SPRINGFIELD/DECATUR
area
Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional • Nutritional
December 2010
FREE
HealthyCells
TM
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
Is an Interventional Radiologist for You? page 14
Fibromyalgia page 6 Healthy Holiday Baking page 12
New Option for Sinus Sufferers
page 20
m a g a z i n e
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 3
HealthyCells
Contents
December, 2010 Volume 1, Issue 4
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:
Is an Interventional Radiologist for You? page 14
For information about this publication, contact Becky Arndt
217-413-1884
BeckyLArndt@gmail.com www.healthycellsmagazine.com Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:
Emotional: Fibromyalgia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 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 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.
Nutritional: Where Kids Get Their Empty Calories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8 Physical: Are You Physically Active? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10 Change for the Better: Healthy Holiday Baking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12 Prevention: Stop, Wash, and Go. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Women’s Health: Excessive Menstrual Bleeding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18 Balloon Sinuplasty: New Minimally Invasive Option for Sinus Sufferers . . . . . page 21 Men’s Health: Bladder Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Bone Health: Maintaining Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Long Term Treatment: Feeling Whole After Mastectomy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26
Page 4 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 5
Emotional
Fibromyalgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is fibromyalgia? A: Fibromyalgia (fye-bro-mye-AL-ja) is a disorder that causes aches and pain all over the body. People with fibromyalgia also have “tender points” throughout their bodies. Tender points are specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs that hurt when pressure is put on them. Q: What causes fibromyalgia? A: The causes of fibromyalgia are not known. Researchers think a number of factors might be involved. Fibromyalgia can occur on its own, but has also been linked to: • Having a family history of fibromyalgia • Being exposed to stressful or traumatic events • Car accidents • Injuries to the body caused by performing the same action over and over again (called “repetitive” injuries) • Infections or illnesses • Being sent to war Q: What can I do to try to feel better? A: Besides taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, there are many things you can do to lessen the impact of fibromyalgia on your life. These include: • Getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep and the right kind of sleep can help ease the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia. Most adults need seven to eight hours of “restorative” sleep per night. Restorative sleep leaves you feeling well-rested and ready for your day to start when you wake up. It is hard for people with fibromyalgia to get a good night’s sleep. It is important to discuss any sleep problems with your doctor, who can recommend treatment for them. • Exercising. Although pain and fatigue may make exercise and daily activities difficult, it is crucial to be as physically active as possible. Research has repeatedly shown that regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments for fibromyalgia. People
Page 6 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
who have too much pain or fatigue to do hard exercise should just begin to move more and become more active in routine daily activities. Then they can begin with walking (or other gentle exercise) and build their endurance and intensity slowly. • M aking changes at work. Most people with fibromyalgia continue to work, but they may have to make big changes to do so. For example, some people cut down the number of hours they work, switch to a less demanding job, or adapt a current job. If you face obstacles at work, such as an uncomfortable desk chair that leaves your back aching or difficulty lifting heavy boxes or files, your employer may make changes that will enable you to keep your job. An occupational therapist can help you design a more comfortable workstation or find more efficient and less painful ways to lift. • Eating well. Although some people with fibromyalgia report feeling better when they eat or avoid certain foods, no specific diet has been proven to influence fibromyalgia. Of course, it is important to have a healthy, balanced diet. Not only will proper nutrition give you more energy and make you generally feel better, it will also help you avoid other health problems.
Q: Will fibromyalgia get better with time? A: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, meaning it lasts a long time — possibly a lifetime. However, it may be comforting to know that fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease. It is never fatal, and it will not cause damage to the joints, muscles, or internal organs. In many people, the condition does improve over time. For more information on fibromyalgia, call womenshealth.gov at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations: •N ational Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: (877) 226-4267 or (301) 495-4484, www.niams.nih.gov. • Arthritis Foundation: (800) 283-7800, www.arthritis.org • N ational Fibromyalgia Association: (714) 921-0150, www.fmaware.org Reviewed by: Daniel Clauw, M.D. Director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center University of Michigan
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 7
Nutritional
Where Kids Get Their Empty Calories By Harrison Wein, Ph.D.
N
early 40% of the energy consumed by 2- to 18-year-olds comes in the form of “empty” calories—those from solid fats and added sugars—a new study has found. Half of those empty calories come from the solid fats and added sugars in just 6 sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza and whole milk. Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled. Today, nearly 1 in 3 children nationwide is overweight or obese, which increases the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and asthma. The growing weight problems of our nation’s children stem from a combination of greater energy consumption (counted in calories) and less physical activity. The solution to childhood obesity will involve changes in both diet and physical activity. The best way to cut energy intake is to limit unnecessary empty calories. To help limit the empty calories children are consuming, doctors and policy makers first need a better understanding of where the calories come from. Drs. Jill Reedy and Susan M. Krebs-Smith of NIH’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) set out to examine the sources of total energy and empty calories in American children’s diets. The researchers used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which gathered information on the diets of over 14,000 children from 2 to 18 years old. The results appeared
Page 8 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The researchers found that nearly 40% of the children’s total energy came from empty calories. In contrast, experts recommend that children limit their intake of empty calories to between 8% and 20% of their total calories. Sugar-sweetened beverages, a major source of empty calories, contributed a whopping 10% of total energy. Overall, the top five sources of energy for children were grain desserts (cakes, cookies, donuts, pies, crisps, cobblers and granola bars), pizza, soda, yeast breads and chicken dishes. Not surprisingly, the major sources of energy varied by age group. For instance, beef was a top source for 14to 18-year-olds, but not for younger children. Major energy sources also varied by ethnicity. For example, non-Hispanic children consumed more energy from sugar-sweetened beverages (soda and fruit drinks) than from milk, whereas Mexican Americans consumed more energy from milk than from sugarsweetened beverages. Studies have shown that interventions can successfully help people change their diets. But the researchers emphasize the importance of reducing the number of empty calories in the food supply in the first place. “It’s unreasonable to expect people to be able to change their eating behaviors when so many forces in the environment conspire against making healthy choices,” Reedy says. These findings suggest that sugarsweetened drinks should be a major target of efforts to improve our children’s health.
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 9
Physical
Are You Physically Active? P
hysical activity is a good way to improve your health and have fun. You may think of physical activity as exercise and special equipment—actually, it means moving your body. Look around; whether you live in the city, the country, or in between, you’ll find many ways to be active. You can take a walk, work in the garden, briskly push a baby stroller, climb the stairs, play soccer, or dance the night away. To improve your health and fitness, get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. Moderate physical activity is
Page 10 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
any activity that takes about as much energy as a brisk walk—for the average person, this is a pace of about 2 miles in 30 minutes. No matter what you choose, you can do it all at once, or divide it into two or three parts during the day. Even small, 10-minute bursts of activity count toward your total. Benefits of physical activity • Makes you feel good • Increases your fitness level
• Helps build and maintain bones, muscles, and joints • Builds endurance and muscle strength • Enhances flexibility and posture • Helps manage weight • Lowers risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and Type II diabetes • Helps control blood pressure • Improves self-esteem and feeling of well-being • Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety Make physical activity a regular part of your day Choose activities that you enjoy and can do regularly. You can fit them into your daily routine by walking to and from the parking lot, bus stop, or subway station, or taking extra trips up and down the stairs. Or, maybe an exercise class would work best for you. Be creative. Keep it interesting by trying something different on alternate days. What’s important is to be active most days of the week and make it part of your lifestyle. For example, you may already be walking your dog for 10 minutes before and after work. Add a short walk at lunchtime to reach your 30-minute goal for the day. Or, how about swimming 3 times a week and taking a yoga class on the other days? Get the whole family involved—enjoy an afternoon bike ride with your kids. Be ready for activity wherever you are. Keep some comfortable clothes and a pair of walking or running shoes in your car and office. Some types of physical activity are especially beneficial: • Aerobic activities—speed up your heart rate and breathing. They improve heart and lung fitness. Brisk walking, jogging, and swimming are some aerobic activities. • Resistance, strength building, and weightbearing activities— work your bones and muscles against gravity. Carrying a child, lifting weights, and walking are all weightbearing activities. They help to build and maintain your muscles and bones. • Balance and stretching activities—enhance your physical stability and reduce your risk of injuries. Gentle stretching, dancing, yoga, martial arts, and T’ai Chi can increase both balance and flexibility and help you relax, too. Physical activity and nutrition Physical activity and nutrition work together for better health. Being active increases the amount of calories you burn. As we age our metabolism slows, so we have to move more and eat less to maintain our energy balance. Physical activity and weight management Physical activity can help you lose weight and keep it off. The amount of physical activity needed will vary depending on many factors such as age, weight, eating habits, and lifestyle. If you are not physically active and want to lose weight, start with 30 or more minutes of moderate activity each day. You may need more than 30 minutes of moderate activity each day to lose and then maintain your weight loss. Help children be active Children and adolescents benefit from activity, too. It is recommended that they get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Here are some tips to help children be active:
To improve your health and fitness, get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. • Set a good example. Arrange active family events in which everyone takes part. Join your children’s activities—then, everyone wins. • Encourage your children to be active by jumping rope, playing tag, riding a bike, or dancing. • Support your children’s participation in school or community sports or classes, as well as individual sports. • Limit television watching, computer games, and other inactive forms of play by alternating them with periods of activity. For older Americans… You’re never too old to benefit from regular physical activity. There are many activities that you can do at any age. Staying strong and flexible has important benefits. It can help to: •R educe your risk of falls and broken bones. • Preserve your muscle and joint stability. • Improve your ability to live independently. The Bottom Line •G et at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most, preferably all, days of the week. • If you are inactive, become active. • I f you are already active, maintain or increase your activity level. • I f you are over age 40 (men) and 50 (women) or have a chronic health problem, see a health care provider before increasing your activity level. •H elp children get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity daily. • Choose activities, recreational events, or structured programs that fit into your lifestyle. • Stay active throughout your life and have fun! Information provided by the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 11
Change for the Better
Healthy Holiday Baking By Sara Lopinski, MS, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian, Prairie Heart Institute, St. John’s Hospital
H
oliday baking can be toxic to your waistline, but with some simple modifications, you can enjoy the holiday treats without the usual weight gain.
4. K eep sodium in line. Some baked goods can be high in sodium. Your goal is no more than ½ teaspoon salt per batch, so first try reducing salt to ¼ teaspoon.
1. Make your recipes more heart healthy. • Replace some of the fat with oil. For every tablespoon of butter you replace with heart healthy oil, you eliminate at least 5 grams of saturated fat from your recipe. Replace up to ½ of the butter with oil for the best results. With this strategy you may lose some of the tenderizing and moisture-retaining properties, so be sure to store your cookies in an airtight container. •R eplace fats with pureed fruit or vegetables. Try applesauce, prune puree or canned pumpkin in place of some of the butter margarine or shortening. Using a fat-replacer will give you a more cake-y, softer texture. Experiment to find the best ratio of fat and fruit or vegetable.
5. E liminate trans fat. Avoid as much as possible ingredients that contain partially hydrogenated oil or trans fats, such as stick margarine and most vegetable shortenings. By making your own cookies, you can use the healthiest ingredients and avoid most or all of the processed ingredients that are found in many packaged cookies.
2. R eplace unhealthy fats. Try replacing some of the butter with non-traditional cookie ingredients, including nonfat plain yogurt, nonfat buttermilk or fruit juice. Try 1 to 4 tablespoons of the liquid ingredient in place of up to 4 tablespoons of butter. 3. A dd fiber to your cookies. Replace some or all of the allpurpose flour with whole-wheat flour or replace ¼ to ½ cup of the flour with whole rolled oats or oats that have been ground into a flour. Ground flaxseed can also add fiber to cookies. Use 2 to 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseed per batch of cookies.
Page 12 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
Dietitians aren’t trying to be scrooges this time of year, but are trying to help you get through this difficult time of year. Try to make smaller batches of cookies – the first few you eat taste the very best. Keep moving as much as possible. Drink water or chew gum when you bake, so you aren’t tempted to sample the finished product. Enjoy your holiday meals, but try to continue to eat sensibly. Visualize how you want to feel on January 2nd when the holidays are over – completely out of control or mindful that you did the best you could with your holiday eating. Sara edited the Eat Well, Be Well Cookbook that is for sale for $15 at the Center for Living on the 1st floor of Prairie Heart Institute at St. John’s Hospital.
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
CRUSTLESS STRUESEL PUMPKIN PIE You’ll never miss the crust. INGREDIENTS Non-stick cooking spray ¼ c. Brown Sugar Splenda™ for Baking ¼ c. oats, dry 1 Tb. tub margarine 15 oz. can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) 12 oz. can fat-free evaporated milk 3 egg whites ½ c. Splenda™ for Baking or ¼ c. granular Splenda™ + ¼ c. white sugar ½ c. all-purpose flour ¼ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. ginger 1 tsp. cinnamon PREPARATION Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 10 inch X 1.5 inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside. For topping, combine the brown sugar, oats and margarine in a small bowl, and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients in the order listed and mix on medium speed until smooth. Pour mixture into pie plate; sprinkle with topping. Place in oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for about 4 hours or until chilled. Slice into 8 servings. Store pie covered in the refrigerator. Serve with fat-free whipped topping if desired. YIELD
8 servings
CALORIES PER SERVING FAT CALORIES CHOLESTEROL SODIUM CARBOHYDRATE FIBER PROTEIN CALCIUM Provided by:
140 15 0 mg. 70 mg. 22 gm. 2 gm. 4 gm. 150 mg.
MINI CHERRY CHEESECAKES The perfect low-fat dessert for the cherry cheesecake lover. INGREDIENTS 40 reduced-fat vanilla wafers 1 pkg. (8 oz.) fat-free cream cheese, softened ¼ tsp. almond extract 1½ c. skim milk 1 pkg. (4-serving size) sugar-free, fat-free cheesecake instant pudding mix 20-oz. can no-sugar-added cherry pie filling 1 c. Cool Whip Free®, thawed PREPARATION Place one vanilla wafer on bottom of 6-ounce custard dish. Position 4 additional vanilla wafers around the side of the dish to form a “crust.” Set aside. Beat cream cheese and almond extract in a medium bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until well blended. Add skim milk and mix until blended. Using a wire whisk, combine the cream cheese mixture with the pudding mix and whisk for one minute. Fill each custard dish with ¼ cup of the cream cheese pudding mixture, and top each with ¼ cup cherry pie filling. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons fat-free whipped topping. YIELD
8 servings
CALORIES PER SERVING FAT CALORIES CHOLESTEROL SODIUM CARBOHYDRATE FIBER PROTEIN CALCIUM
170 15 < 5 mg. 410 mg. 32 gm. 0 gm. 6 gm. 100 mg.
ara Lopinski, MS, RD, LDN, S Center for Living Dietitian, St. John’s Hospital
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 13
Feature Story
Is an Interventional Radiologist for You? By Nicole Beard
E
ach day that we wake up healthy with no pain in our body is a blessing. But many people wake up each day to aches and pains that seem to have no relief. Some try to ease the pain on their own through physical therapy, chiropractic work, pain relievers, massage and other non-surgical methods. But what do you do when nothing you try seems to ease your pain? For many years surgery was the only treatment available, but today many of these conditions can be treated non-surgically by interventional radiologists. Interventional radiology treatments offer less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. They offer the most in-depth knowledge of the least invasive treatments available, coupled with diagnostic and clinical experience across all specialties. They use X-rays, MRI, CT, Ultrasound and other imaging to perform a wide range of procedures to treat the problem non-surgically. A Brief History of Interventional Radiology Technology and medicine are constantly changing, relying on one another to evolve and bring about new ideas and procedures. For the past 40 years, interventional radiologists have been responsible for much of the medical innovation and development of minimally invasive procedures that are commonplace today. As recent technology began evolving, interventional radiologists were using this to their advantage, pioneering modern medicine with the invention of angioplasty and the catheter-delivered stent, which were first used to treat peripheral arterial disease. By using a catheter to open the blocked artery, the procedure allowed an 82-year-old woman, who refused amputation surgery, to keep her left foot which was ravaged by gangrene. To her surgeon’s disbelief, her pain ceased, she started walking, and three “irreversibly” gangrenous toes spontaneously sloughed. She left the hospital on her feet—both of them. Charles Dotter, MD, the interventional radiologist that pioneered this technique, is known as the “Father of Interventional Radiology” and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1978. Angioplasty and stenting revolutionized medicine, leading the way for the more widely known applications of coronary artery angioplasty and stenting that transformed the practice of cardiology. Through a small knick in the skin, they use tiny catheters and miniature instruments, so small they can be run through a person’s network of arteries, to treat at the site of illness internally, saving the patient from open, invasive surgery. While no treatment is risk free, the risks of interventional procedures are far lower than the risks of open surgery, and are a major advance in medicine for patients. Page 14 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
Dr. Howard Wiarda, MD, Interventional Radiologist Interventional Radiology: Why have I never heard of it? Interventional radiology is one of the most dynamic fields in medicine today, as these physicians adapt a technique proven to work for one problem and find a way to apply it to another. For example, only a few years ago, interventional radiologists were researching the potential of delivering radio-wave energy to inoperable liver tumors to see if they could be killed with heat. Today, not only have they made enormous strides in treating liver tumors, www.healthycellsmagazine.com
they are using the same technique for breast, bone, kidney and other cancers. Although interventional radiology has provided many new ideas and innovations in medicine and even pioneered many of the modern treatments we have today, many people still aren’t aware that these doctors are even an option. “There are so many things that we can do,” said Dr. Howard Wiarda, MD, an interventional radiologist at Decatur Memorial Hospital. “Anything from cancer therapy, to treating aneurisms, to treating stroke work and that is just a few. Most people, however, don’t know what it is that we do.”
“While no treatment is risk free, the risks of interventional procedures
Normal
Fractured
are far lower than the risks of open surgery, and are a major advance in medicine for patients.” And he is right. According to a national survey, only three percent of Americans are aware of interventional radiologists (Riley Research Associates, 2001). There are modern, minimally invasive treatments for many diseases today, but few patients know to ask about them, or to seek out a second opinion from an interventional radiologist. Historically, interventional radiologists were known as the “specialist’s specialist,” and patients didn’t have direct contact with this specialty. And because surgery was the only treatment for many years, many primary care physicians still refer their patients to surgeons and rely on the surgeon to provide the consult on available treatment options. However, surgeons are sometimes poor gatekeepers for knowing the minimally invasive treatments that another specialty offers. Eventually this paradigm will change and patients will be sent to the least invasive practitioner for consult first, but in the meantime it’s important for patients to know their options. Interventional Radiology Today Today, thanks to advances in technology and highquality imaging equipment becoming widely available, interventional radiologists are able to offer patients and referral physicians a host of treatment options. Most of the procedures done by these doctors allow the patient to be treated in a short period of time with little risk and less stay at the hospital. This also allows them to get back to their normal routine faster. For instance, if a patient has a narrowing in a vessel somewhere in their body, interventional radiologists can make a small opening in the skin, open the vessel up with a balloon and put a stent in to keep the blood flowing properly, where it couldn’t flow before. In contrast to that, if a www.healthycellsmagazine.com
Insert
Inflated
Filling the Cavity
Internal Cast
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 15
Feature Story continued
patient has Venus reflux disease, causing discomfort, swelling and varicose veins in the legs, an interventional radiologist can deliver radio-frequency energy heat to the vein wall to shrink the vein and seal it. This allows the blood to flow properly to other veins, relieving discomfort and pain almost immediately. “In the past, if people had varicose veins, they had vein stripping which was painful and a little barbaric. It kept people off their feet for awhile,” said Dr. Wiarda. “Now we have a minimally invasive way to treat them and get them back to work.” Many people suffering from osteoporosis deal with back pain daily. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become brittle and break easily, and because it progresses without obvious symptoms, a person may not know they have the disease until a fracture occurs. When a vertebral compression fracture occurs it can cause severe back pain and if left untreated one fracture can lead to multiple fractures. Today interventional radiologists are performing a procedure called balloon kyphoplasty in which orthopedic balloons are used to gently elevate the bone fragments in an attempt to return them to the correct position. The cavity is filled with a special cement to support the surrounding bone and prevent further collapse. Once the vertebra is in the correct position, the balloon is deflated and removed. This process creates a Page 16 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
void within the vertebral body, and the cement forms an internal cast that holds the vertebra in place. Typically, the procedure takes less than one hour, with a short recovery time. Dr. Wiarda says this procedure is a much better option than open surgery for most patients. “The patients like it because what we do has less risk, less stay at the hospital, and they are out with their problem fixed,” he said. Today interventional radiologists are first-line care for a wide variety of conditions. But as Dr. Wiarda recommends, your best bet to staying healthy is to see your doctor regularly and stay in tune with your body. Early detection and good communication with your physician is vital to allowing interventional radiologists do their job best. It is also important to get a second opinion and know all of your treatment options before consenting to any procedure or surgery.
For more information on Interventional Radiology call 217-876-6730. www.healthycellsmagazine.com
Prevention
Stop, Wash, and Go
Avoiding the Flu During Travel
Y
ou don’t have to let the flu bug spoil your next trip. A few simple steps can help prevent the spread of flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Before Leaving Home: The most important weapon in fighting the flu is vaccination. For this winter travel season, vaccines are available for both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu. Vaccines are now available for anyone over age six months but are especially important for travelers in high risk groups including: pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than six months old, health care and emergency medical services personnel, people between six months and 24 years old, and people 25 to 64 years old with certain medical conditions that put them at high risk for influenza related complications. Additional information about high risk target groups can be found online at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_keyfacts.htm. What To Pack: Leave room in your suitcase for a travel health kit. Prevention can be travel sized, and a well stocked travel health kit will contain helpful items if you should become ill during your trip. Be sure to include tissues, pain or fever medicine, soap, and an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Protect Yourself and Others: Remember the simple rules of “Stop, wash, and go.” Stop: If you believe you have the flu or are experiencing symptoms, delay your travel plans until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines. Be sure to remember to cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, you should cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve rather than your hands or into the air. Wash: Afterwards, don’t forget the second step: wash. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, you can use hand sanitizer. Go: Finally, if you are healthy and actively taking these precautions, feel free to “Go” and enjoy the winter travel season. Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 17
Women’s Health
Excessive Menstrual Bleeding By Dr. Lucinda Hany, Springfield Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates.
M
ost people understand that being a woman means having a monthly period. However, for those who experience heavy or excessive menstrual flow, a monthly period may become a life-controlling nightmare. Many women suffer from menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding which can cause anemia, fatigue, pain, and may significantly interfere with normal every day or fun activities. There are many causes of heavy bleeding including both cancerous and noncancerous causes. Those who suffer from heavy bleeding should have a complete evaluation by a physician to rule out worrisome causes and to evaluate for subsequent side effects. Causes may include: • Hormone abnormalities •N oncancerous tumors of the uterus called fibroids •S mall benign growth of the lining of the uterus called uterine polyps • I nfections of the genital tract •C ertain medications and/or herbal supplements Or less commonly: •C ancers of the genital tract including the vagina, cervix, or uterus • Bleeding disorders
Page 18 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
During evaluation, your doctor may do an exam, perform blood tests, and/or recommend other procedures such as an ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries or perform a biopsy of the cervix or lining of the uterus to complete the evaluation. Treatment options depend on the cause of the bleeding. Fortunately, for most women who suffer from heavy bleeding, the cause is not life-threatening and can usually be treated with conservative treatments or minimally invasive procedures. Treatments may include: • Hormones - often birth control pills in appropriate candidates can regulate the periods and reduce the amount of bleeding. • Intrauterine Device (IUD) - a progesterone containing IUD called the Mirena IUD is FDA approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in select women. This works by thinning the lining of the uterus, decreasing menstrual flow by up to 90%. • Endometrial Ablation - is a very fast and effective way to control bleeding in appropriately select women. This is a minimally invasive procedure which acts by removing the lining of the uterus so the menstrual flow is minimal or absent. • Hysterectomy - removing the uterus with or without the ovaries is an appropriate treatment in some women. Minimally invasive techniques for performing hysterectomy are now available. In summary, if heavy menstrual or irregular bleeding is controlling your life, it is important for you to seek evaluation from a doctor. The cause may be easily treated and your life restored. For further questions or information, you may contact Dr. Lucinda Hany at Springfield Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates, 217-525-0210 or www.sogababy.com.
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 19
Page 20 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
Balloon Sinuplasty
New Minimally Invasive Option for Sinus Sufferers Submitted by Decatur Memorial Hospital
D
o you have difficulty breathing through your nose and are you constantly fatigued? Do you suffer from chronic facial pain, pressure, congestion or headaches? If so, you may be one of 37 million Americans who suffer from sinusitis, an inflammation in the sinus lining that may lead to infection of the sinuses. While treatments include medical therapy and endoscopic sinus surgery, the Food and Drug Administration recently cleared a new technology called Balloon Sinuplasty, which may help alleviate your symptoms. The technology is said to be the middle ground between medication and “traditional” surgery. This minimally invasive technique, used at ENTA Allergy, Head & Neck Institute, inserts a small, flexible sinus balloon into the nose to reach the sinuses. A lighted guide wire is used to identify the correct placement of the balloon in the sinus. Then, the balloon is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening, helping to restore normal sinus drainage and function. The procedure, which lasts approximately three hours including surgery and post-anesthesia recovery time, is typically an outpatient procedure and can be performed under local or general anesthesia. While recovery time varies, patients usually return to
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
their normal activities shortly after the procedure and sooner than “traditional” sinus surgery. Since Balloon Sinuplasty is performed without incisions or cutting, patients exhibit little if any bruising or swelling. Postoperative pain and bleeding is also reduced compared to “traditional” sinus surgery. Traditional packing, which was very painful when being removed, has also been replaced with a more comfortable, and absorbable packing. Recently published data in the Ear, Nose and Throat Journal has proven the technology to be safe and effective and studies show that participants experienced significant improvement in their condition post-surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty devices. Balloon Sinuplasty is used at ENTA Allergy, Head and Neck Institute as an alternative for patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis. “This option is minimally invasive, with no tissue or bone removed, so uncomfortable nasal packing and post-operative bleeding is greatly reduced or eliminated,” says Steven Sobol, MD, ENTA Medical Director. “Many patients return to normal activities within 24 hours.” For more information, call ENTA at 217-876-3682 or visit www.dmhcares.com.
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 21
Men’s Health
Bladder Control
What Men Need to Know
Page 22 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
D
id you know many men develop bladder control problems as they get older? But urine leakage, frequent urination, or the urgent need to urinate don’t have to be unavoidable parts of aging. Bladder control problems can be treated. What kind of bladder control problems do men have? Men can have several types of bladder control problems. • Urinary incontinence (UI) is the accidental leakage of urine. Urine can leak in three ways: ∙ when you cough, sneeze, or lift—actions that put pressure on the bladder ∙ following a sudden, strong urge to urinate ∙ as a constant dribbling; men with this problem usually need to urinate often and only pass small amounts of urine each time. • Overactive bladder is a condition in which the bladder squeezes urine out at the wrong time. You may have overactive bladder if you have two or more of these symptoms: ∙ urination eight or more times a day or two or more times at night ∙ the sudden, strong need to urinate immediately ∙ urine leakage that follows a sudden, strong urge to urinate What causes bladder control problems in men? UI and overactive bladder may be caused by prostate or nerve problems. Sometimes the cause of overactive bladder is not clear. Prostate problems. The prostate is a male gland about the size of a walnut that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. • An enlarged prostate, common among older men, may squeeze the urethra and result in a weak urine stream, an urgent need to urinate followed by leakage, and frequent urination, especially at night. • Surgery or radiation to treat prostate cancer can lead to temporary or permanent bladder control problems.
What can I do about bladder control problems? Just changing some daily habits may help. For example, you could limit fluids at certain times of the day or plan regular trips to the bathroom to avoid an accident. Don’t be embarrassed to talk with your doctor about your problem. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to calm abnormal nerve signals to the bladder. Other medicines relax the bladder or shrink the prostate. Surgery can help bladder control problems caused by nerve damage. Frequent or painful urination, especially with blood in the urine, could be signs of bladder cancer. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor. Where can I get more information about bladder control problems? National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse 3 Information Way Bethesda, MD 20892–3580 Phone: 1–800–891–5390 TTY: 1–866–569–1162 Fax: 703–738–4929 Email: nkudic@info.niddk.nih.gov Internet: www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Nerve problems. Damaged nerves may send signals to the bladder at the wrong time or send no signals at all, leading to bladder control problems. Spinal cord injuries or conditions such as diabetes or stroke may cause nerve problems.
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 23
Bone Health
Maintaining Yourself Y
ou may not know this, but your bones play an important role in your overall health. They not only give the body a frame that lets you move, bones store minerals that are vital to the function of other life-sustaining systems. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, an estimated 10 million Americans over age 50 have osteoporosis or “thinning of the bones,” while another 34 million are at risk. The National Osteoporosis Foundation says that approximately one in two women, and up to one in four men over age 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining lifetime. Bone health needs to be a priority for people of all ages. One simple way to improve bone health is to make sure your diet includes bone-building nutrients like calcium, Vitamin D and phytonutrients. According to a newly released report by the Nutrilite Health Institute, “America’s Phytonutrient Report: Bone Health by Color,” Americans who fall short in meeting their daily fruit and vegetable intakes are also likely missing out on other nutrients that contribute to bone health. “It’s like a double impact – if you fail to eat enough fruits and vegetables, you are also likely not getting enough bone-building nutrients like calcium and vitamin D from all food sources in your total diet either,” said Keith Randolph, Ph.D., Technology Strategist for Nutrilite.
Page 24 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
Phytonutrients and Bone Health Along with vitamins, minerals and fiber, fruits and vegetables contain plant-based compounds known as phytonutrients that research suggests provide a range of potential health benefits, including bone health. “The research highlights the importance of the variety of the fruits and vegetables. Everyone can benefit by eating fruits and vegetables that span a broad color spectrum,” said Randolph. Here are some foods that provide phytonutrients for each color category. • Green o Phytonutrients: EGCG, lutein/zeaxanthin, isoflavones. o Key Food Sources: tea, spinach, soybeans • Red o Phytonutrients: lycopene. o Key Food Sources: tomatoes and tomato products • White o Phytonutrients: quercetin. o Key Food Sources: onions • Yellow/Orange o Phytonutrients: beta-carotene, hesperitin, beta-cryptoxanthin. o Key Food Sources: carrots, oranges and orange juice
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
“Bone is an active tissue in the body, and fortunately just like other muscles and tissues, there are ways adults of all ages can protect and keep their bones healthy,” says Amy Hendel, Nutrilite’s Phytonutrient Coach. To help promote better bone health, Hendel, a registered physician assistant and health/wellness expert, offers some tips for people at any age: •E at a Calcium and Vitamin D-Rich Breakfast. Start your day with breakfast foods like lower-fat dairy, soy milk, yogurt and calcium-fortified orange juice and cereals for bone-healthy nutrients. •A dd Color to Meals. Toss some phytonutrient-rich foods into meals. If you like soup, consider adding kale, broccoli or turnip greens, which also provide bone-building calcium. •E xercise. Keep in mind that diet alone will not keep your bones dense and strong. A weight-bearing exercise program that includes walking, jogging or running, and use of free weights, is important for bone health. • Meet the Daily Phytonutrient Goal. A good goal for most individuals is to consume 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. For those having trouble getting enough fruits and vegetables into their diet, natural, plant-based supplements which contain phytonutrients can help close the phytonutrient gap. For more information about Nutrilite Nutritional Supplements and to get more practical tips, visit www.nutrilite. com/color.
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
December 2010 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • Page 25
Long Term Treatment
Feeling Whole After Mastectomy By Dr. Scott Sieberg
B
reast cancer is a common illness with most recent estimates that it will affect one in eight women. Modern day treatment is individualized to the patient and based on the type of cancer, location of the cancer, and the response of certain chemical receptors on the cancer cells. The goal of breast cancer treatment is to destroy and remove the cancer, decrease the chance of the cancer returning, and to address the quality of life after the cancer treatment. This article will discuss the long-term treatment after the cancer has been treated. There are three main treatment approaches for breast cancer. Chemotherapy involves the use of medications to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy consists of focusing x-rays into the cancer cells to also cause death of the cancer cells. Both of these forms of treatment can be very effective. Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue is also a main treatment. The type of surgery is based on the particular patient’s cancer and how much tissue has been affected. Modern surgical treatment can result in healthy breast tissue being spared. If the cancer affects a large enough section of the breast or has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, then an extensive form of surgery,
“The use of a breast prosthesis (also called a breast form) can help in restoring the patient’s self image, esteem, and physical functioning through corrected balance and posture.” called a radical mastectomy, may be used. If the area of cancer is small, then a much smaller amount of tissue may be removed. This form of surgery is called a lumpectomy. One of the most important aspects of post-surgical treatment is helping the patient to feel whole again. Surgery can not only physically change a woman, but it can affect her self image. Depression and anxiety frequently occur after cancer treatment. The use of a breast prosthesis (also called a breast form) can help in restoring the patient’s self image, esteem, and physical functioning through corrected balance and posture. The selection of a form starts with assessing the customer’s medical status following surgery. The post-surgical skin will need to be healed and without tenderness before measurements can be taken. Most women will be healed by eight weeks. Forms can very accurately mimic the woman’s natural breast symmetry, shape, and position. Forms are made of medical grade silicone, which is contained in a soft outer cover. The combination of the soft cover and the pliable interior silicone result in a very realistic form that feels and reacts just like natural skin and underlying tissue. The latest research and development in the industry has resulted in forms that help keep the skin cooler in warm weather and also help to maintain proper balance and posture. Customers are often surprised to find even a small amount of tissue removal from the surgery can lead to an imbalance with shoulder and back discomforts. In addition to the standard weight forms, much lighter forms are available when fatigue might be a problem. The form is worn with a specially designed and constructed bra that contains a pocket in which the form is placed. These bras are of significantly higher quality than those available in retail stores. Besides securing the form in place, the form bras are also fashionable and come in several colors to complement most outfits. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.BeautifulBeginningsShop.com
12/31/10
Page 26 • Healthy Cells Magazine • Springfield / Decatur • December 2010
www.healthycellsmagazine.com
l i n oi s M o s t C o m p l e t e M obi lt y C e n t e r Central Il
Personal Mobility Providing mobility solutions in: Wheelchairs & Scooters Lifts, Ramps & Elevators Driveability & Automobility Rehab Seating & Positioning Products
Joint Commision Accredited