WESTERN KENTUCKY
area
Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional
SEPTEMBER 2011
FREE
HealthyCells www.healthycellsmagazine.com
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M A G A Z I N E
• Nutritional
Advancing Quality Through Partnerships page 12
Protecting Life’s Little Treasures pg. 6 Planning For Retirement in a Tough Economy pg. 11
The Therapy In Riding
pg. 22
September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3
SEPTEMBER
2011 Volume 1, Issue 3
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Children’s Health: Back to School
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Emotional: Protecting Life’s Little Treasures
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This Month’s Cover Story:
Advancing Quality Through Partnerships
page 12
Nutritional: Tailgating Inspiration from Zac Brown Band
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Physical: ACL Prevention
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Planning Ahead: Planning For Retirement In A Tough Economy
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Prostate Health: Keith Goes Under The Knife
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Healing Therapy: Reflexology
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Mobility: Lift Chairs
Cover and feature story photos by fike fotos For advertising information, contact Kelly Rosa, owner. Office: 270-362-4180 • Cell: 309-696-3694 P.O. Box 432, Gilbertsville, KY 42044 kelly@healthycellsmagazine.com
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Personal Health: The Basics for Better Health
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Women’s Health: A Detailed Look at Ovarian Cancer
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Connection: What We Can Learn From Pets And Wildlife
1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615 • Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com
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H.O.R.S.E.S.: The Therapy In Riding
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 Western Kentucky area.
Home Owners: Take the Stress Out of Your Move
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.
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In The Community: Jackson Purchase Medical Center Offers Educational Events
Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:
Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE in high traffic locations throughout the Western Kentucky area, including medical facilities and other waiting rooms. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the Western Kentucky area. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicitations for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only.
children’s health
Back to School, Back to the Pediatrician, and Healthy Routines Submitted by Jackson Purchase Medical Center
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s the new school year quickly approaches, it’s time for parents and their school-aged children to begin tackling their back-toschool to-do lists. Among other things, this should mean a trip to the pediatrician for an annual checkup and discussions about important subjects like study habits and bedtimes. “While a yearly physical exam may not seem urgent, it is an important part of a child’s health care, and the back-to-school season is a convenient and easy-to-remember time to get it in,” says Dr. Annalee Paul, Pediatrician at Jackson Purchase Medical Center. An annual physical gives your pediatrician a chance to provide your child with a thorough exam. It’s also a good opportunity to confirm that vaccinations are up-todate and address important questions, including adolescent issues like drinking, drugs, sexual activity and depression. “While many children are involved in school athletic programs and may receive sports-specific exams through their school, these exams Dr. Annalee shouldn’t replace an annual check-up by your family pediatrician, as they tend not to address the child’s overall health,” Paul adds. In addition to being an ideal time for an annual physical exam, the back-to-school season is also a great time for families to consider (or reconsider) important subjects like homework and bedtime routines. “To many children, homework is a cruel (although necessary) part of life that can become easy to neglect,” says Dr. Abid Hussain, Pediatrician at Jackson Purchase Medical Center. While parents may sympathize with their plight, children need to understand that homework is an integral part of the school curriculum and must be attended to regularly and with the utmost attention. By establishing a sound homework routine early on, children will be positioned for success for the duration of their academic lives.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers these tips for supporting good study routines in your home: • Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Children need a permanent work space that is quiet, well-lit and free from distractions. • Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic devices (including cell phones, MP3 players and game systems) stay off during homework time. • Set aside ample time for homework. • Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework.
• Take steps to help alleviate eye, neck and brain fatigue by taking periodic breaks. • If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren’t able to help him/her yourself, consider a tutor. In many households, bedtime (much like homework) can be an ongoing battle, but ensuring your child gets enough sleep is critical to his/ her growth and development. “Healthy sleep – meaning sufficient amounts of uninterrupted, regularly scheduled sleep – allows children to function optimally when they are awake. It supports a state in which they are most receptive to and interactive with their environment; have the greatest attention span; and learn the most,” says Hussain. Not getting enough healthy sleep can result in memory problems, difficulty focusing, weakening of the immune system, depression and even obesity.” While the amount of sleep a child requires can vary depending on a number of factors, consider these general guidelines when determining bedtimes: • 3-6 years old: 10 - 12 hours of sleep per day • 7-12 years old: 9 - 11 hours of sleep per day • 12-18 years old: 8 - 9 hours of sleep per day To learn more about steps you can take to help your child go back to school with success, talk to your pediatrician or visit healthychildren.org, a resource of the AAP. September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5
emotional
Protecting Life’s Little Treasures By Amy Clevidence, Associate Director, Purchase Area Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center
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t is estimated that as many as 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys nationwide are victims of some form of sexual abuse prior to age 18. Child sexual abuse is defined as both contact and non-contact activities of a sexual nature that takes place between an adult and a child or between two children where one child has power over the other. Exposure to pornography, voyeurism, exhibitionism, and communication of a sexual nature by phone and internet (e.g. “sexting”) are activities that are classified as child sexual abuse. Hollywood has taught us that child molesters are “creepy, shady men” who are loners and strangers. When asked what a child molester looks like, most people describe a quiet male who looks out of place. This image could not be further from reality. In 90% of child abuse cases, the child knows and trusts the person that sexually abused them. Coaches, teachers, clergy and parents are authority figures who we innately trust and yet a large percentage of those who sexually abuse children are from one of these groups. Child molesters succeed by grooming their victims with affection and attention over a period of time making it difficult for children to identify certain behaviors as abuse. We raise our children to obey the adult authority figures in their lives. Imagine, then, how difficult it can be for a child to say “no” to one of these people of authority. It is very likely that you know a child that has been or is being abused. Only 12% of victims of child sexual abuse will tell someone due to fear, confusion or embarrassment. Children who keep their abuse a secret or who tell about abuse and are subsequently not believed are at greater risk than the general population for psychological, emotional, and physical problems. Victims of sexual abuse are 3 times more likely to suffer from depression, 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol, 26 times more likely to abuse drugs and 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.
Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — September 2011
Darkness2Light, a non-profit agency dedicated to the primary prevention of child sexual abuse, offers the following steps as a community approach to prevention: Step 1 – Learn the fact and understand the risks. Realities surrounding situations, not trust, should influence all decisions regarding children. It does not matter what neighborhood you live in, what school or church your children attend or what crowd your children hang out with. Every child, regardless of where they come from, is at risk for sexual abuse. Step 2 – Minimize the opportunity for abuse. More than 80% of sexual abuse cases occur in one-adult/one-child situations. Set the example and avoid one-adult/one-child settings with children other than your own. Know what policies are in place in your area youthservices organizations such as area child care centers, schools, and faith-based centers and encourage administrators within these settings to set proper policy regarding child/adult interaction. Insist that program administers and their staff receive training to learn how to recognize and properly respond to child sexual abuse and that proper background checks are conducted on every volunteer that may come in contact with children through involvement of program activities. Step 3 – Talk about it. Talk to your children about their bodies and teach them what part of their bodies are “off limits” to others. Make certain your children know that this includes friends and family members. One Darkness2Light survey showed that fewer than 30% of parents ever discussed sexual abuse with their children and most of those failed to mention that the abuser might be an adult friend or family member. Start early and foster an environment of positive communication about sex.
Step 4 – Stay alert. The signs of sexual abuse are not generally obvious but there are a number of behavioral signs that may occur when abuse is occurring. A single sign may not necessarily mean that sexual abuse is occurring, but rather could be attributed to another stressful event like divorce, death of a family member, or problems at school. The presence of several of these behaviors, however, means that the child’s situation needs to be explored. Less obvious behavioral indicators of abuse include: • Nightmares, sleep problems, extreme fears without an obvious explanation. • Sudden or unexplained personality changes; seems withdrawn, angry, moody, clingy. • Develops fear of certain places or resists being alone with an adult or young person for unknown reasons. • Shows resistance to routine bathing, toileting or removing clothes even in appropriate situations. • Stomach aches or illness with no identifiable reason. • Becomes increasingly secretive around use of the Internet or cell phone. Step 5 – Make a plan. Prepare now for how you will respond should you discover that a child you know has been abused. Your initial reaction at the discovery of this information is critical. Abusers manipulate children and make them think that the abuse is their fault or that it is something that happened to them because they did something wrong. It is because of this fear and shame that children remain silent. When a child discloses abuse and an adult responds emotionally, the child may retract their story or their negative feelings associated to the abuse may become more profound.
The most important thing an adult can do when faced with a disclosure is believe the child and make the child know they are believed. Praise their courage. Report the abuse and make a plan to provide the child with the professional help that is needed to overcome the trauma. The mission of the Purchase Area Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center is to provide support and promote healing for anyone affected in any way by sexual violence. PASAC serves not only primary victims of sexual violence, but also their family, friends, and nonoffending caregivers. From June 2010 to May 2011 PASAC provided over 6,500 services to 705 unduplicated victims; 446 of these victims were children from the Purchase Area. Every service provided by PASAC is provided entirely free of charge. Services offered by PASAC include the provision of a 24-hour crisis line, medical advocacy services, legal advocacy service, facilitation of forensic interviews for child clients, specialized child sexual abuse exams, clinical services that include specialized counseling and psychotherapy (journaling, poetry, creative writing, sand tray, puppet/play therapy, art, and trauma sensitive yoga), human trafficking outreach, and primary prevention education services. Last year over 10,000 students in the Purchase Area received prevention programming from a PASAC staff member. As a society, we should not place the burden of prevention onto our children. It’s our place as adults to keep our children safe. This sounds like a daunting task, but together, we can change these statistics. To learn more about the services offered by PASAC, or to learn how you can join us in preventing child sexual abuse in our area, please call 270-534-4422.
September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7
nutritional
Tailgating Inspiration from Zac Brown Band
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ith summer concert season in full swing, it’s time to enjoy great music outdoors. So grab your friends and fire up the grill for pre-concert tailgate fun. Bringing two summer favorites together – music and barbecue – Kingsford charcoal has partnered with the two-time Grammy Award winning Zac Brown Band to offer fans concert tickets and a chance to enjoy a grilled meal with the band before shows. Dynamic live shows and home-style cooking have been part of the band’s playlist since the early days when the musicians started jamming at Zac’s Place, a restaurant located outside of Atlanta and formerly owned by front man Zac Brown and his dad. Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — September 2011
The band now takes the restaurant on the road with the famous Eat & Greet. Grilled to Perfection, Dinner with the Band America’s favorite charcoal is helping amp up traditional concert fare by sponsoring pre-show events spotlighting the Zac and Chef Rusty’s Southern recipes. Fans will enjoy food prepared by Southern Ground Executive Chef, Rusty Hamlin, while interacting with the band and enjoying performances from other Southern Ground Recording artists. “We appreciate our fans, which is why we’re working to make the concert experience even better, by capturing all five senses,” said Brown.
Tips for Your Own Rockin’ Barbecue Whether you are tailgating before a concert or rocking out in your backyard, Chef Rusty has sure-fire recipes and tips to help impress a hungry crowd of concert goers: • Opening Act: Impress guests with delicious appetizers. Try the recipe for ‘Cued Country Beet Salad from Southern Ground Executive Chef, Rusty Hamlin. Yes, even salad can be prepared on the grill. • Front Row Seats: Line your grill with aluminum foil for easy clean up of spent charcoal. The faster you clean your grill, the faster you’ll get to the front row. • Turn up the Flavor: Closing the lid of a kettle grill is a good tactic to lock in flavors and turn up the heat. However, grillers should only close the lid when cooking thick foods and the grill temperature must be kept low to avoid burning food. For the chance to win Zac Brown Band concert tickets as well as pre-show Eat and Greet passes, head over to www.Facebook.com/ KingsfordCharcoal. Also, check out www.Grilling.com for more delicious recipes to prepare at your next backyard tailgate.
“We appreciate our fans, which is why we’re working to make the concert experience even better, by capturing all five senses,” said Brown.
‘Cued Country Beet Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette Preparation Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Number of servings: 6 Grapefruit Vinaigrette 1/2 large ruby red grapefruit, juiced (or 3/4 cup ruby red grapefruit juice) 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper Beet Salad 2 cups water 6 medium golden beets 20 small pearl red onions 1/2 pound French green beans 2 ounces farm goat cheese Preheat grill using charcoal. In small bowl, whisk grapefruit juice and olive oil together with basil, thyme, salt and pepper until emulsified. Bring three inches of cold water to boil in a 2-quart saucepan. Once boiling, add green beans to pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until bright green. Drain beans and place in large bowl, filled with ice and water. Once cooled, remove beans and place on a paper towel to drain. Place onions in vegetable grill pan over direct heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from grill and let cool. Grill beets for 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat, or until they have softened and have grill marks. Remove beets and place a large bowl. Once cool, cut beets in half.
Combine beans, onions, beets and goat cheese in large bowl, and toss with enough vinaigrette to lightly coat. Chill covered for 30 minutes or until ready to serve. Recipe created by Southern Ground Executive Chef Rusty Hamlin on behalf of Kingsford® Charcoal, and inspired by the Zac Brown Band 2011 concert tour.
September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9
physical
ACL Prevention By Gordon Dugan, MPT
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increased joint laxity, wider pelvis, slower muscle recruitment, decreased hip/hamstring strength, and faulty jumping mechanics on average compared to men. These biomechanical and physiological differences directly put women at a higher risk.
ACL quick facts • T here are over 100,000 ACL tears per year • 1 /100 high school female athletes tear their ACL. • 1 /10 College female athletes tear their ACL. • 7 5% of ACL injuries are non-contact. • W omen are 5x more likely to tear their ACL than men, while women soccer players are 8x more likely to tear
How do we help reduce the risk of ACL tears? It has been shown through jump training, strength training, plyometrics, and flexibility an athlete can significantly reduce the risk of an ACL tear. When it comes to the strength factors the hamstrings and hips play a significant role. A good strengthening program should include squats, deadlifts, and lunges with proper form. Possibly the most important factor is proper jumping mechanics. It is imperitive that an athlete keep proper knee alignment through
Improper jumping mechanics causing increased strain across the ACL. Notice the knees coming together
Proper jumping mechanics with good hip/knee alignment
What is the ACL and its function? The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments of the knee along with the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), Medial Collarteral Ligament (MCL), and the Lateral Collateral Ligament ( LCL). These ligaments hold the shin bone (Tibia) and the thigh bone (femur) together and provide stability to the knee. The ACL itself is responsible to keep the tibia from sliding forward and provide rotational stability to the knee. The ACL is often torn when an athlete lands from a jump or pivots on one leg. Without an ACL the person loses the stability of the knee and will often feel the knee “give out”. ACL tears usually require surgical intervention and intensive rehabilitation to regain stability and resume the ability to play at a high level.
the entire jumping movement. Through a jumping program an athlete can learn the proper fundamentals of jumping and how to implement this into their athletic performance. Here at Biokinetics we specialize in movement analysis of athletes. Through a comprehensive evaluation performed by a physical therapist we are able to evaluate your individual strength and jumping technique. This information enables us to advise you on a proper athletic performance program to help reduce the risk of ACL injury. Biokinetics also implements this jumping program in our Post-Operative ACL Reconstruction patients to ensure a reduce risk of re-tear. Feel free to stop in for a free screen!  Gordon Dugan is a Physical Therapist at BioKinetics Therapy and Training, an outpatient Physical Therapy clinic in Calvert City, KY. Phone: 270-395-5588
f you have been around sports long enough you know someone that has sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear. An ACL tear can most often be a season ending injury. This is an overview of the ACL and how we as physical therapist can reduce the risk of an ACL tear.
Why do women tear more than men? It has been found that women are 5x more likely to tear their ACL than men. There are a few reasons for this. Women have Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — September 2011
planning ahead
Planning For Retirement In A Tough Economy
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ou don’t necessarily need to scrap your retirement dreams because of a bad economy. While many older Americans have seen their nest eggs decimated by a troubled economy, some smart planning and open dialogue can keep your retirement on track. A new survey conducted for the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council finds that seniors and their adult children are reluctant to talk to each other about the financial aspects of their respective golden years. The Survey on Generational Retirement Perspectives found that over a third of adults never talk about retirement plans with their parents who aren’t yet retired. Similarly, a third of parents only talk to adult children about the subject once a year or less. “Actively taking control of your financial future can provide peace of mind for your family. Families that engage in open dialogues about retirement planning are taking the first step towards taking control,” says Wendy Waugaman, CEO and President of American Equity. In today’s economy, many Americans are adjusting retirement strategies. Some are planning to work longer, while others are revamping their investments. And now more than ever, experts are urging Americans to better balance their retirement plans so all their nest eggs aren’t in one basket. Consider different options, from stocks and bonds to indexed annuities to fixed-income funds. Calculate Your Needs Many retirement advisors recommend multiplying your annual retirement income needs by 20, with that total becoming your goal for your investments. Then, if your investments can average at least an eight
percent return yearly, you can withdraw up to five percent annually during retirement. Protect Yourself Consider a retirement portfolio that includes lower-risk investments to help you weather market volatility and still reach your long-term goals. To achieve this balance, many are turning to indexed annuities and fixed income funds for such lower-risk needs. Unlike stocks, indexed annuities offer safety by guaranteeing your principal investment, while providing the opportunity for higher returns. Indexed annuities are insurance contracts that provide periodic payouts, with earnings linked to stock or bond indexes. Websites such as www.indexedannuityinsights.org can help educate you about these types of investments. Be Realistic Are your retirement plans too grandiose? You may have to ratchet them down a bit. Equally important is to be realistic about when you can stop working. You might have to work beyond planned retirement dates or consider part-time work. Don’t overvalue your home or its significance in your retirement. To capitalize on its equity, you may have to move to a less expensive home or region of the country. And you must also consider moving expenses. Remember, everyone’s situation is unique, so it’s wise to consult a retirement planning specialist to keep your retirement plans on track.
September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11
feature story
Advancing Quality Through Partnerships By Gorden Fidler
Allan C. Gocio, M.D., Neuro/Spine Surgeon with Norton Neuroscience Institiute
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ost everyone has heard of the acronym TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More). We find it to be true on any sports team where it becomes evident quickly when all of the players are not pulling together. It is also true in the office, in a restaurant, or any other venue where multiple people are working together to accomplish some task or goal. There is no place where it is more critical than in the medical field, and perhaps even more so when something as complex as a person’s neurological system is at stake. Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — September 2011
With that premise in mind, Allan Gocio, M.D., returned to Paducah in March of this year and serves as a staff neurosurgeon at Lourdes Hospital Brain and Spine Center. Beginning his practice in the field of neurosurgery in 1984, he has practiced continuously since that time, and for the past 10 years, Dr. Gocio has further advanced his skill set by offering minimally invasive spine surgery. When asked why he returned to the area, Dr. Gocio said aside from the fact there was a need for neurosurgeons, he looked forward to working again with physicians he knew and respected.
Lourdes Hospital, Paducah, KY Dr. Gocio is an employee of Norton Neuroscience Institute, based in Louisville, KY, that practices at Lourdes as part of a strategic partnership between NNI and Lourdes to address needs in that area. This group currently consists of 33 physicians, of which six senior physicians serve at Lourdes on a rotational basis. NNI plans to continue their growth by adding one or two more neurosurgeons in order to increase the availability of their services to the public. Even on the surface it is evident these partnerships bring much to the table when it comes to treating a multiplicity of brain, spine and nervous system issues in both children and adults. The Brain and Spine Center at Lourdes provides 24/7 availability to assess and stabilize illnesses or injuries to the brain or spine. If additional treatment is necessary, the patient can be sent to Louisville. Transfers and services are accomplished in a seamless manner. Upon returning home, if the patient is in need of follow-up treatment, it can frequently be accomplished in Paducah, minimizing disruption to their life by reducing the amount of time necessary to travel to and from their appointments. One benefit of being part of such a large team is the availability of management and treatment resources. Once each week there is a neuroscience conference in Louisville, at which physicians can present their cases for group discussion and evaluation. Because of technological advances, both patient information and radiographic images can be sent and reviewed by all attendees, regardless of their physical location. Typically there are about two dozen physicians who participate each week. Treatment options are discussed, challenges or questions can be presented, and with many advisors there is a greater chance for a successful outcome for each patient. Dr. Goccio recognizes the value of this resource, and said he takes advantage of it regularly.
at Lourdes, was diagnosed as having a brain hemorrhage, and within 12-18 hours was in surgery in Louisville. The ability to accomplish this type of rapid treatment is uncommon in most rural areas. Dr. Gocio credits strategic partnerships with the ability to provide this kind of service on a regular basis. When might someone need this kind of rapid treatment? One of the first things to be aware of are the signs and symptoms of a possible hemorrhage or stroke. Identifying these and acting upon them quickly can minimize the damage, resulting in a much better outcome. Dr. Gocio said any abrupt onset of severe, unusual headache, abrupt loss of speech or strength, confusion or other change in a neurological function requires immediate medical treatment. Immediate treatment would probably not be necessary with unexplained neck or back pain. If that type of pain lasts longer than a couple of months, the person should go to their primary care physician, and may ultimately need to be referred to a neurosurgeon. Likewise, someone with pain radiating into their arms or legs should see their primary care physician if it continues for more than a few weeks. They may need to be evaluated by a neurosurgeon or neurologist. If necessary, many of the disorders, including disease, trauma and tumors, can be treated with minimally invasive treatments, something which is available locally. In today’s healthcare arena, the public continues to demand more, not less, and treatment options must be economically viable, long-term and feasible. This is often made possible through quality partnerships between hospitals and physicians. When structured properly, these partnerships can provide the day-to-day service and level of care that is second to none in the field of neurosurgery. Dr. Gocio, Lourdes and Norton Neuroscience Institute are part of a skilled and readily available team that strives to meet the comprehensive neurological needs of the people of Western Kentucky. It’s comforting to know that if they are needed, these kinds of services are available right here, in our own backyard.
Time is of the Essence Quality aftercare for neurological restoration is important, but if the initial illness or injury is not addressed quickly, chances are the prognosis will not be as successful as it could be, that is why time is of the essence. Dr. Gocio cited a case where a patient arrived September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13
prostate health
Keith Goes Under The Knife Third in a series of excerpts from “Making Love Again” By Virginia and Keith Laken The subject matter of this book is of a personal and explicit nature, and may not be suitable for younger or ultra-conservative readers.
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n February 4, 1995, Keith kissed me good-bye before technicians wheeled him from his hospital room. I had tears in my eyes, and my knees felt weak. All I could think about was Keith, laying on the operating table, being cut open. I prayed for many things: that Keith would recover; that the cancer hadn’t spread, that I wouldn’t leave the hospital a widow. After about three hours, the “communication nurse’ called my name. “The operation is over,” she said, her face offering no clues. “Your husband is in recovery. You’ll be able to see him soon,” I had been praying to hear these words, yet even as the nurse said them, they did little to allay my fears. Until I actually saw Keith, it would be impossible for me to relax. When I did see him however, I was shocked. He looked so vulnerable — so pale and fragile in his anesthetic-induced unconsciousness. I immediately tried to reassure myself: At least he’s still alive. The next morning I went back to the hospital early. We wanted to be sure to be there when Dr. Barrett made his morning rounds. This was the day we would hear the pathology report. “You folks have dodged a bullet,” Dr. Barrett began. “The tumor was much larger than we thought. It encompassed about 30 percent of the prostate. It was also more aggressive than we suspected. The pathologist rated it a Grade 3+4 out of 10 on the Gleason Scale.” Dr. Barrett continued in a more optimistic tone. “Fortunately the tumor was confined to the prostate, and hadn’t invaded any surrounding tissue. But it certainly needed to come out — and it looks like we got it just in time.” Keith’s hospital recovery went well, and three days after his operation they told us he would be discharged the next day. He would come home with a catheter inserted in his bladder and a drainage bag strapped to his leg — standard procedure for prostatectomy patients. In three weeks, the catheter would be removed. Then, if all went well, Keith would experience only a short period of incontinence. Recovery from the possibility of permanent impotence would be the final stage of the healing process. That recovery, we had learned, could take two years or more. When Keith arrived home from the hospital, we spent most of the day getting him settled. I unpacked his suitcase, made up a day bed on the sofa in the family room, and together, we nervously fumbled with catheter cleaning and changing. Our first-day-home-together tension continued as we debated about sleeping together. Keith was concerned that I might unintentionally hurt him during the night, by draping a leg over him or kicking him. But we had never slept apart, other than when one of us traveled, and we didn’t really want to start now. So, despite his worries, we decided to take the risk. The next morning when we awoke in each other’s arms we knew we’d made the right decision. On that first full day at home, we spent the morning doing routine tasks. Then in the afternoon, we relaxed in the family room. Soon we began to recount our individual feelings about the past few days, weeks, and months. We both cried as we relived the fears and anxieties that had plagued our lives for so long. When we were done, we felt cleansed, and ready to move on knowing that together we could survive anything. Throughout the remainder of that day, we barely left each other’s side. We touched and hugged continually. By evening, our hugging had Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — September 2011
progressed to passionate kissing. I was surprised to realize what was happening: I was becoming aroused. I was torn. I knew we couldn’t make love, but I was really enjoying the teasing and intimacy at the same time. Finally, I told Keith, “We’d better stop. Keith smiled and whispered in my ear. “I want to do this.” Keith kissed my neck, took my hand and led me upstairs. Laptop Notes, February 10, 1995 It was great to be able to make Gin so happy last night! Nothing makes me feel as good as when I can get her aroused. ....... Being her lover is one of the greatest pleasures in my life. Journal entry, February 10, 1995 Last night was the most romantic and beautiful night of my life! I’ve never felt so adored! I’ll never, ever forget it. This experience was so different from our usual. ............Last night, everything was different…what we did seemed so natural. I can only think of the whole experience as one of complete devotion. Looking Back Today, I shudder when I look back at what I said to Keith when he was initially concerned about becoming impotent. When I said I wouldn’t miss having sex, I was certain I was speaking the truth. But I was wrong. Within days of Keith’s surgery, I found myself longing to make love with him again. Obviously, I had underestimated the importance sex played in my physical well-being. I had similarly undervalued the delicate interweaving of sex and intimacy in our marriage when I so glibly stated, “It won’t matter if we don’t have sex anymore.” These words were most demeaning however, to Keith. I had discounted his statements that it was important to him to be able to satisfy me. Today, when I hear women trying to comfort their partners with the same phrases I used, I cringe. I want to tell them: “You’re wrong when you say you won’t miss making love to your man, because you will. And please honor him by telling him so.” If I could do it all over again, I would express myself this way: “Keith if you become impotent, I understand that things will change in our sexual relationship, and that we will have to significantly alter the way we make love. That’s frightening, but I know we can get through it. Even though we don’t really know what those changes might be right now, I’m committed to doing whatever is necessary to keep our sex life alive. In return, I’ll depend on you to remain a lover to me in whatever way is possible. I’m confident that we can continue to make each other happy and satisfied in ways we’ll be able to discover — together.” The book Making Love Again: Hope for Couples Facing Loss of Sexual Intimacy is available at Amazon.com and many major book sellers. You may contact the Lakens at KLAKEN@aol.com Next month: “You Can’t Have One Without an Erection…Can You?”
healing therapy
Reflexology By Jenny Stephens, LMT, Jenny’s Day Spa
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eflexology is a type of preventative maintenance in a natural way. Reflexology deals with the principle that the reflex areas in the hands and feet correspond to all the glands, internal organs, bones and muscles of the body.
lar basis. Plus everyone that receives regular reflexology sessions don’t get sick as often as others and when they do they don’t get it as bad or keep it as long. Receiving reflexology before having any surgery helps prepare the body to accept the surgery and to help the body heal itself. Also receiving reflexology as soon after the surgery (when the doctor says it is okay) as possible helps the body send blood to the area to help the body heal itself. You do not have to get undressed for a reflexology session. You only need to remove your shoes and socks and at the end of the session peppermint essential oil and lotion may be applied to the feet. And sometimes steamed towels may also be applied. Why not schedule your reflexology session today! Reflexology does not replace medical treatment and its purpose is to promote better health and well being. For more information or to schedule your appointment, please contact Jenny Stephens at 270-415-3444. Jenny’s Day Spa is located at 4793 Village Square Drive, Suite J, Paducah, KY.
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1-866-515-0897 Reflexology is used primarily for relaxing tension, and is just as relaxing as a full body massage. Studies show that doctors state that 75% of health problems can be contributed to nervous stress and tension. Reflexology is a safe effective way for nature to help balance and normalize the body functions. Reflexology helps get the blood flowing to areas of the body that have become sluggish and has poor circulation. Individuals with diabetes really benefit from receiving reflexology on a regu-
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mobility
Lift Chairs
It’s More Than Matching Your Decor Submitted by At Home Medical
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had a lady tell me this week that she felt like she was “rowing a boat” each time she had to get up out of a chair. Stating she would rock herself back and forth until she got enough momentum to raise her body up out of the chair. Sadly as we age, we find it harder to do even some of the simple daily tasks because of issues such as pain, weakness, injury, or stiff joints. Even something simple as getting up from a chair becomes a major task. Often it becomes necessary to ask for assistance from a loved one each time you need to sit or stand. With a lift chair, you eliminate the need for assistance because it does what your muscles and joints would normally do. With a simple press of a button, a lift chair will slowly raise your body forward and upwards to an almost upright position so you can literally walk right out of the chair—without assistance. It is important to remember lift chairs are primarily a safety aid especially when you start looking at all the different styles, fabric choices, and colors available. There are several factors you must consider when choosing a chair that extends well beyond what will go along with your home décor. Initially, look at your specific needs. What activity do you do when you are sitting? Do you normally sit for long periods of time? Answers to these questions will help you get the most comfort out of your lift chair. There are three options to choose from: • Two Position Lift Chair is the least expensive and least common type. The backrest will only recline about 45 degrees. This makes the two position lift chair well suited for watching TV or reading, but since it does not fully recline, it is not a good choice for sleeping. • T hree Position Lift Chair is the most popular selling lift chair. The backrest will recline further than the two position lift chair, to Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — September 2011
almost 65 to 70 degrees. This makes the three position lift chair a great choice for relaxing and napping. • Infinite Position Lift Chair will recline the farthest making it the best choice for sleeping or when sitting for long periods. Even the backrest will recline to allow the feet to be positioned above the heart which improves circulation as well as offering back pain relief. The main difference in the infinite position and the two and three position lift chair is its ability to operate the backrest separately from the footrest. This means you can extend the footrest without reclining the backrest and vice versa, making it easier to position yourself in an “infinite” number of positions. Secondly, consider your physical characteristics such as your height and weight in order to get a good fit in the chair to allow the chair to safely operate. • Weight Capacity: Most lift chairs will fit people up to 375 pounds but bariatric chairs are also available to accommodate up to 700 pounds. Exceeding the weight capacity of the chair may cause the chair to malfunction or wear the motor out pre-maturely. • Height: A person’s height is a very important safety factor since the height recommendation on each chair determines how high the lift chair rises. Using a lift chair that is too tall or too short for the user may cause the lift chair rise to an unsafe height or fail to rise you to a height necessary to exit the chair. Thirdly, consider your health conditions and space restrictions that could play into what type of lift chair you need. • Space Considerations: Chairs come in a many widths and depths to accommodate homes with limited space. Some chairs even
come with a wall saver feature to allow less room between the chair and the wall when fully reclined. • Fabric Types: Fabrics include cloth-like, vinyl, micro-fiber, suede, and leather along with a variety of colors in each fabric choice. Many choose fabrics and colors to match their décor in their home but others based their decisions on health or other issues that go beyond simple appearance. For example, users with incontinence issues tend to go with vinyl or leather and users who spend considerable amount of time in a chair choose breathable fabrics for better comfort. • L uxuries: Many lift chair manufactures have options for built-in heat and massage, footrest extensions, chair mattress, and head pillows that aid in comfort depending on the user’s needs. Selecting the right lift chair is sometimes a little confusing because there are so many different styles and options available. It is usually a good approach to start with your specific needs, focusing on your height, weight and the expected amount of time you will be spending in the chair. Then, consider other factors that will help you decide which lift chair is perfect for you.
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At Home Medical are mobility experts and can help you obtain the right power lift chair based on your specific needs. We carry top quality lift chairs from Pride Mobility and Golden Technology who offer a wide variety of styles and have excellent manufacturer warranties. At Home Medical has the largest showroom of home medical equipment in Western Kentucky and has a great selection of lift chairs. Their showroom is located at 837 US Highway 68 West in Draffenville. You can also reach us 24/7 at 1-866-515-0897.
September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17
personal health
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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f you’ve ever struggled with trying to figure out what you need to do to take to maintain a healthier lifestyle, you’re not alone. The 2011 Food and Health Survey, commissioned by the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFICF), found that among the 69 percent of Americans currently trying to lose or maintain their weight: n 70 percent believe that both physical activity and monitoring food and beverage consumption are equally important in weight management. Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — September 2011
n However, only 54 percent report actually implementing both
strategies in an effort to manage their weight. While the survey showed that approximately half of Americans perceive their overall diet as at least “somewhat healthful,” the World Health Organization ranks the United States as 18th (out of 153 countries) in the world for obesity and 28th in the world for cases of diabetes.
Why Is It So Hard? There’s a lot of information available about nutrition and fitness, and it can be tricky to sort through it all and put it into practice. Confusion over nutrition, conflicting reports over what’s healthy and what’s not, busy lifestyles that leave no time for exercise — all of these can be roadblocks to better health. Nutrition Made Easier You are what you eat. And how you eat. And when you eat. In the latest edition of her book, “Nutrition For Dummies,” (Wiley, May 2011), Carol Ann Rinzler says that nutrition is simply the science of how the body uses food — and in order to take care of yourself, you need to know a little bit about how that science works. “Nutri-
The 5 Key Areas. Schlosberg and Neporent say that it doesn’t take much effort to get a basic level of physical fitness in the five key areas: cardio, strength, flexibility, balance and nutrition. Why are these so important? n Cardio fitness. Workouts that get your heart pumping and continuously work a lot of large muscles improve your heart, lungs, blood vessels and stamina. They also burn a lot of calories, helping you lose weight. Think walking, cycling and using an elliptical machine. n Strength training. People who don’t exercise lose 30 to 40 percent of their strength by age 65, say the authors. By age 74, more than one quarter of men and two-thirds of women can’t lift an object heavier than 10 pounds. Lifting weights means
Smart Ways to Eat Out If you go out to restaurants at all, you know that most menus don’t have a long list of healthy foods. In the book “Restaurant Calorie Counter For Dummies, 2nd Edition” (Wiley, May 2011), you can find helpful information for making smart choices. Here are a few tips from the book: n Drink your whole glass of water (or more), but limit other beverages to just one glass. n Physically split a meal in half when it arrives at your table and ask for the to go box right away. n Choose fresh toppings, such as onion, tomato and lettuce, rather than pickled items such as jarred pepper strips or pickles. n Aim to get some lean protein with your meal. At salad bars, choose beans or cottage cheese. For the entrée, choose grilled chicken or fish. The guide also provides calorie counts for menu items at 150 popular restaurants.
tion is about why you eat what you eat and how the food you get affects your body and health,” she said. Hunger vs. Appetite. Rinzler says that hunger and appetite are two very different things: n Hunger is the need for food. It’s a physical reaction that includes chemical changes in your body. It’s an instinctive, protective mechanism to make sure your body gets what it needs to function. n Appetite is the desire for food. It’s a sensory or psychological reaction (This looks good! That smells good!) which creates an involuntary response like salivation or stomach contractions. It’s also a conditioned response to food — think Pavlov’s dogs. Understanding the difference is the first step toward more healthful eating. Making Wise Food Choices. In her book, Rinzler walks readers through things like the facts on fat and cholesterol, carbohydrates and proteins, building a healthful diet, food labeling, and what happens when food is cooked at home or processed in a plant — all to help make sense of nutrition so that making good choices that please your palate as well as your body, is easy. The Facts on Fitness Fitness can actually mean a number of things. You can be fit to run 5 miles or do yoga. You can look fit — that is, lean — and not have much stamina, strength, flexibility or balance. Suzanne Schlosberg and Liz Neporent, authors of “Fitness For Dummies, 4th Edition” (Wiley, December 2010), want to help people understand what’s involved in becoming fit, how to get started and how to stay motivated. “We want to help make fitness a permanent and enjoyable part of your lifestyle.”
strengthening your muscles for the long term. It also means strengthening your bones and speeding up metabolism. n Flexibility. Maintaining flexibility helps keep your joints mobile, minimizing risk of injury and allowing you to move with agility and good posture even as you age. n Balance. Balance is important when you’re young, and essential when you’re not. A good sense of balance helps you move more fluidly and prevents unnecessary falls. n Nutrition. When you make wise food choices, you have more energy to exercise and you recover more quickly from your workouts. The “Fitness” authors say it’s important to keep things interesting. Boredom can be the enemy of any workout. Listen to music, mix up your workouts — running on Monday, yoga on Tuesday, hiking on Wednesday, etc. Vary your pace or terrain, or try different exercise equipment. And remember to stay realistic. “Trying to do too much or setting expectations too high can lead to frustration. Pace yourself and cut yourself some slack. Everyone improves at a different pace. Fitness is something personal and unique to you.” For more about these books, visit www.dummies.com. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, For Dummies is hosting special book promotions, sweepstakes, exclusive giveaways on their Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as other special events. To find out more and to download a free minibook, visit www.dummies.com.
September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19
women’s health
A Detailed Look at Ovarian Cancer An analysis of genomic changes in ovarian cancer now provides the most comprehensive and integrated view of cancer genetics for any cancer type to date.
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ast year, nearly 22,000 women nationwide were diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 14,000 women died from it. Ovarian cancer is a complex disease that can arise from various molecular problems. A comprehensive catalog of these potential causes could help researchers develop more targeted and effective treatments. Scientists in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network set out to create such a catalog. TCGA is a collaborative effort funded by NIH’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). The researchers focused on serous adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent form of ovarian cancer, accounting for about 85% of all ovarian cancer deaths. The researchers built upon an approach they used in 2008 to characterize the genome of the most common form of brain cancer. They performed whole-exome sequencing, which examines the protein-coding regions of the genome, on an unprecedented 316 tumors. They also completed other genomic characterizations on these tumors, along with another 173 specimens. The results appeared in the June 30, 2011, issue of Nature. The researchers found that mutations in a single gene, TP53, were present in more than 96% of the tumors. TP53 encodes a tumor suppressor protein that normally prevents cancer formation. Two other genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, were mutated in 22% of the tumors. There were also less frequent mutations in 7 other genes. The scientists found additional genetic anomalies as well. They identified 113 significant DNA copy number aberrations—differences in the number of copies of specific DNA regions. Modifications to promoter regions, which are known to affect gene expression, were found in 168 genes. The researchers were able to identify distinct subtypes of the disease. They also detected patterns of gene expression that predict patient survival. Patterns for 108 genes were associated with poor survival and 85 genes with better survival. To identify opportunities for targeted treatment, the investigators searched for existing drugs that might inhibit the overexpressed genes they identified. They found 68 genes that could be targeted by known compounds, some of which are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “The integration of complex genomic data sets enabled us to discover an intricate array of genomic changes and validate one specific change that occurs in the vast majority of all ovarian cancers,” says lead author Dr. Paul T. Spellman of the Lawrence Berkeley Lab. “The new knowledge of the genomic changes in ovarian cancer has revealed that the molecular catalysts of this disease are not limited to small changes affecting individual genes,” says NCI Director Dr. Harold E. Varmus. “Also important are large structural changes that occur in these cancer genomes. Cancer researchers can use this comprehensive body of information to better understand the biology of ovarian cancer and improve the diagnosis and treatment of this dreaded disease.”
For more information please visit www.nih.gov
Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — August 2011
connection
What We Can Learn From Pets And Wildlife
Animals can teach us about love and friendship.
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s humans, we’re social animals. We need family, friends, and regular social banter to be happy. But apparently, we’re not the only social animals. There are many things we can learn from pets and wildlife about friendships and taking care of each other. In fact new research has shown that animals of different species can even develop deep friendships with each other. A new book titled “Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom” is hitting the bestsellers’ lists and showing the world about the prevalent but unique bonds between different animal species across the world. “I expect that anyone who loves animals, and even those who don`t, can`t help but be touched by these unusual partnerships,” says author and National Geographic writer Jennifer Holland. “They remind us that kindness can rise above anything, even instinct.” For example, when Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans in 2005, many pet owners were forced to abandon their pets as they rushed to high ground. As domesticated animals were forced to fend for themselves, some formed packs for protection. Among them were Bob Cat, a male cat, and Bobbi, a female dog, each with a bobbed tail. The fact that Bob Cat was fully blind made the animals’ relationship all the more touching. Bobbi the dog had been keeping Bob Cat safe by barking or nudging him in the right direction. But such strong bonds are not seen only in domesticated animals.
In China, staff at a natural reserve witnessed an unusual bond between an abandoned rhesus monkey and white dove believed to be part of a bird migration study. For two months, the macaque and dove shared a space and snacked on corn together. The monkey even showed affection, hugging the dove. If only the dove had hands and arms with which to hug back! Of course, the most surprising interspecies bonds can sometimes be between humans and other animals, particularly predators. When National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen was assigned to shoot leopard seals in the Antarctic, he was determined to shoot fast and get out quick. Leopard seals have been known to attack humans. But a 12-foot female took a liking to Nicklen. The seal hovered around him, as if posing for the camera. She then hunted and killed a penguin -- the seal’s usual prey -- and offered it to Nicklen repeatedly. When the photographer ignored her offering, the seal then brought him live penguins and blew bubbles in his face, as if exasperated with his passive nature. For more stories of remarkable friendships in the animal kingdom, check out “Unlikely Friendships.” “If animals can do it, humans can also learn to accept their differences, big and small, and believe in the power of friendship,” says Holland. “After all, it’s in our nature.”
September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21
h.o.r.s.e.s.
The Therapy In Riding By Joy Winebarger, Executive Director, H.O.R.S.E.S., Inc.
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id you know that 20% of all Americans have some type of physical, cognitive or emotional disorder? That 1 in every 110 children in the United States has Autism Spectrum Disorder? One of those children is a 5 year old little boy named Alex. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 ½ and had been totally non-verbal. His parents tried to find an activity he might enjoy, but it was very difficult since he couldn’t tell them what he liked. Then, they enrolled him in a horseback riding program at H.O.R.S.E.S., Inc. Therapeutic Riding Center, and last summer, at the age of 4, he started talking with help from a horse named Chico. Therapeutic horseback riding or Equine Assisted Activity, teaches riding skills to children and adults with a wide range of conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and brain injury, just to name a few. There have been many studies done and research has shown that individuals who participate in therapeutic horseback riding can experience physical, cognitive and emotional rewards. Those with impaired mobility can experience improved balance, strength, flexPage 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — September 2011
ibility, posture and co-ordination because horses have a 3 dimensional gait that is similar to a human walk. Therefore, muscles that normally would not be used because someone is in a wheelchair or they walk with a limp, are utilized while horseback riding. Improved concentration, patience and self discipline are benefits experienced by individuals with learning or developmental disabilities. The unique relationship formed with a horse helps to improve social interaction and trusting abilities for those with emotional or psychological disorders. Other benefits are increased self esteem, fine motor skills, circulation, self control, respiration, sense of direction, and it’s FUN! Horseback riding is a unique experience that can help empower a person and allow them to connect with others on a personal level. It can also improve communication as it did for Alex. He learned that if he said “Whoa” his horse would stop but if he wanted Chico to move again he had to say “Walk on”. Therapeutic horseback riding is not a new form of therapy or treatment for disabilities. It has been around for quite a long time. Ancient Greek history records people with disabilities riding horses. A French
physician named Cassaign in 1875 used horseback riding to treat a number of neurological and psychological disorders. Therapeutic riding came to both Canada and the United States in 1960 with the formation of Community Association of Riding of the Disabled. Then in 1969, North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, or NARHA, was formed and provides training, safety guidelines, certification for instructors and accredits Centers according to high standards. NARHA outgrew their name and this year changed it to PATH, Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International) to better encompass their wide variety of services and the fact that there are centers in many other countries. H.O.R.S.E.S., Inc. is an acronym for Helping Others Reach Success using Equine Services. It was founded in August 2005 by Billy and Joy Winebarger after doing extensive research on therapeutic riding. They realized many parents were being referred by specialists in bigger cities to acquire therapeutic riding or hippo therapy for their child, only to come back home and find there were no such facilities in this area. H.O.R.S.E.S., Inc. was formed, Joy became a certified Instructor through PATH, Intl. and classes were conducted at their barn in Calloway County. They applied for and received 501(c) 3 status, H.O.R.S.E.S., Inc. became a PATH, Intl. center & in 2010 they opened a satellite center at Carson Park in Paducah. They currently have about a dozen horses they use in the program, about 50 riders, and in excess of 100 volunteers. The last 6 years of operations for this program have shown many improvements for riders as well as volunteers. After seeing these changes time and time again, Joy says it doesn’t take her by surprise anymore but it still never ceases to amaze her. Watching with pride as the adult rider who has to depend on use of a walker, accomplishes her first independent ride to win a blue ribbon in the horse show, witnessing that withdrawn, disrespectful teen transform into a caring individual who is able to joke, laugh and show compassion to those with disabilities, or seeing that child able to take those first few steps without use of crutches or a walker, and all because of the magic of a horse. H.O.R.S.E.S., Inc. operates on grants, donations and fundraising efforts. They have 2 such fundraisers coming up this fall. A 5K run and 1 mile fun run is scheduled on September 17th at 6 pm at Kenlake State Resort Park. They also have an Expo scheduled on October 15 at Carson Park in Paducah which will encompass a Book Fair, Art Show, Craft Show, 2 live bands, Boots and Bridles Competition Horse Show starring the program participants, and much more. For more information about this program or any of the events, visit their website at www.horsesinc.org, e-mail horses_inc@yahoo.com or call Joy at 270-437-3881.
Don Thomas
Attorney At L aw
Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Criminal Law 1101 Poplar Street Benton KY 42025 270-527-2425 270-527-2405 (fax) www.donthomaslawoffice.com
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www.marilynsmedical.com Email: jim.fox@marilynsmedical.com Come by today and see one up close and let our Certified Aging in Place Specialist help you make your home safer for you and the ones you love! September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23
home owners
Take the Stress Out of Your Move,
List with a Realtor Submitted By Your Home Team Realtors
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he signs are visible in yards across the country… they read: For Sale By Owner (FSBO). These sell-it-yourself home owners are often motivated to make more money and confident they can sell their home without any professional help. But today’s housing market is volatile and home sellers need an upper hand. Don’t fall into the FSBO trap. Calling a Realtor will actually save you time and money. Unlike most FSBOs, Realtors maintain a high level of knowledge of the home selling process. There are many logical and common sense reasons using a Realtor is a better choice than trying to sell alone. • I t is important for your home to be ready to sell before the first prospects pass thru the front door. In 2006, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that 18 percent of FSBO sellers stated that preparing their home for sale was the most difficult Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — September 2011
task when selling alone. A Realtor can provide expertise and advice to prepare the home for selling. Take a walk inside and out with a Realtor, discuss improvements you can make to get the maximum financial return for the money spent on improvements. The things you always meant to do or wanted to do may not be the things you need to do to get your home ready to market. • Over or under pricing a home is a huge mistake most For-SaleBy-Owners make. A Realtor has the knowledge and tools necessary to complete a “fair market analysis” of your home. This analysis compares your home to other properties sold and competing with your home in your area. With this information, your Realtor and you can price your home for a timely sell. According to the NAR, in 2006, homes sold with the help of a Realtor sold on average for 32 percent more than FSBO sales. A home priced above its local market value may take longer to sell or it may not
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sell at all. A home with a bargain price will go fast, but could lead to seller’s remorse. M arketing is one of the most important aspects of selling your home. A Realtor will list your home on a large network known as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Your listing will include vital details such as size of the home, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, age, recent upgrades, yard size, garage capacity and numerous interior and exterior photographs. Other internet and website related marketing tools used by Realtors include Virtual Tour, Google, Trulia, Realtor.com, Facebook and dozens of other related internet sites. Using these tools all Realtors can match buyers to your property. Realtors also market your property to a network of contacts. According to the NAR, 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts within a network that includes past clients, family friends, other agents and professionals. Buyers do not see FSBOs. The FSBO websites available do not generate enough interest to give any real and timely benefit. Your home won’t sell if it doesn’t get exposure. The Kentucky Association of Realtors states that almost eight out of ten consumers believe Realtors can show buyers a better selection of homes than buyers can find on their own. Most Realtors will not show a FSBO to buyers, eliminating a large number of qualified buyers. S tranger danger! How do you know the person looking at your home is a legitimate buyer and not a stranger? This scary scenario can be avoided using a Realtor. A Realtor knows the potential buyer and will be present during the entire showing. Additionally, a Realtor has a secure, electronic system to safely enter and exit the home. No need for you to arrange your schedule around showings. B uyers want freedom to see your home. You don’t invite the saleslady into the fitting room when you shop for a dress. Why would you want a homeowner following you around when you’re shopping for a house? Buyers want to take a good look before making an offer on a home. They often feel intimated and uncomfortable looking at the home with the owner present. Allowing the Realtor access to the home without the homeowner present eliminates this awkward obstacle. B argaining … how good are most FSBOs at negotiating a deal? There are numerous factors that play a part in successfully negotiating a deal. A few negotiating factors include pricing, financing, date of possession, inspections, repairs and inclusion or exclusion of appliances or furnishings. Your Realtor will guide the negotiating process saving you time and frustration. A Realtor is your partner. The road can be long between the sales contract and the closing table. Too often that road dead-ends for the FSBO. Why take that chance? Realtors understand that this is where the real battle is. Financing is harder to get in recent months, home inspections can be confusing and buyer demand can be unreasonable. Realtors know how to work through these and other issues to achieve the end result … selling your home.
What does listing your home with a Realtor accomplish? It can save you time, money and adversity. The words from former FSBOs say it all: “My wife and I attempted to sell our home without the assistance of a Realtor. After several frustrating months we decided to place our trust in Tammy. She made the experience stress-free and allowed us the freedom to continue to live. We knew our home was being marketed to potential buyers. We travel a great deal with work. Listing our home with Tammy relieved our worry of scheduling home showings. We recommend listing with a Realtor.” —Mr. & Mrs. Felker, Paducah, Kentucky September 2011 — Western Kentucky — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25
in the community
Jackson Purchase Medical Center Offers Educational Events Jackson Purchase Medical Center will be hosting several educational events to the general community during the month of September.
Bariatric Support Group The Bariatric Support Group will meet on Tuesday, September 27th at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Conference Room. The meeting provides open discussion among those who have had Bariatric Surgery and those interested in the surgery. For more information about participating with this group, call 270-251-4169.
Bariatric Seminar A Bariatric Seminar will be held on Monday, September 19th at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Conference Room. Information will be shared about the LAP-BAND procedure which is a minimally invasive bariatric surgery, unlike traditional “open” or large incision bariatric surgeries. The LAP-BAND System is laparoscopic and is proven to have fewer complications, less pain, few side effects and quicker return to normal activities. To register call 251-4580 or 877-554-JPMC.
Diabetes Group Sessions Diabetes Group Sessions are held each week on Monday from 9:00 a.m. – noon. Registration is required. Class participants will learn self care behaviors that can reduce the risk of diabetes complications. One-on-one sessions can also be scheduled. To register call 251-4580 or 877-554-JPMC.
Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Western Kentucky — September 2011
Stroke and Brain Injury Survivors Support Group Stroke and Brain Injury Survivors Support Group is held each week on Monday from 11:00 a.m. – noon in the second floor conference room of the Jackson Purchase Medical Pavilion. Jackson Purchase Medical Center is very excited to provide information, education, and support to those who have experienced a stroke or brain injury. Survivors of stroke or brain injury, or those interested in serving on a planning committee for this group, are welcome to attend. Information and activities for caregivers will also be provided at selected times. Please call 251-4121 for information on upcoming meeting topics.
The Region’s Leader in Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy Since 1994 1665 Oak Park, Boulevard Calvert City, Kentucky 42029
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