December Peoria Healthy Cells 2012

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December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

DECEMBER 8

Restoring Health: Body Acidity vs. Alkalinity– Why Do You Need to Know the Difference?

10

Nutritional: I Can't Believe I Ate the Whole Thing!

12

Physical: Correcting the Curve

14

Emotional: Elections Stressful for Losers and Winners

16

The Sandwich Generation: Observation Admission vs. Inpatient Admission

18

Bladder Control: Urinary Incontinence–Common and Treatable

23

Consumer Safety: The Educated Consumer

24

Healthy Pets: Buyer Beware! Take Care When Getting a New Pet

26

Winter Depression: Tips for Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder

28

Headaches: Sleep Apnea and TMJ Disorder

30

Relaxation: 10 Minutes for You–Just Breathe

32

Chronic and Acute Pain: Understanding the Difference

34

Substance Abuse: Neurofeedback Reduces Relapse by Sixty Percent

36

Healthy Recipes and Fun: Eat for Your Health

38

Trauma: Is This the Reason I Feel the Way I Feel and Act the Way I Act?

40

Nature's Benefits: Nutrition Facts Worth Knowing

42

Exercise: It Only Works If You Work It

44

Busting Myths: What Your Parents Can Expect at a Senior Living Community

This Month’s Cover Story:

2012 Volume 14, Issue 12

Illinois CancerCare

New Genetics Program Boosts Patient Care Outcomes

page 20

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.

Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE at over 650 locations, including major grocery stores throughout central Illinois as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. 12,000 copies are published monthly. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in central Illinois. 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 central Illinois.

For advertising information, contact Kim Brooks-Miller 309-681-4418 email: peoria.healthycells@hotmail.com Visit Us On Face Book Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

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

letter from the owner

What Does Christmas Mean to You? I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year! Beautiful gift catalogs are finding their way into our homes full of items perfect for gift wrapping or decorating for the holidays.

While browsing through one of my catalogs for decorations, I noticed there were many darling snowmen, reindeer, and decorations of Santa with his little helpers. But wait. Where were the angels?

Where were Joseph and Mary? Or baby Jesus? I looked through a different catalog and found only bulbs, snowflakes, penguins, and snowmen. Except for some angels, there was no reference to the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place—Christ’s birth.

This holiday season, for those who do choose to celebrate, I want to encourage you and your families to remember the real reason for the season. From our Healthy Cells family to yours, we wish you all a very blessed Christmas season and peace on earth.

Sincerely,

Photo Courtesy of Photography by Jill

Kim Brooks-Miller, Owner Healthy Cells Magazine, Greater Peoria Area Edition.

Comments or questions call: 309-681-4418 or e-mail: peoria.healthycells@hotmail.com

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restoring health

Body Acidity vs. Alkalinity Why Do You Need To Know The Difference?

(Part 1 of 2)

By Angie Cross, DC, Yoli Better Body System

T

oday, many Americans have diets and lifestyles that have become extremely acidic. The foods we eat on a regular basis are very acid-forming, such as meats, pasteurized dairy products, trans-fats, refined prepackaged foods, coffee, soda, alcohol, tea, and carbonated drinks. Lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise, high stress, overloaded schedules, lack of sleep, stimulating electronic usage, taking pharmaceutical drugs all contribute to high forms of acidosis. Anxiety and living under pressure is also acid forming. Pollutions, household cleaning chemicals, and the natural aging process are all factors that lead to an acid build up in our bodies.

Benefits of an alkaline body system The potential of hydrogen, or pH, ranges from 0 (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely alkaline). A pH of 5 for example, is 10 times as acidic as a pH of 6. The more alkaline we are, the easier it is for our blood to move throughout our bodies. All injuries need blood to repair, and are more likely to heal faster and more completely when the surrounding tissues and blood are alkaline. In an acidic body, aging is accelerated causing our blood vessels to thicken, wrinkle, and dry up.

The more acidic your cells, the harder it is for them to receive essential nutrients and oxygen, causing you to be less efficient and lethargic in our everyday functions. On the other hand, when acid waste is removed from your body, aging is slowed and you function at a higher level with greater ease.

The bottom line is that no injury or illness can repair as quickly or heal as completely without balancing pH and flushing excess acid waste from the body. If you are too acidic, you are unhealthy and will heal much more slowly, if at all.

Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

How does our body deal with acid?

The primary organs that help our body maintain proper pH balance are the lungs and the kidneys. They both are on a constant look out to help buffer the blood or body fluids to maintain the tight range it must stay in. When the body is dehydrated or consuming a lot of toxic food or beverages, it puts more strain on the kidneys.

Additionally, when you are stressed or tense, it causes more strain on your lungs. So maintaining a clean healthy lifestyle will allow your body to stay more alkalized.

There are many small things you can do to move towards an alkaline lifestyle. People often think they have to change every-

thing and eat completely different to make a difference in their acid loads. Many times our body responds wonderfully to small simple baby steps.

To maintain optimum health or restore your health status there are a few basic rules you must follow. Remember it is all about consistency. You may have not developed a condition overnight; therefore, you must realize it takes time for the body to reprogram itself and the cells. Rest assured, if you follow the basic rules, have a good attitude, and stay consistent, inevitably the body will change for the better.

Exercises, natural therapies, certain types of baths, certain foods, special minerals and supplements, and certain breathing styles will all contribute to alkalizing your body. This is great, because many times you don’t have to check into a treatment center, fly across the world, or spend thousands of dollars to make a massive change in your body’s health.

The best way to balance your biochemistry is to eat and drink more alkaline foods and make wise lifestyle choices. Take high quality mineral formulations to buffer the pH. I recommend products by a company called YOLI. They have a product called AlkaleteTM. It is designed to buffer body acid. The product contains minerals which help to bring the body pH back towards the alkaline side of the pH scale. Patients notice almost immediate improvement after alkalizing their body. Mineralization of the body brings more oxygen to the cells of the body, leaving you feeling more energized and healing your injuries quicker.

Additionally, try to exercise at least three to five times per week for body alkalization. Deep diaphragm breathing allows more oxygen into your body which alkalizes your body chemistry.

Alkalizing your body with exercise has a great effect on the kidneys, liver, lungs, and lymphatic system. The more you elevate your heart rate and breathing rate the more oxygenated your blood. You will move your lymph fluids through the lymphatic vessels, leaving your body cleaner and more purified.

Another simple low cost way to improve your health is yoga.

Yoga offers gentle stretching, increases flexibility, strength, and allows you to focus on breathing. Biking or hiking is another great way to de-stress and alkalize your body. Anytime you can connect with the outdoors, your body pH and health will improve.

Salt and Soda baths work great too. A few times a week, soak in a hot tub of water with 1-½ cups of Epsom salts and ¾ to 1 cup of baking soda. I also add a few drops of lavender oil and light a candle and put some soft relaxing music on. While you are in the tub soaking, do 5 deep diaphragm breaths and clear your mind.

De-stressing will always alkalize your chemistry.

Most of us already know that exercise has so many positive health benefits. This is why you must start now, even if it is small baby steps with only 10 minutes a day working up to 20 minutes a day after a few weeks. Just start somewhere.

Make your exercise goal realistic to start with. Whatever is comfortable and attainable? Always be realistic so that you don’t give up!

Be sure to read Part Two of Body Acidity vs. Alkalinity in the January issue.

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December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

nutritional

I Can't Believe I Ate the Whole Thing!

How to Handle Holiday Overeating Excerpt from her book, Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle.

By Michelle May, MD

I

love the holidays. For weeks, our family has been planning for the significant meals we'll share. We're each assigned to bring the traditional dishes we've become known for—and with our large family—there's always plenty. During the blessing, my uncle always gives thanks for the food that nourishes our bodies. Then the nourishment begins!

I know these types of gatherings take place all over the world, year after year. The comments are as traditional as the food.

"Honey, this is the best turkey you've ever made. Please pass the potatoes and gravy again." "I can't eat another bite or I swear I'll explode." "Alright, just a little sliver of pie then." After dinner, people are sprawled out in front of the television, occasionally groaning or dozing off.

As much I love these special occasions, I now know that there's an invisible line that I can cross if I'm not mindful. That line separates a great celebration with wonderful food from an afternoon of discomfort and regret. I constantly remind myself I live in a land of abundance where turkey and potatoes are available year round and food will always taste good. So why eat until I'm miserable?

Why not enjoy the event, and still feel good when it's over?

When you live in a land of abundance, deciding how much food you need to eat is critical for lifelong weight management and health. Just as important, when you eat the perfect amount of food, you'll feel satisfied—just right!

Just Right Think for a moment about how you feel when you're satisfied. If you're mindful, you'll notice that as you become full, the flavor of the food goes from fabulous to just OK and it gets harder to give food and eating your full attention. You are content, fulfilled, and happy.

You feel light, energetic, and ready for your next activity.

When you eat more than you need, you'll feel unnecessarily uncomfortable, sleepy, and sluggish. Eating too much causes you to feel low energy so you may not want to be active. Of course, your body will have no choice but to store the excess as fat. It can also lead to feeling guilty which often leads to even more overeating.

So, what can you do to prevent overeating—and what should you do when it happens anyway?

Prevention is the Best Medicine • B efore you start eating, decide how full you want to be when you're done. It's fine to decide you want to be stuffed, as long as you've thought about the consequences.

• E stimate how much food you'll need to eat to reach that level of fullness. Prepare, serve, or order only as much as you think you'll need; if you were served too much, move the extra food aside.

• B efore you start eating, visually or physically divide the food in half to create a "speed bump."

Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

•E at mindfully and check your fullness level when you hit that speed bump in the middle of eating, at the end of your meal, and again 20-30 minutes later.

• If your goal is to feel satisfied and comfortable, it will help to move away from the table or move the food away from you to signal that you're done as soon as you are get even close.

Am I Full?

Some questions you might want to ask yourself to help you determine how full you are:

•H ow does my stomach feel? Can I feel the food? Is there any discomfort or pain? Does my stomach full, stretched, full, or bloated?

• H ow does my body feel? Do I feel comfortable and content? Do my clothes feel tight? Is there any nausea or heart burn? Do I feel short of breath?

• How is my energy level? Do I feel energetic and ready for the next activity? Or am I sleepy, sluggish, tired, or lethargic?

• W hat do I feel like doing now?

If you've overeaten, sit quietly for a few moments and become completely aware of how you feel. Don't beat yourself up; just focus on the sensations so you'll remember them the next time you're tempted to overeat. You may be less likely to repeat the mistake if you think through the consequences first.

Don't Miss the Lesson When you realize you've eaten too much, ask yourself, "Why did it happen?" and "What could I do differently next time?" Turn your mistake into a learning experience.

There are a lot of reasons people eat past the point of satisfaction: habits, learned behaviors, past dieting, and mindless eating. For example: "It was a special occasion." You're more likely to overeat if you only give yourself permission to eat enjoyable foods on special occasions. You don't need an excuse to have a wonderful meal—so why use a special occasion as a reason to overeat? Ask yourself, "If this occasion is so special, why would I want to eat until I feel miserable?"

I Ate Too Much! Now What?

Even people who eat instinctively sometimes overeat. However, although they may feel regretful and uncomfortable, they don't typically feel guilty. They don't think, "Well, I've already blown it; I might as well keep eating then start my diet tomorrow." Instead, they just listen to their body and return to eating instinctively by allowing hunger to drive their next cycle. By listening to your body's wisdom, you can compensate for occasional overeating.

After you overeat, wait and see when you get hungry again.

Rather than continuing to eat out of guilt or by the clock, listen to your body. It probably won't need food as soon, so you may not be hungry for your usual snack or even your next meal.

When you get hungry again, ask yourself, "What do I want?" and "What do I need?" Don't punish yourself or try to compensate for overeating by restricting yourself. If you try to make yourself eat foods you don't really want, you'll feel deprived and fuel your eatrepent-repeat cycle. Trust and respect what your body tells you because it's likely that it will naturally seek balance, variety, and moderation. You might notice that you're hungry for something small or something light-maybe a bowl of soup or cereal, a piece of fruit or a salad.

Lastly, don't use exercise to punish yourself for overeating; instead be active all the time and use the fuel you consume to live a full and satisfying life.

For more information, visit www.AmIHungry.com.

December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

physical

Correcting the Curve

By Rachel Barness, Orthotic Resident, Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics

S

coliosis is a term you may have heard but, unless a friend or loved one is affected, you may not know much about it. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine of greater than 10 degrees with vertebral rotation, or a “twisting” that can occur at any level of the spine. Collectively, this causes a 3-dimensional malformation of the spine, which can lead to imbalance, postural problems, and health complications. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a type of scoliosis found in adolescents and has an unknown cause. Treatment of AIS includes observation, orthotic intervention (bracing), or surgical intervention depending on the severity of the scoliosis.

AIS affects approximately two to three percent of adolescents, with only a fraction needing orthotic intervention. Girls are more likely to require a brace than boys. There are several different physical characteristics of AIS, including an asymmetry in shoulder height or waistline. There may be a trunk shift, or “decompensation”, where the child’s shoulders are shifted in relation to their hips. Asymmetric shoulder blades may be seen and an uneven “rib hump” can become Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

visible when the child is bent over to touch their toes. Back pain has been associated with this form of scoliosis; however, it is not a clear indicator and may have no direct link to the spinal curvature.

There are several factors that come into play when finding the optimal time for orthotic treatment. If the curve has progressed to a 25-40 degree angle and the patient has not reached skeletal maturity, the child is a candidate for a spinal orthosis. Most orthotic treatments require full-time wear and are used until skeletal maturity. There are several orthoses available for scoliosis including the Gomez Orthotic System, which makes use of CAD-CAM technology to create total contact orthoses that address all three planes of the curve. No matter the technique, the orthotic goals remain the same: to shift the spine to the central sacral line, to keep the curves within non-operative parameters, to maintain sagittal alignment, and to promote balance.

Balance is the key to the orthotic management of AIS. With the use of the Gomez Orthotic System, we focus on the balance and alignment of the body in relation to the spine. This focus begins at

the initial evaluation and is an ongoing and thorough process until the child has reached skeletal maturity. Photo-documentation, measurements of the corrected position and CAD-CAM technology are combined to make a spinal orthosis that not only corrects the curve, but also corrects the twisting of the spine.

Upon initial evaluation of the patient, the orthotist will gather a relevant medical history and examine the radiographs of the child’s spine. A series of photographs are taken to gather information on the physical presentation of the curves. The child’s spinal flexibility is also taken into consideration and measurements are recorded when the spine is in its most correctable position. After fabrication of the orthosis, an appointment is made for the child to be fit. Photographs are taken with the orthosis donned and a wearing schedule will also be discussed. The child is highly involved in the fitting process and is instructed to actively correct their posture while wearing their orthosis.

This promotes the creation of balance in addition to what the orthosis provides. After receiving the orthosis the patient is asked to return for follow up appointments, ranging from two weeks initially to three months with time. These are important since it is necessary for the orthotist to track the curve’s correction and make any adjustments to make the orthosis more functional and comfortable.

Utilizing an orthosis to treat scoliosis can be a scary and embarrassing idea to an adolescent; however, the spinal orthosis can be worn discretely underneath clothing and cannot be seen by others.

The child may still participate in sports and other recreational activities while going through orthotic treatment. Catching the curve early is very important because the most correction can be done while the child is still growing. The progression of scoliosis can be prevented

“Treatment includes observation, orthotic intervention (bracing), or surgical intervention depending on the severity of the scoliosis.” with proper orthotic management, preventing surgery in the shortterm as well as reducing the likelihood of long-term spinal issues.

Rachel Barness is an Orthotic Resident at Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. (CPO). CPO provides orthotic and prosthetic care to patients throughout Central Illinois. With unmatched patient care and dedicated professionals, CPO also houses an on-site fabrication department where custom orthoses and prostheses are designed and created for each patient. CPO can be reached by calling 309-664-6930 or toll free 888-676-2276. Visit the website at www.cpousa.com.

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emotional

Post-Party Depression

Elections Stressful for Losers and Winners, Gloating Doesn’t Help

By Tim Alexander

F

or a passionate and educated voter, ending up on the losing side of an important political event such as the 2012 presidential and general election can result in depression, lethargy, or worse, according to mental health experts. Reacting to and dealing with your emotions in the weeks and months after casting your heartfelt vote for a defeated candidate is essential to moving on in a healthy, positive and optimistic manner.

Dealing with gloating, bullying, and harassment from friends, coworkers, and family members only adds to the stress of identifying with a defeated candidate, party, or referendum, said Amanda Crusen (LCSW) of Chapin and Russell, a privately-owned Peoria-based individual, group, and family counseling service.

“An election is a personal thing—one (side) wins while the other loses. You get it in sports, in politics and in anything that is competitive.

There’s going to be gloating,” said Crusen.

CNN contributor, Dr. Charles Raison asked on Election Day if it seemed preposterous that supporting the losing side of a presidential election could also be dangerous to one’s health.

“Ask yourself whether you care as much about the election results as you do about your favorite sports team,” Raison said. “If you do, then I want to suggest you are in some danger.”

Raison’s and Crusen’s comments comparing American voters to avid sports fans help to explain why post-election gloating and harassment can affect interpersonal, professional, and family relationships. How one copes with the negative confrontations could help determine whether those relationships continue or become severed due to political beliefs.

Using healthy communication skills and showing respect for others’ opinions can be the key to restoring harmony when being personally accosted by an acquaintance who supported a winning candidate, according to Crusen.

Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

“When it comes to politics, it’s hard for people not to be emotional about things,” she said. “Try laying some groundwork for communication, saying ‘I’ll have a healthy debate with you, I’ll talk the issues with you, but I’m not interested in having an antagonistic conversation with you.’ You can have fun with it and be positive about it and make healthy, appropriate jokes about it. If somebody is really getting under your skin and going after you in a special way, you can say ‘I am not really interested in talking about this now.’”

Those identifying with a defeated candidate or political ideology may exhibit behavior that “Manifests itself as stress, oftentimes about whether jobs or beliefs might be in jeopardy,” Crusen noted.

Among mature adults, emotional experiences regarding election results are—like most changes in emotional experience across adulthood—not as dramatic as feelings experienced by younger adult voters, according to a study on emotions surrounding the 2008 presidential election conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Older people forecast and experience more posi-

tive and calm states than their younger counterparts regardless of political affiliations and election outcomes, the NIH reported.

The study’s findings serve to suggest that older adults must play a major role in setting an example for future generations of voters of how to be gracious winners in elections and other competitions.

“To be a gracious winner, reach out and say to your friend ‘let’s make the best of these next four years and see what happens, and hope for positive things,’” Crusen said. “Be positive, use healthy communications and remember manners and respect. Think about how you would want someone to communicate to you if you were on the other end.”

Harassment from co-workers or superiors in the workplace over one’s voting preferences or political beliefs should not be tolerated under any circumstances, added Crusen. “Stress to superiors and co-workers to keep politics and work separate. It’s a great rule of thumb whether it’s an election year or not,” she advised. “(Attacking one’s) political beliefs can cause deep hurt that people take very seriously.”

Children are oftentimes exposed to the political rantings and ravings of adults and authority figures in their lives. Deep-rooted political beliefs and family party affiliations can be ingrained at an early age. Those with children or grandchildren approaching voting age should be especially sensitive to youngsters’ emotions and reactions when their “candidate” loses an election, according to Dr. Derek Montgomery, PhD, a child development expert and Chair of Bradley University’s Psychology Department.

“For young adolescents who are tending to form identities around their personal values, beliefs, aspirations, and, perhaps,

their political orientation, the loss by their candidate may feel personal,” Montgomery said. “It might be helpful for the adolescent to remember that millions of people voted for and affirmed the losing candidate and, perhaps, to also remember that differences and disagreement in a democracy can be healthy and an opportunity for growth; that is, it’s okay and normal that others disagree with one’s views, and by extension, one’s candidate.”

Dr. Charles Raison Offers Tips For Coping With Election Loss “If you’re dealing with a loss—be it a candidate or sports team—here are some coping tips,” offers Dr. Charles Raison, CNN Health’s mental health expert and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

• Be Proactive. Don’t let yourself stay in an emotional place dominated by feelings of helplessness or powerlessness. Get involved in another activity or cause you care about.

• Take a Break. Tune out—or tune off—the news and other sources of information that may make you feel worse right now.

• Talk About Your Feelings. Discuss with those who share your sadness—or those who take an opposite view. After an election, consider talking with people on the other side, to see if you can gain a better understanding of how they see the world. (CNN.com)

December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

the sandwich generation

Observation Admission vs.

Inpatient Admission

By Steven Buttice, Founder and President Medical Reimbursement & Management Services, Inc.

D

After

Before

ad received an unexpected “Christmas present” this year: a bill from the hospital. Several months ago, Dad had chest pains and went to the hospital through the emergency room. He has a number of other conditions so they kept him for several days. He was then released to come home, but now he is asking me about a hospital bill he is receiving, but I thought everything was to be covered.

Dad has Original Medicare and a Plan F supplement. He thought, “Plan F covers everything.” Well, here is what happened and why Dad has a $563.00 bill to pay out-of-pocket. When Dad went to the ER, the doctor determined Dad met criteria to be medically observed, but did not meet criteria for a full inpatient admission. Even though he had been transferred from the ER to a hospital room, he was never admitted as an inpatient. Therefore, Medicare paid the expenses as an outpatient: an 80% benefit. His

Plan F paid the other 20% of approved charges. However, since he was not a “full admit” (as an inpatient), Medicare viewed the drugs that were given to him, that he usually takes at home, as take home drugs and they were not covered. If he had been an inpatient, they would have been covered. Now, the hospital is billing Dad for those drug costs: $563.00.

How can this be known and possibly avoided? After Dad is known to be okay, and transferred to a room, ask the hospital staff if he is a full inpatient admission. If he is an “observation admit”, ask if he meets Medicare criteria for inpatient admission. If not, what criteria would he need to meet? Be sure to stay on top of this issue and ask again if his condition changes or your loved one is in the hospital longer. After someone is released, the admission status cannot be changed.

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three day hospital inpatient admission. Again, observation days are not considered inpatient days. Being aware of this situation may allow you to change an admission status if the patient’s condition changes. Even if you cannot have the observation status changed, you will at least be aware of this extra cost and this issue may play a role in where Dad goes from here.

Sandwich Generation Life today is active, especially for women, aged 45–56, who care for both their parents and children. These people are caught in the “sandwich generation” and these columns are focused on issues affecting them.

Helping mom and dad and caring for your children simultaneously is not easy. It is very helpful to discuss and plan for reasonable future events. A sandwich generationer should guide their parent through these issues and the primary issue of safety, while being careful not to take all control away from a parent. Again, it is important to start talking, making suggestions and guiding early, do not wait for a crisis. If you would like a list of “questions to ask in different aspects of care”, see our website and look under the “Patient Advocacy Division.”

We wish you and yours a pleasant and joyful Christmas Holiday Season.

Now Dad owes $563.00 in this case, but what if he went from a three or four day observation bed admission to a skilled nursing home? He would not and could not receive Medicare benefits as a skilled nursing home admission because he had not had a

For more information, contact Medical Reimbursement and Management Services, Inc., focusing on the issues of the elderly: legal, financial, residential, and healthcare issues. Please call 693-1060 or 1-800-383-1061. Website: www.MRMS-INC.com. Location: 809 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615.

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bladder control

Urinary Incontinence Common and Treatable Submitted by Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers, formerly Premier Physical Therapy Services

D

id you know that over 35 percent of the U.S. population suffers from urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence—loss of bladder control—is a very common problem, but one that many people are embarrassed to seek treatment for and to talk about. People often think that they don’t have urinary incontinence because it only happens when they cough or sneeze. Most only consider it a problem when they are unable to make it to the restroom in time.

It’s important to know that there are different ranges of urinary incontinence. Some people suffer from urine leakage when coughing, sneezing, or laughing; while others may have a sudden urge so strong that they don’t have time to reach the restroom. Also, many complain that the frequency of urination interrupts their daily lives and sleep. If you experience any of these conditions, you should seek help.

One treatment option for urinary incontinence to consider is physical therapy. A physical therapist with special training in pelvic floor therapy can help remediate this condition. With urinary incontinence, the pelvic floor muscle can become weakened or damaged.

When this happens, it can cause urinary incontinence. The specially trained physical therapist can help strengthen that area of the body.

A 67-year-old woman with urinary incontinence was recently treated. She had been suffering so severely she made the decision to have bladder “tie-up” surgery in 2009. She experienced frequent urination and intense urgency. Her bladder diary revealed a urinary frequency of every hour, even though bladder irritants (e.g, caffeinated drinks) were only consumed in the morning and daily water intake was adequate. She also suffered several small leakages daily.

Testing confirmed weak pelvic floor muscles, low tone, and very poor muscle endurance. The goals of the patient and physical therapist were to eliminate the incontinence and to discontinue her reliance on Detrol LA (medication for incontinence). The physical therapist developed a treatment plan that consisted of manual therapy, myofascial release, advanced strain and counterstrain techniques, muscle energy techniques to correct the pelvic obliquities, biofeedback, and bladder training. Self-care guidelines included pelvic floor-specific relaxation techniques, instructions on timed voiding patterns and distraction methods, as well as information on decreasing caffeine intake and gradually increasing water consumption. Home exercise guidelines were provided that emphasized pelvic stabilization and kegel exercises with a focus on both contraction and relaxation phases.

After treatment, the patient was 100 percent continent, had consistent voids every two to three hours, and was able to reduce her use of Detrol LA by 50 percent. Repeated biofeedback testing showed excellent improvement in her resting tone, strength, and endurance. During a follow-up call 30 days after treatment, the patient reported no regression and said she’s managing well on her own. The patient was very pleased with her outcome.

Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

Although outcomes can differ for each patient, urinary incontinence is one of many problems successfully treated with HERHealth, Women’s Health Physical Therapy at Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers. We offer a free, no obligation screening to find out if physical therapy can help you. For more information, call our office at 309-683-6900.

Premier Physical Therapy Services is now Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers. The name has changed, but the quality care, staff, and clinical excellence remain the same.

To schedule an appointment at an Accelerated location, (3531 Willow Knolls Dr., Peoria, IL or 3289 Court St., Pekin, IL) contact Centralized Scheduling at 877-97-REHAB (877-977-4322) or acceleratedrehab.com

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feature story

New Genetics Program Boosts Patient Care Outcomes

By Sara Browning

Dr. James Knost, Medical Director of the Genetics Program

I

llinois CancerCare, PC is raising the bar for patients at an increased risk for developing hereditary cancer through a genetics program designed to provide comprehensive, compassionate care in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer family syndromes.

Providing state-of-the-art treatments for patients with cancer and blood diseases has been made easier for physicians at Illinois CanPage 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

cerCare, PC with the introduction of a genetics program for patients at risk of developing cancer family syndromes. Such syndromes cause individuals to have an increased risk of developing one or more types of cancer due to their genetic makeup.

Founded in 1977 by Dr. Stephen Cullinan in Peoria, Illinois CancerCare, presently one of the largest private oncology practices in

Nancy Donini, RN, OCN, Nurse Coordinator of the Genetics Program the nation, has continuously provided research and treatment for genetic diseases and syndromes.

“At Illinois CancerCare there has always been a program for genetic testing with each physician within their practice,” says Dr. James Knost, MD, Medical Director for the Genetics Program. “The difference with this program is that we felt a designated clinic with a physician in charge of it would help us to better handle cancer genetics in our community.”

Genetic Testing for HBOC When it comes to diagnosing and treating various cancer family syndromes, genetic testing at Illinois CancerCare has saved the lives of countless patients and has also aided physicians in cancer prevention, alerting them to “red flags” that may signal the potential for the onset of various cancer family syndromes.

Genetic testing begins with an initial patient consultation. “We generally talk to patients about their general health and background,” says Dr. Knost. “Then we assess the family history of parents, siblings, and relatives in order to fill in a family tree and look for patterns in genetic makeup. Genetic testing may change the workup and management of the patient.”

The genetics program will assist patients in the fight against Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome, Lynch Syndrome, and other genetic cancers. “The genetic basis of HBOC is an inherited mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

Normally, the proteins produced by these genes prevent cells from becoming cancerous by aiding in the repair of mutations on other genes through a process called double-strained DNA repair. An inherited mutation in either of these genes increases the probability of cancer.”

Dr. Knost highly recommends BRACAnalysis® genetic testing to his patients to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HBOC. “Undergoing BRACAnalysis® testing enables family members who carry either BRCA1 or BRCA2 to take preventative measures. For example, women at risk can have mammograms once a year and MRIs once a year. In males, BRCA2 puts them at increased risk for breast and prostate cancer. Males are screened for prostate cancer beginning at age forty.”

Combating Lynch Syndrome Genetic testing has also proven beneficial in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Lynch Syndrome, a cancer family syndrome also known as Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC). Lynch Syndrome results from a genetic mutation in one

December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

feature story

continued

of the mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Under normal circumstances, MMR genes produce proteins that identify and correct base-pairing mismatches that can occur during DNA replication.

Germline mutations in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS-2 account for the majority of detected mutations in families with Lynch Syndrome. Says Dr. Knost: “When these genes become mutated, the genetic mistakes that occur can predispose patients to colon cancer before the age of fifty.”

Genetic testing for Lynch Syndrome is a critical step in changing hereditary cancer outcomes. Warning signs in a person’s personal and family history may indicate a person’s increased risk for Lynch Syndrome and help identify family members for testing.

If genetic testing uncovers a patient at risk for Lynch Syndrome, cancer may be managed through increased surveillance, primarily a colonoscopy every one or two years beginning between the age of twenty and twenty-five. Family members diagnosed with endometrial or ovarian cancer might consider discussing screening options with a gynecologic oncologist. Hereditary Pancreatic cancer, Hereditary Melanoma Syndrome and Adenomatous Polyposis Syndrome are also common cancer family syndromes.

Dr. Knost says Illinois CancerCare’s new genetics program has increased the number of hereditary cancer syndromes physicians can define. This is due to new technology, such as advances in DNA sequencing.

Says Dr. Knost: “Next generation sequencing allows the entire genome to be read for less than one thousand dollars. The original ‘genome projects’ took seven years and cost three billion dollars.”

First-Hand Experience Former Illinois CancerCare patient Liz Pisano has experienced firsthand the benefits of the new genetics program. Diagnosed with colon cancer in January 2007 and then a brain tumor in May of that same year, Liz and her physician, Dr. Knost, put together a genetic makeup that uncovered a specific gene mutation in her family’s history.

“Genetic testing helped Dr. Knost to discover that I inherited one mutated gene from my dad and one mutated gene from my mom,” says Liz. “When both of these genes are inherited together, they cause cancer.”

According to Liz, inheriting both genes is “extremely rare.” In terms of her family history, Liz says: “My genetic case brought a lot to life. My grandfather had leukemia, and my grandmother was believed to have passed away from ovarian cancer. My older brother passed away from colon cancer at twenty-one years of age.”

Liz’s mother suffered from breast cancer but recovered following surgery. “My mom has a rare blood disorder,” says Liz. “They did some blood work on me and sent it to the lab along with my mom’s and my younger brother’s blood work to find out if there were any similar mutations.”

Genetic blood tests revealed pre-cancerous cells in both Liz’s and her mother’s uterus. She and her mother underwent a hysterectomy. “Knowing that I had to have the hysterectomy was a huge benefit of my genetic testing,” says Liz. Liz’s brain tumor warranted a slim chance for survival. “People with my type of brain tumor rarely survive five years after diagnosis.

I know genetic testing really played a role in saving my life.”

Dr. Knost says the new genetics program is “long overdue” in Central Illinois. “The Illinois Cancer Foundation in conjunction with Illinois CancerCare will screen patients that have HBOC and Lynch Syndromes and other cancer family syndromes. If we identify mismatched repair abnormalities, we can perform additional testing to define these families in our community. The Foundation provides Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

Elizabeth "Liz" Pisano with her younger brother, Jake, and her older brother Aaron, who passed away from colon cancer at age 21

Liz Pisano and her husband, Eric grant support to cover the cost of the genetics software, and will also provide financial resources to aid family members with financial hardship, should they desire to have testing. In 2014, we would like to expand this to surrounding communities as our way of helping patients and families prevent cancer in the future.”

Dr. James Knost, MD, graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended Louisiana State Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee and completed a medical oncology fellowship at Vanderbilt. He is Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology.

For more information on Illinois CancerCare, PC, visit www.illinoiscancercare.com. For information on the benefits of its genetics program, visit www.myriadtest.com. Illinois CancerCare is located at 8940 Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615.

consumer safety

The Educated Consumer

By Lori Draeger, CRTT, Procare

A

s more people consume their free time with television, there is more advertising on how to get your medical equipment and supplies shipped to you for free. While this may sound wonderful and we all want a good deal, it is important to gain knowledge and become well-educated consumers.

When a commercial says they will bill your insurance, you are required to give your personal information to someone you don’t know.

Trust is very important; you should be very careful about who you give your personal information to. The following may be required for insurance to pay: • Pre-authorization • A prescription • Documentation Other questions that may be important are: 1) what percentage are you responsible for, (not all insurances cover 100%); 2) how often can items be replaced; 3) is there a warranty; and 4) if this item needs repair, who is going to take care of it, is there a shipping cost and is that covered by insurance or is that going to be your responsibility?

Here are some different ways to educate yourself: • Visit local health fairs • Call your insurance provider to check coverage and requirements • Visit local medical equipment companies (DME’s) • Speak to your health care provider to see if this is what they recommend • Talk with social services Here is what could happen if a person purchases a small portable oxygen system from a TV commercial. The insurance pays their portion but nine months down the road there is a change in the person’s health and there needs to be a change in the oxygen system used. Because the consumer purchased it from a company on TV, the local company cannot help in changing systems. Also, since they received the payment from insurance, a local company would not receive payment to help this person so the consumer is stuck because they may not be eligible for different oxygen equipment without additional funds. Had

the equipment been purchased through a local company they would be able to switch their equipment without a lot of hassle.

Another example is a person gets a lift chair from a TV commercial and the lift mechanism breaks. The consumer needs to ask about the warranty, and who is responsible if it requires a repair before they make the purchase. One also has to consider whether the company will still be there should something happen.

There are benefits to shopping local and being an educated consumer. For more information on durable home medical equipment, contact Procare Home Health Services, 309-347-4663.

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Give Yourself the Gift of Less Work Call Medical Billing Alliance Alicia Butler, Director of Marketing 7309 N. Knoxville Avenue, Suite 200, Peoria, IL 61614 309-691-6225, ext. 231 • abutler@medicalbillall.com December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

healthy pets

Buyer Beware!

Take Care When Getting a New Pet

By Lauren Malmberg, Peoria County Animal Protection Services

W

e have lots of options these days for shopping for anything—including animals. Although the Internet offers helpful opportunities for shelters and rescue groups to promote homeless animals for adoption, it also provides a place for owners to advertise their pets for sale with little accountability.

Recently, a local resident purchased a dog from an ad she saw on Craigslist (an online shopping venue). After the dog bit and severely injured her two-year-old boy, she realized she had no information on the dog's past, its vaccination history, or even the previous owner. In another case, an owner sold a dog on Craigslist the same day it seriously bit a child. Not all of these situations Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

can be prevented, but taking some simple precautions may help you avoid such a serious event.

• When your family is ready for a new pet, conduct some research on the best source. Should you visit an animal shelter? Would you be happier with a rescue group who has pets in foster homes? Do you want to get your pet from the breeder or private owner? Take some time to think about where would be the best.

Also, consider the best time to bring a new animal home - should you wait until after the holidays? Do you want to housebreak during cold, winter months? Are you getting ready to leave for vacation?

•W hen you've decided where and when, take a look at the animal itself. Always spend some time with your potential selection. Pets sold over the internet are often traded in parking lots where a potential owner doesn't have time to adequately assess the animal's behavior or personality. Seeing a pet in its usual surroundings lets you get a better feel for the animal's normal behavior.

• D uring your visit, ask specifically if the pet has bitten a person before or if the owner has observed any aggression. Ask about those aspects of a pet's behavior that are most important to you (Does it get along with other dogs? Cats? Like to go for walks?

Need a lot of activity?). At a shelter or rescue, you may be required to spend time with the pet. State law requires licensed shelters and rescues to disclose all known information to you before you adopt.

• If you're looking at a puppy, try to see the entire litter together.

As you watch puppies interact, you can see some behaviors you might like better than others. A good rule of thumb is to choose the puppy that interacts well with its littermates and with people.

Avoid the one who cowers in the back of the cage as well as the one who dominates the entire group or tries to dominate you. Always ask to see the parents of the litter; you can learn a lot about what to expect in your new puppy's appearance and personality by meeting the parents. Friendly, sensible mothers usually raise social puppies; timid, fearful mothers usually raise fearful puppies.

• N o matter where you find your pet, insist upon getting written records of the animal's vaccinations. State law requires rabies vaccinations for puppies at four months of age. It's not uncom-

mon to hear "Oh, he's up to date on his shots; we just can't find the records." In that case, ask for the veterinarian's name or a rabies tag for that county you can trace. In fact, ask for all of the pet's veterinary history. Has the dog been tested for heartworm recently? Are there are any records of treatment for other problems? Does the pet have a chronic condition requiring specialized food or regular veterinary care? Looking over those records may help you discover some things that could affect your purchase or adoption.

• K eep the seller's name, address, and phone number in case something develops after you've taken the animal home. Anyone selling the pet should be happy to give you their information; hopefully, they will be concerned that their animal acclimates well to the new home. Be especially aware if an owner seems frantic to place the animal immediately. That could be a sign of a behavior or legal problem involving the dog.

Take reasonable care when selecting your new pet. This animal may live with your family for 12-15 years so it's important to make the best choice possible.

For more information on pet selection, contact your veterinarian or PCAPS at 309-672-2440. Visit PCAPS when looking for your next forever-furry family member!

This article is sponsored by Waggin’ Tails Doggy Daycare and Resort, Goodfield, IL. Call 309-642-9299 or e-mail waggintailsresort@gmail.com for your dog’s boarding, doggy daycare, and grooming needs.

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Patient Story I had struggled with daytime tiredness, morning headaches, irritability, and weight gain. I awoke one morning with chest discomfort. My heart was racing and I checked my pulse and it was 130! Immediately I went to the emergency room. I was experiencing atrial fibrillation, and my cardiologist recommended a blood thinner and that I have a sleep test to see if I had sleep apnea. Both of my parents had symptoms of sleep apnea, and looking back I remember my dad snoring a lot. I tried to encourage them to have sleep studies, but they never did. I lost my mother from atrial fibrillation that lead to a stroke. I knew sleep apnea could be dangerous and knew I needed to get treated. After wearing the oral appliance, I noticed an immediate difference in my energy levels, and it was also much easier for me to lose weight. The oral appliance has changed my life!

Connie, Peoria, IL

SleepMedicine Illinois Institute

11825 N. Knoxville Ave. Dunlap, IL (309) 565-8149 IllinoisSleepDoc.com info@IllinoisSleepDoc.com

of

Dental

Rodney Willey, DDS, D’ACSDD (General Dentist)

December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

winter depression

Tips for Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder Submitted by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

D

uring the fall and winter months, some people suffer from symptoms of depression that can appear gradually or that come on all at once. These symptoms often dissipate when spring arrives and stay in remission through the summer months. Symptoms of depression that come during the colder months can be associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This mood disorder is often attributed to the lack of light during the colder months of the year.

"SAD is a real mood disorder that requires diagnosis and may require treatment. If you regularly experience a significant, lasting, downturn of mood when the weather gets colder and daylight lessens then you should consider consulting a psychiatrist or other health professional to discuss your symptoms," says Douglas Jacobs, MD. Dr. Jacobs is the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, Screening for Mental Health, and is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain brought on by the shortening of daylight hours and a lack of sunlight in winter.

The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February.

Younger persons and women are thought to be at higher risk. There is

also some evidence suggesting that the farther someone lives from the equator, the more likely they are to develop SAD. Whereas the exact number of Americans suffering from SAD is not known, it is believed that between 10 and 20 percent of the U.S. population may suffer from mild symptoms associated with the disorder.

These symptoms can include: •E xcessive sleeping, difficulty staying awake, overeating, and weight gain during the fall or winter months •F eelings of extreme fatigue, inability to maintain regular lifestyle schedule •D epression (feelings of sadness, loss of feelings, apathy) combined with irritability •L ack of interest in social interactions, losing interest in activities of enjoyment •R emission of symptoms in the spring and summer months Those suffering from mild cases of SAD can benefit from additional exposure to the sun. This can include a long walk outside or arranging your home or office so that you are exposed to a window during the

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www.mw-ent.com Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

N

“SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain brought on by the shortening of daylight hours and a lack of sunlight in winter.” day. For many suffering from more severe cases of the condition, light therapy (phototherapy) has proven an effective treatment option. This form of therapy involves exposure to very bright light (usually from a special fluorescent lamp) for a few hours each day during the winter months. Additional relief has been found with psychotherapy sessions, and in some cases, prescription of antidepressants.

"Getting screened and evaluated is a smart, sensible way to take care of your health and ensure that you can enjoy the pleasures of the season," says Jacobs. Symptoms of SAD can be confused with other medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or viral infections like mononucleosis, so a proper evaluation by a medical professional is crucial.

For more information, contact the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) office at 309-693-0541and/or visit our website at www.namitri-county.org.

Source: American Psychiatric Association Press Release, November 23, 2004

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headaches

Sleep Apnea and TMJ Disorder Submitted by Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine

I

f you are one of the many people who suffer from headaches that haven’t responded to traditional treatments or medicines—if you have all but given up on trying to find the solution—you are not alone.

Alicia had suffered from headaches, particularly migraines, for as long as she could remember. “My son is 12, and all he’s ever known is that Mom is going to have a headache, sometimes lasting up to 15 days,” says Alicia.

“If they make a drug and market it as a headache treatment, I have probably tried it,” says Alicia. “I was desperate for relief and even tried Botox treatments every six months, having the nerves in my neck blocked by radiofrequency, and took anti-psychotic medications, but nothing worked.”

Alicia’s headaches were not only affecting her but her family as well. “I missed school events, athletic events and family get togethers because of the constant headaches. I would lose patience and get angry faster and my husband had to pick up the slack. I knew I needed Healthy Cells soon.”

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After exhausting what seemed like all of her options, Alicia came across an article about headaches being linked to TMJ and Sleep Apnea. It mentioned visiting a dentist trained to treat these disorders.

Alicia’s headaches were a sign of a much bigger problem. She is one of the 18 million Americans with sleep apnea, a chronic condition in which the airway collapses during sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 90 percent of these patients go undiagnosed. The pauses in breathing can last from 10 seconds to a minute or longer and can increase risk for high blood pressure, stroke, depression, irritability, lower sexual drive, and reduction of intellectual ability. If you can’t breathe in deeply or frequently enough, you cannot get a sufficient amount of oxygen. Nor can you exhale all the carbon dioxide you’re supposed to. This is why many patients with sleep apnea wake up with headaches that may last into the afternoon.

Also contributing to her headaches was a condition known as tempormandibular joint disorder (TMD), a problem involving the temporomandibular joint, bone and cartiledge resembling a ball-and-socket

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Page 28 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

that sits right above your ear canal on either side of your head. When the joint slips out of position, pain and swelling can result.

“After visiting Dr. Rod Willey of the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine I was ready to sob in relief,” says Alicia. “I was finally getting an answer that sounded more promising than any other medication I had tried.”

Treatment for TMD would involve wearing a neuromuscular orthotic (appliance) during the day to stabilize the jaw and place the bite in the most relaxed position possible for the muscles, joints, and nerves.

This would facilitate healing, reduction of swelling, and help improve, or even eliminate, painful symptoms.

Treatment for sleep apnea would involve wearing an FDA and American Academy of Sleep Medicine approved oral appliance. The appliance works by holding the airway open during sleep preventing both snoring and sleep apnea.

Since treatment for sleep apnea and TMD, Alicia has completely eliminated all of her headache medications. “Now I sleep better and feel better and I’m not missing out on family events,” says Alicia.

“I can’t stress enough, that if you’ve tried everything else for headache relief and nothing works, you really should consider being checked by a trained dentist for TMJ and sleep apnea. What do you have to lose?” says Alicia.

For more information on treatment for headaches, contact Dr. Rod Willey at the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine. As a general dentist, with a Diplomate from the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines, Dr. Willey has limited his practice to the treatment of snoring, sleep apnea, and TMJ Disorders with oral appliance therapy. To contact them, call 309-565-8149 or email them at info@illinoissleepdoc.com.

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December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 29

relaxation

10 Minutes for You

“Just Breathe”

By Claire Maquet, LCPC, True North Solutions

A

s we approach the holiday season, you know what you have to look forward to. Your days become nuts: you can’t get to the gym, you have impending meetings, kids to get off to school, phone calls to return, gifts to purchase, and family arriving for the weekend!

Feeling stressed? You are not alone, but there is a solution—requiring just 10 minutes a day—to feeling better both mentally and physically, regardless of the season. Try simple breathing.

According to Dr. Andrew Weil, “conscious breathing is the single most important thing you can do for your health, diet and exercise not withstanding”.

What a powerful statement!

Breathing is the most essential function for life. It is the only physiological function that can go merrily on its own without you even thinking about it.

Take a few seconds to observe your style of breathing. Do you breathe into the top or bottom of your chest, or into your abdomen? Do you take in a lot of air, or are you more like the family dog, relying on a panting style of breath? Do you hold your breath when stressed?

By practicing the following the breathing techniques, breathing can be consciously controlled very easily in just 10 minutes or less.

Full Deep Breathing Start by placing one hand on your abdomen and one hand on your upper chest. Breathe as you normally do for several breaths, paying close attention to how your hands are moving. If you can, close your eyes to increase your focus.

If you feel your top hand moving more than the bottom hand, focus on breathing all the way down to your abdomen, utilizing all of your lungs. Breathing only into the top part of your chest is a stressed breathing pattern and doesn’t fully fill your lungs with all the oxygen your body needs.

Practice taking several deeper, easy breaths. As you do, let your shoulders, neck, and back relax. Do not hyperventilate. Focus on slow, controlled breaths. Continue this deep breathing for one or two minutes at a time, slowly working up to 10 minutes, if possible.

Page 30 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

Extend The Exhale Extending the exhale can help you relax very quickly. Start by taking some deep, easy breaths and letting your shoulders, back and neck relax. Then, focus on breathing out twice as long as you breathe in. Practice breathing in, counting to three, and breathing out, counting to six.

The extended exhale empties your lungs more fully than usual, automatically triggering a fuller inhale. This provides more oxygen to your body and helps to reduce the stress response. The longer the exhale also triggers the vagus nerve, which is an important part of the system that relaxes the body.

Practice the extended exhale several times, then return to your activities feeling relaxed, yet alert. These techniques can be practiced anywhere, at anytime: sitting in traffic, waiting for kids, or standing in line at the market. Take the time and just breathe. Your body will thank you for it!

True North Solutions is an outpatient counseling center that assists individual, families, and couples to address many mental health and stress issues. Claire Maquet is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at True North Solutions. She provides a variety of services for adults and specializes in stress, relationship issues, and anxiety disorders. For an appointment, call 309-589-8900.

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chronic and acute pain

Understanding the Difference Part One of a Three Part Series

Dr. Richard A. Kube II

Submitted by Richard A. Kube II, MD, FACSS, Prairie Spine & Pain Institute

P

ain, like fever, is a symptom and an important part of the human experience:

• Pain is a signal that the body has been harmed • Pain is experienced as emotional suffering • Pain changes the way a person moves and acts • Pain calls for thinking about its meaning, its cause, and possible remedies • Pain reminds us of our mortality • Pain, in some cultures, is used to test people’s stamina and strength, or to force their obedience Acute Pain Acute pain warns us of tissue injury or harm. It can be associated with trauma (an abnormal crush, stretch, or tear of tissue) or inflammation (from infection, injury, or disease). Acute pain has a short time limit and lasts long enough for healing to begin, usually from 24 hours to 10 days. Here are some events associated with acute pain: • A burn: We touch the hot pan, which stimulates pain receptors and instantly withdraw our hand. It is too much heat for the tissue to stand.

An automatic reflex to move the hand out of harm’s way occurs; then we rush to the sink to run cool water over the burned area.

• Appendicitis: This is more complicated because it involves inflammation in the appendix. At first, the person may be aware only of a mild stomachache. Appetite may decrease or fever may be present.

As the appendix becomes more inflamed, the pain is in the lower right part of the abdomen, and muscle above the appendix goes into spasm. The pain warns the person that something is wrong and drives him or her to seek relief, usually through surgery to remove the appendix.

In these examples, pain is a warning symptom that motivates a person either to act automatically or to seek help. Anxiety and fear are normal emotional responses that also motivate the person to seek relief. But, once treatment for acute pain begins, anxiety and fear start to go away.

Chronic Pain Chronic pain is different from acute pain. Like a broken smoke detector buzzing when there is no smoke, chronic pain may continue without good reason. The symptom of pain now becomes a problem because it seldom goes away.

Some chronic pain problems may be the result of ongoing (chronic) inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis) or nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). Often, chronic pain has an ill-defined source or cause, lasts longer than three months, and is associated with many physical, psychological, and social issues. Some conditions associated with chronic pain include: • Back or neck pain • Interstitial cystitis • Diabetic neuropathy • Osteoarthritis Page 32 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

• Fibromyalgia • Pelvic pain • Post-shingles pain Chronic Intermittent Pain A variation of chronic pain is chronic intermittent pain.

Pain-free times alternate with weeks or even months of daily pain.

Examples include: • Migraine headaches • Cluster headaches • Irritable bowel syndrome The Experience Of Chronic Pain Your pain experience may be magnified because of the duration of the symptoms without relief. This experience may be affected by changes in weather, expectations (“If I have pain, I must be doing something wrong”), a search for meaning (“Why me?”), or cultural beliefs (“No pain, no gain”). Your beliefs, attitudes, and moods influence your experience of chronic pain.

Are you experiencing chronic pain? Contact Prairie Spine & Pain Institute today at 309-691-7774. Visit online at www.prairiespine.com.

Prairie Spine & Pain Institute is located in their newly enhanced and larger facility at 7620 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61614.

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www.simplythefinest.net December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 33

substance abuse

Neurofeedback

Reduces Relapse by Sixty Percent

By Ted Chapin, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Trained Neurotherapist

T

he relapse rate among persons completing traditional substance abuse treatment programs has been estimated at between seventy and eighty percent. Most programs are very successful in helping patients initially stop their substance use and in providing supportive personal, family and community services that are intended to encourage their continued sobriety, but few if any, address the underlying neurological instability and emotional trauma that keep substance abuse patients vulnerable to relapse. In fact, some treatment programs, claiming very high success rates, achieve these by asking patients who relapse to leave the treatment program.

This is clearly not helpful to the patient’s recovery and often drives them to more substance abusing behavior.

Substance abuse treatment is very expensive. The cost of a 30-day program can range between $7500 and $75,000 per month. The average cost for most inpatient programs is about $15,000 per month. Since more than 30 days produces a higher recovery rate, it is not uncommon for 60- and 90-day programs to cost $30,000 to $45,000. When you combine this with the loss of income from work, the emotional duress of treatment, frequent legal and family complications, and the prospect of a return to treatment after relapse, the total cost of relapse reflects a huge investment in time, money, and emotional capital.

In 1991, the American Journal of Psychiatry, in a review of the published research on alcohol and drug abuse, concluded that chronic substance abuse causes a marked decrease in cerebral (brain) metabolism and blood flow that is not corrected by abstinence alone. Other researchers have found that many substanceabusing persons have significant problems with impulse control and unresolved emotional trauma that also impair their neurological functioning and often compel even more substance abuse.

When left untreated, these factors conspire to undermine the gains of treatment, cause relapse, and return the person to even more serious addictive behavior.

Since the 1990’s, research on the use of neurofeedback with substance abuse patients has reported astonishing results. Normal relapse rates of 70 to 80 percent for alcohol and drug addiction were reduced to 20 and 23 percent! That is nearly a 60 percent decrease in relapse. Neurofeedback helped these patients resolve Page 34 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

the neurological basis of their addictions by reducing the effects of trauma, impulse control, depression, and anxiety. In addition, many of the studies also reported positive changes in attention, personality disorders, and antisocial behavior often associated with chronic mental health and substance abuse problems.

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that changes the brain’s electrical activity associated with certain emotional and behavioral problems. The brain’s electrical activity can become dysregulated due to prolonged substance abuse, head injury, illness or disease, chemical exposure, emotional trauma, emotionally suppressive environments, and aging. The effects of dysregulation can be changed through a process of operant conditioning where a client listens to music or watches a video that plays when they are focused on the targeted brainwave and stops when they wander away from the target. Over time, the targeted brainwaves improve and the associated symptoms decrease. With substance abuse clients, this usually means decreasing problems with anxiety, depression, impulse control, and trauma. As a result, the risk of relapse is significantly decreased and the effectiveness of traditional substance abuse treatment is markedly improved.

If you are interested in increasing the likelihood that your substance abuse treatment will be effective the first time around, call “The Neurotherapy Institute of Central Illinois”, a division of Chapin & Russell Associates, at 309-681-5850 or visit ChapinandRussell.com/neurotherapy.asp for more information.

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Riverview

Christmas Tree Show and Home Health & Hospice Fair

Friday, December 7th, 2012 2:00pm-5:00pm Vote for your favorite Christmas Tree!

Learn about your local Home Health & Hospice Providers. Refreshments and Door Prizes www.hcr-manorcare.com

Riverview Senior Living Community 500 Centennial Drive East Peoria, IL 61611 309.694.0022 December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 35

healthy recipes and fun

Eat for Your Health

YUMMY Recipes for the Holiday!

Submitted by Sustain Weightloss Solution

H

olidays and dieting can bring about so much stress that it just might make you want to eat more. However, try saving your calories for what you really love and trying some of these recipes. You might just love them just as much as your old fat-laden favorites. And, at the end of the holidays, you can have the satisfaction of not having added the “Holiday 10”.

Instructions: Steam cauliflower until it is very, very soft. Fully drain. Add seasonings (be creative) and chicken broth as needed for consistency (2 – 4T).

Add olive oil and mash well. Serve steaming hot. Makes 4 servings

Mashed “Potatoes”

Ingredients: 1 Head Fresh Cauliflower

Onion Powder

Garlic Powder

Sea Salt (To Taste)

Chicken Broth Optional: Wasabi Powder (to taste—Gives it some zing!)

1-2 tsp. Olive Oil

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients: 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin – do not use pumpkin pie mix!

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated fat-free milk 3 egg whites 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 3/4 tsp. baking powder 1/8 tsp. salt 2 tsp. grated orange peel (Do not grate the white part of the peel) Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray pie plate with cooking spray. Place ingredients in blender in order listed and blend on medium speed until smooth. Pour into pie plate. Bake 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes. Refrigerate until chilled.

More Tips:

Cranberries – Try substituting Splenda for your sugar. Add the zest of orange. You won’t miss the sugar at all.

No-butter stuffing - Say good-bye to the butter in your stuffing. Try chicken broth instead. The stuffing comes out beautifully moist!

Ready for more holiday recipes and healthy weight loss?

We have the answer at Sustain Weight Loss Solution. Visit us online at www.sustainweightlosssolution.com or call today at 888-940-diet (3438) Page 36 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

Dieter’s Night(mare) Before Christmas ‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house A cookie was calling my name; what a louse!

The children were nestled all snug in their beds After eating their candy as I watched with such dread.

And Ma in her kerchief and I in my cap Had just settled down hungry With just water from the tap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed; Thank God I’m not fatter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Well, more like a shuffle, and threw open the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow Made me think of powdered sugar, oh no!

When what to my glutinous eyes should appear But a sugary sleigh and eight candied reindeer.

With a little old driver, so corpulent but quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eating chocolate they came And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

“Now Donut, Now Drizzle, Now Sugar, Now Bake, On Syrup, On Gravy, On Candy, and Cake.”

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, The sticking and licking of each sugared hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning about, Something stuck in the chimney, St. Nick, no doubt.

He was chubby and plump, an obese little elf, But I laughed not at him but more at myself.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon got me to thinking of eating some bread But reading my thoughts he just shook his head.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work And filled all the stockings with CELERY, the jerk!

And laying his finger aside of his nose And smirking quite smugly, up the chimney he rose.

He limped to his sleigh, to his team, gave a wheeze, And away they all flew like a cold with a sneeze.

But I heard him exclaim ‘ere he drove out of sight

He was stuck halfway up and was kicking his feet.

(Thank Heavens; we weren’t using the chimney for heat.)

At last he fell out looking slightly embarrassed But saw in a moment he would not be harassed.

“Happy Christmas to all, and watch what you bite.”

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www.facebook.com/HealthyCellsPeoria December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 37

trauma

Is This the Reason I Feel the Way I Feel and Act the Way I Act?

By Tonya L. Bassett, LCSW, CADC, CTT, Agape Counseling

T

rauma is something that is being talked about. It appears to be the new “buzz” word. For years, trauma has been pushed under the rug. Insurance companies were not allowing providers to spend much time on trauma. It was cheaper and easier to treat the symptoms than to spend the time and money on something so complicated and lengthy.

Trauma is gaining new awareness and recognition. After decades of research and work with individuals who are not improving or continuing in self-harming behaviors, it has become apparent that if the core issues of trauma are not addressed, individuals will continue in their maladaptive ways of coping. When trauma is not processed, life complications such as anxiety, depression, feelings of anger or betrayal, mistrust, and sleep disturbances will live on for years after the experience.

Trauma is anything that we perceive as a threat to our safety and well-being. It is a life event that has created a negative response in our mind, body, and spirit. Trauma wears many different faces.

For some, trauma is physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; serving in the military; being in a relationship with an addict; the death of a loved one; divorce; the absence of a close, bonded relationship with a primary caregiver; a natural disaster; surgery; mental or chronic physical illness; frequent moves as a child; just to name a few. For each individual, trauma looks different.

When trauma happens, it is stored in a part of our brain that is unable to put words and feelings with our experience and make sense of it. Because this happens, many people have difficulty identifying how they think and feel about the experience. Unable to verbalize our experience, hiding it or ignoring the trauma creates a vessel of pain that eventually erupts. This pain feels overwhelming.

Page 38 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

Individuals know that they do not like the way they feel and they will do anything to stop that feeling.

When individuals do not share or receive support, they will take actions to self-medicate and manage the emotional pain. They will seek a substance, a person, or an activity that will bring quick and reliable relief. Some individuals turn to alcohol, sex, spending, drugs, relationships, eating or restricting, pornography, gambling, dissociating (going to another place psychically) or video games to name a few. Initially the pain goes away and a sense of relief and equilibrium is restored.

Unfortunately, the brain and the body soon become addicted to this new action thus creating a new source of pain.

How does the roller coaster stop? How does a person know if trauma is the reason they feel the way they feel or act the way they act? If you are asking these questions, you probably already have a good idea that unresolved trauma may be the missing piece in your puzzle. When seeking treatment for trauma-related symptoms and potential addiction, always seek a therapist or a treatment program that is trauma-informed. If the therapist or program is only comfortable treating certain issues or addictions and not trauma, find an additional therapist or program that can treat the trauma piece. Not everyone is equipped to treat trauma and that is okay. As a trauma victim, it is important to be empowered to direct your own care.

For more information on trauma, please contact Tonya L. Bassett, LCSW, CADC, CTT at Agape Counseling, 309-663-2229 or www.agapecounselors.net. To learn more about Tonya’s 5-day intensive therapeutic program to heal trauma, visit www.healingwithin-recovery.org.

Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

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December 2012 — Peoria — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 39

nature's benefits

Nutrition Facts Worth Knowing

By Alana Johnson

T

here are hundreds of nutrition facts worth knowing. Interested in optimizing your health? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Perhaps you are suffering from debilitating ailments. Did you know that having the right nutrition facts could increase your overall health physically, mentally, and emotionally? Think about it. When you’re fatigued, have a headache, or any kind of muscle or joint pain, you are absolutely miserable. Everything you do somehow seems more difficult. Your concentration is weakened and your mood becomes sour. You become less tolerant and easily annoyed.

The poor health domino effect can be tough for you to intercept.

Once you do however, relief is a welcomed change. What if you knew which fruits and vegetables prevented certain ailments? You could then include them in your daily or weekly diet to avoid the domino effect all

together. Imagine never having a headache, experiencing indigestion, or worrying about poor eyesight. Are there fruits and vegetables out there that can correct these conditions? Yes. Knowing your nutrition facts better prepares you to live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Here are a few nutrition facts worth knowing when grocery shopping: • Strawberries: Combats cancer, protects your heart, boosts memory and calms stress • Honey: Heals wounds, aids digestion, guards against ulcers, increases energy and fights allergies • Prunes: Slows aging process, prevents constipation, boosts memory, and lowers cholesterol

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Page 40 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

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“Preventative care is the best treatment for sickness and disease.”

• Walnuts: Lowers cholesterol, combats cancer, lifts mood, and protects against heart disease • Water: Promotes weight loss, combats cancer, conquers kidney stones, smoothes skin • Onion: Reduce risk of heart attack, combats cancer, kills bacteria, and fights fungus • Carrots: Saves eyesight, protects your heart, prevents constipation, and promotes weight loss • Beets: Controls blood pressure, combats cancer, strengthens bones, and protects your heart • Figs: Promotes weight loss, helps stops strokes, lowers cholesterol, and controls blood pressure • Lemons: Combats cancer, protects your heart, smoothes skin, and stops scurvy

Is there more to consider when making changes to your diet? Yes, in addition to the healing properties in fruits and vegetables, it is also good to be aware of the following: • The benefits of vitamins & minerals (and their sources) • Best food combinations for health and healing • Fruits and vegetables that prevent diseases • Various herbs and their most valuable effects A popular and powerful plant is Aloe Vera. It helps lower cholesterol; reduces inflammation resulting from radiation therapy; increases blood-vessel generation in lower extremities of people with poor circulation; soothes stomach irritation; promotes the healing of cuts, burns, insect bites, bruises, acne, blemishes, poison ivy, welts, eczema, and sunburns; aids in the healing of ulcers; promotes normal bowel movements; and alleviates many colon problems.

Isn’t preventative care the best treatment for sickness and disease? Why not educate yourself about all the benefits provided for us by nature? Keep this information handy and try to work towards a healthier life for you and your family. This information will save you time, money, and a lot of discomfort caused by poor health. Take the initiative to improve your health and build up your immune system.

For additional nutrition facts and health tips to improve your health, please visit our Food Combinations page: www.qualityliferesources.com.

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exercise

It Only Works If You Work It

By Scott Gray

O

nce you decide to exercise, you must decide to stick with it. A time will come when you will wake up one morning and just not feel like working out that day. All too often, we get stuck in our morning routine of a cup of coffee, surfing the net, and simply thinking about exercise and nothing more.

Why do we feel like this, and what can we do about it? Obviously, we care about being healthy and staying in good shape, but some days it is hard to get moving. Even worse, sometimes we feel tempted to ignore all the healthy habits we have learned and sit down in front of the television with a big slice of chocolate cake while waiting on pizza delivery. It happens.

It is possible to overcome fitness rebellion and stay on track with your plan, even when you do not feel like working out or planning a healthy meal.

All along your journey to be fit and healthy, no matter if you have recently a diet or a new workout program, you have learned to eat healthier foods and you know the choices you should make. However, occasional feelings of hunger, despair, helplessness, and lack of motivation may plague you. In fact, if you have not seen the results and changes to your body that you want, these feelings may be especially strong.

Find Out What Motivates You Do you want to get moving with a new routine when you hear testimonies and success stories from other people? Are you annoyed and depressed by these people? Are you happy for your friends and family members who have lost weight and improved their health, or are you secretly harboring feelings of jealousy and resentment?

Although it is only human to become annoyed with your bubbly neighbor who just lost weight and ran a marathon, you know that it is more valuable to look at him or her as a motivator. Allow their success story to inspire you to be successful with your own program and congratulate them on their achievement.

It is important to remember that your mindset can be your greatest asset or your worst enemy when it comes to getting fit and healthy. If

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you see people who have had great success with their fitness plans as competitors, you may convince yourself that you will never be in such good shape. Just remember that staying on track is difficult for everyone. Do not judge your neighbor just because she makes it look easy, trust me it is not. You have it in you to succeed, we all do. You just have to commit to a workout routine that works for you.

Scott Gray is an educational writer/publisher of Fitness101.com.

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busting myths

What Your Parents Can Expect at a Senior Living Community Submitted by Lutheran Hillside Village

E

ver hear someone call a retirement community “The Old Folks Home” or “The Pasture” (as in, “being put out to …”)?

Each of those terms is born out of conceptions of senior living from a long-gone era. And, as Ellyn Book will tell you, it’s a whole new world.

“As most any of our residents will tell you, an independent living community isn’t a place to go to sit around and feel old,” says Ellyn, a senior living counselor at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria, Illinois. “It’s a place that invites you to stay young, active, and Page 44 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria ­— December 2012

engaged. It’s a place that offers all kinds of outlets for creativity, friendship, and growth.”

Every day, Ellyn works with older adults, and every day, she has the happy duty of dispelling the many myths people have about life at a senior living community. Such as…

Myth 1: “I have to give up my outside friends and interests.”

Many people believe that by moving in to an independent living community, you are permanently cutting ties with the things you

loved to do and the people you had so much fun with. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“Our communities are built to help you continue living life your way,” Ellyn says. “If you’re active in your church or a volunteer organization, if you have an active social life…you can still be active with all those groups. In fact, by letting us handle the work of housekeeping, maintenance, and yard work, you end up having more time to do all those things you love to do.”

As for your friends, Ellyn says, communities can provide a terrific place to entertain, and without all the hassle of getting the house ready for company.

“We have event rooms that can be reserved for big groups, small groups, church groups, family gatherings, birthday celebrations…you name it,” says Ellyn. “Residents are encouraged to invite guests to come in for a visit, or if they like, we can arrange transportation to take them to outside events. Whatever you need to keep you involved.”

Myth 2: “Independent living is way too expensive.”

Do the math, Ellyn says, and you’ll see “it all adds up to value.”

“People come in and love what they see, but they worry about the cost,” she says. “I tell them, pull out a sheet of paper and write down everything you spend in a month to live in your current home.”

When compared to the ongoing expenses of living in a home, she says, independent living actually comes out to be a tremendous deal, especially when you consider all the additional services and amenities you get for what you pay.

Think about it—you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank for changing the roof, remodeling that aging kitchen, or repainting the living room. At an independent living community, all of those things are covered in one predictable monthly payment—plus, you get a wide range of amenities including housekeeping, on-site dining, and easy access to health care.

And, Ellyn adds, a range of payment options exist to help put an independent living apartment or patio home within reach for people of many financial situations Myth 3: “Moving to a senior community is too complicated.”

We’ve all been there—preparing for a move can be a stressful, overwhelming process for anyone. Which is why many communities now offer complimentary move-in resource services.

The idea is to help seniors make the transition to their new homes with ease and relaxation, says Phyllis. “Here, our Move-In Resources team helps our new residents create a floor plan that will work best in their new home. They help with arranging moving services, plac-

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“An independent living community isn’t a place to go to sit around and feel old.” ing furniture in its perfect spot, and a lot more. Plus, they help them find great deals on realtors to help them sell their old houses. It’s just a terrific program.”

Thinking about your parents’ future plans? Lutheran Hillside Village is a great place to start. In addition to independent living, here you’ll also find assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. To arrange a visit, call Ellyn at 309-689-9605.

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Our work doesn’t stop when you go home.

When it comes to taking care of your family, OSF HealthCare has been there. When your family needs help in their home, let OSF Home Care Services continue that care.

Keep your loved ones safe and comfortable with: • home health, including wound • hospice care and rehabilitation therapy • home infusion pharmacy • home medical equipment, including CPAP, • diabetes supplies oxygen, walkers, hospital beds & much more • personal response systems

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