December Hattiesburg Healthy Cells 2010 by Healthy Cells Magazine

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

DECEMBER 2010

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OF THE PINE BELT

HOLIDAYS

Happy and Healthy

Healthy Hints for the Holidays pg 6

page 16

Holding Your Own Throughout the Holidays pg 20

Naturally Controlling Blood Pressure pg 9

Holiday Travel

A Healthier Approach! Submitted by Robert Donnell, RPh

uring the holidays, many will be traveling to and from various regions of our country sharing gifts and germs. When you travel and are confined to small areas like planes or automobiles, bacteria and germs floating in the air are breathed in repeatedly. Because of this when our guests arrive they feel great, but in a few hours become ill. Then the pathogen is passed around the entire family, making for an un-merry visit. We look forward to the gifts of the holidays, but often we get travelers revenge instead. These ideas may help you and your guests have a better holiday season. A basic protector is an immune defense supplement used over the years to promote a healthy first line immune response. The researchers’ idea was to find herbs that would activate or stimulate our body’s natural defense mechanisms to kick in and fight off the offending bacteria or virus naturally. Our body has natural killer cells that respond more quickly than the T and C cells. Once activated, natural killer cells’ activity peaks in as quickly as several hours, providing rapid support and a wide range of immune defense. These products are available in capsule form for adults and liquid for children. Of course, this item should not be used when a raging infection has started and for life threatening infections. Prior to traveling, some travelers have found an item we call, fly safe, a real help to ward off offending organisms. This contains Deoxy-d-glucose, a naturally occurring antiviral, a mast cell stabilizer, and green tea extract (antiinfective). This is used to kill viruses in many dosage forms but this particular item is compounded in Shea butter, a soothing cream that is actually placed inside the nostrils. This should be repeated every 4 hours. The theory is that as the person inhales the air passes over the cream in the nose containing the antiviral and this helps ward off the offensive organism. Many report amazing results. Nausea is often a problem when traveling or during illnesses. Over the past decades Dramamine and Meclizine have been the gold standard but they often cause drowsiness. When traveling, alertness is often a necessity, thus we suggest a standardized ginger extract 250mg caps. When NASA was going strong, they did countless research on nausea due to space travel sickness and NASA says this works just as well as the chemicals but without the drowsiness. For jet lag, about 7-10 days prior to departure begin taking melatonin 3mg or 6mg timed release capsules to decrease the effects of jet lag. This will build up the traveler’s melatonin level and help in adjusting to various time zones. When traveling, getting nights and days mixed up can be a real problem and building up these levels helps the body adjust.

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Joint pain and stiffness often results from being in a high altitude or being cooped up in a small space. Get up and walk around, even up and down the isles if traveling by plane. Stop often if driving and do some knee bends, or movement to keep your circulation going. When joint pain is a problem, compounded topical Ketoprofen with Guaifenesin and Magnesium chloride works wonders without Gastric upset. Simply apply 3 times daily to the painful spot. All of the above items can be purchased over the counter at your compounding pharmacy along with other ideas for wellness. We wish for you and yours happy traveling and healthy visits. For more information please contact Robert Donnel, RPh, Jimmy Rodgers, RPh or Missy Collum James at Vital Care Compounder—A Specialty Pharmacy located at 115 South 40th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS Ph. 601-261-0503.

December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 3

Contents

HealthyCells

December 2010 Issue Volume 2, Issue 12

M A G A Z I N E

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.

This Month’s Cover Story:

A Few Of My Favorite Things!

page 16

For information about this publication, contact

Carolyn Jones Blue Moon Marketing at 601.467.3487 or healthycellspinebelt@gmail.com www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

Holiday Travel: A Healthier Approach!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Physical: Let This Be You In 2011!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5 Nutritional: Healthy hints for the holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 Emotional: Am I Paranoid, Or Are People Avoiding Me? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8

1711 W. Detweiller Dr. Peoria, IL 61615 Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE in high traffic locations, including major grocery stores throughout the Pine Belt as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. Healthy Cells Magazine is published monthly. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the Pine Belt of Mississippi. 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 Pine Belt.

Changing Your Life Style: Naturally Controlling Blood Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 A Special Lady: Floanne Kersh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10 Body Health: A Tune-Up May Be Just What the Doctor Orders!. . . . . . . . . . . page 12 Eating Right: Tips for the COPD Patient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15 One Year Celebration: Thank You. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19 Maintain Yourself: Holding Your Own Throughout the Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . page 20 Spider Vein Therapy: When Laser or Sclerotherapy is Not Enough!. . . . . . . . page 22 Hearing Loss: If You Are One of the 40 Million Americans with Hearing Loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Body Health: The Skinny on Weight-Loss Surgery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Sharing the Cheer: “Be a Santa to a Senior”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Making it Right: Recovery and the Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 I wish to thank all the advertisers for their gracious support of Healthy Cells Magazine in our mission to bring positive health related information to our readers. With their generous support we are able to provide this publication FREE to you. — Carolyn Jones

Page 4 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

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Physical

Let This Be You In 2011! By Jennifer Clark, Marathon Makeover of Hattiesburg

n 2010, more than 30 Pine Belt residents took the Marathon Makeover challenge, getting off the couch and finishing 28 half marathons and 11 full marathons. Marathon Makeover is a 40-week wellness program that started in the Jackson area in 2004 and has since trained more than 1500 couch potatoes to finish a half or full marathon. The Hattiesburg program will kick off its 2nd year on January 15. Participants will learn the basics of leading a healthy lifestyle and everything they need to know to train for a marathon. They will have the opportunity to explore different areas of the city, as we get together for group runs/walks on Saturday mornings. Many layers of support in the program will help participants achieve their goals, including support from the local team leader, fellow participants, program alums, local businesses, healthcare professionals, and others. Here’s what some previous MM finishers have said. Sheri Ezell: I joined Marathon Makeover as a sponsor with Forrest General Wellness, and at first it was just something to do. It then turned in to something I had to do, it was my escape from work and stresses of life...it was my “me” time. As a mom, an employee, and a community servant, I give to everyone. This is my time to be selfish, while also improving my health and building relationships. I had no idea how important those relationships would turn out to be...without them I would not have crossed that finish line. Angela Perkins: Marathon Makeover changed my view on exercise. I am usually one to buy some type of equipment every year with major fitness plans. My enrollment in Marathon Makeover has been the most successful. I have lost 40 pounds this year and with the help of the Marathon Makeover plan I have been able to keep the weight off! And I made so many friends! I am a marathoner! I look forward to starting a new season.

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Catherine Lott: A friend of mine was concerned about joining because she was intimidated - by attempting a full marathon and by training with a group. I told her there’s nothing intimidating about it — in fact, the group does the exact opposite. They won’t judge you because you’re not fast enough, or you’re not athletic enough. They’re your crutch, they’re your support and inspiration. They become your friends as you take the long journey together. There’s no way I could have accomplished this huge feat without the support of my Marathon Makeover group. 26.2 miles can be intimidating, but not if you take it one day at a time — one Saturday morning group run at a time. There’s nothing better than crossing that finish line. Going from a couch potato to a marathoner doesn’t necessarily make you an Olympian, but it shows your determination and perseverance. Not only did you just finish 26.2 miles but you accomplished a year-long goal that only a small population can say they’ve done. Get off the couch and join us in 2011, because it’s so much more than a marathon! Through the process of marathon training, Marathon Makeover changes lives: body, mind and spirit. It’s so much more than a marathon! Those who participate in the program achieve a new level of confidence that spills over into all areas of their lives. Stronger families, better parents, new friends and happier, more positive people cross the finish line. It’s so much more than a marathon! The strong community built through the program helps keep participants moving toward the marathon while feeling supported as they work towards achieving their goals. It’s so much more than a marathon! It’s time to take care of YOU! For more information contact Team Leader, Jennifer Clark, 601-270-2756, jclark@marathonmakeover.com. You can also visit the website at www.marathonmakeover.com and join the Facebook page www.facebook.com/marathonmakeover.

December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 5

Nutritional

Page 6 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

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December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 7

Emotional

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

ven though grievers seem to be walking though quicksand, they usually have a heightened awareness of what is going on around them. In particular, they are very aware of being judged, evaluated, or criticized. In earlier columns we talked about the killer cliches that are not helpful to grievers. Unhelpful comments almost always encourage the griever to feel some way other than the way they feel. For example; don’t feel sad, you should feel grateful that you had him/her for so long. In addition to the constant fight against the killer cliches, the griever starts to experience being avoided by people they know. Grievers notice that friends who know about the loss will not approach them or will talk to them and never mention the loss. The truth is that people often do avoid grievers. Since our society has so mis-educated us about loss, we are often led to believe that the griever wants and needs to be alone. Although grievers sometimes want to be alone, more often they want to be treated normally. Because we were never properly taught how to talk about the conflicting feelings caused by loss, we are often afraid to talk to our friends when they have experienced a loss. Therefore our own fear will cause us to avoid grievers or to avoid the subject of their loss. Fear is one of the most common responses to loss. For example, when a spouse dies: How can I go on without them? Or, after a divorce: Where will I find another mate as wonderful, as beautiful? While fear is often the emotional response to loss, in our society, ISOLATION is frequently the behavioral reaction to the fear. Look at the combination outlined above. People avoid grievers because they are mis-informed and afraid. Grievers avoid others because they are afraid and then isolate. Is anybody talking to anyone else, and if so are they talking about anything important to the griever? As the result of tens of thousands of direct interactions with grieving people, we can tell you that what grievers most want and need to do is to talk about “what happened” and talk about their relationship with the person who died or to whom they were married. That does not mean that every griever will want to have a detailed conversation with every one they meet. Nor does it mean that you always have to make yourself available to someone who may need more time than you have. What we are suggesting is that instead of avoiding the subject of the loss that you at least acknowledge it. A simple comment like, I was sorry to hear about your loss, can be very Page 8 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

helpful to a griever who may be questioning his or her own sanity because no one is even mentioning their loss. QUESTION: There are many kinds of losses that produce grief, is there a single definition that encompasses all of the emotions caused by loss? ANSWER: While a universal definition is impossible, we can come very close. Grief is the conflicting group of human emotions caused by a change or an end in a familiar pattern of behavior. Next Month: “I’m Fine...And Other Lies” For information about programs and services, write to The Grief Recovery Institute, P.O. Box 6061-382 Sherman Oaks, CA. 91413. Call [818] 907-9600 or Fax: [818] 907-9329. Please visit our website at: www.grief-recovery.com. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Changing Your Life Style

Naturally Controlling Blood Pressure By Laurie Ryba MSN, CFNP

lood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the arterial walls as it travels through the body. A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 for a healthy adult. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the arteries no longer expand and contract normally. Over time the increased pressure causes the walls of the arteries to enlarge, limiting blood flow and damaging the inner lining. It is very important to not only know your blood pressure but to understand what that pressure means. Blood pressure is measured by using a blood pressure cuff which gives two numbers or measurements. The first measurement is the systolic pressure (the top number) which is when the heart contracts to push blood through the system. The second number is the diastolic pressure (the lower number) when the heart is relaxed and filling back up. The reason hypertension is known as the silent killer is because there many people have no idea that they have it. There are often no symptoms. In fact, nearly one-third of people who have hypertension don’t know it. The only way to know the blood pressure is to have it checked on a regular basis. This is especially important if there is a close relative who has high blood pressure. When the blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look for, including: • Severe headache • Fatigue or confusion • Vision problems • Chest pain • Difficulty breathing • Irregular heartbeat • Blood in the urine • Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears If the blood pressure is not extremely elevated, you can lower it with 10 lifestyle changes: 1. Lose weight. Get your BMI (body mass index, a measurement of weight in relation to height) into the range of 18.5-24.9. Fat inside the abdominal wall is the very dangerous. This fat is metabolically active and puts constant pressure on the vital organs. 2. Eat plenty of whole grains. Have seven to eight servings per day of grains and grain products (these can include breakfast cereal, whole grain bread, rice, pasta, etc.) 3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Having at least eight to 10 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables will ensure you get all the healthy antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

4. D airy up. Consuming two to three servings daily of low-fat or nonfat diary foods will also help build strong bones and teeth and provides vitamin D which is vital to a healthy blood pressure. 5. L imit meat, fish, and poultry to two servings a day. Move the meat off the center of your plate, and enjoy more grains and produce. When you do have meats, fish, and poultry, always chose lean varieties. 6. Limit bad fats and increase good fats in each meal. Monounsaturated fatty acids are good fats that are found in foods such as peanut butter, olive oil, nuts and avocados. These fats help to satisfy the apatite and have been found to reduce abdominal fat. 7. Hold the salt and increase water consumption. Limit your sodium intake to approximately 2,400 milligrams a day (a moderate level). This means eating fewer canned and processed foods, and more fresh foods. Lower sodium and more water means better hydration and less strain on the heart. 8. Get off the couch. Exercising at least 30 minutes per day can significantly reduce blood pressure. Any form of physical activity, done most days of the week, will do the trick. 9. Back off the sweets. Sweets increase the blood sugar, which in turn increases the insulin level. This tends to cause more sugar cravings which make it very difficult to maintain a healthy weight. High insulin levels also set the stage for a metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance. 10. Drink very little alcohol if at all. If you do drink, limit yourself to no more than one drink per day. Alcohol is high in calories and has no nutritional value. The latest studies have linked alcohol intake to a higher risk of many cancers. Working closely with your health care provider to lower your blood pressure naturally may also include the use of several potent nutrients that promote the flexibility and integrity of the arterial wall. When utilizing nutriceuticals to improve and control the blood pressure you may avoid expensive medications and numerous side effects in the process. For more information regarding controlling your blood pressure naturally, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider or call Laurie Ryba, CFNP with Enhanced Wellness of Oak Grove at (601) 264-7286.

December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 9

A Special Lady

Floanne Kersh

Active Adult and Friend to All!

n putting together “A Few of My Favorite Things” I recalled an interview I had done recently and how, when I finished, I knew I had made a new friend; and she certainly was going to be one of my favorite people. The first thing you notice about Floanne Kersh, the Director of Active Adults at the Family YMCA, is her zest for life. She moves about with the style, charm and grace I have come to love about Southern women. In her office it is quickly apparent what is important to Ms. Floanne. People! There are gifts, trinkets, pictures, stuffed animals and more everywhere you turn, all given to her by the many members and friends who want to show their appreciation for the kindness she shows to them. “I’m a social worker” says Ms. Floanne, “I am in the business of working with people, with their spirit, body and mind.” And that is very evident whether she is teaching one of her active adult classes, organizing a Y’s Tripper outing or performing one of her many comedy skits, often as a fund raiser for many of the worthy causes she supports.

Page 10 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

Ms. Floanne has been at the Family Y for 14 years and during that time, she took a non-existent program and has groomed it into a thriving program serving active seniors ranging in age from 50 to almost 90 years of age throughout the Pine Belt. Now with over 125 ACTIVE adults and many more who stop in on occasion, she is a favorite and cherished employee of the Family Y. “I wake up grateful every day and am glad I work for an organization that embodies Christian values while building strong kids, families and communities.” As a small child, Floanne felt the call to entertain and used her front porch as her first stage where she choreographed, directed and even served up bologna sandwiches to the neighborhood audience. From those early beginnings, she has performed and directed many events, all in keeping with her passion for entertaining, encouraging and making people laugh. Whether Floanne is planning one of the three main Active Adult trips or a day trip for Y’s Trippers, organizing talent shows,

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round table discussions, or performing as Madame Mimi from Arabia for school age children, her compassion and love for people oozes from her. Madame Mimi, a beautiful saged fortune teller and her trusted sidekick Camellia (a life size baby camel given to her by her friends) entertain children at local functions and activities in the community. The routine may vary from venue and group, but the underlying message is always the same. Camellia, the Camel is a metaphor providing people with hope, usefullness and a purpose since Camillia was rejected from the Caravan and her family because she was crippled. And Madame Mimi always sees “the best and brightest” in each awestruck face. “I like to be myself. I quit caring a long time ago what others thought of me,” she says. “What I do care about is letting people know how important they are, that they do measure up and that I CARE.” A near death experience in her early 20s taught Floanne a lesson in being afraid, and at the same time brought her very close to God and living each day to the fullest. A loss of a dear and trusted friend and fellow entertainer 18 months ago saddens Floanne, but she is sure “Wilber” is looking down from heaven and laughing with her still. I know where I’ll be spending some of my time in the future. I will be with Ms. Floanne, enjoying the covered dish luncheon held monthly in The Storage Room, a place Forrest General Hospital rents from the Y and granted back to Floanne for “a place for Active Adults to call home,” or judging the December 17 talent show or perhaps I might even try one of her exercise classes. But then again maybe not... I’m not sure I can keep up with her. Floanne Kersh has many scheduled activities and trips planned for Active Adults at the Family Y. For more information contact the Family Y at 601-583-4000.

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Keep the “Happy” in your Holidays! Give us your Shopping List – We’ll Fill It, Wrap It and Deliver It. Delivery Dates: Dec 10, 17 & 23 (Local delivery only) Small convenience free

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ART for a MISSION and Canned Food Drive Dec 11 4-9pm

Historic Downtown Art Walk Dec 11-12

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www.visitmainstreetbooks.com December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 11

Body Health

A Tune-Up May Be Just What the Doctor Orders! Submitted by Provision Living in Hattiesburg

s we age, we expect some “wear and tear” on our bodies, but therapy services provided in assisted living and long term care facilities can help prevent these age-related changes from interfering with LIFE! If you are experiencing some changes that are slowing you down, such as memory loss, balance impairments/fear of falling, pain, joint problems, or overall problems taking care of yourself, a therapy tune-up may be just what the doctor orders. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology may help you get back to the occupation of living. These services are often found in assisted living facilities or long term care facilities. Physical therapists can help you improve your mobility and quality of life without the expense of surgery or side effects of pain medication. Physical therapists are also the health care professionals of choice for rehabilitation for orthopedic, neurologic, cardiopulmonary and many other conditions and injuries. Physical therapists are experts in the way the human body moves. They use treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They will also help you prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs to help you achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle. A physical therapist can help patients control pain, often reducing the need for long-term use of medications. Studies reveal that individuals who receive physical therapy experience greater improvement in function with less pain. While recognizing that medication is an essential component in the management of many acute and chronic conditions, physical therapists can provide an alternative to the long-term use of medications for the management of pain and certain other health conditions.

Page 12 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

The following are health conditions commonly seen by physical therapists: • Arthritis • Back pain • Balance • Burns/wounds • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) • Knee and/or shoulder pain • Musculoskeletal disorders • Osteoporosis

• Headaches • Incontinence • Lymphedema • Pelvic pain • Sprains, strains, and fractures • Stroke • And many more

Occupational therapy services can be provided directly to clients who are experiencing a decline in their level of safety or independence or who face a specific illness or injury. Occupational therapy practitioners work individually with clients to restore function, compensate for lost skills, adapt the environment or activity to facilitate independence, and promote health. Areas of direct treatment intervention in assisted living facilities frequently focus on Activities of Daily Living skills such as bathing and dressing, and other skills such as money management and laundry. Occupational therapists also work with fine motor coordination/dexterity, upper extremity dysfunction, and home safety. However, occupational therapy practitioners also possess the skills to facilitate a resident’s participation in leisure activities, volunteer opportunities, and social interactions within the facility. In the assisted living environment, occupational therapy also addresses power wheelchair mobility training, functional continence retraining, environmental modifications, dementia management, low-vision programming, falls prevention, and psychosocial needs, especially depression. The primary goal of occupational therapy services in these settings is to maximize independence and participation, thereby enabling a resident to continue to live successfully at their highest level of independence. Speech language pathology sounds like they just teach others how to talk, but the focus is much more involved. Speech language pathologists do work on pronouncing sounds correctly and how to learn basic vocabulary, but also on the greater aspects of communication such as teaching patients how to process, understand, formulate, and communicate effectively with the world around them. Speech language pathologists also help patients with social or pragmatic problems learn to communicate more appropriately with others. They also help those with neurological problems due to stroke or dementia with other ways to communiwww.healthycellspinebelt.com

cate, to remember who and where they are, and maintain a sense of their self-identity even as they decline in abilities. Speech pathologists also work with those who are experiencing swallowing disorders. Several diseases, conditions, or surgical interventions can result in swallowing problems. General signs may include: • coughing during or right after eating or drinking • wet or gurgly sounding voice during or after eating or drinking • extra effort or time needed to chew or swallow • food or liquid leaking from the mouth or getting stuck in the mouth • recurring pneumonia or chest congestion after eating • weight loss or dehydration from not being able to eat enough As a result, adults may have: • poor nutrition or dehydration • risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway), which can lead to pneumonia and chronic lung disease • less enjoyment of eating or drinking • embarrassment or isolation in social situations involving eating. Treatment depends on the cause, symptoms, and type of swallowing problem. A speech-language pathologist may recommend specific swallowing treatment (e.g., exercises to improve muscle movement), positions or strategies to help the individual swallow more effectively, and specific food and liquid textures that are easier and safer to swallow. If you or a loved one is experiencing a decline in any of these areas, contact your physical, occupational, or speech therapist today! When developed in conjunction with a physician’s plan of care, these services are reimbursable under Medicare and some private health insurances.

Provision Living in Hattiesburg is pleased to offer these therapy services to all the residents they serve. To reach the therapy department at Provision Living, please call 601-329-2233. For more information, contact Kelly Crawford with The Summit Health and Rehab at 601-906-1034. Sources include: APTA, AOTA, ASHA

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Page 14 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

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Eating Right

Tips for the COPD Patient By Catherine Johnson

or people suffering with a lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, eating should not be taken for granted. According to the American Association for Respiratory Care, a well-nourished body helps fight off infections and may help prevent illness, thus cutting down on hospitalizations. A proper diet will not cure your disease, but it will make you feel better. You will have more energy, and your body will be able to fight infection better. Good nutrition and a balanced diet are essential to everyone`s health, but patients with lung disease must be even more careful than most about following good nutrition guidelines. Food is fuel and the body needs fuel for activities, including breathing. Because the COPD uses a lot of energy for just breathing, ventilatory muscles can require up to ten times the calories required by a healthy person’s muscles. This is why it is so important for someone with COPD to eat properly. Good nutritional support helps maintain the ventilatory functions of the lungs, while lack of proper nutrition can cause wasting of the diaphragm and other pulmonary muscles. The American Association for Respiratory Care offers nutrition tips for persons with COPD. These are general guidelines only. Your doctor is your best source of information on diet and other information about your lung disease. • Select foods from each of the basic food groups to include fruits & vegetables, dairy products, cereal & grains, and proteins. • Limit salt intake. Too much sodium can cause fluid retention that could interfere with breathing. • Limit drinks that contain caffeine. Caffeine might interfere with some of your medications and may cause nervousness. • Avoid gas-producing foods that make you feel bloated. • Eat your main meal early to provide lots of energy to carry you through the day. • Choose easy preparation foods. Rest before eating so that you can enjoy your meal. • Avoid foods that provide little or no nutritional value.

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•T ry eating six smaller meals a day instead of three big ones. This will keep you from filling up your stomach and causing shortness of breath. •E ating and digestion require energy, and this causes your body to use more oxygen. Be sure to wear your cannula while eating - and after meals, too. •E at in a relaxed atmosphere. Try making meals attractive and enjoyable. If meal preparation becomes a burden, there are agencies in many states that will provide meals for people for a small fee or at no charge. Seek local church organizations or government agencies to see what is available in your area. Source: American Association for Respiratory Care www.aarc.org Hattiesburg Medical Supply is located on South 28th Avenue behind Winn-Dixie, Ph. 601-296-6000. Your one source for home medical equipment since 1978.

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Kim Rodgers, Rph 601.582.8351 130 E. Central Ave Petal, MS Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 15

Cover Story

A Few Of My Favorite Things! By Carolyn Jones

erry Christmas - Feliz Navidad - Joyeux Noel - Fröhliche Weihnachten - Gun Tso Sun Tan’Gung Haw Sun - Buone Feste Natalizie-Natale hilare et Annum Faustum. No matter what language you speak, Merry Christmas conjures many memories of Christmas past, and images of Christmas’ to come. • Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation vows his clan will enjoy “the most fun-filled family Christmas ever,” but in the end recognizes what the true “Reason for the Season” is all about. • Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story who can endure all the problems of growing up in middle class America in the 1940’s

as long as he gets the Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. At the end of the day when he is tucked snugly in his bed, he is sure this is the best present he would ever receive. • White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, A Christmas Carol with Alistar Sims, and of course Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer; the list goes on of the many Christmas themed programs all with a similar message in the end. Christmas is a time for gathering together with family and friends and celebrating the birth of Christ. Since moving to the Pine Belt from the blistery North, I have been taken in by the laid back lifestyle, traditional values, and most certainly the mild winters that makes for moving about much more comfortable. I have become involved in many activities throughout the year and the holidays are no exception. Last year I was invited to volunteer at A Birthday Party for Jesus, hosted by Christian Services and held at the Ben McNair Center, which is commonly known as the old YMCA. I accepted and showed up to volunteer and waited for the Celebration to begin at 1 PM. I was overwhelmed with emotion by the crowds of children who came to be part of this event. After working for my assigned time, I left with such a great feeling knowing that I was a part of such a great mission within my own community. So when I began to put my thoughts together about favorite things, this event came to mind. “Christian Services has been hosting A Birthday Party for Jesus, ‘forever’,” says Cookie Prout. “We started this so long ago and each year just gets better. This event has become an Page 16 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

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Photo courtesy of VISITHATTIESBURGTM

annual highlight where we are able to provide 500+ children with an event filled with excitement, fun, joy, love and special gifts.” This year A Birthday Party for Jesus will be held on December 11 at the same location. Anyone wanting to volunteer may call Elaine Hartfield at 601582-5683. Donations of toys ($10.00 range) apples, oranges, and candy will be greatly appreciated. From a very early age, I remember Christmas shopping with my parents. We would bundle up against the cold Illinois winter and venture downtown to shop and take in all the sites of the season. One thing was always consistent then and continues today, the Salvation Army Bell Ringers. The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The traditional red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless, in keeping with the spirit of the season. Donations provide Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need. Financial assistance also helps with basic necessities, along with seasonal aid. Families of prisoners often are included. Volunteers distribute gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, and shelters are open for sit-down dinners. The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Many families receive aid over a period of months after the Christmas season as well, people struggling with difficult family, emotional, or employment problems. Probably one of the most impressive, traditional Christmas events of the season for me is A Victorian Candlelighting. Luminaries adorn the sidewalks and driveways of homes and business in the Historical District of Downtown Hattiesburg. This magical event lights up the streets, and truly sets the stage for Old St. Nick’s arrival. Adding to the festive atmosphere is the 34th Annual Art Walk where local artsians display and sell their pieces. With historic home tours, carriage rides and hot cocoa, this is a great time to bring the whole family and enjoy the Holiday Season.This year the event will be held on December 11 and 12. And for me, the season would not be complete without slipping into my favorite local bookstore downtown, melting into a comfortable chair, sipping on hot cocoa, munching on Made in Mississippi goodies and taking a classic like “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dicken off the shelf and escaping for a few minutes of indulgent reading. It is a much needed oasis amid the hurry and scurry of all the holiday demands. And it certainly ‘Tis the Season for some of the most inspirational and majestic Christmas Programs in our local churches. One of my greatest joys of moving from the stark cold of the north to the warm hospitality of the south is the accepted and expected reverence to Christianity and Christmas is one of the most sigDecember 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 17

Cover Story

continued

nificant times during the year this is recognized. Christmas programs, pageants, cantatas and more are abounding and generally all are free and open to the public. Below is just a smattering of the Christmas Programs in our area: Dec. 5, 6:00 pm Annual Christmas Musical Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1313 Country Club Rd. Hattiesburg, MS, For information call 601.582.3475 Dec. 10, 7:00 pm Christmas Celebration 2010 Temple Baptist Church (West Campus) 5220 Old Hwy 11, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 For more information call 601.450.3056 or www.tbclife.net Dec. 24, 4:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass, Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. This mass is held at the Convention Center for more information call (601) 264-5192. Dec. 5, 12, 19 and Christmas Eve, Advent 2010: The Songs of the Season Parkway Heights UMC, 2420 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS. For more information call 601.544.7873 or www.parkwayheights.org/floating3.php. Whether you attend one of the Christmas events listed here, or find your own, ‘Tis the Season to invite a neighbor or shut-in,

round up the kids, gather friends together and make time to see some of the many holiday festivities the Pine Belt has to offer this Christmas Season. Merry Christmas and have a blessed and prosperous New Year!

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Page 18 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

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Thank You... My grandgirls he

lp me celebrate.

To all who attended my One Year Celebration at Provision Living in Hattiesburg on October 28. To Provision Living and Mitzi Russell for providing wonderful refreshments. To Main Street Books for door prizes. To Light Jewelers and Gemologists for the “Mississippi Snowball” necklace. Anne Edenfield of Home Instead won this lovely necklace.

d a Carr, Melanie an Susan Light, Donn g. attin Wes Girod, MD ch

The Home Inst

ead Team.

Jennifer Clark,

Carolyn Jones, Donna Carr. rolyn Crystal Tolbird, Ca orris -M vis Da and Angela

Susan Light with Anna Edenfield (winner of Miss Snowball necklace).

Susan Light, Carolyn, Melanie and Wes Girod, MD. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Looking forward to many more celebrations! December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 19

Maintain Yourself

Holding Your Own Throughout the Holidays Contributed by Lynda Avery Colbert, CFNP, Forward Health Solutions

t’s December already…so let’s think consider that for a few minutes. Last month we talked about Minimizing Holiday Stress and how to make it through the holidays. Now, it’s time to get through the holidays while wrapping up this year and preparing for the new one. Whether you have achieved all your New Year’s Resolutions or you’re still working to do even one of them before this year ends (after all, it can’t be a complete failure), there’s no sense in sabotaging yourself during the festivities. Of course, the main thing I’m referring to is your health. If you’re like me, you generally need a total body detox and week-long fast in January to clean up the mess you made of your health during the holidays. The following tips can help you maintain your weight this holiday season: Weigh yourself NOW and record your weight in a convenient place. You have to know your starting weight in order to keep it in check. I’ve made it a habit to weigh myself every morning before I eat breakfast. This has helped me to keep off the 45+ pounds I

lost six years ago. One can easily gain 10 pounds without ever “feeling” it in his/her clothes since the gained weight is usually evenly distributed over the entire body. When your weight starts to creep upward, increase the amount of water you drink and start paying closer attention to what you’re eating. Pace yourself with the rich, indulgent foods and beverages. Every time you consume sugar, your pancreas secretes insulin to help transport the sugar into the cells where it can be used for energy. When your blood sugar spikes, you get a rise in your insulin which may be followed by a carb crash. This makes you feel icky and irritable and can generally be remedied by craving and consuming more carbohydrates, leading to weight gain. It is better to eat everything you want to eat within a one-hour time frame and have only one insulin spike, as opposed to numerous ones throughout the day. Pair carbohydrates with protein and/or fiber to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Whenever you have a snack, choose wisely. If you choose potato, tortilla chips, cookies, candy, etc.,

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accompany these carbohydrates with a protein source such as a small portion of cheese, nuts, or lean meat. This will prevent blood sugar and insulin spikes and additional weight gain. Choose your alcoholic beverages wisely. All alcohol was not created equally. If you choose to drink, choose lower calorie sources. Light beer, light wine, and other beverage sources with lesser alcohol content typically have fewer calories. Of course, this is negated if you drink a larger quantity of the “light” versions. Other low calorie options include vodka, whisky sour, and rum. Mixed drinks with multiple alcohols and liqueurs are packed with calories. Be well-hydrated prior to attending parties. Make sure you drink plenty of water the day of a party and during the party. If you are hydrated enough, then chances are you won’t overeat. Sometimes dehydration is disguised as hunger. Take it easy on other sugary beverages. While extremely tasty, mocha punches, eggnog, and hot cocoa can really pack on the pounds if you’re not careful to limit yourself. Resist grazing on office snacks all day long. Keep those yummy treats your clients, neighbors, and co-workers bring to you out of plain sight. Although you don’t want them to go to waste (or should I say go to “waist”?), you don’t have to make it your personal mission to finish them all off on your own. Put some in storage containers and freeze them for later. Besides, they’re harder to get to in the freezer!! Eat fresh fruits and vegetables at meal time. Don’t give up your regular good eating habits just because holiday foods are pushing their way into your diet. Keep high fiber cereal in your pantry. A good friend of mine (also an anti-aging healthcare provider), uses this trick. Normally, he has an impeccably clean diet, and there doesn’t seem to be an ounce of fat on

his body. However, on the rare occasion that he eats something fried or otherwise fat or carbohydrate-laden, he eats a bowl of high fiber cereal with organic skim milk within a couple of hours of the “cheat”. This theoretically helps to absorb extra sugar and fat and pushes all the “junk” through more quickly. Get adequate rest. Too many late night parties can take their toll on your health. Get to bed at a decent time whenever you can. There’s a direct link between insomnia and obesity. Take time to relax or unwind from all the holiday hustle and bustle. Go for a walk, watch a movie, hang out with friends, or whatever de-stresses you. Remember that stress causes the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol, which can increase your waist size. “’Tis the season to be jolly!” Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the staff at Forward Health Solutions. For more information on stress reduction, weight reduction, hormonal balance, and anti-aging medicine, contact Dr. Rebecca Boyd or Lynda Colbert, CFNP at Forward Health Solutions, 32 Milbranch Rd., Suite 20, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, 601-450-2077.

Specializing in Integrative Medicine • Adrenal Fatigue Evaluation and Treatment • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Food Allergy Testing • Gastrointestinal Testing • HCG Weight Loss • Heavy Metal Testing • IV Nutritional Therapy • Neurotransmitter Testing for Depression, Sleep, and Anxiety • Nutritional Consulting and Evaluation

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December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 21

Spider Vein Therapy

When Laser or Sclerotherapy is Not Enough! Submitted by Eden Medispa Photos courtesy of J. David Holcomb, MD

pider veins may be harmless and generally cause no pain or discomfort , but they certainly are unslightly in appearance. Spider Veins are small dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. They can develop anywhere on the body but are commonly seen on the face around

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Page 22 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

the nose, cheeks, and chin. They can also develop on the legs, specifically on the upper thigh, below the knee joint, and around the ankles. The medical name for spider veins is telangiectasia. Enlarged veins in the legs, both spider veins and varicose veins, are generally a result of venous insufficiency, a condition where blood pools in the veins due to excessive pressure and impaired drainage. In turn, venous insufficiency is caused by the damage to the vein valves that normally prevent the backflow of blood. The valves can typically get damaged for two reasons: excessive pressure and weakness of vessel walls. Thus, whatever increases pressure and impairs blood drainage from leg veins tends to contribute to the development of spider and/or varicose veins. Facial spider veins are slightly different. They tend to be smaller and are generally not caused by excess pressure or vein valve damage. They are typically caused by the damage resulting from sun exposure or inflammatory conditions (such as acne rosacea). A combination of direct damage to vessel walls and excessive and prolonged dilation (e.g. due to chronic inflammation or irritation) often leads to facial spider veins / broken capillaries. A number of factors are associated with the development of spider veins: • Increasing age • Family history of vein problems (spider or varicose viens) • Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause. Sometimes hormonal contraceptives may cause or worsen spider veins. (This factor is more relevant for spider veins on the legs.) • Pregnancy. In addition to hormonal changes, pregnancy causes increase in blood pressure and volume, which can lead to spider veins on the legs. • Various factors increasing blood volume and pressure in the legs (obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing, heavy lifting, etc.). • Sun exposure, inflammatory skin diseases, such as rosacea, chronic skin irritation/inflammation. (This factor is more relevant for spider veins on the face.) While previous treatments have included lasers and other light-based solutions, these are expensive, skin-type dependent and have an inherent risk of injury. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

A new technology uses a hair-thin, insulated probe to thermocoagulate, (using heat produced by high-frequency electric current to bring about localized destruction of tissues) and instantly eliminate vessels dependably, repeatably, on any skin-type and on any part of the body. This new Thermolysis System provides a superior solution for the treatment of fine telangiectasia, spider veins and small angiomas, especially difficult vessels that have shown a resistance to sclerotherapy, laser or IPL treatment. It is a fast, easy way to reliably treat these and other cosmetically unacceptable conditions, often with less discomfort compared to older therapies. Patients using this new this new technology have seen great results including: • Treat a wide range of fine vessels, vascular abnormalities and skin tags, anywhere on the body • Consistent, repeatable results, with little or no discomfort • Clears even difficult to treat vessels laser/IPL and sclero leave behind • Fast, immediate results • Usually only a single treatment required

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Hearing Loss If You Are One of the 40 Million Americans with Hearing Loss, Here’s What You Are Missing By Dr. Michael Hunt, Ph.D., A.C.A., AAS

hile the average age of a first-time hearing wearer is 70 years of age, nearly half of all people with hearing loss are below the age of 55. That’s 20 million people! In other words, most of you wait 15 years before you act. Why is this important? Because to delay the decision to seek treatment is to be unaware or uncaring of the impact hearing loss has on your life as well as the lives of your family, friends, business associates and others. Many of you with hearing problems are well-aware your hearing loss has deteriorated, yet you delay purchasing hearing aids with a number of excuses: “My hearing loss isn’t bad enough yet.” “Those things are just for old people.” Or, “I can get by without them.” This is so unfortunate and unnecessary because, since hearing loss is gradual, you do not realize how much your quality of life may have deteriorated and continues to deteriorate. The Consequences of Hearing Loss It’s very easy to forget how important hearing loss is to your quality of life. After all, we live in a visually oriented society, so hearing plays a secondary role. But, ignoring a hearing problem can negatively impact your life in several critical ways: • Embarrassment and avoidance of social activities. • Fatigue, irritability and stress. • Negativity and depression.

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• Danger to personal safety. • Loneliness and rejection by others. • Impaired memory. • Reduced overall psychological health. For those of you still in the work force, there are additional consequences: • Less adaptability to learning new tasks. • Reduced opportunity for promotion. • Less overall job effectiveness. Specific examples of the importance of hearing well in everyday life include the grandfather whose family thought he was senile instead of just hearing impaired because of inappropriate responses in conversation. Or to the executive who lost a key piece of business because he misheard the client’s needs. And many hearing professionals, myself included, know of children who are misdiagnosed as having learning disabilities, hyperactivity or having short attention spans when in fact they had difficulty hearing. There is no doubt that the inability to hear well will negatively affect your communication skills. Yet today 40 million Americans experience hearing loss and nearly 80% of them (32 million) do not seek help. Imagine if 80% of those with poor eyesight did not receive treatment.

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The Benefits of Hearing Aids Today’s sophisticated technologically advanced hearing aids are a vast improvement over those available even a few years ago. Most are digital, “miniature computers so to speak,” that have essentially eliminated “whistling and buzzing” – feedback – provide a much more natural sound, can tell speech cues from all other sounds, can self adjust from one environment to another and can be programmed to help you hear on the telephone and in the places where you spend the most time. Even more impressive than the technical advances are the ways this digital hearing aid can improve your quality of life: • Increased self-esteem • More social activity • Increased emotional stability • Greater feeling of control over your life. • Greater earning power • Improved interpersonal relationships • Reduced anger, frustration, depression and anxiety. • Improved speech and short term memory. If you (or your spouse or love one) have mild, moderate or severe to profound hearing or understanding issues, consider all the above listed benefits and you’ll quickly see how hearing rehabilitation can have a positive impact on many, many lives. Even the Social Stigma is Going Away Lots of people with hearing loss are concerned that they will look “old” or “handicapped” to others. But think for a moment how common it is today to see someone with earphones connected to a cell phone, ipod, music player or a personal date devise. Society is now more “plugged-in” than ever before and this phenomenon will only increase in the future. No one pays any attention to hearing aids in your ears anymore. It’s also important to know that others will be much less aware of a hearing aid than you will be and your misinterpreting words, responding inappropriately, and being left out of conversations are much more obvious than a hearing aid. Because of the modern digital technology and miniaturization, most hearing aids today are very discreet, extremely small, colored for your hair and complexion and are virtually invisible to the average person. Call a Hearing Professional today for an Appointment It simply cannot be overstated. Seeking early treatment for your hearing loss has the potential to change your life. Both for you and the people in your life – especially the people in your life! Simply contact my clinic and schedule a discreet, personal consultation. There is no charge for the consultation. If I’m willing to give you an hour of my time, why won’t you? Together we will discuss your hearing problems, evaluate your hearing and understanding issues. Once we have determined if and what your hearing problems are, then I will discuss your options and needs. Again, there is no charge for these services. If you need a hearing aid I will be able to discuss with you which type of technology is best suited for your needs. Don’t delay! The sooner you act, the sooner you can improve and re-establish communications with those around you and fully experience what life has to offer. I wear hearing aids – I can and will help you. Will you let me? Dr. Hunt is the Owner/Director of HearingSolutions of South Mississippi, LLC. For more information on this article and your hearing problems contact him at 601-450-0066. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

601-270-2756 December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 25

Body Health

The Skinny on Weight-Loss Surgery Surgery not only helps shed pounds, but also provides health benefits By Wesley Medical Center

any of us have been on some type of diet in our lives. Some of us have spent our entire lives trying the latest fad diet, each time ending up right back where we started. Plus, about 90 percent of diets fail in the long run. More than 72 million Americans are obese or severely overweight. Each year, obesity causes more than 112,000 deaths in the United States, and it’s associated with numerous health problems: type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, gallstones, liver disease, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heart failure, degenerative joint disease, birth defects, miscarriages, asthma, and cancer. If you have a body mass index greater than 35 (generally more than 70 pounds over your ideal weight), you may benefit from weight-loss surgery. Weight-loss surgery – also known as bariatric surgery – once thought of as primarily a cosmetic procedure, can offer lifesaving

Page 26 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

health benefits. It’s estimated that in 2008, approximately 220,000 people in the U.S. had weight-loss surgery.

Since 1960, adult Americans have increased average height by one inch and average weight by 25 pounds, according to The Obesity Society. A 2004 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that bariatric surgery patients lost between 62 and 75 percent of their excess body weight. Beyond simple weight loss, there were significant improvements to chronic health

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conditions: 76.8 percent of bariatric surgery patients experienced remission of type 2 diabetes; hypertension was eliminated in more than 61 percent of patients and significantly lowered in 78 percent; more than 70 percent experienced a drop in cholesterol levels; and sleep apnea was eliminated in more than 85 percent of patients. There are various types of bariatric surgeries: • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most common bariatric surgery, accounting for about 80 percent of all weight-loss surgeries. Surgeons create a small gastric pouch to reduce food intake. They then attach a Y-shaped section of the small intestine to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach and parts of the intestine. The procedure is performed with a laparoscope through several small incisions. • Adjustable gastric banding or LAP-BAND is the second most common bariatric surgery, representing 15 to 20 percent of all weight-loss surgeries. Surgeons place a band around the upper stomach with a laparoscope, limiting food intake to one to three ounces. The band can be tightened or loosened over time to change the passage’s size. One advantage to this surgical option is that this procedure is reversible. • Duodenal switch, similar to the gastric bypass, surgeons create a small stomach pouch and disconnect it from the upper small intestine, reconnecting it to another part of the small intestine, much lower down than the reconnection site of the gastric bypass procedure. Because even more of the small intestine is bypassed, even fewer calories are absorbed. • Gastric sleeve or vertical sleeve restricts food intake, by removing most of the stomach. The remaining stomach “sleeve” will hold about one-fourth of a cup of liquid, and over time, the stomach can expand to hold approximately one cup of food. This procedure is not reversible. The Bariatric and Weight Loss Center at Wesley Medical Center offers the minimally invasive, LAP-BAND procedure. The highly skilled team includes dedicated registered dieticians, bariatric unit nurses and specialty-trained surgeons. Also offered are two support groups every month and on-going classes to educate patients in new eating habits, exercise and nutrition. If you’re considering the LAP-BAND procedure, keep in mind that candidates must: • Have a body mass index of 35 or more • Be between ages 18 and 65 • Have no drug or alcohol dependency, or have at least one year of sobriety • Have documented attempts to lose weight medically • Be a nonsmoker for at least two months • Be committed to improving your health and lifestyle As with any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery may present risks. Talk with your doctor about whether you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery and together, discuss the risks and benefits. Remember that you must be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle – including adopting very different eating habits and in-

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Wesley Medical Center will host a one-hour information session on bariatric surgery on December 13. Call 601-450-2431 for more information. creased exercise – as well as nutritional counseling and lifelong medical follow-up, after surgery. To learn more, visit www.wesley.com/bariatrics. Here you’ll be able to learn more about the LAP-BAND program and locate your body mass index with the adult BMI calculator. You can also call 601-450-2431 to learn more about weight loss surgical options. Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health. © Copyright 2010 - Community Health Systems. These articles are for use by CHSaffiliated hospitals only. Sources: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, http:// www2.niddk.nih.gov/; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/ obesity; The Obesity Society, www.obesity.org; American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, www.asmbs.org; WebMD, www.webmd.com

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December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 27

Sharing the Cheer

“Be a Santa to a Senior” Submitted by Anna Edenfield; Home Instead

he generosity of gifts to local needy seniors is being planned again this holiday season. Area retailers, along with agencies that serve older adults, have partnered with a local senior-care service to make sure that isolated seniors receive gifts and companionship through the Be a Santa to a Senior program. The popular campaign that began locally last year delivered more than 250 gifts. Throughout North America, this is the sixth year of the program where last year more than 28,000 volunteers distributed gifts to deserving seniors. In the past five years since introducing this Be a Santa to a Senior program, this program has helped provide more than one million gifts to 700,000 seniors in North America. Be a Santa to a Senior is a great way to give back to the older adults in our community during the hectic holiday

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“We hope to reach out to many with this gesture of holiday cheer and goodwill.” season when many are forgotten is sponsored by the Home Instead Senior Care office serving central Mississippi. The holiday is often considered a time for children, but seniors – especially those who are isolated and lonely – need to be remembered as well. One that has been discovered is that the gifts Seniors like and want are simple everyday items that we all take for granted. Blankets, pajamas, slippers and robes top the list. If the donor is unsure, a simple gift card is always deeply appreciated. Be a Santa to a Senior also is designed to help stimulate human contact and social interaction for older adults who are unlikely to have guests during the holidays. Here’s how the program, which runs from Nov. 16th through Dec. 8th, works: Prior to the holiday season, the participating local non-profit organizations have identified needy and isolated seniors in the community and provide those names to Home Instead Senior Care for this community service program. A Christmas tree, which will go up in the Turtle Creek mall on November 16th, dedicated by Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny Dupree and his staff, will feature ornaments with the first names only of the seniors and their respective gift requests. Holiday shoppers can pick up an ornament, buy items on the list and return them unwrapped to the mall office, along with the ornament attached. Home Instead Senior Care then enlists the volunteer help of its staff, senior-care business associates, non-profit workers and local Social Workers to collect, wrap and distribute the gifts to these seniors. The gift-wrapping day, when hundreds of the presents will be wrapped, will be held in the activities room at Provision Living on December 16th at 10:00AM and all are welcome to join and kick off their Christmas Season with this festive event. “Be a Santa to a Senior is a way to show our gratitude to those older adults who have contributed so much to our community,” Bob and Anna Edenfield said. “We hope to reach out to many with this gesture of holiday cheer and goodwill.” Businesses are encouraged to contact the local Home Instead Senior Care office about adopting groups of seniors. For more information about the program, log on to www.beasantatoasenior.com. For more information about Be a Santa to a Senior, or if you or someone you know is interested in volunteering to help on the gift-wrapping day, contact Anna Edenfield or anyone on her staff at (601) 261-2114. www.healthycellspinebelt.com

December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • Page 29

Making it Right

Recovery and the Holidays Submitted by Sarah G. Pardue ICADC, CADC, Continuing Care Counselor, Pine Grove Next Step

ow does one stay in recovery through the holidays. Holidays are a time of celebrations with family, friends, and business associates. All with their unwritten expectations: family traditions, peer pressure, and employment stress. People with addictions and people pleasing attitudes tend to believe they have to meet all these people’s expectations at whatever cost to themselves. There is a big difference between doing what’s expected and doing the right thing. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard patients and individuals in 12 step programs say:” I don’t want them to be mad at me”, “I don’t want to lose my job”, “this is what we’ve always done”, or “I can’t ask them not to drink or not to do whatever might interfere with them and their recovery.” I’ve seen many individuals stress themselves out so much before the actual day got here that they acted out in their disease and spoiled that day for themselves and all those other people. When someone in recovery is in this mindset then they are already in trouble. First they are not living in today. They are not working their program to the fullest extent. They have great difficulty being redirected. The decision you have to make today is the same as it is every day, not to act out in your disease just for today. You have to keep your priorities in order and do the next right thing for your recovery. Families, friends and employers might not understand. They probably will not. They will probably think you are being selfish or something is wrong. This is one time you need to be selfish and then something won’t be wrong – it will be very right. You will have given yourself and them the greatest gift in the world, your continued recovery. Rely on the God of your understanding, your sponsor, your 12 step meetings, and your daily program of recovery. You will then make the right decision on that day and with the right motivation. Recovery needs to always be the number one thing on your mind and in your life. Everything else will fall in place. You will have one the most memorable, spiri-

Page 30 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Pine Belt • December 2010

tual, and gratitude fulfilled days of your life. All those people in your life will one day be grateful that they weren’t visiting you in jail or an institution, or attending your funeral. So how does one stay in recovery during the holidays? The same way you stay in recovery today!! One Day at a Time. God Bless and Happy Holidays!! For more information contact Pine Grove Next Step at 601-288-CARE.

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

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