is not influenced by changes in blood oxygenation. Conversely, fMRI does not respond to changes in pH. "What we show is our method of detecting brain activity probably depends on pH changes and, more than that, it is distinct from the signal that fMRI measures," says Wemmie. "This gives us another tool to study brain activity."

Brain function and pH Wemmie's previous studies have suggested a role for pH changes in certain psychiatric diseases, including anxiety and depression. With the new method, he and his colleagues hope to explore how pH is involved in these conditions.

MRI brain scans of human subject breathing air (left) or air containing "Brain activity is likely different in peo7.5 percent carbon dioxide (middle). The difference between the two scans ple with brain disorders such as bipolar or (shown right) shows increased brain acidity in red caused by carbon dioxide depression, and that might be reflected in this measure," Wemmie says. "And perinhalation as measured by the new MRI-based strategy. haps most important, at the end of the day: Could this signal be abnormal or perturbed in human psychiatric diswhich lowers pH and makes the brain more acidic, increased the sigease? And if so, might it be a target for manipulation and treatment?" nal, while bicarbonate injections, which increases brain pH, decreased In addition to Wemmie and Magnotta, the UI team included Hyethe MRI signal. The relationship between the signal and the pH was Young Heo, Brian Dlouhy, Nader Dahdaleh, Robin Follmer, Daniel Thelinear over the range tested. dens, and Michael Welsh. The work was supported by the McKnight Importantly, the method also seems able to detect localized brain Endowment Fund for Neuroscience, the Dana Foundation, and a UI activity. When human volunteers viewed a flashing checkerboard—a Clinical and Translational Science Award. classic experiment that activates a particular brain region involved in vision—the MRI method detected a drop in pH in that region. The team also confirmed the pH drop using other methods.

"Our study tells us, first, we have a technique that we believe can measure pH changes in the brain, and second, this MRI-based technique suggests that pH changes do occur with brain function," Magnotta says.

"The results support our original idea that brain activity can change local pH in human brains during normal activity, meaning that pH change in conjunction with the pH-sensitive receptors could be part of a signaling system that affects brain activity and cognitive function," Wemmie adds.

Where do you go to rehabilitate after knee surgery?

A new way to view brain activity Importantly, this technique may also provide a new way to image the brain. Currently, functional MRI (fMRI) measures brain activity by detecting a signal that's due to oxygen levels in the blood flowing to active brain regions. The UI team showed that their method responds to pH

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July 2012 — Iowa City — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

take action

Stress and Smoking

What are your Stressors?

S

tress comes in all shapes and sizes, from major life events to daily hassles that add up over time. Dealing with many small stresses can weigh you down and wear you out as much one large stressor. Sometimes even happy events can be stressful. Ever felt like the holidays were a rough time? Kids can be a source of stress, and so can being pregnant, even when the parents are happy the baby is on the way.

Knowing your stressors is an important step in finding ways to deal with them. What are the stresses in your life? Take the stress quiz at www.smokefree.gov to see what stresses you out.

The stress-smoking link Stress is a reason why many people smoke. When you have a bad day, it can seem like your cigarettes are your only friend. Cigarettes can Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Iowa City — ­ July 2012

help you calm down, relax, and feel like you are pampering yourself.

Sound familiar?

But you know that smoking is also hurting you and the people in your life. Stress is part of life, so a key part of quitting smoking for many people is finding ways to handle stress and take care of themselves without smoking. So, it is worth spending some time thinking about and looking for ways to deal with the busy days that are so often a part of life.

Dealing with stress Here are some tips that many people have found helpful. Some of the ideas on this list may be perfect for you; others may not be your style. Some take practice, some work right away. Try them out. Come up with your own ideas. If something works for you, great! If not, it’s no

big deal. Simply try another one. You are the only person who knows what works best for you and what doesn’t. Keep looking for ways to make your quitting and your day easier.

Ideas people have used to help with stress: • Take a break. Even if it is just for a few minutes, find a way to step back from what is happening. This might mean doing something that is relaxing, actually getting away from it for a while or taking a “mini vacation” in your head by imagining you are somewhere else.

• Deep breathing. Take a few slow, deep breaths. For an extra benefit, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. You will feel your body relax.

• Visualize. Close your eyes and imagine you are in a place where you feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. It can be a real place or one you make up. Picture it as clearly as you can, including imagining what you would feel, hear, and maybe even smell if you were in that relaxing place. Let yourself enjoy being there for a few minutes.

• Exercise. When your body is active, it sends out natural chemicals that help your mood and reduce your stress. Walking is one of the easiest exercises for most people. Even a short walk every day will help you to reduce your stress and improve your health. And it is free!

• Focus on relaxing your body. Our bodies hold on to stress and tension. Stop for a minute and pay attention to your body and you will find places that are tight and tense. Finding ways to reduce that tension will also help your mental stress. Easy ways to do this include things like stretching, exercise, or getting a massage. Even a few minutes of rubbing your shoulders, neck, and head can release lots of tension.

• Talk to someone for support. Sharing your thoughts and being involved with other people is a great way to help reduce stress.

• Focus on the here and now. Many of us spend a lot of energy worrying about things that may go wrong in the future and how bad they might be. Instead, try focusing just on what is happening now, not on what you might have to deal with in the future.

•A ccept that stress happens. Life is full of twists and turns. You will always have some stress in your life. It is often helpful to accept that there will be good days and bad days and not worry too much about the bad days. Tomorrow will be a new day.

•T ake care of yourself. Especially right after quitting smoking, you should make extra efforts to take care of yourself. This includes basic things like: · Eating a balanced diet · Drinking lots of water · Getting enough sleep •C ut out caffeine. Caffeine helps keep you awake when you are tired, but it also can make you feel tense, jittery, worried, and stressed. So if you are feeling stressed, drinking caffeinated coffee, tea, or soda is like adding stress on top of your stress! This is especially true when you are quitting smoking. Cutting back or even eliminating caffeine can help reduce your feelings of stress.

•F ace the problem. Things that are happening in your life cause a lot of stress. Stop and think about what makes you stressed. Is there something you could be doing to fix the problem? It can be helpful to talk with others about what is happening and see if there are ways to make it better.

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July 2012 — Iowa City — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

fire safety

Learn About Fire Escape Plans

I

n the event of a fire, remember that every second counts—so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire.

It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.

Prepare and practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities. It's also a good idea to practice your plan with overnight guests. Some tips to consider when preparing your escape plan include: • Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

• Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Use the ladder only in a real emergency.

Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Iowa City — ­ July 2012

•T each children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.

• Have a plan for everyone in your home who has a disability.

• Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime.

Security Bars Require Special Precautions Security bars may help to keep your family safe from intruders, but they can also trap you inside in the event of a deadly fire!

Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency.

Make sure everyone in the family understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.

Immediately Leave the Home When a fire occurs, get out fast: you may only have seconds to escape safely. Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape

through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases, which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.

children not to hide from firefighters. If someone is missing, or pets are trapped inside your home, tell the firefighters right away. They are equipped to perform rescues safely.

Never Open Doors that are Hot to the Touch When you come to a closed door, feel the doorknob and door to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use your secondary escape route. If the door feels cool, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.

If you can't get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors to keep the smoke out. Call 9–1–1 or your local emergency number. Stay where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.

How Fire-Safe Is Your Home?

You won’t know until you do a fire safety walkthrough. Conduct a fire safety walkthrough of your home on a regular basis. Use the following tips to help you in your walkthrough: • Keep clothes, blankets, curtains, towels, and other items that can easily catch on fire at least three feet from space heaters and away from stove burners.

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

• Have chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a professional.

• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces and leave glass doors open while burning a fire.

• Never leave cooking unattended.

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

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

• Never overload electrical sockets.

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

• Never leave cigarettes unattended and never smoke in bed.

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

Designate a Meeting Place Outside and Take Attendance Designate a meeting location a safe distance in front of your home. For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to call 9–1–1 or your local emergency number and that your house number can be seen day or night from the street.

Once Out, Stay Out Remember to escape first and then notify the fire department using the 9–1–1 system or proper local emergency number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Teach

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quality living

No Health without Mental Health Taking the Pulse of Iowa’s Mentally Ill Submitted by Successful Living

A

pproximately one-fourth of adults in the nation, including Iowa, have a mental illness. Nearly half will develop at least one mental illness during their lifetime—the most common in adults being anxiety and mood disorders. Effects of these can range from minor disruptions in daily functioning to incapacitating personal, social and occupational impairments and premature death.

“Our mental health is the most personal and precious commodity we can possess,” says Roger Goedken, Executive Director of Successful Living, a nonprofit organization supporting mental health recovery in Iowa City. “We all face daily challenges and stressors to our mental health, that’s hardly breaking news. It is how able we are to meet these occurrences, whether we have the stability, the tools, the supports, or even the ability to adequately address the day-to-day of living. How we deal with these challenges positively or negatively impacts our mental health, overall health and well-being.

“Many people take for granted simple things such as being able to get out of bed, getting ready for the day and holding down a full-time job. We may think that everyone should be able to do at least this much; that’s how the world is supposed to run, right? For persons who have the added burden of a chronic mental illness, the effort required may be comparable to successfully completing a marathon every day. Literally. Without good mental health, we struggle to have any health overall.”

May was Mental Health Awareness month, with mental illnesses accounting for a larger proportion of disability in developed countries than any other group of illnesses—including cancer and heart disease; the economic cost is estimated at $300 billion (Mental Illness Surveillance Among Adults in The United States, Sept. 2, 2011) just in the United States. Protecting, strengthening and treating our mental health is critical to our overall health and well-being—not just whether we’re “content with life” or “feel good about ourselves”. The Center for Disease Control reports that mental illness aggravates the frequency from the multiple chronic diseases associated with it, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, epilepsy and cancer.

This increased occurrence is a result of lower use of medical care and treatment observance for simultaneous chronic diseases and higher risk for unfavorable health outcomes. Rates for injuries—both intentional (i.e. homicide and suicide) and unintentional (i.e. motor vehicle)—are two to six times higher among persons with a mental illness than in the overall population. Mental illness is also linked to tobacco product use and abuse of alcohol.

“Iowa spends approximately $73 per capita on mental health, ranked 26th among the states,” says Goedken. “The pervasiveness of poor mental health puts Iowa 44th, with 29.2% of its population identified as mentally ill. This is a population that is unable to advocate on its own behalf, so we look forward to the recently passed mental health redesign in the Legislature which promises access to all Iowans, no matter where they reside. When consider-

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Iowa City — ­ July 2012

ease, just like epilepsy, cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases that the patient couldn’t prevent getting.

“And considering the enormous economic consequences of ignoring the health and productivity of 20 to 25 percent of our population, the sooner we provide extensive, successful care and programming to the mentally ill, the better chances we have of reducing those negative fiscal impacts. It’s not an “Us versus Them” state of affairs, it is, rather, “We are all human”; consequently, almost certainly someone knows, or are that someone, who lives with a mental illness.”

If you interact with four or more people in your life, odds are that either you are living with a mental illness or you are working and socializing with persons coping with a mental illness, and that is a fact of your life. Mental illness is not inherently a “bad thing”, rather it is a quintessential part of the “human thing.”

“Living in a society where mental illness is unexceptional is our daily reality,” says Goedken. “Whether people choose to accept or deny this is not simply a prerogative, but reflects and dictates our culture regarding mental illness.”

ing all the ways it can affect each of us, let alone our community, the issue of mental health amounts to the one of the largest public health and economic concerns in our state.”

In Iowa, according the National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report, we’re one percent below average, at 19 percent of the adult population experiencing any mental illness in 2010; for serious mental illness (SMI) among persons aged 18 or older in the last year, Iowa is at 4.9 percent—slightly higher than the national average (4.6), where 10.4 million Americans are disabled by SMI. “Most of us take our mental health for granted,” says Goedken.

“After all, it’s a basic part of who we are, and easy to overlook, compared to everything else going on in our lives. The reality—and we face it everyday with our clients—is that mental health is a major factor in every aspect of our lives, be it work, school, family or health. It shouldn’t be the focus of our attention for one month, but in everyone’s awareness 24/7. At Successful Living, it’s an ongoing mission to support our clients with programming and services with the goal to improve their capacity to live independently in the community.

“Despite this large statistic for mental illness—one in four or five individuals suffering at some level—it’s been the experience of those of us in this field that a stigma is still attached to the words “mentally ill.” If everyone realized that periods of anxiety, depression or other mood disorders can count as mental illness, they might perhaps be ready to embrace those with mental illness as fellow sufferers, even if some suffer longer and deeper. Not only are we driven to see that every mentally ill person receive proper treatment, but the time is long overdue for acceptance of this dis-

Successful Living is a non-profit organization, established in 1998, in Iowa City, Iowa, with three residential houses for adult men and women. It provides home-based habilitation services and day habilitation services through the Living for Success Day Habilitation Program, which includes activities designed to encourage recovery, socialization and relationship building. For more information, please visit www.icsuccess.org or call 319-356-0947.

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Think hard. Because connecting her passion to nutrient-rich foods is one great way to encourage healthy eating habits in your child. It’s just a little trick that determined, inventive moms across America are using to help raise healthy kids. See how you can inspire your child to eat right and exercise sixty minutes a day at letsmove.gov.

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July 2012 — Iowa City — 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 — Iowa City — ­ July 2012

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