November Springfield/Decatur Healthy Cells 2012

SPRINGFIELD/DECATUR

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

November 2012

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M A G A Z I N E

Millikin University Readies Students for Success in Nursing page 14

All About Bunions pg. 12 Winter Safety Tips for Pet Owners pg. 18 A Day in the Life of

Diabetes pg. 19

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letter from the editor

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hank you for taking the time to invest in your health and picking up the latest issue of Healthy Cells Magazine. I want to introduce myself to you as the

new owner of Healthy Cells Magazine for the Springfield/ Decatur area. I live in the Springfield area along with my husband, three daughters, and our puppy, Bella. We moved to Illinois several years ago and love the community and its residents. The mission of Healthy Cells Magazine is to improve the health of the community by providing timely articles that contain helpful information on physical, emotional, and nutritional well-being. I am always open to suggestions and ideas for new articles.

November has always been a month to be thankful for the blessings in life. Thankful for family, friends, and, of course, our health. November is also National Diabetes Month. You will be amazed at how many Americans and residents of Illinois are affected with diabetes. I think that everyone, including myself, can benefit from this month’s article on reducing the amount of candy or sugar we eat. If you know someone with diabetes, don’t hesitate to share the magazine with them or a friend.

I look forward to helping the Springfield/Decatur area become a healthier community and hope you enjoy this issue of Healthy Cells Magazine.

Krista

“The mission of Healthy Cells Magazine is to improve the health of the community by providing timely articles that contain helpful information on physical, emotional, and

Krista Jiroutek Healthy Cells Magazine Springfield/Decatur ~ Owner

nutritional well-being.”

krista@healthycellsmagazine.com

November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

N O VEMBER

Volume 3, Issue 11

5

Fearless Living: How to Stay Happy as You Age

6

Physical: Being Active Outdoors Makes Kids More Successful in School

8

Emotional: Legacy of Love or Monument to Misery

10

Nutritional: Your Sweet Tooth

12

Foot Health: All About Bunions

17

Overcoming Sweets: Candy

18

Helpful Pet Hints: Winter Safety Tips for Pet Owners

19

Diabetes Awareness Month: What Does “A Day in the Life of Diabetes” Mean to You?

20

2012

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

This Month’s Cover Story:

Millikin University

Readies Students for Success in Nursing page 14

For information about this publication, contact Krista Jiroutek at 217-720-5254 or krista@healthycellsmagazine.com

Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

22

Men’s Health: What Every Man Over 40 Should Ask His Doctor

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

23

Financial Health: Helping Students Manage Money

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.

24

Empowering Children: Stand Up to Bullying

26

Investment Information: Control Your Financial Future During and After Job Changes

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.

fearless living

How to Stay Happy as You Age Information from www.statepoint.net PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Monkey Business - Fotolia.com

L

ife has its inevitable ups and downs, and the challenges we experience might not always seem fair. But there’s no need let your happiness depend upon life’s uncontrollable circumstances.

“What you want and what you get are not always one and the same,” says Amy Shea, author of the new book “Defending Happiness and Other Acts of Bravery,” a collection of short stories about her life’s journey with adversity. “The key is to find what makes you happy and defend it.”

In her book, Shea details how tough circumstances have not deterred her from living life on her own terms.

For example, she ultimately came to view her battle with breast cancer as a gift of opportunity. “What is possible to do in one’s life changes remarkably when one fears death more than embarrassment,” she says.

Shea has experienced poverty, divorce, cancer and the daily woes of aging, parenting and being parented, but believes that come what may, she is prepared to defend her right to be happy.

She offers these insights for those seeking happiness as they age: • Your emotions do not need to be an automatic reaction to what happens to you. By believing that, you abdicate choice. It is not life that is happy or not. It’s you.

• Don’t forget to simply sit from time to time and do some inner wandering. Original thought happens a lot more easily this way than while texting on the treadmill.

• Life is neither fair nor kind — but it is full of beauty and humor, and open to direction.

• When it comes to picking your battles, energy is like eye cream: expensive. So use just what you need and put it right where you want it.

• Aging won’t be smooth and firm and flawless, but it is not the enemy.

In fact, there are certain things about youth you won’t miss at all.

• All of us have individual wiring that can get buried from time to time under habits we’ve formed. Be deeply committed toward the wiring that makes you happy.

• View life as a dynamic creative disturbance and don’t forget to show up — it’s worth whatever trouble it takes.

More insights can be found in Shea’s new book and online at www.

DefendingHappiness.com.

Whether you’re experiencing adversity or simply going through the daily annoyances — you can empower yourself by going after, and protecting your happiness.

November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

physical

Being Active Outdoors Makes Kids More Successful in School

I

f your children are like most kids, they are spending more time indoors than ever before. A 2010 Kaiser Family Foundation study found that children ages 8 to 18 engage in over seven hours of electronic media each day.

Some experts warn that all that time indoors can take a heavy toll on children’s health, contributing to attention difficulties, hyperactivity, obesity, a diminished use of senses, and even a disconnect from the real world.

“American children are losing a vital aspect of healthy development as they spend less time riding bikes, climbing trees or doing much of anything outdoors,” says Kathy McGlauflin, Director of Project Learning Tree (PLT), a non-profit organization that trains teachers to incorporate environmental education into school curPage 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

ricula. “Today, children spend most of their time indoors — largely because that’s where all the electrical sockets are.”

According to McGlauflin, teaching children to understand and value nature is vital to raising the next generation of environmental stewards and even to improve children’s performance at school.

Here are some fun ways to cure nature deficit disorder: • B rainstorm with your children’s teachers and principal about ways the school can incorporate learning in the outdoors and provide a healthier environment for students and staff that promotes ecological sustainability, reduces waste and teaches students to be environmental stewards. For ideas, visit www. greenschools.org.

• •

• •

tributed nearly $1 million to fund 1,000 environmental servicelearning projects in communities across the country. Grants are offered annually. Visit www.plt.org/ApplyForaGrant to find out how your school can participate.

Encourage your child to adopt a local tree and get familiar with it. Revisit this tree on a regular basis throughout the seasons, recording observations in a journal.

Take a walk through a local wooded area, park or even your own backyard. Observe wildlife and plant life, paying special attention to fallen logs to learn how decomposition works and get a better understanding of microhabitats. Look for signs of animals including insects and plants in, on, or around the log.

Go for a bike ride around your neighborhood for exercise, quality time, and some fresh air.

P lant a garden together to improve your family’s nutrition and create something meaningful. You’ll diversify your meals with fresh local produce and teach your child about the life cycle of plants. Choose flowers that will attract an array of hummingbirds and butterflies to admire.

More tips can be found at www.plt.org.

•H ave your child help sort the recycling at home. Visit the recycling center to see how it all works.

• T alk to your child’s teacher about applying for a Project Learning Tree GreenWorks! grant to help them get started on building a school or community garden, starting a recycling program at school, or restoring a nearby stream. Since 1992, PLT has dis-

Getting children outside is an important aspect of child development and can contribute to student achievement and a healthy lifestyle. This school year, be sure your child takes some time off from television, video games, and the internet to explore the great outdoors.

Source: www.statepoint.net

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November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

emotional

Legacy of Love or Monument to Misery 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) and 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.

W

hen long-term relationships end due to death of one of the partners, there is an inevitable adjustment to the new reality of life without someone who has “always” been there.

Adaptation to the radical changes in life following the death of a loved one is often either enhanced or limited by the ideas that we have learned over our lifetimes about dealing with loss.

There is no doubt that in the immediate aftermath of the death of a loved one, pain and confusion are two of the most probable emotional reactions. Even following a long-term illness, where there has been substantial time to “prepare”, the overwhelming impact of the reality of death is devastating. It quickly becomes obvious that there is no way to effectively “prepare” for the finality of death.

While we recognize that all relationships have ups and downs and highs and lows, for purposes of this discussion, we are foPage 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

cused on long term-relationships that were essentially good. Over the course of 22 years of helping grieving people, we have always tried to listen very carefully to what they are saying to us. What we heard were accurate reports of wonderful relationships, yet there was a tremendous amount of pain attached to the memories.

It is obvious that in the first few weeks or months following a death, a grieving person would be overwhelmed with a level of emotional pain that is difficult to describe. In fact, that kind of reaction is quite normal. Even though we spend a considerable amount of our energy trying to dispel the myth that “time heals all wounds”, we were confused with the frequency with which we observed people to be in an intense level of emotional pain long after a death had occurred.

It was at that point that we realized that almost immediately following a death, people often develop a “relationship to their pain”, which

sometimes seems to supercede their grief about the relationship with the person who had died. As we observed this all-too-common phenomenon, we realized that many people were inadvertently associating the pain that they experienced and re-experienced, over and over, as an equation for the love they had felt and now missed.

We then were able to create some helpful language that simply said pain doesn’t equal love, love equals love.

At the same time as we were recognizing the phenomenon that we had labeled as people’s “relationship to their pain”, we began to use a piece of language to help people shift from pain to completion.

One day while talking to a griever on the phone we said, “It doesn’t seem right that a relationship that should leave a legacy of love is turning into a monument to misery for you.” We have since said that thousands of times, each time with the aim of helping someone break out of their relationship to pain so that they could begin to complete what was emotionally with the person who died.

The principles and actions of Grief Recovery® carry with them three essential objectives: 1. To insure that fond memories do not turn painful.

2. To allow us to remember our loved ones as we knew them in life rather than in death.

3. To be able to have a continuing life of meaning and value even though our lives have been dramatically altered by the death of a loved one.

The impediment to achieving those three goals is the accumulation of misinformation most of us have acquired about dealing with loss. Reading and understanding this article is only a beginning.

Hopefully, you will be inspired to get a copy of The Grief Recovery

Handbook, and to begin the series of actions that can lead you to completion of the undelivered emotional communications, both positive and negative, which are part of all relationships.

One of the traps of grief is the almost diabolical speed at which the relationship to pain develops, takes root, and becomes almost permanent. You have probably known someone who has been reciting a litany of pain for years and years. It may have been very frustrating for you not to be able to help them. If you are the friend or family member of someone who seems to have been caught in a web of pain for a long time, show them this article. You might not be able to communicate to them what we have said in this piece.

Also, they may not be able to hear you, because you are too close to them. Sharing this article with someone you think would benefit from it may propel them to a new understanding and even to actions for change.

This column is also dedicated to the possibility that someone reading it may be able to recognize themselves in the ideas presented here, and begin a shift to the very real possibility of recapturing the legacy of love that should be the natural by-product of a long-term wonderful relationship.

The idea of a legacy of love versus a monument to misery is not limited to marriage and other long-term romantic relationships. The same issues and problems affect adults whose parents die, or siblings of siblings, and even very long-term friendships. Therefore, the same solutions from The Grief Recovery Handbook can be applied.

For more information, visit www.griefrecoverymethod.com.

Beverly J. Matthews Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Decatur 217-876-7929 Springfield 217-825-9010 Fax 217-876-7950 bmatthewspsyd@att.net www.bmatthewsneuropsych.com

Central Illinois Neuropsychological 5130 Hickory Pt Frontage Rd Suite 260 Decatur, IL

Professional Counseling 1124 S 5th St. Springfield, IL

November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

nutritional

Your Sweet Tooth

By Tom Rohde, MD

H

umans love the taste of sweet foods. We consume huge amounts of sugar; more than 150 pounds per person in the U.S.! Unfortunately, sugar is one of the most inflammatory substances we put into our body. Remember that all the bad things that happen to our health are based on inflammation: diabetes, heart disease, abnormal cholesterol, gout, cancer, and others. Most, if not all of these are driven by the excessive carbohydrates we take in! Our goal should be to minimize inflammation or the inflammatory response in our bodies to maximize health and longevity. This begins by minimizing our sugar intake and anything that the body will metabolize to sugar. These would include simple carbohydrates like white rice, white bread, pasta, potatoes, and unfortunately, many others.

Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

So, how do we sweeten foods safely? Don't reach for sugar substitutes like Aspartame (Nutrasweet and other names) or Sucralose (Splenda and other names). These are both toxic substances and can cause many health problems. Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA. Many of these reactions are very serious including seizures and death. A few of the many documented symptoms are: headaches/ migraines, dizziness, seizures, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, vision problems, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, loss of taste, tinnitus, vertigo, memory loss, and joint pain. These artificial sweeteners have also been implicated in increased incidences of various tumors.

"Your very best option is to slowly wean yourself off of sugar and start to enjoy a healthier lifestyle without any sweeteners at all."

About 10 percent of Aspartame consists of methanol, or wood alcohol. Methanol breaks down into formic acid and formaldehyde in the body. Formaldehyde, better known as an embalming fluid, is a deadly neurotoxin. The EPA states that methanol "is considered a cumulative poison due to the low rate of excretion once it is absorbed. In the body, methanol is oxidized to formaldehyde and formic acid; both of these metabolites are toxic." They recommend limiting intake to less than eight mg/day. A one-liter diet beverage contains about 56 mg of methanol—yikes! If you eat or drink more than that, you could really be in serious long-term jeopardy with your health!

Sucralose is also dangerous. Sugar is chemically altered in the lab and three chlorine molecules are attached to make it indigestible. Chlorine is toxic to your health. It can interfere with thyroid

health and it can damage your health—promoting gut bacteria.

This predisposes you to other health problems if you don't take a daily probiotic as I've suggested previously. Worse, it isn't broken down so it ends up in the water when you excrete it. Waste water treatment doesn't remove it so some city water supplies have tested positive for Sucralose— another chemical we unknowingly take into our body.

Another tragic issue with these artificial sweeteners is that research shows that if you use these long-term you will actually gain weight. They shut down your calorie counter in the brain, and as you eat, your body literally “loses track” of the calories you are consuming so you tend to take in more calories. Talk about a rotten deal!

If you want to read a great book to understand some of the brain toxicity from these and other medications in our society check out Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills by Dr. Russell Blaylock.

So, what to do? I suggest Stevia, which is a natural plant extract. It comes in liquid form in the health food store or nutritional supplement section of the grocery store. It has no calories and no glycemic load so it is perfect for diabetics. Stevia is even available in flavored forms to give some variety to your foods and beverages. Your very best option is to slowly wean yourself off of sugar and start to enjoy a healthier lifestyle without any sweeteners at all. Drink lots of purified water and stick to unsweetened tea and coffee on an occasion.

Dr. Rohde is available to help you evaluate your health and start a healthier lifestyle. Call 217-864-2700 for an appointment, visit them online at www.DrRohde.com, and like them on Facebook at: Renew Total Body Wellness.

JulieHale Hale Miller Julie Miller 120 W Walnut Tom Hale Chatham, IL 62629 217-483-4355 120 W Walnut julie.halemiller@ Chatham countryfinancial.com

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November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

foot health

All About Bunions

By John M. Sigle, DPM, FACFAS

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unions are a common foot deformity. Unfortunately, there are misconceptions about them and many people suffer unnecessarily from a painful bunion for years before seeking treatment.

What is a Bunion?

Bunions are normally described as a “bump” on the side of the big toe but a bunion is more than that. The bump that is seen on the side of the foot is actually a reflection of changes in the bony framework in the front portion of the foot. A bunion causes the big toe to swing toward the second toe and the bone behind the big toe (1st metatarsal) moves inward causing a bump on the inside of the foot. Consequently, this movement throws the bones out of alignment resulting in the formation of a bump. A bunion is a progressive disorder that appears over years and continues to become increasingly prominent. Usually the symptoms of bunions appear at later stages.

What Causes a Bunion?

Most bunions are caused by an inherited, faulty mechanical structure of the foot. The bunion itself is not inherited, but certain foot types that are inherited make a person more likely to develop a bunion. Although it is a common misconception that tight fitting Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

Dr. John Sigle

shoes actually cause bunions, they can contribute to the deformity getting progressively worse. Consequently, you may experience symptoms sooner; and the larger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk.

Symptoms Most often symptoms occur when wearing shoes that crowd the toes with a tight toe box, or in high heels that provide a small area for load bearing. Women’s shoes often are too small and squeeze the toes together. High heels shoes especially alter the biomechanics of the foot. That is why ninety percent of bunions happen to women. Spending long periods of time on your feet can also aggravate the symptoms of bunions. General symptoms at the site of the bunion may include pain or soreness, inflammation and redness, a burning sensation, and possibly some numbness.

Other conditions that may occur include sores between the toes, ingrown toenails, calluses on the big toe, and restricted motion of the toe.

Diagnosis The diagnosis of bunions is very apparent because you can see the prominence at the base of the big toe or side of the foot; how-

ever, to fully evaluate your condition, a clinical exam with X-rays is required to determine the degree of the deformity, and to assess the changes that have occurred.

Not all cases are alike and some bunions progress more rapidly than others. Once your podiatrist evaluates your particular case, a treatment plan can be developed that is suited to your needs.

Treatment Observation of the bunion is important to determine the rate of advancement. In most cases, bunion pain is treated conservatively. Surgery is generally performed as a last resort. Early treatment is aimed at easing pain and improving mobility. Initial treatments include: • A lternative Shoes: Wearing the right kind of shoes is extremely important. Shoes that provide a wide toe box and good supportive arch should be used. Avoid shoes with pointed toes or high heels that are likely to aggravate the condition and provide a small bearing area of support. If these types of shoes have to be worn, limit their use and wear comfortable shoes whenever possible.

• A ccommodative Padding: Pads placed over the area of the bunion may help decrease pain. Pads may be obtained from your podiatrist.

• A ctivity Modifications: Activities that cause your bunion pain, including standing for long periods of time, should be limited.

• M edications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain and inflamation.

• I cing: Applying an ice pack several times a day will help reduce inflammation and pain.

• Injection Therapy: Injections of corticosteroids may be useful to treat the inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac located in a joint) sometimes seen with bunions; however, injections are rarely used as a treatment.

• C ustom Orthotic Devices: Custom orthotic devices may be provided by your podiatrist to provide additional support and to improve mobility. Orthotics will not correct the deformity but will help retard its progression.

When is Surgery Needed?

When the pain of a bunion interferes with daily activity, it is time to discuss surgical options with your podiatrist. Both of you can decide if surgery is necessary and what procedures are best suited for you.

Recent advances in surgical techniques have led to a very high success rate and there are a variety of surgical procedures performed to treat bunions. These procedures are designed to do several things including the removal of the bump, correcting changes in the bone structure of the foot, as well as correcting soft tissue changes that may have occurred.

There are a number of ways to perform bunion surgery; and the best procedure for one person may not be the best for another. In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case, the podiatrist will take into consideration the extent of your deformity based on the X-ray findings, your age, your activity level, and other factors. The length of the recovery period will vary depending on the procedure or procedures performed.

Keys to Success The primary key to success is to select an experienced surgeon who not only understands the various surgical options but has a high success rate. A surgeon who is board-certified in reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery is preferred with demonstrated

knowledge in biomechanics, extensive experience in operative and post-operative complications, and skill to handle tissue carefully with a gentle touch. It is also advisable to select a surgeon who performs surgery in a peer reviewed hospital, who provides you with realistic expectations, and demonstrates a commitment to post-operative therapy and use of orthotics. The odds of a bunion returning are much less if you choose an experienced surgeon that possesses these attributes. Also, complying with post-operative instructions, committing to an effective therapy program, and using custom foot orthotics will help alleviate pain, and improve your quality of life.

For more information, refer to the Foot and Ankle Center of Illinois website at myfootandanklecenter.com, or call Dr. Sigle at 217-787-2700.

D

r. Sigle is the founder and owner of the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois, located at 2921 Montvale Drive, Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Sigle received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, and a doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Chicago, Illinois. He completed a three-year podiatric and surgical residency program at Botsford General Hospital, Farmington Hills, Michigan.

During his residency, he participated in the Baja Project providing surgical treatment for children with disabilities at the Mexicali Red Cross Hospital and pediatric surgical missions to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Central America, and the San Felipe Hospital. He also completed a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery rotation at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Sigle is board-certified through the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery and has advanced certification from the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Reconstructive/Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. He is currently on the physician’s panel for Memorial Medical Center’s Wound Healing Center and a Clinical Assistant Professor at SIU HealthCare, Division of Orthopaedics.

November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

feature story

Millikin University

Readies Students for Success in Nursing

By Sara Browning

Dr. Mary Jane Linton, Millikin University Professor, reviews electronic health records with MENP student Nkone Adu Antwi.

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hen it comes to nursing, Millikin University has what it takes to help students achieve their dreams. Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, offers an alternative option for graduate students to become registered professional nurses while keeping on the cutting edge of the job market.

Millikin University’s School of Nursing offers four graduate level programs leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. However, unlike graduate school nursing courses taken at other universities throughout mid-state Illinois, Millikin University’s Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

Master’s Entry into Nursing Practice (MENP) program does not require students to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in order to be admitted to the program. Adopted by the institution three years ago, the program is specifically designed for students that have previously received their Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Exposing students to both graduate and undergraduate level coursework, MENP prepares students using a 30-month intensive program designed to equip them in classroom, clinical and practice settings.

“Our program is the only one of its kind in mid-state Illinois,” says Dr. Kathy Booker, Professor of Nursing at Millikin University.

“It’s unique because it offers entry-level undergraduate curriculum at the graduate school level. Right now, getting into nursing school as an undergraduate is nearly impossible because the programs are so competitive. This program creates a new, open door for students to be able to pursue their passion.”

“It’s higher preparation for students to become leaders in their field,” adds Dr. Mary Jane Linton, Professor of Nursing at Millikin.

“Students are very well rounded and function at a higher level than the traditional graduate nurse.”

With the help of a $500,000 federal grant for which the University was approved in the summer of 2009, Millikin hired additional faculty to support the program. Students enter the program in July and graduate in December following 30 months of training. This year will be Millikin University’s first graduating class for students enrolled in MENP. In the spring before December graduation, MENP students take the professional Registered Nurse Licensure Exam. Toward the end of the program students take the Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Exam, demonstrating they have completed the Master’slevel coursework and are eligible to practice in a particular area of nursing. Students graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing.

Breadth & Depth of MENP One of many attractive features of MENP is the program’s ability to draw high-quality, motivated students with a passion for learning. “The students that enter this program are highly ambitious, highly driven individuals,” says Dr. Booker, “and because this course combines both undergraduate and graduate work, the workload is very heavy.”

Professors recommend students do not hold employment in order to contribute the necessary time and energy toward their studies and keep up with curriculum requirements. Says Dr. Linton: “Students put their life on hold to give 100 percent effort toward this program.”

Throughout the program students undergo basic preparation for nursing Monday through Thursday and take Master’s degree courses on Friday. Master’s degree courses are integrated with students that are already licensed registered nurses.

“The breadth of clinical experience required for this program is extremely demanding,” says Dr. Booker. “Students work 10-12 hour shifts in different areas of nursing. They begin with an introduction to medical surgical nursing and from there move into pediatrics and obstetrics, mental health nursing, community health and advanced medical surgical nursing.”

MENP requires a number of pre-requisite courses including anatomy and physiology I and II, microbiology, organic chemistry, abnormal psychology, lifespan development and graduate level statistics. Students must also have earned a 3.25 GPA or take the Graduate Record Exam. In addition, admittance to the program requires three letters of recommendation, a resume and a personal interview.

“We interview all the candidates and make a decision based on their commitment level and background,” says Dr. Booker.

Meeting Student Needs Millikin University goes the extra mile to ensure its nursing programs meet students’ specific needs. Students best suited for the MENP program are strong researchers, excellent writers and exercise a powerful work ethic, according to Dr. Booker.

“MENP students have a special skill set. Some students begin the program but later discover it’s too intensive, so they enroll in

Dr. Marilyn Prasun, Millikin University Professor, engages MENP student Alicia White in classroom discussion.

Millikin MENP students Erin Noblitt and Sarah Massey discuss a patient’s chart during clinicals at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

feature story

(continued)

“The program is very challenging, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says. “MENP is training us to be responsible for people’s lives. That’s a tremendous responsibility I don’t take for granted.”

Alicia says the faculty at Millikin University holds students to a higher standard.

High expectations translate into tougher course loads.

“It’s definitely not a ‘float through’ program,” says Alicia. “You have to dig in and work hard and study.”

“It’s definitely a challenge,” says Nkone. “You’re completing a four- to sixyear program in just a little over two years. It’s important to know your limits going into the program. You have to be very disciplined and keep your mind on your goal.”

But Rozie says the work is well worth the effort due to the vast amount of clinical experience the faculty Ryan Martin, Millikin MENP student, prepares medication for provides. “The program is an injection during clinicals at Decatur Memorial Hospital. full of unique opportunities,” she says. “We go to nursing homes and work with patients. We also participate in health the undergraduate nursing program, which is better suited for their fairs so we can interact with the public on a personal level rather lifestyle. Our goal is to match our programs with our students’ than in a health care environment. It’s very important to the faculty needs to best prepare them for the workplace.” that we receive the hands-on experience that parallels the classroom component.”

Reaping Rewards As students progress through the curriculum, Millikin faculty Students currently enrolled in Millikin University’s MENP proserves as a strong support group. “The faculty really encourages gram realize the benefits of combining undergraduate and graduate and embraces you at Millikin,” says Alicia. “Their doors are always coursework in nursing. Alicia White, a senior at Millikin who will be open even after you finish a class.” graduating from the program in December, received her undergrad Rozie says the faculty is—in a word—“amazing.” “We’re not just uate degree in Biology from the University of Illinois in Springfield. students to them; we’re people. They really make an effort to get “My senior year as an undergraduate I worked as a phlebototo know us both inside and outside the classroom.” mist,” says Alicia. “I saw the way some of the nurses were treating Even more rewarding than working side by side with engaged the patients, and I didn’t like it. I wanted to make some changes. I faculty members are the rewards students reap for their effort. found out about Millikin’s program and discovered it gave me opSays Nkone: “Getting experience in this program now, seeing your portunities that weren’t offered at other places.” patients smile back at you, receiving a pat on the back from your Nkone Adu Antwi, a student at Millikin University who is midway instructors to let you know you’re doing a good job—those are the through the MENP program, completed her undergraduate coursetrue rewards. It’s as simple as that.” work at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Following “This program allows you to see the impact you can make as graduation, she worked as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) in Chia nurse,” adds Rozie. “It’s fulfilling to realize that you can make a cago. Nkone says her job helped prepare her for the nursing field. positive difference in the world, and Millikin University gives you the “My background as a CNA played a huge role in my decision tools you need to do it.” to enter the program,” she says. “I wanted to do something in the health care field because I’m very compassionate and I love to help people. This program seemed like excellent preparation for a For more information on career in the health care field.”

Millikin University’s Master’s Entry Rozie Smith, also a current MENP student who received her into Nursing Practice (MENP) program, Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Knox College in Galesburg, discovered that the MENP program at Millikin University was “exactly visit www.millikin.edu/msn. what I needed.”

Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

overcoming sweets

Candy

By Karen Geninatti, Ace Certified Personal Trainer, Geninatti Gym

C

andy…It tastes like heaven, is so tempting to the eye, and is nearly as addictive as crack cocaine. Candy is slang for cocaine, no coincidence!

From the moment candy enters your mouth, it can begin to terrorize your teeth, mess with your moods, pound on your pancreas, and make you fat and sassy! Yet, it seems so innocent.

Candy’s main ingredient is sugar, which is a highly refined sweetener that is addictive and destructive. It causes blood sugar levels to become unstable. When candy enters our body, blood sugar levels can rise and fall quickly, causing anxiety, confusion, anger, and even depression.

Candy is not a food that supports your well being; therefore, you must choose to restrict the consumption of it. You do not have to give it up, but make it a mindful event when you do consume it. Choose very small amounts and make it be something special.

Become aware of what you are eating.

Make candy hard to get by not keeping it around the house, your workplace, or in your car. You can not eat something that is not available to you.

Your body can easily become addicted to sweet foods—especially candy. It may be necessary to cleanse your body from it.

Totally eliminate it from your diet for two weeks.

Always consume protein at each of your five to six small meals a day. This helps to keep you satisfied and keep blood sugar levels stable.

For more information, please contact Geninatti Gym and Fitness at 217-825-7957 or visit us at www.karengonline.com.

Spinach Nest Ingredients: 1 c. liquid egg whites 4 c. frozen spinach, thawed 1 Tbsp. (or more to taste) Cavender’s salt-free Greek seasoning 1 lb. extra lean ground turkey breast Directions: Brown the turkey breast, and season. Thoroughly mix Spinach and egg whites and add seasoning. Press the spinach/egg white mixture into sides and bottom of muffin tins that have been sprayed with a non-stick cooking spray. You will have liquid left in the bowl. Add the turkey to the middle of the “nest”. Pour remaining liquid from spinach and egg whites evenly over each “Nest.” Bake at 350º approx 20-30 min.

Servings: 12 Serving Size: 1 Muffin Per Serving: Calories: 66, Protein: 12.9 Gr., Carbs: 2.4, Fat: .9 Gr., Sodium: 95.1, Fiber: 1.6, Sugar: 0.6 Gr

November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

helpful pet hints

Winter Safety Tips for Pet Owners

By Rachael Pearce

H

oliday parties, great food, and spending time with loved ones are what make the winter months so memorable. It is an important time to keep your furry family members in mind as well.

Listed below are some helpful hints to keep in mind this holiday season.

Cold Weather Tips • Never let your dog off the leash in the snow, especially during a storm.

They can lose their tracks and become lost very easily.

• Very young and very old animals are especially helpless in cold weather. Older animals can have increased joint pain due to low temperatures, and a slip on the ice could be especially dangerous to them.

• Stay with your animal when you take them outside. There are many different types of chemicals including ice melts, antifreeze, and rock salts that can be very harmful if ingested.

• Check under the hood of your car or honk your horn before turning on the engine. Outdoor cats will climb into the hood and curl up against the engine to stay warm, and can become caught in the belt.

• Make sure to always have fresh, non-frozen drinking water available to your pets. If fresh drinking water is not available, they will go to other sources such as puddles and can ingest harmful chemicals.

• Provide a warm place for your pet to sleep. Be sure to keep them away from drafts as well as cold or damp spots.

Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

Indoor Safety Tips • I f you are using a space heater or open flame such as candles, watch your pets closely. The heat can attract them and can cause serious injury if they come into contact with the open flame.

•H oliday decorations such as tinsel and ornaments can be very attractive to animals, especially cats. Without treatment, foreign body ingestion can cause death. To help prevent this, hang glass and shiny ornaments up higher on the tree. Place paper ones closer to the bottom.

•F ood is one of the most common hazards to your pet during the holiday and winter months. Many of the popular foods we enjoy during this time are extremely dangerous to your pet. Foods to watch for include chocolate, grapes and raisins, high fat foods, bones, and nuts. These can cause pancreatitis, choking, a bowel obstruction, and death.

•H oliday plants are beautiful, but some can be deadly to your fourlegged friend. Plants to keep your pet away from include poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and pine needles. If ingested, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, difficult breathing, and death.

For more information on pet safety please visit Laketown Animal Hospital at www.laketownanimalhospital.com or call 217-529-4211.

Sources: Healthypet.com (AAHA website), ASPCA.org, Petinsurance.com.

diabetes awareness month

What Does “A Day in the Life of Diabetes” Mean to You?

he American Diabetes Association will be holding their annual Kiss A Pig Gala in Decatur and Springfield in May 2012. The Decatur Kiss A Pig Gala will be held at the Mt. Zion Convention Center on May 3rd. Tickets are $55 each or a table of 10 for $500. The Springfield Kiss A Pig Gala will be held at the Crowne Plaza Springfield on May 17th. Tickets are $100 each or a table of 10 for $1000. For more information, please call 1-888-DIABETES, extension 6644 or email Laura Ann Wilson at lwilson@diabetes.org.

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hot flashes

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For more information in English and Spanish, call 1-800-DIABETES or visit stopdiabetes.com. Also, follow us on Facebook (www. facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation) and Twitter (www. twitter.com/AmDiabetesAssn).

moody

T

smoking also can help lower the risk of diabetes complications.

“Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes in the United States, including over 800 thousand in Illinois,” stated Nicole Simmons, Director of American Diabetes Association Greater Illinois Area. “We know this disease impacts everyone in different ways. It’s time to come together as a community and express to others what daily life with diabetes means to us.”

American Diabetes Month is sponsored by CVS/pharmacy’s ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes® savings program exclusively for those living with diabetes and their caregivers. Visit CVS.com/ diabetes to learn more.

weight gain

D

uring American Diabetes Month ® this November, the American Diabetes Association is launching a socially-focused initiative, “A Day in the Life of Diabetes”, to demonstrate the increasing impact diabetes has on families and communities nationwide. Using imagery, social engagement, and a larger-thanlife stage, light will be shown on the issue of diabetes and those who live with it each and every day. Successfully managing diabetes can be a herculean task, making what might seem like an otherwise ordinary life rather extraordinary Throughout November, Springfield, and Decatur residents will be asked to become part of the movement to Stop Diabetes® by sharing a personal image, via Facebook, representing what “A Day in the Life of Diabetes” means to them. This image can be a picture of themselves or someone they care about and will show how the disease impacts their daily life. To encourage individuals to share photos of “A Day in the Life of Diabetes” on Facebook, CVS/pharmacy will donate $1 to the American Diabetes Association for every photo/image uploaded, up to $25,000.

Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050, and an additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion. Further published studies suggest that when additional costs for gestational diabetes, prediabetes, and undiagnosed diabetes are included, the total diabetes-related costs in the U.S. could exceed $218 billion.

Diabetes is a serious disease. If it isn’t managed, it can damage many parts of the body, leading to heart attacks, strokes, amputation, blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage. But there is good news: diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed by properly managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Eating healthy, being physically active, and quitting

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November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

prostate health

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

By Virginia and Keith Laken

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

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

In early May, we went together to Mayo for Keith’s three-month check up.

Dr. Barrett was pleased with his progress, and was very reassuring.

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

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

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

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

Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

“Well, then…how about this ‘orgasm without an erection’ idea?

Did you know you could do that?”

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

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

Journal Entry, May 5, 1995 I’ve made up my mind I’m going to try to end our abstinence on this trip. I’m going to test Dr. Barrett’s idea. I feel a little shy, though. I’ve never been very good about taking the lead

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

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

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

“Let’s take a quick swim before we change for dinner,” “I suggested, coming across my swimsuit. “Good idea. I sure could use the exercise,” Keith nodded.

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

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

As the minutes ticked by, I tried all the things that usually turned Keith on. Then, just when my determination began to wane and I was about ready to give up, I noticed a slight increase in Keith’s breathing. Encouraged, I continued. Yes, Keith was getting aroused—even if it was not physically noticeable. In a few minutes, Keith had an orgasm—his first in almost four months.

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

“So it felt the same even without an erection?” I asked curiously.

“It was different, especially to begin with. But once I got excited, it was pretty much the same.”

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

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

The book Making Love Again: Hope for Couples Facing Loss of Sexual Intimacy is available at Amazon.com and many major book sellers.

Today, orthopaedic surgeons are using stateof-the-art techniques to replace knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, elbows, even wrists – and patients of all ages are resuming active lifestyles again after years of frustration. For more on joint replacement, visit orthoinfo.org.

November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

men’s health

What Every Man Over 40 Should Ask His Doctor Information from www.statepoint.net

A

nnual physicals may not be at the top of every man’s to-do list, but these visits are crucial for longevity -- especially for those men over 40.

There’s no better time than your checkup to have all your looming health questions answered. Make the most of your next visit by composing a checklist of things you’d like to talk about during your appointment.

No matter how healthy you feel, there are some discussion points you’ll definitely want to cover Prostate Cancer Screening Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting one in six men, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. If you’re a man over 40, there are several major risk factors that you need to know about. If you are African-American, or have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about your prostate health, beginning at age 40.

The older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with this potentially lifethreatening illness, but that doesn’t mean younger men are not also diagnosed. In fact, one in every 38 men aged 40 to 59 is diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screenings and how you can lower your risk of diagnosis.

Be proactive! Visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation website at www.PCF.org for more information on risk factors, and to access a list of prevention tips.

Your Heart’s Health According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease causes more than one in four deaths of men in the United States.

To get an accurate gauge of your risk, be honest with your doctor.

He or she can’t advise you properly if you don’t share all the facts on your habits -- good and bad.

Have your blood pressure and cholesterol tested at recommended intervals. Ask your doctor if your levels are normal and what you can do if they aren’t. If you don’t currently get regular physical activity, your doctor can advise you on safely easing into an exercise program.

Diabetes Risk Many people have the misconception that if something is wrong; their bodies will let them know. But diabetes often begins without symptoms. Your risk factor for developing diabetes goes up if you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or a family history of the disease.

Ask your doctor if you need to be screened.

In the meantime, lower your risk for diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight. Your doctor is a great resource for helping you form an effective weight management plan.

It’s vital for men to manage their risks for life-threatening diseases like prostate cancer, and one of the best ways to do that is with regular visits to the doctor. If it’s been over a year since your last appointment, call today to schedule a visit.

Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

financial health

Helping Students Manage Money Information from www.familyfeatures.com

M

oney management is one skill that can be difficult for young adults to master as they head off on their own. But no matter what stage of life – whether they’re entering college or the work force – every young adult should learn how to handle their money.

Establish a Budget Sit down together with your student and map out all monthly expenses. Include room and board or rent, books, supplies, food, personal care and medications, transportation, gas, entertainment (including dining out, movies and walking around money, etc.), and payment for phone, mobile devices, cable and Internet access.

Then, figure out income. This can include money from a job, financial aid, student loans and any support from you.

Income and expenses need to balance.

There are plenty of online tools you can use to figure out a budget. Some, such as www.Mint.com or some bank websites, can help students manage their budgets, making it easy for them to take care of it themselves. There are also budgeting tips and worksheets at websites such as www.SmartAboutMoney.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

How to Stick to the Budget Prioritize needs vs. wants. It may seem like a latte every morning is a necessity to jump-start the day, but those kinds of little expenses can add up quickly. A recent study by Westwood College found that 40 percent of the average student’s budget is being spent on “discretionary” spending; included in that is entertainment (6.5 percent), apparel and services (6.7 percent), travel and vacation (4.7 percent). Have your student do the math on how much some of their “necessities” will cost them, and then talk about how to weigh purchase decisions.

Find ways to spend less. A little planning can help young adults spend less and get more value for their dollar.

• Cellphone – Avoid overage charges with an unlimited plan. For example, with Cricket Wireless, you can pay an affordable monthly fee for all-inclusive talk, text, data and music rate plans for some of the most popular smartphones available. Cricket also includes a service called Muve Music that gives students unlimited song downloads as part of their plan. Learn more at www.MyCricket.com.

• Food – Coupons and digital deals can cut the costs of dining out.

Look into the college meal plan – and use it. Save on snacks by stocking up at the grocery store instead of buying from a vending machine or convenience store.

• Clothing – Thrift stores, consignment shops and yard sales are affordable ways to find something fun to wear.

• Entertainment – Encourage them to take advantage of free activities on campus with their student ID. When going out with friends, advise your student to decide how much he or she can spend, then only take that much money with them.

Be smart about credit cards. Many students sign up for a credit card right away, and before they know it, they are thousands of dollars in debt.

Make sure they understand the impact of interest rates. Also, discuss setting limitations on using a credit card to avoid non-academic debt, such as using it only for emergencies, travel or school expenses, or only charging what they can pay back on time the next month (including interest).

Equipping your student with some basic financial skills will help them make wise money choices now and for the rest of their lives.

November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

empowering children

Stand Up to Bullying Information from www.familyfeatures.com

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

G

oing back to school can be stressful for many kids, especially if they have been the victims of bullying.

According to Youth Ambassadors 4 Kids Club, an organization dedicated to eliminating bullying, a student is bullied every seven minutes in our country, and an estimated 77 percent of students will experience some form of mental or physical bullying during their school years.

While the statistics are worrisome, there are measures parents and caregivers can take to help identify the signs of bullying and the anxiety it can induce so they can help their children manage through this difficult situation.

Recognizing Bullying Bullying can take many forms, including hitting, threatening, intimidating, maliciously teasing and taunting, name calling, making sexual remarks, stealing or damaging personal belongings, and indirect attacks such as spreading rumors or getting others to exclude another student.

It’s also no longer limited to the classroom, lunchroom or playground. Today, cyberbullying -bullying through electronic outlets such as text messages and social media sites - has made this issue a 24/7 challenge.

“Bullying can have a significant impact on students,” said University of Phoenix College of Social Sciences instructor and expert on bullying Dr. John Nixon. “Children and teenagers who are bullied suffer from anxiety, fear, withdrawal, low self-esteem and poor concentration. Recognizing the warning signs is the first step toward ending the behavior.”

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

Signs that your child may be a victim of bullying include: • Coming home with damaged or missing clothing or belongings • Unexplained injuries • Frequent complaints of headaches, stomach aches or feeling sick • Changes in eating habits • Loss of interest in friends or going to school • Mood and behavior changes • Trouble sleeping and/or having frequent bad dreams • Feelings of helplessness or not being good enough What You Can Do if Your Child is Bullied Establishing a process for detecting, discussing and monitoring bullying can help in more effectively reaching a solution. “It can be embarrassing for a child to admit that they are being bullied,” said Nixon. “And many kids don’t tell parents about it because they are afraid of either being blamed for the situation, or they are afraid of how the parents will react.”

“And many kids don’t tell parents about it because they are afraid of either being

If an adult suddenly collapses, perform Hands-OnlyTM CPR. Call 911

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afraid of how the parents will react.” handsonlycpr.org

Nixon offers some tips for what you can do: • Increase awareness – Parents must educate themselves on the signs of bullying and realize that they are not alone.

• Communicate – Ask children questions about how they slept or what they are looking forward to doing in school that day. Their responses can provide a wealth of insight.

• Gather more information – Ask teachers if they have noticed anything that would signal the child had been bullied. Also, check a child’s text messages and Facebook profile for signs of cyberbullying.

• Develop an action plan – Put steps in place to monitor the signs of bullying to see if it persists and engage your child regularly to open up communication about the problem.

• Follow through – It’s important to keep at it. Be active to both spot the signs of bullying and discuss them with the child to work toward a solution. If bullying persists, take action. Discuss the problem with the parents of the child who is bullying, if it is appropriate. Talk with your child’s teacher. If the teacher is not responsive, escalate the discussion up to the principal or superintendent if necessary.

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There are more participants in bullying scenarios than just the bully and the victim. “More often than not,” said Nixon, “there are bystanders. These are students who know what is going on and either encourage it in some way, or sit back and do nothing. We need more kids to stop being bystanders and take a stand against bullying.”

You can find additional information on University of Phoenix degree offerings by visiting www.phoenix.edu, and more resources for helping students deal with bullying at www.a4kclub.org, and www.stopbullying.gov.

November 2012 — Springfield / Decatur — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

investment information

Control Your Financial Future During and After Job Changes

J

ob changes – whether by choice or downsizing – add stress to everyone’s life. Altered family income, and especially lack of income, can throw current and future financial plans into turmoil.

Despite the strain job changes cause, you can maintain control of your family’s financial security. If you contributed money to your employer’s 401(k) plan, consider rolling your hard-earned savings into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

Avoid closing your 401(k) and taking the cash unless you absolutely need the money. In most cases, you’ll pay income tax on the distributions as well as a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty if you haven’t reached the age of 59-½ . Most importantly, you’ll prematurely drain your retirement savings.

If you directly transfer 401(k) funds into an IRA, you’ll pay no early withdrawal penalties. You won’t pay federal income tax until you withdraw the money during retirement.

Other advantages to directly transferring your 401(k) funds into an IRA include: • Maintaining control of your investment choices.

• Combining all your IRAs into one account.

Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Springfield / Decatur — ­ November 2012

•M aking Traditional IRA contributions to the account in future years. If you leave your 401(k) money with a former employer, you will not be able to make additional contributions.

Once you’ve decided to directly transfer your 401(k) funds into an IRA, you can choose from a variety of investment options.

COUNTRY Trust Bank offers investment accounts managed by a team of professionals to help simplify investment decisions and achieve financial security no matter where you’re starting from. A COUNTRY Financial representative can help you make informed decisions about IRA rollover options and create a tangible plan to fulfill your desire to build for the future. If you have questions about retirement, feel free to call me, Julie Hale Miller at 217-483-4355.

Investment management, retirement, trust and planning services provided by COUNTRY Trust Bank® 1705 N Towanda Ave, PO Box 2020 Bloomington, IL 61702, 800-422-8261. Not FDIC Insured * No Bank Guarantee * May Lose Value Securities Products Offered by COUNTRY ® Capital Management Company 1705 N Towanda Ave, PO Box 2222 Bloomington, IL 61702, 866-551-0060 Member FINRA and SIPC.

Odds of a child becoming a professional athlete: 1 in 16,000 Odds of a child being diagnosed with autism: 1 in 110

Some signs to look for: No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months.

No babbling by 12 months.

No words by 16 months.

To learn more of the signs of autism, visit autismspeaks.org

TM

© 2010 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It’s Time To Listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.

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