GREATER ST. LOUIS
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Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional • Nutritional
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HealthyCells OCTOBER 2011
TM
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
Alexian Brothers The Hidden Gem of South St. Louis page 12
Natural Supplements for
Women’s Blood Sugar page 8 More Kids Eating Calorie-Packed Take-out Food page 18
Help for Veterans Needing Home Care page 25
m a g a z i n e
October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3
O C TOBER
2011 Volume 1, Issue 7
5
Student Health: Health Tips For The New School Year
6
Emotional: Hospice Care for Persons with End-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
8
Nutritional: Natural Supplements for Women’s Health Blood Sugar
10
Physical: Why You Should Get a Flu Shot
15
Pet Health: Top 10 Questions For Your Veterinarian
16
Greif Recovery: “I’m Fine... And Other Lies
18 19
This Month’s Cover Story:
Alexian Brothers: The Hidden Gem of South St. Louis pg. 12
Children’s Health: More Kids Eating Calorie-Packed Take-Out Food Preventative: Eye care Helps Avoid Future Health Problems
For information about this publication, contact Mike Kelly, owner at 314-558-0860, mikekelly@healthycellsmagazine.com
20
Noise Control: Keeping It Down at Home
21
Dental Care: Preventing Gum Disease
22
Prostate Health: Prostatitis: Disorders of the Prostate
24
Healthy Breathing: Tips To Keep Your Lungs In Shape
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.
Senior Care: Help For Veterans Needing Home Care
Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE in high traffic locations throughout the Greater St. Louis 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.
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Personal Health: Things To Ask About At Your Annual Physical
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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 greater St. Louis area.
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student health
Health Tips For The New School Year A
s the new school year gears up and to-do lists get longer, make sure to put your child’s health on the list. Updating vaccinations, scheduling annual physicals and alerting your child’s school about allergies and illnesses are crucial steps to ensure their academic success, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “Children need to feel their best in order to learn, and schools need to be able to provide for students’ daily health issues as well as special needs, accidents and emergencies,” says O. Marion Burton, MD, of the AAP. You can ensure a safe and happy year for both parent and child with a little planning. Vaccinations Thanks to immunizations, most children in the United States today lead much healthier lives than generations past. And while vaccines have reduced many infectious diseases to low levels in the United States, vacationers can bring old and new diseases back into the country. Measles, for example, is still prevalent in other parts of the world and has been linked to recent outbreaks in the U.S. unvaccinated children are at risk. That’s why routine, up-to-date vaccinations are as important today as they have ever been. There may be tears, but the pain associated with most immunizations is minor. Consult your pediatrician about keeping your child’s vaccination schedule up-to-date. Food Allergies and Illnesses If your child suffers from food allergies or other health issues that require management during the school day, be sure to contact the school nurse and update your child`s health plan at school. This will ensure that proper steps are taken if the child develops symptoms while at school, and that his or her activities are not restricted unnecessarily. A child’s health can change from year to year or even month to month, so make sure the school is well aware of how to handle new conditions or restrictions. Parents should also check that you have provided the school with any special medications your child needs.
Annual Physicals Along with your child’s regular annual physical, aspiring athletes should get a sports physical before the start of the season. Children’s bodies are vulnerable to injury, and as youngsters move through middle childhood — becoming bigger, stronger, faster, and more aggressive — the incidence of injuries rises. Make sure your athlete wears a well-fitted helmet, mouthpiece, face guard, padding, eye gear, protective cup, or other equipment appropriate for the sport. Of course, regardless of whether your child is on a competitive team or not, parents should promote physical activity for all kids. Discussing health issues with your pediatrician before the start of the year helps children, parents and school staff ensure students’ health and safety all year long. For more tips for a healthy school year, visit: www.healthychildren.org.
October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5
emotional
Hospice Care for Persons with End-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias By Kathy Bott, RN BSN CHPN
A
young friend named Erin recently shared what it was like for her to watch her father decline and eventually die from Alzheimer’s disease. It was a long struggle – years of watching him fade and decline. Erin’s mother, with the help of Erin and other family, was able to keep him at home through years of 24-hour care and supervision. In the final weeks Erin’s father was not responsive, required total care, and no longer gave any indication that he knew his family. But Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area — October 2011
they knew him, loved him, and were committed to caring for him and keeping him at home. They wanted to make his last weeks as comfortable as possible, and hospice was just what they needed to help them do that. They hoped for some connection with him, just a glimpse of the husband and father they used to know. Just hours before he died, Erin sat with her father, held his hand and told him how much she loved him,
how precious were the gifts he had given to her as she grew up. She told him he had shared with her his love of music and nurtured that love in her. How that gift from him led her to be an accomplished musician with a music career. She told him how often she thinks of him when she performs and feels grateful to him. She was blessed with a moment of connection with her father as he made brief eye contact with her, gave her hand a small squeeze, and although he had not spoken a word for weeks, whispered “thank you.” He died 24 hours later. Erin is grieving the loss of her father. In truth she has been grieving his loss for years. But she says she remembers those few moments when she reached her father, connected with him for one last time, and she will always be grateful for that. Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death in the US, according to the CDC, and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, death rates from 2000 to 2008 have declined for most major diseases while deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have risen 66 percent. Although most families, like Erin’s, prefer to keep their loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementias at home, most eventually have to turn to nursing homes or other care environments where around-the-clock professional care is available. According to an article released by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), more than 60 percent of family caregivers report high levels of stress due to the prolonged duration of care giving, while 33 percent report symptoms of depression (Journal for Pain and Symptom Management). Hospice is there to help no matter where a patient resides, whether a family is able to keep their loved one at home, or chooses the aid of professionals in a hospital or long term care facility. So where does hospice care for persons suffering from end-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias come in? How does hospice help the patient and the family struggling with the care and the loss? The focus of hospice is comfort: palliation of symptoms (reducing the distressing symptoms of the disease) such as pain, agitation, restlessness, insomnia and wounds. The hospice team provides medications and treatments, equipment and supplies, bathing and personal care, and assists the caregiver with education, support, community resources, and grief and bereavement counseling. Most hospice teams have special training in caring for patients diagnosed with end-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. They specialize in improving the quality of these patients’ lives, and supporting the family through their difficult situation. For patients living at home, benefits to the patient and family include visits and management of the care plan by a trained team of hospice professionals. Included in this team are: physicians, registered nurses, certified nurse’s aides, social workers, chaplains and bereavement counselors, and volunteers. Many hospice providers also include complimentary services such as massage and pet and aroma therapy. Hospice services can also be tremendously helpful for patients living in a nursing home. The extra care and attention is comforting
for the family, helps the nursing home with the difficult symptoms and end-of-life issues, and improves the quality of life for the patient. The team helps manage distressing behaviors with alternative methods, like soothing music, reading, massage, and simply being present and holding the patient’s hand. If needed, palliative medications can also be given. The hospice team emphasizes the importance to connect with the patient, like Erin was able to do with her father. Stimulating the senses to encourage awareness, appreciation and enjoyment – even if it’s only eye contact and a subtle smile – is an important component of a good hospice care plan. The hospice team shows family members ways to connect with their loved ones that can lead to rare moments of connection, providing the family with lasting good memories. Studies show that hospice services are beneficial to persons dying from dementia (Journal for Pain and Symptom Management). However, only a small percentage of persons suffering from dementiarelated illnesses actually receive hospice care. The Medicare Hospice Benefit entitles patients with advanced Alzheimer’s and other dementias to hospice care when two physicians (attending and hospice medical director) certify that the patient has a prognosis of six months or less to live if the disease runs its normal course. There is no out-of-pocket cost to the patient or family for Medicare or Medicaid covered hospice services. When cure is not possible, care and quality of life still is. Hospice is dedicated to the relief of pain and suffering – physical, emotional and spiritual – and to improving the quality of life for those suffering from a life-limiting illness. References: NHPCO. Hospice Care for Dementia. Journal for Pain and Symptom Management. Volume 34. July 2007. Kathy Bott, RN BSN CHPN, is Executive Director for AmHeart Hospice in St. Louis, Farmington and Troy. For more information on hospice care for patients with advanced Alzheimer’s, call (314) 989-9559.
October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7
nutritional
Natural Supplements for Women’s Health Blood Sugar By Alex Syrov
O
ne of the problems that women face is high blood sugar. There are a number of factors that can cause high blood sugar levels. Pregnancy and menopause change estrogen levels which affect metabolism and how body processes fat. In turn, that affects blood sugar levels. Menstruation also affects blood sugar, at least indirectly. Everyone has heard about “those pesky hormones” and all about craving certain foods like salty items such as chips or everyone’s favorite treat, chocolate. With some dietary changes and a little help from supplements you can achieve a healthy balance in your blood sugar levels. Tackling the Diet Carbohydrates are important for your body, but eating too many of them in your diet can cause your blood sugar to have more drastic highs and lows. In addition, you’ll find that more fat collects along your midriff and hips. By being selective in the types of carbs you ingest, you will still get what you need in your diet but without those blood sugar swings. Just say no to processed foods. Basically white foods — anything with white flour and sugars — are converted more quickly to glucose in your body. This causes a spike in your blood sugar levels that lasts just a short time. Before you know it, your energy plummets and you feel lethargic because that “sugar rush” is gone. Then, in order to get that energy level back up, you eat more carbs and the cycle starts all over again. By choosing carbohydrates that are found in whole grain foods, your body has to work harder to process them. What this means for you is that extreme high-low factor goes away and you are left with a more balanced blood sugar level and Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area — October 2011
your energy level is more consistent. And because your body works harder to process these types of carbohydrates, you are expending calories, meaning less fat gets deposited in your mid-section. Vitamins and Supplements While taking care with your diet helps greatly, sometimes you just need an additional boost. This is where women supplements and vitamins for women come in. Business is booming with herbal supplements and special vitamin formulas. But which ones help
for products from companies that only specialize in vitamins and supplements products for women. Be sure to check with your doctor to determine which ones might be best for you. If you are taking other medications, certain vitamins or women supplements might counteract with them. It all boils down to common sense. Do your research into the different vitamins and supplements. Make positive changes in your diet. Women are built differently than men. Therefore, you must be more diligent with your body and what goes into it for your health.
“With some dietary changes and a little help from supplements you can achieve a healthy balance in your blood sugar levels.” with your blood sugar? When your blood sugar levels fluctuate, it can be draining on your body and leave you feeling a bit sluggish. Taking supplements for women that contain chromium might give you a boost and alleviate some of that fatigue. If you have diabetes or might be prone to developing it, ginseng can also be beneficial. It has been known to boost metabolism and help control blood sugar. If you are looking for vitamins or supplements you have to make sure you only buy high quality products. Always look
This article was provided by nutraOrigin - the makers of naturebased supplements for women. For more information about various women health issues, tips and nutraOrigin products, visit http://www. nutraorigin.com/. Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com
October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9
physical
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816 S. Kirkwood Road Suite 100 ( Kirkwood MO 63122 Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area — October 2011
Why You Should Get a Flu Shot By Lynn Schmittgens, R.Ph.
F
all is approaching and flu season is right around the corner. As the air gets cooler and leaves begin to flaunt their brilliant golds and reds we start to see flu shot clinics everywhere. Many people question whether or not they should receive a flu shot, and some people fear catching the flu from the vaccine - This is a myth! It is extremely important to get a flu shot each year, and the earlier the better! Seasonal influenza (flu) is a serious disease that causes respiratory illness, hospitalization, and even death. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that an average of 36,000 people in the U.S. die of flu related illnesses each year. Children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 50, and people with certain chronic conditions are more susceptible than others, although CDC strongly recommends that everyone get a flu shot. The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. CDC also recommends getting a flu vaccine as soon as they are available. Flu season can begin as early as October and last until May so getting vaccinated as soon as possible allows the antibodies to build up and be in place before flu activity is the highest. The flu vaccine is available NOW and shots range in price from $29 to $32 depending on where you go. Flu shots are covered by Medicare Part B. People without Medicare Part B may submit their receipt to their insurance company for reimbursement, although not all medical plans cover the flu shot. There are several vaccination options this year including the “baby” flu shot for children ages 6 months – 2 years old, the regular flu shot for people ages 2 and older, a high-dose flu shot for people 65 and older, and a nasal-spray flu vaccine for healthy people 2 – 49 years old. They all protect against the three influenza viruses expected to be the greatest risk for a given year. They do not protect against the stomach flu, which is a different virus. The flu shot is made from killed (inactivated) viruses. You cannot get the flu from a flu shot! It takes about two weeks for the antibodies your body produces to provide protection against the viruses, so people who get the flu after the shot were exposed to the virus before the antibodies could fight it. Some minor side effects that could occur with a flu shot are soreness and swelling at the injection site, a low grade fever, and aches.
“Flu season can begin as early as October and last until May so getting vaccinated as soon as possible allows the antibodies to build up and be in place before flu activity is the highest.” The nasal mist flu vaccine is made from an attenuated (weakened) flu virus. The virus is live, but is not strong enough to cause serious symptoms, which are different than those you may experience with a flu shot. In adults the side effects may include runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. Note that some people should not be vaccinated. This group includes those who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, or have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccine, children younger than 6 months, and people with Guillan-Barre’ syndrome (GBS). People who have a moderate to severe illness with a fever should wait until they have recovered before getting vaccinated. The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy® in Affton offers flu shots Monday through Friday from 9:30 am until 6:00 pm for $29 each. No appointment is necessary, although if you’d like one you can call Tom Schmittgens at 314-638-3535. They also offer onsite flu shot clinics for local senior communities, churches and businesses to make the vaccine more accessible to the community. For more information about flu shots visit CDC online at www.cdc.gov/flu.
October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11
feature story
The Hidden Gem of South St. Louis Q: W hat would you say sets you apart from other, similar facilities in the St. Louis area? Mike: That’s easy. The difference starts and ends with the Mission and Values of the Alexian Brothers. The Ministry’s first commitment is to the care of the resident in a home-like setting. It is the 800 year legacy of the Alexian Brothers and their support that makes this happen. The commitment and dedication of the Alexian Brothers is reflected in our employees. Sherbrooke Village has been providing services since January 1990. The Alexian Brothers acquired the facility about a year later in 1991. Tina: Our employees truly care for the residents. It’s common here to have employees with anniversaries of ten years or longer. We offer skilled and residential services, in addition to outpatient services which you can receive, even if you don’t live here. We provide therapy services seven days a week. There is also respite care, specialized Alzheimer’s care and a community wellness program, called Club Alexian.
Q: W e’re told that Sherbrooke is presently expanding with a new addition?
A
lexian Brothers Sherbrooke Village, a licensed residential care and skilled care facility, offers a continuum of quality care and services designed to help residents and families during different times of life. Located in a peaceful, quiet, residential neighborhood, with views that include a green meadow, wildlife and groves of trees that the Sherbrooke Village residents truly enjoy; it is the hidden gem of south St. Louis. Father Joe Jagodensky of Alexian Brothers Senior Ministries had an opportunity to speak with Mike Roth, CEO of Sherbrooke Village and Tina Finnegan, Assistant Administrator, about this caring ministry. Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area — October 2011
Tina: That’s right. “The Lodge” is designed to be as home-like as possible. It’ll offer four neighborhoods - all with private rooms along with full amenities. Two of the neighborhoods are for short-term rehabilitation, one neighborhood will be for hospice care and the last neighborhood is designed for married couples. Mike: There will also be a large Wellness Center designed to be used by our residents, our community wellness program and outpatient therapy patients. The purpose of “The Lodge” says it the best. In addition to housing, it will be a community resource center along with a physician’s office. “The Lodge” will offer outpatient therapy with transportation services, as well as our “therapy village” which offers a variety of therapy stations for use by our clients. Tina: If you don’t mind hearing our list, some of the highlights of our therapy village in “The Lodge” include: physical, occupational and speech therapies, massage therapy, a wellness program held throughout the year, inpatient short-term rehabilitation, outpatient therapies, “senior friendly” exercise equipment, walking paths with different surfaces to practice on and practice settings to ensure a smooth transition to the community such as a grocery store, restaurant and chapel.
Q: T he list sounds comprehensive. How did you determine the need for these services? Mike: The community told us that they want a non-institutional environment with more privacy then currently exists, in addition to an increase in wellness programs and outpatient therapy. The Alexian Brothers Ministry’s goal is to become a greater resource for the community.
Tina: By listening to the community we were also able to determine that we needed to increase our ability to care for someone with complex clinical needs, plus expand our therapy services. We found there is a specific need for a “neighborhood hospice.” “The Lodge” also provides us with more flexibility for married couples. One spouse may need supervision while the other may need simple assistance, and anyone in the community can access our outpatient services.
Q: Is a physician available for Sherbrooke residents and the community as well? Mike: “The Lodge’s” medical director will have an office here and will also see folks from the community as well as our residents.
Q: W e hear more and more these days about “healthy aging?” How would the Sherbrooke community define it? Mike: Healthy Aging is professionals doing all that we can, through services and programs, to assist individuals in maintaining and maximizing their functional abilities. We are passionate about this. We do this in order for them to enjoy the highest quality of living.
Q: W hen does the new addition, “The Lodge” plan to open? Tina: “The Lodge” is planned to open in August of next year. We are all very excited regarding this expansion of our services. Mike: Of course, we are happy to answer any specific questions or concerns people may have about our present services or the new “Lodge.” All they need to do is call us and we’d happy to answer any questions they may have, or better yet, it would be great to have them just stop by anytime for a tour and a free lunch. Can’t beat that, can you?
Q: F inally Mike and Tina, can you tell us a little more about “Club Alexian?”
Thank you both for your time and good luck with your newest addition.
Tina: “Club Alexian” started about three years ago. It is a simple way of connecting us to the community and to each other. We offer opportunities to socialize through community health, wellness and exercise programming. “The Lodge” will allow us to expand the frequency and size of our classes. Joining “Club Alexian” is free; just call 314-544-1111. The receptionist will be happy to discuss the services that are available and register you as a Club Member.
For more information, please contact Alexian Brothers Sherbrooke Village at 314-544-1111. Alexian Brothers Sherbrooke Village is located at 4005 Ripa Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63125. October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13
Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area — October 2011
pet health
Top 10 Questions For Your Veterinarian B
eing a veterinarian is a tough job. After all, veterinarians have to treat patients who can’t explain where it hurts or follow health instructions more complex than “sit” or “stay.” That’s why communication between pet owners and veterinarians is so important. Sharing information about how your pet is behaving - including eating, drinking, sleeping, urinating and/or passing stools could help make a lifesaving diagnosis. For starters, pet owners need to make sure they have a local veterinarian they can team up with to keep their pets healthy. If you’re looking for a veterinarian, check out www.myveterinarian.com, a new website that provides detailed information about veterinary practices across the country.
“Pet owners need to make sure they have a local veterinarian they can team up with to keep their pets healthy.” Once you have selected a veterinarian, the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) suggests this list of the top 10 things you should talk about with your veterinarian during a visit: 10. Ask about parasite prevention and control for heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms that’s appropriate for your region of the country. 9. Ask about proper behavior training and socialization. Many shelters report that improper training and socialization - and the behavioral issues that can come with them - are some of the most common reasons people give up their pets. Your veterinarian can assist in evaluating your animal’s disposition and provide advice and tips on how to appropriately train and socialize your pet. 8. Ask about emergency care. When your pet has acute health issues in the middle of the night, you’ll need to know where to call or go. Ask where you should go when things go wrong, and make sure you figure out how to get there before an emergency - you certainly don’t want to be driving around asking for directions in an emergency situation. 7. Ask about nutrition. What type of food should you feed your pet? What serving size is appropriate? And does their age impact what you should be feeding them?
6. Ask if your pet is overweight and, if it is, how you can get your pet back to a healthy weight. As in humans, weight control for pets is essential for good health. 5. Ask about vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential to your pet’s health and should be tailored to your pet’s lifestyle. A pampered high-rise dweller that never sets foot outside won’t need the same vaccines as a mud hound forever exploring outdoors. 4. If you have a pet older than 7 years of age, ask about senior care. Older pets are more prone to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid conditions and other problems. Prevention and early detection of problems are key to helping your pet live a longer, healthier life. 3. Ask about any lumps and bumps your pet has developed. Although many of the lumps and bumps are not problems, some of them are cause for concern. It’s best to have all of them checked out, just to make sure. 2. Ask about any changes you’ve noticed in your pet’s diet, energy level, water intake, output and behavior. Any of these might be important health clues. 1. Ask about the results of your veterinarian’s physical examination of your pet, including an oral health evaluation. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems that pets experience and it can lead to serious problems. For more information, visit www.avma.org and www.avma.org/ myveterinarian.
October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15
greif recovery
“I’m Fine... And Other Lies 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.
A
common thread running through the previous articles we have written is the mis-information we were all subjected to about processing the normal emotions caused by loss. We do not want to create any new loss issues by blaming our parents in particular or society in general for having passed on ineffective ideas, skills, and tools for dealing with loss. All we want to do is help establish that what we have been using to process our sad, painful or negative feelings hasn’t worked, and that we need to acquire more effective tools for dealing with loss events. Much of the incorrect information we learned and practiced may have convinced us not to show our REAL feelings at any cost. We were taught to bury any feelings that dealt with sadness. We were taught: “Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.” This and hundreds of other cliches about dealing with sad feelings taught us to lie about how we felt. And even the lying was protected under other mis-information like: “don’t burden others with your feelings.” When we make public appearances we often ask a large audience this question: “Do you like being lied to?” Of course no one says yes. Our next question is: “How many of you have ever said I’M FINE when you were feeling terrible?” Every single hand in the audience goes up. Conclusion: Nobody likes being lied to...and everybody lies about their feelings. If this were a physical illness it would be an epiPage 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area — October 2011
“Unresolved losses are cumulative in as much as time does not heal the pain caused by loss, neither does lying about our feelings.” demic and the Center for Disease Control would be granted billions of dollars to find a cure. Every time we lie to others we lie to ourselves. Our subconscious mind hears the lie and continues to bury the feelings generated by the initial event. Unresolved losses are cumulative, and cumulatively negative. In as much as time does not heal the pain caused by loss, neither does lying about our feelings. It would be impossible to cure such a massive problem in a single column, but let’s try for a little bit of recovery. Allow yourself to believe that the subconscious will take actions based on conscious commands. When we lied and said we were fine we told it that there was no problem so it need not search out a solution. The net effect is to allow the cause of the problem to go unattended and re-bury itself. The next time it attacks we may not be able to recognize the cause or source of the attack. A major key to recovery is to process every feeling in the moment you have it. It does not require any special skills to tell the truth about what you are feeling. For example: How are you? — I’m having a tough day, thanks for asking. Notice that the answer is truthful but does not invite any help or advice. It also has the capacity of serving notice that you are not on your game and the other party can respond accordingly. When you say “I’m fine,” but you’re not, you have sent a very confusing message. QUESTION: Sometimes I tell people “I’m fine” and they don’t believe me, why not? ANSWER: Approximately 20% of your ability to communicate is verbal, leaving about 80% as non-verbal. Non-verbal communication includes tone of voice as well as facial and body signals. When our verbal and non-verbal signals do not match, most people will respond to the non-verbal. So when you lie, most people can SEE it. Next month: “Exploring The ‘F’ Words” — #1 — Forgiveness 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. October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17
children’s health
More Kids Eating Calorie-Packed Take-Out Food Study found a third of food eaten now is cooked outside the home Submitted by Barb Linneman
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he obesity epidemic is being fueled still further by a growing trend among kids to eat out and bring take-out food home, University of North Carolina researchers say. Such foods are high in sugar and calories, and their increasing popularity means youngsters are getting more calories than they need, the researchers noted. Since 1994, this trend has been growing rapidly and reflects the availability of fast food restaurants and foods prepared in supermarkets and other food stores, the researchers say. In fact, calories eaten away from home increased from 23.4 percent to 33.9 percent between 1977 and 2006. “We found that kids eat a relatively maintained level of calories at home, but in addition kids also eat an increasing number of calories outside the home,” said study author Jennifer Poti, from the university’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. “Eating outside the home is actually fueling the increased energy intake for kids.” Poti said much of the food children eat outside the home comes from prepared meals sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, as well as fast food restaurants. Much of the fast food children eat is actually consumed at home, Poti said. In 2006, almost half of the fast foods children ate were eaten at home, she noted. Although the reasons for this increase in eating prepared meals isn’t known, Poti speculates it’s a combination of factors including convenience, cost and time pressures. This trend is adding to the obesity epidemic, Poti said. “Parents need to be interested in both the food source and location where it is eaten, which both significantly influence energy intake,” she said. The report is published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. For the study, Poti’s team collected data on 29,217 children aged 2 to 18. They had taken part in either Nationwide Food Consumption Survey, the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals or one of another two nationally representative surveys of food intake in the United States. These surveys collected data at different times between 1977 to 2006, the study noted. The researchers found that from 1977 to 2006 the number of calories children got from foods eaten away from home increased significantly. In fact, the percentage of calories children got from fast food was greater than those they got at school. Samantha Heller, a dietitian, nutritionist, exercise physiologist and clinical nutrition coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Conn., said that “in our fast-paced, time-challenged world, parents are convinced that it is easier and less expensive to eat take-out, fast food and in restaurants.” Unfortunately, these foods are usually high in sodium, fat, sugar and calories, and low in healthy nutrients, she said. “We cannot control where these eateries are located or how they prepare their foods, but Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area — October 2011
“More reliance on foods prepared outside the home has led to higher calorie intakes. Eating foods prepared outside of the home has become the norm, not the exception.” we can decide to cook more at home, which will ultimately save money and help keep our families healthy,” Heller said. Although it appears a take-out meal for $4.99 is a great deal, one would actually save money by going to the store buying chicken breasts, vegetables, whole grain pasta, bread and sauce. “You would have a healthy dinner and leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch and probably enough left to reinvent dinner by using the remaining ingredients in a salad, frittata or burrito,” she added. “For less than $30, you can buy enough food for several meals including chicken breast, mushrooms, broccoli, pasta, lettuce, bread, eggs, tomato sauce and salad dressing,” Heller said. “A family of four can spend that much easily for just one meal each for take-out and fast food. Planning the week’s meals ahead will make home cooking easier, faster, and cost-efficient. More importantly, research suggests that family meals enhance the health and well-being of children on many levels,” she said. “This study is a bit of a wake-up call as to where excess calories are sneaking into children’s diets,” said Lona Sandon, a spokeswoman with the American Dietetic Association. “More reliance on foods prepared outside the home has led to higher calorie intakes. Eating foods prepared outside of the home has become the norm, not the exception. This makes it more critical to make healthy choices when choosing foods made away from home.” “Also, this study shows that we cannot continue to blame the problem on foods served in the school. Schools have worked hard to change the food environment and offer more healthful choices,” Sandon added. “Paying attention to where and what children are eating outside of the school environment is just as important.” Pediatric Education Dietitian Services specializes in developing a customized eating plan to address your child’s specific nutritional needs. For more information or to schedule a personal consultation, please contact Barb Linneman, MS, RD, LD at 636-227-7337. You can also visit our website at www.pedsinc.com. By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay Reporter
preventative
Eye Care Helps Avoid Future Health Problems Did you know that everyone needs a regular eye exam— even someone who doesn’t wear glasses?
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ost people assume an annual eye exam only checks a lens prescription, but your eye doctor is also checking to make sure your eyes are healthy. The eyes are the only unobstructed, non-invasive view of blood vessels in the body, and they can tell a lot about your overall health. Through comprehensive eye exams, eye doctors can see eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as signs of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Eye doctors can even identify signs of diabetes up to seven years before a patient would typically show symptoms and be diagnosed by a primary care physician. People are three times more likely to get an eye exam than a routine physical, so eye exams are a great way to identify the early warning signs of many diseases. “With healthcare costs skyrocketing, it’s more important than ever to diagnose and treat medical conditions as soon as possible— before they become a true burden on a patient’s body and wallet,” says Jonathan Stein, O.D., a VSP Vision Care provider in Manhattan Beach, Calif. “With diseases as prevalent as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, regular eye exams become a critical part of managing a patient’s overall health.” One condition an eye doctor checks for during a comprehensive eye exam is diabetic retinopathy. The condition is marked by damage to the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to blindness if not treated early. However, with annual eye examinations and proper follow-up care, 90 percent of all diabetes-related blindness can be prevented. High cholesterol is another condition eye doctors can detect by looking for waxy, yellowish buildup in the blood vessels of the eyes. In fact, 65 percent of time, eyecare providers detect high cholesterol before any other provider, according to a recent study commissioned by VSP Vision Care, the nation’s largest not-for-profit vision benefits company.
“Eye doctors can even identify signs of diabetes up to seven years before a patient would typically show symptoms” By getting annual comprehensive eye exams, families and individuals alike can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars on medical costs. Proper preventive care can help avoid costly medical procedures in the future. Even more money can be saved by avoiding medical supplies and medications, time off work and potentially higher-risk insurance premiums for advanced chronic conditions. For more information on the benefit of eye exams and their role in overall health, visit www.seemuchmore.com.
October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19
noise control
Keeping It Down at Home H
elp protect your teen’s hearing for a lifetime. Teach him or her about the sources of excessive noise in and around your house that can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and how to help keep it down. Every day, we hear a variety of sounds in our homes. These sounds range from the gentle hum of a refrigerator to a blaring fire engine passing by. Most household sounds are at safe noise levels. Sometimes, however, we operate several noisy devices at the same time or raise the volume on the television so that we can hear it over the vacuum cleaner. When we take these actions, we raise the overall noise level in our homes without even realizing it. Noises in our homes can reach a level that is uncomfortable or even harmful to our hearing. Some common devices, such as power lawn mowers, are noisy enough that hearing protectors are recommended for even short exposures. Make your home a peaceful place. The result will be good for your hearing and your health! What noise levels cause NIHL? Sound is measured in units called decibels. The softest sound that healthy ears can hear is 0 decibels—near total silence. By comparison, a whisper measures 30 decibels, and normal conversation measures 60 decibels. Prolonged exposure to noises that are at or above 85 decibels can damage tiny sensory hair cells in our inner ears, causing NIHL. NIHL occurs when our hearing is exposed for too long to sounds that are too loud. The higher the decibel level, the shorter the time before damage may occur. How close we are to the sound also matters. Sounds get louder as we move closer to the source and softer as we move away. Limiting the number of noise sources in operation at any one time, particularly when you and family members are nearby will help maintain a safe and comfortable noise level. Tips for creating a quiet home: You can create a quiet home in three ways: • Reduce noises at the source. • Avoid competing noises in the same area. • M ake your family aware of noise sources, noise levels, and how to avoid unsafe noise levels.
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Here are some practical tips for creating a quiet home: 1. Set your television, video games, and music to the lowest volume at which they can be heard clearly. 2. If someone in the room has trouble hearing, consider turning on your television captioning rather than turning up the volume. 3. Create ways to muffle the noise of chores. An example is to close the door between family members and appliances in use, such as those in a workshop or laundry room. 4. Buy quiet toys. If you buy electronic toys, choose those with volume controls, and use only the lowest volume setting. This will both lower your household noise levels and help protect your child from NIHL. 5. When buying certain appliances, such as a fan, range hood, or dishwasher, ask about its noise rating. Some ratings are given in “sones”: the lower the sone number, the quieter the unit. 6. If your home is in a particularly noisy location, work to keep outdoor noises outdoors. Caulk cracks around windows and doors. Insert putty or expanding foam around pipes and wires where they enter the house. 7. Close windows and doors against potentially harmful sounds, such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers, power tools, and sirens. 8. Use soft furnishings to soften noise indoors. The more cushions, curtains, and wall coverings you have, the more noise will be absorbed. 9. Place carpets and area rugs over hard flooring to help soak up sound. Thicker rugs are more effective at reducing noises that bounce off of hard surfaces. By taking just a few simple steps, you can achieve a home that is filled with only safe, peaceful sounds. For more information about hearing and hearing loss, visit wwwnih.gov
dental care
Gum Disease
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f you have it, you’re not alone. Many adults nationwide have some form of gum disease. It can simply cause swollen gums or give you bad breath. It can also ruin your smile or even make you lose your teeth. The good news is that gum disease can be prevented with daily dental care. The problem begins with bacteria. Our mouths are packed with these tiny microbes. They combine with mucus and other particles to form a sticky, colorless film—called plaque—on our teeth. Brushing and flossing can get rid of some plaque. But any that remains can harden and form tartar, a yellowish deposit that can become rock-hard. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease—technically known as periodontal disease. The most common and mild type of gum disease is called gingivitis. The gums become red and swollen, and they can bleed easily. Daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings by dental professionals can usually clear up gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, it can become a more severe type of gum disease called periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitis include bad breath that won’t go away; gums that are red, swollen, tender or bleeding; painful chewing; and loose or sensitive teeth. In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” that become infected. Bacterial toxins and your body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and soft tissues that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the tissues will be destroyed. Your teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed. If you have peri-
odontitis, your dentist may recommend a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. In more severe cases, you may need surgery. Most people don’t show signs of gum disease until they’re in their 30s or 40s. But getting older doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get gum disease. Daily dental care and regular visits to your dentist can reduce your risk of gum disease. Smoking greatly increases your risk for periodontitis—another reason not to smoke. Other factors that boost your risk include hormonal changes in women, certain medications and some illnesses like diabetes, cancer and AIDS. NIH-supported researchers are working to learn more about preventing and treating gum problems. Some are exploring whether stem cells might help to restore damaged tissues that support the teeth. Others are searching for genes and proteins produced by our bodies and by the bacteria in our mouths to see how they interact to affect gum health. Some studies suggest that gum disease may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke or cause other health problems. But so far, it hasn’t been confirmed that gum disease contributes to these conditions. Although many aspects of gum disease are still being investigated, one thing is clear: controlling gum disease can save your teeth. That alone is an excellent reason to take good care of your teeth and gums every day. For more information, please visit www.nih.gov. October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21
prostate health
Prostatitis: Disorders of the Prostate P
rostatitis is a frequently painful condition that affects mostly young and middle-aged men. Doctors may have difficulty diagnosing prostatitis because the symptoms are not the same for every patient, and many of the symptoms—such as painful or burning urination and incomplete emptying of the bladder—could be signs of another disease. What is the prostate? The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The gland is made of two lobes, or regions, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue. The prostate is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine and semen pass out of the body. The prostate squeezes fluid into the urethra to help make up semen as sperm move through during sexual climax. Researchers estimate that 10 to 12 percent of men experience prostatitis-like symptoms. The term prostatitis means inflammation of the prostate, but doctors use the term to describe four different disorders What are the types of prostatitis? • Acute bacterial prostatitis is the least common of the four types and is potentially life-threatening. Fortunately, it is the easiest to diagnose and treat effectively. Men with this disease often have chills; fever; pain in the lower back and genital area; urinary frequency and urgency, often at night; burning or painful urination; body aches; and a demonstrable infection of the urinary tract as evidenced by white blood cells and bacteria in the urine. The treatment is an antimicrobial, a medicine that kills microbes—organisms that can only be seen with a microscope, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Antimicrobials include antibiotics and related medicines. • Chronic bacterial prostatitis, also relatively uncommon, occurs when bacteria find a spot on the prostate where they can survive. Men have urinary tract infections that seem to go away but then come back with the same bacteria. Treatment usually requires the use of antimicrobials for a prolonged period of time. However, antimicrobials do not always cure this condition. • Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is the most common but least understood form of prostatitis. It may be found in men of any age. Its symptoms go away and then return without warning, and it may be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. In the inflammatory form, urine, semen, and prostatic fluid contain the kinds of cells the body usually produces to fight infection, but no bacteria can be found. In the non-inflammatory form, not even the infection-fighting cells are present.
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•A symptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is the diagnosis given when the patient does not complain of pain or discomfort but has infection-fighting cells in his prostate fluid and semen. Doctors usually find this form of prostatitis when looking for causes of infertility or testing for prostate cancer. How is prostatitis diagnosed? A doctor performs a digital rectal exam (DRE) by inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the patient’s rectum, just behind the prostate. The doctor can feel the prostate to see if it is swollen or tender in spots. The doctor can diagnose the bacterial forms of prostatitis by examining a urine sample with a microscope. The sample may also be sent to a laboratory to perform a culture. In a urine culture, the bacteria are allowed to grow so they can be identified and tested for their resistance to different types of antimicrobials. To confirm the prostate infection, the doctor may obtain two urine samples—before and after prostate massage. To perform a
prostate massage, the doctor will insert a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum, as in a DRE, and stroke the prostate to release fluids from the gland. The post- massage urine sample will contain prostate fluid. If that second urine sample contains bacteria or infection-fighting cells that were not present in the premassage urine sample, this suggests the prostate contains infection. To diagnose chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, the doctor must rule out all other possible causes of urinary symptoms, such as kidney stones, bladder disorders, and infections. Since many different conditions must be considered, the doctor may order a full range of tests, including ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biopsy, blood tests, and tests of bladder function. If all other possible causes of a patient’s symptoms are ruled out, the doctor may then diagnose chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. To aid in under standing the symptoms and measuring the effects of treatment, the doctor may ask a series of questions from a standard questionnaire, the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index. How is prostatitis treated? The bacterial forms of prostatitis are treated with antimicrobials. Acute prostatitis may require a short hospital stay so that fluids and antimicrobials can be given through an intravenous, or IV, tube. After the initial therapy, the patient will need to take antimicrobials for 2 to 4 weeks.
St Louis Area 314-849-1188 Jefferson County 636-933-6546
Chronic bacterial prostatitis requires a longer course of therapy. The doctor may prescribe a low dose of antimicrobials for 6 months to prevent recurrent infection. If a patient has trouble emptying his bladder, the doctor may recommend medicine or surgery to correct blockage. Antimicrobials will not help nonbacterial prostatitis. Each patient will have to work with his doctor to find an effective treatment. Changing diet or taking warm baths may help. The doctor may prescribe a medicine called an alpha-blocker to relax the muscle tissue in the prostate. No single solution works for everyone with this condition. No treatment is needed for asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Hope through Research The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has many research programs aimed at find ing treatments for urinary disorders, including prostatitis. The NIDDK supports the Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Research Network, which funds and coordinates multicenter clinical trials of new therapies to relieve the pain or discomfort of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. For more information please contact The American Urological Association Foundation at www.UrologyHealth.org.
www.bayada.com October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23
healthy breathing
Tips To Keep Your Lungs In Shape W
hen your lungs are out of shape, your whole body suffers. Simple daily activities like walking can be difficult. And certain lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can gradually reduce lung capacity. Here are some tips to deal with or help prevent the most common types of lung ailments.
Photo courtesy of: (c) michaeljung - Fotolia.com
Stop Smoking Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and causes many diseases. COPD — the third leading cause of death in the United States — occurs predominately in cigarette smokers. All smokers should speak with their doctors to discuss smoking cessation options as soon as possible. “It is imperative that all individuals with COPD stop smoking to prevent progression of the disease,” said Dr. Virginia Hood, Doctors have new guidelines for treating a chronic breathing problem. president of the American College of Physicians (ACP), a national orlevels, physicians may prescribe continuous oxygen therapy. In addiganization of internal medicine physicians. “Of course, smokers without tion, pulmonary rehabilitation, which typically includes an exercise regiCOPD should quit not only to decrease the risk of COPD, but also the men as an important component, is also helpful. For more information, risk of other serious potential complications of smoking, including lung visit www.acponline.org. cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. It’s never too late to stop, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start.” Get Exercise For healthy lungs, try to get 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise Get Checked at least three times weekly. If that’s too much to start, begin slowly by Individuals with coughing (with or without phlegm), wheezing or alternating a few minutes of walking and running. Also, breathe deeply shortness of breath that lasts more than two weeks should see a docas you exercise. Many times, people working out take short shallow tor, such as a pulmonologist, trained to diagnose respiratory illnesses. breaths which are good for getting you oxygen, but not for building lung Physicians now have a new guideline to diagnose and manage COPD capacity. to help them prevent and treat exacerbations, reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and improve patient quality of life. The new guideline was Know Your Air Quality developed by the ACP in collaboration with the American College of People with breathing problems should check the air quality in their Chest Physicians, the American Thoracic Society, and the European area each day and take proper precautions. If this information is not Respiratory Society. available in your local weather report, visit the Environmental Protection If individuals have respiratory symptoms, the new guideline recomAgency’s air quality site at www.airnow.gov. mends that physicians use a breathing test called spirometry to make a diagnosis of airflow obstruction. Patients may be treated with medicaWith healthy lungs, there’s a whole world to explore. tions that help relax the airways of the lungs and drugs that decrease inflammation. For patients with COPD who have very low blood oxygen Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area — October 2011
senior care
Help for Veterans Needing Home Care By Susan Walker, Patriots Home Care
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e Americans are aging – the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the number of Americans 65 or over increases by 10,000 each day. And given the choice, the vast majority of us (nearly 79 percent) prefer to do our aging at home, rather than in an institution. With about 80 percent of seniors having at least one chronic health condition that may limit physical activity, it’s not surprising that those of us over age 65 have a 70 percent chance of needing help with activities of daily living. What do you do when simple activities like bathing, dressing, meal preparation or even getting in and out of bed, become a little more difficult? The answer may be home care provided by a qualified agency familiar with the needs of older adults. Professional home care can be costly. For older adults on fixed or limited incomes, it is often prohibitive. But many wartime veterans, or their surviving spouses, could be receiving help to pay for home care from a source that they may not even be aware of – the Department of Veterans Affairs’ “Aid & Attendance” benefit. This Department of Veterans Affairs pension is for veterans with an honorable discharge who have served at least 90 days on active duty – with at least one day of service during a period of war – or their surviving spouses. To qualify for this benefit, which pays for personal care and attendant home services, the disabilities must not be service related. There are also financial limitations associated with the pension. While the pension has been available for decades, very few veterans are aware of its existence, or how to go about applying. It’s estimated that less than five percent of veterans who qualify for the “Aid & Attendance” benefit are actually receiving it.
Bonnie Laiderman, Owner of Patriots Home Care
“Patriots helped me figure out if I would qualify and helped me fill out the paperwork. They started my home care right away.” “Filing for the benefit can be complicated and VA approval can take months; it really helps to consult with someone who has experience with the process,” noted Bonnie Laiderman, president of Patriots Home Care, a St. Louis-based home care agency that specializes in helping veterans. “I was used to doing everything for myself,” recalled nonagenarian Glyndorah Hubbard, whose late husband, Richard, served in World War II. “Then I fell and broke my hip. After I finished six weeks in the hospital and in rehab, I wanted to go back home, but wasn’t sure how I was going to manage on my own. I found out about the VA pension and Patriots Home Care from my social worker at the rehab facility. Patriots helped me figure out if I would qualify and helped me fill out the paperwork. They started my home care right away.” “The ‘Aid & Attendance’ benefit is a godsend for wartime veterans,” Bonnie emphasized. “For most of these veterans or their widows, it means the difference between having to go to a nursing home or other institution, and being able to remain in their own homes.” To learn more about qualifying for the Aid & Attendance benefit and receiving home care, contact Patriots Home Care at www.patriotshomecare.com. Patriots Home Care is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Client, Glyndorah Hubbard with her aide, Sandra Sander
October 2011 — Greater St. Louis Area — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25
personal health
Things To Ask About At Your Annual Physical
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t’s something far too many of us put off – finding a primary care doctor and getting annual check-ups. But finding a doctor and scheduling an appointment is only part of the battle. You need to know what questions to ask and what tests are important for you. The most important thing to do is to be honest when communicating with your doctor. You should prepare your personal and family medical history, listing any problems you are experiencing and being honest about your personal behavior. You also should prepare a list of medications you take. Depending on your age and personal history there are different tests which may be recommended. If you are a heavy drinker or smoker, for example, different lung, heart and circulatory tests may be administered. Fortunately, medical testing and screening has advanced in recent years to give you accurate results with less waiting. Here are some preventive medical screenings you should be aware of and ask your doctor about: • Cholesterol: This simple blood test can tell you if you are at risk for heart disease or stroke. • Electrocardiogram: Men typically are advised to have this test at age 40, while women usually start at age 50. Sensors are placed on your chest to yield data about your heart rhythm. • Colonoscopy and Stool Tests: These check for signs of colon cancer and other disorders. This test usually is advised for people over 50 or earlier if there is a family history of disease. • Urine Analysis: This screens your urine for diabetes and kidney problems. • Hepatitis and HIV Tests: Many patients avoid these tests because they used to take many anxious days, requiring two visits to the doctor for the test and results. Rapid, point-of-care tests using new Dual Path Platform technology now have been developed, which yield results in less than 20 minutes, allowing testing and counseling to be accomplished in one visit. For more on rapid testing, visit www.chembio.com.
Other annual tests may be necessary, depending on your gender: • Pap Smear: All women are advised to have this annual test to check for cervical cancer. Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Greater St. Louis Area — October 2011
• Prostate Test: Men older than 50 should receive annual exams for prostate cancer, including a blood test. “Patients are constantly asking critical questions about the speed and accuracy of tests,” says Lawrence Siebert, CEO of Chembio Diagnostics, a developer and manufacturer of rapid diagnostic tests for the growing point-of-care testing market. “This is why we’ve developed new types of tests that can test for conditions like HIV and Hepatitis in a mere 15 minutes, with just one blood or fluid sample.” You should also screen for any diseases known to occur in your family. After all, your annual physical is an opportunity for an honest assessment of your health and personalized care.