October Springfield Healthy Cells 2011

SPRINGFIELD/DECATUR

area

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

FREE

HealthyCells October 2011

TM

www.healthycellsmagazine.com

M A G A Z I N E

Heartland Health Care Focus on Rehabilitation page 14

Wear Pink, Raise Funds and Repeat Lifesaving Message page 12 Win at Weight Loss page 17 Do the Right Thing: Report Elder Abuse page 18

T:7”

This homeowner was helped by the program. To hear her story, go to MakingHomeAffordable.gov

If you’re struggling to keep your home, there is help.

Making Home Affordable is a free program from the U.S. government that has already T:10”

helped over a million struggling homeowners at risk of foreclosure.

The sooner you act, the better the chance we can help you.

“off the hook”

MakingHomeAffordable.gov 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) You may not understand everything kids say.

But that’s ok. You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent. Because kids in foster care don’t need perfection. They need you. AdoptUsKids.org

When illness or injury affects a person’s ability to function independently, difficult choices must be made. For those who wish to remain in the comfort of their home, ADVANCED HEALTHCARE SERVICES, LLC can provide the necessary services and support in your home. Advanced Healthcare Services, LLC serves Central Illinois which includes 13 counties.

• MEDICARE Certified • Illinois Department of Public Health Licensed

Services • Visiting Nurse, RN, Registered Nurse, LPN, Licensed Practical Nurse • Certified wound-ostomy nurse • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Home Health Aide • Medical Licensed Social Worker • Medical Equipment • Podiatry

Payment Options • Medicare • Private Insurance • Workman’s Comp • Medicaid Care will begin within 48 hours after a physician order is received.

Our staff is available to answers questions 24 hours a day.

Contact Shannon Lionberger at 217-726-6956 with any questions you may have.

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Come out and support Advanced Healthcare at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. The walk takes place at the Illinois State Fair Grounds, October 15, 2011.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the event beginning at 9 a.m.

3900 Pintail Drive, Suite A, Springfield, IL, 62711 Phone: 217-726-6956 or Fax: 217-726-7082 advancedhealthcareservices.org October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

O C TOBER

Volume 2, Issue 10

5

Senior Living: Is Supportive Living for Me?

6

Emotional: “Am I Paranoid, or Are People Avoiding Me?”

8

Nutritional: Helping Your Overweight Child

10

Physical: What Does Arthritis Feel Like?

12

Mission Awareness: Wear Pink, Raise Funds and Repeat Lifesaving Message

17

Healthy Balance: Win at Weight Loss

18

Mental Health: Report Elder Abuse

19

2011

This Month’s Cover Story:

Focus on Rehabilitation It’s What Happens When You Have Therapy page 14

For information about this publication, contact Becky Ar ndt, owner at 217-413-1884, Becky@healthycellsmagazine.com Making Changes: Taking a Chance on Healthy Living!

Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

20

Patient Care: Living And Coping With Arthritis

1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615 Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com • www.healthycellsmagazine.com

22

Preventative Pain: Top 10 Ways to Manage Chronic Pain

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.

23

Future Planning: Protect Your Life Savings With a Long Term Care Policy

24

Foot Health: Pedorthics

25

Music Therapy: Top 5 Reasons to Sing Out Your Stress

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

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

I wish to thank all the advertisers for their support of Healthy Cells Magazine’s mission to bring positive health related information to our readers. Because of their generosity we are able to provide this publication FREE to you.

– Becky Arndt

senior living

Is Supportive Living for Me?

By Chris Harris, Timberlake Supportive Living

N

orman and Flora Albert have been long time residents of the small town of Greenview, IL. They enjoy vegetable gardening and being homeowners. Recently their health has started to decline. They have been forgetting their medication and family members are concerned that they will not be able to keep up with owning a home.

Blossom Shipley is a widow who enjoys playing the piano and socializing with friends. She leads quite an active life including frequenting her favorite hangout – the MCL cafeteria in Springfield. What do these folks have in common?

They Both Chose Supportive Living The Supportive Living program was started in Illinois in order to allow seniors an opportunity to maintain independence while receiving assistance with some daily activities. Previous to the Supportive Living program, if a senior needed assistance they could try and stay in their home with the help of in home services, move in with another relative or have to choose skilled care.

Norman and Flora along with their family chose Supportive Living.

Although the Albert’s own a home, they do not have other sizable assets, yet Supportive Living is an affordable choice for them.

In some communities there is a misconception that a person has to be destitute to receive financial assistance through the Medicaid program. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services has obtained a “waiver” to allow payment for services that are not routinely covered by Medicaid. These include personal care, homemaking, laundry, medication supervision, social activities, recreation and 24-hour staff to meet residents’ scheduled and unscheduled needs.

This means that the Albert’s could liquidate their home and use the proceeds to pay for their stay, and when needed, the community could help them apply for and receive Medicaid benefits.

The Albert’s now enjoy worry free living. Their monthly income takes care of the rent and all other services are provided by the community, which for the Albert’s even includes a garden!

Another misconception is that a person needs to be sickly in order to take advantage of Supportive Living. The old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” describes how Supportive Living works best.

Blossom and her family felt that Supportive Living was the right choice for her. Although she is still quite active there are some options offered by Supportive Living that appealed to her: • 3 restaurant style meals served each day • Full schedule of activities • Housekeeping and Laundry Service • Affordability

rent would be paid. She can continue playing the piano provided by the community and she can continue her frequent visits to MCL! Supportive Living meets the needs of Seniors The Alberts’ and Blossoms’ situations are different. The Supportive Living program is flexible enough to meet both of their needs. Here is how: • Financial options • Range of services provided • Assistance with daily activities • Maintain Independence • Worry free living Is Supportive Living for you? If you want to maintain your freedom, engage in meaningful activities, and not worry about financial issues then the answer is yes!

For more information about the Supportive Living program go to http://www.slfillinois.com or contact Chris Harris at Timberlake Supportive Living 217-321-2103 or marketing@timberlakeseniorliving.com.

Blossom has some assets; however they are not sizable enough to enter an Assisted Living community which requires proof of substantial assets before leasing. Blossom’s income and assets will last much longer in Supportive Living. If in the future she would require Medicaid assistance, nothing would change for her, only the way in which her October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

You need a tangible plan for today and tomorrow No matter where you’re starting from, we will provide a tangilble plan to help you protect what you have today and plan for the future.

LIsten to Cool 101.9 and compete for the “Giving Hearts” award! We’re working with the Central Illinois Community Blood Center to track the businesses whose employees give the most blood throughout the month. Help make YOUR business a winner!

Julie Hale Miller Tom Hale Chatham

217-483-4355

0611-561HO Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

emotional

“Am I Paranoid, Or Are People Avoiding Me?” Healthy Cells magazine is pleased to present another 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.

E

ven though grievers seem to be walking though quicksand, they usually have a heightened awareness of what is going on around them. In particular, they are very aware of being judged, evaluated, or criticized. In earlier columns we talked about the killer cliches that are not helpful to grievers. Unhelpful comments almost always encourage the griever to feel some way other than the way they feel.

For example; don’t feel sad, you should feel grateful that you had him/ her for so long.

In addition to the constant fight against the killer cliches, the griever starts to experience being avoided by people they know. Grievers notice that friends who know about the loss will not approach them or will talk to them and never mention the loss.

The truth is that people often do avoid grievers. Since our society has so mis-educated us about loss, we are often led to believe that the griever wants and needs to be alone. Although grievers sometimes want to be alone, more often they want to be treated normally. Because we were never properly taught how to talk about the conflicting feelings caused by loss, we are often afraid to talk to our friends when they have experienced a loss. Therefore our own fear will cause us to avoid grievers or to avoid the subject of their loss.

Fear is one of the most common responses to loss. For example, when a spouse dies: How can I go on without them? Or, after a divorce: Where will I find another mate as wonderful, as beautiful? While fear is often the emotional response to loss, in our society, ISOLATION is frequently the behavioral reaction to the fear.

Look at the combination outlined above. People avoid grievers because they are mis-informed and afraid. Grievers avoid others because they are afraid and then isolate. Is anybody talking to anyone else, and if so are they talking about anything important to the griever?

As the result of tens of thousands of direct interactions with grieving people, we can tell you that what grievers most want and need to do is to talk about “what happened” and talk about their relationship with the person who died or to whom they were married. That does not mean that every griever will want to have a detailed conversation with every

one they meet. Nor does it mean that you always have to make yourself available to someone who may need more time than you have.

What we are suggesting is that instead of avoiding the subject of the loss that you at least acknowledge it. A simple comment like, I was sorry to hear about your loss, can be very helpful to a griever who may be questioning his or her own sanity because no one is even mentioning their loss.

QUESTION: There are many kinds of losses that produce grief, is there a single definition that encompasses all of the emotions caused by loss?

ANSWER: While a universal definition is impossible, we can come very close. Grief is the conflicting group of human emotions caused by a change or an end in a familiar pattern of behavior.

Next Month: “I’m Fine...And Other Lies” For information about programs and services, write to The Grief Recovery Institute, P.O. Box 6061-382 Sherman Oaks, CA. 91413.

Call [818] 907-9600 or Fax: [818] 907-9329. Please visit our website at: www.grief-recovery.com.

“We can tell you that what grievers most want and need to do is to talk about “what happened” and talk about their relationship with the person who died or to whom they were married.”

October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

nutritional

Helping Your Overweight Child U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH WIN Weight-control Information Network Healthy eating and physical activity habits are key to your child’s well-being. Eating too much and exercising too little may lead to overweight and related health problems that may follow children into their adult years. You can take an active role to help your child — and your whole family — learn healthy eating and physical activity habits that last a lifetime.

Is my child overweight?

Children grow at different rates at different times, so it is not always easy to tell if a child is overweight. If you think that your child is overweight, talk to your health care provider. He or she can tell you if your child’s weight and height are in a healthy range.

How can I help my overweight child?

Involve the whole family in building healthy eating and physical activity habits. This benefits everyone and does not single out the child who is overweight.

Do not put your child on a weight loss diet unless your health care provider tells you to. If children do not eat enough, they may not grow and learn as well as they should.

Be Supportive • Tell your child that he or she is loved, special, and important. Children’s feelings about themselves are often based on how they think their parents feel about them.

• Accept your child at any weight. Children are more likely to accept and feel good about themselves when their parents accept them.

• Listen to your child’s concerns about his or her weight.

Overweight children probably know better than anyone else that they have a weight problem. They need support, understanding, and encouragement from parents.

Encourage Healthy Eating Habits • Buy and serve more fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned, or dried). Let your child choose them at the store.

• Buy fewer soft drinks and high fat or high calorie snack foods like chips, cookies, and candy. These snacks may be OK once in a while, but always keep healthy snack foods on hand. Offer the healthy snacks more often at snack times.

• Make sure your child eats breakfast every day. BreakPage 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

•

•

• • • •

•

fast may provide your child with the energy he or she needs to listen and learn in school. Skipping breakfast can leave your child hungry, tired, and looking for less healthy foods later in the day.

Eat fast food less often. When you do visit a fast food restaurant, encourage your family to choose the healthier options, such as salads with low-fat dressing or small sandwiches without cheese or mayonnaise.

Offer your child water or low-fat milk more often than fruit juice.

Low-fat milk and milk products are important for your child’s development. One hundred percent fruit juice is a healthy choice but is high in calories.

Limit the amount of saturated and trans fats in your family’s diet.

Instead, obtain most of your fats from sources such as fish, vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds.

Plan healthy meals and eat together as a family. Eating together at meal times helps children learn to enjoy a variety of foods.

Do not get discouraged if your child will not eat a new food the first time it is served. Some kids will need to have a new food served to them 10 times or more before they will eat it.

Try not to use food as a reward when encouraging kids to eat.

Promising dessert to a child for eating vegetables, for example, sends the message that vegetables are less valuable than dessert.

Kids learn to dislike foods they think are less valuable.

Start with small servings and let your child ask for more if he or she is still hungry. It is up to you to provide your child with healthy meals and snacks, but your child should be allowed to choose how much food he or she will eat.

Involve the whole family in building healthy eating and physical activity habits. This benefits everyone and does not single out the child who is overweight.

If you think that your child is overweight, talk to your health care provider. He or she can tell you if your child’s weight and height are in a healthy range.

• Encourage your child to join a sports team or class, such as soccer, dance, basketball, or gymnastics at school or at your local community or recreation center.

• Be aware that some high-fat or high-sugar foods and beverages may be strongly marketed to kids. Usually these products are associated with cartoon characters, offer free toys, and come in bright packages. Talk with your child about the importance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy foods — even if these foods are not often advertised on TV or in stores.

October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

physical

Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle, PART II

What Does Arthritis Feel Like?

John M. Sigle, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., Foot & Ankle Center Of Illinois

T

here are a few similar complaints that I hear from patients with arthritic feet. Probably the most common are stiffness, pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

As the cartilage erodes, the joint surface changes by forming bone spurs surrounding the joint. Spurs are overgrowths of bone at the edges of the joint. They widen and flatten the joint and cause stiffness. They collide when we walk or move the joint and this bone-on-bone contact results in pain. Joint lining, or synovium, becomes impinged and it swells (synovitis). This can cause the skin to have a reddish appearance and feel hot to the touch. This domino effect makes it difficult to walk.

Bone spurs become very apparent in the foot and ankle as there is very little soft tissue between the bones and your shoe gear. These bony prominences become very irritated by contact with shoes throughout the day. The skin reacts by forming calluses or sometimes blisters.

Most people are particularly stiff in the morning, often complaining that it takes several steps to get going and walk normally. Also, after resting, the same symptoms occur.

Pain during the night time, while sleeping, is also very common.

It feels dull or throbbing and can be severe enough to wake you out of sleep.

HOW IS ARTHRITIS DIAGNOSED Diagnosis of arthritis is usually made with a thorough exam. It is detected by limited motion in joints associated with pain on movement. Often, the examiner can feel grinding in the joint itself, bone spurs, and/or swelling. X-rays often show significant changes to the joint and surrounding bones. Early diagnosis is important to effective treatment. Cartilage loss is not reversible, so ignoring your symptoms may be very detrimental to your feet.

The goal of treatment of arthritic foot and ankle conditions is primarily to preserve the function of the foot and to relieve pain. This is done non-surgically in the majority

This x-ray is an example of arthritis of the midfoot with bone spurs.

Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

This x-ray is an example of Rheumatoid Arthritis. of cases with a combination of treatments.

Historically, aspirin was the first line of treatment for arthritic conditions. Today, the first line of therapy usually starts with a prescription for a non-steroidal antiinflammatory (NSAIDS) medication such as Ibuprofen.

At times, a prescription for a steroid is necessary.

One of the first things to examine is the shoes that are worn on a daily basis. Wearing supportive shoes can make a difference. Poor shoe choices may actually lead to foot arthritis. Augmenting the proper shoes with a custom orthotic device is an excellent approach to use. An orthotic is a custom arch support that fits into most shoes. An orthotic supports the arthritic joints, promotes proper biomechanics, and improves foot function.

Severe cases sometimes respond well to custom bracing devices. Bracing devices can actually grab the foot and prevent the deforming forces that are causing joint failure.

One factor that seems to always be present is muscle and tendon imbalance so simple stretching exercises can make a big difference.

Staying active is also important. When inflammation is bad enough, immobilization in a walking boot is needed.

Physical therapy tends to be helpful in patients who do not respond to the previously mentioned treatments. Injection of steroids into the joint can provide substantial relief of pain. Steroids can help to relieve the pain enough to start an aggressive physical therapy program.

“Early diagnosis is important to effective treatment. Cartilage loss is not reversible, so ignoring your symptoms may be very detrimental to your feet.”

SURGICAL INTERVENTION Surgical treatment is sometimes needed in the most severe cases of arthritis. It is the last line of treatment and used when patients do not respond to conservative care. The goal of surgical care is really the same as non-surgical care: to improve or preserve foot function and to relieve pain. There are a myriad of surgical procedures used in the foot and ankle. They may be simple, like removing the bone spurs, or complex, like joint replacement or joint fusion. Tendon balancing procedures usually are done in conjunction with bone work. No two cases are alike. There are multiple factors to consider and treatments must be tailored to the patient’s individual needs and expectations.

Arthritis is a painful condition that will likely affect all of us at some point in our lives. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome. So, if your feet hurt, or you have had an injury that does not get better quickly, make an appointment to see a qualified foot and ankle specialist.

Dr. Sigle is the owner of the Foot & Ankle Center Of Illinois located at 2921 Montvale Drive, Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Sigle received a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, graduated from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, and completed his Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He went on to complete Advanced Reconstructive Ankle and Foot Surgery/Trauma at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco. Dr. Sigle is board certified through the American Board of Foot Surgery and in Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery.

He is currently on the physicians’ panel for Memorial Medical Center’s Wound Healing Center. For more information, Dr. Sigle may be reached at (217)787-2700.

Got Saliva?

We Have YOUR Bio-Identical Test Kit Waiting For You * If you’re not testing - you’re guessing * Prairie pharmacy specializes in customized medications for: Bio-identical hormone replacement for men and women, Adrenal health and fatigue management, and chronic pain relief.

PRAIRIE COMPOUNDING PHARMACY 2801 N Main Street Decatur, IL 62526 217-876-PILL (7455) Fax 217-875-2000 WE ARE YOUR FULL SERVICE PHARMACY Mike Hammel, RPh LEARN MORE AT: www.PrairieRx.com

October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

mission awareness

Wear Pink, Raise Funds and Repeat Lifesaving Message October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Steve Whitton

S

pringfield, IL – Sometimes he feels like a broken record, but Steve Whitton is on a mission to tell anyone who will listen about the importance of prevention and early detection of breast cancer. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Whitton will be especially busy reaching out to women about the importance of early detection and mammograms. He will also be alerting men that they need to be aware, too.

Whitton is lending his support to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, Memorial’s Be Aware Women’s Fair and is also a participant in the sixth annual Real Men Wear Pink campaign, which is a partnership of the American Cancer Society and St. John’s Hospital.

“As a seven year breast cancer survivor, I know that breast cancer doesn’t care who it hits,” emphasized Whitton. “You may not feel comfortable wearing pink, but breast cancer is no joke. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer, but men also need to know that they are not immune to this awful disease.”

According to the Illinois State Cancer Registry, an estimated 9,850 women (70 men) in Illinois will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and approximately 1,880 (10 men) will die from the disease.

“Women are about a hundred times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than men,” emphasized Whitton. “My advice for both sexes is that if you find a lump or you have a pain that doesn’t seem quite right, have it checked out by your doctor. Explore, don’t ignore.”

In 2004, Whitton was taking a shower when he felt a lump.

“I lost my sister when she was 37 years old to breast cancer,” Whitton explained. “It had always been in the back of my mind that I might get cancer.”

It took him three weeks to tell his wife what he had found, but she made sure that he was in the doctor’s office the next day. He was diagnosed with breast cancer (Stage 3) and began aggressive treat-

White Glove Professionals Superior Janitorial Cleaning Services 100% Employees Background Check, Supervision Standardized, Traditional Training of all Employees Janitorial Service is Designed to Customer Requirements Call for a Free Assessment - Competitive Bid Proposal

217.525.6522 Life Without Limits for People With Disabilities (UCP Land of Lincoln) Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

ment that included chemotherapy to reduce the size of the tumor, a mastectomy once the tumor had shrunk, and several more months of chemo and radiation.

Dr. Sandra Ettema, Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois School of Medicine, Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in Springfield, believes that Whitton’s message is important to share. Her Steve Whitton is breast cancer survivor and diagnosis of breast cancer, at age 41, led her on participant in the 6th annual Real Men Wear Pink a journey that uncovered campaign, a partnership of the American Cancer Society and St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. an inherited DNA change that runs in her family and increases the risk for developing cancer.

“Everyone needs the BRCA genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes when they are working right,” explained Ettema.

“However, when there are defects, the gene has changed and is too short or too long, it messes up the whole system and cancer is much more likely to develop.”

Genetic testing helped Ettema identify the inherited mutations in her family.

“Once I started investigating, I found that my family tree is filled with relatives who had multiple types of cancer or who had died of cancer at a young age,” said Ettema. “About 5% to 10 % of breast cancer is thought to be hereditary. A male being diagnosed with breast cancer is extremely rare. Ask questions. My father is a carrier and passed the mutation along to me.”

While Ettema cautions that testing is not for everyone, she urges individuals to be aware of your family’s health history and to share that information with your doctor.

“My breast cancer was caused by an inherited mutation that is rare in the general population, but common in my family,” emphasized Ettema. “Armed with this knowledge, I have been able to take measures to protect my health and share what I have learned with family members so that they can be protected and proactive as well.”

The American Cancer Society helps people stay well by showing them steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer and find it early, when it’s most treatable. Despite continuing debate over how often and at what age women should receive mammograms and screening, the Society continues to recommend yearly mammograms and breast exams for women aged 40 and older. Men should also be aware of how their

breasts normally look and feel and should discuss any changes with their health care provider.

“There are steps we can all take to fight this disease,” Whitton stated. “Know your bodies, be familiar with your family’s medical history, talk to your doctor, get the appropriate screenings, and try and eat right and exercise.

Get involved in a breast cancer support group.

Help raise funds to support cancer research and patient programs, and reach out to our lawmakers to let them know that continuing funding for cancer research is critical.”

• The American Cancer Society has played a part in many major breast cancer research breakthroughs in recent history, including demonstrating that mammography is an effective screening test for breast cancer, the development of tamoxifen and herceptin, and knowledge that genetics, diet, lack of exercise, and moderate drinking increase a person’s cancer risk. For information or help 24/7 visit www.cancer. org or call 1-800-227-2345.

• “Pink Differently” in the fight against breast cancer at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on October 15 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. No training is necessary for this noncompetitive, inspirational event that raises awareness and funds to fight breast cancer and provides hope to all people facing the disease. For more information, visit makingstridesillinois.com, makingstridesspringfield.com or call 217-523-4503.

• Real Men Wear Pink asks men from throughout the community to wear pink on Fridays and join in activities to help spread the word about the importance of mammograms and detecting breast cancer early. Real Men Wear Pink emphasizes the importance of knowledge and action – and that being nudged, reminded, supported and encouraged every step of the way by someone who cares can make a life-saving difference. For a calendar of events and more information about the mammography program at St. John’s Hospital, please visit www.st-johns.org.

• Memorial Medical Center’s Be Aware Women’s Fair will run from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. A $4 admission covers all exhibits, health screenings and entertainment. Dozens of booths featuring local exhibitors will cover a wide range of topics. All registered walkers at the Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk receive free admission. For complete information visit BeAwareWomensFair.com.

Deck the Halls!

Have the beauty of a Colorful Christmas without the time and hassle.

As Christmas draws closer, our team of professional decorators is busy getting ready for the festive holiday season.

• Wide selection of quality lights.

• Variety of wreaths, garland, and custom lighting products to give your home a unique way to show • • •

your holiday spirit.

SO MANY OPTIONS TO FIT ANY BUDGET Choose from some of the latest decorating options, from the traditional, to the extravagant—we have it all.

Our comprehensive service covers everything, and we’ll drop by frequently during the season to check and replace bulbs that may have gone out due to weather conditions.

When the season is over, our professional staff will take down your decorations.

The earlier you call the better.

We tend to get busy as the season draws close.

217-523-5296 E-mail: golfgreen@grics.net October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

feature story

Focus on Rehabilitation It’s What Happens When You Have Therapy Submitted by Heartland Manor Care of Decatur

M

illions of adults will be discharged from hospitals this year after unexpected surgery, illness or injury, and they may require skilled nursing and rehabilitation before returning home.

These patients will face a critical decision as to which team of doctors, therapists, nurses and social workers they will trust to help them recover. Each day, Heartland Health Care Center - Decatur treats patients with hospital-level acuity and medically complex conditions who are transitioning from hospital to home.

The traditional role of a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center has transformed. For many post-hospital patients, the skilled nursing cenPage 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

ter has become the primary source of outcomes-targeted medical and rehabilitation services, thus expanding its role to post-hospital medical and rehabilitation center. Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) provide the short-term care that patients need to help them meet their goals of returning home as quickly as possible. This care often includes a combination of skilled nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Today, SNFs are caring for patients of all ages, not just the elderly.

“Our patients are coming to us younger and sicker and expect to recover quicker and return home,” said Lorrie Tinker, Director of Rehabilitation for Heartland of Decatur.

ing state-of-the-art equipment similar to most hospitals as well as advanced modalities such as ultrasound, diathermy and electrical stimulation. Complex medical programs for wounds, stroke and I.V. therapy are also offered, with follow-up patient and family education to ensure that a patient can manage his or her care when discharged home.

The following are some guidelines to consider when selecting a SNF for post-hospital care: •A ppearance and general atmosphere: Are the rooms clean and comfortable? Are patients well-groomed and neatly dressed?

•S killed nursing staff: Is the staff courteous, positive and attentive? Does there appear to be a high morale among staff?

Heartland works with the patient, family members and physicians to create individualized care plans that recognize the unique needs of each patient. The transition from hospital to home is further enhanced by a nursing staff that receives training in medical management and rehabilitation. At Heartland, discharge planning begins at admission and goals are set to help the patient return home as quickly as possible. The combined efforts of the therapy, rehabilitative nursing, dietary and social services departments provide guidance, family support and the encouragement needed for patients to return to their independent lifestyles.

At Heartland’s parent company HCR ManorCare, 28,000 nurses will treat more than 36,000 patients, and 6,000 therapists will provide more than 100,000 minutes of therapy. The majority of these patients will return home and to the community to lead independent, productive lifestyles. “Our role in the spectrum of health care continues to expand and change, and we’re thrilled that we can make such a positive difference in the lives of our patients of all ages,” said Tinker. “Today’s post-acute care facilities are serving an increasing number of patients transitioning between hospital and home.”

“Our rehabilitation gyms are bustling with activity daily, with patients working on regaining strength, stamina and the skills they need to return home.” Heartland offers skilled nursing and physical, speech and occupational therapy, for patients with hospital level medical acuity as they recover from surgery, illness or injury. Often, patients may meet the criteria for discharge from a hospital, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are ready to return home; they need rehabilitation to restore their physical abilities and re-learn certain skills, as well as to achieve the confidence they need to return to a productive lifestyle.

Heartland provides 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy, utilizOctober 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

feature story

(continued) • Dietary Services: Are there various menu items to accommodate personal preferences? Is there a registered dietitian? Do they accommodate specialized diets?

• Family Services: Are lounges available for socialization? What are the visiting hours? Is ongoing education and support offered? Are family members encouraged to participate in the care of their loved one?

• Insurance: Is the center contracted with your insurance plan?

• Outcomes/Evidence: How does the center measure the progress a patient makes? What evidence shows their team’s success in improving a patient’s ability to care for themselves, stand, walk, etc.?

The rehabilitation team that a patient selects can strongly impact his or her recovery. It is important to choose a post-hospital care provider that has a proven track record of success and commitment to quality care.

The goal of Heartland of Decatur is to get patients back on their feet. A post-hospital rehabilitation center can be a useful stop on the journey through rehabilitation, an effective means of transitioning patients between hospital and home.

Heartland Health Care Center – Decatur is located at 444 W. Harrison Avenue and is part of the HCR ManorCare family. The HCR ManorCare health care family comprises centers that are leading providers of short-term post-acute services and long-term care. With 60,000 caregivers nationwide, the HCR ManorCare centers are preeminent care providers in their communities. Quality care for patients and residents is provided through a network of more than 500 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospice and home health care agencies. These locations operate primarily under the respected Heartland, ManorCare Health Services and Arden Courts names.

Mary, pictured on the front cover, came to Heartland after a hospital stay because she wasn’t quite ready to go home. Mary chose to come to Heartland Health Care Center – Decatur after her daughter toured our center, experienced the friendly atmosphere and learned about our successful patient outcomes.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to walk again or have the use of my hands, but they got me there. I just have to keep practicing. When you come to Heartland you’ll get great therapy!”

- Mary

• Rehabilitative services: Do they offer a specialized program to meet your clinical needs?

Do they have experience with your specific condition?

• Medical Care: Can each patient choose his/her physician? Are other medical services provided such as dental, optometry, etc.? Is there a physician available in an emergency?

Are care plans individualized to fit each patient’s needs?

Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

For more information see the corporate website: www.hcr-manorcare.com.

healthy balance

Win at Weight Loss Long Term Weight Management Success Continuation of last month’s article…

By Dr. Tom Rohde, Renew Total Body Wellness Center

G

ot Hormones? We all do of course and they support hundreds of vital functions in our bodies but at some point in our lives we start to have imbalances. This is highly variable and can happen at any age, so there is no “magical” time for hormonal imbalances as these can strike in the teen years or they can wait for menopause or andropause (men) to occur in our middle years. How do you know? Get your levels measured! Again, If you’re not testing – you’re guessing!

I personally prefer saliva testing to evaluate hormone levels as these are more specific and measure only the active tissue levels which affect your body’s response to them. Blood testing is unfortunately more commonly performed as most physicians feel comfortable with this method. However, blood testing measures your total inactive and active hormone levels circulating in your blood (which is your hormone storage pool) and then the lab mathematically determines your active levels by subtracting the total hormone value from your blood protein levels to give you a calculated number of the active component. This still does not measure the active tissue hormone levels which are exerting an effect on your body. Tissue and blood levels can markedly differ as you can imagine.

So, how does this affect weight? When women have too much estrogen and not enough progesterone to balance these two then you become “estrogen dominant”. This means that it causes things in your body to grow as estrogen is a growth hormone and is normally in charge of building up your womb’s lining to support a pregnancy in the first half of your cycle. Progesterone offsets this in the second half of your cycle and slows this growth effect. Estrogen is an equal opportunity growth hormone and makes all cells grow – fat cells for one, and tumor cells for another – not only do you gain and retain your weight, but you increase your risk for cancers of the breast, uterus, and others as well. It’s like putting Miracle Grow on your lawn – it makes the grass green but it also makes the dandelions and crabgrass grow if those happen to be present.

Men have the same problem. When our Testosterone levels start to decline at some point our estrogen levels become higher and also create an “estrogen dominant” environment. If you already have a build- up of fat, say in your tummy (the “Dunlop disease” as it done lopped over your belt), then you will make more estrogen which allows you to store more fat and the cycle continues to worsen. Here’s a clue - erectile dysfunction is often the first sign of testosterone dipping below estrogen levels. But far worse long term than erectile dysfunction is the growth of abnormal cells in the body from the excess estrogen - it increases our risk of prostate cancer and others! Don’t think of the blue pill first, get your hormone levels measured and fix the more serious underlying problem!

Got heartburn? I’ve written a lot about gut dysfunction and this is a vital component to long term weight management. If your gut isn’t functioning well you won’t be successful with your weight long term.

Heartburn, bloating, belching, constipation, loose stools, or irritable bowel are all symptoms of underlying problems that haven’t yet been diagnosed. Don’t reach for the easy fix like the purple pill or Mylanta and get hooked on expensive medications – figure out what’s going on to cause the symptoms – and fix it! If you don’t digest your foods properly you can’t absorb the nutrients you eat and your body needs to function healthfully – this interferes with proper weight management! If you want to know more about gut health pick up a past issue of Healthy Cells and read these prior articles to fix this important portion of long term weight management.

In conclusion, weight loss is NOT just calories in vs. calories burned – if it were that simple we would all have a normal healthy weight when we wanted to and we would be able to maintain it with little effort. There is usually a lot of body chemistry that needs to be evaluated and re-balanced to make you truly successful in the long term. Don’t spend money on another weight loss program, physician supervised or not, until you have all the information in hand to make you successful long term. Remember: If you’re not testing – you’re guessing!

For more information on weight management, thyroid function, hormone evaluation and management, or anti-aging medicine please see Dr. Rohde’s web site: www.DrRohde.com or call 217-864-2700 to schedule a consultation for the next step to a healthier life.

Beverly J. Matthews Licensed Clinical Psychologist Tel Cell Fax

217-876-7929 217-825-9010 217-876-7950

bmatthewspsyd@att.net www.bmatthewsneuropsych.com

Central Illinois Neuropsychological

5130 Hickory Pt Frontage Rd Suite 260 Decatur, Illinois 62526

October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

mental health

Do the Right Thing

Report Elder Abuse

By Dr. Beverly Matthews, Central IL Neurophyschological Associates

I

f you are driving in Decatur, IL you may have seen a large display on a city bus that says “Break the Silence.” This is encouraging you to not be afraid to do the right thing and report Elder Abuse. The following are some guidelines to follow when you suspect that someone you know is being abused. This information is taken for the IL Department of Aging Critieria for Categorizing a Call as a Report of Elder Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation.

The person must live in Macon or Dewitt county to report someone in the immediate area and an investigation started. The person is 60 years old or older and lives in a domestic setting. The alleged abuse must have happened in the last calendar year. If it has been longer than a year, the person must have been adversely affected. The abuser must be identifiedd and has continued access to the alleged victim.

Definitions of abuse follow. Emotional Abuse includes verbal assaults, threats of harassment, maltreatment or intimidation intended to force the older individual to do something that they wish to abstain from or intended to keep the person from engaging in an activity in which the older wants to participate in. Sexual Abuse includes touching, fondling, sexual threats, sexually inappropriate remarks or any other sexual activity with an older person when the older person is unable to understand, unwilling to consent, threatened, or physically forced to engage in sexual behavior. Physical abuse is inflicting physical pain or injury upon an older adult. Confinement is restraining or isolating an older adullt, other than for medical reasons. Financial exploitation is the misuse or withholding of an older adult’s resources by another, to the disadvantage of the older adult or the profit or advantage of someone else.

Neglect is also a part of the Elder Abuse law. The defintion of neglect is divided into two components: Passive Neglect and Willful Deprivation. Passive neglect is defined as the caregiver’s failure to provide the older adult with food, clothing, shelter or medical care. Other domains of necessities are included as well. Willful Deprivation includes

willfully denying medications, medical care, shelter, food, therapeutic devices, or other physical assistance to a person who requires such care and because of the deprivation exposes the person to the risk of harm physically, mentally or emotionally.

Do the right thing. Check on your elderly neighbor. Look for signs of neglect or abuse in a manner so as not to be intrusive. Notice any change in their appearance, behavior or thought processes. Pay attention to the outside of their home Look for signs of neglect to the lawn, pets or excessive garbage in the yard and driveway. If you suspect that they are self neglecting or that they are being abused, call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966. Reporting is confidential.

Instances of abuse and neglect are signs of social, medical and psychological characteristics. A qualified clinical psychologist will address the social, psychological and neuropsychological characteristics.

In Macon county and all of Central Illinois that professional is Dr. Beverly Matthews.

If you need assistance with the determination of making a call you may seek that from Dr. Beverly J. Matthews, Licensed Clinical Psychologist who is a member of the Macon county Multidisciplinary Team with CHELP or call CHELP. Dr. Matthews telehone number is 217-876-7929. CHELP, the local Elder Abuse agency telephone number is 217-422-9888.

Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

making changes

Taking a Chance on Healthy Living!

By Dan Farrell

O

ne of the most important aspects of living a healthy and prosperous life is understanding “risk.” By this I mean knowing how to understand and analyze situations in life that affect health.

Being able to accurately weigh benefits and risks when making health decisions is very important! Too often decisions are based on incomplete or inaccurate information and this is a huge mistake with significant consequences!

Failure to accurately assess risk keeps people locked in all kinds of unhealthy situations including poor eating and exercise habits (lifestyle), relationships and jobs. Sometimes people are just afraid to step out and make a change. They see “risk” in making a change when the REAL risk comes from NOT making a change. From my perspective, living with the stress, unhappiness and frustration of indecision and poor health is the greatest risk of all, and one that is definitely not worth taking!

Assessing “risk” is nothing more than collecting information, weighing the alternatives and then making appropriate decisions based on the information.

“Being able to accurately weigh benefits and risks when making health decisions is very important!”

Some risks to our health are more “real” than others. For example, it is common knowledge that obesity is associated with a wide variety of health problems. On the other hand, there are some health risks that are so remote we rarely think about them. On a practical level, eating highly processed foods and avoiding a daily dose of fresh fruits and vegetables is rarely considered serious. But, as too many have already discovered, the long range consequences of this practice are real and devastating.

Failure to accurately assess risk limits us in many ways. We imagine the “risk” of talking with our children about drugs, dating or sex and we put off having the “talk,” even though the risks of NOT talking are infinitely greater. Fear of flying and public speaking are two more “risks”

affecting millions of people. But practically speaking, these fears are unfounded. People ride in cars every day, even though cars are far more dangerous than commercial aircraft! It’s a failure to accurately assess risk, and it limits our health, prosperity and pleasure in life.

The goods news is that failure to accurately access risk is reversible!

The effects of those decisions to eat inappropriately or NOT to exercise are, as the common expression goes, “do-overs.” We can effect positive change in our lives by following a few simple steps to accurately access risk: 1. Accurately define your present situation and access your health “risks”. Are you eating a healthy diet? Are you getting enough exercise and good quality sleep? What are the consequences if you DON’T change? Weigh the benefits of healthier living vs the potential risks such as increased cost, inconvenience or discomfort.

2. What do you stand to gain if you change your present circumstances? Assess the “up-side” potential. Too often we look only at the “downside” risk and forget the benefits. What good things might happen if you take the risk and win?

3. Limit the “down-side” if you happen to make a wrong decision. Don’t continue down a path if it does not produce results. This is especially important when following weight loss programs. If the pounds are not coming off or if the weight loss is only temporary, find a new program!

You not only want to lose weight, but want to sustain the weight loss for as long as possible. Take steps to ensure this will happen. Clear, concise, realistic objectives will definitely help.

4. Reduce your risk by being smart! Understand the situation and seek the advice of experts in the field of health and nutrition. This includes finding and forming partnerships to receive support and get good advice.

5. Have a fall-back position. If the decision you make fails to produce the desired results, be prepared to take a long, hard look at the circumstances and be prepared to change what you are doing.

Everything in life involves some element of risk. Driving your car, meeting someone new, crossing the street...but we do them every day.

Winners in life are willing to accept the risk and continue on their way!

Get involved, be smart about how you play the game, come prepared for a few failures along the way, but don’t quit. You will reap the benefits for your effort and live a happier and healthier life. I like to remember the words of the great Winston Churchill when he said, “Never, never, never give up!”

October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

patient care

Living And Coping With Arthritis How To Stay Active And Independent

By Richard Clement

A

rthritis pain can be frustrating. Nagging and crippling arthritis pain can continue day after day. How much happier would you be if you could stop your arthritis pain right now and feel great all day?

Knowing the nature of the disease can really bring you the right answers.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions. The word arthritis means “joint inflammation”. When joints are inflamed, it causes pain and usually also limits movement of the joints that are affected.

For many people, arthritis pain has a large impact on their life. Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability. Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for more than 16 million Americans. Each year, arthritis results in 750,000 hospitalizations and 36 million outpatient visits. Arthritis is not just an old person’s disease.

Nearly two-thirds of people with arthritis are younger than 65 years including nearly 300,000 children. Arthritis affects children and people of all racial and ethnic groups but is more common among women and older adults.

The disease can affect different parts of the body. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the joint lining becomes inflamed as part of the body’s immune system activity. RA is one of the most serious and disabling types, affecting mostly women. Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally strikes between the ages of 20 and 50. Both sides of the body are usually affected at the same time. Symptoms of RA differ from person to person but can generally include: • Joint tenderness, warmth, and swelling.

• Pain and stiffness lasting for more than 1 hour in the morning or after a long rest.

• Joint inflammation in the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand.

• Fatigue, an occasional fever, and a general sense of not feeling well.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub against bone. OA commonly affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis is more common in older people because they have been using their joints longer. Using the joints to do the same task over and over or simply using them over time can make osteoarthritis worse. Younger people can also get osteoarthritis. Athletes are at risk because they use their joints so much.

People who have jobs that require the same movement over and over are also at risk. Injuries to a joint increase the risk of arthritis in the joint later on. Excess weight can accelerate arthritis in the knees, hips and spine. The most common symptom of Osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint(s) after repetitive use. Joint pain is usually worse later in the day. There can be swelling, warmth, and creaking of the affected joints.

Symptoms of OA may greatly vary. Some patients can be debilitated by their symptoms. On the other hand, others may have remarkably few symptoms in spite of dramatic degeneration of the joints apparent on x-rays. Symptoms also can be intermittent.

These 2 forms have very different causes, risk factors, and effects on the body, yet they often share a common symptom — persistent joint pain.

What are the causes of arthritis?

Primary OA is mostly related to aging. With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates. Repetitive use of the joints over the years irritates and inflames the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by flaking or forming tiny crevasses. Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone outgrowths (spurs) to form around the joints. Sometimes osteoarthritis follows an injury to a joint. For example, a young person might hurt his knee badly playing soccer. Then, years after the knee has apparently healed, he might get arthritis in his knee joint.

RA is an autoimmune disease. This means the body’s natural immune system does not operate as it should; it attacks healthy joint tis-

Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

sue, initiating a process of inflammation and joint damage. RA is a type of chronic arthritis that occurs in joints on both sides of the body (such as hands, wrists or knees). This symmetry helps distinguish RA from other types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs most frequently in the 30-50 age group, although it can start at any age. It is strongly associated with the HLA marker DR4 - hence Family history is an important risk factor. The disease affects Females:Males in a 4:1 ratio.

Other conditions can also cause arthritis. Some include: • Gout, in which crystals build up in the joints. It usually affects the big toe.

• Lupus, in which the body’s defense system can harm the joints, the heart, the skin, the kidneys, and other organs.

• Viral hepatitis, in which an infection of the liver can cause arthritis.

What can you do about it?

Some people may worry that arthritis means they won’t be able to work or take care of their children and their family. Others think that you just have to accept things like arthritis.

While there is not yet a cure for arthritis, much can be done today to reduce pain and boost joint function. Learning how to manage pain over the long term is essential to maintaining a good quality of life. There are things you can do to keep the damage from getting worse. They might also make you feel better.Here are some simple things to do: • Lose weight if you’re overweight • Exercise regularly for short periods. Going for a walk every day will help, too.

• Use canes and other special devices to protect your joints.

• Avoid lifting heavy things.

• Don’t pull on objects to move them-push them instead • Use heat or cold to reduce pain or stiffness.

The pain and disability that accompany arthritis can be decreased through early diagnosis and appropriate management. So if you have persistent symptoms lasting more than several days - go see your doctor. The doctor will examine you and may take x rays (pictures) of your bones or joints to decide if you have arthritis and what kind you have.

After the doctor knows what kind of arthritis you have, he or she will talk with you about the best way to treat it. The doctor may give you a prescription for medicine that will help with the pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

The good news is that now there is a way to stop your pain with a medication. Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It represents a huge breakthrough in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and stiffness of arthritis. Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2.

Unlike the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. Celebrex doesn’t cause the stomach bleeding and ulcers that traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might.

You always can visit my site, www.e-drugstore.ws/arthritis.html to find all the information about coping with arthritis burden.

Richard Clement is an online publisher dedicated in helping online users getting appropriate and effective medical care. Visit www.e-drugstore.ws/arthritis.html for more info.

October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

preventative pain

Top 10 Ways to Manage Chronic Pain

By Anna M. Czipri, PsyD, Psychology Specialists, Ltd.

T

he numbers are staggering. Affecting over 116 Million Americans and costing the country more than $560 billion per year, chronic pain disables more Americans than heart disease or cancer.

Chronic pain affects work, relationships, self-worth, and emotions.

With these burdens, chronic pain can result in feelings of hopelessness.

Fortunately, there are steps to take that can empower those who suffer from chronic pain. Here are 10 recommendations to take back control and reduce the impact of chronic pain from common conditions such as fibromyalgia, headaches, and back pain.

“It is okay to say “no” sometimes when you need to take care of your own well-being.” cise, we lose muscle tone and our bodies become weak, causing more pain. Exercising releases brain chemicals called endorphins, which are important in controlling mood and pain. Even gentle exercise such as stretching and walking can release endorphins.

1. Ask for help: Many types of chronic pain cannot be seen, making pain difficult to understand, contributing to the stigma of chronic pain, and causing sufferers to feel very alone. Sometimes it is difficult to find support in others to help deal with the depression, fatigue, anxiety, low self-esteem, irritability, and isolation caused by chronic pain. Tell your friends and family how you are feeling and what you are dealing with. Seek help from a therapist or psychologist. They can help you learn about your condition, let you talk about it in a safe environment, and help you learn how manage it on a daily basis.

7. Protect a bedtime routine: Take the hour before you go to sleep to do something relaxing and train your brain to wind down. Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day.

Avoid alcohol, late-night eating, and television before bed. Your body will feel better the next day if you are refreshed and rested.

Protect your sleep schedule because it is important for your emotional and physical well-being.

2. Keep a journal: A pain journal is a place where you log items such as what kind of pain you have, how high your pain is, and what might have set it off that day. Rating, using descriptive words, and logging patterns in time of day and situations in which you experienced pain is an easy way to help your doctors help you.

8. Find your limits: Figure out what your activity limits are, and stick to them. Plan for manageable amounts of activity and balance with rest. It is okay to say “no” sometimes when you need to take care of your own well-being. You are the only one that knows what you need and setting limits allows us to care for ourselves.

3. Relax: Reducing stress is particularly useful for individuals suffering from chronic pain; however, many of us do not take time to relax our bodies and calm our minds. Ask your psychologist to help you make simple stress modifications at home and at work or teach you relaxation skills such as deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation. They may even be able to do biofeedback, also helpful for treating many types of chronic pain.

9. Have some fun: What we give our attention to grows, which is why focusing on pain will make it worse. Involve yourself in a favorite hobby, get together with a friend, and explore new activities. If you cannot lower your pain, try to distract yourself from it.

4. Improve your eating habits: You are going to need to be tough in order to manage this pain, so why not eat foods that will help your body be strong? Eating healthful foods and maintaining a wellbalanced diet can help reduce the risk of other health problems and help maintain a healthy weight.

5. Stop smoking: Pain sufferers who smoke report higher levels of pain than those who do not. Smoking can cause poor circulation, slow the healing process, and increase risk of degenerative problems. Smoking can actually contribute to pain.

6. Start exercising: It is a mistaken belief that we should not exercise when we hurt. In fact, it is easiest to manage our pain when we can help our body reach its best possible condition. Without exerPage 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

10. Understand your medications: Be assertive, ask questions, and educate yourself on your medications. Understand side effects, such as rebound pain and addiction potential. There are many medication options, so explore until you find the medication right for your mood and activity level.

Admittedly, these are not 10 simple recommendations. These are recommendations for lifestyle changes. Much like finding out you have diabetes and have to check your blood sugar daily; change is difficult, but necessary. Seeking help is a good place to start, and a health psychologist is one good resource to increase motivation, avoid feeling overwhelmed, and begin feeling less controlled by your pain.

Psychology Specialists is a group of doctors and counselors with a broad range of specialties who help people with all types of physical and emotional pain. For more information, you may contact Psychology Specialists at 309-706-3190 or visit www.psychologyspecialists.com.

future planning Protect Your Life Savings With a Long Term Care Policy Submitted by Julie Hale Miller, Country Financial

A

t some point, almost everyone has thought, “That will never happen to me.” However, unexpected events such as accidents and serious illnesses happen all the time. Do you have the financial ability to pay for long term medical care?

According to the National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, 66 percent of the U.S. population will need long term care at some point during their life. Many people assume that Medicare, supplemental policies or standard health insurance policies will cover long term medical expenses, so they do not plan financially for their long term care needs.

Financial planning for long term care is important because long term medical costs are expensive. According to the latest survey by one of the most comprehensive and respected surveys in the industry, in 2010 the average annual cost for a semiprivate room in a nursing home is $67,525 and $75,190 for a private room1. Those costs translate to an average of $185 per day for a semiprivate room and $206 per day for a private room. A home health aide who visits three times weekly can cost more than $18,000 per year.

COUNTRY Financial offers2 individual Long Term Care policies and a Long Term Care Accelerated Benefit rider on whole life policies. If you are between the ages of 18 and 84, you may be eligible for a Tax Quali-

fied Long Term Care Insurance policy. COUNTRY offers three plans with different levels of protection. Each is flexible and can be tailored to meet specific needs. These policies can be paid up in as little as 10 years or by age 65.

• Comprehensive: Provides a wide range of benefits, including coverage for a nursing facility or home care.

• Facility Only: Provides coverage for services from a nursing facility.

• Shared Benefit: Covers expenses from a nursing facility or home care, and benefits both husband and wife.

The Long Term Care Accelerated Benefit rider can be added to a new whole life policy at time of purchase from COUNTRY Life Insurance Company®. This adds flexibility to your coverage. For example, if you need help paying nursing home or other long term care expenses, the policy’s death benefit can be withdrawn while you are living.

Don’t risk the possibility of spending your life savings on long term care. For help determining the right long term care policy2 for your needs, contact a local COUNTRY financial representative.

1 National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, 2010.

2 Policies underwritten by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company, Bloomington, Ill. Coverage varies by state. Policies include LTC500, LTC-520, LTC-540. LTCAB and WL (OK12/04).

Caring For A Loved One With Dementia Is Difficult...

Finding Care For Your Loved One Is Not Call us to put your mind at ease

217-726-7900

3319 Ginger Creek Dr. Springfield, IL 62711 www.jeaseniorliving.com “Mention this ad for a special discount!”

October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

foot health

Pedorthics New-age Relief for an Age-old Problem

By Dennis W. Dillard, C.Ped., CTO, Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics

P

edorthics is a relatively young profession - in name anyway. Making, fitting, and modifying footwear, however, is an occupation as old as the human race. While modern health care practices may have added layers of complexity to the field by developing credentials and certification, in essence what a pedorthist does is make, fit, and modify footwear. It’s pretty simple and it works.

Like most medical professions, Pedorthics is as much of an art as it is a science. The human foot is a complicated and delicately balanced mechanism. When feet are functioning normally, they are amazing.

And, of course, we mostly ignore them when they do what they are supposed to. Unfortunately, however, many of us know from experience that our feet are susceptible to many potential maladies.

Dialysis.

Near where you live.

Near where you work.

14 locations in the Central Illinois area.

Home dialysis available.

(217) 423-6760

“There is a high percentage of unhappy feet that improve substantially when fit with appropriate footwear” Why? Unless we spend all our waking hours on the couch, our feet are subject to repetitive wear and tear every day. Time is not kind either, and systemic diseases such as diabetes target the feet. And it’s true what that old song tells us; the foot bone IS connected to the ankle bone and the ankle bone to the knee bone, and so on. When our feet are unhappy, they can make the rest of our bodies somewhat unhappy as well.

The practice of Pedorthics continues to evolve. Over and over, patients find relief from pain and improvement in function with seemingly simple devices. For example; people with leg length discrepancies are suddenly functionally level again with an unnoticeable heel elevation placed inside their shoe. Patients with painful and calloused joints in the balls of their feet resume daily walks after being fit with custom foot orthoses. Similar devices provide relief for others suffering from tendinitis. Properly fitting shoes and inserts protect the feet of a person with diabetes from damaging pressure and friction.

In the field of Pedorthics there is a high percentage of unhappy feet that improve substantially when fit with appropriate footwear that fit their shape and are properly sized. Simple is good, and what works, works.

Dennis Dillard is an ABC Certified and Illinois Licensed Pedorthist at Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics, located in Peoria, IL. For more information, contact him at 1.888.676.2276 or visit www.cpousa.com.

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

music therapy

Top 5 Reasons to Sing Out Your Stress

By Linda Dessau

W

hen people find out that I’m a music therapist, the comments I hear most often are “I wish I could sing!” or “Oh, I love to sing, but I’m not good enough to do it in front of anyone”. Some of these people tell me that, as children, a parent, teacher or someone else told them that they should just mouth the words because they didn’t have a good enough voice. Singing is our birthright! Singing is a natural and pure expression of how glad we feel to be alive, and the way we show our love of music. Here are my top five reasons to sing out your stress: 1. To connect with your body: We sing with our whole bodies. Because singing is connected so closely with breath, singing helps us “be in our bodies” and let go of the thinking (or worrying) we do much of the day. Singing can be a joyful activity and can release endorphins (those feel-good chemicals that the body creates).

2. To connect with yourself: Meditative toning, singing along to a favorite song or simply humming to yourself are all ways to tap into your inner landscape and see what’s going on in there.

3. To connect with others: Singing with other people - in meditation, prayer, at a sing-along, at a concert, or even over the telephone or Internet - helps us experience in a very deep way that we are all truly connected.

4. To express your feelings: Many times a singer, songwriter or composer has expressed our feelings in a way we could never have - if there’s a song that expresses what you want or need to say, try singing along (keep in mind that this is just for you and it’s not about “sounding good”).

5. To boost your good feelings: Whatever you focus on, you’ll invite more of it into your life. You can choose uplifting, joyful and celebratory songs to sing. So sing out! Be proud of your own unique voice. Experiment with what works for you - keep a journal of what you notice in your mind and body when you sing specific songs.

Then you can choose the right song for the right moment and make use of the power of singing in your own life

October 2011 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ October 2011

CENTRAL ILLINOIS’ MOST COMPLETE MOBILITY CENTER

Residential Elevator Providing Mobility Solutions Pool Lift

Overhead Lift Power Door Opener

Stairlifts & Ramps

Stair Lift

Residential Elevators Driveability & Automobility Wheelchairs & Scooters Rehab Seating &

Deck Lift created by Moon River Designs

Accessible Van Wheelchair Lift

Positioning Products

Joint Commission Accredited

2924 North Dirksen Parkway, Springfield Illinois 62702 217-241-1548 or Toll Free: 877-279-8492 www.personalmobilityinc.com Licensed in the State of Illinois